Friend, we must talk. Our lands have been threatened and we don't wish for war. We want to come to a mutually beneficial agreement and make sure there's no further bloodshed.
There's a minute of silence where the goblins seem to be talking among themselves. Finally the goblin replies in the Common tongue again.
G: Go away!
As they are answering, the goblin that was left behind appears next the group. He is eating the rations that Heec gave him and doesn't seem frightened anymore. He starts to talk to the other Goblins in Goblinoid, the language of the Goblinkind.
The goblin in the field starts moving towards the switchback. He motions for the three to follow him. The other goblins on the outcropping stand up, their weapons still in hand but nothing trained on the companions. There are three goblins visible up above.
Greetings, friends. We are representatives from Kragglefrock, a village nearby. We've had a recent attack on our village and have heard rumors of raids attacking the roads north and west of the Crags. If the rumors true, we need the raids to end. We wish no harm upon you, but we will not stand idly by as our citizens are attacked.
The goblin with the rations leads them to the outcropping where three goblin guards are keeping watch. The goblins look nervous but not aggressive. They consult one another in Goblin speech again and one of the guards addresses you.
G: Give more food.
Marta murmurs to the two elves trying to keep her voice low enough that the goblins won't hear.
M: They are worried about going back to the camp without food since the gatherers dropped everything when they ran.
We need to speak to goblin in charge. We don't have enough food to feed everyone so you can go collect what was left in the field but our intentions are more important than rations. Whom do we need to speak to?
And now, I will no longer be patient. I understand your desire to have food but we do not have time to gather with you. We won't interrupt any future plans to gather but we will not be joining you in the process. Take us to the chief or we will move forward without your assistance.
I was always taught "Give an elf a fish and he eats for a week. Teach an elf to fish and he eats for a lifetime." But, I'm also not in the mood for battle. I'm all for assisting these goblins but we don't have time for this. Let's just... give them some rations and see if that'll be enough.
The goblins take the rations but look worried after sorting through it to see how much there is. The guard looks at the adventurers like he is going to say something but decides he better not risk asking again.
The guard leads the party with the other two flanking on either side and the gatherer goblin in tow. The terrain is rocky and uneven in many parts as the elevation continues to climb. Soon the group arrives at another group of sentries gathered around a low fire. There are six started seated around the fire, two that come up to greet the guard leading them, and at least one more gathering tall scrub grass.
The goblins confer for a bit. Four goblins start heading back to the switchback. Three more goblins join the group.
Marta whispers again.
M: They don't think the rations we gave them will be enough to placate their overseer so they don't particularly like us. They also don't know where the rest of the gatherers have gone which is a little troubling if they've gone to the main camp to warn everyone.
I'm really over all this, Heec. I'm ready to either go back to the flop house or clear this entire encampment out. Take your pick.
Just hold on, Tae. I'm not about to go fishing with these goblins but we're not going to completely eradicate them either. Just hold tight and see what their next move is. Marta, what do you think we should do?
M: I think it's best we keep following them. Stay sharp, though, and watch for their reactions to what we do and say.
The goblins continue to lead the party up and across the Crag. The group stops at two other small outposts. At the last outpost the party sees the group of gatherers that ran. Thankfully, it seems like the guard goblins stopped them from going to the main camp. After a brief exchange the group continues.
There are only a few hours of daylight left as the group crests one more hill and comes to a large flat area with several buildings and encampments.
On the right is an orderly group of a dozen buildings of varying size. Marta whispers that it is the Hobgoblin Camp. In the middle is a disorganized collection of small tents, low hovels and other makeshift structures, which is the goblin camp. And to the left is a tall overhang on the mountain that leads to a natural cave. On the outside is a scattering of assorted objects and a couple of bugbears laying around.
The goblin guards arrange themselves around the three adventurers as if they have taken them captive, but they seem more nervous about approaching the camp than about the two elves and the half-orc.
The group moves towards the rag-tag goblin camp but a Hobgoblin intercepts them first. The hobgoblin briefly speaks to the goblin guard before addressing the heroes in Common.
H: We welcome the emissaries of Cragglefrock. Our great leader Kurkik formally invites you to come speak with him.
The hobgoblin escorts the party to the camp on the right. There are neatly organized rows of buildings. Each row of buildings has a clear cut path that leads between them. Tall torches are evenly spaced along the path and each building has Dwarvish script (the written language of goblins) carved in the stone. It is likely a description of the function of the building. The whole camp is neatly organized. In a practice yard there are rows of hobgoblins conducting training exercises. You easily spot more than dozen hobgoblin soldiers around the camp and more than a dozen additional workers.
The hobgoblin guard leads up one of the paths to a large stone building with a wooden overhang in the front. He stops outside of the entrance.
H: I will tell our great leader that you are here.
Tae makes a big, exaggerated yawn. Yep. I have officially lost all interest in this "adventure". I'm phoning it in until I'm needed.
So long as you don't provoke anyone, I'm fine with that. Marta, what exactly are we doing here? Should we be questioning them on their intentions or should they be answering for the raids they've held on travelers?
Before she can elaborate the hobgoblin comes out and escorts the group into the building.
Upon entering the building the adventurers see a hobgoblin seated on a stone bench behind a large table. He is wearing half plate armor and has a brutal looking greatsword strapped to his back. There are two heavily armored hobgoblins on either side of the table and two additional guards present.
The furnishings are simple, made with angular lines and plain but functional construction. There are a few more elaborate decorations that the elves can see, most likely spoils of war.
The hobgoblin in the middle stands.
K: I am Kurkik. The Spear and leader of this camp. On my right is Urgot and on my left is Hrinjop, two of my captains. Take a seat if you want and tell me what brings you to our camp.
We come in search of answers. There are rumors that raids have been taking place on roads north and west of Kragglefrock and a goblin attacked our village not too long ago. We're here as representatives to the village. There appear to be quite a gathering among these plateau. It's in everyone's interest to keep the peace. We ask you: what are your intentions?
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After a few moments one of the goblins answers in Common.
G: Go away!
Friend, we must talk. Our lands have been threatened and we don't wish for war. We want to come to a mutually beneficial agreement and make sure there's no further bloodshed.
I'm struggling to be as patient as you.
Do not do anything until I say...
We'll see...
There's a minute of silence where the goblins seem to be talking among themselves. Finally the goblin replies in the Common tongue again.
G: Go away!
As they are answering, the goblin that was left behind appears next the group. He is eating the rations that Heec gave him and doesn't seem frightened anymore. He starts to talk to the other Goblins in Goblinoid, the language of the Goblinkind.
See? Sometimes it pays off to be nice to others. This could make things easier.
Or they could kill us since we apparently have all the food in the world to give out...
The goblin in the field starts moving towards the switchback. He motions for the three to follow him. The other goblins on the outcropping stand up, their weapons still in hand but nothing trained on the companions. There are three goblins visible up above.
The three climb up the switchback.
Greetings, friends. We are representatives from Kragglefrock, a village nearby. We've had a recent attack on our village and have heard rumors of raids attacking the roads north and west of the Crags. If the rumors true, we need the raids to end. We wish no harm upon you, but we will not stand idly by as our citizens are attacked.
Heec and Tae make perception checks.
Heec rolls a 16 (11+5), Tae rolls an 8 (6+2).
The goblin with the rations leads them to the outcropping where three goblin guards are keeping watch. The goblins look nervous but not aggressive. They consult one another in Goblin speech again and one of the guards addresses you.
G: Give more food.
Marta murmurs to the two elves trying to keep her voice low enough that the goblins won't hear.
M: They are worried about going back to the camp without food since the gatherers dropped everything when they ran.
We need to speak to goblin in charge. We don't have enough food to feed everyone so you can go collect what was left in the field but our intentions are more important than rations. Whom do we need to speak to?
You still got this?
Uhhhh... sure?
The goblin looks a little sterner.
G: No. You give us food and THEN we will take you to chief.
What did I tell you...
And now, I will no longer be patient. I understand your desire to have food but we do not have time to gather with you. We won't interrupt any future plans to gather but we will not be joining you in the process. Take us to the chief or we will move forward without your assistance.
The guard points to the gathering goblin who was given the food and then points back to Heec.
G: We want more food, like you gave Nurrg.
Nurrg is chewing on piece of hardtack and gives a thumbs up when the guard points at him.
The other two guards start to look uneasy and hold the arrows knocked in their short bows tighter.
Marta looks at Tae and Heec.
M: I could give them some rations if that's what they want?
I was always taught "Give an elf a fish and he eats for a week. Teach an elf to fish and he eats for a lifetime." But, I'm also not in the mood for battle. I'm all for assisting these goblins but we don't have time for this. Let's just... give them some rations and see if that'll be enough.
The group hands over rations for three meals.
This is pointless...
Take us to your chief, please.
The goblins take the rations but look worried after sorting through it to see how much there is. The guard looks at the adventurers like he is going to say something but decides he better not risk asking again.
The guard leads the party with the other two flanking on either side and the gatherer goblin in tow. The terrain is rocky and uneven in many parts as the elevation continues to climb. Soon the group arrives at another group of sentries gathered around a low fire. There are six started seated around the fire, two that come up to greet the guard leading them, and at least one more gathering tall scrub grass.
The goblins confer for a bit. Four goblins start heading back to the switchback. Three more goblins join the group.
Marta whispers again.
M: They don't think the rations we gave them will be enough to placate their overseer so they don't particularly like us. They also don't know where the rest of the gatherers have gone which is a little troubling if they've gone to the main camp to warn everyone.
I'm really over all this, Heec. I'm ready to either go back to the flop house or clear this entire encampment out. Take your pick.
Just hold on, Tae. I'm not about to go fishing with these goblins but we're not going to completely eradicate them either. Just hold tight and see what their next move is. Marta, what do you think we should do?
M: I think it's best we keep following them. Stay sharp, though, and watch for their reactions to what we do and say.
The goblins continue to lead the party up and across the Crag. The group stops at two other small outposts. At the last outpost the party sees the group of gatherers that ran. Thankfully, it seems like the guard goblins stopped them from going to the main camp. After a brief exchange the group continues.
There are only a few hours of daylight left as the group crests one more hill and comes to a large flat area with several buildings and encampments.
On the right is an orderly group of a dozen buildings of varying size. Marta whispers that it is the Hobgoblin Camp. In the middle is a disorganized collection of small tents, low hovels and other makeshift structures, which is the goblin camp. And to the left is a tall overhang on the mountain that leads to a natural cave. On the outside is a scattering of assorted objects and a couple of bugbears laying around.
The goblin guards arrange themselves around the three adventurers as if they have taken them captive, but they seem more nervous about approaching the camp than about the two elves and the half-orc.
The group moves towards the rag-tag goblin camp but a Hobgoblin intercepts them first. The hobgoblin briefly speaks to the goblin guard before addressing the heroes in Common.
H: We welcome the emissaries of Cragglefrock. Our great leader Kurkik formally invites you to come speak with him.
The goblins don't look happy about this.
It's a pleasure to meet you. We accept your invitation.
My desire to be here wanes more and more with each passing moment, which is saying a lot because I didn't want to come in the first place.
The hobgoblin escorts the party to the camp on the right. There are neatly organized rows of buildings. Each row of buildings has a clear cut path that leads between them. Tall torches are evenly spaced along the path and each building has Dwarvish script (the written language of goblins) carved in the stone. It is likely a description of the function of the building. The whole camp is neatly organized. In a practice yard there are rows of hobgoblins conducting training exercises. You easily spot more than dozen hobgoblin soldiers around the camp and more than a dozen additional workers.
The hobgoblin guard leads up one of the paths to a large stone building with a wooden overhang in the front. He stops outside of the entrance.
H: I will tell our great leader that you are here.
He walks inside of the building.
Tae makes a big, exaggerated yawn. Yep. I have officially lost all interest in this "adventure". I'm phoning it in until I'm needed.
So long as you don't provoke anyone, I'm fine with that. Marta, what exactly are we doing here? Should we be questioning them on their intentions or should they be answering for the raids they've held on travelers?
Marta looks a little out of her element.
M: I care about the safety of my village.
Before she can elaborate the hobgoblin comes out and escorts the group into the building.
Upon entering the building the adventurers see a hobgoblin seated on a stone bench behind a large table. He is wearing half plate armor and has a brutal looking greatsword strapped to his back. There are two heavily armored hobgoblins on either side of the table and two additional guards present.
The furnishings are simple, made with angular lines and plain but functional construction. There are a few more elaborate decorations that the elves can see, most likely spoils of war.
The hobgoblin in the middle stands.
K: I am Kurkik. The Spear and leader of this camp. On my right is Urgot and on my left is Hrinjop, two of my captains. Take a seat if you want and tell me what brings you to our camp.
The party sits across from Kurkik.
We come in search of answers. There are rumors that raids have been taking place on roads north and west of Kragglefrock and a goblin attacked our village not too long ago. We're here as representatives to the village. There appear to be quite a gathering among these plateau. It's in everyone's interest to keep the peace. We ask you: what are your intentions?