Moina seems taken aback as the goblins charge into the room with their ghastly display. Having never seen such monsters yet only hearing of the horrors a group of them will do, and imagining such being inflicted upon the gnome she recoils.
She watches fascinated as her new acquaintance uses his magic against the goblins. She just watches for the moment.
[dice=perception]1d20+5
Culder lies in his hammock imagining the day when he will one day captain a ship again... blissfully unaware of any other goings on in Hammocks and Hamhocks...
Rising from his hammock, Culder shambles out into the street looking for a handy place to piss. Glancing up and down the street he decides the traffic is suitably light and merely steps into the neighboring alley to relieve himself.
Outside the Hammocks & Hamhocks
Culder saunters outside to do his business, but as he moves toward the alley, a vaguely familiar fellow emerges from the darkness and moves right up to him.
"Remember me from a couple nights ago?" the man growls, raising a sap to strike.
**************************************
Meanwhile, Jordan sees the two thugs near him sweep east, coming up behind Culder; they'll likely be upon the big sailor in a few more seconds. They're currently about 50 feet east of the pirate hunter and unaware of his presence.
Inintiative Order for Subsequent Rounds
Inside the Frog & Grog
Goblin #3:
Goblin #4:
Goblin #5:
Aghon's magic icicle flies silently across the common room, barely missing the peeing goblin's member. He and his 'eraser' companion shriek in fear as the icicle shatters nearby. The six goblins seated at the pushed-together tables look toward their yelping crewmates, none (not even the three facing the corner table where Aghon and the two women sit) sees the icicle's flight or its point of origin.
Jarvis stands proudly, one foot on the table, the other on his seat, continuing to carouse when the goblins yelp. Unfazed, Jarvis continues belting out his shanty, glad the goblins seemed to enjoy "singing" along with him. As he ends his shanty, Jarvis nips a dried up firefly from a pouch on his belt. He mutters in a sing-song voice as he rubs the firefly on the tankard. A few seconds later, it shines like a torch into the tavern. With another breath, Jarvis launches jovially into another song, swinging his glowing tankard to and fro.
"See the light, bright as dawn.
Goblin's bite and might, equally strong.
Drink the wine, mind the mead!
Light a fire, hire a youngling to clean!"
Beliza shakes her head in disbelief when Aghon's icicle brings no reprisals from the oblivious goblin pirates. "Wouldn't you think that woulda got their attention?" she asks aloud. Watching Aggghhh trying to communicate with the goblins, she adds, "I really hope that dwarf cook doesn't roast that poor gnome for these little freaks."
Meanwhile, Jarvis's new song and display of magic catches the goblins' attention, making them forget about the strange flying icicle for the moment. Their attention soon lags, however, probably because the halfling's new song only has "goblin" in it once. The two gobbos who were 'cleaning' the Specials chalkboard finish their task and join their comrades at their elongated table.
Then Aggghhh carts the gnome corpse into the kitchen and Beliza stands up abruptly. "Excuse me," she says to her dinner guests. "I need to have a word or three with that cook."
Moments after you carry the gnome into the kitchen and check it for signs of life (there are none--he's dead), the door swings open and one of the tavern's patrons--a dark-tressed female human wearing black studded leather armor--enters your kitchen. Her hand rests on the hilt of her blade and her eyes seem focused and stormy.
"Just what are you planning on doing with that dead gnome?" she demands.
do I reco'nize him? nope... musta been some sod what picked a fight with me while I were enjoyin' a drink...
"Oh yeah," Culder says poorly imitating the tone of dawning remembrance, "I 'member, yer that sore loser what didn't learn his lesson the first time." As he speaks he sticks his hand into his pocket and slips on his brass knuckles. As soon as his answer is finished he takes a step up and to the side, placing the man who spoke in between himself and the other thug, then he takes a hard swing at the man with the mouth...
ah hells...
hmm...two on one...the bruiser's gotta be worth something...but still, he paid for his drink. it's gotta at least be a fair fight, Jordan grinned to himself. And two potential bounties is a better shot than one. Grinning in the darkness, Jordan drew an arrow back and aimed for one of the cloaked figures. Letting the arrow fly, he prepared to move once they realized his presence.
Without waiting to see the arrow hit its target, Jordan steps 15 feet diagonal of his position, bringing another arrow out of its quiver and himself closer to his prey.
Aghon looks at Moina after Beliza's departure to the kitchen, and has a moment of hesitation. That's not the first dead gnome I've seen this week, and, honestly, probably won't be the last. I realize the goblins are uncouth, and, yes, I'd prefer to be in more pleasant company, but, as of yet, they haven't done anything worth me getting upset about. If they start picking fights with other patrons, I might have something to say about it, but for now, what say we just keep a close eye on their shenanigans? He adjusts his chair so that all the goblins are in front of him. He also gets ready to cast obscuring mist if things get ugly.
