Session 12-B: A Real Goblin

Bogtooth, the goblin most likely to tell his clan that they weren't acting like goblins enough, has been transformed into a kobold. He's mocked by his peers (and Wilenet K'Gaust, their drow ward). He cannot dispel the curse, so accepts it for now, though he viciously rebukes the jovial barbs that come his way.

Wilenet explains more about her family; her mother is clearly in charge, but she listens to her father on various points. Her father is a celebrated drow mage. Her brothers, in her view, will be turned into monstrous driders if they keep behaving so neglectfully. She'll be 10 years old soon; like Tremble, she'll be able to shoot her own ranged weapon after studying at the clerical academy Arach-Tinilith, a spider-shaped building where priestesses are trained.

The group, following her directions, enter into a new cavern. Jagged rocks and rubble from an apparently destroyed farmhouse fill much of this area. The cave smells musty and faintly of ash and sulfur. Whispers, cries for help, and the occasional nursery rhyme echoes throughout the cavern. The group tries to close their eyes to avoid an attack, but the deformed, vengeful ghosts of halflings attack them. One possesses Tremble, forcing him to fire on his family. Ultimately, the goblins struggle to understand and respond to the ghosts' expressions of loss and vengeance. They exorcise their attackers and quickly leave the chamber.

Finally, Wilenet sees four giant lizards and three drow males in the distance. Wilenet’s father J’rienz K’Gaust and her brothers Grinlari and Helberl have been searching for Wilenet. The drow are mounted on giant lizards and they have found Wilenet’s lizard (named Webber). The beast is tethered to the lizard J’rienz is riding. They are joined by giant wolf spiders the family keeps as pets.

Though J'rienz seems to threaten his sons with ritual sacrifice and the goblins with all manner of unspeakable torture, he relents and admits to joking; he's relieved to see his daughter alive and well. He offers the goblins an escort back to his villa, where he can make sure they're cleaned and attended to in recognition of their service.

The goblins are transported to a beautiful, modern-looking holiday villa in the mushroom forest. They are cleaned (much to Bogtooth's chagrin; Pix notes Grinlari and Helberl's lithe, sculpted musculature as Wilenet explains how disgusting they are), styled handsomely, and offered a huge meal. Wilenet offers to take them with her as friends to Blingdenstone (the largest city of deep gnomes in the Underdark), where her father has component-related business. Her father, sarcastic for friendly, is fine with it.

Finally, the Bogteam (as Bogtooth and Pix begin to call themselves; Tremble bristles at the name) meet with Matron Mother Elaries K'Gaust. The Matron Mother makes several racially-insensitive but well-meaning comments, intending to compliment the goblins on their ingenuity. She affirms her willingness to make House K'Gaust a more inclusive and progressive space. She and her husband also denigrate Ilvara of House Mizzrym, which they see as a minor house of scavengers willing to degrade themselves for a small sliver of influence.

The group, happy and satisfied with their five-star treatment, splits up. Bogtooth finds a small spider in a weaving room, which he assists in sewing various silk threads and names Kristi'na Ak'willara. Pix banters with J'rienz, who sells her spell components and potions and advises her on haggling and customer service. Tremble plays several board games with Wilenet, who is delighted to have good company.

At least for a night, the Bogteam is safe and secure.

New NPCs

 * 1) J'rienz K'Gaust, drow mage and father
 * 2) Grinlari K'Gaust, drow brother and fighter
 * 3) Helberi K'Gaust, drow brother and fighter
 * 4) Matron Mother Elaries K'Gaust, drow priestess