Elaric nods his agreement. "If this increase in hostile activity should prove related to that which agitates the ankhegs, perhaps we can learn more by questioning a goblin or two."
As the party approaches the caravan of traveling merchants, they can make out raised and angry voices. Drawing closer, it becomes evident that an argument has broken out between two groups of merchants. Pieces of conversation back and forth between multiple people can be heard:
“We can’t just let them get away with this!"
“Yeah? Well what in the nine hells do you propose we do about it? All of our guards are either dead or too injured to be of any help!”
“We can hire new guards and go back after the bastards.”
“With what money? They took nearly everything. We barely have enough goods left to trade for food."
“We’ll just have to go after them ourselves!”
“Ha! Us? We’re merchants, not warriors! They’d run us through without breaking a sweat.”
“Well then what do you propose we do – sit here and whine about it?”
“What about them? They look like they could take on a few thugs.”
This last remark is accompanied by a finger pointing toward the approaching party
Almost as one, the merchants turn to look at the three newcomers. Most of the stares are disappointingly incredulous.
“Them?!” cries a large man with a red beard and brawny physique. Gesturing in turn to Wendell, Elaric, and Gong, the speaker adds, “A farmer, a fop, and an orc??? Be serious!”
However, with an expression of recognition, one of the merchants – young half-elven woman with striking blue eyes – avows excitedly, “No, no! I know them!” With this pronouncement, the merchants all turn curious looks toward the speaker. Blushing under the sudden onslaught of attention her hasty words have engendered, she hurriedly adds, “Well, perhaps I should say I know OF them. I’ve heard talk about Adaern – these are the heroes who have been assisting Sir Maurius Van Der Wuulf of the city’s council.” She begins suiting gestures to words as she points out each member of the party beginning with Wendell. “If I’m not mistaken, we have here Wendell Rolfe, self-taught conjurer and native of these parts,” Her hand moves toward Elaric. “Elaric Carsalon, Elven evoker and noted scholar of ancient lore,” With a small flourishing motion of both hands, she indicates Gong. “And Gong, a HALF-orc follower of the four-elements monastic tradition and, from everything I’ve heard, one hell of a martial artist.” The young woman’s cheeks flush slightly with a mixture of triumph and embarrassment at knowing such details about people she clearly idolizes to some degree. After a brief pause, the red bearded man speaks again. “Fine, they’re heroes. Wonderful. Glad to hear it. But two spell slingers and knuckle-buster ain’t gonna do much good against all those bandits. We need warriors, you grasp? Strong fighters with armor and swords.” The half-elf adds, almost apologetically, “I think these three have friends like that, do you not?” Her head turns to the party with this question. “If I heard aright, you travel with a zealous Dragonborn who fights like the fury of a barbarian, a fearsome Goliath mercenary with the heart of a champion fighter, and sage of the swamps – a druid said to be a guardian of nature.” She turns back to red beard. “Surely, with the aid of heroes such as these, the bandits would have no choice but to return our property… or die, I suppose.”
With a sigh, the brawny red bearded man turns to the party, “Is it true? Are you who Lihiralet says you are?”
Wendell, unsure of what to make of this unexpected fame, glances uncertainly at Lihiralet for a moment before replying, "She has the right of it. I am Wendell Rolfe. You say bandits attacked your caravan? How many? When, and where did they attack?"
Then, remembering himself and the initial reason they had approached the merchants, "And do you have anything left to trade?"
The blue-eyed half-elf, Lihiralet, answers Wendell’s last question, “I’m afraid nothing of much use – some basic farming implements, a few items of clothing, and our wagons. As for the attack, Otto here,” she waves a hand at the large man with the red beard, “can probably tell you better than anyone.”
The brawny Otto steps forward to address the party.
