4 July 1280, Early Afternoon (Leaving the Farmhouse)

With the spider dead, the group makes its final deliberation regarding the charmed goblin.

Varros speaks first: "Let us end this. Dirtbag can be presented to the council along with Grimtooth's head and my collection of ears. He's their issue to resolve then and he might bring us a bit of coin to boot. Regardless, we must return to town posthaste."

"I think turning Dirtbag over to the authorities would be the best idea," agrees Duran. However, we cannot have him just walking freely into town with us. We should at least bind him before entering the town even if he is charmed." Duran continues, "As for the dogs we either need to put an end to them or tie them up here as I don't think they will take to kindly with us tying up Dirtbag." With that Duran makes ready to head back to town.

"I see no point in trying to take this mongrel with us," says the cleric, "especially since he will be executed anyway. If Oloc believes that his spell will hold and that Dirtbag will willingly walk to his death, then so be it. Let us make haste back to town." Gaven stays close to Elsie, making sure to stay between her and Dirtbag.

Oloc says: "I think the spell will hold. I will explain to him that it is necessary for his safe conduct into town. Just stand ready should he grow doubtful." Oloc considers the dogs. "Although it seems cruel, I suggest we have the goblin return the dogs to their room. The authorities back in town can decide of they are worth trying to tame."

"Dirtbag poses enough of a risk for my liking," counters Varros and, with that, Varros nocks another arrow and gets within close range of the dogs. Once there he lets fly. "Gaven has enough reservations carting Dirtbag to town let alone two curs."

Before anyone else can react, Varros releases two arrows in rapid succession killing one dog. The other turns and flees into the cover of the orchard. In seconds, the animal is out of sight.

Dirtbag seems to tense slightly at the event, but then relaxes and doesn't seem to have come out of the charm. With Oloc reassuring him, Duran binds the goblin's hands. The party then gathers itself and begins the short trek back to Fairbrook.

Varros stays back slightly, and once the rest of the group have taken Dirtbag far enough down the hill to be out of sight, Varros collects the remaining goblin ears from the pile, sets fire to the corpses and leaves them burning.

Walking in the bright, warm summer sunshine, it is easy to forget the grim task you have just completed, and most of you barely look back -- if at all -- to the rising smoke of the goblin-pire. In the pleasant, clear summer ambiance of the countryside, even Elsie seems less traumatized.

Soon find yourselves approaching the north gate of Fairbrook. From the watch tower there, a guard yells down to you: "Halt!" He quickly descends and accosts you outside the gate. You see an archer upon the wall, looking down on the scene as well.

The guard in front of you speaks once more. "How came you upon this goblin? And why are you bringing him into town?"

*************************
OOC: Actions?

It was suggested in an earlier comment that the party might attempt demolition of the house, but since mostly what remains is stone wall remnants and the stone basement, I think it would be nigh impossible to reduce it further (not without special equipment and a team of laborers).

Time Update: It is now 1:00 p.m.

Combat Details:

Round 1: Varros has surprise round.

Varros shoots at dog 1
d20 + 2 (short range) = 14 (hit); d6 = 1 (dog wounded)
d20 + 2 (short range) = 20 (hit); d6 = 5 (dog killed)

Round 2: Dog has initiative (4-1)

Dog flees and is gone.

4 July 1280, Midday (Spider!)

Varros looks to the North when he sees the situation with the dogs, assessing the situation he calmly says, "To arms companions, attack with spear and bow, stay away from the creature, most likely it is poisonous."

Varros readies his bow and lets fly as he says to Oloc, "Give Dirtbag the command to loose the hounds and attack the beast himself," smiling at Gaven he continues, "perhaps our discussion will be proven moot."

"A giant spider!" Oloc shouts. "I hate spiders! Dirtbag, release the dogs and have them attack the thing!"

Varros looks to Elsie then and says, stay behind Duran or I and whatever you do don't allow the creature to get close to you."

Following Varros' lead Duran lets loose arrows from his bow aimed at the beast, doing his best to keep his distance and help protect Elsie and the group.

Gaven says to the others, "Loose your arrows, but don't engage the spider. Let the dogs and spider eradicate each other. If the spider is occupied by the dogs, let us use the opportunity to return to town. The spider just looks for a meal. We have more important tasks at hand."

Gaven turns to Elsie and Ollie, "Stay close to me. If the spider approaches us, start to run back to the road and I will follow as soon as I can."

Both the cleric and the mage position themselves behind the fighters and in front of the non-combatants.

The charmed goblin orders the dogs to attack the spider and they obey, engaging the creature about 60' from the party's location.

The spider and the dogs size each other up and strike tentatively at first, inflicting no damage, as Duran's and Varros' arrows whistle past the dog-and-spider melée. Finally one of the dogs manages to take a nasty bite out of the spider, wounding it.

However, the spider riposts with a lunge at the dog who bit him, catching the poor canine's throat in its fangs. A split-second yelp can be heard which is literally cut off, and the spider flops the dead dog to the ground.

Varros and Duran let fly still more arrows, and this time one of Varros' missiles finds its mark, skewering the spider, who curls up its legs and moves no more.

The dogs snarl and growl a moment longer, then seeing no movement from the spider, they turn and trot back to Dirtbag.

*************************

OOC: Varros and Duran are able to recover all their arrows.

It's been suggested we have a vote on what to do with Dirtbag. Shall we do so?

I believe the proposed options were:
     1. Kill him.
     2. Turn him in to the authorities.
     3. Send him back to his people (with a message/warning).
     4. Other?

And apart from that decision, actions?

Combat Details:

Round 1: Spider wins initiative (2-1)

Spider attacks Dog 2
d20 + 2 (hit bonus) = 6 (miss)

Varros shoots at spider
d20 + 1 (med. range) = 12 (miss)
d20 + 1 (med. range) = 9 (miss)

Duran shoots at spider
d20 + 2 (short range) = 5 (miss)
d20 + 2 (short range) = 9 (miss)

Dog 1 attacks spider
d20 + 1 (hit bonus) = 7 (miss)

Dog 2 attacks spider
d20 + 1 (hit bonus) = 14 (hit); d6 = 4

Dog 3 attacks spider
d20 + 1 (hit bonus) = 2 (miss)

Round 2: Spider wins initiative (6-4)

Spider attacks Dog 2
d20 + 2 (hit bonus) = 12 (hit); d6 = 5 (dog is killed)

Varros shoots at spider
d20 + 1 (med. range) = 18 (hits); d6 = 5 (spider killed)

Duran shoots at spider
d20 + 2 (short range) = 6 (miss)

4 July 1280, Midday (Discussing Dirtbag's Fate)

"Miss Elsie has confirmed my suspicion," says Gaven. "I say we have Dirtbag send off the dogs and then I will carry out his execution. We must get back to Fairbrook as soon as possible to return Miss Elsie and to warn the town. Delay in this deciding the fate of a lowly being of chaos wastes time we do not have."

