Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Chapter 2 - Illusions)

[Land Outcast]

Indifferent about where his quest has taken him this time, Alexander looks at the patched up towers with critical eye... Death traps for the defenders When he is informed that the barracks and living quarters are inside the hills, he struggles to contain a caustic critique: The kobolds could break in wherever they please within the complex through tunneling.

Shaman's head... Totem staff... Dragon Eye chieftan's head...

"So... should we cut the goblin's head before they rise? Or should we stop the flow of kobold attacks before they wipe out the community?" Alexander asks to the clan leader. Kobolds and goblins won't remain united for long, if the kobolds are weakened, the goblins migh jump at their throat... Once the strongest wolf is wounded, the others will prey on him, growing reckless in their attack "Kobolds should be our priority"

"By the way... just in case: we are not cannon fodder"

 

[GlassEye]

Silas confers with his companions. "It seems to me that with more solid information concerning the goblins we should begin there, even though the kobolds seem the greater threat. I hesitate to go stumbling about the woods and hills where the kobolds are known to roam with little information to direct our steps to the lair of the Dragon Eye tribe. Though if the gnomes cannot survive another wave of attacks from the kobolds..." With a shrug Silas trails off as he realizes he is beginning to argue both sides. "What say you, Rix?"

 

[Ferrix]

"Silas has it correct, the goblins are what we know about. If we can cut off the head of the goblin tribes, they will collapse upon themselves. Then, I can meet with the kobolds and we'll see where that goes." Rix glares at the gnomes, the disdain for them easily apparent.

 

[Land Outcast]

"I guess we shouldn't let a minor threat grow..." Alexander doesn't look happy at the turn of events, fighting two fronts isn't something he is used to.

He turns to the gnome "Can the community stand another kobold attack while we are working on the goblin tribes?"

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"We can try and probably have a better chance," is the answer. "The kobolds have been attempting assaults on our outer defenses ever since we've flooded some of their tunnels they had been digging in order to get to us. Ironically, they've had more success this way after we drowned out many of their diggers. On the other hand, we lost so many of our own men after the kobolds collapsed a tunnel on us trying to do the same that defense is just about all we can handle right now."

 

[Land Outcast]

I'm not sure to like it but... The one last resource would be collapsing all the tunnels to the surface until the threat is gone, making breath-grates at hidden locations at the surface.

Alexander sits quietly, pondering upon who knows what... waiting for someone to propose a better (and not that risky) alternative...

Once the prey refuges in its hole, the only exit are the wolf's jaws...

 

[GlassEye]

"It seems we are mostly in agreement then." He glances over at the two elves to see if they have anything to add. "And rested. Are we ready to set out?"

 

[Deuce Traveler]

You are in agreement and head off, successfully following the map given to you by the gnomes. It takes two uneventful days of following a small creek in the hills before a valley opens up below you, showing a large wooden stockade, which is the headquarters of the goblin shaman. The stockade has nine different buildings, and a two-level wooden structure standing in the center. It is still a quarter of a mile away, and you can see humanoid activity on the 15-foot walls watching for signs of approaching danger. There also does not appear to be any vegetation around the walls that you may use for cover. It will be difficult to find a way inside without being caught.

The stockade looks well built, and you have doubts that it is goblin in origin, but this is the place indicated by the map.

 

[Ferrix]

"Approaching during the day would be foolish at best, although at night we'd would still have to be cautious once we get closer. Goblins can see in the dark up to a certain point." He hunches down, making him no higher than most of the taller folks shins.

"We have little resources at our disposal for this venture," Rix clicks his nails once, what could be taken as a scowl on his face. "A fire might draw their attention to one side, then we could scale the opposite wall. Fifteen feet is not so high with the knotted-rope and a grappling hook." The dragonkin nods towards Alexander's pack which has both of those mentioned tools.

"I imagine the central building is where the shaman houses himself as well. We might as well set up camp on this ridge for a short time, watch their activities and remain out of sight. The more we know, the better, we're already at quite the disadvantage."

 

[D20Dazza]

"Your strategm is sound Rix" Kel says amicably as he settles down to the ground to watch the camp.