“It’s like this,” he admits with a glum irritation, “about half a day’s ride from here, we were waylaid by a group of men standing in the middle of the road. Well, that’s nothing new – fools often try to make a name for themselves by raiding large caravans and we’re usually prepared for it.” Looking a touch sheepish, he continues, “What we weren’t prepared for was that this particular group of thugs planned ahead – half of our caravan’s guards were actually part of this bandit group. They posed as guards-for-hire and signed on with us. When our wagons stopped, they struck while everyone watched the brigands blocking our way. They had killed or wounded our real guards before we knew what hit us. And what were we to do? We’re merchants, not trained fighters. We had to just sit there, crossbows pointed at our hearts, while those thieves ransacked our wagons. I suppose we’re lucky they didn’t do more than rob us, but it still leaves our whole group in a tight spot.” His voice takes on a slight pleading note as he beseeches the party, “Please, if you can track down these thieves and return our goods to us, we can reward you handsomely for it. We carried many items heroes such as you might find useful in your doings – weapons, potions, spell scrolls, and even a few magic items. What’s more, we have many connections through the land – if you can aid us, we’ll return the favor: we’ll sing your praises high and low to any who will listen. That might not sound like much, but when merchants know you’re good people, well… It can do wonders to lower prices, find rare items, and even acquire the less common rumors and pieces of information – the kind that don’t usually get spread about.”
A little breathlessly, Lihiralet probes, “What say you, heroes of Adaern? Will you help us?” And, almost inaudibly, she adds, “Please?”
Wendell's expression hardens as he listens to the bandit's underhanded tactics, then softens as he glances at the remains of the caravan.
He sighs, "I can't agree to help, not right away. We have business in this town which cannot wait. What's more, we can't agree to any task without our other companions present. Once this is accomplished though, we will see... and I will advocate strongly in favor of making these robbing scum our next target."
He reaches into his pouch, "For now though, I'll do what I can, if you'll let me"
He counts out 22 gold pieces along with an explanation, "For food and lodging, while we take care of our immediate task."
Wendell's expression hardens as he listens to the bandit's underhanded tactics, then softens as he glances at the remains of the caravan.
He sighs, "I can't agree to help, not right away. We have business in this town which cannot wait. What's more, we can't agree to any task without our other companions present. Once this is accomplished though, we will see... and I will advocate strongly in favor of making these robbing scum our next target."
He reaches into his pouch, "For now though, I'll do what I can, if you'll let me"
He counts out 22 gold pieces along with an explanation, "For food and lodging, while we take care of our immediate task."
Having already heard about the ankheg attacks, the merchants, while disappointed, are not entirely surprised that the party cannot currently assist them. They are, however, hopeful for the heroes' aid in the near future. Upon receiving the coins, the entire caravan is embarrassed but grateful for the generosity and accept under one condition: that it be known they consider this a temporary loan (as well as a kind and thoughtful gesture) which they will repay with interest as soon as they are able. Otto and Lihiralet both insist that, should there be anything the caravan can do to help the party in their current undertakings, they have but to ask.
[ Absent immediate ability to stock up on healing supplies, I vote we grab food for everyone, head back to the rocky outcrop to plan and rest, then hunt goblins]
Elaric agrees with most of this plan but, given the presence of ankhegs, goblins, bandits, and some larger subterranean monstrosity, recommends the party try to find lodgings within Pyrringham rather than camping out. If Skoth is willing to part with his (TEMPORARILY magically charmed) new friend, that is.
Follow-up details to come later tonight or tomorrow, but reward calculations (with individual rewards inbold) are as follows:
29 goblins killed X 25gp/goblin = 725 gp bounty + 500 gp bonus for clearing out the goblin base = 1225 gp for the group (total, NOT EACH) = 204 gp per PC with 1 gp left over
3,200 XP for kills and traps + 400 XP for clearing the base = 3,600 XP total/6 PCs = 600 XP per PC
When you take the Attack action with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end of the weapon that uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack and has a damage die of d4 (bludgeoning). While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach.
When you take the Attack action with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end of the weapon that uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack and has a damage die of d4 (bludgeoning). While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach.
Polearm Master Attack: 1 Bonus Action
And if you were to ask if a special glaive could be created with a spear head on its opposite end, that might result in your choice between d4 bludgeoning or d6 piercing with that extra attack. Just musing to myself aloud (so to speak - or type)…
When you take the Attack action with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end of the weapon that uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack and has a damage die of d4 (bludgeoning). While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach.
