The Maps of Myrist

A relatively few years ago, Xorbb, a powerful member of the evil eye race, befuddle and enslaved goblins of Clan Runnyeye. During the takeover, a fair-sized contingent of goblins fled the citadel, refusing to submit to Xorbb and their now compromised king.

Taking refuge in the vast cavern and tunnel system found beneath the Serpent's Spine Mountains, they named themselves Clan Pickclaw in reference to all the mining that became their occupation. The Pickclaws thrived and built a modest settlement while their combat skills were sharpened by their frequent raids of High Keep, motivated mostly by a need for supplies. But during this time they did not forget about Xorbb and his minions. Goblins are accustomed to being enemies of all, but they marked Xorbb as a special foe, and vowed to one day reclaim their home.

Their cause was abetted by Xorbb himself who grew complacent, as the remaining goblins in Runnyeye were well under his thrall and quite weak. The goblin leader Lord Pickclaw knew of Xorbb's lax security thanks to well-placed spies placed in the citadel. When he felt the time was right he struck, catching the evil eyes by complete surprise. His warriors, hardened by years of battle in and around High Keep, and his magic-users, far more capable after raiding High Keep's human libraries and capturing human mages, rolled over the weakened defenders of Runnyeye Citadel.

Runnyeye was liberated. The evil eyes fell back to the Gorge of King Xorbb, where they were well-protected and had enslaved minotaurs and mudmen to do their bidding.

Unique among goblins, Lord Pickclaw does not hate other races on sight – though he and his kin have long memories, tending to hold grudges against those who have wronged them. An adventurer who has had no contact with the Pickclaws in the past has a fair chance of maintaining a non-lethal relationship with them, especially if assistance against Xorbb is pledged.