Parsifal whispers to Ceru, "The boast makes the common folk feel better and safer... and besides, it would be folly to march into the middle of the goblin encampment and fight them all at once. We'll try to grab them in small groups..." He then smiles wickedly and winks, "And besides, I'm rather certain most goblins have two ears..
Ceru grins widely, and whispers back. "I see, of course! Your poker face is getting much better."
Anen nods slowly, eyeing the man cautiously.
I suppose you might call us adventurers, ser. You might also call us concerned citizens, though. We're merely a group of friends who wish to see Sandpoint do well and live free of the threat of the malicious Licktoads. I, in turn, will assume that you are also bound for the marsh? You and your companions seem much more...seasoned than we are.
Ceru interjects, poking her head out from behind Anen. "And have you been to the marsh before?"
Arther laughs. He flexes his shoulders slightly. "Seasoned, eh? Yeah, we probably are. And no, we're headed to Roderic's Cove. Sandpoint's a nice and quiet place for a day's respite. We haven't been to the marsh, no," he adds to Ceru when she pokes her head out.
He starts reaching for something on his back; a difficult task by the looks of it. "I, ah, actually had something for you. Consider it a gift, from seasoned adventurers to fledglings."
Eventually the female elf plucks the object off of his back. It is a leather scroll case, which she gives to Anen. "Map," she says curtly.
"Aye, a map of the Hinterlands. Maps tend to be useful - and if you don't need it, well, it's a detailed map, I'm sure you could get a good amount of coin for it." [i]Arther laughs again, a hearty chuckle.[/b]
Kili starts excitedly shifting from foot to foot, "Oooh, a map you say? I love them! But, why would you give it to us? Don't you need it for your own journey to Roderic's Cove? Or, is that even farther?"
Anen smiles brightly, laughs at Arther's joke, and drops into another curtsey.
Thank you, Ser Arther and companions. You honor us with your courtesy. May Shelyn and all the Gods smaile upon your generosity.
She turns, promptly handing the map to Kili for safekeeping, and then turns back to Arther.
And now, I fear our paths must diverge. We are off to the marsh. Mayhap we will meet again, and can share an ale or two.
She reaches her hand out to shake with the adventurer.
"Are there any others heading into the Marsh? We'll have to be careful either way."
Jasper shoulders his pack into a more comfortable position in preparation for the march ahead.
Ceru tries to think if she has heard any rumors about Roderic's Cove.
Parsifal smiles and says, "A very fine gift, Arter. I thank you, and as Anen suggested, we would be more than happy to repay you with a few mugs of ale, stout or cider upon our return... Perhaps one of each, if our hunt is lucky."
Parsifal turns toward the gate and adjusts his traveling cloak. Seeing the crowd is still watching, he says, "Come friends, let us go while the light still favours us -- we have ears to collect and wagers to win."
Arther laughs at Kili's innocent remark. "As I said, an initiation gift. Roderic's Cove is well north-east of here, beyond Churlwood and Fogscar mountains, so we won't need a map of the Hinterlands. It's a fitting gift, if I can say so myself."
Arther smiles at Anen's courtesy, and he grasps her slender hand to shake; his hands are big, burly and hairy. "Aye, might be we'll meet again. I know I can hope."
From what you can see, there are no other well-equipped folks in the crowd nearby. Arther and his companions all leave the city gates, having mounted their steeds, and they are soon out of sight...
Roderic's Cove is a town situated just north of Churlwood. It is known to being a more peaceful alternative for nervous merchant ships who wish to avoid the dreaded Riddleport. It was founded by emigrants from Magnimar, lead by Ser Roderic, a notorious privateer. Ten years ago, pirates brought the town under their control...
Ceru waits until the other group have ridden well and long through the city gates, and the party is getting ready to head off.
"That's rather fascinating, you know, that our new friends are going to Roderic's Cove. It's known to be a pirate town. I wonder what business they should have there?"
