Helba looks to Cev. "Not hurt, big one is saving from slitting throat. " She accepts the dagger with a bit of reverence. In goblin culture, handing another goblin a weapon, or even just an especially pointy tool, was the ultimate sign of trust. She nods once, slowly. "Friends.
She turns her attention to Dario. "Dogs is running away and not helping when monkey frog people came. Bad dogs. We are not sads."
Explaining to the group, she continues. "The invaders is coming from below and chasing us outs. We are running from dragon dogs," she again points to the dead lizards to clarify she does, indeed, mean the grauladons, "and climbing higher and higher. One tried to climb stairs after us, stairs broke. Too heavy. But is caving in stairs to basement also. Is another way, a hidden way, ugly shortshank was right, but we are not going back down to where frogs and monkeys will be killing."
At Caiten's last question she shrugged. "Can all be staying with Warbal, maybes? This is all that is left," she gestured at the half dozen or so goblins. "Warbal is having big den?"
Pondering that question, "You know, I'm thinking Warbal will have to answer that question, Helba. I have no idea how big Warbal's den is." Tapping his chin in thought, "Okay, here's what we do. We first have to take Calmont back to town because we surely ain't keeping him with us. While we're there, we can ask Warbal if she has enough room for you all. Once we've done all that, we'll return here and rid the place of the monkey frogs." Joran then hears what he just said and a look of utter confusion overtakes him. Not daring to revisit that one, he mentally shakes it off and moves on. "How's that sound?" he asks them all.
"That seems reasonable to me. Do you by chance have a plan for the Wargs too? Because I don't."
Joran turns to Caiten and thinks on that a moment. "You know... I don't. Being puppies maybe they won't be taken too seriously but I just don't know." He then looks over to the druid, "Lisi? What do you think, buddy? They're your pups. They really seem to like you a lot."
"Rocco and Shadow need more time with us before they can be in Breachill proper," says Lisitsei. "I can camp with them a little ways out of town.
He produces Warbal's hat and the goblin mask. [b]"Calmont's confession--maybe we can find the parchment he used--and the mask as well--should be enough for Breachill's authorities to hold him until there is a trial. We can all present testimony, as can the goblins."
He gives the hat to Helba. "We're still sorry about the goblin dogs. Here is Warbal's hat for you to hold on to until we see her again."
Lisi turns to Joran again.
"Er...does anyone know what they mean by monkey frogs?"
"Monkey people and frog people," Helba tried to clarify. "Some of each not both together.". She nods he thanks at the hat, and in affirmation of Joran's suggestion.
"Rocco and Shadow need more time with us before they can be in Breachill proper," says Lisitsei. "I can camp with them a little ways out of town.
"In that case, why don't we have the Goblins come with us as well. If they cannot stay in town, they can camp outside of town as well. I don't like the idea of leaving the Goblins here in the Citadel with little protection from the monsters and enemies that have been appearing."
"Also, does anyone else find it strange that the monsters have been showing up inside of an abandoned fortress? I would expect that beasts and even abberations that are migrating across the countryside would not end up congregating at one particular location."
"Perhaps they are coming through the 'Elf Gate'", says Lisi.
"Isger is not a natural habitat for monkeys. We have frogs, but not batrachian humanoids, unlike warmer climes, as we are further North. The exception being, of course, the warm water currents that allow boggards in the Mushfens of Varisia...ah, I've strayed from the topic, haven't I. Ahem. Elf-Gates, probably from somewhere else in Golarion."
"So this Elf Gate that Calmont was raving about is currently active and uncontrolled."
"Linear growth initially... possibly fighting among each other... The stronger would either breed or guide others - depending on their intelligence... At that point it would increase to either geometric or exponential growth..."
"Let's take these Goblins and the young Wargs back to Breachill immediately. We will need to inform the town council that eight friendly Goblins and two Warg puppies will shortly be the least of their problems. Then we need to return here, find, and either destroy or gain control of this Elf Gate."
"I'm sorry - the what now? What the hell is an elf gate?”
Yasamina seems lost in the discussion, but the mention of a gate under the fort definitely piques her interest.
Elf gates, called aiudara in Elvish, were created by an elf hero named Candlaron the Sculptor, thousands of years ago. Many of them have fallen into disrepair and do not work anymore. They are fairly rare these days. Alseta is the name of the the elven goddess of doorways.
In addition to the above, you know that elf gates require some form of key to open, usually a specific magical item of some kind.
Alseta's Ring, legend has it, was the first of the elf gates built, and was said to be a hub with six gates in one place. No one knows where it is...
