When the half-orc moves Loupe ducks ahead and yells out to the Dwarf "Sten! Over here! My shout!"
he then leads the way to where he thinks he can get the good stuff.
Replied Karl in the Orcish tongue, before following the rest of the group. The ex-guard knew when he was being goaded and he didn't like it, but splitting the skull of anyone even an obviously shady half-orc could mean trouble that he could not realistically deal with at the moment. Still despite the contempt he felt towards the Half-orc's jibe He must have really hated being looked down to the sell sword smiled and slowly his anger was disappearing, and recounting what he gained today only helped speed up the process; Information, access to armor maintenance and the added bonus of leaving behind the crowds and the children.
"You sure you know where your going?" He asked the armorer, as he kept to the very back of their little traveling troupe.
Sten turns at his name. His smile wipes away as soon as he hears the harsh gutterals of orcish speech. The human speaking seemed to be holding a conversation with an orc... no scratch that, maybe a half, hard to tell. Not that it mattered. Sten knew he would have to watch these two.
To Loupe he says"You alright lad. These fine fellows friends of yours?" The stress he places on friends makes it clear he means anything but.
Hmm, 2 humans that speaking Orcish, odd, maybe its a sign from the mother that these folks will aid me in her quest. Tho this big man could be someone of interest
"Ha Ha Ha...I did not come to this festival to fight or kill anyone, it is a time of..of...celebration." looking like he doesn't really want to say it." of these temples. This man has offered us free beer..."The Good Stuff". I say we take him up on his offer."
Looking at the tall armored man
"Ha Ha Ha....I am Vishoon" to these new people he has just met giving them the best smile he can.
Typical Dwarf, where did he come from? Why the mother would want me to associate with someone like that is beyond me, maybe he is here to test me."
"We agree one on thing then...we should take him up on his offer, all merchants have deep pockets and we might as well see how deep his, really are" Karl offered the armorer a wicked smile before noticing the arrival of an armored dwarf.
"You alright lad. These fine fellows friends of yours?"
"Fine fellows? Oh he must mean you" said the mercenary as he turned to face the man in the scale armor, the mocking smile not leaving his scared face.
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Zander meets Karl's mocking smile with one of his own, "While I am a fine fellow, Master Sten said fellows, as in more than one. I may have put on a few pounds from all this delicious food, but I doubt I've grown enough to be considered more than one person."
Looking Karl up and down, Zander offers his hand to the fighter, "Can't say we've been introduced, the names Zander, a humble servant of The Eternal Rose, may her beauty shine down on all the goodly people of the world."
Sten stares hard at the men. He smiles ruefully at them as he decides how to approach the situation. A priest of Shelyn hmm. Well at least if he is true he will mean well. Won't have the beard to do what must be done, but he should be fine. Loupe seems a good enough sort. These others will need watching. It will be fine though. We meet, we be civil, and we will part. In a day or so I will be on my way, and they will be a memory.
"Sure Sten" Loupe replies as confidently as he can "Let's get some beer."
I need some cred here, I think
"I'm Loupe Ardoc" he introduces himself to the group as a whole
"Journeyman Golemcrafter, armourer and wizard. Exiled out here for killing a necromancer in a magical duel. I've set up a forge just outside town."
Loupe studies Sten's face as he talks.
For the briefest of moments Karl stared at Zander's outstretched hand, it was a courteous and respectful gesture, yet Karl had no trouble mistrusting it Whats he up to? The old shake, pull you in and stab you to death? Or maybe its the the arm-lock and throat slit Karl's suspecting eyes darted over to Zander once more He doesn't look the type, but you can't be too careful The mercenary mentally prepared himself, and made sure he was physically ready for any sudden movements, then he shook Zander's hand firmly.
"Karl, mercenary...and occasional punter of little, helpless creatures" The poison of sarcasm was very clear in the latter part of Karl's introduction, of course judging by the way the dwarf has acted so far, it would not surprise the ex-guard if he took that part seriously.
"I'm Loupe Ardoc" "Journeyman Golemcrafter, armourer and wizard. Exiled out here for killing a necromancer in a magical duel. I've set up a forge just outside town."
"You never gave me any details when you mentioned that, that can be remedied, as we all eat are hearty meal" Said Karl with a wicked tone in his voice, as he attempted to raise the level of the invitation "Paid for by your deep and magical pockets" He continued as his face broke into a sinister grin.
Sten broke the air with thunderous laughter."Ahh lad that is a good one. Well a good thing I am neither little nor helpless. And I do believe your foot may find itself lodged on a spike, if you were to try that punting prowess. What a stain you would make, it would be a shame to have to polish that out. Oh I'm sure Loupe would appreciate the businesses though." His smile seems to say he was joking, and maybe he truly is. Who is to say.
Karl sinister grin turned into a tooth-filled, feral one, as Sten spoke. The dwarf's facial features portrayed that what he was saying should be taken with a light-heart, and Karl had planned to go with the flow of the conversation for now. It was surprising and refreshing to hear such words in a town, that had not offered him any sort of work, excitment or intrigue.
"Of course he would, what merchant wouldn't? I am sure you have little reason for worry either way, you don't fit my category and I am very picky man when it comes to that particular subject; you see your not little, just short and you certainly don't look helpless then again looks can be deceiving, the spikes are nice touch though, I should really get some for my self sometime" Replied the brown haired, scared man with a jibe of his own, if anything he was enjoying the conversations he was getting from this particular company.
"Outcast for killing a necromancer? You think they give you a reward for such actions...
"Thanks Vishoon - I man it was hardly even my fault. Man on an eight story wooden and rope structure who picks a fight with a fire mage..." Loupe chants a word and points directly up - and a fifteen foot cone of brightly burning blue fire billows into the sky "...seems to me that's a man who wants to die".
"Now - forward to the Rusty Dragon and a good brew!"
Karl whistles after witnessing Loupe's performance of his arcane prowess, he'd seen a lot of uses of the arcane during his life time, either on the battlefield or in smaller urban fights, but he still found it enjoyable to look at...as long as you are not on the receiving end. He witnessed Loupe moving the direction that supposedly lead to the Rusty Dragon Time to see this place for my self Thought the mercenary as he followed the wizard, keeping to the very back of the group as he has done before.
"You jump into the air and try to cath one of the "children of Desna"..but the little nimble creature was too fast for you and you got a hand of air instead.."
“After making its way through the crowded streets of Sandpoint to the south end of town, the group turns down Market Street and soon finds itself outside the Rusty Dragon; one of Sandpoint’s two Inns, The Rusty Dragon is a large building with a very large and very rusty Iron Statue of a Dragon Perched on the roof. It is known for having some of the best and exotic food in Sandpoint, as well as great Ale! Being today is the Swallowtail Festival; some of the food is being offered for free, most notably the Curry spiced salmon which seems to be a favorite, and the Winterdrop Mead is most definitely one of the more potent libations offered.”
A bit winded from chasing after the butterflies, Red wanders down to the Rusty Dragon, searching for something to slake his thirst. Noting that some of the food is being offered free, Red asks for a plate of the curry spiced salmon. It's rare that any food can overwhelm his palate, and he is always on the lookout for a fiery new challenge to measure himself up against.
After the odd man with his questions left, Dair listens to the end of the speeches. When the butterflies are let loose, he joins in with the children chasing them down, and even manages to catch one. He shows it a few little kids nearby, then lets it go saying "Lady Desna teaches us that all must be free to enjoy life, even if all that means is flying around looking pretty"
He then makes his way back to the Rusty Dragon, long before any of the strange people he saw at the festival. He assists Ame for a bit behind the bar, until it gets crowded enough for them to request entertainment.
He starts out with some basic juggling, and simple magic tricks, to the oohs and ahhs of the patrons.
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Zander tries some of the spiced salmon, coughing a bit at the surprising amount of kick it has, before washing it down with some of the mead. "Now Loupe, you seem to have been in this town the longest, does it have an adventurers guild or place people hire sellswords for various tasks? My coin grows thin and I could use some money to continue my travels."
Loupe upends his purse onto the bench in front of Darikal. Silvers and coppers roll out
"Tell us when that's gone" he says slurring slightly.
Turning to Zander he tries to answer the question
"Here? Here, in the most peaceful town I've ever seen? A place where people who would buy armour actually might go? I wish! If there was such a place I'd be camped out inside it offering membership discounts."
"No - the closest thing to trouble round here is a bunch of goblins off a ways."
Loupe grabs a mead and takes a large slurp, then continues
"I just want to create a masterwork. I need the money for the materials and someone to buy it. It's going to be beautiful - here..."
Loupe grabs a piece of charcoal, walks over to the wall, mutters somethign and begins to draw.
He sketches plans for a suit of spiked full plate, drinking and explaining as he goes. Even with the crude materials it is easy to see it is a potential masterpiece.
When he is finished there is a life-sized sketch of a suit of full plate on the wall.
He grabs another mead and walks over to it.
