Dominic looks to the downed ratlike, doglike creatures. Hey, don't touch them with your bare hands, they can cause an allergic reaction in you. Use gloves, or a stick, or something else to move them away. Dominic considers going to attempt to retrieve his crossbow bolts from the goblin dogs, but then thinks better of it and leaves them in its corpse.
Akatsu didn't know any better and was ready to start inspecting the creatures for anything useful when he was stopped by Dominic's warning. The monk looked at his own sledgehammer, a little dirty from the goblin dogs' blood, and made a disgusted face. He then moved to a nearby tree and scratched it against the trunk, crudely "cleaning" it.
Stay on the lookout, my friends. - he finally said, moving his head around - We should press our steps. These things probably weren't alone here, and we did quite a bit of noise. Anyone hurt?
"They did not manage to get past my shield or armor, luckily."
Dargu wipes his gladius off and sheathes it, then retrieves his javelin and longsword.
"Might as well just tip the corpses off into the trees. There are plenty of bugs and other scavengers that should strip them easily enough."
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"I'm fine. Didn't even touch them," Radjiik answers a little awkwardly, making up for his relative uselessness in the battle by nudging the dogs away from the road with the sole of his boots. He wipes them conscientiously on a rock to get rid of the blood; he'd clean them more thoroughly when they stopped for the night, but this would do.
With Dominic's warning regarding the dander, Akatsu and Dargu began to crudely clean the goblin dogs' blood off their weapons. With Dargu's instruction to push the corpses into the boggy wetland on the side of the trail; the section thickly set with tall reeds and gnarled trees, Radjiik used the sole of his boots to carefully move the bloodied goblin dogs into the wet earth, watching as they began to slip down into the muddy water. The Shoanti rogue kicked dirt over the blood on the trail to stop scavengers being drawn by the scent of death. He then cleaned his boots across the river stones and on the long, curving grasses at the sides of the trail, hoping to spend more time cleaning them once they settled in for the night, back at their makeshift camp.
Returning to the clearing and the abandoned deer and grouse meat they were preparing before the creatures came upon them, two of males finished the cleaning and disposing of the offal and inedible parts of the game animals and two continued to keep watch, scouring the surrounds for encroaching threats. None could be seen or heard. A fire was started in the small constructed pit and the meat was placed on long thin branches and cooked over it.
The sun dropped lower in the sky, changing its colours and gently muting the landscape. The light would remain for two more hours gauging by the sun's current position, although shadowed clouds had already begun to gather across the once clear blue expanse. The heat had started to ease and the chirping of the swamp bugs and croaking of frogs, coming from a little ways down the trail, grew in pitch and frequency. The reeds swayed and rustled a little from the growing breeze; the sound was soothing after the events of the afternoon.
As the meat finished cooking and was cut and apportioned among the four males (with spare meat left to continue to slowly cook/keep warm on the spit), Akatsu noticed a lone figure in the distance, walking toward them on the main road. The figure appeared male - tallish in stature, dark golden curls bobbing under a jaunty feathered hat. He seemed cheery as he strolled, humming a traditional Varisian tune, gauging by the melody wafting on the breeze. The form and stride of the man seemed familiar to Akatsu; as did the melody upon the man's lips.
Stay on your guard... - Akatsu said to his companions, pulling a little ahead and drawing his sledge as he stepped to approach the figure.
Greetings! - he finally yelled, focusing to see if he could discern the stranger - Who goes there?
What, huh? Dominic looks about, oblivious to the approaching stranger as he'd been focused on cooking the dinner they'd brought down.
He casts about, looking for his crossbow, realizing its too far away, and cautiously puts his hand on his starknife, hoping it isn't trouble.
Rasvan, lost in his musings, gives a start at the shout, but immediately recognizes the voice.
"Akatsu, don't scare people like that! And I know damn well you could tell it was me. It's not like I was being sneaky or anything. Sherriff Balor sent me to find you and help after those two women returned to the town. By the way, what did you do to chase them away?"
Rasvan trots up to the small camp.
Hah! Rasvan. I should have known! The Sheriff wants to kill us. - says Akatsu, smiling and lowering his weapon - It's a friend, mates. - the monk finally completes towards his companions.
As he approaches, Akatsu greets him.
I take that Ameiko's fine? - he finally asks, worried about his sister - As for our companions that left for town... One of them is a sibling of our friend Dargu here. As for the other... Well, you know about my monk votes!
