Feldspar pats Maree's hand. "I know that you are a good woman. I only worry about the nature of the presence speaking through you."
He thinks for a moment, bending down to stroke the cat's fur with a large hand. "I think we should try to speak to Father Zanthus about this when we can. Unfortunately, True and I have some other obligations that must be dealt with first. If you are sure you're well, we will take our leave. But please don't hesitate to call on us if you need anything."
He scratches the cat behind its ears and then stands. "Get some rest. I'll come to check on you later."
I'm too lazy to back and look for those rolls so I won't ask you to do it.
Where and when appropriate I get a +2 v Humanoid (goblinoid)
Survival includes +2 from Mauler
Perception
Ride
Knowledge (Nature)
Jo'no tries to help where ever he can:
Perception
Survival (assist)
Knowledge Nature
Ride
Algus attempts to aid his half-elf friend.
At the Rusty Dragon
Having seen to Maree's well being, and with her assurance she's ok, the two holy warriors head for Ameiko's residence and business.
By the time they arrive, it is mid morning, and the town itself is well and truly roused from a sleepy spring morning. It has only been a few days since the goblins raided the town, but already the place has returned to nearly normal. The only true sign of the raid is the rebuilding still occuring in some places, but even here laughter and jesting can be clearly heard. Frontier folk truly are pragmatic in their approach to life.
The Rusty Dragon itself is quite subdued for a morning such as this. When the two of them enter, there is no sign of Ameiko herself, but her usual barstaff are still around. None of them seem particularly happy at the moment, and there is a distinct air of fretfullness about the place. Of even more interest is the fact that whatever is bubbling away over the fireplace has a distinctly...interesting aroma. Far different to the usually spicy and delicious scents that they become accustomed to at Ameiko's.
The Hunt
Idrian and Mauler pick up a trail within moments of separating from teh other group. The dog's ears prick up with interest, and it is about to bound recklessly into teh woods when Idrian also spots a goblinoid footprint nearby. He whistles sharply and the hound lopes back to his side obediently. Pointing out what he's seen to the others, he takes them along the track, weapons at the ready for either boar or goblinoid.
Tania finds herself in all sorts of difficulties as the push their mounts through the scrub. Her luxurious hair gets tangled at one point, and nearly pulls her from her horse until she finally gets the beast to stop so she can sort the problem. As she reaches up to slap at the plant, Jo'No casually reaches across and grabs her wrist. "Tis a nettle" he states calmly, grabbing his dagger and cutting her hair free without touching the plant. "You would have regretted touching it" he smiles at her.
Algus meanwhile had picked up on something nearby as well. A small orange fungus growing from a patch of dead leaflitter nearby. The fungus was something he would find useful for his alchemy, adding to the potency of some of his concoctions. As he dismounted to harvest the fungus, he also noted another footprint nearby. It would seem more than one goblin had found its way into these woods.
Algus
Idrian
Tania and Jo'No
"Looks to be about six goblins. The tracks are maybe one day old. The boar's are fresher. It's possible that the little greenskins have set an ambush, but they don't tend to have the patience. Stay alert because goblin, boar, or both, we're in for a fight." Idrian continues to lead them to the boar.
As a precaution, Jo'no will cast a spell weaving a matrix of mystic protective energies around his body.
Tania gets off her horse and guides it instead, longspear in hand.
It's safer for me that way...
Taking in the scene, vaguely aware that things are somehow not right, Feldspar moves toward one of the barstaff.
"Is your mistress about? We would speak with Ameiko, if she has a moment."
"more goblins? well I thought this would be a calmer hunt...I'm pleasantly surprised."Algus says with a rather cheerful voice, as he picks up the small orange fungi. he makes a small notation in his formulae book as a reminder to record any new discoveries from the travels, and then returns to his horse, readying his crossbow and advancing close to Idrian.
The Rusty Dragon
The girl behind the bar looks down at Feldspar with some concern. "Lady Ameiko didn't show up for work this mornings m'lord and m'lady. She left early last night too, asking me to clean up and lock the place tight. Said she had some business to see to. No one I've asked has seen her since then"
She offers both holy warriors a bowl of the gruel that's cooking over the fireplace, but it truly does look unappetising.
After a moment, she seems to work up some courage and asks "I am sarting to get worried about her, would you mind checking in at her place to see if she's ok? It's just that we have a booking from Lord Foxglove this afternoon and he's bringing most of the noble folk from town with him. He's hoping that we'll be able to prepare whatever game it is they catch on their hunt today, and Ameiko is he only one who could really cater to such refined tastes." hse glances at the gruel almost ashamedly "If you catch my drift"
The hunt
The group moves more slowly now, with Idrian and Tania both dismounted, though for different reasons.
