She flitfully flies about with no aim.
"Whàt àrè yòu dòìng ìn thèsè càvèrns, cátfólk?" The dwarf asked bluntly.
"I was sent here to help the Blue Tip. I am Katrina. My father had a debt to pay and I am paying it for him, he was saved by a Blue Tip years ago. They called and we answered. I am the last of my group. We were ambushed and set upon being pushed back until the vines were to our backs. There is a traitor in the Blue Tips, he has big floppy ears and a red nose. Will you help me get back to the Blue Tip village?" She says with hope on her face.
Cook-Cook looks at the catfolk with curious eyes, still close by, but far enough to give her enough room.
"Well it's good that she is awake now. Now we have a way to go."
Cook-Cook says as he slowly approaches.
"My name is Cook-Cook, I am a goblin from the village where most of these people are from. Before that I was from the Grimtooth tribe. I bound your wounds and mean you no harm. I have never heard from the Blue Tips. Are they at war with their rivals with the red paint?"
The goblin asks with a soft voice.
"Yes, a blood feud since the brothers couldn't decide on who was chief after their dad died."
Cook-Cook looks to the others and says: "Seems like we have our path. We should go toward the Blue Tips, get Katrina the proper care she needs. Maybe we'll even find a safe way out of these caves."
"I do wonder why no one bothered to collect their dead after all the fighting. Surely there were some survivors." Cook-Cook wonders aloud to the others.
"Àh dòn't knów. Ì dòn't rèmèmbèr thé Clán Èldérs tèllìng tàlès òf còmplèx góblìn bùrìál rìtés", Urdrsk offered.
Gavin watches in awe as the magical light moves from Cook-Cook into the catfolk. As she rises and begins speaking, Gavin listens intently. "Wow, I have heard fights with siblings can get bad, but... say, why was your father indebted to this tribe? Oh, and Cook-Cook, you're the only goblin I know. Anything we should know so we don't offend?"
Cook-Cook moves over to Gavin's side and scratches his chin in contemplation, then moves over to pluck something invisible, like if he had an imaginary beard.
"Well, most goblins have a great sense of pride. They're carefree and chaotic, love to fight and bicker and determine their strength or the picking order. Usually they're not very bright, unless they're not in a tribe I suppose. Most goblins hate writing as they think it steals their soul. It's usually that kind of thinking that keeps most of us from becoming bright I suppose."
Cook-Cook continues to pluck his non-existing beard.
"I've actually never given it this much thought. I guess their great sense of pride also comes in their way when they think others treat them as dumb. We're not that bright, but we're not stupid and we don't like to be treated as such. Depending on the tribes, things differ. The Grimtooth tribe was more agressive in their raiding and therefore appreciated gifts. We had a distant neighbouring tribe called the Sweetscream tribe, great fighters, but they loved to sing more. Also hear the screams of enemies, but more prone to singing than any other tribe. I think most tribes could be bribed with gifts of dead horses or dogs as goblins view them as great plagues upon the land."
Cook-Cook suddenly looks shocked as some grim realization dawns upon him.
He looks back to Gavin and offers his apology.
"I am sorry Gavin, I was maybe a bit too detailed there."
Gavin listens intently to all the details Cook-Cook shares. When the goblin apologizes, Gavin shakes his head. "No, that was GREAT! I mean, it was a lot, but that's what I asked. Umm, I don't think we have any dead dogs or horses with us, but perhaps some other gift might help. And we rescued, well, you rescued their ally, so that should help. Right?"
Cook-Cook carefully nods at Gavin's inquiry about what they've gotand what might help.
"That should help indeed. We already show a gesture of goodwill towards them. That's why it is better to go to the Blue Tips than towards their Red Rivals."
Cook-Cook looks to Saronis and Urdrsk, then to Katrina.
"Katrina? Would you do us the honours of guiding us toward the Blue Tips camp? If you are able of course. These two fine gentlemen will walk up front to protect you."
"I'm starting to think that my family must be the odd one out, with home many siblings are pitted against each other." Maqan said with a small sigh. "Yes, please if you can, lead the way."
"Hells! Why are we waiting?"
"Father didn't give me details other than what I have already told you and how to get here." she offers after Gavin's question.
She slowly gets up and stretches. Once done she nods and walks forward. As she walks she points out simple markings that are warnings not to go down the tunnel. "Likely traps of one sort or another, she adds.
Once she gets to the entrance of the goblins the guards screech. One runs in as the other brandishes his spear speaking in goblin, "Why you come back empty handed?"
The catfolk first answers in goblin then translates, "We were ambushed by the red claws, we were betrayed. They rescued me and are here to help."
The goblin warily looks at you all and states, "Okay, we wait for chief."
"Right, then. I'm parched, anything to drink?"
Cook-Cook looks over the goblins crude weapons and outfit, reminiscing a bit about his own time in a tribe.
He approaches the guard with a greeting in goblin.
"Right, then. I'm parched, anything to drink?"
The goblin shakes his head to answer Varrick.
Cook-Cook looks over the goblins crude weapons and outfit, reminiscing a bit about his own time in a tribe.
