Krios comes across the horrendous scene, the man cowering in the background as his valiant dog is cut down to ribbons by the vicious goblin's blade. The cheer of the goblins makes Krios sick as they begin to encroach upon the nobleman there. Without thinking, the arrow is strung in his bow and pulled back tightly.
"Aim for the throat, Krios. Most creatures have a major artery there. Sever that and the enemy will fall." Anlis's teachings resonated in Krios's mind as he aimed for the vicious animal's vulnerable neck.
Adarion seeing the mounted goblin as the biggest threat decides to try and remove the mount from the situation. He draws back his bow and fires at the goblin dog.
Unfortunately, it's not a very good shot.
Nyx's strangely inspiring nonsense once more fills the air. "The memory we used to forget to share approaches terminal velocity!"
A 1st-level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard's performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Adarion and Krios both take shots in the direction of the mounted goblin but neither hit their mark. Nyx once again inspires the others with his strange words while Noro rushes forward and lays into the goblin dog, knocking it to the ground un-moving.
The goblin attempts to catch himself as his mount falls out from underneath him, and manages to keep his footing as he tumbles off his mount.
The previously mounted goblin, calls to the other goblins "Kashe wannan longshank ku wawa"
The others rush to his aid and attack, while he moves around to attack with the others assistance.
The goblins swarm Noro and slice into her from multiple directions. She barely stands there as the goblins grin with glee.
"Noro! No!" Krios shouts, firing a shot at the nearest goblin . The arrow goes singing through the air.
The arrow misses the goblin, frustration building within the elf as he closes in to the group to assist the badly hurt woman.
On the way, Cedric shouted for Anna, pausing every so often to look around, scanning to try and find her with no luck. He also looks to see if he can find any trace of Ameiko, sneaking goblins, or anyone else that may need help.
Its ok, she can take care of herself, she has some magic on her side after all... And if all else fails, she has the house.
When a cry a pain and shouting jolts him back to the present circumstances, he curses under his breath moving off to the right and closer to Krios, and lining a shot with his crossbow again. Letting fly a bolt from towards the mounted goblin.
Adarion's eyes tighten in anger as the goblins swarm Noro. He takes a deep breath, pulls back his bowstring to his ear, aims at the closest goblin and fires. Then he circles around to the left trying to get a better line on the goblins.
Nyx continues to inspire the others in their efforts. Cedric nearly hits the previously mounted goblin, but with Noro their and him attempting to avoid her the shot goes wide. Noro lands a sold blow, just as she passes out and hits the ground. Krios and Adarion both take quick shots before moving but both miss. With Noro on the ground the goblins turn their attention to the next closest target, Krios, all ganging up on him.
The two goblins flanking Krios, both cut into the elf, while he manages to avoid the blows from the others.
The wicked weaponry of the goblins swung through the air and Krios did his very best to dodge out of the way. There were just too many to perfectly avoid though, two of the blades cutting into his flesh and drawing more lines of blood down along his ribs and legs. Taking out both of his blades, he'd swing at the goblin after moving next to Cedric.
Adarion curses in elven as his shot misses and the barbarian goes down.
"Creaduriaid difrod! Cymerwch awgrym a dim ond marw!"
Another shimmering ball of purple-white forms in Adarion's hand as he moves. As he finishes speaking he thrusts his arm out and the ball of force moves unerringly towards the once mounted goblin, before striking it.
"The Interloper and I took a bride beyond a ballerina with a guardian angel, the uxorious clock, and a mirror!" Nyx shouts as he runs toward the fallen barbarian. He then retrieves a scroll of Infernal Healing from his pack.
A 1st-level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard's performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Cedric aims and takes another shot at the goblin not in close melee.
Cedric nails one of the goblins in the rear with his crossbow and it drops to the ground. At the same time Adarion blasts the other goblin, but it is much tougher than its kin and remains standing. Krios takes a swing at one of the nearby goblins, but his wounds hamper his swing. Nyx continues to inspire the group while retrieving a scroll from her pack.
The remaining goblins continue their assault on Krios.
Only one of the vile creatures manages to score a strike on Krios as he avoids the other attacks, but the elf looks to be in pretty bad shape.
"The Interloper, friend of Mitzi and Desdemona, sweeps the floor with a seldom nefarious ribbon!" proclaims the half mad priest of the fully mad deity. He then begins reciting an incantation from the scroll in his hand.
