ATTACK OF THE
SWAMP GOBLINS
As the gate clanged shut, a gust of wind blew across the road sending a cold chill beneath each warrior's clothes. The lamp orbs wisped out one by one leaving the quad in sudden and absolute darkness. The pungent smell of the swamp swirled before them as eyes adjusted to the blackness. The silence was oppressive save for the scratching limbs of the shagbarks as they swayed in a phantomlike dance.
Gulius pulled up his cloak collar as the wind blew hard
"Alright then, camp it is." agreed the ranger " We'll find a spot nearby, secure it by scouting the area, then I'll take the second watch if no one minds." Walking a little distance, Teflar winked "I'll be right back!" He jogged away while Gulius searched for a nice place to lie down. Vaedamir nodded that he would be the first guard. About five minutes later, Teflar returned and reported that the immediate vicinity was clear of any trouble.
The party bunked down uncomfortably in the soft dirt off the side of the road. The iron gates stood stark and dull 200 feet away. Distant swamp cries echoed in the chilly mist; sounds of far off things coming awake somewhere in the murky night.
It seemed just as Teflar nudged Gulius to take third watch, things suddenly happened. Shifty movements were heard all about and a sort of slavering emanated from both sides of the road.
Suddenly from out of the darkness, six goblinoid forms jumped out in front of the pair!!!
Cutting quick slashes, the goblins attacked the 'Raven' duo as they jumped to their feet! Darkness prevented any major counter, but the prepared warriors stuck back connecting with their weapons upon the arms of their attackers. High pitched squeaks were pealed and the melee grew fierce with the incoming of more monsters from the depths of the night!
" I know I seemed a bit foolish about this, but I thank you for staying by me side. I have a disturbing feeling about this and I hope I am wrong. Shall we start makin' our way around and set up camp on the other side?"
Teflar and Vaedamir agreed until the paladin intervened. " I say we should stay here until tomorrow morning. It will be safer for us to move across to the other side of the village. The swamps are no place to walk; with or without sunlight." Nerendil pulled out a torch and struck his flint until the end caught fire.
Crouching low, Teflar whispered to the dwarf " Form up. Stay close and try to be quiet. Maybe whatever it is will just pass us by."
Gulius grasped his battleaxe firmly and huddled close to the ranger as he shook off his sleepiness.
While the other duo slept on, Teflar surmised
" Morning can't be far away."