"The fact that Half-orcs are thick headed, means extra muscles on the neck. Makes it harder to pivot their heads. Try to flank where possible."
Sebastian tries his own swing for the neck. but his sword deflects off the reception bell on the courtesy desk midway through his swing.
As Winter charges the brutish ogre, the creature slams his hammer into the onrushing aasimar giant
While the blow is brutal, Winter manages to survive it and in return smashes his blade through the ogre's chest bone. Entangled in a deathly waltz, the ogre tries to bite Winter, but at that moment his life essence has already fled his body and he slumps to the ground.
A moment of shock ensues among Croat's men and panicked they turn to flee! They run out of the main entrance and through the windows through which they came. And strangely you only now hear the whistles of approaching Gendarmes...
Amazed at the hard hitting power of the Ogre, Winter looks a little stunned.
Again the air around winter is filled with a celestial glow, warming those around him.
Channel energy: Heal
Larur slumps down on a chair next to the kitchen and grins, his face is blackened by soot and he has a nasty cut on his arm from a bolt that grazed him.
Oi don't need such stuff every day, ye know. Has anyone seen de boss? Oi think he escaped somehow when the battle began.
...and this little piggy went to the store...
Kabal gave a vicious chop at the half orc as it tried to flee and cut it down.
AoO -
Damage -
Well that wasnt that bad at all. Nice work on the giant pig Winter. Time to make sure theyve really left.
The mercenary will head towards the door to see if they were regrouping or not.
Perception -
No, they're gone, most of them even dropped their weapons and shields to be faster, it's a complete victory, but you can already see the first Gendarmes turning up.
Sebastian sees fear and then panic overtake his opponent's features. The large thud he feels through the casino floorboards only seems to exaggerate those feelings.
Obviously he knows he is up against a classically trained swordsman.
Always feeling that his reflexes were better than his coordination. Sebastian ripostes as he sees the wave of panic turn to flight.
As his opponents flee the hallway, Sebastian turns back to the main hall, confident in his performance to hold that flank.
He then hurries to continue helping with the fires.
Larur points at the various fires and comments dryly
Watch out, eh, the flames are pretty hot, heh. Someone should tell Saul that Oi'm getting too old for stuf loike that and all the fuss just because Win'er had to save a girl, tss.
Soon all fires are extinguished and the adrenaline begins to ebb away...
A Gendarme lieutenant, wearing the deep blue, gold adorned uniform of the city's guard, enters the gambling hall cautiously
Umm...we were called because of a brawl?! I have two fellow guards with me, but this looks rather like large scale incident?
As Bree comes down the stairs, she sees the fallen ogre and the fleeing half-orcs and lets out a sigh. She skirts her way around the carnage and makes her way to the bar, where she begins pouring drinks for everyone around. First carrying drinks to the newly arrived Gendarmes and flashing them a smile, "Oh that it was, but I think these men here managed to handle it pretty well. We're so sorry to have to have troubled you fine gentlemen this night."
She returns to the bar and loads up a tray to carry to the others. Her eyes flicker around trying to locate Korax as she approaches Sable, offering the tray out to him first. She moves from him swiftly and on to Corvax, then Kabal, then Winter and finally Sebastian before moving to Larur. Her eyes seeking out any wounds in need of immediate attention as she serves each of them.
When she reaches Larur she smiles and leans down to look him in the eye before whispering, "Just think of it this way, Larur, we just showed Croat that the Goblin here isn't going to be no easy meat. That word will spread. Yeah, we might draw in a few more who think they can succeed where Croat didn't, but all in all people will start to be afraid to start anything here and the nights will go more and more smoothly. Here now, drink up and calm down."
She returns to the bar once more and fills her tray again, taking drinks to Hans and the other men of the Goblin as well.
Kabal scowled and shot an incredulous look at the speaking Gendarme.
They sent just the three of you? You look capable enough. There was at least 30 or so of those half orc bastards and that lug of an ogre over there. We appreciate you all coming though. Wish youd been here a tad sooner is all.
He spit to the side before taking the tankard of ale from Bree.
Thanks much Bree. I could really use this.
Winter leans heavily on his greatsword, still in his giant proportions. The celestial glow filling the room pulses once more, then slowly the light fades.
Channel: Healing
He looks a little tired and washed out, but certainly happy that the battle has been won.
"I think, in the morning, I shall have to write Croat a stern letter".
Winter then gets to work putting out the fires and cleaning up, maintaining his large size until the magic gives out.
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Winter spots Bree looking at him, and at the Ogre.
At first he was sort of chuffed she was looking at him!, but then realised that like a cat looking at its owner, the look was more about getting something done, like getting fed, as opposed to any degree of actual affection.
