On his turn, Tristain will continue to drag the man to the inn.
Double drag to the inn.
"Almost there man, we'll get you inside and then worry about your assailants. Do you have a name, friend? Why are those 'men' after you?"
Actually, I think I can walk now. Thanks again for your help. Name's Lionel. The soldier stands and supporting himself on Tristain's shoulder, together they limp toward the inn. Our... caravan was waylaid at night by those assailants. I think everyone is dead!
Round 2
Todor waits to see if Elric is fighting or withdrawing. If he fights, Todor will move up to assist. He'll move to G9-avoiding the AoO- and swing with his hammer. 1d20+3
Damage 1d8+3Otherwise he'll withdraw to the inn with Elric.
Todor moves up in the rain, careful not to fall and brings his weapon to bear on the silhouetted figure and despite the shadows, his blow rings true, as the warrior tries to bring his buckler to bear, but the hammer strikes the creature's ribs, crushing bone in the process, beneath its armor. The humanoid screams loudly in pain and curses in some unknown language, as he doubles over in pain and spits up blood. He still stands, however!
Then Todor comes rushing out of the rain, hammer flashing at one of the humanoids. Elric seizes the moment, and twists his right forearm. A dagger appears in his hand . From his low position in the mud he slashes up at the other attacker with all his might.
Distracted by the cleric's bold attack, the other humanoid warrior fails to detect the hidden sheath and Elric's blade strikes true, penetrating the armor covering its thigh, causing him to scream in pain, as the blood flows freely onto the puddle of water that Elric is lying in. Both warriors are sturdy, however, and neither succumbs to its wounds, though they are both very angry now.
Rain falls on Elric, as he looks up at the humanoid gripping the deep wound in his thigh. In the background, lightning flashes, and Elric and Todor can see their assailants are quite muscular, have tiny red eyes and have white skulls painted on their faces. Their skin is orangeish and they grip their longswords, coated with black tar, in clawed fists, a buckler strapped to their arm for protection, in addition to the well-kept studded leather they wear. Elric’s military training allows him to recognize them as hobgoblins! The one stabbed by Elric screams Kakrush! in Goblin and thrusts his sword into the ranger’s back, in anger, nearly severing his spine, and causing the marine to scream in much pain!
Pleased with attack, the one with the crossbow barks orders at the hobgoblin struck by Todor’s hammer, as he releases the grip on his weapon and draws out his longsword, stepping into the radius of the light. The terribly wounded assailant complies and he gingerly steps past the wounded Elric to flank Todor. With glee in his eyes, the apparent leader of the hobgoblins, surveys the armored Todor, his eyes meeting those of his companion on the other side, and together they strike at the cleric, showing off their excellent swordsmanship! Todor is impressed by the skill and fails to block either attack, the first one slicing his abdomen, causing him to grit in pain, and the second one perforating his lung, as his scream is muffled by the blood in his throat. He stands there a few seconds in agony, till the hobgoblin pulls out the blade from his back, and Todor's form falls to the ground, his dead looking eyes staring at Elric, as blood flows from his wound! The terribly wounded hobgoblin spits on the cleric, satisfied he extracted his vengeance, as he grips his crushed ribs.
Seeing the cleric fall Penance goes to finish the wounded one with a pair of arrows.
Full attack flurry
1
2
Damage
1
2
Penance’s first bowshot hits the hobgoblin who just downed Todor in the back, but it fails to penetrate his studded leather armor. The hobgoblin turns around, just in time to see the next arrow strike him in the neck, as he falls backward to the ground, blood flowing from his wound.
Initiative:
Serry
Elric
Tristain
Todor
Humanoids
Penance
Lionel looks back over his shoulder and sees the hobgoblin leader standing in the bright light, the other standing over Elric, and the downed cleric and he turns to Tristain, Thank you, my friend, but these people need you! I think I can manage. With that, he lets go of Tristain’s shoulder, grimaces in severe pain and hops on one leg into the entrance of the Sleeping Mackerel, where his leg gives way and he falls down.