"But around here? I can't find a client and I can't get the money to do it myself. Quiet as the grave. Just need a little excitement for business to pick up!" Upending the mead he pours it at the floor of the drawing while saying "Lord of Iron send it so."
knowledge religion dc 10 to know that Gorum is "Lord IN Iron"? Hope you don't mind but I figured an armourer would have at least heard of the patron god of full-plate. Take 10 would make it easy.
Sten admires the intricacies of Loupe's work, he look up and down the work shaking his head approvingly.[b]"Lad, if I had the gold I would commission your work right this minute. Sadly I am but a poor crusader upon the path Torag has set for me. Somehow though I get the feeling the Father of Creation would be proud of such a piece. Mayhaps you will be able to start work soon. You have drive and work ethic it seems, and that goes a long way my boy."[/b}
Sten then takes up a single tankard of what Loupe has payed for, honor-bound to accept his host's hospitality. He carefully nurses the drink, trying to make it last. He then grabs a tankard of the free stuff again trying to make it last. It is all well and good that they had been offered such a bounty, but Sten knew he could not take more then what was correct. To give in to excess is to give in to the ways of Droskar and there was a fate that he would never allow.
He scans the bar, watching the halfling and his antics for a bit. He turns to his companions[b]"Well we have heard Loupe's tale boys, how bout your tales? What brings you all to such a peaceful seeming town?"[/b}
The the piece of charcoal danced across one of the wooden walls of the Rusty Dragon, presenting to the adventurers what could be a future masterpiece of armor work, it even forced Karl to look up from his meal a number of times, and there were few things in the world that could get between him and his nourishment Interesting design He thought as he took a massive bite of the curry spiced salmon, then he smiled when Loupe began complaining over his lack of work, but it was a bitter smile, that portrayed how he knew that he would not find much work either.
"This looks fine and all, but can you work with leather just as well as you do with metal?" He asked, his tone genuinely curious and devoid of any mockery.
"Well we have heard Loupe's tale boys, how bout your tales? What brings you all to such a peaceful seeming town?"
Karl wiped away at his mouth with his left hand and let a wicked smile sneak its way to his face "Would it be too apparent and predictable if I said, I am out here to kill someone? He asked mockingly, before biting into the curry spiced salmon once more.
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Zander too watches Loupes masterpiece unfold on the wall of the tavern, clearly impressed with his skill in drawing, and even more at the prospect he could make it with enough money. Then, hearing Karl’s offhand comment about killing someone, shoots the man a surprised and incredulous look. ”Are you a bounty hunter or some form of marshal? “ he asks, before adding, ” I am here as part of a religious pilgrimage to see not only the holy places of Shelyn, may her smile bless us all, but of all the good dieties of the realm.”
"Before Karl has a chance to answer the question, A women steps up on a chair and asks for everyones attention:
"Attention Everyone..The good Father Zantus has asked me to inform you that the Final Speech and Consecration of the New Catherdral is about to begin Shortly back in the festival square, So you better hurry if you dont want to miss it!
The women then steps down and returns behind the bar.
"The companions Finish up their conversations and meals and return to the festival square to hear Father Zantus Give the Final Speech and Blessing, they make their way back across town and take up spots in front of the speakers stage. After a few minutes Father Zantus arrives and takes the stage. He try’s several times to get the audience’s attention without much success, you notice he slips out a small stone from his vestment pocket and strikes it on the podium.
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 raise, high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human. 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 pools around the dead dogs head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.”
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!
SB-
KS-
D-
V-
RS-
ZS-
LA-
Gb1-
Gb2-
Gb3-
SB-
KS-
D-
V-
RS-
ZS-
LA-
at the crowd, seeking out a new target."
Init:
Goblin2, Karl,Vishoon,Red Storm,Goblin1,Goblin3,Dairkal,Loupe,BoulderShoulder,Zander
Hearing Karls words interesting another man here to kill someone... Guess we should see the end of this festival. Vishoon goes out, and sees a dog, bleeding, no not just bleeding but having his throat cut. He looks around and spots a goblin. Hmmm goblins might get paid for getting rid of them [Goblins.. He says pointing at him, as he pulls fish fachion out, and charges the goblin.
Goblin2 Rushes forward from behind the cart, Swinging his dog slicer around in the are haphazardly and screaming with an insane laugh, just as hes about to attacks, he trips over his own feet and lands with a thud on the ground..the goblin is dazed.
"Before the Goblin can get back to his feet, Vishoon charges forward and with one swift swing of his Facion..the goblins head comes clean off its body and rolls away.."
Seeing their comrade lose his head, the other two goblins that were hiding behind the cart Start Screaming and laughing, they stand up and draw their dog slicers.
