E2: The Secret of Gemhold [Patlin Judging]

[Velmont]

"Giants with the goblin? I didn't remmeber they like to help each other. Ogre, sometimes. Orcs, generally, but goblins are use much like slaves could be use when orcs ae around... for the cold iron wepaon, that chould bother us much, but I understand why it bothered some." replies Ridik

 

[SlagMortar]

Nars gets a dark look. As if hoards of goblins weren't bad enough, now there are giants too. Nars glances around to his companions and feels his heart brighten. This group had come through many challenges. A couple of giants would pose no greater threat than the horrible demons of the Tomb or the terrible Redcap. In fact, it would be a nice change of pace to have enemies of simple flesh and bone, no matter how much flesh and how big the bones.

 

[Manzanita]

Percy feels bad for Gorefoot. None of his kin seem to have survived. She could hardly imagine a worse fate. She doesn't even want to meet his eyes.

"Maybe some still live as slaves." she says "There is likely some mastermind behind this. Giants wouldn't normally serve goblins, nor would goblins possess the skills to craft cold iron. We must be careful."

Percy is sad. It had been her hope to re-establish the gnomes in the hold. But now, even if they clear out the goblins, there's no one else to live there. IT would just attract random creatures. She decides this might be worth addressing.

"Speaker, would your people make use of Gemhold if we were able to clear out the goblins? Do you know of people who could use the gems for good purposes, and make Gemhold safe again? Thorn, would your people inhabit the caverns?"

 

[Dalamar]

Rodimus's eyes flash with anticipation when giants are mentioned. Not just goblins to let loose on, but giants to truely test his skills against? Taurusk must be blessing this journey.

 

[Erekose13]

"We have observed a few other figures. A few bugbears add to the strength of the goblin horde and there have been two others who look more human or hobgoblin. Our scouts were not certain on that point as the figures were both cloaked when outside.

We might have use for it, though we hope that there are gnomes still deep inside. Like you we can't see goblins making cold iron weapons, nor would they be able to mine the gems as well as the gnomes. We will certainly work with any gnomes on reestablishing their place should that be possible. In general though my people are nomadic in nature and it would be hard to encourage them to settle. In the end if we must seal off the mines, then that is what will need to be." replies the Speaker. She looks to the thorn.

"My people would not settle there, no. We are spirits of the forest and such a place is anathema to us, especially with the taint of that foul metal the goblins forge." it replies when prompted to speak.

 

[IcyCool]

Gorefoot grows quiet at the mention of no survivors. After a moment he looks up, "If sealing up the mine is the best thing to do after we clean out the goblins, then we should do it. At least then it can serve a purpose as a grave."

 

[Erekose13]

"I sincerely hope it does not come to that, but if it must we will help." replies the Speaker. "Have you given any thought as to how you will accomplish the siege of Gemhold? There are a significant number of goblins within the keep above ground as well as the giants. The entrance to the mine is always guarded and the keep's buildings, while in serious disrepair, are teaming with the foul little creatures."

 

[SlagMortar]

Nars clears his throat as the discussion of what to do afterward continues. He gives a sympathetic look at Gorefoot, but looks away once he starts talking, "If, er, we don't find, ah, Gorefoot's kin, perhaps we could find, er, others to settle. Some of, er, my clan might be, er, so encouraged, ah, if Gorefoot, ah, and you all, of course, ah, approved." Such matters were certainly difficult to speak of.

He leaves initial thoughts on strategy to the others, until he has a better understanding of the situation. He hated speaking before he knew everything he could about a topic.

 

[Manzanita]

OOC: The map of Gemhold is in the first post. I assume that's a partial map of the underground. Does anyone know more details about the keep? Did Gorefoot know of a secret entrance?

BIC: Percy sighs. She pulls out a comb and begins to brush her hair. "This military strategy is not my cup of tea. But I would think we should scout it out. Speaker, Thorns, how many warriors can you bring to our cause? And how long would it take you to mobalize? Maybe we could start with some hit & run attacks to weaken their defenses. I think you'll find I can be quite dangerous against goblins, particularly if they're grouped together."

 

[IcyCool]

Gorefoot's mouth opens and closes silently at the speaker's question of a plan of attack. He'd never really given it much thought before, figuring he could just storm right in. That seemed silly to him now, of course.

"The goblins had to get in some way when they started the attack. Maybe we can get in the same way."

When Nars mentions his clan possibly being interested, Gorefoot brightens just a little. "That would be great! No one would think of messing with your people. Do you really think they'd be interested Nars?"

OOC: Does Gorefoot know of any "secret" entrances? He's not terribly intelligent, so he might not remember.