Shara steps forward even as Hemlock flicks the blood from his sword. With a graceful flourish, she plants her polearm straight through the goblin's chest, and the Sheriff nods grimly and presses the body down. Shara withdraws her weapon, and Hemlock kicks the goblin's corpse to the side. "I can hold myself fine, but the others," he says, looking around at the chaos.
Uriel looks about, and sees a goblin that's menacing someone on the ground near a stall. He rushes forward with his blade ready, and by the time the goblin hears his footsteps, it's too late. It turns just in time to catch a sword in the chest, and Uriel pulls it free to send the dead body sprawling. He glances down to see what prey this goblin had found: a pretty red-haired girl, staring up at him in shock and wonder.
Under the wagon, Raj's knives spin and flash, and the goblin is helpless to defend itself when they arc in. One stabs into the goblin's side, doubtless puncturing something vital within; the other slashes a rip in its gut, spilling blood and entrails to the ground. The creature falls to its knees, one hand still pressed over its ruined eye, and then it pitches forward.
Matoska laughs and berates the goblin he faces in its own tongue--which gives the monster pause, and it takes a step back. That's all the opening the Shoanti needs to leap forward, easily avoiding the fruit on the ground, and he brings his arms down in a mighty hammer swing. There's a crack as his heavy hands thump onto the goblin's skull, and its eyes roll up as it collapses to the ground.
By the cathedral, Efanydd thrusts his blade toward the goblin, but it's a high strike, and the green-skinned terror ducks underneath with a laugh. That's just when Zantus swipes in from behind, and while his blade only nicks the goblin, it's enough to send it chittering in anger and pain. Nearby, Perspicacious Gao leaps to assault a goblin who was approaching the pair--his foot knocks it off balance, and his elbow knocks it to the ground in a daze.
Everyone in the square is suddenly interrupted by the next development: a muffled booming sound accompanied by a massive gout of flame. Turning to look reveals the source quickly. It seems a group of the goblins have discovered a wagon of some volatile substance, and they've lit it aflame, now dancing about with torches in hand--except for one goblin, which is currently screaming and running as its own body is covered in fire.
"The fuel!" Hemlock shouts, pointing. "For the bonfire! Someone stop them before it spreads!" He moves to stop them himself, but a trio of goblins dashing down an alley catches his attention, and he turns to face that threat. "Shara, I need you to stop them," he says, just before dashing off to deal with the trouble elsewhere.
Seeing several people rushing toward the wagon, and beginning to move in that direction himself, Efanydd then spots three goblins closing in on Sheriff Hemlock.
Even though the Sheriff was probably a skilled swordsman in his own right, being outnumbered three to one made the threat more than just a passing nuisance and Efan suspected there may be more to this attack than happenstance. He would like to question the Sheriff about any similar occurrances and his getting a dogslicer to the gut would make that all the more difficult.
Mr Hemlock, avert your eyes, sir! the elf shouts, covering the distance between them with long, languid strides before arriving beside the law man and gesturing with his outstretched hand. A cascade of colour washes over the gathered goblins like some riotous rainbow as the investigator channels his arcane prowess.
HP=10/10
AC=21
Psychic Spells: L1 - 2/3 remaining
Magus Spells: 0: Brand, Detect Magic, Prestidgitation 1: Grease,
Arcane Pool: 4/5
Inspiration: 4/4
Ongoing effects: - Shield 7/10 rounds, Arcane Pool +1 8/10
Hidden from view by the wagon and the ample distractions of the explosion and goblins, Raj takes a moment to surreptitiously heal the large slash on his arm. He quickly looks over the dog, hoping it can be saved as well.
1st Spells (2): x
Touch Good (6):
Arrows (20): --
Effects:
Shara sighs as the goblins promptly set more things on fire. "Fantastic. I'll go do what I can." She doesn't really have any particularly useful spells for putting out fires ready, so she hurries in closer to get ready to deal with the goblins.
Uriel looks down at the red-haired woman, his head whipping around when Hemlock shouts about the fuel wagon. "Run! Get out of here!" After shouting to the woman, he turns and runs toward the goblins at the fuel cart. He charges in with little concern for backup—whether that's confidence in his abilities or foolhardiness is hard to tell—and immediately assaults the first goblin within his reach.
