Magnus is caught watching the others so his "We Be Heroes!" is just a beat later than everyone else's, making it sound a bit more discordant than intended, but perhaps more goblinish as a result.
The Pathfinder performance is...uneven. Yet, far and away superior to that of the mercenaries. There is vigorous applause from the goblin crowd and more fruit is thrown on the stage, though this time intended as gifts (it can be a very confusing tradition.)
Zusgut raises his hands for silence, and most of the goblins quiet down or wander off. “Well that was exciting,” he says. “But now it’s time for the tough decision.” The king pauses dramatically, and from somewhere nearby a goblin beats a drum in a rhythm reminiscent of a heartbeat.
“It’s a difficult choice,” Zusgut continues, drawing out the moment. “But I have to say that one performance…” he pauses as the drum continues to beat. “Rose above the other.” Another pause. [/b]“Today, the winner is…” He stops again, and now the goblins are all paying close attention. [b]“The Pathfinders!” A cheer rises up at his words.
"And now for your prize!" he leads the way off the stage and to a side door that opens onto a rickety staircase. "Fighting a very, very big, green monster with a giant mouth, and sharp teeth."
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Maxis pulls off his costume tabard and turban, and uses the turban rags to wipe the soot from his face. He gives a friendly wave to the crowd in appreciation of their ardor, then a hand on his heart to show how much it means to him.
He goes over to help the robot to its feet. "Wow. A star is born. Nice not-a-dog Sir Clanks-a-lot." he ribs.
Maxis prepares to light a torch as the king brings the group to the top of the staircase, getting more serious now that the flummery was over. "So. You've seen the critter? Anything you can tell us about where it is down there and what sorts of encounters you had with it?"
He sniffs at the stairwell and peers downward. "Also, I'm guessing it's pretty wet down there. Any idea how long until it floods again?"
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As the crowd cheers and fruit rains around him like oddly fragrant confetti, Bork climbs down from the throne and bows low before King Zusgut — one hand across his chest, the other extended with a flourish that’s *almost* graceful.
“Your Majesty, we are honored by your judgment, and by the privilege of performance upon your stage.”
He straightens and for once, doesn’t smirk or giggle. His voice, though still raspy and high-pitched, carries an unexpected weight.
“We accept this prize, not for glory but because danger calls, and stories demand their heroes! If there is a beast below then let it know that goblin steel and strange companions stand against it!”
He steps back in line beside the others, tapping the wrench at his side once, like a knight might touch a sword hilt before battle.
As the group starts to gather to explore whatever is below, Magnus casts a spell from his staff that outlines his body in cool blue light for a moment. The visible effect dissipates, but the warding spell lasts all day if needed.
"The mysteries of the depths await! I am prepared and eager!". it's pretty clear Magnus would rather be exploring the dank dungeon than acting on the stage again.
Sir Goodshanks rises with Maxis’ help, though it’s clear the assist is more polite than necessary. He looks down at the man and replies evenly:
“Appreciated. I remain unconvinced about the woofing.”
He turns his attention to the descending stairwell, optics whirring faintly. “Humidity detection is increasing. Floor may be unstable.”
He pauses. “If this thing has teeth, I’ll shall due my duty to keep them outside of anyone important.”
Maxis prepares to light a torch as the king brings the group to the top of the staircase, getting more serious now that the flummery was over. "So. You've seen the critter? Anything you can tell us about where it is down there and what sorts of encounters you had with it?"He sniffs at the stairwell and peers downward. "Also, I'm guessing it's pretty wet down there. Any idea how long until it floods again?"
"Oh no, no, no, no, I've never SEEN it, I've just been TOLD about it. I'm king, after all," Zusgut replies to Maxis' first question.
He squints and looks up at the ceiling, counting on his fingers and muttering to himself before answering the second. "...an equinox...but the second Tuesday...I had broccoli for breakfast...that strange bird flew by...
"About six hours until the tide comes back in," he finally declares with more confidence than you feel like he should feel.
Twisted and bloated, the wooden stairs connecting the main floor and basement are slick and saturated with water. The walls are covered in algae and the ceiling is coated with black mold, while old furniture and props from the theater are piled in the corners in soggy, crumbling heaps. Small crustaceans and numerous insects occasionally peek from the detritus or scramble into cracks or the shallow pools on the floor. The smell of rot and salt water hangs damply in the air.
To the south, a section of the brick wall has crumbled into a heap, creating an opening into a larger area beyond.
The pathfinders round a corner and come face-to-snout with the very, very big, green monster with a giant mouth and sharp.
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“Oooh. Yes. Yes. That’s definitely a monster!”
