Can you dig it?
Burai 4m 6'10" 280 Lb Half-Orc Male
Brawny half-orc, primal and uncivilized.
Ferawyn 30s 5'2" 120 Lb Wild Elf Female
Red haired elf w/green eyes
Hubert 0s 6'3" 203 Lb Human Male
A tall, lean human male with a nasty scar on his face
Nels 1m 3'7" 42 Lb Goblin Male
Tall, for a goblin, and athletic. Close-cut black hair.
A classified ad in the Alexandrian Tribune offers work to a group of adventurers to provide escort for an archaeologist, Hildigard Sandheaver.
Everyone gathers to meet Hildigard at her office at sun-up on the day of the job. She shares that she has a lead on a dig she is interested in pursuing on the outskirts of the Genrivian Gorge.
She does not expect that there will be any trouble but would rather be safe than sorry as there is some history of unruly kobold activity in the area.
The dig site is at the bottom of a pool that is fed by an underground stream that proceeds to flow out through the woods surrounding the gorge. Hildigard has a map that identifies where that stream meets a larger waterway that is locally well known, but does not show the source of the stream.
Hildigard provides all of this and finishes with, "I'll be pulling a small cart with my tools for the dig, and I'm thinking we just find the stream and then follow it up to the source. What do you all think? Any questions?"
Burai looks at Hildigard in surprise. She'll be pulling the cart? He glances around for any sign of a draft animal. But then he shrugs and moves to examine the wagon. When the party is ready to move out he falls into line with them.
Nels listens to the briefing, nods about the job, and shakes her head about any questions. "Seems pretty straightforward," she notes, nodding to Ferawyn's question. "Rivals, people you owe money to, that sort of thing."
The cart is a small hand cart on two wooden wheels with a handle about four feet long. It's loaded with variety of digging tools and a back-up of each. Hildigard is a halfling and so the entire thing is nearly as large as she is but she seems prepared to pull it. To the questions, she answers, "Well, we're probably fine on the main roads but there are some kobolds known to occupy the area. Ingomer could hardly be called my rival though he is technically searching for this site, he couldn't find his way to the bathroom without help so I really don't think we have to worry about him catching up to us way out here."
"Mmm...we'll see." Ferawyn says quietly. She steps to the side of the cart to follow once they get going. "Well...here's hoping."
Nels considers the rivals and the kobolds and checks her trusty thunderbelcher. Nothing damaged or broken, she should be OK! She'll follow the cart out as well, eyes scanning the trail to the front and sides, just to be sure.
Burai stands behind the cart and puts his hands on it to push, testing it's weight and how easily it rolls. "Kobolds are said to be crafty," he remarks. "They make up for their small size in cleverness." Then he prepares to help push the cart, especially if it needs to go over bumps or uphill.
The stream meets a river just a few miles down from a small town to the north. The stream cuts off to the west, northwest and into an increasingly densely wooded area. It's hard to see very far along the stream into the forest and so it's unclear how far away the source is. The literal beaten path carries on up and down the waterway here, with brush immediately to the side.
Hildigard frowns at the brush, looking at the cart and back to her trusty companions, "Well, I guess I'm going to have a hard time from here dragging my cart. What do you think we should do?"
It is early afternoon.
GAME: Burai rolls knowledge/geography: (3)+6: 9
You paged Burai with 'You're confident that this is the stream on the map and that it goes somewhere into the forest.'
GAME: Ferawyn rolls knowledge/nature: (10)+6: 16
You paged Ferawyn with 'You can generally direct the group a little more quickly than just following right on top of the stream itself and save a bit of time.'
"Hmm..." Ferawyn says as she looks at the brush. "this way...." She says to Hildigard. "We don't need to follow right on top of the stream. This way, we'll be able to cut a few corners....at least."
Burai gets a far-away look in his eyes as he tries to recall the features of the map. Then he nods. "Yes, following this stream should lead us where we need to go." He examines the cart again and then begins to cast a spell. "I will pull the cart from here," he offers.
Nels is kind of clueless in the wilderness, so she'll follow the other's lead. "I'm an airship goblin," she explains. "Down here, I'm kind of lost." But she'll help out with the cart pushing as much as she can. It's about all she can do.
