Hark listens to your introductions, and then says, "You don't talk like other peoples, horned women, me not understanding all words, but hear you say no more blood spilling. You no want blood your blood spilled either," he indicates, nodding his head towards the goblin arches on the ledges and the two massive, club-wielding ogres behind you. He then looks to Belkas.
"Yeh...Hark powerful and wise chief. Ready for make deal, gold for prisoners. Say before, one for each. Total thirty one. You pay and all peoples can go free with no fighting."
Vernon is feeling less confident about being in here, so he will look for any clues that would indicate whether Hark has any hidden agenda. (He has 10 gold if this deal goes through.)
As you all stand there, more goblins begin to stream into the main chamber behind Boss Hark, as he waits for your response.
Vernon
It's hard to determine what Hark's agenda is here. Being on his home turf and surrounded by goblin archers, a pair of ogres and who knows how many other goblins there are in here, he probably feels that he has at least some sort of advantage in these negotiations.
Zyllith nods understandingly as she tries to give the globin a sense of rapport during their negotiations, "Aye, ye got tha' rioght o' it. I'm told I use lots o' words no one else understands. 'Tis fair, tha' most important bits are whot ye' say. Yer offer's appreciated, but we need assurances yet. Makin' sure ye' and yer's dun try hittin' us in tha back once ye take our gold, or try ta' take any hostages in tha' future to try to deal fer more gold later. None o' tha' is meant as any offense, o'course, just playin' smart. An' yer smart enough ta' appreciate tha', I know. Yer rioght ta' worry we'd come in ta' kill yer kind, certainly that's always been an option. Likewise we're rioght ta worry ye'd try sumthin' sneaky. But thar's better options, yea?" Zyllith gave the chief a charming smile as she added, "We got yer gold, we came inside yer turf, and returned yer kin, all ta' show ye can trust our intent. Now, wise an' powerful chief, show us we can trust ye in kind."
Zyllith considered the boss carefully as she watched for his response to her request. Like any good card game half of it was being convincing and the other half was figuring out where the other player stood.
Hark listens to Zyllith with a proud look on his face. "Hark and goblins no want trouble, and goblins make no trouble. We here in cave and many peoples coming inside where we living. We take prisoners only when peoples invaded our home. But I will make deal and trade prisoners for gold and make no troubles for peoples. I only send goblin scouts to village when peoples coming speaking of giants attacking, see what going on. Giant's attack, not goblins. Goblins only want live and find food in hills, and no more visiting village, as long as peoples leave goblins alone and not coming to cavers anymore."
"So you having 31 gold for trade?"
Zyllith
You get a sense that your smooth tongue and persuasive demeanor have gone far with Boss Hark. He seems amenable to the deal, and from what you learned from the guards, knowing that the villagers fled and escaped to the caves after the giant attack, it would seem quite feasible that the villagers and accompanying guards indeed surprised the goblins and were taking prisoner in defense, not in a show of forward aggression.
“We have the gold”. Arisa helps count out 31 gold from what we have (18 from herself, 10 from Vernon, and the other from zyllyth), then she hands over a pouch to Zyllyth for delivery. “I am glad we have come to a peaceful resolution. I hope the village and your goblins can be good neighbors in the future.”
Boss Hark sends one of his female goblins bodyguards forward to retrieve the coins from you. When he's finished counting them, he nods to the other female guard, and to two other goblins, and they both disappear into a passage near the back of the chamber. After a couple of minutes, they goblins return with a large group of haggard looking people, mostly human, as well as a few halflings and a few tieflings. Many of them are children, and all are unarmed. A few of them let out fearful shrieks when they see the ogres standing behind you.
In the lead, you see a male dwarf, and when he lays eyes upon you, he seems to breathe a sigh of relief as he strides forward. Directly behind him, see a man who looks like a priest, and six men and women who appear to be injured.
The goblin guards motion for them to continue forward, and so the group make their way over to where you are standing. When he reaches you, the dwarf says, "Aye, me eyes are welcome to the likes of you. I was wonderin' if the Lady Nandar would be sendin' a rescue party for us."
When all of the prisoners are over near you, Boss Hark says, "Prisoners free. No more troubles, unless peoples coming to dis cave again. Oderwise, we stay away from village."
As you lead the villagers out of the caves, one of the ogres glares stupidly and grunts, "Bye bye tasty peeeples, me find other snacks now," which brings expressions of shock and fear from many of the grief and horror-stricken folk. Assuming that you inform them that you have indeed come from Nightstone, many of them thank you and express their gratitude amidst tears and visible exhaustion. The dwarf steps forward and introduces himself.
"I am Morak Ur"gray, owner and proprietor of the Nightstone Inn. On behalf of all of us, I thank you for negotiating our release. I can't say as I wouldn't rather see them goblins pay for the way they treated us, 'specially them ogres, but I s'pose ye saved us from having more of these people killed. Did Lady Nandar send you? Have you spoken with her?"
Morak informs you that the six inured men and women are the guards who helped escort everyone from the town to the caves, and that they were wounded by the goblins and ogres when everyone was captured. They look like they're in pretty bad shape, but still standing.
"I'd introduce the rest o' us, but I say we get a move on and get back to Nightstone, get these people outa harms way and back into their homes... whatever remains of them."
Inside the Cave
Boss Hark answers Belkas. "What you say for deal, you help goblins... kill blob thing that block our water supply. You do this and I give spears and shields back for guard mens and womens."
Arisa says “It is a pleasure to meet you Morak. I am Arisa, my companions and I came from Waterdeep to help with problems we heard you were having- we arrived soon after the giant attack. I’m afraid much of the town is damaged and many were killed, including Lady Nandar. further the news of the town’s attack attracted some of these goblins, a group of Orcs, and a band of ruffians.
We cleared the town and restored some order there. I am glad we were able to save you. We wanted to ensure no more innocents were hurt by the goblins if we did a full attack on them- we might not have been as successful. The gold is but a small price to pay. Please return to the village, there are some guards there watching the gate. My companions may need me to help them. I hope to see you again soon.”
she takes her leave of them, encouraging them to head straight to town and secure the gates behind them, and heads back into the caves, concerned about what the goblins might be up to now.
Vernon stays with Belkas, ostensibly to keep him safe, but really because he doesn't want to talk to the priestly-looking fellow just yet. Internally: "Do I give him back the symbol? Do I really need it? But what if he's the priest of Lathander, not of Mielikki? What does Mieilikki think of this? I know what Flandal Steelskin wants." To Mieliiki, still internally: "Are you going to be forthcoming with guidance this time? If I keep it, can I pull it out around them? If I don't keep it, can I still use my shield instead?" The chain of thought drifts slightly. "And then there's that blood hawk. There's no good reason to keep that, but what if they ask about the symbol when I give the hawk back? Maybe I give both at once? ...I really should talk to this priest... or maybe he's not even the priest?..." Vernon has a slightly blank stare by this point, as he's mostly lost track of Belkas's conversation.
Zyllith smiled when she saw the towns folk coming towards them, partly because she was happy that they were relatively safe and sound now, but also she was happy to have successfully negotiated the deal. When she noticed the halflings among them, Zyllith recalled the locket she had picked up from Gwerk back at Nightstone. She would need to ask them about it at some point, but right now getting them to safety was a bigger priority.
At the mention of another deal Zyllith's interests quickly turned back to the goblin boss, the prospect of another haggle eliciting another smile. "Oh aye, we be interestin' in helpin' ye', but tha' terms here will need ta' be bit different. It's nae escaped our notice, after all, tha' yer kin rioght managed ta' loot a might' large haul from tha' town a'fore we got thar'. No' tha' I blame ye. Tha's all fine an' good, as we be more interested in returning tha' village folk back alive. But now yer askin' fer somthin' we got much less skin in. Tha' blob ye' mention dun affect us in any way. Tha' spears an' shields ya offer would be rioght nice ta' have fer tha' village folk, but we can always get more elsewhere. Tha' long an' short of it, wise Boss Hark, if ye' want us ta 'ave a go at this blob of yers, ye'll have ta sweeten tha' deal."
