Sergei sighs inwardly when the lordling puts in an appearance.
Well, I suppose that it could have been worse, although right now, I cannot think exactly how...
"Indeed you are. May I make a couple of suggestions, though? When we return triumphant from our little foray, we want to present a dashing picture; I recommend that you take a thick woolen cloak, or some leather armor (i.e. an Armored Cloak) with you - that way, if we end up rushing through the underbrush whilst the chase is afoot, you will not risk damaging your fine clothes... I also suggest that we pay a visit to the blacksmith on the way out of town; that is a fine display piece you have there, but a slightly larger model would probably be more effective at taking down a wild boar..."
"Uhhh..." Avizzi seems at a loss for words, and he quickly distracts himself by downing a shot of ale. "Cayden help him," he murmurs, and as an afterthought, "and us."
Idril is slightly uncomfortable, not sure she is dressed correctly for a boar/goblin hunt.
"Just how many of them will there be?" She inquires to Lord Foxglove.
Dressed in practical cloths and wearing her armour Chammady has prepared herself as best she can not knowing what to expect. As she sees Alden Foxglove she is silent for a moment then a smile forces its way to her lips. "I think Father Janderhoff might be right," she adds
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Oh! Thank you, please I welcome your advice. That is the whole purpose after all. I want to learn to be an adventurer like you! Aldren follows your advice and gets an armored coat and an appropriately sized boar spear. This eats about an hour of time in the morning, but at least he has the right gear.
There is just one boar I am hoping to find, the Tickwood Horror. One tribe of goblins is said to worship this boar, though some say it doesn't even exist. It is possible we can get a few boar though, the tick wood is full of them.
It is about a thirty minute ride to the tickwood, and another hour to continue on for the Mayor to scout out the road to the west river. In this time Aldren is full of questions:
When did you start adventuring ? Why? What is the best weapon to use against a goblin? Have you ever fought anything other than a goblin? Where did you learn to use your weapons? Can you teach me? He directs these questions at who ever will answer him.
You reach the bridge that goes over the river and so far no signs of goblins, or other travelers on the road so far.
Avizzi isn't great on a horse, though he manages to only fall off once or twice--usually while reaching for a flask or pointing out a squirrel or other such wildlife. He's also friendly and answers Aldren's questions.
When did you start adventuring?
"Well, being raised by my tribe was an adventure itself! One day you're hunting, the next you're learning to build fires while a snow-spirit blows on your hands 'til you can't feel the things! Good times, good times... I s'pose my proper adventuring started when Cayden told me to get off my bum and hup to! Though it didn't change much from what I'd been doing already--mostly walking around, helping folks."
What is the best weapon to use against a goblin?
"I always like to use these friends o' mine!" The Ulfen lifts his fists and nearly loses his balance again. "I call them Justice and... uh... Good-Deed-Doing-Type-Stuff! But most people like swords." The man shakes his head. "I can't wrap my head around the things. Why worry about angles and cutting when you can just bash a goblin's skull in?" He looks to Idril. "Though I saw what you did with your scarf--neat trick, that."
Have you ever fought anything other than a goblin?
"Well, I've wrestled plenty of fellas who had a little too much of Cayden's good brew, knocked a few heads together if I had to. And there's those skeletons--" Avizzi stops, wondering if he should talk about that. "Anyway, hopefully we add boar to that list today!"
Where did you learn to use your weapons?
"Well, that's a tough one. I guess one day I just knew." The Ulfen grins. "Sometimes I feel like I was born with 'em--they're like extensions of my body!" He nods wisely.
Can you teach me?
"Well, sure." Here Avizzi tries to show Aldren how to make a fist and get your whole body behind the blow--an effort that leaves him once again toppling from the saddle.
Sergei eyes the horse warily when it is offered to him, but puts on a brave face, and, with difficulty, manages to stay mounted.
For the first part of the journey, he is quite tense, but once he gets into the rhythm of it, he relaxes, and indulgently answers the eager lordling's questions.
When did you start adventuring? Why?
"Well, to be honest, it just kind of happened; my eldest brother took over the family business, the next one in line decided to play politics, and entered the clergy. I was more or less left to find my own way."
What is the best weapon to use against a goblin?
"Basically, anything that you can lay your hands on. Personally, I prefer weapons that can be wielded in one hand, but that is because I was used to dealing with goblins in the cramped lower tunnels beneath Janderhoff..."
