01 Arrival At Dawnsmoor (IC Thread)

Pomin frowns his brow scrunching up as he wiggles and shivers slightly,

"Blasted, river weather... I have the mind to go and get some of my winter wear from my pack." he complains to himself rubbing his arms with his hands. The nice thing about traveling by see was the speed, plus the amount of random drunken fools that took up to banditry were less he figured. If anything was going to happen on a chilly dull night it was something to take seriously, no bandits drunk on ale and stumbling about but something serious.

The things one does in the hopes of getting a Gilded Rune... Pomin thinks before letting out a tittering mischievous cackle.

On uncertain footing Khurza walks around the perimeter, not entirely used to the slight rocking of the barge. Looking towards the landscape she considers how green everything is, another reminder of how far she is from home. Out of the corner of her eye she notices the smallest silhouette of a bird. Damn thing is still following me, but to what end? The sound of laughter breaks her thoughts, and she resumes her 'patrol', walking toward Pomin.

You laugh like a scheming man. She says plainly while leaning against the railing, once again staring at her surroundings.

"Well most men do miss... only a few fellows get what they desire is life though. But we do love to dream." Pomin states realizing his laughter got the better of him an impish smile still lingering on his face.

Prong prods Motem as the beast slumbers upon a coil of rope. The animal will not be stirred it seems as it merely roll over in its sleep, paying no mind to its handler.

"Fine, sleep well. It will be your job to get breakfast in the morning." the young woman says to her sleeping pet. Turning to the others on watch she looks them over, taking their measure. Approaching the gnome she says, "If you are cold, I can fetch you a blanket, grandfather. The night is not so cold as that, is it?" Her tone is one of mirth as she stands hands on hips just behind Pomin.

Nya smiles fondly, amused at Prong's propensity to take care of everyone. She doesn't take her eyes from scanning the water to the aft of the ship, nor does she respond aloud to the banter.

"I haven't sired any spawn yet... not that I know of, but it's nice to know you think of me as 'experienced' in that department." Pomin teases back with a wink.

Big talk. She says while maintaining her stance.

Prong smiles at Pomin, glad that he's such a good sport. Something catches her eye and she looks out over the water.

Nya mouths, "Spawn?" silently to herself as she looks over the water.

As the group stands on deck a scraping sound catches Pomin’s ear. Glancing over the side of the barge he spots what he assumes at first to be a collection of detritus floating in the river until he realises it has been lashed together to for a rough raft....the several small figures he can also see scrambling aboard are also a cause for concern!

"RIVER RATS BOARDING!" Pomin belts out looking around for the best place to defend on the ship with some elevation.

"Motem! To me!" Prong hollers to her owl bear as she readies her ax for battle.

Grasping her weapons Khurza takes a deep breath. Stay focused, we are outnumbered.

"Pomin, there!"

Pomin grumbles about Nya's long strides as he huffs to catch up jumping up and rolling into a firing position he pulls his bow and looks for the closest target. He grunts slightly as he AimsFumbling with his quiver at the odd angle the small Halfling lets out a large set of obscenities giving his companions a bit of a laugh in the sudden dire situation.

As Pomins takes their shot there is the sound of cackling and a few obscenities thrown in the halflings direction from the goblins as the arrow sails past them.

Leave. Khurza says as she charges towards the group Pomin fired his arrow at. The goblins block her strikes, but Khurza can tell her attack put them off balance.

Prong growls and her expression turns fierce as she channels the spirit of rage to add power to her swing. She strikes out at the first goblin she can reach and her owl bear Motem follows, tearing into the small creatures with similar ferocity.

Motem bowls into the goblins ripping with claws and biting at soft flesh.

Motem bounds forwards, snapping at one of the goblins but they don’t seem too bothered by it’s attacks. Turning the Goblins lunge at Prong and Khurza with their rough blades but asides from a few light scratches to Prong their attacks have no effect.

Nya turns and fires her bow at another group of goblins, not wanting to accidentally injure her friends.

Nya takes a breath before firing an arrow at one of the goblins. She feels a moment of frustration as it glances off the shoulder of the first one but that is quickly gone as the arrow hurries itself into the neck of one of the goblins bringing up the rear. It looks surprised as it reaches for the arrow shaft before it falls over quite dead.

A few goblin curse words get spat out by the last group as they shakily level bows in Nya’s direction and return fire....she jerks to the side as the arrow narrowly misses.

"Wait wait I think I got it this time!" Pomin states hopefully as he aims and focuses.

Taking a deep breath, Khurza goes for a more precise apporach to her blows. With an overhead strike she embeds her axe in a goblin head, slamming it into the ground with weight of her strike. Instantly she yanks out her axe and cleaves into another with a loud warcry.