The waves are really pounding in Serry's head now. Did the soldier say something to Tristain? Seeing Todor drop and Elric still down, she screams,
She will move to H14 and cast Summon Monster I, summoning an Eagle to E11.
Eagle attacks the hobgoblin that stabbed Elric (two talons + bite):
Talon 1, Attack: Damage:
Talon 2, Attack: Damage:
Bite, Attack: Damage:
The waves are really pounding in Serry's head now. Did the soldier say something to Tristain? Seeing Todor drop and Elric still down, she screams, ** spoiler omitted **
She will move to H14 and cast Summon Monster I, summoning an Eagle to E11.
Serry will still do the yelling bit, but instead of moving and casting will reload her sling staff and aim at the hobgoblin in E10.
Attack:
Damage:
Serry slings again, but she misjudges the hobgoblin's position gvien the dark clouds and the bullet is off by 3 feet and disappears into the darkness!
On his next turn, Tristain will run out into the rain again.
I may not need him, but others might...the Gods have left his gift for a reason.
Tristain will move to G15 and cast Stabilize on the prone and unmoving Todor (G9?).
I just hope I am not too late.
When that is done and with hopeful wishes that the tattooed archer is as good as his skin art, Tristain will below challenge to the remaining humanoids.
"Come at me, cowards!"
AC=17
Weapon = None
Spells cast = None
Effects = I'm unarmed, wet, standing in the middle of a rainstorm challenging two hobgoblins to single combat. I'd say my effect is "idiocy".
Merciful gods! One of the Chosen Clerics, and I let him get cut to shreds trying to save me. The drill sergeant would have my hide if he saw me wallowing in the mud like a pig while hobgoblins swing steel at me. On your feet, Marine. FIGHT!
His vision swimming from pain, Elric grits his teeth and lashes out with his dagger, in a series of deft cuts intended to drive his opponent back. He scrambles for purchase in the slick mud with his left hand, and heaves himself up in a standing position, dagger ready to take on the hobgoblins.
Serry
Tristain
Todor
Elric
Humanoids
Penance
The hobgoblin, holding his wound and careful not to get cut by the marine's dagger, lashes out weakly at the marine with his blade, as he stands, but Elric's skill and training allow him to parry the thrust harmlessly to the side.
The Captain looks over the battlefield and assesses the situation, as he was trained to do. He barks orders at his subordinate, who signals at his fallen companion on the floor with his sword, but the Captain growls in anger and the subordinate remains quiet. The 2 assailants then, with sword in hand and buckler to protect them, back away, until they disappear from line of sight of the husky marine into the cover of pure darkness. Elric looks around, the deep gash on his back is still bleeding, it's cold and raining and miserable, and Todor lies at his feet, unmoving.
Tristain, who has never been in a real fight in all his life, takes a moment to empty is stomach along the fence. Tristain spits repeatedly afterwards to try to get the fishy bile flavor from his mouth.
I usually avoid the gangs in Korvosa as I'm smart enough to run when I see them.
Tristain will make his way to the lighted rock, pick it up and throw it where the Hobgobs fled and will then go help drag Todor back to the inn, keeping a sharp eye out in case the Hobgobs have returned.
Penance does not bother pursuing the hobgoblins. Instead he checks to make sure Todor is still breathing then with a grunt he flips the body of the hobgoblin over and retrieves his arrows if he can. He then closes the creatures eyes and crosses his arms respectfully over his chest before taking a long intense stare at the creature he then closes his eyes committing the features to memory as best he can and thinking a solemn prayer. When he opens them again he takes whatever coin or papers the creature had on it and leaves the body, weapons and all where it lies.
His ritual done, his growing list of descriptions for his tatoo even longer he goes back to aiding the wounded as good as possible.
If we're not pursuing, Serry will run out to meet Tristain as he drags Todor's unconscious body back. Her head not yet clear from combat, she'll say, ,
Heal HP on Todor
Tristain appreciates the help from the others.