With that he drags the Ogre outside and deposits the body in the street neatly, dropping other bodies in a row.
"Messrs from the Gendarmes, perhaps you would be so kind as to send a work detail to help clear up the bodies, and some labourers to help with some repairs. Statements can then be made about what took place here."
...When everything does down, Winter gives the last rites for the deceased, imploring upon the gods to be merciful to these men and not condemn them too harshly for their errors in life and the poor decisions they made. He asks forgiveness for their ignorance, and that they be shown kindness that they missed in there hereafter. Even for the Ogre.
Helping move the bodies. Sebastian has a terrible thought. He looks up and down the street, but sees no sign of Lora. Hopefully, she had the sense to stay home on a night like this. But then again, if she heard where the trouble was...
He took one last look around and headed back inside. Still lots to do to clean up.
Kabal finished two ales before getting back to work. Work being divesting the dead half orcs of their wealth and weapons and dragging them outside with the others.
That done, winter pens another missive, handing it to a Gendarme to pass to Croat.
Dear Mr Croat.
I write to you again regarding our earlier matter, and the possible outcomes that could have been suitable for all parties. It is with some surprise that you don’t appear to have acted on that missive, and indeed a marauding mob of your henchmen have instead come around under some confusion of your orders.
Based on what has now happened I can only assume that four things could have happened:
1) You never received my earlier letter. Your messenger lost it, or passed on the wrong information.
2)You didn’t understand the letter, had some further questions, and sent your fellows around in a much larger number so there were more possibilities of the right information getting through as you’d have had more people who could be relied upon to remember how the reply went (a sound and clever idea I do say, to rely on the ‘wisdom of the group’!)
3)You furnished your men with a significant sum of funds to provide compensation to the poor girl, and rather than just deliver it, your wayward and unreliable employees lost or stole it and attacked us to cover their tracks.
4)You harbour some strange grudge with us that I simply cannot understand especially in light of the free honour saving work we have performed on your behlaf.
I am vexed by which one or more of the above might be true, and shall no doubt be forced to lose sleep on the matter overnight whilst my mind troubles itself solving the conundrum.
On the other hand, you now have far fewer unreliable men in your employ, and once again this is a service rendered cheerfully unto you as a sign of goodwill by myself and my good allies. Please rest comfortably in the knowledge that we know this has all been caused by a cruel misunderstanding, and I know you must feel deeply disappointed at the actions and errors of your men.
Regrettably though, I must still press my case for compensation for this poor girl, per earlier correspondence, and must alert you now to the upcoming additional costs for repairs to the Goblin which I am sure you will eagerly cover.
I would ask you to be terribly obliging and not send around any more unreliable employees, as the confusion this continues to cause is getting a little much; instead simply send trustworthy men with the payment stipulated as soon as possible.
I expect to be burdened with other affairs for a while as we fix the Goblin, however please be aware that we will happily divest you of any further undesirable workers should we come across them until the matter is resolved.
By His will...
Winter
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Sable takes the drink from Bree with gratitude as he begins to move bodies outside. Pausing for a moment, Sable uses his feral speech to yell a call to all avians within earshot.
Sable lets Korax have his fill of orc and ogre before returning inside. Allowing the others to deal with the Gendarmes, Sable flits about removing charred corpses and broken glass from the Goblin whistling and smiling at the success the flock.
It's hard and nauseating labor, but after about an hour of teamwork you managed to drag all corpses out and since the Gendarmes held their word, there all always enough carts and workers to drag the bodies to the harbour dump...strangely a large flock of all kind of birds is also lingering above the gambling hall picking up everything that would have been forgotten otherwise.
As the staff of the Goblin has returned from the basement, the interior is soon tidied up with so many helping hands and even Saul does turn up again. With a broad grin he asembles everyone and anounces
Ah the best personnel in all of Golarion's lands I have here, heh! You did glorious tonight and be assured I won't forget that, sadly our coffers are empty, but I can see it clearly, we will experience a long period of peace now.
As the gambling hall is later about to close its doors and you all are able to get some rest, the same ugly half-orc urchin from the afternoon arrives and hands Winter a large bag of jingling coins. Without saying a word, but again with poking out his tongue he runs away afterwards.
Corvax keeps his mouth shut as the others talk to the gendarmes, trying his hardest not roar with laughter at the incompetence of Riddleport's 'lawkeepers'. After draining an ale and taking a few moments to examine his profusion of new scars, Corvax joins Kabal in stripping the corpses and dumping them outside the Goblin. He then begins reversing his good work from earlier, pulling the nails from the boards covering the windows and setting the slightly battered game tables back in place.
