Motioning his lights to illuminate the rainy night, he continues looking around for a few more moments while considering the man's words carefully. After a short time, the lights wink out, their energy relinquished, and he turns to head on in, casting a dubious gaze around at the shadows. "Goblins, eh? Goblins? Here, in the city streets?" he says aloud, disbelief clear in his tone.
By now, his cloak is struggling to stave off the heavy torrent of drenching rain, while the injured man had already disappeared inside. "...That just doesn't seem right. What do you make of this?" he asks to Pallius, inclining his head slightly before heading in himself, looking for respite from the rain.
Once inside, while the others tended to the wounds of Ishiro, Jerod would stand aside, watching as they worked. With a hand set on his chin, he mulled over the night's events, the edges of his lips tugging downward in what would most certainly not be his last frown of the night.
Curiosity sated, Naeli returns to the tavern. Seeing Jerod standing aside, she sidles over, the remnants off the downpour whisking off her hood and pooling on the floor.
"There is no one about outside," she whispers. "I think he's cracked."
She offers the man a hand. "Naeli, late of Senara and newly returned to the city. Funeral drafts? Men bleeding in the streets? Is this madness the norm?"
You are most welcome friend. If I may ask how did you come by your wounds? Goblins...did you say?
Ishiro sits up, a look of pain on his face as he reaches for his side. "Yes, at least that's how I have heard them described. But the big ones, not the small three foot singing ones that you tell stories to your children to scare them. These are over 6' tall, muscular, wear armor, wield swords and shields. As I said, I am the mayordomo of the house, been with the family for over ten years now, when they were really wealthy. Now, the Levingtons are a minor noble family, of some renown." He grips his side again.
"They own a two-story home in the Parego Spera section of the city, a modest abode. As I was coming home this night from dealing with some family business (paying debts and the sort), I found odd that there was a covered wagon at the front of the property. When I went in, I called for the maids and my employers. That's when I saw the dead guards...the goblins were in the house! They had the servants and Mr. Levington and his wife hostage...and had already killed their 14 year old son! They were threatening to do the same to the rest of us."
Ishiro pauses, as he remembers the sight of the boy. "It was horrible! I could see the looks on the faces of my employers, could see their fear and desperation. I reached for my sword, stabbed the nearest one and ran for it, crashing through the window." As he recounts the events of the night, now that he mentioned it, you do notice small shards of glass on his clothing. "I ran into another one of them monsters outside and he stabbed me, though I got in a good lick too. Then I ran and ran. But with the night getting late, I found no guards to help me, till you rescued me. I still can't believe this is happening...feels like a nightmare! And my employers, what about them?"
Pallius shakes his head, "I'm not too sure... but Westcrown is a big place. But.. 'big goblins with claws? Something is off..."
It is common knowledge throughout the city that the Parego Dospera, the abandoned northern ruins, are the haven of monsters, including goblins, tieflings, and the worse sort of people alive. However, the Parego Spera (Hope's Altar) district lies about 10 miles from the ruins and the goblins would have had to pass through the Rego Crua (Blood Sector) to reach the Levington home, if they indeed came from the ruins. Outside of the ruins, there have been no reports of goblin encroachment or invasion.
Ishiro's garb confirms he is a mayordomo or person of title in a noble household. He wears a pendant with the Levington family crest, a fancy "L". As he stated, the Levington family has fallen on hard times in the past 10 years as their business dealings have fallen through, but they would still be considered lower middle class in society. You also have knowledge that in the past, during prosperous times, noble have recruited persons from far off lands to serve in their households to give the family an "exotic look" and to show off their wealth, so it is reasonable that is why Ishiro, a native of Tian Xia, works for the Levingtons.
As you listen to the description of the goblins, you remember that in the play "Black Forest", you remember one of the actors portrayed a green muscular goblin with clawed feet in Act II. The director, a stickler for detail, called the creature a hobgoblin.
"There is no one about outside," she whispers. "I think he's cracked."
