Chapter 1: Burnt Offerings

Savah takes the heavy crossbow and looks it over, getting out a special eyepiece to more closely inspect the smaller mechanical parts. She finally nods, "Looks solid and well maintained, I'll give you an even trade for it," she says.

"Thank you!" she says to Gongar, obviously very proud of her shop, "Would you prefer a hammer or axe for throwing? I got both here."

"Exotic? Hmmm... I have one thing, perhaps. Wait here!" she says and disappears behind the counter, digging for something, then returns carrying a crossbow, "A magical repeating crossbow. This thing is amazing. Though if you want to stick to something else I can inquire with some of my contacts about getting you something magical."

You all meet up that night for supper at the Rusty Dragon, where you find Shalelu sitting at your normal table, food already waiting for you on the table. She motions for you to sit, "So, before we go into the goblin tribes in the area, I'd like to hear about the raid from you."

Xandak
Shalelu is beautiful, as most elves are, with golden hair thrown up in a messy bun and bright blue eyes. She's wearing very fine studded leather armor and carries herself as a very competent warrior. With everything you've seen and heard up to this point, you have to assume that she only has the town's best interests at heart.

The scene in the Rusty Dragon is normal, people raise their mugs in silent toast to you when you catch their eyes and occasionally you receive random drinks, courtesy of the other patrons. You have become quite popular in town due to your heroics in the previous days.

Everyone
Shalelu nods, "That's pretty much the same story that the sheriff told me. I just wanted to make sure I got your story before we go into this," she takes deep drink of her wine and savors it for a moment before she continues, detailing the five major goblin tribes in the area:


Birdcruncher Tribe
"The Birdcruncher Tribe live in caves along the western edge of the Devil's Platter, southeast of Sandpoint). They are the least agressive of the goblin tribes, though still a nuisance."

Licktoad Tribe
"The Licktoads live in the Brinestump Marsh to the south and are excellent swimmers. There are a couple of goblins in their tribe to watch out for if you're ever in their home. Vorka is a twisted little thing, a cannibal who prefers to eat his victim's alive, only the Licktoads consider him a hero. Then there is the chieftain of the Licktoads, Rendwattle Gutwad, a huge and fat goblin who rarely, if ever, gets off of his throne."

Seven Tooth Tribe
"The Seven Tooth Tribe live in Shank's Wood, a small forest to the east of Sandpoint. They make their weapons and armor by raiding the Sandpoint Junkyard and repurposing the junk they find there. They had a well-known goblin in their ranks: the vicious Koruvus. He is known for his short temper and the magical longsword he stole from a human he killed. He disappeared months ago after finding a secret hideout to take as his own."

Mosswood Tribe
"The Mosswood Tribe, even further east, is likely the largest, but are held back from doing a huge amount of real damage by their constant infighting. Big Gugmut is a huge goblin from the Mosswoods. They say that his mother was a hobgoblin and his father was a wild boar... truly, he is one to watch out for."

Thistletop Tribe
"The Thistletops live on a small island off of Nettlewood coast. Ripnugget is their leader and controls the best lair in the area. His tribe is unusually loyal for goblins."

"Then there is my own personal enemy, Bruthazmus, a bugbear ranger who travels among the five tribes. He trades for goods and information from the goblins and is a truly deadly foe. We have met in combat several times and neither one of us came out better for the encounter. I swear, though, that he will die by my arrow one day," she says through clenched teeth. Her hatred for this creature is clear.

"At this point, no, I haven't a clue what's causing them to come together now, but I hope to have more information for you when I return."

"I'll be sure to include you in the meeting when I return to report my findings. In the meantime, please help Hemlock out as much as you can here, he's going to need the help, I think."

"Hmm... let me think. They're afraid of a lot of things, but not much scares them when they gather in sufficient numbers," She smiles and then winks at Urthask, "I suppose that a great bear could probably go a long way in intimidating them, though."

"Yes, well, I think it's time I get to bed, got a long day ahead," She says, a wide smile on her face, obviously amused by Urthask's discomfort. She stands up and walks away, purposely putting a bit of sway into her hips as she goes. It seems that in addition to being a resourceful warrior, she also knows how to use her feminine charms to her advantage.