I look from Loodyhoo to Volodar with a look of surprise and amazement. Could be useful to remember, I think to myself. Then I turn and walk back to the waitress who had served us earlier. "Are you alright?" I ask.
Volodar bows and continues to direct the guards as they clean up the mess. Loodyhoo sits back at the table and begins to finish her meal either oblivious to Drogore's stare or ignoring it. Delphinium and Kazmae patiently wait standing to the side and assisting where they can while idly chatting amongst each other.
Drogore shifts his focus and heads towards the waitress who greets him warmly with a firm embrace. The height difference is quite noticable as she bends down but regardless of the appearance her embrace is sincere. "I am thanks to you and your friends. You are really something mister..." her voice trails off as she ties to remember your name. "Drogore!" she says excitedly. "Thank you... for saving my life." she adds her cheeks flushed with passion and eyes glowing locked intently on yours. (balls in your court now.)
I accept the embrace and allow my eyes to linger on hers for a moment before speaking. "No thanks necessary. It was my pleasure. Does this happen often?"
Drogore- She smiles and hugs you again whispering in your ear, "Never this close." her voice has a small whimper to it. "There've been bandits and goblins attacks around the town but not inside the walls. I've seen rough looking people come through here, even served some of em, but they've never tried anything like this." she says pulling back from the hug and grasps your hand her fingers interlacing with yours. "You're my hero!" she half-shouts half-cries.
Delphinium and Kazmae- While helping move some chairs you look over towards Drogore and the waitress and the scene is both charming and comical. The young waitress, who is short by human standards, only 5 feet tall, towers over the diminutive frame of Drogore. What cannot be questioned is the emotion behind her words and gestures which each of you are able to perceive passively.
Loodyhoo- This turkey leg is delicious. Cooked just right so the skin is crispy but the meat is still juicy though your mug is nearly drained and the waitress hasn't brought you a refill in some time.
heavens have mercy, I think to myself, a wannabe lady killer.. I catch Kazmae's eye and share an eye roll annoyance with her while we wait for Loodyhoo to finish her breakfast. the sight of blood and the presence of dead bodies had quite ruined my appetite and I wondered vaguely at how she had retained hers, as well as how she is connected to this high ranking guard.
I go a step farther than rolling my eyes with Delphinium and start making gaging noises in their direction. Awkward as they look I guess it is a nice moment though. I start tapping my foot, anxious to leave and figure out the connection with loodyhoo and the guards. I look towards Drogore, "Hate to cut your moment short" I chuckle to myself at the pun on their hight "but we need to head out. You too loodyhoo let's put the food away and go."
The waitress smiles and gives Drogore a kiss on the cheek. “Go my little hero. I’ll be here when you’re done.” She says and rushes over to fill Loodyhoo’s mug. Loodyhoo takes a final bite of her turkey leg and downs the refilled mug.
You follow Volodar to the town hall into a large room with a desk and some chairs. On the wall is a map of the town with little colored felt pins pressed in. Volodar sits behind his desk that has three stacks of parchment organized neatly across the surface. “Thank you again for your assistance today. I’m sure the town guard could’ve handled it but there might have been more losses if you all hadn’t been there.” He pauses as if he’s contemplating something that he’s undecided on. “The area around our town has recently come under attack by a band of goblins. We have always had to deal with robbers and bandits along the roads. Every village, town or city has to deal with them. Goblins however create a more pressing need. If left unchecked, they can multiply to numbers beyond our control forcing the townsfolk to leave or face the possibility of being slaughtered.” He sighs thinking over his words carefully as he continues, “I’ve enlisted the help of some trackers and they believe they’ve found the cave the goblins have settled in. I do not have the manpower to properly assault this cave and still defend the town.” He stands and begins to pace behind his desk then stops and turns to face the group.
“However, Loodyhoo, after seeing what you and your friends are capable of, I think you might be able to rid us of this threat. That is if you are willing. We would be willing to pay for your services.” He stops and looks at each of your faces gauging your physical response to this proposal and answer.
I look Volodar in the eye, sizing him up. "I understand that you know my...companion...here, but how do the rest of us know we can trust you? I'm not the type to help some random town guards out of the kindness of my heart." Remembering what the waitress had told me I add, "Even if it is for a good cause."