She offers the man a hand. "Naeli, late of Senara and newly returned to the city. Funeral drafts? Men bleeding in the streets? Is this madness the norm?"
"My pardons, beautiful lady that I cannot bow to properly receive you for fear it would reopen my wounds, but I can assure you I am not mad. The family is in danger..." Though as he peers outside and sees that night has fallen, his look turns to that of dismay. "I guess their fates are sealed...no dottari would risk his life at night, not for the Levingtons...perhaps if they lived in the Rego Corna or the Rego Sacero, then they'd send legions of men for those families. Fu*king bastards!"
At the female voice, Jerod turns his head askance and studies her features from head to toe, quite obviously sizing her up. The frown of his lips right themselves into a friendly smirk, showing some teeth in the process. Taking the crook of her hand, he leans forward and bows his head in courtesy in a very polite gesture. "Jerod, ma'am. Most certainly pleased to make your acquaintance," he says, and still holding her hand in the polite gesture, he adds, "...I had been wondering when you'd announce your presence." He takes in a deep breath, sighing at her question.
"Unfortunately, Miss Naeli, these are indeed dark times and some machinations have, most unfortunately," he continues, emphasizing the words with a masterful pause, "..taken hold of this once great city. It seems there is little anyone is willing to do about such things." He shakes his head, then smiles warmly, charmingly. "So, I think it may be we whom bear the burden to drag this city back from the dredge it has become. I'm afraid if you were hoping for something much more lively, you've come at a terrible time."
As an aside, Jerod seems struck with a sudden epiphany. Recollecting his thoughts, he muses out loud, "You know, there was this play I remember, popular play really, called the Black Forest. The director was very precise in his details, and one of the actors was portraying a big green goblin type creature," he finished, then nodded, "...hobgoblins I think he called them. Mayhaps that be our quarry?"
Pallius nods his head at Ishiro's comments "So we have goblins attacking homes in the city now, and these 'hobgoblins' as well." Moving up and extending his hand towards Ishiro "Lucky for you I am no dottari, Westcrown's streets are my home, and I'll be damned before I let some goblin's run a muck on them!"
Naeli, surprised and embarassed that the injured man overheard her comment, nods in subtle apology. "Well, your wounds are real enough. And indeed it seems the dottari are more interested than matters other than blood on the streets," she says with quite evident disdain.
Turning to smile shyly at Jerod, she delicately disentangles her hand. "As I said, I've been some time from the city. Friends moved on. Family...strangers now. With the troubles this night, discretion seemed the wiser course.
But you men leaped to aid one in need. Perhaps we are kindred spirits, then. I've come upon a recent interest in dredging this city myself..."
Nodding at Pallius' strong speech, Jerod places a hand on Ishiro's shoulder as though to reassure the man.
"I fear I know little of the family you work for, but this has gone on long enough!" he says, his voice even-measured but steadily rising. "For legions of dottari we are not, but each and every one of us has a stake in the well-being of Westcrown and its people," he adds, continuing, "..and we will not be driven scared in our homes! We will NOT be taken by thieves in the night, and we will NOT," he emphasizes then with a balled fist hitting his palm, "waste idly by while OUR city's blood runs over till it suffocates all life from this place!"
"We will TAKE back what is ours! Be it with cold, dead steel and the hearts of many, if we must! We stand before you now, ready and willing," his voice rising to a crescendo of purpose as he looks around, "...and WE WILL hold fast the tide of terror that wells up! The sun will set anew and this once great city WILL. ACHIEVE. GLORY!" Jerod strikes his balled fist with each of the last three words as he practically shouts them to those about. Finally, looking back into the eyes of Ishiro, he speaks with much passion.
"And unto this I say, you have my undying word," he promises, drawing each word out dramatically.
