The party moves among the clumps of trees with the menacing birds towards the lowest cave that is close to the entrance.  The cave mouth is small, about five and half feet high and only three feet wide.  Inside is darkness.  However, the passage beyond quickly doubles in height and breadth allowing everyone to stand up and move two abreast if desired.  In the flickering light of the torch it is clear the walls and ceiling are natural or cut from the rock, the surfaces are rough.

---

Marching order?

With his lit torch in hand Gyp took a position in the middle of the band of adventurers. There was something fearful about entering the caves of chaos which made the fool go silent and walk with a careful stillness. His face was serious and all his earlier cheeriness was gone.

Falco slowly and cautiously moves into the cave entrance, taking a moment to look above and around before passing though the threshold just in case there is something lurking there by chance, or a trap, alarm, or natural danger present. He looks for the glint of trip wires, the seams of concealed pits, or anything suggesting a possible concealed passageway. He keeps quite and alert, listening to his surroundings for any sounds that might suggest nearby creatures or natural dangers.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Fri 22 Oct 2021.

Simon quietly steps up beside Gyp, his own torch in his left hand and his dagger in his right. Having never been in such a wilderness environment before, he's not sure of what to expect, but he keeps alert for danger.

Talented as an entertainer Gyp knew a certain about of stagecraft, with wires, false doors and other tricks. Gyp followed behind Reea, on alert for anything suspicious.

Following his habit Faldal stays at the back of the group, always alert to any potential danger. His weapon is at the ready.

Jori follows in the back with Faldal, her mace ready for action, if needed.

The group moves into the gloom of the cave system cautiously, Falco and Reea in lead.  Falco carefully searches for any danger or concealed traps as Reea covers him, and it is a good thing he is careful, stopping her before she steps on a suspicious-looking patch of ground.  The area in question is almost the width of the passage and nearly 10 feet across, and begins roughly 10 feet into the tunnel.  It covers the intersection area where another passage crosses the end of the entrance passage, forming a T.

From the edge of the (still covered) pit to the right there is a nook of sorts where six humanoid creatures are lounging about.  They are small, dog-like men with scaly rust-brown skin and no hair.  They are wearing rude clothing and have spears.  They look disturbed by the light of the torch and seem unprepared.

---

They rolled a 1 for initiative.  Unless you guys also roll a 1 you have the initiative.  They are not surprised, largely because of the torch light.

16:03, Today: Reea rolled 2 using 1d6.  initiative.

When no-one made an immediate move, Leozaren decided it was time to act. He immediately cast his Sleep spell upon the humanoids - fighting was best avoided it at all possible, as Dynlor's fate would remind them all.

With a jaunty skip Gyp moved to the fore of the party but he was careful not to walk any further into the cave than Falco and Reea. He waved his hands and gave a courteous bow "greetings and salutations may the fortunes bless our meeting" he introduced himself as he straightened his back and spread his empty hands wide "myself and my companions come in peace. May we parlay?" he asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

Faldal looks at Gyp making his talk, while at the same time seeing his elven companion do his magical trick. His mace still in his hand, he does not move a muscle for now.

As Gyp starts his speech Leozaren casts the spell and the six creatures lay themselves down to sleep.  With the immediate threat subdued, the party has time to step around the pit trap either to the right (towards the creatures) or to the left.  The left has a strong, foul odor, by the light of the torch the passage opens into a chamber of some kind and there is refuse visible.  To the right the passage banks to the right and continues out of sight.  The creatures are in an alcove about 10 feet square to the right.

---

The sleeping creatures are at 1 on Game map 2.

Faldal spends some time to tie up the sleeping creatures, so that they won't follow the party once they wake up. While at it, he searches them for valuable items.

His audience succumbed to sleepiness Gyp gave a sympathetic yawn then followed Faldal. It seemed a little harsh to tie them up but it was better than killing them Gyp thought. Whilst Faldal was busy Gyp peered down the passage and kept an eye out for any movement.

Leozaren could hardly believe his eyes.

"Why are you tying them up? These scum would eat you in a heartbeat if the tables were turned, and their kin would do so even now. There can be no mercy to these vermin..."

To emphasise his point, the elf draws his dagger and approaches the sleeping humanoids.

