As you all stop and take a look, having a brief conversation, the Goblins continue their own chatter. Between the winds of the mountain, and the distance, you're not able to quite make out anything they're saying. But it's clear that they're talking. Or at least a few of them are, as others toss some scraps to the wolves by their feet, giving them a pat on the head and some water to drink.
The section of mountain you're on is relatively flat, as if this particular peak and valley just stopped and became level. There's a cliff heading up on one part, and maybe two hundred feet on the other side, a slope leading down. It's not the biggest slope, but one you'd have to take carefully. The Goblins rest along the path you're trying to go, just at this distance with all the ice, neither side would find a easy time charging at one another. Unfortunately, without them moving and still resting, it's impossible to tell what direction they may be going. The only thing you know is that they were not along the same trail you were on. Still, the landscape doesn't provide a lot of cover. Some low patches of snow. Some rocks that are scattered along the side of the cliff. Or could always try to jump down the slope and hide along it.
They've yet to notice you though, seeming more preoccupied with what they're doing. But if any of them start to look around, you're all still quite visible. You could always turn back around, and go a different route. But it would certainly add a few hours to your journey; and if the Goblins end up coming this way... you'd have a band of them on your tail.
Diadochi nods, "if we can't take out these goblins here I have little hope for us if we reach whatever passes for a stronghold. And I don't want them coming up behind us." He moves some of the rocks he placed "the way I see it, our best bet is to go down this slope, get out of their line of sight a bit. Try to get close, Abigail sneaks up there, if their numbers aren't overwhelming, Abigail takes a shot at them. Hopefully they follow her as she makes her way down they have trouble getting to us and we take them at range. Problem is Abigail also has to get down... If only we had a Loxodonian war sled, that'd be something."
Yaalin looks down the slope. "The problem I see is we could very easily fall ourselves or be shot to death from above. At this point, I am considering a frontal assault to be the best course of action. We may even confuse them by being so bold if we get one to run we can find their source but may lose any surprise there."
Sim looks around and seeing they don't really have any options says "I suggest that we push on. Either we deal with them now or later and I do speak Goblin so maybe we can prevent this coming to blows to much. Either way be at your ready."
Abigail looks doubtful, then says, "This sounds like a plan. Why don't you guys go see if you can... negotiate with these goblin. I will sneak along the slope and ambush them if things go south."
The group begins to move forward, towards the resting band of Goblins. Abigail darts over to the side, ducking down quickly as she uses her claws to cling to the slope of the mountain. Crawling at a similar pace to the rest of the team as they advance. It takes longer than expected to cross the path. Feet sometimes hitting a patch of ice and sliding. Balance clearly not being everyone’ strong suit.
Thewolves are the first to notice your presence. Their faces turning to your direction before letting out a few barks. The goblins looks quickly follow. Some of them instantly beginning to gather up their supplies. Placing items into backpacks and tossing harnesses back on the wolves. As you all draw closer, you’re able to see ten Goblin faces looking at you all - along with four wolves. A lone Goblin stands up from the middle of them, heading out towards you all. Carefully stepping on the ground as not to slip on the ice.
It takes a few minutes to get closer to them. Eventually, you notice four of the Goblins and two of the now wolf riders dive off down the slope. The riders seem more used to navigating the terrain, shifting and moving together for balance. A few of the other Goblins carrying the supplies take a tumble, but seem to recover for the most part. Heading down and away. Abigail gets flat against the rock face; trying her best to hide. It seeming to work as the few don’t even cast a look in her direction.
That lone Goblin puts out a hand, once it’s about 400 feet away from you all. The remaining five Goblins slowly putting their armor on and getting their wolves ready. One of them in the back appears to be a bit scrappier. A cruel looking blade being attached to his side. While it’s difficult to tell, you think they’re all armed with with blades or bows. Except for the one standing alone - seemingly just wearing more robes and a heavier jacket. Although it could have plenty hiding just out of sight.
”STOP,” the lone Goblin commands in a high pitched voice, it’s voice sounding odd in common. “No fight. You stay there. WE go. You no follow.” It shifts its feet on the ice a bit. Standing on a larger patch. It’s Goblin companions are about 300 feet away from it, tense during the exchange but continuing to get ready for whatever may happen next.
Sim hears the goblin speak and raises his hands indicating he won’t attack yet and motions for the others to stop where they are. He then speaks in Goblin. “We only approach ready to fight because we were attacked by some other goblins recently. Will you talk with me in peace and answer some questions? As you see I speak your language and we do not hunt all goblins just the ones behind the attacks.”