OUTSIDE HAMMOCKS & HAMHOCKS (Culder & Jordan)
Jordan calmly puts an arrow into the back of one of the two thugs moving up behind Culder. The victim's cry of pain lets Culder know he's got more than just the mouthy attacker in front of him to deal with, and he shifts a bit toward the building to make it harder for his punching bag's friends to surround him. His swing, unfortunately, misses the mark.
Hearing the cry of pain, Jordan grins and draws another arrow back. Sighting on the other thug, he lets this arrow fly.
Once again, Jordan changed position, moving 20 feet diagonal, (zagging after zigging) and pulled another arrow out, waiting to see what would transpire.
IN THE KITCHEN OF THE FROG & GROG (Aggghhh)
The woman stares at Aggghhh for a few seconds and then nods curtly. "Might work," she says curtly. "At least for a little while."
She looks at the dead gnome before her eyes return to Aggghhh. "Name's Beliza. I'll fetch the Crescent Watch, in case those little creeps catch on to your ruse."
"I hope that gnome wasn't someone important or the friend o' someone important, or we could have a full-on blood feud on our hands."
Beliza heads for the kitchen door but stops before leaving. "I don't suppose you know anyone who speaks Goblin, do you?"
*****************************************
FROG & GROG COMMON ROOM (Aghon & Moina)
Beliza emerges grim-faced from the kitchen and rejoins Aghon and Moina at their table.
"Do either of you know anyone who speaks Goblin?" she demands. Beliza then tells them of the dwarf cook's plan to trick the goblins, opining "That's gonna either prove a stroke o' brilliance that defuses this situation or the powderkeg that blows it up in our faces. Either way, we need to get the Watch involved...now!"
OUTSIDE HAMMOCKS & HAMHOCKS (Jordan & Culder)
A second arrow from Jordan clips the bicep of the second thug closing on Culder and flies on past the big sailor and his revenge-seeking brawler foe.
"Oy! We're under attack!" cries the thug with Jordan's arrow in his back. His buddy, however, merely growls before charging the archer. After a moment's hesitation, the more gravely wounded ruffian also charges...but at Culder. The Captain also has to worry about his first foe's sap attack.
Only the badly-wounded man manages to connect, catching Culder with a grazing blow to the head .
someone's usin' real arrows out here... may be time ta bring the anchor in... naw, best wait 'n' try ta take 'em out easy first...
Taking aim at the injured ruffian who left his guard down by charging, Culder takes another hard swing with his brassknuckled fist...
,
Culder's mighty blow catches his attacker in the nose and one eye, breaking bone and causing the man to actually fly back a couple feet before collapsing in a bloody, twitching heap.
"Ye killed 'im!" Culder's remaining foe shrieks. His voice cracks, but the big man can't tell whether from fear or in rage. Bit of both, perhaps....
"Hey now," Culder belows, "First off, I ain't the one what put an arrow in his back! Sekind, I ain't the one what started a fight with a man with his d!ck in his hand! 'N' third, ain't no way he's proper dead- quit yer fightin' ta stop that blood and find him someone ta heal him up quick."
Well, by a mermaid's bra. That little dwarf's got a head on his shoulders and no doubt! Moina? Why don't you head out to grab the Watch, Beliza and I'll keep an eye on this rabble till ye get back. Aghon says, and shoots the dark beauty a wicked flirtatious grin. If things get ugly, I'll fog up the place, and at least cause a little confusion. Or mebbe I'll stick a few of the little buggers on my ol' fork. He says and points at the tines of his trident sticking over one shoulder.
Beliza returns Aghon's 'wicked flirtatious grin' with an angry scowl. "You'd send a lady off into the streets o' this cesspool--alone? At night??!! You're about as sharp as a belaying pin!"
Aghon: Roll me a d20 and a Sense Motive check.
Agghh shakes his head at Beliza's question. No goblin here, now I'll get tow ork. Aggh throws a tarp over the gnimes and starts his beef stew. Get those goblins liquered up so they have no idea. He barks.
Connie nods nervously in Aggghhh's direction and then carries a tray with a couple pitchers of ale out to the goblin table.
"Avast!" one of the creatures cries upon spotting the wench and her liquid cargo.
"Would you...uh...gentlemen like refills?" the server asks, earning a chorus of "Yar!'s from the pint-sized pirates.
"The food'll be out in a few more minutes, all right?"
"Yar!"
"You're going to yell that no matter what I ask, aren't you?"
