"Outnumbered against numerous foes? I should think we would grab whatever advantage we could."
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"I can keep watch while we do this, that will be no problem. It will depend on when we attack. Remember that unlike a human opponent darkness is not our friend."
"Well enough Ceru, that was clever thinking on your part. If these goblins proves as easy we should all be lucky." Hah, quick witted that girl!
Jasper nods along with the others, listening to each in turn. "I would say that physically the creature that wasn't the Warden would be the worst I've faced so far. Philosophically of course our worst enemies are ourselves, and the dark feelings we harbor within us. We must all strive every day to be at peace with our own darker natures."
Sure thing, I'm still around.
You can email them and they'll give you ownership.
"I see no tracks in this area, anything that has passed through here did so long ago or is beyond my ken to track." Standing from his tracking position Jasper moves to help the others with the star. "You are right Walthus, we should head back. I wonder, as we're going after the goblins would you mind holding on to this and we'll pick it up on our way out of the swamp?"
"That's a great idea Parsifal. If there were merchants logs or lists of trade goods I'm sure Sandru would like to look at them too, he's always had a love of numbers." Seeing the look on Anen's face, Jasper attempts to comfort her. "I wouldn't worry about it Anen, at least we've learned there's no secondary camp here. Let's see if there are any tracks in the area, I'd like to know when they were here last."
Jasper turns to Ceru and says, "What do you see in there Ceru?" Looking at the wreck, Jasper attempts to determine if there is a safe way to explore it, or whether it is too unstable to explore at all.
"Vicious creatures, they burn what they don't need and all too often what they do."
Jasper moves forward to join Walthus at the ship, standing tall as he walks towards the halfling. "You are correct of course Walthus. While we are out here we should keep our eyes open for any snakes to help you replace the ones you lost to that creature." The one that snuck up on you in your own house.
"That does look old Parsifal, but this Marsh is large, the goblins may not have discovered it until recently, even with it being so close to their village. That creature we saw may be a guardian, which would keep the goblins away I imagine." If it is a guardian we'll have to keep an eye out for it. I hope it's not another shapeshifter. Jasper looks around as he says (and thinks) of the guardian, looking for anything dangerous in the area.
"I didn't get a good look at it whatever it was. I suggest those of us without ranged weapons cross first." Jasper looks around to see if others are ready. Seeing Ceru draw her shortbow, he takes the rope and begins crossing the bridge. We're so close to Sandpoint, I'm surprised all of these creatures can live so close to the town. I'm glad I never met any of this while alone out here.
Jasper laughs at the round of denials, confident that it is as much selflessness as stubbornness that motivates this group. "My brother has a saying Kili, 'Better to deal with a stubborn mule than carry your own firewood'. To this day I have never seen Sandru carrying firewood." Of course that didn't stop him from having me haul it around...
Jasper stretches after getting out of the halfling's home. Although the small furniture caused him no problems the cramped conditions did begin to wear on him. Now that they are back outside he paces like a tiger, eager to continue their journey. "I thank you for the kind offer Walthus, but I will decline to take this cloak unless no other needs it." To show such gratitude is the mark of a good and humble man. I am glad we came this way and saved his life. Jasper looks around as they prepares to leave, checking the surrounding jungle for any visitors that might have approached the house while he was inside.
Jasper nods and prepares his pack for the trip. "Let's not waste any time then. Kili if I ever need for healing don't hesitate." He smiles at Kili as he says this, while visibly double checking himself for any injuries he might have missed in the excitement. Feels good to finally be doing something.
"That is an excellent idea Thadd! Warden, could we get to the ship and back again tonight?" Why didn't I think of that? Jasper grins at his friend and almost claps him on the back, but hesitates before moving.
"The Marsh is likely to be more dangerous in the early hours than after first light Ceru, but we can pursue that option if we think the ship is important." The bounty is just for goblin ears after all, there is no time limit or necessity to assault the village immediatly. "Since we are trying to disrupt the goblins we need to destroy their village at some point, but there is no need to rush in without knowing the dangers." Sandru would not be pleased if I got myself killed.
Jasper looks to Walthus as he speaks about the ship. "If they took the fireworks from the ship then they would be less of a threat, since they don't know how to make more fireworks." I hope. "Warden I think I have enjoyed as much of your stew as I need for the morning, and it was very fine of you to share it with us. I am not in favor of splitting up, that seems to be the very thing we are encouraging the goblins to do. We will have to see when we get to their village. Warden are there any hidden approaches to the village or do we need to take the main road?"
Jasper takes a bowl of the proffered soup and eats it silently. He listens to the conversation around him while slowly chewing on the crunchier portions of the stew, resolutely not attempting an identification of the contents. Well this isn't the best I've had but at least it's warm. We know there isn't snake in this anyway. Jasper smiles to himself and covers it with another spoonful of the stew.
Jasper begins rubbing his head on hearing just how many goblins they're facing. Sandru will not want me to come back dead. There was no time limit on that bounty, I suppose there's no reason to rush out there. "These suggestions make sense, if Warden Proudstump is willing to see us here the night then we can take on the goblins just as easily in the morning." Jasper takes Thaddeus and Parsifal to the side to speak with them. "I had thought to ambush the goblin patrols, but now I begin to think that won't work. These creatures undoubtedly know the Marsh better than we do, but I don't think a frontal assault will work either. Can either of you think of any militia training that would help us in this situation?" They didn't really train us for this. I don't think we can take on 4 dozen goblins at once, but if we divide and conquer we should be able to. We just need to figure out how.