"I'm sorry - the what now? What the hell is an elf gate?”
Yasamina seems lost in the discussion, but the mention of a gate under the fort definitely piques her interest.
"There are several of them according to Calmont. You can walk into one and pop to another one. I mean I guess it's that simple I don't really know for sure. Odds are - like Lisi just said - these creatures that are tormenting our goblin friends are using them to pop here. Now, whether that's on purpose or by accident... who knows? There's one buried in the citadel somewhere, otherwise, Calmont here wouldn't have been hounding these goblins for its location. And with that being the case, that's something we can hopefully find out from them after we turn in Calmont. I don't want to talk about its possible location with him around."
Yasamina sights, and massages her brow for a while. She looks back at the others. "I don't recall mentions of exotic animals around Breachill in the recent past. And animals don't just start suddenly wandering into ... well, I don't know how it looks like, but it probably doesn't resemble a feeding rack. This is probably an orchestrated effort, and I'm not sure I like it."
"That's also a worrying thought Yasami."
"But let's begin with what we know about currently and can take care of in short order. Joran, if you are wanting to bind Calmont, let's do that now. His continued freedom is making me nervous."
Caiten turns and speaks to Helba. "I think the final decision for you should be yours. We will speak to the Breachill town council on your behalf to get you a place to stay in town. Alternatively we will help you set up camp outside the city. However, you may also insist on staying here in the Citadel - though I do not recommend that. But the choice is yours. Let us know what you decide."
"Let's take these Goblins and the young Wargs back to Breachill immediately. We will need to inform the town council that eight friendly Goblins and two Warg puppies will shortly be the least of their problems. Then we need to return here, find, and either destroy or gain control of this Elf Gate."
"I honestly think they'll be okay, Caiten. We won't be gone that long. At the most a day. And I think that's a good idea, Caiten! Yes, Helba, do you wish to remain here and wait like I mentioned earlier or do you wish to come with us? You're the fearless leader of the Bumblebrashers so I think it's absolutely appropriate to let you decide," he says, grinning.
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Lisitsei nods in agreement with Caiten and Yasami. "If this really is an Elf-Gate, then I would think that animals would not blithely walk through it--it probably 'smells' of magic. We don't know if this is a one-way trip, or if they are sending sorties for reconnaissance before something bigger--I think Isger has had enough of invasions for a thousand years."
"Caiten, if there's an Elf-Gate receiving humanoids on this end, it will also be guarded. It's the equivalent of a very convenient, but also easily blocked, mountain pass. Break one Gate and that is that. ...Of course, they are probably difficult to break."
"Team, pardon me for needing to collect my thoughts. This is some incredibly ancient Elven history we are dealing with."
"Elf gates, called Aiudara in Elvish, were created by an elf hero named Candlaron the Sculptor, thousands of years ago, many of them using crystals blessed by my forebears in the Order of Yuelral. Most of them have fallen into disrepair and do not work anymore. They are fairly rare these days. Alseta is the name of the the Elven goddess of doorways."
"Important to note, since we have speculated about beasts "using" the gates, that is not how they work; the gates require some form of key to open, usually a specific magical item of some kind. So an animal by itself cannot activate a gate."
Helba spoke in hushed tones with the others, showing them Warbal's hat and the dagger. After a moment she turned and addressed the group. "We can be coming with. Maybe camping, maybe to town, depending on Warbal's wants."
Trying to put it all together, "Okay, so with that being said, what you're possibly saying, Cev, is somebody or something is using one gate to zap other creatures to the gate in the Citadel? And if Lisi is right and these Elf Gates are guarded, that would mean somebody - or, again, something - is probably guarding the one in the Citadel. Is that what you're getting at? Am I at least somewhere close to getting the gist of all this?" he asks, finding himself a bit anxious at the potential reality of the situation. If that's what they're saying, or even if it's anywhere NEAR true, Breachill could be in big trouble. BIG trouble. That's just a dam waiting to bust and flood the whole town.
Trying to put it all together, "Okay, so with that being said, what you're possibly saying, Cev, is somebody or something is using one gate to zap other creatures to the gate in the Citadel? And if Lisi is right and these Elf Gates are guarded, that would mean somebody - or, again, something - is probably guarding the one in the Citadel. Is that what you're getting at? Am I at least somewhere close to getting the gist of all this?" he asks, finding himself a bit anxious at the potential reality of the situation. If that's what they're saying, or even if it's anywhere NEAR true, Breachill could be in big trouble. BIG trouble. That's just a dam waiting to bust and flood the whole town.
