2nd day of Rova 4707 AR - Autumnal Equinox
The whole town of Sandpoint has been abuzz for weeks in anticipation of the first day of autumn. Eager to put the tragedies of the Late Unpleasantness behind them, it seemed that one couldn't go anywhere in town without somebody talking about the Swallowtail Festival held in honor of Desna and the long-awaited consecration of the new cathedral.
The Late Unpleasantness, as the locals in Sandpoint refer to it, was a series of violent and tragic events which shook the normally peaceful coastal town in the year 4702 AR. A serial killer named Chopper killed 26 people over the course of a month, including the prior Sheriff, and displayed the remains of his victim on an altar to a bird-like god. Later that same year, a large fire claimed some lives, most notably that of Father Tobyn, and the Sandpoint Chapel was destroyed in the process, while also destroying in part some other buildings.
For five years, the faithful of Sandpoint have attended church in smaller wooden structures rebuilt after fire destroyed the previous temple, and while their new pastor Father Zantus was helpful, kind, and wise, church wasn’t the same. Now, the new cathedral is finally done. All that remains is for the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site’s blessings from the gods and it will be as if the Sandpoint Fire had never occurred.
The Swallowtail Festival begins promptly, as scheduled, with weather that is cool and clear, signaling the arrival of fall. The square before the cathedral quickly becomes crowded as locals and travelers arrive, and several merchant tents featuring food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs are there to meet them.
Khala saunters through the throng, munching on a...well...she isn't exactly sure what its called, but meat, and pastry and a stick to hold it seem like a fine and handy combination. Low on funds, and with time to spare, Khala browses the market stalls, watches games of skill and strength and mostly tries to avoid Belor Hemlock. Not out of any especial fear, nor hatred - more a desire to avoid any sort of conversation that touches on her Shoanti tribesfolk. Back home. Where Khala clearly...isn't.
She chews the blessed meat-filled pastry, and ruminates on just how far her remaining coins will get her. How many pastries...
Mostly though she just enjoys the festival, feeling that, although clearly not a local - tall of stature, white hair, pale skin - this special time is perfect for....fitting in. Even dressed as she is in leather and bone cuirass, with a giant blade and harpoon at her back. Maybe she'll...enjoy herself.
A Varisian woman, 20 years of age, lithe in her movements, looks upon the tents gathered in front of the cathedral. Her green eyes scan the crowd for dangers, her dueling sword secured in the sheath hanging at her side. She had arrived in Sandpoint a couple of hours ago and had stopped by her uncle's place. He had given her condolences for her mother's passing, but Selina had not cried. She was out of tears. This town, Chopper, had taken her father from her and now her mother had passed from natural causes. She was an orphan now and forever more. She had no one to depend upon. She had made the long journey from Restov out of duty and obligation. She would bury her mother, attend the consecration of Desna's cathedral, and then bid this town goodbye forever. That was her plan. She had suffered too much here; she had lost her childhood innocence at 15 when her dad was brutally murdered.
Selina snaps out of her reverie, fighting back tears she thought she no longer had to shed. No, she was not that weak soul anymore. She was a graduate of the Restov Academy and she had trained in the dueling sword, one of the more complex weapons, relying on her agility and finesse to inflict damage. When she focused, she could be quite terrifying in battle. In combat, the lost teenager was gone, only the heartless warrior-assassin remained. She liked that, she thrived on it now. Combat and dueling were her drugs.
Her stomach grumbled. She had left her uncle's home early that morning, not wanting him to tell her stories about her mother when she was a child. She approached the nearest food vendor and purchased a meat pastry. She saw the white-haired pale skinned female warrior pass by. She seemed out of place among the merchants and farmers in town. But it seemed that they had a similar taste in pastries. That made Selina smile. One of the few times she had done so in the past weeks.
The robed, lean man strides through the crowd, his plain but solid staff striking rythmically on the cobblestones. Valthric Malhyn allows himself a slight smile as he shuffles out of the way of a passing festival-goer and turns his hip to avoid running into a vendor's cart full of various fruits of a surprisingly large number of colors and textures.
Eventually the young(ish) mage finds himself roughly in the center of the square, and looks up fondly at the rebuilt cathedral. Fond memories fill his thoughts as he takes in the structure as well as the sights and sounds of the festival around him. The cathedral had nothing but good memories for him...not that he was the religious sort. At least, not to any one diety in particular.
