The two hasty goblins fall down in quick succession after being so successfully overwhelmed, leaving the Warchanter the only one standing.
A goblin leaps off the roof near the flaming wagon to come and help its friend but misses and breaks its neck, unable to lend any help.
It keeps chanting over the sounds of clanging metal and shouting in the distance, Melody's crossbow bolt striking its side not enough to stop it.
Morgana moves on and attempts to shut the goblin up!
Amethyst suddenly falls to the ground! She giggles uncontrollably, rolling back and forth!
Morgana's longsword glints from the light of the fire as she slashes the Goblin's throat to stop it chanting.
Here and there, the sounds of battle, clanging swords, calls of support by the town guard, and shrieking and singing goblins echo through the streets, but at the festival itself, most of the citizens have fled. One or two goblins remain behind to scavenge food, not causing you or others any threat or harm, and many more lie dead alongside a few unfortunate citizens.
The fight has clearly moved on.
From the north, you hear the sounds of frantic barking and shouting. Running to go and help out anyone in trouble you come upon a goblin commando mounted on a goblin dog, bravely attacking a nobleman and his hunting dog opposite the White Deer.
The man is cowering behind a rain barrel and when he sees you he calls out. Just as he shouts out, the goblin commando reaches down and kills the hunting dog with one swipe of his Horsechopper.
As the dog goes down, other goblins come out from hiding with a loud cheer moving forwards to surround the nobleman.
Amethyst moves boldly towards the goblins, her silks billowing around her!
Melody has to run to keep up with the others, even considers asking if she can jump on the back on the feather lady, since it seems like she can throw gobin's with one arm. But she doesn't AND she keeps up somehow.
Though gasping for breath with fire in the legs does not make it easy to line up shooting with her crossbow.
Vasia doesn't know who the man is, but no one deserves to be eaten by goblins. A bucket from a nearby porch totters for just a moment before flinging towards the goblin dog.
Seeing as the fighting is never-ending, Sweets dashes forward to stay in the center of everyone and casts a spell to help them land their attacks better.
Morgana marches straight up into the goblin riders face!
"Turn and face me coward!" She demands.
The rider spins his dog on the spot to face Morgana and growls back.
"I am no coward, you are!" He yells in broken common with a sharp laugh, clearly proud of what he believes to be a clever retort.
He swings his large blade at Morgana's torso but it clangs off of her Armor with no damage as her God's will protects her. The dog also takes a bite but find's Morgana's foot as she kicks it back away.
Two other goblins charge as fires its shortbow, now ignoring the nobleman they were previously terrorising.
Amethyst spins away from the goblin that charged her, slicing it with her scarf!
As it falls, she maneuvers around to flank the other goblin with Morgana.
Melody will drop her crossbow and rush try to help the swarmed pretty ladies.
Morgana's blade whistles through the air and strikes the goblin!
The Goblin Commander yowls and lurches sideways on his goblin dog, nearly losing his balance.
Sabriyya fires a crossbow bolt back at the goblin that dared to attack Melody, piercing its shoulder.
Vasia flings a broken roof tile at the same goblin but it flies past and smashes against the White Deer Inn's sign behind causing it to swing wildly.
From behind the barrel you see the nobleman's head peeking up, trying to watch the scene in front of him, not offering any assistance.
The goblins continue to attack haphazardly, with no battle plan in mind.
Ranged = -4
Commander -8
Amethyst sidesteps the dog's jaws as she flicks her scarf at the goblin riding it!
Morgana cleaves the goblin's head from his shoulders!
"Flee goblins! Or face our righteous judgement!" She declares, taking the time to strike a pose. Backlit by the setting sun she looks quite impressive. Wait... is she glowing?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Melody is at the tail end of a goblin dog, not a place she ever thought she would be in life. "don't have gas,don't have gas,don't have gas" she repeats, more to distract herself in the midst of fire, swords, goblins, and dead dogs, than any real worry of canine flatulence. At least the dog is presenting a small puckered target...
Vasia attempts to stay focused enough to send one of the goblin's arrows back at the diminutive archer. It's difficult though and her bunica isn't helping.
"I'd certainly make that girl glow ... and scream."
"Just ... stop."
"Ow! That hurt!" Sabryya calls out, trying to get another crossbow shot off.
Her wound interferes however her bolt flies into the ground at Vasia's feet instead. Grimacing, says "Whoops. Sorry!"