"I think he'll live...got nailed pretty good though. I think..." Tristain pauses and considers his words carefully, "...I think he's one of the few Faithful. He's one of the chosen. He still has his connection to his god. From what I hear, it is rare to see one of them. We are both lucky and unlucky to have him with us. He has a tremendous and rare power, but of course, it is one that many covet and need. It is, not unlike this rain, a double edged sword."
Tristain remembers his earlier conversation with Todor talking about the good and bad of the rain.
* * *
Back in the inn, Tristain will dry off both himself but also Todor's shield and return it to him.
Speaking to Lionel, he will press for details about the man's caravan, the attack, and what people think they should do about looking for other survivors.
"The rain may be washing away most of their tracks, but it's possible that I could track back to your caravan and we could look for others."
After a while, Tristain will ask the barkeep for another ale to settle is stomach as it is still roiling.
The mat, the mat, don't forget the mat! are the words you hear from Harwell, as you all come back in, helping the wounded Todor along. It's bad enough I've got this poor lad's blood ruining my wooden floors, now you come in....ugh!
Oh, stick a sock in it, Harwell! is Jenna's response, as she comes in with a pot of boiling water and some bandages. Come, young fella, got to clean that leg wound before it gets infected and they have to cut it off. Jenna seems quite experienced at bandaging wounds and she treats Lionel's wound with skill. Harwell smiles, Babe, that year of studying with the clergy of Desna really paid off, eh? Especially, in this cursed year!
Lionel hears Tristain's questions, if he asks them in the presence of the Harwells, but the young guard signals the half-elf that he will speak later. Jenna smiles, as she gets the guard's meaning, and after bringing out any more food or drink, as requested, retires for the evening.
Harwell remains as long as you request drinks and then he too leaves. If you request a room for the night, the rate is 5 sp per night. He gives you the key on a large iron ring with a number etched into it, points you upstairs, and hands you a bucket for your needs. He then grabs his glass jar filled with silver pieces and heads to his room on the ground floor.
Todor returns to consciousness as he is being dragged back to the inn. He looks up to see Serry and understands what has occurred--usually Todor is on the other side of this after a worker has been accidentally hit by a beam or fallen a great distance. Todor gets out a soft thank you before he suddenly realizes the combat might still rage on. He'll stand up to find the hobgoblins gone and people retreating to the inn. He will happily follow, being sure to collect his hammer.
Inside the inn he will quietly contemplate his first fight while he listens to Tristain question the injured soldier. "That was almost as thrilling as completing a new building. Right up to the point where I was knocked down like a rotten beam." Upon hearing his secret is out, Todor will groan to himself, "The more we fight our fate..."
He will then invite anyone injured to come near him--"No sense in wasting". "Thank you Abadar that we have survived this day and will be here tomorrow to sustain your great civilization. Protect us from all those who would tear down your works." Channel and and
Tristain bows his head and accepts the healing, finally happy to be whole again.
* * *
Tristain seems confused as people leave the inn and the owners leave for their beds.
"Uhm...Uh...UHM...Shouldn't we call for help or set a watch or something?! I mean, we had hobgoblins in town!!! Why is everyone so calm? HOBGOBLINS!! Attacking and pillaging!? What if they come back with more force?"
Tristain looks around, especially at the Marine for directions.
* * *
When the lights are nearly out and Tristain can be alone (with the party) and the guard, he will re-ask his questions.
There might be more trouble.
"Uhm...Uh...UHM...Shouldn't we call for help or set a watch or something?! I mean, we had hobgoblins in town!!! Why is everyone so calm? HOBGOBLINS!! Attacking and pillaging!? What if they come back with more force?"
Harwell laughs, one of his loud deep belly laughs. WATCH?? Hahaha! We're a small fishing port, this ain't Korvosa. Besides, the 4-5 guards we do have, I'm sure, are too smart to stay inside on this horrible night or too drunk to care...or both! If the hobgoblins want to raid the town, besides me wife's fresh fish, there ain't no other treasures in this god-forsaken place!
Lionel nods in agreement, Harwell is right, people. There won't be no raiding force invading this town anytime soon. I think. He then gives Tristain a look.
