Castle of the Robber Knight

You are alive. Good. Orla greet Makander from the shadows nearby. Today is not my day, I'm only screwing you up. Will be best for everyone if you go without me

While Aodhan converses with the orc, Bastonn begins checking the alcoves the goblins were sleeping in, looking for anything useful or valuable.

Despite the wizard's best efforts, the orc clamps its lips shut and shakes its head. Whatever the deal is with it and its pig, it seems far too concerned to talk any more. What is it that has the orc spooked so?

Bastonn, trying to be productive, sniffs around and roots around the room. The dark and the stench of dead goblins manage to block his efforts, and he returns empty handed.

Seeing the orc become tightlipped, the old wizard will just sigh now feeling tired with this. Back to the blubbering goblin:

"Who is the Merle and what is up there posing a threat to this Orc's pig. Please keep in mind that I don't have all day, useful information is all that will keep you alive right now."

The goblin, with eyes wide, explains that the pig has been lost up in the castle and that they have been unable to catch it. It references a game called "pig chasing," but shrugs when asked to elaborate. "The big lug thinks we're going to eat the pig when we catch it!"

Outside, where Orla and Makander wait, a flock of ravens erupt from the nearby forest and surge the pair, heading straight for the tower! Beak and talon cut and tear as the birds pass by, threatening to bring you along as food!

"Of course I'm alive, child... would take more than a few goblins to get rid of me!" said the Knight as he tried to lighten the mood, he could sense the inner doubts of his younger companion, "That's nonsense... you just need to learn to look before you leap lassy," he said with a smile, "But look," pointing to the dead goblin on the ground, "You prevented that one from getting the drop on us" He was about to say more when a menacing flock of ravens exited the nearby forest and made their way straight towards them.

The Mallard stepped in front of Orla to block her from the viscous birds as he swiped his axe towards them trying to take out as many as he could.

Having lost his patience with this whole interaction, Bastonn walks up to the trembling goblin and delivers a fierce backhand across its face. "We’re done with you, runt!" he growls. "Go stand in the corner of your alcove there and face the wall. If you turn around before we all leave this room, I’ll nail you to the wall." Bastonn brandishes his smaller throwing spear at the goblin for emphasis.

Turning his attention to Grunta, he commands "Lead us up to the castle entrance, orc. Once we are reunited with our allies above, we will help find your precious pig. And I strongly suggest you don’t try my patience unless you want to end up like the rest of his friends," he adds, gesturing to the goblin corpses strewn about the pit.

Outside of the cellar, Makander braves the congress of ravens as they sweep past him, providing a sort of buffer for the wounded Orla. When they have passed, the mallard looks untouched by the weaponized extremities of the birds, though his armor looks to be in need of a good painting. They fly past and up to the top of the tower.

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Down below, the goblin does as commanded and cowers in a corner, shaking through trembling breaths. The orc hesitantly moves towards the stairs in the back. Pushing up a trapdoor at the top, daylight streams through to the cellar showing a place of neglect... and goblin corpses.

From the position along the eastern wall, the orc (Grunta) points shakily at the gateway leading back out of the keep. "That way to get out, but the boss stays there!" She points towards the structure along the western wall.

One more escaped. with note of both anger and disappointment Orla answer to Makander when he point out one dead goblin.
Did you finish all the Nightkin down there? Let's throw a rope to help rest of them out

Bastonn pushes past the anxious orc towards the indicated gateway, long spear at the ready.

At the gateway, it is easy enough to spot Orla and Makander on the far side. No other goblins are visible.

Aodhan follows, still clutching his side. He'll gesture for Grunta to follow as well. He smiles at the sight of his other friends. "What a grand start to this adventure. Really makes one feel...alive."

Whispering to the group and gesturing to the his wounds:

"Anyone have anything to help with this?"

The party finds themselves together once more, separated only by the pit lying in wait under the gatehouse. Grunta looks nervous, and looks nervously about for her pig of which there is no sign.

Orc? Why the hell it is still breathing? Orla cry and she aim Grunta with her bow and two arrows in it, but her hands are shaking and she barrelly stand her feet.