"Let us hope they are hunting pirates and not joining them."
I wonder if they are working for Sandru. He has many fired irons. No, irons in the fire.
Jasper sighs heavily and shakes his head before looking to the others for indication they are ready.
As the others ride off, Thaddeus offers a prayer after them, "Thank you for the gift. May Iomedae guide and protect you in your travels!"
Looking at the others, seeking the sign of departure the others exhibit when they are ready to go, he quips "Well, it appears that a wager is unnecessary, as we look to be the only ones heading out after the menace." He tightens the straps of his pack to rest easier on his shoulders and avoid chafing.
Kili accepts the map from Anen, excitement nearly bursting out, "Oh, thank you Anen. I'll take great care of it." She carefully places the map in her satchel, taking care to make sure none of her sprites snatch it and fly off.
As Arther and his companions ride off, she calls out to them, "Good luck in the North. And, thanks for the map!" That sounds so exciting. I hope I get to see the Churlwood and the mountains someday.
Upon hearing Thaddeus's assessment of a lack of competitors, Kili looks around for herself. Upon failing to see anyone else she sighs and slumps a little. "Too bad. A race would have been such fun. But, I suppose this is serious business. I would be tempted to start a competition among ourselves, but I fear my talents lie more with helping the rest of you than killing them myself."
She shoulders her satchel, ready to head out with the rest.
"Oh, I suppose I should mention...if we do get ourselves into a hairy spot...I do have one little problem. You might have trouble understanding me and I might have trouble understanding you unless you happen to speak fey...um...dark fey."
Seeing everybody ready, Jasper begins leading the group to the Marsh.
"That is an interesting problem Kili. Where did you learn to speak Dark Fey? Since I do not speak that language I would like to know what to expect from you in combat."
As Jasper heads out the gate, Thaddeus calls ahead to him, addressing the others as well, "I assume we will adopt patrol posture? Either line or wedge? Jasper, I imagine will scout as normal, Parsifal and I will shoulder the next rank as the little ones take the rank after, and Anen on rear guard?" He suggests, offering also, "Or as a line, it will go Parsifal, Ceru, Anen, Kili, then myself? If you would rather take a different position we should discuss it. I am just assuming we would take standard patrol protocols, and cover down for those without militia experience."
The road past the gates of Sandpoint stretches a far distance before it splits; the open plains of the hinterlands are a marvel to behold, and you can see the path south to the Brinestump Marsh without difficulties as it crooks around the small mountainous chain that has no name. You have barely made your first step of your adventure when a figure comes riding towards the city of Sandpoint, astride a familiar steed.
"Well, well, I didn't expect to find you leaving Sandpoint. What's the occasion?" Shalelu is smiling as brightly as she always does, reining her steed in front of you. "Or could it be...? They reinstated the goblin bounty?"
Thaddeus responds softly, blushing as he does so, "Yes, Milady, you are most wise in your observations. They have reinstated the bounty. I myself am here for the benefit of the good of the city." He beams with pride, before looking away, not meeting her eyes.
*I should be shamed for letting my pride speaks boasts for me, that is not how I will get her attentions.*
Hearing Jasper as we start to head out, Kili replies, "It's strange, I'm not really sure. It happened when I was younger. One day, I was playing with my friends in the Sanos. I was trying to hide behind a waterfall and instead emerged into a strange land that I know think was probably the First World. It didn't happen at first, but I found when I got stressed out, all of a sudden I spoke in a language that no one else knew and I could no longer understand them. Eventually, I learned from one of the elders that it was the language of the dark fey. But, I know no more."
As Thaddeus discusses the strategy of formations, Kili listens intently, "Wow, that makes complete sense. I've never heard of such a thing before as thinking how and where we walk. I have no idea if a line or this wedge thing is the best, but I think you have me in the right spot."
