Halgor prays over the items for a bit, and reveals the blade's magical nature.
I thought it would be, says Gan, nodding in agreement. It seems Tsuto's betrayal of his family carried over to this ancestral weapon as well.
Gan turns to his companions and speaks in a hushed tone.
I can give you some arcane insight for the upcoming battle, before we enter. But first, how should we proceed? Perhaps have Halgor open the door with Tristan on the other side, while Lamsfel and Shalelu have bows readied? Tybus and I can watch the other doors. Is this acceptable?
Tristan nods, uncharacteristically grave. "Yes. Let's clear out this nest of vermin once and for all."
Tybus doesn't object to the plan.
Regarding the potions and the blade, however, if given a moment he'll take a look.
The potions:
And the sword :
"That plan sounds fine to me."
Halgor readies to open the door once everyone is in position.
Tybus's face registers awe as he studies the magical enchantments with his enhanced sight. He holds it rather reverently as he tests its balance. After a moment, he speaks, mainly to Gan. This sword is... special. It almost speaks to me. I can almost picture what the warriors be like on your side of the world, Gan. And there's a presence there, that would guide me. Well, I mean, it's user. If he be... Tybus tests the word, unused to it. honorable?
He looks about at the rest of the party, getting ready for their next move. He shrugs and regards the gleaming and elegant sword, comparing it to his rugged cutlass. Tybus passes the katana back to Gan.
Too much blade for just a simple sailor. Let's get ready.
"You're no simple sailor, my friend. And you are here in support of Ameiko and the Kaijitsu name. There's no reason why you cannot carry this sword in her honor. When we return to Sandpoint, return it to her then - it's more important that we use the best tools we have available while we are here."
"Take the exotic sword and let Ameiko decide when we present it to her. After we've done her work here."
I agree, Tybus. If you hear the blade calling to you, please take it. Perhaps it wants to undo some of the wrong that Tsuto has caused and restore the Kaijitsu's honor by spilling the blood of Ameiko's enemies. This sword has a purpose. Do not ignore its wishes.
The northern door opens, revealing a large bedroom-like space, with dog and horse hides covering the floor. On the north wall, a collection of horseshoes - most badly bent or rusted - covers almost the entire space, while the east features a broken-down chair next to a desk that was likely once a fine antique and the west holds a silk-canopied bed with a rotted-wood headboard, the faint outlines of satyrs and nymphs still barely visible. This seems mostly likely to have been the chieftain's personal quarters.
The north room on the east side of the "throne room" turns out to be the goblins' armory - a large collection of poorly-made dogslicers, horse choppers, short bows, wooden shields, and studded leather armor, all goblin-sized and none of it worth much of anything - and the south room is some kind of food storage, with dried and pickled flesh, apparently taken from several kinds of local humanoids, in abundance.
Tybus nods at the compliments, and tucks the sword into his belt. It don't suit me style much, but if it comes to just swinging and hacking, then maybe I'll draw her. Thanks.
Lamsfel takes a moment in each of the rooms.
Perception (northern door)
Perception (north on eastern wall)
Perception (south on eastern wall)
Lamsfel find nothing of interest in the "larder" or the chief's room, but does note that one of the dogslicers in the armory is masterwork.
"Huh. Looks like even a scavenger can get something right - sort of - once in a while." Lamsfel will hold onto the better-made weapon for now.
"Shall we return to the first room and try the two doors we have ignored thus far?"
Lamsfel will head back to the entry and the unexplored doors, listening at each one in turn.
West door perception check
East door perception check
Halgor takes a moment to say last rites over the humanoid remains found in the larder in hopes that they found their just rewards.
West door perception check
East door perception check
Neither Lamsfel nor Shalelu hear anything at either door.
"Shall we prepare to open these doors like we did in the throne room?"
"Sounds good." Tristan keeps his distance from the talking sword, more and more ill at ease at the lack of goblins.
One boot, coming up. Or, did ye mean Gan's magic? Tybus says with a wink.
The eastern door opens to reveal a room that is clearly something of a barracks for the tribe, six poorly constructed bunk beds - really just double-stacked hammocks made of rotting canvas and old wood - filling the small space. It looks as though about a dozen goblins sleep here, or have in the recent past.
The western door, however, reveals something more intrguing - a set of stairs, leading down into the stone of the island itself.
