I have posts from a bunch of people - but not much actual action.  I'll post again this weekend, but to what end?  The dialogue is good, but more is needed.  

If I could suggest - if you want to chat with someone send them a PM.  Then the two of you can figure out the whole conversation in messages and post it all at once.  Otherwise we wait a long time for things to get worked out.  

I don't even know which way to send you right now.  Up the path?  try to follow the runaway to the river in the rain?  A few will be headed back to Botkinburg (retainers and such) but what else can I do?

Still Here

Ravensbrook - It sounds like the sort of name one adopts when they can't remember their father's name.  You know, the father they are supposed to be searching for and desperate to find?  Their mentor in life?  The one they think about always?  Yeah, that guy, whose name you can't remember.  Exactly. 

Bu seriously, it sounds like a great fantasy game name.  Just don't try and tell me you are suddenly a vampire elf.  

You must go forever without a name.  He is Thaoran the nameless.  Sad.

But seriously, yes, you can pick a new name.  

As thunder began to rumble overhead a series of events occurred to the group gathered on the Ridge Road.  The appearance of a dragonborn and his retainers from upslope brought the goblin interrogations to a halt.  The newcomers appeared to wish to discuss the goblins and were friendly and thus were invited down.  The situation was not entirely friendly as strangers in the night in the middle of the wilds were not always a good sign.  But by all appearances these were more goblin hunters and not more Red Caps.

The arrival of the newcomers might have been welcomed by the adventurers but meant doom for the last of the goblins.  If they had hopes that their bravado would give them a chance to bluff their way out of the situation, they were wrong.  Dok quickly slit the throat of one and Soledad placed a dagger in the eye of the other.  Their right ears were added to the others already in the dwarf’s pouch – 11 in total.  It had been a rough night for the goblins so far.

With introductions and goblins out of the way, the group moved back towards the stone hut they had previously sheltered in.  It was only stone walls and a roof about 20’ square, but it provided shelter.  The group’s mule and cart remained behind the building.   Before the group even arrived back under the shelter Hornet started asking the critical questions, “Which way do you think the goblin HQ lies?”  He received no clear answer before everyone reached the building and sought a dry corner.   Nobody had an answer, but Hornet suggested that perhaps the goblin that fled might have gone in the right direction.  The problem was that the only thing they knew for sure was that he had fled downhill – the shortest and most sheltered route away from the party.  Down hill of the group was the river – when he had reached the river had he gone upstream (North) or downstream (South)? 

As the group pondered this there was a hail from the road.  “Hail to those in the hut!  May I approach?”  Thaoran had just caught site of the newcomer as he approached in the darkness.  As several others looked out the door, they confirmed what the elf already knew – another elf stood about 50 yards down hill from the hut and called up to the group.  The rain had just started lightly but promised more.  Lightning illuminated the scene as the newcomer slowly walked up the hill with his hands raised.  “I am no friend of the goblins.  May I find shelter with you in the hut?” 

As he approached some of the group were beginning to wonder if instead of some nearly abandoned road in the middle of the wilderness they might instead have been on the King’s High Road which was frequently travelled by comers and goers of all types.  It was hard not to wonder who would next appear out of the darkness.  But for now, it was just a young elf who appeared cautious, but open and pleased to get out of the rain.  “I am Luna, and I seek to know what evil stalks these hills.  I would know more of these goblins if you have information to share.” 

As he spoke thunder rumbled again and the skies opened up.  What had been a light rain became a downpour.  All eyes in the hut turned briefly to the ill weather outside and then returned to the discussion.  Hornet and Thaoran stood by the door and watched the road in both directions, but listened carefully to the discussion.  They had little to go on. 

I should have a post up later today.  (Sunday)

Just remeber that if you guys decide "to pursue the goblins to their headquarers" you need to tell me where you actually go.  At the moment you don't really know where the hq is.

CameToPlay - No problem on the post.  Most of the time retainers are just servants and they do what you tell them to do.  There is no reason for you not to post the expected actions and even drive character development.  This was one such case - what you did made complete sense.  It is really only if there is a situation that calls for independent action that I will insist on control.  It is possible I could veto an action - unlikely, but possible.  Or maybe I surprise you with something they do.  But most of the time when it isn't a combat situation they are yours. 

I run the retainers.  I will sort of let him man them at times, but if anything happens it is my call.  Also, in general they will not be involved in campaigning - but will sit back in the village.  They might have a role there, but not in the dungeon.  In fact, they are heading there as soon as the party moves on.  (Accompanied, conveniently, by any party members not sticking with the game.)  I was going to let Konstantin announce that, but wanted to make sure that you didn't think he was running around with a little private army.  So those thinking that this was a bit dangerous for a young squire - you were right.