"Oh! By Erastil! The message got through finally... I'm glad the man was able to see reason after all. Where is Lyxi, it seems that the compensation I asked for as a redress to her sisters' injuries has arrived..."
Winter has a broad smile, clearly thrilled that he has secured the little bit of justice he could for the girl... the saddened in his heart that she was subject to such a horrible ordeal takes off some of the gloss.
"My friends..." he holds aloft the bag of coins "your work here today has been an act of decency and right, I could not have managed this piece of justice on my own. I give you my thanks for standing firm in the face of tyrants and telling them that we will not bow, we will not bend, and we will not be cowed by thugs. Saul I am sorry that these men have attacked the Goblin, but as you say, we will now be sure a period of peace - others will know that to test our steel will lead to their defeat, not just at our hands, for we are merciful, but at the hands of their rivals - for a weak lion is easy prey to an upcoming alpha"
"Erastil be praised"
Bree has taken to laying on the bar itself, one knee bent, the other leg dangling over the edge. She occasionally lifts her head to take a sip from an unmarked bottle containing an amber liquid. She mostly just watches as the others move bodies, making no real move to help them. It doesn't really seem as though they need her help. She returns Kabal's crossbow and the unused bolts to him as he drinks his ale. (Should be 4 remaining if I'm not mistaken.)
When the half-orc comes bearing the bag of gold, Bree's eyes widen and she sits up, completely captivated.
Winters elation seems to begin to fade, at first just slowly moving, before retreating in full force. It eventually dawns on him that the large sack is not full of silver, but instead is full of gold sails.
Two thousand coins.
The dark truth finally crashes on him; it was never Croats men acting poorly on their own initiative, it was Croats intention all along for this girl to suffer.
"Here before us sits a small fortune, enough for that poor child to start herself a new life, a good life, and one she may be proud of. It will be on Lyxi as her steward to see the funds well allocated, part for education, part for commerce, and a modest sum aside for honest clothes and clean meals. Thanks be to Erastil, thanks be to the brave fellows Kabal and Corvax, to Sebastian, Bree, and Sable. I give thanks to have been given the good fortune to have acted as champion and defender."
The weighty sack stands ready for Lyxi to collect.
The news of Lyxi's kid sister's new fortune travels fast through the Goblin and only a minute after the urchin has left, a wide eyed Lyxi beholds the large sack of coins and Winter. With shaking voice the young woman says
I...I don't know how to say it, but, oh by all gods, so much gold! Winter, you made all this possible, I want to send my sister to your mountain people, there she will be able to grow up among pure-hearted men and women and maybe even her sould will mend. With all the money they can surely help them rebuilt their destroyed edifices and, farms and fields, would Erastil like that?
"A matter best left for the cool dawn, let us first tend to what needs immediate doing. I will meditate on your offer overnight, and share wih you my thoughts in the morning"
Lyxi nods and for a short moment takes your hand and holds it, until she turns around to bring her ghoulette table in order.
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Sable smiles to see Lyxi so happy, and approaches her at her table. "My sincerest apologies for what happened to the little dove, but you have a strong and very wise owl protecting you. I wish you both the very best. If there is anything you need of any of us, do not hesitate to ask."
Unless hindered, Sable will head up to the roof for a while, sitting and watching the congress of birds, communing with Korax about the events that have unfolded, and looking out over the city in the night.
Lyxi nods and gratefully and looking over to Winter she responds
I know, he was kinder to me than anyone else in this city before. You all were so friendly, it's easy to believe you don't stem from Riddleport.
You may try a Sense Motive check Dc 23.
With a bag that full of loot Id suggest an escort to that mountain retreat my lady. Especailly since many will know of tonights happenings. Is it far Winter?
Sense Motive -
...somethings not right here...
Kabal will assisit Corvax with the windows once he has all of the dead orcs loot and weapons piled up.
Well my friend. Our fourth day in this city and our fourth day of spilling blood. Its like this place was meant for us huh? If only the coins were adding up like our scars.
perception -
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Sable will spend his week reading through the Encycolpedia Aviana and looking further into the blot, possibly visiting the lodge again with Sebastian or the bookstores. He takes to the rooftop often, and can usually be found up there reading or speaking with birds, or just staring up into the sky and at the dark blot.
If Winter or Lyxi need help making their way back to Winter's abode, he will gladly help.
You do a tremendously good job during that week and contribute largely to the success of the Goblin. Over the course of the week you hear rumours that Old Scratch was found at the harbor, frozen to a solid block of ice that wouln't melt. He was brought to the Cypherlodge for further investigations.
Sebastian will retrieve the notebook from Winter and sit at the bar with it. When he sees Samaritha walking past, He puts on a wry grin, "Sorry this isn't the best environment conducive for studies, But the pay is good, and there is plenty of stimulation. I stopped by your guild, or former ....I stopped by the Cyphermage's Hall today. Interesting place. I can see why one would want to be a member, although I do see the point that it is hard to loiter there and still have an income. Speaking of which, I got a Thassilonian dictionary...well two actually. I hope to confirm a linger thought I had about your sketch."
Between the notebook and Samaritha, Sebastian notices nothing but a cyphermage's notes and a cute cyphermage.
Samaritha waits silently for about two minutes before she says
Umm Sebastian, you can close your mouth again, kay? I think you received one too much to the head, or the sound of the bell you hit so valiantly was just too much for you. Here, let us drink a glass of wine and forget about half-orcs and the Cyphergate tonight.
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** spoiler omitted **
At the lodge you're told that only members of the Cyphermages may inuire in that matter.
Perception 1 -
Perception 2 -
Perception 3 -
Loot:
82 gp
213 sp
Items of note:
A vial with a neon green fluid
Masterwork leather armour
Masterwork dagger
Masterwork short sword
You also find a blacksmith who pays another 70gp for all the rusty weapons and armours.
You need one diplomacy, one intimidate and one perception check.
Alright! That comes to 28 gp and roughly 8 sp each. Kabal will take the time in Week 1 to visit said blacksmith and sell the weapons and hand out each share to the others.
Anyone making dibs on this other stuff?
Diplomacy -
Intimidate -
Perception -
Bree spends her week tending bar, and when she has the time too, she continues to seek out her companions from her past. If not to bring them to the casino, then to see how they fair. Hearing of Luke's misfortune has her... concerned... about the others.
Sebastian looks at Samaritha and realizes he knows little about woman, or they don't know him. This fighting was just a distraction to the important things. The hard part is deciding which topic to study tonight.
During the week he hopes to get some study in at night. He will set a priority of trying to follow up on his hunch about Samaritha's sketch, before he forgets what he that he saw. He hopes to see Lora and give her Aethari's effects and money, and just see her. He will keep Aethari's dictionary and notebook. He will ask Lora if she would consider working at the Gold Goblin. He will see about returning his partially purchased dictionary now that he has a replacement. He will accompany Sable on his visit back to the Cypherlodge, but will not seek membership till his finances are a little more stable.
As to his actual work.
Clearly, he has a lot on his mind.
Anyone making dibs on this other stuff?
Perception
Sense Motive
After having time to rest and meditate on the peculiarities of the day, Winter rises to take on his daily work and suggest a compromise to Lyxi and her sister.
With a bag that full of loot I’d suggest an escort to that mountain retreat my lady. Especially since many will know of tonight’s happenings. Is it far Winter?
”Kabal my good and trusted friend, I think I have settled upon a solution to that problem. The throp is up in the Claphiaks, a couple of days journey away along a fairly quiet trade road. If the young ladies accept my suggestion, then perhaps I can ensure we only need to journey with them up there as guides and fellow sight seers”
Winter gives him a manly and affectionate slap on the shoulder, and goes looking for Lyxi and her sister over breakfast.
”Once again, I thank you for your gracious offer, it warms me deeply that you would offer all the coin to rebuilding the common house for the Erastites up in the Calphiaks; the loss of the community space was a sore one indeed, and its reconstruction will once again allow the Brothers to allow small comforts to the hardy folk up there, as well as a place of peace and respite for travellers."
”With that being said, may I instead propose another solution. I will only accept that half the sum be used for rebuilding. I am certain that one thousand sails would be enough to at least furnish supplies for a reasonably modest dwelling that will still offer good amenity and place for quiet prayer, as well as a dormitory and enough space for day to day dwelling. Your sister will move to the mountains and be cared for, she will learn an honest trade, and be given education in reading and writing, and should she choose to take the good word of Erastil she will be given a good understanding of The Parables. “
”The remainder of her coin will be split, a hundred sails to go with her to the mountains, for any extra treats and passing fancies sold by the travelling merchants... or the Elves, and the difference held in trust for her with the merchant bankers here in Riddleport – of course we should halve the funds between two bankers as a precaution. When she comes of age the money will be ready for her collection and she may make her choices as an educated and skilled woman, rather than a scarred and unknowing child. What say you?”
He picks up his share of the loot from the melee, and holds the weight of coin with a sense of deep gravitas.
”This money is bittersweet. It is the yield of a violent harvest that was watered with the blood of the slain and the tears of those they left behind. Nothing would please my heart more than to see this coin turned into seeds of hope, scattered upon fresh soil, whereupon the righteous and decent may grow. By the grace and will of Erastil, I shall make that be the case”