[right][h3]The Old Priory[/h3][/right]

Captain Harrad, crouched at the base of an ancient oak, eyes on the goblins ahead, nodded in agreement. "I think it is a sound idea," he said. "It would be useful to know what we're up against before charging in. Even so," he continued, "we're here for our captured citizens, if they yet live. Be swift in your scouting, if that is your course of action. Every minute we waste is precious time lost." 

He thumbed the crossbow at his side as he watched the goblins. The veteran captain looked back to his men, the four guardsmen who had accompanied them to the priory, each of whom carried the same. "As for the watch, we could take them at a range, too. All of my men are proficient with their crossbows. Dwarven make, reliable, lethal. If we coordinated our shots we could kill them where they stand, I'm sure. Per the Lord-Mayor's command, we are here to support you and the tactical choices are yours to make, but say as much and I will give the order." 

Harrad was clearly a soldier at heart, chain of command and orders his bread and butter, and from the look of it he had impressed that attitude on his guardsmen as well. He made a quick sign with his hands, and the guardsmen lay down their spears and readied their crossbows, prepared to fire a volley.