The Half Elf bends low every once in a while to check on some sign he is following, leading them ever deeper into the Tickwoods. The small forest itself is quite pretty at this time of year, with the trees covered in new foliage and dappled light shining in through the canopy above. However, all four of them have a sense of tension about them as they move through the place. Goblins may be chaotic and almost comical in their nature, but they had killed more than their fair share of travellers in this region before.
Mauler stops suddenly, ears going straight up and his whole body tensed as if ready to leap forwards. The hackles on his neck rise and a low growl issues from his throat. The woods fall quiet, with even the wrens and finches that have been constantly flitting through the trees suddenly stilled. Ahead of them, the woods seem thicker and darker, more ominous somehow. A shadow moves, or perhaps its just a trick of the forest and light.
Idrian speaks quietly to everyone "I don't think we're alone anymore!"
Tania lets go of her horse and moves to stand and protect Jo'no.
Idrian readies his bow.
Jo'no dismounts.
Algus dismounts and readies his crossbow.
No sooner had the small hunting party readied than the shadows changed. Small forms detatcehd themselves from the deeper green of trees and shrubs and moved within view. It was almost magical in its effect, with nothing being visible at first, then a veritable swarm of goblins appeared.
Metal cleavers, grimy with rust and small shields showed they must have been remnant warriors from the raid a few days past.
For a moment the forest was still as the two groups stood staring at each other, a moment of hesitation on all their faces. Then a single last of a hunting horn rang out from the forest. Distant shouts of glee and the baying fo Daverins hounds came to them through the shadows and foliage.
The goblins reacted almost as fast as Mauler, rushing forwards to engage the group. The little buggers gibbered and laughed as they came on as well, screeching in their own horrid tongue.
Goblin tongue
Idrian fires at the goblin at M12
Composite Longbow: to hit w/pb shot
Composite Longbow: damage
does the foliage give him cover?
Feldspar looks at the girl with concern. "That is indeed troublesome. If you can direct us to Ameiko's house, we would be happy to look in on her. With the recent events in town, it's a good idea for everyone to look out for each other."
Algus dashes ahead to join Idrian in the fight; he fires his crossbow at another nearby Goblin, as he feels using any explosives here could wind up making a bigger mess.
The small size of the goblins and the foliage make Algus' aiming a lot more difficult, however.
*grins*
Understanding the goblins' shout, Jo'no calls out
"They are targeting the horses."
The Hunt
Idrian fires his bow at one of the crazy little creatures and punches his arrow through its chest. Arms flailingly lifelelssly, it flies backwards into teh trunk of tree before sliding to the ground, very dead.
Algus follows suit by firing his crossbow at the group across the trail from him, but his aim is very poor indeed. The evil little things cackle at his poor aim and wave their cleavers wildly as they move to engage him.
Mauler snarls and launches himself forwards towards the goblin closest to him. The dog is a blur of dark fur and flashing teeth as it barrels into the goblin, who screaches in rage at the sight of the dog. At the last moment it brings its shield up to fend of the mastiff's attack, and both of them go tumbling into the scrub nearby.
A goblin towards teh rear of the group suddenly begins chanting a horrible wailing noise in a strangely discordant rythm. The goblins all seem to catch the rythm together however, and begin moving more effectively and with confidence as they begin engaging their foes. Having sung his song, the chanter dashes across the forest to smaller but thicker bit of scrub, obvioulsy trying to get a bead on the man with teh bow who had kiled one of his tribe already.
The two goblins that had been acting as his bodyguard both engage Mauler, yet in the whirling frenzy of teeth, snarls and screeches, it seems that none of them land a blow.
At Ameiko's
Having been given instructions on how to reach the young womans place, both True and Feldspar head off to investigate.
Ameiko had purchased a modest place overlooking the bay at the top end of town. People had wondered why she hadn't taken up the owners appartment in the Rusty Dragon itself, but Ameiko always claimed she needed at least some time for private affairs, and the Dragon wouldn't have allowed for that.
The house itself seemed modestly kept as well, with the small garden out teh front in need of care and a new coat of white wash also required. As the two approach, Feldspar notes the front door appears to be slightly ajar, an no light is visible from within the place. Everthing else appears calm enough, though an old woman stands out the front of a nearby house seemingly taking a large amount of time to hang her washing as she wathces the two of them walk up the street.
