GM Mawgrim's Rise of the Runelords

Game Master GM Shady

This will take place somewhat outside of the timeline of any conversation between Serolt, Zhu, Haelvor, and Vanea. I'll get you all back together soon :)

Ratimir and Shaedeen

While their companions all head for the Cathedral square to find a good vantage point for the ceremony to consecrate the new site, Ratimir and Shaedeen make their way hurriedly through the town to get to the southernmost part of Sandpoint.

Ratimir makes it to the Feathered Serpent, which overlooks the Turandarok River, but notes that it is closed like many of the other stores in Sandpoint today. Dejected, he is just about to turn around when he sees the store's proprietor, Vorvashali Voon, sauntering down the street, his trademark whistle bouncing off the walls. He spies Ratimir stepping away from his door and he calls out to the cartomancer. "Ratimir, my old friend, you're back!" All but running up to the man and embracing him as he would a long lost brother. "Please come in," Vorvashali says as he fishes about for the key to the store's door, "When did you get back, and why have you not come to say hello. Oh, that doesn't matter - would you like a pomegranite tea, or is this only a quick stop?"

Shaedeen on the otherhand makes her way to the rough-and-tumble tavern known as the Fatman's Feedbag, on the docks at the mouth of the Turandarok River. She slips in as if she were a regular, and recognizes a few of the patrons as being Jubrayl's men. She finds a drunk mark that she is sure isn't one of the Sczarni, and after a few minutes of cosying up to the man and slipping the blunt wooden sap off of his belt deftly.

The man appears to be none the wiser, and as he offers to get another drink for himself and the pretty girl, Shaedeen is afforded the opportunity to slip out.

With Shaedeen

Ratimir dismisses her offer of money. "That's ok, I have the money. Let's hurry, I actually want to see the ceremony. Five years is a long time to go without a temple, and Sandpoint needs this." He pauses for a moment, thinking of his own devotion. "Sometimes I feel like this place woke up from a nightmare, but never really got back to sleep. But with this, Desna will bless us all once again, and when Sandpoint shuts its eyes tonight, it will dream again," he ends, philosophically. Then, snapping out of a trance, he looks at Shae and says "But nevermind that. Go."

--------------------
With Vorvashali

"Ah! There you are, good Vorvashali! And to the rescue, indeed!", Ratimir exclaims, hugging the man tight. He lets go and, holding Vorvashali's face between his hands, looks intently at the man, as if rediscovering something thought lost. "In fact, I've been here for about a month, at Ameiko's inn. But I'm still taking it slow, giving the city the chance to grow back on me... and trying to stay out of the sight of some old acquaintances, if you get my meaning," he says with a wink. "Now, that's no going so well, since they demand my presence tonight. I was hoping you'd help me strengthen my argumentation with, say, a scroll of hypnotism and perhaps some alchemical glue?" He lets the question linger in the air, and then adds, apologetically, "It pains me that after all this time this is the first thing I ask of you, but I'll make it up. What do you say about dinner at the Rusty Dragon later this week, if I'm still in one piece by then? We can have that pomegranate tea—or maybe something with a little more kick."

Ratimir
Gregarious as ever, Vorvashali deftly unlocks the door to the Feathered Serpent and waves Ratimir into the premises with a flourish, slipping in behind his fellow Varisian and closing the door behind him. "I understand, old friend, particularly with the circumstances you left under." Vorvashali's eyes are saddened, belying the warm comforting smile. "And now you are back, and Jubrayl and his fine upstanding fellows are causing my good friend grief. Let's see what old Vorvashalai has to help remedy this."

Stepping behind the counter and pulling a large book out from under it, Vorvashali drops it heavily on the counter. "Now, I am not sure that I have exactly what you are looking for, but let me check."

"Oh, would you look at that," Vorvashali exclaims, slipping a sheet of thin vellum out from the book, handing it over to Ratimir. "It appears that Berenzalo was good to me this month. Do you want for me to open your ledger once more?" Vorvashali quirks an eyebrow towards Ratimir as he goes looking through a small box of jars, leaving the question of whether Ratimir intends to stay unsaid but lingering in the air. He slips a pair of matched vials onto the counter next to the scroll book, one filled with a clear liquid and the other with rich red resin.