Harwell laughs, one of his loud deep belly laughs. WATCH?? Hahaha! We're a small fishing port, this ain't Korvosa. Besides, the 4-5 guards we do have, I'm sure, are too smart to stay inside on this horrible night or too drunk to care...or both! If the hobgoblins want to raid the town, besides me wife's fresh fish, there ain't no other treasures in this god-forsaken place!
"Uh, uhm, okay...for no reason at all, can I have a room with a window? Perhaps one closest to the water?"
Tristain is agog, but tries to keep it to himself. He'll try to make himself feel better by talking to Lionel when the coast is clear.
[
Not unlessthere happened to be money on said hobgoblin, no.
Not unless there happened to be money on said hobgoblin, no.
Elric will:
- Inquire Lionel if the people he was traveling with are in need of aid.
- make efforts to secure the Inn once everyone are inside (bolt doors, fasten shudders ect.)
- thank Penance for his good shooting, and offer to pay if he (or anyone else) appears to be in need of money.
- pay for board himself
- bunk down in common room, fastening his hammock from the rafters and sleeping in his armor, weapons close by. He will insist on a watch rotation, offering his signal whistle for use to sound an alarm in case of an attack.
Serry will take a minute to let her head clear before rejoining the others in the inn, looking around to find any of her missed bullets that survived. (She won't chase down the glowing one that Tristain tossed toward the hobgoblins.)
Once back inside, Serry will pay Harwell for a room, and a round of drinks for everyone, including Lionel. Once the innkeeper and his wife have retired, Serry will say to Lionel, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name or what happened. What were those things doing shooting at you?"
Todor agrees that a watch is a good idea. And it will feel good to do something familiar.
Todor will listen to Lionel's story and ask about the humanoids that attacked them since he's unfamiliar with hobgoblins.
When done, Todor will sleep without his armor on to avoid fatigue. I'm safe in the inn, in a manifestation of Abadar's presence.
Penance pays for his room with the spoils of murder, the irony of murder to survive not being lost on him. He looks somewhat surprised at Todors thanks but shakes his head at the offer to pay.
Penance sits by the fire his bow laid out across his lap staring into it in a trance like state.
In the light and calmness of the inn, you can tell that Lionel is in his early 20s, Varisian by race, dark skinned and quite handsome. He wears scale mail and an empty scabbard lies at his side. He introduces himself formally as Lionel Castor and asks for your names in return. Once Harwell and his wife have retired for the night, he stands up and limps over and peers out the window. After a few nervous seconds, he looks at the party. Thank you for your efforts tonight, saving my life. I’ve thought about this over and over in my head, this past hour and though I may be violating numerous protocols, I have to confide in the five of you, even if you do not look as savory as I may like. He purposefully looks at Penance as he finishes his sentence. Tonight, you risked your lives for a stranger with no expectation of reward and I have to believe that speaks to your noble intentions, if that even exists nowadays What you five did today is unheard of. He grabs and downs a shot of ale. He begins speaking, first calmly and then agitated as he describes the ambush. I was not guarding a merchant caravan tonight, as I stated to you earlier, Tristain. Despite my youthful appearance, I am assigned to the Royal Guard of Korvosa. My family has connections with the King. Myself, Viktor, and Garrett, under the command of Captain Rennic were guarding our detail, who insisted on traveling through the night in order to reach Korvosa as soon as possible. Stupid, I know, but we couldn’t refuse. We were ambushed on the road by the assailants, now recognized as hobgoblins. We were no match for their skill under the cover of darkness. I believe 10-12 of their kind attacked us. We fought bravely but I heard the screams of my friends and Captain, and saw our detail being taken. He pauses, cursing to himself. He then continues. It was a surgical strike, we had no chance. I lost my weapon in battle and fled here to Andora to find help, and I presume the three hobgoblins were dispatched to kill me. They chased and pelted me with bolts. The rest of the story, you know.