He laughs for moments, before updating the bard on their goblin chase and the encounter with the halfling and its copycat creature.
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It doesn't take long for Radjiik to pick on the Varisian tune, though it has been quite a long time since he last heard one of these distinctive meldoes. It brings back memories of campfires, guitars and songs and laughs, and something like a dull ache, the kind that you can mostly overlook until the wrong move makes it smart. He doesn't yet know whether he should be relieved or apprehensive that he will have to travel with the man and his songs.
"Are Zyren and Flori OK?" he inquires, while Akatsu gives the newcomer a summary of what happened to them.
Oh hi there Rasvan! Pull up a stump, we've just about got some dinner going here... Dominic adjusts his seat to create more room around the campfire.
Tell us, what'd we miss in Sandpoint since what, yesterday? Dominic laughs. You shoulda seen that skin ripper thing, it was fairly disgusting.
"Yeah, they arrived just fine, no problems." Rasvan responds to the query of the well-being of the two departed women.
"So, I see you have done some fighting, what next? Are we going into that swamp?"
"As for what we did, well, little sis got whalloped but good by a monster with a changing face and lost her taste for adventuring I guess. Zyren went back to watch over her, and Flori must've talked her into staying back in town. So long as they're safe, that's what matters."
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With the arrival of the Varisian bard known to be close friend to Ameiko, particulars were exchanged and room was made for him around the campfire. The fresh roasted meat was shared and the group chatted and then readied themselves for the rainy night ahead - setting up watches and taking turns resting/sleeping. The night passed without incident - the rain started as soon as dusk gave way to night and continued steadily as the group sheltered as best as they could in a makeshift lean-to between two large canopied trees. The fire was banked, yet provided some light and heat to those on watch (who also kept the leafy branch cover over the pit so that falling rain could not put out the burning embers). The haunting sounds of the night creatures occasionally broke the silence of the surrounds; yet nothing ventured close to the men camped overnight in the clearing.
The dawn was shrouded in gauzy fog and eventually the familiar rain ceased and gave way a cloudy early morning. The Old Fish Trail was now wet and soggy; the mud slippery under foot. Some of the meat left over from the previous night was unwrapped from its cloth covering and cut and consumed cold. Ablution, prayer and preparations were undertaken and completed and what remained of the fire was extinguished. Most of the fog had lifted by this time, yet tendrils of mist remained across the wetland and trail.
===
Dominic rises and prays to Desna, rejuvenating his blessings of the Wanderer. Reverentially withdrawing his familial harrow deck he closes his eyes, shuffling the cards, before drawing one to determine his destiny for the day.
The Marriage:(Charisma) can be a union of people, ideas, kingdoms, or other distinct things. The progeny of the salamander and water weird shows that a union might bring forth new power from both parties, or it might be a ruinous joining of that which should never have been united. Once wedded, the two cannot be parted. This is the card of permanent change.
Ah, this one is obvious
Gather round companions, before we head deeper into the swamps this morn. I have consulted the future, and I see this as an opportunity for new friendship and companionship. This experience will bond us together forever in some way, forging alliances lasting beyond simply today. May Desna guide our steps into the marsh and let us see what we can explore this day. Welcome Rasvan, may Desna's blessings this day guide your feet. With that brief prayer and introspection the priest extends Desna's Blessing onto the party.
With that, Dominic picks up his crossbow and prepares to join the group in a deeper walk into the marsh...
",Thanks, Dom. I suppose we should head out, then. This tain is gonna make our walk a bit slippery and not fun, but hopefully it'll keep those gobbos inside their caves too."
Dargu takes up point, shield and javelin at the ready.
Akatsu performs his usual meditation before departing. Closed eyes, he reflects on his own hard life, the sins and the perpetual fight for balancing his most rebellious ways. If times might seem hard for the young monk, his take on life is one of joy and hope - purely happy to be alive.
He then mutters a prayer for the Mother of Souls, asking her to guide his ways; in his thoughts, death was natural and part of the cycle. Life was a gift he would enjoy and be grateful in each second, but if he was to perish at some point, Pharasma could have his soul and he'd embrace the afterlife with whatever it would present.
Let's then march, my friends. - he finally completes, after checking that they were all ready. He pulled his sledgehammer to keep it at hands, basically resting over his shoulders.
