Bedoc swings again at the closest goblin as it pushes the cart toward the church.
Kadrian moves up to stand next to the halfling to assist in felling the goblin.
Round 2, Init 7
Rak holds his position, taking a moment to study the lead goblin as the cart approaches, and sets his spear to receive the oncoming charge.
Kane's axe carries through the goblin's neck and thunks heavily into the wagon wheel causing a large crack. Bendoc's swing goes wide of the goblin but Kadrian manages to nick it, a small bead of blood beginning to roll down the goblin's arm. Ready in position, Rak braces his spear with his foot and readies to receive the charge.
Akuleh notices Rak is once again in a position to receive the oncoming goblins and readies himself to do the same. He gets himself into a more solid stance, lowers the tip of his spear, and grinds the heel of his back foot into the dirt to give himself better traction. "Ready when you are, Rak. Together we will stop these vermin!"
Kane takes another swing at the wagon's wheel in a fervent attempt at slowing it down.
As the wagon threatens to run him over he takes a swing at
The celestial dog snarls as the wagon slams into it, but its glowing white eyes remain locked on its mark. Seeing the goblin use the wheels for cover, the dog manuevers around the side of the wagon for a second attack.
Uncertain of the men's chances of halting the flaming wagon in time, Bela speaks a quick incantation and feels a familiar mystical force surround her.
Kane's mighty axe digs deep into the wagon wheel again and again and finally clefts it in twain as the celestial dog chases a goblin around another wheel.
The wagon's momentum carries it forward rolling over Kane before skidding to a stop inches from Akuleh and Rak. Their readied spears impale the lead goblins like skewered pig.
The goblins grow furious not only at having their flaming wagon halted, but the presence of a dog drives them into a frenzy. They stab and strike into canine flesh again and again until the dog is no more. The remaining goblin on the other side of the cart stabs out at Kadrian and pierces his calf.
Well, that got their attention, Bela thinks, noting the shift in the attitude of the goblins from simple-minded mischief to bloodthirstiness. A weary sigh passes from her lips as she watches another of her creatures be turned to celestial dust. If these little monsters want blood, we'll just have to oblige them.
The Eclipse (+4 WIS)
The Empty Throne (+4 CHA)
Taking to the stage once more--now that the threat of it collapsing under the wheels of the wagon has passed--Bela steps up until she stands just behind the dwarf. She draws two more cards from the strange deck she holds on to, and, but a moment later, a skeletal eagle materializes in the spot where its otherworldly predecessor stood. Glowing yellow lights in otherwise empty eye sockets fix menacingly on the goblins as the eagle flaps its bony wings, each beat making an unsettling rattle. Giving a cry that sounds like the wail of a dozen people in mourning, the eagle rends its targets with talon and beak.
Wincing from another spear attack, anger washes over the swashbuckler's face.
In a low growl, Kadrian sneers at the goblin in front of him, "You know, I really[ F#<*ing hates you bastards!!"
"Let me give you a hand with that,"Bendoc says to Kadrian as he swings his slingstaff at the goblins head.
Round 3, Init 7
Rak watches the eagle rend the new lead goblin to bits. He studies the last goblin in line on his side of the cart, looking for weaknesses in its armor or stance that he can exploit. He steps forward 5' and lunges with his longspear.
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With the cart disabled by Kane's mighty axe and the goblins quickly falling all around him, Akuleh raises a hand toward one of the remaining goblins standing being attacked by Izbela's summoned eagle. He closes his eyes for a moment before slamming the butt of his spear on the pavement and commanding the goblin, "Cease your evil work!"
Kane steps up to the last goblin standing and brings the axe down.
Izbela summons a celestial eagle that immediately shreds two goblins while Kadrian and Bendoc finish off another.
Kane lifts an eyebrow in irritation. "Blasted little wretch," he mutters. "Damerrich give me the strength to end it." With this small prayer, he brings his axe down once more.
The goblins lie dead or dying on the ground. The wagon full of bonfire supplies blazes high and bright. Father Zantus once again approaches everyone in disbelief. "You truly are blessed champions of Sandpoint. If not for you, the destruction would have been much greater, and I can only guess at the loss of life you have prevented. They would have burned down the cathedral and everyone in it. Thank you again. If you need anything, you have but to ask. In the meantime, I have others I must attend to. Perhaps you could check around town to see the how the other guards fare?"