A 1st-level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard's performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Krios's breath comes out hard and heavy, his limbs aching underneath fatigue as he dodges and parries his way around the attacks of the goblins. One of them strikes true along his back, only his armor keeping his spine from being exposed viciously, but he can feel the bruise spreading out.
"C'mon you...you little bastards. You can't even...take...down an elf? P-pathetic." His voice is shaky and tired as he diverts all the energy he has to keeping himself safe. No longer striking out, he instead focuses on just keeping himself safe from those blades as he tries to manuever and pull the goblins further away from the standing members of the party.
Adarion snarls in frustration as the goblin stays up. He gathers power in his hand again, thrusting his arm outward. The missile of purplish-white force flies towards the previously mounted goblin once more.
Adarion says, "Fe gei di chi'r amser hwn!" as the magic missile leaves his hand.
Cedric aims another shot at what he deems to be the "leader" of these miscreants.
Careful! They are weak, but can be dangerous is numbers!
Cedric takes aim at the lead goblin, this time putting the rather tough goblin down. Adarion blasts one of the other goblins with another ball of force while Krios attempts to defend himself against the remaining goblins. Luckily for him, after seeing their leader fall they decide it isn't worth continuing to fight and start to run out the north gate.
Cedric tries to follow them, taking a shot at one of the fleeing buggers if he can.
And stay out of here you green bastards! Someone, go check on her!
Cedric points to Noro as he scans the area, making sure no other sneaky sneaks are sneaking about.
Tired, fatigued, Krios watches as the goblins break rank and flee. While he wants vengeance for others back in town, his body screams for him to rest. He can only give a nod to Cedric as he makes his way towards Noro's body. Crouching down beside her, he looks her over.
Cedric gets off a shot and manages to nail one of the fleeing goblins before it gets away. At the same time Nyx uses the scroll to start to heal Noro's wounds. After a few seconds she awakes, while her injuries magically mend.
The noble who had been hiding behind the barrel finally comes out seeing that the combat is done and rushes over to you all "Oh my... thank you all so much! Those vile goblins would have slaughtered me if it wasn't for you." He looks around at the lot of you "You all seem a bit banged up are you alright?"
Adarion smiles at the man, "Your welcome!"
As the man mentions the group's wounds, Adarion says "I'm fine," while brushing some stray lint off his elven robes, then turns to Noro and Krios "My more melee associated companions seem to have borne the brunt of the goblin attack."
The nobleman nods to the elf and as Noro sits up he rushes over to her with pure joy in his eyes "You my lady were incredible! The bravery and heroics of just rushing into the fight, to hold those monsters at bay. You are the ultimate weapon, both beauty and brawn! You literally put your life on the line for me and I am ever in your debt. Perhaps we all could get to know one another more in the future?"
He glances around nervously to ensure there aren't anymore goblins near by "I would like to get off the streets with all this mess. I am staying at the Rusty Dragon for a few more days, perhaps you can all stop by and I can thank you appropriately?" He looks around to the rest of you for acceptance.
Krios's face breaks into a smile as he watches Noro slowly wake up, her wounds mending gently in front of him. When her eyes open, he sits back on his haunches and can't help but laugh at her comments.
"I don't think so Noro. You've done good today, real good." Krios murmurs in a tired, calm voice before looking over to the nobleman who rushed out to greet them. Waving off his concern, Krios would stand up once more and put his shortswords away within their sheaths. "I've...been better, sir. I'm glad you're alright though." His body just hurt all over and he couldn't keep the grimace off his face as he gave a nod. "The Rusty Dragon? Yeah, I work there so I'll see you there."
Offering a hand down to Noro to help her up, he'd turn and look at the three that had done so much good for Sandpoint today. In his own way, he felt embarrassed; he could barely put down a single goblin. He'd have to learn how to open more opportunities for himself if he was ever going to really get into a fight. "Let's find Father Zantus, see if he can't mend our wounds and if there isn't more work to do here." Then he had to head home, he had to check if his father was okay.
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At the nobles man's comment, Noro looks around wondering he was talking to her, she never had any kind of compliment that wasn't coupled with some unreasonable demand or something worse.
She takes Krios' hand to get up. she holds it for a little longer than he had expected giving him a look of appreciation. but soon returns to her usual sour look.
the nobleman, getting to know the way you think just ain't gonna happen, but if yer buyn' rum, then I will see ya at the Dragon.
pulling out the bottle of sake she had, she checks to see if it was still intact. it didn;t break, but lots of it did spill out. she takes a swig and hands it to Krios, best mending I've found so far. some would say cheaper to.
