Good day my friends. Allow me to introduce myself. I, am Sir Herbert Atkins, and I shall be your guide as you adventure in this strange new world of Golarion.
Sandpoint is a small town North of our glorious Magnimar. Not large enough to yet require the connection of a steam railway, but surely such cannot be far off in the future. Sandpoint is famed for the quality of it's glass, produced by the workers under Sir Lonjiku Kaijitsu. The town is a friendly, bustling place, lit even at night by the new gas fuelled lanterns, an invention of the Turandarok Academy.
Each year, the Academy hosts a parade and festival in the town to show off the lastest inventions of the students and professors alike. It happens that today is indeed the day of the fair, and the town is turned out for the occasion...
dotting
Wits wanders along the parade route, sniffing the smells and barely able to see the sights through the maze of giant legs and torsos that make up the human race. He bumps his way through the crowd, ignoring the people who crinkle their noses and shy away from the tousled gnome that smells inexplicably like rotten persimmons and talcum powder.
'I wonder when the topless mud wrestling begins?' he wonders to himself, then stops abruptly and realizes that that was only a dream and not a feature of the event. 'Oh well,' he sighs and nearly gets knocked into a gutter by a tall tattoo'd man in furs and leather.
Emanual is eating in the Rusty Dragon, taking bites and chewing slowly to fully experience the flavors. After every other bite or so, he scribbles a note onto a piece of parchment next to his meal. When the parade begins, he will make his way to the parade route, keeping his eye out for any food vendors that may have set up a stall along the way.
Head bent low and shoulders hunched, Dean leafs through the pages of a old tome. Its got to be here he thinks to himself. Turning another page, he hears the sound of revelry outside. "Effing ignorant...damn it!", he flips back a couple pages as his attention is lost to the noise. Cursing again, he decides to call it a night. The book will be there tomorrow and the treasure has waited hundreds of years, it can wait one more night. He takes the book back, not to the return cart or to where he found it, but it an unobtrusive corner of the library, where he hides the book along other books that may contain information on treasure or the incident of five years ago.
He makes his way to the door and exits to the streets, looking for a drumstick and ale.
dot dot goose
"Now, aren't you a handsome devil, mon ami?!, mused Luc Dantés, smiling and gazing at his reflection in the ornate silver mirror on the counter. The reinforced trenchcoat fit well and added an air of mystery to his 6' frame, befitting of a noble of his stature. The three daggers strapped to the bandolier on his chest further stated: mess with me at your own risk. The coat impeded his movement a little, the plates sewn in the coat scraping against his leg here and there, and making the slightest of noises only his keen ears could have noticed among the bustle of the surging crowd outside the shop. A small price to pay, thought Luc, given the protections the armor would give him from any vengeful sword thrusts. Not that anyone from 2 weeks ago would recognize him. The trenchcoat was bulky enough no one could tell his actual weight from afar and the wide-brimmed hat on his head more than concealed the features of his face. And if anyone gets close enough to me, then they'll have to deal with my trusty sword, thought Luc, as he grasped the pommel of the rapier hanging at his side. No, he was safe here in Sandpoint, and having a ball of a time spending his wealth. "Merci, Claude, I will sing the praises of your tailoring shop. Here's an extra silver for the wife and kids." As he walked out the store, Luc scanned the crowd of revelers for anyone with hostile intentions, loose purses, or tight bodices, his three vices in life. You can never be too careful, he thought, knowing his keen senses had saved his life on more than one occasion. And like that, he blended into the crowd and was gone from sight, heading toward the crossbow display.
The festivities of this annual event, start early in the morning, each of the well established catering establishments, and Inns working hard to create a warm welcome, and a fine lunch (not to mention to line their own pockets with new custom!); Besk Magravi roasts a whole hog, outside Risa's Place; The Hag Fish has the traditional lobster chowder on the go; The venison is roasting inside the White Deer; Best of all Ameiko Kaijitsu is poaching her spiced salmon.
As the day progresses, it becomes obvious that every cart and horse in town has been commandeered by the Academe, to host it's parade. Strange contraptions ride atop wagons, along with their inventors; Live (often explosive) demonstrations in situe. Between the carts, a new model of steam engine puffs and hisses and stops and starts it's way along the route, walking on two duck feet, rather than the more traditional wheels.