Polearm Master Attack: 1 Bonus Action
And if you were to ask if a special glaive could be created with a spear head on its opposite end, that might result in your choice between d4 bludgeoning or d6 piercing with that extra attack. Just musing to myself aloud (so to speak - or type)…
With the goblin war chief reduced to a smoldering pile of gore, the remaining goblins’ resolve breaks and the battle becomes a chaotic slaughter from which the heroes emerge the victors. With the goblin nest cleared and 29 hands collected, the party sets about collecting any treasures for later distribution. Between the bodies, assorted bags, packs, and older-looking boxes (the newer ones presumably belonging to the recently raided farms in Pyrringham), the party discovers:
3 Potions of Healing
2 small glass flasks full of an unidentified orange, flickering liquid
1 heavy vial full of a thick, sticky black unguent
A small silver ring which seems to have a strange elastic quality to it
A number of mundane weapons and armor on the corpses of the goblins (scimitars, shortswords, daggers, light crossbows with bolts, small wooden shields, goblin-sized helms and breastplates, a few short bows, two quivers of arrows, and a machete)
On the corpse of the shaman is a book, bound in copper plates. Though initially locked – apparently by magic as no lock is visible – it springs open when touched by the arcane illumination of Wendell’s Light spell. The wizards pour over the spells contained but, in so doing, they make a discovery: at the back of the book is a note which appears to have been hurriedly scrolled in Goblin and a crudely drawn map of the local area. A large red X has been marked in a section of forest along with a skull and crossbones.
Stuffed into a barrel by several bed rolls is a well-made longsword which appears to shed pale moonlight when drawn in the dark
Spread amongst belt pouches and packs are various coins:
56 cp
33 sp
34 gp
4 ep
In a chest tucked away in the back of the room, the party discovers the chief’s hoard:
240 cp
360 sp
60 gp
Carnelian (50 gp)
Chalcedony (50 gp)
2 x Jasper (50 gp)
Onyx (50 gp)
Star rose quartz (50 gp)
Spell Scroll (Bestow Curse)
A small black velvet pouch containing a sealed crystalline vial full of a very fine sand or maybe powder
A glass container in the shape of a animal and full of a pale green liquid that gives off a comforting warmth when the container is held
The sword is a moon-touched longsword, a common magical item which sheds pale moonlight when drawn in the dark. The light is bright to 15' and dim for 15' beyond that.
The green liquid is a potion of animal friendship. It allows its imbiber to cast an Animal Friendship spell. Oddly, whoever made this managed to make it appear more palatable; the potion is usually a thick, muddy brown which, when agitated, can be seen to contain little bits of animals such as fish scales, hummingbird tongues, cat claws, or squirrel hair.
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Elaric nods his agreement. "If this increase in hostile activity should prove related to that which agitates the ankhegs, perhaps we can learn more by questioning a goblin or two."
As the party approaches the caravan of traveling merchants, they can make out raised and angry voices. Drawing closer, it becomes evident that an argument has broken out between two groups of merchants. Pieces of conversation back and forth between multiple people can be heard:
“We can’t just let them get away with this!"
“Yeah? Well what in the nine hells do you propose we do about it? All of our guards are either dead or too injured to be of any help!”
“We can hire new guards and go back after the bastards.”
“With what money? They took nearly everything. We barely have enough goods left to trade for food."
“We’ll just have to go after them ourselves!”
“Ha! Us? We’re merchants, not warriors! They’d run us through without breaking a sweat.”
“Well then what do you propose we do – sit here and whine about it?”
“What about them? They look like they could take on a few thugs.”
This last remark is accompanied by a finger pointing toward the approaching party
Almost as one, the merchants turn to look at the three newcomers. Most of the stares are disappointingly incredulous.
“Them?!” cries a large man with a red beard and brawny physique. Gesturing in turn to Wendell, Elaric, and Gong, the speaker adds, “A farmer, a fop, and an orc??? Be serious!”
However, with an expression of recognition, one of the merchants – young half-elven woman with striking blue eyes – avows excitedly, “No, no! I know them!” With this pronouncement, the merchants all turn curious looks toward the speaker. Blushing under the sudden onslaught of attention her hasty words have engendered, she hurriedly adds, “Well, perhaps I should say I know OF them. I’ve heard talk about Adaern – these are the heroes who have been assisting Sir Maurius Van Der Wuulf of the city’s council.” She begins suiting gestures to words as she points out each member of the party beginning with Wendell. “If I’m not mistaken, we have here Wendell Rolfe, self-taught conjurer and native of these parts,” Her hand moves toward Elaric. “Elaric Carsalon, Elven evoker and noted scholar of ancient lore,” With a small flourishing motion of both hands, she indicates Gong. “And Gong, a HALF-orc follower of the four-elements monastic tradition and, from everything I’ve heard, one hell of a martial artist.” The young woman’s cheeks flush slightly with a mixture of triumph and embarrassment at knowing such details about people she clearly idolizes to some degree. After a brief pause, the red bearded man speaks again. “Fine, they’re heroes. Wonderful. Glad to hear it. But two spell slingers and knuckle-buster ain’t gonna do much good against all those bandits. We need warriors, you grasp? Strong fighters with armor and swords.” The half-elf adds, almost apologetically, “I think these three have friends like that, do you not?” Her head turns to the party with this question. “If I heard aright, you travel with a zealous Dragonborn who fights like the fury of a barbarian, a fearsome Goliath mercenary with the heart of a champion fighter, and sage of the swamps – a druid said to be a guardian of nature.” She turns back to red beard. “Surely, with the aid of heroes such as these, the bandits would have no choice but to return our property… or die, I suppose.”
With a sigh, the brawny red bearded man turns to the party, “Is it true? Are you who Lihiralet says you are?”
Wendell, unsure of what to make of this unexpected fame, glances uncertainly at Lihiralet for a moment before replying, "She has the right of it. I am Wendell Rolfe. You say bandits attacked your caravan? How many? When, and where did they attack?"
Then, remembering himself and the initial reason they had approached the merchants, "And do you have anything left to trade?"
The blue-eyed half-elf, Lihiralet, answers Wendell’s last question, “I’m afraid nothing of much use – some basic farming implements, a few items of clothing, and our wagons. As for the attack, Otto here,” she waves a hand at the large man with the red beard, “can probably tell you better than anyone.”
The brawny Otto steps forward to address the party.
“It’s like this,” he admits with a glum irritation, “about half a day’s ride from here, we were waylaid by a group of men standing in the middle of the road. Well, that’s nothing new – fools often try to make a name for themselves by raiding large caravans and we’re usually prepared for it.” Looking a touch sheepish, he continues, “What we weren’t prepared for was that this particular group of thugs planned ahead – half of our caravan’s guards were actually part of this bandit group. They posed as guards-for-hire and signed on with us. When our wagons stopped, they struck while everyone watched the brigands blocking our way. They had killed or wounded our real guards before we knew what hit us. And what were we to do? We’re merchants, not trained fighters. We had to just sit there, crossbows pointed at our hearts, while those thieves ransacked our wagons. I suppose we’re lucky they didn’t do more than rob us, but it still leaves our whole group in a tight spot.” His voice takes on a slight pleading note as he beseeches the party, “Please, if you can track down these thieves and return our goods to us, we can reward you handsomely for it. We carried many items heroes such as you might find useful in your doings – weapons, potions, spell scrolls, and even a few magic items. What’s more, we have many connections through the land – if you can aid us, we’ll return the favor: we’ll sing your praises high and low to any who will listen. That might not sound like much, but when merchants know you’re good people, well… It can do wonders to lower prices, find rare items, and even acquire the less common rumors and pieces of information – the kind that don’t usually get spread about.”
A little breathlessly, Lihiralet probes, “What say you, heroes of Adaern? Will you help us?” And, almost inaudibly, she adds, “Please?”
Wendell's expression hardens as he listens to the bandit's underhanded tactics, then softens as he glances at the remains of the caravan.
