Spidernova draws the attention of the goblin just enough to distract it from Velda’s forceful blow to the side of its head as they crumple to the ground. Still breathing. But decidedly out of this fight.

Seeing its compatriot fall to the ground the other, looks around at the Half-orc bent on knocking things unconscious, a tame pet spider, and an elf storming the castle. Turns on its heel and scampers out of the room. Saying as it leaves, “I don’t get paid enough for this…”

Raithe fires after it and hits the wall as it turns a corner and moves out of sight. (I figure combat is over. But you’re welcome to pursue the fleeing goblin if you would like.)

Velda, not pursuing, shouts after the goblin: "Wait! Stay and help us! We can offer you shelter and a new life, something different to this mercenary work!"

OOC: Oh my god! I think we might make a new friend with that nat 20!

"We're going to befriend that goblin? Who was trying to kill or kidnap us?" Raithe asks, slightly dumbfounded.

But if there's a chance to sit and patch up her wounds she wouldn't refuse. Otherwise she'd be happy to continue her assault, or tolerate some conversation with the goblin.

SpiderNova sits pretty, attentively keeping Velda and Raithe within her range of view.

Velda responds: "Raithe, I don't think they were attacking us because they bear us any ill will- this is a job for them. And if living in a ruin and guarding whatever it is they are guarding is worthwhile for them, I'm sure I can offer them better conditions!"

Raithe shrugs, and sees to her wounds, allowing Velda to do whatever she wants. She does go listen at the door of wherever they haven't explored.

SpiderNova chitters to break the silence. Lifting off her hind, she'd move to circle Velda, stepping on her friends toes and brushing up against her leg in a show of support for her beliefs. As they awaited a response, the druid's shepherding instincts would kick in and she'd eventually saunter over to check for Raithe. Nova was making her rounds, ensuring 'her pact', or what was left of it, was still within reach. She's not losing another! When she'd find Raithe listening in to a door, she'd bring all eight feet in to make herself as tiny as possible and do a little circle spin check before she'd plop herself down, conveniently on top Raithe's feet.

It takes a while, but eventually the goblin pops their head around the corner they just disappeared behind long enough to say, “better life you say?” Before ducking back behind the corner. Doing their best to avoid becoming a target for the keen elven archer. 

Raithe pauses and looks down at the giant spider, resisting the urge to give it scritches on the back of its neck, despite the lack of a neck.

Velda, lowering her shield half an inch, calls out again: "You wouldn't be the first we've taken in. I know that fighting for others, just so you can have a broken roof and bad food is no way to live. We, and the other goblins we've helped so far, we work for ourselves. And I'll be sleeping in the same quarters as you, so the roof won't be leaking." Velda casts a glance to the other two. SHe knew she was leaning herself far out of the window making this offer, but she was determined to offer this goblin a new chance at life- much like they had already done with Hugz. After all, she knew all too well that circumstances could make for terrible situations...

“So… would I be working for you? Or with you?” Comes the squeaky, timid reply from around they corner. They dare not pop their head around the corner. 

"Depends on what you want. We're out here adventuring- if that's a life you'd prefer, you'd be working with us. But if a quieter life is something you're looking for, you can join my staff at the old Redbrand manor. It needs fixing up, before we can launch into business proper."

The goblin steps out in plain view around the corner. It’s visible still armed, with its weapon sheathed. And approaches Velda slowly with its hand held near its chest, palms facing you. “Either sounds better than the way life has been going here. King Grol, as he likes to be called, doesn’t treat us goblins very well.”

They give a nervous look towards Raithe before saying, “I would like these better conditions you speak of. If you’ll have me.”

As if a timer goes off. Poof! Nova shifts from her spider form back to her halfelf form. Mismatched eyes blink as she's still seated at Raithe's feet. "What's your name!?" She calls out.

After a moment, the druid's eyes would ping like she thought of something. She'd look from Velda to Raithe. Back to Velda, back to Raithe. Should Raithe be okay for the moment, Nova would pat the rogues foot before popping up to her feet.

Nova moves up behind Velda and gently taps her shoulder. She'd then go up on her tiptoes to lean in close to the warriors ear, cupping her hand to hide her lips as she whispers. Remembering Hugz was severely bullied and (forgetting the female goblins name) was also poorly treated, the halfelf felt the desire to propose a 'no bullying'(respect) house rule to Velda.

Velda grunts in the affirmative to Nova's suggestion, then turning to Raithe: "We good?" Assuming that Raithe isn't going to attack goblin, Velda turns to look at them again and asks as well: "Yeah, same. What's your name and what do you know about the rest of this castle?"

Raithe lowers her weapon, mouth open, and nods, a bit dumbstruck. Listening. Ready to attack in case this goblin has friends taking advantage of the distraction.

“My name?” They stand there thinking long and hard about the question. “No one’s ever cared about my name around here. They always called me ‘Bait’ or ‘Squeaks’. On account of how I was used to bait groups in to ambushes with my squeaky voice.”

The goblin continues to eye Raithes continued grip on their weapons.

Bait points south towards the other tower “There’s usually a handful of goblins down in those rooms. Any where from 5-8. Depending on whatever tasks Grol has for us.” They pause and think for a moment “There’s also… a tripwire in the hallway that goes between this tower and that one. But It would only be an issue if you went towards the dark hall.”

Velda waves the goblin closer with her sword tip: "Well, I think Squeak it is then- if that's alright with you. Now, is there anything you know that could help me convince the others not to fight us either? I guess there's no love lost between you and them, but I'd rather  not have your new life begin by seeing how we slay the connections you made in the old..."

Squeak looks lost in thought as he tries to come up with an answer to your question. After a few moments of thoughtful silence they look at Velda and say, “You could just tell them what you told me. They may not all go for it. And some of them just like hurting and killing people.” You all notice that their voice tends to get squeaky near the end of their sentences. 

Velda gives Squeak a sympathetic look: "You're safe now. Thank you for the information. You're welcome to stick close to us if you feel safer, or head to the manor already. Either is fine with me. If you head out there by yourself though, take care. I want you to make it to the Manor."

Looking at Nova and Raithe, Velda asks: "What do you think? Stick with our usual approach? Or do you have a better idea given what Squeak told us here?"