Zyllith let the words linger so Boss Hark could consider her words carefully. When the time came she was ready to offer suggestions for other things they could provide. "For a start, whot we need most rioght now be information. Anything ye'd know 'bout tha giants whot attacked Nightstone. Why they dun it, an' where they are. But if ye have not tha' kind of info, might be we start thinkin' long term. Maybe a promise ta' start talks with tha' towns folk 'bout possible tradin'. Hopefully gettin' ta better relations between ye both. In tha' way, if such an attack were ta' happen again, they'd have an' easier time findin' shelter 'ere. But more importantly this would be a benefit ta' ye and yer kin as well. 'Cause if ye were attacked by bigger monsters whot ye couldn't defend yerselves from, ye'd be able ta' take shelter within Nightstone in return." once again she paused to let her words sink in before adding, "'Course that's long, long ways from now, an' might take many many years. But like I said, that's a long term deal. Failin' all tha', how-evar - or if ye'd rather nae bother with all tha' hassle - we'd be happy wit' anythin' shiny or magic ye'd be willing ta' toss into tha' pot."
Belkas smiles warmly at the goblin boss and waits for him to respond to Zyllith.
He tries to figure out what the blog thing blocking their water supply might be. It has to be something strong if two ogres and all the goblins can't rid themselves of it.
Hark listens to Zyllith but it quickly becomes apparent that she's lost him in her lengthy list of propositions. "I know nothing of giants who attacked village, only what I heard from peoples who come here escaping. I send scouts, but they find no giants, just big rocks and people homes destroyed."
"Hark no trust peoples for alliances. We make deal, but we no wish to make friends with Nightstone peoples. We no want peoples coming here, and I no think that they would let us into gates and protect goblins from bigger monsters. Goblins strong! We defend ourselves against enemies!" he says, thumping his chest and rising a round of cheers, and guttural shouts that evolve into a rhythmic chant from his fellow goblins around the cave before he raises his hands to calm them down.
"Goblin no need Nightstone peoples and Nightstone peoples no need us. We have ogre friends. Smart goblin boss not think future, think now and rule tribe. No need peoples, Maglubiyet look after us and make us strong."
"And I have no magic to give to you. You no want make deal, kill blob for spears and shields, then we talk no more and you leave. Go back to Nightstone and do not bother us again."
The chants rise up again, and the male ogre behind you looks at you and grunts, "You go, or we eat you too and feed bones to rats like we do to tasty prisoners. Bruuughh!"
"Aye, as ye wish," Zyllith said, giving the goblin an understanding nod, "If ye nothin' ta' offer us then there's nothin' ta deal with. Either way, I appreciate tha' offer. Ye an' yers 'ave been a good host ta us. But seems now's tha' time ta' leave." Giving the boss one last charming smile, the tiefling turned on her heel and walked out of the cave just as confidently as she'd walked in. After all, knowing when to walk away from a bad deal was just as important as walking into a good one.
She was still willing to hear them out should any goblin reconsider. But for now it seemed that negotiations were finished. Let them clean up their own mess, the priority for now was getting the people of Nightstone back to their homes.
Osmord follows the group out. Truth be told he is intrigued by this blob, blocking the goblins water supply. It sounds new and interesting. He is out here to learn and to grow after all and beside, a shield could come in useful. It was a small disappointment however, and he felt sure that this strange gathering he found himself in would provide ample opportunity for learning down the line.
Arisa is glad to be heading back to town. She smiles when she sees Zyllith. “You were amazing talking to them. I thought for a moment we would have to fight our way out! I could use some rest, let’s get back”
Belkas turns to follow the others and mentally calls out to Crowley, 'It's time for us to leave.'
'Go ahead, boss. I'll catch up in a bit. There's something I need to do first.'
'Something you need to do?'
'I figure if I pull the ear of the ugly ogre, he'll think it was the uglier ogre who done it. Once they start smashing on each other, it'll be easy to get the goblins involved. It'll be glorious fun.'
'Crowley. The goblins dealt fairly with us. We won't harm them.'
'Oh, come on. That's why you're so moody and dull all the time. Live a little. Have some fun. Besides, I'm sure only a few will die.'
Belkas growls, 'Crowley!'
'Coming. Coming. No need to get all agitated.'
Belkas catches up with the rest of the group in time to hear Arisa's comments. "Agreed. Well spoken Zyllith. I also feared we would not escape from the situation without a fight, and I am glad we did not have to face the ogres in combat."
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Hark listens to your introductions, and then says, "You don't talk like other peoples, horned women, me not understanding all words, but hear you say no more blood spilling. You no want blood your blood spilled either," he indicates, nodding his head towards the goblin arches on the ledges and the two massive, club-wielding ogres behind you. He then looks to Belkas.