The nobleman nods and smiles to Noro's agreement to meet at the Rusty Dragon over the next couple of days "I will see you all later then" He bows he his head slightly and then walks off to the south, back toward the heart of town.
Krios would look at the bottle of sake for just a moment, eyeing it before looking up at Noro. He had never been given the chance to savor a drink with the cantankerous woman before; it was a rare thing from what he heard. He would reach over and take the bottle of sake, taking a deep pull from it and feeling the burn rush down his throat. Once his mouth pulled away, his face would grimace and he'd shake his head quickly before licking his lips to try and get the strong taste off of his tongue.
"I think I rather have Father Zantus look at me..." He'd whisper hoarsely, coughing to clear his throat. A smile would spread afterwards though, earnest and true. "Thanks Noro. I'm glad you're alright."
Turning, he'd look at the unlikely batch of comrades that had fought with him today; the elven wizard who had come from far away, Cedric with his exceptional shoots and cocky grin, and the strange man whose words helped them unlock...well...something.
Turning first to Cedric and Adarion, Krios would sheath his shortswords before stepping up to the elf. "Thank you for your help. I-I've never seen magic be used like that before. Just little tricks here or there, is all. It was amazing." The sound of awe in Krios's voice was evident, even as he turned towards Cedric. "And Cedric! I heard you were good with a crossbow but your shots were amazing. I felt kind of useless...but...at least I kept them away."
His attention would finally rest on Nyx, the strangest of the group. He wasn't sure what to say to the man at first, pressing his lips together before he just blurted out the first things that came to his mind. "I don't really know...anything that you did. I just know you helped...so...thank you." Krios would turn to them all nod, smiling as he took the lead. "Let's find Father Zantus and see what else we can do help."
"The Rusty Dragon? What a coincidence, I happen to be staying there as well!" Adarion says with a smile. "I'm sure I'll see you there later, Mr.....?" Adarion leaves a pause for the noble to tell them his name.
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As Noro offers the bottle of STRONG alcohol as a healing remedy , Adarion raises an eyebrow with scepticism. When Krios starts coughing and confirms he'll still have Father Zantus look at him, Adarion nods along at his decision saying, "I think that's a good idea. I saw Father Zantus heal a nasty cut on one of the workers building the stage. The wound sealed right back up and a new layer of skin formed over it. It looked like it had never happened, very impressive magic!"
When Krios mentions his magic, Adarion shrugs saying, "I don't use magic in the typical fashion. Mine comes to me naturally, I don't have to study it to learn. And, if you think that's impressive, you should see an experienced Elven mage in action. Either of my parents could have incapacitated most of the goblins in the town with one or two spells, and they're not the most powerful either!"
Adarion nods along as Krios mentions Cedric's shooting. "I must agree with my elven companion here! Cedric..was it? Your shooting was exemplary, and this comes from an elf who regularly watched the archery contests in Kyonin, where some of the best elven archers compete. While we Elves normally prefer traditional bows, you wield that crossbow with rare skill," Adarion says, nodding his head in respect.
"In fact, you all performed rather impressive displays of magic or martial prowess, I would accompany you to Father Zantus, if you don't mind? There may be more of these nasty creatures about and I'd prefer to avoid a group of them by myself. I'm Adarion Ysavil, by the way, nice to meet you!"
As the newly forged group collects themselves, the decision is made to head back to the cathedral. The goblin attack is over and while the fighting has stopped there is still chaos in the streets. Residents clear away dead goblins, put out fires, and aid the injured. Making your way back to the cathedral you see many wounded that Father Zantus has been treating as the lot of you approach he waves you over. "Thank you all for standing up for Sandpoint, I fear things may have gone much worse had it not been for yours and others aid in defending the town!"
He quickly notices Krios and Noro's pretty sever injuries "Come let Desna's warmth heal your wounds." He waits for those of you injured to gather around with the other wounded and he holds up his holy symbol as a warm light washes over everyone near him.
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Noro does try to hide a laugh at Krios's face as he takes the drink. taking the bottle back when he is done, Noro finishes it off and tosses the bottle into a pile of rubble left from the goblins.
yeah, magic, its ok, I guess. as far as healing goes, I'm not exactly on the best of terms with most of the folks in town. and even rarer ta have this many folks actually givin a s&$* bout me. KD here the exception of course.
Noro shrugs off any attempt to help her get to the church. insisting that she will be fine, but a look in her eyes tells a different story.
she stays to the back of the group once in the church. but accepts the healing.
Once everyone seemed to be doing well, Cedric gave them a nod. I need to find my sister and make sure she is ok. Once I do that, I may meet you at the chapel. But I would like to make sure no one else needs immediate help.
He immediately heads to his small house to find Anna, checking to see if anyone needed help on his way, either medical or otherwise.
As the fighting dies down Nyx once again becomes quiet and strangely aloof. He follows as the other defenders make their way to the cathedral. After watching the Desnan priest heal the injured, he addresses the man.
Good Father, do you have any idea why these goblins boldly attacked?
Much like Cedric, Krios would look to the others before clearing his voice softly. "I...I need to go and check my father's farm. I need to make sure that he is alright." Krios would give each one of them a nod of thanks before heading away, his careful walk slowly but surely turning into a jog, then a run, and finally a sprint as he rushed home in fear of what may or may not have happened.
Father Zantus turns to Nyx and his inquiry with a shrug "Who can say? Just to cause general mayham and grief? I do not know, it is odd though for them to attack a town as a whole. They usually aren't that organized or brave to try such a feat."
Yeeeesss. Odd indeed that they actually planned and organized an assault on the day of the festival. How would they have even known or cared about it?
Nyx appears lost in thought for a long moment, a small smile on his lips.
Well, I'm off to the Rusty Dragon to see whatever the noble's proper thanks might be.
And with that, Nyx turns and walks toward the inn, mumbling to himself and stopping every dozen yards or so to cast spells.
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Once healed, Noro heads back to her place on the docks, looking to see if she still has a home.
trying to slip in without causing a stir. she checks her things, and looks for any spare money she may have. hopefully that noble guy, has enough cash, cause I'm gonna need a lot to drink tonight. she thinks.
As long as Jubrayl doesn't force her to get into the ring tonight, she intends to relax and drink at the dragon.
best see if Lou is alright, I'm sure Amieko took care of him, but still better safe than sorry, and if I can keep Krios busy... she mutters to herself as she heads to the dragon (after her apartment is in order.)
Krios bursts through the door, eyes wide as he looks around the room. "Papa!?" He shouts, unable to keep the worry out of his voice. The farmyard had looked disheveled but there was no sign of blood, no sign of his father. From the backroom, he heard a grunt and before reasoning could tell him to be cautious, he sprinted over.
There, struggling to get out of bed, was an old half-elf man. He winced in pain as he sat up in the bed, looking over at his wide-eyed son before chuckling "What's wrong, Krios? You look like you've seen a ghost." Slowly though, Aslin's eyes picked out the marks of blood and tear upon Krios's clothing. It wasn't entirely uncommon for his son to come home all scuffed up but this was a bit more than he was ever used to. "Son, what ha-" That was as far as he got before Krios nearly tackled him on the bed, his arms wrapped tightly around his father.
"I...you didn't pick up your tools! I thought...I thought..." The dreadful thought couldn't even escape his lips. The events of the day began to roll through Krios's mind; the screams, the shouting, the sight of blood. He had been involved with fights, maybe helped hunt down vermin before, but he had never killed until today.
Aslin didn't know exactly what happened but he could tell that something had occurred, something that left his shy but quietly confident son shaking. "It's alright, it's alright. I just hurt my back is all." He pulled back a bit and smiled softly, easing Krios to relax and sit beside him. "Tell me what happened..."
The story went on for a time and Krios spilled his heart out; the fear he felt when he saw Noro fall, the adrenaline when the first goblin died upon his blade, his anger at the senseless violence. It all shook the simple man to the core but Aslin listened in carefully, calmly. It was only at the end when Krios explained his fear of finding his father's throat sliced open that Aslin would pull him in again with a tight hug.
"It is alright to be scared. You're a good man, Krios. Your mother would be so proud of you for protecting the town. You did everything you were supposed to do, you helped save lives! I couldn't be any prouder."
Krios quietly wiped his tears away, nodding for a moment before looking back at his father. "W-what should I do now?" The question hung on the air for a moment and Aslin was unsure how to answer. Part of him wanted to say to his son to forget about the nobleman and let them do what they've always done. It was the scared part of him, the part of him that feared losing his son after losing his wife. Yet he looked around their humble home and he would sigh softly before nodding.