GAME: Burai casts Ant Haul. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14 GAME: Burai casts Longstrider. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14
Ferawyn says, "I grew up in the woods near Elvengate. This is similar to where I grew up, so I can tell where the stream is going to be. So I'm trying to save us a little time."" "Why thank you kindly!" Hildigard is happy to relinquish control of the cart and head into the brush, nodding to Nels, "I don't get out much either, but it's really quite exhilirating!" She nods to Ferawyn, "Well great, you can lead the way," and trails her into the woods.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+11: (14)+11: 25 GAME: Nels rolls perception: (8)+7: 15 GAME: Ferawyn rolls perception: (20)+9: 29
You paged Ferawyn with 'You catch a glimpse of a small, cloaked humanoid darting through the woods further ahead and alongside of you. They are moving very quickly and very quietly but not enough to escape your notice. They're probably about 60 feet away at this point and you can make out the shape of a crossbow underneath their cloak.'
GAME: Burai rolls perception: (9)+10: 19
Between Burai's help with the cart and Ferawyn's guidance through the woods, the group sets a solid pace along the stream which gradually grows as it gets nearer and nearer to the source. It is approaching late afternoon at this point and the trees are casting long shadows into the woods. It is very quiet, but for Hildigard's enthusiasm on this little adventure as she shares, "I remember my first dig, but that took almost a week to reach! I'd love to hire you all for a much longer expedition after this one, we can even camp out!"
Ferawyn tilts her head at something she saw...before she nudges Nels. "Ready your gun. Someone's up ahead, and they've got a crossbow." She then looks to Hildi and Burai. "Let's get to the stream. Hildi...if anything happens..I want you to hide."
Burai begins to give Hildegard an odd look at her latest comment. "This is your idea of an adventure...?" he lifts the cart in his arms and over a fallen log, then sets it down on the other side before leaning on it with one arm to catch his breath. At Ferawyn's words, he looks up ahead and squints. "Perhaps this will be an adventure," he comments to the halfling.
Nels totally did not see anyone with a weapon, which is doubly embarassing as she's supposed to the the keen-eyed air sailor. But at the warning, she quickly loads a round in her dragonspitter, pouring powder down the barrel, then dropping the shot in, using the paper and ramrod to pack it in tightly. She is at least speedy at the task, and has weapon to shoulder now, ready for danger.
Ferawyn blinks once, then looks back to Burai. "it's moving further down the stream, so we have a moment. When you're ready, let us know."
Hildigard is looking much, much less excited about this little excursion, "Who is it? And where am I supposed to hide, we're in the middle of the forest!" She hasn't moved since Ferwayn's direction to her and looks back and forth between the companions, waiting to act.
Burai watches Hildigard for a moment. Then he tugs the cart around until it's in front of her, roughly between her and the direction Ferawyn and Nels are looking. He releases it, and then reaches over his shoulder and pulls out his large sword. "Then just stay close to us. This is why you brought us, is it not?"
Ferawyn smiles and lowers herself down to Hildi....almost close enough for her to see the marks upon her face. "You're small, and in the middle of a forest. You have plenty of places to hide." She says putting her hand on Hildi's head. "Calm yourself. Find a tree and put it between yourself and the fighting. Okay? Just make sure you can find us after the fight."
Nels looks around for signs of danger, but still hasn't spotted the telltales that gave the enemy away. She keeps looking, though, scanning the forest for a well-concealed enemy. She considers, slinks back behind the cart for some cover, herself.
GAME: Nels rolls perception: (13)+7: 20 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31 GAME: Ferawyn rolls perception: (4)+9: 13
GAME: Burai rolls perception: (9)+10: 19 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10
The shadowy figure up ahead appears to not only have circled back, but brought several friends that are fanned out ahead in the woods about 60 feet further up the stream. One fellow has managed to sneak his way a bit closer and his presence is announced with the distinct snapping thwang of a crossbow, launching a bolt and sinks deep into the log just next to Hildi. She screams out in a mixture of surprise and terror and drops straight to the ground where she was standing.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Hubert has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Hubert to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
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GAME: Ferawyn rolls initiative: 15 + 3 = 18
GAME: Nels rolls initiative: 10 + 4 = 14
GAME: You roll initiative for Kobold Joe: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 3
GAME: You roll initiative for Kobold Bob: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 17
GAME: Burai rolls initiative: 8 + 2 = 10
GAME: You roll initiative for Kobold Susan: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 14
GAME: You roll initiative for Kobold Frank: Roll: 9 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 12
GAME: You roll initiative for Kobold Horatio: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 17
<OOC> Hubert says, "Actually, Hubert = Hildi and she used her turn to fall prone. You're up, Ferawyn!"