While not a particularly violent person, Bela can't help but feel a little smug satisfaction watching as the last two goblins are torn to ribbons by the celestial eagle. "That was very well fought, everyone," she compliments the group, hoping to defuse any potential disagreements between Kane and Kadrian with a little preemptive cheer. The summoner carefully hops off the stage and moves over to Kadrian, waving her hand dismissively at the eagle as she does and causing it to disburse into celestial energy. "Yes, Father. We will be more than happy to help secure the rest of the town. Before we do, though, could we trouble you for another healing?" she beseeches the man on Kadrian's behalf, concerned that the noble scion may be too proud to ask himself.
"Indeed," said Kadrian. "Could you please heal myself back to full fighting form, in case more goblins are about."
Perhaps due to the recent battles, Kadrian feels great affection for Bela, and slyly attempts to grasp his fingers around hers and they stand next to each other.
" I don't think this is the end of it," Bendoc remarks to his companions. "Do we want to stay here and secure the temple or start patrolling the town to see if there are anymore of these vermin about?"
Rak looks up at Father Zantus. "Father, if you're sure you have a handle on things here, I think we'd be happy to patrol the rest of the town. But these little buggers seem to have had designs on your new church. If that was the target, we might be better off staying here as a guard for the cathedral. What are your thoughts?"
"The church is a high priority target, but the lack of response from the rest of the guard is troubling," Kane muses. [b]"Perhaps sweep the surrounding area, and try and find Sheriff Hemlock or Mayor Deverin, someone who can effectively rally others, before returning.
"Yes, of course my dear. Gather 'round everyone" Father Zantus says as he once again grabs a hold of his holy symbol and asks Lady Luck for her blessing.
"I believe we can defend the cathedral for the time being, thanks to your valiant efforts."
In spite of the flirting and meaningful glances the two have shared in the past few hours, the smile that graces Bela's lips at Kadrian's gesture could almost be called shy. Still, she returns the gesture, trying--and failing, considering the faint color that rises in her cheeks--to seem nonchalant as she faces Father Zantus and the rest of the "heroes". She nods her assent at the priest's words, saying, "I suppose that settles it, then. I'll need just a minute before we head out." After giving Kadrian's hand a gentle squeeze, Bela moves a fair distance away and begins the ritual to summon her eidolon.
"Ahh. Thank you, Father", Kadrian sighs as he feels the aches from his body leave him, "One more and I will be right as rain."
The swashbuckler also felt Bela's fingers leave his, as Bela separated from the group. Kadrian looks on with interest, but somehow knows not to interupt.
Akuleh swipes his spear to clear the blood from the spearhead and gathers with the others as they discuss their next course of action. "It would seem we have managed to secure a respite from the attacks on the Cathedral for now. I agree that we should join the patrols around the town and determine where else our help might be needed." He eyes Kane and smiles slightly, "That is, as long as the city guard would not object to a few more volunteers joining in the defense."
He notices Bela move away and begin her ritual, but does not watch for more than a few moments. Such things are not for others' eyes, he thinks, as he reflects on his own daily practice of communing with his ancestors to gain their guidance and protection. His hand reaches into his cloak and finds the small totem he carries with him for his devotions. He snaps out of his reveries and returns to the conversation at hand. "So, what would be the most likely place for the goblins to have made their entrance? Perhaps we can help seal it up to put a stop to today's atrocities."
Kane nods. "I'm happy to accept assistance from civilians who are capable of handling themselves." He resists the urge to cast another irritated glance Kadrian's way. "In any case, unless they swam they would have needed to take the bridges in."
The last of the Harrow cards reveals itself and a brilliant flash of violet energy briefly lights up the Cathedral Square. The light dies down as abruptly as it appeared, revealing a towering man in golden plate armor, greatsword strapped to his back. After what looks to be a slightly heated discussion, Bela retrieves the rest of her cards and rejoins the group, eidolon in tow. "Perhaps we should check the north gate first, then? It would be the nearest entrance into town," she suggests, pointing up the street to the north. As an afterthought, she motions to the creature looming behind her as she makes brief introductions. She isn't certain how knowledgeable the group is about summoners, and feels a quick explanation may be in order. "This is Algon, by the way. He is a guardian ...of sorts."
