Penris frowns, looking around at all the muck.  "Okay, that's a good plan for when we get to the hag's place.  But Krythlynn said this is some other structure, and that lots of creatures have died here.  So something dangerous lives around here."  She looks up at Vanyel, chewing on her lip.  "I don't have a better idea, so maybe we use the plan both places?  But I hate to put you in danger, Vanyel," she says worriedly. 

Vanyel scoffs at Penris's words. "I am big strong bugbear. I am used to being beat, remember? It will only make me stronger. Besides, Even big creatures to these tiny creatures are at best average sized compared to me. Lets just go in and clean it out of any evil." At that, Vanyel begins to walk forward.

As Vanyel heads down the path, the structure slowly comes more into view.  It appears to be a half built swamp fort of some kind, with a raised floor above the waterline.  The size of it, built for creatures of Vanyel's height; based on the size of the doors.  There are several archaic designs and symbols throughout the fort, none of which are bugbear.  For some odd reason, the floor is heavily littered by fish skeletons; at least two dozen, tossed randomly to the ground, though some have landed onto objects and tables.

(History or an Intelligence Save to recognize the symbols.)

Intelligence Save: 3

Kip save 16

Vanyel, you recognize them as Orc carvings.  You know that they usually travel deeper to the north; they must be trying to push south with the swamp.

Kip has no clue.

"I wonder if some small cute harmless children have been carving around here.." Kip would say as he is reminded of the doodles and carvings his children have made over the years.

Vanyel pauses and looks at his companions. "These are Orc markings. They are about my size but often more temperamental. If it comes to a fight let me take the brunt of it. I don't want them to try to eat little ones like you." 

"Oh, that reminds me; Griselda can turn creatures into fish." Glitter mumbles from Kip's furry tail.

"Oh... well... I uhh... I guess if I get turned into a fish I could try to make some kind... of like... Splash attack? Hags are like witches right? Maybe getting it wet could make it melt... I think I heard that somewhere... but to be honest.... Squirrlings don't know much about hags.... or witches..." Kip will say holding his sling even tighter. 

Penris grips her dagger tighter, smiling grimly at her companions.  "Orcs, huh?  Well, they might be big, but let's hope they're stupid.  Vanyel, if you can distract them, perhaps Kip and I can attack from a distance - pick them off while you fight."  She looks over at Kip, then at Glitter.  "Assuming, of course, we don't get turned into fish first."  She stops, then cocks her head, thinking.   "What if we tried to, I dunno, set fire to the fort first or something?  Then while they are panicking, we pick them off?" 

Vanyel scratches his chin in thought. "I do not believe you will make them panic very easily. It may be best to hit them from the back while I distract them and take the brunt of their attacks. Just don't leave me if things don't go well. ok?"

Penris gasps in horror at Vanyel's words.  "We would never you leave you, Vanyel! Would we, Kip?" She looks over at the squirreling.  "Do you think we can get around to the back while staying up in the trees?  I really don't want to have to slog through the muck if we don't have to," she says, making a face as she looks at the slimy ground. 

While you all continue to discuss tactics, Vanyel unconsciously continues down the trail; past the half built, and apparently abandoned, fort.    It is already behind you before you notice.

"We are all chapions of the gods! I don't think they would like it if we abandoned you! We are with you till the end friend" Kip will say with a smile before leaping up on to the bugbears shoulders and then into one of the nearby trees. "I dont think it should be too hard to move around up here.. but than again... I grew up jumping from tree to tree" Kip will say with a smile.

Penris, looking around to assess the air access, suddenly realizes they've gone past the fort.  "Huh - we walked right past and nothing happened.  I guess they abandoned it?" she says.  "Should we go back and look around to see if we can find any clues that might help before we challenge the hag?"

"Could it be possible the hag turned them to fish and they either died on the ground of suffocation or she ate them?"

Muffled by Kip's tail, you hear; "It's possible."

Kip, as you climb onto the tree, you can see much farther.  Up ahead is a large shack, where the trail appears to be ending.  You try to look for any movement, but are suddenly distracted by a snake's hiss; higher up in the tree.

Penris frowns at Glitter's words.  "Well, shoot, it would be nice to have a little bit more information before we just march into this hag's clutches," she says.