"Do any of you see their tracks anymore? Or maybe more importantly, those booted prints we saw earlier?"
Survival (untrained)
"Not a bad idea there master Duin, let us see what we can find..."
"Weren't we supposed to find a druid?" Rullis says from the near back of the pack. "If this path ends at a wall of brush, could this be the work of this druid?"
Vidar looks about the trail and indeed does notice Orik's bootprints as before, they don't disappear, they seem to go into the brush, as though he kept walking.
As Rullis ponders aloud the druid's presence there is a stirring in the brush. A voice breaks the silence, Again they speak of you. No! I will not be quiet what are they talking abo...HURKGH! The roar of a forest cat cuts off the the yelling.
Another voice raises an alarm, Traito... But is cut sharp as the voice seems to be smothered into silence. A series of loud cracks like branches falling accompany the cut off yelling.
A few heartbeats pass as the wood sit still. Eventually a voice emerges from the woods. A druid be here. A druid be listening.
Hearing the voice of the druid, Rullis casts a glance towards Camillo, waiting...
Camillo glances at the others as he clears his throat. "We seek the druid of the grove because we have a common enemy. A madwoman and her hirelings threaten to destroy our town and the druid's tribe. We seek entrance to the grove in order to address this mutual threat."
Diplomacy
"Our fight is with the woman, not the tribe. May we enter?"
Right, we are here to kill the woman who thinks she wants to be a demon. After that we don't care what your tribe does."
Diplomacy:
"Besides, strange needs make for even stranger bedfellows, and it would behove us all to reach an understanding before it becomes needless blood spilling here..."
And what of my people, those who will yield or flee to your might...you would....let them go? Let them live?
"We have no quarrel with those that do not take up arms against us. They are welcome to remain here. We have no desire to take their home and no appetite for senseless killing. But we will fight those that fight against us."
Hmmm, are we promising too much now? Maybe not, the goblins would be a major threat without someone to guide them. Few goblins would be able to plan a raid on a town with a gate and guards like Sandpoint.
Besides, if things change we can come back and finish the job at another time.
Toshio remains silent but scans the foiliage to try to pin point any of the goblins.
Kerrec gives a sideways glance at Camillo, not comfortable with allowing the goblins to live so close to Sandpoint. History has shown that whenever civilization and goblin-kin share land, only conflict follows. He chooses to stay silent in order to save Shalelu and end the current threat but he does not feel optimistic that these goblins will live peacufully with their neghbors.
Rullis simply keeps his eyes peeled, letting those better equipped at such things do the talking.
As the group scans the forest attempting to see the voice of the dialog Rullis catches what is surely a goblin foot dangling some 20 yards off amidst a tangle of vines and moss.
Toshio notes the same scene but his eyes lay to rest on a pair of emerald eyes barely perceptible off the pathway. A red and yellow jungle cat, almost the size of Reggie peers at the group, ready to spring forward if provoked.
Reggie for his size and snuffling seems strangely subdued. The voice seems to bother him little and aside from perking his ears up as the conversation continues he does little to make nay motion of concern. This shifts as the brush before you warps in an unearthly manner, a small portal (just barely large enough for any of you to step through) reveals a short goblin marked in red, browns, green and almost a mustard like yellow. Paint and foliage blend with his various trinkets, pouches and clothes. The goblins head is accented with a helm that looks to be the top half of a (very small) bear skull.
Reggie huffs but does not bare his teeth. The cat emerges from the path and at once appears in fact smaller than Reggie but almost as big as the goblin. The cat appraises the group with open hostility by does as told when the druid calls it to his side. The druid seems to spend a long time staring at Reggie but eventually speaks.
I'se sent foward an scout to those who I know hold my faith. They will mostly run back towards us over the swinging bridge. Many of the guards will leave, whether they believe or not so's notta die. We have been told of your coming by the longshanks with the dark eyes...
The druid turns and waves a clawed hand at you to follow. I will lead you through the camp. They know you are coming but there will be less if you let my follower free. That will leave the chief and his "friends". You can do what you will with them.
The druid tilts his head at you waiting to see if you will follow him.
"Taking out the chief and his "friends" would solve our problems, and if the rest of the goblins stand down then we save resources and avoud needless bloodshed."
Through gritted teeth: "Let us do this thing."
Camillo steps forward to follow the goblin druid. "Let it be done as you say."
Rullis stays silent and follows behind Kerrec, trying to hold his spear in a non-threatening manner while still trying to keep himself at the ready in case the goblins lead them into an ambush.
