GOBLIN HORDE

Zenodor suggests that perhaps if someone had a spell to polymorph or disguise themselves to look similiar to the Natives? If they think the person approaching them may be a friend from another village, they may be more friendly than to total strangers (who, given our races and equipment, would look very odd indeed).

Additionally, Z floats the idea that if things get heated with the natives, he could cast Major Image to make it appear that the strange blue flowers the Natives were playing their instruments for are breaking through the ground in the centre of the village. At the very least, it would be highly distracting, but it might also allow us to see what the Natives do about these flowers/monsters. Are they revered/feared, allies or threats?

Randall:

”I think we should go in as ourselves, but carefully…starting with deception will engender distrust if we are discovered.  I like the idea about the plants if things go poorly, though,” suggests Randall.

”But your ideas have given me one as well.  Perhaps we make camp a bit away from their village if we see it in the distance, then roast a goodly portion of this boar…They may come to us, and I can cast Tongues on our spokesmen.  Sharing food and letting them approach in their own time may be the least threatening.” adds the cleric thoughtfully…

Randall:

”I am concerned this may be a prime location for an ambush.  Does anyone wish to stealthily approach the hill and see what it might hide from our view?” suggests Randall.

“I don’t know guys… I’d rather go around. The pools and the pit the plants came out of are just tweaking my danger sense.” Petcan eyes the rocks warily. 

Tempe "Yes those can be dangerous" He looks around for a friendly looking animal before continuing.

Good idea. Zenodor volunteers Irraxan for the task of scouting over the hill. He's tiny, stealthy ( +5 stealth), can polymorph into a bird to blend in, and can make himself invisible. (And if anything goes wrong, he can't truly be killed as he can just be resummoned at the next opportunity)

Irraxan will be invisible as his default option. Best for a stealthy scouting mission. He's also supposed to try to be stealthy (i.e. be quiet, don't land on a branch that will bend down, don't drop stuff, etc)

Tempe cast speak with animals as a ritual then asks the small white-crowned sparrow " We have no intentions of hurting you or your brood. Would you please help us avoid and dangers. To us?" He points to the group.

Tempe looks a little worried "Seems something large with tentacles from the sea, hunts here. Thats what the bird said."

Randall:

”Then we should definitely mark it on the map and take the longer route to avoid it for now.  Good work, Tempe,” responds Brother Randall, thankful for the wisdom and capabilities of his new companions.

"That doesn;t sound great indeed, I guess the long way around is the best way. Should we wait till Irrazan is back?"

I guess no news from the hill is good news. Zenodor recalls Irraxan by the usual trick (dismiss without range limit into pocket dimension, re-appear within 30ft as action). 

Zenodor, having read enough stories of heroes in his youth, recognises an ominous cave when he sees one. He suggests we tool up (prep, reload, cast any advance spells), and then explore the cave/building. Zenodor will cast Armor of Agathys near the entrance before the exploration starts, in anticipation of danger. He will also cast "Detect Magic" every 10 mins [at will, thus making it pretty much permanent until he does somethig else] while while exploring  - just in case there are some magic surprises/creatures/objects.

Zenodor will ask Irraxan to stay reasonably, close but ahead of the group - in the hope that he might provide advance warning of any creatures or ambushes. Irraxan, being an Imp, can of course see in darkness - even if there was magical darkness. [OOC: Familiars are crazy useful and very often underestimated]

OOC: Does everyone have Darkvision or equivalent? Then we wouldn't need to use torches which may give away our position and alert whatever is inside.

Also, I can't recall who, but isn't someone in the group permanently lit up? Which could be a problem if we're trying to be stealthy.

Randall:

Pulling out his glowing mace Lightbringer, Randall says, “I am not one for much stealth, and I require light to see my way.  Perhaps I can stay towards the back and let stealthier ones scout ahead”.

"I can be stealthy, but can't see in the dark so that will be a problem. Also, I'd like to imbue my weapon, but than it will shed bright light for 20ft. However, if someone has a way to give me darkvision I'll choose another imbue method."

Bow says; 

Tempe uses his first wild shape to summon his wildfire spirit in the shape of a fairy dragon. High and far enough away to cause no harm to his companions then it hovers close to him "Someone mention the need for light?"

Bow imbues his weapon with rite of dawn taking 2 and ensures all his clips are full.

"Zenodor it seems your imp is the only actual stealthy of us, including being able to see in the dark?"

Petcan nods. “I can either light your path a ways further,” conjuring dancing lights and sending them out ahead in a spread pattern. “Or I can scout ahead. I can see quite well in the dark. I’m not a professional talent like some, but I can manage.” 

Ok, given that Irraxan is the only stealthy member of the party, let's send the Imp ahead of the main party. Far enough that he could alert us to something he may spot before it/they/whatever spots our lights/flames/torches. Hopefully this way we can at least avoid any ambushes, and perhaps if we're lucky even get the drop on whatever is inside. Irraxan will of course turn himself invisible as usual to help with this.

Following the stealthy imp, will be a presumably well lit-up party unless someone has a clever idea? Z can see in the darkness (even magical), so he is happy to stay a few steps behind the main lit-up party to try and not get hit by the inevitable ambush / hail-of-arrows / whatever.

Randall:

Smiling, Randall pulls out Lightbringer and wills its striking head into a soft yellow light.  He offers to add light to someone else’s item if they are interested, then prepares to explore the cave.