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 25.
It is now Hubert's turn! Ferawyn is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Hubert ended. GAME: Note Flat-footed ended. GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 18.
It is now Ferawyn's turn! Kobold Horatio is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Kobold Horatio's turn! Kobold Bob is next!
At the crossbow shot, Ferawyn takes off towards the kobolds, but....rather than just simply unleash her fury immediately...she ducks behind a tree. She's positive the others can see the kobolds now, but she's limiting herself to being shot.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23
Horatio the kobold swears in draconic as his surprise shot sails wide of the halfling, "Hurkleburkens!" Quickly reloading the crossbow, he trains his crossbow at Ferawayn and fires his next bolt at her.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d6: (1): 1
GAME: You damaged Hubert for -99 points. 16 HP remaining. GAME: Hubert damaged you for -99 points. 16 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Ferawyn for -99 points. 24 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Nels for -99 points. 37 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Burai for -99 points. 36 HP remaining. GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+1: (20)+1: 21 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+1: (14)+1: 15 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d6-1: (1)+-1: 0 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Kobold Bob's turn! Kobold Susan is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 14.
It is now Kobold Susan's turn! Nels is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 14.
It is now Nels' turn! Kobold Frank is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Nels ended.
GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (13)+11: 24
GAME: Nels rolls 1d10+1: (9)+1: 10
The figure furthest off of the left charges forward through the brush brandishing a small wooden spear. He thrusts it right through a perfect gap between a branch and the tree Ferawyn has taken for cover, but his arms are small and he always forgot to sharpen his spear tips. Just near where he was standing, another kobold opens fire with a crossbow on the biggest target in the area, shooting a bolt at Burai that digs into the ground well short of him and tumbles by harmlessly.
Nels is a bit worried about the number of enemies, but that doesn't dim her determination or tenacity. She draws a bead on the closest enemy, the one that took a shot at Ferawyn, and there's a loud BANG as the dragonspitter fires, smoke rising in a plume as she hits the enemy center body mass, and he falls over, dead.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (14)+6: 20 GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 12.
It is now Kobold Frank's turn! Burai is next!
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d6: (5): 5 GAME: You damaged Nels for 5 points. 32 HP remaining.
Another kobold holding back in the bushes watches helplessly as his cousin Bob is exploded by Nels, "Nooooo!" He turns his crossbow at Nels, taking a quick aim and firing a bolt at Nels' center mass.
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 10.
It is now Burai's turn! Kobold Joe is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Burai ended.
GAME: Burai casts Produce Flame. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14
GAME: Burai rolls ranged: (8)+5: 13
GAME: Kobold Bob removed from initiative list.
Burai takes one hand off of his sword and holds it up, chanting under his breath. A small flame appears in his palm. The half-orc immediately shifts his arm into a throwing position, turning to point his sword and sighting along it's length. His throwing hand whips forward and the flame sails off in an arc, but it misses the archer. GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 3.
It is now Kobold Joe's turn! Hubert is next!
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 25.
It is now Hubert's turn! Ferawyn is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 18.
It is now Ferawyn's turn! Kobold Horatio is next!
GAME: Ferawyn RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 4 temporary HP
Another kobold rushes forward through the brush, also brandishing a spear towards Ferawyn which he jabs forward, wounding the tree.
Taking a moment to peek up as arrows and fire fly, a gun explodes off to her side, Hildi is in a completely panic. Pausing for a moment to take a quick breath and mutter a prayer, she quickly leaps up and runs directly into the brush to thw west at full speed, not looking back.
GAME: Ferawyn rolls 1d20+5+2: (4)+5+2: 11
GAME: Ferawyn rolls 1d20+5+2: (6)+5+2: 13
With the bolt even grazing Ferawyn, the little bit of pain only causes her to focus that much harder. The focus...turns into a snarl and markings upon her body and face become much more prominent....as are the fact that her fingers now boast a set of claws. She swipes at the kobold, but the little one ducks and moves away just in time to avoid serious harm...but her slitted eyes trained on him tells she's not done with him yet.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+4: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now Kobold Horatio's turn! Kobold Susan is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 14.