Matoska smiles grimly as his opponent drops to the ground, dead or merely unconscious. He briefly considers striking the Goblin again in case it still lives. While he ponders it the choice ripped from his hand when a massive gout of flame erupts from a carriage with goblins dancing around it. As he spies the massive fire, Matoska feels his stomach drop out from under him as his heart is filled with fear and he is assaulted by memories of tiny green hands pressing burning pieces of wood or metal into his flesh and laughing when he screams.
Hearing the sheriff's shout about the fuel in the carriage snaps Matoska out of his frightened daze. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he focuses on the Goblins dancing around the burning carriage. Not having any specific skills to put out a fire he decides to focus on the foes for now. Springing forward into a charge towards the Goblins he taps into the primal rage within to enhance his blows, knowing the pain from his burn scars will distract him as he gets close.
Stopping in front of the nearest Goblin, Matoska spins in place, bringing his leg around to snap towards the side of the head of his smaller opponent.
Loup, in this post, Gao said he is likely to be unable to post during this week.
When something like this happens, do you intent to bot the PC or wait for the player's return?
Seeing the others moving toward the fuel cart, Efanydd decides to assist the Sheriff as he moves to face a trio of goblins. The elf's long legs carry him close enough to raise his hands in an arcane gesture, and Hemlock turns his head before a second spray of color is unleashed in the square. When the magical lights hit their eyes, two of the goblins are stunned, and drop to the ground; their companion in the rear is quick enough to squint, and it remains standing. The Sheriff gives Efan a nod of thanks as he steps forward, his sword dipping to casually dispatch one of the fallen creatures.
Beneath the wagon, Rajuna presses a hand to his wound, and the familiar sensation of warmth and relief spreads across his arm. When his hand comes away, it's still bloody, but the gash itself is closed, and it no longer pains the man. He quickly checks the dog, but it's too late: the hound was likely dead shortly after the goblin slit its throat, and it now lies still in a pool of its own blood. Seeing there's nothing more to be done, Rajuna slips from beneath the wagon and begins moving toward the new threat.
Shara dashes toward the gouts of flame, ranseur in hand, but she pauses to take stock of the situation.
Uriel turns from the woman and shouts for her to run, but he doesn't have time to see what she does. Instead he makes for the flaming wagon, moving as fast as he can. He vaults over a low stand, and on the other side a goblin stares up at him, a half-eaten corn-rolled sausage in one green hand. In a flash of cold steel, the sausage rolls across the ground, a goblin head bouncing alongside.
Matoska turns to face the goblins, and for a moment, his mind is back to captivity, torture and pain and fear. But there's little time for a reverie, and the man quickly shakes out of his troubled past. Instead, he sprints forward, and uses that fear and anger and pain to his advantage. Perhaps it gets the better of him for a moment, though, for when the Shoanti reaches one of the goblins, his spinning kick is wild, and the goblin skitters back on all fours, staring at him in a mix of fear and amusement.
Still near the cathedral, Perspicacious Gao determines that it may be wise to assist Father Zantus, who's still struggling with his foe. The Tien man gracefully dashes up the stairs and sweeps one leg out to catch the cretin in the side; the blow catches the cretin off-guard, but it still stands as Zantus swipes at it again with his starknife. It screeches angrily and slashes at its new foe--but Gao easily backsteps out of reach, avoiding the attack.
The goblin by Efan and Hemlock is either foolhardy or just stupid--probably both--and it decides to press its attack, even though it's now outnumbered. It steps forward, scooping up its' fallen ally's blade, and then swipes with both at the Sheriff. Hemlock blocks the first with his shield, and the second slice is so off-balance and wild that the goblin tumbles face-first onto the dirt road, a muffled shriek accompanying the thud.
By the wagon, one goblin merely points and laughs at its immolated comrade, but the others begin responding to the new threat. A pair each jump for Matoska and Uriel--all waving torches in their hands. They try to tumble and duck into flanking positions around the men, but one each presents an opening; Matoska drives a foot into a green belly, and Uriel once more slashes a goblin into separate parts, more of their sickly dark blood spraying across his blade and arms. Even so, each of the warriors feels the bite of metal in flesh as the goblins assault them. Meanwhile, another goblin clambers to stand on the edge of the now-burning wagon: it looks somewhat different from the others, with armor of better quality and a whip in its hand, and it looks to be one of the creatures singing the goblins' song.