Tania moves through the greenery, bringing her longspear to bear, and stabs at the goblin on her right.
Eying the open door with misgivings, Feldspar looks toward the old woman.
"Pardon me, good matron. Have you seen Ameiko this morning? Is everything well here?"
Jo'no moves forward and attempts to daze the goblin fading back into the bushes.
The foliage offers the goblins too much potential cover. Idrian opts for the up close approach instead and switches to his greatsword.
Tania moves carefully forwards, positioning herself between the two nearest goblins and lashing out at the one attacking Mauler. Her spear thrst is strong, but is deflected by the combination of foliage and shield that the little creature is using.
Behind her, she hears Jo'no moving up and casting, his arcane words weaving a confusing and dazing effect on the goblin to her left. The small humanoid stops and blinks suddenly, looking around as if utterly unsure of why it's here.
On the right hand side of the battle, the last golbin rushes forwards from cover to attack Idrian. It's little cleaver is swung with some skill as the Half elven ranger desperately defends himself while switching out weapons.
At Ameiko's
The old woman moves a little closer to Feldspar, looking at him with Rheumy eyes. Even from here he can smell the mothball scent and stale cloves. Behind her, the ugliest little dog he's ever seen begins yipping at the woman, demanding food.
She speaks in a cracked voice, the sound barely covering the distance between the two of them. "The young miss had visitors last night. It really upset my little Scruffy here, specially when they started yelling." She coughs for a moment, phlegmy and persistant, before spitting a wad of greeenish mucous off to the side and wiping her mouth on a small hanerchief. "Course, I didn't ay much mind to it, and I only got up to see my Scruffy was ok. It may be as I saw the young miss leaving the house in company of two men. She didn't look none too pleased about it neither, especially the way they were holding her arms as they walked. Not for me to pry any mind you"
Feldspar nods, doing his best not to show concern.
"Did you happen to see where they were heading?" He asked.
After she answers, Feldspar quickly thanks the old woman, handing her a copper for her trouble. Then he turns and hurries toward the house, stepping within to quickly scan the interior.
He missed. I think this is where I would change weapons, but with that goblin up in my grill I'll have to change that.
Idrian falls back away from the goblin's swing, putting just enough distance between them to take another shot with his bow.
Composite Longbow: to hit w/PB Shot and Fav Enemy
Composite Longbow: damage
My aim is really going to fail me here...Algus thinks as he sees the goblins approach. he decides to take a more "safe" approach to the fight, and takes out one of his small vials, quickly taking the mask off and drinking the fluid in one go.
The change is swift and rather painful at first. his whole body gains considerable bulk, and sharp, respectable claws appear in his hand, as well as big, deadly fangs in his teeth. he keeps his hood on this time, as it would only cause further distrust with the Nobles. As the goblins draw closer, he lets out a great, guttural roar as he moves forward to fight them.
The Hunt
Idrian steps backwards, aiming his bow at the goblin and letting fly. The shot is good, striking the goblin solidly but the hunter loses his footing momentarily and stumbles, losing sight of his quarry and not sure if it had persished or not
Meawnhile, Algus removes and drinks his foul tasting brew, mutating before the groups eyes into the large and fearsome creature they had come to expect in combat. He rushes forwards to engage the goblins attacking Mauler, but can't attack them before they slice at the Mastiff
The two goblins fighting Mauler slice in unison, their blows confusing the dog, and both them causing deep gashes in the hunting dogs flank. The animal howls in pain and fear, withdrawing from the two as quickly as it can, while favouring its hind limb.
At the back of the battle, the chanting goblin continues its awful noise, switching out the swird it was carrying for a short bow instead. Taking an arrow, it prepares to attack Idrian.
Ameiko's
The old woman points vaguely up the road, towards the cemetary and mumbles somethign about the three of them heading that way. She returns to her washing while Feldspar and True enter the hut, singling in a gravelly voice while her ugly dog yaps wildly at her feet .
Inside the house, Feldspars dwarven eyes quickly adjust to the darkened room, and he can tell almost immediately that a struggle occured here. Furniture is overturned and a ceramic vase has been broken on teh floor, spilling water and spring flowers over the floor.
The Paladan's keen eyes quickly pick up a torn piece of parchment lying on the floor near the table. As he picks it up, he finds it is a note, written in a flowing language he cannot read. Despite the lanquage difference, the word Amieko can clearly be made out on the form. The way the parchment is lying is strange, placed slightly under the leg of the table almost as if it was placed their purposefully rather than dropped in whatever scuffle had happened here.