Prong hacks at the goblin boarders with her massive great ax, roaring with a ferocity that does not seem to fit the gently natured young woman everyone met at the start of the trip.

The owlbear Motem, once again lays into the goblins with all his young fury.

Pomin breathes deeply, steadying himself, waiting until the goblins shift position as one moves in front of the other before letting loose his shot. A wet gurgling noise is quickly followed by another and two thumps as both goblins die.

Prong and Motem tear into the pair of goblins left in front of them, working in tandem they take advantage of each others movements and quickly dispatch another two.

Krurza roars once again, axe flashing out. The first goblin collapses to the floor, it's intestines making a fairly unpleasant puddle on the deck, the second quickly looses its head and the third takes a gash across it's chest as it scrambles back eyes wide in terror from the onslaught.

The lone remaining goblin looks around whilst clutching at it's chest. Realizing all of it's companions have fallen it turns and throws itself from the rail of the barge. A thud and a goblin curse word quickly follows as it hit's the 'raft' they used to board the Bilge Runner before you all hear the expected splashing of the goblin getting to the water.


The night is quiet for a moment and you all catch your breath before the sound of feet running from below decks breaks the silence. The imposing figure of Captain Kirill runs onto deck leading a group of partially dressed sailors carrying a variety of improvised weapons you assume they grabbed as they ran for the deck. "What's going on here?" he shouts out before he takes a proper look at the scene on deck, his eyes going wide at the sight of the goblins "Some unexpected guests?" he asks as he waves some of the sailors forwards to clear the deck of the bodies.

"Oh he's running that's jovial." Pomin comments jumping down and snatching up rope to jury rig a snare for the boat. He lets out a grunt in a last ditch effort to capture the survivor.

This was a dumb idea... he thinks to himself wondering why the smallest person on deck got the idea to do something like this.

Pomin - as the rope flies out and goes taut you have a moment of satisfaction at hearing the goblin's surprised squealing. This is cut short as the rope tugs in your hand and catches you off guard and pulling you from your feet. The end of the rope slips from your hand and quickly slithers towards the side of the barge....

Prong dives for the rope as it starts sliding over the low edge of the craft. She lets her ax drop and it starts to slide away, but her owl bear turns away from his last kill and fetches it like a dog with a thrown stick.

Prong dives forwards and just manages to snag the end of the rope as it starts to slip off the edge of the barge. Planting her feet she starts to reel in the now shouting and squealing goblin, her arms shaking with the effort now that the adrenalin from the fight is fading away, and in fairly short order she has the damp bedraggled creature sprawled on the deck before her.

"WAAAAAAA!!! MERCY GREAT ONE! YOU NO KILL MUKMIK!!!!!" the goblin screams and shouts whilst tears are running down it's face.

"Didn't 'ou and ya mates just try attemp'ed ta just kill us? I've 'alf a mind to ask Prong if 'er companion was 'ungry but you might give 'em an upset stomach. Wouldntya? Oy, why'd you opt to attempt some river banditry? You have an idea boats coming through 'ere would 'ave some cards." Pomin spouts after getting up and pokeing the goblin while wiping his mouth.

Bullocks... bite me tongue on that one. he thinks to himself spitting out a bit of blood on the deck.

Prong drags the goblin toward Motem and lets the owlbear sniff and growl at the greenskin.

The Goblin looks at Motem with eyes wide and it's feet scrambling on the deck desperately trying in vain to scramble back from the owlbear "MUKMIK NOT KNOW! MUKMIK AND OTHERS TOLD TO COME AND FLOAT TO BIG RAFT, GREAT MUGLACK SAID SHE WOULD TURN US INSIDE OUT IF WE NOT!!! PLEASE NO FEED MUKMIK TO BEAST!!!!!"

Pomin had his tongue hanging out as far as possible and was trying to see if it was biten staring down his nose and looked a bit odd.

With a sigh that it seemed impossible currently he nodded at the goblin's story, "Right so what do we think, Muglack like a matriarch type for these lot? Mukmik how many goblins didn't come with you and which way is this Muglack. You've let her plan be known so she might not be kindly to you now." he advised smack his lips and wagging his tongue a bit, "Captain Kirill, Sir, if they were told to float out here for some reason them coming up and causing havoc may not have been the actual plan, this might be a distraction for something else going on so I think we should be on guard. Lets be on the look out for anything ahead that could have us run aground maybe." Pomin added.

Maybe he was just a bit overly cautious or paranoid or maybe it was because he was quite timid but he knew it. Being careful had it's advantages too...

He looked to the rest of the group to see if they had any thoughts on this to add.

Standing behind Mukmik, Khurza grabs his arm tightly to prevent him from backing up any further, positive he knows more.