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"Marriage, then... In spite of his many years spent in a Varisian caravan, Radjiik had always been rather skeptical of card-reading. Not that he didn't believe in the power of Harrow -the Gods knew how the entire caravan had trembled on the day the fortune-teller had drawn The Fiend at the beginning of a day, and with good reason. He just thought that in the hundred of times someone had drawn cards, either for guidance or for their own entertainment, readings and interpretations were sometimes based more on wish fulfillment than genuine divination powers, and just because Niculaie liked to think that he had once Paid a beer to Caydean Cailean himself in a tavern didn't mean his "vision" hadn't something to do with his fondness for alcoholic beverages and dubious substances. Especially when it gave him an excuse to indulge in his "true calling" even more often.
Or perhaps the Shoanti was just reluctant to think about "union" and "friendship" when he wasn't accustomed yet to the sudden departure of Flori and Zyren.
Feeling bit moody, he nevertheless takes his place dutifully at the rear party.
"I suppose I need to be quiet, eh, Akatsu? This dismal place is just begging for a song." Rasvan asks somewhat disappointed.
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With Dargu leading and Radjiik protecting the rear, the males set down the Old Fish Trail, keeping to the centre and away from the edges and the soft, boggy ground/pools on either side of the winding five foot wide trail. Dargu keenly scanned the surrounds, however it was Radjiik from the back instructing the party where and how to move for his expert navigating and soundless movement. Akatsu kept his focus on the trail and the marshes, hoping to give his companions prompt warnings or helpful advice. Dominic and Rasvan followed the others' lead as best as they could along the wet, muddy trail.
Reaching a soggy wooden bridge over the present section of the Soggy River, Dargu tested the weathered boards covered in moss; noting the missing planks. The wood did not give under his weight and so he led the party steadily across; Dargu, Akatsu and Radjiik glanced over the sides/edges of the short bridge and could not see any predator lurking beneath or nearby.
Large, eager mosquitoes flew about the group; their whining loud enough to hear as they drew too near a face or ear. Rustling in the tall reeds and a splash in the small pools of water or creeks was noted; yet nothing flew out or up to attack the moving men. The lingering misty tendrils played along the trail and over the marshland.
For the four males who experienced the previous trail, this older trail was more overgrown and slippery making it easier to trip, slip or turn an ankle. There were a number of hazardous sections along the muddy path; yet with expert instruction from Radjiik, all the men stayed upright and escaped/travelled without incident.
The walk/trudge down the winding trail was both tedious and long - yet the end finally came into view within two hours from the starting point.
Fifteen feet before the party was a filthy village-fort surrounded by a crude wooden palisade sitting atop a low hummock of solid ground. The wooden gate in the north wall of the palisade lay in shambles on the ground; allowing someone a chance to peer inside the entrance. Nearby sat a large, algae-filled pool ; its northeastern side breaking the palisade and allowing a clearer view into the village's interior. This was certainly the Licktoad's village, however no goblins could be seen and only silence greeted them from the interior.
I thought this place was going to be full of goblins? Dominic asks, as he brings his crossbow up and loads it.
What do you think happened here? This is mildly unsettling. Could we say the goblin threat is neutralized and head back now? the priest asks nervously.
"They're cowardly little creatures, probably hiding in their warrens back in this wreck of a compound. Stay on guard."
Dargu approaches the opening in the wall, shield raised and javelin at the ready.
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You do not hear any sounds (signs of life) coming from the interior of the fort/village from your current position. You find it strange that the fort seems so still, empty and silent at this time of morning - as the sounds of the swamp around you continue on as normal. There isn't any smoke (physical sign of or smell of) on the air to suggest the goblins are active or even in the village.
You move to the pool of water at H2 on the map. You surmise it most likely provides the drinking water for the goblins and is currently filled with bright green algae. With your sight, you gauge the depth of the semi-murky water and put it at 10ft at its deepest point. Across the pool from where you're standing you can see what appears to be a rickety wooden pier projecting a few feet into the pool. Something catches your eye beyond the algae, at the bottom of the pool, something white and solid. Whatever it is, it isn't moving, just laying at the bottom of the pool. You draw nearer to the water - to see past the algae. Without any follow-up action at this time, you believe the objects to be bones of some kind.
You ponder the state of disrepair of the village. If indeed the Licktoad tribe lived here, then why was the village in such a horrible state? Looking through the opening that once housed a sturdy wooden gate, you notice a medium sized pit in the yard. There is wet mud all around it, possibly suggesting it may have been used as a pen to house an animal. You cannot see any animal now, though. Although, the pit does seem to be filled with something else - yet there is no movement from whatever it is.