At the sight of the elf's dagger Gyp cowered and backed away. He didn't want to be involved in any killing "nay, they'll be no good in killing the creatures. Rather we make allies than enemies of every creature in the caves" he suggested. Gyp had felt the elf was wise but now he was considering Leozaren as barbaric.

Faldal stands up, motionless. "Friend, I didn't make a vow of death for my enemies, quite the opposite. We didn't even talk to them, for that matter. Fighting chaos can be made in different ways, and some lead to become what you are fighting. That is not my wish."

After a while, he adds: "I didn't know the elven kin was so cruel..."

Unless someone stands in his way Leozaren will slit the throats of all the humanoids.

Then he will shrug it off as if it is perfectly natural to him, which it is.

A life of adventure had many risks and Gyp the fool felt foolish for take this path. He stepped further away from the elf and hid away in the shadows. In that moment it was difficult to tell his foes from his allies. Gyp would be careful to never turn his back on the elf for fear of a dagger between his shoulders.

Falco doesn't really know a whole lot about how Kobold's behave, but the course of action has been decided. Probably everything in these caves is servants of Chaos anyway, but you never know.

"Hmmm. Let us go down the right passage then. Be ready to fallback if we encounter larger numbers. Keep your eyes peeled for traps and ambushes. There may be more. Also, the remains of these may be discovered, leading to others of their kind seeking vengeance upon us."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

With the sleeping kobolds dispatched, the party moves to the left, walking carefully lest any more traps or pits present themselves.  The corridors have remarkably high-ceilings considering how short the kobolds are, but the work generally is low quality.  Clearly these caves were enlarged by the inhabitants.

After a turn of careful walk they come to an intersection.  One way turn left (north) and the other goes on straight east.  To the east the light of the torch does not reach any chamber, but the sounds of chatter carries down the stone corridors from that direction.  To the left is all quiet.

Faldal swallows, and narrows his eyes, his stomach in knots. He pockets the silver pieces he collected without telling anyone, and notes to himself to always have the elf in front of him in the future.

When the grisly affair was over Gyp retreated to rear of the party and stood in a position where he would keep his back from Leozaren and also keep a friendly eye on Faidal in case he was attacked by the elf too.

Falco keeps alert as he cautiously moves along with the others. He looks left at the intersection and ahead. Hearing all quiet on the left, he nods his head that way (North) and turns down that corridor.

Simon keeps steadies his nerves as he walks along with the others. He's not sure how much more magic the Elf can use, but he only has the one Sleep spell prepared and is saving it for an emergency. Should he have to defend himself, he has his dagger in hand...though he likely wont survive long if something gets past the other, more martial-inclined party members to reach him.

The party moves cautiously north from the intersection to the next intersection they could see, another "T."  To the left (west) as far as the torchlight can see there looks to be a messy storage area.  In the dim light you can see boxes, barrels, sacks and other things lying about.  To the right (east) you don't see anything beyond the torchlight, but arrows come flying from that direction!

Three arrows come flying at the first two rows of the parry (Falco, Reea and Leozaren), but fortunately all three of you are well-armored and the arrows miss or glance off armor.

---

The range of the light is 30 feet, the arrows came from the darkness beyond.  Leozaren, the torchlight messes up your infravision.

Unencubmered move is 40 feet/round
Leather armor is 30 feet/round
Metal armor is 20 feet/round

Running is 3x normal movement.  Map 2 updated.  Actions?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:52, Sun 07 Nov 2021.

Falco quickly turns to face the sudden appearance of arrows. He hurriedly calls out to the others, "Advance! Watch for pits, oil on the ground, and other traps! We need to get them into the light of our torches!"

Falco advances 20 feet towards the direction of the arrows.

Faldal does as ordered without much fuss, and without thinking too much.

Leozaren also turns toward the direction of the arrows and falls in with Falco and Faldal.

Falco, Faldal and Leozaren advance orderly towards the incoming arrows as three more zing past them, missing their marks.  From where they are they can hear the rough voices of the archers in an unknown language, the tone is one of growing alarm.

---

The voices are close, just outside the range of the torchlight.

Player's turn.

