We are down one more player - at least for a couple of months.  Ayrn let me know that gaming won't be doable for the next month or so.  Hopefully a return will be possible after that.

I don't see any reason we can't continue with 5.  I will also be putting an ad in the recruitment thread to see if we can pick up one or two more.  It is aalways safer to have an extra player than to be short.

Next post coming soon - Sunday would be my preference, so get your final plans out there.

I think that is why we were talking about going onsite.

As for looking - my only thought was that if there are even pictures he might identify camera locations.  But onsite was the thing.

I think the best use of Fixer's skills would to be on site at the compound to investigte security. 

Unless there is a way to figure out how to disguise ourselves to gain entry as noted above.  As for joining Charlie, he'd do it, but it really depends on if people think that would be useful.  I'm not sure I see that unless Charlie thinks it will come off looking better if he has backup. 

Ok, I missed something in all of these posts.  I was thinkng Charlie was going alone. 

Do you want Fixer along?  Anyone else?  He'll go where directed at this point as he doesn't quite fit in any task at the moment.  If not, he'll stay and continue to surf the net.  He'd look for images of the tram - can he find security cameras reasonably near from which he might identify people in uniform heading toward the compound?  Similar questions for nearby roads.  This seems like needle in a haystack work, but it is possible. He'd also try and up the resolution on any images he did find to see if they can indicate camera locations and such, but since Brom already indicated a dead end there, I doubt it is worth it.  So Fixer is probably free to roam if anyone wants a partner for some task.

Or if anyone has a suggestion for something he can do he'd likely follow that . . .

But I need to post fairly soon.

12 goblins have come around the bend.  It is possible more are behind, but that looks like the end of the group. 

Go ahead and coordinate if you want - you had plenty of time and nobody will hear a wisper from over a football field away. 

If you are going to launch an attack on the goblins, please let me know at what distance you want to do so.  The are currently 120 YARDS away.  They will approach to within 10' of the building.  Assuming they don't notice you before hand or do something unexpected, when do you shoot?

               As Steele woke the rest of the party each could quickly make out the sound of the approaching group.  As they passed the turn in the road directly above their hut everyone could make out the nasty laughing and singing.  For those who the knew the language it was now quite clear just who was coming down the path.  Dok removed any doubt for those not fluent when he quietly spat out the word, “goblins!”

               The group prepared.  Hornet, Thaoran and Dok took up positions on the hillside above the hut, hoping that the brush, trees, and rocks would provide them with enough cover to avoid prying goblin eyes.  It seemed likely as the shadows were deep and the cover thick.  The cart was hidden behind the building, but the mule taken inside where Steele, Soledad and Ewyn all hid.  The witch cast mage armor and then prepared an illusion to cover their position.  Silent Image was the spell of choice and allowed her to create the image of an abandoned hut just as they had found it.  The spell only covered an area of about a 15’ cube, but as the building itself was only a little over 10’ square, it seemed almost as if made for the spell.  The cart was hidden by the building and be the spell from the front, but if anyone were to walk around the building it would be seen.  The mule would not have fit within the illusions dimensions and was thus inside where it could be kept quiet. 

               Preparations made, the group silently waited for the goblins to round the far bend and appear.  After a couple of tense minutes, they did so.   It was a group – they didn’t really march as they walked, joked, kicked rocks and sang rough songs.  They were a jumbled mass with little organization in song or march, but came roughly 3 abreast around the corner.  All told there appeared to a dozen of them.   They turned the corner and headed down the road towards the building in which 3 party members and a mule hid.  They kicked a large ball type of object ahead of them and laughed.  They gave no indication of noticing anything odd about the hut, but were still about 120 yards away. 

(Ok, you now know what is coming.  At the moment they don’t seem to be aware of you.  If you choose to do something besides remain hidden it currently looks like you will have surprise.)

Needing some posts.

The mule and cart could be tucked behind the hut.  It would likely stop anyone from noticing if all they do is walk by on the road.  But if they take even a couple steps off the road, it would be visible.  Putting the cart behind the building and the mule inside makes it less likely it will be seen in this way.  However, the inside of the building is not very large and everyone would need to hide in the front corner if they didn't want to be seen from the open doorway.  (Remember, no door.)  This gets harder with a mule.  Either is possible, neither is ideal.

Fixer was busy digging through the net looking for whatever he could find when Ghalan asked about delivery or service.  "Hhhhh, that could be an option.  The best bet for that would be some sort of security footage - to see what is going into and out of the compound.  It would also give us an up-to-date image of things that might be wrong and in need of fixing.  Raiding a system like that and stealing access to their data is something Blossom is better at.  Check with her because that could be a good idea.  Right now I'm digging to try and identify what sort of security they have.  But while I'm at it I will keep an eye out for deliveries.  Plus whatever systems they might utilize - those systems might need maintenance provided by a very special team.  It would be kinda interesting if we went in to repair the security system, although I suspect that brings with it as many problems as it solves."

As Ghalan began to move away Fixer looked up at him and added, "And we don't have to use the compounds security.  If there are cameras elsewhere in the surrounding streets they may give us info on what goes into and out of our target without actually having to risk tripping their own systems and alerting them."

               The group looked across the river and up at the ridge towards Fromkin’s Aerie.  All of their prior investigations had led them nowhere.  They had questions, but not answers.  So now it seemed they were to head off towards the ridge to see what they could see.  And right now, the light to see with was dying and the road climbed ahead of them.  But shelter was available.  A series of stone buildings sat at each switchback as the road crossed the bridge and climbed the ridge.

               Looking for shelter for the night the group crossed over the bridge.  It was as sound as it had appeared from the side.  Well worn and ancient, but solidly built.  The waters of the Hreusen bubbled along under it as the party crossed, but nothing appeared to disturb their passage.  They continued on as the road climbed towards the first of the stone buildings and they approached it with caution.  It looked to be a little over 10’ square with an open doorway (no door) leading to the interior.  It was abandoned.  Dirt leaves and cobwebs filled the corners of the room.  There were no windows.  Like the bridge it seemed solidly built and old.  It should provide a good place to rest for the night.

               As the group settled in for the night it was a clear night with a bright moon.  The group settled into the stone building with Steele standing sleepless guard.  It seemed a peaceful night like many the group had spent on the road with the caravan.  After midnight the sky started to cloud over and Steele was guessing that his companions would be very happy to have a roof over their head by morning.  Rain was coming. 

               Around 2 in the morning, before the rain broke, something else was coming as well.  About that time Steele heard noise on the path above them.  A group of something was coming down the road from the top of the ridge and headed towards the bridge.  As the building the group was sheltered in was right next to the road they would certainly pass right by.  Staring upwards and listening intently the warforged was not sure exactly how far away they were – probably 2-3 switchbacks at this point.  This means that by road they were probably still at least a few hundred yards away.  But at the moment Steele heard them they probably only about 125 yards away – straight up the ridge.  Even listening as carefully as he could Steele could not determine what or how many were coming.  It was a group – almost certainly 6 or more.  They were making no attempt to be quiet and were variously singing, laughing and talking loudly.  But given the distance, he could not tell what.  He didn’t think it was common, but even that was uncertain at the moment. 

FYI – The hut you are in is at a bend in the road.  The road travels up the ridge in a series of switchbacks – it is about 150 yards to the next building and the next turn.  From that position whoever is coming down the road will have a clear view of the building you are in.  You, of course, would also have a clear view of them.  In the area around the building you are in there is about 30’ of reasonable terrain – it is difficult terrain for rule purposes because it is filled with rocks, bushes,trees and slopes up and down.  It is difficult, but passable.  Beyond about 30’ the terrain is very rough and steep.  (This is true beyond 5-10’ of the road in areas not near the buildings.)  To cross these areas, for example, to try and climb straight up to the next switchback without traveling on the road, would require a dexterity climbing check.  A mule could not do it in most places.

You have warning of this encounter.  Please be specific about where everyone is located – this includes the mule and cart.  I will try to get a map up, but it shouldn’t be needed.

You can make it to the first building by the time it gets dark.  But you couldn't get all the way up the ridge. 

Also, Keeper is still in, I believe. 

I'll update on Saturday, assuming the site works on the weekend, which it frequently doesn't.

