After the speeches, Jubrayl wanders off to find some games, noting that aside from being exceptionally celebratory, Sandpoint is very much the same, only without Nualia.
-----------------------
No necromancer ever succeeded by announcing himself to the world, but ok, I've been gone longer than he has. But wait... Something doesn't seem right.
Jubrayl will break from his hiding place and run over to Vosk.
There could still be goblins in there, be careful.
[Prelude]
Free food and drink?? That's the best kind! Hopefully my quick smile and quicker feet will help me get to the warmest pastries and plenty of beer! Of course there's nothing wrong with keeping an open ear or asking an innocent question while making my way through a line.
[Second goblin battle, round 3]
Chaldira's fuzzy feet, but old Ned seems even slower than last time we roamed along the Yondabakari River! I think I could actually hear the creak of arthritic bones with his last swipe at that charging goblin. Look's like it's up to me to keep the olwynion on the cart.
Hanging onto my bow with my off hand, I want to use a move action to draw a dagger.
"Stew sounds blasus, but I'm looking for wedi'i ddeisio goblin."
If I get the initiative, I'll take a 5' step towards the goblin at H3 and attempt to stab him with my dagger.
{How do you handle crit damage? Above x2, in this case 0 :-(, or do I roll a second damage die? }
Otherwise, I'll wait for it to close with me to see if I can 5' myself into a flanking position with Ned. Same rolls except with +2 to the dagger attack roll (and maybe a +2 flanking bonus to Ned's attack above) and Sneak attack bonus damage.
I still think he's old as dirt :-)
Ned will roar, "Circle around and attack him from the other side!"
I am the deliverer of the wicked bad paper cut!
Ned will roar, "Circle around and attack him from the other side!"
Unfortunately, as a halfling I'm limited to 20' and without a base attack bonus of +1, I had to use my move action to draw my dagger, so only 5'.
Depending on initiative and how intent it is on me, we may flank this round. Maybe your sword'll connect after all.
[ Prelude ]
Mervyn wanders through the stalls, searching out interesting looking books or parchment to add to his collection. He stops here and there to inspect the bindings of a book or to run his hand over a piece of parchment and yet he can find nothing to interest him much.
[ Goblin Battle - Round Two ]
Mervyn grimaces as the goblin finds a chink in his armour and scores a light hit. Although he can feel the blood beginning to run, Mervyn continues to attack the wounded goblin in front of him.
With a grim smile, Mervyn watches as his switchscythe slides into the goblin's ribs. With a concerted effort, he wrenches it from the creature's body, hoping the blow is sound enough to bring the creature to the ground.
[Second Goblin Battle –Round Three Results]
Seeing that his enemy is intent on closing the distance, Lleidr runs forward with his dagger, punching through the goblin’s tough leather armor.
The eagle flits over to the commando, vainly trying to engage the mounted goblin in battle.
Selia fires at Lleidr’s assailant, who has fatally ignored other surrounding threats. Her crossbow’s bolt buries itself deep into the goblin’s armor, and the creature falls to the ground.
By the time Ned gets to his friend’s side, the little goblin is already half-dead.
The goblin dog trots forward, and his rider fires his bow at Mervyn, but the shot goes wide and easily misses the gnome.
Mervyn grimaces as the goblin finds a chink in his armour and scores a light hit. Although he can feel the blood beginning to run, Mervyn continues to attack the wounded goblin in front of him. With a grim smile, Mervyn watches as his switchscythe slides into the goblin's ribs. With a concerted effort, he wrenches it from the creature's body, hoping the blow is sound enough to bring the creature to the ground. To his bitter disappointment, the goblin still stands before him.
The goblin tries to return the blow, but his blade just bounces right off the gnome’s tough leather armor.
Not watching his back, however, proves to be a bad idea, as Nicholae steps up and delivers a killing blow. Surrounded, the little goblin had no chance at all.
[Sandpoint Boneyard – End of Swallowtail Festival]
Old Naffer Vosk shakes his head at Hakak and Jubrayl. “Hain’t no goblins in there, Jub. They done left. I saw ‘em climb back over the wall yonder, runnin like a bunch of boys stealin apples from an orchard, if you please.”
The old man squints his eyes, peering into the gloom of the vault. “Hmm, somethin did just move in there, though. Not sure what …” his voice trails to a hoarse whisper.
The surrounding air feels cold and clammy. From inside comes a soft clinking sound, like sticks of hollow wood colliding.
Ned sighs, "Damn, I'm getting too old for this."
Ned will charge the goblin commander (again) at F13.