Rather, the dark-haired mage simply remembered days of his youth, back when he was still living in the orphanage...er, Academy...how they would occasionally travel as a group for gatherings at the church, and then the luncheons afterward. There'd be games and desserts to be had afterward, and the atmosphere was not all that much unlike the way the festival felt right now.
As a matter of fact...Valthrik leaned his head back and smelled, sniffing loudly with his rather impressive nose, and took in the pleasant aroma of baked goods...pastries.
Glancing about, the young wizard's eyes darted about, trying to discover exactly which cart held these delicasies...
'Sandpoint needs this. When I first arrived here, the town was scared and lost and in mourning, and with this new cathedral… Of course, it won’t bring back any of the Chopper’s victims, or the late Father Tobyn, but it’s a symbol, I think. Of being ready to turn a page, and start a chapter anew.
And what will I be doing in this new chapter?
To be honest, I’m not sure.'
Honey closes her journal, looking out over the market square. She's been here for a while, early enough, at least, to have found somewhere to sit and watch, out of the way enough to not bother anyone trying to set up and high enough to allow the halfling to see out over the crowd. She has a mug of a steaming, fragrant tea set next to her, Serrano napping happily against her opposite side, and her shawl pulled in around her shoulders against the brisk morning air, but the expression on her face is warm and her amber-brown eyes bright as she watches people filter in.
Of course, Honey loves a festival. She's as excited as anyone to see what there is to find in the stalls, what food and drink the town taverns have pulled out for the occasion, what all there might be to do, but she has all day to partake in the celebrations. For right now, she sips her tea, and reflects, and watches the people as they pass.
Riuzi enters the square walking with his mother, Skwavi. ”C’mon, Ma. Relax. Enjoy the festival: We're gonna see the Swallowtails!! And you know the Rusty Dragon always has a stand with delicious skewers and pastries. Let loose, OK?”
Skwavi gives her son a tired smile. ”I know, hatchling, I know. I’ve just got so much to do, and I’m back to work tomorrow. Speaking of which, I heard Mr Kaijitsu might be hiring again soon. You should apply, instead of hanging out all day at the tavern, playing cards with no-good Sczarni fortune-tellers.” Skwavi frowns as she mentions her son's idle ways and rough friends.
Ducking past two human children racing through the crowd, Riuzi says, ”Good idea, Ma.”...while giving his mother a smile that says-without-saying, You know as well as I do, there’s NO chance I’m going to ever apply there.
Walking through the crowd, he absentmindedly shuffles the well-worn Harrow deck that rarely leaves his hand. Riuzi smells the Rusty Dragon’s booth before he sees it. His face shows a flash of disappointment when he sees how long the line is, but then he shrugs, smiles, and resigns himself to waiting his turn to get one of their delicious meat pastries.
As often happens for Riuzi, as he shuffles one card tumbles in slow motion into the air and rotates there for all to see. ”Look at that: The Wanderer! Could there be a clearer sure sign that Desna, the greatest of all wanderers, is here to bless the festivities?”
Several heads turn. Sandpoint natives all recognize the town tengus (even if they haven’t met), but there are plenty of travelers as well, and many of them stare in curiosity at the young tengu. He stands just under five feet tall, and is dressed in more-or-less traditional Varisian flowing, colorful clothes and scarves. He’s decorated with many bangles, necklaces, and earrings. (Enough that on most people it would cross over to garishness, but somehow this young tengu with clever eyes and a smiling beak has the charm and magnetism to be able to pull it off.) On his back is the one item he carries that’s clearly not Varisian: an old steel shield, with a Minkaian painting of two celestial dragons.
Enjoying the attention (and eager to entertain himself while waiting in line), he cuts the deck again, and another card floats up. ”Ha, would you check that out? The Big Sky” Looking up, he asks those around him, ”Can you feel it? Change is afoot! But what will it be...?”
Numerous games and contests take place during the day, including sack races, games of hide-and-seek, weight-lifting challenges, balance beam contests, tug-of-war events, dagger throwing, and the like. The town's residents eagerly form crowds around the events, as the locals partake of the contests and the winners get to earn bragging rights for the year.
Khala: - passes to Round 2
Khala: - passes to Round 3
Khala participates in the weight-lifting category with some of the stronger farmers and residents of the town. Khala passes through the first 2 rounds rather easily, as everyone is impressed with her strength. She reaches the finals against Garridan Viskalai, a Shoanti mountain of a man and brother to the Sheriff, and Gorvi, the local half-orc dung sweeper. The latter smells quite foul.