When her drunken admirer stumbles to the bar to get more drinks, Shaedeen slips swiftly out the door, heading for the Sandpoint Shipyards.

Gotta be lots of rope lying around in a shipyard! the girl thinks, planning on helping herself to a length or two.

"Yes, you can reopen it," Ratimir replies. He takes the scroll and runs his eyes over the arcane writings, a smile forming on his lips. The cartomancer then rolls it up and stuffs the fine vellum in the inner lining of his vest; picking up the vials, Ratimir observes their contents against the light, checking the viscosity before stowing them in his pockets. He finally grabs his money purse, slips out a small pile of gold coins, and starts counting; after separating the money, he slides the payment towards Vorvashali. "If the prices haven't changed, I believe this should cover it." He waits for Vorvashali to collect the coins and then shakes his hand fimrly. "I should go now, I hope I can make it in time for the ceremony. I look forward to our dinner; we have a lot of catching up to do. And thanks again for this." Ratimir opens the door, bows to Vorvashali and disappears in the streets, heading back to the temple square to find Serolt and wait for Shae.

Ratimir

Vorvashali clasps his hands together and gives Ratimir a warm smile. "You are most welcome, old friend. May Desna speed your way, and watch over you in your..negotiations with Jubrayl." With the sun beginning to dip towards the western side of town, Ratimir makes his way through the thinning crowds towards the Cathedral.

Shaedeen

The docks are mostly empty today, except for those who have already passed out due to having filled themselves with cheap drink and free food.

Shaedeen, Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Shaedeen spies a coil of good quality silken rope, about twenty feet in length, near to one of the cargo barges that is destined to make its way back inland on the river once the festival is done. She whistles a tune absently and lowers her lithe form to pick up the coils without attracting any notice. Seeing the sun begin to dip towards the horizon, Shae knows that she has very little time left to get back to the Cathedral square and to her chance to free herself from the claws of the Sczarni.

Also, I have updated Roll20 with an area of the map for you all to gather in where you can see the stage. Feel free to move your tokens into the green-bordered area yourselves as to your preferences :)

Feeling quite proud of her larcenous successes and generally feeling good about being kinda bad, Shaedeen suddenly realizes how late the hour is getting. She'd been considering telling Vhiski that the ambush was all set, but in truth didn't quite trust herself to face the Sczarni lord for fear that he'd see through her words and sense her coming betrayal. She also wanted to hide the purloined rope in the ruins of the lighthouse but there was simply no time! She had to run almost the whole length of the town to arrive in time for the ceremony. She made it but positioned herself near the far edge of the square so few folks would see her perspiring and wheezing for breath.

Diplomacy (seduce): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Vanea was bored, so she sought a good-looking young man, preferably someone who looks a bit shy and uneasy around women

Excuse me sir, do you have a moment to speak about our savourous temptress Calistria? In that back alley, right here?

This will take place while Ratimir and Shaedeen were running their final errands before the consecration ceremony.

Vanea
The young man, clearly drawn to Vanea's beauty, gulps at the mention of Calistria and he stretches the collar of his shirt. He still allows himself to be taken by the bard's hand and lead into the privacy of the alleyway.

And here is where we will fade to black momentarily, as per the discussion thread :)

Vanea, Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Once Vanea is finished introducing the young man to the wonders of the Savoured Sting and he leaves her in the alley to savour some quiet time in prayer to her goddess, she notices a few scratch marks made on a loose brick in the alleyway. Picking up the brick and turning it over in her hands it appears that a weapon, maybe a dagger or other similar short blade, has been sharpened against it.

Serolt takes his usual sort of spot, back from the front a fair bit, but not so far back that he can't hear and see what's going on. He's got a cart on the other side of Regin to give the cat some space and he keeps a close eye on his companion.

Catching sight of Serolt in the growing crowd, Shaedeen slides through the throng to come up behind the Shoanti.

"Serolt," she says softly. "Do you still intend to aid Ratimir and myself tonight? If so, could you please carry this rope I...bought. It would look suspicious if I were to carry it to the meeting."