You quickly scan the interior and from you can see/tell, the village buildings are connected by wooden walkways and stand five feet above the muddy ground on stilts.
You do not see any goblins in the yard and beyond the opening in the palisade. Everything is still, except the sounds of swamp around you.
Akatsu moves in with the others and speak in a low volume.
Oh yes, that's very much some sort of trap. Exactly what goblins would try. - as he completes, he holds the sledgehammer tighter in both hands, circling his head around towards the trees.
Radjiik - maybe one of us could sneak in for a better look?
Rasvan sees that the village appears deserted and just walks in the gate and calls out in Goblin, "Hellooo, Where are you?"
Turning to the others, he says, "If they're hiding, it means they're scared of us. Might as well try to talk to them first."
Seeing the reproachful looks of the others, Rasvan defensively says, "What? I'm just trying to be diplomatic?"
The enthusiasm behind the bard's words spoken in goblin echoed somewhat across the empty courtyard as he entered through the gate with little concern for stealth. Two egrets disturbed in their scavenging, squawked in surprise and flapping their great wings slowly drew up into the air and flew deeper into the reedy swamplands.
The goblin fort remained silent and still - no reply given to Rasvan's open words.
Standing closer to the medium sized pit, which was only a few feet from him, Rasvan noticed a most unpleasant smell coming from its direction - more displeasing than the usual goblin smells.
Dominic hesitantly stands up from where he was kneeling, providing cover for those who wanted to enter the goblin encampment unseen, Well, that's one way to skin a cat. and crosses to where Dargu stands, peering deeper into the 'fort'.
Should we all go in?The cleric asks his cousin.
Oh well! - says Akatsu, a smile in his face as he shrugs and moves in as well. He's obviously joyful with the happenings, but doesn't let his concerns skip from his mind as he curiously looks around.
"I mean, why not? If they're here they know we're coming, and there's no sense hanging out at the entrance. Just watch out for more pits or other traps, eh?"
Dargu carefully approaches the pit and looks down, scanning the rest of the area as he does.
Dominic shrugs and follows Dargu and the others into the seemingly abandoned goblin village. He keeps his crossbow raised, pointing it at the sky, as if a goblin would drop upon him from nowhere.
"See no one is here. Bones you say? Perhaps something bad befell this village. I mean Goblins are pests and can be dangerous, but really they are quite entertaining as well, you just need to control them some. Also, they keep down the more dangerous pests."
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There are no traps by the pit or in the courtyard.
Drawing nearer to the pit, you catch a strong, unpleasant odour - like burnt/charred meat.
Peering down into the pit, you can see a trough partially filled with what looks like the remains of pig slop; leaving you to believe this pit was once used as a pig pen by the goblins.
There is no pig in there now; only what appears to be the gruesome, partially-cremated bodies of a dozen goblins.
There is more than a bone or two in the murky pool of water.
For anyone trying to fish out the bones, they discover numerous bones - definitely more than one creature's worth. There are no bits of flesh, hair or skin on the bones (they are perfectly clean) and on closer inspection they appear to be human in shape and size.
These don't look like goblin bones, my friends. - says the monk, kneeling down near where Radjiik saw them and crudely fishing with nearby sticks - There are several here, more than one person... And likely human, by its shape and size. Very... Clean, no flesh or even hair.
He stands up, sternly continuing.
Apparently, whatever they were supposed... To keep down... - he shook his head towards Rasvan - ... maybe took them down first, together with several other victims. Have you guys heard of disappearances on the past months?
Peering at what Akatsu is talking about, Huh, those do look to be human. I have concerns that they are defleshed and de-greased, that's not normal. And no, I don't know of anyone disappearing recently...
Dominic looks concernedly at the Monk, I've got a bad feeling about this...
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Rasvan also tries to remember if he had heard any rumors about missing people or travelers.
"So whoever, or whatever killed these people also slew and burned all those gobbos? We should keep looking around, there's got to be some clues to what happened laying about."
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Several merchant caravans and travellers on the Lone Coast Road have been attacked by the pyrotechnic-wielding Licktoads - horses panicked, trading goods and trinkets raided, wagons broken/upturned. The last few attacks resulted in severe injuries to three unfortunate travellers however there have been no actual deaths. To keep these threat from escalating, Sandpoint's leaders put out the call for goblin exterminators and that's why you are here in the goblin village - to ensure the Licktoads don't escalate their chaos into true violence and murder.