Sorry it took so long.

If you need me to make a roll or anything, let me know.

Fixer got some rest and some food while watching the rest of the group.  Organizing the meetings, extractions and whatnot were not his thing.  But finally, things seemed to be coming together a bit.  At least they weren't at each others throats anymore.  Except maybe Bloodbank.  He walked out on them.  Fixer watched him go and shook his head.  On one hand, the dude was smart to get away from this sorry-ass crew.  They'd managed to screw up nearly everything they had touched so far anf fight themselves while doing it. But on the other hand, they'd found Jace.  Mission accomplished.  And what happened to Rya was on Rya, not them. When they worked together they were pretty damn effective.  And that didn't touch the threat that whoever had Vegas would be gunning for them.  Walking out the door alone was walking out . . . alone.  He understood why Bank had done so, but Fixer wasn't planning on going anywhere just yet. 

Which meant it was plan time.  And the plan, it seemed, was going to be to work on some extraction of Vegas.  He saw some of the others ordering weapons and didn't bother.  He could fire a bullet, but he knew being muscle wasn't his skill set.  Instead he set himself down and set to learning everything he could about the compound they would be heading to.  He wanted to know the general floorplan, see pictures, identify likely or known security systems.  Anythign that could be found on the net would be good.  Innocent pictures could often give hints about the type of physical security that might be present.  He'd look more when he got there, of course, but in the mean time, forewarned was forearmed.  And if he found anything, maybe he'd have something to add to Charlie's shopping list - if he knew some of what they would be up against.

8 days since last post.  Only 3 players have posted.  Need some commentary.  It is too early to need a role-call, isn't it?  I want to make a post in the next day or so.

Hope to get a post up tonight.  (Thursday)

Mischief - that is a bummer.  You will be missed and are welcome back whenever life allows.  Best of luck with your daughters educations - as a teacher I'm getting this experience from the other end.  Time to figure out what "hybrid" means for my life.

Just remember if you are going to check the buildings or do anything else, I need to know if you are trying to do it as dusk falls or if you are waiting until the morning. 

"You had mentioned the caravan was made up of three wagons, but only two were found burned at the site. Any idea what happened to the last one?"

Erhardt looked at Ewyn and shook his head.  "That is a puzzler, isn't it?  According to the merchants there were three wagons - both of them swear to it.  In addition to their word I have two other reasons for believing them.  1.  House Tobosa sends a train down every few months.  Ninety percent of the time it is three wagons.  Almost always.  2.  The tracks on the road leading to the site indicate several wagons arriving.  It is hard to tell much on the road because of all the stones, but there was a mud patch shortly before the battle site that made three look likely.  Even better, there are very clear indications of three wagons leaving the road at the battle site - the two that are burned out and one other." 

Erhardt held up three fingers.  "Three wagons.  Unless the goblins pulled some trickery to make it look like three.  Goblins might not make much of a wizard, but they are cunning little gits.  That third wagon that left the road?  Its track just goes off the road and stop.  Dead end.  But no wagon.  If you look really closely at the tracks it looks like the wagon backtracked over its own trail back onto the road.  A horse going backwards doesn't leave the same hoof mark as a horse going forward.  Both types of marks were there.  Coming and going.  The backward marks were on top." 

At this point the deputy took another drink and looked at Ewyn again.  "Interesting isn't it?  Because if it went back onto the road, where did it go from there?  It didn't go back to Ludenshiem.  The Tinkers were coming South on that road and they swear that they never encountered anyone going Northwards.  That mud patch was also clear of Northbound tracks.  So, South along the road?  That's the direction towards the only bridge - as you know based on your plans for tomorow.  But that road runs smack dab, straight-through Botkinburg.  And they didn't go through the town.  So, what happened to wagon #3?"

               The group scoured the caravan site looking for evidence.  They found the tree Erhardt had mentioned was used to block the road, but it had been pulled off to the side.  But it was obvious that the road had been blocked at one time.  And there had been a fight.  There were indications of goblin sized attackers and human sized defenders.  There was a lot of evidence of a small battle.

               But that was it.  There wasn’t much more.  Certainly, there was no map with “X marks the spot” to indicate where the twins might be located.  In fact, two more people had been added to the list of the missing.   Twice now the group had looked at locations where the village of Botkinburg and its surroundings had been attacked, but they had learned little.  Frustrated, they headed back to the village with plans for heading to the Ridge the next day.

               When they got back to the village, they again sought rooms in the Bent Hook.  The common room was again reasonably full of locals including the Sheriff’s deputy, Erhardt.  He approached the group and from their grim looks easily deduced the lack of success of their day’s efforts.  “Another blank?  I wish I could tell you where the attackers went.  Or the kidnappers of the Molkin twins.  If you have any questions, I’d be happy to do my best, but I was stuck myself.  A search of the Ridge provides a lot of territory to go over.” 

            When Thaoran asked his questions about elves Erhardt sadly shook his head.  "Elves are rare around here.  I have seen them.  The Barren Wood was once home to many elves many, many, many years ago.  But these days, few come here.  Your presence has been noted by many as unusual.  I'm sorry to say, I have seen noone.  I'll ask the sherrif if he has, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer.  Sorry."  He shook his head as he said it.  "And slavery?  Well, the twins were solid farm lads - no strangers to hard work as you said.  And goblins, well, I wouldn't put it past the little buggers.  They hate doing work themselves.  But slavery usually implies some bigger system - slavers and whatnot.  I've seen no evidence of it.  But things do seem to be happening - if you do find anything, please let me know.  Information is our best weapon.  And right now we don't seem to have much of it. But I guess you know that quite well right about now."

The deputy waited to see if the group had any more questions.  When he was finished answering questions, he left the group to their dinners and headed out into the night.  The group got rooms and prepared to leave early to head to the Ridge to begin the search.

               The next morning the group was ready to head South towards the bridge and whatever the Ridge might have to offer.  There was a road that ran parallel to the river.  It was an old road that almost certainly dated from the glory years before the Horned Ones Minions had dominated the region.  (This is the same road you had followed North towards Ludenshiem when investigating the caravan.)  The road had been very well made, but was showing its age.  Originally paved there were now weeds poking up through the stones and the edges of the road crumbled into the surrounding vegetation.  Still, it was never hard to follow and offered an easy path.  At times it approached the river within a few yards and at others it moved away by a few hundred feet or more, but it never strayed too far from the water.  It was an easy day’s travel with the river bubbling along on the left and the quiet of the wood walling you in on the right.  Nothing happened throughout the day beyond the buzzing of the ever present flies.

               It took the entire day to reach the bridge and the group reached it just as the sun was going down.  Here the Hreusen River bends lightly away from the base of the ridge and spreads out in rocky shallows.  A large stone bridge arches over the entire width of the river.  It is a blocky, utilitarian bridge, big enough for two wagons to pass abreast.  Along both sides are low stone rails.  The stone is worn smooth from uncountable footsteps and years while wagon wheel grooves scar the center of the bridge.  Statues once adorned each corner of the bridge, but all but one have long since been destroyed.  At the east end of the bridge (the far end) is a broken and cracked statue of a predatory bird perched atop a helmet.  The giant beak is stretched towards the sky as if looking for direction.

               The bridge connects with a timeworn, paved path on the ridge side.  This is Fromkin’s Pass – the only passage over the ridge line for many, many miles in either direction.  The path is broad and wide and created in such a manner as to allow wagon traffic, and so angles up the ridge in a series of about 10 switchbacks.  It looks as if at each turn in the path there is a small, stone building.  Seven or eight of these are clearly visible, while the expected locations of the last two are hidden by the ridge and/or trees.   From a distance they look long abandoned.  At the top of the pass you can see the crumbling top of a ruined tower.  Back in Botkinburg you had heard of this referred to as Fromkin’s Aerie.  Beyond the ridge are the Plains of Karoth – a wide expanse of open lands and hills populated mostly by nomadic peoples.  No settled kingdom has claimed that land for many generations. 