It is rather bold for such a group to attack a guarded...ship. I'm certain Mukmik will tell us all he knows, unless he wishes to die where he stands. Her expression is stone cold, and she begins to pull him closer to Motem.

Prong prods Motem's front paw so that the beast places it on the goblin's chest. The owlbear finds something interesting and moves in closer, sniffing at the goblins collar bone. The goblin can feel the sharp beak scraping across the tender vital flesh, so near the important veins and arteries.

"Right, glad I'm over here... dangerous women seem a little more charming on this side of things..." Pomin comments lowly to himself and get back on a perch to look around figuring the ladies have it handled just fine with out his 5 stones of minor menace.

Likewise satisfied her comrades have the interrogation well in hand, Nya returns to keeping watch over the river.

Frustrated by her earlier failure to notice the interlopers, Nya peers into the darkness.

"Right so what do you think, is this Matriarch possibly looking for a new husband that would be kidnapped and brought back to marry her possibly ya think?" Pomin asks his lookout mate to little the mood.

Khurza/Prong - Mukmik starts shaking and from the puddle rapidly growing around the creature you're pretty certain he's taking your threats seriously "ME NOT KNOW! PLEASE NO KILL MUKMIK!!! MUGLACK ONLY SENT US ME THINK! SHE SAID TO TAKE ALL THE SHINEYS FROM THE LAZY PINK SKINS! PLASE NO KILL, NO KILL MUKMIK!!!!" it keeps pleading for it's lif over and over again.

Nya - you start to patrol around the edge of the barge but do not see anything of note in the darkness.

Pomin - as you ponder the motivations of the goblin matriarch your eyes scan the far shore....your head snaps back to a patch of darkness in the distance and you feel suddenly tense (Threat - take 1 strain) as you just barely pick out the signs of movement. At this distance in the darkness it is a bit hard to make out too much detail but you can see a figure, fairly short you think, that seems to be holding a staff of some kind moving back into the darkness flanked by another couple of figures. Before you can alert anyone else to their presence they have vanished into the darkness.

Prong leans in to whisper to Khurza. "Maybe we should ask the captain what he wants to do with it. Maybe he needs an extra deck hand. The goblin might be good with a mop. I doubt this Muglack will bother us again on this trip. Likely she'l cut her losses and look for easier pickings."

Meanwhile Motem continues to sniff and paw at the goblin looking for any hidden food the owlbear can eat.

If this is what passes for a raid, we have no cause for concern. She says with the slightest hint of arrogance. Looking at the rather loud Goblin, her brow furrows for a second.

I am tempted to kill him now for his part... But it would be cruel to slaughter such a helpless fool. Whatever his skills may be, they aren't fighting. I will leave his fate in your hands. Walking over to Mukmik, she bangs the pommel of her axe into the barge to get their attention. You will be silent now.

"No eating...yet." She gently admonishes the owlbear, then Prong heads off to find the skipper leaving Motem to watch the goblin.

Nya starts to relax as the waters remain peaceful.

"Aye. Sounds like a plan, sir." she walks back to the goblin.

"Sorry mate. Looks like you are on your own. I would advise that, if you get to shore, you run and never look back. 'Cause if we see you again, I will ffeed you to Motem, and if your boss sees you again, she'll think of something worse."

With that she unties the goblin and throws it over the side of the boat, unceremoniously, waits for the splash and returns to her post.

Pomin squints and leans forward peering and leans even farther forward before swearing as things disappear from his sight.

"The surivivor might be speaking the truth in that he was suppose to try and rob us. Since they were repelled I have other suspensions Captain. From a criminal mindset if something is guarded or repels an attack it might have something on it worth guarded of value... or there's someone who doesn't want you to get to our destination Sir. They had spotters on the banks that are skilled in concealment or magic to mask their presence. I'm leaning towards the later." Pomin states coming back to the others and advising the Captain so he can make a decision. "Alright river rat, anything else we need to know... anyone come recently to visit Muglack, like right before you all attacked us in the past few days and has she had you do this to other boats." Pomin asked the watery goblin holding up a piece of wood as an incentive or bribe.

Pomin having a final moment to rest plops down in a spool of ropes and sighs.

"Thanks sir, we'll put it to good use. Good luck on the river hopefully it'll be smooth going for your next trip." Pomin states with a salute hopping up to accept the purse of coins.

Once off Pomin looks at the pulse of Dawnsmoor as he moves about it's daily actions. "Well ladies, were we headed to?" Pomin asks looking about.

Prong's gaze darts about the busy docks, taking in all the new sights and faces. She has a broad smile on her face, she is eager for new adventures. "For myself and Motem, I think we would find ourselves a market square, get some breakfast, and then see what adventure this city has to offer."