Good posts from many of you.  The conversation is interesting. Two quick notes:

1.  I won't do persuasion and insight rolls against another PC.  That player, not my dice rolls, will determine if they are persuaded or not.  Likwise, I can't determine what their motivation is - only the player can.  So on interparty interactions you just need to play it out.  The retainers function as NPCs, so there are some rolls possible there, but for inter-party issues I will likely let Constantine run them.  

2.  I need a plan from you.  The conversation is nice, but there is nothing for me to work with.  Right now I have you going back to the hut for shelter.  Ok.  No problem.  That works.  That and one line about a steady but moderate rain starting makes about a two-sentence post.  Please chat in the Q&A thread.  There is no reason the group can't plan together.  PM each other if it helps.  Should I have you continuing up the ridge in the morning?  Feel free to put multiple steps into one post - your conversation, plans for the rest of the night and plan in the morning.  If only one person posts a plan, well, I guess that is it.  Otherwise, who knows, maybe I'll just have everyone decide to go skinny dipping in the river.  

Fixer heard Ghalan's comments as he exited the bill and cursed silently under his breath.  It wasn't even that he disagreed with the big shooter - the truth was that there was probably nothing else they could do.  Lives depended on their getting their vehicle moving again.  What else could they do?  But that didn't mean he had to like it.  The poor woman Ghalan had targeted didn't deserve this.  She had done nothing wrong beyond be at this location at this time.  What were they supposed to do?  

Fixer looked at Blossom and nodded.  He grabbed anything of value in the van and quickly moved after the C-Metal.  He was ready to drive as soon as the could get in the new vehicle.  

No special relationship between elves and dragons.

The way it works:

You post saying what you want to do.  (Say, creep up closer to hear better.)

In my post I then tell you what happened.  (Nobody seems to notice, Hornet is on watch and notices, a giant appears and attacks, whatever.)

If you need more information in order to post always feel free to ask - either in a PM or in the Q&A section.  Doing what you did - posting with and "Assuming this is possible" in parenthesis is also possible.  Just be clear about what you want to do if, say, there are no good hiding spots available.  

In this case - this is a rugged ridge line with a road going up it in switchbacks.  The road itself and a few feet on either side are clear and easy to see.  If a cat tried to cross the road they would be very likely to be seen.  But once off the road the terrain is very rough - there are many verticle areas, trees, rocks, bushes and weeds.  In general it is rough terrain for travel and easy to hide in.  So . . . for a cat - you would fully expect to be able to hide and probably get within 10' of people given your size and natural cat-like stealthiness.  You might be able to get within 3' if you wanted to risk it, but that would obviously carry much greater risk of discovery.  Also, it depends on what actions others (PC or NPC) specifically take.  If nobody mentions keeping an eye out, the odds of being seen are very low - it is essentially a passive perception check but you have many factors working to your advantage  In this case it is worth noting that Hornet specifically said he was keeping an eye out for anything.  So he is actively watching.  Given the terrain and the cat you still are pretty likely to be able to move closer.  But I would give Hornet a reasonable roll - that is what being on guard is all about.  

And one last thing - In some cases it might be helpful to know the outcome of an action right away.  Feel free to tell me (PM or Q&A post) "I want to do this - can I know the outcome before I post so that I can include it?"  There will be times when the answer is no, but many times it will just speed things along to be able to do this.  Just ask.

It was a good post - the sooner we get everyone popping up and decidng what to do with the snide little green-blooded goblins the quicker we can move on.

Awareness check for fixer - straight up 18.

To Bromern:

Not my best drive check ever, but I have to ask - explainin to whom?  Is somebody in our face?

Also, how far are we from the hijacking? 

Is the van drivable at all?

To Ghalan and Blossom:

What now, we need to get moving and this vehicle isn 't going anywhere, even assuming that the hijackers don't care.  Was this Charlie's van and what is the price of smashing it up?  Or ditching it?  Not that it matters, but Fixer is not feeling responsible for this one since another vehcile smashed into him.  I would think we plan before we vacate the vehicle.

Ok, so Cametoplay has arrived to join the group.  As you consider the post please feel free to plan ahead so that the interogation doesn't take forever.  A few thoughts:

1.  There isn't much more that you are going to get from the goblins. If there is a specific question you want to ask, go ahead,there may be some tidbit you can get.  But in general I've done the various roles and they won't offer up much more. 

2.  They won't have anything to add about the other group the Dragonborn saw either.  Somewhere near the top of the ridge the goblin group split in two - one group headed North into the brush and the other down the road - this is the group you killed.  I'm just trying to avoid more delay.

3.  So as you consider your next post, you might want to include:

    A.  An intro to the new players

    B.  Any last questions for goblins

    C.  What you are going to do with the goblins

    D.  What you want to do after you are done with the goblins.  This will allow us to move on.

Feel free to discuss option here in the Q&A or in messages.  Plan as a group so that we can keep things moving.  FYI - it is still the middle of the night and about to start raining.

