Expedition - Foxy/Lost Children- 01 May 2021

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
When Roxy was finished, Clay walked to the back of the cave to clean himself in the cold water too. He recited a prayer to Beith, thanking her for allowing the group to locate this shelter and for keeping her other children at bay as they rested. When he was done, he returned to the group, speaking with grim resolve.

I see naught but death if we attempt to storm that goblin fortress. Balex has made it clear his people hold these red-robes people in awe. We must show we are more powerful. We must kill the red robes. If we manage this secretly, then we can disguise ourselves and take the girls with no strife. If we are caught, then we must hope our display of power is enough to keep the goblins from attacking us. He turned to Balex. You are as much part of this as us now. If we slay the red robes your kin will balk. You can use your cunning and strength to sway them. Where will we find the red robes?

Clay went on to explain his thinking: If the red robes are slain in secret, Clay can still do his part to assist Balex rise in the ranks of his people. If they are seen, they still gain stature in the eyes of the goblins and it will be easier to return Balex to his people in a position of power. He set about cleaning up one of the goblin spears the group had taken, hoping to pass it off as a special artifact to the king, if necessary.

Foxy might need to offer to give back the potion in exchange for Balex's aid.

Marullus, how many rations am I to deduct? I count 1 donkey, one dog and 5 more. Plus a 1/4 for the owl and perhaps a second dog ration for Balex. Which leaves us with maybe enough for one more day. One thing I never added to my inventory was that loaf of bread from the farm. Is that one more share to our names? (I forgot because I thought it would get used right away luring birds in.)

[Marullus]

Did she recover any lost HP while resting?

No. 1d3 per full day of rest.

can he draw us an accurate map.

Balex's explanations are ominous. It is not a camp, but a group of caverns. There are scores of goblins inside by his explanation, dozens of warriors, plus the wolves and riders. He explains their might with eminent pride.

Maybe we need to have a look at other ways to get into the stockade instead of assaulting the front gates.

Balex is mum on this point. He doesn't express any knowledge of other avenues in, but speaks sycophantically of your might and presence, and how you could seek an audience with the king at the front gate. He'd be foolish not to meet you... then your God can SMITE him! He cackles.

Where will we find the red robes?

Balex explains that the Red Robes live further west along the foot of the mountains, as he said before. The goblins remain inside all day because of the hateful sun, and won't come out until nightfall. There is an hour between sunset and moonset tonight - sacrifice to Sdubok demands the fires be set quickly. The farmers need to burn for the glory of Sdubok, he nods to Gus and George, and to bless the transaction where the girls are sold.

Day: 03 May 2021
Time: 01:15 pm
Light source: Campfire in the cave; sunlight outside (Sunset 8:53pm)
Temp: 52 F in the cave
Wind: None in the cave

[Rusty Tincanne]

yeah... No. I don't see Clay being willing to stroll up to the front gates and then attempt an assassination. i will type more tomorrow in an attempt to find out how to find the red robes.

[Stirling]

Foxy

to the goblin hall, which is a cave entrance with a palisade fortification around it

At the moment this is our only way in...and out. Foxy is hesitant about checking it out as if seen we could easily be chased across the plain and hunted down by wolf riders. Still it needs to be done. At least we know the RR will take the girls in the evening, after sacrifice is made. Foxy is presuming they have other 'offerings' not just reliant upon Balex's raid. No offering, no trade? Do we break in to free all prisoners or pass them by to target the girls?

Are the RR already present or will they turn up later? What is their mode of transport? carriage, horses, flying carpet? I agree a hit on their carriage when they have the girls might work, if the RR leave the caverns the same night.

"Clay I think we need to at least scout out the entrance palisade, see if we can throw a rope and grapnel up in one corner and climb over, make note of any guards, watchtowers, how the gates are locked and barred. How much courtyard from the entrance to the cavern, any cover. Find another good spot from which to watch unseen."How far to the entrance, 2 miles?

Foxy will also take a look at the wolf pelts and see how possible it may be to cut hand and head holes in them so they can be worn as a cloak. Maybe just use some linen strips of bandage to tie the pelts around us. Would rather some guard think a couple of mangy wolves are lurking in the grass than foolish adventurers.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
Clay pulls Foxy out of Balex's hearing to discuss things further. To attempt that is folly and I will not go. I will ask Maurice to check it out, but that will take time and he will only see from above. You must also understand that he thinks like a bird and has a hard time understanding our needs. You make a point about tracking the red robes though, and attacking them after the exchange... As for other prisoners, I can see why they would want to live, but in the larger scheme of things they are not our concern - if they exist at all. Clay hooted to Maurice to see how long it would take for him to look over the cavern entrance and try and see a way for humans (and a dog and donkey) to enter unseen, though he doubted it would be possible.

Clay then sat with Balex, talking with him more intently than before. He paced his words out, making sure he kept courage in his voice and used strong language, which mimicked what worked with Balex last night. Balex, I see from your words the pride and might of your people. I can surely smite the King - Beith will see to that, but that will not serve us. It needs to be you that lands the killing blow - to prove your own might. I will bless you before battle - Beith's blessing will help you conquer your foes.

What I want is more information on these red robes. What sort of creature are they? Human, elf? How many are there at once? How do I intercept them? I need to deal with them before any move can be made on the King. I must show your shamans that Beith is stronger than Sdubok. Then they will cower.

But "West" is a big area. Surely they come in on a path. Or do they travel underground?

[Marullus]

You are withing the hex. Maurice can scout within the hex and return in four hours, or in an adjacent hex to return in 8 hours. Or, he stays with you and helps with surprise. That'll be our standing rule.

He reveals that the Red Robes are humans. They ride horses, which the goblins traded them. He helped capture them from the caravan last month. He doesn't like the Red Robes as they are distain the goblins are treat them as inferior. They can't use wagons or carts in these hills without roads. There are no roads, but the trail they use is discernible. He is excited at the idea of ambush, as it is a goblin specialty! He fears the red Rowe's magic but seems to have high confidence in your surpremacy. He doesn't know when the Red Robes will arrive as they travel in daylight, but they should depart after moonset.

Day: 03 May 2021
Time: 01:30 pm
Light source: Campfire in the cave; sunlight outside (Sunset 8:53pm)
Temp: 52 F in the cave
Wind: None in the cave

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
Clay explains these things to the others. With a bit of luck, we not only slay the robed men, but take their horses and free the girls. And Balex is most likely to work for us if we are fighting humans anyhow. Once he sees us defeat these men, he will be that much more awestruck with us. What do you say? Shall we attempt to intercept them?

From the descriptions given, it seems the only "safe" way forward here. I con't fancy taking on a goblin horde with a staff-wielding cleric and three farmers backing Foxy, who is really the only one of use capable of putting the hurt on anyone.

If I can find them and cast Entangle again, we can either pepper them with arrows or I could just go down and smack them to death again. Seems to be Clay's specialty!

And if we miss them on the way there, we can get them on their way home (and save the girls then) if they always use the same trails.

I think we can convince Balex to go out in the sun. He can rub his skin with the powder off any aspen - their powder acts as a natural sunscreen. Then we make him a big hat.

[Stirling]

just think we are in way too deep and even a couple of decent mages will be a handful never mind any guards. Foxy will press Clay to ask Balex more questions.

They travel on a discernible trail westwards, where can we pick up this trail.
The goblins stole horses in the caravan raid a month ago and traded them with the RR. What did they get in return? Now the RR are using those same horses to come back . Are their visits here regular then. Why don't the RR have horses of their own? No wagon so the girls ride with a rider, maybe the RR will be a group of half a dozen? How many came last time Balex, how many horses did you trade?

We have to expect the RR may also have avian familiars to watch there trek unless they become too casual in their approach because of being unmolested before. Let us pray for the second.

Foxy suggests using the sun while we can. We need to find this trail and a suitable place to intercept the RR or try it at the goblin HQ. The horses won't go into caverns of wolf dens, so my thinking is, there is a stable or courtyard the RR will leave them just beyond the gates. Cam Balex draw us a map please.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Cam Balex draw us a map please.

Not with his hands bound.

Seriously though, I agree. We are in over our heads. But Marullus has set up a tight timeline and it is still better than heading into a fully populated and defended goblin warren with the intent to assassinate the king and free all the prisoners. Clay will pass those questions along to Balex.


Clay Weatherwax
Balex, you are very clever and clearly a good fighter. We want you to help us ambush these red-robed men that look down upon you and your kin. T

I feel comfortable going now, but the other are anxious to know these things first: How many of the red robes come at once. Can you take us to the trail they use or draw us a map of the area so we can plan - it must be a path your kinfolk will not see us on. Hidden from goblins and wolves.
What magics do the red robed men use or what have you seen them do? Would it be best to attack them on the trail or where they will keep their horses? Where is that?

[Marullus]

From the descriptions given, it seems the only "safe" way forward here.

I didn't meant to give that impression... you've outlined several options with different levels of risk/viability:

• Approaching the front gate, getting taken in to convince the King. (Balex's suggestion.)
• Finding a back way in and trying to rescue the girls by stealth like a thief. (He was mum, but you could search.)
• Intercepting the Red Robes on their way to the camp.
• Finding the stabling area at the goblin fort and interdicting the Red Robes there.
• Intercepting the Red Robes on their way home.

Also, the farmhands prefer their farming-tool weapons, but they were assuming melee. They are willing to take up bows if you are planning a more ranged assault. You have three bows, which could equip each of them.

The goblins stole horses in the caravan raid a month ago and traded them with the RR. What did they get in return? Now the RR are using those same horses to come back . Are their visits here regular then. Why don't the RR have horses of their own? No wagon so the girls ride with a rider, maybe the RR will be a group of half a dozen? How many came last time Balex, how many horses did you trade?

Balex is almost reverent as he responds. "King got Ceres, mighty hound that he feeds disloyal goblins to. Big as three wolves. Red Robes came once since, made deals. Now coming to collect them. So, that's twice this moon. They didn't have horses, now they have six. Hard to get." He looks over blandly. "You only have donkey." He grins toothily, "We ate the others."

The horses won't go into caverns of wolf dens, so my thinking is, there is a stable or courtyard the RR will leave them just beyond the gates.

Balex nods. "Horses wait in palisade outside cave mouth. But big bonfire must be under sky, under moon. All will be celebrating and offering pain and fear to Sdubok."

How many of the red robes come at once.

"Few. But with dogs. Dogs of their Gods and Masters. They're scary... goblins stay away. They treat us like..." He spits.

Can you take us to the trail they use or draw us a map of the area so we can plan - it must be a path your kinfolk will not see us on. Hidden from goblins and wolves.

He nods, grinning conspiratorially. "They think they're great. But they are not sneaky AT ALL. I'm the sneakiest. I can do it."

What magics do the red robed men use or what have you seen them do?

"They bring hateful light!" he hisses. "Summon visions of death, their gods for us to see. Even king can't trick them, as they see the truth of all lies. King always do what they say." He spits.

Would it be best to attack them on the trail or where they will keep their horses? Where is that?

"Everyone outside, see where horses are. Your god Beith SMASH them! You let everyone see it." He nods, excited.

Day: 03 May 2021
Time: 02:00 pm
Light source: Campfire in the cave; sunlight outside (Sunset 8:53pm)
Temp: 52 F in the cave
Wind: None in the cave

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

As for other prisoners, I can see why they would want to live

...



After Balex draws the map, we need to scout the trail. I would suggest leaving him in the cave with the farmers and Mr Farrow but I foresee a scenario of coming back to a dead goblin and a 'well he tried to get away'.

Dogs of war, not what I wanted to hear.

The bonfire though sounds like it is outside the caverns, could we light it before the RR arrive? Cause some confusion, the goblins will rush to put it out, might just be the diversion we need?

Otherwise, intercept the RR somewhere. Inside the palisade we hide, take their horses and snatch the kids and ride off. Outside we have to defeat the RR, assume their identity and pull off a fraud. Not sure the girls seeing PA and vice versa, we will not give ourselves away.

"Balex when you took the horses from the caravan, did you take any captives then?"

Foxy wants to do two things at least. We need to scout out the front entrance and know what the layout is beyond. Secondly, lie in wait on the RR trail. If we cannot assault them there at least we'll know their strength. Then we have to sneak inside.

[Marullus]

(Holding for Rusty.)

[Rusty Tincanne]

Sorry. I forgot to mention I was at my cousin's wedding and hanging with relatives for most of the weekend. I don't think I am obligated to do so for another 15 years or so now...
Also, I thought we were waiting for Foxy's questions to be answered.

Clay Weatherwax
There was no certain way forward from this, but it still seemed to Clay that the safest route forward that could meet the end goal and continue to impress Balex was to attack the red robed men. His preference was to stop them before they reached the goblins, but afterwards would also work. He pointed this out to the group. I will not agree to entering the warren at this time. I would prefer to go with the red robed men dead - it shows the goblin king we have more strength then those he already fears.
Balex, you are clever and strong. You will be brave too. We head to the path now. In daylight. He held up his hand. Do not protest. You will lead us there without your kin seeing us, do you understand? If we are seen, I will allow these men to bleed you dry on the rocks. Now what do you need to make the trek? Do you wish to cover your skin in mud? Just a hat to shade your eyes? He instructed Balex to take us to an area of the trail where it opens up, has plants around and ample space to hide from their sight. He handed the bows (and arrows) to the farmers. If we are to ambush the men about to take these girls, you will need these.

Unless Stirling/Foxy has objections, I see this as the safest way ahead. Unless the red robes are level 4 mages... But even if they are, it is best to hit them unaware and without any goblins to support them.

Clay is looking to get to a spot for an ambush that can hide from view - keeping the donkey out of sight too - use the entangle spell. So a mountain meadow, where the terrain opens up (entangle being a radius-based area of effect). Preferably pretty far from the goblin warren's western openings, so the goblins are not alerted.

Oh. Marullus: we mentioned eating for the day. How many rations should I deduct? I am asking you since I seem to be feeding 2 PCs, 3 NPC farmers, a goblin, a dog, a donkey and an an owl now.

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

Foxy concurs with the plan to scout out the RR trail and try to assault them prior to their entrance into the Goblin HQ. She is still very unsure of Balex, believing he will betray us (maybe not Clay) but certainly Foxy and the farmers at the earliest opportunity.

Armed and ready to go.

[Marullus]

"Balex when you took the horses from the caravan, did you take any captives then?"

"None that lived," he grins toothily.

Balex is notably unhappy about being pushed out into the daylight, but makes do by shrouding himself under a wolf-fur blanket from the donkey. He leads you southwest for about five or six miles, circling wide around where you suspect the goblin king's caves would be. Maurice confirms that wolves patrol around the caves, but none venture close to your route.

A worn path just a bit wider than a game trail lies before you, and Balex indicates that it is the way that the Red Robes will come. You have a number of places to choose from for ambushing as it winds through the foothills. You choose a place where you have high ground just southeast of a grassy vale, and can conceal the donkey in a copse of trees behind the hill. You figure that you're about two or three miles west of the Goblin caves.

The day remains sunny with only thin whisps of cloud, no hint of rain on the horizon. The New Moon hangs overhead, a ghost against the blue sky. The wind picks up, blowing from the east, the air beginning to cool rapidly and promising another frigid night.

Balex whines, trying to conceal himself and get rest until dark. Maurice returns, not seeing anything approaching just yet.


Day: 03 May 2021
Time: 05:00 pm
Light source: Sunny afternoon (Sunset 8:53pm)
Temp: 56 F
Wind: 15-17 E

[Rusty Tincanne]

just to be sure, I think it is best to split into 3 groups around the area:
Mr farrow and another farmer
foxy and the third farmer
Clay, Morr (and Asala)

Can Foxy take Balex? I don't think Clay can handle his animals, Balex and casting spells.
What does Foxy think?

Clay is inclined to send Maurice to scout for us. Or should he watch our backs for goblin patrols?

[Stirling]

will definitely be another frigid night, that 'love' potion ain't going nowhere!



Foxy suggests we stay as one group until we get the good ambush point set up. We need to get out of sight, can we get under cover of rocks, bushes. We perhaps need to get either side of the RR so we can attack from the rear in surprise. Maybe Balex could help set up trip ropes, if can get riders to fall onto some sharpened spikes. Foxy and the farmers will set about trying to set up such a thing between a couple of trees or rocks on the trail.

Then we have two groups Foxy, George and Gus as one, Clay, Mors, Mr Farrow and Balex the other. If we cannot ambush the RR effectively we may have to sneak into the HQ. I don't like the idea of waiting for them to come back after midnight and following them to the RR ruins is out. We can do that but should return to Gaul first and mount a proper expedition. My feeling is the RR will not be killing the girls but using them in some way, (no innuendo implied) thinking like charmed maids, occultic servants, sacrificial offerings to the devil. If there are any wandering goblins or a welcoming committee, we leave them alone.

Foxy will also ask Mr Farrow if in he knows any history of evil 'red robed' mages or spiritual cults in these parts. What are these ruins, an old castle, temple, tower?





10865083

[Marullus]

Foxy suggests we stay as one group until we get the good ambush point set up. We need to get out of sight, can we get under cover of rocks, bushes.

I included that as a given: "You have a number of places to choose from for ambushing as it winds through the foothills. You choose a place where you have high ground just southeast of a grassy vale, and can conceal the donkey in a copse of trees behind the hill."

We perhaps need to get either side of the RR so we can attack from the rear in surprise.

just to be sure, I think it is best to split into 3 groups around the area:
Mr farrow and another farmer
foxy and the third farmer
Clay, Morr (and Asala)

Decide your arrangement and comportment and let me know. (Draw a little map, if it helps.) You have time to prepare, so it is assumed you can find an ambush point with enough hiding spots where you need them.

Maybe Balex could help set up trip ropes, if can get riders to fall onto some sharpened spikes. Foxy and the farmers will set about trying to set up such a thing between a couple of trees or rocks on the trail.

He could, except that your group has no axes, saws, or ropes from what I see in sheet inventory. You don't have enough time to dig a pit trap, but something that trips or hits from the side could be possible if you find the materials.

Foxy will also ask Mr Farrow if in he knows any history of evil 'red robed' mages or spiritual cults in these parts. What are these ruins, an old castle, temple, tower?

He says he does not.
Remember that no humans are from here. You all came from the south within the last five years, and nobody will have been "off the map" around Gaul except for the Player Characters. It is up to you to explore.

Clay is inclined to send Maurice to scout for us. Or should he watch our backs for goblin patrols?

Good call. Choose one.

[Stirling]

Okay, let us get this show on the road. Have an idea, hope it works to get the RR to stop on the trail. Make a big scarecrow of long grass and bracken, wolf pelt to dress him up and any spare shirt, rags we have. Farmers will be good at that and will take their mind of things while we wait. (We also need camouflaging). Soak it in oil and when RR approach we light it up to startle them if we can get it on some kind of spring trap. (bent over branch?). Then attack rear RR with arrows , we must identify and target any mages/ clerics over guards and dogs first. If we can get rid of magic threat we could then overwhelm guards. Hired hands tend not to stick around when the boss / payday has gone.

Maurice to scout for the RR riders. Best to know when they are approaching.

Farmers and Foxy armed with bows will hide in long grass behind rocks near scarecrow, Clay on hill lookout with Mr Farrow and Balex (still bound...don't trust him enough yet). Attack on my signal, if it looks too dangerous or not practical we let them go unhindered.

Not sure what else to add but go for it...?

[Rusty Tincanne]

I will post an in character "plan" later this evening.
FYI: Clay needs to stick close enough to case Entangle.
I think finding a rock to roll down the hill onto the red robes is a better idea than a scarecrow on fire. Any fire would call attention to ourselves, which would bring goblins. We don't want that.
Are there any likely piles of rocks, boulders that could be shifted to fall onto the trail but still keep the farmers and Foxy within short-to-medium range of where we will be attacking them?
The only ropes we have would be attached to Balex, and I think we both agree he is to remain bound. We could set Balex out on the trail (bound) to look like a greeting. Still, I prefer to take them totally unaware.

If you get to this before i post though, Can Marullus tell us if Balex has any suggestions? He is suppoed to be sneaky.