Episode 1: The Salvaged Job

"They ambush and attack caravans. Those that resist are slain," the goblin continues, nodding toward the bodies. "The rest are taken prisoner, along with their spoils. This was perhaps their best raid, for there were twelve wagons."

"Into the desert," answers the goblin. "As to your other question, I know not what they may be called by elves or men. They look like dogs that walk on two legs.

"If you are satisfied with these answers, I will leave you be." They wait, ready to depart, for your dismissal.

For Coda and Daniel, the description of dog-men calls to mind lycanthropes and shapeshifters, where stories of such beings depict them as beasts that walk upright. Either that, or gnolls, who are more hyena-like but do have some similarities.

The white-haired goblin almost starts to shy away from the extended hand, eyeing Coda and Maenor for a moment. They seem to come to a conclusion, and gingerly clasp the halfling's hand.

The goblin studies all of you, mulling things over in contemplation. Finally, they hesitantly ask, "What... will you do now?"

The white-haired goblin does not appear deceptive in their mention of "dog-men." Coda figures that the goblin's initial defensiveness might have been borne out of a need to ensure the safety of their people, since they seem more engaged now that they are alone. Coda definitely gets the sense that the white-haired goblin is studying the demeanor of the party at this very moment.

"I see," they say, concluding something based on Coda's statement. "You were expecting these wagons?"

They squint at you, thoughtfully. "Hm... yes, perhaps."

"You bear the garb of adventurers, yes? You are... capable?" asks the goblin. "You might actually succeed in defeating the dog-men and their master. Yet if you fail, it will undoubtedly come back to me and my people..." The white-haired one shows obvious hesitation as they perform numerous mental calculations.

"I know where they lair," says the white-haired goblin. "But I will not guide your journey only for you to be captured and made to reveal who helped you. As capable as you may be, if you are taken prisoner you stand no chance of resisting the will of their master.

"Perhaps a test? Yes, if you prove yourselves against the unseemly one, you would do much to ease my misgivings. What say you?"