Goblins of IO Ep. 0

### YouTube VOD

***Goblins of Io* Episode 0** was streamed on BrettUltimus' Twitch channel on the 22nd of October 2020 , and premiered on the World of Io's YouTube channel on the 23rd of October 2020.

The goblins meet at a wandering goblin circus, or are already part of it in Skagzag's case. Peekel purchases herself a  warg puppy from one of the stands, with the help of Mottle. The ringmaster is looking for new recruits and so Klernt, who recently spent all of his money to buy musical instruments in his pursuit to become a bard, is hired on the spot and holds an impromptu performance on the circus stage. Cheezle, hungry but out of money, attacks a fish vendor and helps himself to the merchandise while the vendor is bleeding out, offering Peekel and Mottle some as they pass by. Once sated, they proceed to the stage together, where they are approached by Skagzag, who tries to recruit them as bodyguards for the circus. Cheezle, misunderstanding what is asked of him, immediately attacks the ogre bodyguard, felling him in one strike, which only prompts the ringmaster to desire him even more. After some negotiating, Mottle and Peekel agree to join up as well.

## Summary

Our story starts in the swampy jungles of the Ishtar Highlands. In a clearing of trees is the circus grounds of a goblin troupe. Four goblins, all unmet, enter the grounds. Klernt is a bald and older goblin who spent all of his money to buy musical instruments to become a bard. Cheezle is a small red eyed and wild looking goblin who had taken a staff taller than him from a wizard. Mottle is a chaffed skinned and confident goblin who accompanies Peekel, a floppy eared and long haired goblin who carries a jar of magically healing pickles. In addition, there is Skagzag, a tiny muscular and veiny goblin who is already a part of the circus troupe. He is currently waiting with his troupe master, Happy, for any new talent. Both of them are as antsy as the waiting audience who are crowded around an outdoor stage. While Klernt heads directly towards the stage, the others spend time wandering the grounds.

Mottle purchases a warg pup for Peekel to pay her back for saving his life from before. Klernt approaches the troupe master of the circus, seeking employment. Klernt lies about being a master musician, but the desperate troupe master gladly accepts him and quickly rushes him to perform. Meanwhile, a moneyless and hungry Cheezle has turned a negotiation with a nearby food vendor into a bloody encounter. Cheezle knocks out the vendor and proceeds to take and eat the vendor's food. Peekel comes over to investigate the sounds of fighting. Cheezle sees her and offers to share food with her, and she accepts. Mottle then arrives, following Peekel. The food vendor succumbs to his injuries soon after and perishes.

Back on the stage, Klernt gives his debut performance. Despite the pressure and lack of experience, Klernt performs better than expected. However, he eventually starts to falter, and the audience starts to get antsy. Thinking quickly on his feet, Happy tries to get Klernt off the stage and change the act. Skagzag steps in and uses his magic to levitate Klernt on an earthen disc before dumping him into the crowd. The audience mistakes this as part of the performance and becomes sated with this show.

After the situation between Cheezle and the food vendor resolves, another goblin merchant loots the dead food vendor. Cheezle is offered some enhancements for his weaponry from the new merchant, but he doesn't take up the offer. Peekel uses this moment to bond with her newly acquired warg, and the two quickly become acclimated. Peekel immediately starts to ride the  pup around the circus grounds.

Cheezle, Mottle, and Peekel eventually approach the outdoor stage. Skagzag and Happy spot them, and after seeing Cheezle and Peekel, Happy approaches them to get them on stage. Cheezle misunderstands what is asked of him and immediately attacks Dungo the circus’s ogre bodyguard, felling him in one strike. This impresses Happy whose desire to hire Cheezle dramatically increases. After some rough introductions, the three newcomers all decide to join the circus, showing off their talents and flaws to their new employer. After the display, an unseen goblin cries out "Humans!," causing a panic amongst the goblins who have experienced undeserved violence from humans beforehand. The circus workers quickly break camp and begin packing up in order to evade what goblinkind knows is a horrific threat.

# **Skagzag**

### Non-player Characters

* Happy
* Dungo

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Date is shown on YouTube VOD