Lionel pauses to catch his breath. With his back to you, looking out into the rain, he continues. Our detail? Princess Natasha, King Eodred’s only child and daughter of his first marriage. Lionel slams his fist against the wall. How could I let this happen?!....aargh! After a few seconds, he pauses to regain his composure. Anyway, I have to assume this strike was planned at taking her, that’s why I assume no hobgoblin raid will be forthcoming. They’ve accomplished their mission. So, I ask you to help me find her. She was alive when I fled and I am sure they’ll not hurt her; she’s worth much alive. I can take the sword off the dead hobgoblin and go rescue her and regain my honor. What say ye?
Thumping his back against the wall, Tristain lets out a long deep breath as he slumps down to a sitting position as Lionel finishes his story.
Natasha? Princess Natasha?!
Tristain remembers the few times he's had a glimpse of her in Korvosa.
She never seemed bad. She liked to wave...even at people like me.
Tristain tries to clarify, still in disbelief: "The Natasha? Taken by hobgoblins?! Ah geez, ah geez..." Tristain shakes his head.
She's MY Princess from MY city.
What say ye?
Todor ponders Lionel's story . While he feels bad for the young princess, he is not exactly sure if this is any of his concern. "Master Castor, what would the purpose be in kidnapping the princess? While I am sorry for your loss, I'm not sure if I would be of much use to you. I am not a warrior."Although this night was quite exilirating."As you have a duty to the royal family, I have a duty to the church and to Korvosa, the city, and not her royalty. Surely, they will ransom the princess--and while I will mourn the loss of funds for civic projects--all will be resolved without further bloodshed."
"No man of the Sable Company would refuse such a request. When do we move? The rain will make tracking them hard, but I will hunt them down or die trying."
What say ye?Todor ponders Lionel's story . While he feels bad for the young princess, he is not exactly sure if this is any of his concern. "Master Castor, what would the purpose be in kidnapping the princess? While I am sorry for your loss, I'm not sure if I would be of much use to you. I am not a warrior."Although this night was quite exilirating."As you have a duty to the royal family, I have a duty to the church and to Korvosa, the city, and not her royalty. Surely, they will ransom the princess--and while I will mourn the loss of funds for civic projects--all will be resolved without further bloodshed."
Lionel seems dumbstruck at Todor’s response. An innocent is in danger and you do not care??? Then, why in the name of your god, did you, a self-proclaimed non-warrior, rush into battle against two highly trained hobgoblin soldiers? Something that nearly cost you your life! You weren’t constructing any building, then! And you are a… Lowering his voice to a whisper, he continues ..Chosen one for goodness sake. You were given your gifts by your god for a reason. You’re going to waste them and go build a shrine?! Someone help me out and explain these clear contradictions to me, please!
"No man of the Sable Company would refuse such a request. When do we move? The rain will make tracking them hard, but I will hunt them down or die trying."
Thankful to hear some reason finally, Lionel firmly grasps Elric's hand. Thank you, thank you! Now, this is a man of honor and duty. We move when you wish it, sir. I am not trained in tracking. I can lead you to the site of the ambush and hopefully, you can pick up their trail from there. Anyone else? The kingdom needs you!
Tristain understands where Todor is coming from, but stays quiet, he had already committed.
"I have already offered my help to find your companions, Lionel, though the task seems more daunting now that I know who and what is involved. I'll not take my words back. I will help...I have some skill in tracking, but I'm not much use in a fight."
Tristain wishes he had a shield, he felt more comfortable with it.
Tristain stands up and thinks about gathering his belongings before pausing, "Did you mean to leave this very moment? Or on the morn? I will do whichever."
Serry looks taken aback by the man's words. "The princess? Really? How awful!"
Lionel seems dumbstruck at Todor’s response. An innocent is in danger and you do not care???
"Forgive my objectivity, but you have still not answered my question. Is there any reason for taking the princess other than ransom? There are innocents in danger all over the world--in danger of dying from hunger, in danger of dying from war, but we can't save them all. And how do we know she is an innocent? I find that the royalty learn early on the things necessary to maintain one's position. And now that were in a dialogue, why was she travelling the countryside in the first place? And what are these hobgoblin creatures? Why would they be interested in her? I'm sorry, but once you get me asking questions, it's hard to stop. My teachers said it was my best and worst quality."