Zev's arrow easily zooms past Milah's ear and embeds itself into the goblin's shoulder. It screams in agony and frantically starts looking around.
"I can't abide your attacks on this town!" Lilyroot proclaims as she steps forward to get a clear throw, and makes a bomb toss at the group of three goblins.
(3 splash)
Lily quickly puts together some volatile ingredients and lobs them at the goblins, hitting one right in the face. As he goes to wipe it off, the thing explodes, setting each of their tattered clothes on fire for a moment. They look more surprised than anything...
Milah thrusts with her rapier again at the mounted goblin!
The other goblins scatter and run towards you, weapons out, screaming something in their language,but one seems intent on attacking the man hiding behind the barrels...
Milah's blade is faster than the bigger goblin's hafted weapon and she swiftly dispatches him. He slumps over the back of the creature he was riding. It rears up, throwing its rider and goes to attack Milah...along with the other female one near her.
Aurica moves up behind Lilyroot so as to affect more allies and enemies with her magic. The intense focus required for her serendipity spell leaves her unable to do anything more.
The riding goblin's hairless dog-thing bites at Milah in defense of its owner..
"I'll clear a path out to the bloke behind the barrels," growls the red-haired dwarf, charging the goblin to Milah's right.
Sorush steps through where the goblin used to be and bellows angrily at the goblin messing with the owner over by those barrels.
Lilyroot takes a swing at the goblin on her right!
Milah deftly dodges the mangy thing's bite and it is greeted with the point of her rapier. The thing yelps in pain, but the fight hasn't gone out of it yet.
Just when the other goblin goes to strike Milah, Maerra is there to take the little bugger's arm clean off. It falls to the ground, writhing in agony.
Between that and Sorush's roar, the goblin by the barrels seems confused and decides that running is the best part of goblin valor.
Lily's goblin narrowly ducks one of her limbs and also decides to run away...
Round 1
Zev studies the mangy goblin dog for a moment, muttering , "Bad puppy..." before drawing an arrow to his ear and letting fly...
Milah's rapier flashes once more...
Aurica fashions another red magical card and flings it at the goblin dog.
Zev's arrow narrowly missed Milah. She pays the thing no mind as her focus is on the dog-thing. It lunges, but her blade intercepts it, piercing its throat. It quivers and collapses in its own blood. A sudden crimson blast of light makes sure the thing is down.
The other goblins run out of town and back towards the forest. It appears for the moment, other than a few scattered guards chasing goblins out, the attack has been thwarted. The man that was cowering behind the barrels takes a moment to look around, seeing if there any more nearby threats. At first he runs to his dog, sighs and then stands, looking at all of you. He looks back at Milah and nods, holding out his hand. "Foxglove, Aldern Foxglove if it pleases. I must say, I owe you my life. Your skill with a blade is..breathtaking. Thank you.", Aldern looks around, his disheveled blue and gray outfit, torn and dirty in places, looking as if it had seen better days. "All of you, of course," he adds.
Looking around once again, he continues. "I... I must repay you. Please, come and see me at the Rusty Dragon, down by the southern gate. I'll be here in Sandpoint a few more days and I should like to properly show my gratitude. Please say you will show?" He wipes a lock of blonde hair out of his face. Under normal circumstances, he might have been a noble at one point, with high cheeks bones and a regal standing and such manners..
As he starts to walk away, you notice several more townsfolk approaching you. Some turn away and go into buildings, barring the doors behind them. Others however are coming towards you, almost in awe. Even a few of Sandpoint's guards draw near. Though their weapons are sheathed, their nervous hand are on them...
Maerra shakes the worst of the blood off her axe before hooking it back on to her belt. "Ah... me and guards haven't ever really got along. Is there some kind person willing to give them a word or two?"
Aurica nods at Maerra's suggestion, and then remembers that she is still shedding a magical light about her, and mentally ends the effect of her moon aura. "There will be no need for that, dear," she says with a kind smile, eyeing the sword of the nearest nervous-looking guard. "We have only sought to defend the good people of this town, same as you."