It is now Kobold Susan's turn! Nels is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 14.
It is now Nels' turn! Kobold Frank is next!
Horatio and Susan both simultaneously notice the snarl as Ferawyn steps out from behind the tree and closes on Joe. Horatio calls out something draconic to Susan and both of them fire their crossbows at Ferawyn, but the bolts clatter through the brush harmlessly.
GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31 GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (19)+11: 30
GAME: Nels rolls 4d10+4: (19)+4: 23
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 12.
It is now Kobold Frank's turn! Burai is next!
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d6: (4): 4
GAME: Kobold Joe removed from initiative list. GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 10.
It is now Burai's turn! Hubert is next!
Frank only has a moment of satisfaction landing a crossbow bolt on Nels before she has turned on poor ol' Joe. Frank gags briefly, looking at Joe, looking away, looking at where Joe used to be, looking away.. but finally he returns his attention to Nels as he fires another bolt right after the last, aimed for Nels' center mass.
GAME: Burai rolls ranged: (12)+5: 17
GAME: Burai rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 25.
It is now Hubert's turn! Ferawyn is next!
Burai a sudden movement where he hadn't expected movement catches Burai's eye. He whips his head and then his eyes widen as he sees Hildigard running off. He shifts his grip on his falchion so that he can hold it more easily and begins to trop after her. "Wait! You're safer with...us." The flame reappears above his other hand - perhaps just a bit less intense than it was before. He slings it sidearm this time as he runs, and this time manages to connect with Frank.
Hildi is continues her escape to the west as the battle rages behind her, diving through the brush and rushing onwards.
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 18.
It is now Ferawyn's turn! Kobold Horatio is next!
GAME: Ferawyn rolls 1d20+5+2: (9)+5+2: 16
Ferawyn finally comes out from her cover and goes after the burned Kobold. She's still very scary in her appearance, but her claw swipe goes over the Kobold's head.....
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 17.
It is now Kobold Horatio's turn! Kobold Susan is next!
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+7: (18)+7: 25 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d6: (6): 6
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+3: (5)+3: 8
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 14.
It is now Kobold Susan's turn! Nels is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 14.
It is now Nels' turn! Kobold Frank is next!
GAME: You damaged Ferawyn for 6 points. 22 HP remaining.
GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (17)+11: 28 GAME: Nels rolls 1d10+1: (9)+1: 10
Horatio is starting to look a little bit rattled after watching what happened to Joe. Horatio flinches as the small fireball catches Frank and shouts another draconic order to Susan who immediately drops her crossbow. Loading a special dark green bolt, he turns and fires directly into Ferawayn's back. Susan shoots a ray of blue over his shoulder but it sails wide of everyone, leaving a frostry trail through the canopy of the forest where it connects with the foliage.
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 10.
It is now Burai's turn! Hubert is next!
Nels looks around, but her targets are all a way's away. She could hit at this range, but the thunderbelcher's better a bit closer in. She picks out the fellow that's been shooting at her, and after he's fired, she'll rush out at him, and when she gets to her ideal range, she shoulders her weapon and fires with a tremendous report, plus fire and smoke, and her target is now motionless on the ground, bleeding. She hunkers down as she frantically reloads.
GAME: Burai rolls ranged: (17)+5: 22
GAME: Burai rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 25.
It is now Hubert's turn! Ferawyn is next!
Hildi continues her escape as the explosions of Nels' weapon continue to ring through the forest from behind her. She glances wild-eyed over her shoulder at Burai just briefly but that does not seem to lessen her panic as she tears into the brush and continues on.
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 18.
It is now Ferawyn's turn! Kobold Horatio is next!
Burai's flame appear again. He spins halfway around and then launches it. This time he's aiming for Susan as her own attack leaves a glowing afterimage leading back to her position like a faint line. Burai allows the momentum of his throw to turn him the rest of the way around and then continues after the halfling. The flame appears in his hand once more but this time it looks weak and sickly, as if a strong wind could snuff it out.
GAME: Ferawyn rolls reflex: (2)+3: 5
GAME: Hubert rolls 2d4: (7): 7
GAME: Ferawyn rolls strength: (4)+3: 7
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 17.
It is now Kobold Horatio's turn! Kobold Susan is next!