Ishiro appears inspired by the speech but as he looks outside, he says,
"You're willing to help...even at night, with the shadow beasts around? If so, may the gods bless you! So what's the plan? Do you need me to come with you to show you the home? Though it hurts, my man there did a good job of patching up this wound and I can walk. If you hand me my sword, I'm at your service."
** spoiler omitted **
Its now or never, I suppose.
Naeli spoke up for the first time to the assembled men.
"Wait! This man is injured. We shouldn't ask him to go back out on the streets. But I know--I am...familiar with the Levington estate."
Looking at Pallius and Jerod in turn, she said "I will lead you men there...aye, and any others that will go. We know it won't be the dottari that save this family tonight..."
|
Shadow Beasts. Oft spoken of but seldom seen. Of course I guess one could argue that those who do see them simply don't live to tell about it. Regardless there is safety in numbers my friend, and with the spirit of Gorum at our side I would pity any goblin, hobgoblin or shadow beast that dare oppose us.
"Lord Levington and his wife...they're like my family. If you don't want me coming along, I understand. But please, look out for their safety. They must have suffered much at seeing their son..." His voice trails off.
Letting his axe lean against the wall, Pallius crosses his arms, "You have my thanks for offering to take his place... but in the end its his decision." Nodding towards Ishiro and Gregor. "If we band together, we may be able to give those beasts pause on our way there."
"I agree with the Lady, here," he nods, holding a finger up, "...you are injured and your wounds should be seen to. You need rest, Ishiro. Let us see to the safety of the Levingtons. We will do our utmost, fear not."
Jerod takes several moments to ready himself, readjusting his belt to make sure his rapier is in position.
Ishiro sighs in frustration but reluctantly consents to waiting in the inn for your return. "I await your good news with anticipation."
Gathering his possessions, Pallius double checks the contents of his backpack. As he hefts it over his shoulder, he starts checking his equipment hanging off his belt. "Everyone ready?" He asks.
Before the party leaves, he says, "Last time, I saw the Levingtons and the staff, they were being held in the library, if that helps any."
With a nod at Ishiro, Pallius pauses a moment before asking "Is there another entrance for us to enter, rather than the front door??"
Ishiro pauses to think. "Around the back of the manor, there is the ballroom entrance. Well, at least that's what the room was used for in more prosperous times. Now it's a dining area. The doors there lead to the grounds. On the eastern side, there is the kennel entrance. The Levingtons are fond of dogs. Those are the only other entrances I can think of right now."
Naeli's urges the group to hurry. Nodding to Ishiro, she says "Let us be off. There's no telling what mischief these creatures have been up to since he fled. We can formulate our plan on the way..."
Holding open the door, Pallius adjusts his hood and cloak to try and cover his backpack from the torrential onslaught. After breathing in the night air he motions with his hand for Naeli to lead on. "After you, Miss....?"
Naeli places a hand lightly on Pallius's shoulder, nodding her thanks as she passes through the door and into the rain.
"Naeli will do. A pleasure. Now let us make haste. Already I fear the the family..."
She points down the street, off to the east...
As you step out into the rain, it has calmed a little, but is still stronger than a drizzle though definitely not torrential. You see lanterns hanging on posts, one per block, but it provides light for about 1/3 the block only, leaving the rest in shadowy light or darkness altogether. You begin to head NW, the direction from which Ishiro came running, through the Rego Scripa. The streets appear abandoned, most likely due to the curfew and the weather. At least, it appears the dottari have decided to stay inside as well. At least, you don't face jail time or a fine if you are caught outside.
Naeli walks a few paces out in front of Gregor and Pallius, leading the group towards the estate...
Falling in behind the trio, Jerod pulls his cowl to shield himself from the heavy rain outside, and with that, he steps out. "To the Levingtons!" he proclaims boldly. After seeing the paltry light outside, and the eerie sense of abandonment now cast upon the streets, he'd summon some Dancing Lights to illuminate their way. Jerod takes up a position at the back of the party, because no one at the back ever dies first.
"Ah little... too quiet, don't you think?, " he asks of no one in particular, keeping a sharp, distrustful lookout.