Turning to her comrades in arms, Aurica then announces, "I think we're all due a little rest and relaxation at this point, don't you think? And we shouldn't pass up that fellow's offer, either--I would guess he means to pay for our lodging."
Zev looks down at the slain dog, a sad look on his face.
He looks up when Foxglove addresses the group, frowning in concentration , then his face brightening in understanding, "Zev will come." he says simply.
Then Zev stands there for a moment, not quite sure what to do, not even noticing the guard's nervousness.
He cocks his head at Aurica's suggestion, and nods. Then he waits, looking at her curiously, not having seen someone like her before.
Milah chimes in as she, once again, cleans her blade on the nearest goblin corpse, "Precisely - rest assured, we are not here to harm you or your citizenry."
Sorush decides he likes this chiming in thing, and tries it himself, adding in his most helpful tone of voice: "What they said."
The guards visibly relax for the moment, shoulders dropping, a sigh of relief coming from a couple of them. As the magical moonlight fades, one of the braver townsfolk steps forward. She looks as if she is not from these parts, with dark black hair tied up in a bun, sharp features and a smile that seems to make up for the lack of light. You've seen her before, during the festival.
"Come on guys. Haven't you seen adventurers before? Seriously. " She looks to the rest of you. "Seems you've made some friends. Allow me too be added to that number. Ameiko, owner and proprietor of the Rusty Dragon, down by Southgate. You folks have done a great service for Sandpoint and I'm sure at some point old Hemlock or Deverin will come looking for you, but in the meantime, if you haven't a place to stay, I've got rooms available for the rest of the week. They're yours, if you want them. " Ameiko pauses briefly, as if pondering continuing, but she does not.
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"I, for one, would be more than happy to accept your offer...but what is it you're not telling us?"
Maerra eyes the smiling woman "Deverin? I was going to go looking for him when I had a chance, he knew my older sis a while back. She died fighting gobbos, would y' believe. Let me know when he shows up, if he does.
"No question about it, I could do with a clean-up at your place."
"Do the rooms come with fresh water?" Lilyroot asks, "A fight always makes me thirsty. Personally I'd rather sit around and talk with someone friendly, like you, than fight!"
Ameiko look incredulously at Milah. "I don't follow. I'm just offering you a place for the week, nothing more. If you're not interested, it's perfectly fine."
She continues. "Deverin is a woman. Mayor Kendra Deverin. She and her Sheriff Hemlock will want to talk to you at some point about this ordeal. Again, you're welcome to freshen up at my place. With fresh water from the river and everything. "
She pauses, looking at each of you. She doesn't appear as apprehensive as the other townsfolk nearby. The expression on her face suddenly changes though, a smile forming on it. "Oh!", she exclaims. "You mean Davrin Hosk. I can see why you would get the two mixed up. Silly me."
She turns around and begins walking away. "Come on, I'll show you the way. I think a round of drinks will help too..."
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Sorush turns to the rest of the party and gives them a shrug, saying "A round of drinks always sounds good. Let's get goin." He then walks off, following Ameiko.
Reaming out her ear with one big finger, Maerra follows too. "Yeah, yeah, humie names. Must be cos' there's so many humies that they start just about reusing last names as first. And I need a drink."
Zev's curious regard had moved onto Milah, astounded at her feline-feature, then to Lillyroot....he'd never seen a plant-person before!
He'd seen the likes of Sorush and Maerra before but he gave them a companiable smile before noticing Ameiko approaching.
A broad smile spread across his face "I'm Zev!" he said, then became closed mouthed as the others talked with the pretty woman.
He nods eagerly as Ameiko makes the distinction between Deverin and Davrin, falling in behind Ameiko as she lead the way....
Ameiko leads you down a few streets, past shops that have long since closed for the evening and due to the evening activities recently. Every so often you spot a townsperson peeking out of a window or doorway and looking in your direction. "Seems you've made names for yourselves already. Can't say I'm not impressed. Most of the folk here keep to themselves. Ah.. here we are."
In front of you is a large two story building made of wood, stone and what appears to be paper in some places. Over the front entryway you see a rather large iron simulacrum of a dragon, though it has no wings and is covered in rust. The joke isn't lost on you.
Ameiko opens the doors and bids you enter. As you walk in, you smell the very food you had gotten a taste of earlier and you realize it has been some time since you've eaten. She motions to an older halfling woman who comes out from behind the bar carrying a tray with several mugs of what must be ale, due to the scent.
Ameiko pulls up a chair and sits in it. "Lets hear it. What's your stories?"
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Milah's expression hardens a bit as she says, "It's not a particularly happy tale, but I'll give you the - somewhat - brief version. I grew up on the plains of Varisia, in a small village near a river; its name isn't important, as it is no longer there. When I was still quite young, giants came and raided it, stealing everything of value that we had and leaving nothing but smoldering ruins."
She sighs, and her expression softens a bit. "Luckily, my family survived. We vowed, however, never to let ourselves be taken like that again. Ever since, we each have devoted our lives to the study of combat - though, I admit," she grins, "I'm the one with the most flair for it."
After a short pause, her grin fades and she continues, "Suffice to say, when I heard of a possible giant incursion, I came to Sandpoint to be here to defend against it. Though these goblins were not likely involved in that business, I still count it lucky that I was here."
Ameiko nods, seeming genuinely interested. "It is truly fortunate that you survived and found your way here. While I'm not sure the goblins have anything to do with any giant invasion, if they do, I hope you will stay to help." She stops, putting a finger to her temple, thinking. "Next time Shalelu's in town, I'll introduce you. She would know more about giants in the wilds."
She takes a sip of her drink and looks expectantly at the rest of you.
Maerra looks more relaxed than Milah was as she answers "Oh, my elder sis was up here a while back. She lent her axe to Daviren Hosk when he was putting down a bunch of goblins. You'd think she'd have learned something from it, but she was too fine and upstanding a fighter for that and when she was taking on another bunch they dropped flaming oil on her... you can imagine how that went. Fine armor didn't help a bit.
"Anyway, she said Hosk owed her. I'm a bit short right now -" she slaps her flat purse "- and I mean to see if he'll make good on that." With a shrug she adds "The festival here was supposed to be something to see too. I guess that's over now."
After Maerra finishes her story, Lilyfoot puts her best leaf forward, "I'm an alchemist," she explains, "Involved in research that was unpopular in my homeland, but intended to help my race. Hiding and fleeing for my life proved a less than productive in terms of research."
Lilyroot takes a sip of her drink as she looks sad, remembering, before continuing.
"I had heard of great Thassilon in the North, and I became curious if there was any secrets that could aid me that lie hidden somewhere in your nation. It might be a long shot, but your lands interest me."
Zev looks shyly at Ameiko, when he finally realizes she wants to know about him as well.
"Zev and ma and pa live up the coast! Granger's Gate! Zev and pa and brother fight big'uns. Big'un whack Zev on head. " Zev says enthusiasically, then he turns a bit more sad, pointing to his head, where a fist-sized depression can be seen under his hair, "Zev not so smart anymore."
But then he smiles at Ameiko, "But, Zev can fight!"
Ameiko smirks. "Anyone who helps put a few goblins in the ground are good friends to Daviren. He has a special.. dislike... for them. I'm sure he will keep to his word regarding your sister. "
She looks to Lilyroot and gingerly accepts the offered leaf. "I can't say I've seen your kind before, but you are most welcome here. If you wish to, I could introduce you to Aliver over at the Pantry. He might help you with your studies, but he's as likely to charge you more for it than he should, being as you're not from around here. " She pauses, taking another sip and setting it down. "I'm not much for local history, but if Thassilon is what you're looking for, go and visit Brodert at the Curious Goblin. Odd name, I know, but it fits. If you start talking about Thassilon or that old lighthouse, you'll have his ear."
After the halfling woman brings another round for those who have finished their first drinks, Ameiko listens intently to Zev's story. She sighs when he is finished. "I'm truly sorry for what you have gone through. I hope Sandpoint will prove better for you. If you're looking for better weapons, you could go see Savah at her shop on the West side."
Soon, the halfling woman gets Ameiko's attention and she excuses herself. "I will have to hear the rest of your stories later. More people will be hungry soon and after tonight, I don't want to disappoint, so I'd better get started on dinner."
You are left to yourselves for the next hour, talking amongst each other. About then, a messenger comes in with a missive and places it in Milah's hand. He then stands there, as if waiting for something.
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Milah opens the message and reads it, unsure as to whether the messenger is waiting for a tip or a response.
"Aliver? Brodert? I will remember these names, and appreciate introductions. Though Aliver will have trouble soaking me for gold, as alas, my purse is not that heavy right now!"
Milah opens the message and it appears as follows:
Greetings Adventurers,
My name is Kendra Deverin, Mayor of Sandpoint. It has come to my attention that your company fought to defend our town from the goblin invasion earlier this evening, without taking a second to consider your options. For this, we are eternally thankful. I would like to personally invite all of you to my home tomorrow during the lunch hour to speak more about your experience here and what we can offer in return for your bravery.
Sincerely,
K. Deverin, Sandpoint Mayor
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Aurica sips her ale slowly as she listens to the others' stories. When the messenger hands the missive to Milah, Aurica watches patiently while Milah reads.
Milah, in deference to Zev, reads the invitation aloud. She turns to the messenger, smiles, then responds, "I can't speak for the others, but I would be happy to be there." She pulls a couple of coppers out of her pouch and gives them to the messenger. "Please convey my thanks to the mayor."
The messenger nods and bows, accepting the tip and quickly leaving.
About then, several groups of townsfolk start to trickle in to the tavern. Some of them you recognize from the games earlier, but some you do not. Not long after, Ameiko comes out with bowls of something that smells spicy and sweet at the same time. The men and women accept them quickly and it isn't long until you start hearing whispers, some people pointing in your directions. Eventually, one of them is brave enough to stand up and come towards your table.
Standing about seven feet in height, he is hardly missed in a crowd, especially when his width is just as big, but mind you, he is not obese, only muscular. The tusks and green tinged skin tell you there is orc in his family history.
"Gotta say, word gets around fast when heroes come around. You gave them gobs a good whatfor. Least, that's what I hear. You don't look like much though. Carrying weapons like they're added weight rather than a part of you." He smirks, a couple of broken teeth showing. "The boys and I appreciate the help taking out the trash, but next time, leave it to us. We're.. specially trained." One of his 'boys' laughs, but a stare from the big one cuts him off. "Got it?"
Milah considers the stranger briefly, then smiles. "I can certainly see and respect your willingness and obvious ability to handle the goblins, but you and your boys were nowhere to be seen."
She pauses, considering her own words, then gasps and hastily clarifies, "To be clear, I'm sure you were merely in a different part of the city grinding other invaders into so much pulp, and am certainly not suggesting that you were huddled in safety or clutching each other in fear. In fact, I would wager there are many witnesses to your bravery and skill, and I'm sure they would love to regale us with tales of such."
She looks around expectantly, then, hearing no one, continues, "Perhaps later then? In any case, rest assured that, if we are beset by another invasion and you and yours are using your skills to good effect, we will certainly be okay with letting you handle it."
Sorush chuckles softly at Milah's lack of tact. And adds his own two cents to the conversation with the burly boys. "The bar's still standing. The goblins aint. I don't see no problem with that. Lighten up and have a drink, will ya?"
Zev stares at the half-orc in confusion, "Got what?"
"Yeah, good booze here. If you're wanting a fight you've had too few or too many. Easiest way to change that is to have another, right? Maerra puts in.
Completely unconsciously her grip on the mug of ale changes to a firmer one, suitable for swinging it with force.
"It's the duty of those who can, to help when they can, if no-one else is around to, don't you think?" Lilyroot adds.
The half orc eyes each of you, settling on Sorush. "That's a mighty fine idea. Don't mind if I do." He pulls out a chair and sits with your party. "Ameiko! Bring us the good stuff!" The friendly bartender peeks out from a pile of dishes and looks for your response as she shrugs.
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