I would like to volunteer! Sandru shouts from the kitchen volunteer Shiori that is
"Only after you finish all this curry." Shiori says with a ladle in her hand as she pours another helping onto the man's plate.
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Exiel scowls as he regards the big man at the back of the room. I perceive that you are relatively new to this town, so perhaps you have not seen what goblins are capable of. Yes they are stupid little creatures. Yes they are negligible threats when they are on their own. But in a group, in a horde, their viciousness makes them capable of quite alot more. This town has seen houses razed and good men killed in a goblin raid just a few years ago, and there are people in this room who still remember it well.
And it is easy to proclaim one's self a hero from the comfort of a taproom stool, but where I come from that word is given rather than claimed. And it is reserved for those who have proven their courage, their valour and their selflessness. Or at least have the will to do so. Those without such a will, we leave in the taproom and give...other names. So then, nameless one who calls himself a hero, which are you?
As he sizes up the large man, he adds silently:
And there is also that spear you carry... I would have a closer look at it.
Oh, I know goblins. And I know that where I am from we make our own reputation, we don't wait for those who deign to recognize it.
Darinius points his covered spear in Exiel's general direction to emphasize his retort.
Let's go; allow me to demonstrate. I'll show you how to make a reputation.
I suggest you go speak to wealth is proud stump. Follow the fishing trail to his cottage he knows that marsh better than anyone. she puts a hand on exiel and narissth shoulders
Knowledge local if you like
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Seeing Sandru finally come into the Dragon, Tripp's eyes light up.
"Sandy, you ol' Bastard there you are! It has been far too long! Come, sit and tell me what's been going on in your life!"
Assuming Sandru comes to sit with Tripp, he will try to get the attention of Ameiko or one of her siblings and order himself and Sandru each a glass of their finest brandy. While he toasts his friend to life and women and whatever else they talk about, his halfling ears keep following the conversation going on in the Dragon.
"Sandru, is it true about the goblin problem? Looks like I might need to go show those nasties what's what!"
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Exiel raises an eyebrow at the large man's retort.
Well, he's "friendly"...and has an ego that dwarfs even his stature, but at least that spear will be pointed in the right direction. That spear...I still want to see it.
Knowledge local untrained:
Exiel has certainly not been paying much attention to the local rumours of late.
Sandru waives Tripp to help him w the curry in back.
if Shalelu says it is it is tripper! In a bit jealous I won't get to join the fun but u have curry to eat.
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Tripp heads to the back to help Sandru with his curry, and helps himself to some of his own.
"Boy, this is some of the finest curry I have had an a dog's age!"
After catching up with Sandru and scarfing down some food and brady, Tripp heads back into the Dragon's main room and joins in the goblining coversation. He saddles up on a chair next to Darinius:
"So it sounds like you are quite the goblin hunter then, yeah? Those bastards have caused more trouble than they will ever be able to repay. I would love to join ye on the hunt, and lop off a few goblin ears myself! Lucille hungers for goblin blood!"
He pats the sling staff leaned up next to him lovingly.
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Exiel looks to Darinius and Tripp.
They seem to be a little more on the 'bloodthirsty'/'glory-seeking' and less on the 'valorous' side, but it could be worse. If they can be pointed in the right direction it'll have to do. If things get hairy, however, it'll probably be Shiori I'll trust to watch my back.
At this thought, Exiel grins wryly.
Notwithstanding the hundreds of cookies, sweet rolls and other snacks of mine that she's made off with over the years. But she takes after her sister well - her heart's in the right place where it counts.
That's four of us then, assuming Sandru finishes that curry. Who else is coming?
"That's a pretty big assumption, I mean he did ruin the whole batch." Shiori complains, adding "If he would have just asked, maybe I would have gotten him a plate, and he wouldn't have had to ruin it in the first place."
oh no Sandru and I have business to discuss. He goes nowhere! Ameiko says perched on the bar
Thribden gives out a little laugh as the man standing on the table finishes his speech. You have a flair for melodrama, she laughs again, but I think I like you. She stares for a few more moments, head tilting slowly to the side and a smile never leaving her face. Finally she speaks, I believe I see the hand of Pharasma in this action. I will come along and see this thing. She punctuates her pronouncement with a nod of her head.
Narissth looks at the tall group, a little fearful that he will not be accepted as has been the norm throughout his life. However, wanting to make Shalelu proud of him, the small ratling steps forward.
Nothing would I enjoy more than filling those disgusting big headed vermin full of arrows.
Thribden cringes at the epithet's from her new companions, then she says almost as if to remind herself, All who live must face her judgment. She nods shaking herself. Well, if we are to go into the swamps together, we may want to know one another. I am Thribden Malkut Diniya, one of the local healers. Though that doesn't mean I don't know anything about fighting. She strokes the hilt of the dagger hanging at her side.
Gorou blinks at the mess going on in the kitchen. He turns away from it, disinterested, as the speeches and bravado begin back in the common room. He blinks even more at the fact that all of them thoroughly ignored him thirty seconds ago when he told them where the goblins lived and suggested they go hunt them, and now everyone was ready to run off without him.
He strides into the center of the group where his bulk would be much harder to ignore.
Clearing his throat he says in a normal tone, "Ehem! I am Gorou Kaijitsu, Pathfinder, warrior and scholar. I would like to hunt the goblins as well, like I said a minute ago. They live in Brineswamp Marsh. Shalelu is right, we should talk to Walthus Proud Stump first, he might be able to help us." He blinks several more times when he finishes, sweating heavily in his armor. Now that everyone is looking at him it feels uncomfortably hot in the common room. As his cheeks start to turn red, he slams the wooden oni mask down over his face and crosses his arms over his bulky chest. Safely hidden from scrutiny behind a wall of body language and armor, he goes to stand with the others, ready for adventure.
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Exiel eyes widen slightly as he sees the snout and red eyes poking from beneath Narissth's hood, but his surprise passes just as quickly. He had come from a land where bird-people, snake-people and fox-people were not uncommon, and he himself might have been seen as equally strange were his true heritage known.
If he will raise a sword, or a bow, against those goblins, that is enough for me.
He nods to Thribden as well, giving them both a friendly smile. My father was one who would many-a-time rouse more men than there are in this whole tavern to battle with his words. Perhaps that makes me a little more used to such speeches than others.
But melodrama or not I spoke the truth, and though much of the damage has healed, this town does still bear the scars of the last goblin raid if one knows where to look. Some of the more...recent arrivals I suppose will need to be excused for not understanding this town's history with goblins. Exiel indicates Darinius' general direction at this point. No matter. If you will fight the goblins with me I will consider you a comrade in arms. My name is Exiel, a simple warrior in service of righteousness. Well met, Thribden Malkut Diniya.
Having slipped away after telling Exiel off, Darinius reappears in the common room with his pack ans cloak slung over his shoulder. He exits the inn, giving Exiel a look as he does so.
Miss Kaijitsu, Miss Kaijitsu, Gorou. He nods to each of the Kaijitsu siblings as he leaves to wait impatiently for Exiel in the street outside.
Narissth looks at the various people around him, rather surprised that none have turned away or told him to leave.
I am Narissth. I am quite skilled with a bow. He reaches back and pats the finely crafted green bow over his shoulder. I call this fine weapon Green Tongue. Many foes have discovered that she is not to be trifled with.
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Gorou blinks at the mess going on in the kitchen. He turns away from it, disinterested, as the speeches and bravado begin back in the common room. He blinks even more at the fact that all of them thoroughly ignored him thirty seconds ago when he told them where the goblins lived and suggested they go hunt them, and now everyone was ready to run off without him.
He strides into the center of the group where his bulk would be much harder to ignore.
Clearing his throat he says in a normal tone, "Ehem! I am Gorou Kaijitsu, Pathfinder, warrior and scholar. I would like to hunt the goblins as well, like I said a minute ago. They live in Brineswamp Marsh. Shalelu is right, we should talk to Walthus Proud Stump first, he might be able to help us." He blinks several more times when he finishes, sweating heavily in his armor. Now that everyone is looking at him it feels a little hot in the common room. As his cheeks start to turn red, he slams the wooden oni mask down over his face and crosses his arms over his bulky chest. Safely hidden from scrutiny behind a wall of body language and armor, he goes to stand with the others, ready for adventure.
Exiel smiles at Gorou's declaration.
Pathfinder, warrior, scholar, and Ameiko's younger brother, so watch how you treat this one if you want to eat well at the Dragon. Glad to have you on board, Gorou. It would seem you know the way, my friend. Perhaps you could show us.
Casting a glance outside, Exiel notes that the light is fading. Dusk is upon us. If there are some here who prefer to journey in the day-time, we could reconvene in the morning.
Thribden speaks up, I am too tired. I have spent most of my day healing burns from travellers who have gone too close to these goblins. The morning would be best. Her voice is soft, but her tone is hard, seeming to say that disagreeing would be foolish.
Gorou replies to Exiel, his voice made muffled and hollow by his wooden mask. "Goblins are nocturnal creatures. Exiel is right, it would give us an advantage to hit them in the morning rather than right now. I for one have no special ability to see in the dark."
He shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. Why didn't I think of that? Oh! Because I'm so bored in the Dragon that I could die. Still Gorou, that's no excuse for messing up on basic tactics.
Seeing the sun hanging low in the sky, Darinius immediately slinks back into the Rusty Dragon. I think we should start in the morning he announces to the assembled adventurers.
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Exiel nods to the gathered group (less Shiori, who I take it is still busy in the kitchen, but will be informed by Gorou), including Darinius as he returns from the street (and prudently suppressing the urge to make a jibe about his recent patrol between both sides of the tavern's door).
His churlishness aside, it will be a good idea to try to get along if I'll be facing goblins with him.
Tomorrow morning then. At first light, at this spot.
He smiles to Gorou. It's good to have old friends to count on out there.
Narissth looks at each member of the goblin hunting squad as they speak, finally when there is a pause.
I grew up beneath Korvosa. Seeing at night is second nature to me. But, I agree that if these goblins prey at night, then we should seek to find them during the day when they are not active.
You could make it to wealth is in the night, with proper light to see, it is probably a 5 hour hike with non problems
Thribden listens to the peak about setting in the dark. Then finally she adds, Oh darkness is not a problem. She reaches up, touching the wooden symbol around her neck and murmurs a few words देवी के प्रकाश चमक जाएगी.
Then she reaches out, her fingers almost glowing, and touches a cup in front of her. Light bursts from its surface, almost like a torch. Thribden chuckles. But as I said, I'm not ready. So the it'll have to wait. Again her tone is firm, brooking no argument.
So in the morning we need to see a man named Walthus? We'll meet her then. Just before dawn works for me.
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Tripp sits in his chair and casually listens to all the folks talk.
'Sure are excited over a bit of goblin hunting. Ah well, it shall be a worthy cause eh? And make a good report for the lodge.'
"I agree with Mr. Kaijitsu here. It will prove in our benefit to strike at them in the early morn. I suggest we either prepare to leave now, and camp a few hours and wait for morning, or we leave just before dawn. I, for one, wouldn't mind a few more hours in this comfy seat with a good ale!"
"It's a five hour hike to Walthus' place, so leaving before dawn is a good idea. Even if we have light sources they'll just give us away in the dark," Gorou comments before raising the wooden mask from his face. "I'm going to call it a night if we're leaving early. I prefer to go into battle well rested."
The heavy set warrior bows informally to those present and clomps his way back up the stairs. Guess I'll have to wait one more night before my adventure.
Our heroes move into the marsh, the going is slow every time someone moves off the path Every so often someone in the party hears sounds that convince them that an attack is coming. After a few hours and crossing two bridges there is a large mound rising out of the marsh.
Do our heroes want to investigate or press on?
Gorou stops when he sees the mound, slapping the swarming insects away from his mask to see more clearly.
It is hard to say exactly how far away it is without geography or a good survival check but Gorou suspects it is between 1 and 4 hours away. How high is hard to say since everything's pretty flat in the marsh but it is at least 20 feet high he thinks.
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Hmm...if we stop to take a look, we may lose several hours on a wild goose chase. Then again, if there's something dangerous in there, then taking care of it can only be a good thing.
After considering the options, Exiel continues:
The purpose of taking the fight to the goblins is to take care of them before they become a more serious threat. That is, they are a problem, but not an immediate problem yet. I reckon we should have time for this, if we want to check it out.
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"I dunno... it is not like these goblins no we are coming. What would a delay of a couple hours really mean? Perhaps there is some interesting tale to be said about the place. Maybe it will be worth our while, maybe it won't, but wouldn't you all rather see what's what? I vote for taking a quick peek!"
Thribden looks out over the marsh at the large mound. Many of us seem to be curious as to what it is. But I will say, it does not seem to be going anywhere. I think we could investigate later. She thinks a moment, Perhaps Walthus knows what it is and can save us a trip. She frowns, then shakes her head, We should continue forward to Walthus' home. Thribden brushes her hair out of her face and prepares herself to continue on the road.
"I'm going to have to agree with....Thribden was it? We've got a goal already, turning away from it at every little thing won't get those goblins hunted," Gorou says quietly.
Darinius hauls himself out of the muck to look at this first interesting feature that the party has seen in a morning of wandering around. I wonder what it is? I agree with Exiel, there might be something relevant over there. Darinius clearly does not like the idea of turning away from an interesting things to explore in order to visit some guy named Walthus.
Well remember that your movement is slowed to 1/4th off the path and some parts you might have to swim so it is not necessarily THAT far away. But yes you are the mound in the distance. Which you guess could take you up to 4 hours to get to.
The mound appears to be natural from this distance.
Everyone make me a percep check please