As Uriel jumps in to carve up the goblins setting the wagon ablaze, Shara quickly closes in behind him to provide support. As the little menaces leap to attack him, she twirls her ranseur again and stabs at one of the monsters flanking him.
With adrenaline coursing through his system Matoska hardly feels the bite of the Goblin's weapon as it slices into him. Roaring in rage at the Goblins that are flanking him he lashes out with a right cross aimed at the Goblin that sliced him and a mule kick to the face of the one behind him.
Despite all the adrenaline, his closeness to the flames irritates his burns, causing him to have difficulty with his accuracy.
Spotting a Goblin wearing nicer armor standing above the fighting, Matoska tries to concentrate on what manner of role he would play within Goblin society. His rage however prevents him from concentrating enough to remember his lessons on Goblins.
Raj charges the nearest goblin, attempting to rake the little monster with both blades.
1st Spells (2): x
Touch Good (6):
Arrows (20): --
Effects:
Charge - -2 AC
Uriel retaliates with a furious swipe when the goblin strikes him, the speed unexpected from the heavily armored man. Soon after he gives another swipe at the next goblin in line, eviscerating them with impunity.
Efan moves around to catch the one unscathed goblin between wimself and the Sheriff, seizing on the opportunity to flank the creature and press their advantage,
He flicks it's dogslicer aside with a deft roll of his wrist and then lunges forward with his own needle-like blade, arcane energy crackling along it's blade.
HP=10/10
AC=21
Psychic Spells: L1 - 2/3 remaining
Magus Spells: 0: Brand, Detect Magic, Prestidgitation 1: Grease, Colour Spray
Arcane Pool: 4/5
Inspiration: 4/4
Ongoing effects: - Shield 6/10 rounds, Arcane Pool +1 7/10
Shara comes in fast to face the goblins at the flaming wagon, and she moves to help Uriel. Even as he cuts down one of his attackers, and the other slashes at the back of his legs, the woman thrusts her weapon forward, and the goblin howls as it feels the sting of the blow. An instant later, the sound is cut off as Uriel retaliates with his own blade, tearing out the goblin's throat.
Matoska, with a goblin on either side, tries to strike both. The heat and pain assail him, though, and his fist sails over the head of one goblin. His powerful kick, however, lands straight in the face of the one he already caught once; there's a crunch of cartilage and bone, and the little monster is sent tumbling backwards in a heap.
Rajuna dashes in, his swift feet carrying him toward the goblin still harrying Matoska. He plows in at speed, and though one knife misses the target, the other plants firmly in the goblin's leg, drawing a shriek of pain.
His own attackers dead, Uriel moves also to assist Matoska. He plants his feet and brings his sword down, and as Rajuna rolls over the goblin he stabbed, it's crushed by the vicious chop.
Over in an alleyway, Efanydd positions himself opposite Sheriff Hemlock, catching the standing goblin between them. It has barely time to realize its predicament before the elf's rapier stabs in, catching it through one arm; it yelps and drops the blade from that hand. As the metal clangs on the ground, Hemlock swipes in with his sword, and the goblin drops limply to the ground with a bloody gash in its chest.
On the cathedral steps, Gao continues to assist Father Zantus. He spins his arms for balance and leaps, striking the goblin between the men with a pair of powerful kicks. The first knocks it off-balance, and the second knocks it down the steps with a thud, knocking it to the ground, unconscious.
At the wagon, the remaining goblin--standing on the edge of the fire--shrieks and continues its song. The whip in its hand cracks, and it raises a finger to jab at Uriel, who feels a sudden surge of horrifying mirth.
With the nearby goblin on his way to the Boneyard (courtesy of the nearby warriors), Rajuna absentmindedly swipes the blades along his leathers to clean off the goblin blood. Spotting the spellcasting wagoneer, he deftly reverses his grip on both blades and races toward the creature.
1st Spells (2): x
Touch Good (6):
Arrows (20): --
Effects:
Charge - -2 AC
Really these things are little more than vermin. Efanydd says casually s he slides his blade into the chest of the remaining, unconscious goblin. That is, they are vermin when in this war-like state. For the most part their kind possesses a kind of low cunning, but any degree of learning is almost physically impossible for them to achieve.