The lone Goblin puts his hand somewhat behind him - as if to attempt and calm its friend who are still packing. He then crosses his arms over his chest, before lowering with with a little bit of a nod towards the grou.
He speaks out again, this time in Goblin. “Yes. Fine. You stay there.” There’s a pause, as he looks over your group. “Now ask.” It’s clear that, while he doesn’t trust you at all, he seems willing to talk. Especially while it’s giving his companions time to finish getting ready.
While the Goblin says something to Sim, you all know it at least has some vocabulary in common.
Sim stops where he is and sits down on the ground to talk. He keeps his hands out in front of him. “I thank you for trusting me enough to talk. My name is Sim. I am a ranger. What is your name? We are not from the town below but we were there when it was attacked two days ago. We have been told that someone has risen to power who is leading the goblin clans now. Who is that? Are all of the goblin people trusting this new leader? Your group seems different. Almost like you were hiding from everyone. Not just running from us when you saw us. We also seek information on a temple in these mountains. What do you know of that?
The Goblin fidgets a bit. Hands moving from crossed, to in its pockets, to handing by its sides. Fingers sometimes tapping against the jacket a bit as it looks and converses with Sim. At first, you can hear the other goblins shout, but the lone figure seems to wave them off.
(In Goblin)
"Don't trust them!"
There is still quite a bit of tension in the air as the lone one begins to speak. "I don't meet rangers. But new leader. Unify. Brings clans together." It makes a brief gesture over behind him. There is some differences between the Goblins, skin colors, heights, ear designs. Not unlike humans all looking different, but, could be each was belonging to a clan. "All will unify," it says, after noticing Sim nod and ask if all follow it. "We hunters. Not wanting war. You, ranger, understand the mountain. Understand need to hunt and survive."
The hunting group's wolves give a bark. You can all begin to tell they're just about ready to go. Equipment packed up, riders mounting their beasts. Still, they're lingering around as they wait for the lone one to return. Carefully watching the group. As Sim begins to shift the conversation towards the temple, the lone Goblin takes a few steps closer. Narrowing it's eyes a bit as it looks across all of you. It stops gaze stopping on Yaalin longer than any of the others. It's screechy voice popping back in common. "
Temple is locked. Cave to temple is ruins. Beasts inside. Big, smart beast of wings and spines." it makes a gesture of somethings large and claws the air with its hands.
Abigail tries to take note of which direction the wolf-riders go.
Do they peel off a different direction once they hit the bottom of the slope, are they circling back around, etc. Perception - 15
After they are out of her sight, she is going to turn her attention to the encampment. "Well, at least they are not killing each other yet, " she says to herself, "Maybe we will get out of this one without too much trouble after all."
Diadochi notices the Goblin trying staring at Yaalin more than the others and tries to figure out what that is all about insight7 when he hears of the beast he tries to think of what this might be Nature2 if Sims says anything about this new unifier he'll see if this fits into that he knows about goblins he's heard about in the past history11.
Yaalin will steadily return the Goblins gaze, her shield and mace remain put away as she leans on her staff. Waiting for negotiations/conversations to finish.
Sim nods as the Goblin answers "I do understand the need to hunt and survive. Do you know why the leader sent warriors to raid the town? It's too bad someone like you who just wants to survive and wants peace couldn't be the leader of your people. You mentioned a cave leading to the temple. Do you know where it is? Does the beast live in the cave or in the temple? Have you ever heard of a Silver Apple?"
Lafetha watches the Goblins and the wolves on high alert as Sim speaks to the leader. Although they seem like they are willing to be peaceful, doesn't mean they will be. insight13
Abigail: As you watch the riders, and a few of the tumbling goblins descend down the hill, they walk a little ways from the bottom before stopping. Turning back around and appearing to wait for something. Most likely not wanting to leave their companions behind, but, they're at the ready to bolt if need be.
Diadochi: You try to think about other Goblins you've heard of. There's always the stories that goblins respect great strength, but, that's nothing really new. The ever-rare city goblinyou've met have been as diverse of a group as ever.
Lafetha: The lone goblin talking to Sim seems rather calm. It does appear the finger tapping he does against his jacket to be some sort of nervous tick. The remaining goblin band behind him is definitely on edge. It seems they're ready to leave, but unwilling to go without the last one yet.
The Goblin and Yaalin's gaze eventually because, as it and Sim continue to converse; Switching between goblin and common.
He shakes his head 'no' when Sim asks about knowing where the cave is. "In the mountains. I don't go looking for beasts. Looking to find food, not be food." He does smirk when they discuss leadership, pointy teeth easily being seen. "You not bad either, Ranger." But there's a bit of a shrug when it comes to the leaders actions.