Varros replies: "I suppose I must agree with Gaven upon hearing the girl's information. However, I am still not totally convinced that execution is the best course. It seems as if the town could be in peril. If they are not equipped to deal with a large number of goblins and hobgoblins they could be at great risk. Perhaps, as was suggested earlier, we could feed him misinformation about the town's defenses, suggesting that there are many skilled militia and adventurers. This might be enough to convince the horde that greener pastures might be found elsewhere. Especially if the tidings come from a lone survivor." Varros looks to Gaven, "I understand your vows friend, however, is the life of one servant of Chaos worth the wrath that his death and that of his ilk might bring upon Fairbrook?"

"I would see dirtbag killed if left up to me however I see the merits of Varros' plan. Either way we need to leave quickly in order to warn the town," says Duran.

You quickly consider your options including what you've seen, and heard said, of Fairbrook's defenses. You realize that that a force of 50 or even 100 goblins could never harm the town by direct assault. The palisade, the guard towers and patrolling archers along the walls would cut down any raiding force that size before they could even attempt a breach.

You realize also, however, that there are numerous tiny hamlets and farms outside the walls who would be vulnerable, as well as merchant caravans ripe for plunder on the roads, agents of the king and the church who could be kidnapped on the highways for ransom. Plus, there may be other ways to raid Fairbrook proper other than by a suicidal, direct frontal assault.

After this rapid assessment of the situation, Oloc suggests taking Dirtbag to the town to turn him in to the authorities along with the information you have about the threatened raid.

Suddenly, the dogs at Dirbag's feet prick up their ears, and jump up, hackles raised, snarling in the direction of the north side of the farmhouse, about eighty feet away from where you stand. As you look in that direction, you're horrified to see several long, furry, grotesquely jointed legs crawl around the corner, supporting a bloated body – about five to six feet long – and a head with eight menacing eyes and dripping fangs.

Blue circle = party location (including Elsie, Stan and Ollie); black "X" = pile of goblin bodies, yellow circle = Dirtbag; brown circle = dogs

*************************

OOC: Actions?

(Also, this was simply a random wandering monster check – I'm not trying to send any "message" or cut the conversation short or anything like that. I've been doing periodic checks all along, and this is simply the first one that came up "positive").

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Midday (A Follow-Up Interrogation)

"Alas, now that I see them in the light the dogs appear well nigh useless, hardly the war dogs of my home," he sighs and his eyes cloud for a moment in private thought before he continues, "I propose we attempt to burn and render this farm unusable as a base for further interlopers, perhaps we can start the process and then the town, once we make them aware, can finish the process."

Then drawing his comrades out of earshot of the goblin, Varros says, "We have the one last issue we previously discussed to take care of, if we were to go back to town with our friend, it could prove to be his undoing."

Duran agrees: "If we take dirtbag back to town I do not think it will go well for us and I don't think we can guarantee his safety. We should get what information we can from him and then send him on his way. Then we need to get back to the town and warn them of the impending danger. I am sure they must have a militia or guard to help meet this threat."

"I suggest posing a few more questions about the larger group that seems to be in the area such as their time of return, their goals and how they may react to their losses and then sending him on his way," Varros continues.

"I agree," says Oloc. "Let's see what more we can find out."

Oloc returns to Dirbag's side to question him. He peppers 'dirtbag' with questions regarding the larger group, attempting to glean anything and everything regarding their size, location, intentions, etc. Under Oloc's interrogation, Dirtbag reveals that a "horde" of goblins – also with hobgoblin leaders – was to set out from Stagwood. He does not know how many in the horde, just "a lot," perhaps fifty? a hundred? And he does not know where they were to muster, though when you mention the "north bank," he assumes it must be the north bank of the Coldstream.

Rumor amongst the goblin grunts in the scouting party on their departure from Stagwood was that the horde would be hitting farms and small hamlets, and plundering any merchant caravans they could come across. Scouts were sent toward Woodfield and Stag Hollow as well as Fairbrook. If Bloodfang's missive mentions the "north bank," it probably is the Coldstream being referenced. In which case, there would be no doubt the region around Fairbrook has been selected as the raiders' target.

He doesn't know the planned time of departure of the horde for certain, but they probably would have left Stagwood a few days after the scouting party – just long enough for runners to take messages from the scouting parties to Bloodfang and back. The horde could be at the muster point already. If not, they'll certainly be there soon.

As for their reaction to their losses? The horde is likely to take vengeance on any targets they raid, slaughtering with even greater ferocity and slow cruelty than they normally would as payback.

When the interrogation ends, Oloc returns to the group, away from the goblin, and reports his findings.

Varros looks to Oloc, "I suggest that you make it clear to him why he still lives, and the importance of a life debt."

Gaven then speaks up: "While I know you gave your word, Varros, my honor and duties as an acolyte of Light cannot let Dirtbag go unless he submits to follow the Light. Plus, he played a role in Miss Elsie's capture and unjust imprisonment. He must be tried. Remember, he only obeyed because of Oloc's charm."

Gaven turns to Elsie, "Miss Elsie, did this goblin play a role in the attack on you and Bill? Did he play a role in your imprisonment?"

Elsie looks at the goblin fiercely: "I'm sure of it," she says. "I'm sure they all did. I hate every goblin in the world, and I wish them all dead for what they did."

Meanwhile the dogs seem to have eaten their fill from the corpses and have wandered over next to Dirtbag and curled up for a nap at his feet. Dirtbag, previously distressed by the deaths of his comrades (other than Grimtooth) seems to remain calmly in his charmed trance, as if his grief – or perhaps just his shock – at the loss has past.

*************************
OOC: Actions?

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Midday (The Dogs)

Oloc asks 'dirtbag' to step away for moment and then the mage addresses the rest of the party. "What should we do with the goblin? I can command him to return to his tribe and tell them what happened to this scouting party. Or you could dispatch him quickly and we are rid of him. I am indifferent, although the former course of action may deter any further advance by the humanoids."

"I gave my bond that if Dirtbag performed his tasks he would live." says Varros, "He performed every task we asked under what must have been, let us say, difficult conditions," Varros eyes Oloc, "perhaps he should decide on his own what path he must take, he deserves that much. Perhaps he might even choose to remain with us, he could be useful as he has proven to be capable and clever."

"I am wary of putting to much trust in the goblin," says Oloc. "If he is to be set free, I would propose that we first have him give us information about the dogs as Duran suggests. We can then reconsider the goblin."

Hearing the dog barking coming from below, the mage adds, "I would feel better if we released the dogs, although I am not sure how they will react."

The fighter replies: "Also, since you can see I believe in making use of our assets, perhaps the dogs could use new masters, we do have some steaks for them..."

Duran chimes in: "Let us ask dirtbag to calm the dogs down and see if we can take them for our own or at least see what is in that room. We should not burn the goblin bodies until we are ready to leave in case the rest of the goblins come to investigate."

Gaven offers: "I agree with Varros's and Duran's plan. We may as well make use of Dirtbag while he is still under the spell. However, please make haste, I do not want to loiter here too long. We should get Miss Elsie back soon. I will stay with her above and to keep a look out."

Gaven turns to Elsie, "I only have trail rations, but you are welcome to them. I will pick you some apples as well."

As Stan and Ollie remain with Elsie, Gaven heads off to pick some apples, and Oloc, Varros and Duran look on as Dirtbag moves toward the dogs' room.