The investigator takes a handkerchief from his pocket and deftly wipes the blood from his slender blade.
For example, were you aware that their lairs may be resplendent with rudimentary depictions of their enemies but you will never see a written word or picture of a goblin. They believe that to write words down steals them from their minds and diminishes their souls.
Fascinating in a way.... if they weren't so idiotic. I have no time for such trivialities. he adds over his shoulder as he begins to make his way toward the wagon.
Seeing that both his opponents are dead or unconscious, Matoska takes a quick moment to nod his thanks at the Aasimar and the twin-blade user.
Taking a step back to help get a running start, Matoska dashes towards the whip wielding Goblin. Heedless of any counter-attack and doing his best to grit his teeth against his fright as he gets even closer to the flames, he tenses his legs and pushes himself into the air to get winning reach of the Goblin's face with his fist.
He lances his fist straight towards the whip-wielder in a vicious straight punch.
Uriel tightens his grip on the sword in his hands and snarls, the magic not taking hold over his senses. Instead, he charges in toward the goblin mage along side Rajuna and attempts to eviscerate it where it stands.
With the last goblin by the cart being jumped by half of the warriors, Shara turns and hurries toward the church to help Father Zantus. Hopefully he has create water prepared. She stabs at one of the remaining goblins once again.
Extending a hand towards the priest, Gao smiles. "Are you alright, Father Zantus?", he asks in a concerned tone. "I would offer my help to escort you to safety if you need me. Otherwise, I will aid the rest in dealing with those unknown creatures.", he suggests, pointing towards the cart, as he stretches his arms.
At the Father's refusal, Gao nods, then bursts into a sprint towards the nearest goblin, leaping into the air at the last step with two feet in the air, sandals rapidly approaching the goblin's grin. Unfortunately, having overestimated the jump, he flies straight past the green menace. His momentum having carried him further than he expected, he barely manages to correct his stance before the goblin's retribution.
Rajuna spins as the last goblin he'd charged is cut down. The hunter focuses his eyes on the remaining enemy, the chanting spellcaster, and he leaps toward it with his knife in hand. His quick swipe surprises the goblin, and his dagger draws a thin slash across its ribs.
Across the square, Efan finishes a goblin with a casual stab of his rapier, and he quips about the creatures' habits and intellect. Sheriff Hemlock stares at him blankly for a few seconds, as though the elf were insane or a complete fool, and then he shakes his head and heads off down the alleyway, looking for any more trouble.
Matoska nods to the other warriors and also spins to attack the goblin spellcaster. Now ready for trouble, it cracks its whip out at the man, and the Shoanti feels a brief, sharp sting of pain as he leaps forward. It doesn't stop him, though, and his meaty fist strikes the goblin's stomach, causing it to grunt and nearly topple from its perch.
Then Uriel steps up, shaking his head clear from the mental assault--his divine blood and disciplined training steadying him against the gobiln's spell. Instead he steps forward with his sword swinging, and the goblin has barely time to shriek before its chest is opened by the sharp steel. It howls and clutches at its breast, and then collapses backwards into the fires of the wagon.
Finally, Shara and Gao move together to intercept one more goblin making its way toward Father Zantus, this one with a sausage between its teeth and a torch in hand. Gao's leap is overshot, but it distracts the creature long enough for Shara to plant her ranseur in its back. Sausage and torch fall to the ground, and the goblin itself soon follows.
There's a brief moment of rest in the square, with no visible threat beyond the burning wagon. Zantus hurries over and raises his hands with a chant, and streams of water appear as if from midair, pouring down on the flames. He looks to the six heroes still in the square and smiles. "Is anyone injured? I can heal you if you need."
"I think there are a few injuries, but not on me," Shara says. "Thankfully you big warrior types draw far more attention than I do it seems."
As the fighting ends and the adrenaline departs his system, Matoksa grunts in pain as his wounds start to hurt and he feels very fatigued. He takes a few moments to catch his breath before he addresses Shara.
''Yes it is an unfortunate side effect that comes with punching Goblins in the face I'm sad to say. Still my wounds are minor and we seem to have dispatched most of the goblins in the area. We should not tarry long if we can still fight.''
Turning to face Uriel and the newcomer he nods and smiles.
