2. The First Delve

Ricard prepares to rush in...

Old Animal Pen
"Goblins?" replies one of the kobolds in high-pitched, heavily accented common. "We look Goblins too. They buy stuff, …" (pointing to the crates and casks) "... but they not bring money."

"You want?" he adds optimistically.

---
Day 3, 10:30 pm
Bob, Thief 1: 4/4
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

With a big friendly smile and a curiosity in his eye Pickles says, "What have you got here my friend, and how much are we talking?"

Pickles will walk down towards the Kobolds to check out the goods.

As Pickles takes the lead on the kobold conversation, Gabbro says an aside to Luther and Ricard: "I'm beginning to get a little concerned about the lack of goblins in this area. Either something beat us to our job, they got wind of our job and cleared out, they left to do something else, or we've been sent on a fool's errand. I don't know which possibility I like least."

Old Animal Pen
One of the kobolds opens up a few of the crates to show you what they have. The bulk of the consignment is rations. Lots of them. Easily a hundred days worth, if not more. There are also casks of wine and a box of crossbow bolts.

"50 gold," the kobold responds to Pickles. "If goblins don’t want, you can buy."

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Day 3, 10:30 pm
Bob, Thief 1: 4/4
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Ricard replies to Gabbro,

"Seems likely that we missed some sort of spider hole they crawled into, squirly buggers that they are."

Pickles gives a low whistle at the asking price. "That is a lot of clams you be wanting. How long do we have to wait for the goblins then? And if they don’t be coming, then we’d be doing you a favor by taking the goods."

Old Animal Pen
"We wait long enough. You buy now. Good deal. Or we take back to Korners."

The other kobolds look somewhat dismayed at the thought of having to drag the litters all the way back to the market.

At this point, Gabbro, and only Gabbro, hears some strange noises coming from the northwest. They’re feint, barely audible, but they sound like a low growl, followed by a yelp. They’re definitely not originating from within this room; they must be coming from an adjacent space.

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Day 3, 10:40 pm
Bob, Thief 1: 4/4
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Still in a low voice to not interrupt Pickles' masterful negotiations, Gabbro hisses to the others outside the room, nodding to the north: "Did you hear that? Something is coming..." He looks grimly at Ricard, his grip tightening on the spear. "There's another possibility...maybe the goblins were eaten."

Ricard follows Gabbro's lead and nods meaningfully as he draws his sword and takes up a position to ambush the coming threat...

Luther will set the lantern down out of the way and and ready himself with mace and shield.

Pickles pauses rubbing his chin as if thinking, never taking his eyes off the Kobold speaking to him. "Ok how about you give me two crates, the bolts and a cask for fifty silver. Saving your boys a bit of anguish?"

Jessica's hand slips to her hammer and looses it from her belt.

Old Animal Pen
"One crate, the bolts and a cask for EIGHTY silver," responds the kobold, narrowing his eyes in an attempt to put on his best negotiating face.

As Pickles ponders the counter-offer, the bartering is interrupted by a sudden grating noise. A hitherto secret door in the northern wall opens to reveal two leashed, snarling wolves and a gaggle of goblins. The goblins seem somewhat taken aback when they discover that the kobolds have company.

At this point, it would be reasonable for all parties to roll for surprise, regardless of whether we end up in combat. Please could someone, anyone, roll 1d6 for the Hellions.

Mapping information: the secret door is in the westernmost section of the northern wall.

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Day 3, 10:40 pm
Bob, Thief 1: 4/4
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Okay

Pickles oblivious of the door and engaged in his negotiations, brings his hand to his belly and gives a chuckle. "Please pull the other one, it makes cow noises. Fifty-seven silver."

Old Animal Pen
With both the Hellions and the kobolds surprised by the new arrivals (or, in Pickles’ case, too absorbed in his haggling to notice them), the wolves and goblins spill into the room. Each of the two wolves is leashed by a pair of goblins, but even then they are barely under control, growling and slavering in a most aggressive manner.

Eight further goblins follow behind (making twelve in total). Three of the goblins have crossbows that they train upon you. Two of the goblins are noticeably larger than the others.

"LEAVE!!" barks one of the larger goblins. It’s clear from the accompanying gestures that this command applies to both you and the kobolds. Several of the goblins move to place themselves between you and the kobolds' supplies.

---
Day 3, 10:40 pm
Bob, Thief 1: 4/4
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"Maybe we should move on."