Episode 1: The Salvaged Job

The white-haired goblin remains where they are, though they watch Geno's actions very carefully. With narrowed eyes, they study the tiefling, glance over to Kalis and Daniel, spare a look at Maenor, and seems to come to some conclusion. They return their gaze to Coda.

"I will not call back my people," they say, almost eloquently in a tenor that lacks the harshness of the goblin language. There is a cadence to their words that belies a higher intelligence than most goblins are presumed to have. "Our conversation does not depend on their presence. They will leave, and you and your companions will let them leave unharmed. In return, I will stay and answer your questions."

They wait to hear your response.

"You've asked your question and I will answer, but not under these conditions," says the white-haired goblin. They frown. "You ask for trust, then tell me that the act of my people leaving is considered 'aggression?' You call for leadership, to have me put my people in your hands, yet you are not leader of your own group and 'can't make promises?'

"Perhaps, as you've said, I 'haven't been very trustworthy,' and while your actions thus far have earned you this discussion, I haven't seen anything else from you worth trusting."

The goblin straightens, as best they can against their staff. Their chin lifts in an expression of resolve. "I promised you my cooperation. My people will leave. Whatever your leader decides to make of it will demonstrate how much he desires the answer to your question."

The white-haired goblin looks to each person as they speak, wheels clicking in their head as they try to decipher the group's intentions. Finally, they turn and gently lifts their hand to call attention from the other goblins. They calmly speak a few words, perhaps some instructions given the nature and context. They touch a hand to their chest and speaks again, then makes a 'go forth' gesture.

One of the goblins steps forward and barks a statement, or a question (it's hard to tell with Goblin). They seem to not agree with what the white-haired goblin said. Another goblin reaches forward to pull the first back, as though guiding them away. The other goblins gingerly back away, with those furthest from the party turning to walk into the desert.

The white-haired goblin says a few more words. Though guttural and raspy, these words seem to give comfort to the hesitant goblin, who joins the others as they depart. The white-haired one leans on their staff as they watch them go.

The goblins disappear into the desert. The white-haired goblin turns to face your group again, and points to a nearby wagon with their staff. "This is the work of dog-men and their underlings," they say, with a heavy sigh. "It is not the first group of travelers that have been attacked here. Much of whatever would be valuable to men such as you has already been taken by them, but you are free to see that for yourselves."

The white-haired goblin reaches down to pick up the documents. You can see their eyes scanning the words on the letters. Finally they look back up at you. "This letter reads,

Quote:

Guarg's advances into our territory will not be tolerated. The takeover of several waypoints along the merchant trail is an act of aggression that is undoubtedly a precursor to an invasion. For now, observe their activity and make note of their movements. Reports are expected daily.

Vulzal

"The second letter says,

Quote:

Vrard,

I know you have been in contact with the orc's men at the western checkpoint. You are ordered to maintain this arrangement and report back with everything you have discovered. Do this, and I will look favorably upon this otherwise treasonous act.

Vulzal

"This map, however. I am not familiar with the area it describes. These markings are labeled as outposts, with a main camp up north. The two towers are marked as checkpoints."

The goblin holds the letters and map out, returning them to Coda.

The white-haired goblin shakes their head. "I do not know these names. I can tell you that those were written in Goblin. In my experience, the dog-men do not speak it."

The goblin tilts their head, as though considering whether or not to answer. "Raiders and murderers for their dark masters," they finally say. "We avoid them as much as we can, as they hunt us for sport. But they prefer better prey." They point to a broken wagon with their staff as an example.