''You both fight well, it is an honor to battle with warriors such as yourselves at my side.'' He extends a hand to Rajuna. ''I am Matoska Tayaya, pleased to meet you.''
Raj glances at the offered hand then his own - awkwardly full of hooked blades. He deftly slings the remaining blood from one of the oversized kerambits with a blurring spin then sheathes the blade in his belt. He quickly wipes his hand on his dark burnoose before shaking the other man's hand. "You boys did the heavy liftin'. I just helped. Name's Rajuna, nice to meetcha." The dark Varisian looks about, summing up his thoughts. "Best to get about seein' to any more of these green divils. Meet ya at a tavern afterwards for a pint." With that, he sets off down an adjacent alley looking for trouble.
By the sounds of things this threat hasn't passed yet. Sheriff, have the goblins ever attacked the town directly before? the investigator asks, sliding his blade back into it's cane-sheath and striding toward the lawman.
These fine fellows dispatched them ably enough, but it strikes me as a terribly bold move for these little wretches and on a day like today to boot.
Matoska will give Rajuna and friendly slap on the back at his offer for a drink.
''Good man! But you are right of course, there are surely more Goblins to be found.''
Before heading off he will look to the Sherrif and the Priest.
''Will you be alright on your own or do you require someone stay in case more Goblins arrive in this area?''
Efanydd casts a quick glance over the people who leapt into action. They were a motley crew, but clearly skilled in a variety of combat styles and magical traditions.
It appears the goblins picked a very unfortunate day to cause mischief. he says with the ghost of a smile to the large warriors approaching the sherrif.
Father Zantus nods in gratitude as the party downplays their work so far, and he shakes his head at Efanydd's question. "There have been raids along the coast, harrying travelers. Occasionally a lone goblin or a small group try to steal something in the night, but no. Never anything like this." He pauses for a moment as he focuses on his holy symbol, and a burst of soft light and warmth spreads from him, enveloping each of the heroes.
After his healing energy is released, Zantus looks around. "I should be alright here. I think the worst has passed, and I should begin searching for other townsfolk who may need my aid. Perhaps you should..."
Whatever Zantus was going to suggest is cut off by a shriek and sudden, frantic barking coming from north of the square, near the northern gate to town. The priest turns to look that way, and then back to the gathered warriors. "Go there! I need to stay here for wounded. Please, go!"
As the six heroes round the corner of the White Deer Inn, they come into view of the town's North Gate and the scene taking place there. In the clearing before the gate, a burlier goblin sits atop a thin creature that looks like a cross between a rat and a dog; the rider wields a polearm similar to a halberd, but clearly made with improvised materials. This goblin is currently menacing an actual dog, which is crouched before it, tail and ears raised in aggression despite the wounds across its front. Nearby the heroes can just make out a thin man in a foppish hat cowering behind some barrels, watching with fearful eyes.
Even as the party takes in the scene, the dog snaps forward with its jaws, but it misses its foe, and the goblins seizes the opening. The polearm comes down and the dog's yelp is painfully short as the metal bites into its neck. As the hound drops, there's an anguished cry from the man behind the barrels, cut off by cheers from goblin voices--as four of the little brutes come out of their own hiding places, where they were doubtless cowering themselves due to the dog.
"Something must have really gotten them riled up if the goblins actually decided to attempt to come at the town in force. Maybe..." Shara doesn't have time to finish her thought as the shriek cuts through the air. "Maybe we should wonder why they're attacking after the attack has stopped." She turns and hurries toward the scream.
She winces as the goblin warrior strikes down the dog. "Great, so that's the leader I suppose. I'll try to stun him. The rest of you can close in and take them out." She twirls her ranseur and then taps it against her wrist, forming a glowing aura of power. Then she shrieks so loudly that the air can actually be seen rippling.
Matoska follows alongside the others. when they come to the origin of the scream, he stops along with the others.
Seeing the dog cut down and hearing the gleeful laughter of the other goblins causes his blood to boil. In light of the fact that the goblins have not yet noticed them and knowing he wont be able to reach them before his presense is detected, Matoska rips his shortbow from his back and notches an arrow. He casts at dubious eye at Shara when she uses magic but shrugs as it seems effective.
Taking careful aim at the leader's mount he lets fly his arrow.
