Intimidation check: 18

"Before we can talk about the castle we finish the job without a hassle". Gert stopped for a second with expression of strong disgust on his face: "By the gods, it's contagious!" He did not add "and it sounds terrible" but mostly to avoid discussion of the topic.

"I want to say, we need to bring the wagon to Phandalin and finish the job we were hired for. Though, with no employer, I am not sure someone will pay for our effort now. Anyway, we take that "terror of the road," he nodded at Yeemik, and go. Anything else in this cave we might need?" 

Cadence sits down crosslegged on the floor, "Gert, listen to the song of existence. Delivery a wagon is not important, though I admire your persistence. A great evil game is afoot. If we don't face it, evil with thrive and lives will be caput. We must seek out this spider and pull his strand. Or better yet just rescue the dwarf and get the upper hand."

Fionn looks over at Cadence and Gert.   "The castle isnt going anywhere today. And im going to need a recharge as they say"

Fionn looks aghast at his ryhming

Gert rolled his eyes, then closed them for a moment and lastly looked at Fionn with a clear expression "not you too". But after that little pantomime he nodded: "Exactly. Whatever that castle is, it is not running away any time soon. Sildar needs rest and a visit to a healer, most of us too. And we do not know what else is on the road to simply leave the wagon unprotected. We take all we need and go. In Phandalin we decide what to do and how."

(Did Fionn read the papers Velda gave him?)

(yes that is why he asked what a  Lionshield Coster? was)

Nova with her mismatched eyes would simply blink to Hugz. Then she'd turn to blink at everyone else respectively before finally looking to Borris who'd chuff at her. The half-elf would rub her temples trying to take in all the information that was just unloaded on her. There were so many decisions! She had to sit down. She'd feel for the ground as she took her seat. What was her opinion? Did she have one? Did it even matter?

Arm crossed with the other hand patting her forehead, Borris would begin to pace around her. He'd sneeze at her ear. Nova would tilt her head back and let out an exasperated sigh. Her face would then turn to Borris with an 'I am not amused' with the spit that came from that sneeze. "Look. I dunno man!" She'd put her hands on her hips.

Nova's eyes will look back to Hugz and narrow. "Can we continue to trust you?" She obviously didn't trust Yeemik, but the last thing she needed was a goblin to cross her or her brother. "And you have to be nicer to Borris, or I'll stop convincing him from hurling you off ledges." She'd jut her chin in the direction Borris had been pacing from when circling her.

When Gert would speak again, it was pretty much along the same thoughts she had. So saving her words, she'd just reach out and point to him, wiggling her finger when she agreed with his points. She agreed that they should finish what they started. One thing at a time. Return the cart, maybe even some of the stuff Velda found, and Sildar too. And although she still had some play left in her, she understood that everyone else wanted rests.

Cadence seems to be listening to something over Gert's head, then, continuing to sit and staring intently at Yeemik, she says to him, "Give up the location, before this interrogation gets an escalation." 

Fionn watches Cadence then laughs loudly  "Excellent  the hard way then"  laughs again

Velda can't help but roll her eyes at the rhyming: "Listen, I found two crates a' weapons. Those should come with us." Then, seeing Fionn get ready to interrogate the captured goblin, Velda audibly cracks her knuckles.

Intimidation: 7

Crouching in front of Yeemik.  "So what have you got to tell us"   looking towards the ceiling again. "Yes ill be able to tell and yes start with the small bits first i got it" 

Back at Yeemik. "Someones getting impatient" and another laugh

Yeemik initially looks quite perturbed by your … interrogation methods he begins to open his mouth but is interrupted by Cadence addressing Hugz. “I knows of its existence. Though I’as never beens there.” Saying this earns him a dirty look from Yeemik, which you take notice of Fionn.

Meanwhile…

Sildar gives Velda the ‘Cliff notes’ version of the series of events leading to him being a goblin prisoner. Though he leaves out the bit about the Forge of Spells and Wave Echo Cave. Hearing Fionn ask about the Lionshield Coster chimes in “I know what that is. It’s the only place in Phandalin where you can get arms and armor”. When Gert mentions getting to Phandalin with the wagon Sildar adds “As long as all of the creatures in this cave are dealt with. Wouldn’t want anyone else to be waylaid by goblins. I think getting back to Phandalin as soon as possible is the best course of action. If it’s not imposing to much upon your persons. I would greatly appreciate your taking me there. I would be willing to compensate you for your efforts the day after we arrive.”