He approaches the guard with a greeting in goblin.
The goblin responds positively towards Cook-Cook in goblin.
The chief comes brandishing a silver short sword and a crown of feathers. Following him is the other guard and five more of his warriors. They all are in leather armor and have short spears and clubs. In broken common the chief says, "Welcome! I wish it were on good teams." Then the guard goblin that stayed whispered into his ear.
He looks at Cook Cook and if he doesn't offer then he will first in goblin then translating word for word, "Chief, speak in goblin and we will translate for you."
The catfolk offers weakly, "We were slaughtered, the hobgoblins are dead, I alone survived barely, and the big eared one betrayed us. They knew we were going to the vines for help. We were pushed upon them. Only your brother's goblins were there and a big thing, misshapen and ugly. It wouldn't die and bull rushed us into the thorns. It was horrible." She begins to sob and sit down.
The chief nods at this and orders the two to guard from the inside then. Bringing everyone inside he begs, "If they attack us again we will all perish, will you save us? We have suffered at my brother's hands and most of us are too tired, hurt, or diseased to continue to fight!" Looking around you can see it is a giant goblin's nest. Goblins lay everywhere. Only two tents are errected at the back of the cave. Some 30 goblins are in this trash heap in a 30x40 cave.
While trying to keep his composure, Urdrsk is more than willing to let the elf noble helm this particular part of the journey home to Sanctuary. The dwarf miner grips his waraxe very tightly, trying not to make the situation worse, while keeping himself away from the goblins as much as he can.
Maqan moved to comfort the catfolk. "It will be okay." She told her, "If you could tell us all your can about your brother and his people. Really anything. If we're going to help all that you could give would be of use." Maqan said as she gently rubbed the catfolk's back.
Gavin listens and watches intently, following along. He is surprised by how small the goblins are here, especially compared to Cook-Cook. 'Then again, he is a Cook, so he probably eats better than these goblins. Ma always said I needed to eat well if I wanted to grow tall!'
Hearing the catperson and the goblin king both speak of the betrayal by the others, Gavin feels a strong sense of duty welling up inside him. "If there's two things I hate, it's traitors and bullies. We should help them!" He declares to his comrades while looking at Sir Saronis expectantly.
The catfolk looked up, a weak smile from the support of Maqan.
The chief offers up, "We have not much left but you can have a potion of healing if you agree to stop my brother. Also we will show you the way to the magical springs since we will be safe from one side then. Man eating plants make their home along most of the routes but we know one safe way. Back to my brother, they are blood thirsty, taking the head of an elf and dwarf would be a great boon to him and his clan. At most he would have 20 hunters and half that in warriors. We took in the majority of goblins, he only took the most violent. I am not sure what else I could say that would be helpful."
At Saronis's question about spades or shovels, he looks a bit confused but offers, "Quite a few, why?" With the answer he gets every able goblin up and collecting spades, 2 meant for humans, 5 for small folk, and 6 makeshift ones.
Four hours later no goblins of the red claw family have been seen yet. Two rows of six man eating plants have been moved in front of the main entrance to the red claw family.
"Yes we should help them. A potion of healing wont make that big enough difference, I would want each of us to have one going into this battle. I sure hope we can pull a few goblins at a time. Well what can each of you do, what classes do you have? I can cut down a single enemy once a turn, considering goblins. No offense meant." He says in common to the group and the last sentence aimed at Cook Cook.
He looks up at the sprite hovering around his head, "Hey Kat, what can you do with carnivorous plants, anything helpful? How many can you calm?" He looks to the others to make sure it is fine before he nods, solemnly he says, "I agree to your terms." He pulls out his spade and asks the chief, "How many spades do you have? We need them all, we are going to move some of those man eating plants as reinforcements."
"Well I could calm one down, so you could transplant it." she flippantly answers. Realizing that she could be used in this way she offers, "About one every 10 minutes. If I do this I would want to partake in the fight and eat as many enemies that I can fill up on!
"Ì ám à dwárvén wàrrìór, fòllòwìng ìn thè màrtìàl stèps òf my áncéstórs bèfòrè mè", Urdrsk growled. "Ì àlsò pòssèss à drágón's mèìn, fòr whìch Ì shàll sòw féár ìntò thè héárts òf my énémìés!"
"Ahhh good to know Urdrsk, then we shall go first and once you put the rabble under your fearful influence we shall decimate the willful. Then the group can join in on the fun. How far can you influence?" he seems genuinely intrigued and wants to know more!
"Às ìt wàs tòld tò mè, à 30 fèèt ràdìus fròm mè", the dwarf said, looking up into the elf's almond eyes.
In a reply to the guard's question about his God, Cook-Cook answers with a bit more zeal.
"Oh, my god is a wondrous one, he enjoys parties, free-thinking and good food. He is also a deity that gives recipes. Making sure that one can cook delicious food and even cook up some curative dishes."
Cook-Cook immediately looks to the goblins as the guard mentions there are injured young ones amongst them. Quickly he unpacks his healer's kit and starts to work on groups of goblins to try and get them up in better shape.