The screams of fright, the chaotic fleeing of non combatants and his enemies ahead of him. This scene was all too familiar, as was the feeling of blood-lust and fear that filled the air around him, and to all this Karl was indifferent, this was not his town and the crying, screaming frames that had escaped past him were not his people and even if this was homeland and the people possessed by fear were his own he still would not care, fighting this battle would not further his goals, so whatever the outcome, he would just make sure to leave intact, he looked to his right, and saw no combatants and figured he could move behind the wooden structure, hide from sight and sneak out of town with none the wiser, that was option to be sure...but there were benefits to protecting Sandpoint, there was no better chance to prove to any possible employers just what he's capable of, two paths lay before the mercenary and he knew he could only pick one.
The curly haired mercenary unhooked his battle-axe and let his shield slide into his left forearm, the benefits of this path clearly outweighed the disadvantages for him, and so he would "nobly" choose to protect the fleeing citizens of this little town. Karl moved forward at fast but careful pace keeping his shield close. Soon he was at the right side of the goblin who was closest to him.
Karl drops into a more defensive stance, keeping his shield at his front and his axe hand away from his enemy's sight, then with out warning, his battle-axe descends upon the goblin's head.
Attack roll:
Damage roll:
"Karls swings his axe at the goblins head..the goblin reacts just in time and dodges the blow..he looks at Karl and laughs as he stuffs an apple into his mouth"..
Red draws his spear and rushes forward to engage the goblin on the left. He shouts for the crowd to take shelter, but the words come out as the sound of bubbling magma.
"Goblin2 Climbs up on the cart, as he climbs up he grabs an a half eaten peice of meat off the cart and throws it into his mouth..looking at Red Storm he ,akes a half haerted attempt to swing at him with his dog slicer..and misses Red"
"Goblin3 dances around in a circle laughing hysterically at Karls miss moments before..He yells something at Karl as he draws as he draws his dog slicer and takes a swing at Karl.."
"The Dog Slicer connects with Carls Shield and Leaves a Pretty Good slash across it.."
One down, hmm what is that human trying to say? Maybe he needs help Vishoon charges the goblin on cart.
"Karl, Feeling something wet looks down and notices that his shirt is starting to turn red, and he has a burning sensation across his gut..it seems that the Goblins previous attack did more than just scratch his shield..it also gave him a nasty cut..any deeper and he we knew he would be in big trouble"
What if I use a Run action? That gives me 60ft, and then next round I could either climb or jump onto the wagon.
Seeing the sinister looking warrior in trouble, Dair sprints across the battle field as fast as his little legs can take him, aiming to jump up on the wagon.
Edit:
Righteous vengeance flows through Sten as he spies those goblins closest to his group. Vile creatures, maybe this town is not as safe and peaceful as I originally thought. Torag does surely place many a test for his creation, as any good craftsman should. Now I shall test my steel and see if I will stand the test or break upon the anvil. [b]"For Torag and the forge fire"] Sten shouts as he moves forward unloosing his Dorn Derger at full extension. With a mighty swing, he rockets the ball end of the chain outwards at the goblin before him.
Loupe starts to run into combat then stops himself
You don't need to kill this goblin - you need customers with money he reminds himself. Hopping up on the stage he points at the fight
"Yeah! Get em Karl! Boulder! Vishoon! Zander! Red! Dairkal!" Loupe shouts, attempting to boost the rep of his potential customers - and Dairkal.
Besides, every time I get drunk and set fire to things it seems to go badly for some reason
"Heroes! The town should totally hire those guys! They can get the other goblins!"
Running out of things to say Loupe resorts to chanting "Karl! Boulder! Zander! 'Shoon! Red! 'Kal!"
"Sten's Strike Lands true and crushes the goblin..sending him flying off the cart landing dead in a heap.."
"Vishoon Rushes to the lone remaining Goblin and strikes true with his blow..Blood splatters from the goblin and he slumps over dead.."
Despite the chaos of the situation, the sound of a single drop of blood not swallowed by his shirt filled his ears, he did not grip at the wound, he did not welcome it, and the people around him would almost think that he didn't register the fact that he was wounded, even though he did, but he wasn't scared...he was angry, and again if anyone saw his face they really could not tell, as it remained expressionless in regards to the anger just as it was expressionless in regards to the pain.
Karl did not relax his defensive stance, he stared at the goblin, who did not seem very worried, and then he took a step forward covering the goblin in his shadow "You're dead" said the mercenary in a calm, chill inducing manner, it was almost like he was addressing someone over the whether, and not murder them here and now.
Intimidate roll: