Children of Wrath [RotRL]

Game Master nate lange

"Well...I guess it's okay," Josie responds as Inc turns and heads back towards Main Street. "As long as you're okay. But next time I'll just tuck and roll and you'll wind up back in your home!" she warns, though there's no real anger in her tone.

It only took Inc ten or fifteen seconds to get around the block, and it only took her ten or fifteen seconds more to get back.

"Okay, we're back! Is everyone okay?" Josie waves, trying to pretend that the last 30 seconds or so hadn't happened. "Good news is we didn't see anymore goblins down towards Glass Street!"

Axel nods at Kejak and squeezes Shayliss's hand and replies, "Of course. Those goblins are sneaky, we'd better make sure." He cautiously stats walking towards the store, alert for danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Ellen looks almost disappointed the distraction was as brief as it was, jogging back to the group alongside Josie. She takes a quick glance around, hoping not to see any more goblins.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Ellen, are you going to keep holding the charge on your inflict spell or discharge it?

Out in the street, the watchmen finish off the the last of their goblins, though their fight doesn't seem to have been quite so one-sided as yours was. There are no signs of any other goblins in the area.

Axel had been acting all smooth but he suddenly felt awkward around Shayliss' mom. This was all going to fast it made his head spin. "Oh uh hi Mrs Vinder." he managed, "There's been quite the excitement out there today. First with the swallowtail festival then with a bunch of goblins blowing stuff up." Noticing the green blood spotting his clothing he stammers, "Um yeah, I probably ought to go and clean up or something..."

Ellen remembers the swirling mass of deadly void energy still lingering in her hand and squeaks, flailing her hand around until it goes away.

"HEY! Are you guys okay?" Josie calls out to the watchmen as they finish off their own goblins. "Did you see any more goblins running around? We can go take care of them if you did!"

Not sure if we finally decided to divide or not. I'm going to assume we did. If not, just ignore what I'm posting.

-Josie!- he greets, relieved to see she's okay. -I'm glad you're fine. And... Inc too.- He's about to start an attempt at caressing the big otherworldly cat, but thinks better and looks a bit silly when he raises his hand and puts it back down again.

-Okay, Axel has gone to check Shayliss' family is ok. Shall we wait for him or should we bring Joanna to the Academy and Axel joins us later? The field seems pretty clear, but you never know... On the other hand, he might want a bit of privacy to meet his future in-laws- he adds, winking.

Axel is actually looking for a way not to split the party. Presumably Mrs Vinder won't want someone covered in goblin blood in her shop, especially one who seems interested in her daughter.

Okay yeah, I'm a little confused as to where everyone is; is the Vender's shop within sight distance of where the rest of us are congregated? If so, we can probably all take Joanna back to Turandarok provided there aren't any more immediate threats.

The Vinder home/business is the southernmost building on the west side of Main Street. Directly across the street, the Academy is the southernmost building on the east side of Main. The entrances to the two buildings are like 30 feet apart and you all (except Axel) are basically congregated about 10 feet from the Academy door (well, the door in the outer wall at least).

Shayliss looks sad and a little scared as she turns to Axel. "You're leaving?"

Then we'll wait for Axel.

Axel felt torn, he very much wanted to spend more time with Shayliss. Just not Shayliss and her mother... Also nagging at him was a though that he really ought to be sure little Joanna was OK. That might give them an excuse to talk to the headmaster, Axel had always been a little in awe of him and his experience may help make sense of what happened today.

Somewhat huskily Axel replied, "Uh, well, for now yes. I do need a bath Later once I've cleaned up and things have calmed down I'll swing by." He made his excuses and on the way out said, "Good day, glad you're fine Mrs Vinder. We all had a bit of a scare today." He was slightly irritated with himself thinking, 'Why was I gabbling to her in front of Shayliss?'

Outside he went to catch up with his friends, spotting them huddled by the Academy door. He hailed them, "Hey do you think we should talk to Ilsoari about what happened today?"

-Yes, we definitely should, and that was my intention.

"Yeah, the headmaster should know what to do next." Ellen moves in that direction, hopeful that she can put all this to rest but doubtful that that will actually happen.

"I dunno...I mean, he might, but wouldn't we be better off trying to track down Sheriff Hemlock once we make sure Joanna is safe?" Josie asks. "Anyway, let's get her off the street before anything else happens," she adds before turning to the door and knocking loudly.

"Hello? It's Josie and Axel and Kejak and Ellen and Inc! We've got Joanna out here, she seems okay but she's really scared and we wanted to make sure we got her back here to the Academy safely!" she calls.

thanks for the patience

Clearly disappointed, Shayliss calls out after Axel, "Alright... I'll see you after your bath... I hope..."

Mere moments after Axel emerges from the General Store Ilsoari himself comes trotting across a small courtyard towards the gate where Jo and her protectors have gathered. He carries a key in one hand and a shortsword in the other but a smile breaks across his worried face and he spots the people in the street. "My children!" he exclaims, "I'm so pleased to see that you are all safe, and that you've brought Ellen and Jo home safely. Thank you for your service. It's good to see you all." He swings the outer door open while he speaks and ushers everyone into the courtyard. "How bad is it out there?" he asks as the gate swings closed again.