The goblin leads on down the stairs, into the entry room, and through the door to the west, which opens into a 10' wide, 20' long corridor, heading west, with a door to the north at the far end. As Dirtbag turns the handle with a rusty squeal, the dogs start growling and barking again.

Once they smell, see and hear the goblin, however, they calm down. They almost cringe as the follow at his heels. The canines look with great distrust at Varros, Duran and Oloc. Then they look to Dirtbag, to the party, and back again. Seeing no sign from their goblin master to attack, they stifle their growls.

Taking a look around the dogs' room, you see that the space measures roughly 20' x 20', with no other exits. Apart from piles of leaves and scraps of cloth that the dogs evidently sleep on, you find no items of interest in the room. Kicking the shallow bed materials around, you see only stone floor beneath and, of course, another drain, just like the others you've noted.

Finding nothing worthwhile, you follow Dirtbag and the dogs up the stairway to the trapdoor. Though the dogs seem to behave themselves, they continue to look darkly at the party members.

*****

When Gaven returns with the apples, and Elsie is finished eating, he asks, "While I know it must have been a horrible ordeal, can you please share with me what happened to you and Bill? We have learned that this band was a scouting party for an army of goblins that plan to attack. Anything you heard or saw could be of great use to us in preventing any more harm by the goblins."

"I know nothing of any goblin army," Elsie begins. The large one did most of the talking that I heard, and he always spoke in his language, so I never understood what he said."

Elsie looks off into the distance, toward Fairbrook. "We came up here a few nights ago, Bill and me. We wanted to... we came up here... to get away from our parents. And it all happened so fast. A shadow moved from behind a tree in front of us, the horse reared. There was a twang, like a bow, several of them, and the horse wailed in pain. Then more dark figures came out of nowhere, and thrust their spears at the horse, and the horse fell. As he did, Bill pulled me clear. We fell hard, but Bill kept us from landing under the horse. Then Bill was on his feet swinging his knife. I think he cut one of them. Though there were too many and... and..."

Elsie starts to cry again but, after a moment, she calms herself and goes on. "They dragged us up the hill. They just left the horse there, still alive, squealing in pain. They took us down to the basement, dumped Bill in a corner, and dragged me off to the room where you found me. They hardly gave me any water, and fed me even less. I don't know what kind of foul red meat it was that they gave me to eat. I couldn't get it down." Elsie stops talking and wipes her eyes with the dirty sleeve of her dress.

As Elsie finishes her story the others come up out of the basement, with the three guard dogs on Dirtbag's heels and Varros, Duran and Oloc right behind. As they emerge into the sunlight, everyone can see just how emaciated the poor beasts really are, ribs bulging through their short hair.

Suddenly, almost in concert, the dogs tear away from Dirtbag and head straight for the pile of goblin corpses, where they tear and rend the dead flesh, swallowing it ravenously as if they haven't eaten in days.

Elsie watches with fascination, and walks closer for a better look. Standing right next to the stack of goblin corpses, she reaches out her hand toward the pile, then hesitates, and lets her hand fall back to her side. But she remains riveted, watching the dogs have at their former masters.

*************************

OOC: Actions?

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Midday (Mopping Up)

Gaven places down his spear and shield and takes off his helmet before slowly approaching Elsie. He speaks in as calm and comforting manner as he can with his arms spread wide, "It is ok Elsie, we have come from Fairbrook to rescue you. I am Gaven, an acolyte of Light, and these are my companions (introduced in turn). We know you came with Bill Barley and were attacked by goblins. Do not worry, we have defeated them all. Please, do not be afraid. Come with us, so we can take you back to your home."

Elsie seems terribly shaken up and cannot stop shivering, but she lifts her eyes to the cleric's face. Gaven says, "Abbot Cuthbert has given me this tonic to give to you. It will help settle your nerves." Gaven hands the tonic to Elsie.

With hands still trembling, it is hard for her to take the vial from him. But with Gaven's help she is able to drink it. Her shaking subsides, and her eyes soften from terror to a more controlled sadness. She still remains silent.

Physically, apart from being dirty and dehydrated, she appears unharmed.

Removing the rest of her bonds, Gaven helps her up, and re-equips himself. He stays close to Elsie in case she needs to be helped along.

Oloc is relieved to find Elsie alive. And with Gaven ensuring her comfort, the mage's attention turns to the clean-up. Speaking to the rest of the party in a soft voice, he says, "Let's bury what remains of Bill. It would be best that Elsie doesn't see what befell him. The goblin corpses can burn."

Oloc sets 'dirtbag' to the task of digging a grave for Bill in a suitable place away from the farmhouse. The goblin heads off at the mage's direction, first grabbing a rusted shovel to use from the tool room, and then moving off to complete the task as instructed.

Varros speaks up: "Gaven seems to have this situation under control. Before we head up lets perform a thorough search of all these rooms and drains. Also, we still have the dogs to deal with. Any ideas?"

"Any chance dirtbag can calm down the dogs or go in and tie them up so we can search the room?" asks Duran.

The group considers this option as a more thorough search of the rooms is executed. The search, unfortunately, gives up nothing of value or interest in the rooms themselves beyond what your initial glances revealed. A careful inspection of Drazz's and Garrh's bodies, however, yields a few more coins – three gold and six silver.

With the search complete, and Elsie silent but on her feet once more, the party moves back toward the basement entrance. While Gaven hangs in the rear helping Elsie, the others drag the goblin bodies out first to pile them for burning, and to be sure that Dirtbag has completed the task of burying Bill's remains. Seeing that the goblin has completed his task satisfactorily, you give a quiet signal to Gaven that it is okay to bring Elsie out.

Having spent days underground, she blinks repeatedly as her eyes adjust, then seems to calm still further as the rays of the noon sun strike her face.

As Elsie spots the nearly completed pile of goblin corpses, Gaven could swear he sees an insane hatred burn in her eyes, but a split-second later, the sadness and fatigue cloud her expression once more.

Dirtbag also looks at the pile of his comrades' corpses, an odd shadow momentarily passing over his otherwise trance-like countenance.

When Varros and Duran heave the last body onto the pile. Elsie turns to Gaven and speaks her first words: "I'm hungry."

*****************************************

OOC: Actions?

Situation Recap:
- It is now noon
- The goblins are piled and ready for burning
- Varros has not yet removed the ears from those that were outside (since Dirtbag was in plain sight; unless you tell me otherwise, I'll assume that Varros will remove ears before the party departs, at some point when Dirtbag cannot see)
- Elsie seems no worse off than would be expected after her experience (she's traumatized, but all things considered...)
- There is no sign of additional goblins anywhere
- The dogs are still locked in their room (Duran has proposed having Dirtbag deal with them in some way).

4 July 1280, Morning (A Dimly Lit Room)

Oloc asks the charmed goblin to remain in the hall. Then turning to the others, "Which door should we try? Most likely they lead to the same place - and hopefully we'll find the girl no worse for wear."

He lights a torch from a wall sconce, keeping a dagger out in his other hand.