I am not a...city person. Khurza looks at the docks and what can be seen of the city expanse, looking tense. But food sounds wise, with luck we could also find a job. Taking a deep breath her body slowly becomes visibly relaxed.

"Sounds great to me," Nya says with a grin. She playfully slaps Khurza's shoulder and adds, "Don't worry, us cityfolk will look after you. Me, I'm just glad to be back on sold ground."

"Well this is interesting. You feel better among your own, Khurza?" Prong says tapping her companion on the shoulder. Turning to the tavern, "That place looks decent enough. Let's go."

Prong and Motem begin making their way toward the tavern

It could be worse... Khurza says with a hint of skepticism, regardless she follows Prong closely.

"Who? Ah, indeed sir! An amazing eye for wonders, sir. I present Motem the Marvelous! The worlds only trained dancing owlbear! He tumbles and turns as gracefully as any gleeman you have ever seen. Allow us, if you will, to give you and your patrons but a taste of our show and should you be well pleased, perhaps our display will earn my companions and I a drink. And if a longer show would suit you better, a meal perhaps?"

Prong capers about a little and claps her hands. Motem knows this is his cue and rises up on his hind legs. He shakes his head and shoulders, a few feathers float to the ground, then he turns a somersault, getting back to his feet in one smooth motion.

"Fair enough. Down Motem. No show now." The beast drops back to all fours with a shake of his head, them plops his hindquarters down on the tavern floor and lets out a animalistic 'hrumph'

"We are hungry travelers, just in this morning. We seek a good hearty meal, that doesn't cost too much, and news of the day, such that might make us fabulously wealthy, or at least, gainfully employed!"

"Feeding us and letting us know where to stay busy and gainfully employed gets us out of your hair and establishment all the quicker." Pomin finally pipes up after looking around the city as he followed the rest.

Pomin nods paying out of the small pouch they had been given with a decent tip for the food, service, and information, "I guess it depends on what the ladies are in the mood to do. That you Sir." Pomin states picking up a bit of food and putting it in front of himself, "After we eat who's up for a small trip over to City Hall?" he asks before eating with surprisingly decent table manners for someone one who spent most of their time in the bush and out abroad scouting for armies.

Nya digs in, happy to let Pomin do the talking and the paying. She raises an amused eyebrow at being described as a lady.

Khurza feels her reluctance wither, for it has been too long since she had a proper meal. Very well. She says plainly, more focused on eating then conversation.

"That sounds like a good plan. Likely that pays better than what Motem and I can make as entertainers." Prong says as she holds our a few cuts of meat and hunk of bread to the owlbear. She puts her 3 silver on the table to pay her share.

"Pomin is my name by the way, I'm done with my contract as a scout for a mercenary group. Looking for something interesting with decent pay, a few good companions, and a bit of fame... like a Gilded Rune would be nice..." he explains when he's not eating before downing his ale. Pomin slides the money for the meal on the table once he's done. "Having a cover for what we're doing isn't a bad idea in case we are doing something a little suspect..." he adds thinking of Prong's comment.

"For example once I have the funds for an instrument I'll take up being a minstrel." he explains.

And what exactly will you do once you have this precious Gilded Rune? Khurza asks skeptically, finishing off her food.

"Only reason you get one, to flaunt it... with my height I'll never honestly be mistaken as a noble but someone of competence in the mercantile business wouldn't be a stretch to assume... or an agent for a mercenary company... Besides swift fingers would always be looking to relieve me of it." he admits realizing it probably sounds a little petty or small in the grander scheme of things as he looks at the three ladies. "Battle Maids for Hire by Pomin..." he adds quietly thinking to himself about the name...

"No...not...that." Prong's expression of disgust at the suggested party name is clear, but she smiles indicating she took it for a joke. "How about...Sunhearts, Moonshifters, Silverhands, Silverguard, Vanguardians?"

Pomin's explanation only seems to raise her skepticism, evident by her raising an eyebrow. Her expression quickly changes to pure confusion at this talk of team names. I want no part in this. She says bluntly. Hesitantly she continues. But...if its what you want, I will allow it.

"Well name pending until we do some great deed and it makes sense. In the meantime I'll just follow you ladies around will you kick ass and I'll write down the names."

As you are all finishing your meal a figure walks in from the street. It takes you a moment to recognize the human scribe who was noting the goods that were being unladen from the Bilge Runner. As he enters, looking quite flushed and out of breath, he scans the room and seems to be quite relieved as his eyes fall upon you all and he comes over to your table.

"Gr....greetings" he says, still seeming to be pretty out of breath. "Thank goodness I found you. My name is Lyle Venderndt. My employer heard that you all....you all helped with the defense of the barge that you arrived on and....would very much like to talk with you all" as he is talking he leans on the back of one of the chairs and you all think there is a fair chance that he wouldn't be standing for long if he wasn't

"Uh... okay breath Venderndt..." Pomin states fanning the man. Hopefully he doesn't pass out, "After the meal we should be able to head over." he looks to the others to see if they're willing.