Efanydd watches the air ripple as Shara screams, sending waves of sonic energy cascading toward what is ostensibly the leader of the goblin band. He raises an eyebrow and says;
And hear I was thinking that the most interesting part of my day would be drinking bitter wine with an old man.
He turns his attention back to the mounted goblin and sighs. If there was one thing in life he hated it was idiocy. The mind is a remarkable thing, when tempered it can cut like a blade, when neglected it can stagnate like fetid water and that's when it becomes the root cause of greed, gluttony, sloth and a variety of other sins.
And goblins really are among the most idiotic of the lot... he says, finishing the thought out loud.
He draws his slender blade once again and concentrates, a shimmering field of force appears around him as he does so.
HP=10/10
AC=21
Psychic Spells: L1 - 1/3 remaining
Magus Spells: 0: Brand, Detect Magic, Prestidgitation 1: Grease, Colour Spray
Arcane Pool: 4/5
Inspiration: 4/4
Ongoing effects: - Shield 10/10 rounds
Gao's face glows dimmer as the dog is killed. As Shara shares her sentiment toward taking care of the immediate problem, Gao nods. "If one's on a sinking ship, it's too late and too early to blame the carpenter.", he says as he sprints forward towards the barrels and the cowering man.
As the four goblins begin leaving their cover, Gao turns around ever so slightly with a swing, the baggy sleeves of his shirt trailing behind his open palm. The hand strikes the goblin in the throat, sending it backwards several steps with a racking cough. "Turn away now, and flee.", he says in a loud, yet calm voice as his arms raise in the air, moving in a flowing, snake-like motion.
There was nothing that could be done for the dog and going toe-to-toe with 5 goblins and some sort of mutant mega-rat was just not a winning strategy for the clandestine warrior. With the goblins focused elsewhere, Rajuna takes the opportunity to slip into the shadows and start maneuvering down the right-hand side of the street, moving from hide to hide. His rough plan was to draw parallel with the creatures and then blitz the flanking goblin on his side.
1st Spells (2): x
Touch Good (6):
Arrows (20): --
Effects:
Uriel moves in after the others, but he knows with his heavy armor he won't be able to reach them as quickly. Instead, he moves in as he chants a prayer to Ragathiel again to empower himself for the coming fight.
As the group witnesses the death of a faithful hound, they spring into action. Shara steps forward and unleashes a magic-fueled shriek, splitting the air; the mounted goblin clutches at its ears with a shout of its own, dazed by the assault. Unable to control its mount, it simply stays astride the creature as Matoska fires an arrow into the goblin dog's flank, earning a curious squealing howl from the beast. As Efanydd casts a protective spell, Gao dashes forward, sweeping low to strike a goblin with an open palm to the throat; the goblin gags and backpedals once before falling to its rear, coughing and stunned. The final two heroes prepare for the conflict--Rajuna slips into cover and begins prowling along the edge of the square, while Uriel steps forward and calls on divine power to aid him.
The remaining goblins on foot each chitter and move towards Gao, swarming the man who laid low one of their comrades. Only one manages to land a hit, slashing through one of the monk's sleeves to draw blood from his arm. The mounted goblin is still dazed in the saddle, but its mount wheels and rushes in to attack Matoska. The arrow in its flank seems to draw on its strength and speed, though, and the Shoanti steps back to avoid the snapping jaws.
Shara steps forward and raises her hands unleashing another wave of magic over the mounted goblin, this time with a wide spray of bright colors. "I'll keep him under control. Clear out the small fry!"
Wincing as the blade cuts his arm, Gao's face turns into a smile nevertheless. The only thing that falls an impenetrable defense is overconfidence., he thinks, as he swirls around in a roundhouse kick towards the goblin who sliced him. The kick flies into the goblin's right shoulder, crushing the arm under its heft. A split second after the blow lands, Gao's body surges forward, striking the goblin's head with his right elbow. "पाठको लागि धन्यवाद।", he whispers to the fallen goblin.
"Thank you for the lesson."
Rajuna slides out from cover and closes on the nearest goblin. Distracted by another opponent, Raj sinks his blade in the creature's back.
1st Spells (2): x
Touch Good (6):
Arrows (20): --
Effects:
Seeing that Gao is surrounded and taking Shara at her word, Matoska charges forward towards the group of goblins, dropping his bow as he goes.
Coming to a stop with a Goblin between Gao and himself, Matoska brings his leg up to deliver a knee to the Goblin's face, bearing down on it with all his might.
Efanydd is by no means a coward. What he is, is strategic, and he believes in fighting when the battlefield is in under his control.
Despite the burly, mounted goblin and numerous other pests, this group of capable people seem to have it under control, and he lends his support though he feels at this stage there is scant need for it.
Moving closer to the melee, he reaches out with his mind, hoping to confound the leader of this band.
HP=10/10
AC=21
Psychic Spells: L1 - 1/3 remaining
Magus Spells: 0: Brand, Detect Magic, Prestidgitation 1: Grease, Colour Spray
Arcane Pool: 4/5
Inspiration: 4/4
Ongoing effects: - Shield 9/10 rounds
Uriel charges in toward the other goblins, ignoring the one Shara has under control for the time being. He swings his blade for the nearest goblin as he comes thundering through.
The heroes seize on their momentum, continuing to bring the attack to the goblins. Shara raises her hand and unleashes another spray of prismatic energy, targeting the mounted goblin and its mount. The goblin itself shakes its head and seems unfazed by the spell, but its "dog" doesn't fare so well; its legs quiver, and then it collapses to the side, unconscious. The goblin rolls free and comes to a kneel, its polearm raised, and then Efanydd hits it with his own spell. The weapon wavers as the goblin sways on its feet, aware but confused and unready to attack.
Perspicacious Gao, beset by three goblins, retaliates against the one that injured him. His roundhouse kick catches the goblin's shoulder, crunching against the joint and causing its sword to clatter to the ground; his follow-up hit knocks the goblin alongside its weapon, falling senseless to the ground. At that moment, Rajuna dashes from his cover and slides behind one of the other goblins. It never sees the blade that sinks into its back, slicing through its heart and dropping it to the ground.
Finally, the aasimar once more move in more or less together, Matoska leading the way with a leaping knee strike that dazes the final standing goblin by Gao. As he lands on the far side, Uriel steps in behind, and his sword arcs through another goblin chest, ending the creature's life in one stroke.
The only remaining threat is the goblin with the polearm, still standing but dazed. Its eyes are unfocused, and it seems more or less unaware of its woeful predicament: its companions laid low, and its mount unconscious on the ground.
Confident that the outcome is already determined, and that it was merely a formality, Efanydd casually sheathes his blade once again.
If one of you would be so kind as to incapacitate this creature? he asks politely. I daresay the Sheriff will have questions for it, beginning with why they have chosen to attack so boldly.
"To learn from your enemy is the greatest lesson of all, Master Sylvir.", retorts Gao, as he steps towards the goblin. Stepping over the unconscious or worse bodies of goblins littering the ground, his open palms lash out with lightning fury towards the goblin leader.
With the Tian definitively smacking the last goblin into unconsciousness, Raj moves in to dispatch the goblin's mount with a slash to the throat.
"To learn from your enemy is the greatest lesson of all, Master Sylvir.", retorts Gao, as he steps towards the goblin. Stepping over the unconscious or worse bodies of goblins littering the ground, his open palms lash out with lightning fury towards the goblin leader.
** spoiler omitted **
Efan pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes tightly at the monk's statement, which seemed to cause the investigator more pain than the fighting itself.
Shaking his head at the interplay between the human and elf, Matoska smiles despite himself. Approaching the Goblin that Gao has knocked out he reaches into a pocket in his robes and withdraws a pair of manacles and a simple-looking lock.
''While I agree that one should learn from their enemies, I have to wonder what exactly you expect to learn from goblins exactly? They are simple creatures and even the greatest of them is capable of only low cunning. They are good at killing nearly defenseless creatures and burning people and that's about it.''
He gestures vaguely at some of his burn scars as he says this but offers nothing else on the subject unless he is asked for more. Grabbing the unconscious goblin by the arms, he secures them behind its back before slipping the manacles around its wrists and securing the lock.
Satisfied that the goblin is no threat, he turns to the rest of his new-found allies.
''Shall we take this one with us?'' He indicates the goblin with his foot.''Or shall we simply leave him tied to the gate and mov eon for now?''
Share steps forward and attempts to strike the goblin before it can recover.