DM Duke's RotRL - Burnt Offerings (Inactive)

Game Master DukeRuckley

Occa enjoys watching the others at at the long jump.

However after seeing Stark be brave enough to try the bow though he has clearly never held one before Occa feels compelled to try.

"It has been some time since my last archery practice...."

One. 1d20 ⇒ 13 for 10
Two. 1d20 ⇒ 14 for 10
Three. 1d20 ⇒ 10 for 10
Four. 1d20 ⇒ 7 for 5
Five. 1d20 ⇒ 8 for 5

"...and I fear it shows. Well done Durvin."

It seems you have a double post going on, Occa. Your first post, the results would add to 50.

"The next game I'm interested in is seeing how fast I can eat a plate of food." He laughs, patting Hawkeye on the back. "I'm afraid these aren't the kind of games I'll be very good at."

He pulls out his waterskin, and takes a drink to stave off the hunger. "Though I went to college, I never got high merits. Never did quite grasp certain concepts very well. Like, when to back down from bullies. Certain things just came natural. Though, I did get in trouble a lot for messing around with my father's trinkets. I was pretty good at discovering their true purpose." Describing his skills, basically.

It seems you have a double post going on, Occa.

That is bizarre. The second post is the only one I saw until just now. I have deleted it.

Unless they've fixed it, deleting messages in a thread is actually the cause of that error. It causes the servers to go out of sync for a couple minutes, or some such thing.

Always the voice of encouragement, Durvin pipes in, "Everyone is doing great. Even for never having handled a bow before, getting a second ring was very nice. Good job, Stark." He looks around, trying to figure out what direction they should be heading in. "Next is the egg toss, a partnered event. How do we want to go about doing this one? Old friends against new friends, Occa and I take on the two of you?" he points at Hawkeye and Stark. "Or do you two prefer to sit this out while Hawkeye and I pair up? Any other suggestions?" his eyes widen in memory "The sack race requires a five person team. Occa, did Skora come ashore?" he grimaces a little, "Or do you think he'd be too uptight to enjoy the contest, even on this beautiful, fun-filled day?"

"Colleges cannot teach everything, no? Do they teach the songs to the birds? I think not. Anyways, food will be soon, my friend. Just hang on."

Hawkeye thinks about the egg-toss. He would like to team with Stark and have a 2 on 2 that way, but the desire to win is also making him think him and Durvin on a team would be the best option. Although he wants to be on the winning team (no offense Stark) Stark is having a very unlucky time here at the festival games and maybe he could help him.

"Stark why don't we team up for the egg toss?"

"Durvin- Is Skora another of your friends?! Shall I meet this one as well?"

Ack!! I forgot to answer your question Skorabor, sorry about that!

Sheriff Hemlock, who has taken it upon himself watch for any unsafe activities, finally notice Skorabor addressing him. "Master Dwarf. I am quite sorry, I didn't see you there. Wayfinders? Wayfinders... Hmm... You don't meant the Pathfinders, do you? I believe they have a Lodge in Magnimar. You must have gotten off at the wrong stop! Oh well, you might as well enjoy yourself here, today. The Sheriff then tears off after a young child who he claims is "running too fast" and is going to "hurt himself."

--

As noon rolls around, the crowd once again begins to accumulate, this time around the center of the square. Father Zantus and his acolytes have just wheeled in a rather large covered wagon that everyone is now standing around. One everyone begins to quiet down, Zantus recounts a famous parable of Desna. When Desna first fell to the earth, she was nursed back to health by a blind child. This child was rewarded by being turned into an immortal butterfly.

"And now to release the children of Desna!"

Father Zantus pulls back the cover of the wagon and exactly one thousand Swallowtails butterflies take flight in a spiraling riot of color! The crowd lets out a great cheer and the children begin to futilely chase the butterflies, never quite able to reach them. Shortly after, lunch is served!

Lunch is provided free by the taverns of Sandpoint. Each tavern has brought its best dishes and you get the feeling they are attempting to market themselves to the villagers. The White deer has brought a peppercorn venison and the Hagfish brought a lobster chowder. But word has it that the best dish once again belongs to Ameiko Kaijitsu, owner of the Rusty Dragon Inn, who has brought curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead, flavors more common to Tian Xia than this area of Varisia.