Trusting in his companions to be sufficient dis-incentive for the goblins to do something foolish, Camillo sheathes his sword as he follows the goblin.
Toshio sheathes his sword, confident in his ability to have ot ready when needed. He remains mindful to help Pharlap through the brush. He somewhat regretted bringing the horse into these confines and would send the animal home if he had confidence he'd get there on his own. Still, it was too late to change that now and druid or no, je wasn't about to leave the horse with goblins.
Kithian looks down at Reggie and shakes his head. "Don't worry boy, I will look for your balls when we get back to town."
I do wish I was capable of casting a spell with greater area, just in case this is a trap...
The druid winds you through narrow tunnels created from warped thistles and branches. Occasionally he stops the group, forced to sometimes walk low to the ground to avoid being caught in the tangled foliage, as he disappears into the brush only to return and note that the way is clear.
Elsewhere in the tangle you can hear shifting and movement as various goblins seem to be heading out and away from the area. True to his word the goblin druid is telling his people to flee.
After many minutes of winding and stopping you are stopped on last time as the druid check on the bridge itself to the main encampment. As you wait you hear the crash of the sea and the whipping of the wind as it turns up the coast.
Occasionally an odd howling noise echoes from the brush; the source apparently a hole that falls to a cavern within the coastline that rattles with passing air. The "Howling Hole" as the druid calls it, also apparently houses some creature that the goblins feed from time to time by dropping criminals or animals into the hole.
The druid waves you forward and you emerge onto a landing on he cliffs edge, ten feet before you is a rope bridge made from thick rope and planks. It sways in the wind of the sea and in the distance, some sixty feet, stands a patchwork wooden stockade. Thistletop rests on the island before you.
Two towers 30 feet tall punctuate the single story structure but in the light it appears they are empty. Coming across the bridge is a lone goblin dressed in the greens and browns of a scout. The goblin looks about the group warily as he exits the bridge but he stops at the druid and they huddle and exchanged words in hushed tones.
Eventually they split and the scout heads into the thicket away from you. The druid looks at the bridge for a moment and then turns back to the group. Your elf is in te room with the chief. The dark eyes warrior is being cut upon by Bruz...apparently he not so loyal to the lady cleric? They think you come soon but not seem to know you here now. Some Birdcrunchers and others without chiefs or leaders await to die for chief Ripnugget to prove they be in new tribe. The druid waves at the bridge. I take my folks outta here. You kill cheif and others.
Camillo looks at the others. "No time like the present, especially before some fool goblin decides to look across the gulf."
Looking at the goblin druid, he asks, "The bridge - is it strong? Do we need to cross one or two at a time? Will it hold a horse?"
While waiting for a response, he readies his bow and watches for a lookout to peek out at the wrong time.
The druid nods. Strong. A horse has come a day or more ago? So it can hold a beast. I would not try mor' tha taat.
"Good - so how about this. Kithian and I go across now, Toshio leads his steed across, and you guys follow once he's off the bridge."
"Druid - do you know where the 'dark eyes warrior' is being held? We don't like Bruz..."
Kithian luaghs and slaps Camillo on the back, "Great idea! I will make a warrior of you yet." He turns and looks at Thistletop and his smile goes away replaced by a look of cold determination as readys his falchion and walks onto the bridge. "Gorum guild us. Death lurks in this place."
"Maybe so Master Darlock, but if it does, I prefer to meet it head on rather than have it stab me in the back."
Toshio looks at the bridge in disgust. He says nothing, merely nods to Camillo to show his agreement.
Kerrec silently stands at the bridge's opening, hand on crossbow and scanning ahead to make sure there is no sniper waiting to pick off his allies as they cross the bridge.
Camillo, bow in hand and arrow nocked, walks a step behind Kithian. He's watching for lookouts and traps.
While the group discusses plans, Rullis digs in his pack and pulls out his vial of harpy musk. He slides it into his front pocket where he can get to it easily, then re-secures his pack on his back and picks back up his spear. Looking out across the sea, he says a quick prayer before nodding to the others that he is ready to move out.
Vidar retrieves his bow, nocks an arrow and covers Rullis as he crosses the bridge.
|
The druid looks at Camillo and mutter something about the "Chief's Room" being the most likely place Bruz has set up his activities with the one he calls "the dark eyed warrior". Otherwise he stands aside as the group looks at the bridge.
Camillo and Kithian make their way over the bridge with no issue though the bridge groans from the wind from time to time.
Pharlap and Toshio have a slightly more difficult time as the horses weight causes the bridge to creak and squeal. At one point Pharlap comes close to panic but Toshio's presence is enough to push the horse across the bridge using firm commands.