Have you ever fought anything other than a goblin?
"Well, to be honest, mostly just the occasional bandit who seriously underestimated my combat ability; that, and a few cave spiders."
Where did you learn to use your weapons?
"At home! Every dwarf is trained from childhood, ready to bear arms against the vermin that occasionally break through from the lower tunnels. Personally, I favor the hammer, pick, and axe."
Can you teach me?
"I would be happy to run you through some of the basics; anything more than that, though, would take years..."
Carfully, Idril balanced herself on the top of the gentle riding horse. As long as she didn't have to do anything else she should remain on top. She kicked herself mentally, embarassed that the outrageous flattery of the hostler made her pay extra for a sidesaddle. "For the Lady". Of course, given her lack of training, any saddle would likely have had the same result.
She was somewhat distracted by the incessant questioning.
When did you start adventuring? Why? "What? You were there milord; Have you forgotten already? Those goblins were out to kill everyone!"
What is the best weapon to use against a goblin? "I'm sure most anything that would pierce their flesh would do. I advise something with reach."
Have you ever fought anything other than a goblin? "There is always some drunken man grasping at what isn't theirs to be fended off."
Where did you learn to use your weapons? "My... aunt taught me very well; along with dancing. When we camped on our caravans we used to practice..."
Can you teach me? "To fight with a woman's scarf? Look, don't you have a stable of knights for that kind of thing?"
Idril looks around desparately for bodyguards besides themselves.
Isorion picks the scrawniest of the horses available and holds its rein tightly that is after a few attempts to get on it. When he heard it that the boar was not just an ordinary boar his dream of presenting a piglet to the lord washed away replacing it with a dreaded picture of a murderous beast. He looks back from time to time estimating how far they are from the city. At least he listened to reason and got some armor, I probably should have done the same
When did you start adventuring? Why?
My whole life was an adventure. From the moment I cast my eyes apon the world to the world to the moment that you asked me this question. Whenever I plan to settle down destiny throws a hard punch and keeps sending me in the most perilous places.
the half-elf says slightly bothered by the question avoiding to give a clear answer.
What is the best weapon to use against a goblin?
Best would be to avoid them. You will rarely see just a[i] goblin. But if you need to clear your way through them just pick them from afar: bow, crossbow even a slingshot is good if nothing else. No need to get your hands or clothes dirty .
[i]Have you ever fought anything other than a goblin?
My family loved hunting, they seam to face even the wildest of the animals without worrying of harm. I... fallowed them. Drunken humans are also troublesome.
Where did you learn to use your weapons?
"Weapons?! I was first given a bow, they when they saw my skill with it they replaced it with a crossbow, then they tried to teach me how to handle the problems without using weapons. That seamed to go better than the other two. "
Can you teach me?
"Aghh, the ways of the magic can be thought, yes. But that is for the scholars who waste their lives away locked in towers learning the ancient lore. Wouldn't you rather smash goblins and stab their boars with your mighty spear? You will have to excuse me I hear my friends calling from further back. " He signals the horse to walk slower and avoids answering too many questions.
If this keeps going like this I will personally hand him to the goblins. He looks at the lordling long imagining how he would fit in a cauldron.
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Aldren listens intently to each of your answers and tries to pick up what he can, but it becomes obvious he is going to take a lot of work.
WOW LOOK AT THAT BOAR! Aldren exclaims loudly as he is bucked off his horse that is now startled. Aldren appears to be as a very large boar charges him from the thicket.
Sergei winces when the lordling crashes to the ground, but nonetheless draws his warhammer, and charges the great boar!
Idril slides out of her saddle to the ground at the first opportunity.
She whips her bladed scarf from around her shoulders and snaps it through the air at the boar.
for a possible cutting damage.
Isorion was startled for a second but regains his calm analyzing the situation. You did your best Aldren, now let's see how we can get that thing away from you.He drops from his mount fearing that he might not be able to control it and starts casting a spell.
I wound advise to either protect me or attack it from the sides! Don't get between me and that piggy Horror. Isorion shouts right after casting the spell. I just know I will hate myself in the morning.
Hearing Isorion's words as Aldren falls and the dwarf charges--I like the cut of his jig--Avizzi leaps from his saddle, coming down to keep rushing the beast, staying out of Isorion's line of vision.
Avizzi stops short of the beast, bringing up his fists in a guarded position and readying himself to punch out if it comes within reach.