Rak watches Bela's ritual with no small amount of interest. When the eidolon appears, the dwarf takes a step back, awed by the immensity of what the summoner has done. He looks around the square to see others' reactions, then reigns his shock in and forces himself to speak with composure.
"Hmmm, impressive. So he just comes and goes, from the æther, at your beck and call?" He looks at Bela with a new-found respect. And just a touch of... fear? Intimidation? Respect? It's not easy to say.
Rak looks to Kane for guidance as he continues. Still speaking to Bela, he keeps his eyes on Kane, looking for confirmation from the town guard. [b]"The north gate sounds good?"[b]
Still wide-eyed from the summoning of the golden plate man, Kadrian almost absentmindedly replies to his dwarven companion, "Er..yes, dear Rak, the..um, north gate sounds good."
Forcing himself to, at least blink, Kadrian greets the new addition to the party. "Greetings, Algon", stutters the swashbuckler, "Welcome and well met."
No stranger to strange magic or unusual companions, Kane only flinches slightly at the sudden appearance of the armored man, but nods to him when he's introduced. "Very good. I'm certain Algon will be of no small use. The north gate should be a good place to start. Follow me closely, and keep a careful eye on the shadows and corners." Keeping his axe out and at the ready, Kane leads the way.
Rak nods his head at Kane's words. Yup, gotta stay focused on the task at hand; the town needs help. No sense getting hung up on this big guy.
He follows Kane's lead, keeping an eye out for danger as they walk.
What type of witchery is this? Bendoc wonders as Izbela summons the golden warrior. I liked the bird better, he decides and continues aloud, "The north gate it is. I'll guard the rear. "
Like the others, Akuleh is taken aback by the fierce warrior now following behind Izbela. He looks at the warrior in awe, then turns to Bela, "There is more power in those cards than I had suspected. I wonder if you will tell us more about these strange abilities of yours some day. Until, then, hail, Algon. Your strength will surely not be without use, should we encounter any more of the wretched goblins."
The Shoanti joins the others as they begin to make their way toward the north gate, grateful for the expertise of this guard, Kane. Akuleh has only been in the city for a few days and still does not know his way around very well. It will be most helpful to have some locals leading the group throughout the city. Perhaps if they ever ventured into the wilds of Varisia together, he could return the favor.
The eidolon nods his greetings to the assembled mortals, which is a step up from his usual ill-mannered reticence. His glowing golden eyes stare down Izbela as she turns to face him, placing her hand on his chestplate and reciting an incantation of protection. He feels more than sees her enchantment weave around him, and when she is done, she turns back to her group to revel in their mixed praise and shock.
"You sound surprised, Master Dwarf," Bela says with a clever smile. "Do I strike you as a woman who would abide anything less?" To her credit, she looks far less self-satisfied at the Shoanti's words, whose suggestion she answers with a more genuine smile and a nod of her head. Still...
Vain little creature, Algon thinks critically, mindful to keep his thoughts from broadcasting through their shared link. Once the men are set on their next course of action, Algon moves to join Kane in taking point, but not before he points a gauntleted finger at his summoner. "Good, then you stay behind with half-man," he orders Bela in a deep, echoing voice that sounds as if it has traveled up from a faraway tunnel, before he follows Kane & Akuleh north, one hand on the pommel of his greatsword.
"That's halfling," comes Bela's sharp reply. "And I don't need to be told where to stay."
Kadrian keeps to the middle of the group, away from Algon, but close enough to Izbela.
It takes several minutes to walk to the northern gate. Numerous building have been vandalized, but the damage seems superficial. A few goblin bodies are scattered across the streets here and there. Thankfully, there are even fewer bodies of the townsfolk. It would seem that most were able to find shelter quickly. The streets are mostly clear, however, rounding a corner close to the gate, three goblins mounted on worgs have pinned down a human man. They toy with man who darts back and forth looking for some way to escape.
