The woman leads you out onto the deck where a few other travelers sit and eat. You can see Ardin's Tower in the distance and the lush forest that surrounds it. "I'll bring you some water and I'll be back to take your orders. We have chicken or freshly caught salmon, both come with potatoes and carrots."
Astoria takes note of the tower in the distance. "It's bigger than I thought." she chirps happily.
"It definitely stands out." Lysithia agrees with a smile. "Other than the forest, it's the main feature of this part of the valley."
Lup nods in agreement while absentmindedly looking out into the forest.
"Between both forests of this valley," Gavril remarks. "I think the woods around Ardin's tower are a bit more foreboding. Even when I was child, I had heard stories about where that tower was built."
Marina inadvertently shudders. "Horrible stories, those were."
"I heard that a lot of people that go to that tower, are never seen again. That lass you're looking for, must be either very skilled, or very lucky to have made it back in one piece. It will be interesting to hear what she has to say about the tower." Kelda chimes in, curious as ever.
Gavril chuckles. "I think you're getting your stories mixed up, Kelda. Ardin's a good man. At least, that's what your gran'da' thinks."
"Well that's good to hear, at least." Lysithia replies.
Kelda frowns slightly as if trying to recall a memory before shrugging, "It might not be Ardin, but the area around the tower is spooky and people could disappear on their way there, or maybe after they learn what they want to know, they just move onto other places. Anyways, I was just repeating what I'd heard from different people here and there. I wasn't trying to insinuate anything nefarious about Ardin. Besides, you've told so many different stories over the years Da....I was bound to forget bits and pieces here and there." Kelda explains, not wanting her Da, or anyone else getting the wrong idea.
Looking over at Astoria she adds, "Don't worry. If you still wanna go there after talking to that girl in Cooperton, we'll make sure you make it there. Right guys?" She looks to Lysithia and Lup for confirmation that they would help Astoria, if she wanted it.
"Absolutely! We'll be happy to help you get there." Lysithia agrees.
The woman from earlier returns with several tankards of water. "Has everyone decided on what they want?"
Gavril, Marina and the other two dwarves opt for the chicken.
"I'll have the salmon thanks." Lysithia replies.
It had been a long time since Kelda had fresh fish of any kind, "I'll have the salmon as well."
Astoria smiles and nods. "Thank you. People always have unkind things to say about the strange and misunderstood. I'm sure it's just another case of xenophobia and local gossip."
"I'll have the same." Astoria answers when the hostess returns.
Kelda nods, "People tend to fear what they don't understand. We'll just have to be careful going through those woods. Anyways, we can worry about all that, after dealing with Cooperton's problems."
”Huzwhah?” Lup rips his searching gaze from the forest back to those present. ”Oh! My apologies, the fish sounds great.”
The hostess nods and heads back inside. She returns several minutes later with your meals. "Please enjoy."
"Thank you." Kelda says, before digging into her meal.
After enjoying your meal, which Gavril pays for, you head out again on the road. Gavril informs you that they will be stopping for the night at The Sleepy Traveler, a small road-side inn. As you walk along the road, you notice that the presence of guards patrolling has greatly diminished.
As the sun begins to set, you are startled by a number of birds flying from the forest, letting out loud cries. A moment passes and silence once again sets in before you hear a din of yells and laughing.
At hearing the screams and eerie laughter, Kelda immediately draws her warhammer.
Lup likewise draws his sword as the eerie combination of sounds make themselves known.
Lysithia looks up at the flock of startled birds, noting that there might be a nearby predator. The silence, followed by shouting and laughter draws her attention further as she shifts her grip on her staff, preparing a spell in her mind if necessary.
Six goblins come running out of the woods, bearing weapons and torches. Noticing the large group, they opt to attack from two different directions in groups of three.
Initiative:
Round 1: Goblins, Lysithia, Kelda, Lup, Astoria, NPCs
Since the goblins hadn't come close enough for her to actually try and hit one, and not wanting them to get surrounded, Kelda decides to move a little in front of the group.
Staying where she is, Kelda quietly says a quick prayer to Torag for protection of her family, new companions, and new love.
As she intones her prayer, everyone feels a little boost in their combat prowess, as shimmering energy seems to briefly cover them before dissipating.
Feeling Kelda's blessing wash over her, Lysithia sets her focus on the incoming goblins, taking a step forward to stand beside her new paramour as she utters a chant in the ancient druidic language, a thrum of primal power coming from her staff as she awakens the magic within it.
Nodding to the others Lup readies for the impending goblin charge.
Astoria reaches into her pouch and retrieves and fist full of sand. With a few arcane words she throws it out toward the goblins.
The goblins hear the strange words and notice the ground affected by Astoria's spell, so they quickly move back to reconsider their approach. The other group line up and pepper Lysithia and Kelda with arrows.
;
Round 1: Goblins, Lysithia, Kelda, Lup, Astoria, NPCs
Letting out a cry of pain as the arrow hits, Lysithia charges forward her staff dropping low as she races toward the trio, bringing it forward in a vicious upswing at the goblin that shot her.
Lysithia's anger gets the better of her and she fails to connect with her swing.
Round 1: Goblins, Lysithia, Kelda, Lup, Astoria, NPCs
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Very upset by the attack on Lysithia, Kelda charges the goblin straight ahead of her, and swings her hammer at it with all her might.
Kelda smashes in the side of the goblin's face and it falls to the ground, twitching for a moment before going completely still.
Round 1: Goblins, Lysithia, Kelda, Lup, Astoria, NPCs
Seeing the goblins across from him blocked by the magic Lup hustles over to Kelda.
Astoria utters another spell, intending to cripple the creature with fear.
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Gavril and Marina adopt defensive postures to protect the younger dwarves. The frightened goblin makes a beeline for the woods. The two goblins blocked by Astoria's burning sands circle around the area of the spell and one fires an arrow at the Arcanist. "Dood die magiese gebruiker!"
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The remaining two drop their bows, pull their short swords and attack Kelda and Lysithia.
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Round 2: Goblins, Lysithia, Kelda, Lup, Astoria, NPCs
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Seeing her new love take another hit, Kelda feels a kind of anger she's never felt before. She had to make sure that Lysithia was safe before continuing to bash the horrid little creatures.
Stepping next to and a little behind Lysithia, she reaches out her hand, touches her shoulder and intones a quick prayer of healing.
Leaning in she asks, "Can you go back by my folks and keep them away from my family? Just give em' a smack if they get too close." Kelda felt an overwhelming desire to protect Lysithia, but she didn't want to make her feel like she didn't think she could take care of herself. She knew Lysithia could handle herself, but these little buggers were proving to be a menace, and she would stay focused better, if she knew Lysithia was back keeping her family safe.
Her staff spinning in front of her defensively as she reels from her wounds, Lystihia lets out a sigh of relief at the warm, strong, soothing touch of Kelda's hand on her shoulder, and the healing energy flowing lovingly into her.
As she hears her lover's words, and the concern, both for her family and for Lysithia's own wellbeing, she considers for a moment, eyes quickly taking in the two remaining goblins, with Kelda and Lup standing ready, as well as the two circling around Astoria's spell, preparing to attack the wizardess and Kelda's family.
With a quick nod, she carefully withdraws form her current engagement, skirting around the others to face the approaching goblins on the other end.
Round 2: Goblins, Lysithia, Kelda, Lup, Astoria, NPCs
"A'ight, you lil shits, nuff of that." Lup calls out before lunging at the nearest goblin with his sword.
Astoria glances around the battlefield waiting for an opportunity to best use her remaining magic.