She looks down at the crouching firepelt, admiring the handsome feline. Several of the gals in her old family--the Tower Girls--had adored cats, yet for some reason the leadership of the organization banned the creatures from their hideout.

After the brief chat, Shaedeen returns to her old spot, not wanting to be seen in close proximity to any of her co-conspirators.

Serolt takes the rope and coils it carefully into his sling bag. "Sure thing. See you tonight." he grins.

Ratimir sees Shaedeen and Serolt talking and walks up to them, but Shae goes away before he can reach the duo. He stops next to the Shoanti, his arms crossed, and stares at the new cathedral that towers above the crowd. "Has it begun yet? Any announcements?"

Vanea places herself near the cathedral, because, you know, that's obviously where everyone's attention will be.

It's odd to use an old brick to sharpen a knife. Oh my, that girl looks gorgeous...and yummy...

Just as it was in the morning, the Cathedral square is bustling with activity. Festival attendees, many of whom are now slightly fatigued after a day of feasting and activity, fill the square to watch the consecration ceremony that will dedicate the stonework building to the six ‘patron’ deities of Sandpoint – Desna, Shelyn, Abadar, Erastil, Gozreh, and Sarenrae.

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 a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage. 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, and are familiar to Serolt, Ratimir, and Shaedeen as being similar to what they had heard during the feast. 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 begins to pool around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.

Listen to the song HERE

Round 1: Initiative
20 - Vanea
19 - Zhu
16 - Shaedeen
11 - Goblins
09 - Serolt
09 - Regin
08 - Haelvor
06 - Ratimir

Vanea, Zhu, and Shaedeen are up first. Please note the following rules in place for the time being:

• Treat all squares of normal ground as requiring an additional 5’ of movement to enter. They are not considered difficult terrain, but because of the press of the crowd it is harder to travel through them.
  
• Anyone who wishes to cast a spell while inside the crowd (i.e. not on higher ground) must make a concentration check with a DC of 10+the spell’s level, or the spell fails.
  
• Ranged attacks while inside the crowd (i.e. not on higher ground) are made at a -2 penalty due to the crowd.

Shaedeen's first instinct--of course--is to get herself as far from danger as possible...yet she resists such a reaction. Her next thought is that the stage would offer a measure of safety from the small, singing raiders, as well as a nice roost for sniping at the party-crashers with her crossbow and sling. Again she resists the urge.

Instead, against her very nature, Shaedeen moves toward the danger, trying to draw her rapier as she goes. She jostles and squeezes her way through the crowd, positioning herself near Ratimir, between him and the goblins.

"I'm here," she announces to the Varisian. "What's the plan?" Then she curses as she realizes that with her swift movement and the closeness of the tightly-packed crowd, she's yet to get her rapier from its sheath.

(Double move)

Vanea moves through the crowd,toward the goblins, unsheating her sword

How do they DARE call that SINGING?

Zhu moves straight towards the goblins. Normally, he'd have charged and attacked one of them, but the crowd proved difficult. He got close, and hopefully provided a tempting target.

As he moved, Zhu grabbed the hilt of his urumi, the flexible metal uncoiling from his waste. He couldn't spin it around as he normally did, but he was ready to fight with it.

Double move as well

As Vanea, Zhu, and Shae all move towards the goblin threat, people in the crowd begin to shriek as panic sets in. Men, women, and children alike begin to run in any direction they can, and the town guards posted in the square begin to advance on other small groups of goblins, but anyone can see they were caught off-guard and are woefully unprepared for an attack of this scale.

Father Zantus scrambles off stage, trying to aid people make it into the temple unmolested and calling for the acolytes to defend the crowd. Others attempt to take cover under carts and in tents and stalls.

Each of goblins in the squad spotted by Vanea, Ratimir, Shae, and Zhu peel off in different directions, two of them taking the opportunity to slash at fleeing citizens in a frenzy. The one with dog blood still fresh on its sword advances menacingly on Zhu, swinging the blade ferociously and catching the monk on the leg (Zhu takes 4 points of damage). A fourth goblin attempts to clamber onto a fruit cart, but slips off of the cart's wheel.