Rullis passes with ease, the swaying being much as ship on the breaks of the coast. Sure footed he climbs across the bridge and is even greeted with a dapple of sun in the cloud filled sky.
(Kithian)
Toshio
Camillo
Rullis
Rullis
Kithian
Camillo
Toshio
Pharlap
As Rullis finds the other side, Kerrec and Vidar cross one after the another, careful to let the cleric clear the bridge and put a decent space between them to better distribute the weight. The bluster stings at the eyes of the men in front of the fort and the caution of looking about the place provides too many distractions to see the small figure at the other side of the bridge past their companions. The wind swells and the bridge sways but the whip and whistle dies just suddenly enough that the pair hears mumbling from the druid behind them.
The goblin's words are punctuated with the ripping of steel on rope as the goblin cuts the right rope. Luckily the goblin is small and slow so both men are able to find footing and wrap themselves are the bridge for the inevitable fall to follow.
The druid cuts the other rope as Kerrec and Vidar pitch about the bridge finding points of slack and give to make ready for the fall their feet barely keeping them upright as the goblin makes his final cut.
The bridge groans as it swings from the cliff face and gravity takes its cue. The wizard and paladin are able to hold onto their weapons though their bolt and arrow respectively flutter to the crashing surf below. Wrapped in the ropes and planks they swing to the granite face of Thisteltop and thud into the stone, Kerrec's clanging muffled by the surf and wind.
At the top of the cliff the wind swells and rain begins to fall. Thunder cracks in the distance but not loud enough to drown out the cracking and splintering of the left post that holds the bridge. Though Kithian and Camillo move as one, and Toshio responds but a breath later it is Rullis still at the bridge mouth that is able to first spin and dive for the breaking post the threatens to send his friends to sea below.
Despite his speed Rullis finds the slick stone and the weight of the bridge too much and he too begins to slide with the rope and planks down the cliff face. Camillo and Kithian diving in unison do their best to scrabble after Rullis and though Kithian plants well and pushes with his might, his efforts are nullified as Camillo loses his footing and begins to slide, hand still on Rullis.
Toshio collides with the group to lend aid as the men struggle to keep the bridge and themselves from falling but the tangle is too much and despite firmly finding places to put hands on Kithian and Camillo Toshio feels himself sliding as the rain falls and the weather beats upon the group.
It is said that the best of the samurai are one with their animals, like paladins of the west they share a mind and heart with their mounts a bond that move beyond the realm of the normal. Pharlap proves this in the moment as the horse calmy moves forward and takes Toshio's pack and gear in his teeth. The power of the horse hold the group at bay as each of them hold onto the bridge and each other perilously.
Below the bridge swings and dips but seems stable for a breath Kerrec and Vidare are able to steal a glance at one another as the drama unfolds above.
Kithian growls and curses in orc as he slips and slides, finally gaining a moment as the horse takes some of the weight. "Gorum's spiked codpiece! Climb you goat lovers, climb! We can not hold it for long!"
As the horse holds what is left of the bridge, Rullis will scan their surroundings through the pouring rain for any immediate signs of danger. (i.e. Archers, horde of goblins coming towards us, or maybe worse) A feeling of dread sets in.
Toshio heart settles as he feels Pharlap catch the group and halt thier slide. Whatever doubts he'd had about bringing the horse were gone.
Once again, his companion had saved his life.
Pharlap has us. CLIMB!
"GO MASTER VALORIAN! I don't know anything about climbing, and I do not want to risk dragging you down as well, go first, hurry!"
Kerrec shakes the stars from his head and realizes he is dangling from the bridge with the surf below. He hears Toshio and Vidar screaming to climb with Vidar stating he knows nothing about climbing. He looks up at the Ulfen mage and then down towards his armor. "I'm not dressed for a climb myself Vidar! Put your feet on my shoulders and we will climb up together!"
This round Kerrec plans on steading himself and hopefully aiding Vidar by allowing him to gain some balance by letteing him push off in his shoulders.
Climb:
Yeah, not good.
V-Ref
V-Str
K-Ref
K-Str
As Kerrec shifts for better positioning his boot slips on the newly wet planks that make his foothold. A moment of panic strikes as Kerrec slips and though Vidar reaches down with speed, the armored paladin slips from the wizard's grasp. The attempt buys Kerrec the time he needs however and though Vidar fails to keep his hands upon the paladin, Kerrec is able to reset his foot and hold fast to the bridge as it creaks and sways against the cliff face.
"Come on Master Valorian, you are not going to let a stinking goblin be the end of our party are you?"