(charging)
*edit* potential critical
(confirmation)
(x2 = 12)
[prelude –The Swallowtail Festival, Hour One]
NOTE – I don’t have actions for all of you for this sequence.
Ned, Nicholae, and Jubrayl wind up together in front of a test of strength surrounded by several familiar townsfolk, all of whom are cheering and celebrating the contestants. The test involves picking up and throwing a 2’ wide, iron grey ball which has a dull metallic sheen. The first to try, the enormously tall and wide Gressel Tenniwar, manages to toss the weight about half a foot. Laughter and jeers follow, but Gressel proudly notes, “That’s twice as far as last year!”
Next up is Ibor Thorn, who works at the lumber mill. Ibor throws the weight just shy of a foot, much to Gressel’s disappointment.
A few others try, but most can’t even acheive half of Gressel’s distance.
Last up is Ven Vinder, and the audience gets really loud with their cheers and applause. You’ve all known Ven for a long time. His general store has been a mainstay in town for many years now. With a little bit of flourish and a huge grin, he tosses his weight a full 14 inches across the line. The reaction around you is nearly explosive. Ibor and Gressel walk up to their competitor and slap Ven on the back, and the trio walks away.
----
The Curious Goblin has erected a small pavilion near the square, away just enough to avoid the truly heavy congestion and noise. A replica of the shop’s sign hangs near the tent, a wide-eyed goblin reading an upside down book as tall as him. Mervyn scans several of the treasures on display, but finds it difficult to focus on what he’s reading because of nearby conversation.
You hear Chask’s quiet voice, gently reproaching someone. “Brodert, no one here is as close minded as you think. The truth is, no one believes what you’re teaching because it’s not possible.”
“Not possible?” the man sputters. “Not poss – I think the twenty years I spent working under dwarven engineers at Janderhoff, not to mention the thirty years I spent at Founder’s Archive, is enough to judge whether such a thing is possible or not.”
Chask spies Mervyn. “Hoy there, Mervyn. Nice to see you in town again. Brodert, I want you to meet a special friend of mine, Mervyn the Scrivener. He’s something of a collector of lore, like yourself. Mervyn, this is Brodert Quink. He moved to town not long ago. He’s renting a place near the Old Light ruin, so he can study it. What do you think, Merv? Could that Old Light really be over 5000 years old?”
-----
To his great delight, Lleidr finds that the line for samples from the Rusty Dragon’s kitchen has momentarily vanished. Ameiko Kaijitsu always runs a great kitchen, and you’ve been craving her food for a long time.
But today, Ameiko seems to be in a bad mood, despite the good cheer all around.
“Oh, hi, Lleidr. I heard you and the gang were meeting back here for this year’s festival. Glad you made it. You should come by the Dragon some evening, if you’re staying in town overnight. Hopefully, neither of us will see my father anytime soon.”
At the festival.
Jubrayl sees the men doing their game and smiles weakly, it's clear his heart isn't in his involvement in the festivities, however as he sort of meanders about. He greets Ned and Nicholae.
Ned, Nicholae! It's great to see you two. I'm sorry that we haven't kept in better touch.
In the boneyard
Jubrayl picks up a stone and holds it, muttering under his breath. Suddenly it begins to glow brightly.
Ragathiel, PaVeh GedDrux Pal Med Un Graph
[ Prelude ]
Mervyn shakes hands with Brodert and bobs his head in greeting.
"Well, there is certainly a possibility that the Old Light could be that old. Varisia stands in what used to be old Thassilon and there are ruins hidden away all over the countryside," Mervyn extols, glad to meet a fellow man of knowledge.
"I trust that you understand the Thassilonian language?" Mervyn asks Brodert in Thassilonian.
[ Round Four - Second Goblin Battle ]
Mervyn spins on his heel, twisting the switchscythe in midair. The keen blade whistles through the air as he aims to kill the goblin who had managed to score a blow on him.
Nicolae moves to the closest upgright enemy and attacks... If it creates a flank, so much the better.
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Selia seems uncomfortable with the crowd swarming around her. She starts to make her way to the food stands, hoping that something in her belly will help calm her nerves.
Her mood improves noticeably when she sees who is tending the stand,"Ameiko! What a delight to see you again, I've missed you so much!" Selia then notices Lleidr at the stand as well, "And Lleidr, I didn't think I would see you again! How fare you both?"
Selia, sure of her companions' skills now, relaxes her spell and watches as her eagle fades away. She tries listening to the town around her to find out if other areas are being attacked.
