Episode 1: The Salvaged Job

The white-haired goblin shakes its head. "This is no place for my people. Another may come and lay claim to this lair, but we'll have some time before that happens. I thank you for destroying the dog-men's master. With its power broken, my people will be safe.

"You have risked your own lives for this, and while you have your own goals, you did help us. I offer an invitation for you to come to our village. My people should know their saviors, and you will find safe lodging. What do you say?"

"If you wish," says the white-haired goblin. "It will be a day or two until we reach the village, and again we'll be traveling across the desert. Of course, I don't think you have want for provisions this time."

The white-haired goblin says, "My people would not last if we lived so close to our enemy." It then points to the pantry. "If you're concerned about supplies, why not take from the dog-men?"

You pile a number of supplies onto one of the large wagons, clearing out the pantries and half the armories of stock. You understand that you could fit more goods into the wagon if you sacrifice passenger space, and Maribel is also there to accommodate some of the load. The white-haired goblin waits patiently while you work, his frail-looking frame assisting with loading supplies as needed when provided direction.

With a laden wagon hitched to a pair of horses, you set off into the desert. The white-haired goblin is on foot as it leads the way, navigating a circuitous route that makes it easier for vehicle travel. You weave through low valleys and around the crests of arid hills of scrub brush. Weather, combined with ancient tectonic movement and dried-up rivers, carve a rugged terrain marked with cacti and Joshua trees.

The desert becomes a bit more difficult to travel now as pathways tumble into rocky canyons, and at times you are forced to backtrack as the wagon threatens to become stuck in the narrow passages, or fall off the sharp cliffs. Finding new means takes more time than anticipated.

"I apologize for the delays," says the white-haired goblin. "We do not usually bring large things like this with us. As it is nearing dusk, I suggest we camp for the evening and continue in the morning. We are perhaps a third of the way."

The white-haired goblin offers to assist the last watch and settles into a curled position upon the bare ground.

Your campsite in the lee of a cliff provides enough shelter, and the glow of your fire warms the night air. The evening is buzzing with the sound of insects, but the ambiance is all that intrudes upon your rest.

You rise with the morning, the temperature plummeting briefly into chill before the sun breaks the horizon. Taking sustenance as you can, you set off once again and navigate your way across the desert.

Luck seems to be with you this day and you make excellent time despite the constant switchbacks through desert canyons. As the sun begins to fall on the second day of travel, your goblin guide tells you that you are not that far from the village. You still have several hours of walking ahead of you, but if you choose to skip camp and press, you would reach your destination around midnight.

The choice is yours.