"You should see this nobleman. See if you can help. I taught you these skills for a reason, Krios. It is up to you to use them." Krios seemed to take it all in and his shaking stopped slowly, a more confident look appearing upon his face. It was the same look his mother would get when she was certain about something and didn't give a damn what others would say. "Good boy. Now let me rest and go see what the man wants. Wash yourself off too, need to be presentable, you hear?"
"Yes Papa." Krios would murmur, helping his father get back into bed. Using the nearby wash basin, he rinsed his face off and cleaned his clothing of blood and dirt as best he could. Quietly and more confidently, he set out back into Sandpoint. Aslin waited till he was sure his son had left, turning over in his bed quietly. Clasping his hands together, he began to whisper soft prayers to Desna to bring his boy home safely.
Krios would stride into the Rusty Dragon, armed and resolute. Searching for the noble, he catches sight of both Nyx and Noro settling in with him. Walking up to them all, he'd take his place at the table and look over the menu to see what would be good grub for tonight.
Exhausted but also feeling great about the day's work Adarion trudges back to the Rusty Dragon Inn, quickly casting prestidigitation before he enters to remove the dirt gained from his day's toil. Looks are still important after all, he thinks with a smirk.
Entering the inn, he looks around for a table to sit at and spots Krios, Nyx and Noro at a table with their new noble friend. He gives a quick wave and then walks over towards them, his tired footsteps hitting the timber flooring with heavy thuds as he goes. Using prestidigitation to pull out a chair, he collapses heavily onto it saying, "Those goblins did a remarkable amount of damage in such a short amount of time," he says with a sigh, "but you Sandpoint folk reacted impressively fast for civilians, it could have been much worse."
Adarion looks over at the noble. "Ah, our noble friend! Care to reward one of your saviours with a nice glass of fine wine to wet his parched throat," he says with a wink, a smile and a hopeful look on his face. "I never did catch your name by the way, I'm Adarion."
As more of the nobleman's saviors walk into the tavern he welcomes you each, but seems to be most interested in Noro. He looks around at those gathered and exclaims "Of course! Drinks and food on me, for the saviors, not only of myself, but of Sandpoint!" At the nobleman's overzealous cheer, there are actually others in the tavern who give a bit of applause as well.
Ameiko shouts to Lou, one of the tavern workers "Get them all some drinks! I don't know what those fool goblins were thinking, but I am glad the lot of you stepped up when you did." He comes over with a tray of drinks and sets them down for each of you. The nobleman adds in "Hear, hear!" He looks around at the lot of you "Wasn't there one more of you?"
Nyx takes a flagon of whatever's served and raises it with the first toast, then does a polite seated half bow toward the room at the small bit of applause.
At an opportune moment, he raises his cup again and proclaims, "Magic is all things, and in all things. It is in the air, the stone, the flame, the water. It is time, space, and the void. It will nurture you, it will consume you, and always will it be your master!" Then casts a spell before touching his flagon to the closest raised cup.
"Ahh yes, the fellow with the crossbow. Didn't he say something about checking on his sister?"
If Krios could shrink down and disappear out of sight, it was when the whole barroom cheered them on that the elf's ears turned a shade of red. The offer of free frood and drink though could not but denied, especially when it meant more of Ameiko and Lou's cooking. "I-I'd like that quite a bit. Thank you, sir." He mumbled out, taking a flagon to drink before Ameiko herself spoke up and thanked them. It was like he got sunburned or something, the crimson spreading to his cheeks as he shyly looks up at Lou. "Thanks Lou, appreciate it."
At the mention of another, Krios looks over the bar for a moment and a sense of worry sets in. "I hope that Cedric and his sister are alright." He thinks as he takes a sip of ale, nodding in agreement with Nyx. "I hope he shows. He did more than his part, I don't think I would've made it if it wasn't for him and the others..."
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Noro drinks more than expected, obviously looking to drown away all the unpleasantness of the day.
she picks at her food, despite being one of Lou's signature dishes. every time the door to the Dragon opens, Noro looks up expecting the sheriff to come in looking for some excuse to arrest her. but that never does come.
Yeah, a toast, or whatever she says raising her glass as a token effort. keeping an eye on Krios. then glancing to the others.
she chugs her drink and slams the empty mug on the table, if yer buyin, then I hope your pockets are deep. cause I plan on drinkin quite a bit right now.
Lou, bring that special reserve. she says with a grin.