[Second Goblin Battle –Round Four Results]
The goblin commando wheels back into the street, firing at the lot of you behind the north gate. His aim is so bad, it’s hard to tell who exactly was the target.
Nicholae tries to charge at the sole remaining goblin, but 2 dying goblins and Mervyn are in the way. He does get up close, ready to go with his next swing.
Selia, sure of her companions' skills now, relaxes her spell and watches as her eagle fades away. She tries listening to the town around her to find out if other areas are being attacked. By now, the sounds of battle have mostly dissipated. From a distance, you can see dozens of goblins through side streets clambering over the north wall, trying to escape.
Lleidr steps forward, draws his bow once more and lets loose an arrow at the commando. The arrow sails right towards the goblin’s horrid mount, piercing its side. (note, no orders from Lleidr, so I’m assuming he’d fire at the only remaining enemy).
Ned sighs, "Damn, I'm getting too old for this." Storming down the street, right under the halfling’s arrow, Ned delivers a furious blow to the sole goblin. The commando is immediately cut down and falls down dead.
(Note, since the 2 goblns surrounding Mervyn are dying, I’ll assume he’s attacking the goblin dog). Mervyn spins on his heel, twisting the switchscythe in midair. The keen blade whistles through the air, hitting the dog’s vitals, dropping it to its side.
Dusting yourselves off in the street after such a violent confrontation, the nobleman walks over to you all, and gives a deep bow. “Well done, very well done. You have put me deeply in your service for a long time to come.”
“My name is Aldern Foxglove, and I must say, I am very impressed at your ability.” Glancing at Selia, he bows yet again. “My lady, I am truly honored to meet you. Who would have guessed such striking beauty would harbor such prowess in battle? Not I, nor would I have suspected such a thing in my most fanciful dreams.
“I am staying in Sandpoint at the Rusty Dragon for a few more days on business. When you have a chance, I would dearly love the chance to speak with you more, and to properly reward you for saving my life. Will you call upon me?”
"Yes, yes, I'll see you there." Ned is obviously still preoccupied with looking for goblins.
*edit*
[Boneyard]
Light explodes into the vault, and highlighted within, you see 2 skeletons inside the vault, gripping long pale knives in their thin fingers. A fell blue light glows from the sockets in their skulls, and upon seeing you, their bodies seethe with hatred. They begin to march in unison towards Jubrayl and Hakak.
[prelude –The Swallowtail Festival, Hour Two]
Brodert smiles at Mervyn. “Very impressive! I’m no linguist by any means, but I will note that your verb conjugation would be considered unorthodox, if the hieroglyphics recovered from the Middle Thassilonian era are any guide. Regardless, believe me when I tell you, that Old Light was older even than 5000 years. Maybe even twice that age!”
Chask shrugs. “Maybe, Brodert. But, everybody else who’s ever been anybody that’s examined the ruin says it’s just a few centuries old.”
Brodert says “At any rate, it was good to see you again, Chask, and thank you again for this.” He pats a small tattered scroll. “ Nice to meet you, Mervyn. Perhaps you could pay me a visit and then we would chat about ancient Thassilon for many hours! Have fun at the festival.”
---
Ameiko eyes you with a look of exhaustion and worry as she hands you a plate of food. Just from the smell, you can tell it’s delicious. “Oh Selia, you are back! I wish the news here were better. Father just won’t let up about the Rusty Dragon. He demands I give it up and stay with him. Now he’s saying I’m a disgrace to the family name. Nobody refuses Mr Lonjiku Kaijitsu. ‘So, why won’t you leave’, he asks.”
She pauses upon seeing Hakak saunter over to the stall. “Hakak, is that really you? My man, you need two plates! Here, try these.”
Ameiko continues. “I think my brother is back, Selia. And, I think my father is afraid of him.”
---
Prelude
Ned will purchase some candy and distribute it to the children.
Lleidr steps forward, draws his bow once more and lets loose an arrow at the commando. The arrow sails right towards the goblin’s horrid mount, piercing its side. (note, no orders from Lleidr, so I’m assuming he’d fire at the only remaining enemy).
[Second goblin battle]
Slinging my bow, I want to make my way to the fallen goblin leader's body. As I pass the fop, I'll give him a half bow. "Le wir, Mister Foxglove, we'll all be sure to call on you,cadarn fel y wawr!"
If no one else is doing it, I'll examine the leader's body for clues. Which clan of goblin is this? Why did they attack here and now? Anything valuable on him?