As the thunder began to roll in the sky above them and the goblins continued their defiance Hornet's eyes were quickly caught by motion up the road.  At the uphill bend around which the goblin's had arrived not long before several figures had come into view.  The lead figure dominated the view - a large and well armored dragonborn stepped forward.  He did not seem at all surprised to see the group in the middle of the road (the party), but then Hornet recognized that a loud battle and interogation has hardly kept their position secret.  Peeking around the corner and out from behind the large figure were three others - at a distance if he had to guess it was two humans and an elf, only one of them armed. 

Hornet whistled quickly to the rest of the group and indicated the new arrivals, but stayed hidden in the bushes.  The group all stood and turned up the road, the goblins temporarily ignored.  The Dragonborn strode forward with his hands, empty of weapons, held palm up in front of him. In common he called out, "Hail and well met!  I was tracking these same goblins.  You have saved me the task of killing them myself!  May we approach?"

I see nothing that indicates a drive skill.  Maybe I'm looking in the wrong spot on the character sheet, but nothing shows up on r20.  And it seems his skills are limted based on the roll.

ref + 1d10 = 9. 

Hopefully it isn't much more than a dented fender.  I did specify that he was trying to be very careful and watching carefully.  That helps, right? 

Actually, I already did roll a perception check for everyone - nobody saw anything.  It is a good thing to ask.  Typically on something like that I will send a PM to anyone who saw something the rest did not,.

I just put up a post for the goblin's responses.  Please post even if you don't have a lot to do.  Just saying "Hornet is watching" lets me know I don't need to wait for you.  (Steel??)  Feel free to post both an action in relation to the goblins and what comes next.  

If you have further questions for the goblins let me know - I'll do quick updates as needed.

CometoPlay - check my last message.  I can easily add on to this last post or just add another one if I know what you want.  

My laptop is having some more issues so I might have some minor delays, but I think I can use my work machine with no problems.  

Soledad took over the questioning as the rest of the group stood around ready to torture their captives.  With her dagger floating in front of the eye of one of the prisoners she demanded to know about the leadership and location of the Red Caps.  The goblins eyes crossed as he tried to focus on the dagger but he quickly regained his sneer.  “Rottenkip!  Rottenkip leads the Caps on the Ridge!  You will fear that name!  Kip and the Caps!”  He looked again along the dagger hovering in front of his left eye and grinned.  “You threaten a Cap and Rottenkip will come for you.  He rules the Ridge.  He takes whoever he wants from little Burg!  He will hunt you.  Run now and beg mercy!”

Soledad didn’t seem as impressed by the goblin’s threats as the creature seemed to hope.  Holding the dagger in its position she repeated her question about the goblins lair.  The goblin looked like it wanted to spit at her, but the dagger in front of its eye made any forward movement dangerous. Instead it continued its attempt at intimidation.  “You won’t find it!  Caps find you!  Caves and old ruins everywhere on Ridge!  Which one Caps in?  Never know till Caps come down on you!  Caps crush little elves and tin man!  Rottenkip hunt elves!”   The other goblin, not faced with a dagger less than an inch from his eye put emphasis to their disgust with elves by spitting at Steel, who stood nearby. 

 The goblins continued to be defiant, apparently convinced that a show of strength was likely to be more helpful than whimpering and begging.  The goblin’s defiance was emphasized as thunder slowly rolled across the Ridge.  It was around 3 in the morning and rain was coming.  It didn’t look to be a major storm, but things were going to get wet. 

An updated post is coming - hopefully today.  (Halloween)  Depending on responses to a couple of messages, it could be tomorrow.  So if you have anything to add, get it in!  If you don't have much to add, at least put in a "silently watches the proceedings" message so that I know you are alive.

So Fixer needs to make a drive check. 

How do I do that? 

I went to Roll20 but none of his abilites seems to coincide with "drive."  So I don't know what ability to roll on.   Let me know and I'll get that done.

Sorry for being off the grid for the last 6 days - my computer's power cord had an unfortunate encounter with my wife's cat.  The cat won and the computer battery had no juice.  But I finally got another power cord and am ready to move on.  A post will come shortly - and I need to respond to some messages about the new characters.  But things progress.  Please everyone - post if you are going to do so. 

Dragon-Soul - change it or don't, it isn't a big deal.  I just wanted to make sure that you had it right since that would be a very big deal to Thaoran. 

I am hosting that it works once a week.

My preference is to post on Saturday or Sunday, but it sometimes depends on when others post.

Just a quick note - Thaoran has no reason to think the Red Caps are connected to his father's disappearance.  His father had heard of them - that is all.  He knows of no time that they were near his elvish homeland.  The Caps homeland and the elvish homeland are not right next to each other.