"I'll keep track of what is in the wagon" After taking inventory of the wagon Galben desides to investigate the area (rolls a 10+0=10). (He also keeps an eye on the stranger as to not be suprised if the situation takes a turn for the worst.)

Inventory of Wagon:

Sacks of flour (12)

Casks of salted pork (several)

Kegs of strong ale (2)

Shovels (12)

Picks (12)

Crowbars (12)

Laterns (5)

Small barrel of oil (50 flasks in volume)

2 Shortbows

2 quivers

2 scimitars

40 arrows

2 saddles

Galben's inspection of the area reveals that the goblins have been using this place to stage ambushes for some time. A trail hidden behind thickets on the north side of the road leading to the northwest is discovered, and Galben successfully perceives that about a dozen goblins have come and gone along the trail, as well as signs of two human-sized bodies being hauled away from the ambush site.

"Galben, didn't you say these horses belonged to our employer, Gundren, and his friend?  We must find them!" Jake looks at Regula. "Oh my, you're hurt.  We should rest for a bit. We can plan a counter-ambush for the goblin companions until you are at full strength."  Jake proposes a short rest for Regula (1 hour) with the other party members readying an ambush along the trail.  Once the short rest is over, then we should proceed down the trail to investigate.  Jake is hesitant to just heal Regula as I am limited in my available spell slots. 

While the rest of the party searches the area and clears the road, I will rest for the next hour and use a hit die (1d10) to restore 7 points of health. Additionally, I will use my Healing Hands to gain an additional 1 hp in order to fully restore my hp to max.

Galben I’ll help you move the horses. We don’t want to be here any longer than we have to.

"Once Regula is ready, we should investigate down that path. I think the wagon is safe for the time being. We need to see if we can find Gundren and his friend, they may still be alive".

" Oldman! Any word from our new friend?" (While waiting for a reply I take my short sword and cuts out two of the leg tendons of one of the dead horses. (Can never have tow many extra bow strings he thought))

From the bushes to the north, entreats a middle-age man clad in chain mail, longsword, traveling cloak and backpack. Auburn hair just past the shoulders tied into a ponytail flowing over his cloak. He has the air of a martial warrior, but carries no mark or brand of legion. A cursory glance details that the equipment is worn, but not derelict, evidence of years of use in less than ideal conditions.

"Hello, old-eh-man? I am called Thallan, I was sent to locate these goblins by a town magistrate whom bid me rid these woeful roads of the vermin, seems they have made themselves nuisance to you, and must commend you on their dispatch, as my task has been done for me, might I assist you in your travel? as for my preference of color, such things are a errand for those without task... I would supposed a fondness for dye of the Iris suits me"

As you all greet and welcome Thallen, an hour passes in which time Galben and Bearkiller are able to clear the road of the downed horses. If it your party's intention to scout further down the hidden trail to root out where these goblins had originated, you will need to establish a marching order as you head along the trail to the northwest.  Share what order you would like to move along the trail.

During the last 10 minutes of the short rest, Jake ritual casts detect magic.  Jake is keen to see any magical traps along the trail.  He will follow right behind whoever is scouting so he is able to warn the group of magical presence (intend to be second in line for the mission up the trail.)  Jake will put his staff away and instead ready his mace and shield.

OldMan is going to do some studying of the spellbook.  As far as the marching order, OldMan should probably should be somewhere in the middle just because he is weak.  Recommend the big tough fighters are in the front with maybe one in the back in case we get rear ended.

I like the idea of setting up an ambush for the remaining goblins.  

I think a good order might be  1)Bearkiller or Regula or Thallen     2) Jake     3) Bearkiller or Regula or Thallen       4) OldMan     5) Galben    6) Bearkiller or Regula or Thallen       

I am happy to go in any spot in line though, thoughts from the group?

I would be glad to take the lead as we search out the origins of these horrid creatures. If Jake follows me close and keeps a watchful eye, I believe we can navigate safely to wherever this trail might lead. Or, perhaps Thallan would care to take the lead on this part of the expedition, given that he is well rested.

I think Galben is right. I propose this marching order: Thallan, Jake, Regula, OldMan, Galben, and Bearkiller watching the rear.

Having outlined a marching order, the party moves cautiously down the trail toward the northwest. After a short 10 minute walk, Thallan holds up a hand to have the party hold a moment while he inspects the trail ahead. Because Jake had encouraged the party to be on the lookout for possible traps, Thallan notices a snare set in the trail ahead (leader needed their passive wisdom to be 12 or higher). Thallan triggers the snare using a stick along the trail, safely neutralizing the trap.

The party continues along the trail another 10 minutes.

Thallan - make a perception check!

(Perception roll: 6) Thallan inspects the area, and the details of the trap,

Though Thallan is on the lookout for additional traps, the goblins were particularly effective in camouflaging a covered pit in the middle of the trail. Walking directly into the covered pit, Thallan begins to fall; however, his reflexes are heightened such that he successfully arrests his fall into the pit, swinging gracefully back up to the edge without harm (DC 10 Dex saving throw; Thallan rolled a 15 and saves).

The party is able to easily circumvent the pit along the edge of the trail, safely reaching the other side. The party continues its journey, cautiously moving along the trail, the sound of running water becoming more clear over the din of the forest as the party emerges into a small clearing.

(Each of you receive 75 XP for defeating the ambush and discovering the goblin hideout. You can add this to your character sheet in D&D Beyond by selecting the "Manage" button next to your name from your character sheet, and then select "Manage XP". This will allow you to add the 75 xp to your character sheet and should be reflected below your character name once entered.)

As each of you emerge into the clearing, you find yourselves staring directly into a large cave in a hillside that is about five miles from the scene of the ambush. A shallow stream flows out of the cave mouth, which is screened by dense briar thickets. A narrow dry path leads into the cave on the right-hand side of the stream. What would you like to do?

If you set up your character sheet using milestone settings instead of xp, follow these directions: When you edit your character (by clicking the Manage levels), on the builder page, navigate to the 1st screen/tab - will say Home with a little house symbol. On that page, you should see Advancement type, change Milestone to XP.

Jake would like to inspect the stream.  Is it fresh water?  Does it appear pure?  Are there fish or other creatures in it?  Is it hot or cold? How shallow is the water (ankle, knee)?

The type of stream may give clues to what lies within the cave.  If it's clear and cold, then maybe a spring.  If it is poisoned, something evil lies within.  If it's hot, maybe there is magma inside?

As far as you can tell, it is a perfectly normal stream that flows from out of the mouth of the cave. It is only 2 feet deep, cold, and slow moving, allowing anything to easily wade through it. It appears to most likely originate from a spring in the cave ahead, and while you don't see any fish or creatures, you presume that is mostly likely due to being near the mouth of the stream rather than being because the water is foul or rancid or anything of that nature. 

(Galben squats down and runs his hand through the trampled down grass of the narrow path. After a minute or two he stands up and puts his blonde hair into a ponytail).

Well, I think we need to go in the cave. It would probably be best to have Regular lead, he has dark vision and that would be useful. I also have dark vision but Regula is a better close contact fighter. We go in with Regula in the lead followed by Jake, Thallan, Oldman, Bear killer and then me at the back to keep an eye behind. I am willing to go at the front as well if the group feels that's best.

I also have torches we could use so any order is possible.

(Galben looks around at the group, taking a big breath, waiting to hear other opinions)

Jake looks at his companions.  "I'm good with this plan.  I think we should proceed quietly, so as to catch any goblins or other creatures by surprise.  Do you think we can do that?" Suggest stealth for the group.