Noromo Esdallefin, a human Merchant, has hired the party to escort him and his inventory into the Margreve forest on a path to the village of Levoča.

Currently, the party is traveling a trade road into the Margreve forest that leads to Levoča as Noromo says, "I'm glad I managed to find and convince you all to escort me and my wares to Levoča since I know bandits frequent this area and those I normally hire were unavailable."

It is upon the road that the group finds something unusual. An overturned wagon in the distance can be seen in a ditch next to the road. Noromo with his wagon of cargo stops progressing as he says, "That is odd, that wagon wasn't there last time I traveled this road... must be the work of whoever has been attacking merchants and travelers in this area." Noromo glances around, unsure where the attack he is expecting will come from.

OOC: In the Margreve Roll20 campaign, character avatars may be placed on the Impregnable Fortress map. No encounter has started yet as the 'fortress' is still in the distance, but nothing prevents the PCs from approaching, although Noromo won't approach to close for fear of being attacked.

Hunter looks around, assessing the situation. They were forced to stop, which could be what the ambushers want. Being a ranger means the li'l goblin is stealthy, cautious, and tough. "I'll scout it out. You guys stay with Noromo." he says decisively as he begins carefully approaching the wagon and keeps an eye out for danger. He is also sure to use cover as he approaches; be it a tree, bushes, or whatever.

He won't object to a stealthy type going with him, either shadowing or following beside, but he will object to non-stealthy types approaching.

Amalar stays back as asked, but listens and watches intently. She can sneak OK by virtue of being dextrous, but it isn't necessarily her thing. She glances at Cael as if to check what he thinks about the situation, but then pulls out her longbow and an arrow just in case. She has her longbow drawn, but currently pointed down and away.

  Joe considers the not all that inconvenient (to themselves) position the wagon has next to the road, rather than blocking it.  "Maybe the bandits were eaten before they could finish blocking the road?"  This is the part where the roll20 map loads, and his player sees what will probably be described in full shortly.

  He nods to Hunter.  While technically a stealthy type himself, Joe's fashion preferences of being 1/20th less likely to be stabbed do not help him there.   Though his friend has always been better at it anyways, now Joe has an excuse for being worse!

  Joe will either stay entirely with the main group, or trail a no stealth checks needed distance behind hunter depending on just how far away it actually is.

Caeldrim knows that like Amalar, his stealthiness is just from his dexterity, but Parne's stealthiness makes him a good scout.

Caeldrim nods to Amalar and softly says in Sylvan, "Be ready for anything," and shows that he's ready to cast a cantrip at whatever threat may reveal itself while Parne silently flies over to investigate with Hunter, although Parne stays a bit back and lets Hunter take the lead on scouting.

While Rocky knows how to be stealthy, he knows he's not quite as stealthy as Hunter so he hangs back to let the little ranger scout. Instead Rocky comforts Donny to keep the donkey quiet and calm.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:44, Tue 04 June 2019.

Barbara was polishing one of the already very shiny surfaces of her shield while Noromo spoke and simply nodded to his expression of relief at having an escort.  Doesn't have the heart to tell him that having a destined champion such as herself along will almost certainly mean that this trip will be anything but safe.

With a facial expression that says she saw this coming from a mile away, Barbara flips her helmet's face mask down in preparation for the inevitable ambush.

"Might want to take cover, Noromo.  Arrows and spells are still deadly even if you had an army guarding your wagon."

Doesn't have the heart to add, "And you're probably going to be the first to die."  She disembarks, draws her sword, and taps the hilt to the shield, magically emblazoning an offensive symbol upon the surface.  (Whatever counts as a middle finger in the fantasy world.)  It tends to convince intelligent creatures to attack her instead of those she defends.

Taking the cue that danger is afoot, her retainers take cover.

As Hunter and Parne stealthfully scout out the overturned wagon, Hunter quickly realizes that the wagon has been transformed into what appears to be a fortress. There are apparent signs of goblin-work: broken shields reinforcing the walls, crude arrow slits cut into the driver's bench and walls of the wagon, a makeshift flag lacking any sort of clan markings is hanging limply from atop of the 'fortress'. There is also an unfinished moat around the 'fortress' which has a rather wretched smell. The 'wagon fortress' is close enough to the road that it is impossible to pass by without being vulnerable to attack from those within the fortress.

Hunter remembers when he was playing this human game called "chess" with Jengis, Jengis said "Move in haste, regret at your leisure." It may have been a board game, but he felt that quote applied to life in general and decides to return to the group to report...

When Hunter gets back to the group, he says, "The wagon has had some modifications to turn it into a fort; arrow slits, a flag, an animal skin hanging on the front. Even has a mote of sorts that is filled with something rancid. If you have a sensitive tummy, I'd say stay as far from it as possible. But the fact remains, we would be vulnerable to attack passing by it, so we must confront the individuals in the fort. I suspect they are goblins because of the style of modification. It's possible we could avoid a confrontation if we pay them some kind of toll, but this isn't their road."

OOC Skill Check: Intelligence (Carpentry) to determine the weaknesses of the Wagon Fortress. Hunter rolled 21 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 19.  Intelligence (Carpentry) check to spot weaknesses in wagon fortress.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Thu 06 June 2019.

Amalar says, "Thanks for the report. While avoiding a confrontation would be ideal, they will still be there for the next unfortunate to pass by. And they may have even been responsible for the deaths of whoever once rode that wagon. Still the fact remains they are under cover and would have an advantage against us if we confronted them directly."

She looks at the others and then to Hunter. "If it were you or some of your clan, how would one go about getting you to come out of cover."

Hunter shrugs. "They have no reason to. Fact is even if you have something they want, why not just shoot you and take it? My clan, of course, wouldn't do that, but chances are these guys aren't so nice."

  "Well, unless they have more hidden defenses than that, it should be easy for us to walk right up to it without even coming into view of the arrow slits.  I guess that's why they were trying to make a moat?"

  Joe wouldn't suggest lighting Hunter's clan on fire.  But he expects it may come up in this case.

Parne returns to Caeldrim as Hunter returns to the group and Caeldrim nods to Parne and says, "With what Parne saw, there are no blind spots for approach with the number of arrow slits and small gaps that a weapon could be stuck through or shot through. Might be able to sneak up close, but once they know you are there they will be able to attack you from within the wagon. I will point out that since it's wooden... it will burn well so we might be able to burn them out of the wooden structure."

OOC Skill Check: Intelligence (Carpentry) to determine the weaknesses of the Wagon Fortress. Rolled within RPoL's dice roller: Caeldrim Sylvaranth rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Thu 06 June 2019.

Rocky glances at the elven alchemist and shrugs, "I agree that they need to be dealt with, and that moat was probably made to limit people's ability to approach the wagon but we all can't sneak up on the wagon to assault it at point blank range. So how do we want to deal with them?"

Both Hunter and Caeldrim realize several things about the 'Wagon Fortress' with their skillful application of Carpentry knowledge.

