Thanks
Let's try asking the locals.
Lord Ruff is courteous but unhelpful.
So is the Kobold Seargeant, Dokolb.
Snobs.
Ok, here's the plan. Kill the commanders ASAP, because if you don't, they vanish and join their supreme commander at the cave - Lord Hungous.
First of the commanders to be taken down is Dokolb. Not that he'd make much of a difference later on - he's just there, standing in my way.
Dokolb is swiftly eliminated with a surprise attack.
The Kobolds behind him are alerted of course, but they are easily dispatched.
I rest to replenish my strength. Ariel levels up from one of the encounters.
He's more talkative when you aren't sneaking around it seems.
[A grizzled gnoll snarls at you as you approach.] Trespasser! You dare to venture so far into Hickory Branch?! Yeenoghu will surely drain on you from above for your offenses!
I'm not interested in what you imagine your dog-god will or won't do. Who are you?
[The gnoll appears to defer to a very large female bugbear at his side.] I am Kallop, captain of the gnolls at Hickory Branch. But this...this is Boonthag the Terrible.
Boonthag. Yes, I've already heard of Boonthag and her haunches.
[The bugbear addresses you directly, ignoring the gnoll and seeming agitated to the point of rage.] Yes, of course you've heard. I am Boonthag, and I crush. That is what I do. Did you know that I once crushed the skull of a giant between these massive thighs? Your head will go there next.
Aren't you going to give me a chance to surrender?
No. I don't take prisoners. I crush. But I may take your broken skull as a charm.
I'm not impressed.
[The bugbear laughs.] As if I care. Go on your way and do as you like. Kallop and I will not stop you ourselves, for we will see you later...if you have the strength to act quickly.
What's that supposed to mean?
Our orders are to fall back and collect any stragglers we find along the way. We'll then join Lord Hungous in his quarters, where, if you arrive in time, we shall meet again. And then my haunches will do as they like. Come, Kallop! [The pair turn and dash off.]
Like I said, if you let them live, they'll be waiting for you later on.
Oh, and just to see what Dokolb has to say, I reload a save:
I am Dokolb, sergeant of the kobolds. I repeat, leave here now and do not return.
Yes yes, I already got that lecture from your little friend Noblig.
Noblig is a fool and would do well to keep his mouth shut, but he is right if he told you that you will die here. This place is not for you. Flee at once.
I'll take my chances, thanks.
You may not like your chances so well when you see what lies beyond. Did Noblig tell you of that which is not named, that which dwells below? Even if you kill all that dwell above, it will destroy you below.
That sounds interesting. I'll be sure to search around then.
Suit yourself, but rest assured, you will die. I will either see you dead myself in another place, or I will see you when you join me in the afterlife. [With this, the kobold turns and vanishes.]