The man motions to speak but then stops appearing to have changed his mind. After a slight pause he continues "I'm guessing that if I told you that I know they haven't stolen anything that still wouldn't be enough. Well, they haven't stolen anything yet." The man takes in a deep breath that in most cases signifies the start of an expositional story. This is most cases.

"Considering your recent inquisitions I'm fairly certain that you already suspected this, at least to some extent. It was not just a random band of goblins that took over my house. It was-", He looked at the band of adventurers rather sheepishly, "an infamous band of golbin pirates." Expecting laughter he paused for several seconds. "As unorthodox as it may sound it is true. They have been a thorn in the side of traders all across Altria, the fact that no one takes them seriously gives them a huge edge. I am especially guilty of making that mistake..." As he says this his face turns a reddish hue, he continues quickly trying to avoid questions on the matter. "Their captain is truly... fearsome comes to mind, although excentric works just as well."

"Anyways, before the pirates attacked an old friend asked if he would be able to use one of my ships for a delivery as his was in dire need for repair. I happen to owe him several favors and this required very little of me so I accepted. No sooner was the ship loaded when the goblins attacked. Me and the crew of the ship were kicked out and the supplies were transferred to the pirates ship. By now I had expected the supplies to be gone and all of my belongins to have disappeared. However this is not the case. I don't know why but the pirate's ship has still not left my estate. As it is, I am responsible for the supplies and if any of them are missing it will come out of my pocket. If you can reach my estate and stop the pirates before they depart than you will get the reward. If they happen to leave before you arrive there than all that you've lost is the time it takes to get there. Once again I must emphasize that the reward will be substantial."

"If you are willing to help me I shall give you a map to my estate." As he says this he reaches into a backpack that you did not notice before, however you can be completely certain that it was there all along. He pulls out a map and prepares to unfold it as he awaits your answers.

Sir Van Kindern had to let out a laugh. " You got to to be kidding. I agree with the blasdesmaster even if we do manage to get these creatures out they probably have gotten half or more of your prossions out now if you have a mission to not not only exterminate the goblins but also get back your prossions and not care about what gets broken. I'm willing to give it a chance but otherwise that other booth is looking more intersting right now." 
Van doesn't wait for a reply and starts heading down the road.
Hundover nods as the knight passes him but does not turn to follow. Often the first terms are presented for negotiations, and only a fool would take them. Master Haito's lessons had proven correct so far and thus Hundover meant to negotiate till the terms were more presentable. 

"I'm willing to help but it would be suicide for me to go alone. Gold and possessions mean little to me, all I would ask for is if you could provide a bed for a night and food, lodgings for my pony as well." The barbarian, Efen, remarked with the innocence that having lived a non material life often provided. "If you trust us to not damage or steal anything then we can come to some agreement, otherwise you might end up without a home tonight." Perhaps not as innocent and more coy than first impressions. Hundover thought as he nodded with the second statement. Agree to take the quest giving the little man hope, but use me as the more outspoken bargaining tool. Smart.
"Look all your prossions are probably taken which means that we won't be getting any reward but lets see what we can recover and recover your house. Though I must say that you got an awful lot of fire power to fight one band of goblins are you sure that you need all of us? Or is there something else there your not telling us about?" The knight Sir Van Kindern had turned around. Well with the foolishness of going along with whatever the last persono says the knight has ruined the barbarians game and undermined my position, way to go idiot. Though steel brain might have a poinit some things didn't fully add with the story. Then again the little man might not need this much 'firepower' and I could be asked to leave. not that I mind leaving a non paying gig. Hundover sighed as he stepped forward to speak again. But before he could the man in the back that dodged people's glances piped up.

"I am happy to do this, i trust this man and any of you guys got anything better to do lets help this poor man and potentially make some money." Apparently someone wasn't listening well or just can't add. Hundover thought bitterly as he watched the tables turning against him.

“I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself earlier.” He bowed his head toward Thomas, “I’m Matthias, a warrior of the Lion. Like my fellows I am happy to help you, though perhaps I can offer a suggestion? I would suggest that we give you our word not to thieve your belongings. Let the dishonest who would take advantage of your position shirk from the call, and seek their prey elsewhere.” The other knight spoke up immediately after the strange man. Trust a metal head to believe that everyone's word is their bond. But he's right I'd agree to that.
"Aye, I am willing to go along with this adventure so long as I am paid. I do not believe your condition that everything remain as it was is reasonable as goblins are known for breaking things for the shear fun of it. I would give my word not to remove any of your items, although I would not say the same for items found on the goblins such as weapons and armor. If an item appears to be plunder, I will not remove it." The final member of the party threw his number against Hundover as well. Well not completely against me, but having an entire party agree to go will greatly hurt my chances of raising the reward. 
The would be employer motions to speak but then stops appearing to have changed his mind. After a slight pause he continues "I'm guessing that if I told you that I know they haven't stolen anything that still wouldn't be enough. Well, they haven't stolen anything yet." The man takes in a deep breath that in most cases signifies the start of an expositional story. This is most cases.