• The structure is AC 14 and has 40 hit points. It is resistant to piercing attacks but is vulnerable to fire damage. Despite looking shoddy, the structure is actually rather sturdy made even if it does have several flaws that can be exploited.
• The door at the back of the wagon while solidly reinforced can still be kicked it. (DC 17 Check), however, if the reinforcement is destroyed (which occurs when the fortress is reduced to half its maximum hp or less, then the DC drops to 14.)
• The Wagon Fortress has not been anchored to the ground so it can be lifted up and tipped over. This would take two rounds. Each round requires a successful DC 17 Strength (Athletics) check made by one individual. The DC of this check is reduced by one for each ally assisting. Whoever is involved in liting the wagon may take no other actions that round. Failing the check on the second round results in those trying to lift the wagon having to start over.  Also, the placement of the murder holes in the wagons means that attacks at someone trying to lift the wagon will be easier to make (such attacks will have an advantage.)
• The wagon fortress is made of dried out wood and has a 50% chance to burst into flames each time it takes fire damage. While burning it takes 2d6+2 damage each round [at initiative 20] (after the vulnerability is applied)
• In addition to the murder holes where melee or ranged weapons can be used, the roof of the wagon has concealed sprayers that can spray some sort of substance up to 20ft away.
• Hunter and Caeldrim have spotted enough weak spots in the reinforcement of the wagon that any weapon attack they make that hits the wagon deals double damage to it. (This bonus can't be shared with others.)

This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Thu 06 June 2019.

Barbara is liking what she's hearing from her new team.  Especially Amalar pointing out that paying bandit tolls only makes trouble for others.  But that no one challenged the point is also a very good sign.

Pyrus grins.  "I like the idea where we set the wagon on fire."

Wildfire, Barbara's little fairy companion, whispers in her ear, "Remember, 'probably' guilty of murder isn't the same as proven guilty.  Suppose the people of the wagon fort are only there defensively?  Or, even if they really are naughty, what if they have a captive inside?"

Barbara nods and addresses the group.  "Could be an innocent captive inside the wagon.  Let's rule out fire until someone's seen inside to be sure.  I can approach in the open with my shield at the ready and Hunter can talk to the suspects from behind me.  Meanwhile the rest of the group can circle around to where they won't have to deal with that nasty moat.  If things get violent, I'll kick in their door. Then they'll be fish in a barrel.  Pyrus, Mix, and Wildfire, you stay here to watch for any sneak-attacks on this wagon."

So accustomed to giving orders and having them followed, Barbara assumes the matter settled, and begins to approach the wagon with shield at the ready.  But she won't ignore someone objecting and asking her to stop.

(( OOC Full defense action in case that wasn't clear. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Fri 07 June 2019.

Hunter likes this Barbie girl. She reminds him of his mom.

Mix stays behind as directed, squirming a little. He glances at Pyrus. "I dunno... I thought the fort was kinda neat... if it didn't stink so much as Hunter said. I'd like a fort. Maybe we can turn our own wagon into a fort some day."

Hunter says, "Don't get any closer than thirty feet, Barbara. I was just thinking about this odd structure at the top of the fort and it dawned on me they have something up there that will spray an unknown substance about twenty or so feet."

He trots along near Barbie's shield as "agreed" upon. He makes sure to call out in goblin as they approach, <Goblin>"Hello! My name's Hunter! This human is a friend of mine and neither of us mean you ill!"</Goblin>

Then in common, he calls out, "Hello! My name's Hunter and this is Barbara! We are here to help!"

Amalar nods to Barbara and begins circling around as indicated, keeping the others in view, but making sure there is a decent enough distance between her and the others to reduce risk of AoE. Plus if they are more spread out, then when they attack, they will seem more numerous. This isn't technically a social encounter yet, so she'll leave all the talking to everyone else for now.

She knocks a normal arrow first, figuring she'll save any of her fire power for when that is called for.

  Hmm, either the flavor text and encounter text writers were fighting again.  Or 'hidden in the roof' meant the currently upside down wagon's literal roof, which would actually be hidden from view.

  Joe expects it is the former, and these goblins are not actually smart enough to add retractable stealth functions onto work otherwise so bad, they would have to screw up on purpose to get it worse... Which is a shame, as that means they are probably too stupid to know working for Hunter would probably be the best career choice of their otherwise short goblin lives.

  In spite of his previous advice, Joe stays at the side with the makeshift arrow slots.  His time with Hunter means he has in character excuses for knowing how to stand 85 feet away from an 80 foot effective range!  Not like something as mundane as murder holes could stop him from landing a bullseye on whatever is inside, that's what bad dice rolls are for.

  OOC: some people take it for the range, others to obsess over the math for risking -5 to hit for +10 damage.  I'm sure it comes to no surprise to any of you, that I took Sharpshooter for "Only railroads and deliberately passive aggressive spell and monster powers keep you from shooting things just fine."

Caeldrim agrees with Pyrus' idea of 'kill it with fire', and says softly to the group in Sylvan, (Sylvan) "Well given the size of a wagon, I don't think they have any captives in there since they have no room inside that wagon and still able to attack us from within it. Doesn't make this situation any less complicated, although I'll hang back with Joe and resort to what I know works." (Sylvan) Caeldrim thus prepares to just use a Firebolt if it comes to violence...
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:25, Sun 09 June 2019.

Rocky hangs back while Hunter and Barbara try to talk to the Goblins before deciding how to participate in the fight since his options beyond 30ft are rather limited. Rocky does speak up when making their own wagon fortress is mentioned, "Since we have a couple of carpenters among us if we are to build something inhabitable, let's build it properly. And also as something more tasteful and in harmony with nature than an upside down wagon. SO no using my cart to improvise a building."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sun 09 June 2019.

After some faint discussion can be heard in the goblin tongue from within the 'wagon fortress'. Afterwards, a voice from the wagon fortress calls out in Goblin, (Goblin) "So you are going to join Boss Dib Halfing-Chewer and spread his goals of indiscriminate wrestling? If so prove it wrestle your friend.... to the death." (Goblin) Several voices can then be heard laughing as it is hard to tell if they are trying to test Hunter, to tease Hunter with a bad joke, if they are trying to trick people into fighting each other for their own amusement, or if they are simply a few marbles short of a full bag.

OOC: Good thing that Barbara is in enough armor that the goblins can't tell she is a half-elf and not a human. If they could they'd have called out Hunter on his 'fib'.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Sun 09 June 2019.

Pyrus reluctantly relents to his lady's orders, but smiles when Caeldrim suggests there might be fire anyhow.  He also really likes Mix's suggestion and defends the idea to Rocky, "Your cart is more likely to survive adventuring if it's reinforced to be a mobile fortress."

Meanwhile, though being told what to do by a goblin is a little jarring, Barbara can't complain when she's being told useful advise.

"Got it.  And thanks for translating.  What are they saying?"

Laughter?  Non-violence?  Not what she was expecting at all.  Either way, staying at least 30' away as Hunter suggested.

Hunter looks at Barbie and says, "Their boss's name is Dib Halfing-Chewer and his goal is to spread indiscriminate wrestling. They want me to prove my worth of joining his gang by wrestling you to the death. But I'mma call them out on their own challenge and offer to wrestle their toughest guy and insinuate that if they don't agree, then their claims of liking wrestling are lies."

Hunter turns back to continue speaking in goblin. (Goblin)"How about you show you really believe in wrestling? I'll wrestle one of you. And if you can't even send out your toughest, then I guess you guys don't really believe in wrestling. Or you're too scared of me."(Goblin)

He punches his fist into his hand and then pats his chest with his fists in a kind of wrestle-challenge gesture.

Amalar is soon in position and takes careful aim. She heard what Hunter said on his translation and the enemy is now clearly more enemy than neutral. But they haven't made a move yet, so for now, Amalar is just ready to loose an arrow at a moment's notice.

Mix thinks Rocky's challenge to make the fort more harmonious with nature just makes the idea all the cooler as he imagines a fort wagon that resembles an elven tree hut. He glances at Pyrus. "Thanks... man I wish I knew what those guys looked like or what this Dib guy looked like. I could turn into him and boss them around."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Mon 10 June 2019.

 Joe doubts Dib or their underlings have ever seen the Kwalish Crusher, or they would have already given up on their dreams of being anything but second rate in the world of Goblin Wrestling.  "I think we might be dealing with a 'too stupid for a clever plan to work' situation, Mix."

  Now, a STUPID plan for a stupid situation? Totally valid logic.  If Hunter's calling Dib out doesn't work, maybe they can fake Hunter wrestling someone so hard they die.

  Maybe it's his 'not a nature class' mindset, but he always figured a wagon is far more respectful to nature as is.  After all, most people hollowing out live trees like overgrown termites love to claim they respect nature while doing their best slaad impressions to it.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Mon 10 June 2019.

Caeldrim figures that in the near future this situation is going to get violent since it sounds like Dib isn't here and unless the goblins are total morons, they won't leave the fortress. Then again if they were Ogres they would totally leave the fortress... without using a door and wonders why he has the mental image of a red ogre running through a wooden wall saying 'Oh ya!' "Well few plans if any survive contact with an adversary."

Caeldrim informs Parne that if combat breaks out hand out behind Hunter and Barbara so that if he needs to heal them he can do so through him moving up to them, channeling the healing magic to their ally, and then move back to a safe position. With Parne able to dash for this 'technique', he could easily remain 40ft behind Hunter and Barbara towards the rest of the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Mon 10 June 2019.

Rocky turns to Mix and says, "The other problem is you don't know how they act. Even if you looked right but if you acted wrong they would realize something is amiss." Rocky figures that if it comes to combat, he'll pull a hang back around 40 feet from the wagon move up 10ft and try to hit it with a sling stone and then pull back ten feet.

After Hunter responds there is a chorus of voices speaking in goblin within the Wagon Fortress, most appear to be supportive of the chance to wrestle and are arguing that they should be the one to go out, while the others are stating that Dib ordered them ALL to stay within the fortress until he returned so if they want to wrestle Hunter he has to enter the fortress but Dib also said no one else is to enter until he returns... One of the Goblins then calls out to Hunter (Goblin) "While several of us would love to accept your challenge to wrestle, we have to obey Dib's orders, he's the Boss after all... so we'll have to wait until a more opportune moment. Unless of course, you intend to attack us and then once we engage in melee we can freely wrestle without violating our Boss' orders."

Behind her helmet's face plate, Barbara's face twists in disgust at the name of the goblin boss.  Is that a family name?  Or a title of honor?  Gross!

"Judging from the laughs, I seriously doubt that they're being honest with you," she comments, "But still.  Can't deny they haven't demanded, 'Your money or your life...' yet.  Wrestling is a bloodless sport.  How do you even wrestle to the death?  Be sure to...  never mind.  I wouldn't trust their answer even if they claimed they don't have any innocents in that wagon 'fortress.'"

Wildfire adds, "Our orders were to stay with our own wagon."

Pyrus shrugs.  "Let's just enjoy the show, Mix."

Hunter says, (Goblin)"I'd like to believe you, but that sounds too much like a trap. Have any idea when your boss'll be back so we can all wrestle? Oh! And do you have any captives we can play with afterwords?"(Goblin)

He glances at Barbie and in common says, "They're under orders to stay inside until Dib returns, but they nearly wrestled each other over who got to wrestle me. So they proposed I attack so they can 'defend' themselves by wrestling. I believe them, but even in the best case, it's a trap. I just asked them for when Dib is expected back so we won't have any surprise Dib trying to kill us in the middle of wrestling. Also asked about captives anyway."

He begins doing stretches, arm rotations and whatnot as if preparing himself for a wrestle.

Mix ohs at Rocky. Sure, the player knows ways around that, but the li'l 8-year-old changeling doesn't. "Gosh you're right... I'm used to using disguises I know about or that nobody else knows from to fool people. I tried playing as some lady's son once and it worked long enough, but I guess if I talked with her instead of holding onto her..." he looks in Barbie's direction with a sad expression becoming a smile. He then nods to Pyrus. "Dunno how much I'll enjoy it, but we'll see."

Amalar agrees with Cael's comment about plans rarely surviving. And despite meeting Hunter, she is still very guarded against goblins. Anybody in their right mind should be.

Rocky turns and nods to Mix and says, "The types of personas you were using are far easier since strangers would not have any previous knowledge of the individual to compare your actions with. So if you were to ever need to impersonate a specific person, it would be best to first gather information about that person."

Rocky then turns back to the wagon and is ready to fire sling stones at the wagon upon provocation.

Caeldrim ponders how things will go differently if the goblins do have prisoners... or if they claim to have prisoners but don't... Caeldrim decides that if the goblins do claim to have hostages, that they must prove such prisoners actually exist and are alive. Caeldrim then speaks up in the Sylvan tongue, (Sylvan) "If they claim to have prisoners or hostages, we would need to prove such people exist and are alive since otherwise they could lie and say they have them when they don't, to try to restrict our actions or even attempt to force a surrender lest a prisoner suffers." (Sylvan)
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:30, Thu 13 June 2019.

  Joe is a bit far away to do much more then 'eh, shoot em' should the eventuality arise.  Though he is already wishing people would make up their mind and stick to either being 'too smart for common sense to work on them' or 'too dumb for common sense to work on them'.

  The end result is generally the same, but it makes it harder to keep straight what kind of incredulous expression you should use.

After Hunter asks his questions, there is a discussion among the goblins in the wagon fortress before one of them speaks up, (Goblin) "Sort of, Dib took our prisoners to be ransomed and will be back when everything is resolved... We don't know when that will be so we will just wait till he gets back, we have plenty of food and water in here so it isn't like we'd risk starving by not going out and hunting for food." (Goblin)

Barbara is confounded and frustrated.  On the one hand, these goblins are apparently stupid and insane.  On the other, this is turning into a drawn-out standoff.  Also, she's none too pleased that Hunter asked about captives.  Just asking about it will tip off the enemy that using hostages will be to their advantage.



Barbara purses her lips.  "See if you can get them to open their door.  They don't have to disobey orders to do so."

Pyrus rolls his eyes.  "They don't have any prisoners."

"What makes you so sure?" Wildfire asks.

"We'd have heard the goblins yelling at them to stop whimpering by now.

"Hey Mix.  Maybe you can confuse them by imitating one of us, instead."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Fri 14 June 2019.

Hunter says to Barbie, "They say Dib has the captives and they don't. Dib's taking the captives somewhere; they didn't say where. As crazy as these guys are, a leader is almost always smarter than most of those they lead. So Dib taking captives sounds likely as a smarter goblin. And sure. I'll try, but who knows?"

He then says, (Goblin)"You guys mind if I have a look inside? I'm really curious."(Goblin)

One of the goblins in the wagon fortress replies, (Goblin) "Sorry, can't do that. Dib also left orders to not let anyone into the fortress until he returns." (Goblin)

Hunter reports, "Welp. Not allowed to look inside. But I think it's safe to say there aren't any captives here. Gonna tell them they can't be here on the road."

