Mosquito seems extremely distressed that the evil Fire-Halfling Man gave up quicker than the crocodile that his armor is made from.
Yous sure dat giv'n up so quick bees da funest? Mees can gives yous da head start?
Mosquito grins.
Bertrum's spear does not waver.
"I don't care what you came here for half-man. You set the fire! You ran here and threatened the goblins! You are going back to town to face justice and answer for your crimes there and here."
He glances at Mosquito then and sends him off to keep busy.
"Go make sure the dragon is dead my little-big friend. See if it captured or swallowed anything valuable or useful. Almost all dragons like treasures. Shiny stuff. I've heard some are even tasty if you can cook the meat. Also, keep an eye out for anything else that could be dangerous."
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Kana nods to the goblin chief. "Yes, we are friends." she says. "Your ambassador, Warble, sent us to look into the signal fires you set. She was worried about you and I assure you, not everything wants you dead. The councilors of Breachill also had concern for you as your allies."
As Kana continues talking with Helba, she overhears the conversation between the others and Calmont. She grows concerned hearing Mosquito mentioning letting Calmont have a head start, but then Bertrum seems to handle things.
"Helba, I am Kana-Deniz. It is a pleasure to meet you.I am glad that we will be able to tell Warble that you are alive, even i temporarily uprooted. This here is my companion, Beryl. Over there is Bertrum and Vrolun. Your kinsmen, there, is Mosquito." As she introduces the group, she motions to each in turn for reference.
The halfling juts his head out toward Mosquito, "I will cut you goblin". He acts a bit tough, but his hands are still up.
These aiudara, or Elf Gates. Are a very old method of travel for the Elves. There are rumors of some still being used, but very little is known about them
He nods down to Bertrum "Yes yes.. Justice.. blah. You should have seen everyone's face when the fire went up.. WHoosh! AHA!"
Looking to Vrolun, "BA! Goblins didn't take anything.. And I didn't drop it.. idiot... uug.. An Elf gate is a large archway that can take you to anywhere in the world! I.. Didn't.. Drop it... Idiot" He shakes his head..
The goblins get excited "Warbal, yes! Cousin Warbal! My good friend. Good Cousin! Such a smart lady; now she lives in the big city. Please, new friends, if you could tell her that we're alive - and that you've saved us! The Bumblebrashers would be most greateful. We've still lost our home down below, but maybe not forever.... right?" Helba looks at the Iz hopefully.
"To add to the fire story. We lit the fire because of the cloaked people. Cultist. They called themsleves the Cinderclaws, and they said our home was their home now. They threateend to roast us! To peel us and eat us! Ack! And they has dragon mosters with them! So of course we ran from the vaults. Then so many monsters on the ground floor, so we ran up here, to the battlements. That dragon thing down in the courtyard kept us from getting away! It wanted to eat us! Thank you thank you thank you for killing that thing. Did you bring up our swords and bows? We thre them down at it.. then lost them"
Beryl has never been good at hiding her emotions, and the look of disgust she gives Calmont when he talks about setting the fire is unmistakable.
"We need to bring this one back to town straight away to face justice I think"
to the goblins she says "Will you be ok here for now? We can get your swords and bows for you, but do you have food and water and enough shelter up here?. I want to be able to tell Warbal that you're OK"
The proud dwarves of high-helm would hate these goblins on sight for no crime other than being born. Small minded judgemental fools
Mosquito frowns.
Happy to comply.
"You said something about a 'ring.' Is that a control for this elf-gate? Most magical gates require magical keys...right?"
Repeatedly giving the halfling the I am watching you pantomime, the little-big goblin then excitedly returns to the courtyard to find some fun and interesting things for his next yard sale!
The goblin’s nod ”yes, we will be fine here. For awhile, but we would like to go back down to our homes soon. We are safe here now, for now.”
The halfling responds to Bertrum ”Key? I mean.. maybe.. The ring is a bunch of elf-gates in a ring. Like a circle, a ring of gates. A circle of other circles.. I think” His confidence is fading fast, as he is not very sure of his words.
Without difficulty the goblins are able to get ahold of their old gear. Though the Halfing’s gear is still in your possession.
Dagger
Leather armor
2x Lesser Healing Potions
+1 short bow (20 arrows)
Thieves tools
When the nice elf lady calls down to Mosquito, she sees the goblin being distracted by looking at his reflection in the pool of water.
As the group makes their way out, holding onto the halfling.
Bertrum makes a short detour for the small pups. He walks forward with a small scrap of food. Tossing it out to them. They bare their tiny teeth, but don't move much.
The 2 pups look like they are about to step out, but get spooked at the last second. Bertrum gets the impression they might actually follow him, if given more time.
You make your way out of the building. The short walk down to the town.
Everyone seems to be back to their old lives, moving about. The Townhall is already being repaired, with another wing of the building still in fine condition. The group easily determines that Greta would be in the Townhall, in her office.
Before they set off on their journey, Beryl got out her kit and bandaged up the worst of Mosquito's wounds. "Now sit still, this might sting a little"
When they get back to town she agrees with Bertrum. "Greta's office is in the town hall, she should know what to do with him. Keep an eye on him Mosquito, we don't want any more incidents"
With the halfling in front of you, "Are you sure you can't just let me go? I will just leave." Small begging as he seems more and more defeated.
As you move the group into the now burned section of the Town Hall. Moving to Greta's office. You open the door and she looks up, then stands "Ah! Heroes! Looks like you caught Calmont!" Looking down to him "Why would you do this? You try to burn down our Town Hall. You set a magical beast loose"
Before he can respond she yells for a guard. "Take him away. All Town leaders should be present at his interrogation"
Calmond tries to speak out, but Greta's intimidating presense keeps him from talking too much. Soon Guards show up and they take him away.
She finally turns to you, "I will inform you of any interogation results. I believe your contract with the town is complete. Let me pay you." She reaches down and hands over 20gp.
"This is for bring in Calmont. As well as for contacting the Bumblebrashers.. Speaking of.. I assume you contacted them, and they are safe? What did you learn? Should I bring in Warbal?"
"He is claiming fantastical stuff. Something about magical gates? The Bumblebrashers live and claim a 'Dragon Cult' has taken over their underground lair. The two things could be related."
Mosquito smiles at the nice dwarf lady. The little-big goblin actually hums a bit while she bandages his wounds. He doesn't seem to mind the wounds.
Wees be da heros now! Wees should ask'em fer un statues! Heroes be git'n statutues!
Once back to the longshanks town, Mosquito is on his best hero behavior...
Listening to Bertrum's tale "Hmm that does not sound good. Are the Bumblebrashers ok? If you believe Calmont has something to do with this Dragon Cult, that is a bit concerning. We can include that in our interrogation. Is it possible that the Goblins are making this up? I suggest finding Warbal. She may have knowledge on the subject. As for Magical Gates.. I have not heard of such a thing. Though little is known of the history of that keep. They kept to themselves mostly. Then they left. They where always outside the bubble of influence of Breachill."
She turns from worry to a grin "But it seems like you have finished your contract with the town. I thank you greatly. I think you will find that the town is very thankful of your work. While I am mildly curious of the Goblin's wellbeing, and this cult you speak of, these are outside the business of this town. Which sadly has enough work for me all on its own. I am sure, as successful adventurers you will find more work to do. Adventurers always do."
She does not dismiss you, but you can tell she has finished with the business she has for you. Though she leaves her self very open for questions and discussion.
Bertrum, used to such non-verbal communication, gets the silent dismissal and slowly turns to leave.
"I want to go back and try and help those wolf pups. They are stranded there without food next to those weird monsters."
Bertrum reads the expression of Greta. She seems busy, a bit curt, and very down to business. She also seems mostly worried about her own town, less so about outside of it. She semes to follow the letter of the law. Which in this case, is all councilmen should be present at the interrogation. You read her as being pretty stand up person, if not a bit stuffy.
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Kana steps forward as things are winding down and tries to catch the attention of Councilor Greta. "Excuse me councilor." she says. "If I may ask, I understand you are busy, but would the town object to us returning to the Citadel and aiding the goblins further? Their home has been invaded, and I know I would like to see about this 'dragon cult' some more. Bertrum it sounds like has his own plans to return as well. I would welcome his company."
Turning back to the group, Kana continues. "I would enjoy the company of the rest if you wish to join us."
Mosquito listens to all the important people, using important words and feeling important. The goblin rocks on his feet. He yawns. He scratches his left cheek. He scratches his right cheek. He scratches both...
Go back ta da castles? Wees bees goings nows?
Mosquito gives a thumbs up.
Bertrum yawns a little-bit and scratches one of the Dragon-ling's bites.
"We should rest first. Go at this early tomorrow?"
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Listening to the suggestions of the others, Vrolun smiles.
"That sounds like a good idea. Honest work, if nothing else."
She turnes towards the councilor with her hands clasped behind her back and her body straight. "Will you be alright with Calmont here?"
Vrolun ponders what to do until morning and decides she might as well go home and rest or meditate there. Before she does however, she invites the others.
"You are free to come rest at my house. It's a small place however, I'm not sure everyone would fit. But we'll make it work."
Obviously surprised at the gnome's generosity, Bertrum immediately but politely refuses.
"I'll stay at the Inn or wherever is cheapest in town. That way you will have more space for the others. I doubt I would fit comfortably there anyway."