Varros addresses the porter: "Let us proceed to the north, Ollie, if you would take special care stowing that brandy, make sure you wrap it in some rags or padding, it's worth nothing to us if it breaks!", Varros smiles and claps Ollie on the back good naturedly, obviously somewhat relieved that the danger seems past.

Ollie gently picks up the unopened bottles of brandy and stows them carefully.

Keeping his bow at the ready Duran says "We should finish searching the rooms to make sure we are safe and definitely find the girl. Why don't we try having two of us each go through a door, letting Ollie give us a verbal signal to open both doors at the same time."

"I agree with Duran," says Gaven. "He and I will take the west room, Varros, Stan, and Oloc can take the north room. Ollie will give the signal."

Gaven readies his spear and shield.

Once all are in position, Ollie gives the signal, and you burst through both doors simultaneously.

The room beyond was lit only by a small, candle, though your torches now cast far more light about the place. The room is the same size as the guard room.

There is a mattress on the floor with a filthy goblin blanket tossed over it. Old and mildewed, the mattress looks like it was dragged down here from the rubbish upstairs. On the floor next to it are several empty bottles with the same label as those you just acquired: "Golden Orchards Fine Brandy." You also note another small drain like the one in the guard room, though the dogs seem quiet now.

Almost hidden in the shadow of the northwest corner, a young girl cringes, barely noticeable, as if trying to make herself smaller, or even invisible if she could. Her hands and feet are bound tightly with coarse rope, and she shivers uncontrollably, almost convulsively. Her long hair is disheveled, and her dress, face, hands and arms are smeared with grime. Apart from the chattering of her teeth, there is no sound in the room.

4 July 1280, Morning (Looking Around)

"Many thanks Gaven," says Varros

"You are welcome Varros. The Light shines on us this day," answers the cleric.

Oloc says: "I guess the gobs came from the door to the west. Let's hurry and check the door to the north." This time Oloc waits for some 'muscle' before moving on. "On second thought, maybe we should get 'dirtbag' in here. What do you say?" he asks of no one in particular.

"Oloc, why don't you take Dirtbag back down the hall for a moment?" says Varros. Gaven also suggests that Oloc ask Dirtbag how the gobs came under the orders of a hobgob and why he doesn't care that Grimtooth is dead.

Oloc pulls the charmed goblin aside, and turns him away from the wounded Drazz, while Varros moves quickly across the room and dispatches the suffering goblin, showing him a merciful death. Varros also discretely cuts the right ear from each of the two dead goblin underlings here and in the previous corridor, as well as from the head he tossed into the room earlier.

Oloc keeps Dirtbag distracted from Varros' activity by asking Gaven's questions. Dirtbag's face turns to a scowl.

"We goblins often work with our larger cousins," says Dirtbag in reply to the first question. "They are bigger, so they command when we join with them."

In response to the second question he adds. "Grimtooth beat me because I was the smallest. And he named me 'Dirtbag'. When he started to call me that, so did the others. I hate Grimtooth."

Oloc interprets Dirtbag's words as Duran and Gaven scout the two doors.

Readying his bow, Duran looks through the door that is ajar, to the north. Beyond the door is a 30' x 30' room. The light is exceedingly dim, but Duran sees no enemies. To get a better look, the fighter quickly grabs the torch from the wall sconce to illuminate things, and can make out a cider press, as well as several barrels and vats. As best he can determine from the doorway many of the barrels are empty. The ones right next to the doorway where he stands now contain only vinegar. Along the north wall is a set of shelves containing several bottles. Most are broken or empty, but a few are completely intact. Stepping a short way into the room, Duran can see that there are five stoppered and unbroken bottles, each bearing the label "Golden Orchards Fine Brandy – 1243." Duran also spies a closed door in the northern section of the west wall of the room.

Meanwhile, Gaven retrieves his spear (still in good condition), and rapidly searches Grimtooth's body for any clues, including tattoos, or brandings, or emblems of rank or clan. The hobgoblin wears a silver chain around his neck (which you guess to be worth about 30 gp) as well as a silver ring with a cheap red stone (probably worth around 25 gp). In addition, in a pocket within the chief's tunic, Gaven finds the following document:

Gaven asks Stan to overturn the blankets and bedding to search for clues and treasure, "Make sure to use your spear, in case of any nasty surprises," he adds.

Stan finds nothing but filthy goblin rags. "Blimey!" he exclaims, "If we brought any of this garbage back, I'd wager we'd have to pay to have it taken off our hands."

Gaven hands the document he found to Oloc who sees immediately that it is written in goblin. The document says:

"Main force gathering on north bank. Scout enemy positions only. Do not engage or take prisoners. – Bloodfang"

As Oloc translates the missive aloud, Gaven approaches the open west door carefully and closely examines the frame for traps. Finding nothing, he asks Ollie to shed some light with his torch, and carefully looks through the door. Here he sees another 30' x 30' room. A fair number of old tools lean against walls or hang from hooks – pruning implements, spades, wheelbarrows, empty barrels, and the like. All appear quite old, rusted, rotted and entirely unserviceable. Also some sacks of what look like they were once apple seeds, are piled in various parts of the room. The ones near the doorway where Gaven stands appear to contain nothing more than tiny dry, cracked husks, or else rotten clumps of dark mush, depending on the sack and how exposed to water it has been over the years. The cleric, too, sees a closed door, in the norther wall of the tool room.

As the party prepares to make its next move, Varros pulls Grimtooth's body back through the doorway into the corridor and collects the hobgoblin's head – out of Dirtbag's sight, just in case. He then returns to the group, ready to help decide what to do next.

**********

OOC: Actions?

I've noted that Varros will take an ear from each of the goblins previously killed when the party backtracks out. I will assume that he does this discretely without Dirtbag watching.

Time Update: it's now 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Binding Wounds and Moving Forward)

Seeing his spear strike true, Gaven sighs in relief and and mutters a benediction to the Light.

As he sees Grimtooth fall dead to the floor, the pain from Grimtooth's blow suddenly floods over Duran. Looking to his arm he sees the blood flowing from the open wound.

"Let us tend to your wounds," Gaven says to Duran and Varros.

"Thank you Gaven and well aimed!" says Varros as Gaven helps to bind the two fighters' wounds. Both warriors feel much better afterward.

"That sounds like it could be the girl," says Oloc. "Let's hurry in and secure her safety before any more harm should befall her."

Oloc begins to head toward the room ahead to discover the source of the groaning.

Upon hearing the murmurs from the other room and seeing Oloc head toward the next room, Gaven exclaims,"Hold Oloc. We don't know what dangers await in there. Perhaps we should get Dirtbag and Ollie."

Turning to the others Duran says "I agree we need to proceed with caution but we should tend to the girl as quickly as possible."

Varros calls for Ollie and Dirtbag.

The two dog-door guardians return at Varros' call, and Ollie reports that the door there seems shut quite securely. He thinks there shouldn't be any need for worry, unless there is someone left to open the door for the dogs from inside the room.

Moving back into a standard formation you advance cautiously to the doorway of the next room.

Standing over Grimtooth's dead body, and peering inside, you see a single torch already lit in a rusted sconce in the western part of the north wall. Between this torch and the one Ollie carries, the room is now well illuminated.

