Today's Post Was Brought To You By Leaving, Well, Enough, and Alone

Recounting the fifth game session, Sunday, March 28th, 2010.

In attendance:
Jacob/Archer (NG Elf Ranger)
Kenny/Kentar (NG Human Wizard)
Ted/Lagolas (NG Human Fighter)
Matt/Marsh (CN Half-Elf Druid)
Jim/Tim (NG Half-Elf Sorcerer)
Ian/Ga-Ian (Valeros precon)
Brian (DM)

Marsh couldn't see much from his current position. Another stand of trees was maybe 150 yards away. He made a run for it, watching for anyone on the look-out. His eyes, consequently, were less focused on the ground ahead. Before he could stop himself, he hit the side of a well with such impact that his whole body tipped over the rim and tumbled down the hole. Desperately grabbing for the rope, attached to a bucket, which his flailing arms had yanked off its perch and proceeded to hit him in the head as it sailed down, Marsh only succeeded in catching the increasingly damp confines by the various places upon his body which smacked and scraped against the stony curvature.

Water exploded around him as he entered the dark reservoir. Dazed, bruised, and nearly drowned, he somehow managed to keep his head above water. Staying afloat would have to be enough at that point. Meanwhile, he had time to contemplate how his plans had changed so drastically.

The others, refreshed now from the provided meal, were ready contemplate what would come next. Such uncertain planning received more confusion as a Tengu they had not seen yet, came bounding in through a back door, glanced apprehensively, incredulously, at the non-Tengu visitors. He addressed Kowan-Keen, bending to speak at the leader's ear. Archer and Tim caught some mention of goblins, but the other words were in the strange Tengu tongue.

Kentar sensed a brief flash of concern on Kowan-Keen's face. The leader concentrated on the air before him momentarily, rose from his seat, and considered the PCs. "If you would have us permit you to leave this place," he said finally, "we require your aid in a serious matter."

After a flurry of questions from the party, the Tengu elder revealed that a trainee named Toak was captured by those goblin-kind in the forest below. The Tengu would have the party aid them in rescuing the youth. Having so recently experienced the hostile goblinoids, everyone agreed to the request.

The PCs were told to follow the other trainee, Eengarohng, on a tour of the plantation while the Tengu adults discussed the matter further. The only two Tengu not present during the entrance of Chatarak and his ill tidings, were Oadak and Hessial. The former had heard and discovered Marsh after his accident at the well and retrieved the latter to aid him in pulling the wretched Druid from their water supply. As these three were making their way toward the meeting house, each bird man with a sopping wet arm over his shoulder, the rest of the party caught up with them. They couldn't help but offer glib remarks regarding Marsh's misfortune.

The meeting between the other Tengu was completed. It was decided they would be leaving as dusk took hold, descending the East end of the plateau. As collateral, the Tengu having little reason to trust these accidental intruders, Archer would remain behind, up in the valley. At the forest floor, the non-Tengu, now armed, would circle North around the plateau to create a distraction and lead as many goblins as possible away from the camp and Kettle Ridge. During the commotion, the Tengu would slip in a free their fellow.