"It would be nice to get those goblins back in their home, and the thought of going underground again is very nice"
Despite having her own home in town, she doesn't want to stay there and argue about goblins with her father, so she thanks Vrolun for the offer, but stays at the inn instead.
Before they go to bed she uses the alchemy kit that's been jangling on her hip as she walks around to whip up a concoction for Bertrum.
"A night cap Bertrum, what do you think? I've been working on the flavours"
She looks expectantly as he drinks it.
Mosquito frowns. The little-big goblin begins to kick dirt in a pouty kind of way.
But then the presents are distributed! Mosquito immediately bounces, laughs, and screeches with glee, as he is presented with a sweet-looking shortbow!
Mees bees da berriest happys! Yous bees da nicest ov peoples dat mees nev'rs mets!
The happy goblin (a tear falling down his green cheek) attempts to give the nice elf lady a hug. He then goes to the nice dwarf lady for hugs. Mosquito then does a circus-like cartwheel to the nicest of gnome ladys for a hug. He does a nifty little back flip towards the cool 1/2 orc; but, he stops just short and grins. Holding his little hand up, Mosquito laughs
Wees be da bestest of friends!
Mosquito plays with his new toys until he is called for dinner!
In response to Kana "Of course! You are free agents. You fulfilled the mission and are now Heroes. You can do what you wish."
"I believe we can handle Calmont. Our legal experts will follow the correct protocols to try to learn why he did what he did. Either way he is to be punished. Likely just set up in our jail for a good while. Though we will have to see what the whole council thinks, as it is not just my own decision."
As the group settles down for the night, they have a few choices on food and lodging. The Cayden's Keg is a nice Tavern/temple. Then there is the Pickled Ear, which is a bit more rowdy. Of course there is also the Wizard's Grace. All three are options for food, drink, and lodging. All of which are paid for this evening, because of the work you have done.
[ooc]I assume a nights rest then heading out in the morning? Is there anything you want to do before leaving? Buying thigns, talking to anyone? etc.
Pleased that Bertrum liked the elixir, Beryl makes a few notes about the recipe in her formula book before she retires. The next day she rises early and prepares her alchemical items for the day, goes to pick up a few crossbow bolts from Quarters as well as a nice repair kit she'd had her eye on at Bits but had been unable to afford, then looks in to see if Voz is back yet as she'd like to ask her about alchemical formulae. Finally she checks in on her father and lets him know she's going to be doing hero's business today.
She leaves beaming from ear to ear and meets up with the others before heading out.
When the little-big goblin realizes that he gets to eat, drink, and dance for free in each and every Tavern in the Longshanks town, Mosquito does just that until forced to go to bed.
When Beryl heads into the ship to buy the bolts and repair kit she is welcomed with yells of "Hero! You come for my wares!" excitment. When you go to buy the items, "Ah yes, you get the Adventurer’s Discount!"
As others get ready to tackle the day, you gather up. Some sleeping in a bit more than planned, others up and prepared for the day. Eventually you gather. A group of strangers now working together. Do you want to talk to anyone in town, or just head back up. If so, what do you want to do. There is quiet a bit of the building left unexplored. The goblins to talk to, etc.
Bertrum stops by the local butcher. They provide him a small leather wrapped package of scraps, ends, and bones. He refuses any payment on these as they would have been tossed anyway. Plus you are a hero!
Scowling a little at the term 'hero,' Bertrum nonetheless thanks the butcher easily.
Beryl is very pleased to be offered a discount, especially on the repair kit that she's had her eye on for a while and been unable to afford.
Other than her shopping she's ready to return to the castle. She'd like to check in with the goblins to see how they're getting on, to tell them Calmont has been handed over to the authorities, and ask their permission to look around and see about reclaiming their home.
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After a good night's sleep, Vrolun wakes and makes her way to the inn, where she expects most of her new companions to be. As she enters, she sees plenty of patrons enjoying breakfast. Some still drowsy or with a hangover from the night before. As she enters, she greets everyone inside hoping to get a reaction from her companions.
"Good morning everyone! Or it will be, I hope."
Mosquito is found in the morning; eating under a table.
Beryl heads back over to the bookstore to see if she can get a formula. Still looks cosed. No sign of Voz. Thinking through another option you head over to Quarters and Bits. A strange dual storefront, with general store on one side and weapons/armor on the other. All run by the same little smartly dressed halfling Crink. Running back and forth between both sides. Some of the basic formua are located there. Same discounted is provided by Crink.
After a bit of asking around, you find the Calmont's small house. Looks to have been gone through by the local law. You ask some neighbors, and little is known why he would do that. He kept to himself, and worked at the bookstore almost 16 hours a day. Though he was only working there for a few months.
Late the next morning, Mosquito can be found eating, drinking, and laughing loudly in the commonroom of the Wizard's Grace.