Goblin Troublz, In the Dales Options

[Will]

In other news from the Dales, shortly after the dawn, the much maligned Ebonshade goblin tribe once again begun to raid local villages. Very strangely, a number of them appeared to breathe swarms of tiny bugs that stripped and devoured the flesh from people and animals alike as well as the black magics they are more commonly associated with. Having been beaten back to their territories within the Morlish Dell when their conquerers, the Thunder Tribe hobgoblins, were slain around 18 months ago, it surprised many to see them raiding so boldy once again.

Response to notices of hire were swift and a new generation of heroes rallied to the call. Hardly the fearsome and battle hardened champions we've grown to know and love, they nonetheless strode forward with bravery and vigour that will do them well should they choose to return.

Reports seem to indicate that an old beetle totem, Thrasken, once the totem of the tribe, hundreds of years ago, had returned, recently freed from some form of imprisonment beneath the ancient city of Taltasir. He sought to overthrow the evil usurper Ebonshade, a dark goblin witchdoctor who had ascended as totem in his place.

The tribe, divided and without a chieftain, split. The shaman, with newfound power, was finally able to stand up to the witchdoctor and fight his corner. The mercenaries, taking stock of the situation and having spoken to Thrasken concluded that while the initial attacks had come from his desire to feed, the target of the villages was a mistake and the later attacks were down to the witchdoctor. Thrasken was known to have said that the goblins were notoriously difficult to control but as his strength returned and if Ebonshade was overthrown he would be able to keep them in line once more.

Their choice made, our brave heroes culled those loyal to Ebonshade and cut down the goblin's evil witchdoctor. With Ebonshade defeated and his spark claimed by another, Thrasken seems set to be able to take full control of the tribe and reclaim his position as totem.

How many more totems were freed from beneath Taltasir and what their plans are now, remains to be seen. Of the Ebonshade, with luck they will prove to be more peaceful neighbours than they have been in the past.