Watching the goblin drop from her hex brings a thrill to Runa, but there is still one more. Taking aim she fires her crossbow at the remining creature.
Úlf snorts, fully aware that with one target left and everyone except him having some kind of ranged attack, he is unlikely to see action; by the time he could draw his crossbow and load it, someone else will have killed the last vile little beast. This thought in mind, he readies again, on the off-chance that the last goblin will charge the group.
Namuril takes aim at the last standing goblin.
Still a bit astonished at his newfound power, Tavlor aims his hand at the standing goblin and attempts to find that same peaceful feeling. To his astonishment, the feeling comes easily and the heavenly fire bursts from his hand again.
Tavlor looks at his hand again, then moves quickly to the left so that Ulf is between him and any impending Goblin Blades from across the bridge.
Zaladrel will attempt to focus and attempt to strike his target once more.
Regardless of his success Zaladrel will yell to Ulf, We have to cross at some point. I think we are in the best position we can be if you want to advance and try to take a prisoner for questioning! We have you covered.
Cinder runs forward to position on the bridge beside Tavlor. Pointing her hand at the nearest goblin she conjures up a gout of acid from the Plane of Earth.
Regardless, Cinder draws its sword and roars.
[/ooc]Waiting for Omara to post for round 2[/ooc]
There is one goblin left. There are several people intent on it's demise/capture. Omara look around in a circle to make sure no more goblins are sneaking up on the group.
Tavlor sends another arc of fire towards the active goblin who yelps as it singes him.
Cinder moves up to protect Tavlor and Omara looks around for any extra foes who might be in ambush ..but sees nothing.
The goblin grabs his dog slicer in both hands and charges forward towards Ulf screaming something unintelligible ..which is ended by a meaty chunk as the Ulfen's bearded axe descends. Ulf plants his foot on the body and pulls the blade from the ribcage in which it is embedded.
The collapsed goblin springs to his feet and legs it as a volley of missile fire falls at his heels.
Zaladrel curses under his breath as the other Goblin flees.
Zaladrel emerges from the thick coverage on the side of the road.
Well the good news is the bridge can hold a goblin, and hopefully something a littel heavier. Zaladrel sighs as he looks over the bride and into the thick murk of the marsh. The bad news is that now a goblin, and probably soon more goblins, know we are out here. Zaladrel scrunches up his face at the thought as one final thought occurs to him, Oh and I suspect we will find that the cretinous little toads are attempting to use fireworks as weapons... Zaladrel lets his thought fade as he gestures at the charred burning mass of the exploded goblin.
Úlf grins in satisfaction, kneeling down next to the corpse of the goblin he felled before pausing and frowning in realization. He didn't have a dagger! Cutting goblin ears was going to be awkward with his axe...and then he saw the goblin's dog cutter on the ground next to it. He grinned, picking up the sword, which may as well have been a dagger to him, and cut off the goblin's ears. Tearing off a piece of the goblin's clothing, he wrapped the others in the cloth, then put them in an otherwise empty pouch of his backpack.
"Only goblin left has been ensorcelled by Runa. It is...asleep? Word you used was Skald word for 'sleep'. We must cross bridge quickly and finish it before it wakes. I will try to cross bridge. Please cover." he tells the others, wrapping the blade of the dagger in another strip of cloth, he tucks it beneath his belt and gets to his feet. Keeping his axe ready, he stepped toward the bridge, cautiously testing his weight on it before stepping fully forward, placing his full weight on the forward end.
Seemingly oblivious of the Goblins escape Ulf sets out across the bridge which, he finds, is a lot more solid than it looked well able to bear his weight.
Namuril makes a quick scan of the area to see if either of his two arrows salvageable.
Úlf grins in satisfaction as he pulls his axe out of the goblin's ribcage, the expression turning to a frown quickly as he sees the sleeping goblin spring to its feet and retreat into the marsh, arrows thunking into the ground at its heels.
Kneeling down beside the dead goblin, he grimaced. "What an ugly little beast you are..." he said aloud, reaching for the goblin's dog slicer as it lay on the ground next to the corpse and using it to quickly slice off the goblin's ears, followed by cutting off two pieces of the goblin's clothing. One he used to wrap the ears, the other he used to wrap the dagger, which he tucked into his belt as he stood, slipping the wrapped goblin ears into a pocket on the outside of his backpack.
Looking back to Zaladrel, he nodded in agreement. "Other goblins will soon be looking for us. It probably is good idea for us to leave this location quickly. Getting rid of goblin corpse could not hurt, either..." he trailed off, picking up the body by a leg and heaving it into the trees to the side of the path. "I will cross bridge first. Please cover in case more goblins appear." he continued, readying his axe once more as he takes a cautious step forward onto the bridge. He quickly realizes that it is actually much sturdier than it looks and looks back to the others with a smile. "Bridge only looks bad. Feels very solid. I think is safe." he relays, continuing across the bridge with some caution, but not nearly the trepidation he'd first stepped onto it with.