Hunter says, (Goblin)"That's a cool lookin' fort. But unfortunately, it is on the side of a regularly-used road. So if you don't move it, someone will come and destroy it. And by someone, I mean after you maybe kill a small caravan of helpless people, they'll send adventurers. And if you kill them, they will send a platoon of soldiers. This is way too out in the open."(Goblin)

The goblins discuss things for a few moments before one of them responds to Hunter's statement, (Goblin) "That is why Dib chose this site, and once the moat is finished and all the traps and defenses are in place no one will be able to pass by this fortress without paying a toll. Dib said that by the time anyone sends a large group after us the traps would be enough to kill them or drive them off, then we can loot anyone that we kill and use that loot to create more traps and cover even more area." (Goblin)

Another goblin then speaks up from within the fortress, (Goblin) "And if people stop using this road, Dib also has plans to make mobile fortresses to raid nearby towns and villages." (Goblin)

Hunter says in common, "Well that's that. They confessed to being the type to hold this road ransom and kill anyone who doesn't pay their toll. And there isn't any way to convince them to exit. So setting it on fire sounds like the plan we'll need to go through with."

Hunter calls back, (Goblin)"Ah. OK. Well thanks for the info. I'll be back."(Goblin)

He motions for Barbie to fall back to some cover with him so that once everyone is behind cover, they can light this fort on fire.

Amalar is wondering why she isn't relieved. Did Hunter just instill a hope that these goblins might actually surrender or be somehow redeemable? Either way, she will not waver on her duty to keep innocent people safe and stands ready to fire upon being given the signal to. Speaking of fire... she slowly loosens her bow and gets ready to use a fire spell.

Mix shrugs a shoulder. "I'm worried about painting a target on myself when Barbara asked me to stay put for my safety. Thanks for the thought, though."

  Joe's mostly wondering what third option the universe will opt for that will be more exasperating than the goblins either finally disobeying orders to not burn to death, or being more dedicated than any royal army and would rather burn to death than disobey orders.

  "Dib's definitely going to have a crazed mayor or something trying to use him for personal gain between us shooting him to death by the end of this, isn't he...." Just ignore his plans of banditry, mayhem, and soon to be brushing off the deaths of his minions if it means a chance to put a flamethrower on cow or... whatever it is people convince themselves is a good idea when personal gain is involved.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:34, Sat 15 June 2019.

Wildfire gives Mix an assuring pet.  Pyrus giggles at Joe's comment and smiles impishly.

Barbara's lips tighten.  She's never actually killed anyone before, and she's not exactly excited about the idea.  But if ever there were a bunch to get one's feet wet with, these goblins would be it.

"I guess we give them an ultimatum.  Surrender or die in a fire."

She taps her shield again to change the emblem.  It becomes a grim reaper with a skeletal hand pointing toward the viewer.  Her voice becomes grim, "Let's do this."

Rocky fully suspects that the goblins will refuse to surrender. Therefore he believes that the group will need to eliminate the fortress and waits in his position until the combat begins.

Caeldrim nods to Barbara and waits for the signal to begin flinging firebolts at the wagon fortress.

Parne, on the other hand, flies around to seek cover among the sparse trees while also being close enough to Hunter and Barbara to be able to reach them in the case that Caeldrim needs to heal either of them from afar since Parne knows that Caeldrim can cast Cure Wounds through him.

OOC: At this point we are in the initiative order in the Roll 20 thread, Hunter goes next (Unless Barbara's initiative roll ends up beating an 18 which is unlikely but possible) and can attack on his turn/post since it is obvious the goblin's won't surrender but if Hunter wants to offer, I'll do an Out of initiative response from the goblins and then Hunter can conduct his combat turn. Remember to have your Roll20 avatar is roughly the right spot so we can all determine distances for what can be accomplished and what would have disadvantage due to the range. Combat Initiative Order is Parne (But he's already acted this turn), Hunter, Caeldrim, Joe, Barbara, Amalar, Wagon Fortress, Rocky.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Wed 19 June 2019.

Hunter answers Barbie, "Alright. Well I guess it can't be helped then."

He then calls out, (Goblin)"I'll be back in a bit!"(Goblin)

Then motions for Barbie to fall back with him. "Let's fall back. There is no melee in this fight until they pour out of their flaming fort."

(Hunter will head back with Barbie, find a place to hide, stealth, and then give the signal for the place to be set ablaze)

Caeldrim simply waits for Hunter's signal before he attacks the Wagon Fortress with a Firebolt cantrip.

OOC: Readied action, Firebolt cantrip cast at the wagon fortress, trigger, Hunter's signal to begin.
Initiative Order: Parne, Hunter, Caeldrim, Joe, Barbara, Amalar, Wagon Fortress, Rocky
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Wed 19 June 2019.

  Joe simply eyes the distance murder holes for now, with the oddly specific mindset of someone used to 'is there a target in LoS, Y/N' based quickdraws.  Martial warriors need all the help they can get, after all.

OOC: Readied action, Shoot someone through the murder hole when it would actually hit someone.

Barbara listens to the tone of Hunter's statement in Goblin.

"That sure didn't sound like, 'Surrender or die.'  What did you tell them?"

But she backs away with him as suggested and readies a javelin since a sword will be pointless for now.

Hunter moves with Barbie. "Told 'em I'd be back in a bit. The surrender or die part comes once we're safely behind cover and their wagon fort is on fire."

Once behind cover, Hunter calls out, "Alright! Light 'em on fire!"

But he is fully prepared to shoot arrows at any trying to flood out. He'll worry about melee once he sees the goblins give up on that idea.

Amalar does as instructed. She performs a small martial arts style dance in order to throw a bolt of fire at the enemy wagon to set it ablaze!

She can't call for the goblins' surrender since she hasn't fully learned goblin yet and doesn't know the goblin word for surrender. So she'll be leaving that to Hunter.

Amalar is more for talking nice anyway.

rolling d20+5 spell attack
(11)+5=16 (Hit!)
rolled a d10 for dmg for a result of 3 which becomes 6 due to the wagon's vulnerability to fire.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:18, Sat 22 June 2019.

Caeldrim attacks the wagon fortress with his Firebolt cantrip at Hunter's signal, but the firebolt fails to harm or ignite the goblin modified structure.

OOC: Readied action triggered and resulting attack roll made on roll20 it failed to hit the wagon fortress' AC of 14.
Initiative Order: Parne, Hunter, Caeldrim, Joe, Barbara, Amalar, Wagon Fortress, Rocky
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Fri 21 June 2019.

In response to 'breakdown of negotiations' although only one of the two firebolts thrown at the wagon fortress does damage and unfortunately for the Goblins it also sets the structure on fire, the goblins within the Wagon Fortress unleash two arrow barrages at Hunter and Barbara (two attacks each) but only one attack manages to hit Barbara and then it is only a scratch.

OOC: With Hunter and Barbara having Cover only 1 of the 4 attacks land (and even then just barely) but it only manages to inflict a single point of damage on Barbara due to Heavy Armor Master feat.
Initiative Order: Parne, Hunter, Caeldrim, Joe, Barbara, Amalar, Wagon Fortress, Rocky
Also, this triggers Joe's readied action. With Amalar's Firebolt igniting the wagon, it takes 2d6+2 fire damage each round at initiative order 20. (The wagon has currently suffered 3 damage from fire.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Fri 21 June 2019.

  Joe fires an arrow, and it whistles through the reputedly protective slot with ease.

  "Uh, Hunter. You may need to revise to <goblin>Surrender or MORE of you die</goblin>. I did the thing where I expected to miss and instead shot above my wildest expectations again."

    Maybe in some other circumstances, Joe would declare he 'stapled their hand to the wall'.  But honestly he really doesn't care too much about these particular goblins, and an arrow through an eye and out the back of the skull is far less painful than burning to death anyways.

OOC: 22 vs AC, 9 DMG. Kills one goblin according to Seth.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:59, Fri 21 June 2019.