Volodar looks down at Drogore with what appears to be hope and respect. "I've only known Loodyhoo for a week when she came in response to a bulletin requesting aid with goblins. I don't know that I can trust her or your group, but I do trust your abilities and hope that the character you showed in the tavern means that you are willing to protect the innocent." He looks over to his desk and shuffles through one stack of papers quickly finding the object of his search and hands Drogore a flier. "I assumed this is why you all were here. No one is expecting this to be done free of charge."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I look up at Volodar and say "The payment of 75 gold will not be split between the 4 of us, should my companions choose to help. I will help you with your goblins but I want half the payment up front and half after I have completed the task. I believe that's fair for both parties involved."
Volodar, who you suspect is used to militaristic bluntness, is moved by Loodyhoo's direct and firm negotiation. "Agreed. 75 a piece with half up front and half paid upon your return. You will need to bring at least 4 goblin heads back with you as proof of completion." he says shaking Loodyhoo's hand firmly. He turns to the wall and motions towards the map on the wall. The map is of the town and its surrounding area with a blown up detailed map of the town situated in the upper left corner where the lake is. "The cave is located roughly 3 miles to the northeast in the rolling hills. The scouts have marked a trail to it with this." he says moving to his desk and pulls out a spool of red and yellow yarn. "Every few hundred paces they wrapped this around a tree limb that would be relatively visible to those looking for it. They should have a camp setup about a half mile away from the cave. If you leave now, you could meet up with them at camp, clear the cave and return around dusk." he says then steps behind his desk. He kneels down and while you continue to examine the map opens a drawer in his desk and gathers the gold coins for payment. He closes the drawer and returns to the group handing you each 37 gold and 5 silver coins.
If you all decide to go now, I will need someone to make a survival check and two people to make perception checks. If not, let me know what you'd like to do.
Having received your gold you promptly leave Volodar's office exiting the town hall with a pep in your step. You exit through the east gate, the morning sun warms the air and presents a picturesque scene as it rises behind the aptly named rolling hills. The first mile passes quickly and easily as you follow Kazmae's lead down the main road. The sweet smells of spring and the coins jingling in your backpacks lighten the grave reality of your journey. As you near the second mile you take a small dirt path that forks off after Delphinium notices the yellow and red thread dangling from a tree limb.
Your trek slows as the trail steepens you find yourself break into a sweat. Drogore especially is beginning to feel the strain as some of the rocks and fallen trees you cross are half his size or larger. Though the forest thickens and the trail begins to fade, transitioning into wildlife trails, Delphinium's keen eyes keep you on the right path. Delphinium spots a faint column of smoke through holes in the forest and know you are nearing the camp as well as the goblin cave. Delphinium quietly stops the group as she catches the first glimpse of the camp. A cold shudder runs through her veins as the realization sets in. You slowly creep ahead and once you're within 50 yards you can all see that the scout's camp has been attacked. You don't see or hear any signs of goblins currently.
You enter the campground and immediately smell death in the air. You seen two mutilated elf corpses who Kazmae determines died fighting while a third human is found still in her bedroll with three arrows protruding out. You find splatters of black goblin blood as well and notice drag marks potentially indicating either fallen or injured goblins. What gives you pause are the abnormally large footprints that are scattered about the camp. They appear humanoid, with 5 toes but nearly 2 feet long and a foot wide. You are unable to find anything of value as the camp has been picked clean. Kazmae is able to determine from the barely glowing ashes and condition of the bodies that the attack occurred between 3-5 hours ago.
Delphinium points out the next yarn marker and you set off towards the cave with small bitter pill in your stomachs but still you feel confident. You maneuver your way following the markers carefully while Delphinium keeps her head on a swivel and notice a cluster of markers. You stop and examine around you and find that the scouts have marked a position that overlooks the cave entrance from the southwest behind a large boulder and cluster of bushes and trees about 90ft from the entrance. You can see the entrance to the cave set against a cliff face. The cave appears to be natural rather than man made as the entrance is wide and jagged from random collapses of stone. Around the cliff and cave the vegetation is replaced by dirt and fallen rocks. You see no signs of goblins around the mouth of the cave or immediate area.
I need initiative and stealth checks from everyone!
I shrug my shoulders, "Town Hall it is then, well after loodyhoo finishes eating."
I look from Loodyhoo to Volodar with a look of surprise and amazement. Could be useful to remember, I think to myself. Then I turn and walk back to the waitress who had served us earlier. "Are you alright?" I ask.