Falco steadily advances another 20 feet towards the direction of the arrows, keeping alert for signs of any traps. He keeps his spear held firmly in his right hand, it's steely tip point ahead, ready to thrust should a target present itself. Likely, he has his shield held protectively against the arrows ahead.

Simon is thankful for the more protected party members ahead of him. He keeps pace, advancing along with the others. His dagger held low in his right hand (in case an enemy gets to him somehow), and his torch overhead in his left hand (to shine light into the darkness and aid those ahead of him to flush out the archers letting loose their arrows upon them). He tries to keep alert of non-obvious signs of danger while paying attention to the present danger as well.

Torch in hand there was no chance for Gyp to hide but he would have to advance with his companions to offer them some light. However the fool made sure he was behind those with armour and shields, lurking at the rear of the party.

Still behind Falco and the elf Faldal continues his progression, his shield raised to protect himself and those following him from the incoming arrows.

Leozaren maintained his position amidst the others, resisting the urge to charge and hopefully avoiding becoming a pin cushion.

The party advances in an orderly fashion another 20 feet, Falco and Leozaren in the front rank, followed by Faldal and Simon, with Gyp in the rear.  Reea and Jori meanwhile are guarding the intersection to the rear, making sure no enemies attack from behind.  As the torchlight illuminates the passage ahead it is clear the passage widens somewhat and there are three creatures like those before only larger.  They have short bows and are firing down the passage at you.  This time one hit Leozaren, the arrow sticking into the elf painfully.

---

21:36, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6.  Damage Leozaren.
21:36, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 7 using 1d20.  Arrow on Faldal.
21:35, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20.  Arrow on Leozaren.
21:35, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d20.  Arrow on Falco.

They are AC: 5, HP: 4.

"Curses! We cannot afford too many of those - CHARGE!!"

With no missile weapon of his own Leozaren knew he could not wait and so he charged the archers, sword swinging too wildly.

OOC: I don't know if I can reach them this round but I'll roll attacks anyway. (edit: OOFT, nice knowing you!)


11:46, Today: Leozaren rolled 6 using 1d6.  initiative.
11:46, Today: Leozaren rolled 2 using 1d20.  attack roll, sword.

Faldal hesitates a few seconds, his shield still up. He will charge behind the elf if he sees his other companions do it as well.

Seeing little choice now, Falco charges forward alongside the Elf and thrusts his spear out at the archer most directly in front of him. Quickly pushing forward in the chaos of the moment, his thrust is rushed.

[Only a 7; Misses]

Seeing the frontline attackers failing to make their mark, Simon sets his torch and dagger down to make mysterious gestures and say words of arcane power to summon forth a Sleep spell against the three known attackers and anything past them within the spells range.

[Simon's spell affects 15 HD of enemies, magically putting them to sleep.]

As the others charged Gyp kept apace of them but did not enter the fight but kept the fighters and those in armour ahead of him. He would have preferred to find somewhere to hide but holding the party’s torch prevented that.

As the party charges forward Simon casts his spell and the three archers drop to the ground in a slumber.  The three archers seem to be guards for a  chamber beyond a door in an alcove, the area before the door about 20 foot square and furnished with a table, some chairs and there are food scraps on the table, evidence of a recent meal.

The sight of the table and remains of a good meal was enough to bring a tear to the eye of Gyp. Alas how had it come that wicked creatures of the caves of chaos ate better than him? However Gyp was not foolish enough to rush forward to grab himself a snack. He rather kept his position behind those better armoured than himself “well done Simon” he congratulated the wizard.

Faldal looks at the enemies fall down with relief. Yet immediately stressful thoughts come to his mind. "Sleep spells. Why has it always to be sleep spells..." he thinks.

"Better them than us," says Leozaren, softly. "I for one am happy to be saved by sleep spells."

The elf drew his dagger and looked to his companions. He did not expect anyone to say or do anything. Instead he simply moved across to the archers and slit their throats.

"Better they think I alone am the heartless murderer than any of you."

His eyes averted Gyp did not watch Leozaren and his grisly deed. He occupied himself by creeping forward and took a position at the door. Gyp laid an ear to the door to listen for what noise he might hear from the other side.