Games will continue until the consecration, if you wish to participate in any more. I'll need to know teams for the Egg Toss (you will be paired with an NPC if you want to participate but don't have a partner), and how many of you want to participate in the Sack Race Relay (teams of five, NPC's provided again if needed).

"I'll pass on the egg toss." He chuckles, "No more waiting, food is here! I think I'll try a little bit of everything." Taking in the sights of the food being brought out, he settles on having the peppercorn venison, lobster chowder, and the curry-spiced salmon each in turn. "I wonder if there's more," he ponders out loud, as he seeks to refill his plate.

"I shall join you Mr. Stark."

Occa makes a beeline for the peppered venision, a rare dish for a sea dweller. He does not over eat but he does have tastes of all the main dishes and seconds of any fresh fruit or raw/lightly cooked vegetables making the rounds. Also things that are somwhat rare shipbord.

At one point a wandering juggler steals the apples from the tines and replaces them, at range, with a red cabbage, a leek, and a baked potato in a jacket of leaves.

No worries, DM! :)

The sheriff departs just as Skorabor was about to form a But.. and the word is left solemly hanging in the air. The dwarf is left standing alone in the crowd, with a look like someone had mixed confusion, anger and disappointment in a cauldron then poured it over him. The names the shoanti had said did sound familiar. The Pathfinders, that was a mistake easy enough to rectify, but where in Droskar's blasted halls lay Magnimar?! The open realms of men. No wonder they so often got lost! Well, there was nothing to be done now. He might as well stay for this "Swallowtail festival", whatever that was. Perhaps something would happen. No doubt a good place to gather stories and rumors about sites of adventure. At least it didn't smell like Riddleport.

The dwarf kicks a pebble in irritation then heads over to the stands to look around. Even though Skorabor tries not to he cannot help to be amazed by the swirl of color the butterflies create as they are released and flutter in the wind. His continues to rise as he helps himself to the food the rusty dragon inn. Perhaps thi wasn't a bad stop after all.

Enamored with the release of the butterflies, Durvin didn't even realize just how hungry he was until the food was brought out and the smells wafted through the streets. The sights and smells were all so amazing, but he knew in the end he would end up with the lobster chowder, heavy on the butter and lemon.

"Oh, they all smell so good, but I'm wary. Spicy and I just don't get along as well as we would like." he tells Hawkeye as they fill their dishes. "Well, it looks like you and I will be together for the egg toss. Hopefully we'll get a chance to let our food settle before the games kick back off."

To Occa and Stark he asks, "If you are not comfortable with the egg toss, do you think you guys will be willing to do the sack race later? If only we could fi... SKORA!" his abrupt yell startling some of the other patrons. "You did come ashore after all. I was certain you would, what with all your grumbling about the 'blasted rocking'" this last part done in the best deep voice his higher pitched one could reach. "How have you enjoyed the festivites? Did you find the finders you were looking for? You have some big adventure plans in the works? When do you leave? Were you given a big mission?" barely pausing to let the dwarf answer.

"Even more importanly, we need a fifth man for the sack race, you would be most useful. What do you say?" remembering the new friends, he introduces them "Oh, Skora forgive my manners, I was so worked up over the games. This is Hawkeye, a Shoanti sharpshooter, and this man is Stark, a college trained man of mystery." He points at each of the men in turn "We have all been having great fun at the games and ceremonies." at this he finally takes a long enough breath for others to get a word in.

Hawkeye looks up at the release of all the butterflies. All these beautiful creatures fluttering up into the sky would be like seeing fireworks for the first time. He smiles in awe at the sight. He has a deep sense of reverence for the thousands of animals.

When introduced to Skora by Durvin-

"Well met bearded dwarf who is called Skora."

Hawkeye is aware of a few dwarven customs from traders and caravans. One is that dwarfs shake hands by grabbing the forearm. He attempts this cultural handshake with Skora.

"I have not met many dwarfs in my time in my village but the few I have showed me a few things and how dwarfs shake hands. I also hope you are not insulted by my lack of beard. Please join us in the sack race later."

Hawkeye's stomach grumbles.

"Maybe we should eat first Durvin. I think I can toss the egg better when I lose desire to eat the egg!"