Children run screaming around their mother's petticoats, while their fathers gather to inspect the inventions and discuss their merits. Snatches of conversation can be heard as you wander "...Ven's rot gut?..", "...heard what the Sczarni have stolen from Solsta this week?...".
A the sun begins to set, the parade moves into the largest available open space, circling the wagons around to provide a good view for all. A stage has been set and various dignatories prepair to speak, as the town gathers into the circle.
Mayor Deverin begins the proceedings. She stands tall on the platform and greets the populace in a warm, friendly manor.
She quickly passes the floor to the Inspector, Belor Hemlock.
This gruff Shoanti gives a short speech reminding people to keep the peace, and also of the men's duty to report to training each month. The town hasn't suffered any raids of goblins or such in recent times, but that is not reason to let down our guard!
Ilsoari Gandethus, then takes the stage, to introduce his students and their inventions. As he begins the crowd is hushed in anticipation, but his first word is cut off by a sharp retort, like a crack of distant thunder. Almost simultaneously, a woman's scream breaks the silence, and a stray dog stirs beneath a wagon, and starts to yap. A small shape rushes through the crowd, giggling with disturbing glee. The stray dog's bark is cut short with a gurgle, as it's throte is cut from ear to ear.
Ninian listens as the mayor begins her speech, wondering when did she get elected. Maybe I should have paid more attention he muses. After all, I am from here...
Perception:
Initiative:
He heres the crack and a scream, and tightens the grip on his cane...
Knowledge (Local):
Knowledge (Local):
Perception:
Initiative:
Luc's sharp ears catch the woman's scream as he turns towards the source..
Knowledge Local: Knowledge Local:
Perception:
Initiative!
Initiative! 1d20+2
Oh, errm, This help?
I'm not too worried where you all are on that map...but may be useful if you like that sort of thing.
Oh, errm, This help?
Anyway, Luc will shift the crossbow strung on his back to his hands as his action during the surprise round.
Oh, errm, This help?
Anyway, Luc will shift the crossbow strung on his back to his hands as his action during the surprise round.
Sweet! Now, that's what I call service! I'd say Luc would have been around L-13, watching the ceremony near a wagon.
Caught up in his own thoughts, the large well built man's head turns at the sound of the scream. Reaching back for the crossbow slung across his back, the stranger stands tall amidst the breaking waves of cahos, seeking the its source.
On the stage Inspector Hemlock draws his revolver, and points it at the small form near the caravan. The crowd is too dense here though for him to risk a shot, so in stead he fires into the air.
"Friends, Flee! To Your homes or the Garrison. Militia, draw your arms. To Me! To Me!"
With that he moves down from the stage, heading towards the threat. Seeing Raynard and Luc drawing their crossbows, he stops, "You men, I will leave you to take this one, I go to secure the town." With that he turns towards the garrison and moves off at a run.
On the stage Inspector Hemlock draws his revolver, and points it at the small form near the caravan. The crowd is too dense here though for him to risk a shot, so in stead he fires into the air.
"Friends, Flee! To Your homes or the Garrison. Militia, draw your arms. To Me! To Me!"
With that he moves down from the stage, heading towards the threat. Seeing Raynard and Luc drawing their crossbows, he stops, "You men, I will leave you to take this one, I go to secure the town." With that he turns towards the garrison and moves off at a run.
At the Inspector's shout, and gun shot, the townsfolk begin to flee. Over the commotion a high pitched singing can be heard in the distance, obviously this is not a lone goblin.
Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump.
Goblins slash and goblins bump.
Burn the skin and mash the head,
Goblins here and you be dead!
Chase the baby, catch the pup.
Bonk the head to shut it up.
Bones be cracked, flesh be stewed,
We be goblins! You be food!
As the crowd thins, the goblin under the wagon licks his dogslicer menacingly, only to knick his tongue on the blade, and stare down at the now dripping blood in amazement.
As he does so, three other goblins appear, two shooting wildly into the crowd, and one taking a particular interest in the dead rat that forms part of one of the presentations on one of the wagons.
Ninian gathers up his dueling cape with his left arm, and points to the goblin that is checking out the dead rat with his cane. he commands in a bold, authoritative boom. "And you piece of garbage, bring that rat with you if you would."
