@Zenodor

"There aren't many gangs of ruffians like that in Laurentiis, I think it's a result of the siege. I don't think the goblins can gain entry but there are others who are beginning to believe otherwise the longer the siege lasts. More and more shops close every week that this awful siege lasts."

@Randall

As the pair run off they can be heard shouting in the distance, "Praise be to Lathander! Bless Lathander!" You don't for a minute that they converted that fast but rather they are hoping to prevent pursuit or further conflict.

Pepin looks at the thugs and shrugs

"They should have run as soon as they saw us."

"My thanks for the timely assistance. I am known as Marigold. It looks like I might have to travel with bodyguards from now on, at least until this siege ends."

She regains her footing and helps gather and clean the spilled fruit placing it back into her basket.

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

"My thanks for the timely assistance. I am known as Marigold. It looks like I might have to travel with bodyguards from now on, at least until this siege ends."

She regains her footing and helps gather and clean the spilled fruit placing it back into her basket.

 "You are very welcome. If these ruffians cause any more problems, please let us know and we would be more than happy to have another word with them" Z says, with a wink.

He then hurries the group on to meet withe city's leaders to discuss the situation and recent events.

After parting ways with the elvish lady in distress, and making contact with someone who can direct you to the general (going through some red tape etc.), you end up meeting in the inn. A few tables have been pushed together to serve as a makeshift temporary command center. Similar to your meeting before, General Teschar, his aide Planders, and several bodyguards are present.

General Teschar, "What news? We witnessed some explosions of fire over several goblin camps. It's good to see you survived. I take it that means whatever transpired was a success?"

Pepin walks in at the back and stays there while letting the others do the talking.

"We bring tales of heroic deeds, of worrying developments, and of an unusual plan.

Let me start at the beginning. After we left the city, we approached the Goblin camps and scouted their forces. We found that they are ruled by King Moocus, who does not appear well liked. And that the footsoldiers are terrified of whatever creature lives in the large black tents in the bigger camps - tents which many goblins entered but which only Moocus would ever leave alive. We attacked and destroyed some of these tents to try to root out whatever lives inside. And after the first few empty tents, we found what lived inside ..."

Z pauses for dramatic effect

"... A huge Black Dragon. There was a swift and brutal fight, during which we had to use all our might and guile to prevail, but we slew the foul Dragon."

Z pulls out some of the trophies they recovered from the Dragons corpse to illustrate. After a pause to let this sink in, he continues 

"We do not know if the Dragon was controlling Moocus, or if the Dragon was controlled by a greater force. And we do not know if it was the only dragon, or if there are more. This makes the siege ever more dangerous. But we have a plan to address the issue of the horde. 

We have captured a Goblin and have convinced him to help us. Of course, we also used magic and a Geas to ensure that no betrayal is possible. What we propose is this: we are going to help this harmless goblin, who works for us, to challenge Moocus and take over the Kingship of the Goblin Horde. If we succeed, we have a puppet at the head of their army and can make the Goblins withdraw. But even if we fail, the struggle and in-fighting should dramatically weaken their forces and allow us to try to force them to lift the siege. We may still have to deal with the dragons, if there are more, or with whoever was behind this - but at least without the Horde the siege would be lifted and Laurtentiis saved."

Everyone in the room is surprised by the news of the black dragon and it's demise at your hands. Even General Teschar who has seen many formidable things in his day.

"Blanders, get a bottle from the top shelf. We should at least toast this fortuitous occasion."

After Blanders pours a shot for everyone and General Teschar makes a toast, "To the Heroes of Laurentiis!"

"Hmm, I like this plan you concocted with the goblin, like you say it is a win/win for us. Either the new goblin king you install will lift the siege or the resulting chaos at the top of their chain of command right on the heels of the death of the dragon will help us."

After taking another shot, "The only thing that worries me now is who, or what was controlling the black dragon?"

Z gratefully accepts the offered drink and drinks the two shots of liquor with the toast. Constitution: 13

Quote from Touschka_ >>

Z gratefully accepts the offered drink and drinks the two shots of liquor with the toast. Constitution: 11

 With a happy warmth spreading in his tummy, and feeling just slightly light-headed, he responds to General Teschar:
"We thank you. Most kind of you."

"We share your concern about there being some larger driving force behind the Dragon, or Dragons. But we have noticed that the citizens are suffering and losing heart, so let us first deal with the immediate problem of the Horde besieging the gates of your fair city, before we venture further into the mysteries of who or what is behind this all."

Pepin takes the drink and joins the toast

Tempe raises his glass then drinks "I do not know what power could control a dragon." He shakes his head.

Randall:

”We were granted divine aid in defeating the dragon, so I would be inclined to attempt to repay that debt if there is time before the ploy to usurp the goblin king,” says Randall, “Though I agree we should also keep up the pressure to break the siege.  How long will it be before we are ready to challenge King Moocus?”

"When you're ready to deal with this... King Moocus, let us know and in the meantime I'll get our best diviners to seek answers to what force could control black dragons."

He takes one last shot and rises to leave, "I can meet again tomorrow or even later today if you deem it necessary, but I have things to see to now that we know it's just not a large contingent of goblins."

(Unless there's anything else he takes his leave with a few pleasantries. His aide Blanders and bodyguards following on his heels.)

Zenodor suggests to the group that they head back to their lodgings to regroup, rest, and make their plans.

(I.e. long rest, gather the party back into 1)

Randall:

Looking at Zenodor, Randall says, “Agreed,” and prepares to find his rest.

Once everyone gets back and there's someone to watch our goblin, Petcan will take his dragon parts off to see about having them made into fancy lute and strings. 

Petcan begins exploring the city looking for a shop that manufactures musical instruments.

After criss-crossing several streets you find one that is unfortunately closed.

(@Petcan: give me a Perception check please.)

Quote from nschrock >>

Once everyone gets back and there's someone to watch our goblin, Petcan will take his dragon parts off to see about having them made into fancy lute and strings. 

 Zenodor is happy to swap to stay behind with Scrud while Petcan is out, and will use his time to learn more about Skrud and the Goblins' history, so will spend his time talking to him about what it was like in the Goblin villages, what their homelands were like, etc.

Delzira in the meantime can tend to equipment and meals, while Irraxan gets a well-deserves break.

After the encounter with the thugs, Pepin doesn't think its a good idea to wander alone; he'll thus join Petcan in his search.