Spotting Shalelu, she cries, "Hurray! Shalelu, it's been so long since I've seen you. I was hoping to see you in town at The Rusty Dragon, but this is even better. You don't have any idea why the goblins lick toads do you?"
As Jasper heads out the gate, Thaddeus calls ahead to him, addressing the others as well, "I assume we will adopt patrol posture? Either line or wedge? Jasper, I imagine will scout as normal, Parsifal and I will shoulder the next rank as the little ones take the rank after, and Anen on rear guard?" He suggests, offering also, "Or as a line, it will go Parsifal, Ceru, Anen, Kili, then myself? If you would rather take a different position we should discuss it. I am just assuming we would take standard patrol protocols, and cover down for those without militia experience."
I should prefer the rear guard, yes. So, the first suggestion. If that's alright with everyone else?
As Shalelu appears on the horizon, Anen smiles brightly.
Greetings, Shalelu! she calls from the back of the group's formation, jumping up and down and waving to be seen over the men at the front.
Jasper bows to Shalelu.
"They have put a bounty on goblins. We are headed to Brinestump Marsh using what field craft you were able to hammer into my limited mind. Have you been there recently, have you seen these Licktoads?"
Sandru's wager was for ears, not how easily we would find them.
Parisfal nods at Thaddeus' suggestion, "The road is wide enough that a wedge is possible, I think it better than walking single file." He then takes up his position in the group, checking the straps on his shield and smiling. Ending a goblin threat before it begins... Perhaps this is why Abadar called me home..
...
Parsifal cannot hide his grin when Shalelu rides toward the group. She moves with such grace... and has such fine timing
He smiles and mock-salutes her in greeting, and then responds cheerily, "Indeed they have -- and, what's more, they've placed a reward for bringing in the Chief of the Licktoads. Ameiko and Sandru suggested we should take them up on that -- and most of us thought it a good idea - although I think more from a desire to head off any increase in goblin activity to avoid another... troubled time... than for the actual reward itself."
"It's good to see you all again. I'd join you but I have quite a lot of business to tend to in Sandpoint. No, Kili, I haven't a clue why they lick toads. Though... I do know the marshes. Do you happen to have a map?"
She leaps down from her mount with exceptional grace, nodding to you all in turn.
Kili excitedly pulls the satchel off her shoulder. "Oh Shalelu, I do have a map. A group of kind adventurers on their way to Roderic's Cove gave it to us."
Kili rummages around in her satchel, you see odd bulges comes and go and hear her whispering forcefully..."Stop it. This is important. I need that map." After what seems like an inordinately long time to search around in her small yellow bag, you see her triumphantly pull out the map case. She opens it and pulls out the map unrolling it to show Shalelu. In her excitement, you see the map case fall toward the path, then suddenly fly off to fall nearly ten feet away beyond Anen.
She wheels toward where the map case has fallen, stamps her foot, and firmly commands, "I said, stop it." She turns back to Shalelu, "I'm sorry Shalelu. You know how they are. I just wish they would listen to me all the time. What are you going to show us?"
As Jasper heads out the gate, Thaddeus calls ahead to him, addressing the others as well, "I assume we will adopt patrol posture? Either line or wedge? Jasper, I imagine will scout as normal, Parsifal and I will shoulder the next rank as the little ones take the rank after, and Anen on rear guard?" He suggests, offering also, "Or as a line, it will go Parsifal, Ceru, Anen, Kili, then myself? If you would rather take a different position we should discuss it. I am just assuming we would take standard patrol protocols, and cover down for those without militia experience."
"That sounds alright to me. I've been told I do have sharp eyes when I pay attention so I should be close to the front."
Hearing Jasper as we start to head out, Kili replies, "It's strange, I'm not really sure. It happened when I was younger. One day, I was playing with my friends in the Sanos. I was trying to hide behind a waterfall and instead emerged into a strange land that I know think was probably the First World. It didn't happen at first, but I found when I got stressed out, all of a sudden I spoke in a language that no one else knew and I could no longer understand them. Eventually, I learned from one of the elders that it was the language of the dark fey. But, I know no more."