Most of the creatures again yell, "Yar!" but one voice screams "Yo-ho-gobbos!"
AT THE FROG & GROG
Diggs saunters up to Jarvis's side and lets out a sigh while watching the goblins' antics.
"I guess it's true what they say," he deadpans. "There's no plate like gnome."
Dodging and stepping back, Jordan drew back his next arrow and aimed at his attacker.
"Never expected my prey to come to me," he mutters, firing at his target. "Makes it almost too easy."
Grinning under his hood, he draws another arrow, waiting to see how lucky his attacker feels.
"I cannot understand them." she says regarding the goblins. "I suppose all types of unusual creatures come through here."
Moina frowns, "I can get the Watch and take care of myself," she protests and stands up to leave, "Do you really think they will become violent?"
Beliza returns Aghon's 'wicked flirtatious grin' with an angry scowl. "You'd send a lady off into the streets o' this cesspool--alone? At night??!! You're about as sharp as a belaying pin!"
No, I would never do that! Why, do you see a lady somewhere? Aghon says while displaying his most winsome smile.
AT THE FROG & GROG TAVERN
You're pretty sure Beliza is attracted to you...one of those deals where the woman yells at you and calls you names to pretend she doesn't like you when she really does.
Beliza turns to Aghon with a withering glare before her gaze turns to Moina and she shrugs at the druid's question. "I guess part of why I met with you folk was to test your mettle an' character...," she says with a sigh.
"Turn left when you leave and keep walkin' 'til you reach Hillshade Road near the base o' the hill," Beliza tells the druid. "Make another left an' walk about another block--the North Jail'll be on your left. Be careful!"
The Besmaran cleric pats Moina on the back, gives her a nod of confidence, and returns to the table, rubbing her right eye as she takes a seat.
OUTSIDE HAMMOCKS & HAMHOCKS
Jordan again grazes his foe with an arrow, further wounding and enraging the man. The thug grits his teeth and then presses the attack.
The man's swing misses the agile ranger.
*************************************
Meanwhile, the losing brawler glares at Culder for an instant before tucking his sap into his belt and kneeling next to his fallen chum, trying clumsily to staunch the bleeding.
Finding his friend alive and now stabilized, the man meets Culder's eyes. "Ye'll have no more trouble from me. Call off yer archer friend?"
"I ain't got any idea who's shootin' at yer," Culder shrugs, "prolly th'brother a some other fellah yer jumped in a alley what din't fair as well as I!"
"Avast!" the large man bellows into the darkness, "You with th'bow, what're ye mad? Yer gonna call th'watch down on all a us shootin' folk full a arrows in th'street! 'N' you o'er there runnin' at him like a damn fool, put that sap 'way or I'll brain yer meself!"
Now we just have to hope these goblins get deep enough into their cups to forget about that gnome, but not so deep that they start a brawl. Either way, fun watching. Till the blood starts spilling. He looks at Beliza rubbing her eye, and wonders if she got some dust in it.
Jordan grimaced. Right, blood gets drawn, then all bets are off. Still, might not be a bad idea to start making an impression.
Drawing a final arrow back Jordan aims at his attacker. "Do you want another scar, or are you going to calm down, like your friends?" he growls, bringing his voice down.
Jordan's foe raises both hands, steps back, then slowly returns his weapon to his belt. He starts backing toward where the ringleader tends to their fallen comrade, never taking his eyes off the archer.
THE STREETS OF CRESCENT HARBOR (Moina)
The streets of Crescent Harbor generally have some traffic at every hour of the day, and Moina finds a few other folks out and about as she leaves the Frog & Grog to fetch the watch. Dock Street to the east is busiest, not surprisingly, but she can see a group of four sailors walking along the next major street, Hillshade Road--her immediate destination. Both major roads are well-lit by magical street lanterns, yet Hillshade Road seems a bit foreboding as Moina nears it, with the dark bulk of Squallshield Hill looming just beyond.
Jordan follows, maintaining his distance. "Who're your friends?" he asks Culder.
Looking over the three thugs, he searches for...well, anything that could be used to identify them.
Looking over the three thugs, he searches for...well, anything that could be used to identify them.
The men are unremarkable, likely sailors or low-level pirates. Each wears weather-beaten leather armor and is armed with a sap and a sheathed dagger--none carries a larger weapon.
"I got no notion who they be," Culder answers the mysterious cloaked archer, "fools what picked the wrong fight. Better question is, who be ye?"
"Bain, the hunter," he responds. Gods, this man is huge, he thinks, Definitely have to try and take someone like this out from a distance. Gesturing over to the thugs, he asks, "Think they're worth anything?"
"Worth anythin' ta who?" the burly man asks with a raised eyebrow.