“Nope it wouldn’t.” Hundover mutters under his breath. And that doesn’t mean they haven’t broken anything.
"Considering your recent inquisitions I'm fairly certain that you already suspected this, at least to some extent. It was not just a random band of goblins that took over my house. It was-", He looked at the band of adventurers rather sheepishly, "an infamous band of goblin pirates." Expecting laughter he paused for several seconds. "As unorthodox as it may sound it is true. They have been a thorn in the side of traders all across Altria, the fact that no one takes them seriously gives them a huge edge. I am especially guilty of making that mistake..." As he says this his face turns a reddish hue, he continues quickly trying to avoid questions on the matter. "Their captain is truly... fearsome comes to mind, although excentric works just as well. Anyways, before the pirates attacked an old friend asked if he would be able to use one of my ships for a delivery as his was in dire need for repair. I happen to owe him several favors and this required very little of me so I accepted. No sooner was the ship loaded when the goblins attacked. Me and the crew of the ship were kicked out and the supplies were transferred to the pirates ship. By now I had expected the supplies to be gone and all of my belongins to have disappeared. However this is not the case. I don't know why but the pirate's ship has still not left my estate. As it is, I am responsible for the supplies and if any of them are missing it will come out of my pocket. If you can reach my estate and stop the pirates before they depart than you will get the reward. If they happen to leave before you arrive there than all that you've lost is the time it takes to get there. Once again I must emphasize that the reward will be substantial."
As the little man takes a deep breath Hundover looks around at the party noting how many of the believe this tripe. Doesn’t sound like the average band of goblins or the average band of pirates. And theres a hundred ways to transport items while not taking the ship depending on the market the pirates have chosen for the merchandise. He‘s working with assumptions. "If you are willing to help me I shall give you a map to my estate."  The little man pulls out a map acting like the decision had already been made. And for the others it might have been, but I’m still not satisfied.
"That still doesn't fully respond to the issue of pay here. I personally am a mercenary, I do this adventure stuff for a living and a living is what I mean to get out of this. You claim that somehow you managed to secure whatever reward money we may want in an airtight secure vault that only the elite can break open, but you left your valuables out for plunder. And we won't see a penny of that unless you get all your stuff back which isn't going to happen. But you don't mention a number just ‘you will be well rewarded‘ and the reward will be substantial. what may I ask is well rewarded?" Hundover proclaims facing the little man. "Is well rewarded a few gold coins and a meal? A king's ransom? What's to stop you from proclaiming an item pulled off one of the dead goblins isn't yours? Should you agree to take our word for it or to search us after the event and you discover a discrepancy do those who kept their word still get their portion of the reward? While I'm sure some of us would die before breaking our word others don't look to trustworthy I'd hate to lose my portion because someone else was greedier than me. And you haven‘t assured me that the goblins haven‘t destroyed anything, or that they haven‘t sold it under your nose to a passing merchant. Or stashed it in a nearby hiding spot as pirates are known to do. It sounds to me like you’re working off of assumptions and expecting us to as well. I love goblin bashing but I’d like to have a more definitive reward than maybe substantial. If you give a definition of the reward you’re offering that meets my approval and you’ll take my word that I won’t take anything besides the reward, and you won’t hold me accountable for the others then I’ll help.”

A few responses had followed his own, spoken and quiet. Van was scrutinising him and what he had said, he'd even nodded slightly with his second statement. The knight Van announced his intentions as wishing to join him and made the obvious point of this being a lot of people to rid a house of some goblins, but it was wise never to attack without overwhelming odds, it helped to stop casualties.

A true mercenary, Dracone, had changed his mind, not to rid this man’s house of goblins but to make money. Then Matthias joined the conversation, he was a righteous soul as he asked any thieves to step back and not include themselves. What a question, Efen had only know of thieves a few months but he was sure that if any were present they wouldn't reveal themselves, thieves probably didn't share Matthias' sense of honour. Lastly a second mercenary chimed in saying that as long as he got paid he'd do it, he made no promises about nothing being broken as it was widely known goblins like to break stuff.