"What a fascinating story, Kili, I should like to hear more of it sometime," Ceru says, with some weight and concern to her words, wondering at what might have happened to the poor girl when she was younger. "I can say while I am sadly not gifted with magic, I do know a simple cantrip to understand other languages. I wouldn't be able to answer in kind but I could understand you, I think."
Ceru waves and bows to Shalelu, waiting to hear what she has to say.
"Adventurers? I did see several folks headed east... let's see, this is a good map, I must say. I don't know if anyone told you, but the marsh is dangerous. It slows you down. As for what I wanted to show you..."
She points at three spots on the map. "There are three trails. This one here is the new fishing trail. It leads directly to Proudstump's shack. Proudstump is a halfling, a... what was his title again? 'Self-appointed warden of Brinestump marsh!'" Shalelu seems mildly amused. "Met him once or twice, good enough fellow."
"This right here is the old fishing trail, might be the one you want to visit. It leads right into Licktoad village. On the other hand, I'd also advice against running headfirst into the lion's den. Even if it has an ugly face and broken teeth." She stops for a second, tilting her head slightly with a puzzled expression. She shakes her head and continues.
"Down here you have a third trail. It's called the Witch's Walk. I've only been at the mouth of it, though I know it is there. Rumour has that it leads to the shack of a witch or a hag. I don't know how true these rumours are, though."
"Lastly, you see this part here?" She trails a finger along part of the southern edge. "These are cliffs towering some 30-40 feet above the marshes. If you want to get a lay of the land before you head into it, might be you want to take a moment to get a view."
Shalelu is smiling as she hands the map back to Kili.
Looking up again into her face, his cheeks flush red as he responds, "Most noble lady, your knowledge and expertise have proven most useful. We thank you greatly for your service to Sandpoint, and to the aid you offer us even now. You are a beacon of good in darker times." He bows low and formally to Shalelu.
Jasper follows Shalelu as she traces out options on the map. Smiling at Thaddeus, he nods at Shalelu. "Your help has been invaluable, and this map is indeed a blessing. Thankfully Anen was able to impress it out of the other group."
Thinking over the options outlined by Shalelu, Jasper crosses his arms and bows his head. After a few seconds, he stands up straight again and speaks.
"I would say that this witch or hag should be avoided for now, she isn't central to our task. I would like to either climb the cliffs and see what the land holds, or visit Proudstump and see if he has any advice to offer us. Taking the fishing trail into the village should be our last option, even with the fading light. Goblins may be individually weak but they have cunning and strength in numbers."
Jasper takes a breath and steps back, waiting for the others to react and embarrassed to have spoken so much.
Thaddeus nods at Jasper's assesment, "I agree. The hag or witch is none of our concern, as we have heard of no threat from her. I think it would be best to go the overlook first. If we can get sight of the goblin encampment we could plan a strong tactical move, and then head to the home of this Proudstump. Maybe he can give us some insight to the terrain around their lair."
Aye, the cliff seems our best bet. Thank you, Shalelu, for mentioning it. Shall we be off?
Anen is clearly restless, dancing around Kili and Ceru anxiously.
"Thank you Shalelu. That's very helpful," says Kili and then dashes off past Anen to retrieve the map case. She scoops it back up and puts the map inside, stowing it again in her satchel.
While retrieving the map case, Kili listens to the suggestions, "I'm definitely in agreement with the cliff first. We should see what we can and I think several of us see well in the twilight ahead."
Before preparing to head out, she turns back to Shalelu, "By chance, is there any other advice for us or anything you need from the swamp or Licktoads? We'd love to help you out with making the Hinterlands safe."
The smile on Shalelu's face shifts into a more serious frown when Kili asks for help. She rubs her chin and sets to gaze to the sky for a few moments. "I'll be honest with you, I prefer others get to know how difficult life can be on their own... I can appreciate your sentiment, though."