"That is completely correct ... and I left out the part about it being unfortunate that said guards did not have the opportunity to kill Calmont for us. But I am polite like that. Sometimes."
Helba spoke in hushed tones with the others, showing them Warbal's hat and the dagger. After a moment she turned and addressed the group. "We can be coming with. Maybe camping, maybe to town, depending on Warbal's wants."
Joran looks over to Helba and grins. "Excellent! Grab your gear, my goblin friends, we'll be leaving soon. That reminds me: I gotta remember to pick mine up before we head back."
"That is completely correct ... and I left out the part about it being unfortunate that said guards did not have the opportunity to kill Calmont for us. But I am polite like that. Sometimes."
Turning his attention back to the healer, Joran sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Well that's... bad. This thing is right next to Breachill and nobody knew anything about it?! I can't believe nobody knew nothing! This is... this is crazy. I gotta let 'em know. I have to let Breachill know. We have to find this gate and, I don't know, destroy it? Turn if off? What are we suppose to do with it? This is just nuts. I can't believe this type of thing is so close to town. If they can get monkey frogs here, who knows what else they can get?!" he says in what's close to a panic, oblivious to the fact he said 'monkey frogs' again, as the barbarian's concern for the town is obviously consuming him.
He immediately steps outside the tower and gathers his things. Once gathered he returns back inside the tower. "Okay. Let's move. I'm ready to go. Time to go. Man this is bad. This is real bad. Really really bad." Joran stands there in deep thought, shaking his head over and over as he ponders the worst. Eventually snapping out of it, he cuts his eyes over at Calmont and remembers their objective. Pulling out his rope, "Hey, who's good with a rope? I can't say I'm any type of professional with one. If no one is good at tying things I can just carry him back. Either me or Oren. Doesn't matter to me. Whatever it takes. Anyone?" he asks, holding out the rope.
"Joran, if you would hold this one still for a minute, I'll get him tied up." Caiten ties up Calmont.
"Does anyone have any more important news before we leave? Or any objections to the current plans to return to Breachill with the Goblins and the Wargs? The Wargs will be set up outside of town and the Goblins we will speak with Warbal and the town council about."
"Joran, if you would hold this one still for a minute, I'll get him tied up." Caiten ties up Calmont.
"Does anyone have any more important news before we leave? Or any objections to the current plans to return to Breachill with the Goblins and the Wargs? The Wargs will be set up outside of town and the Goblins we will speak with Warbal and the town council about."
Nodding, "Yeah yeah, I can do that." Joran then proceeds to do so.
Helba spoke in hushed tones with the others, showing them Warbal's hat and the dagger. After a moment she turned and addressed the group. "We can be coming with. Maybe camping, maybe to town, depending on Warbal's wants."Joran looks over to Helba and grins. "Excellent! Grab your gear, my goblin friends, we'll be leaving soon. That reminds me: I gotta remember to pick mine up before we head back."
"That is completely correct ... and I left out the part about it being unfortunate that said guards did not have the opportunity to kill Calmont for us. But I am polite like that. Sometimes."Turning his attention back to the healer, Joran sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Well that's... bad. This thing is right next to Breachill and nobody knew anything about it?! I can't believe nobody knew nothing! This is... this is crazy. I gotta let 'em know. I have to let Breachill know. We have to find this gate and, I don't know, destroy it? Turn if off? What are we suppose to do with it? This is just nuts. I can't believe this type of thing is so close to town. If they can get monkey frogs here, who knows what else they can get?!" he says in what's close to a panic, oblivious to the fact he said 'monkey frogs' again, as the barbarian's concern for the town is obviously consuming him. [/b]...
"To be clear friend Joran, it might be a little worse than you think. It isn't that noone knew about the gate, it's that the wrong people knew, and, to be honest KNOW: there are people who know about the Ring right now ..."
The cleric smiles at the man
"Had you seen a lot of "dragon dogs" here around Breachill before today? These forests have a lot of lizards crawling around? I will guess that you have not. This isn't that kind of climate. We should be VERY concerned about who is using the gate, and where they are from."
"To be clear friend Joran, it might be a little worse than you think. It isn't that no one knew about the gate, it's that the wrong people knew, and, to be honest KNOW: there are people who know about the Ring right now ..."
The cleric smiles at the man
"Had you seen a lot of "dragon dogs" here around Breachill before today? These forests have a lot of lizards crawling around? I will guess that you have not. This isn't that kind of climate. We should be VERY concerned about who is using the gate, and where they are from."
Pondering that, "You know, that's a good point," he says, shaking a finger, "a very good point indeed. I've not seen any of the dragon dogs. So with that...," he starts before pausing, trying to put it all together, yet, finding it difficult. "I'm guessing what we need to do is find this gate and figure out who/whatever is using it, and why they're using it, and shut it down. Or whatever we need to do with it, I'm guessing." He then thinks on it a bit more, "You know, you don't think we may very well have to shut them ALL down, do you?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. But then it hits him what he just asked and he busts out laughing at the magnitude and the absurdity of such a question. "Oh man that was a crazy question, wasn't it?! Man o man that, that was, yeah not good," he admits, crossing his arms and stroking his chin with his left hand while shaking his head. "Never mind about that one. That's, that's pretty insane I gotta admit. That even sounded crazy to me. Yeah, well, now that we got this guy tied up we should get going. We've got a lot to do." He returns back to pondering it all before thinking to himself, Crazy, Joran, you're crazy. That's WAAAAAAY beyond your paygrade buddy. Way beyond. Man Trinil was right: You really are an oaf.
"Busting through ideas like doors today Joran ... and maybe not the craziest idea either. The gates are a beautiful relic of ancient Elven Wizardry, and I would have to argue very very much against harming them."
"That said, controlling them is a different thing. A different thing entirely. So if you told me you thought this group, the Protectors of Alseta's Ring, should find all the keys and make sure no one else can get them so that Breachill is always safe, that would be a VERY different thing. If that were proposed, I might have to borrow a chapter from Joran's book and ask, "when do we get started?"
Oren picks up Calmont and lugs him over his shoulder like a sack. "Break free of those ropes and I'll forget Joran's promise to not knock you out."
Then he responds to Joran. "Yes. First, we take Calmont back to town so that he can face justice and we can claim our reward. And also maybe take a bath, because this place is disgusting. Then we can investigate this gate and the people using it."
"Busting through ideas like doors today Joran ... and maybe not the craziest idea either. The gates are a beautiful relic of ancient Elven Wizardry, and I would have to argue very very much against harming them."
"That said, controlling them is a different thing. A different thing entirely. So if you told me you thought this group, the Protectors of Alseta's Ring, should find all the keys and make sure no one else can get them so that Breachill is always safe, that would be a VERY different thing. If that were proposed, I might have to borrow a chapter from Joran's book and ask, "when do we get started?"
Raising an eyebrow, "Finding all the keys, huh? Then only we could use them, or, prevent others from using them ever again. Now THAT sounds more doable than destroying them all. I would have to wager that would probably be a difficult task - destroying them all that is. Not that finding all these keys is going to be easy, but, it does sound easier than having to bash things that may not be... bashable? Is that a word?" he asks, shrugging. "Anyway, I like it. I like that plan better. It still sounds like a heck of a tough assignment but whatever it takes to protect Breachill, I'll do it," he states adamantly, nodding.
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Oren picks up Calmont and lugs him over his shoulder like a sack. "Break free of those ropes and I'll forget Joran's promise to not knock you out."
Turning and noticing his fellow barbarian grabbing hold of the "sack of potatoes", Joran moves over to him. "I can only control him for so long, Calmont. He's like an ENRAGED mama Owlbear that just had it's babies taken right in front of her when he gets mad. It's not pretty, let me tell you," he shoots a wink to Oren. "I'd highly recommend not trying to break free. But, however you wish for that to play out is up to you, pal," he says, giving Oren a friendly slap on the shoulder and another wink.
Then he responds to Joran. "Yes. First, we take Calmont back to town so that he can face justice and we can claim our reward. And also maybe take a bath, because this place is disgusting. Then we can investigate this gate and the people using it."
He then takes a whiff of himself and cringes a little. "Whoa. Yeah, you know, that might not be a bad idea. I think a bath might do me some good. Especially after that dragon dog breathed on me."
Looking to the others, "Are we ready? I'm with Oren on this one. Let's take this guy back to town and get a bath," he says. He then hears how that sounds and chuckles. "Okay okay, not all together. Yeah I know, that sounded weird. We all go to our separate places and take our own separate baths. I figure I should be clear on that due to a certain someone," he says, grinning as he cuts his vision over to Caiten and giving a wink.
"I have heard of public baths. I am not aware of any in Breachill, but they may exist. But no, I don't have much desire to bathe with company. Though bathing would be nice."
Caiten gathers Sulee and heads down the stairs. As he passes Calmont: "To be clear, I still think it is a better idea to render him unconscious for transport."
"I have heard of public baths. I am not aware of any in Breachill, but they may exist. But no, I don't have much desire to bathe with company. Though bathing would be nice."
Caiten gathers Sulee and heads down the stairs. As he passes Calmont: "To be clear, I still think it is a better idea to render him unconscious for transport."
"Caiten, I need to be so perfectly clear: the entire Order of Yuelral agrees with you. In fact, the Order would probably like to make sure that Calmont was damaged a little in the "gaining unconsciousness" process. For the moment though, that might not be prudent. There might be more information inside him that we do not want to damage. Let's wait, okay?"
"Maybe when he is no longer useful to us we can petition the town council to let us hold an "unconsciousness" ceremony as part of his punishment!"
"If the information Calmont gives is even accurate or trustworthy. Breachill has been around long enough, and so were the Hellknights. If neither have a reference to 'Alseta's Ring', I'd be surprised. There are books here, though; we can look briefly on the way out and then return."
He looks to the goblins. "Helba, how long do you need to prepare before we leave for Breachill?"
"Taking separate baths...what a waste of water..." Dario mutters to himself, thinking of the public baths back in Dongun Hold. "If the runt gets loose, I'll shoot him. Aim for a kneecap or something easy like that." He says, holstering his weapons. "We heading back to town now and will clear it out later?"
"Taking separate baths...what a waste of water..." Dario mutters to himself, thinking of the public baths back in Dongun Hold. "If the runt gets loose, I'll shoot him. Aim for a kneecap or something easy like that." He says, holstering his weapons. "We heading back to town now and will clear it out later?"
Cev laughs at the gunslinger's possibly non-joke
"On my honour as a priest, I swear to Command him to hold still ... right before you shoot him."
Yasmaina creeps back to Joran. With pincers, threaded needle, and some bandages. "Ready for stitches?"
After she pulls out the occasional tooth, she gets to work with her sewing kit.
"Joran, I understand it might hurt, but if you value your dangly bits, I suggest you stop moving and twitching."
She looks at her work, but doesn't seem happy with the result.
"We'll fix it later. When we're not in a hurry, okay?"
"We heading back to town now and will clear it out later?"
"I believe that will be for the best. We need to alert the town council at the very least. Dario, will you take a forward position with me while we leave? You can check for any dangers on the doorways or floors, and Sulee and I will keep lookout for anything moving." Once everyone is ready, Sulee and I head down to the courtyard, past the dead grauladon, and into the citadel.
"Why don't we just rapple down the wall?", Yasamina looks over the ledge to estimate the height.
"Oh, I would so watch that. Would be terrifying to actually do though."
Calmont sighs in a sulking manner at all the threats. He checks the ropes a bit, subtly, not trying to get free -- he had no intentions of doing that while the guy as big as Joran had his big tree trunk arm around him -- but testing them from a professional standpoint.
Damn. The weird guy tied a decent knot. Course, it was also hard to concentrate with blood still dripped from his throbbing, busted nose. What crime had he committed? He'd just read some magic off the thing he found at Voz's, and the creatures had done all the damage. Clearly not enough, at that, since the point was to keep these people away from his find, and here they were interfering. Goblins weren't really people so not like threatening them was bad.
His cheeks still stung from the slaps, and now here were these 'heroes' talking about knocking him out cold, or holding him still while the ugly guy shoots him. "I shoulda set a bigger fire, he muttered under his breath. Nothing ever went his way.
Helba stepped forward at Lisi's question. "Bumblebrashers is ready to be going now. Not having anything to carry, had to runs fastly from invaders. Food all gone, weapons down there," she pointed at the courtyard ground. "Tried scaring dragon dogs by throwing. It not working."
"I would be more in favor of rappelling down if I had both of my arms free."
Yasmaina creeps back to Joran. With pincers, threaded needle, and some bandages. "Ready for stitches?"
"You know...," he starts, a perturbed look forming but vanishing equally as fast. "Fine. But no more tricks!" he warns, acting as if there's solidity behind said warning. Which everyone knows there's not.
After she pulls out the occasional tooth, she gets to work with her sewing kit.
"Joran, I understand it might hurt, but if you value your dangly bits, I suggest you stop moving and twitching."
She looks at her work, but doesn't seem happy with the result.
"We'll fix it later. When we're not in a hurry, okay?"
Joran looking quite concerned at her warning, fights through the pain to remain perfectly still from now on.
"No, it's good. Much better. Thanks, Yasamina. Much better than that faulty potion I drank," he nods.
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"Taking separate baths...what a waste of water..." Dario mutters to himself, thinking of the public baths back in Dongun Hold. "If the runt gets loose, I'll shoot him. Aim for a kneecap or something easy like that." He says, holstering his weapons. "We heading back to town now and will clear it out later?"
"Sounds good to me too. The quicker we get back to town and our business taken care of there, the quicker we get back here."
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"Why don't we just rapple down the wall?", Yasamina looks over the ledge to estimate the height.
Looking down a moment, he looks back to Yasami. "Yeah we could do that. As long as no one slips and falls." He then looks back down again. "Boy that could hurt," he says matter of factly.
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Helba stepped forward at Lisi's question. "Bumblebrashers is ready to be going now. Not having anything to carry, had to runs fastly from invaders. Food all gone, weapons down there," she pointed at the courtyard ground. "Tried scaring dragon dogs by throwing. It not working."
"Tried throwing things at it, did ya? Well, that's, um, a nice try! Yeah a nice try. Hey, whatever you gotta do, right?" The barbarian can be seen shaking his head at the thought of it all and bearing a slight grin.
"I would be more in favor of rappelling down if I had both of my arms free."
He then turns to Oren, "Yeah he's got a point. Long way it is. But whoever wants to rappel can. Just be careful. Alright, let's roll."
"I'm not dangling warg pups down a castle wall," says Lisi. "And Helba, did you kill that one 'dragon dog' by collapsing part of the tower? That was a good strategy."
Lisi whistles for the 'dogs', er, wargs. "You can help me find food for the goblins as we walk," he says. "It will be a fun hunt."
"Hey, Caiten! What do you say we just go back the way we came just to be on the safe side, buddy? At least this way, if we run into something, Oren won't have to use Calmont as a club and start beating things with him. Probably not the best way to bring him back alive," he says jokingly, shrugging.
Caiten turns and looks at Oren making his way along while carrying the Halfling and considers things for a second or two. "There is no guarantee that the rooms that we have been through already are still empty. But I do see your point. We might reconsider sending an advance group to check our forward path as well."
"Dibs!"
After taking a look over the wall, Yasamina seems to be looking towards Breachill, and in thought. When you speak of a trail-re-blazer for the way back, she draws her blade, shouts to volunteer, and immediately moves back towards the southern wall of the courtyard.
"Don't scare all the game," calls out Lisitsei.
"All right, Rocco, Shadow, this is called tracking. I can find spoor and scat; you can find scent. Use your eyes and see what I see. Do not rush the prey. We will not run them down as dogs or wargs do; we set up a trap and spring, like that of a great cat."
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Yasamina is already in the tunnel south of the main courtyard. A faint response can be heard from the doorway. "There will be enough game in the elf gaaaaateeee..."
Helba replies to Lisi's question. "No, Bumblebrashers only thinking of running, and dragon dog was chasings, but steps was old and weak and is breaking under heavy beast. Is blocking easy stairs down, but is another way behind fortress, hidden in woods."
Calmont, teeth gritted, growls "Could you not have just told me that when I asked you over an hour ago!"
Helba gave a little hmmph. "Ugly shortshank was not asking where, was demanding Bumblebrashers take. We not going back down where invaders is being, or they be killing more Bumblebrashers."
The pups get a case of the zoomies at Lisi's mention of going hunting. "First hunt?!" Rocco cried excitedly. "Finding prey!" Shadow agreed. She paused. "Whats great cat?"
The party made their way back to the rope dangling from the broken stairs, sliding down it easily enough.
Yasami began to scout ahead, and confirmed that the hallway continued around the courtyard as expected, with no sign of trouble between you and the room where you fought the goblin dogs.
Caiten approaches Joran. "I hope you don't mind if I ask you a question. I have been pondering this since we encountered Calmont. Why do you seem so hesitant to kill him? Since we have arrived at the Citadel we have killed ten creatures and seriously injured two others. For most of them their crime was that they expected that their next meal would be us. The giant bat was probably just defending its home. Now, I don't think that defending ourselves was a mistake. But it is confusing to me that this Halfling with much more intelligence, greater crimes, and whose only believable motivation is rampant greed is given more consideration. I feel that I am failing to properly understand something. Possibly something important."
"I will, of course, continue to forbear from killing him currently. The town council and you have both requested that, and I will respect your wishes. Especially since I currently don't fully understand the motivations behind it."