His stomach turned, Faldal guiltily turn his head the other way when Leozaren does his grisly deed. "Maybe you are..." he says to himself.

He is quick to turn his attention at the surrounding area, wondering where the party will go next.

Simon nods and replies, "That spell took all my magic for this day. Should we find ourselves in another difficult situation, I will not be able to use my magic further." He picks up his dagger and torch and adds, "I am merely now a studied man with a dagger and torch until I can rest and recover my magic."

"The deed is done. Check their bodies for coin. We are not doing this merely for the good of our fellow men," says Falco.

After hearing Simon, Falco asks, "Should we press on a tad more, my friends, or retreat to an area of safety to recover? If we press on, we will not have magic to save us again."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Fri 26 Nov 2021.

"To which 'area of safety' can we retreat?" asks Faldal, a little confused.

"Our Elf companion is wounded and used all his magic. Our mage friend also used all his magic. The safest place would be the Keep, of course. Looks like we gathered a few coins. Certainly that is enough to pay for some rooms at the inn for the night, a good meal, and some beer...maybe a wench if you need someone to warm your bed for the night. Perhaps we could get a healer to patch up our Elf too. Then we could make another trip tomorrow or the day after when we are all good and rested," Falco replies to Faldal.

"Or we could leave the caves, retreat back into the woods a good distance away and make camp. Of course, a creature could wander into our camp...dealing more harm than we recover. And we will not have a healer to patch anyone up."

"Riskier would be to try to clear this cave and shelter here...but we don't know much more there is to go...is the problem. With some luck, there might not be much more to go...but if we run into trouble, it could mean someone's life and we will not have a healer to patch anyone up that gets wounded."

He looks at the party as a whole and asks, "Shall we take the safest option and return to the Keep, or press onward at a greater risk and hope the cave is small?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Sat 27 Nov 2021.

Leozaren gathers together all the bows and arrows he can find, keeping one for himself and offering a second to Gyp.

"Anyone want this third bow? Useful things to have, might save us from more foolhardy charges.

I don't mind returning to the Keep or camping out in the woods. The caves do not feel safe to me though."

Ear pressed against the door Gyp gave Leozaren a thumbs up at the offer of a bow. Perhaps with the bow Gyp would be able to hunt for food and satisfy his empty belly. It seemed that the adventuring career was starting to pay off. What noise if any he heard through the door might offer more riches.

The guards dispatched relatively quietly.  Gyp listens at the door, a thick wooden affair with reinforcing bands of iron, but doesn't hear anything beyond.

The party is split between the intersection and the guard area, what it is the plan?

”There’s nothing I can hear through the door, shall we take a peek?” he encouraged his companions. Then he picked up the goblin bow and arrows, prepared to aid his companions in any battle.

"Taking a peek could be a deciding factor..." answers Faldal, not sure if he wants to go back to the keep just now.

Gyp gave Faldal a nod at the cleric’s encouragement “stand ready and I shall open the door quietly and just an inch” the fool explained.

OOC Can Gyp use his thief skill of Move Silently to open the door quietly? His plan is to open only enough to look inside.

After speaking with his companions Gyp retrieved a roll of tools from his pack. The tools were small and delicate rods of metal in many forms, bent, straight and curved. Gyp used the tools to try to unlock the door.

OOC Gyp will attempt to Open Locks.

Gyp goes to work on the lock, noting that it is rusty and poorly maintained.  Perhaps partly because of that the seems beyond Gyp's ability to pick open.  After working on for a few minutes in frustration it becomes obvious.

Falco continues to stand by while Gyp tries to the lock. After a few minutes pass and there seems to be no progress, the spearman says, "Perhaps we should just kick the door in?"

After this efforts were thwarted Gyp shrugged his shoulders and shook his head “sorry, you’ll either need to find the key or smash it down” he replied to Falco.

Faldal looks expectantly at Falco, waiting for him to do what he just suggested. He braces himself, holding to his shield, expecting the worst to happen afterwards.

Falco sighs and says, "Very well. Be ready for trouble." The former soldier gives the door a swift boot.