-We really don't know- says Kejak, nervously. HE really likes Ilsoari, who's been like a father to him, but he doesn't want to waste much time. -When the goblins first appeared, everyone started to run like headless chicken. We don't know where the sheriff is, nor anyone important. But most of the streets seem empty.

After catching his breath for a bit, Kejak goes on. -Ilsoari, do you have any idea where a bunch of goblins might have entered the city unnoticed? Secret passage, breach on the wall or anything? We must go and find out, but if you have any idea...- And then he remembers -oh! And... are you missing any other student?

Earlier before he was out of earshot.
Axel turned back and called to Shayliss, "Dinner maybe?"

Later with Ilsoari et al.
Like Kejak, Axel had always been awed with the stores of Ilsoari's past. The exact contents of his basement had been the subject of much recess speculation of the years, although persistent rumors suggested he had a vast array of weaponry kept on display.

Axel nodded at Kejak's words but as he explained something didn't quite add up, "They certainly made a lot of noise, throwing bombs and nearly kidnapping Lord Foxglove but I don't think there was enough of them to do real damage. The why of it is bugging me. It seems like it was a suicide mission for them, what could possibly motivate such a thing?"

Ellen feels... odd about being listed among the rescued by Ilsoari. She is not entirely sure what to think about it, really, so she goes her usual route: staying silent and looking mildly uncomfortable.

"Rescue Ellen?" Josie blinks. "She actually helped us and did a great job of it, too!" she says, beaming at her friend.
__________

Sorry for the delayed post; work and sleep issues.

Only then Kejak notices, and adds, a bit clumsily -Erm, yeah, actually... You could say she rescued us. If we had to rely on my accuracy, we'd be all goblin lunch by now. Oh, and she's a bit hurt, can something be done about it?

"It is troubling..." Headmaster Ilsoari answers thoughtfully, "sometimes they scavenge in the trash piles at the bottom of the cliffs around the city... they could have climbed up, I suppose, while everyone was distracted by the festival... but how would they have known everyone would be distracted... of course, if they did know everyone was going to be distracted they probably could have just rushed through one of the gates... perhaps the city gates would be a good place to look for the Sheriff- maybe there were more goblins than you saw but they didn't make it into the city?"

When Ellen's wounds are pointed out the old man looks carefully at them and frowns. "I only know one spell that could help with that and it's... a bit unpleasant. Thankfully, this doesn't look too bad and I suspect even without any magical healing it will be fine in a couple days."

Looking at Kejak, Axel, and Josie he asks, "Would you three like to shelter here for a little while or do you plan to head out in search of the Sheriff right away?"

Axel considers Ilsoari's words before replying, "Well we should find the Sheriff today, but maybe we could freshen up a little first? I mean look at the state of us."

"Would you three like to shelter here for a little while or do you plan to head out in search of the Sheriff right away?"

Kejak looks at Ellen, but does not want to say anything in case she thinks he's asking. But she's been doing great out there, fighting goblins, and Kejak thinks she might actually want to come with them and spread her wings. In fact, he believes, it would be good for her.

While Axel speaks about something he's not really paying attention to, Kejak thinks about it, and in the end can't help but answer what he thinks.

"Four. We are... we are four, Ilsoari. Aren't we, Ellen? Oh, and I technically belong to the guard, so no, I can't rest here while there's a possibility of goblins being anywhere around. You lot should really stay here, though, and come out when you think you're ready. I shall go and look for Hemlock."

"Nothing doing," Josie says stubbornly. "What sort of a knight would I be if I hid and let friends take all the risks alone? No, Inc and I are going with you and that's that," she says as she folds her arms over her chest. "If Ellen and Axel want to stay for a little bit and catch their breath though, that'll be fine. They can always catch up with us in a bit - this area around here seems safe now," she adds.

Ilsoari looks a little concerned when Kejak voices his opinion about Ellen's place, but he waits to offer any response until after she and Axel reply...

I like how Axel (who at 18 Charisma is literally one of the most charismatic people in town) is all self-conscious about Shayliss being into him

Ellen has an 18, too. Figures the two most charismatic people in town would be so self-conoscious. :p

"I'll... I'll go." She looks away from Ilsoari at first, but slowly manages to meet his eyes. "I can help. So... I should help." No babbling in tongues this time; she is resolved.

Axel is still really young, even though he's super charismatic he's still vulnerable inside. Dating an adventurer is one of those things that likely doesn't end well. For sake of argument if Axel doesn't die, he's likely to travel far from Sandpoint which isn't great if Shayliss gets pregnant! Also adventurers often have enemies, lets say Axel survives to level 5-6 - killing him just got hard. Shayliss on the other hand is a commoner (I assume) so it would be very easy to get at him through her, especially if he's away.

With a wry grin Axel laughed, "Eh I won't need long Josie, just goblin blood is icky. I don't even care if the water is ice cold, Fifteen minutes and I'll be mostly presentable again and ready to go."

The headmaster's concern grows when Ellen announces her intention to head back towards potential danger. "Well..." he answers, "you are old enough to come and go as you wish... but you are still my ward, so please be careful."

"Axel," Ilsoari continues, "you remember where everything is, help yourself."

so, who's waiting for Axel and who's leaving without him? (Please feel free to answer that through 'in character' posts)

"Thank you, I'll be back shortly." calls Axel as he heads off to get washed. As he goes it occurs to him that Ellen is still really young something that's easy to forget at times. He wonders how she'll cope with Lord Fox Glove tomorrow, hopefully the man won't be overbearing.

-Okay, Axel, we know you always have to look good- Kejak jokes. -We'll wait for you if it only takes you a couple of minutes.

Ellen takes a position "behind" Josie, doing a poor job of hiding behind the halfling but making an effort nonetheless. "Um... Thank you, professor. I'll do my best." Figuring this is poor reassurance, she gives him a fragile thumbs up, as if that will do the trick.

"If you say so, Axel...fine time to take a bath..." the halfling mutters to herself. She leans back as if to rest against the nearby wall for a moment and jumps as she bumps into Ellen. "Eek! When did you get over here, Ellen? You're like...like a shadow assassin or something with moves like that!"

Axel quickly found his way to the communal bathrooms. It was strange he knew this place so well yet it seemed oddly small now, a part of his life that was huge at the time but over now. True to his word he didn't bother heating the water and quickly scrubbed the worst of the ichor off his skin, hair and clothes. A few minutes later a very much colder, but cleaner Axel emerges, ready to hit the town.

Ilsoari forces at weak smile in response to Ellen's 'reassurance'. "Well, if there's nothing else I can do for you," he offers, "I do have other students inside who still require my attention..." Assuming nobody asks anything: With a polite bow he turns on his heals and walks purposefully back into the main building.

A few quiet minutes later Axel returns and the group is reunited in the courtyard.

ok, everyone's back together... where to:
- finish your clockwise sweep of the town?
- head straight to one of the city gates (north or south)?
- somewhere else entirely?

Damn, I can't really decide.

-Mmmh... what do you guys think? Shall we go on patrolling ourselves? My first impulse is to go looking for Hemlock, but on the other hand doing the job ourselves would serve just right. The priority, after all, is to get the people saved.

Axel strolls back in and notices a strange atmosphere, he shrugs and grins, "Hey what's up? Shall we go find us that Sheriff - maybe there'll be more goblins on the way, although I kinda hope not. Brrr that bath water was way colder than I remembered!"

Ellen waves politely as Ilsoari turns to exit. Speaking to her companions, she says "We should find the sheriff... He probably knows what areas are safe and where there might still be more danger."

Ok... it sounds like the consensus is to seek out the sheriff- how are you going to do that? You could resume your spiral; you could head up Main Street to the Barracks (where the watch offices and the jail are) and see if he's there; you could check out Ilsoari's hunch and check the north and/or south gates for him; or try some other approach?

"Okay, then... I'm torn between heading up to the barracks or trying at one of the gates. Probably in the barracks they have a way of finding out, or they might know something."

Axel grinned at Kejak and replied far more confidently than he had any right to, "Mate it's Ilsoari, he knows his stuff! Lets try the gates and the barracks after if there's no luck there."

Unless somebody demurs, Axel starts walking at a comfortable pace...

Ellen follows after Axel, not having any objections to the plan.

North gate or south? South is closer (you take Water Street east back to the market, then Market Street east to the gate), but north (which basically requires finishing your sweep up Main Street and across Junker's Way, then heading north at the Cathedral) is the larger, more fortified gate and is generally considered to be closer to danger...

-Let's go to the South gate then. It's closer, so we don't have to spend our time coming back here in case the North one has nothing. Plus, the South one's smaller, so maybe they tried sneaking in through there.

"Lets do it, to the south gate!" replies Axel easily, brimming with confidence. They could deal with a few goblins!

I hope my ooc questions don't seem tedious... partly I'm trying to help familiarize you with Sandpoint baecause your characters would know the town (and a fair bit of stuff happens here throughout the AP), and partly I really don't like to assume or make decisions for players (which is why I'm always looking for action posts- where someone starts walking or opens a door instead of just talking about it).

The old acquaintances quickly walk back to Water Street and turn east towards the south gate. As they enter the Market Square, Bethana Corwin--the Rusty Dragon's halfling maid--looks up from whatever she's cleaning and hesitantly starts walking towards them. Two young men who look vaguely familiar--probably sons from one of the farms in the Hinterlands--rush over much less bashfully and the shorter one asks, "Hey, you're them, right? The ones Lord Foxglove's been talkin' about... Is it true what he said- you guys really kill all them goblins?"

Axel makes a show of looking behind before grinning at the men like a Cheshire Cat. "I wouldn't know about all of them" he drawled, "but we managed to bag us a few. Hey I don't suppose you've seen the Sheriff? We're looking for him."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Maybe Axel was a bit full of himself?