A scream from one of the goblins is cut short as Joe's arrow passes through the arrow slit and hits the unfortunate goblin in the throat. The other goblins cry out in a mix of outrage, fear, and surprise at seeing not only one of their number struck down, but their wagon fortress set on fire.

Rocky moves 15 feet to get both a clear line of sight on the wagon fortress and to get closer so he can fire off a sling stone at the wagon... and although the stone hits the wagon it does no damage. Rocky then quickly moves back into cover at his previous position.

The fire on the wagon fortress spreads and continues to flare up inflicting significant damage to the wagon fortress.

Parne remains where he but focuses on avoiding being attacked while he remains within the vegetation since that is where Hunter, Barbara, and Rocky are.

OOC: Rocky's attack roll missed, although the wagon burns for 12 more fire damage (including the vulnerability to fire for a total of 18 points of fire damage) at Initiative 20. And Parne is taking the dodge action and remains where he is.
Initiative Order: Burning Wagon, Parne, Hunter, Caeldrim, Joe, Barbara, Amalar, Wagon Fortress, Rocky
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Sat 22 June 2019.

Hunter calls out, (Goblin)"You are surrounded! Surrender and live! Or fight and die!"(Goblin)

Then hops out from cover, shoots a crossbow bolt, then hops back behind cover. "Nice shot, Joe! You OK, Barbara?"

(Attack roll 9. Bounces off the fortress)

Caeldrim attempts to damage the wagon fortress and this time his firebolt manages to inflict damage on the wagon fortress. "At this rate that structure will burn to the ground in the very near future. So be ready for them to do something, possibly flee or surrender."

OOC: Caeldrim's Firebolt has an attack roll of 22 and inflicts 7 (14 fire damage due to the vulnerability to fire) (32 fire damage total, the wagon has 8hp left).
Initiative Order: Burning Wagon, Parne, Hunter, Caeldrim, Joe, Barbara, Amalar, Wagon Fortress, Rocky
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Sat 22 June 2019.

  Joe watches the wagon for more thwack-ye-mole opportunities, though he expects there won't be much of a wagon left anyways.

  "Another day, another reminder that a safe distance is often stronger than walls."  Now, Walls AND a safe distance? That's a real pain in the ass/life saver depending on who has it.

  OOC: Readied action is same as my last one, shot vs goblin if line of effect presents itself.  But I know OOCly I won't be needing it.  Barbara and Amalar next
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:58, Sat 22 June 2019.

Barbara is not happy with the idea of lighting the "fortress" on fire before giving the demand to surrender.  But the shots fired back are a pretty good indicator that the demand would have been ignored anyway.

"Just a scratch," Barbara says, trying her best to keep the outrage in her voice under control, "Please make it clear that if they flee while armed, they will be cut down." 

She moves to the tree to the west to be ready to intercept any goblins who exit the burning "fortress," expecting that they're not bold enough to engage allies in melee combat.

Meanwhile, Pyrus cheers the nice big fire that's been made.  "Woohoo!  Yay for the goodguys!"

Wildfire covers her eyes but watches from between her fingers.

OOC: Will javelin any goblin to exit in the following priority:  1) Goblin is trying to attack her ally. 2) Goblin is trying to flee.  3) Goblin is attacking her.  D20 result: 15.  (got another 15 in case of advantage/disadvantage.)

If a goblin exits, drops his weapon, and raises his hands in surrender, Barbara will not attack it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Sun 23 June 2019.

Amalar does another mini-dance to cause a firebolt to form and be flung from her hands! It slams with force, shattering wood and the wagon looks barely able to continue standing bursts wide open, parts of it collapsing! She has a nervous expression on, despite everything going in the favor of the good guys thus far. She gives a quick look-around for any ambush possibly approaching.

Mix cringes a little. "Omigosh... I hope this ends quick..."

From where the heroes are, they can see a dead goblin, cannot yet see the other goblins yet, but can see a cauldron filled with something bubbling, several poorly crafted spears on the ground, and what looks like a ladder that might lead underground.

Amalar threw another firebolt and hit (22) for 7 damage, which becomes 14 due to the wagon fortress' fire vulnerability, leaving the wagon with -6 hp.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Mon 24 June 2019.

The burning remains of the wagon fortress collapse to the ground, revealing that the inside of the makeshift stronghold was a dank and foul-smelling place. There is a small cauldron of rendered animal fat that boils over a smokey fire. Several poorly crafted spears sit abandoned in the ground next to a dead goblin with an arrow still sticking out of his head.
A ladder suggests that the wagon's remaining inhabitants have fled below ground.

When Rocky approaches the remains of the wagon, he uncovers an oily sack hidden under a rock. The sack is found to contain 30sp and some shiny rocks. Rocky keeps the rocks since they are the right size to use with his sling while figuring that the group of adventurers will split the silver pieces six ways.

OOC: It takes a DC 10 Wisdom (perception check to notice the sack, and Rocky's passive perception is 15. Also, initiative order is suspended until the group catches up to the remaining goblins at which point it will start from the top using the existing initiatives.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Mon 24 June 2019.

  "Huh, that's WAY more practical than I was expecting.  A tunnel network that doesn't fall in on itself takes more effort than shoving a wagon on top of it.  Wonder if someone else made it before they got here?"

  He stops to retrieve the one and only arrow he has fired so far this campaign, and flips 'auto loot arrows' on in the options menu after.  Though does also stop to see what the single dead goblin was armed/armored with.  The equipment capacity of these goblins is anything but consistent, so best to check.

Joe discovers that the dead Goblin wore Leather Armor and carried a shield, a scimitar, and a short bow plus a quiver with 19 arrows left in it.

Barbara hurries over to the tunnel and takes a deep breath before shouting down it with bone-rattling force, "THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO BANDITS!  TELL YOUR BOSS I CHALLENGE HIM TO A WRESTLING MATCH!"

She then raises her face heavenward and lifts up a hymn of thanks to her god,

♪♫ "The fierce blaze who's dance purifies all,
The Mighty One who's head continuously raises fervor,
Who burned the god of love and shot five arrows,
The beautiful one with skulls and ashes in his hair.
I bow to the one who eradicated the demon Gaja,
Who destroys peace.  I bow to thee.
You who is the essence of sweetness like bees yearning for honey.
You, the conclusion of history, the destroyer of emotion, the end of sacrifice.
I thank you for this victory, the joy of my allies,
And the destruction of my enemies." ♬

(( Sung in this kinda style: https://youtu.be/oNHoqLKGAuI?t=144 ))
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Tue 25 June 2019.

Hunter isn't far behind Barbie. "Not sure if they understood you, Barbara."

Mix calls out, "Is it OK for us to proceed?!"

Hunter calls back, "Stay back for now! We're checking that it's safe!"

Amalar trots closer, carefully keeping to the trees. "We should help this fire burn out now that it has served its purpose." and so she begins scattering the wood, being sure to keep the flames away from the trees as she does this.

Hunter gladly helps out with that. They both glance at Barbie while she sings her hymn. Hunter says, "Didn't know you had such a pretty voice, Barbara. Nice!"

Amalar nods and says, "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. It is good to hear you are a part of that, Barbara."

Rocky glances at Barbara and shrugs as while he understands things like birdsong is how birds communicate, he does not understand the purpose of singing by humanoids since it does not seem to serve a similar purpose.

Rocky then looks back to the burning wagon and helps to put the fire out and to retrieve the sack he spotted earlier.