Falco puts all his strength into a swift kick at the door and shatters the locking mechanism, sending the door swinging inward.  The room beyond is littered with heaps of cloth, old and battered furniture, and there is an old blanket hanging on the wall in the form of a tapestry.  When the door flies open a rather large specimen of the same creature jumps up from a three-legged divan where he was lounging, surrounded by five females.  He picks up a battle-axe that was leaning by his side, and though they are momentarily surprised, the six seem ready, though not necessarily willing, for battle.

The battle-axe wielding one also wears a gold necklace with a rather large red gem on it.

---

You guys have initiative, map 2 is updated, only two of you can get through the door in one round, and only two creatures can fit in any one 10-foot square.  They are in the bottom-right three squares.

After the slaughter of so many of their tribe Gyp felt that the time for diplomacy was passed. Armed with the stolen bow Gyp shot an arrow at the mean looking kobold armed with the battle axe.

OOC Hit AC1 for 5 damage!

Faldal waits for his companions to react before doing anything himself.

Leozaren attacks the nearest creature with his sword, marking it just slightly.


20:26, Today: Leozaren rolled 15 using 1d20.  attack roll, sword.
20:27, Today: Leozaren rolled 1 using 1d8.  dmg.

Seeing the others rush forward, Falco does the same. Personally, he wouldn't have minded parleying, but that option seems no longer on the table. He thrusts his spear out at the Battle axe-armed threat.

[Falco strikes AC1 for 5 damage]

The assault begins rapidly and the creatures lose their greatest advantage almost immediately.  Gyp puts an arrow into the abdomen of the obvious leader and as he raises his battle axe to respond Falco rushes in and thrusts his spear into his chest.  With stomach and heart pierced he drops the axe weakly and falls onto his knees, releasing one dying breath before falling over.

Leozaren meanwhile slashes at one of the females and gashes her on the arm.  The five of them screech and wail with emotion as they fling themselves onto the party members.  Despite sufficient sophistication to wear armor (the lot of them are in chainmail) they go at the party with tooth and claw.  The uncoordinated and unskilled attacks are not very effective, but the scratches and bites add up...

---

Each of you "hit" below takes one point of damage.

18:09, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack on Simon. Hit
18:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20.  Attack on Gyp.  Hit
18:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 10 using 1d20.  Attack on Faldal.  Miss
18:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack on Falco. Miss
18:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20.  Attack on Leozaren.  Hit

There was a yelp of excitement from Gyp when the kobold leader collapsed. Assured that the rest would surrender or flee Gyp gave a yelp of surprise as they rushed forward and one struck him with her claws.

In desperation Gyp dropped the stolen bow and swung his mace wildly at the kobold.

OOC Attack with mace, miss.

Faldal, a bit set back by the butchering going on in front of him, stays back behind his shield.

He yells in common to the enemy: "Surrender now before you all die! You are outgunned, there is no point continuing this fight!"

The enemy did not appear to be prepared to negotiate, so Leozaren kept on swinging his sword - especially now that he had been injured.


22:53, Today: Leozaren rolled 13 using 1d20.  attack roll, sword.
22:53, Today: Leozaren rolled 4 using 1d8.  dmg.

While Falco remains open to one or more of the Kobolds surrendering, he finds it unlikely any will chance it since their party has shown no mercy to the kobolds thus far. He finds no other choice but to continue the bloody course and attempts to spear any kobold that is still fighting.

[miss]

Leozaren slashed one of the females, nearly severing her head and she falls to the ground bleeding out from the open throat and jugular.  The other four rage on, but it doesn't help them fight any better, despite the frenzy.  They slash, gnash and try to bite the party, fortunately between armor and skill at defense, none do any significant damage.

---

11:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d20.
11:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d20.
11:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 7 using 1d20.
11:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d20.

They also rolled under their morale, and so will continue to fight.

Somewhat resigned, Faldal takes his mace and tries to smash one of the stronger kobolds, hoping that striking one down will encourage the others to give up the fight.


14:59, Today: Faldal rolled 10 using 1d20.  Attack roll, mace.
15:00, Today: Faldal rolled 5 using 1d6.  Damage roll.

Overrun by the small humanoids Gyp continued to swing his mace around hopelessly at the creatures whilst they bit and clawed at the fool.