"Yeh...Hark powerful and wise chief. Ready for make deal, gold for prisoners. Say before, one for each. Total thirty one. You pay and all peoples can go free with no fighting."
((Ooc Arisa has 18 gold to contribute-we want them to leave the village alone otherwise this will be an ongoing issue).
Arisa will help zyllith and say another quiet prayer of guidance as the negotiations continue...
Vernon is feeling less confident about being in here, so he will look for any clues that would indicate whether Hark has any hidden agenda. (He has 10 gold if this deal goes through.)
Insight Check: 6
As you all stand there, more goblins begin to stream into the main chamber behind Boss Hark, as he waits for your response.
Vernon
It's hard to determine what Hark's agenda is here. Being on his home turf and surrounded by goblin archers, a pair of ogres and who knows how many other goblins there are in here, he probably feels that he has at least some sort of advantage in these negotiations.
Zyllith nods understandingly as she tries to give the globin a sense of rapport during their negotiations, "Aye, ye got tha' rioght o' it. I'm told I use lots o' words no one else understands. 'Tis fair, tha' most important bits are whot ye' say. Yer offer's appreciated, but we need assurances yet. Makin' sure ye' and yer's dun try hittin' us in tha back once ye take our gold, or try ta' take any hostages in tha' future to try to deal fer more gold later. None o' tha' is meant as any offense, o'course, just playin' smart. An' yer smart enough ta' appreciate tha', I know. Yer rioght ta' worry we'd come in ta' kill yer kind, certainly that's always been an option. Likewise we're rioght ta worry ye'd try sumthin' sneaky. But thar's better options, yea?" Zyllith gave the chief a charming smile as she added, "We got yer gold, we came inside yer turf, and returned yer kin, all ta' show ye can trust our intent. Now, wise an' powerful chief, show us we can trust ye in kind."
Zyllith considered the boss carefully as she watched for his response to her request. Like any good card game half of it was being convincing and the other half was figuring out where the other player stood.
( Persuasion - 16+4 = 20, with guidance (+3) - 23 )
( Insight - 17+3 = 20 )
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Hark listens to Zyllith with a proud look on his face. "Hark and goblins no want trouble, and goblins make no trouble. We here in cave and many peoples coming inside where we living. We take prisoners only when peoples invaded our home. But I will make deal and trade prisoners for gold and make no troubles for peoples. I only send goblin scouts to village when peoples coming speaking of giants attacking, see what going on. Giant's attack, not goblins. Goblins only want live and find food in hills, and no more visiting village, as long as peoples leave goblins alone and not coming to cavers anymore."
"So you having 31 gold for trade?"
Zyllith
You get a sense that your smooth tongue and persuasive demeanor have gone far with Boss Hark. He seems amenable to the deal, and from what you learned from the guards, knowing that the villagers fled and escaped to the caves after the giant attack, it would seem quite feasible that the villagers and accompanying guards indeed surprised the goblins and were taking prisoner in defense, not in a show of forward aggression.
“We have the gold”. Arisa helps count out 31 gold from what we have (18 from herself, 10 from Vernon, and the other from zyllyth), then she hands over a pouch to Zyllyth for delivery. “I am glad we have come to a peaceful resolution. I hope the village and your goblins can be good neighbors in the future.”
Boss Hark sends one of his female goblins bodyguards forward to retrieve the coins from you. When he's finished counting them, he nods to the other female guard, and to two other goblins, and they both disappear into a passage near the back of the chamber. After a couple of minutes, they goblins return with a large group of haggard looking people, mostly human, as well as a few halflings and a few tieflings. Many of them are children, and all are unarmed. A few of them let out fearful shrieks when they see the ogres standing behind you.
In the lead, you see a male dwarf, and when he lays eyes upon you, he seems to breathe a sigh of relief as he strides forward. Directly behind him, see a man who looks like a priest, and six men and women who appear to be injured.
The goblin guards motion for them to continue forward, and so the group make their way over to where you are standing. When he reaches you, the dwarf says, "Aye, me eyes are welcome to the likes of you. I was wonderin' if the Lady Nandar would be sendin' a rescue party for us."
When all of the prisoners are over near you, Boss Hark says, "Prisoners free. No more troubles, unless peoples coming to dis cave again. Oderwise, we stay away from village."
"So, deal done...."
"...Unless you want make another bargain."
Arisa will escort the villagers to safety outside the cave, before anything changes in the potentially dangerous situation.