Since the initial goblin is in melee with Emanual, Luc thinks to himself: "Damn meddler, ruining my shot!" and takes aim at one of the other 3 goblins, depending on where they are on the map.
Raising his crossbow Reynard sight the first unengaged goblin he sees, the whoosh of the air propelled shaft echoingthrough the area.
Since the initial goblin is in melee with Emanual, Luc thinks to himself: "Damn meddler, ruining my shot!" and takes aim at one of the other 3 goblins, depending on where they are on the map.
Luc takes a shot with his crossbow at the closest goblin not in melee with anyone.
Wits peers through the legs of the fleeing giants and sees the goblins. "I hate goblins! They wreck EVERYTHING!" Wits pulls out a flask of chemicals, unplugs it and spits into it, watching it for a second to see it begin to fizz and turn purple.
"INCOMING!" Touch Attack at the nearest goblin:
Damage: ; 6 points of fiery splash damage!
Seeing everyone who has moved to attack the goblins, Emanual chuckles to himself, his grin almost as wide as the smile on the mask covering his face. "Looks like you things picked a bad day to be goblins", he says to the one he has closed with as he brings his greatsword down at him.
The crowd thins as people regain their senses a little and duck into the nearest building, or just off down one of the streets out of the square.
Wits throws his small bomb right on target, the container hitting a goblin square in the face, and knocking it to the ground, covered in flame. Some of the chemicals splash onto the nearby wagon, and there is a scream from under the display up there.
Meanwhile Emanual brings his greatsword down on one of the goblins, but is glances off it's armour without causing any damage.
Luc and Raynard fire off bolts, but in making sure they don't hit innocent people, their shots go wildly off the mark.
As Ninian commands the Goblin nearest him, it looks up, hand still hovering over the trapped rat, it moves down from the wagon, and stops a few feet in front of him captivated. The captivation doesn't last long though, as it whips it's dogslicer round in a slow arc, cutting into the inquisitor.
The goblin with Emanual also defends itself, but it's dog slicer isn't quite sharp enough to cut through his coat.
The final capable goblin realises this is no mear game any longer, and moves to attack Luc...
Wits looks quickly under the wagon to make sure he didn't intentionally blow up a bystander again, but then shrugs and looks around for his next target. Seeing the gobs begin to attack, he'll unsling his crossbow and fire off a shot at one of the gobs.
Attack:
Damage:
Wits looks quickly under the wagon to make sure he didn't intentionally blow up a bystander again...
"Nice shot, mon goblin", states Luc, clutching his wound with his left hand, and dropping his crossbow (free action) in disgust. He then pulls out his rapier (move action) and lunges at the goblin, attempting to skewer him, yelling "Have at thee!"
Perception:
"You're a wiggly little bugger, huh?", Emanual jokes as he brings his sword down for another try at the goblin.
if the goblin falls, I will use my move action to make my way to another goblin.
Racheting another bolt, Reynard fires at the nex of the little bastards still standing or unharmed.
"ugh..that's not how it was supposed to work." Ninian whacks at the goblin with his cane.
Witz's shot embeds itself in one of the wagons circling a now completely open space. Meanwhile Ninian's cane comes down with a resounding crack, knocking the goblin immediately unconscious.
Luc's fencing skills get into their full swing, ending with a goblin lying bleeding on the ground, and Emanual's blow damn near cleaves a goblin in two.
Seeing no furhter available targets Raynard holds his bolt ready for any more foes that may appear.
Four unconscious goblins now litter the open space.
When the goblin falls to his feet, Ninian's drops his cape, switch's his cane to his left hand, and goes to draw his crossbow. Seeing no further enemies, he gives his cane a swing and plants it on the ground next to the fallen goblin. Then he notices the cut on his arm. "Sonofab$!%@!" he murmers. He touches a couple fingers and murmers something:
"Ah." Then, he figures it might be prudent to question one of these goblins for questioning...
Shouts of people echo from various points around the town, although it has gotten suddenly calm in this square with the fall of the last goblin.
The singing can still be heard from in the distance to the south,a s well as the sounds of the militia organising themselves as quickly as possible.
For the moment the five of you are stood, regaining your breath and performing whatever quick actions seem appropriate.