A trail of puddled goblin blood leads from the doorway where you now stand across the center of the room, where it suddenly becomes a wide smear, leading to the prone, groaning figure of the goblin Drazz, who is desperately trying with his last reserves of strength to drag himself to the door in the north wall which is slightly ajar.

In the center of the floor you also notice a six-inch, metallic grate covering a drain, and it is from this aperture that the tinny resonance of the dogs' barking can be heard as it begins to subside once more.

Blue bar = party in formation; black diamond = Grimtooth's corpse; black circle (filled) Drazz; hollow circle = 6" drain; green = blood trail

Scattered about the room are several ratty, filthy, blankets, undoubtedly the bedrolls of the goblin scouts. You also see grubby, tattered playing cards scattered across the floor, and one broken bottle.

There are a few other rusted sconces around the room, with half-burnt torch stumps in them. In addition to the partially open door in the north wall, there is also a door in the west wall, which has been swung wide open. Though the torchlight illuminates a rectangle of the floor through the west doorway, you cannot see into the west room beyond that door-shaped patch of light.

*************************
OOC: I should add, that from the rear (where I assume him to be) Dirtbag cannot see Drazz's prone figure; also, he seems completely untroubled by Grimtooth's corpse, which he can see.

Actions?

Wound Binding

Duran
d4 = 2 (now at 6 hp)

Varros
d4 = 3 (now at 6 hp)

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (A Momentary Lull and More Blood)

Grimtooth quickly changes tactics, and jumps backward to assume a defensive position, centered in the doorway. He towers menacingly, darkened by the dim torchlight from the room behind him, axe head streaked with blood, and a smoldering defiance in his eye.

Duran and Varros take advantage of the momentary lull and back away from Grimtooth, sheathing melee weapons and readying bows once more.

As these two reposition, the others get a clear view of the hobgoblin in the doorway.

Gaven is the first to react, and without hesitation casts his spear across the short distance with a mighty heave. The weapon flies true, and before Grimtooth can duck, the spear plunges into the humanoid's throat, and the leader of the goblins falls to the floor.

Suddenly all movement in the room has ceased. The barking of the dogs has picked up once more, muffled still through the door far behind and, strangely, seems to echo slightly from the room ahead as well, with a sort of distant, faint, metallic quality. From the room ahead can also be heard sporadic, low, painful groans.

*************************
OOC: Actions?

Combat Round 3

Party wins initiative 5-1

Gaven (throws spear at Grimtooth)
d20 = 12 + 2 (short range) = 14 (hit); d6 = 6 (Grimtooth killed)

4 July 1280, Morning (More Blood Is Shed)

Varros attacks Grimtooth, whose back is turned. But as if the hobgoblin had a sixth sense, he sidesteps and dodges the blow completely. Still, the hobgoblin somehow keeps his focus on Duran. In one swift, fluid motion, he sweeps with his axe, avoiding Duran's parry, and cuts Duran in the arm. Duran, in his own right, tries with all his might to carve into Grimtooth with his own axe and succeeds in dealing a minor wound, scraping the foul humanoid along the ribs.

Garrh thrusts his spear at Gaven, but in his wounded state the goblin is unable to penetrate Gaven's armor. The goblin still has just enough strength left to dodge Gaven's attempt at skewering him. However, a second spear thrust – this time from Stan – is just too much for the goblin to handle, and Stan's spear goes into Garrh's torso clean up to the mercenary's fist.

Oloc, standing ready to assist Stan and Gaven should they need it, holds as he sees the goblin fold and fall.

Realizing he is now alone, Grimtooth quickly changes tactics, and jumps backward to assume a defensive position, centered in the doorway. He clearly does not like being flanked. He towers menacingly, darkened by the dim torchlight from the room behind him, axehead streaked with Duran's blood, and a smoldering defiance in his eye.

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OOC: Actions?

Note that Varros is at 3 hp and Duran is at 4 hp. All others are at full hp.

Combat Round 2

Goblins win initiative (5-4; Varros has initiative over Grimtooth for blindside attack [effectively a localized semi-"surprise" attack, mid-fight])

Varros (attacks Grimtooth from behind)
d20 = 8 + 2 (rear attack) = 10 (miss)

Grimtooth (attacks Duran)
d20 = 19 +1 (hit bonus) = 20; d6 = 3 (Duran down to 4 hp)

Garrh (attacks Gaven)
d20 = 8 (miss)

Duran (attacks Grimtooth)
d20 = 20 (hit); d6 = 1 (slight wound)

Gaven (attacks Garrh)
d20 = 10 (miss)

Stan (attacks Garrh)
d20 = 12 + 1 (flank) = 13 (hit); d6 = 6 (Garrh killed)

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Fight in the Corridor)

There is a howl of rage as Garrh and Drazz charge toward the doorway, with Grimtooth right on their heels, cursing them for falling into the "pinkskins' trap." The goblins have spears in their hands, and Grimtooth – who is actually a much larger Hobgoblin – wields a hefty two-handed axe.

Realizing that this is no situation for a bow, Duran slings his bow around his back and pulls his hand-axe from his belt. Varros, too, draws his sword.

Oloc hangs back with his daggers at the ready, periodically casting an eye back behind him to see if 'dirtbag' is approaching.

Gaven shouts, "Varros, Duran, stand aside. Stan, set your spear and aim for their chest."

Gaven stands in front of the doorway, with Stan beside him, so that the charging goblins can just enter the room. Both men set their spears for the heart of a goblin.

"For Light and Law!" Gaven battle-cries.

At Gaven's urging, both Varros and Duran swing to the side, sword and axe at the ready to take on any target of opportunity.

Seeing the spears set against him, and snapped back to reality by Grimtooth's cursing, Drazz pulls up near the doorway, next to Grimtooth.

Garrh, however, remains enraged and charges headlong toward Gaven. The goblin successfully ducks Gaven's set spear, but is slightly off balance, just enough to enable the cleric to jump backward, barely dodging a blow that might have skewered him.

As the goblin's momentum carries him forward into the position vacated by Gaven, Stan takes advantage, stepping up to attack the goblin from the flank, piercing the monster's torso, wounding him severely.

At the doorway, Grimtooth takes a mighty swing with his axe at Duran's head, but the archer from Ashwood drops down, and the axe smashes violently, but harmlessly, into the wall above. A shower of stone splinters from the wall falls about Duran's shoulders. Duran attempts a counter swing with his own axe, but Grimtooth brings down the haft of his weapon deflecting it.

Opposite Duran, Varros thrusts his sword quickly through the abdomen of the goblin, Drazz, gravely wounding him. Drazz grabs the wrist of Varros' sword arm in one hand, and thrusts his spear with the other, running Varros through near the shoulder, making a very nasty wound.

Oloc shouts above the din in the goblin tongue for the party's opponents to lay down their arms, for they are wounded and will surely die if they continue the fight.

Hearing Oloc's words, and suddenly feeling the pain of his wound, Drazz lets go of his spear in Varros' shoulder, and staggers as fast as his wound will allow back through the doorway, in a panic. Grimtooth seems too filled with bloodlust to notice and Garrh, despite his wound, seems determined not to abandon his leader.

Red = Duran; Violet = Varros; Green = Gaven; Orange = Oloc; Silver = Stan; Black Circle = Garrh; Black Diamond = Grimtooth; Black Circle with Arrow = Drazz, fleeing.


*************************
OOC: Actions?

Combat

Round 1:

Goblins win initiative (4-2; Grimtooth was not charging, so acts normally; Drazz pulls up at Grimtooth's cursing so doesn't charge, but loses initiative; Garrh charges home against Gaven, thus giving Gaven initiative over him)

Gaven (spear set receiving Garrh's charge):
d20 = 6 (miss)

Garrh (charging Gaven)
d20 = 16 (miss)

Grimtooth (pulls up just at the doorway; attacks Duran)
d20 = 9 +1 (hit bonus) = 10 (miss)

Stan (Flanking Garrh):
d20 = 17 + 1 (flanking) = 18 (hit); d6 = 2 (Garrh severely wounded)

Duran (attacks Grimtooth)
d20 = 11 (miss)

Varros (attacks Drazz, pulled up near the doorway)
d20 = 20 (hit); d6 = 2 (Drazz serverely wounded)

Drazz (pulls up just at the doorway, losing initiative; attacks Varros)
d20 = 17 (hit); d6 = 4 (Varros down to 3 HP)

Oloc
Shouts to the remaining enemies to give up their arms (adds 1d6 penalty to goblin morale checks; Drazz flees)

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (The Stand-Off)

"He's bluffing about the dogs," Oloc whispers to the others, although a shadow of doubt creeps into his mind. Maybe there is a back way?

"We're here for the girl." Oloc tries to sound more confident than he really is. "The soldiers above will release your guards when we have the girl. Now show yourself."

Oloc looks at the others and shrugs his shoulders.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!" comes the voice's cruel laugh. "Is that all? You just want the girl? You're too late – she's already dead!"

Oloc looks at the rest of the party expectantly. "What now? Attack?" He then looks at 'dirtbag' and asks in a low voice. "Do you know if the girl is dead?"

Dirtbag replies: "She was alive when I last saw her. Grimtooth, our leader, took her to a back room where most of the others and I were not allowed to go."

Varros says to the porter: "Ollie, be a good lad and guard that dog door, barricade it, blockade it or lay in front of it. Whatever needs done, you will be safer that way and won't have to witness what happens next."

Ollie is all too happy to back away from such a volatile situation, and does as directed most eagerly. The barking has dropped off considerably during the conversation, and no doubt the somewhat quieter dogs scare him much less than the goblins in the next room.

Varros looks to all and says, "Ready yourselves friends and may the gods be with us!"

As soon as that is done he projects his voice down the hallway in only the way a man trained to yell orders amidst the din of battle can:

"Listen and listen well, we have captured half your strength, they still live as they surrendered quickly when faced with the prospect of Wizard's fire. They have told us all there is to tell, we have come to return the girl or her remains. Goblin heads and ears are not our concern, we are a free company not vermin hunters. I have 15 fighting men and 2 wizards, more than enough to burn, freeze or slice through the remainder of your host 4 times over safely and 15 times over if I am angered. Any one of you who wishes to live through this morn drop your weapons and come forth now and by the word of Varros Blackwater you will be shown mercy. However, if you choose to remain in your dirty hovel pray to your dark gods because today is the day you will meet them! Five minutes hence I will roll the first of your clansmen's heads down this hall and you might explain their death to their face. Another will follow every five minutes until they are exhausted. If that fails to move you, mayhaps you will be more responsive when I do the same to the bitches you love to "mount" so much! Either surrender and receive my mercy or die in a futile fight amongst Wizard's fire. It seems an easy decision even for a goblin, your time begins now!"

The goblins' leader replies: "You talk big, human. You have taken my guards, so I guess you now outnumber us. But I think if you were as strong as you claim, you would come and take us as well, without so much yammering. I do not think you will. I do not think you can. We are quite comfortable in our position. So you might as well go home. Or you can sit in the hall until our raiding band arrives. It's all the same to us."

Varros and Duran creep up to the doorway, one on each side of it, bows at the ready. Stan and Gaven hang back holding the middle, with Oloc just behind with the charmed goblin. Based on Dirtbag's map, Duran and Varros who are closest to the door, judge the goblins' position to be toward the left extremity of the next room, and they signal this to the rest of the party.

Party Member Locations: Red = Duran; Violet = Varros; Green = Gaven; Orange = Oloc; Silver = Stan; Olive = Ollie; Yellow = Dirtbag


"Oloc, ask our friend Dirtbag about this raiding party. Also get the names of the remaining goblins other than Grimtooth and Borrg from him. I have a plan. I'll be back momentarily."

Oloc speaks to the prisoner once more as Varros runs out of the basement to where the dead goblins lay. Gaven accompanies Varros out.

Passing Ollie near the dogs' room, Gaven hands him the sack of goblin steaks: "Be brave Ollie, take the "steaks". In case the dogs get out, drop them and run up the stairs and close and block the hatch until we return."

Once outside, Varros retrieves the head from a goblin, and places it in his bag to avoid scaring Dirtbag. Gaven cuts a few more "steaks" from the dead goblin in case Grimtooth has more dogs. He flat out states to Varros, "I do not plan to let these vermin live unless they yield to the Light."

Varros looks Gaven in the eye, smiles, and says, "Friend, I do not plan to let these vermin live under any circumstances..."

Back in the basement, the stand-off continues. Oloc has questioned Dirtbag further, and found out that only two goblins remain with Grimtooth – Garrh and Drazz. He has also learned that the goblin raiding party for which Dirtbag and the others were scouts numbers at least fifty. With no further need for the goblin at the moment, he is sent to watch the dog room door with Ollie.

Varros and Gaven reassume their positions. Varros tosses the goblin head into the room and has Oloc ask Garrh and Drazz, by name, if they intend to die today for Grimtooth, a leader who clearly values a captured human girl more than his clansmen. He has Oloc say that the party is growing tired of this game and their patience is nearly at an end.

Party Member Locations: Red = Duran; Violet = Varros; Green = Gaven; Orange = Oloc; Silver = Stan; Olive = Ollie; Yellow = Dirtbag; Black Circles = goblins; Black Diamond = Grimtooth

The goblin head thrown in by Varros bounces and rolls on the floor in the next room as Oloc finishes interpreting Varros' words. Then there is a howl of rage as Garrh and Drazz charge toward the doorway, with Grimtooth right on their heels, cursing them for falling into the "pink-skin's trap." The goblins have spears in their hands, and Grimtooth – who is actually a much larger Hobgoblin – wields a hefty two-handed axe.

*************************
OOC: Actions?

Duran alone has an angle to shoot at the goblins before they reach the door and melee range. However, he will be able to do this only IF the party wins initiative. If, however, Duran declares shooting as his action and the goblins win initiative, they'll be on him and Varros before Duran can shoot, preventing Duran from attacking at all this round. If Duran declares drawing a melee weapon as his action, he can attack normally in melee (in the party's portion of the turn) regardless of which side wins initiative.