Round 1: Initiative
20 - Vanea
19 - Zhu (hp 8/12)
16 - Shaedeen
11 - Goblins
09 - Serolt
09 - Regin
08 - Haelvor
06 - Ratimir

Serolt/Regin, Haelvor, and Ratimir are now up :) Have at it! Also, to Shaedeen, Vanea, and Zhu, don't be alarmed by the red dot that appears on your characters - its just for people to identify easily those who have acted already.

Round: 1, Initiative: 9

GM Mawgrim - NICE audio!

Serolt reacts to the danger as best he can. He growls, and looks somehow, more catlike than he did before. Animal Focus - Tiger (+2 dex)(swift)

He then draws his bow (move) and shoots (standard) a single arrow at the grey goblin out to the left side.
Longbow (cold iron): 1d20 + 4 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 0 = 19 (crowd, focus, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (point blank)

Finally, he gestures to the goblins and commands Regin (free) ”Attack!”

Free of his ‘bonds’, Regin licks his lips and rushes across the battlefield (move), slamming into the same goblin with a (hopefully) vicious bite! (standard)
Regin Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Free Trip: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Thanks :) but I cannot claim credit for the sound effect. It was something I found on YouTube, and hoped it would help you guys life in the moment of what your characters are hearing.

Anticipating the briefest of openings between fleeing townsfolk, Serolt lets loose a cold iron arrow from his bow. The shot is true, striking the goblin fair in the arm - an injury to which it painfully yelps in response. Regin darts between the legs of citizens and leaps at the injured goblin, sinking his teeth into the leg flesh of the green-skinned creature, who yowls in pain. Not content to let go just yet, Regin begins to shake his head violently while still clamped firmly onto the goblin's leg and after a few seconds the firepelt brings the goblin crashing unceremoniously to the ground.

Serolt hits, dealing 3 damage to the goblin. Regin hits, dealing 2 damage to and tripping the goblin.

Round 1: Initiative
20 - Vanea
19 - Zhu (hp 8/12)
16 - Shaedeen
11 - Goblins (Warrior 4: prone)
09 - Serolt
09 - Regin
08 - Haelvor
06 - Ratimir

Haelvor stares, slack-jawed, as the square descends into chaos. The voices in his head, so long suppressed, begin to clamour for attention, bubbling like molten lava to the surface of his consciousness.

At last! Burn them! Vermin they are!

He steps forward, past the distractingly-good-looking half elf female, and, almost unknowing, jolts his face in the direction of one of the goblins, his eyes suddenly turning fire bright and yellow.

Targeting the goblin 4 squares to the north of him, Burning disarm, Reflex DC14: if it succeeds it merely drops its weapon; if it fails it takes 1d4 damage and is then subject to Burning Magic - the creature catches fire and takes 1 point of fire damage per spell level at the beginning of the burning creature’s turn, for 1d4 rounds (can be extinguished as a move action if the creature succeeds at a DC14 Reflex save).

"No plan this time, we'll just have to improvise." Ratimir closes his eyes and utters an incantation, drawing invisible patterns in the air using his fingers. Suddenly, a spiraling rush of wind envelops his body and lifts it momentarily a few inches above ground. When Ratimir lands, a shimmering red halo surrounds his skin and garments.

Standard action - cast mage armor. AC is now 16.

Re-reading, and in case I need to make a concentration check also.
Concentration: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
I'll also adjust his movement (done - the goblin in question is now 5 squares away).

Concentration check DC 11(forgot about that, too): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 yay

As quickly as it appeared, the magic around Ratimir diisipates just as a couple of man rush by, bumping into the cartomancer and breaking his concentration. He opens his eyes in anger.

You guys only need to make a concentration check if you are casting defensively. If you don't cast defensively and are threatened, you provoke an attack of opportunity. Don't have the map right now so I have no idea what's happening :p

The concentration check that both Haelvor and Ratimir had to do was due to being jostled by a panicky and fleeing crowd. It will only last for as long as there are enough people in the area to cause issues, but clearly the crowd has already claimed one toll from Ratimir (ouch on the 1). The crowd is also the reason for the additional 5' of movement to walk anywhere, and the -2 penalty to ranged attacks :)

Haelvor manages to find himself unperturbed by the fleeing crowds, managing to cast his spell easily. The sword that the goblin holds - similar to a short sword except for the large holes drilled into its length - instantly begins to glow with a hot intensity. The goblin is too excited by the battle rush that it doesn't notice until it has not only taken damage, but its glove has caught fire in its hand. Squealing in pain, the goblin begins to dance about madly.

Ratimir, on the other hand, does not have such luck while trying to cast his spell. Bumped by the older gentleman trying to get away from the goblin uprising, the cartomancer's spell fizzles and melts away.

Haelvor makes his concentration check, and Warrior 1 fails its save, taking 3 fire damage and catching fire for 4 rounds. Ratimir fails his concentration check.

Round 2: Initiative
20 - Vanea
19 - Zhu (hp 8/12)
16 - Shaedeen
11 - Goblins (Warrior 1: on fire for 4 rounds; Warrior 4: prone)
09 - Serolt
09 - Regin
08 - Haelvor
06 - Ratimir

Vanea, Zhu, and Shae are up again for Round 2. I believe that Shaedeen's player is away from internet access for the next day or so, so I have my instructions to bot her as necessary.

longsword: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Feel the sting of Calistria, you filthy, sleazy, stinky, stupid beast!

Vanea dashes forward and the blade of her sword buries itself deeply in the goblin chest

I could show you what singing is about, but your not worth my voice.

Moves and attack goblin 2

Zhu grins at Vanea.
"Perhaps we'll find mightier foes, that the rest of us might reap the benefits of what I can only assume is a voice as lovely as you!"
After his quip, Zhu whipped his blade around, attacking quicker than anyone would expect, striking twice in the space of a heartbeat.
Flurry
Attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Vanea dashes forward and stabs at the goblin assaulting Zhu, driving the point of the longsword into the creature's side, eliciting a yowl from it. Zhu whips the urumi around, feinting once before slashing the goblin across the throat, cutting short the creature's painful howl. The goblin collapses to the floor, bloodied sword clattering across the cobblestone.

Shae, seeing that Zhu and Vanea have handily dispatched one goblin between them already, draws her rapier and nods to Ratimir. "Improvise. I can do that." She then begins to rush towards the goblin that had been set on fire, ducking and weaving through the panicked crowd.

Vanea's attack hits, dealing 5 damage. Zhu's first attack misses and second attack hits, dealing 5 damage. Warrior 2 is unconscious and dying.

The goblin with its hand on fire continues giving a high-pitched wail in pain as the fire on its glove intensifies (1 damage at start of turn, burning magic effect ended), and it attempts to put out the flames by batting them out. After a few moments, the flames are out and the goblin resumes cackling and slashing at the townsfolk, catching one poor woman in the leg with its sword.

Undeterred by its previous failure, the goblin behind the cart begins its climb once again, this time succeeding to make it to the top of the fruit pile and it proceeds to stuff its pockets with fruit while messily chewing on a pilfered orange, peel and all.

Regin stalks around the third goblin, who wails in fear and swishes its sword wildly, completely missing the firepelt.

Round 2: Initiative
20 - Vanea
19 - Zhu (hp 8/12)
16 - Shaedeen
11 - Goblins (Warrior 4: prone)
09 - Serolt
09 - Regin
08 - Haelvor
06 - Ratimir

The goblin on the cart will have +1 to its attacks against anyone due to having higher ground advantage, but it also now no longer has the -2 to ranged attacks against it for the same reason.

Ratimir follows Shae, still cursing the man that cost him his magic, and sees the goblin climbing up the cart. He focus on that goblin; both his and the goblin's eyes turn the same color, and Ratimir projects images directly into his head. In his mind's eye, the goblin finds himself surrounded not by a crowd of humans, but by a multitude of fearsome and fierce dogs. This vision overlaps with that of the crowd, and Ratimir fights the goblin's will to allow the fear and doubt to take hold of the little beast.

Using evil eye hex to reduce the goblin warrior 3's AC by 2. Will save DC 15. Duration 1 round on a successful save, 7 rounds on a failed save.