Belkas bows. "Thank you Boss Hark. It has been a pleasure to meet you. I will be sure to let others know that you are both powerful and wise."
He pauses for a moment and then says, "You mentioned another bargain. Is there another bargain you would like to make with us?"
Arisa
As you lead the villagers out of the caves, one of the ogres glares stupidly and grunts, "Bye bye tasty peeeples, me find other snacks now," which brings expressions of shock and fear from many of the grief and horror-stricken folk. Assuming that you inform them that you have indeed come from Nightstone, many of them thank you and express their gratitude amidst tears and visible exhaustion. The dwarf steps forward and introduces himself.
"I am Morak Ur"gray, owner and proprietor of the Nightstone Inn. On behalf of all of us, I thank you for negotiating our release. I can't say as I wouldn't rather see them goblins pay for the way they treated us, 'specially them ogres, but I s'pose ye saved us from having more of these people killed. Did Lady Nandar send you? Have you spoken with her?"
Morak informs you that the six inured men and women are the guards who helped escort everyone from the town to the caves, and that they were wounded by the goblins and ogres when everyone was captured. They look like they're in pretty bad shape, but still standing.
"I'd introduce the rest o' us, but I say we get a move on and get back to Nightstone, get these people outa harms way and back into their homes... whatever remains of them."
Inside the Cave
Boss Hark answers Belkas. "What you say for deal, you help goblins... kill blob thing that block our water supply. You do this and I give spears and shields back for guard mens and womens."
Arisa says “It is a pleasure to meet you Morak. I am Arisa, my companions and I came from Waterdeep to help with problems we heard you were having- we arrived soon after the giant attack. I’m afraid much of the town is damaged and many were killed, including Lady Nandar. further the news of the town’s attack attracted some of these goblins, a group of Orcs, and a band of ruffians.
We cleared the town and restored some order there. I am glad we were able to save you. We wanted to ensure no more innocents were hurt by the goblins if we did a full attack on them- we might not have been as successful. The gold is but a small price to pay. Please return to the village, there are some guards there watching the gate. My companions may need me to help them. I hope to see you again soon.”
she takes her leave of them, encouraging them to head straight to town and secure the gates behind them, and heads back into the caves, concerned about what the goblins might be up to now.
Vernon stays with Belkas, ostensibly to keep him safe, but really because he doesn't want to talk to the priestly-looking fellow just yet. Internally: "Do I give him back the symbol? Do I really need it? But what if he's the priest of Lathander, not of Mielikki? What does Mieilikki think of this? I know what Flandal Steelskin wants." To Mieliiki, still internally: "Are you going to be forthcoming with guidance this time? If I keep it, can I pull it out around them? If I don't keep it, can I still use my shield instead?" The chain of thought drifts slightly. "And then there's that blood hawk. There's no good reason to keep that, but what if they ask about the symbol when I give the hawk back? Maybe I give both at once? ...I really should talk to this priest... or maybe he's not even the priest?..." Vernon has a slightly blank stare by this point, as he's mostly lost track of Belkas's conversation.
Zyllith smiled when she saw the towns folk coming towards them, partly because she was happy that they were relatively safe and sound now, but also she was happy to have successfully negotiated the deal. When she noticed the halflings among them, Zyllith recalled the locket she had picked up from Gwerk back at Nightstone. She would need to ask them about it at some point, but right now getting them to safety was a bigger priority.
At the mention of another deal Zyllith's interests quickly turned back to the goblin boss, the prospect of another haggle eliciting another smile. "Oh aye, we be interestin' in helpin' ye', but tha' terms here will need ta' be bit different. It's nae escaped our notice, after all, tha' yer kin rioght managed ta' loot a might' large haul from tha' town a'fore we got thar'. No' tha' I blame ye. Tha's all fine an' good, as we be more interested in returning tha' village folk back alive. But now yer askin' fer somthin' we got much less skin in. Tha' blob ye' mention dun affect us in any way. Tha' spears an' shields ya offer would be rioght nice ta' have fer tha' village folk, but we can always get more elsewhere. Tha' long an' short of it, wise Boss Hark, if ye' want us ta 'ave a go at this blob of yers, ye'll have ta sweeten tha' deal."
Zyllith let the words linger so Boss Hark could consider her words carefully. When the time came she was ready to offer suggestions for other things they could provide. "For a start, whot we need most rioght now be information. Anything ye'd know 'bout tha giants whot attacked Nightstone. Why they dun it, an' where they are. But if ye have not tha' kind of info, might be we start thinkin' long term. Maybe a promise ta' start talks with tha' towns folk 'bout possible tradin'. Hopefully gettin' ta better relations between ye both. In tha' way, if such an attack were ta' happen again, they'd have an' easier time findin' shelter 'ere. But more importantly this would be a benefit ta' ye and yer kin as well. 'Cause if ye were attacked by bigger monsters whot ye couldn't defend yerselves from, ye'd be able ta' take shelter within Nightstone in return." once again she paused to let her words sink in before adding, "'Course that's long, long ways from now, an' might take many many years. But like I said, that's a long term deal. Failin' all tha', how-evar - or if ye'd rather nae bother with all tha' hassle - we'd be happy wit' anythin' shiny or magic ye'd be willing ta' toss into tha' pot."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Belkas smiles warmly at the goblin boss and waits for him to respond to Zyllith.
He tries to figure out what the blog thing blocking their water supply might be. It has to be something strong if two ogres and all the goblins can't rid themselves of it.
Hark listens to Zyllith but it quickly becomes apparent that she's lost him in her lengthy list of propositions. "I know nothing of giants who attacked village, only what I heard from peoples who come here escaping. I send scouts, but they find no giants, just big rocks and people homes destroyed."
"Hark no trust peoples for alliances. We make deal, but we no wish to make friends with Nightstone peoples. We no want peoples coming here, and I no think that they would let us into gates and protect goblins from bigger monsters. Goblins strong! We defend ourselves against enemies!" he says, thumping his chest and rising a round of cheers, and guttural shouts that evolve into a rhythmic chant from his fellow goblins around the cave before he raises his hands to calm them down.
"Goblin no need Nightstone peoples and Nightstone peoples no need us. We have ogre friends. Smart goblin boss not think future, think now and rule tribe. No need peoples, Maglubiyet look after us and make us strong."
"And I have no magic to give to you. You no want make deal, kill blob for spears and shields, then we talk no more and you leave. Go back to Nightstone and do not bother us again."
The chants rise up again, and the male ogre behind you looks at you and grunts, "You go, or we eat you too and feed bones to rats like we do to tasty prisoners. Bruuughh!"
"Aye, as ye wish," Zyllith said, giving the goblin an understanding nod, "If ye nothin' ta' offer us then there's nothin' ta deal with. Either way, I appreciate tha' offer. Ye an' yers 'ave been a good host ta us. But seems now's tha' time ta' leave." Giving the boss one last charming smile, the tiefling turned on her heel and walked out of the cave just as confidently as she'd walked in. After all, knowing when to walk away from a bad deal was just as important as walking into a good one.
She was still willing to hear them out should any goblin reconsider. But for now it seemed that negotiations were finished. Let them clean up their own mess, the priority for now was getting the people of Nightstone back to their homes.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Osmord follows the group out. Truth be told he is intrigued by this blob, blocking the goblins water supply. It sounds new and interesting. He is out here to learn and to grow after all and beside, a shield could come in useful. It was a small disappointment however, and he felt sure that this strange gathering he found himself in would provide ample opportunity for learning down the line.
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Arisa is glad to be heading back to town. She smiles when she sees Zyllith. “You were amazing talking to them. I thought for a moment we would have to fight our way out! I could use some rest, let’s get back”
Belkas turns to follow the others and mentally calls out to Crowley, 'It's time for us to leave.'
'Go ahead, boss. I'll catch up in a bit. There's something I need to do first.'
'Something you need to do?'
'I figure if I pull the ear of the ugly ogre, he'll think it was the uglier ogre who done it. Once they start smashing on each other, it'll be easy to get the goblins involved. It'll be glorious fun.'
'Crowley. The goblins dealt fairly with us. We won't harm them.'
'Oh, come on. That's why you're so moody and dull all the time. Live a little. Have some fun. Besides, I'm sure only a few will die.'
Belkas growls, 'Crowley!'
'Coming. Coming. No need to get all agitated.'
Belkas catches up with the rest of the group in time to hear Arisa's comments. "Agreed. Well spoken Zyllith. I also feared we would not escape from the situation without a fight, and I am glad we did not have to face the ogres in combat."