Stealth Failure | Perception Success

Edmond followed the trail of goblin tracks with care, passing between areas of shade as he followed their chaotic, winding way. At the same time he kept an eye on the canopy of the trees and the hills around him, knowing that these would be the most likely places a goblin lookout would be hiding.

And there they were.

Atop a hill and hidden beneath the shade of a tree, a lone goblin lie in way within the foliage of a bush. From this distance he couldn't make out many details, but the green of the goblin's skin failed to match up with the surrounding leaves, and the glint of metal - from a weapon, no doubt - just made it all the more obvious.

That, and the shine of reddish eyes.

Edmond realized at once that the goblin was looking right at him. He stood up, notching an arrow in his bow, but the goblin had already slunk back out of sight. A warbling bird cry rang out, and if Edmond were not already so on edge, he might have thought nothing of it. But as he was, he recognized that the bird cry was utterly alien to these woods, and was likely a signal of sorts alerting whatever other goblin defenders there were to his presence.

With the goblin out of sight, he couldn't shoot her, not that there would be much point in that now. He could try to pursue, perhaps take her hostage and at least get some information from her. Or he could simply continue on. The lookout had fled. Even if the goblins were on alert now, if they lose track of him he might be able to still sneak up to their camp.

Both plays were risky, though. Edmond couldn't help but wonder if maybe he should cut his losses, return to his village with what little information he had and be done with it.