You do recollect that a few local adventurer-volunteers have come to the notorious local wetland falls before you, looking for the Licktoads, however nothing has been heard of them three days since they entered Brinestump Marsh. Their disappearance is a mystery. The swamp is home to a variety of dangerous creatures and no one can say with any certainty it was the Licktoads who caused them true harm. For now, these three volunteers are considered "missing" or hopefully busy exploring the wetlands.
Several merchant caravans and travellers on the Lone Coast Road have been attacked by the pyrotechnic-wielding Licktoads - horses panicked, trading goods and trinkets raided, wagons broken/upturned. The last few attacks resulted in severe injuries to three unfortunate travellers however there have been no actual deaths. To keep these threat from escalating, Sandpoint's leaders put out the call for goblin exterminators and that's why you are here in the goblin village - to ensure the Licktoads don't escalate their chaos into true violence and murder.
You do recollect that a few local adventurer-volunteers have come to the notorious local wetland falls before you, looking for the Licktoads, however nothing has been heard of them three days since they entered Brinestump Marsh. Their disappearance is a mystery. The swamp is home to a variety of dangerous creatures and no one can say with any certainty it was the Licktoads who caused them true harm. For now, these three volunteers are considered "missing" or hopefully busy exploring the wetlands.
Old, local Sandpoint fishermen have told tales of Vorka, the ravenous cannibal gobliness living in Brinestump Marsh; who would like nothing better than a few tasty visitors. However, due to her peculiar culinary habits, it's been said that she is not very popular among the local Licktoad goblin tribe, although other tribes generally hold her in high regard.
Wait, they sent someone before us, and didn't tell us they hadn't come back?!? Dominic asks, incredulous about the amount of harm they've unwittingly placed themselves in.
Do you think this is them? gulping a little nervously Dominic continues, Well, I suppose we should look and see what we can find out? Be careful though, I'll stay in the back.
"I don't know, but it doesn't look good. Yeah, keep your eyes peeled, and make sure your weapons are ready to go. No telling what or who is still kicking around here."
Dargu keeps his javelin and shield up, moving around the pit and towards the 'tower' looking building (H4).
With that said, I do recall they told us something about a previous party that didn't return. It seems that we found their dark fate... - says the monk, weapon in hand, as he stealthily approaches the building Dargu pointed to start.
Dargu and Akatsu with weapns and alike in hand took lead as they moved toward the tower-like building joined to the first wooden walkway into the buildings of the goblin fort. Dominic remained in the rear, bow at the ready.
Akatu's footfalls were light and he moved with a certain practiced quietness through the muddy courtyard. Dargu's and Dominic's movements were not as discreet and the slosh of their boots in the wet mud could be heard.
The men moved to the short, wooden stairs leading up to the wooden walkway. Keenly surveying the bridge and buildings and seeing no sign of obvious threat, they climbed up and walked along the walkway to the closed door leading into the building they wished to investigate (H4).
Those with a keener eye for traps looked over the door and could not discern any mechanical traps. Akatsu carefully opened the door and he and Dargu slipped inside; Dominic following their lead in the rear.
The group had entered a ten-foot-square hut - very sparse in furnishing with only a few overturned wooden chairs and no goblins or bones. The hut had numerous small windows placed all around the walls, affording the goblins with excellent views of the surrounding area. You would suppose the purpose of this hut was as a watchtower for its excellent vantage, and, the other similar-looking structure/hut across the way - appeared to be identical from the outside, making you believe that that too was a watchtower in this goblin fort. There's another closed door in the back corner of the hut.
"Hey, wait for me." Rasvan says (in what he thinks is a whisper).
He runs up behind Agatsu and begins miming his stealthy movements. However, his actual stealth is somewhat ruined by his inability to not give a running commentary of their actions. But at least he is keeping a good eye out.
"Oh, so we are sneaking?" He continues in his too loud 'whisper'."
Agatsu, how do you step like that without making noise?"
"By the way, I think the goblins here may have fallen victim to Vorka. She eats her own kind and the Licktoads and her don't get along. Perhaps she finally tired of them."
"Ooh, a door to riches?" He says, indicating the door in the interior of the hut.