Joyabraund cocks an eyebrow at the paladin, Deception is always a problem for you holy types I hear. Well, we might have to work on that. After all, would Sarenrae take away the noble arts of acting or the social intrigue of bluffing at games? Deception is often no more than tactics with wit rather than swords. Hopefully I can teach you some of its virtues in our time together! All the same...I think you might be right this time, as fun as running around as a goblin might be if the door is already open, why not accept their invitation?
"I have nothing against acting, and though I cannot speak for the entire clergy, I'm sure they would agree for the most part. My sword instructor wasn't exactly prone to what he would call 'frivilous time wasters', but he was in the minority. I would enjoy continuing this discussion though, but it might be best to do so after dealing with our friends first."
"Wait now, let's not be too hasty to drop down our guard. Goblins are nocturnal creatures, aren't they? Maybe most of the tribe is sleeping right now, or the guards were hidden from my view? If you two are in favor of dropping our little subterfuge, that's fine, but we still need to proceed with caution. Joyabraund, if you're training in sneaking around, how about the two of us scout ahead of the rest of the group?
I can retrace my earlier steps, and I'm confident I wouldn't be detected this time either."
Broderus looks at Treygan's holy symbol, "I know I don't have to even ask you, and Valcrim, you've been complaining about the racket your armor makes since we left Sandpoint. Seiji, how about you? Any training in stealth?"
Valcrim muses "If gobbos be sleepin' during tha day, an' they be daft 'nuff ta nae place guards, I say we do this tha simple way: Find an approach, move in fast, an' take tha buggers while they be sleepin'."
He looks to Treygan and Joyabraund "Deception be well an' good, but nae somethin' I be wishin' ta place lives on. Good tactics often take advantage o' 'dirty' methods. Like takin' on tha enemy while asleep. An' any god o' tha long-lived races know that ye cherish yer lives more than ideals, so Torag be fine with deception, even if he be preferrin' solid an' predictable fights won with strength an' teamwork." he chuckles "Which be easier ta implement fer hot-headed warrior types that 'ave no head fer trickery." he looks to Treygan and Broderus "No offense, lads. Just speakin' in general terms."
Trained in stealth? My people are the very essence of the word. Built for it too! Tiny? Unassuming? Halfling's are hiders and skulkers of the first sort. But I only use my powers for good, so your purses and treasure sacks are safe with me!
Joyabraund will pull his shield and sword and salute at Valcrim. Then let us not delay! Onward sir dwarf!
Perception 01
Perception 02
Perception 03
Though Valcrim is awfully pleased with himself, and Treygan stows his shield their attempts to pass unnoticed on this plane were not to be.
Initiative Table!!
The Heroes
Treygan Gorski
Valcrim Flinthammer
Joyabraund Northropple
Broderus
Yamamoto Seiji
The Villains
Sentries
Gobbo Fodder
Rendwattle Gutwad
Surprise Round
Those of you with quick senses can see a goblin peering out from the frame of the watchtower directly in front of the gate, and he knocks an arrow in his shortbow and attacks closest target in defense of his home! The projectile crashes against Valcrim's mighty half-plate, breaks and falls uselessly to the ground before his boots.
Round One
"Hu-MANS! MEAT! "
Cursing loudly in Goblin, the first sentry raises an alarm, then knocks another arrow and lets loose. Two more sentries appear at the remaining watch towers and do the same! Not to be deterred by your show of force at their ruined gate, they spread their fire among you!
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.
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Several arrows hiss in the air. Those loosed at Valcrim and Broderus fail to find purchase, but the shrewd goblin who trained his sights on the brilliant Treygan hit true.
Round One, Continued
Joyabraund loquaciously expounds upon the glories of fabled halfling archers as the group is being pelted with goblin arrows, and his human and dwarven allies do not care in the least that he is the only halfling among them, his delivery is so passionate.
All allies within 30' of Joyabraund gain the affects of Inspire Courage, +1 competence bonus to attacks, damage and +1 morale bonus against charm and fear effects
If you are looking carefully enough, you can see movement in the windows of the smashed up huts around you, and occasionally, a soft snicker or scrape of feets or shifting of crude floorboards. You cannot be sure, but you estimate that there is a sizable force of goblins lying in "wait" for you.
Round One Summary
Having been attacked at ranged by well prepared goblins, the group dashes about attempting to negate their advantage. Or would that be to negate their own advantages? Despite Joyabraund's inspiration, and Torag's blessings Yamamoto Seiji's attempt to fell one of the creatures fails, his bolt bouncing off the protection afforded by the watchtower. Joyabraund and Father Flinthammer recognize that the sentries are only the first of the offenders in this place, and the situation is like to get far more difficult.
