First Expedition - The Caves of Chaos

[Gelatinous Q]

When it becomes clear the kobolds won't bring the fight out into the open, Lardo hops down from the rock face.

"Clever and cowardly little buggers, in'they, Henry?" he says. "We might be able to lure them out into the open come nightfall, but —" he gestures toward the other cave mouths around the gorge — "I reckon they won't be the only ones what turn up."

Lardo looks around to the group. "Do we have oil, lads?" he asks. "Geert and me might sneak our way in far enough to lob some flasks into their lair and light 'em off." He pauses, seeming somewhat horrified by what he's just suggested. "It wouldn't be pretty, Henry. You might want to look away."

[badams30]

Brother Henry - Cleric

Henry looks everyone over "Are you all okay? My, that was scary." He walks over to Lardo and pats him on the shoulder. "I thought you were a goner for a minute there... I'm glad you are safe, my friend. Do be careful." When he hears Lardo's suggestion to use oil he says "Ohhh myyyy... that sounds dangerous. But if you think it'll work, I've got some oil we can use."

OOC: Henry will go with whatever plan the group comes up with, especially Lardo's suggestions. Henry has a lantern and some oil. But if we use much of the oil we won't have the lantern. Just for thought.

[KingOfCowards]

I thought we might have some advantage at missile weapon range, but only Geert uses a bow.

Aron eases as the kobolds back away. "They certainly have an organized defense response, and now they know we're here. Perhaps we might try another cave..."
He lets his sentence trail off looking at the makings of an unfinished bridge. "Finishing the bridge might draw them out as well. We could fire missile weapons at them when they either try to cross it or destroy it."

[ragnboneshopper]

Geert spits and curses quietly. "Aye, that mighta gone better. They dragged off the ones twinkle fingers there put to sleep. But mighta gone worser too. Got any more of that magic? Anybody speak dog man? We might play this all friendly like: 'Just a little misunderstanding.' Or threaten em into helpin us. There be worse things in these caves I wager. I'd like to know what and where." He grins and shrugs at the rest of the party, turning back to watch the other caves.


One sleep spell left by the look of it. Question is if the kobolds live by themselves in this cave or if they serve something more dangerous further in. We might try our luck with parleying if someone can speak their language (am I right that someone understood them?). My guess is they'll hole up and prepare some kind of nasty surprise for us at a strategic point further in. If Lardo wants to scout it out, Geert will follow, but he's not nearly as sneaky in the dungeon unless he's standing stock still. And there's the problem of light too. The dwarf might be the best choice to lead us in and avoid an ambush so we can try to talk and maybe intimidate them into helping us. If they won't, there's oil and sleep and brute force. Otherwise, I agree we could just scout the next cave across the valley. Our clear advantage is blown here unless we can change that somehow.

[Spartakos]

The group discusses their options, but makes little progress in agreeing on a course of action. Littbarsky does some rudimentary scouting along the cliff face on either side of the kobold cave mouth, but finds no sign of secret passages or hidden tunnels.

--Lardo suggests waiting for nightfall (with some reservations), and also trying to burn them out of their lair.
--Aron suggests finishing the bridge (either to use, or to lure them into missile range), or else giving up on the now-alerted kobolds and trying a different cave.
--Geert favors trying a different cave, or else sneaking further into the kobold lair to try and parley with or intimidate them into cooperation, possibly to bargain for information.
--Henry provides moral support, but defers to the others.

It's been 2 days, but only 5 have chimed in and no true action noted. I'll give it another day, then proceed with whatever anyone declares they're actually doing (with non-responders going along in NPC status).

[Spearmint]

Littbarsky

"We know they are a dozen plus on the other side of a defendable pit. They can probably wait longer than us. Okay if we don't charge across, let's try talking."

Littbarsky who speaks kobold will re enter and from behind a rock call out, "Hey dog ears, we meant no harm, your pit took your friend not us. Just looking for shelter and safe passage, wanna trade with us something instead of arrows?"

[badams30]

Henry - Cleric

Henry stands behind Littbarsky, doing his best to look official and important, nodding with a stern expression on his face.

OOC: Being tough is not something Henry is good at, so he'll just try to be emotional support...

