Randall:

”Perhaps we should circumnavigate the island before we decide on a place to put in and make the port.  We could check out the smoke plume at the same time,” suggests Randall.

Also, if we're going on a four-day trip, can we get an update from the Imp and its two-day trip to report on the siege/hordes/events?

Tempe says to the men "Does the Captain have a spyglass?"

@Zenodor

"The smoke likely means the island is habited and the captain figured you might be in trouble or at least could use a warning."

(your Imp familiar will report on the appropriate day of the journey, late tomorrow)

@Randall

Good idea but after all the passengers and supplies are off-loaded the ships are intended to make the return trip to gather more supplies, both for use by the refugees and to begin stocking the tradepost/waystation. Any delay could jeopardize the whole endeavor.

@Tempe

The captain does indeed have a spyglass but will only lend it for a quick look while in his presence. He is cautious, careful, and possessive of his spyglass (due to it's high expense).

"Captain Hagfish has a spyglass but never let's it out of his sight. You would think the thing is made of gold or something."

@All

This is meant as info concerning your inquiries not to nix anything you want to do. You have agency to try anything to change minds or ignore any consequences or even come up with other options. Even though this is PbP feel free to ropleplay and plan with each other to come up with solutions or alternatives to anything, either here or one the ooc thread.

"What do you guys think? Maybe leave them be for now? But be sure to be watching; we should watch all sides of the camp at least, and probably scout this island part by part to see if we encounter anything?"

I was wondering if there's ever a sequel to this campaign is it ok if I join because this campaign seems really interesting and fun. 

ooc: Throcks look here https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post?filter-prefix=8

IC:

Tempe nods "Thank you where is he?" When answered Tempe heads to the captain "I need to spy on something from afar while in the sky may I borrow your spyglass?"  He points towards the smoke.

Randall:

Hoping that their landing are will make a good port for the colonists, Randall asks the captain, “I understand you need to return to the mainland, but could you leave a ship’s boat so we can have some capability to maneuver around on the coast?”

To his companions, he says, “We will need to explore the coast and much of the interior of the island to make sure it is safe for the colonists.  Does anyone have cartography skills, or possibly sailing skills?  If the captain will allow us to keep a boat, it may make sense to explore the coast by water.”

While they are in the camp, Zenodor ponders and discusses the situation with the Captains, the leaders of the refugees, and the party.

After a while, he decides to clear his head and try to straighten out the events so far. He sits cross-legged on the ground, and gets out his pipe while thinking aloud:

"Much depends on the report of my familiar." [He mentally connects and checks in on the Imp; presumably still travelling]

"If the Goblin Horde has taken and occupied Laurentiis and not made any further attempt to follow us, then our duty is clear: After helping to scout and securing the island, we should travel back to the mainland to attempt to infiltrate and liberate the city, before striking back at whoever instigated this evil conquest.

If, however, the Goblin Horde has ignored Laurentiis and instead is making a pursuit of the refugees, then two things must be done: First, to help fortify the island, both beaches and the encampment. Secondly, to work out why these people are being followed. Perhaps by interviewing and searching the refugees to find people or items of note? Or perhaps by splitting them into 2 or more groups and seeing which one the Goblins continue to track. If we can find out who or what they are after, perhaps we can lure the Horde away - or even into a trap?"

@Tempe

The captain looks at Randall for a brief moment before reluctantly handing it over, "Just be very careful with it please! It was the last gift me dear departed wife gave me." He watches you with concern from the ground.

@Randall

The captain accedes to your request by immediately giving orders to nearby crewmen, "When the last of the supplies are ashore leave a boat for Brother Randall."

@Zenodor

Your familiar has made good time and will reach Laurentiis in just over 30 hours, so it turns out not even 2 days. From talking with the other party members you learn more info and are able to correct the narrative you are forming about what is going on.

1. The refugees (from now on will be referred to as the Colonists) were never a direct target of the Goblin Horde. The village of Garrum was in their path and the best course of action at the time was to flee to the safety of Laurentiis. The party helped them reach it safely.

2. You are right about the Goblin Horde though, something must be behind it as goblins don't gather in such large numbers. Individual tribes will raid villages and small towns. But the Goblin Horde is way more than can be accounted for normally.

3. The dangers that are almost constant are a result of this campaign style I wanted to try. There will be a lot of combat, this world is a dangerous place. It is also the reason I am using the 5 minute short rest/ 1 hour long rest rules. (Always wanted to try them out.)

4. Upon reaching Laurentiis it became clear this was the target of the Goblin Horde all along as they even had siege engines with them, another strange anomaly for goblins.

@All

(I saw Bow's post, don't think I forgot you, it just seemed like it was more directed at the party.)

If anyone has questions about anything, or wants a clarification or anything I'll try to explain as best as I can to help fill in the blanks. The bigger picture will come more into view as the game progresses and you advance in levels. Some parts right now may be misleading which is why I can understand thinking the Goblin Horde is chasing you around the world, it is the name of the campaign after all, but as mentioned above their primary target seems to be Laurentiis.

ooc: Tempe was the one borrowing the spyglass

"I will treat it as I would my own new born egg."

He flies up into the sky high enough to see whatever the smoke is and where it comes from, clearly. Perception: 20

(ooc: the captain looked at Randall... before handing the spyglass over (to you)... sorry I wasn't more clear there, I did put @Tempe and separated it by a line)

I rolled a nat 20 on my perception wondering whats going on with this sheesh

yes sorry I caught it after I posted

Perception:    18

(my post was directed at the party indeed)

As the others are discussing, looking through the spyglass etc, Bow will help empty the vessel they travelled on before as he got to know the crew quite well while helping them during the travels,

Quote from Secretfool >>

"What do you guys think? Maybe leave them be for now? But be sure to be watching; we should watch all sides of the camp at least, and probably scout this island part by part to see if we encounter anything?"

 Petcan nods and gestures vaguely in all directions

After looking thru the spyglass he immediately flies back and gives it back to the captain "Thank you for the honor" 

You see a large fire with lots of smoke, only closer up (twice it's size). Someone has piled up wood to make quite a pyre but you currently don't see anyone around it.

Tempe says to the group "Someone has made a large bond fire, that is the smoke we see."  Tempe is currently walking to save on his boots.

(ooc: do you mean flying?)

ooc:Yes after I gave the spyglass back I decided to walk once on shore to save the flying time.