               All along the river the ridge has risen on the eastern shore.  The height has varied form a few hundred feet to as high as 5 or 6 hundred feet.  In some places it is impossibly steep.  In others it could be climbed – carefully.  There are many washes and gullies scouring its surface and leading down to the river.  Trees, shrubs and bushes grow at the base of the ridge, but also up and down it.  In some places there appear to be flatter ledges that support larger numbers of trees while in others greenery clings to the sides of cliffs.  In some places the ridge plunges right to the shore of the river and there is no way to walk along the eastern shore without either getting your feet wet or clinging to the cliffs edge and carefully working your way around.  But in many places there is a thin strip of land, sometimes forested and sometimes marshy, along the shore.  It is likely possible to move up and down the eastern shore of the Hreusen, but it would not be easy.  (You are guessing that a mule could probably do it, but would likely need to get its feet wet on occasion.  A mule pulling a cart could not.) 

               It is now late in the evening and the sun is setting quickly.  It will be dark very soon.  You stand on the western shore of the Hreusen River looking across and up at the ridge. 

(As always, feel free to post comments on any part of this.  Ask more questions of Erhardt or something on the journey out.  Then what is the plan for the evening?)

FYI - I'll get the next post up tuesday or Wednesday unless someone asks for a delay. Tuesday marks one week.    3 Posts so far.

You have most of the information requested based on last posts so there isn't much more for me to add about the caravan site unless you have other questions or plans.  Right now I'd expect the next post to review the caravan site, return to Botkinburg for the night, then in the morning to head for the bridge.  Let me know if something else is desired.

I don't think there is any need for more drama.  As long as Charlie tells Casino about Vegas calling.  And given the previous blowups that should be an obvious thing to do.  If Charlie were to chose not to do so, well, then problems would exist.  But if he does the obvious, no issues.

Leadership - I'd vote co-leadership.  Two alphas that gotta learn to get along. At this point Fixer would go where he is most needed.  He isn't a fighter, he is a techie.

Dragon-Soul  - That isn't a question I can really answer at this point.  Your question will be answered in my ingame post since it won't impact the next move the group makes.  He doesn't have info on elves.

Ayrn's question from the game post:

The Tobosa Merchant House - You don't recognize it.  However, it is a Ludenshiem based trading house and that town is about 3 days walk to the North.  Nothing in your background puts you in that area before.  What you can say is that isn't the name of a major trading house that does business in the South.  It is likely a smaller local trading house, but your lack of knowledge of the local area makes that a guess.

The tree from the ambush - it is easy to locate.  A tree on the north side of the road was obviously cut and used to block the road.  However, the tree itself is now on the South side of the road having been pulled off of the road.  (Erhardt made no mention of doing this himself and if asked will nod and agree that it is odd.  He found the tree already pulled off to the side.) 

Checking out the site - It is easy to find some spots where goblins might have hid and shot arrows.  Broken branches, boot marks (goblinish) are visible.  These spots seem well placed for an ambush.  There are a couple of arrows likely from the guards back in these areas.  One might have found its target - perhaps a bit of goblin blood, but it isn't certain.  Clearly there has been a fair amount of activity here.  There is the obvious evidence of the battle, but also other tracks that seem to be "after the fact."  These later tracks are human and accompanied by horse tracks on the road.

I won't always answer questions like this "between posts" but these are simple and logical and might impact your next move so it seems best to get you the information.

Erhardt listened to the question the group asked and did his best to answer. 

"Can you think of any reason why someone, goblins or others, would want to nab the twins? Do they have some value? Do they, their mom, or other family members have any bad relationships with anyone else in town?"

“The Molkin twins?  Honestly, no.  The sheriff did look into that angle a bit when they disappeared, but . . . no.  There is nothing remarkable about the Molkins.  They are just small farmers with a few cows.  Came here to the Hook every now and then.  No real enemies as far as we know.  Just your average farmers.  You could pick any two young men from a dozen families around here and not know the difference.  They seemed like good young men.”

"What is the name of the farmer with the spooked cows?"

 “I wouldn’t put much in that story.  Edgar Meekal is always talking about how there are “evil things a’flittin’ about now.”  Truth is, he’s right, of course.  There are dark things on that Ridge, but Meekal and his son are often talking about spooks in the woods.  Usually after a few mugs of Ortolf’s sludge.  And that stuff would knock a cow on its behind!”  This last was said a bit louder as the tavern’s owner walked by.  The big man just grinned and snapped back, “And yet you suck it down yourself Erhardt.  Perhaps you have more in common with those cows then your lettin’ on!” 