He flips open a panel on his gauntlet and slams a wrench into a notch that probably isn’t meant to receive a wrench. “Sir Goodshank- initiate heroic protocols! Let’s see if this beastie likes punchy things.”
Gears whine. Vents hiss. His harness glows faintly as power surges through their shared cores.
Then he jabs a finger forward, eyes wide with something between courage and mania. “Advance, Sir! For honor, for duty, and for goblins who don’t have kneecaps anymore!”
Meanwhile, Bork steadies his shortbow with the same hand he just used to reroute unstable power and takes a shot.
◆
◆ Command
◆ +2
Sir Goodshanks’ optics flicker briefly at Bork’s command. Steam vents along his shoulders release with a quiet hiss, and his voice cuts through the thick air with steady resolve.
“Understood. Target identified. Advancing with honor.”
As the green-jawed beast lurches into view, Sir Goodshanks draws back his metal fist and speaks in a calm, even tone.
“Tag. You are it.”
Then, with the force of a piston he punches at the creature... and the piston misfires.
◆ Stride
◆ Strike
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Maxis seems disappointed by the big green monster, in spite of its many teeth.
"Oh. It's just an alligator." Shrugging with resignation, he pulls out his longsword and shield. As he does, he spares a few seconds to watch the robot clank into action. He shakes his head in wonder.
"That is so cool." he reiterates to himself, then moves up to attack.
The Pathfinders leap into action with Zenari, Bork and Maxis all scoring hits but Clank and Drokki missing.
Being hurt does little to help the beast's temperament.
It snaps at Maxis.
It can't get past the man's shield so it goes for Zenari.
It lands a solid hit, though it rumbles in pain as its teeth impact against Drokki's retribution, both soften the blow and leaving it open to the dwarf's attack.
Despite that it latches on to her firmly.
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“HAHAHAHA! Sharp pointy thing got the sharp pointy thing! Wait… Sir! Keep punching! Why aren’t you punching?!”
Bork stumbles back a half-step, already fumbling for another arrow. He edges sideways along the cavern wall, eyes darting between the monstrous snout and the nearest point of cover. Be... Brave...
He draws the bowstring with trembling hands, muttering a prayer to whichever goblin saint handles long-range bravery.
Then, eyes shut tight and releases the arrow
◆ Command
◆ Stride
◆ Strike
Sir Goodshanks glances back at Bork mid-venting. If the construct had eyebrows, one of them might have lifted.
“I am punching. The beast is not cooperating.”
He squares his stance and steps in again, mechanical joints tightening with a low whine.
◆ Strike (Punch)
◆ Strike (Stab)
"Requesting aiming module recalibration"
Seeing the mighty beast arise, Magnus casts a bolt of magic energy that alternates in and out of phase as it flies towards the monster. It seems like the phasing blast hits the target. Nodding appreciatvely at his own success, he then follows up with a shielding spell in case the beast gets close enough to attack him.
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The athamaru was lost in thought, wondering what this place feels like when full of water. Quite a blissful thought, and while it couldn't blink its eyes defocused in a wandering reverie. Shouts and the clatter of weapons eventually purged the blur until Koi could hear a monster had attacked. Not again. Focus!
Koi ◆Strides around the corner and sees Zenari in the jaws of the giant crocodile. It casts ◆◆Forbidden Thought to deter the monster from Striking again.
"You cannot dine on the undine!"
The sheer number of goblin saints that have long-range bravery as part of their purview overwhelms Bork and his arrow goes astray.
Good Sir Armor Pants' targeting reticule is approximately 10 degrees off plumb, as shown by his attack results.
Did you know that it is much easier to hold a crocodile's mouth closed than it is to open it? Zenari does, now.
Magnus' bolt ripples in and out of reality, passing through Zenari's shield before striking true in the crocodile's side.
Maxis targeting reticule also seems a bit off, though closer.
Koi makes the crocodile rethink doing the thing it's almost definitely going to do.
The crocodile is too simple minded to do anything other than what it's going to do but that same simplicity protects it from Koi's spell.
With Zenari in jaws, it tucks in its legs and rolls its massive body.
But rather than tear her flesh, the beast loses its grip, thanks to the blessing Drokki put on her.
It's not ready to give up, though and goes after her again.
It's more successful this time. Drokki manages to mitigate some of the damage but not strike retributively.
It tries to grab her again but Drokki's protections prove effective once again.
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Bork peeks out from behind Maxis just in time to watch his second arrow thunk into the far wall, wide of the target.
He lets out a sharp, frustrated squawk. “What?! That was absolutely going to hit. I calculated for humidity, dramatic tension, and divine favor!”
He throws a glance skyward — which in this case is a moldy ceiling dripping water on his head — and mutters “Fine. No more prayers. Just violence.”
“Sir Goodshanks! Stop negotiating with it and punch better!” - as he pulls and fires another arrow.
+2
+2
Sir Goodshanks He doesn’t raise his voice. doesn’t sigh. He just squares up again.
“I am actively punching.”
The construct shifts his weight, then drives his metal fist forward once more with the firm inevitability of someone who’s been given a job — and intends to see it through.
+2
+2
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The athamaru cheers for athletic Zenari, waving its spear with two hands in the air. Death rolls at low tide are particularly clueless.
"Roulette with no ball is just a rotisserie."
Koi ◇Unleashes its Psyche, then casts ◆◆Phase Bolt at the crocodile, ignoring any cover its colleagues might provide.
"That makes you a croquette dial."
Koi glances nervously at Maxis. It knows it should have gone with the line about wiping the smile off the crocodile. It ◆Fades into Daydreams , hoping nobody will notice.
With the crowd of Pathfinders still spread in front of him, Magnus returns to his phasing spell to try to harm the over-sized lizard, but this time its death roll and other antics cause the spell to miss.
He also returns his magical shield to place, just in case.
The fresh assault by the Pathfinders puts an end to the crocodilian menace.
In the calm aftermath, you search the chamber and find that some rusted tools, including a sledgehammer hang from a rack on one of the walls. In another corner, amidst the trash and debris you find a raspberry beret, the kind you find in a secondhand store, which is actually a hat of disguise. Finally, there is a small ivory jewelry box in the water.
The strong scent of saltwater hints at the daily flooding that washes through these sewers from the nearby sea, as do the occasional stranded
fish or crustacean. The walkways alongside the sewer are slick and damp, although relatively clear of the normal waste found in a sewer.
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Maxis snaffles up the goodies for now, but will of course defer to anyone who wants to use the magic hat. And after stowing his longsword and shield, he uses a dagger to dig one of the bigger teeth out of the dead gator's maw. Girls loved adventurer show-and-tell. As he does this, he shares a few thoughts.
"I'd recommend Zanari and Koi take point, since water explorations are kinda in their wheelhouse. And maybe Bork and Clanky watching our rear? Or I can do it, I don't care. Probably best if we advance on the ledges on both sides of the channel, so we aren't all stacked up."
"Shall I light a torch?"
Magnus casts Light from his staff, illuminating the area around the Pathfinders, so perhaps, a torch isn't needed. "Illumination is possibly of assistance. Alternatively, it cna attract more reptilian monstrosities. The benefits seems to outweigh the risks at present."
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The moment the creature falls, Bork bolts forward to Zenari’s side.
“Hold still! You’re leaking in several spots!”
He drops to one knee, already pulling out a toolkit that looks wildly inappropriate for medicine. There’s a small buzzsaw, a funnel, and something that might be engine grease. “You’re not a construct, but I have patched worse!”
He squints at her injuries with a mix of concern and mechanical curiosity. “Now this is going to sting a lot, but if I angle the cut just right….”
Without further delay, he makes a quick, deliberate incision near one of the wounds.
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Tempted to slice the skin off this crocodilian and have something made from it
Maxis looks back at the dead gator. "He's not going anywhere." Then he looks back at Zenari. "We'll get him on the way back."
He takes another look back. "He IS a big one. Might be able to get enough for a pair of pants."
"Being diminutive has its advantage. Could fashion a whole suit for someone my stature," says Magnus, trying to make a joke.
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"If you referred to me as 'clunky' master Fairwind, yes I can be our rearguard"
"Huh?...Oh, no, I was talking about the robot. Sorry, I don't remember his real name. But I'm not in charge or anything, walk wherever you like. Just thinking out loud, you know."
"Being diminutive has its advantage. Could fashion a whole suit for someone my stature."
Maxis raises his eyebrows and nods, taking this point very seriously. "See, this is why the Pathfinders are great. You get all these perspectives you never consider. Robots, fish guys, little people, pirates--you name it."
"Probably limits how many eggs you can eat, though. How many eggs can you eat?"
"Never really attempted ovum in excess capacity," says Magnus. "But it's an interesting contest. We should make a joint effort when this subterranean exploration has reached its denouement."
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The athamaru feels on the bottom of the basement right now, leading the party into the dim unknown, by the light of Magnus' staff. So cool!
But eggs? Eggs were for motherfish, and Koi had not begun that transition. If it had, its body would probably become too big for these corridors. Still...
"A roe by any other name would taste as sweet."