Ash looks back at Badger. "Yes. Let's return to Kristofferson and get our bounty." Before doing so, however, he fires one more arrow in the direction of the hidden goblin. 20 to hit (with unseen target disadvantage!), 9 piercing damage.
Ash: The goblin hid, so you aren't sure behind which shrub he is. Mechanically, I'll roll a d20 and you hit (and kill) the goblin on an 18+. Result: 19
You here a squeal from behind the bushes. Goblin 4 is dead.
Ash: when you fetch your furthest goblin-4-killing arrow, you see the a path running north-northwest. On your way back to Badger, you notice a few other patches of the well-worn but partially hidden path.
It's clearly a common path for many (a dozen?) small-sized creatures. There are signs that two medium-sized creatures have recently been dragged along it.
When Badger and Ash return to the road, K says, "Take a look at this map case. Do we know whether Gundren's urgent business had to do with a map? Do we complete our delivery or try to find the two captives?"
Badger looks at the map case. "Ooh, nice one. No, I don't think we know anything about a map. But regardless, we took a job to deliver these goods, and we should do that."
Ash: "A lot of good delivering these supplies will do when the person who is supposed to pay us is locked away in some goblin dungeon somewhere. If a dozen goblins can hide in these woods, I think a pair of oxen and a wagon can do so, too. Then we can go rescue Sildar and Gundren and get even more gold for the job."
K: "I think protecting our benefactor might be an implicit part of our job, Badger. I'm with Ash. Let's hide the wagon and at the least find out if Sir Hallwinter and Gundren are in trouble. If it gets too dangerous, we can shift plans, deliver the goods to Barthen's Provisions, and get help."
K takes the map case and saddles back to the wagon and pets the oxen. He drags the horses off the road. He waits.
Ash looks back at Badger. "Yes. Let's return to Kristofferson and get our bounty." Before doing so, however, he fires one more arrow in the direction of the hidden goblin. 20 to hit (with unseen target disadvantage!), 9 piercing damage.
Ash: The goblin hid, so you aren't sure behind which shrub he is. Mechanically, I'll roll a d20 and you hit (and kill) the goblin on an 18+. Result: 19
You here a squeal from behind the bushes. Goblin 4 is dead.
Battle has ended.
Badger: "Holy hells, nice shot, Ash. Go fetch your arrows, I'll wait for you."
Ash fetches his loosed arrows and returns to Badger and the road with a big smile on his face, despite himself.
Ash: when you fetch your furthest goblin-4-killing arrow, you see the a path running north-northwest. On your way back to Badger, you notice a few other patches of the well-worn but partially hidden path.
Ash: "There's a path the little rat was retreating to."
Badger inspects the path.
Survival: 21
It's clearly a common path for many (a dozen?) small-sized creatures. There are signs that two medium-sized creatures have recently been dragged along it.
Badger: "It looks like a dozen or so goblins have recently ambushed and kidnapped two people. I fear Sir Hallwinter and Mr Rockseeker are in danger."
When Badger and Ash return to the road, K says, "Take a look at this map case. Do we know whether Gundren's urgent business had to do with a map? Do we complete our delivery or try to find the two captives?"
Badger looks at the map case. "Ooh, nice one. No, I don't think we know anything about a map. But regardless, we took a job to deliver these goods, and we should do that."
Ash: "A lot of good delivering these supplies will do when the person who is supposed to pay us is locked away in some goblin dungeon somewhere. If a dozen goblins can hide in these woods, I think a pair of oxen and a wagon can do so, too. Then we can go rescue Sildar and Gundren and get even more gold for the job."
K: "I think protecting our benefactor might be an implicit part of our job, Badger. I'm with Ash. Let's hide the wagon and at the least find out if Sir Hallwinter and Gundren are in trouble. If it gets too dangerous, we can shift plans, deliver the goods to Barthen's Provisions, and get help."
Badger looks between the two halflings. He sighs heavily. "Okay. Let's go save the day again," he says with a grin and a wink.
You tie up the oxen 60' off the road and well-hidden from any passersby.
You start north on the goblin trail. What is the marching order?
Badger recommends that K takes the lead and Badger takes the rear; they have the most passive perception and K is quieter than Badger.
K takes the lead and keeps his eyes and ears open for any signs of another ambush.
K: About 10 minutes north of the road, you notice a snare trap. You point it out to the party and you all avoid it.
K: please give me a perception check.
K perception check: 3 (nat 1 :( )