Arrian continues rolling on the ground, inexplicably laughing at...something...
Persephone only smiles sadly at the yet misunderstood creatures.
** spoiler omitted **The Shaman--needing to protect her Tribe!--takes a simple 5' Step away from the goblins and pronounces strange words!
Burning Sands
[dice=Fire damage, ash hag]1d4+1
Persephone curties to Zel.
The Shaman moves next to the Trickster. Persephone decides to Healing Hex Juriya!
Donimah hisses in fury as she's wounded by the goblin.
Too hurried. Should have conjured my protective wards when I had the chance. Too close. Got to get distance she thinks to herself as she weakly jabs her whaling spear in the goblin's direction to make it think twice about following her to get an easy cut in.
She loops around behind the sprawled-out Arrian and glares down at him.
"GET UP!" she spits.
The group of heroes is banged up, but so are the goblins. The chanting one with the whip steps away from Zeldrith and casts a healing spell. This spurs the other goblins forward. Seeing as Persephone stepped away, they get out of the burning sand on the ground. One moves towards Ano and the other towards the lying down Arrian.
The healing spell is incredibly effective and undos all the damage from Juriya. Meanwhile, Ano takes a hit and Arrian, being an easy target lying down, also takes one.
Feeling the goblin’s blade slash across her, her eyes and spots flash another burst of lavender as she shrieks and sends her rapier forward with full bloodlust and wrath.
Ano punctures a wound in the goblin fighting her, wounding it deeply. It's still standing, though.
His eye drawn by Donimah's injuries and the goblin menacing the recumbent Arrian, Zeldrith moves around behind the group, striding through the burning sand without so much as a whimper of pain. As he moves into position, his fingers weave arcane patterns in the air again, but instead of casting a spell, he switches his blade to his seven-fingered hand, its tip shimmering with arcane energy as he drives it into the goblin's unprotected back.
Persephone casts Cure light wounds on Juriya.
The goblin watches the shiny sword go right at him. Its light distracts it enough that it doesn't get out of the way quickly enough. It goes down before realising what happened.
The goblin watches the shiny sword go right at him. Its light distracts it enough that it doesn't get out of the way quickly enough. It goes down before realising what happened.
With the goblin next to him dispatched by Zel's ferocious stab Arrian stands up.
Having one of their companions get killed only pushes the goblins forward, by command of their leader. He says:
"Victory will be ours, keep fighting!"
before continuing his war chant. The goblins slice at Ano, while the whip goes for Arrian this time.
The goblins seem to be getting tired as all their attacks miss either entirely or due to Ano's quickness to dodge the attack.
Juriya launches yet another bolt, nerves getting to her as the bolt goes flying off near the goblin's she was targetting's [/i]foot.[/i] She swears to herself in Minkaian as yet another bolt misses its mark.
Wanting to rid Ano of the pesky flankers Arrian stabs at a goblin!
Seeing the giant Arrian, Ano takes the opportunity and attacks the same goblin in her fury.
“YOU WILL NOT BURN MY HOME AGAIN!!!”
In a moment, Ano and Arrian lock eyes and silently agree on a coordinated movement. Ano lets the goblin think she was attacking him, and he defends himself, only to be attacked in the back by Arrian, who cuts him down in a swift motion. Completing her movement, Ano swirls and attacks the other goblin threatening her. The surprise was so great that the rapier punctures through the goblin, coming out the other side.
In a moment, both goblins are dead.
Juriya once again fires at the singular goblin remaining, hoping to intimidate them into compliance with her knowledge of the language. "Better run, or the next one goes in your head!" she shouts in Goblin. She doesn't speak the language fluently, as there's no reason to, but she knows enough to threaten a few goblins in their native language.
As the penultimate goblin falls, Zeldrith narrows his eyes at the war-chanter, his blade striking out like the fangs of a viper, angling for the goblin's neck. As he charges, he spits broken curses in Goblin - the extent of his knowledge of the language.