Ferawyn's rather stuck now, isn't she? She growls to try and break free, but she's held fast to the ground. She can't move.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: Nels rolls reflex: (3)+5: 8 GAME: Hubert rolls 1d4: (4): 4 GAME: You damaged Nels for 3 points. 25 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Nels for 4 points. 21 HP remaining.
Horatio seems satisfied with the predicament that Ferawayn is currently left with and turns his attention on Nels. He barks out another order to Susan who rushes forward, raising both of her hands as she approaches Nels. Flame spilled forward in a wide cone from her hands and covers Nels and the area where she is standing, as Horatio's bolt whizzes in from behind at Nels' torso.
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 14.
It is now Kobold Susan's turn! Nels is next!
GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (9)+11: 20
GAME: Nels rolls 1d10+1: (5)+1: 6
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 14.
It is now Nels' turn! Burai is next!
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 10.
It is now Burai's turn! Hubert is next!
Nels gets hit from both sides, now that she's out in the open, but she's finished reloading, and when she gets a good idea of what's going on, she'll fire from the hip at the one she thinks of as the leader. But it's not the takedown hits like she's been getting on the henchman, this guy's a bit more savvy.
GAME: Burai rolls ranged: (14)+5: 19
GAME: Burai rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: kobold susan removed from initiative list.
Burai has most of his attention on the halfling he's following through the brush. But he also casts glances back at the other adventurers and sees what is happening. Skidding to a stop he turns and begins making his way back towards them. Some instinct reminds him the flame in his hands is about to wink out of existence. Not wanting it to go to waste hurls it at Susan. It's as if his flame hits her and then dies just as her hair catches fire, and soon she falls to the ground. A horrible way to die, but then Susan's fellow kobolds didn't fare much better at the end of Nels' musket.
Hildi scampers her way on through the brush, the sight and sound of her lost in the cover of the woods.
GAME: Hubert removed you from the initiative list. GAME: Hubert removed from initiative list. GAME: NEW ROUND!
Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 18.
It is now Ferawyn's turn! Kobold Horatio is next!
GAME: Ferawyn rolls 1d6+3+2: (3)+3+2: 8
GAME: Hubert advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 17.
It is now Kobold Horatio's turn! Nels is next!
Ferawyn, despite her focus, has a little bit of clarity...and she starts slashing at the goop at her legs.
Horatio watches Susan get taken down by another ball of flame, and he quickly takes stock of the area filled with his fallen comrades. He throws his crossbow to the ground in front of himself and raises two boney hands into the air, and apparent sign of surrender. He spits at Nels and explains himself, "Sgargbl gerbgl flubbin dargbl flff flff, smargool." He leaves his hands raised in the air.
GAME: Ferawyn ends her rage.
GAME: Hubert removes the timestop.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
As soon as the kobold puts his hands up, Ferawyn lets out a breath and the stripes on her body fade to small spots. "That was different." She then chuckles, but breathing hard.
Burai slows to a walk when Horatio the Kobold surrenders. Burai studies him for a moment and then walks forward, sword outstretched and threatening the kobold. The meaning is clear even if they don't speak the same language - don't move. Burai stoops briefly to collect the discarded crossbow, and toss it into the bush where the kobold can't readily retrieve it. The he seems to relax slightly, holding his sword lowered slightly. "What should we do with him...?" he wonders.
When the bandit leader surrenders, or seems to, Nels keeps her thunderbelcher levelled at him in case he gets any bright ideas. "Any of you speak his lingo?" she wonders. "Oh, and we'd better run down that halfling. Maybe she'll sneak back now the shooting's stopped, but I dunno. But her trail ought to be easy to follow."
The sun is setting and now it is starting to get dark.
Hildi is nowhere to be seen or heard from, but she made no effort to conceal her tracks and could be found... eventually.
It is actually only another hundred or so feet up the stream to the source of the water and the site of the dig. One thing is immediately obvious--someone has already dug up the entire site. A dirty pickaxe with a broken handle remains, as well as a large square hole in the ground where an area near the entrance to the stream was excavated.
There are tracks from feet and hooves leading off in the woods to the east/north east from the stream, probably directly towards the village that was up ahead of where the stream met the river and the companions started this leg of their journey.
There is a small camp nearby where the kobolds had setup in the area though it is obviously vacant now except for some of their belongings and valuables they had left behind.