"It's good to meet you, Skora." Stark says plainly, as he slurps the last of his chowder right out of the bowl. He washes it down with a little water, "Yes, please join us."

As Skorabor stumbles unto the group he seems to be in a state of content bewilderment. He has the look of someone who's just run a gauntlet while being pelted with rocks, only to recieve a great warm hug upon crossing the finish line. He raises his tankard in salute to the jolly halfing and starts to form a reply. But he is left standing with his mouth gaping open as Durvin's wave of words leaves him no opportunity to speak. Finally he manages to respond.

"Well, it seems that this isn't Magnimar at all! There's no 'finders here. Those damnable searats just took my money and told me they where sailin' over the ocean and we'ld be in Magnimar in no time! Just goes to show you can't trust them seafolk", he rants and gestures wildly with his flaggon to emphasize his point. Then he catches himself and looks at Occa. "No harm intended to you", he excuses himself.

"Let's just say i'll be stayin' here a while until i'll set off towards Magnimar, where ever that might be.", he continues. His brows furrow as Durvin presents the sackrace. "Sack race, eh? I'll pass on that. These legs of mine aren't ment to jump around in a sack for the pleasure of others. They're built for long treks and steady standin'!"

Skorabor studies Hawkeye and Stark, one in turn. "Pleased to meet ye. I am Skorabor Skalfgrin Boulderback, son of Kargunt Boulderback, the warlord of Stoneshire! " He tries to sound casual as his mind is racing to place and make sense of the two eccentric figures before him. One all covered in feathers of all colors and the other adorned with symbols only Torag could know the meaning of!

"Shoanti, Is that some kind of shaman?" he asks Talquimm and later turning to the sorcerer. "Stark, eh? Good strong name that", he comments.

"So, what bring ye to this place?"

"Stark, eh? Good strong name that", he comments.

"So, what bring ye to this place?"

"My father seemed to think so," he laughs. "Well, since that seems to be a popular question today, allow me to answer properly." He takes a deep breath and starts, "My father is a scholarly mage type, and expected me to follow in his footsteps. He looks down on those with 'natural talent', so-to-speak, when it comes to things arcane. Turns out, not only did I not quite grasp the concepts taught to me at home and school, but I had a 'natural talent' for the art, it seemed. Exam time came, I was supposed to demonstrate their ritual knowledge of spell, and instead I just 'did it'. Argument ensued, father disowned me, school kicked me out, I wandered, and now I'm here." He looks toward the different vendors, "I'm in the mood for pie. Anyone know if there's pie?"

You can pretty much assume everything you'd normally find at a festival, you'll find here. If you want pie, it's there!

Sounds like we have Hawkeye and Durvin only for the egg toss? And all but the Dwarf for the sack race? When you guys are ready, I'll run those and then we'll get to the consecration, to be followed by dancing and a bonfire! I promise there will be some action soon.

Stark stands after spotting a pie vendor, "Anyone want pie, while I'm up?"

Skorabor takes an involuntary step back. "A magician, you say", he comments and studies Stark with the look of someone who expects the sorcerers tatoos to jump him at any moment. He corrects his helmet in a manner befitting a madman trying to use a tinfoil hat to shield himself from an antenna. Best be careful with my thoughts around this one, the dwarf thinks to himself. "Any trouble controlling your powers?"

"Well, it seems that this isn't Magnimar at all! There's no 'finders here. Those damnable searats just took my money and told me they where sailin' over the ocean and we'ld be in Magnimar in no time! Just goes to show you can't trust them seafolk", he rants and gestures wildly with his flaggon to emphasize his point. Then he catches himself and looks at Occa. "No harm intended to you", he excuses himself.

None taken. the "Tears" was heading for Magimar. But she was not what you would call fast even when she was new. So I think you were wise to opt for an overland route. There should be a coach or something heading there after the festival.

If Skorabor will watch his gear and growing vegitable collestion Occa will hop into the sack race.

"Shaman is correct, dwarf who is called Skorabor Skalfgrin Boulderback, son of Kargunt Boulderback, the warlord of Stoneshire."
Hawkeye seemed to have no problem remembering Skora's full title.
"I am a son of the Sky and Land. I am the hawk which soars above and strikes at those who seek to defile the gifts given to us."