The goblin looks at Juriya as she threatens him. Her bolt flies true into his arm. He winces in pain, and doesn't see Zeldrith approaching with his sword. The mighty blow brings him to brink of fainting. He cracks his whip at the Tiefling in desperation, but faints from the effort.
The group starts panting, realizing only now how tired the fight got them. Slowly, people start climbing out of their hiding places. Many are wounded, however a quick check reveals that they were contusions caused by thrashing and running during the panic and not goblin weapons.
The fires have stopped spreading for now.
Many come to the group looking at them in admiration. They thank them for their heroism. Among them, Garridan, the owner of the White Deer can be found. He also looks relieved and thankful. After a few moments, a goblin appears on top of a roof. All look surprised. He runs and jumps off the roof on someone, but misses his target and breaks his neck on the floor. People around him kick the corpse in disgust.
Father Zantus appears breathing heavily. He realizes what happened and thanks the group. He says "It seems some of you are a bit hurt. I can help with that." He concentrates and the butterfly hanging around his neck shines bright. A warming light bursts, healing all around.
Donimah blinks in surprise as the tide of the battle seems to turn almost instantly.
"Good...good work," she manages.
When Father Zantus offers healing, she bows her head and accepts it graciously.
"Thank you, Father."
She looks to the others in the group.
"Are there more to deal with?"
Ano still snarled as she skewered the goblin, but soon the light seemed to bring Ano out of her rage for a bit.
"Ano!!!" Cherry chirped, followed by two more catfolk-one of silver fur like hers but with faded dark grey spots and a simple tunic, and another identical one but of white fur and dressed as a Desnan cleric. Fosyo, Ano's mother, and Saryo, Ano's aunt.
"Cherry? Ama? Izeba Saryo? Wha...what..." The blue aura emitting from her eyes and spots faded away, and as her eyes returned to their yellow coloration, she lost her balance and fell on the ground, exhausted. "What happened...?"
"You just went full berserker on all of us!" Cherry squawked.
"Ondo al zaude nire umea?" Fosyo asked, her face washed in dread and worry.
"I'm fine, Ama," the catfolk sighed. Though that was quite a lie-she was confused and tired. And most importantly, had no recollection of what had transpired. "I-I went into a rage? I-I'm sorry, I-"
"Why be sorry?!" Saryo stated with pride, "You skewered those iratxoak like there was no tomorrow! Who knew you had such a warrior's spirit!"
"'Warrior's spirit'?! Arreba ergel, we could have lost Ano today! Ano, I don't ever want you to do that again!" Fosyo was not focusing on what Ano accomplished, but instead her fears had manifest witnessing how her daughter was in danger, and was even harmed a couple of times.
"Sentitzen dut Ama, I don't know what came over me..." Ano's head hung in shame. Had she held a cooler head, perhaps she could have been more efficient...perhaps no one could have been hurt...?
"N-Now, Miss Fosyo, she is alright-" Cherry tried to say, but one look from Fosyo's angry face told the cardinal to hold his tongue.
"Are you alright my child?"
iratxoak = goblins
arreba ergel = stupid sister
"I'm sorry Mother"
Persephone beams with pride a6s her Tribe dispatches the remaining threat. The Shamn does attempt to help those injured and confused.
Seeing Father Zantas approaching, she gathers those injured into his healing aura.
Looking up, she winks at Isabel as the colorful Raven soars above.
Seeing everyone beginning to gather their wits, Persephone calmly gathers her Tribe.
This attack seemed to be...sent. That whip wielding Goblin spoke about Victory being theirs. He seemed...certain. We may want to explore where this threats originated from...and if we can expect another.
Persephone looks for both the mayor and the sheriff....
Ano still snarled as she skewered the goblin, but soon the light seemed to bring Ano out of her rage for a bit.