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22 Tickwood Horror Charges and gores Aldren
21 Sergei Hits the mighty boar with a solid hit
19 Isorion Isorion locks gaze with the Boar that grunts and prepares for another charge against the Half-Elf Sorceror
18 Avizzi Makes an impressive leap off his horse and stands ready to deliver a strike against the boar
9 Idril Strikes the beast with her scarf, it does less damage than she expects
Sergei desperately attempts to control his mount, but fails spectacularly.
"Damn horse! Hold still!"
Happy that she chose a pair of pants Chammady looks in disbelieve as only a large stallion is left for her. Deciding that, that to can be a lady's mount she mounts the stallion with little difficulty. When they begin their trip, she is surprised by how difficult the creature is to control. Her natural agility helps her somewhat but real training would be better.
She smiles at their benefactors eager questions and listens carefully to her companions' answers. By Sarenrae, I wouldn't know how to answers half of those questions.
Chammady struggles with the magnificent beast and somehow manages to sooth the stallion long enough to gracious dismount and close in on the Aldren. She tries to pull him away from the ferocious boar if it can be done safely. . She wants the others to press on despite their opponent. Her intentions are suddenly fuelled by the strange inner fire and she shouts: "Tenta!"
Everyone can make one reroll of a D20 next round.
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22 Tickwood Horror Charges and gores Aldren
21 Sergei Hits the mighty boar with a solid hit give me a ride check to make your mounted charge. If successful, roll to confirm your crit, if unsuccessful we will say you failed to crit because you were maintaining balance after wielding such a heavy weapon from horseback.
19 Isorion 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Isorion locks gaze with the Boar that grunts and prepares for another charge against the Half-Elf Sorceror
18 Avizzi Makes an impressive leap off his horse and stands ready to deliver a strike against the boar
9 Idril Strikes the beast with
8 Little Chammady uses Rally and removes Aldren from the melee.
*****************************Round 2************************************
Isorion feels his body moving backwards as he sees the boar's tusks drenched with his blood. He tries to say something but his thoughts get clouded as he blacks out.
for a possible
Round 2___________
"Get away from him you cur!"
Idril enters Battle Dance stance, her hair and scarves spinning like a dervish; she uses her Inspire Courage on herself for +1 to hit and damage.
She also uses Trickster charge to move to one side of the creature (aiming for a flanking position with someone), and gain a +1 to hit as well from the Trickster charge.
for a possible cutting damage (bypasses DR).
Avizzi misses his swing at the boar, grunting as it rushes past, and he lets out a gasp as it rips into Isorion. "Alright, you big, bloody... pig!" Blustering and unable to come up with a good enough insult for the beast, the Ulfen launches himself forward and tries to lock down the boar in his grip.
Avizzi grunts as he pushes the tusks away from his stomach and moves in between them, gripping the boar firmly and holding it. "Now I've got 'im!" he cries, and suddenly realizes, Now what?
Remember your reroll.
Disgusted with his horse, Sergei dismounts, and takes a swing at the boar!
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The Mighty Beast turns no longer locked into a gaze with Isorion, it starts to move, then stumbles to the ground with a weak squeal. The beast vomits an
In the forest you can hear goblins.
Chammady looks up at the unintelligible sounds coming from Avizzi, seeing that the great Ulfen has grabed the beast, she draws a breath fearing for his life. She is relieved as Sergei's hammer ends the beasts reign of terror. "Alacarna Casar" she smiles at the dwarf. Before looking at Aldren to determine his wounds. Worried by the sounds coming from the woods she looks in the direction to try and determine the source.
Avizzi grins to Sergei. "Good hit--I wasn't sure what to do. At least now I can say I wrestled the Tickwood Horror and came out on top!" He laughs, and turns as he hears the goblins. "Well?" he asks in a loud voice. "We just bested a great boar! You think you can take us?!" He slips a flask from his belt and takes a swig.
Sergei casts a spell, and looks at the unusual object that the creature vomited up.
"Well, well. What have we here?"
Sergei grins broadly at Avizzi.
"Indeed you can! 'Avizzi, the boar wrestler' has a nice ring to it..."
His voice trails off when he hears the far too familiar chatter of Goblin voices.
"Come out one at a time, or all at once; it doesn't matter to us. We will collect your ears just the same!"
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The Goblin voice came from the area of thicket the Tickwood Horror emerged from. An inspection of the area shows there to be a large whole, probably some hovel the swine was living in.