Lafetha, you do notice that his pupils widen when Sim asks about something. His tone shifting for just a brief moment. "Yes, I have heard of Apple. Why?" the Goblin inquires. He takes another few steps forward, waving off his companions once again who are eager to leave, and don't like the fact he's inched towards you.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Taking note of his new focused attention Sim nods again. "I appreciate the kind words. If I wanted to meet this leader to talk to him where would I find him? My companions are on a quest to recover the Silver Apple but you are one of the first who seems to have some actual knowledge of it. Will you tell me what you know of it? What it is and where it may be?" insight16
The Goblin's head shook 'no' vigirously to the commend on meeting and finding the leader. The goblin seeming scared at such an idea. "No, no, no no...." the reaction resembling the last Goblin you all chatted with during the raid. Some deep sense of fear in whoever their leader was. "Leader Magic. No disrupt..."
It takes a few moments of talking to get the goblin off of the topic. Before switching to the apple. "Yes.... yes apple. It thing. Treasure. Legendary. Give wishes and riches." The goblin pauses for a few minutes. "But lost. In temple. Gone...."
The other Goblins behind cause the wolves to bark. This time, the lone Goblin turns and look at them and nods. Casting it's face over the shoulder to look back at you all. "Be safe." It's a rather abrupt end. The Goblin making it's way back to the rest of the group. Even if spoken to, it doesn't seem to respond. Focused on the ice, and climbing on the back of one of the wolves. That one that had a rider with a cruel looking blade. The remaining goblins take a last look at you all before they head down the hill.
Again the wolf riders seem to understand the slope better than others. But they reach the bottom, and gather with the rest of their group, before heading off towards a different section of the mountains. Apparently not in the same direction you all are heading in. They're keeping a steady pace, one that shouldn't be too hard to follow if you were so inclined. Although waiting for them to be far enough away and not in eye-sight would probably be key.
The way is now clear to finish this leg of the journey. What do you all do?
Once the Goblin's are around 80 feet away, Diadochi will say "We'll that was certainly unexpected. I'm glad we didn't resort to blood shed." He'll look to Sim, "Did anything he said change our plans? Are we still on the way to the temple?"
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As you all stop and take a look, having a brief conversation, the Goblins continue their own chatter. Between the winds of the mountain, and the distance, you're not able to quite make out anything they're saying. But it's clear that they're talking. Or at least a few of them are, as others toss some scraps to the wolves by their feet, giving them a pat on the head and some water to drink.
The section of mountain you're on is relatively flat, as if this particular peak and valley just stopped and became level. There's a cliff heading up on one part, and maybe two hundred feet on the other side, a slope leading down. It's not the biggest slope, but one you'd have to take carefully. The Goblins rest along the path you're trying to go, just at this distance with all the ice, neither side would find a easy time charging at one another. Unfortunately, without them moving and still resting, it's impossible to tell what direction they may be going. The only thing you know is that they were not along the same trail you were on. Still, the landscape doesn't provide a lot of cover. Some low patches of snow. Some rocks that are scattered along the side of the cliff. Or could always try to jump down the slope and hide along it.
They've yet to notice you though, seeming more preoccupied with what they're doing. But if any of them start to look around, you're all still quite visible. You could always turn back around, and go a different route. But it would certainly add a few hours to your journey; and if the Goblins end up coming this way... you'd have a band of them on your tail.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Diadochi nods, "if we can't take out these goblins here I have little hope for us if we reach whatever passes for a stronghold. And I don't want them coming up behind us." He moves some of the rocks he placed "the way I see it, our best bet is to go down this slope, get out of their line of sight a bit. Try to get close, Abigail sneaks up there, if their numbers aren't overwhelming, Abigail takes a shot at them. Hopefully they follow her as she makes her way down they have trouble getting to us and we take them at range. Problem is Abigail also has to get down... If only we had a Loxodonian war sled, that'd be something."
Yaalin looks down the slope. "The problem I see is we could very easily fall ourselves or be shot to death from above. At this point, I am considering a frontal assault to be the best course of action. We may even confuse them by being so bold if we get one to run we can find their source but may lose any surprise there."
I will, however, defer to the group.
Sim looks around and seeing they don't really have any options says "I suggest that we push on. Either we deal with them now or later and I do speak Goblin so maybe we can prevent this coming to blows to much. Either way be at your ready."
Lafetha agrees with the group. "Sim should try to reason with them first. Hopefully they wont be terrible to reason with." "Let's move forward."
Abigail looks doubtful, then says, "This sounds like a plan. Why don't you guys go see if you can... negotiate with these goblin. I will sneak along the slope and ambush them if things go south."