The slender woman glares at Sabriyya before flicking the bolt away with her mind.
The goblin dog carries on snapping at anything that moves, not realising its rider has stopped giving it directions.
The other two goblins continue to fight wildly even as their commander's body drops to the floor without its head. They are enjoying the chaos around them, squealing and hopping from foot to foot with delighted energy.
dog -2
ranged -4
Morgana focuses on the dog. Her companions can deal with the goblins.
Amethyst flanks the dog and attacks,
Looking at the man crouching behind the barrell, Sabriyaa calls "Good sir! This would go better if you would kindly give us a hand instead of hiding."
She raises her crossbow and fires again, taking extra caution to not shoot Vasia in the foot.
Quite appreciative of not being shot in the foot, Vasia eyes the goblin shooting at her and flings another apple in its direction.
Melody keeps up her attacks on the a!@&*$+ in front of her.
The goblins face a swift barrage of attacks as one drops to the floor after the other. The last goblin remaining, finally realising he is alone, makes a run for it and takes an apple to the back of the head, knocking it unconscious to the floor.
"Good shot young lady, you are a stunning marksman!" The nobleman calls, standing up straight from behind the barrel and brushing himself off.
He strides straight over to Vasia, takes her hand in his and raises it into the air.
"Well done Ladies, you were very fine warriors. I fear if you were not around, the large gang of vicious goblins would have eaten me alive!"
He turns towards Vasia, still holding her hand in his, and raises it to his lips. "Can I request your name madam? I am Aldern Foxglove and am truly honoured to make your acquaintance."
You can hear a few yells and shouts in the distance, but nothing immediately close by.
Now he's a handsome bloke as well. Seems to like you.
Vasia giggles a bit when Aldern takes her hand. "Uh, I'm Vasia, Vasia Miklosovici," she says with another giggle.
He'd make good babies, I'd wager.
Vasia blushes even more.
"I think we should probably ... uh ... see if anyone ... um ... needs help," she says.
And let me out.
Amethyst flicks her scarf to clean off the blood again before moving to save Vasia. ”Mister Foxglove, charmed to make your acquaintance,” she says holding her hand out for him to kiss next. ”We should delay further introductions until the goblins are taken care of. Get yourself to safety, good sir.”
She puts a hand on Vasia’s shoulder and steers her away.
"A pleasure indeed." Morgana adds. "I must go and find my aunt, ensure that the town is safe, but it was very nice to meet you Aldern Foxglove." With that she hurries away, waving off any offers of assistance. "It doesn't sound like there's any more fighting. Hold the square in case anyone comes this way."
Aldern falters as Amethyst offers her hand, but does the gentlemanly thing and takes it, kissing it with grace.
"Ah, yes of course my ladies. Well, I am staying at the Rusty Dragon, do come by when you get a chance, I can properly reward you all for saving my life. I insist that you come to the Inn when you have finished up here for a well-earned meal, its the least I can do for now. " He instructs, his gaze intent upon Vasia throughout.
By the time you have retreated to the square and Morgana dashes off, it is clear that the short-lived but brutal battle of Sandpoint has been decided.
Morgana eventually catches up with Kendra, after asking around about her whereabouts. Kendra is over-seeing the make-shift first aid in the not-yet consecrated cathedral. Kendra reassures Morgana that she is fine and that she should go and see what help others need. Before she leaves, Kendra does tell Morgana that several of the goblins have been caught alive and Kendra is sure the guard are questioning them as they speak, but it is unclear how useful they will actually be.
After a while guarding the square, it is easy to pick up rumours and information from passers-by, its clear the goblins have retreated. Some say that many of the goblins fled in droves, many preferring the leap from Junker's Edge to their certain death rather than being captured.
In the shadow of the goblin attack, Sandpoint is hardly interested in finishing up the Swallowtail Festival— citizens retreat to their homes to hide and recover from the day’s horrors, yet as they go, they take the time to thank the group of ladies who dealt so capably with the goblins in the square for saving them.
Morgana heads back to check up on her companions, bumps into Ameiko rushing with a basket of leeks in her arms. "Ah, Morgana, I've heard that you and a few others will be joining Aldern for a well-earned dinner. Don't you worry, I have a veritable feast available. I had it all prepared for after the consecration, but most have all gone home, so I was relieved when he told me you were all coming! See you shortly, and come hungry!"