[ragnboneshopper]

Geert refocuses on the kobold cave, cracking a big grin at hearing the dwarf speak in the canine language. He's got an arrow nocked but his bow is held low and behind him in an attempt to appear nonthreatening. He'll stand just outside the cave mouth.

[Gelatinous Q]

Lardo takes up a position just outside the cave mouth and listens for the kobolds' response. His hand moves to the pommel of a dagger that he can throw should things go poorly.

[Scott308]

Eglistrum Paharis

Eglistrum will remain out of sight of the kobolds, ready to throw a dagger if the situation warrants it.

[Spartakos]

For a moment, Littbarsky's offer rings hollow down the tunnel...and then there is a response, in the guttural kobold tongue.
(in kobold)

"Very well...let us bargain. Come up to the edge of the pit. No tricks, no weapons."

[Zhym]

Ampersand Mxyzptlk Kerfuffle Humperdink Wongdoodle Biddleshaft the Third looks for a nice shadow to hide in not too close to the pit.

[Spearmint]

Littbarsky

Approaches the pit with his shield up. "There are no tricks. Perhaps your Alpha male might also approach the pit so we can chat amiably. There is much we can learn from your experience here."

[badams30]

Brother Henry - Cleric

Henry looks quite alarmed as Littbarsky begins to make his way toward the pit, but not wanting him to venture in alone, Henry casts one glance back at the party, shrugs and begins to follow Littbarsky about 2 paces behind, shield and mace at the ready. As he passes Lardo he whispers "Be ready to run. I'm not too sure about this..."

As he continues he whispers a short prayer hopes for the best.

[Tamerlaine]

Cormac

After lashing the short lengths of trees together, Cormac will start dragging/carrying the improvised bridge back to the cave

[ragnboneshopper]

Geert stands ready outside the cave, bow lowered but ready for any trickery. "Didn't expect that to work so well," he mumbles, impressed.

[Spartakos]

As Littbarsky approaches the pit, he can make out the shape of a lone kobold standing on the far side of the pit. He is tall for a kobold, nearly four feet tall, and draped in a hauberk that looks slightly large for him, belted at the waist with a swordbelt. He stands stiffly, leaning on a shortbow. Further down the tunnel, he can just see the gleaming eyes of more kobolds, shining out of the darkness.

The kobold addresses Littbarsky in his harsh rasping voice.
(in kobold)

"I am Tavek. I speak for our chieftain. You mentioned trade; what do you want, and what do you offer for it?"

Current positioning:
Littbarsky and Henry are near the pit.
Lardo, Ampersand, Geert, and Eglistrum are just outside the cave mouth, attentive.
Cormac and Aron are still working on finishing the bridge (it will take a little more work, since you were interrupted before you could finish).

[KingOfCowards]

Aron watches Littbarksy with great interest.

[Spearmint]

Littbarsky

"Welcome Tavek, your presence honours us. I am Barski' of the the Vye guard. We hold the river. Brother Henry here is an envoy of his church, together with our allies were are commissioned to eradicate threats to the Duke from these ravines of chaos. New roads will be built and traders come from miles around. But these routes need guarding, these caravans protecting. You and your clan can be part of the answer instead of part of the problem. How does tribute paid for each merchant guided through appeal to the chief. "

Littbarsky pauses for a moment hoping St least to have gained some interest. He taps out his pipe on the floor and lights it, blowing fragrant whispers over the pit."Do you smoke Tavek, come taste some of this lotus leaf, it sedates the soul. Business should be done over a pipe not a spear." He indicates him to come across the ledge, if he approaches, Littbarsky will meet him halfway holding out a pouch of tobacco.

Outside he may look cool, inside the dwarf is saying "WtF?". Henry feel free to whisper any suggestions.

[badams30]

Brother Henry - Human Priest

Henry does his best to not shake or betray his fear at this moment, the only thing keeping him calm is seeing how cool and brave Littbarsky is. Henry stands ramrod straight behind Littbarsky, nodding and trying to look very businesslike and tough. Occasionally to punctuate Littbarsky's statements (that he can't understand) he says "Yes. That's right."

OOC: Henry is quite scared, but is quite impressed with Littbarsky's bravado. He'll hang tough, trying to keep a wary eye on the other kobolds for any sign of betrayal. If he spots anything, he'll covertly jab Littbarsky and relay the message to him in a calm tone...