She turns to look at all of you, gauging you carefully. "It isn't ill meant, but I had to fight for what I know with blood and toil. I feel you would have to do the same to appreciate the life of a warrior, of a defender. Having said that..."
"Goblins are sadistic of nature. They revel in the misery and misfortune of others. Their hatred also runs deep... they loathe gnomes. So I wish for you two to be very careful," she looks at Kili and Ceru with stern eyes. "Lastly, they have great love of fire-"
"This is a rarity. You dispensing advice, Shalelu?"
Major Kendra Deverin approaches you. She has a faint smile on her lips, though her eyes do not display the same joy. "So it's true, you're heading out for bounty hunting right away? I didn't expect it to be such a ... joyous occasion, to be frank with you, though I shouldn't complain. The town's livelier than ever."
"Do you know why we reinstated the bounty?" She doesn't wait for a reply. "The goblins have grown braver as of late. They have been harrassing travellers and merchants alike. We've had no reports of deaths yet, but it is a growing nuisance. The source of their bravery... they seem to have acquired a large quantity of fireworks. Pyrotechnics. As Shalelu said before I so rudely interrupted you, goblins are fond of fire. No doubt the ... 'power' of fireworks is giving them an unrivalled boost morale."
"I do not wish to mourn your loss. Please be cautious and return alive, goblin ears be damned."
"Shalelu, when you are done, we await you in the town hall." The mayor bows her head to you all before she takes off again.
Ceru nods at Shalelu. "Rest assured, Miss Shalelu, I have no great love of goblins either, nor of being burned for their sport."
She listens as the Major arrives. "That does make them more dangerous... but if we find their stash, we could perhaps turn it to our advantage..."
Ceru is starting to fidget, perhaps a side-effect of Anen dancing about her, although she needs no help being impatient. "Anything else or shall we be off?"
Kili grows serious upon hearing Shalelu's words and listens intently as the mayor arrives and speaks. "Very well then. I have no love of the goblins either. My last encounter with one was not pleasant, but I hope to be better prepared now and your words are welcome."
She listens to Ceru, "I like your thought. It sounds like even recovering or destroying the fireworks would deliver a blow. I'm ready to go."
The smile on Shalelu's face shifts into a more serious frown when Kili asks for help. She rubs her chin and sets to gaze to the sky for a few moments. "I'll be honest with you, I prefer others get to know how difficult life can be on their own... I can appreciate your sentiment, though."
She turns to look at all of you, gauging you carefully. "It isn't ill meant, but I had to fight for what I know with blood and toil. I feel you would have to do the same to appreciate the life of a warrior, of a defender. Having said that..."
At this, Thaddeus responds, "You are most correct, fair lady, no amount of study or practice compares to that of practical application. Only by doing for oneself does one truly learn."
To the Mayor he bows before replying, "Yes, Lord Mayor Deverin, to reduce the threat that the malicious creatures may present with their mischief is a hearty boon that we may provide for our community. It is with great pleasure that I do what is within my power to safeguard our walls."
Parsifal nods at Shalelu's advice and guidance. She truly is as wise as she is beautiful...
He then sets his mind back to business, "I concur, I think that we should climb and gain whatever tactical knowledge we can, and then seek aid we can from Proudstump."
"I'll be honest with you, I prefer others get to know how difficult life can be on their own... I can appreciate your sentiment, though.... It isn't ill meant, but I had to fight for what I know with blood and toil. I feel you would have to do the same to appreciate the life of a warrior, of a defender. "
Parsifal nods and adds soberly, "And to earn the right to call ourselves such as well."
Parsifal then bows his head to the Mayor and says, "Considering the troubles these loathsome beasts have inflicted in the past, I think it is wise to be prudent... Though I do admit I am surprised that a group that loves fire so would have the... discipline... to use fireworks without, shall we say, solving the problem for us explosively..."