When Saronis calls him back to discuss tactics, Cook-Cook doesn't blink as Saronis mentions taking out goblins easily.
"None taken, Saronis. But I woudl be an easy target I guess, my powers seem to come from nature, not really an ability to greatly fight others. I think I could make some beneficial soup with weak powers or brew a potion for someone, though that will take up more time. I could perhaps better spend that time healing up several goblins here."
"Come to think of it," Cook-Cook says, "I think I might be able to convince some plants to grow or convince a stray animal to join the fight. Though such an animal won't be kept here for long."
The catfolk goes to one of the tents and mentions something about rest first.
In the few hours they have to help prepare, Gavin goes about collecting cast aside bits of gear and cobbles together a few traps to add before the carnivorous plants. Knowing how dangerous the impending battle could be, Gavin trusts in that spark of luck that is growing in his heart that the traps will be effective.
At Saronis' question of abilities, Gavin dusts off his hands and hustles over. "Umm, well, I'm a hunter an' a trapper. Good at bein' quiet an' gettin' around targets, an' course I'm pretty good wit a sling, or dis here bow! Oh, an' my lucky streak just seems teh be gettin' better..." Gavin smiles to himself as his fingers trace the length of his newfound bow.
"Wèll, Ì'm rèàdy tà gó whèn dà rést òf yà áré!" Urdrsk stated, crossing his arms.
Before the group disbands again to prepare, Cook-Cook mentions the following.
"I think I could make those flesh-eating plants grow to envelop an area for a few minutes. Normally it lets grasses or vines overgrow the area, but I think I could make it work with these plants as well. We would need to funnel as many of the goblins into one place though and stay clear of the area ourselves to avoid being caught."
Cook-Cook aims to help the fighters get up first and foremost, he could help the others later if they all survive. Survival in the coming fight would be paramount to the survival of this goblin tribe.
"I've gained something new as well." Maqan said as she held out her hand and small drops of acid fell to the ground, not enough to do massive damage but you could see the area were it fell. "Back... at the tombs... I saw a whole other life, and it seemed I picked up a little something from it." She explained, though she did seem to be holding something else back. "So, if these plants come closer, I can burn them away if I must."
The plants are lined up so it appears you could run between them. Ahead of that Gavin's traps are laid. When returning you should follow on the right side of the tunnel to be safe. With Cook Cook's efforts there are four more goblins ready to fight, though they still look in pretty bad shape.
"Well done everyone, take your places at least how far from the plants Cook Cook? Come on Urdrsk, let's stir them up. he leaves down the tunnel on the left side brandishing his sword.
"I think its range is about 60 goblin steps. Keep at least 45 feet distance from the plants when I make them overgrow the area."
I do hope it works as well as I hope. Even though goblins have a bad reputation, it's not good when they aim to murder a defenseless tribe.
" Well, time to eradicate some swine!""
Gavin double checks the straps and buckles on his new armor, then hoists his longbow in preparation for the coming battle. "I am ready to face this foe, my liege. Lead on!"
As he is leading the group with the dwarf he reminds them sternly, If you do come with us, please stay at least 30 feet back otherwise you will be affected by Urdrsk's awesome frightening presence. We will be making our presence known, kill those who resist and then beat feet back. We dont want to get swarmed, I dont have great cleave yet." He winks at Gavin with this statement and continues forward.
Upon seeing light ahead he stops and begins to sneak.
Pre round 1
He quietly places his sword down on the ground looking at Urdrsk to see if he will begin to pull out range weapons too. If he does he pulls out his bow or if not he puts the long curved sword in his two hands getting ready to charge.
The elf and dwarf make their way forward.
One of the goblins looks up at the sound but quickly leans back down to play his turn at the dice.
Saronis and Urdrsk are 50 feet away, amongst rocks the size of your fists. There is a relatively clear path but meant for small folk.
Pre-Round One
Urdrsk shakes his head, when the elf noble looks for the dwarf's ranged weapon. The dwarf warrior hunches over slightly do to his height.
"Wèll, Ì sùppòsè Ì shòuld ìntròducè mysèlf", whispered Urdrsk.
The dwarf fighter then casually marched toward the gambling goblins, waraxe in hand.
At the sound of the walking dwarf, the three goblins stop playing, stand up, and brandish their spears. Two of them hold javelins over their heads as well ready to throw them.
Using the dwarf's bulk he hunches down and does his best to walk behind him.
Urdrsk tales a deep breath and lets our a loud strong draconic roar!
The goblins' response was the same in unison, the javelins flew and a rock soon following.
Initiative
Urdrsk gets off his roar and they all balk at him, then throw their weapons at him. The two with spears set them.
Round 1
The elf quickly slips past the dwarf after his roar quickly moving down the path to strike out at one of the goblins but fails to avoid the rocks slowing him down. Making him to take two move actions and using his shirt saying, "Flying Feathers," to move 5 more feet to be in melee at the end of his turn.
Round 2
He brings down his blade and slices it in half. The blood spray covers the other goblins and himself.
The dwarf warrior closes with his opponents and joins the fray alongside the elf noble.
Round 2
The three goblins, strike out at Saronis with their spears.
Round 3