The little man then spoke again; these goblins were not just goblins but pirates. Suddenly the potential danger rose as there would be a fair number of them but they must be punished, pirates are the scourge of the water and desecrate it as they sail. No pirate would ever dare sail near the Frozen Coast because he would know this, but even away from the Frozen Coast the ocean was still temple to the moon goddess as pirates would be punished. He kept talking but Efen had stopped listening, as soon as the man took out the map he walked over to his side and looked at it unfolded.

”I’m in. The defilers must be dealt with.”
Sir Van had been saying something before he had butted in, he hadn’t been listening to that either.
Imagine your devoutly religious, you would sacrifice your life in place of a priest of your faith, and then someone brings a dog into your temple, lets it do its business on the altar, and then walks off. That’s how Efens feeling, that’s the equivalent of piracy in the eyes of a man of the Frozen Coast.

(OOC: Please replace any names with the appropriate names, sorry, I got a bit confused with the names. I'll put my characters name as the post subject, it would help me if everyone else could follow suit.)

Listening to the others Baron says "I stand by what I said. I'm all for putting these goblins to the sword, but I expect to be compensated, and I don't believe your second condition to be fair. I will agree to not take anything so long as I am paid."

Adressing Hundover's question he says with a hint of distaste, "As you are mercenaries I assume you shall expect a monetary payment, and indeed I shall provide that. How would 300 gold a piece sound? Do not worry about the gold though, that is not what is secured inside the vault. The second half of your payment is inside the vault, and when I say second half I am not at all referring to the value. As you are an inquisitive bunch I am sure that you will want to know what the second half is, however that is where I shall have to draw the line. If you complete this task you shall receive both halves of the reward, that is all I may tell you. Even without what's inside the vault, I think you shall find that the monetary reward is very generous."

”I’m in. The defilers must be dealt with.” Efen stepped forward reaffirming his position. Defilers? Makes it sound like we're going to round up a few temple thieves. Hundover smirked.

"I stand by what I said. I'm all for putting these goblins to the sword, but I expect to be compensated, and I don't believe your second condition to be fair. I will agree to not take anything so long as I am paid." Baron stated. Finally some support on the issue. Hundover looked meaningfully at the little man.

"Well?" Hundover asked as he noted the little man eyeing him with disgust. not that it mattered to Hundover what the little man thought of him as long as he got paid. He meant what he had said about being a mercenary; adventuring was a job for him and since his father expected him to do well it was also his only form of income. Though the opportunity to compare himself with the other sword fighters in the group would very welcome.

"As you are mercenaries I assume you shall expect a monetary payment, and indeed I shall provide that. How would 300 gold a piece sound? Do not worry about the gold though, that is not what is secured inside the vault. The second half of your payment is inside the vault, and when I say second half I am not at all referring to the value. As you are an inquisitive bunch I am sure that you will want to know what the second half is, however that is where I shall have to draw the line. If you complete this task you shall receive both halves of the reward, that is all I may tell you. Even without what's inside the vault, I think you shall find that the monetary reward is very generous." The little man spits out.

"Alright then I'm in." Hundover says smiling pleasantly. 300 gold for a pack of goblins feels almost like robbing the poor smuck. Whatever the goblins commandeered must be very important to him. "Lets see that map and go fillet some pirates." Hundover had also heard the comment about non monetary reward being given after the deed, and truthfully as much as that intrigued him the money would have been all that was needed. But there's no need to tell him that. Hundover picked up his travelling pack and moved to peer over Efen's shoulder hopping to get a glimpse of the map. "Since our friend here seems to be the most eager for this task I say we let him lead." Never charge in first, for there's often traps let some other fool find them for you. Another of Master Haito's teachings.

"Considering your recent inquisitions I'm fairly certain that you already suspected this, at least to some extent. It was not just a random band of goblins that took over my house. It was-", He looked at the band of adventurers rather sheepishly, "an infamous band of goblin pirates." Expecting laughter he paused for several seconds.
Matthias was taken aback by the revelation—laughter hadn’t even crossed his mind as he blinked away the surprise. Piracy, as far as his expertise knew, was merely thievery on the high seas, so it was no question that some of the less savoury types of any race could be found in its employ. Though as for that, usually when one thought of goblins, one came to the image of cave dwelling beasts that despoiled the surrounding area of anything of value, not an organized band of highway- (or in this case, would it be seaway?) –men.