Round: 2, Initiative: 9

His clear lines blocked by the party now as opposed to the crowd, he shoots twice at the goblin on the cart.
Longbow (cold iron): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8 (focus) damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Longbow (cold iron): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 = 17 (focus) damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Frustrated he looks to Regin, and with a glance (swift) changes his focus. He seems somehow less lithe than he was a moment ago, but now stronger. (Animal Focus changed from Tiger (+2 Dex) to Bull (+2 Str).)

Regin pounces on the downed goblin and tries to rip him to shreds.
Regin Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Regin Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage: 1d2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Regin Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 damage: 1d2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"That's a good boy Regin!"

Haelvor glares at the goblin as he moves forward through the crowd.

"Drop. The. Sword."

Concentration: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Same spell/effect again.

Despite the vivid imagery of the dogs laid over the reality of the crowd, the goblin atop the cart does not do much more than flinch before continuing to stuff its pockets with more squished fruits, shuffling towards the middle of the cart so as to avoid the imaginary hounds in its vision. As it is lifting up a peach pit to its mouth, a single arrow flies past its nose and as the goblin stands tall to see what shot at him a second arrow buries itself in its belly.

Regin, on the other hand, has completely incapacitated his foe, tearing at the throat of the goblin and raking a paw of outstretched claws down its chest, drawing rivulets of blood that pour over both goblin and beast.

Haelvor casts his spell safely again, but whether out of sheer stubbornness or stupidity, the goblin keeps a hold of its sword as it glows hot again, burning his hand once more and setting it alight again.

Warrior 3 succeeds against Ratimir's evil eye. Warrior 3 has -2 to AC for 1 round. Serolt misses with his first attack and hits with his second, dealing 6 damage. Warrior 3 is disabled. Regin's bite hits, his first claw misses and his second claw hits, dealing 9 damage in total. Warrior 4 is unconscious and dying.

Round 3: Initiative
20 - Vanea
19 - Zhu (hp 8/12)
16 - Shaedeen
11 - Goblins (Warrior 1: burning; Warrior 2: unconscious and dying; Warrior 3: disabled; Warrior 4: unconscious and dying)
09 - Serolt
09 - Regin
08 - Haelvor
06 - Ratimir

Vanea, Zhu, and Shaedeen are up next :)

Vanea looks at the last goblin, bends a little, and with a lascivious smile, lowers her shirt to offer him a peek at her cleavage

Cast Daze, DC 13, Calistrian's style.

Shaedeen pushes up to the badly-wounded goblin atop the fruit cart and tries to plunge her rapier's tip into its heart, a bit above Serolt's arrow.

rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 forpiercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Zhu tries not to gape stupidly at the gorgeous woman's exposed body. Instead he charges at the goblin, attacking with all his might.
Charging Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
I'm on mobile so can't get into roll20 at the moment!

Focusing her arcane attentions on the final goblin, Vanea's spell takes full effect with the goblin becoming momentarily enthralled by the bard.

Shaedeen zips past the bard, making a beeline for the goblin on the fruit card. With a battle yell she strikes the creature with her rapier, driving its point through the creatures chest and into presumably its lung. It collapses into the ruined fruit, unconscious and bleeding.

Taking the opportunity presenting itself, Zhu squeezes past the two women and races towards the burning goblin who had been dazed by the Calistrian. The monk flicks the urumi towards the small creature and, propelled by the movement, catches the goblin across the throat with the blade. The goblin collapses, crumpling unceremoniously to the ground, and begins to bleed out.

Warrior 1 fails saving throw, becoming dazed. Shaedeen hits with her rapier, dealing 5 damage. Warrior 3 is unconscious and dying. Zhu hits with his urumi, dealing 10 damage. Warrior 1 is unconscious and dying, as well as still affected by burning magic for another 3 rounds. All foes are now dying. Combat over.

As the six adventurers regroup, they take stock of what is happening around them. The crowd has thinned though is no less panicked with goblins racing everywhere, singing and slashing indiscriminately. It appears that several dozen townsfolk have taken shelter in the cathedral, and a pair of beleaguered acolytes desperately defend the building. Where the sounds of laughter and joy had filled the air earlier during the festival, the sounds of fear - shrieks, screams, and wailing - have now replaced them.

