Chapter 1: Just Another Day in the Wasteland

Ilori Stormwind and Dalaran
You both recognize the tracks as being made by one of the varieties of sand worms native to these parts. But whether they're the harmless kind, or the kind that could take down this cart and you with it. There is a chance they have moved on from this area, but that might leave the ground unstable.

"We can't avoid them both." Venia turns to face Ilori. "So which will it be, child? The worms or the goblins?"

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Finneas the Meek
Like most days out in this desert, almost all the landscape is just sand as far as the eye can see. But something is different today. In the distance to the northeast you can see some enormous structure sticking out of the sand at an angle, almost like it crashed, or the desert has begun to swallow it up.

Ilori Stormwind and Dalaran
"Right then, bows out, no use getting too close if we can't help it." She lets go of her axe, directing the lizards towards the miniature dust storm to the south.

Despite the distance you saw before, it's not long at all before you can see a pack of small, green-skinned humanoids riding machines belching black smoke behind them, looking like they're cobbled together from scrap parts, most likely ready to break down at any moment. Approaching are four of these machines, each with one goblin driving and one strapped onto the back, one carrying a beat-up rifle that is far too big for it, the other three each wearing a leather satchel, the contents of which you can't see yet. All eight of them are clad in scrap metal armor decorated with tiny spikes, some banging on it as they chatter excitedly in a language none of you recognize.

The goblin with the rifle pops off a couple of shots, one of which goes wide. The other catches Venia is the shoulder, but it doesn't seem to phase her much, or at least she doesn't show it, despite the nasty-looking wound. "Now would be a very good time to start shooting, child!"

I don't have to think. Just do. I lunge forward in a savage blow with my wrist blade in front of me, my arm extended like a spear to stab at my opponent. This is followed with almost blinding speed by a knee to the midsection.

Grevvn
She takes the blade right in the arm, but doesn't seem to react as much as you'd expect. The knee she sees coming, extending a clawed gauntlet to catch it before you can make contact. She looks up at you, smiling like you'd just told a joke instead of stabbing her.

"My turn." You can see her eyes dilate, and she lashes out with a straight punch to your chest. It hurts way more than you'd expect for her size.

One of the vehicles charges at your cart, taking a hard left when it gets close so that it's now running parallel to you. The goblin on the back pulls a palm-sized metal sphere with a rope attached out of its bag and swings it over its head, aiming for the horn Dalaran is holding. But just as he releases the ball, the vehicle hits a bump, as he lobs it over the target's head. It impacts the sand and bursts into a ball of dark red flame. The bike pulls away as the goblin digs around for another projectile.

"While I do appreciate the fact that you're ready to go and I admire your enthusiasm, it may be a while yet before we head out. I'd suggest taking care of any last minute business here while I go round up some muscle, since it's unlikely we're the first ones to notice that structure. James starts making his way farther into the compound. "If you gents need me, I'll be in the arena. You're welcome to come along if you're otherwise set."