Prong shrugs her accent to Pomin. "Yeah, take it easy. We aren't in any rush."

What sort of talk? Khurza says with a hint of curiosity.

He takes a few moments to catch his breath before responding to Khurza "My master, Lord Ethanath, is responsible for ensuring all legitimate shipping coming into the city is logged and the proper tariffs are applied. As such he has an interest in anything that may pose a threat to the river traffic and he would like to ask you some questions about the goblins that attacked the vessel you were on"

Pomin nods and finishes his meal and drink before turning to the side and clenching fist in front of his mouth and belches into it and smacks his lips. "We'll be over when we're done since we have a unique experience and information not best suited for public and mixed company." Pomin admits thinking about the ambush.

"Agreed. We shall be along shortly."

Lyle nods and smiles but stays hovering at the end of the table making for a slightly off putting end to your meal as it feels almost like he is watching and willing every mouthful to speed its way down your necks. Once you have finished and gathered your things Lyle starts to lead you through the city.

The area you are currently in seems to be mostly comprised of shops or stalls, taverns and inns and for the most part is quite rowdy with various shop keepers and traders shouting out their wares on offer and minstrels and other entertainers either performing for coin from the passersby or shouting out to advertise which inn they will be playing at this evening. Even this rowdiness seems to pale a touch in comparison to what can only be the Orc Market, a large open air area in the middle of the city filled with merchant stalls and tents with a number of pegged out areas dotted about it, some seem to be for showing off various livestock that is for sale whilst others seem to be set aside for wrestling matches and other bouts of strength and the odd couple you catch glimpse of seem to have a sizable crowd around gambling and drinking as the match plays out. Rather unsurprisingly the route Lyle seems to be taking you diverts around the majority of the Orc Market leading you around and uphill towards the walled Elven district.

Heading uphill you gradually notice the buildings changing as you leave the merchant district. Here all of the buildings are permanent structures built out of stone and the majority have a second floor. You also note whilst there are businesses here they seem to be focused around those that the more affluent would attend (jewelers and coin houses) but even these seem to be a touch rougher and more down market than you have seen in other cities. As you approach the low wall that surrounds the Elven Ward you enter into a open area, a wide gate into the Elven Ward stands to the south and to the side stands probably the largest building you have seen in Dawnsmoor which Lyle leads you towards. A tall tree stump, maybe seven feet tall and three feet wide with all of it's branches having been trimmed off some time ago by all appearances, stands at the side of the door into this building and a number of notices and other scraps of paper are nailed and stuck to it. From the description the barman gave you at the Wheatsheaf you assume this is the City Hall.

Lyle leads you past a couple of guards on the door who other than giving you all a cursory glance do not make any moves to stop you and he takes you into a comfortably appointed room. A number of padded chairs sit around a table and Lyle gestures for you all to enter. "Please, make yourselves comfortable here. I will go and let my master know you are here" he says as he quickly moves to leave the room.

You are left alone for a few minutes....

Pomin makes note of the areas for gambling and tests and feats of strength plus wrestling. Although it'd be great to quickly make a name in a new city if the games are rigged it would be a moot point. With little time to case the area he moved on and through till he found himself poking the cushion of a chair before climbing up and into it. Sitting cross legged he looks around the waiting room.

"Nothing like getting a job from a city magistrate... we should get the details in writing if we accept the job."

As Prong travels she keeps an eye out for places that look like they can host a good card game. She also watches for children, looking to see how the less fortunate ones fair. At one point, near the Orc Market, she notices a small crowd of children following the party. No doubt they are curious about Motem, but their fear of the beast keeps them back. Prong starts giving the young owlbear commands to do some of the tricks they do together. This seems to please the children and they come closer, following more openly. She calls them forward in groups of two or three and show them how Motem likes to be scratched behind the ears. Once they see that he is nothing to fear she tells them that if they see her or Motem around town to say hi again, then sends them on their way.

At City Hall, she sits in a chair with her legs outstretched, while Motem curls up underneath her legs, looking all the world like a pile of trapper's furs she might be trying to sell.

"Agreed. Legitimate work from a town magistrate should be good honest work. Hopefully anyway."

Throughout the entirety of the walk Khurza scowls at anyone who might try to cause trouble for them, wanting to keep her new teammates safe in this labyrinth of of stone and wood. Arriving at city hall she takes an interest in notices, pleased there seems to be enough work to keep them above poverty.

Inside the waiting room Khurza takes a seat, putting a fist under her chin as she contemplates the situation.

