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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Morrow" data-source="post: 600898" data-attributes="member: 301">Against the Elves – PrologueThe first vision was hazy. It wasn’t a vision at all really, just the feeling that had accompanied the previous visions from Maglibuyet, nothing more. The second vision, several days later, revealed the fuzzy outline of a humanoid. A goblin? It was impossible to tell. Thar could tell that it was hugely important that he understand. Then it cut off abruptly.The third vision was crystal clear. A goblin - young, ten years old, maybe less. He wears rags around his torso and dried blood on his hands, feet, and knees. He’s covered with dirt and grime. His hands are callused – hard. He stares at Thar, or past him, with a blank expression. He is somewhere in the caverns south of the bugbear-run trade city of Gulg. Thar must find him.Thar awoke abruptly. He immediately rolled off his pallet and began praying for his daily complement of spells. He would need help to do Maglibuyet’s will. He had only recently learned sending, a spell that would allow him to communicate with others far away.The goblin cleric sent his first spell to Ive. Although a kobald, the necromancer was a kindred spirit. Thar felt the spell stretch away from him, and then abruptly cut off. Likely, that meant Ive was dead. Thar paused briefly to consider the implications of his companion’s death, and then cast another spell, this time targeting Krikara, the darkcreeper. Krikara had disapeared in the Underdark before the others had found the site of Blarkarg Camp. Again, the spell reached out, and again it was cut off. Krikara was dead as well? That was unexpected. The rogue had a respectable, almost goblin-like sense of self preservation.Thar cast one more spell. He did not even consider contacting Hedkarakk, the orc barbarian. Instead he chose Atarax, the goblin bard. This time he felt the spell make a connection.Maglubiyet has sent a vision. Leaving soon from Blarkarg camp. I need your help. Can you meet me in Gulg? If possible bring the others. Atarax’s reply, and sendings they exchanged the next day revealed that Atarax’s companions were dead. He was in Gulg, but no one else was being allowed in because the leaders of Gulg feared that the recent assassination of an important bugbear merchant named Smedley signaled that the drow were taking a renewed interest in Gulg. Atarax suggested that they meet in Freetown, a particularly rough humanoid community south of Gulg. The goblin that Thar sought may even be in Freetown.Thar called for Filbin and Skip, his two most gifted acolytes. "I have received a vision from Maglibuyet. He has instructed me to search out a young goblin, somewhere south of Gulg."Filbin grinned, "When do we leave boss?""You’ll have to stay here. Someone has to care for the people of Blarkarg Camp. While I’m gone, that someone is you. Fishbone is a good leader, but he needs the guidance of Maglibuyet." Thar gave Filbin and Skip instructions for his absence, and then dismissed them and called for Rhuun.Rhuun came from a clan of goblins who had been slaves in the drow city of Sivenni for generations. Several months ago she had killed her master, stolen everything she could carry and escaped the city. Among the things she stole was a ring of sustenance, which sustained her with no food or water and very little sleep, allowing her to survive alone in the Underdark. She had wandered into Blarkarg camp a month ago, wounded and confused after an encounter with an Umber Hulk. In their time as slaves, Rhuun’s people had sustained themselves by cultivating a fierce faith in the goblin god, Maglibuyet. Rhuun was particularly fanatical. After she was healed, Rhuun had immediately pledged herself to Thar’s service. "Maglibuyet is sending us on a quest. We are leaving immediately. Prepare our things." Thar went to consult with Fishbone, the leader of the goblins of Blarkarg Camp. When he left Fishbone’s cave, carrying a bag of gold that Fishbone had given him, Rhuun was waiting. Wordlessly she handed over Thar’s pack and together they walked out of Blarkarg Camp.</blockquote>

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