The dense woods loomed around the party, shadows flickering with the glow of red eyes. Sol’andrus Van Diel crouched, firearm poised, when a tall goblin emerged, hands raised in peace. He introduced himself as Zagnab, assuring the party that if harm was intended, it would have already come to pass. He gestured to a pile of goo that had once been devils, confirming their shared hatred for the fiends. After the party affirmed their lack of allegiance to the devils, Zagnab Of The Thorngrip Goblins invited them to follow him.
The party followed Zagnab Of The Thorngrip Settlement Goblins and a handful of goblins through the tangled trees. The journey was challenging, requiring climbing and swinging, but the party managed to stay together. Zagnab Of The Thorngrip Settlement Goblins frequently checked on the their progress, complimenting their navigation skills. After about an hour, the party arrived at a massive Sequoia surrounded by dense thorns, where Zagnab Of The Thorngrip Settlement Goblins revealed a hidden passage into a concealed goblin settlement.
Inside Thorngrip Settlement, the party was met with a mix of curiosity and wariness from the goblin residents. Zagnab Of The Thorngrip Settlement Goblins welcomed the party , and Sira Antkeep, fluent in Goblin, expressed the party’s gratitude for their hospitality. the party was led to a large shrine carved into the Sequoia trunk, where they encountered Brakknap, an elder goblin who greeted them warmly. After introductions, Brakknap inquired about their presence in the Chitterwood. Sol’andrus attempted to explain their mission concerning devils but kept details vague, prompting Brakknap to express skepticism about their trustworthiness. Sira clarified that they were seeking the Hellknight Vero Ahala, who had been summoning devils. After a moment of contemplation, Brakknap agreed to assist them, but first requested the party’s against a group known as the Isgeri Slayers, who posed a threat to the goblins. Eager to prove themselves, Sol’andrus readied his weapon, but Brakknap clarified that we were to hunt the bad people, not the good. He warned that the party would not be allowed back into Thorngrip Settlement until the Slayers were dealt with, but until then, they were free to rest and trade.
After accepting the task, the party set out to track the Slayers. Vaggio successfully found a trail leading them to a small camp where five Slayers were stationed. They ambushed the camp, with Sol’andrus striking first from the trees, quickly eliminating one Slayer. Rin followed up with her magic, freezing part of the clearing and hindering the Slayers’ movements. The fight was swift, with Vaggio and Isaac contributing to the chaos, resulting in the death of three Slayers before they could react. Following their victory, they searched the camp, discovering healing potions and stolen trinkets. They also found tracks indicating that two Slayers had gone out hunting. As the party contemplated following the trail, the remaining Slayers returned, leading to another confrontation. Vaggio attempted to bluff them, but the Slayers were not convinced, and violence erupted once more. Rin cast her freezing magic again, while Sol’andrus laid down caltrops to hinder their advance. The battle was fierce, with Vaggio sustaining injuries, but ultimately, we emerged victorious once more, having defeated the remaining Slayers.
Zagnab Of The Thorngrip Settlement Goblins appeared, praising the party for their skill and bravery, expressing gratitude for their assistance in protecting the goblins. The party returned to Thorngrip Settlement, where they were welcomed as heroes. Brakknap awaited their return, offering the the chance to rest and trade. They learned that the goblins operated on a barter system, leading to humorous exchanges regarding Vaggio’s identity as a turtle person. As they explored the settlement, Brakknap informed them of Vira Ahala’s ongoing rituals that obscured him from the goblins’ sight. He gifted Sol’andrus a Cloudy Green Crystal Pendant, which would help locate Vira Ahala when taken to three disturbed sites: the Hungry Hole, Little Tree, and Moss Pond. The party decided to visit Little Tree first. Upon arrival, they found the area vibrant yet disorienting, with a grizzly bear present. While they struggled with the bear, Rin ultimately killed it, and Sira managed to cleanse the corruption surrounding the tree.
Next, the party approached the Hungry Hole, a barren clearing that seemed to inhale everything nearby. After a tense encounter, Sira and Isaac managed to disrupt the corruption, leading to the hole returning to its natural state. Finally, at Moss Pond, they faced mossy sloth creatures that attacked them. After a fierce battle, they managed to cleanse the site, discovering a Smuggler’s Padlock among the remains. With each site restored, Sol’andrus’s pendant glowed brighter, indicating their progress in locating Vira Ahala. The party prepared to continue their quest.
Threads to Watch: The Slayers; Vira Ahala’s ongoing rituals; the significance of the Smuggler’s Padlock.