"As unorthodox as it may sound it is true. They have been a thorn in the side of traders all across Altria, the fact that no one takes them seriously gives them a huge edge. I am especially guilty of making that mistake..." As he says this his face turns a reddish hue, he continues quickly trying to avoid questions on the matter. "Their captain is truly... fearsome comes to mind, although excentric works just as well.”
With a sideways glance down the Road, Matthias began to appreciate his decision to stay. Clearly these goblin pirates were a growing threat to all who sailed the seas, and needed somebody to take them seriously very soon. As Thomas admitted, these creatures had been largely disregarded and had been allowed to run rampant for this oversight. If they were smart—no joke intended—they could go on for a good deal of time before some one realized what a danger they actually represented and decided to do something. Perhaps even they already had gone too far, throwing out Thomas the way they had.

“If they happen to leave before you arrive there than all that you've lost is the time it takes to get there. Once again I must emphasize that the reward will be substantial."
The blademaster continued to insist on knowing the rewards he would receive if he were to assist in this matter, but the man with the pony accepted the map as soon as it was offered—practically leaping upon the scroll and the poor fellow that held it. Already Mattes’ admiration for this man clad in blue began to grow.

Adressing Hundover's question he says with a hint of distaste, "As you are mercenaries I assume you shall expect a monetary payment, and indeed I shall provide that. How would 300 gold a piece sound? Do not worry about the gold though, that is not what is secured inside the vault. The second half of your payment is inside the vault, and when I say second half I am not at all referring to the value. As you are an inquisitive bunch I am sure that you will want to know what the second half is, however that is where I shall have to draw the line. If you complete this task you shall receive both halves of the reward, that is all I may tell you. Even without what's inside the vault, I think you shall find that the monetary reward is very generous."
Almost immediately the mercenary decided that the venture was worth his effort, with a smile that seemed to Matthias befitting of a very large, fed cat spreading across his face. He quickly banished such thoughts—it would not do to judge the motivations of others without knowing their situation. This mercenary had already declared that he made a living off this type of work, so perhaps the size of the reward was reasonably his first concern.

“I am none to judge others, but think not that all of us here are motivated only by the value of your coin, good man. We shall set off immediately, I believe, to see to this problem. We shall see to it that these pirates regret their arrogance in tarrying.” He turned to the man in blue who was now inspecting the map. “How far do we travel? We shall need to don our armour and make preparations for the conflict before we arrive,” he said, adjusting the strap around his chest. “Though if we must travel far, then we should wait until we are near.”

He turned to face as much of the group as he could. “Are we all ready? If so, give us the direction.” Matthias addressed the last part to the man in blue specifically. He left him to carry the map—there was not much room between a sword and a shield to navigate, and it did not seem by his manner and his carved bone spear that this man was suited to bearing arms into the front lines of battle. A mage, Mattes suspected; or a druid or perhaps even a priest of some sort. Either way, some one with skill in the art of the supernatural, some one whose skill was best employed causing things to happen from behind the shield of another.

Hitching his pack up on his shoulders, Baron states simply "Then all is agreed, lets go."

Van watches in disbelive as the group was going after a band of Goblin Pirates. He felt torn between two codes of honor. One that said that he would fight for anyone that needed his help. And the other his personal valor.
Van took a deep breath though he knew that this was well under his belt. He also knew he didn't have a choose he needed to help this poor man.
Van picked up his broadsword and slung it across his back. "Well where the hell are these pirates?"

And off they went he waited until they had all started moving he was llast in the line it made escaping that little bit easier in case things got really bad.

OOC: (4hp isnt much to play with)

Having apparently been given the role of navigator, and having been reading the map Efen began pointing to places on the map and tracing out a rout with his finger explaining as he did so. His finger started at a road, presumable their current location, and showed a rout through forests to a point marked only by a small circle.

"The house is about 5 miles away, best part of two hours walk, and the shortest rout takes us this way through mostly forested areas."
Looking up from the map Efen points out the direction they have to start walking in before taking a quick glance at the sky as seemingly nothing in particular.

"That way, and then just follow me with the map. The good weather should hold for the rest of the day as well."
Keeping a grip on the reins of his pony he addresses the man who had given them this task with a question.

"Can you give us a map of your house, some sketch of it's layout and the surrounding land? It may help us assault it and oust the goblins quicker."
(OOC: Sorry for the short post, and posting a bit late.)

