Chapter 2: Local Heroes

Khel absentmindedly tapped the table with his finger as he answered, "Or we can strike at the one who is rousing the goblins to attack. Maybe without the leader, they will be confused and unable to form a horde to attack?"

Nodding in agreement with Khel "Aye, cut off the head of the snake and the body will die. Goblins are cowardly creatures, without a strong leader they'll go back to squabbling and their own matters."

"Not that I'm against wiping out the entire lot. Which one is the leader again? Ripnugget?"

"I agree with striking at the leader. As disagreeable as we may,find goblins, to wantonly kill sentient creatures is unnecessary unless they pose a direct danger. The question is where to best look for the leader. Perhaps this Thistletop place," the half-orc strokes his chin in thought.

"Looks like we're facing goblins whether we want to or not," Saldrina offers.

Khel nodded, "Hmm, it looks like trying to find the leader of the goblins in the woods would be very difficult. We will need a guide who knows the Nettlewood, or we will be easily ambushed and overwhelmed."

"The ranger knows the area well. I'm sure it wouldn't take much to convince her to join us, if it means clearing the area." Grim chimes in.

"Thistletop it is."

Chigaru spends his time before setting out gathering a few supplies and checking in with his dog, Chakra. He takes her for a nice long walk, plays some fetch, and gives her some dried jerky as a snack. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave for a few days to see about some goblins. They hate dogs so it won't be safe for you. I want you to stay here with the Sheriff and help protect Sandpoint while I'm gone." Chakra gives a yip in resigned understanding.

Grim goes to check in on the Wheen family, his anger at what happened in the store basement having gradually evaporated. He lets Bilivar know he'll be gone for a bit, to check on the goblin threat. He eyes Shayliss and gives her a polite smile but doesn't say anything.

He then makes his way to the Hagfish, doing the same for Jargie Quinn. "Make sure to keep Norah fed. Amazing she's made it this long.", not realizing the hagfish has been replaced a few dozen times already.

Lastly, he spends some time polishing and fixing any nicks on his maul. The stone head, cold iron band, and dark wood handle in overall great condition, despite the many conflicts it's been through, both now and in the past. Satisfied it's ready, "Let's go to work Beauty."