I double check my coin pouch to ensure it's secured properly, "well I suppose I'll join you on the way to to the town hall as well."
Waitress: 1 Int: 12
(Oh boy)
Volodar bows and continues to direct the guards as they clean up the mess. Loodyhoo sits back at the table and begins to finish her meal either oblivious to Drogore's stare or ignoring it. Delphinium and Kazmae patiently wait standing to the side and assisting where they can while idly chatting amongst each other.
Drogore shifts his focus and heads towards the waitress who greets him warmly with a firm embrace. The height difference is quite noticable as she bends down but regardless of the appearance her embrace is sincere. "I am thanks to you and your friends. You are really something mister..." her voice trails off as she ties to remember your name. "Drogore!" she says excitedly. "Thank you... for saving my life." she adds her cheeks flushed with passion and eyes glowing locked intently on yours. (balls in your court now.)
I accept the embrace and allow my eyes to linger on hers for a moment before speaking. "No thanks necessary. It was my pleasure. Does this happen often?"
Drogore- She smiles and hugs you again whispering in your ear, "Never this close." her voice has a small whimper to it. "There've been bandits and goblins attacks around the town but not inside the walls. I've seen rough looking people come through here, even served some of em, but they've never tried anything like this." she says pulling back from the hug and grasps your hand her fingers interlacing with yours. "You're my hero!" she half-shouts half-cries.
Delphinium and Kazmae- While helping move some chairs you look over towards Drogore and the waitress and the scene is both charming and comical. The young waitress, who is short by human standards, only 5 feet tall, towers over the diminutive frame of Drogore. What cannot be questioned is the emotion behind her words and gestures which each of you are able to perceive passively.
Loodyhoo- This turkey leg is delicious. Cooked just right so the skin is crispy but the meat is still juicy though your mug is nearly drained and the waitress hasn't brought you a refill in some time.
heavens have mercy, I think to myself, a wannabe lady killer.. I catch Kazmae's eye and share an eye roll annoyance with her while we wait for Loodyhoo to finish her breakfast. the sight of blood and the presence of dead bodies had quite ruined my appetite and I wondered vaguely at how she had retained hers, as well as how she is connected to this high ranking guard.
I go a step farther than rolling my eyes with Delphinium and start making gaging noises in their direction. Awkward as they look I guess it is a nice moment though. I start tapping my foot, anxious to leave and figure out the connection with loodyhoo and the guards. I look towards Drogore, "Hate to cut your moment short" I chuckle to myself at the pun on their hight "but we need to head out. You too loodyhoo let's put the food away and go."
The waitress smiles and gives Drogore a kiss on the cheek. “Go my little hero. I’ll be here when you’re done.” She says and rushes over to fill Loodyhoo’s mug. Loodyhoo takes a final bite of her turkey leg and downs the refilled mug.
You follow Volodar to the town hall into a large room with a desk and some chairs. On the wall is a map of the town with little colored felt pins pressed in. Volodar sits behind his desk that has three stacks of parchment organized neatly across the surface. “Thank you again for your assistance today. I’m sure the town guard could’ve handled it but there might have been more losses if you all hadn’t been there.” He pauses as if he’s contemplating something that he’s undecided on. “The area around our town has recently come under attack by a band of goblins. We have always had to deal with robbers and bandits along the roads. Every village, town or city has to deal with them. Goblins however create a more pressing need. If left unchecked, they can multiply to numbers beyond our control forcing the townsfolk to leave or face the possibility of being slaughtered.” He sighs thinking over his words carefully as he continues, “I’ve enlisted the help of some trackers and they believe they’ve found the cave the goblins have settled in. I do not have the manpower to properly assault this cave and still defend the town.” He stands and begins to pace behind his desk then stops and turns to face the group.
“However, Loodyhoo, after seeing what you and your friends are capable of, I think you might be able to rid us of this threat. That is if you are willing. We would be willing to pay for your services.” He stops and looks at each of your faces gauging your physical response to this proposal and answer.
I look Volodar in the eye, sizing him up. "I understand that you know my...companion...here, but how do the rest of us know we can trust you? I'm not the type to help some random town guards out of the kindness of my heart." Remembering what the waitress had told me I add, "Even if it is for a good cause."