Over by Hugz and Nova …

Hugz looks thoroughly confused, “You trust Hugz to gives back weapons … but not trust Hugz to joins you as companion.” Looking quite miserable as he says this to you Nova. “I thoughts I was nices to Borris” He then walks over to the wolf and ‘boops’ his nose saying “I sorries Borris, I was nots tryings to be mean”. He then pets the wolf, hoping to atone for any mistreatment earlier.

Back at Yeemiks interrogation …

Seeing the intimidating looks and posturing of Fionn, Velda, and Cadence combined with Fionn’s crazy laughter is more than the poor goblin can handle. As the goblin begins speaking you all detect the faintest smell of urine, “Cragmaw Castle isn’t too far from heres. We got a message from King Grol several days ago to keep an eye out for some silly dwarf. He also said that we was getting paid from something calling itself ‘The Black Spider’ and that this … spiderperson wanted the dwarf and all his ‘longings sent to the Castle. It’s twenty or so miles northeast of these here caves.”

"There now, he was helpful  Twenty miles you say from here  very helpful indeed   then Fionns cheerful demeanor turns ice cold

hes all yours he says to no one in particular but handing Sildar a sword

Cadence stands up, "I'm headed straight for the castle, They wanna make me their queen, And there's an old man sitting on the throne , That's saying that I probably shouldn't be so mean, I'm headed straight for the castle, They've got the kingdom locked up, And there's an old man sitting on the throne , That's saying I should probably keep my pretty mouth shut, Straight for the castle." 

She tweaks her head, listening, then walks out of the cave. Once outside, she reaches out to her familiar. "Twenty miles friend, that way....." (she points NorthEast).   "Go for a fly, let me know if you find anything. Then come back, I'll wait." 

She sits down on the ground with her back against the rock and waits for everyone else to emerge.

Cadence as you emerge from the cave you notice that it is much later in the day than when you entered. It must be close to early evening as far as you can figure. Between traveling for half a day, the fight with the goblins on the road, traveling to this goblin infested cave … not to mention clearing it out and rescuing Sildar. As you set Pine about his task of reconnoitering Cragmaw Castle’s location, you realize that if it is in fact twenty miles away from here that it will take him almost six hours round trip and he won’t be back until after sunset. Reaching out to him with your thoughts ‘If we are not here when you return, search for us near the road without any concern. For I feel we may make camp here, or perhaps with Peter by the road over there.’

With your familiar properly set about on its task you find a surprisingly comfortable rock near the entrance of the cave and as you look towards the road … you see a trail of smoke … seemingly coming from where you departed from the road.

Back inside the cave

Sildar thanks you for the sword Fionn. Moving over towards Yeemik and seeing the poor goblin having soiled himself and cowering in fear from the combined hostility of the group says, “There’s no honor or glory to be had in ending a creature such as this.” With a look of disdain mixed with pity on his face, gets eye level with Yeemik, “I’m going to let you leave here alive … I cannot of course speak for the others here, they may not let you. I know not. But, should you leave this cave with your hide intact, know that, should I cross paths with you again on the field of battle … I shall not hesitate to end your miserable little existence.” Sildar then unties Yeemik, “NOW GO!” Yeemik hurriedly scrambles to his feet and begins making his way out of the cave. (though there is still time to stop him if you so desire)

(Just in case, Gert did not forget about the craters - most likely it was a stolen cargo from some of the caravans before and someone in the town might still want it)

Watching Cadence depart Fionn turns to the others. "That went smoothly.  When do we eat"

Velda stays Sildar's hand. "Might not be any honour in it, but a whole lota danger lettin' him live. Don't have ta look, if it bothers ya." With that, she grabs the goblin by the shoulder, and precisely and uncaringly plunges her sword between his shoulder and neck. The goblin is about to scream, but the sword has already pierced his heart and lungs, and instead he sinks together, silently.

Pulling her sword out of the goblin, she wipes it on the goblin's clothes, before sheathing her sword. Then, facing the others, she asks for help with the stolen weapons, since it's her intention to deliver them to Phandalin.

"Ill run with you. I need some food and rest."  Fionn pulls a flask. Looks at it. Sheepishly puts it back on his belt and pulls another.  Shakes it and frowns. "And a refill it seems"

Presuming the smoke from near the road seems like the type from a nice pleasant camp-fire, instead of a burning wagon or the like, Cadence sits and waits.  

(Perception roll for Pine: 14)