Deeper Underdark

The second goblin says, "Sure there is a deal we can strike. Pay up, or go a different way. I doubt you surfacers are poor or anything. On the other hand, more business is always useful. How about this, you pay for the 5gp per creature, and we get one of the younglings to lead you through the area. They need the practice and it saves you money. I would, however, suggest offering them some money for their efforts, otherwise you never know where they might lead you." At that last piece he gives a surprisingly devious smile.

The first goblins says, "Or, hear me out, perhaps you leave the four legged creature with horns behind with us, and we'll get one of our friends to serve as your guide. He's more knowledgeable than the younglings and he's very hungry ..." Thinking for a moment, he adds in, "Plus it'll save you 5 gp, as that is one less creature going through."

Wait you want 5 gps for the animals as well?

Oliver is also flabbergasted at the idea that the goat should pay. He opens and closes his mouth a few times, not able to find the words for these sneaky goblins. Then, he takes a breath, calms himself up, and gives it another go:

"I don't think the goat is going to properly enjoy our guide's underdark tour. Perhaps we can agree to skip making the goat pay?"

This is too much for Grin. Unfurling his whip in his hand, he passes Havoc’s lead rope to Oliver and marches up to the goblins. He points at the first goblin who just spoke and says

How dare you insult the Queen of Horns! he gestures back to Havoc. You will pay for your insolence by passing the challenge of the cups! when he says "cups", he uses his Belt of Trickery to make his eyes flash green.

He pulls out some cups from his pack (two cups and a bowl) and shows them to goblins before carefully placing them upside down on the stone floor. He puts a hand into his pocket and pulls out a fist. He opens the fist to reveal what looks like a small silver marble in his palm. He quickly lifts one cup tilts his hand and the marble appears to roll under the cup. He puts the cup down again. And carefully mixes up the bowl and cups, trying to seem mysterious and tricky.

If you can guess where the marble is, we will pay full price for all the creatures in the party. If you cannot guess where the marble is, we pay only 3 gold each, not including our furry companions, Wreak and Havoc. he gestures at the dog and goat.

Consider me generous. he tries to look serious and stoic, looking to the others for some backup.

Stee will go along with this play. He will stow his bow and grab his lasso off his hip then rest his other hand on the hilt of his sword. Sounds fair to me. A game of chance for the price.

The two goblins look puzzled for a moment, then look at each other with wicked grins. "Sure. We'll play your game, but, if you lose, you pay full price for all creatures. If you win you pay 5 gp for each person, but not the animals. Is that acceptable?" says the second goblin. The first goblin adds, "We can't go below the 5 gp."

Grin looks to the others for confirmation that the deal is acceptable.

Oliver notices Grin's gaze and hops in. "Well that's alchematically a terrible deal, but let's go!"

Stee will give Grin a nod keeping his eye on the Goblins.

Grin looks back and nods. Point to which cup you think holds the marble.

The two goblins nod to each other, then the first says, "I choose this cup." As he says that he reaches out and gently places his hand on the cup so it can't be moved. At the same time, the second goblin flips the other two over showing that they have nothing under them. "Did we guess correctly?" queries the first goblin as he pulls his hand back.

After an uncomfortable silence, the goblins both let out a pretty long cackle and the second one says, "That was a fun diversion. Thank you for that. Tell you what. Pay 35 GP total and one of the younglings will guide you through." The first goblin adds, "The youngling will be my nephew, and he's annoyingly clever."

Grin has no words. His mouth hangs open in confusion.

Having realized that these, or at least these two, goblins aren't quite what was expected, the group follows the pair back to their gatehouse. They take the 35 GP (I'll let you all figure out who pays what) and gives each person a simple stone pendant on a string (really a thin length of leather/sinew) to indicate they are guests of the settlement. Even Wreak and Havok get one to show they are passing through and not potential food. Everyone hopes these are honored, but there isn't much they can do about it right now.

The first goblin then disappears for a few moments while the second goblin hands out the pendants. After several minutes, the first goblin reappears with a shorter goblin. He introduces the new goblin to the group. "This is Serk. He is my nephew and will be your guide through our territory." Turning to Serk, he says, "Serk, you will take these fine people to the exit that leads in the direction of Brahdhavehl. If there is anything that they want to look at along the way, help them. You are not to leave them until they make it to the exit. Do this, and I will give you 10 silver for your efforts. Do you understand?"


Serk looks at the group, then back to his uncle and nods his head. "Yes, I understand. I will do as requested."

With that Serk leads the group away from the gate into the settlement. It takes a couple of minutes to get into position, but when you do, you look out into a large cavern that is an amazing warren of ledges, platforms, and walkways. There is torchlight (or magic that approximates such) everywhere. There is no apparent organization to the structures or walkways and it would be trivial to get hopelessly lost in there. Each piece is simply constructed using something that approximates wood, actual wood, sinew, and simple nails. However, the whole together is hopeless complex. It looks like it should all just collapse in on itself, but instead appears to be surprisingly sturdy. As your eyes take it in, you can see where there are little shops, businesses, smithies, food marts, and more you don't immediately recognize yet. There are also dozens of goblins all going about their business, of which there appears to be plenty. You do notice a few non-goblins about, but they seem to be rare.

"What is the name you give this settlement" Brewner ask Serk

Before leaving the original two goblins, Grinfletch shakes hands with them and congratulates them on seeing through his trickery.
Yes, and how many people live here?! Also, where can we find some food?