Garridan looks at the competition and laughs, while addressing the crowd. "Don't these fools know I've won the competition 2 years in a row?! They don't stand a chance. And that one, the woman, she should be home heating up a plate of food for one of us strong hard-working men, rather than gettin' dirty in the grime." A couple of inebriated farmers agree with Garridan's chauvinistic comments and laugh.
Khala ignores Garridan, but has to admit that perhaps he got under her skin.
Let him win his children’s game…
Selina's keen ears had picked up the Shoanti's disparaging comments about women and she made herself over to the weight-lifting contest. I hope the big tall girl will put him in his place....darn!. Selina is disappointed by Khala's lift. However, she still intervenes, "Garridan, you talk so much dung, that even the half-orc next to you can't handle it. Besides, we all know, you spend all your brother's coin at the Pixie's Kitten, because you can't handle a real woman unless you're paying for it."
Some in the crowd laugh and smirk at Selina comments. However, Garridan laught it off. "Paying women for it is really the only thing you ladies is good for anyway." He flexes for the crowd and moves over to the weights and lifts them with ease and style.
Garridan chants over and over, "Three-time champion!"
The half-orc's Athletics check:
Garridan wins, with Gorvi in 2nd place, and Khala in 3rd. After the competition, the crowd disperses to see other events. Khala gets congratulations for being new and reaching the final round.
Honey reaches once again for her journal, jotting down a quick note in the aftermath of that strength contest - 'What an absolute pig. Don't let that Garridan forget it, the next time he needs treatment!' She makes a note of Khala and Selina both, one an interesting newcomer, and the other not a face she recognizes, but behaves as if she knows the town, but otherwise largely stays to her perch.
Riuzi groans as his hopes to see Garridan embarrassed fade away.
He says to the newcomer, "Garridan's a pig, especially when he's got some drink in him, but please don't think he represents the fair town of Sandpoint. I've lived here all my life and can assure you the good folk outnumber the bad apples."
Holding out a black, clawed hand with long narrow fingers (and a few jangling bracelets) he says, "Riuzi Rik-Tuk, by the way. Pleasure to meet you. What brought you to Sandpoint?"
Khala’s face lightens considerably when Selina’s pithy jibe hits the mark, then darkens into a considerable stormcloud as Garrdian masterfully destroys the competition. She is just approaching Selina, and shouldering her gear when a gaudily dressed tengu approaches.
”Thanks for the assist.” she says by way of introduction to Selina. When the tengu makes his introduction she shakes his…finger/talons, careful not to crush his delicate appendage with her rather large hand.
”Well met Riuzi. I take no especial offense. Besides, I’m used to Shoanti shenanigans, though I find it odd to find more of my folk in such a barbaric place.” Khala appears to mean no especial insult to Sandpoint, more a tribesfolk’s casual estimation of the perils of “towns”.
She smiles awkwardly.
”Khala Skawe. I’m a bounty hunter. So. Town. Bounties. Festival.” she waves her hands around generally to indicate.
"Oh! Good to meet you, Khala." Riuzi's feathered eyebrows shoot up in genuine interest.
He whispers, "Is there a bounty on someone in Sandpoint?"
Khala’s grin is all teeth.
”Of course. A bedazzlingly overjewelled Varisian-looking Tengu. Seen him around?”
Khala takes a moment before winking.
”Nah. I have yet just arrived. I have not had the time to find out anything. Too busy eating. And…lifting.” she finishes with a frown.
”You local Riuzi? You?” she asks Riuzi, and then Selina. She sniffs the air heavily, as if searching for something.
Where is that damn’d pastry vendor. All that lifting makes me hungry…
For the briefest moment, Riuzi's feathers all stand on end and he gives a loud nervous "Squawk!", thinking, Wait, what am I in trouble for this ti–
...and then he finally realizes the gag, and lets out a genuine belly laugh. "I won't lie. You got me for a minute there. But yeah, I've lived here all my life. You need something...other than my hide...just ask."
Khala’s face lightens considerably when Selina’s pithy jibe hits the mark, then darkens into a considerable stormcloud as Garrdian masterfully destroys the competition. She is just approaching Selina, and shouldering her gear when a gaudily dressed tengu approaches.
”Thanks for the assist.” she says by way of introduction to Selina. When the tengu makes his introduction she shakes his…finger/talons, careful not to crush his delicate appendage with her rather large hand.
”Well met Riuzi. I take no especial offense. Besides, I’m used to Shoanti shenanigans, though I find it odd to find more of my folk in such a barbaric place.” Khala appears to mean no especial insult to Sandpoint, more a tribesfolk’s casual estimation of the perils of “towns”.