Caeldrim has started to work on putting out the fire to ensure it doesn't spread past the wagon as he says, "Too bad we can't smoke the goblins out of the hole as no doubt they have taken precautions against that. Once the fire is out we can inspect for traps on the ladder and then progress into the tunnel while still keeping an eye out for traps as these goblins seem like the type to employ traps," as he points to the remains of the apparatus used to spray the moderately hot liquid.

  Free swords are free swords so he'll nab the scimitar for now. Joe will keep the arrows if Hunter doesn't feel the need for free shortbows.

  "Their boss might be a bugbear or something actually good at wrestling, Barbara. So get ready to break those claims. Or pretend you'll hold them while I shoot them in the back, I guess... You might do better in a singing competition if not for the fact they probably have no taste."

It doesn't take long for the combined effort to put out the burning wreckage that was the wagon fortress. During this time no sounds come from the hole with the ladder.

Barbara realizes that she had assumed that the tunnel led to a safe escape well behind difficult terrain.  But how stupid would she feel if she later finds out that the tunnel leads to a dead end and the goblins escaped because of her assumption?  At least in this case she won't have to find out the hard way.

She flips up her face shield, nods to Caeldrim, and carefully inspects the remains.  Especially the ladder.

"Thank you, Hunter.  Amalar.  I respect your art as well."

Barbara nods to Joe.  "Sounds like a good plan.  I shouted that challenge in hopes that they would be foolish enough to brazenly walk into that kind of a trap.  And should their boss refuse my challenge, he will be considered a coward."

Wildfire flutters over to Barbara to give her a kiss on the cheek and whisper in her ear, making the paladin blush.

Pyrus nudges Mix with his wing and smirks.  "Don't be so eager to leave the crime scene if you're wanting to someday walk in paladin shoes."

Mix glances at Pyrus, nods and says, "Well originally, I wanted to go TO the crime scene, but we're being told to keep our distance. So now I'm anxious to get Noromo to safety. Being a paladin means more than courage, it means remembering about those in your care."

Hunter says, "Just because you would take precautions against being smoked out doesn't mean they have. I'll translate your challenge, Barbara."

Hunter yells down the hole, (Goblin)"Barbara challenges Dib directly!"(Goblin)

Amalar says, "We will share in art and beauty once we are all done with our current charge. And maybe even before if night should fall before we're through."

01:52, Today: Hunter rolled 12 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 8.  Perception. Checking for traps.

  "Figured as much, Barbara.  But with the way things go it might not be a joke to claim half my job is disclaimers.

  Joe also snoops for lurking problems.  If it's not all clear, Joe might even pretend Hunter found them... Nah, Hunter's ego isn't that fragile and the smart goblin likes being alive over such things.

  "At least we have things better than trudging through holes in the ground to look forward to." What's better than being an artistic type in a party? Being lazy and surrounded by artistic types instead. (Being good at drawing maps don't count! Maps are for jobs!)

  OOC: Not QUITE a crit success. But 23 perc is basically sight beyond sight for our level.
02:01, Today: Joe Margreve rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  And also perc.

Caeldrim glances to Barbara and says, "I thought they said that Dib wasn't here since he was dealing with ransoming some hostages or something like that."

Rocky approaches the ladder and claims, "I don't think they can hear us so that tunnel must go deep enough that they can't hear us and we can't hear them...so it looks like we'll have to go in after them and find out if they are trapped down there or if this is an escape tunnel with a second exit."

The efforts of Hunter and Joe in trying to find traps do not reveal any dangers to the party.

Pyrus laces his fingers together behind his head and feigns an innocent look, "Fair enough.  So long as you don't use one as an excuse to overlook the other."

Barbara explains for Caeldrim, "I'm expecting them to flee directly to their master and report what happened here."

Once she hears from the others that the ladder is safe, she flips her face guard back down and climbs down.

Hunter proceeds after Barbara. Amalar will proceed after Cael. "So Barbara thinks the underground passage has tunnels that lead all the way to wherever Dib is. Regardless, we still have to pursue..."

Mix glances at Pyrus and says, "I'll, uh... yeah. You're right, of course."

  "At the very least, it leads somewhere the goblins think is useful enough to run to... Not that it's a very high bar to pass compared to 'burn to death'"  Joe comments as he proceeds along the plot tunnel.

Rocky proceeds down the ladder after Hunter with Caeldrim following closely after.

At the bottom of the ladder is a tunnel which was precariously carved and shored-up with planking that runs straight for 30 feet before turning sharply. A single torch at the bend in the tunnel illuminates the tunnel. When the group rounds the bend, Rocky spots a simple spike trap in the floor which he manages to disable.

The torch also illuminates into the small chamber beyond the now disabled trap which appears to be the goblin's living quarters with several mounds of dirt and bedding along with a makeshift throne at the far end. Evil eyes blink from behind four of the small mounds and the sound of bowstrings being drawn can be heard.

Still sporting the grim reaper on her shield, Barbara tells the goblins in a tone that says she knows they can't understand and won't comply even if they did, "Surrender or die."

Hunter translates, (Goblin)"She says surrender or die."(Goblin)

Amalar keeps the rear, but is ready for action all the same.

From what the group can see, the goblins each have half-cover (+2 AC and Dex saves) from the cover mounds of dirt and bedding they are behind.

Goblin 4 takes a readied action to shoot the first person that enters the chamber.

Parne stays back since going out ahead of the group wouldn't be wise for him.

Goblin 5 has a clear shot at Barbara and says, (Goblin)"No, it will be you who dies,"(Goblin) as he fires an arrow at the paladin, but the arrow misses and goes incredibly wide for whatever reason.

Hunter fires a crossbow bolt at the goblin in response. The goblin receives a sharp pain in the side! (Goblin)"Any of you wanna rethink that stance now that one of you is dead and none of us are hurt yet?"(Goblin)

Caeldrim wishes to avoid entering the chamber before those who are suited for the 'front lines' so he just readies an action to use a firebolt at the first enemy to come into his field of view.

  [Goblin]"His goblin boss is cooler than yours, too. That throne would be too tiny for him."[/goblin]  Okay so the throne would probably be of adequate size, but they don't need to know that.

  This time it is Joe's turn to miss while someone else casually one shots an enemy through cover.  Fair is fair, but he's sure Hunter enjoys it when they both hit things as much as Joe does.

Goblin 2 takes a readied action to fire at the first enemy to enter his field of view.

Barbara strolls into the room and slices the nearest goblin, gashing it across the chest.  An arrow bounces off her, but another hits her squarely in the helmet, making her head jerk a little to the side.  She then slooowly turns her head to face the goblin that shot her.

Amalar peaks around the corner, does some martial artsy arm movements before stomping her foot into the ground and spreading her hands downward. Goblin 4's dirt mound slides and slams into the wall next to him, making it vanish!

Amalar then vanishes back around the corner.

Goblin 3 is a bit distressed to see the dirt mount Goblin 4 was hiding behind disappear. The goblin then takes a shot at Barbara but misses the paladin.

Rocky moves into the chamber and tries to use his Thorn Whip cantrip to pull Goblin 3 away from the cover he was hiding behind but fails to dislodge the goblin.

Goblin 4 squeaks in surprise when his cover disappears and decides to try to wrestle Barbara but when he approaches to attempt a knee-bar he fails to get a grip on the paladin.

Parne feels that it is now safe to enter the chamber and flies over to Goblin 4 to briefly distract the goblin before moving away. (OOC: Aid Another action and flyby prevents suffering an AoO when moving away.)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Sun 07 July 2019.

