Zinar looks at the party
"Hobgoblin fort? That must have been before I joined you."
"I think so too. I have heard mutterings of hobgoblins, but would have the matter explained in more detail. What do they want? And what are their numbers?"
Doran wanders the halls of the compound with no particular destination in mind besides where his wandering feet take him. He exchangeds pleasantries with passersby but makes no effort for real conversation.
Colwin is supposed to be around here somewhere... I'm sure I'll find him soon enough
"Large, the fort seemed to be in it's early stages. Tindertwig, a goblin scout who left with us did some scouting. A lot of hobgoblins seemed enough details at the time but Tindertwig didn't make it. The numbers seemed high though at least dozens and clearly they have plans."
Zinar shakes his head
"Poor Tindertwig, may the gods be nice to him."
Remains silently to the rear of her group, the large black panther Untari by her side. The others were much bigger on the talking than she was
"Bah. I dont like the looks of it at all. Team grey had a mission that took them south and east and they ran across a fellow whose inn was burned down by a bunch of hobgoblins, match the reports we had from the team that was wiped out up north. I've already sent Tamrinil to scout this fort of yours. If they appear to be a part of the other groups that have shown up... well we see about that."
He hopped off the stool and nodded to them.
"Another request has come up, since you are with group grey Gudleifr im assigning this mission to you folk. I just need to get the other folk going with you here as well."
He began going to the door. He whistled sharply to one of the servants called down.
"You! Mabry is it? find me Ravboom the other little goblin fellow about the place and Master Ramiro yes the older fellow. They've a mission."
He offered turning back around and slipping back into his office.
"I didnt mention it earlier but successful recruits after their first mission get a bonus. I have this papers here that you can use with our smiths to get specialized gear made for you martial folk. Zinar if you would like mistress Allura might have an item or two that would spark your interest, or you could see what the blacksmith has to offer magey folk. I will have a briefing ready for you after dinner, you folk are dismissed until then if you've no other questions."
Zinar waves his hands in front of himself.
"Oh no, I need nothing from the smith. I leave swing sharp pointy thing to others. Besides my spells keep me blood splatter fee. I will go see Mistress Allura, thank you."
As Mabry finds him, "Finally, someone with some direction. Have you come to show me to Mister Binderhook? Then by all means, after you." he follows after the servant with a lighter step than one would imagine with all his heavy equipment.
"Rav already here, Mabry!" Rav calls out from behind Binderbook, when the man yells down for Mabry to find him. "Rav is sitting on the table behind Binderbook's desk!" He clarifies, since people tend to overlook him rather easily. Especially when he's in a room with lots of shadows and not enough lamp light.
The goblin tilts his head, looking at the others in the room. "Rav is Rav." He taps his chest, one floppy ear dangling to the side.
Gudleifr grins at the prospect of weapons and armour.
"Aye, I would partake of new steel!"
He turns to the newcomers, a smile on his face.
"I am Gudleifr Hervardr, and well met!"
"Gud is Gud. Not well met though. Would be well met if there was food." The goblin says equitably. "Is just met. Next time should have food, be well met." The goblin digs into a belt pouch and tugs out some horseradish root and takes a bite out of it and gnaws on it while looking at the human called 'Gud'.
"Hmm, is Ulfen. Rav never see Darkulfen before."
"Haha! A sensible goblin! I look forward to fighting alongside you Rav. And aye, good eyes. My mother's line were said to have southern blood. The dark Ulfen are not common, that is true."
"I am Zardu Zuul. How do you... help on missions Rav?" Zardu asks curious about his new goblin ally.
"Rav points out when others are being stupid. Rav spends lot of time doing that. Rav also scouts dangerous areas, sneaks into places to see if there is danger or food in them, can talk to others, make them not want shoot Rav companions full of arrows, or talk them into shooting Rav enemies full of arrows. Rav also good at making things explode and burn."
"Zul is priest of Sarenrae. Also Dawnflower. No try convert Rav, please. Rav no like gods all that much. Too many cause problems for ego."
The is a voice from outside the door. "You sure this is the right place? Ok then." The door opens and an older gentleman possibly in his late 50s walks in. "Colwyn! I've finally found... oh, there are others here. Allow me to introduce myself. Doran Ramiro, man of Abadar, at your service. The man has a close shaved beard with white streaks in it and long salt and pepper hair. He's got a sturdy metal shield and heavy breastplate. A morningstar hangs from his waist.
"Hello to you both. I am Zinar, I am an arcane specialist."
Rav bobs his head at the newcomer and the mage, making his ears flap.
"'Nother priest. No try convert Rav, no want to be worshipper of Abadar." The goblin says, sounding a little testy at two priest things being in the room.
The gnome seems to be a caster of some kind, but doesn't have anything to distinguish him other than his race. Tilting his head at the gnome, and blinking two big red eyes, the goblin mutters under his breath. "بہت طویل عرصے سے."
"Too many longshanks."
Zardu considers a few deities that might work for this goblin but then decides they likely wont be a good influence. "That you fight under Colewyn's banner is enough I think for now. I will not try to convert you but if you ever decide to consider a closer relationship with the gods we can revisit the subject. There are other matters we can discuss to pass the time."
"Greetings Doran. I am Zardu Zuul, a servant of the Dawnflower."
"And welcome also, Doran! I am Gudleifr Hervardr."
Looking at the goblin and the new human, Kelisa shakes her head and states " Be good with enemies and finding food, not numbers or shadow hiding. Leave the shadows to the big cats."
Rav blinks at the drow. "Not see many darkelven up top." He says, now that she's spoken. "No let pet tiger eat Rav, Rav no eat pet tiger." He offers as a deal. "Rav good with numbers, and shadows. Rav not bad with enemies, but prefer to avoid when possible."
He tilts his head. "If want, Rav can make boom boom flame jars. Guards took ones Rav had when Rav first got here. Something about being 'fraid Rav burn down camp. Rav not stupid gobby though, know better than burn down own home. Better burn down enemy's home, or put in enemy pants and kick in nads."
The halfling paladin chuckled at explosive minded goblin.
"Excellent since you are both here already I can get started on the briefing and give you all time to prepare."
He moved behind his desk opened a drawer and rummaged for a moment before he pulled out a small scroll. Standing on the his chair he unfurled the scroll onto his desk. I was a map of The Areas around Lake Encarthan.
"When we receieved word about possible problems with hobgoblins we informed the merchants here in Macridi. One of them was already missing two shipments whom we now believe were indeed taken by the Hobgoblins. Their Business however must still go on. They have a shipment that is heading for the town of Vellumis in Lastwall that leaves in three days. Something else is also afoot, though i am not sure exactly what. Our contractor and myself go back a bit, and i know he is hiding something.
You are to meet up with Captain of the vessel outside the offices of the Riveroak trading coster. Your journey, weather permitting should take about 3 and a half weeks. Follow the captain's orders, as long as you find them morally sound, and have safe travels."
He finished once more rummaging through his desk. He procured two more of the scrolls to be used for the gear.
"Dont forgot to talk to Urberk Stoneshield about arms or armor. You will have to leave before whatever you commision is ready no doubt, but it will be ready when you return."
Rav hops from the side table to the desk, almost knocking over an unlit candle, but not quite. He looks down at the map, studying it. "Got it. Make boom booms, find out if contractor/contractor people working with hobgobbies or smuggling, check the cargo for contraband, do what the contractor says so they no know we on to them, kill anyone who try take cargo, make sure cargo get there unboomed." He looks at the halfling paladin, head tilted. "You want contractor/contractor people captured if smuggling or taking bribes, or just want let you know so can use as cat paw?"
After leaving the meeting, Rav heads out to find Stoneshield.
"Hai old dwarf, Bin-Book tell Rav tell you what Rav need. Rav have good armor, could use better rapier or crossbow, if have any around. Rav also need rubber hammer." He points to a hammer hanging on the wall, one in a small size for a halfling or other small person. "Like that one, but dipped in hot rubber 20 or 30 times and let dry each time. Need rubber about this thick..." He holds his fingers apart about a quarer of an inch. "So can nail quietly. Need hard rubber, not soft rubber."
Talking with Sir Colewin,
"Do you have an idea what was in the missing shipments? It could help tell us what the Hobgoblins are doing at the old fort."
After the meeting, Zinar heads for Mistress Allura.
"Or at least what is claimed to have been in the missing shipments... we'll have to have our wits about us."
"Rav always have wits about him, try to avoid them, but they breed like flies." Rav says offhandedly, still studying the map. "Usually nit type though, so not fun at all."
"Sir, what do you think the contractor might be hiding from us?"
Kelisa thinks about any questions she has before they go on the mission, and after hearing what her companions say, she asks " If one is not prepared for things to be stolen, one should not ship them. The merchants lost their goods from their own folly, and yet keep sending? It would make sense it is arms or armor, for one does not fight demons armed as a child. Though why these shipment was not guarded seems strange." She idly pets Untari on the head, before hearing the answers to the questions. Once able to leave, she would go to Master Stoneshield and ask about getting a new and stronger bow.
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"Not easy like that. Merchant's who lose may be broke, but new merchants take place. Where someone want something and have gold, someone else gamble on getting there. ANd no goods sent without guards, guards probably dead, if not part of steal, maybe dead even if part of steal. Whole world one big risk. May get hit by lightning, eaten by grue in dark, choke on mushroom cap." Rav looks at Kelisa. "Kel risk life all time, right? Travel with cat could eat her, work for Paladin doing risky dumb things for coins. Some jobs Kel think, hey, easy coin, low risk. Other jobs, Kel no take, because stupid die for coin never spend. Most jobs in between, could get dead, but think risk worth coin. Same for everyone, Merchant, Guard, Blacksmith, Cook, Paladin, Stable Hand. All just have different idea on what risk is worth what coin."
With some what a shocked expression on his face
"That is very insightful Ravboom. You are not like most goblin's I have come across."
"Shall we assemble what gear we need and then meet at the docks?"
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Rav nods. "Rav not like most Gobbies." Then he looks thoughtful, and twists his head around in the almost owllike and unnatural way that goblins can do that most humanoid species can't. To make it worse, he tilts his head at the same time, to stare at Zinar. "Rav have questions though, what be Hobgoblin? What be docks?"
Doran seems to take a shine to the goblin. "You seem to be able to grasp many concepts quickly but you don't know what a dock is? I think a person should be judged on their own merits but others may not. I'd gladly take you to see the ships and the docks to help you learn and to serve as a go between for anyone who may give you trouble. Most of your kind aren't nearly as sociable as you are. All this is once you've gathered any tools you think you may need of course."
"Not any other of my kind. Some other gobbies, but most gobbies are stupid. Most longshanks and half-shanks too." Rav says, looking to Doran. "Rav take Dor up on offer, but also need ask, what is Ship?" The goblin asks, tasting the word in his mouth to make sure it isn't poisonous.
"Sir, what do you think the contractor might be hiding from us?"
"Thats a good question and I have no idea. It wasnt anything said, just a hunch of mine that he was hiding something. Rupert knows not to even broach hiring anyone of mine for smuggling jobs. It could be more of just being embaressed thats he's lost two shipments already. it could be something else. Just keep your eyes open."
Talking with Sir Colewin,
"Do you have an idea what was in the missing shipments? It could help tell us what the Hobgoblins are doing at the old fort."
After the meeting, Zinar heads for Mistress Allura.
"Darkwood... and other lumber. Im not sure exactly what happened, but my guess is that those shipments were taken by those hobgoblins building that fort near the river."
After leaving the meeting, Rav heads out to find Stoneshield.
"Hai old dwarf, Bin-Book tell Rav tell you what Rav need. Rav have good armor, could use better rapier or crossbow, if have any around. Rav also need rubber hammer." He points to a hammer hanging on the wall, one in a small size for a halfling or other small person. "Like that one, but dipped in hot rubber 20 or 30 times and let dry each time. Need rubber about this thick..." He holds his fingers apart about a quarer of an inch. "So can nail quietly. Need hard rubber, not soft rubber."
The old dwarf didnt just despite your sneaking prowess. It probably had more to do with the sounds of one of the apprentices hammering away on a soft green sheet of metal. It appeared they were beginning to form the beginnings of a breastplate.
"Eh whats this about a hammer?"
He paused listening to the strange goblin, the dwarf just tilting his head to the side for a moment.
"I've heard o' this rubber of yours my small friend, but I dont have any about me shop. I'll see if I cant put in a request for some though. I can make ye a fancy enough rapier, and a couple of special metals even to personalize it. Ive got some extra fire or frost forged steel laying about, a hunk of siccitite ive been meaning to use, or I've got some Druchite about. If you spend a lot of time in the dark being sneaky that may be of use to you."
The old dwarf asked the diminutive goblin. After a moment Ravboom you realized he actually wasnt able to see all that well and was probably still trying to figure out what you were even.
Making your way to the tall tower attached to the main building of the small roadside keep that mistress Allura maintained as hers was easy enough.
The first floor of the tower as you remembered it was very much like a classroom. You could see two of her young apprentices pouring over four large tomes, a third young woman busy taking notes as they found passages within. Eventually you found the woman in question on the highest floor of her tower sitting in a tall cloth backed chair sipping a cup of tea and looking utterly exhausted. A small table stood in the center of the room, a slightly cracked crystal ball atop it. A quick glance about the room allowed you to see where the remains of two other crystals, now shattered messes, appeared to be scattered about the flooring.
"Yes Zerbirl? Zindar... no wait im sorry, Zinar. How can I help you?
She asked setting aside her cup of tea.
Kelisa thinks about any questions she has before they go on the mission, and after hearing what her companions say, she asks " If one is not prepared for things to be stolen, one should not ship them. The merchants lost their goods from their own folly, and yet keep sending? It would make sense it is arms or armor, for one does not fight demons armed as a child. Though why these shipment was not guarded seems strange." She idly pets Untari on the head, before hearing the answers to the questions. Once able to leave, she would go to Master Stoneshield and ask about getting a new and stronger bow.