Spinning to a stop, Idril looks on the defeated creature with some satisfaction. She rewraps her scarves around her shoulders.
"Right then. How is his Lordship? I saw him take a terrible hit from that creature."
She tenses up again at the sound of goblins...
Sergei picks-up the strange-looking horn, gingerly.
He then turns to Isorion, and mutters a prayer.
He nods in satisfaction when Isorion regains consciousness.
"That was a brave thing that you did. Foolhardy, but brave. I think that I may be starting to like you!"
Sergei sighs as he regards Aldern.
"I have limited healing remaining. If we are going to go after the remaining goblins (which I feel is wise), I think we should keep the healing in reserve, just in case... The Goblins are unlikely to come above ground during the middle of the day; if we want to chase them, we will have to go in after them."
"Aye, that was a strong-hearted tact, if not a strong-brained one!" Avizzi helps the half-elf to his feet, clapping his shoulder.
Turning to Sergei and the body of the lordling, Avizzi stoops down and throws the man over his shoulders. "I've got him," the Ulfen says, demonstrating that he can still fight with his legs--an unorthodox if still effective enough style.
Isorion wakes up suddenly looking for the ravaging boar and relaxes when he seas it dead.
Brave or dumb the deed is done. I'm just lucky to be alive. Thank you for your healing. He gets closer and closer to the boar checking if it is alive by hitting it with his foot You did a good job with this boar. Wait a second. I have some accounts to settle with it. Grabbing his dagger he removes the head of the boar getting his hands all dirty with its blood. He then makes sure most of the blood has been washed away before casting a spell and the ground before him lighting up and a circular disk can vaguely be distinguish.
He puts the boar head on it and looks at Avizzi strangely but slightly amused. Don't need to strain yourself too much. He points at the disk. Throw him with the boar. I'll watch over him.
He begins walking, limping from time to time in the direction of the voices with crossbow in hand.
Now let's get those goblins! We might even surprise some of them.
Avizzi grins and laughs. "Hahaha! Magic comes in to save the day! Also, my back." The Ulfen sets the limp body of Aldren on the disk and also moves toward the goblin voice sounds, stepping lightly...
...he's not too bad at it, it seems.
Chammady looks to Idril and shakes her head. "I think he'll pull through, but his wounds are bad. I tended to the worst of them, but he needs a real healer."
She looks to Isorion and Sergei worried about the severity of his wounds. Seeing Sergei working his divine mandate she breaths more easily. Hearing the good spirited tone between the men as Isorion once again is walking she adds in a ice cold tone: "You might like him more Father Janderhoff, but it was a stupid risk and you Isorion shouldn't take this lightly, you're lucky the father was here."
With an annoyed expression she walks over to the sorcerer. "You can barely walk, let go one like this." Considering her options a spilt second she adds: "I hope it burns you," and places her hand on the centre of his chest looking inwards for the inner flame urging it to flare up and wander into the man.
The sorcerer has taken a step back taken by surprise about Chammady's harsh tone. Now you're making me look bad. Ouch! Isorion jumps feeling the effects of the sudden release of healing magic. Yeah, you should ask him for some healing lessons.
He smiles checking some of his bruises than draws the bolt in his crossbow aiming for the boar hole. Chammady, I promise I'll try do less stupid stuff. He pauses for a second to cast a light spell on the bolt. Aghh... Right after this one! He presses the release mechanism on the crossbow letting the bolt fallow it's way.
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The Light illuminates a 10'x10' area inside the hovel. The large Boar barley fit into his house, it probably lived here before it ate the magical item. Isorion's bolt travels for about 30' before it hits a wall on the other end of dirt and rock. The hovel looks like it descends deeper as, but there is an extreme slop.
Aldren begins to wake up. Ugh, Wha what happened. Why am I floating?
Idril eyed Isorion with approval.
"Still; that was very impressive. To stare down a mankilling monster before being run down? That was Operatic!"
Idril will cautiously enter the place.
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The scent alone in this place is enough to keep intruders at bay. With Isorion's Bolt still stuck in the far wall, you can see the remains of this hug boar's living quarters. There is some strange markings in the hovel, and you can see that the hovel connects to a cave below, the fall is steep and will require some climbing to repel safely.
Avizzi sneaks along behind Idril, dropping down low to keep his balance on the slope.
Nose wrinkling with distaste, Idril gingerly climbs down into the cave.