His eyes narrow slighly as he says, "Of course, if we can find where they are and set them all off ourselves, it would not only do some severe damage, it would also make a wonderful distraction..."
He then laughs and winks at his companions, "...and who knows? Maybe it'll entertain the folk back in Sandpoint as well."
"Good advice from both of you. We must be careful, and also brutal. The goblins will give us no quarter, we should do the same."
Hopefully we get there before full dark, or the advantage will shift from us.
"Should we make for the cliff now?"
"Sounds like you got it covered. I'll be on my way then, as should you. Good luck." She gives you a smile and a bow before she heads into the town of Sandpoint...
The road ahead offers a pleasant walk. You walk south past the Pyre and the Cougar Creek, following the main road for an hour when you finally arrive at the Ashen Moor, Brinestump Marsh in plain sight. The first fishing trail that Shalelu spoke of is quite visible, a pathway that leads straight into the overgrowth, through a soft path. You can't see the cliffs Shalelu mentioned from here, the marsh and its growth and trees obstructing your view - though a little further ahead, the road starts to elevate.
As you carry on, you eventually come to another pathway into the marsh - the old fishing trail Shalelu mentioned. It looks less used than the new trail. The main road is starting to elevate, and the cliffs are in plain sight.
It has been another half hour since you entered the Ashen Moors and, just as quickly, departed, yet the view of the marsh is spectacular. You can barely see the ocean over the thicket of oaks, cypresses and willows that cast a leafy blanket over the swamp. Seeing anything else underneath proves to be exceptionally difficult. The rivers are impossible to spot, and if there are any buildings, you aren't sure where they could be found...
Jasper rubs at his bald head and scans the marsh below. Although there is sweat beading on his forehead he does not appear winded from the journey so far.
"I have thought about this during our walk Parsifal, and while it would be entertaining to light all of their fireworks at once, I worry about the danger to ourselves as well. We have worked together in the militia, but this group has never worked together before. I would hate for us to become as confused at the goblins."
Thaddeus adopts his regular patrol posture, one hand at the ready on the hilt of his sword, a prayer to Iomedae ready on his lips. Though he normally relies on the eyes and ears of the scouts, given the heightened threat of their venture, he keeps a closer watch. Periodically, he looks back at the two little ones, paying close attention to their well-being after Shalelu's warning of the goblin hatred for them. He nods at Jasper's comment.
*Very wise suggestion, we don't know what kind of damage these fireworks could do if all set off at once.*
Ceru stays on the alert--even if her version of "alert" is look here and there and everywhere with a look of near distraction.
Parsifal nods at Jasper's comment and responds, "To my mind, we would do so from a safe distance.... or at least ensure we get to a safe distance before the fun begins, shall we say? Of course, it was just a thought -- we won't even know if it's possible until we get a better idea of what's going on."
Anen waves to the mayor and Shalelu as they depart, and then settles into watching the rear of the formation, her eyes narrowing as she looks as far off into the distance as she can. She is uncharacteristically silent.
While the swamp is an overgrown mess of vegetation, you somehow manage to spot two significant areas - buildings - through the tangle thanks to Persifal's keen eyes. You aren't quite sure what building is which, though through Shalelu's explanation, one spot seems to fit the location of the Licktoad village, and the other one ... could possibly be the witch of the marsh's hut?
Jasper stands on the hill, watching the sun go down and gauging the time. Blinded by the light, he fails to spot the buildings until they are pointed out to him.
"Well done Parsifal. You've the eyes of a hawk!"
Rubbing his chin while absentmindedly flexing his other hand, he contemplates the swamp below.
"I don't see the halfling's hut from here, but that trail clearly leads to it. Does our plan remain unchanged? Parsifal can you tell how many goblins might live in the village, based on it's size?"