OOC Miss
18:18, Today: Gyp Toogood rolled 3,4 using d20,d6.  Attack

Falco thrusts his spear out again, attempting to put another foe down. "Yield or die!" he demands to any still standing. Of course, he doesn't speak kobold, just common, so his words might go by the wayside anyway.

[Falco strikes AC5 for 5 damage]

Having taken out one humanoid Leozaren keeps on swinging, and smites another.


12:57, Today: Leozaren rolled 19 using 1d20.  attack roll, sword.
12:58, Today: Leozaren rolled 5 using 1d8.  dmg.

Faldal, Falco and Leozaren each kill another one, leaving one left.  The last one drops to her knees and surrenders, apparently worn out from the effort and emotion.

---

Out of combat for now.  Actions?

The enemies defeated Gyp put away his mace and bow. The fool then went to explore the old and broken furniture in search of treasure!

Faldal tightens his mouth. "What a messy business it is..." he says to himself.

"Are there other groups like yours in the area?" he tries to ask the surviving creature. "And how big are these tunnels?"

The woman gets on her knees and starts clearly begging Faldal based on her body language, but does not seem to speak the common tongue of the Realm.

Gyp searches around and finds quite a bit of valuables, though it takes some time to gather it all up and put it one place.


The large male with the battle axe has a large gem on a great golden chain about his neck.  Hidden in an old blanket hanging on the wall are 50 gold pieces (sewn into the hem).  Between them the five females (including the one still alive) had 17 gold pieces.  There is also a locked chest among the battered furniture.

Pleased with the haul of treasure Gyp put the necklace and sixty seven gold coins in his backpack then danced a little jig. When he had completed his frivolities he went to examine the chest. Before he looked the lock he took the time to search around it for any attachments or wires, Gyp was wary that it might be a trap.

Leozaren ties up and gags the remaining female, more to shut her up than anything. Then he searches the bodies for a key to the chest.

Falco nods as Leozaren takes the remaining kobold captive. He looks on as the jester investigates the chest. He keeps an eye on the fool who holds all their captured gold in his pack.

Simon keeps an eye out to the rear, watching to make sure nothing comes up behind them.
As he does, he speaks to the Kobold in its native tongue, "Female. You haves name? Tells me. Keeps any pets here? Lizards? Snakes? Drakes?"

Gyp examines the chest carefully.  It is not large and was originally well-built, but has seen many seasons and is not in the best of shape.  He does not see any sign of a trap on it.

The female looks at Simon suspiciously.  "Kyr, man-food.  That is what I am called," she says, and there is a glimmer of hope mixed with the heavy suspicion.  "We have big wyrm, great big pet!  You not strong enough for it!" she says rising her arms up in a curious gesture.  There is no effect from the gesture, of course.

After the captive answers him, Simon steps near her and squats down to be closer to her eye level. Although the kobold might not recognize it, his tone is inquisitive rather than demanding when he speaks to her. He replies back, "Kyr. I understands. Your bigs wyrm is strong. Where do you keeps it?"

No sign of a trap Gyp remained cautious but hopeful. The fool stepped backwards and used his javelin as a lever to open the chest at arm’s length.

"What is she saying?" asks Faldal, made a bit uncomfortable by the tone the femal kobold is using.

Gyp pries open the small chest and it comes apart spilling a collection of mixed coins: silver, copper, electrum and gold.

Kyr meanwhile looks at Faldal and then at the spilled coins before turning her attention back to Simon.  "In her own room, near the tribe," she says cagily, wringing her hands together.  "Let me go, you can go, no wyrm come.  You are strong warriors, go kill hobgoblins, they are nasty," she adds, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

After the kobold answers, Simon turns his head to look at Faldal. He says to the acolyte, as well as the others in the party, "The kobold is named Kyr. She says they have a big beast as a pet. She implies it is a dragon and says the beast is too strong for us to defeat. She says the beast is in its own room near the tribe. This may mean there are more kobolds as well. She urges us to leave while we still can. She suggests we go kill the hobgoblins instead as they are most foul creatures."

Once the coins were revealed Gyp leapt into the air and spun a cartwheel with glee. His jovialities complete he began to stuff as many of the coins as he could into his backpack. Their adventure was feeling successful and Gyp said as much “perhaps we should return to the fort now we are laden with treasure.”