Algon's lips curl in disgust at the sight of the human bodies littering the street. Righteous fury floods the eidolon's mind at seeing the three goblins accost the frightened citizen. Letting out a low whistle to draw their focus on him--there is, after all, no honor to be had in attacking an opponent unawares--he tenses his body before charging at the goblin in the middle, drawing his greatsword as he moves and bringing it down on the foul creature's head with a savage grunt.
The triumphant mood Bela had been in after the sound defeat of the goblins in the Square shatters upon seeing the bodies of townsfolk lying in the streets. Sadness is quick to fill the void left behind, and a hand rises to cover her mouth as she looks at their unmoving bodies. "We were too late..." Guiltily, she wonders if they would have been able to save them had she not spent so much time calling her eidolon, but before her mind can travel too far down that road, she feels a swell of anger flood her link with Algon. Instead of blocking off the emotion, she embraces it, letting it fuel her into brash action. Breaking from the group, she storms toward the goblin to the south, arcane words spilling quickly from her lips before she casts an orb of acid at the green menace.
Kane grips his axe tightly. "In the name of the Damerrich and by the authority vested in me by the town of Sandpoint, I hereby find you guilty of murder, mayhem, and vandalism. You are hereby sentenced to death!" With this declaration, he charges in after Algon, although his target is the worg rather than the goblin.
Kadrian springs into action, running to give aid to the pinned down man, rapier drawn. Kadrian's first instinct was to assist Izbella, but with the formidable Algon, the swashbuckler figures the summoner will be fine.
Akuleh walks along the streets of this unfamiliar city and sees the carnage wreaked by the goblins' attack. He sees the bodies of the dead littering the streets and feels a pang of anger that, despite all their efforts in the square, still so many had perished. As they round the corner and spot the man being tormented by the goblin riders, his anger wells up within him. He rushes forward and calls out to his ancestors, "Ancient ones, guide the blades of my companions to strike down these foul creatures!" A wave of light emanates from the tips of Akuleh's outstretched fingers, encircling each of his allies and giving them greater strength for the fight to come.
Bendoc runs to the end of the lane. Seeing that he has a clear shot he launches a bullet at the hind quarters of the warg Karidan is moving up on. With disappointment he watches his projectile sail wide of its mark.
Algon cuts a goblin rider down while Kane hacks into the worg it was riding. Izbela hurls acid at another as Kadrian moves to intercept it. Bendoc's stone flies through the air and just catches the worg in the rear. Akuleh blesses his new allies with accuracy. Rak hustles forward to the intersection, ready to join which ever street needs help.
The goblins and their worgs turn to engage the heroes. Algon takes a nasty bite as a worg locks it's jaws around the eidolon's ankle and drags it down to the ground. The other worgs snap and snarl but are unable to sink their teeth in. Of the two remaining goblins, one manages to stab Kane with it's shortspear.
Akuleh moves to follow Kane and the golden warrior, his spear in hand. Once he is near enough, he lunges and drives the blade of his spear toward the warg in front of him .
As his spear strikes wide of his target, the Shoanti mutters a curse, then calls out to his companions, "Ben, Rak, help Bela and Kadrian with the other one. I think we'll be able to handle these."
Bendoc runs up to Kadrian and launches a bullet at the goblin. He curses silently as it flies wide of its mark.
After surviving goblin rider's attack unscathed, Kadrian focuses his attack upon the worg.
After the attack, Kadrian take a 5ft. step back, in an attempt to draw the goblin rider away from the trapped man.
Bela's attention shifts from her previous target to her fallen eidolon at sensing his pain. Hang on, Algon. Flipping through her heirloom deck once more, she draws another card and empowers her companion with a touch of the Harrow.
The Desert (+4 CON)
At seeing how easily her Paladin was taken down, Bela worries for her companions' safety. "Watch yourselves around these beasts. They aren't to be trifled with."
The large golden warrior hits the ground with a muffled thud, the sound of his plate armor clanging against stone strangely absent. Although pain shoots up from his ankle, his strength of will is such that he is able to maintain his grip on his greatsword as he goes down. After all, he knows that pain and death are transient things for him in this realm. Feeling Bela's harrowed magic bolster his form, Algon grits his teeth and aims to thrust up into the chest of the slavering worg that took him down.