Hawkeye always thought Stark to be some sort of magic wielder. No one has tattoos like that unless it was some strange cursed magic but he remains quiet about this.

"Yes. Pie would be good. I never had pie."

Stark takes a seat with his pie, and gives some to those who want it. "Trouble controlling it?" He chuckles, "I'd say, the real reason I got the treatment I did was because I had a greater control of my powers than the teachers, or my father, were comfortable with. They recite scripture and ritual, and teach mathematical precision in preparing specific rites." He interrupts his speach to take a bite of his pie, "Wow, this one is really good. Right, as I was saying. I think all that is unneccessary, if one just understands the basic components. Think of it as modular magic." He chuckles, "Whoops, better not say that too loud. I got suspended for a week for saying just that, as I tried explaining to a fellow student." He mocks looking over his shoulder as if to expect one of his teachers to lecture him. "Anyway. I'll explain more in detail if you'd like. But I'd prefer to do it in privacy, if that's what you'd wish."

I must admit to no real knowledge of the arcane but what you descride sound a little like the facility I have developed in directing some of Gorzehs' power. In some cases the power is carefuly gathered, contained and directed in other cases the power simply flows like a river needing little direction.

'Hmmm pehaps a priest of the two faced one would understand this better.

Skorabor is indistinguishable from a questionmark as he listens to Stark relay the details of his powers. The boy seemed to know what he was talking about but the tattoos and garments the sorcerer was wearing made the dwarf feel uneasy. He much rather trust a proper scholar. With a book. And a staff. Although they where proven to be wrong too. Like his uncle Conrad, the black sheep of the Boulderback's otherwise proud ancestry. Or Conrad the mad as they now called him. No, if this boy dabbled in magic it was best to keep an eye on him. You never know when the power runs rampant and turns the mind into mush.

"Though, I must admit. I am a bit of an oddity, even among those similar to myself. I'll have to tell you about the tatoos at some point. Don't let me scare you off, Skora. Please, enjoy the day! It's a beautiful one." He pats Skora on the back, with a smile on his face.

"Oh, Skora, that's a shame you won't be joining us for the game, but that's okay. We can can all celebrate and drink together for the festival." He lets the dwarf know that there are no hard feelings. "Halfling sailors are all trustworthy, mind you, but there may a bit too much frivolity for your liking on a halfling vessel." he thinks for a bit before adding, "also, they may be built a little small for your comfort."

"Oh, yes I would appreciate some pie. Could you grab me a strawberry rhubarb?" He asks, his eyes wide with anticipation.

After hearing Stark's background, his face crinkles in confusion "I have abilities that I just attributed to my songs to Gozreh. But I can do things like charm a rope like a snake, and close a wound. I can repair a sail, or move a belaying pin. Does that mean I have some of this modular magic? I don't know anything about the arcane, just what helps me as a sailor." his eyes dart around as if he can see his thoughts processing. "Wow, Stark, you go from a man of mystery, to even more mysterious by telling us your story. I would be intrigued to learn more if you would be willing to teach me?" He half asks.

"Who's the two-faced one, Occa?" he wonders, as if he may meet another new friend this day.

Just how common knowledge are the various deities?

"Here you go." He gives Durvin some pie. "Perhaps you'll see what I mean by modular magic in time. Let's table that conversation for later. I wonder when this consecration is going to take place." He looks around for something to do, and gets up from his seat "Till then, what's next on our agenda?"

I'll leave the common knowledge up to the character. As a bard, Durvin would most likely have heard of Nethys and may know that he is called the Two-Face One. However, maybe Durvin just hasn't looked too much into religion and doesn't know the god by that name.

"Who's the two-faced one, Occa?" he wonders, as if he may meet another new friend this day.

"Nethys, patron of magic. I am afraid my understanding of the mysteries of that faith are limited. I have not heard too much to condemn them for though."

"Oh, indeed the talk can wait til we are involved in more serious matters. After lunch Hawkeye and I have an egg toss to win." He brightens up. "Ahh, Nethys, I think I've heard of that. I just didn't recognize the nickname. I don't know much about the gods or magic, just Gozreh and the sea." He adds, changing the subject back to the games once again "So, who is all joining us in the sack race? Skora is not, but I'm not sure there was a confirmation from either of you two... ehhh, you know you want to?" he elbows Occa lightly, winking.