Round Two
The goblin sentries give a cheer, or some manner of gutteral verbal response as your team thins itself out.
The goblin sentries loose their arrows, and there is almost a collective curse of shame from them as they all miss their intended targets. Bows are heard clanging to the ground, and those close enough can see that their favored Dog Slicers are equipped to dispatch their foes with great ferocity!
For Round Two, Broderus continues his pursuit of the goblin sentry raining arrows down on him.
Focusing on the enemy at hand, Broderus takes one final peek over his shoulder to check on his teammates. Damn, Treygan's been hit. Seiji, may your aim be true; we need to start returning some fire on these cretins!
Map.
Round Two, Continued
As Joyabraund moves with his long time companion, the door to the hut behind him bursts open, and from it swells two particularly nasty goblins! Simultaneously, several more burst and scarred doors open and emit more goblins to whoops and cheers consisting, for those of you who know the language of various impassioned cries for meat and generally nasty suggestions and images.
Fortunately for Joyabraund, the goblin that has approached him, though furious and horrible, is no more offensive than his foul odor and breath.
Father Flinthammer and Treygan, however, face far more challenging odds!
While the blows simply make impact sounds against Father Flinthammer's well crafted half-plate, one of the pair of goblins attacking Treygan lands an exceptionally well placed blow, damaging the young knight further. The creature squeals with glee in goblin and calls dibs on his shiny plate!
Round Two, Summary
The goblin sentries continued to pelt the heroes with arrows from above, scattering each to the winds in their pursuit of... life. Joyabraund Northropple and Father Flinthammer, whose eyes never seem to fail the group, recognized the ambush and sure as fate would have, the foul goblinoid monsters delivered, swarming its heavy and armored champions. Yamamoto Seiji deftly dashes passed the sludge of the murky pool that services the Licktoad compound and immediately fells the foe threatening Joyabraund. Treygan, enraged by yet another hit upon his holy person, swings his lady's scimitar and cuts through both goblins as though they were practice dummies on the range, and they drop like bags of grain before his holy might.
Round Three!
Two goblin sentries take the offensive against Broderus and Treygan, baring discolored and sometimes rotten teeth and crying out foul curses as they slash ineffectually with their dog slicers at the men. The goblin unlucky enough to face Treygan gives a gasp of surprise and his eyes show genuine fear as he takes a 5-foot step back into the hut.
The furthest sentry, finding no advantage in dropping his bow in favor of engaging in melee fires a round at Yamamoto Seiji, who clearly just murdered his brother, and his strike finds purchase. An arrow blossoms in Seiji's thigh, almost to ensure that the impressive moves he displayed will not be repeated...
The wounds Treygan suffers gives him pause, but only for a moment. These creatures will show no mercy, and he cannot give none in return. This he knows. A quick glance back, the two goblins are easily handled, but the archer ahead poses a problem. Treygan moves forward, muttering "Sarenrae protect us and give me strength", keeping his shield up, and strikes at the creature.
Round 2, Retcon
With Valcrim's retconn you have 2 greater AC, so you can nulify that last hit to your paladin.
Round 3, Continued
The goblins that were ignored by Valcrim curse and branch out to attack a potentially more satisfying target, Joyabraund!
A fresh goblin opens the door to the watch tower and stands menacingly in front of Broderus, only at the last moment recognizing that his comrades have gone off in search of more tasty prey and he is staring down the bloodied mace of an adventurer with no move actions to speak of.
Finally, two goblins and his broodmate use the advantage created by their position atop the walkways to try to best the half-plated Father Flinthammer
Round 3, Summary
At the beginning of the round, the lone stationary sentry's arrow pierces Yamamoto Seiji's leg. Several moments after, the dastardly raiders fan out and attack your scattered group, unfortunately surrounding and landing a hit on your beleaguered bard, Joyabraund Northropple. Several more attempt to tackle the one dwarf killing machine Father Flinthammer, but their blows are repelled by his amazing armor and faith in Torag. Broderus, Treygan and Father Flinthammer have great success in melee thinning the goblin horde that throws themselves upon you.
Round 4
Goblins slash at you, but no attacks find purchase. A particularly brave goblin tumbles through Father Flinthammer's legs, but finds himself caught, staring down the stern visage of a dwarf who hates goblins...