Seeing someone or something out of the corner of her eyes she increases her speed without trying to seem like she is in a hurry.
"Anyone. Of course, any man with enough skill to get a price on his head probably isn't some back-alley scum that tries to mug his betters." Jordan replies. Then, raising his voice to the three hoodlums, he asks, "Or are you three ferocious villains actually dread pirates in disguise?"
OUTSIDE HAMMOCKS & HAMHOCKS (Culder & Jordan)
The two conscious thugs scowl a bit at Bain's questioning but their leader gruffly replies, "We're all crewmen on the Midnight Dagger, under the command of Free Captain Artemis Peake."
***********************************
THE STREETS OF CRESCENT HARBOR (Moina)
Moina makes it to the North Jail without being accosted by whomever/whatever was shadowing her. The watchman at the front desk--decked in the typical blue-and-silver tabard of the Crescent Watch--looks up from a piece of parchment he's perusing and asks how he may be of help.
Moina's report of the goblin pirates and their antics doesn't get much of a reaction from the guard until she mentions the slain gnome. Then the man opens the front door and blows on a whistle that hangs from a cord around his neck. Within a couple of minutes, a trio of Crescent Watch members jog up, get appraised of the situation, and then set off for the Frog & Grog with Moina in tow.
********************************
FROG & GROG TAVERN (Aghon, Aggghhh, & Jarvis)
The goblin menaces make a lot of noise and occasionally fall off their human-sized chairs but generally behave themselves while Moina's off fetching the Watch. The green pirates occasionally call out to the servers and kitchen, pointing at their empty bellies. They become slightly more belligerent with each minute that passes without roasted gnome on their table and plates.
As the goblin's interest in his singing starts to wane, Jarvis slips back down to his seat drinking from his still glowing tankard. Not wanting to be completely unprepared, he slips his dagger free from its scabbard. Using it to stab bits of sausage from his plate, he keeps his eyes roaming around the room. I hope they calm down soon, or at least don't get friskier than they are. I can't calm them down, best I could do is help some of the larger types from the corners. With a set of his jaw he makes his decision. If one of those adventuring types, or someone from the watch shows up and has to start fighting their way through the little gobbos, I'll do what I can to make their lives easier
"Off with yer, now!" Culder hollers at the sailors, never taking his eyes off the bounty hunter.
Once they're out of earshot he asks, "Yer sayin' ye know men what'll pay bounties here in port? I can't 'fford word ta get out that I be takin' bounties, but I could use some coin... in'er'stead in a silent partner? Split the work, ye claim the boun'y 'n' the name, 'n' then we split the gold?"
Aghon sits and sips his drink, one eye on Beliza, one on the gobbos. His demeanor is calm.
Beliza sits silently at the table, staring at the goblin pirates. Then her gaze shifts to Aghon.
"It looks like your inspired tactic of 'Do Nothing' might have merit after all--seems these little scalawags have been schooled in city etiquette by their captain an' have slightly more self control than most o' their ilk."
The woman looks to the front door hopefully as someone enters, but it's just a half-orc sailor or sellsword--not the Watch--and her eyes harden in growing frustration.
There are some tense moments when the dwarven cook tries to pass off his beef stew as gnome stew. One goblin shakes his big head vigorously and bites his neighboring tablemate on the arm; his victim responds by grabbing the first gobbo's lower extremities and chomping him on the leg before looking at the cook. Apparently, they were expecting a roasted gnome and the equivalent of drumsticks. Aggghhh defuses the situation by making swift chopping motions on the tabletop and then shrugging and rubbing his belly. After a bit of arguing, the goblins decide that the gnome stew is palatable and dig in with gusto.
****************************************
A few minutes later, Moina returns with three members of the Crescent Watch. Immediately, Beliza hops out of her chair and stalks up to the Watch, flashing her holy symbol before whispering something in the ear of one man.
Beliza takes one step back toward the table where Aghon sits before halting in her tracks. "Go sit an' chat a bit with Aghon," the woman tells Moina. "I'll be with you both in a few minutes...."
The Besmaran devotee then crosses the room and speaks at length with one halfing before approaching a second .
"Care to join me an' my friends for a couple drinks an' maybe the chance to earn a few coins for a simple job?" she asks.
Jarvis looks over the woman as she approached. Letting his hand drop to his coin-pouch, he shrugged.
I'd be a piss-poor sailor to turn down drink and coin, now wouldn't I? Jarvis says, with a half-smirk on his lip. After swigging the remnants of his wine, he wipes the back of his hand across his mouth and sighs. Sure, let's be about it. He quips, slipping the dagger back into its sheath on his waist as he rises from the table to follow the lady.