Hunter charges into the room and slides into position, flanking Gob 4 with Barbie! "Wanna surround her, eh? How about She and I surround you!"

He slashes at the goblin with a pair of short swords! The goblin meeps and manages to dodge one, but is cut by the other!

Caeldrim enters the chamber and then flings a firebolt at Goblin 4 which hits the goblin in the face and drops the goblin before he can even scream. Caeldrim then quickly Hobbles Goblin 3 to hamper the goblin's movements.

  Joe steps into the room, brandishing his combined shortblade which only manages to pierce through an innocent pillow on the first swing.  His follow up planting the other end like a grizzly flagpole in the goblin's skull.... Which has all the coolness sucked out of it by the pillow still stuck to the other end of his weapon.

OOC: Miss, then hit for 7 Damage. Ded goblin.

Barbara is surprised by the goblin trying to knee-bar and lowers her stance to keep her footing.  She flips her grip to a reverse grip to be ready to stab the nuisance in the face, and looks at his reflection in the back of her shiny shield to be able to judge where to stab, but, kerfwoom!  He drops from Caeldrim's fire!

So Barbara begins to swing up to deal with the goblin in front of her, but, kerstab!  Joe drops it!

So she turns, walks to the top of the dirt mound in front of the last goblin, and brings her sword down in a stabbing arc, but the goblin manages to dodge out of the way just in time.

"Good work, team.  Keep it up."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Sun 07 July 2019.

Amalar steps back into the room, waves her arms in a circular pattern, spins on a foot, fire twirling about her, then hurls the fire at the last goblin, pausing in a pose where she is tippy-toe on one foot and the other leg's knee is lifted.

The goblin gets slammed full-force by the fire and Amalar gently plants her other foot, almost as if she was floating and only touching the ground as a courtesy.

With the last of the Goblins defeated, Caeldrim approaches Barbara and says, “I'll tend to your wounds. These are rather minor so this won't take long,” as he pulls out his healer kit and uses it to quickly mend Barbara's wounds.

  "So, two crates, hope they have something useful and not stupid" and whatever else would be in the flavor text.  "I wonder if they just kept going with the theme of holes under things and hid another tunnel under the throne?"

Hunter looks around. Then calms down and smirks. "Like Barbara said. Good job."

He looks over at Barbie and before he can even ask if she's OK, Cael works on fixing her up. "Thanks, Cael."

Hunter then begins searching the room. (Perc 13 total)

Amalar stands by, ready to help if needed, but says nothing.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:57, Sun 07 July 2019.

As Joe goes to inspect the crates he finds the following items 10 Alchemical Torches (20gp total these shed light in a 30ft radius and can inflcit 1d4 fire damage when used as a weapon), 2 Torchstalks (24gp total, these function like fire grenades that can inflict 1d6 fire damage when thrown up to 20 feet in a 10ft radius), 4 Wukka nuts (4gp total, these can shed bright light in a 10ft radius for 1 minute when shaken, can be shaken any number of times as long as intact), 3 gourds of insect repellent (3gp total), 20 Signal Torches (5 red, 5 blue, 5 green, and 5 silver and sheds bright light in a 15ft radius but otherwise acts as normal torch) (2gp total)  a Cask of Oil (8gp),  A flask of catstink (6gp can distracte canines in an area), a box with 20 pounds of Salt (11gp total including the 1gp for the box), Tinker's Tools (50gp), 2 rain catchers (1gp each), a Sprayer (6gp), a crowbar (2gp), and Carpenter's Tools (8gp). There is also a keg filled with water and a chest (without a lock) that contains 35 days worth of traveling rations, a Healer's kit, an empty bucket, and 5 filled waterskins.

Both Hunter and Rocky notice that the seat of the throne is loose and offset, and inside the throne is a small wooden chest containing 60sp, 15gp, and a scrap of cloth with Dib's fortress design notes scribbled in smudged ink wrapped around a pearl worth 100gp.

OOC: the pearl is sufficient for the material cost for the identify spell and has been claimed by Caeldrim. Caeldrim can also use the Tinker's Tools but is going to leave them on the cart pulled by Donny.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Wed 10 July 2019.

Rocky looks at all the loot the goblins had managed to acquire and says, "Either the merchants they came across were pathetically under-protected, cowardly, or Dib and those he took with him are far stronger than these goblins he left in his 'fortress'."

Barbara takes off her helmet so the healer can do his work, her hair cascading down in an unearthly slow manner as if it were underwater.

"Thank you for the healing."

She sings a mantra to calm herself from the combat.  (( https://youtu.be/6DxNOBnCOFA?t=20 ))

"This throne room is far more elaborate than I would expect for a normal team of goblin bandits.  Dib is likely more than just a wrestling fanatic."

  "I'd expect the third one, Rocky. As much because it is the least convenient option for us." It's probably all three, but Joe's working on maintaining acceptable levels of cynicism.

  Hanging out with multiple people able to summon the powers of a shampoo commercial helps there.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:49, Mon 08 July 2019.

"It makes sense." Hunter comments as he looks about. "He has a fortress. If we didn't have any means of making fire at range, which is actually quite uncommon for traveling merchants, we would have had a very hard time with the fort. So strategically speaking, Dib didn't need much to defend the fort. Which means he is probably either making deals with a group of dangerous folk, or is in the process of ambushing yet another group. Or a third dastardly option that isn't coming to mind."

Amalar says, "Although they won't admit it, many tyrants live in fear. He could have simply gone for a personal errand, but didn't want to be alone, so he took his best soldiers with him to feel safe."

Back at the caravan, Mix looks at Pyrus. "So what do you make of Barbie's beliefs? Like that she is chosen of Agni for great things, possibly saving the world?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Thu 11 July 2019.

Caeldrim glances around and says, “Regardless of why he's not here, we should get these supplies and other items worth taking back to the cart and be on our way since we still have to get Noromo to Levoča,”

Caeldrim then begins to gather items to carry out to the cart, and to let those who didn't enter the tunnel know everything is fine.

Rocky nods as he starts to transport items back to the cart, "It would be prudent to let them know we are okay."

Barbara's flame-like, shampoo commercial looking hair is something she was born with, and is part of the reason for the general belief that she's a chosen champion of the fire god.

Pyrus shrugs.  "I'm part lava dragon, part devil.  And my instincts make me follow her like a moth can't help but fly close to a flame.  So...  there's certainly something very fire-based about her.  Whether that means she's destined to be a provider of warmth to the likes of us, a harbinger of fiery doom for the likes of those bandits, or both?  Well... I guess the proof's in the pudding, isn't it?  Just barely started adventuring and already I'm hearing the screams of people in a burning fortress."

His tail wags at the memory of fire-induced screams.  "Woulda been cool if they'd all died in that fire, but I'll bet at least one of 'em wound up killed by fire."

Underground, Barbara puts her helmet back on, but keeps the face shield open.

"How did they find the time to build this chamber?  It is unlike bandits to be so industrious.  Regardless.  You have the right of it.  No use speculating about whether Dib has enslaved a construction crew or whatnot.  We'll simply have to rescue them should we discover such."

She easily drags a crate back toward the entrance with her considerable strength.

  Joe doesn't think too hard about looting enemies of things taken from the (probably) innocent.  Outside of being ready for the universe to attempt to guilt trip him for using food and medical supplies to survive saving people, by people sitting around doing nothing but being saved.

  His strength modifier may be nothing to write home about, but athletic bonuses let him fake it in manual labor.  Which he gets to work helping out with.