She smiles awkwardly.
”Khala Skawe. I’m a bounty hunter. So. Town. Bounties. Festival.” she waves her hands around generally to indicate.
Selina smiles at the Shoanti woman, "We gals have to stick together, ya know and out pigs like Garridan in his place or else they'll walk all over us. But I'm sure you won't have that problem, Khala, given your size. I am Selina Aldaeth, the local fishmonger's niece in town for the festival and other things. Pleasure to meet ya."
Upon seeing the Tengu, Selina stares a little bit too long. "Love the necklaces and scarves I must say, Riuzi." Selina bows, "Name's Selina, student of the dueling sword."
Valthrik moves about the festival, watching the games with interest. Glad I didn't place a wager on THAT one. I'd have bet on the snow-haired woman...'was sure she'd take down that idiot Garridan.
The wizard shrugs to himself, keeping mostly to himself, and almost without thinking, finds himself again ambling over to the pastry vendor. Ahh, one more couldn't hurt, right? It IS a festival, right?
As he passes, he spots Riuzi in the distance and nods...though Val isn't sure if the Tengu notices. He almost calls out in the Tengu language, but thinks better of it. While familiar with most common phrases, or rather, squeeks, squawks, and whistles, Valthrik knew he was far from fluent at this point.
Khala goves Riuzi another wink and broad smile, then nods at Selina’s assessment of Garridan.
”I was just heading over to get some more pastries…happy to buy you one each…”
Feeling like she’d made some friends, however faint, Khala steps off in her usual burly saunter.
”So Riuzi…where’s there a…noticeboard or…similar place I could find bounties around here? [here Khala turns to Selina] You get much….trouble in Sandpoint?”
You walk through the stalls and before you know it, it is close to noon. Father Zantus, priest of Desna, and his acolytes wheel a large-covered wagon into the square. At noon, he calls the crowd's attention, and recounts the short parable of how Desna first fell to earth and was nursed back to health by a blind child whom she transformed into an immortal butterfly as a reward for her aid. He then raises his hand as a signal and the acolytes pull aside the wagon’s cover, releasing the thousand children of Desna—a furious storm of swallowtail butterflies that swarm into the air in a spiraling riot of color to a great cheer from the crowd.
Children in the crowd futilely chase butterflies, never quite quick enough to catch them, to everyone's delight.
Lunch is provided free, at the expense of Sandpoint’s taverns. Each brings its best dishes—this event is as much a marketing push by the taverns to win new customers. It soon becomes apparent that the darling of the lunch is, once again, Ameiko Kaijitsu, whose remarkable curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead easily overshadow the other offerings, such as the Hagfish’s lobster chowder or the White Deer’s peppercorn venison.
Upon seeing the Tengu, Selina stares a little bit too long. "Love the necklaces and scarves I must say, Riuzi." Selina bows, "Name's Selina, student of the dueling sword."
"Riuzi Rik-Tuk. Charmed." Riuzi's eyes twinkle and his beak breaks into a warm smile as he bows a small bow. Then there's a flash of recognition. "Wait, not Sela's daughter Selina?
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I was only 12 when you left town, but Sela was so proud of your studies in Reslov. I recall her reading aloud a letter you sent home, one afternoon in the Rusty Dragon. Are you back for good now, or do you have to return to Reslov after you pay your respects?"
- - -
”So Riuzi…where’s there a…noticeboard or…similar place I could find bounties around here? [here Khala turns to Selina] You get much….trouble in Sandpoint?”
Riuzi scratches his neck feathers. "Hmmm. Sandpoint's a 'bountiful' town...but not sure there are many people posting bounties in the sense you mean. I'd think the place to start would be the Rusty Dragon, but noone's there now since Ameiko and crew are all here. Smell that delicious spiced salmon? That's their stall. Want to go get some? And maybe you can go check out the Rusty Dragon tonight, after the festival."
- - -
When the shallowtails are released, Riuzi says (to whoever is nearby), "Ooooooh, Praise Lady Fortune, the Tender of Dreams. Those swallowtails are amazing, aren't they?"
Children in the crowd futilely chase butterflies, never quite quick enough to catch them, to everyone's delight.
Lunch is provided free, at the expense of Sandpoint’s taverns. Each brings its best dishes—this event is as much a marketing push by the taverns to win new customers. It soon becomes apparent that the darling of the lunch is, once again, Ameiko Kaijitsu, whose remarkable curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead easily overshadow the other offerings, such as the Hagfish’s lobster chowder or the White Deer’s peppercorn venison.
Valthrik stands at the pastry vendor when lunch is announced, and as the various smells and aromas waft through the air, he finds his mouth is actually salivating at the thought of having some of the venison and chowder.
Making his way over, the mage comes across Khala, Riuzi, and Selina. Val gives each a brief nod of recognition and hen smiles before offering his best rendition of a Tengu 'good morning' in Riuzi's native tongue. "Swww-waaa-aak."
Selina gives a small shake of her head at Riuzi's condolences. "Thank you, your words are much appreciated. I am fulfilling my duty, to pay respects to my mother. I had planned returning to Restov after the festival and the funeral. Other than an uncle, whom I am not close to, I have very little attachments left to Sandpoint. This town's history was a dark period in my life. But I am happy to spend the festival with you fine people. I am sure we can share a meal at the Rusty Dragon."
Khala nods in a friendly manner as Vathrik makes their acquaintance.
"Nice pastries! I'm Khala - this is Riuzi and Selina." she says by way of introduction. Her face hardens as she hears the hints of Selina's loss, then quickly smiles again as the conversation turns to the joy of the festival, and then meanders about, eagerly trying the curry-spiced salmon (multiple times) and sampling the winterdrop mead.
Honey remains at her vantage point until the release of the swallowtails, leisurely finishing her tea and watching the crowd. She applauds happily as the butterflies take to the sky, a smile lighting up her face. Hearing Riuzi's exclamation, she nods at him, raising her now-empty mug as if to toast.
"To Lady Luck." She pauses, tries to sip from the empty mug, just to finish her toast. "They are, such a sight. Makes you wish for wings of your own, don't it?"
---
Once the food is served, Honey hops down and joins the crowd, happy to try a little bit of everything, to share time and food and drink with anyone who seems approachable (and probably a few who don't). She compliments the cooks on their offerings, Ameiko especially, and otherwise is just having a good time with the party until things wrap up.
Good food and good company make the time fly by, as you pass the time people watching and enjoying the simple life in Sandpoint. Before you know it, the sun begins to set. A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun’s setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage. He clears his throat, takes a breath to speak. "Please bow your heads, let us recite the Prayer of First Dreaming."
As you close your eyes. suddenly a woman’s scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises—high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human. The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.
"Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump
Goblins slash and goblins bump.
Burn the skin and mash the head,
Goblins here and you be dead!
Bonk the head to shut it up.
Chase the baby, catch the pup.
Bones be cracked, flesh be stewed,
We be goblins! You be food!"
A wave of goblins attacks the crowd in the square, as the villagers erupt in screams. You see guards and villagers take to defending the town. To the SE, nearest to you, are a pack of 4 goblins, each wielding a dogslicer licking the blood from the blade, as bodies lay on the floor! They are looking eagerly to slay more villagers.
Initiative:
Khala pauses mid-munch, them leaps to action, racing around carts and people to a position south of the [fountain/well?]. She hurls a harpoon at the closest goblin, the cord singing as the fell weapon leaves her grasp...
◆ Stride ◆ Stride ◆ Strike
When the scream interrupts Father Zantus' prayer, Riuzi's first thought is, has the Chopper returned?
Then the scene comes together and–thinking of his mother, still somewhere in this crowd unless she's already returned home, and of Zendo, and his friends–he rushes toward the attackers, calling out, "Nooo!"
As he does, he loosens the shield from his back and brings it into his grip.
Selina snaps out of her boredom when she hears the screams and the vile goblin song. She rushes after Khala and ends her turn next to her. She then remembers some tricks she picked up in Restov and touches one of her arcane tattoos on her arm. Instantly, an invisible field of force appears around her for protection.
Honey had bowed her head to join in prayer, but snaps back to attention at the scream cuts through her thoughts. There's a moment of panic, looking at first for the source of the commotion and then to see who else is responding to the threat and how. Glad, at least, to see a few others rushing to the townsfolk's aid, she follows up, staying a bit back behind the others, and casting two spells in quick succession - the first, a small bit of aid to Khala, hoping to guide the next harpoon, and the second to form a translucent shield in front of herself.
Enjoying himself and actually relaxing for once, Valthrik is shocked, but not surprised when things go sideways and the goblins attack. Obviously no one could have forseen this happening, but sometimes things just went wrong in his life. And this time, it looked like things were about to go wrong for a whole lot of people.
"Not while I can help it..." Valthrik mutters, moving around a few of the carts and vendors to get a better look at the goblins as his newfound companions did the same. Some of them even directly engaged the creatures.
"Be careful!" he called out, "They're crafty and dangerous!"
"Mysticum Armis!" Pausing several yards way, the mage casts Mystic Armor, surrounding himself with an arcane ward of protection that shimmered around him for a moment before fading from view.
Round 1: Goblins
Excited and gleeful, two of the goblins continue singing their song as they run to a nearby stall/cart and start stuffing their pockets with food and bread.
The green goblin sees the Tengu and cackles, "Ooh, a talking bird. Thinks I'll skin ya!" The goblin moves next to Riuzi and nicks the Tengu with his first attack but misses the second.
The blue goblin moves north into the crowd and starts swinging its dogslicer into crowd, cackling with glee! It hits a woman, and she collapses to the ground dead! It swings again and a peasant yells in pain from the serious wound!
The scene around you erupts in chaos as goblins are all over!
Khala erupts with a ululating cry, then pulling a large harpoon from her back, hurls it at the goblin in front of Riuzi. The harpoon flies wide, the cord trailing through the air...
The green goblin sees the Tengu and cackles, "Ooh, a talking bird. Thinks I'll skin ya!" The goblin moves next to Riuzi and nicks the Tengu with his first attack but misses the second.
Ruizi squawks indignantly when he gets nicked. "We'll see about that!"
Trying to look braver than he feels, Riuzi spends a moment glancing at the Harrow cards in his hand, trying to imagine what might give him an advantage over this goblin, and then–with a quick snap of his neck–attempts to stab the goblin with his beak.
Khala glares at the goblin menacing Riuzi…
Horrified at the goblin's murderous streak of attacking helpless villagers, Selina strides across the battlefield and strikes the northern goblin with deadly agility.
If it dies, she then focuses on the western goblin, but miscalculates and misses.
This...this is crazy... Valthrik is overwhelmed by the sheer savagery of the goblins and he scans the panicked crowd in dismay.
Seeing his companions taking care of the closest goblins, the mage repositions himself, bringing his focus to the two goblin attackers near the vendor's cart (all the way to the right of the map). Valthrik summons his arcane aura, his eyes flaring with cold blue light as he casts his Electric Arc cantrip. "Electrica arcus!"
A brief flare of Lightning leaps from his outstretched fingertips, lancing first to one goblin, and then almost immediately to the other...
There is a scene of chaos all around - what you do for the next minute?
Khala reels in her harpoon and keeps it…handy….while scanning the chaos for more assailants. She heads to the nearest wounded and tries to provide aid…
”You Sandpoint folks sure now how to throw a strange party…” she mutters…
Selina wipes the blood from dueling sword on the dead goblin's corpse. "Maggot!" She then looks around, asks Riuzi if he is ok, and looks to see where she can help or any other dangers.
Honey takes a moment, nodding to the others who had stood up to fight - "Well done, you lot, keep a sharp eye for more." - before turning her attention to the injured and fallen villagers. She checks for a pulse on the fallen, and for the severity of the injury on any who are only injured.
Khala swats at an errant lock of hair fouling her vision.
”And you are? I’m Khala - this is Riuzi, and Selina….and…spell-guy, can’t remember his name….Valthrik! Thanks for the aid by the way - I know you…did…something..to…for…me.” Khala smiles crookedly at Honey.
"Honne, but most folks just call me Honey. Not much of a fighter, myself, but always glad to support those more suited, so - if there's more, I'll be stickin' to you all, if you're amenable."
She returns the smile, if a little half-heartedly. There's too much chaos, too much blood around them for it to be on her face for much more than a second.
"Spell-guy??" Valrik turns towards the group, scowling at Khala in particular, and for a moment, it appears that the wizard is furious...until it doesn't. The dark-haired mage grins and chuckles. "Well, to be fair, I've been called worse. I am indeed known as Valthrik. Well done, all."
He glances around at the scene, taking in the carnage and mayhem that has taken place. "This is...this is crazy."
As you look for dangers and help the wounded, suddenly screams from the NE catch your attention, as you hear villagers running west, shouting, "Fire! Fire! Damn goblins are trying to set fire to the town!"
The party rushes to the NE as the villagers flee. You see two goblins throwing alchemist's flasks on a nearby store, while a chanter continues the goblin song in glee.
The goblins see you approaching, in contrast to everyone running away, and they turn violent!
Initiative:
Round 1: Selina
As before, Selina bounds out toward the danger and calls up a shield, while using the wagon as some cover.