The Hunt
Meawnhile, Algus removes and drinks his foul tasting brew, mutating before the groups eyes into the large and fearsome creature they had come to expect in combat. He rushes forwards to engage the goblins attacking Mauler, but can't attack them before they slice at the Mastiff
[ooc]Sorry. That was a error. It should have been +3 like you said.[/dice]
Tania presses on, trying to stab the goblin to her left, despite the foliage: "Just our luck, we catch something Ameiko can't dress! Well, I'll just have to grease the pigs meself! Lubricatio Arcanux!"
Feldspar holds the letter out where True can see it. "I fear that Ameiko has gotten herself into some trouble. The question is, does this relate to what her father is accused of? Or is it something else entire? It's a shame the others are dallying today instead of holding up their responsibilities!"
He considers for a moment and then shrugs his massive shoulders. "I'd like to find someone to decipher this note but I think it can wait. Let's hurry off toward the cemetary. If Ameiko or her pursuers are still about, perhaps we can help. Otherwise..." His voice trails off.
"Let's be off."
Feldspar leaves the house, stuffing the parchment into his pocket. He closes the door carefully behind them and then begins to trot off in the direction the old woman had pointed them to, hoping that they were not too late.
Deciding on a slightly more lethal tactic, Jo'no recites a spell releasing a small bolt of light which streaks towards a dazed goblin.
The Hunt
Tania mutters her arcane words, bringing forth a layer of grease that covers the forest floor surrounding the two goblins closest to her. With a cry of dismay, one of them slips, his feet flying high and dumping him with a wooof onto his bum.
The other goblin laughs and points at its unlucky companion, even as it desperately keeps its footing.
Jo'no also releases the arcane forces at his disposal, pointing at his previous target and striking its body with a bolt of force. The goblin grunts in pain, snapping from its daze and stairing at Jo'no with glowing eyes of malice.
Rushing forwards, the creature swings at Tania, the blow missing her by hairs breath even as she stabs at the creature while it runs
On the far side of the battle, the goblin struck by Idrians arrow again closes the gap, swinging wildly as the arrow wound causes it to flinch in pain at the last moment.
Only too happy to see the goblin open itself, Tania stabs at it as it comes for her...
;
Sandpoint Cemetary
Moving hurriedly through the town, Feldspar and True find themselves at the new Chapel. A sense ofe de ja vu overcomes Feldspar as he sees the town from the point where he first entered the night of the goblin raid. The building was as impressive a sight now as it was then, only this time no bunting and stage were present.
Just beyond the stone building, a wrought iron gate with the symbols of the six deities worshipped in town worked into the pattern, separated the cemetary from the general square.
The gates were open, allowing free passage for mourners to enter and pay their respects during the day. Within, there were one or two folk laying flowers on the fresh graves of those who died duing the raid. Futher in, a man hunched over an older grave was busy pulling weeds and placing them into a barrow beside him. This was obviously the keeper of the graves. No other folk could be seen nearby, though a doorway leading into the church itself could be seen from the cemetary side as well, the heavy wooden door standing open allowing free access as well.
Again, Idrian takes a step back and looses an arrow.
Composite Longbow: to hit
Composite Longbow: damage
Algus uses his newly developed claws to attack the goblin next to him.
Tania's spear thrust is perfect, lancing into the goblins heart and felling it before it can reach her. She smiles slightly as her plan and positioning start coming together in this combat.
Idrian again backpedals from the vicious little goblin and unleashes another arrow into its body. This time the shaft proves lethal, killing the greenskin outright.
Algus' brutal new form slashes large claws at the golbin still standing amongst the grease. The creature is caught completely off guard, still laughing at its companion for falling over. The silly smile on its face remins fixed in a rictus of death is its head is torn from its shoulders by Algus. Black blood pumps from the creatures neck as its body falls lifeless to the ground.
The goblin still trapped in the grease tries to stand, completely terrified at the brutal death of its companion. However, as it puts its hand onto the ground to push itself up, the greasy layer of magic causes it to slip out from underneath again and it falls flat on its face.
Seeing nearly all of its companions dead, the chanter snarls and unleashes a single shot at Idrian, before turning to flee into the woods. By sheer luck, the shot is devastatingly good, striking the hunter under his upraised arm as he was drawing another arrow, and punching into his chest.