He sighs, "I can't agree to help, not right away. We have business in this town which cannot wait. What's more, we can't agree to any task without our other companions present. Once this is accomplished though, we will see... and I will advocate strongly in favor of making these robbing scum our next target."
He reaches into his pouch, "For now though, I'll do what I can, if you'll let me"
He counts out 22 gold pieces along with an explanation, "For food and lodging, while we take care of our immediate task."
[OOG: Wendell gains inspiration]
Having already heard about the ankheg attacks, the merchants, while disappointed, are not entirely surprised that the party cannot currently assist them. They are, however, hopeful for the heroes' aid in the near future. Upon receiving the coins, the entire caravan is embarrassed but grateful for the generosity and accept under one condition: that it be known they consider this a temporary loan (as well as a kind and thoughtful gesture) which they will repay with interest as soon as they are able. Otto and Lihiralet both insist that, should there be anything the caravan can do to help the party in their current undertakings, they have but to ask.
[OOG: the next thing to do is track down the goblins - does anyone wish to do anything before the party regroups and makes a few checks?]
[ Absent immediate ability to stock up on healing supplies, I vote we grab food for everyone, head back to the rocky outcrop to plan and rest, then hunt goblins]
Elaric agrees with most of this plan but, given the presence of ankhegs, goblins, bandits, and some larger subterranean monstrosity, recommends the party try to find lodgings within Pyrringham rather than camping out. If Skoth is willing to part with his (TEMPORARILY magically charmed) new friend, that is.
Gong is likewise in agreement.
Wendell floats the idea of retaining the goblin cave as a potential base of operations in the area.
"After we clean the goblin corpses out, of course."
Follow-up details to come later tonight or tomorrow, but reward calculations (with individual rewards in bold) are as follows:
29 goblins killed X 25gp/goblin = 725 gp bounty + 500 gp bonus for clearing out the goblin base = 1225 gp for the group (total, NOT EACH) = 204 gp per PC with 1 gp left over
3,200 XP for kills and traps + 400 XP for clearing the base = 3,600 XP total/6 PCs = 600 XP per PC
Excellent. New feat:
When you take the Attack action with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end of the weapon that uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack and has a damage die of d4 (bludgeoning). While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach.
And if you were to ask if a special glaive could be created with a spear head on its opposite end, that might result in your choice between d4 bludgeoning or d6 piercing with that extra attack. Just musing to myself aloud (so to speak - or type)…
Theoretical musings noted...
With the goblin war chief reduced to a smoldering pile of gore, the remaining goblins’ resolve breaks and the battle becomes a chaotic slaughter from which the heroes emerge the victors. With the goblin nest cleared and 29 hands collected, the party sets about collecting any treasures for later distribution. Between the bodies, assorted bags, packs, and older-looking boxes (the newer ones presumably belonging to the recently raided farms in Pyrringham), the party discovers:
In a chest tucked away in the back of the room, the party discovers the chief’s hoard:
Wendell is going to belt on one of the short swords, and unless Elaric objects he'll hold on to the Goblin's Spellbook and the Bestow Curse Scroll.
Elaric, likewise, took up a shortsword. He has no objection to the scroll but would like the opportunity to study the spellbook along with Wendell.
Arcana check to recognize:
The orange liquids - 9
The black ungent - 11
The ring - 10
The moonlight sword - 21
The fine sand/powder - 25
The green animal jar potion - 13
Elaric further suggests dividing up the coins and gems such that each member of the party receives:
15 gp
65 sp
49 cp
1 of the six gemstones
With the use of the remaining 4 gp, 4 ep, 3 sp, and 2 cp to be decided upon later.
The sword is a moon-touched longsword, a common magical item which sheds pale moonlight when drawn in the dark. The light is bright to 15' and dim for 15' beyond that.
The green liquid is a potion of animal friendship. It allows its imbiber to cast an Animal Friendship spell. Oddly, whoever made this managed to make it appear more palatable; the potion is usually a thick, muddy brown which, when agitated, can be seen to contain little bits of animals such as fish scales, hummingbird tongues, cat claws, or squirrel hair.