His lackey seems to believe we will take it, but remember: they may tempt us, steel your resolve.

Just as Pomin gets back to his feet there is a thud against the door into the room. After a moment there is another thud followed by a kindof scraping noise before the handle moves and the door opens to Lyle almost falling into the room after opening the door with his elbow as his hands are full of a tray covered with cups, a number of small pots, and a pot lidded jug with some small amount of steam coming from the top, he also has a sheaf of papers stuck under one arm and what appears to be a rolled up writing kit under the other. As he regains his footing he smiles at you all as he hurriedly heads to a small table at the side of the room "My master will be here momentarily, please excuse me I need to prepare this" and he then starts busying himself making what appears to be some sort of over elaborate tea.

Almost as soon as Lyle has started making the brew the same elf you remember from the end of the dock sweeps into the room, casting an imperious gaze around at you all before he moves to the end of the table and takes a seat. Lyle quickly finishes the drink and as the elf holds his hand out he quickly brings the drink over to him. The elf takes a sip and his face contorts slightly before he lets out a resigned sigh and places the cup on the table before he begins to address you all "Thank you for coming. My name if Ethanath, I represent the town council in matters of trade and am responsible for investigating any threats to the smooth running of good to and from Dawnsmoor. After speaking to the captain of the....ship you arrived on I felt it may be prudent to get your account of the attack your vessel suffered if you would be willing to share such information". He then looks at you all waiting for a response, as he does he reaches out to touch the cup but with a slight grimace just leaves his hand resting next to the cup.

As he has been talking Lyle moves round the room placing a cup of the tea infront of each of you.

Pomin takes notes of Ethanath's reaction before he talks, either Lyle was more adept at scribing versus tea making or it was of a quality not up to his standards. Guess I should sip some as well to be polite, not really my thing and all though. Pomin thinks before deciding to try the tea.

"I'm of the mind set Lord Ethanath it was an impromptu assault for burglary, they didn't seem prepared due to their level of planning or intelligence for what to do after they got aboard, no ship ready for when they leave just a crude raft to get there that floated away during the brief skirmish. They were likely expecting lax postures and an easy raid one or two drowsy sailors not these exceptional ladies to smack them soundly about and quite quickly. The reasoning behind it was they were ordered by someone we found via asking nicely with promises of not letting Ms Prong's companion bat him around or worse. That said do you know of the goblin matriarch Muglack by chance? She was supposedly the one who put them up to it telling them to take anything shiny. That aside I think you're more likely concerned with the trio that possibly watched from the riverbank assessing the situation before they shrouded themselves in darkness and retreated out of sight. It may have been this Muglack herself. But one of them was short carrying a staff." Pomin states in a manner almost as if he's briefing military officers. He sips the tea to gauge if the mention of Muglack or stealing shiny bits give the lord pause or concern.

Prong takes a healthy drink form her cup as Pomin is speaking. When he finishes she puts her cup down. "Yeah, that pretty much covers it. You might have an goblin infestation back that way."

Hmph, goblins are easy. With a few trained soldiers on hand they are hardly a problem at all. Khurza will swallow her entire cup in one gulp, not wanting to look intimidated by such a small drink..

You all taste the tea and find it to be surprisingly pleasant (dependent upon how much you like tea that is), it seems that Ethanath is being particularly picky at the least.

Ethanath listens to Pomin's description with a bored looking expression which is replaced by a more interested one at the mention of Muglack. "Interesting, I am not familiar with the name but given the rise in the frequency of their raids we had suspected that something was directing their efforts now." he pauses to consider things for a moment, slowly turning the cup with the tea in as he thinks before looking to Pomin again "Given where the attacks have been made I believe that the goblins are settled somewhere in the hills to the south of Kurnan Lake. Would you and your....company be willing to venture out there to see if this Muglack is real and deal with them if so? Hopefully eliminating their leader will put an end to these attacks."

Pomin listens and frowns as he thinks his thumb rubbing his lower lip a bit as he rolls his head slowly from side to side thinking.

"So the task is scouting and possible assassination unless they offer a beneficial counteroffer or service that's acceptable for you. There's a lot of unknowns on who's pulling the strings for Muglack's actions and the goblins and the numbers we're looking at heading into sneaking around or going through. We're a bit in the discussion phases of being a proper company or mercenary/adventures' group so I really can't speak for the ladies... Honestly I think that's a bad diea for me since they're all quite capable of gnomehandling me easily so I'd like to get their opinion on the matter after an intial offer is on the table. I am curious how much are we being offered for this endeavor? And what is being offered up front as a deposit plus the requisition of supplies that would likely be needed we're not aware of at this time?"

Nya gives Pomin a subtle nod.