Time Update: It's now about 10:30 in the morning.

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (The Squeaking Hinge)

You hear the loud squealing of unoiled door hinges in the room ahead, to the north.

"Ready your weapons," Oloc whispers. "We're about to have company!" Oloc draws his daggers for throwing.

Duran notches his arrow and tries to maneuver to make sure he has a clear shot as the threat appears.

Gaven straightens his helm and adjusts his shield and readies his spear. He whispers, "Shall we charge or wait?"

"Wait for them," says Varros. "Let Duran get as many clean shots as he can and Oloc can throw. You and I and our friend Stan will clean up the rest."

From where you stand you cannot see far enough into the room ahead to determine who, if anyone is there, and if so, how many.

Five awkward minutes pass. Stan and Ollie start to fidget nervously, troubled by the silence. Then, from the dimly lit room you hear a harsh guttural voice, calling out to you roughly in the common tongue:

"I don't know who you are, or how you got rid of my guards. But you have one chance. Back off and leave this place now. Otherwise I'll feed your entrails to my dogs. The beasts sound pretty hungry to me!"

*************************
OOC: Actions?

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Cutting the Alarm)

"I'll defer to the rest of you on how exactly to proceed," says Gaven. "I suggest we avoid the dogs to the west and start east since Dirtbag thinks that is where Elsie is held."

Upon looking at Bill, Gaven grimaces in anger and mutters, "Despicable" under his breath. Gaven whispers a short prayer, then says, "we will avenge you son of Light."

Duran whispers "see if Dirtbag can tell us how to disarm or avoid the alarm and then lets move away from these dogs. Unless you think you can crack open the door and throw the goblin steaks in to keep them quiet." Duran keeps his bow at the ready.

"I agree that we leave the dogs alone," the mage adds.

"I will be ready for the inevitable conflict," states Varros while testing his sword's edge with his thumb.

Oloc then turns to 'dirtbag' and asks, "My friend, we need your help in avoiding the trap in the next passageway. Can you quietly and carefully show us how to avoid it or even how to disarm it?"

The goblin quickly explains the alarm to you: "A series of strings criss-cross the next corridor, with bottles and bits of glass hanging from them. Moving any of the strings makes the bottles bang together loudly. It's very difficult to move one without making the others move. But perhaps if you are very careful, you could do it."

You decide your best chance is to work together with Oloc analyzing the criss-cross pattern, and Varros cutting the appropriate strings with the mage's guidance. The others will hold lines and bottles as needed.

You light a torch and hand it to Ollie, and proceed through the partially open door into the corridor. The space is 10' wide, and 30' long from south to north, ending at an open door. Through the door beyond you see very dim, flickering torchlight.

The criss-crossed strings are about mid-way up the corridor, between you and the open door.

Carefully and cautiously, Oloc looks over the network of strings and bottles.

With extreme deliberation, Oloc tells Varros which lines to cut in which order, occasionally directing one of the other members of the group to hold and stabilize a particular bottle, or the end of a line.

It takes about ten minutes, but you finally manage to clear a path through the bottles and strings, without making any significant noise.

The barking of the dogs continues behind you, somewhat more muffled.

Additionally, as you pass through the opening in the strings you hear the loud squealing of unoiled door hinges in the room ahead, to the north.

*************************
OOC: Actions?

Oloc's INT check (15)
4d6 = 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 = 14 (pass = 1d6 bonus to Varros' DEX check)

Varros' DEX check (12)
4d6 (-1d6) = 3d6 = 4 + 4 + 1 = 9 (pass)

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Into the Basement)

"I will not doubt your aim again, Duran and Varros. I may just have you teach teach me how to properly use the bow," Gaven laughs.

Duran claps Varros on the back says: "Well done my friend." Turning to Graven, Duran chuckles and says "yes my friend the bow can be a powerful weapon in the right hands. Although I am sure you can teach me a thing or two about fighting when it is up close and personal."

"What of our friend, 'dirtbag'," Oloc asks. "Should we bring him with or have him remain up here? I am a bit worried that his seeing so many of his comrades fall, may be weakening my charm."

"We need Dirtbag to show us how to disable the alarm," says Gaven.

After some discussion, the group agrees that taking Dirtbag along to point out the alarm is the lesser of two ills.

"I suppose now is as good a time as any to descend," says Gaven taking hold of his shield and a spear, with the steaks wrapped in goblin's clothing in a sack at his belt.

Notching another arrow Duran joins the other in preparation to descending the stairs, while Varros puts his bow away, switching to his sword.

The group takes up a three-man frontage and descends the stair, ready for anything. In the dim light that falls through the open trap door catching motes of dust, you see that the steps give access to a 30' x 30' room.

The smell of death is quite strong here. At the bottom of the stairs you see the remains of Bill Bailey. The leg the goblins cut off to eat topside is not the only part missing. Most of his "meat" is now gone.

There are several old barrels in the room, the wood mostly cracked and gray and barely held together with rusted support bands. Inside them, at the very bottom, you find a blackened mush that is probably all that's left of the last apple crop collected here.

There are doors in the southern portions of the east and west walls. The door to the west is closed. Through this you hear the barking of the dogs, still muffled, but rather louder now that you've come down the stairs. The door to the east is slightly ajar. A quick glance suggests only darkness beyond it.

************************
OOC: Actions?

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Borrg)

"Should we not let the gob up?" asks Oloc quickly. "One less to take care of below."

"I think Oloc has a good idea," replies Duran. "I'll have an arrow waiting with his name on it."

"I guess three steaks will have to do." Gaven readies his shield and club. "Should we try to quickly grab and gag him as he comes out so that he can't raise an alarm or escape if you miss your shot?"

"Duran and myself will be able to take him out," says Varros.

"Let the Light guide your shots," replies the cleric.

Oloc affects his voice and says in the goblin tongue: "Hold on you fleabag," He quickly motions for the group to hide around the corner and for Stan to remove the rocks from the trap door.

At Oloc's gruff insult, the goblin below goes into a rage, and Stan only manages to remove the first few rocks when with a ferocious thrust, the goblin heaves the trap door open, so violently that Stan gets knocked off his feet, and the remaining rock or two still holding it down go flying.

This is just as well, since Duran and Varros now have a clear shot at the goblin as he springs up through the trap door. Before the humanoid has the chance to take in what he sees, the two fighters unleash their arrows simultaneously and both hit the goblin square in the chest, killing him instantly.

Gaven, who was ready to spring forward in case the archers missed, still does so, and as he reaches the trap door, he sees that this goblin was alone. No sound seems to come up from below, except a furious barking, muffled, as if coming from behind a closed door.

The rest of you quickly gather round the body of the slain goblin, and notice that he has a bandage around his head, stained with the same greenish-black blood you noted on Bill Barley's dagger. The goblin carries a stout club, and you find 6 gold coins in his pockets.

Off to the side, Dirtbag sits on the ground, unmoving, still trance-like – though you could swear that a single tear is rolling down his cheek.

*************************

OOC: Actions?