You cross the bridge and continue along the trail, after half a mile or so you come to a second bridge. You approach warily but nothing tries to attack you. Moving on another 1/4 mile you come across a third bridge..again you pass over it safely.
Half a mile beyond the third ridge you find yourself in a more open area of the marsh. The muddy trail leads up to a swampy lagoon. The open ocean is visible just beyond these shallow waters, while an old two-story building, its walls soggy with moss and its roof sagging with age, sits on the lagoon’s eastern shore.
Runa squats down by the water's edge and scans the scummy water and overhanging vegetation in search of leeches. A promise is a promise, she thinks as she examines the area.
As luck would have it, she is able to locate a number of the creatures at the second bridge, and a few at the third.
At the same time, Runa also watches the sides of the path they are following for any helpful herbs, berries or other plants. A marsh can be a good place to find such things.
As luck would have it, she was able to locate some good moss, very useful in bandaging wounds.
"Well friends, this appears to be our destination. How should we approach?"
When the group is close enough, Tavlor casts Detect Magic on the cabin.
Zaladrel travels the path through the marsh with a mixture of wary unease and excitement. Eager to keep an eye open for goblins, Zaladrel still keeps a light smile on his face. Goblins are best not forgotten or underestimated and this marsh is hard to navigate but a journey is a journey no matter how hard and our quick action and comradery are auspicious indeed. May all such encounter go as smoothly...
Coming upon the clearing and the shack Zaladrel notices Tavlor speaking words of power and moving his hands instinctually to call upon his ability.
With a reproving jest Zaladrel will say from behind Tavlor, The owner of this home may not appreciate us standing about on his "lawn" casting about with spells looking for his secrets. Your enthusiasm is admirable though and I think you should be the one to knock on the door.
Zaladrel will look around the group and nod to himself then looks back at Tavlor, Yes I think so. I have some skill in diplomacy but you are certainly a more warm and welcoming sight and carry a much brighter smile.
Watching the elf and sorcerer banter in the clearing before the dilapidated house, Runa bends down and speaks softly to Tofa.
"Choďte rýchlo a ticho. Objavte tajomstvo tohto miesta a vrátiť sa ku mne.
"If that is what everyone wishes, i will gladly do so. I, however, prefer to check for nasty surprises regardless of what swamp cabin residents might consider rude." he pauses, a bit perturbed by the elf's reproach.
"My smile might be bright enough, and of course my magic is quite amazing, even to me...." His tone turns jovial but then his face grows concerned, "but I'm not the best to have up front in a fight, I'll be the first to admit."
"If we agree the danger is not imminent, I will walk right up and knock on his door, charming smile at the ready." He smiles brightly.
Zaladrel sighs inwardly Humans. You travel with them for years and still they are hard to talk to. I must remember they are not as long lived and I have had time to cultivate my patience...
My apologies my young friend if you thought I was rude. I meant, mostly through jest, to point out that we are here as guests and are to ask Brinestump for help. True he lives in an odd place but hermits and the like might take an extra affront to the suspicion of strangers. We are, after all, at his home.
Zaladrel will place a hand on Tavlor's shoulder.
I thought you should go because I believe you best suited; of course we would protect you were things to go sour. Brinestump has a reputation as odd not hostile and Desna knows how understanding the crowd is of the different or unique hmmm? Zaladrel will look over Tavlor and pause for emphasis, I only thought that as the most friendly among us perhaps your warmth would be the best place to start. I meant only to offer my wisdom. I apologize if this was unclear.
Listening to the elf, Runa decides she should mention that Tofa is scouting the area.
"Ermm..excuse me sir elf; sorcerer. I have sent my fox to examine the area for threats. He should be back soon, if we would like to wait."
Tavlor continues to smile, although he is a bit surprised at the elf's speech. "Not to worry, Zaladrel. I was not offended. We will have to learn to rely on each other's talents if we are to stay strong together. It is not Brinestump that I am terribly worried about... but we did run into some goblins already. If the halfling that lives here has come to some harm, they could have set up a trap here, or something..."
He addresses Runa, "Excellent. Can he sense magic as well? I'm sure he will be much better at finding mundane threats than I would be. I can't even tell when Father Zantus is waiting to surprise me when I've been out too late." He smiles at her.
The rune on Cinder's forehead begins to glow brightly. "" With that the burning saurian enveloping Lissa smoulders and dissipates, blowing away with the wind in a cloud of smoke.
The rune glowing before Lissa's head pulses, then fades away as her feat settle themselves onto the hard ground. She looks up, breathing deeply and sweating heavily. "Thought it best not to frighten our potential guide."
Úlf stands to the side, nodding as Lissa settles back to the ground. "Agreed. Perhaps I should away my weapon, as well. I do not think a large Ulfen man with an axe nearly as big as he is would be a sight that would inspire peaceful thinking. Though is perhaps good idea to summon..what was its name...Cinder!..to summon Cinder when we show Proudstump we mean no harm." he says to her, nonchalantly placing the axe in its carry harness before turning to Tavlor.
"And also I agree that you should speak for us. Certainly could not be me! You seem like type of man who is good with talking. Do not worry if things go beyond talk. We all are here, and you have your white fire. We will put goblins in their place!
Runa smiles shyly at Tavlor. "No, he is just a fox. But he can warn us of other dangers."
Runa steps away from Tavlor and walks over to Ulf. Punching him hard (or hard for her!) on the arms she say"Du gjorde det bra i kamp, og skrøt litt, ville dine forfedre være stolt!
Omara looks at the cabin and says "I agree we should present an unoffensive front to our potential guide. Then again, we've already been attacked by over-eager goblins once..." Since folks seem to be focused on the cabin, Omara will keep an eye on everything else.
Namuril shoulders his bow, watching as the little fox disappears into the underbrush. "Tavlor does indeed seem to be a man of easy demeanor; he may be a well-suited spokesman. Perhaps he--and one or two others--could approach Brinestump's home, while the rest of us keep watch for any lurking goblins. It may put him at ease, and I daresay we'd not all fit within. I'd not mind keeping vigil."
Tofa vanishes behind the house..the area heareabouts is cut back..you suppose to prevent other less desirable visitors from sneaking up on the place.He soon reappears..
Runa
Zaladrel rubs his chin in response to Namuril's observation. It seems to me that Omara, Lissa and Tavlor are in fact our most comely, pleasant and, I suspect, diplomatic. In addition each of them wields abilities that might not be apparent, a valuable fallback if trouble arises. This would leave the Ulfen and Elven to watch the marsh and I think we are up to the task.
Zaladrel will set his pack down and look at the hut for a moment. I think whatever we decide we should be quick lest our host grows agitated or our potential ambushers grow bored...
Namuril nods in response. "Cytunwyd. Credaf y bydd ein gyd-filwyr o meddyliau tebyg. Beth bynnag, goleuni yr haul yn diflannu cyn gynted â phosibl."
He turns to the group. "Lissa, Tavlor, and Omara--do you wish to approach Brinestump's home? You three seem to be the most agreeable sorts. Zaladrel, Ulf, Runa, and I could keep watch out here, lest goblins--or other marsh-creepers--catch us unaware. What say you?"
Almost as an afterthought, he smiles, adding: "Of course, we'd also be glad to have Tofa keep vigil; his senses put mine to shame, I'd wager."
Runa nods agreement with the elves. "I will wait here and watch while our more comely members approch the building."
Lissa gathers herself and approaches the shack.
"I suppose I'll introduce ourselves to the occupant of this abode," she states as she walks carefully towards the entrance. Then under her breath she adds, "In whatever form that may be."
Straitening herself up, she softly knocks on the door.
Lissa knocks..theres a pause and she is about to knock for a second time when the door opens and she is confronted by a dishevelled looking halfling.
"Yes what is it" he asks somewhat irritably.
Omara will join the pretty people parade, secretly flattered that people think she belongs there. "If I didn't know better, I'd think they were trying to get rid of us" she says with a grin as she joins Lissa and Tavlor on the way to the shack. She gets a little more serious as Lissa knocks on the door, and tries to prepare herself for whatever might come through.
Úlf laughs at Runa's compliment, a broad grin on his face. Har jeg ikke fortelle deg? Jeg vet ikke mye, men jeg kan svinge en øks!
He laughed at that, apparently very pleased with the compliment from her. Then, looking to the others, he nodded in agreement.I agree. I will take up watch with elves. If something unfriendly decide to come and play, we will be sure to alert you. It would not do for you to miss out on the fun, yes?" he says to the group, still wearing his wide grin as he walks back up the path a bit, in sight of the cabin, but far enough he will not be seen as a threat, before again taking his axe in his hand and readying himself for any enemy that may decide to make itself known.
Runa also smiles and shake her head at the Northman and says, "Da vil jeg lære deg! Jeg var første datter i mine fedre langhuset."
She quickly turns her attention to the old house, as the door has opened and the first group seems to be interacting with someone.
Zaladrel will look out at the marsh with a wary eye and bow in hand. Looking out at the tangled mass of wild land he cannot help but suddenly smile. How many of themselves do you think they have killed? Zaladrel scoffs out loud. Did you see that Goblin on the bridge? BOOM! I wonder how many of them have killed themselves with those fireworks they have their hands on... Zaladrel's thought is cut off by the opening of the door of the hut. He hears a muffled voice issue a sharp inquiry.
Noticing that Ulf and Runa are exchangin a few works Zaladrel will lean towards Namuril. Rwy'n gobeithio y Dewisais yn dda cael y bobl yn mynd yn ei ben ei hun. Maent i gyd yn eithaf dymunol er. Rwyf wedi cael ei anghofio o'u cwmpas gymaint fel eu bod mor ... fyrbwyll ... brwdfrydig. Os Desna wedi i ni aros gyda nhw Rwy'n meddwl y bydd yn eithaf y daith.