Ethanath considers you all for a moment "The towns coffers could stretch to a payment of 500 silver for successful completion of this task with 50 of that being available to you all upon your agreement". As you all talk Lyle is furiously making notes in the papers he brought with him.

"Would it be possible to look at map of the area and deliberate with my associates on this?" Pomin request trying to do the logistics in his head on what they'd need.

"I think I agree with Pomin so far. We have some matters to discuss, but I am initially interested in the job."

Ethanath frowns slightly but quickly stands "Very well, if you decide to take the task on speak with Lyle. I have other matters to attend to" he then turns and sweeps out of the room.

Lyle seems quite taken aback but then turns a queasy looking smile on you all "Well....yes, I'll get you a map and leave you to discuss matters for a while...yes, one moment" he ruffles through the papers he has with him and then quickly lays a copy of a map of the area down in front of you all. "I'll be outside when you have decided" he smiles again and stares for a slightly uncomfortable length of time before shaking himself and leaving the room.

"We were about here, would'ya say?" Prong leans in pointing to a place on the map that approximates her best guess of their position during the raid. "Were do ya think the gob-o's are hiding out? Same side of the river they boarded from, i'd'magine."

Pomin looks at the circle in accord with the area he saw someone short with a staff walking about to verify it's the same bank in question. He exhales audibly thinking about things and how they'd need to track down their quarry if they take the job.

Hmph, the elf is a poor planner, we will require more silver upfront if we are to survive this. Khurza looks miffed about this arrangement, wearing a scowl. Turning her eyes toward the map she considers their enemy. The Goblins have access to a water source and the resources of the forest, they would know the terrain and will outnumber us. Our only real advantage is our might.

"You think a prolonged exercise? Hit and run tactics? Don't goblins usually live in warrens? Once they know we are there we will have to find ways to tempt them out in small groups so they don't overrun us."

"Or take out the leader..."

"If we can lure her out, yeah. They'd probably scatter without the leader.

We could always use some bait. Khurza stares at Pomin for a second with a grin as the briefest thoughts of her plan begin to surface, before shaking her head slightly to regain her senses. But perhaps we should go with your plan.

"So...how much more silver should we ask for? 5 or 10 per head after the fact? I agree we should bargain for more if we are expecting a long expedition."

I bet he is too squeamish for heads, but more money is good yes? Let us 'test the waters' with the small servant and see he reacts.

"I figure the Lord doesn't have all the comforts he'd like and his assistant is tasked with duties beyond him so they're struggling a bit to begin with even before the goblins are involved, either this is a test for the Lord being here where he'll manage the area for a bit to show his merit and worth, times are rough for the town possibly, or well he's a bit of an arse and pissed someone off, that said the up front money will at least halfway go just to provisions if we don't take too long there. If we can get some provisions for free maybe we can get the contract with some optional objectives, find out why the goblins are going for testing out boat security, do they plan on snagging a boat and invading the town or something? Maybe someone has some unsavory cargo coming into town they're on the look out for. I agree chatting up the servant might give us a better idea of what's going on in the town for funding. I'd hate to bleed the town dry and cause issues but I don't want to be taken for a country gnome that knows no better and getting paid too cheaply for a rather large task. If there's any items or relics of value in the goblin's den we claim rights by possession... maybe a discount in town on all services and goods if they're short on money..." Pomin thinks aloud wondering how the others react using them as a sounding board for rationale.

"Sounds like a plan to me. Hard to imagine the goblins are working on something that big on their own, but it does seem like they are up to something."

As you all take a moment to ponder your approach the door opens a crack and Lyle looks in "Ah...yes, hello. Have yo....erm...do you need anything else? More tea perhaps?" he asks somewhat nervously (seems to be his natural state).

"You seem more of a scribe or an administrative type Lyle then a tea server, since you asked we'd like to pick your brain a bit about the job... and the town since logistically we're wondering how rough this is going to be if we accept, you're a local so we'd like you to be frank. You seem stressed though so have some tea man..."

Lyle hesitantly enters the room says "I suppose that would be alright" as he slowly takes a seat. He glances at the tea cups but doesn't reach for one, instead turning to you all. "Well, I am not sure what else I can tell you. Several wagons have been attacked in recent weeks as they move along the road to Skydown....well, to and from. The goblins do not seem to care whether they are heading to or from Dawnsmoor. Most of the heavily guarded caravans do not seem to get bothered, well not with any success at any rate, so I doubt they have significant numbers. There have also been a few raids on some of the more isolated settlements to the east of town but from what I've heard these have been quite rare." he looks about you all, focusing on Pomin in particular as he speaks, waiting for any other questions.

"And what are they taking? More than food and general supplies? Would anyone in the area buy from a goblin if they came to town with the stolen goods to sell?"