OOC Gyp has space for 253 more coins in his backpack. Can he fit in all the coins from the chest?

Faldal winces when he hears Simon. "Does she know how many creatures there are in these caves?"

Falco patiently listens as Simon translates the words of the kobold captive. After Gyp makes his suggestion, he replies "Hmmmm. It does seems wise to return while we have our lives and some gold in our purses." He looks at the other members of their party and asks, "Does anyone disagree to returning to the Keep now, Hmmmm?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Sun 09 Jan 2022.

Simon says to Faldal, "She may exaggerate their numbers to encourage us to leave, but I shall ask." He turns his attention back to the captive kobold and says, "Kyr. My companions. They wants to know how many mores of your kind are in this little cave? How manies hobgoblins do you believe are ins the hobgoblin cave and which cave ares the hobgoblins in? I finds you to be interesting, yes, I would prefers not to hurts you. If you gives us good informations about the other caves, perhaps we can sets you free and leave for those caves, but be honest--my companions. They dislike liars and may kills you if they thinks you lie."

Kyr looks at Simon with narrowed eyes, then nods slowly.  "Not many left, of us," she says grimly.  "Hobgoblins, other side, above goblins; I don't know how many.  Orcs too, and bugbears, in caves.  Strong enough to kill kobold, you are.  The rest?" she asks, and there is some bitterness in her tone.

Although Leozaren felt a little sorry for the kobold, he figured rather her than him. Left to her own devices she probably had little hope, but again, not really his problem. With humanoids it tended to be kill-or-be-killed.

"Perhaps it is time to return to the Keep. We have fared well, and there seems to be no shortage of foes if we linger."

Simon asks the captive kobold, "Kobolds. Goblins. Hobgoblins. More. Kyr. Why so many kinds live heres...so closes together? What kobolds uses gold coins for? What you dos if wes let yous go free?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

Faldal nods at the suggestions to leave the caves for now, while still eagerly waiting to know what Kyr had to say.

"I gos free, I gos back to clan," Kyr says.  She looks at Simon quizzically.  "You ask a lot of dumb questions.  'What kobolds use coins for', what anyone use coins for?!" she says not quite mocking his tone.  There is almost a growing hysteria in the creature, as though a lack of patience is battling within against self-preservation.  "These caves are good caves, much room, room for all if hobgoblins not try and rule," she says finally answering his last question.

Simon replies to Kyr, "I finds it unlikely you can just goes into a human town and spends gold coins to buys things." He stands back up to his full height.

He looks at the party members and says, "She says only a few Kobolds remain. Goblins and Hobgoblins on the other side with the Hobgoblins above the Goblins. She says there are also Orcs and Bugbears in the caves. She says she will go back to her clan if we free her. I believe that is all the useful information we will acquire from her. I say we free her and head back to the keep."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

”Well done Simon” Gyp gave a clap of his applause to the wizard “let the little one go and we should be leaving too” the fool agreed.

"Right. If we have to confront goblins and hobgoblins, we might as well come back well prepared!" agrees Faldal.

"Agreed on all counts, let us depart."

Leozaren is ready to be on his way.

Falco says, "Then we all agree. Simon, untie the Kobold and let us fall back." He points his spear towards the Kobold and narrows his eyes at her just incase she does something aggressive. He adds, "Keep your guard up, friends, as we exit the caves. Let us survive the trip back to the Keep to enjoy our spoils."

The party leaves the cave of the kobold chief with the treasure piled into the chest  Kyr seems eager to lead the way, but stays where directed by Simon.  After a turn of careful movement you reach the intersection where the guards first fired arrows at you.  Jori and Reea seem to have departed, there is no sign of them or of any struggle.  Ahead is a chamber Kyr refers to as "refuse."

Turning right you reach another intersection.  To you left (West) is the direction you came and the cave entrance.  To the East Kyr turns to go, hesitating before rushing off into the darkness.  From that point to the pit trap and cave entrance there is no further obstacle.

You exit the cave in the late afternoon.  If you take the road you can be half way to the keep by nightfall.

*** Move back to the Keep on the Borderlands thread ***