"A-ha. Into the heart of it. Are we ready?"
The group slips down the stairs, which double back on themselves before opening up into a larger room, nmostly empty save for a small number of dog pelts in one corner. There are several doors leading in various directions.
Lots o' choices, here. Tybus's voice is hushed, and he steps lightly as he can, glancing at the doors.
A thought comes to him. Gan, can ye douse that light for a wee bit? We know there be a few non-goblins here, who would need their own light. We might be able to tell which rooms they're in.
If Gan complies, (or whoever's got the lit sword sheathes it for a round) Tybus will study the door frames for light seeping in through the cracks. (Should be a lot easier than listening for sneaky goblins.)
Lamsfel nods in agreement, but doesn't say anything.
Shalelu holds up a hand for a moment, checking the floor to see if a traffic pattern can be made out - which door gets the most, basically.
Survival (tracking)
Once the lights go out, the elves join the magus in seeking light leakage around the doors.
Lamsfel Perception
Lamsfel Stealth
Shalelu Perception
Shalelu Stealth (if it matters)
Halgor waits impatiently, well aware that any movement he makes can be heard clear back to Sandpoint.
Lots o' choices, here. Tybus's voice is hushed, and he steps lightly as he can, glancing at the doors. 1d20
A thought comes to him. Gan, can ye douse that light for a wee bit? We know there be a few non-goblins here, who would need their own light. We might be able to tell which rooms they're in.
If Gan complies, (or whoever's got the lit sword sheathes it for a round) Tybus will study the door frames for light seeping in through the cracks. 1d20 (Should be a lot easier than listening for sneaky goblins.)
Shalelu indicates scuff marks in the stone floor that seem to show most traffic moving through the room either toward the north door or the two doors on the south wall toward the west side. At one of those doors, the one furthest west, Lamsfel and Shalelu both hear voices - a rough, low-pitched one and a higher, squeakier one. Both seem to be laughing.
Lamsfel and Shalelu look at each other and nod. Putting a finger to his lips, Lamsfel motions to the others and points to the door as he and the ranger ready their bows and step back.
Halgor moves across the room and takes a hold of the door, waiting for the others to get into position before yanking it open and stepping aside.
With battle imminent, Tybus quickly draws and reads the command word off one of his scolls of shield, then sets himself to move in.
Gan casts guidance on Lamsfel and then steps back behind everyone before the door is opened.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The scene within the room is... well, not indescribable, but one I don't particularly care to describe in detail. Suffice to say that the room itself has a number of threadbare and worn pillows, piles of soiled linen and old dog furs scattered across the floor, in what almost seems like a parody of a harlot's boudoir. There is a foul stench, a mixture of vinegar and rotten flowers as well. And in the midst of it all are two naked figures: a hobgoblin and a gobliness, the latter holding a whip in one hand (though not with any great determination, as she is clearly focused on other things). The two of them start and fall away from one another as the door bursts open, but the hobgoblin's eyes go wide as they fall on Shalelu. "You!" he shouts, and dives toward a heavy flail and bow, both leaning against the far wall. Shalelu, for her part, clearly recognizes the hobgoblin as well, but she seems unable to decide whether her reaction to the scene should be disgust or amusement.
Is this a bad time for ye, mate? Tybus calls out.
Shalelu
Lamsfel
Halgor
Gan almost looks as if he pities the two naked figures before he brings his powers to bear on the Hobgoblin, casting Daze.
Shalelu mutters something dark and rude in tone in her native tongue, too low for anyone to make out as she sights down the shaft in her bow before letting it fly at her old foe.
Attack
Damage
Attack
Damage
The hobgoblin's eyes glaze over, and he stops his rush toward his weapon - but a glimmer of awareness begins to return to his eyes as one of Shalelu's arrows sinks deep into his shoulder.
With his mouth twisted in disgust, though whether he's disgusted at the scene, or his leaping into battle against a clearly unprepared opponent is a question he'll ponder at a later time. Right now, let's make sure there will be time later for reflection.
Tybus' strike is awkward and off-balance - but the hobgoblin's lack of preparation leaves him unable to dodge the blow, and it lands solidly, the blood flowing freely.
Initiative.
Tristan tries to slice both the recumbent figures if possible, starting with the consort.
Greatsword attack: , damage, Cleave (if applicable) , damage