There is a short amount of in-game time (no more than about a minute) for you guys to regroup and roleplay among yourselves. I will start off the next encounter in the next day or two.

Haelvor breathes again, heavy, choking breaths, regaining control of his thoughts. "Ah. I'm sorry. Did anyone get hurt? I can heal, a little."

Zhu glanced down at his leg.
"One of them managed to tag me. I'd appreciate a patch-up! But, where in the Hells did these little bastards come from?"

I assume that I don't need a concentration check this time?

Haelvor places his hand on Zhu's leg. The hauntings are held in check, now, sated, a low happy hum sitting at the back of his mind. His hand shimmers briefly with a pure white energy.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Serolt calls Regin to him and is carefully checked by the Shoanti for injury. Finding none he straightens up, gripping his bow. He watches Haelvor heal Zhu, Impressive.

"From the sound of it, there are others still being harassed by these little ferrets. There must be a leader somewhere pushing this lot along."

He thinks a moment, "Does anyone know where the goblins come from around here? North? East? South? That's where we should head I think - not out of town mind you - just to that side of town. These guys didn't seem smart enough to 'circle around', yah know?"

Active Perception for other Goblins: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
"Excellent point. We should make sure the immediate area is secure, first."

Goblins are cunning and dangerous, but not smart. Someone must play the pupeeter behind the scene. Lets check for burning things, I've heard that goblins like to play with fire.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Vanea takes the time to clean her clothes with a minor spell

Uses Prestidigitation

As they look around, Zhu and Vanea both note that there are goblins still running rampant throughout the town, with sounds of the townfolk's screams and the awful singing still echoing in the air. As they prepare to make their way out of the square to find the mastermind behind the goblins' invasion, a low, loud thud followed by a sudden bloom of orange fire erupts from an unattended cart to the south of the stage.

Sorry to appear antisocial, but I/Shaedeen are neither in the mood to regroup nor roleplay at the moment. :)

Sensing a lull in the goblin raid, Shaedeen ignores the musings of Serolt, Zhu, and Vanea and instead rushes to the stage, where she sheathes her rapier and draws and loads her light crossbow. Moving to the south end of the stage, she tries to see what caused to cart to catch fire and get a better view of the goings-on near the new cathedral.

Perception (burning cart): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Perception (cathedral action): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Fire? Not me this time, surely?

Haelvor, slightly panicked, looks around for the source of flames.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

The rogue leaps onto the now empty stage, watching over the crowd as people continue to hide or flee. The Cathedral's doors are mostly closed, but kept ajar, and Shaedeen can spot one of the young acolytes on the inside of the doors, standing guard with a mace and a shield.

Shaedeen then turns her gaze towards the cart fire. The flames rise up from several stacksof wood and barrels of oily fuel that would have been used for the bonfire later in the evening.

With Shaedeen on the stage, the rest of the group manage to all spot several small figures hiding behind tents to the south, most of them are armed with swords and torches, gleefully looking at the rogue.

Surprise Round - Initiative
24 - Shaedeen
20 - Ratimir
18 - Goblin
16 - Goblins
14 - Zhu
11 - Serolt
06 - Vanea
06 - Haelvor

Shaedeen and Regin unfortunately did not see the goblins to the south and will not get to act at this point. She will come in on Round 1 in the first initiative block, while Regin will come in on Serolt's initative in Round 1. There are also no extra rules to consider due to the crowd, as it has dispersed enough to no longer impose penalties.

Just as a reminder: during a surprise round, combatants can take one standard action OR one move action.

Ratimir remains alert, watching our for signs of more goblins while the other adventurers discuss a plan of action. His apparent negligence to their immediate concern pays off when he sees the mischievous little creatures hiding behind a burning cart, ready to pounce at Shaedeen. Before anyone can act, he stuffs his hand into his spell component pouch and brings out a live cricket. He opens his hand while chanting in Varisian, and his words merge with the cricket's chirp just as the small insect jumps away towards the goblins, covering the whole distance between them in one vigorous leap. There goes plan B, he thinks, remembering his later encounter with the Sczarni.

standard action - Cast sleep - DC 15
Area of effects encompasses all four goblins behind the burning cart.