Volodar looks down at Drogore with what appears to be hope and respect. "I've only known Loodyhoo for a week when she came in response to a bulletin requesting aid with goblins. I don't know that I can trust her or your group, but I do trust your abilities and hope that the character you showed in the tavern means that you are willing to protect the innocent." He looks over to his desk and shuffles through one stack of papers quickly finding the object of his search and hands Drogore a flier. "I assumed this is why you all were here. No one is expecting this to be done free of charge."
Flier:
I look up at Volodar and say "The payment of 75 gold will not be split between the 4 of us, should my companions choose to help. I will help you with your goblins but I want half the payment up front and half after I have completed the task. I believe that's fair for both parties involved."
Persuasion: 18
Loodyhoo- Roll a persuasion check.
Volodar, who you suspect is used to militaristic bluntness, is moved by Loodyhoo's direct and firm negotiation. "Agreed. 75 a piece with half up front and half paid upon your return. You will need to bring at least 4 goblin heads back with you as proof of completion." he says shaking Loodyhoo's hand firmly. He turns to the wall and motions towards the map on the wall. The map is of the town and its surrounding area with a blown up detailed map of the town situated in the upper left corner where the lake is. "The cave is located roughly 3 miles to the northeast in the rolling hills. The scouts have marked a trail to it with this." he says moving to his desk and pulls out a spool of red and yellow yarn. "Every few hundred paces they wrapped this around a tree limb that would be relatively visible to those looking for it. They should have a camp setup about a half mile away from the cave. If you leave now, you could meet up with them at camp, clear the cave and return around dusk." he says then steps behind his desk. He kneels down and while you continue to examine the map opens a drawer in his desk and gathers the gold coins for payment. He closes the drawer and returns to the group handing you each 37 gold and 5 silver coins.
If you all decide to go now, I will need someone to make a survival check and two people to make perception checks. If not, let me know what you'd like to do.
Survival:15
I pocket my coins and look to Volodar, "thank you sir, we won't disappoint."
perception: 7
Having received your gold you promptly leave Volodar's office exiting the town hall with a pep in your step. You exit through the east gate, the morning sun warms the air and presents a picturesque scene as it rises behind the aptly named rolling hills. The first mile passes quickly and easily as you follow Kazmae's lead down the main road. The sweet smells of spring and the coins jingling in your backpacks lighten the grave reality of your journey. As you near the second mile you take a small dirt path that forks off after Delphinium notices the yellow and red thread dangling from a tree limb.
Your trek slows as the trail steepens you find yourself break into a sweat. Drogore especially is beginning to feel the strain as some of the rocks and fallen trees you cross are half his size or larger. Though the forest thickens and the trail begins to fade, transitioning into wildlife trails, Delphinium's keen eyes keep you on the right path. Delphinium spots a faint column of smoke through holes in the forest and know you are nearing the camp as well as the goblin cave. Delphinium quietly stops the group as she catches the first glimpse of the camp. A cold shudder runs through her veins as the realization sets in. You slowly creep ahead and once you're within 50 yards you can all see that the scout's camp has been attacked. You don't see or hear any signs of goblins currently.
You enter the campground and immediately smell death in the air. You seen two mutilated elf corpses who Kazmae determines died fighting while a third human is found still in her bedroll with three arrows protruding out. You find splatters of black goblin blood as well and notice drag marks potentially indicating either fallen or injured goblins. What gives you pause are the abnormally large footprints that are scattered about the camp. They appear humanoid, with 5 toes but nearly 2 feet long and a foot wide. You are unable to find anything of value as the camp has been picked clean. Kazmae is able to determine from the barely glowing ashes and condition of the bodies that the attack occurred between 3-5 hours ago.
Delphinium points out the next yarn marker and you set off towards the cave with small bitter pill in your stomachs but still you feel confident. You maneuver your way following the markers carefully while Delphinium keeps her head on a swivel and notice a cluster of markers. You stop and examine around you and find that the scouts have marked a position that overlooks the cave entrance from the southwest behind a large boulder and cluster of bushes and trees about 90ft from the entrance. You can see the entrance to the cave set against a cliff face. The cave appears to be natural rather than man made as the entrance is wide and jagged from random collapses of stone. Around the cliff and cave the vegetation is replaced by dirt and fallen rocks. You see no signs of goblins around the mouth of the cave or immediate area.
I need initiative and stealth checks from everyone!
Map:
Initiative:2
Stealth:13
initiative: 9
stealth: 13