"Oh come on! This race of sacks shall be great fun!"
Hawkeye says as he is holding a large piece of blackberry pie.

"Oh come on! This race of sacks shall be great fun!"

"All right you talked me into it. Skorobor would you mind keeping an eye on my kit?"

"You know. I think I'll sit this one out as well. Me and Skora can keep an eye on everyones belongings." He smiles as he pats Skora on the back.

"Bah. Where is your instinct to win?"

"I want to win. I like to win. But winning or losing makes no matter. To try... to do... that is what matters. For that is living. I'm sorry. It is likely I am not making sense to my brother from the cursed city. I have apologies."

"Very much intact. I figured I could talk to Skora privately. I thought I made that glaringly obvious." He looks to Hawkeye a little irritated.

"Oh!" Hawkeye awkwardly chuckles.

"I am sorry. I spot prey in the thick underbrush well but I fear the hidden meanings in language are something I do not catch all the time. Do as you will, one who is called Stark."

Let the games begin!

Egg Toss:

Once the group finishes their pies, Hawkeye and Durvin head over to the Egg Toss competition. They are facing against two other teams: a father and his five year old son combo who are looking to have fun, and two men who seem to be a little too serious about the competition.

The father and son have a shaky start, with the son just barely able to catch the first throw. But when the two make it to the 10 foot range, the son just can't throw the egg far enough and father was unable to dive ahead to catch the errant egg. Meanwhile, the two competitive men who had practiced in advance clearly practiced their throw but not their catch. The first just manages to catch the egg at 5 feet without breaking it, but the second man fails to catch the egg safely at 10 feet and it breaks all over him.

Durvin starts off with a throw that just barely makes it to Hawkeye. Fortunately, Hawkeye was ready and the egg is caught without breaking. At 10 feet, the couple appears to have gotten the technique down pat! It isn't until 15 feet that the distance gets the better of them, and Hawkeye accidentally breaks the egg upon catching it.

As winners of the competition, Durvin and Hawkeye are each given 10 gold!

Sack Race:

I'm going to make a change to this. Instead of five people participating, it'll be groups of three with each member having to run the length and back (two rolls each). That way I don't have to come up with quite as many people.

Three teams enter the sack race, including the champions from last year! The father and son are back as well, along with the mother in the family.

Unfortunately for our team of heroes, the sack race gets the better of them! Hawkeye, unused to running inside of a bag, trips on the first leg and falls over. He trips again on his way back but manages to stay up. Durvin, trips as well, more because it is more because the sack is a little too large for him, but he doesn't fall. He makes it back without any more incident. Already behind, Occa falls twice.

Meanwhile, the two other teams end in a very close finish. The family actually manages to pull ahead and takes the win, despite the efforts of the third member of the reigning champions to catch up. The family celebrates and are given free tickets to see the new play in Sandpoint.

And with that we are ready to move on to the Consecration. Please let me know in a post that you are ready to press on and I'll jump us ahead. Otherwise, you have about 5 hours before sundown to enjoy the sights. If anyone wants to participate in one of the first three competitions who hasn't already, they may do so.

Did we ever get the results of the archery or am i just missing something?

Ready to move forward after retrieving my kit and vegetable collection.[/ooc]

Occa returns from the race rubbing a briused shin."That far turn was a killer, and I think the Mother hacked me."

He re-shoulders his pack and bicks up his trident. Apparently ther were some children nearby as the weapon now sports some bunches of wildflowers tied on whith what appears to be a broken sandle string. With the one remaining apple and the vegetables the trident seems to be enjoying the celebration as much as Occa.

Hawkeye naturally deflects his mistakes and blames the sack.

"These sacks must have been made in the cursed city! All know Shoanti are cursed with ill fortune from things made in that city!"

Occa, you didn't miss anything, I must have forgotten or something. The only one who managed to get a prize was Durvin, who receives a discount at Savah's Armory for 50% off any one non-magical item (which is an excellent deal, actually!). Sorry about that!

Occa, you didn't miss anything, I must have forgotten or something. The only one who managed to get a prize was Durvin, who receives a discount at Savah's Armory for 50% off any one non-magical item (which is an excellent deal, actually!). Sorry about that!

No problem, this DM stuf is hard.

Well looks like the drinks are on Durvin then.

"Though, I must admit. I am a bit of an oddity, even among those similar to myself. I'll have to tell you about the tatoos at some point. Don't let me scare you off, Skora. Please, enjoy the day! It's a beautiful one." He pats Skora on the back, with a smile on his face.

"Of course i'm not afraid! A Boulderback doesn't fear, but he knows enough to respect magic. It's not a thing to be trifled with, it'll turn your mind into mush, it will!" Skorabor claims defensivly. He still seems abit uneasy and unsure how to react to the tattooed youth.

"Oh, Skora, that's a shame you won't be joining us for the game, but that's okay. We can can all celebrate and drink together for the festival." He lets the dwarf know that there are no hard feelings. "Halfling sailors are all trustworthy, mind you, but there may a bit too much frivolity for your liking on a halfling vessel." he thinks for a bit before adding, "also, they may be built a little small for your comfort."

"I ain't much for children's games. You can trust your gear with me, master Occa. They'll be as safe as ever", the dwarf boasts. Skorabor then twitches abit and suspicion creeps onto his face as Stark mentions he'll skip the event as well.

Skorabor is abit drawn in as he watches the egg toss but by the time they've gotten to the sack race a heafty amount of ale has softened up the dwarf considerably. He has trouble controlling himself and fails to stifle a hearty laugh has the sack racers fall and stumble.

Skorabor is ready to move on

Winded from participating and laughing in enjoyment at the games, Durvin tries to speak, "Good job... team. We... did well... enough for... beginners. Maybe... if we are... in the area... this time next... year, we will... do much better." he manages to puff out between breaths

Finally getting his breath back, he recounts the events with Hawkeye. "So we had a tie at the ring toss, you won the jump, I won the archery, we won the egg toss and subsequently lost the sack race. What say we call this officially tied, and say that we both won new friends and good fun?" he thinks a bit and adds "I find it somewhat telling and humbling that the events we proposed to be the better at, were the ones won by the other. Like Gozreh himself were telling us that, no matter how good we think we are, we just may need to other."

Durvin is ready to move on to the consecration.

Winded from participating and laughing in enjoyment at the games, Durvin tries to speak, "Good job... team. We... did well... enough for... beginners. Maybe... if we are... in the area... this time next... year, we will... do much better." he manages to puff out between breaths

Finally getting his breath back, he recounts the events with Hawkeye. "So we had a tie at the ring toss, you won the jump, I won the archery, we won the egg toss and subsequently lost the sack race. What say we call this officially tied, and say that we both won new friends and good fun?" he thinks a bit and adds "I find it somewhat telling and humbling that the events we proposed to be the better at, were the ones won by the other. Like Gozreh himself were telling us that, no matter how good we think we are, we just may need to other."

Durvin is ready to move on to the consecration.

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Durvin."

bring on the consecration!

And now we are finally at the beginning of the module, almost 100 posts in! Also, I'm going to retcon something real quick. The stage is not on top of the steps, simply because I found a map that has it on the ground, and it less work for me to use that map instead of making my own.

As the sun begins to set, once again everyone moves to stage, anticipating another speech before the consecration begins. There is a lot of chatter. Everyone seems to be excited because following the consecration is the bonfire and dancing, which will last for some time after the children finally go to sleep.

Father Zantus takes the stage, while everyone is distracted.

A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun's setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where Father Zantus await. He clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, and suddenly a woman's scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises - high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human. The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strang song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.

Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse.
Goblins eat and take by force!

Chase the baby, catch the pup.
Bonk the head to shut it up.
Bones be cracked and flesh be stewed.
We be goblins! You be food!

Perception rolls:
Durvin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Hawkeye: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Occa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Skorabor: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Stark: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Hawkeye and Occa may read the following and will act in the surprise round.

Okay, here's how battle will work since we haven't talked about it yet. I'm going to roll initiative for everyone below. I'll place you into groups (Block A, Block B, etc). The first group will post their actions, and they will resolve on a first-come first-serve basis. Once Block A is done, the next block will post, etc. You will never be put into a block with enemies, as I will have a post in between each block to update the map and move the enemies.

In this case, I have rolled the perception check for everyone in order to determine who will be acting in the surprise round.

Ok, everyone is in the same group. It is a surprise round right now, so Hawkeye and Occa have a standard action to prepare. The goblins aren't expecting you and are currently flat-footed. You'll notice there are no other people on the map. This is to save time. You can assume that everyone who was there is currently running for safety, away from the square, most of them into the new church (including Father Zantus). For the purposes of the battle they won't get in the way, but for flavor just keep in mind that people are running around screaming.

Initial Assault Map

Feel free to roll the perception for the first check up above before you declare your actions.

Thank you for using that hosting service. Its one of the few that I can see from my office.

"Goblins! Foul creatures. Everyone prepare! There will be deaths tonight, but not ours! We must protect the town!"

Hawkeye curses for not having his bow or armor with him. He will have to bring the fight to the creatures using his walking stick. There is no time for him to run back and get WhisperTalon.

The rushing of everyone fleeing seems like a blur to him. His focus is directly on the goblin in front of him roughly 45ft away. His plan of attack is to draw the goblin's attention so the townspeople can escape. He hopes his new friends have as much bravery as he and will help him.

Hawkeye rushes out to face the goblin threat with his staff. He is like a fish swimming through water moving through the crowd. His eyes never veer from his target in front of him.

Move to F8 (Move action)

[occ]Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 [ooc]

ROUND 0
Ac 13 Hp13

Effects none

Standard. Don buckler. Ac now 14

"Thrice dammed man-rats, time to face the storm."

"Well, you sure enough brightened my day, little one!", Skorabor laughs and illustrates his point with a big pat on the back of the little halfling. The ale have at this point loosened up the dwarf considerably."If ye swear to enter next year i'll swear to come an' watch!"

Skorabor waddles to a position from where he can get a clear view of the stage as Father Zantus enters. The anticipation in the fighters eyes fades and are momentarely replaced with puzzlement as several screams fill the air. A few moments pass before the dwarf shakes of the liquid spirits and his eyes tighten as the battlefury enters Skorabor. "Goblins! Get out of my way and get into cover! I'll take care of this", he roars and fumbles for the great axe strapped to his back.

As Hawkeye moves into position to draw the attention of the goblins and Occa pulls out his buckler, the crowd continues to disperse, leaving behind three goblins that are causing mayhem.

Goblin 1 jump check: 1d20 ⇒ 20

The goblin who killed the dog (Goblin 1) spots some food on the nearest table and beelines over to it. He deftly jumps up, surprising even himself at his jumping skill. "Hehehe! I is a jump master!" He immediately starts stuffing his pockets with some leftover venison, taking a bit every now and then.

Goblin 2 charge: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

The goblin nearest to Hawkeye charges straight toward him, brandishing the odd weapon he carries. "The Longshanks will die to my dogslicer!" Fortunately, Hawkeye anticipates the attack and dodges the sharp blade. (Hawkeye is not wearing armor, and so is at AC of 12, right?)

The third goblin moves to the nearby crate and starts to rummage inside it, having no interest in our heroes at all.

Initial Assault Map (Round 1)
Goblin (Note: These do not have any fancy jewelry on them.)
Dogslicer

Remember, post order is the order actions take place. Everyone is in the same block in this case. Everyone has 24 hours to post before I DMPC your character (in order to keep things moving). If anyone has a problem with this form of battle, I will be more than willing to switch it up before the next encounter. I welcome any feedback!

ROUND 1

Ac 14 HP 13 Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +5
Effects: none

Durvin! On the table. Box it in. For Gorzeh!"

Move action. Move to d,11 passing through e,10 on the way to avoid aoo.

Standard. Attack goblin 1 with trident.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 plus 2 if Durvin flanks
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Yes you're right.

Hawkeye anticipated the goblin's attack adepty parried its slash with his quarterstaff. He quickly returns with his own strike: a mighty counter-blow to the head of the goblin whose skull is a bit thicker than he expected. He prepares for the goblins next swing.

Hit:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Dmg:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Face justice defilers!"