Combat

Surprise Round

Duran:
d20 = 12+2 = 14 (hit); d6 = 4 (goblin killed)

Varros:
d20 = 18 +2 = 20 (hit); d6 = 6 (goblin super-killed)


Items:

1 Club
6 gp

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Making Ready to Descend)

The party steps away a short distance from the charmed goblin so that he cannot overhear their words.

"I will cut 6 chunks of goblin meat for a distraction for the dogs," says Gaven. "We don't know if the goblins have reorganized. Once we're ready to descend, I'll toss some steaks down towards the door closest to the dogs room. Did anyone think to bring a mirror?"

"It sounds like we can get down the stairs and make a stand before being attacked," says Duran. "Hopefully the goblin meat will stay the dogs. As long as Varros agrees he and I could be the first two down." Duran then prepares his bow and arrow and awaits the others' decision.

Oloc takes 'Dirtbag' off to the side, out of view of the 'steaks' being carved. He speaks with the goblin in a friendly tone to try and strengthen the charm spell.

Gaven starts the grisly task of cutting chunks of goblin flesh. Ollie has to turn away and struggles not to vomit.

Meanwhile, Varros and Stan keep an eye on the trap door.

As Gaven gets through his third lump of globin-flesh, Varros and Stan hear and see the trapdoor rattle, as if someone is trying to open it. The rocks piled on top prevent the door from opening, however.

Stymied by his first attempt, the would-be opener from below tries again, this time calling out in the goblin tongue. You hear only one voice. The tone sounds angry and annoyed, rather than alarmed in any way. Again, though, the goblin below is unable to throw open the trap door.

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OOC: Actions?

Oloc can make out what the goblin below says – mostly a bunch of cursing and goblin swearing, along with a query for Dirtbag and the others as to what they're doing topside and what's going on with the door. I'll assume that Oloc can quickly and quietly communicate the gist to the group through gesture and whisper in a matter of mere seconds.

Also, let me know which marching order you want to adopt should you descend into the basement (two-man front or three-man front). Duran's proposed two-man front with Varros and himself in the lead would look something like this:

Two-Man Frontage

Front Rank: Duran - Varros

Second Rank: Gaven - Stan

Third Rank: Oloc - Ollie

The earlier three-man configuration looked like this:

Three-Man Frontage
Front Rank: Gaven - Stan - Varros
Second Rank: Duran - Ollie - Oloc

The stairs as Dirtbag described them are wide enough to accommodate either configuration.

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Dirtbag's Map)

"The current odds are not in our favor -- five goblins and guard dogs in a defendable position," says Gaven. "It may be wise to spend a bit of time searching the area. Perhaps there is another entrance to the other basement rooms."

"Either plan works for me, but one way or another we are going to have to go down the trap door and face the goblins" says Duran. "For now I'll volunteer to look around the farmhouse for a possible entrance while you question Dirtbag."

"Let me see if I can get our friend here to give us the lay of the land," replies Oloc, "including where the remaining gobs and dogs are."

Duran adds as he moves away: "If you find out no one is guarding the bottom of the ladder we might be able to get down safely before having to fight otherwise you might as well try and lure some more out."

Varros adds: "I will keep watch on the door while we decide the next course of action."

Oloc asks Dirtbag to sketch out on the ground what the room layout looks like through the trapdoor. He will ask for room and door locations that he knows of, where the remaining gobs are, where the dogs are and are they chained or penned. He will also ask where the girl is being held.

Dirtbag uses the butt end of his axe handle to draw a rough map in the dirt, looking like this:

"The trapdoor leads down stairs here," he says, pointing at the center room on the south edge of the map. "No one is in that room. Then there are doors here, here and here... The dogs are behind a door, but not chained. The alarm is in this hallway. And our guardroom is here." Dirtbag points at each feature as he mentions them. "Only Borrg was left in there when..." he trails off, as if he does not want to remember the ambush. "The girl was taken to a back room," he says pointing vaguely to an area outside of where he sketched. "But I have never been allowed to Grimtooth's rooms." He waves again in the general area north of the rooms he has drawn.

"Ask what the dogs eat and how well fed they are," says Gaven. "Perhaps some goblin meat can be used to distract them once we attack."

Oloc interprets the question.

"They eat meat," he says to Oloc in an almost apologetic tone, looking back toward the campfire where he and the other goblin sentry had been cooking Bill Barley's leg. "Grimtooth doesn't let us feed them too well though."

Duran returns from his search. Unfortunately, he has not found anything that looks like it might be an entrance to the farm house basement.

**************************

OOC: Actions?

The time is now just shortly after 9:00 a.m.

Let me know if you still want to do the goblin-steak thing, and I'll include that in the next post (I assumed whether you did that or not would depend on the answers you got in the interrogation).

Wednesday 4 July 1280, Morning (Contemplating the Trap Door)

"Great job everyone, the Light shines on us this morning," Gaven smiles broadly as he claps Duran on the shoulder. Then Gaven pauses briefly to make a prayer of thanks to the Light.

Varros joins the group and says, "Well done friends." He looks to Duran, "I say we call our wager even friend, that last shot of yours was a thing of beauty and prevented the little beast's escape. If you would accompany me let us go take a look at him?" Varros looks to Ollie, "If you would friend gather the valuables for transport."

Duran smiles at Varros' gesture and thanks him. As they head over to search the goblin Duran says "you weren't such a bad shot yourself, you dropped two in a row back there. Its good to have someone besides myself who appreciates the value of a bow."

Varros checks out the last goblin with Duran watching his back, and collects enough goblin arrows to bring his total to twenty. He also picks up one more short bow, a quiver, a short sword and 4 sp. Varros and Duran then rejoin the party and stay alert to the trapdoor and Dirtbag.

Oloc stands by the trapdoor, focusing his attention to the remaining goblins and how to get them out of the hole.

Gaven approaches and says: "Now to decide what to do about the remaining goblins. I'm guessing they heard the commotion and will fortify their position. We would certainly be at a disadvantage trying to enter through the trapdoor."

Varros asks: "Any suggestions as to how to handle the rest of the tribe?"

Duran asks "If you think the goblins are aware of us do you think we can smoke them out by dropping smoking logs down the trap door? Without harming the girl that is..."

Gaven addresses Oloc: "Can you ask Dirtbag if there is another entrance to the cellar and what kind of supplies, weapons, traps, and such the goblins have?"

Oloc asks Gaven's questions to Dirtbag. The goblin responds that he knows no other entrance. But there are several rooms in the basement – he has not seen the ones in back. The weapons are like those you have seen, along with some guard dogs, which he evidently thinks of as "weapons." The only trap he knows of is the alarm, which you have heard, and which he will show you.

Since there is no evidence of a second entrance, Oloc suggests that he himself call the remaining gobs up. "If you are in agreement, I can manufacture some ruse and affect my voice. We can then attack the goblins as they are in the vulnerable position of climbing out of the trap door."

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OOC: Actions?

Items:
Goblin short bow (Ollie)
Quiver (Ollie)
10 goblin arrows (Varros)
1 short sword (Ollie)

4 sp

Ollie's Current Encumbrance is currently 78 lbs, for a movement rate of 90' (remember S&W WB allows him to move that twice per ten-minute turn). At 100 lbs his movement rate will drop to 60'.