Krom, you're more interested in what is going on inside the room and possibly your mind is drawn to the ancient legend of Durgeddin -  but this time, it doesn't matter - no enemies present themselves.

(( In the absence of other commentary, shall we assume that Meepo stays and we move cautiously to the next door? ))

Quote from Ereshion >>

(( In the absence of other commentary, shall we assume that Meepo stays and we move cautiously to the next door? ))

 Once Meepo sees you are not going to go towards where Erky and Sharpie think the dragon is, he will leave....upset and determined to never trust again! haha. You'll really have to sweet talk him.

Daemyar wants to head towards the dragon

"Let us see what we can do about this Drragon least with it out of the way we have one less goal"  Shere messages Ithelion  

"Where does our next adversarry hold out? Whatever the next Hobgoblins name is Sharpie"

Sharpie scowls, "I don't care 'bout dragon. But there could be more of my people there, with Balsag.  She's a mean bugbear now in charge of dragon."  She shivers.  "She worse than hobgoblins.  She hunter so maybe she not there."  She looks at you, "If you go there, me maybe can help with warriors but nothing to promise." 

To Shere she responds: "That be Shamir.  He very strong, stronger maybe than that one," she points to the hallway where the slain hobgoblin Noxxus lies.  "But you kill many already, so that good."  Sharpie smiles at those last words.  "We can expect Shamir to be near Durnn, so through that door out there to the left and straight; the place where Durnn's throne is.  Probably 3 or more goblins, Durnn himself is a hobgoblin, though not as fearsome or mindless as some.  Then there's Grenl - as I said, she does magicky things."  She points straight up the hall.  "If you go north, you will find where the dragon is likely being kept.  You may find a few more of my kin there, and possibly Balsag - but she's usually gone hunting with her dogs."  She looks at Meepo then at you.  "Dragon killed a few of my people at start - how you think you going to take her?  Dragons don't like to listen, only eat and shiny things."

Meepo just stares at you all, talking in goblin.  He is the same as those of you who don't speak goblin, all you hear are guttural sounds that hint at some sort of dwarvish dialect but much different.

Erky nods at the goblin thoughtfully.  "She speaks truthfully, as far as I know.  Excuse me, but is she trying to take over the goblins?"  Erky gestures to Sharpie, speaking in common.

Sharpie stiffens, "I no leader, but we need Grenl - or at least no more bloody hobgoblins who only want to kill and follow this dirty wizard down below orders!  Goblin people just want to be left alone!"  

Meepo scoffs but says in common, "Meepo want that too for kobold people.  Sometimes me think queen just want to fight..."

MAP - Ithelion sketches out her map so far (yellow are doors unexplored):

Ithelion looks at Meepo for a long moment and nods, then speaks in common. "Perhaps you and Sharpie should talk about your future plans. I think we all want to see an end to this Balak...and a return to normal."

"So..onward to the dragon!" She pauses, not quite believing what she just said. She stifles a slightly crazed laugh,  then turns to Meepo questioningly. "It may be of assistance in defeating the others...I hope? Freeing the goblins from their tyrannical rulers might be valuable to Sharpie...and the new goblin leaders."

Alright.  So you make your way north over the barricade, giving the western door a hard glance and a listen, but nothing presents itself.  You find yourself at the northern door.  It is closed currently.

Sharpie holds to the back, not really enjoying this at all.  Meepo, however, is adamant that he needs to be at the front - unless told otherwise.  Erky hangs back as well.  

[it does seem like a small army so don't be afraid to ask the NPCs questions or try to give them orders.]

[Following your SOP, I believe an investigation roll is called for, to check out the door (Daemyar?) - and/or perception to check for traps/hear for voices etc... (was it Ithelion and Krom?). 

On the way there "Meepo" Shere whispers "remember what I said? about our marching order? "Stay behind us! And watch our flank its the best way to see your dragon again and protect us." Shere watches himself listening and trying to see any danger Rapier at ready

Perception 20

Daemyar will check the door 

investigation 10 

Ithelion perception: 18 (passive 14)
Elosa perception: 19 (Passive 18, not scent)

As they ready themselves to advance, Ithelion asks Meepo in Draconic, "Do you have a plan for when we find the dragon?"

And before they open any doors, Ithelion says in hushed tones, "Beware of another alarm bell on the door, and -- if there are enemies behind the door -- try to draw them out. We don't want to be attacked from two sides." She points at the two doors as she says this.

Meepo rolls his eyes at Shere, "Okay, okay...Meepo listen to cat."  He heads to the back of the line.  He stops when Ithelion asks him, "Meepo is dragon trainer!  Hopefully she not in bad mood.  But I think she like me!  Maybe she like you too?  Maybe you can talk to her - maybe she like elf-people.  She like magic too!  Maybe you talk magicky-things with her?"

Shere, Ithelion - you hear some light chatter in goblin on the other side of the door - not directly on the other side but you definitely hear voices in that next room.  Based on this, you expect there to be 2-3 creatures on the other side - likely goblins.  Sharpie makes her way up to you, "They are guarding the dragon," she says, matter-of-factly.

Daemyar, the door is not locked nor do you see any traps presenting.  You could open if you want.

Daemyar almost opens the door, but hesitates. Instead, he brings his heavy crossbow up to bear, and backs away from the door. 
“Friend Ithelion... your magic to open the door, I think and a prepared ambush of warriors in case there is more than what we know beyond the door.”

Shere asks Sharpie in a whisper. "So do you hear any Hobgoblins or Bugbears?" he listens closer to understand them

Ithelion is momentarily startled by Daemyar's request, but then nods and steps back (25', perhaps just behind the barrier) and readies her bow. She asks Elosa to keep any eye on both doors and then, when everyone is ready, opens the door with mage hand.

Shere steps back

Krom hefts his warhammer and holds it at the ready.

Quote from Stormbringer4729 >>

Shere asks Sharpie in a whisper. "So do you hear any Hobgoblins or Bugbears?" he listens closer to understand them

 "They are speaking goblin - sounds like goblin-folk to me.  Would be deeper if it was others," Sharpie explains.  Then she backs away from the door.

Quote from Ereshion >>

Ithelion is momentarily startled by Daemyar's request, but then nods and steps back (25', perhaps just behind the barrier) and readies her bow. She asks Elosa to keep any eye on both doors and then, when everyone is ready, opens the door with mage hand.

Elosa watches the doors. 
Your mage hand opens the door - it pushes inwards - and almost immediately two arrows thud into the wood paneling.  Those of you who know goblin hear, "Idiot!" and some quick words whispered in goblin.

I'll get you to roll for initiative at this point, please...