"There doesn't seem to be any consistent pattern to the caravans they have targeted. Various goods are unloaded here bound for the Barony of Otrin and Riverwatch and return journey's laden with their goods travel back this way. " Lyle thinks for a moment before a somewhat sardonic smile passes over his mouth "You are new here so you wouldn't know but yes there are definitely parties in town who would trade with the creatures assuming they thought they wouldn't get caught"

Are any caravans leaving soon which pass their territory? Perhaps we could hide within, ambush another group.

Pomin listens and nods as the conversation flows.

"This seems a bit too organized for just Goblins I think, they're looking for exploits and driving up the price of bodyguards and goods a bit so there's definitely something going on than just simple banditry with hit and run tactics... I do think we should take the job but I'll likely push for more up front for supplies and provisions as well as the fact this is quiet highly visible in assisting Dawnsmoor of cleaning up their house in a way. If there's no caravans there's always the option of looking for the seedy goblin with the brass set to sell stolen goods here, if they're up for making money they'd likely have no qualms letting us know what's going at their den and what it looks like for a cost. If anything it almost sounds like they're searching for an item possibly that's actual value isn't noticed yet... What do you think Venderndt are their any possible baubles of lore locally that are worth this much hassle if you didn't have a theif readily available or an actual location of an artifact?" Pomin finally comments frowning as he talks before looking at Lyle to gauge his response.

Prong nods along with Pomin's thought process. This all makes sense to her.

Internally Khurza wishes these negotiations were simpler, but doesn't want her teammates to see this disappointment. I agree with Pomin.

Lyle shrugs "If anything of value was being moved over the road it certainly hasn't come to my attention but there are a large number of goods that move through Dawnsmoor that aren't declared" his voice drops for a moment "Some of them even illegal!". He takes a moment to steady himself, the thought of the more seedy underbelly of town seems to have shaken him a touch.

"Well if we're going to be doing this it's likely the upfront payment will mostly be used on provisions to and from the hopeful location of a den of goblins in the best case scenario and we're not searching around for a few days before we stumble into things or them which isn't ideal. Additional fees for the job and initial payout for the needed gear and supplies will make us more successful for a speedy endeavor honestly. Besides the goblins and their matriarch there's the information on the who's backing them and why to think about. Who knows your employer might find out which merchants or groups that are not doing things on the up and up and bulking on taxes, or have a bargaining chip in the form of blackmail. It might make all involved be shown in a better light if we look in the dark for you." Pomin states after listening to the Venderndt while rolling up his sleeves to show his forearms.

Although slender compared to fighters his right forearm bore a tattoo of the family crest of his gnomish heritage after making it quiet visible to the man he extends a hand.

"I take it you speak for your employer, do we have a deal Venderndt?"

Lyle thinks for a moment before nodding and taking Pomins hand "Yes, that sounds amenable. Just let me, ah, one moment" he releases the Gnomes hand before digging through some of the papers he seems to perpetually have with him. With a satisfied exclamation he pulls one out and starts filling a few sections out of a form "I'm afraid I won't be able to provide any other coin, my master is rather particular about any cash expenditures. This should suffice though" he says as he hands the sheet of paper over "It's a promissory note, it extends a line of credit with certain traders within the town. These are usually used by officials on town council business so the use of it should pass without any undue attention." as he hands it over you can see it is made out for a total of 200 shields, he also passes over a small purse with the advance of 50 shields in it.

"Fair enough Venderndt. This works well for us since it means we're running around town with less coins to draw attention." Pomin states with a nod. He looks to the others to see if they have anything to say before getting ready to go. Once off of the building proper he'll look back to the rest, "Well we have funding besides medical supplies what all do you need? I should be find if we're stalking the trail in the wild with what I have for a bit besides a few more rations... that said... how deep are we in exterminating a whole tribe of goblins by chance? Anyone know?" he asks the rest wondering how much they've bitten off with this job.

"Food and medicine are all I need for now. And I still say its overkill to wipe out the tribe. Pun intended."

"I could best a hundred goblins if need be." Khurza says cockily. "But threats are just as effective against such a puny foe. The trek could be difficult however, if we are to go on foot we must prepare properly. Hiking gear, camping gear. perhaps sharper weapons..."

Pomin mutters to himself thinking like a quartermaster.
"Rations for 4 over a week, four potions... that's already 156... few torches to see or light their places ablaze so 160..."

Nodding he looks at the rest, "Alright rations, a healing potion if we can find it, and a stack of three torches each would give us 40 left. I say we keep the actual coins up front for possibly emergencies or bribes."

"I'll go and get you the 50 shield advance then" Lyle says with a smile as he quickly gets up and hurries out of the room.

Khurza heartily pats Pomin on the back. "Good work."