You walk down the rain soaked streets for about 10 minutes, Jerod's lights illuminating the area around you, but other than a casual rat, nothing else crosses your path. Home doors are locked and window shutters, if there are any, are shut. You feel the cold rain on your backs as it begins to soak through your cloaks. Your eyes continuously peer down the streets and alleys for dangers, be it shadow beasts, hobgoblins, or worse, as you grip your weapons tightly. You enter the Parego Spera district, but the scenery is much of the same. Suddenly, Pallius' keen eyes pick up movement up ahead from the intersection, as he sees shadowy figures in the darkness! Naeli's darkvision in black and white picks up more detail, as she sees two creatures, their features matching the description given by Ishiro of hobgoblins, currently aiming bows at them! Hobgoblin Pic
Initiative Order for Surprise Round:
The hobgoblins, surprised they have been seen in the shadowy light, let their arrows fly, one at Naeli and one at Pallius! The arrow flies straight, piercing Naeli's chest cavity, as she screams in pain, blood spurting out of the wound. She almost collapses to the ground, as she fights to maintain consciousness! The other arrow strikes Pallius but fails to penetrate the scales of his armor.
Surprised as the arrow takes down their guide, Pallius rushes forward to engage the hobgoblins in melee!
As the gloom clears ahead, Naeli notices two shapes ahead. Slowing, she can finally make out two of the creatures described by Ishiro. Drawing breath to shout a warning, an arrow flies out of the darkness taking her in the chest, and her warning comes out as a pained scream.
She stumbles. I've been made to feel pain, but nothing like this!
Grasping the shaft of the arrow, blood pumping out through her hands, she staggers back to the cleric. "Help me, please!"
Initiative Order for Round 1:
"Darn goblins, always causing trouble. I wish they were not hobgoblins. This would be an easier fight."
move action:Pull out my bow.
standard action:Attack the goblin in J8.
attack:
damage:
edit:The cavalry is not going to impress anyone with attacks like that.
The hobgoblin in J8 sees the arrow land at his feet and looks over. He looks to his friends and says, "Tlhap vo' chah!" He then aims his bow at the dwarf, but his arrow misses the dwarf by a mile.
A second hobgoblin comes from the shadows to L7 and shoots Gregor. The arrow flies straight and hits the cleric in the shoulder, but thankfully his scale mail prevents it from breaching the skin.
The third hobgoblin sees the massive Pallius moving up and takes a shot at him, but his nervousness is apparent and he fumbles the shot, hitting the side of a home. He curses in Goblin and then moves back, disappearing into complete darkness...
Having been surprised in the attack, and witnessing Miss Naeli injured most grievously in the process, Jerod unslings his shortbow to retaliate. He let's loose an arrow into one of the goblins, hoping for an impressive blow.
Confident in his assault, Pallius charges the goblin, bringing his axe swinging around his head! "This is our town! You goblins get out!" He cries!
Charge L7 (I should be able to make it..) -2 AC
Charge: +2 charge
Damage:
Miss Chance (1-21=Miss): No miss!
Confident in his assault, Pallius charges the goblin, bringing his axe swinging around his head! "This is our town! You goblins get out!" He cries!
Charge L7 (I should be able to make it..) -2 AC
The hobgoblin is surprised at the warrior's charge and he nervously braces for it, as Pallius' axe comes in for his head. He shifts his body, predicting the warrior's momentum, raises the buckler strapped to forearm, yet these only serve to slow the advance of the weapon, wielded by such mighty strength. The hobgoblin prays his studded leather armor is enough to save his life and in the end, it is, as Pallius' axe is not able to breach it and reach the skin! In the shadows, Pallius hears the hobgoblin scream at the other one, as he braces for what comes!
Feeling the flow of blood dry up, Naeli staggers forward behind Gregor, eager for an opportunity to unleash her power on the dimly-seen assailants.
Round 2: