"So, from what I heard, we're looking to go out there and scout at where they are and what they seem to be doing and then make a decision about further action? Works as long as we're not spotted."
"Agreed, more information would be useful."
”We’ll let you know what we find, Sheriff.” Kesni nods to Hemlock and starts in the direction he said the goblins were spotted.
Rogar nods with a quiet smile, appreciating the spirit of teamwork present in his new group of friends. "Aye, I'll go along with yer plan."
The group travels north, then a little north east for just a little under a half hour. The heat of the sun has a faded feeling. The cool spring-like breeze keeps things very light and airy. What you notice after a little while is although the main path continues east, there's the entrance to a small forest east of the Ravenroost mountains.
Kesni's familiarity with the area picks up a set of tracks hidden along the brush leading into the forest.
The old dwarf follows with a calm, casual demeanor, enjoying the weather and the wilderness while those better equipped handle the tracking.
Azorious will keep his bow ready and in hand as they move into the forest keeping his eyes peeled for ambushers.
”Hold. Seems we have had some activity here...”
Kesni crouches to get a closer look.
On the outskirts of the smaller forest, the tracks indicate Goblinoid sized creatures heading into and out from the outcrop.
It appears that a larger number of Goblins came out then went back in. Estimated out about 25, estimated in about 8.
”I am fairly certain some of the raiders came from this direction. A couple dozen coming out and only 8 or so headed back in. Now that we know we’re onto something, I’ll range ahead a bit and see what I see. Anyone comfortable moving ahead silently feel free to join me.”
Kesni will creep forward through the brush, moving very slowly so that she can focus on following the tracks while looking ahead for danger, all the while silent.
"The Ravenroost Ravines lie this way, there are a few paths about here leading into the mountains. The area is pockmarked with caves or so I am told."
"I'll come with you, Kesni. Two pairs of eyes are better, after all."
|
A dozen out and eight back. How many did we kill? Kesni says there more dangerous then I think, hrumph.
Lost in thought Rast hangs way back when Kensi moves forward knowing full well he cannot match her skill. It is a conscious choice not to ask any of the questions on his mind.
Best to watch and learn how to work in the woods better.
As you get further in, Kesni in lead, you begin to see in through the thicket that lines the forest. Peering in through the denser foliage there seems to be a clearing. You hear the sound of running water, looking you can see a small waterfall. Further in you see stones lining an outcrop.
Kesni recognizes it as a place that Goblins would love to have as a forward base.
You're about 120 feet from the clearing.
The young Varisian signals for a halt and crouches, waving with his hands to suggest Kesni should get closer. He points in the direction where he saw the tracks and whispers "I saw some tracks over there much bigger than goblin tracks. Be careful."
Rogar raises an eyebrow. "Ye want me ta even tha odds?" The old dwarf gestures significantly toward Kesni with a definite embiggening gesture.
Kesni motions for the others to come forward as they approach their target.”They’ve pinned themselves against that river for us. No need to worry as much about any getting away.”
"A larger goblinoid or perhaps more goblin dogs." Azorious cast's Mage Armour "Aside from my magical wards I am out of my more potent abilities but my bow and blade will do their part."
The silence of the forest is punctuated by the occasional bird chirp, or rustling in the forest/ravine as our heroes approach slowly.
When Rast does not come forward, Kesni will move back a little to him and share with the others what they have seen. ”I’d like to split into two groups if we can manage. If Gudada and I can sneak up to the left entrance and get the jump on them, maybe fill them with a couple arrows, before the rest of you charge in from the right entrance. If you think you could get around to the other side even better but that might be pushing our luck in all that armor you’re carrying. Thoughts?”
"Seems sensible to me, I'll use my wards to protect the second group and help out in whatever way I can. I'd rather approach this fight fresh but there's no time for that right now."
Rogar sets his heavy, particularly loud pack down and quietly draws Aevi. He gives the others a small, optimistic smile.
"We ken do this. I ken feel it."
Azorious readies himself to fight more goblins.
The old dwarf seems very out of place as part of an ambush.
Kesni crouching in starts to move closer and closer towards where she assumed the goblins would be.
Immediately she points back to the group and waves them not to move. . A bead of cold sweat begins to run down the back of her neck as she sees not what was expected. The remains of half a dozen goblins are scattered around the western most part of the basin. They had been obscured by the rock facing. Sitting down, gnawing on half a goblin corpse is a very large Brown Bear. As of yet, Kesni is certain they are unnoticed by sight or scent (likely due to the kill being so close to the bears snout).
Gudada sneaks further afield, wanting to close off a path of retreat for the goblins. Less appealing idea with the bear, honestly.
The Bear chews on the Goblin remains, occasionally a slurp and a smack is heard as it devours the gritty remains.
It continues to eat unaware of the moving Rogue.
Well I guess the gobs are no longer a problem. Now the question is: Is it worth taking on a bear that slew a dozen gobs for a trinket the gobs may or may not have had.
Kesni turns to the others and motions as best she can to communicate ”one large enemy”.
- Kesni -
Kesni hasn't had much experience with bears in Varisia, but from what she's overhead and what she can remember from the few encounters here or there, Varisian Bears tend to be territorial. Given the surrounding area, it's entirely plausible that the Bear was disturbed by the Goblins, and the bear wanting to feed would attack the small creatures.
You don't get the sense that it would travel much past this Ravine, as you haven't heard of any raids that the bears have on the township.
- Rast -
You don't see much more than what you originally saw coming into the forest. What you do notice however is that there are a set of larger footprints heading northwest from the group. It's plausible there was a larger humanoid that either a) left before the bear showed up or b) left after the bear showed up using the Goblins as a distraction.
Kesni ponders the situation for only a quick moment. If this happens to be the bear’s lair we could be waiting a long time for it to leave. That cursed tomb needs to be set right before any more abominations are born. I just hope those are the gobs with the trinket.
Kesni notices Gudada missing and gives him another moment to, hopefully, get into position and then raises her bow to fire. Her last thought before letting the arrow go: Been awhile since I’ve had bear steak...
The arrow flies through the air, however misses it's intended target clattering against the rock. The Bear, aware of the noise looks up to see the orc attacking it.
The snarling bear enrages and closes the distance towards Kesni, it doesn't charge as much as clambers towards the Half-Orc. As it starts climbing up the lower rocks it stands taller than you would imagine. Swiping at Kesni with two sharp claws, it tries to rend her apart. The look in its eyes becomes murderous as the animal attacks.
"Oh, c@*&!" The human skitters around the rock formation, finding himself a shot at the thing's flank.
Azorious conjures his defensive wards and moves up to protect his allies from the ferocious bear.
The bear rages, as it partially strikes Kesni, goblin blood dripping from it's claws and teeth. It roars as it focuses on it's lunch.
Gudada's arrow, and Rast's strike are ineffective.
As the bear grabs her, Kesni drops her bow and fumbles to retrieve her dagger from her belt. She attempts to pierce the beast’s belly as she wrestles with it.
The old dwarf's eyes go wide at the sight of the bear as it grabs Kesni. Rogar is a blacksmith, not a warrior. Out of spells, he uh... punches the bear with magic?
As both subsequent attacks against bear miss. It takes this opportunity to tear into the half-orc salivating at the size of it's next meal.
One Claw sinks into Kesni's shoulder piercing in through the cartilage and tearing through tendons, as the other is glanced by the armor Kesni wears.
You can feel the heat of it's breath as it's weight begins pulling you down. You can see the bits of Goblin flesh in it's mouth, as fresh blood is still dripping off it's teeth.