Umm, crap, which one was the leader again?? /drools mindlessly
[Prelude]
"Nothing's more important thanparchu eich tad, Ameika, but only if his reason is good. Why would your father be afraid of your brother?"
Skeletons! Destroy them!
Jubrayl will move to cut down the nearest skeleton, letting go of the goblin's hand.
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"Lleidr, Ameiko's father is a nobleman. You can see here that our dear friend did not quite follow in his footsteps." Selia throws a smile Ameiko's way, "I can only imagine that her brother is causing just as much grief as she does."
Selia hides a smile behind her hand and responds to Aldern, "I thank you for the comment, however, I did little here. My friends did all of the hard work." Selia looks at the bodies laying on the street, "I see no reason why we cannot stop by after this tragedy has been seen to."
"It appears that the goblins have been turned back. I believe we should look for Hakak and Jubrayl as soon as possible."
Selia begins making her way back to the town square when the others finish.
Ned will nod and accompany Selia.
By the power of Iomadae, you will fall
He channels energy (DC14)
By the power of Iomadae, you will fall
He channels energy (DC14) 1d6
Sorry for the confusion. I'll preface each piece of action with where and/or when it's taking place. I should have indicated that the Boneyard investigation was happening at the same time as the 2nd goblin fight.
The party has split, and if you click on the link, you'll see that the only 2 party members at the Boneyard are Jubrayl and Hakak. Now, you can run for the Boneyard, but it'll be a couple of rounds at least for you to get there.
You may also want to reference the map of Sandpoint in the Player's Guide, on pg 5.
[Prelude]
"Sure, but noble blood's neither wiser nor better'n any other. As my mother says, family is a thorny rose, requiring much work but with a beautiful reward. If there's anything we can do for Ameiko, I want to help."
[Second Goblin fight]
Lleider will keep his bow ready and an eye out for any more trouble as he follows after Ned and Selia.
"What the blazes is going on?? Where did these goblins come from and what're they after?"
Be alert for private messages. I think i'll start using them for character knowledge, that you can in turn share with the group as you will, but phrasing anything in your own words.
[Boneyard, Evening after Swallowtail Festival]
Wearing the tattered remains of a soldier’s armor, a skeleton lurches out of the vault and its sword slams into Hakak’s shield. Its partner runs straight at Jubrayl slashing madly with a corroded scimitar (5 hp dmg).
With an ear pounding roar, Hakak returns the blow. The axe blade manages to knick some bone, but ultimately has little effect.
Jubrayl has more success. His axe sweeps through the right half of his opponent’s skull, littering the ground with bits of bronzed bone. Even so, the unyielding undead raises his rusted blade for another blow.
[Second Goblin Battle, aftermath]
In the distance you can see a few more goblins scampering, climbing and clawing, trying to get over the north wall and out of Sandpoint. Almost in response to Lleidr’s query, a guardsman runs up the street and intercepts you. “Father Zantus sends for you. Your friends are in the boneyard. They think something was taken from there during the raid. I can take you to them, if you’d like.”
The guard takes off at a light run. When you enter the square, in the direction of the boneyard, you can hear the familiar clash of steel on shield as well as Hakak’s unique battle cry.
[Second goblin battle]
If no one else is doing it, I'll examine the leader's body for clues. Which clan of goblin is this? Why did they attack here and now? Anything valuable on him?
You salvage a fine shortbow, some arrows, and a masterwork horsechopper from the commando. His studded leather armor, however, is so bloody and damaged, it has no value at all.
The specific clan is difficult to tell. These goblins were definitely local. Perhaps it was the Seven Tooth tribe or maybe Thistletop goblins. Then again, could the Mosswood tribe have been behind this?
[Prelude, Hour Two]
Several greedy orphans snatch the proffered candy from Ned’s hands. A growling, but familiar, voice startles Ned from behind. “Well, well, still at it, I see, Ned. I figured you’d have retired by now.”
Ilsoari Gandethus then scolds his charges. “Manners, children! What say you to Master Rodan?”
A chorus of ‘Thank You’s is soon followed by a smattering of ‘More, please’.
Ilsoari is dressed in the humble dark robes of a headmaster. Long ago, he took charge of the school/orphanage called ‘Turandarok Academy’. But, back in the day, Ilsoari was a daring and brilliant wizard, feared by many for miles around.
“You know, Ned, there are days I regret retiring before your tangle with that succubus. But, had I relented and went with the old gang, I’d either be dead or pretending to be alive, just like you. And, now I hear you’ve since had several outings with another band of adventure seekers. Trying to reclaim lost youth? Really, Ned, don’t you think it’s time to stop pretending you’re a young man out to re-make the world?”