Kili peers at the locations that Parsifal has pointed out. "I don't see a reason to change our plans. Can anyone see anything going on down there besides those buildings? Otherwise, I agree that we head to see Proudstump next to see what he knows."
Thaddeus peers in vain down at the site pointed out as the goblin home, seeing nothing noteworthy, he shakes his head and replies, "When we get a good idea of what can be seen, by those with better eyesight than I bring to the table, I see no reason we shouldn't continue our plans."
Squatting on his haunches, he begins to scribble in the dirt, "Remember our formation, Kili and Ceru, since you are unfamiliar I will instruct that in a wedge the key is to maintain a safe distance, but be close enough to regroup if needed. So, try to maintain a distance of five to ten feet between the rank in front and the one beside, as the trail allows. This will enable any of us to dive into cover if needed, on either side of the path." When he's done he has drawn two parallel lines, most likely a road, with four dots that look like the pips on a die, and a dot to the front and one to the back. The front and back are an equal distance from the others, as the others are from each other. As he indicated by pointing as he drew them, these forward and back ones are Jasper and Anen.
He adds afterwards, "You guys are doing great, I just wanted to take the opportunity to share some of what we have learned within the militia. Normally, the single member in the rear guard would be two, but as we have an equal number of members, we maintain the single rear guard." He stands and dusts his hands off, straightening his tabard and adjusting his sword belt. Like always, making sure he maintains his proper appearance.
Jasper smiles at Thaddeus' neatness.
"Ah Thadd, only you could trek through a swamp and come out smelling of roses." He gently ribs the other man.
"I will take lead again of course. If we are all ready, let's go to see this halfling swamp guardian."
Jasper boldy leads the way, confident of the companions at his back. His eyes are scanning the swamp constantly, searching for any unseen foes or obstacles to their travel. Pointing out any dangers or hazards to his less capable friends behind him, he keeps a steady pace and trusts Thadd to call a halt if necessary.
Just like in training. No instructors or experienced hands to watch over us this time though.
The walk back to the first trail is a short one, though the sun is already turning up on the great blue sky. It is well past midday. When you find the pathway, you find that it is of crude construction. Bbranches and bushes, nettles and reeds, and other plants all obstruct your way forward.
You spend well over an hour making out the trail, crossing three makeshift bridges along the way. The pathway curls around bushes and great oaks, with thorny, prickly plants all around. A soft fog is creeping in from the river, and after having crossed the third bridge, you swear you saw something slithering...
You eventually come to a muddy trail, which leads up to a swampy lagoon. The open ocean is visible just beyond these shallow waters, while an old two-story building, its walls soggy with moss and its roof sagging with age, sits on the lagoon’s eastern shore. No doubt this is Warden Proudstump's home...
"I only saw the one real structure, I imagine the chief lives there. Sadly, that probably means the area is surrounded with other goblins and that the fireworks are within, which may disrupt our plan -- but who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and be able to sneak in, somehow."
Parsifal says, "Someone living out here might be very worried about the quality of visitors. We might want to call attention to ourselves rather than walking up and setting off whatever welcome he may have left for goblins."
He raises his voice and calls out loudly in Common, "Warden? Warden? May we approach, we've come from Sandpoint."
As Parsifal hails the ramshackle house, Thaddeus readies his hand on his sword hilt, and peers into the foliage and mire around them. He tries to spot any signs of activity to the sides of them that may have been stirred up by the man's call.
He whispers to Parsifal, "Good idea, we would not want to appear to be lurking up on this reclusive man, he may see it as a threat."
Jasper joins Thaddeus in scanning the grounds, looking for recent tracks and signs of habitation.
"Hopefully the Warden is home, his insight will prove useful when attacking the goblins. I wonder if the goblins have the organization to patrol their camp. If they do then we could perhaps set up an ambush for them."
Jasper tenses, his mind racing as his thoughts turn to ambushes and training in the past.
If they have already noticed us then this would be the perfect opportunity for an ambush.