Stealth - 15
The group begins to move forward, towards the resting band of Goblins. Abigail darts over to the side, ducking down quickly as she uses her claws to cling to the slope of the mountain. Crawling at a similar pace to the rest of the team as they advance. It takes longer than expected to cross the path. Feet sometimes hitting a patch of ice and sliding. Balance clearly not being everyone’ strong suit.
The wolves are the first to notice your presence. Their faces turning to your direction before letting out a few barks. The goblins looks quickly follow. Some of them instantly beginning to gather up their supplies. Placing items into backpacks and tossing harnesses back on the wolves. As you all draw closer, you’re able to see ten Goblin faces looking at you all - along with four wolves. A lone Goblin stands up from the middle of them, heading out towards you all. Carefully stepping on the ground as not to slip on the ice.
It takes a few minutes to get closer to them. Eventually, you notice four of the Goblins and two of the now wolf riders dive off down the slope. The riders seem more used to navigating the terrain, shifting and moving together for balance. A few of the other Goblins carrying the supplies take a tumble, but seem to recover for the most part. Heading down and away. Abigail gets flat against the rock face; trying her best to hide. It seeming to work as the few don’t even cast a look in her direction.
That lone Goblin puts out a hand, once it’s about 400 feet away from you all. The remaining five Goblins slowly putting their armor on and getting their wolves ready. One of them in the back appears to be a bit scrappier. A cruel looking blade being attached to his side. While it’s difficult to tell, you think they’re all armed with with blades or bows. Except for the one standing alone - seemingly just wearing more robes and a heavier jacket. Although it could have plenty hiding just out of sight.
”STOP,” the lone Goblin commands in a high pitched voice, it’s voice sounding odd in common. “No fight. You stay there. WE go. You no follow.” It shifts its feet on the ice a bit. Standing on a larger patch. It’s Goblin companions are about 300 feet away from it, tense during the exchange but continuing to get ready for whatever may happen next.
What do you do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Sim hears the goblin speak and raises his hands indicating he won’t attack yet and motions for the others to stop where they are. He then speaks in Goblin. “We only approach ready to fight because we were attacked by some other goblins recently. Will you talk with me in peace and answer some questions? As you see I speak your language and we do not hunt all goblins just the ones behind the attacks.”
persuasion 23
The lone Goblin puts his hand somewhat behind him - as if to attempt and calm its friend who are still packing. He then crosses his arms over his chest, before lowering with with a little bit of a nod towards the grou.
He speaks out again, this time in Goblin. “Yes. Fine. You stay there.” There’s a pause, as he looks over your group. “Now ask.” It’s clear that, while he doesn’t trust you at all, he seems willing to talk. Especially while it’s giving his companions time to finish getting ready.
While the Goblin says something to Sim, you all know it at least has some vocabulary in common.
What does everyone do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Sim stops where he is and sits down on the ground to talk. He keeps his hands out in front of him. “I thank you for trusting me enough to talk. My name is Sim. I am a ranger. What is your name? We are not from the town below but we were there when it was attacked two days ago. We have been told that someone has risen to power who is leading the goblin clans now. Who is that? Are all of the goblin people trusting this new leader? Your group seems different. Almost like you were hiding from everyone. Not just running from us when you saw us. We also seek information on a temple in these mountains. What do you know of that?
The Goblin fidgets a bit. Hands moving from crossed, to in its pockets, to handing by its sides. Fingers sometimes tapping against the jacket a bit as it looks and converses with Sim. At first, you can hear the other goblins shout, but the lone figure seems to wave them off.
(In Goblin)
"Don't trust them!"
There is still quite a bit of tension in the air as the lone one begins to speak. "I don't meet rangers. But new leader. Unify. Brings clans together." It makes a brief gesture over behind him. There is some differences between the Goblins, skin colors, heights, ear designs. Not unlike humans all looking different, but, could be each was belonging to a clan. "All will unify," it says, after noticing Sim nod and ask if all follow it. "We hunters. Not wanting war. You, ranger, understand the mountain. Understand need to hunt and survive."
The hunting group's wolves give a bark. You can all begin to tell they're just about ready to go. Equipment packed up, riders mounting their beasts. Still, they're lingering around as they wait for the lone one to return. Carefully watching the group. As Sim begins to shift the conversation towards the temple, the lone Goblin takes a few steps closer. Narrowing it's eyes a bit as it looks across all of you. It stops gaze stopping on Yaalin longer than any of the others. It's screechy voice popping back in common. "
Temple is locked. Cave to temple is ruins. Beasts inside. Big, smart beast of wings and spines." it makes a gesture of somethings large and claws the air with its hands.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail tries to take note of which direction the wolf-riders go.
Do they peel off a different direction once they hit the bottom of the slope, are they circling back around, etc. Perception - 15
After they are out of her sight, she is going to turn her attention to the encampment. "Well, at least they are not killing each other yet, " she says to herself, "Maybe we will get out of this one without too much trouble after all."
Diadochi notices the Goblin trying staring at Yaalin more than the others and tries to figure out what that is all about insight 7 when he hears of the beast he tries to think of what this might be Nature 2 if Sims says anything about this new unifier he'll see if this fits into that he knows about goblins he's heard about in the past history 11.
Yaalin will steadily return the Goblins gaze, her shield and mace remain put away as she leans on her staff. Waiting for negotiations/conversations to finish.
Sim nods as the Goblin answers "I do understand the need to hunt and survive. Do you know why the leader sent warriors to raid the town? It's too bad someone like you who just wants to survive and wants peace couldn't be the leader of your people. You mentioned a cave leading to the temple. Do you know where it is? Does the beast live in the cave or in the temple? Have you ever heard of a Silver Apple?"
Lafetha watches the Goblins and the wolves on high alert as Sim speaks to the leader. Although they seem like they are willing to be peaceful, doesn't mean they will be. insight 13
Abigail: As you watch the riders, and a few of the tumbling goblins descend down the hill, they walk a little ways from the bottom before stopping. Turning back around and appearing to wait for something. Most likely not wanting to leave their companions behind, but, they're at the ready to bolt if need be.
Diadochi: You try to think about other Goblins you've heard of. There's always the stories that goblins respect great strength, but, that's nothing really new. The ever-rare city goblinyou've met have been as diverse of a group as ever.
Lafetha: The lone goblin talking to Sim seems rather calm. It does appear the finger tapping he does against his jacket to be some sort of nervous tick. The remaining goblin band behind him is definitely on edge. It seems they're ready to leave, but unwilling to go without the last one yet.
The Goblin and Yaalin's gaze eventually because, as it and Sim continue to converse; Switching between goblin and common.
He shakes his head 'no' when Sim asks about knowing where the cave is. "In the mountains. I don't go looking for beasts. Looking to find food, not be food." He does smirk when they discuss leadership, pointy teeth easily being seen. "You not bad either, Ranger." But there's a bit of a shrug when it comes to the leaders actions.
Lafetha, you do notice that his pupils widen when Sim asks about something. His tone shifting for just a brief moment. "Yes, I have heard of Apple. Why?" the Goblin inquires. He takes another few steps forward, waving off his companions once again who are eager to leave, and don't like the fact he's inched towards you.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Taking note of his new focused attention Sim nods again. "I appreciate the kind words. If I wanted to meet this leader to talk to him where would I find him? My companions are on a quest to recover the Silver Apple but you are one of the first who seems to have some actual knowledge of it. Will you tell me what you know of it? What it is and where it may be?" insight 16
The Goblin's head shook 'no' vigirously to the commend on meeting and finding the leader. The goblin seeming scared at such an idea. "No, no, no no...." the reaction resembling the last Goblin you all chatted with during the raid. Some deep sense of fear in whoever their leader was. "Leader Magic. No disrupt..."
It takes a few moments of talking to get the goblin off of the topic. Before switching to the apple. "Yes.... yes apple. It thing. Treasure. Legendary. Give wishes and riches." The goblin pauses for a few minutes. "But lost. In temple. Gone...."
The other Goblins behind cause the wolves to bark. This time, the lone Goblin turns and look at them and nods. Casting it's face over the shoulder to look back at you all. "Be safe." It's a rather abrupt end. The Goblin making it's way back to the rest of the group. Even if spoken to, it doesn't seem to respond. Focused on the ice, and climbing on the back of one of the wolves. That one that had a rider with a cruel looking blade. The remaining goblins take a last look at you all before they head down the hill.
Again the wolf riders seem to understand the slope better than others. But they reach the bottom, and gather with the rest of their group, before heading off towards a different section of the mountains. Apparently not in the same direction you all are heading in. They're keeping a steady pace, one that shouldn't be too hard to follow if you were so inclined. Although waiting for them to be far enough away and not in eye-sight would probably be key.
The way is now clear to finish this leg of the journey. What do you all do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Once the Goblin's are around 80 feet away, Diadochi will say "We'll that was certainly unexpected. I'm glad we didn't resort to blood shed." He'll look to Sim, "Did anything he said change our plans? Are we still on the way to the temple?"