….
Ameiko smiles. “Tsuto and my father have a … complex history. Well, when your wife bears you a half-elven child, but neither of you are of elven descent …. ah, things could be worse. Let’s talk about something happier.
“It looks like you’ve all made it back! Tell you what, the customers at the Rusty Dragon always loved hearing your stories. While you’re all in town, come and stay with me. I’ve got 4 empty rooms at the moment. You can all have them, free of charge, as long as you stay in town. What do you say?”
[Prelude, Hour Two] Several greedy orphans snatch the proffered candy from Ned’s hands. A growling, but familiar, voice startles Ned from behind. “Well, well, still at it, I see, Ned. I figured you’d have retired by now.”
Ilsoari Gandethus then scolds his charges. “Manners, children! What say you to Master Rodan?”
A chorus of ‘Thank You’s is soon followed by a smattering of ‘More, please’.
Ned brushes off his hands laughing, "You'll beggar me you bottomless pits! You're welcome, now run along and enjoy the fair."
Ilsoari is dressed in the humble dark robes of a headmaster. Long ago, he took charge of the school/orphanage called ‘Turandarok Academy’. But, back in the day, Ilsoari was a daring and brilliant wizard, feared by many for miles around.
“You know, Ned, there are days I regret retiring before your tangle with that succubus. But, had I relented and went with the old gang, I’d either be dead or pretending to be alive, just like you. And, now I hear you’ve since had several outings with another band of adventure seekers. Trying to reclaim lost youth? Really, Ned, don’t you think it’s time to stop pretending you’re a young man out to re-make the world?”
"Pretending to be alive, master wizard? Would you have me roll up in a ball an disappear in a puff of inconvenience or drink myself to death in the tavern?" Ned laughs again, "Just pulling your leg Ilsoari. I may be half the man I once was but I can still take pleasure in giving treats to children, or in keeping those youngsters out of trouble on the trail. You have your classroom, I have mine. We both have to find ways to keep the dust form building up on us, eh?"
[Second Goblin Battle, aftermath]
In the distance you can see a few more goblins scampering, climbing and clawing, trying to get over the north wall and out of Sandpoint. Almost in response to Lleidr’s query, a guardsman runs up the street and intercepts you. “Father Zantus sends for you. Your friends are in the boneyard. They think something was taken from there during the raid. I can take you to them, if you’d like.”
The guard takes off at a light run. When you enter the square, in the direction of the boneyard, you can hear the familiar clash of steel on shield as well as Hakak’s unique battle cry.
Ned would have picked up his bow along the way. At the guards words, he'll run towards the graveyard.
{Prelude Hour Two}
Lleidr's eyes light up at the word "free," and thoughts of noblemen and half-elves are abandoned.
"Diwrnod hyfryd, I can't imagine a better offer! I'm going to enjoy sleeping so close to the Dragon's taps!"
{Second Goblin Battle, aftermath}
When I hear Hakak's roar, I'll drop the goblin weapons slowing me down, pull out my dagger, and dash after Ned, eyes open for more goblins.
Nicholae leaves for the graveyard at a run.
Jubrayl yells in pain, glaring fiercely at the skeleton, steps back and dons his shield.
Jubrayl scowls at the headmaster, not likin what he's implying about his friend, but lets Ned do the talking.
Pretending to be alive, does he think Ned's some sort of intelligent zombie?
[ Goblin Battle Two]
When the guard relays the situation at the boneyard, Mervyn clicks the blade of his switchscythe back into the haft and sets off at a flat run to help his comrades.
[ Prelude ]
"Indeed Brodert, it would be most fascinating to compare notes on our respective research!" Mervyn replies. As Brodert leaves, Mervyn turns to Crask.
"So what did you sell him?" Mervyn's curiousity extends to all kinds of information.
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"Oh, Hakak, don't say things like that... You know how I get when my imagination starts up." Selia looks away from Hakak, before turning back to him and smiling. "How have you been, Hakak?"
"Thank you, my dear friend. I'm sure that we will all have a few stories to tell, I know that I do." Selia gives Ameiko a hug and bids her goodbye.
Selia sets off after the guardsman, moving as quickly as she can. "What would goblins want in the boneyard? Something isn't right here."
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Prelude
Hakak looking up from the plates eyes Selia. Ah fair Selia, as pretty as ever. Last time I checked I still had all of my body parts so I can't be doing to badly. And how have you fared in these many years since we all parted ways?
Boneyard
Fending off the first attack Hakak goes in for another attack: