1.2 - Cragmaw Cave

Part 1.2 - Cragmaw Cave
Wilderness, Early Evening, the 22nd of Ches
As the afternoon wears on, the light begins to thin. Shadows stretch long across the narrow trail, pooling between roots and stones. Birds fall silent one by one, replaced by crickets and other, more unsettling sounds, like wolves.

Moreover, the path itself grows worse with every turn. What was already narrow becomes tight and twisting, hemmed in by brush and low branches that scrape at packs and clothing. The wagon lurches and grinds until it finally becomes obvious: this trail was never meant for wheels—or for horses. It was made for goblins.

"Maybe one of us could scout ahead, to check if we can reach something of interest soon. Otherwise, the best course of action might be to reach our original destination, and come back later without being encumbered. What do you think?" proposes Igrem, thinking aloud.

"Well, I could perhaps sneak ahead a bit and see if there is anything of note, if the terrain is conducive", Alex responds to Igrem. "In the meantime, we should secure the wagon and the horses, giving them enough lead to forage while we are gone." Alex assesses the terrain to determine if he has a decent chance of remaining silent should he attempt stealth, and if so, the best approaches to do so.

I agree. Alex will you or Igrem scout ahead? Then I'll get this wagon turned around.

Alex, you take a careful moment to assess the trail and the immediate vicinity. There are ways to continue on foot. The goblin path is narrow but passable on foot, winding deeper into the trees. With time and caution, you could follow it for a short distance. The real issue isn’t the terrain—it’s the light. As evening settles in, shadows stretch long across the trail. Roots, loose stones, and uneven ground would make moving in full darkness risky; tripping or making noise feels almost inevitable. Lighting a torch would help you see… but it would also announce your presence to anything watching.

Neither option sits well with you.

As you broaden your survey, you spot somewhere interesting nearby. Just off the trail is a small rise of firmer ground, partially screened by brush and young trees. It’s sheltered on three sides, dry enough to make camp, and positioned so there’s room to secure the animals and set watches without drawing attention.

It’s discreet, defensible, and close enough to the goblin trail to pick it up again at first light. This is a good place to camp.

"We could camp here. At this time of the day, it is probably better than travel the road and be obvious targets..." proposes Igrem.

We will make camp here, and keep a close watch tonight.

So the wagon is guided into position, the horses secured with enough slack to graze, and the camp is looking good, despite the fatigue and the fact that none of you are hunters. A small fire is lit low and shielded, for warmth and morale, but giving away very little light. Watches pass quietly. No eyes glint in the dark, no goblins whisper from the trees.

Wilderness, Early Morning, the 23rd of Ches
Morning comes cool and pale, early spring sunlight filtering through the branches. Bedrolls are shaken out, armor adjusted, and sore muscles worked loose as best they can be. Rations are passed around—dry bread, preserved fare, and what little remains of yesterday’s berries. As you eat, the goblin trail is still waiting nearby, unchanged since dusk.

We can follow the path by foot, and if we doesn't find anything within an hour, I say we return to the wagon and continue on our trek. We cant leave the horses and wagon unsupervised for to long.

"Well, friend Nelly, if we tie down the wagon, unhitch the horses, and tether them to yonder tree with enough lead for forage, we can leave them for a day or so," Alex responds. "I suggest we follow the goblin train—quietly—and see what may have befallen our employers. If needed, arm yourselves with our newly acquired booty!"

Having buckled on his armor, tested his weapons' sheathing, loaded up with sling stones, and secured any item on his person which would make undesired noise, Alex stretches out and cracks his back.

I will head out quietly and survey the path. If you hear me yell, please come running!

Alex heads out as quietly as possible to survey the trail a bit.

Morning, the 23rd of Ches
Alex, moving carefully and keeping the group out of sight behind you, you follow the goblin trail on foot. After about an hour of cautious travel, the land rises and the trail brings you to the base of a low hillside. There, half-hidden by dense briar thickets, yawns the dark mouth of a large cave. A shallow stream trickles out from within, cutting a narrow channel across the path before continuing downhill. The sound of running water is constant, just loud enough to mask smaller noises.

On the right-hand side of the stream, a narrow, dry path hugs the rock face and leads into the cave itself, avoiding the water entirely. Tracks converge here—goblins, many of them, moving in and out over time.

As you edge closer, keeping to cover, from behind the briar thickets screening the cave mouth, you hear movement. Something alive is in there—and it doesn’t sound like just one creature.

Igrem follows Alex as well, staying closer to Nelly, as he does not want to stay alone and far from his companions in the middle of a potentially hostile forest. He is of the opinion that they should not be too long away from the horses, though.

Alex, Nelly is a few minutes behind you. And no, they're not following very quietly, but they're also not close enough to expose the group (yet) to whatever is behind the thickets.