               Grinning and taking a swallow the sludge, Erhardt got back on the story.  “Anyway, Meekal is always seeing something.  I’ve never seen anything come of it.  This last one – nothing there.  His cows were just grazing away like any other cow you’ve ever seen and there was no sign of anything in the area.  So, if they were spooked, it wasn’t much.  There farm is on the Western Edge of town.  It’s actually not far from the front gates of the keep.”  (#9 on the map)

"Who buried the dead bodies from the caravan raid and where were they buried? How many were there? How many were merchants?"

“The bodies were brought back to town by myself and the other deputy.  They were brought up to the keep and then buried in the town cemetery.  Services and such were taken care of at the Chancel – everything religious is done there, regardless of your specific god.  Ol’ Hermanuss Tersteeg runs the place, but young Bertis does a lot of the work now.  Either one of the two acolytes or some hired farmer would have done the actual digging. (#3 on the map.)  We brought back 3 bodies – all guards.  Supposedly there were two others with the caravan, another guard and a third merchant.  Both were just gone.  The two that escaped were sure they were dead.  That seems likely, but with no bodies, perhaps they have gone the way of the twins.  But they were outsiders, so it doesn’t upset the town the way the twins did.”

"What merchant guild did the caravan belong to? What were they carrying in their wagons?"

“Not a major house.  Merchant Tabosa is a medium sized merchant up in Ludenshiem.  One of the two that survived was his nephew, Mathias.  Supposedly it was his first mission with his brother Ortho – Ortho is the one that disappeared.  Not much of a first mission, it seems.  The other one that lived was a hired man of the family, Ned Tester.   Apparently, he’s been with the family for a couple of decades.  For a house of that size, the loss of a small caravan won’t be crippling, but it will hurt.”

               “What were they hauling?  A variety of goods.  Some of it was some fine cloth headed for the keep.  There was also some finer liquors – part for sale here for those who don’t have the stomach for the sludge and part up at the keep.  Past that it was a mishwash of things.  Some finer metal goods, and some spices from up Ludenshiem way round out most of the rest.  It was a pretty typical load.  You can find similar coming down every couple months.      

"What were the names of the merchants who survived?"

*Covered above*

Nest Post up.

I took the next post through the caravan site, but feel free to back post more questions for Erhardt if you have any.  I'm trying to move things along in the beginning, but don't want to prevent you from asking any questions you might have.  For that matter, if there is anything else in town you want to do before going out to the caravan site, you can post that also. 

By midafternoon the group finally had to admit that their attempts at tracking had gone nowhere.  If those original tracks had been made by goblins, they were good at covering their tracks.  The fact that they were several days old didn’t help things at all either.  But for whatever reason, that path had led to a dead end in the woods.  They now stared around them with no direct route anywhere.  They could continue on to the river and assume the goblins had gone that way.  Or they could go back to town and regroup.  Neither way was overly promising, but standing here and counting trees wasn’t likely to accomplish anything either. 

               After a little discussion it was decided to head back into town.  There they could see if any new information had arrived and get a good night’s sleep before heading out in the morning.  Decision made, the group retraced its steps through the woods and reappeared in the pastures near town.  When the group entered the common room of the Bent Hook several of the patrons looked at them with excitement briefly before turning away in disappointment.  The young barmaid that had brought them to the home of the twin’s mother, Elaida, ran up and started to ask a question but was forestalled by a shake of Dok’s head.  The dwarf spoke briefly saying, “No, no luck.  But this was just step one.  I assume, from your question, that the twins did not return in our absence?  Has there been no news?”

               The young woman was saddened by the announcement – the group had not returned as champions on day one.  “No, no, they are not back.  Not yet.  You found nothing?”  She sighed.  “Their mother doesn’t need more grief.  And . . .uhm, no, you asked about news.  No, nothing.  I don’t think.”  At this point a young man walked into the tavern – a man that Dok recognized as the sheriff’s assistant Erhardt.  “Ahh . . . Erhardt!  Come here!  You are just the man we need!”  As he approached she turned back to the group, “Erhardt is just the man to let you know about what is going on.  In the meantime, what can I get you hungry heroes?” 

               The group ordered some food and were joined by Erhardt.  “So, from the look of things you didn’t find much on your trip to the pasture.  Those goblins were stealthy.  That isn’t normally something they are great at.  Where did you go for the rest of the day?”  The group explained the brief outlines of their path and the sheriff’s assistant nodded his head.  “Yeah, that makes sense.  But you found no signs whatsoever?  I didn’t either.  I think I headed a little more riverward then you did, but either way – nothing.   I do suspect they probably crossed the river.  Everything we know seems to put the goblins on the other side.  I’d bet they went down to the bridge to cross.  Goblins don’t generally swim or use boats.  But I don’t actually have any proof of that.”  When asked about further news he didn’t have much to add.  “New?  No, thankfully things have been quiet.  We had one farmer claim that something scared his cows, but I don’t think it was anything.   As for the caravan attack a few days ago, you can probably find the remains of the caravan about half a day’s hike north out of town.  It will be just to the riverside of the road.  You really can’t miss it.  A couple of burned out wagons.  The bodies have been removed and buried.  The wagons were pretty well looted.  There wasn’t much.  I’m pretty sure the raiders left via the road – they wouldn’t leave tracks that way.”

               He paused before continuing about the attack on the caravan.  “It was a small group – 3 wagons and a handful of guards.  The goblins attacked them as the cam around a corner.  Dropped a tree in front of them to stop them from continuing on.  We know this was goblins – two of the merchants ran for it and got away.  To the best of our knowledge nobody else survived, although we only found a couple of bodies.  They claimed it was 30 goblins at a minimum, but I’ll be honest, those two lit out of there so fast the only way they counted goblins was if they had eyes in their backsides.  I’d put the number at half of that at best.  That is based on a combination of the tracks at the scene – hard to see much given the chaos of the scene, but it isn’t like it was a major battlefield – and the number needed to take out a half dozen armed guards.  For what it is worth, the raid seemed well planned.  There was no evidence of goblin blood.  They took out the armed guards quickly and efficiently.”

 At this point he paused to listen to any questions the group had and to order his own meal.  “The merchants made it sound like their escape was heroic, but it seemed more cowardly to me.  They cut and ran.  And the goblins seemed to let them go.  I found the merchant’s tracks hightailing it through the woods, but goblins only followed long enough to make sure they weren’t circling back.  They didn’t chase ‘em down.  And I doubt those two could have hid from a deaf and blind infant, let alone a goblin.  Oh, and if you want to ask them about it, you can’t.  They lit out back to Ludenshiem the next day.  I haven’t had time to really look for a path beyond the battle site.  But if these are coming from across the river, then they’d need to get back over there.  And that means either finding a way across the river North of town, or getting back South of town to the bridge.”  He sat with the group for awhile to answer any more question they might have and to finish his meal and a couple of mugs of Orville’s Sludge. 

There didn’t seem to be much else to learn in town that night.  The twins had not returned and no further raids had yet occurred.  So the group ate dinner, got rooms and got their rest for the night.  At least those who needed rest did so.  In the morning they got up early and headed North out of town to search for the other recent site of a goblin raid – the caravan attack.  It was exactly where it was expected to be – about half a day’s walk North of town. 

Two wagons were a little to the side of the road.  There wasn’t much left of either of them as they had been burned.  There were no bodies – Erhardt had said they had been removed for burial.  There was nothing left in the wagons – whatever had been there had either been burned or looted.  There were some signs of the battle.  Clearly there had been some fighting along the road.  The place was hardly “blood soaked,” but if one looked closely it was fairly obvious that some grievous wounds had been delivered here.  In addition, a few broken arrows and bolts could be found in the area – some of what you would expect a normal arrow to look like and a few others of, perhaps, goblin manufacture.  The big question – where had everyone gone, did not have a clear answer.  There were no obvious tracks leading away from the scene.  The road itself was hardly a highway, but was used enough that it didn’t give any obvious indication of anything.  There had been a fight, but then what?