Melody climbs up to sit on a corner of a building, sure that all the exciting chaos is over. Back to obscurity, tall beautiful heroines are the center of stories not little orphans. She does get out her needles and thread, soft cream fabrics, and a few feathers she had picked up, lost from a certain hat. A new story is brimming inside her head, and will need new dolls.
You need to introduce me.
As Morgana dashes off and she's led away from the handsome, but forward, gentleman, Vasia holds her hands up to the others to stop.
"Give me a moment," she says. "I ... I need to show you ... someone."
She closes her eyes and shakes out her arms, attempting to relax her body. Her breathing slows. A moment later and her eyes snap open show just the whites. "Almost there," she says. Although, it doesn't sound like her voice. Another couple of breaths and her eyes close again and she stumbles slightly as if drained. Another figure, incorporeal in nature, steps away from her.
Where Vasia is slender and her curves are subtle, this ghostly figure is all obvious curves in a dress designed to accentuate them.
"This ... this is my bunica, Jenica Miklosovici. Or her spirit, more specifically," Vasia says in a tired voice.
"Pleasure to meet you all," Jenica says, turning her spectral face to smile at each in turn. She even looks up and waves at Melody as she sews away at a new doll.
That moment being the perfect time for Morgana to arrive, Jenica moves close enough that the paladin can feel the coldness from her spectral form.
"And you must be Morgana Deverin," she says in a throaty voice. "Vasia has told me so many lovely things about you."
"Bunica!" Vasia chastises, her face flushing.
"And stop calling me that," Jenica replies. "It makes me sound old."
"I suspect you must have lived a certain number of years to be with us now..." Morgana retorts, "A pleasure to meet you none the less Jelena. I'm sure your... granddaughter was exaggerating, but she's a lovely young lady, and quite the fighter too!"
"We'd best be heading for the Dragon," She adds. "Ameiko appears to be expecting us for dinner. Mr Foxglove won't take no for an answer and Kendra assures me that we are safe for now."
Amethyst bows respectfully to the spirit. "Greetings, Bunica, and Arshea's blessings upon you and your granddaughter. I am sure she benefits greatly from your guidance."
She then links her arm in Morgana's and nods. "Dinner sounds lovely. Lead on, Lady Deverin."
"She's a very lovely young lady. And did she mention that she's single?" Jenica says, hovering near the paladin. "Not a bad catch for a strong and beautiful woman such as yourself."
Vasia covers her face with her hands. "We agreed that you weren't going to do this," she whispers fiercely through her fingers.
"And the Miklosovici woman have always been skilled in the bedroom."
A ghostly hand reaches up and caresses Morgana's cheek. "Such lovely cheekbones. Your children would be the fairest around."
"Bunica!" Vasia snaps, her hands falling to her side. "You've embarrassed both Morgana and myself quite enough." She gestures pointedly at her side and the phantom slowly drifts towards her.
"I'm so very sorry for her behavior. At times she's like a insolent child."
Vasia doesn't wait for any response and heads off ahead of the group towards the Rusty Dragon where things will be much better, she's sure.
Melody's mouth opens wide enough for something to fly in, and stays open as she looks back and forth between the ghost and the women who are just politely introducing themselves to her. "must be the dress, or the way she is filling the dress, yes you are dead, but..." she talks to herself, which has the benefit of not just gaping. She looks down at Sweets and points in case the other woman has missed the shapely apparition. She's a ghost she exaggerates with her mouth.
"You are a fountain of information Ms Jenica, but I think Vasia here already has a suitor." Morgana says with a smile. "Mr Foxglove seemed very taken with her, and on that note we must go, before our host thinks we've jilted him!"
On arrival at the Rusty Dragon, the smells of spices and warm food waft out the front door.
Vasia, the first to enter is greeted by Aldern sat at a large table across the tavern.
"Ah, my saviour Lady Vasia. I am so pleased to see you. You come and sit right next to me here." He stands and pulls the chair back for Vasia expectantly.
As the other's enter, Ameiko bustles out from the kitchen.
"Ah, you're all here! Excellent. I'm nearly ready and I have such a delight for you as thanks for what I've heard you have all done for us this evening. Please do take a seat, it wont be long." She turns tail and heads back into the kitchen.
On the table already are 3 bottles of an expensive-looking red wine and two carafes of water.
Amethyst gracefully takes her seat at the table and waits expectantly for somebody else to pour her a glass of wine.
"Thank you for providing this for us, Mister Foxglove. I am sure all of us would love to learn more about our generous host."
Melody is unsure why Sweets is making her come along to this thing. Even to a halfling that interacts with people so infrequently, it is obvious that She is not being invited, Not Really, and she has ideas and thoughts and dolls to make and her knife smells like goblin brains which is interesting and disgusting all at the same time, but...
The story continues she guesses so the little one sits next to Sweets and looks about in observational wonder.
"Because interacting with people is important. You can't just play with dolls by yourself all of the time, Mel." Sabriyya explains to her friend as they prepare to take their seats.
Sweets is fascinated with Bunica and peppers her endlessly with questions when she can, which is difficult because she seems intent on Lord Foxglove herself. "Wow! I cannot believe you emerged such as you did? Have you been here the whole time? Do you see and hear everything? Do you speak to her? How do you speak to her? Can she speak to you? What can you do what your not here? What about ..."
As they sit down at the table, Sweets watches the exchange with curiosity. "Tell me, Lord Foxglove. Why are you so set on Lady Vasia being your savior? The way I remember the fight, she was rolling apples around the battlefield like children tossing toys? Yes, she did fell that one with a splat on the forehead, but it was a team effort to reach that point, was it not?"
She blatantly ignores the near skewering of Vasia's foot moments before the final blow landed.
Jenica seems quite happy to satisfy Sabriyya's curiosity, answering questions with only a little embellishment.
At the table, though, when the woman begins questioning her nepoata's involvement in the defense of the village, the phantom's spectral eyes narrow.
"Yes, I'm sure incapacitating enemies with objects thrown with your mind alone is so simple anyone can do it. Why should Vasia get any credit or recognition," she calls out loudly. With a boardinghouse reach worthy of a seasoned mercenary, the phantom demonstrates that she's not entirely incorporeal by grabbing a roll from a basket and slamming it down on the table in front of Sabriyya.
"It takes nothing at all. Why, go ahead and show us how easy it is to move things with your mind alone. Go on. Oh, and try not to hit any of your companions, Dear. Only a complete incompetent would do something like that."
"Bunica!" Vasia calls out in shock. She glares at the phantom and closes her eyes in concentration. The phantom's shape tears at the edges and then vansihes.
"I am so sorry," the dark-haired girl says when she finally opens her eyes. "She can be very protective at times. It was a team effort and I did nothing more than anyone else," she says, her face flushing as she sits back in her seat and stuffs some bread into her mouth.
Aldern looks taken aback at the confrontation at the table.
"Well I am pleased that you all worked as a Team alongside each other." Aldern says, trying to de-escalate the situation quickly. Luckily for him, Ameiko walks out from the kitchen with a large pot of curried lamb and is follows it up with some carrot and onion rice.
"Here it is everyone! I hope that you all eat well this evening." Ameiko says, lifting the lid to reveal the curry. "There is always more where this came from too. I just wanted to thank you all myself after hearing about everything you have done so I wanted to offer you all rooms here for the night, if not the week if you need some time. Take it as a thank you from me and an extended thanks from Sandpoint itself! We'll even throw in free food for the week - I know that would at least persuade Morgana to stay." She says with a wink.
Ameiko gives you all a grin and makes excuses to head back to the kitchen to tidy up leaving you all alone in the tavern to enjoy your meal.
Aldern re-starts the conversation, serving both Vasia and himself some curry, hoping to distract others from the previous confrontation. He pours more wine for himself and fills Vasia's glass to the brim.
"Did you all hear the rumours earlier? Sheriff Hemlock was in here earlier to talk to Ameiko. Apparently the goblins that were captured said they were actually sent on a secret mission to the graveyard, by a human nonetheless! What do you all make of that?"
Amethyst clears her throat, eyes flickering to her empty wine glass. She’s still waiting for somebody to pour some for her.
”Goblins cannot always be trusted, but perhaps the claim warrants further investigation. Morgana, do you think your aunt will approve our group following up on this lead?”
"our group?" Melody has been watching the back and forth with rapt attention, Sweets had a point. Actually interactions would make her stories (her playing with dolls better). Her cute face filled with questions, worry, wonder, and a little too much spice from the curry. She was content to watch this as much as she was allowed to, but the our group confused her to no end.
Taking a careful sip of her abundance of wine, Vasia nods. "I don't think goblins would do this on their own. Someone put them up to to it." She glances at Morgana and then back at Aldern. "I mean that's what I would think, but I'm not an expert."