"Ano!!!" Cherry chirped, followed by two more catfolk-one of silver fur like hers but with faded dark grey spots and a simple tunic, and another identical one but of white fur and dressed as a Desnan cleric. Fosyo, Ano's mother, and Saryo, Ano's aunt.
"Cherry? Ama? Izeba Saryo? Wha...what..." The blue aura emitting from her eyes and spots faded away, and as her eyes returned to their yellow coloration, she lost her balance and fell on the ground, exhausted. "What happened...?"
"You just went full berserker on all of us!" Cherry squawked.
"Ondo al zaude nire umea?" Fosyo asked, her face washed in dread and worry.
"I'm fine, Ama," the catfolk sighed. Though that was quite a lie-she was confused and tired. And most importantly, had no recollection of what had transpired. "I-I went into a rage? I-I'm sorry, I-"
"Why be sorry?!" Saryo stated with pride, "You skewered those iratxoak like there was no tomorrow! Who knew you had such a warrior's spirit!"
"'Warrior's spirit'?! Arreba ergel, we could have lost Ano today! Ano, I don't ever want you to do that again!" Fosyo was not focusing on what Ano accomplished, but instead her fears had manifest witnessing how her daughter was in danger, and was even harmed a couple of times.
"Sentitzen dut Ama, I don't know what came over me..." Ano's head hung in shame. Had she held a cooler head, perhaps she could have been more efficient...perhaps no one could have been hurt...?
"N-Now, Miss Fosyo, she is alright-" Cherry tried to say, but one look from Fosyo's angry face told the cardinal to hold his tongue.
"Cherry is correct," Donimah interjects, approaching Ano and her family. "While I doubt it was a pleasant experience for Ano, anyone could see it was a post-traumatic stress reaction to the fires, it gave her the motivation to defend her home and prevent such a trauma from happening a second time. She certainly was more useful during this battle than I was."
She turns to Ano.
"My father has told me of warriors like you among the Quahs. We have a phrase; 'my blood ignites.' Spoken in anger, to tell someone they've offended you. But for some it is quite literal, latent power in their blood coming to the surface to grant magical strength in battle. They are rare...you are rare. And Sandpoint is very lucky to have you. Take pride, and work to hone this power, and none shall ever your home again."
Persephone beams with pride a6s her Tribe dispatches the remaining threat. The Shamn does attempt to help those injured and confused.
Seeing Father Zantas approaching, she gathers those injured into his healing aura.
Looking up, she winks at Isabel as the colorful Raven soars above.
Seeing everyone beginning to gather their wits, Persephone calmly gathers her Tribe.
This attack seemed to be...sent. That whip wielding Goblin spoke about Victory being theirs. He seemed...certain. We may want to explore where this threats originated from...and if we can expect another.Persephone looks for both the mayor and the sheriff....
"While I find your logic spurious at best, I do agree with your conclusions: goblins don't attack a population center of this size without someone...or something motivating them to. As the history of the Goblinblood Wars shows, and Zeldrith can likely confirm, an attack like this is meant to probe defenses. They'll likely be back and in greater numbers."
"Cherry is correct," Donimah interjects, approaching Ano and her family. "While I doubt it was a pleasant experience for Ano, anyone could see it was a post-traumatic stress reaction to the fires, it gave her the motivation to defend her home and prevent such a trauma from happening a second time. She certainly was more useful during this battle than I was."
“I-You-I’m sorry but you-” Fosyo started, her fur becoming slightly bristled before her sister put a hand on her shoulder.
She turns to Ano.
"My father has told me of warriors like you among the Quahs. We have a phrase; 'my blood ignites.' Spoken in anger, to tell someone they've offended you. But for some it is quite literal, latent power in their blood coming to the surface to grant magical strength in battle. They are rare...you are rare. And Sandpoint is very lucky to have you. Take pride, and work to hone this power, and none shall ever harm your home again.”
This got all three catfolk to ponder. They knew their family was more tied to the arcane than others, but that usually manifested early, and tend to lead down the path of sorcerers or bards. A magus every now and then, but this was new. Even when it seems you have it all figured out, the manifestations of the arcane always find a way to surprise you.
“Donimah’s right, Ama,” Ano spoke, shakingly getting up, “I only flew into a rage because I didn’t want what happened five years ago to happen again. I know losing Aita was hard…I know you’re afraid of losing me. But I was afraid of losing you, and Izeba Saryo, and Cherry, and my friends…I don’t want that to happen again. And…it won’t as long as I’m alive.”
She did nod at Donimah’s remark on how coordinated the attack was. “Goblins are also cowards. They may be reckless but they’re at least smart enough to know when they’re up against a threat and run the opposite way. I…remember one cackling as I killed it. Like it didn’t matter…something’s going on…”
Her eyes widened as she remembered something. “Juriya, Arrian and Zeldrith! Are they alright?!”
As the last goblin falls, Zeldrith looks around wildly for more enemies, only truly relaxing once Father Zantus and the other civilians appear. Pulling a blood-stained rag from one of his pockets, he wipes down the longsword and sheaths it with the air of a professional. As Ano speaks with her family about her battle-rage, his eyebrows raise in concern, but he remains silent.
"My father has told me of warriors like you among the Quahs. We have a phrase; 'my blood ignites.' Spoken in anger, to tell someone they've offended you. But for some it is quite literal, latent power in their blood coming to the surface to grant magical strength in battle. They are rare...you are rare. And Sandpoint is very lucky to have you. Take pride, and work to hone this power, and none shall ever your home again."
As Donimah speaks, Zeldrith frowns and interjects. "You have power, Ano - but it is important to know how to use it. Earlier, you nearly struck Arrian when he tried to heal you, and you injured Cherry when he tried to stop you. If you have power but no discipline, you'll hurt those close to you."
As Donimah and Persephone discuss the nature of the goblin attack, Zeldrith scowls and spits. "Hobgoblins. I'd bet my life on it. Goblins as a whole aren't coordinated enough to mount an attack like this - but when I fought in the Goblinblood Wars, there were a few hobgoblin commanders who could whip them into a fighting force. 'Runtbosses,' I think they were called. Fanatics who believed that their god had chosen them to rule. A few of them must have come north from the Mushfens."
He nods at Donimah's words. "If they have the numbers, they'll return in greater force. If they're following standard hobgoblin procedure, any who played major roles in the defense against the raid - probably the Sheriff, the Mayor, and Father Zantus - will be marked for death, visited by killers in the night before the next raid. Also, I doubt we'll get them all today - some goblins from the raid will probably hide in the town. They'll come out and kill when the next raid starts, unless we ferret them out."
The mercenary glances around the square. "It looks like the Cathedral is secure - if we can get the civilians inside and barricade the entrances, we can hold out there until we're sure the raid is driven out. A few of the warriors should check the nearby streets, make sure anyone who didn't get to safety can get back here to the square." He nods to the half-orc and the changeling. "I'd like to take at least Arrian or Persephone, if they're willing. They can handle themselves in a fight, and we'll need healers to make sure any casualties are stable enough to take back here. Anyone else willing to go with me?"
Arrian looks around and feels even more out of place than usual due to his magically-enhanced size - he can't hide even if he wants to now.
"I seemed to be too surprised to act clearly and seemed to set us back. That can't happen again. I'm just glad none of us were seriously hurt. I'll go with you Zel; we can check the areas one normally finds goblins skulking about."
"錬金術師の火をそのままにしましょう！" Juriya can be heard screaming as she rushes over to her family to both make sure that they're okay, and that the ongoing batch of Alchemist's fire did not add to the destruction. The thunderstone already seemed to be some form of signal!
Running as fast as her currently-human legs can carry her, she bumps into her family not too far from anyone else. Both of them are in human form, having escaped the carnage by hiding away in their house/workshop and wielding makeshift weapons, along with the occassional alchemical one, to ward away the goblins. "はい、大丈夫です、ジュリヤ," her mother says, holding a prepared bomb, just in case any more goblins come back. The father is a bit more scraped up and burned, being caught up in one of their bombs. Once she actually makes sure her family and their means of actually earning money are safe, she gives them both a hug, and goes speeding back to the ragtag group that had accumulated at the tavern earlier.
"Wouldn't hobgoblins have had something to say about that Bard, though? Thought they disliked any kind of arcane magic. You clearly weren't laughing from something the Goblins said." She didn't really feel the need to catch up with her family too much, her mother has bombs and her father has a practical anatomy knowledge. She figured they'd hold their own well enough, but her family isn't much of valiant heroes.
"Any more? My parents got caught up with one or two, but they dealt with them," she replies through pants and wheezes as she finally catches up to everyone.
Zeldrith's words stung...but they were the truth. She did need to control her rage if she was going to be a member of the team. And she had to prove it.
"I'll go. I-I know I lost my mind but, I think I can handle it now. Plus, if there's still a goblin in the town, I won't rest until they're slain or chased out."
Fosyo tried to interject again, but Saryo pulled her away. "Come on arreba," the snow furred catfolk said calmly, "You can help me tend to the wounded. Ano can handle herself. I know it." As much as Fosyo wanted to deny it, she knew she couldn't change her daughter's mind, and thus sighed, "Mesedez, kontuz ibili. Ez izan berriro horrelako arduragabekeria."
"What would you guys say of Cherry scouting the town? If that's alright with you Cherry." the catfolk asked, looking at her familiar.
The cardinal gulped. "W-Well, I know goblins can chow down on birds like you chow down on pie...but as long as I stay out of range...what do you all think?"
Isabel floats by Cherry. The Raven seems to be miming no.....
The townsfolk seem to be relaxing a bit by seeing the group be more relaxed and take care of their loved ones. A few clashing sounds can be heard here and there, but nothing close. It seems there is still some fighting going on, but the town's guard are on it.
More clouds are gathering in the sky, and a thunder can be heard in the distance.
Suddenly, a scream can be heard close by, accompanied by some frantic barking. It's coming from the north, likely the town's northern gate. All people present suddenly look at the group of fighters expectantly. Father Zantus says "It seems this is not over yet. I'm no fighter, but maybe I can help you." He casts a spell, and the group feels blessed, similarly to when Persephone did it.
Arrian looks around and feels even more out of place than usual due to his magically-enhanced size - he can't hide even if he wants to now.
"I seemed to be too surprised to act clearly and seemed to set us back. That can't happen again. I'm just glad none of us were seriously hurt. I'll go with you Zel; we can check the areas one normally finds goblins skulking about."
"You and half the town, Arrian. No point in feeling sorry for yourself," Donimah replies flatly.
The townsfolk seem to be relaxing a bit by seeing the group be more relaxed and take care of their loved ones. A few clashing sounds can be heard here and there, but nothing close. It seems there is still some fighting going on, but the town's guard are on it.
More clouds are gathering in the sky, and a thunder can be heard in the distance.Suddenly, a scream can be heard close by, accompanied by some frantic barking. It's coming from the north, likely the town's northern gate. All people present suddenly look at the group of fighters expectantly. Father Zantus says "It seems this is not over yet. I'm no fighter, but maybe I can help you." He casts a spell, and the group feels blessed, similarly to when Persephone did it.
"Thanks again, Father," Donimah replies with a nod. She looks to Arrian. "Now's your chance to redeem yourself. Come on!"
She starts moving in the direction of the barking, muttering another incantation to herself as she goes. She wasn't going to be caught off-guard this time.
Ano’s ears perked up at the screaming and barking. “Let’s not waste any time! Hurry!”
she called out, leading the way. It was clear by how slower she moved that she was still tired, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her. Cherry sighed in relief knowing he won’t be putting himself in potential goblin biting range, but was worried if Ano could continue to fight in her tired state or not.
"Wouldn't hobgoblins have had something to say about that Bard, though? Thought they disliked any kind of arcane magic. You clearly weren't laughing from something the Goblins said."
Arrian nods at Donimah and Ano and charges to the north while wishing he had something other than his dagger.
"We'll take the fight to these little creeps!"
Unbidden in his mind he hears his father's voice: "Don't blame the weapon you have at hand; it's the mind and the heart that make a true warrior."
Juriya gathers the bolts scattered around the town to add back to her arsenal, and replies to Arrian's cry with a raised Rapier. "Yeah!"
Persephone frowns atte sounds of battle in the distance. The Shaman follows behind her Tribe.
My magic is all but spent. I shall help as I can.
Ano looks back as Persephone and smiles. “Don’t worry about that. One can still help even if the help seems small.”
As the screams begin anew, Zeldrith's head snaps around to face the northern gate, and he follows the motley group of unlikely heroes as they go to face whatever new challenge awaits.
The group goes north together. Just east of the White Dear, a man in fancy clothes is cowering behind a cart. Meanwhile, a dog is heroically defending him barking against a creature that seems like the mix of a dog and a rat. Riding this creature is a goblin with a longer weapon than the goblin usual.
The group arrives in time to see the goblin strike down the dog that goes out with a whimper. In response, 3 goblins that were hiding in fear of the dog leap out and cheer in excitement. All turn to the frightened citizen who whimpers similarly to the dog.
The goblins haven't seen the group yet.
Gathered within the center of the Tribe, as they approached the scene, the Shaman shares her instincts to protecting each other!
Ferocious Loyalty
The shaman gains a teamwork feat as a bonus feat. She must meet the feat’s prerequisites. As a standard action, the shaman can grant one of her teamwork feats to all allies within 30 feet who can see and hear her. Allies retain the use of this bonus feat for 3 rounds plus 1 round for every 2 levels the shaman has. Allies do not need to meet the prerequisites of this bonus feat. The shaman can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + her Charisma modifier.
Desna defend them!
Ano's ears flattened in anger as the group witness the hunting dog get killed.
"Okay Ano," Cherry said, "Now's a good time to go arcane insane mode." When nothing happened, Cherry chirped confusingly, "Uh, Ano?"
"I-I can't just summon it. Plus even if I could, I don't think I have the energy to pull it back like that..." Ano sighed, before glaring at the goblins, "But I'll still fight though. Tired or not, this town needs to be defended." She moves next to Juriya, her hand grasping tightly around the handle of her rapier.
The group goes north together. Just east of the White Dear, a man in fancy clothes is cowering behind a cart. Meanwhile, a dog is heroically defending him barking against a creature that seems like the mix of a dog and a rat. Riding this creature is a goblin with a longer weapon than the goblin usual.
The group arrives in time to see the goblin strike down the dog that goes out with a whimper. In response, 3 goblins that were hiding in fear of the dog leap out and cheer in excitement. All turn to the frightened citizen who whimpers similarly to the dog.
The goblins haven't seen the group yet.
Juriya begins cackling as she overconfidently decides to try to scare the goblins away, pointing her light crossbow at the goblin perched atop the goblin dog. "Ehehehehe! We already dealt with all your friends, what makes you think you'll be different, hm?" She then drags a spare bolt across her neck to hammer the point in.
As the next group of goblins appears, Zeldrith's lambent gaze is drawn by the nobleman hiding behind the overturned cart, and he waves to the well-dressed man. "You there - civvie! Try to hold out, we'll get to you! ಗುರಾಣಿ!" As before, his longsword rebounds off his invisible aegis, and he holds his blade at the ready, prepared to intercept a charge.