Chapter One, Part One: Fires over Brinestump

[SpamHead]

"I am not overt on the idea of confronting it but if we meet it while hunting goblins I suppose it cannot be helped."

OOC: ShowHide

I too as a player would like to hunt it but my character respects Owens hesitation (though he himself would be hard pressed to not suspect fear as the motivation of not wanting to confront the monster)

[Lotofsnow]

Faraway shakes his head.

"Remember, friends, our task is to deal with the goblins. We should focus on that threat first and then return to deal with the mysterious creature afterward."

[SteveRogers]

S'Vith grimaces, "But I have the feeling this beast will be more closely connected to our goal than we anticipate."

[Lotofsnow]

Based on what evidence? Unless this creature has the ability to shoot fireworks from his hands, I doubt it is working with the goblins. Its presence during the ambushes would have been reported I'm sure.

[SteveRogers]

S'Vith chuckles, "Purely existential musing."

[SpamHead]

"I agree that we should fight the goblins first. After all what's the worst that could happen?"

[Porteiro]

There's a lull in the conversation, and several people's glances seem to indicate that they're hoping for his input. "We know that the goblins are a problem.  Although I'm curious about what made these tracks, I don't see any reason to get side-tracked following them right now."

[Phil]

Owen nods.  "So then it is settled.  Let us proceed, Walthus."

[TheTick]

Walthus smiles and nods.  "Then this is where we part ways, my friends!  The Licktoad village is just a short walk down the Old Fish Trail.  Remember, if you are in need of rest, my shack is your shack!"  He shakes hands all around, and returns the way you came.

Just as Walthus said, it's a short and uneventful trip to the end of the Old Fish Trail.  A filthy village-fort surrounded by a crude wooden palisade sits atop a low hummock of solid ground here.  A wooden gate in the north wall of the palisade lies in shambles on the ground.  Nearby, a large, algae-filled pool on the northeastern side breaks the palisade and allows a clearer view into the village's interior, which consists of a collection of ramshackle huts connected by wooden walkways, all built on thick wooden stilts.  You can't all of the village, but right now there are no visible goblins.

[Lotofsnow]

Faraway raises his hand to silence his companions. Then, clearing his thoughts and closing his eyes, he listens for several moments for the normal sounds of any populated village: smithy hammers, children's laughter, sawing of wood.

roll: ShowHide

Perception 1d20+6 : 15 + 6, total 21

[TheTick]

Faraway listens intently, and it is indeed eerily quiet.  He also notices bones in the bottom of the pond - not goblins, by the size, but humanoid.  There are drag marks that seem to lead to the pond, but whether something was dragged into the village or out, you cannot say.

[Phil]

"Faraway, what do you make of this?"  The paladin tightens his grip on his greatsword, constantly scanning the surroundings.

[Lotofsnow]

The druid's brow furrows for a moment.

I cannot say, though I do believe we should proceed with caution. There is an uncanny silence about the place.

[TheTick]

Map attached - H1 is the gate in the palisade, smashed open (from the inside, it would appear).  H4 are guard towers, but no arrows rain down from them.  H5 are small buildings - probably goblin housing or storage.  Anything else would have to be checked out up close.

[Phil]

"I wish to examine those dead that you see in the pond.  If they aren't goblinoid, then they are surely victims of the tribe.  If there's some way to identify them, their kin will wish to know of their fate."

Owen still looks apprehensive.

"But we should scout the village first.  There may be more pressing concerns, and being in the water would make us vulnerable."

If the others agree, Owen will lead the way through the gate.  Or follow just behind Faraway, if the druid intends to lead.