  "How smart or industrious people you meet in this business are, is often directly related to how much of a headache it will be to deal with."

Hunter nodnods and helps carry loot out of the base. "You got the right of it, guys."

Amalar helps carry lighter things since she isn't as strong as the others. "I know you've told me before why such creatures throw their lives away, Caeldrim, but... I suppose it still confuses me to see it in person."

Hunter and Amalar go with the group to load the cart. Once there, Mix looks anxiously at the group. "What happened? Is everyone OK?"

Caeldrim listens to Amalar as she speaks while the newly gathered 'loot' whose origins Caeldrim would rather not try to ponder since he fears the original owners are dead and buried somewhere nearby. After Amalar's comment, Caeldrim replies in a solemn tone, “It is especially confusing to see since there are so many reasons why it could occur. Did they fight to the death out of fear we'd kill them anyways? Did they fight out of a fear we'd take what they had from them? Or did they fight out of fear of Dib? Without the ability to speak with the dead, we will never know... But never forget that although life is precious, you can't save everyone as there will always be people who would throw away a chance at life for whatever reason. Some would do it out of spite or revenge, yet others out of loyalty or duty. All we can do is acknowledge their choice and know we'd choose differently.”

Rocky continues to help with transporting the items as he says, "In any case, we should report Dib's activities to the authorities and who knows maybe they will catch him or at least drive him away."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Mon 15 July 2019.

Barbara smirks at Joe.  "That rule cuts both ways, my friend."

She nods to Mix.  "The goblins are dead.  And everyone else is in good health.  Our healer saw to that."

Pyrus cheers!  "Awesome!"

Barbara nods to Rocky while considering the exchange between Amalar and Caeldrim.  "Just so that I'm clear on my expectations, should ever an enemy of ours be murdered after legitimately surrendering, I shall be very cross."

She turns her steely gaze toward Pyrus who immediately puts on an innocent look.

  Joe is thankful 'surrendering so they can brag that means good aligned characters can't hurt them anymore does not count as legitimate surrender... Or that might just be him.

  "Or at least, telling what counts as authority around here means can't pretend to be ignorant of the problem if we end up being the ones to solve it ourselves."

Amalar listens to Cael and nods slowly as she says, "Yes... you are right, of course. Everyone must take responsibility for their choices in life."

Mix goes to hug Barbara, happy she is OK. Mix looks at Caeldrim and says, "Thanks, Caeldrim, for keeping people healthy..."

Amalar smiles to Mix and then to Barbara and says, "Your concern for life is noted, Lady of Fire. As is, I hope, Caeldrim's and my own."

Hunter looks at Barbara and grins. "Crystal clear, Barbara. There a reason you bring it up?"

OOC: I'm reminded of this moment in Marvel's Civil War comics where Captain America was meeting with heroes and villains who were in his line of thinking that supers should not be forced by law to reveal their identities. Punisher showed up, recognized a villain, and promptly killed the guy. Captain America jumped Punisher to beat him up and Punisher refused to defend himself because of the huge levels of respect he had for Captain America. Cap finally stopped because he couldn't beat up on a man who won't defend himself.  But yeah... Captain America was very cross with a legit enemy who had joined forces being killed in front of him. ;)

Noromo Esdallefin listens as those he's hired to protect him and his wagon of merchandise as he heads to Levoča discuss how the threat posed by the now burnt-out wagon fortress and its hostile goblin inhabitants have been dealt with. "It is good to hear that this new threat has been dealt with. I'm sure those who were killed by Dib's forces can rest easy now that they have been avenged. I do think we should move on before Dib and what remains of his forces return to this area."

Caeldrim turns to Barbara after her comment about her expectations and replies, “You would not be the only one offended by such actions, but that does not change the fact that there are those who would carry out such a despicable action.”

Caeldrim nods to Amalar then turns to Mix and speaks up, "It is my pleasure,” in response to her thanks in regard to healing the wounded.

After Noromo speaks up, Caeldrim glances back at the destroyed wagon fortress and says, "That would be prudent so if no one has any objections we should be on our way.”

OOC: Unless anyone has anything else to bring up after this round of posts the group will skip forward to Levoča village since this encounter has been completed, in addition to the loot the party has gathered and the 10gp for each PC that Noromo is paying, the group has earned 100xp for completing both parts of this encounter.

Rocky listens to the conversation going on around him and when talk of departing for Levoča is brought up the Warforged Druid nods and says, "That would be a wise course of action. Even if Dib's forces don't arrive soon, predators and scavengers will be drawn to this location. Thus I agree that we should depart for Levoča."

Barbara raises an eyebrow at Joe's comment.  Due to her bias, her knee-jerk reaction is to defend the authorities.  They can't act on problems like this until the people inform them.  How many times has she overheard her Mom ask, "Why was I not told of this sooner?!"  And that even with an army of full-time informants and generous bounties offered for good crime-stopper tips.  But she's been raised with an awareness that few authorities are as vigilant as her Mom, and some even deliberately allow goblin bandits to flourish to justify their tyrannical laws.

"So the authorities of this region have a bad reputation, then?"

Barbara can't help but smile at her little street urchin being so impudent as to hug the crown princess unbidden, and returns the hug.  "Good job guarding the wagon, Mix.  You, too, Pyrus and Wyldfire."

Surprised that Amalar would address her by one of her holy titles, she nods.

In reply to Amalar and Caeldrim both, Barbara says a quick prayer, "May the souls of the fallen find peace.  May the six-eyed One, Who is fragrant and Who nourishes well all beings liberate us from death for the sake of immortality even as the cucumber is severed from its bondage to the vine."

Then to Hunter, "I bring it up because Caeldrim raises a good point.  'Not only is it dishonorable to slaughter captured enemies, it is impractical.  Nothing steels the enemy's resolve to fight to the bitter end quite like facing an opponent they know will kill them should they surrender, costing you the lives of many of your soldiers who would otherwise could have gone home hale and whole had you not been known for being so ruthless.  If instead you have a reputation for treating captives humanely, entire cities will surrender to you without a fight.'  This is why our ultimatum is 'Surrender or die.'"

  "Oh, just going on 'what would be better than past experience' Barbara.  Around here the worst case likely be a simple '...WHAT authorities?' once you get half a stone's throw from their homes."

  DnD Joe's usual backstory involves vague references to one of the multi car collisions of cliche evil and corruption (that everyone still lives in because?).  To be fair, it often takes a while for people to realize 'Oh Gods, he's being optimistic' when it comes to his world view.  (Pirates rule the land, AND roaming undead? Well there are no floating islands dripping acid, things are looking up!)

  "Also be sure to make perfectly clear to underlings that THEY get to live, because they were dragged along with the severed head's plan of 'Surrender so we can escape later!'... Also that running away with a hostage isn't surrendering.  Honestly the concept of actual surrender seems like something even a direct message from the gods won't get across to a lot of these people."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Wed 24 July 2019.

Hunter looks at Barbara. "You know, your prayers and hymns make me curious about your deity. I'm not a particularly religious sort, but I'd still like to learn. Tell me about the god you follow?"

Mix answers, "Thanks, Barbara." and is quickly aboard the wagon (and thanks to Caeldrim's post, I now know Mix chose to be a girl for now. Probably human). But let's face it... it was Mix's impudence that brought her to Barbara in the first place. What child steels a guard's sword and runs off with it while taunting the guard? This child.

Amalar climbs aboard the wagon, ready to unleash more of her elemental power as needed, keeping ever alert, but for now simply plays patty-cake with Mix.