After approaching the old dwarf humming to himself as it appears he is smelting together metal he paused.
"A bow? paugh get in close to kill your enemies girl. One moment though. Jessweirdan! Get over here lad!"
He bellowed back into his shop. A few moments later a much younger man came from the back wiping his hands off on an old towel. He looked skinny to be working in a blacksmith's shop, had long sandy blond colored hair pulled back... after a moment you could spot the tips or ears poking through the hair. Definitely a half elf.
"This lass here, needs a better bow. Thats your department."
The old dwarf grumbled and walked away torwards the ringing sounds of hammer on metal.
"Ho....how can i h..help you miss?"
He began clearly nervous.
"You want contractor/contractor people captured if smuggling or taking bribes, or just want let you know so can use as cat paw?"
Rav frowns. "Need quiet way of opening crates for mission, and then resealing. Wanted rubber hammer to avoid making noise while nailing crate back together. Can use hardened leather make hammer cowl today? So leather absorb sound when nailing nails? Get rubber hammer later?" He asks the old dwarf. "And druchite good for rapier, Rav spend most time not being noticed."
Blinks in surprise as someone else is sent to see to her, but she says nothing, for you do not get to be a master without practicing. " I would like a new bow, but yet do not have time now to hunt the proper beast nor trees. I request of you what you can do to make better on this bow I currently have." She starts rather abruptly, not really taking much time to explain who she was or anything.
"I was told by master Binderbook that I could get some type of magic bobble or something that will help me in my next mission. So what items do you have to offer?"
"Aye, some details on what we can pick up would be handy!"
Zardu nods in agreement with Gudleifr, curious to find out what might be available.
"Armor and weapons can be made of different materials, I've got some interesting ores here that I can smelt into your armor to give it different special qualities. The first ore is on your boss, let me tell ye what we have about then eh?"
He paused and pulled out several bars of ore.
"This here is Aszite. Despite being this pretty blue color, the metal when worked into armor sort of...eh it absorbs light making ye a bit harder to notice."
I've got a few bars left of whats commonly called Dreamstone, This here crystal (its a pale green) smelts into the metal and provides interference with magics that'll muddle your mind.
Druchite is often found with Aszite, and while that ore seems to absorb light, druchite reflects darkness making it hard to judge exactly where you are. (its a purplish black ore)
I have bars of frost and fire forged steel, that'll help absorb those two nasty temperatures, a couple of bars of Noqual left, That's pretty popular here at least, something in the metal disrupts dark spells that necromancers seem to favor.
Lastly I have a few bars of that elven stuff... Sunsilver they call it. Makes metal so bright you can almost blind opponents by just moving about."
He paused and finished setting the bars down before he took a seat and pulled out a pipe. He took a moment lighting it, taking his time to get two or three long deep puffs in before he started to speak again.
"Most of those metals can be used in your standard weapons as well, though to not as great effect. Eh... the frost and fire forged steels have interesting effects I suppose. We also have plenty of cold iron, silver, and a smidge of admantine. Though not enough of the latter right now to handle much more than maybe a blade or an axehead."
Blinks in surprise as someone else is sent to see to her, but she says nothing, for you do not get to be a master without practicing. " I would like a new bow, but yet do not have time now to hunt the proper beast nor trees. I request of you what you can do to make better on this bow I currently have." She starts rather abruptly, not really taking much time to explain who she was or anything.
The young man nodded, though now that he was closer to you Miss Kelisa you could tell perhaps his mixed heritage hid a bit more of his age. His eyes were a bit more seasoned.
"Foll...follow me m'am. I have a few bows of different streng...strengths Lets give them a pull and see what thickness is best suited to you."
He began waving her to follow him. There was a small wooden shed built into the smithy where an ornate old oaken bench sat, a series of lathes, shaving tools and wooden staves lay to be worked on. He pulled down several bows from a shelf, strung them, then had you pull on them.
"Do you prefer the range of the long bow or the compact ease of a short bow?"
He began. It was strange it seemed here in the wood shop he seemed much more comfortable.
"You want contractor/contractor people captured if smuggling or taking bribes, or just want let you know so can use as cat paw?"
The halfling frowned for a moment clearly thinking about it.
"No. If you see proof of him doing anything underhanded turn your head to it, just let me know. As much as I would like to stamp out all forms of illegal trades, its not pratical nor in the job description. Besides They've been good folk to work with before. I just have a feeling something more is going on than he mentioned. So uh yeah tell me so I can cat paw it.... I guess what does that mean precisely?"