"Well I'm glad that we've finally got this all arranged," Thomas says eager to continue along quickly while the group is still interested in helping him, "As for Matthias' question you are free to depart as soon as you're ready although I'd advise leaving within the hour as I do not trust the goblins to be considerate enough to wait for your arrival. On the note of drawing a map I should be able to give you a rough sketch, I'm sorry that I don't have blue prints but I was in sort of a rush when I left my house."
He pauses for several seconds,"You seem to be a relatively harmless lot," He gestures towards a large wooden building down the road in the direction of the city. "If you wish to stock up on food or any rest before leaving there's a..." He nonchalantly glances down at something written on his right hand as he continues, "...'Venue for purchasing food, alcoholic beverages and various other drinks' just down the road, its called the 'Hobbling Goat.' It'd be a convenient place to get a meal or set as a meeting point when you're all prepared. In fact I'll be waiting there once you've finished with your reward money. On that note I should probably be off to collect it. Remember, leave within the hour but the earlier you're ready the better." With that he collects his backpack and begins jogging down the path towards the city, darting into the 'Venue for the purchase of food, alcoholic beverages and various other drinks' briefly before darting back out and continuing along the road.

For anyone who enters the 'Hobbling Goat' -- Under sign of the 'Hobbling Goat' (which bears a picture of a Goat with crutches) are the words "The best 'Venue for purchasing food, alcoholic beverages and various other drinks' since 49567" The (for sake of expediency) 'venue' has a very calm and cosy appearance, it is constructed mostly of wood and has several windows from which a warm glow can be seen. The inside of the venue maintains this cosy appearance almost to an excess, on the walls beside the large men sitting on the barstools somberly downing ale are posters with kittens hanging from trees with the words 'hang in there' written on the top. Upon entering seven of these posters are clearly visible. However the rest of the venue does not share this appearance, the posters clash horribly with the rest of the establisment. The 'venue'tender is a particularily burly dwarf who is currently washing glasses and whistling behind the counter. His current height suggests that he is either standing on a stool or a pile of stacked books. On closer inspection it can be noticed that there is a man passed out on the counter who looks awfully like the mustached man who was minding the stand before Thomas arrived. In his hand is a sandwich that has only has one bite out of it, and oddly enough there are no empty drinks in front of him although this could easily be attributed to the Dwarf currently washing a glass. Beside him is a thin man in a tall black robe that covers all of his features. The figure in the tall black robe is giving the mustached man occasional sideways glances.
(You can use this time to prepare for the upcoming adventure, introduce yourselves to your teamates and head along to the 'Hobbling Goat' NOTE: If you wish to narrate NPC actions make sure you PM me before doing so as I might need to correct them or delay their response until my next post)

"You seem to be a relatively harmless lot," He gestures towards a large wooden building down the road in the direction of the city. "If you wish to stock up on food or any rest before leaving there's a..." He nonchalantly glances down at something written on his right hand as he continues, "...'Venue for purchasing food, alcoholic beverages and various other drinks' just down the road, its called the 'Hobbling Goat.' It'd be a convenient place to get a meal or set as a meeting point when you're all prepared. In fact I'll be waiting there once you've finished with your reward money. On that note I should probably be off to collect it. Remember, leave within the hour but the earlier you're ready the better." It took a lot of control for Hundover not to burst out laughing 'at relatively harmless lot' You'd better hope that we're not relatively harmless or you'll never get your stuff back. Hundover watched as the little man darted about his way. Strange little man, which probably means strange upcoming adventure.
"Well since you guys are at an adventure fair, I'm assuming we're ready to go now." Hundover says looking around the group. "My name is Hundover and I've got a talent for sword play. I heard a couple of you introduce yourselves but it seems not all of you did. It's only polite to tell us your name if we are expected to help keep you alive. So let's reintroduce ourselves, I'll go first. Once again I'm Hundover nice to meet you." Hundover bowed in courtly fashion and stood looking expectantly around. As he waited he also took a mental note of his packed belongings. Flint and steel, wet stone, sleeping bag, food. Yeah I'm ready Hundover settled back against the sign waiting for the party to introduce themselves.

Once the short man was down speaking, Baron turned when another fellow started talking.

Going next after the fellow finished his bow, Baron said "I am Baron, and I'm handy in a fight, whether it's Goblins, Skeletons, or a good old fashioned orc hunt. As presumed, I am ready to go."

Eager to get on the road and willing to dispense with the pleasantries quickly Efen introduced himself to the group checking that his belongings were secure upon his pony. Everything was there and he was ready, he had to wait for the rest of the group before they could set off.

"I'm Efen, a warrior from the Frozen Coast. We are adept at fighting pirates and any man who sails in defiance of our Goddess."
What pleasantness he had had in his voice had dissipated with the mention of pirates, he was eager to get going but his voice didn't convey excitement. His tone was sincere and cold, a mark perhaps at how he would deal with the goblins.

He was facing the rest of the motley goblin slaying group now, reigns in his left hand and spear in his other.

(OOC: Sorry for the short post)