Upon seeing his companions lower their guard Jasper does as well, sheathing his sword and calming his demeanor. He moves into the house with the rest and looks around. "Warden, you are most kind with your offer, but my friend Thaddeus is right. We are running out of time to strike at the goblins tonight. Are you familiar with their habits? Do they patrol the village, and what are their numbers?"
Jasper raises his sword and backs away from the door. His guard is up but he does his best not to threaten the halfling. "Please excuse my caution, you'll understand if I ask for proof of your identity first?" If these creatures hunt in packs why didn't this one help the other?
Jasper draws his temple sword and glances down at the creature as Parsifal beheads it. "We should split up into two groups, one go through this door and the other around back to see if there's another door back there. The Warden may still be alive, especially if we've interrupted this thing before it had a chance to kill him."
Round 2
Status:
HP = 14 AC = 15 Speed = 30' Weapon Equipped = None Active Style(s) = Snapping Turtle Stunning Fist = 0/1 Elemental Fist = 1 Status Effects = None Jasper moves up and attempts to strike the creature. "What is this foul beast?"
Round 1
Status:
HP = 14 AC = 14 Speed = 30' Weapon Equipped = None Active Style(s) = None Stunning Fist = 1 Elemental Fist = 1 Status Effects = None "Thadd!" Jasper sees his friend grabbed by the creature and moves to get it off him.
Jasper glances at the halfling with suspicion, the oddity of the man's behavior setting off warnings.
"Is something wrong? Do you have a snake problem?" He is acting odd, but then a large group of people have just invaded his home. We can visit him later and make sure he's ok. "We're very sorry to have disturbed you Warden, we'll be on our way to take care of the Licktoads now."
Jasper ceases his scanning of the swamp, confident there is nothing hiding in the area. He scans the halfling and looks into the house behind him. "We are thankful to you for trusting us good sir. You have made quite the home for yourself here in the swamp."
I have no gift for kind words. I should leave this to others before I ruin the goodwill Kili has created.
Jasper joins Thaddeus in scanning the grounds, looking for recent tracks and signs of habitation.
"Hopefully the Warden is home, his insight will prove useful when attacking the goblins. I wonder if the goblins have the organization to patrol their camp. If they do then we could perhaps set up an ambush for them." Jasper tenses, his mind racing as his thoughts turn to ambushes and training in the past. If they have already noticed us then this would be the perfect opportunity for an ambush.
Jasper smiles at Thaddeus' neatness. "Ah Thadd, only you could trek through a swamp and come out smelling of roses." He gently ribs the other man. "I will take lead again of course. If we are all ready, let's go to see this halfling swamp guardian."
Jasper boldy leads the way, confident of the companions at his back. His eyes are scanning the swamp constantly, searching for any unseen foes or obstacles to their travel. Pointing out any dangers or hazards to his less capable friends behind him, he keeps a steady pace and trusts Thadd to call a halt if necessary. Just like in training. No instructors or experienced hands to watch over us this time though.
Jasper stands on the hill, watching the sun go down and gauging the time. Blinded by the light, he fails to spot the buildings until they are pointed out to him. "Well done Parsifal. You've the eyes of a hawk!" Rubbing his chin while absentmindedly flexing his other hand, he contemplates the swamp below. "I don't see the halfling's hut from here, but that trail clearly leads to it. Does our plan remain unchanged? Parsifal can you tell how many goblins might live in the village, based on it's size?"
Jasper rubs at his bald head and scans the marsh below. Although there is sweat beading on his forehead he does not appear winded from the journey so far.
"I have thought about this during our walk Parsifal, and while it would be entertaining to light all of their fireworks at once, I worry about the danger to ourselves as well. We have worked together in the militia, but this group has never worked together before. I would hate for us to become as confused at the goblins."
"Good advice from both of you. We must be careful, and also brutal. The goblins will give us no quarter, we should do the same." Hopefully we get there before full dark, or the advantage will shift from us. "Should we make for the cliff now?"
I'm in several PbP, in one we post about once every day or two, at the other extreme I am in one that posts around 5 to 10 times/day/character. I think this one is well paced and I'm sure things will pick up once we're all familiar with each other and really get moving. For now we're still in the "Learning the world" phase.
Jasper follows Shalelu as she traces out options on the map. Smiling at Thaddeus, he nods at Shalelu. "Your help has been invaluable, and this map is indeed a blessing. Thankfully Anen was able to impress it out of the other group." Thinking over the options outlined by Shalelu, Jasper crosses his arms and bows his head. After a few seconds, he stands up straight again and speaks. "I would say that this witch or hag should be avoided for now, she isn't central to our task. I would like to either climb the cliffs and see what the land holds, or visit Proudstump and see if he has any advice to offer us. Taking the fishing trail into the village should be our last option, even with the fading light. Goblins may be individually weak but they have cunning and strength in numbers." Jasper takes a breath and steps back, waiting for the others to react and embarrassed to have spoken so much.
Jasper bows to Shalelu. "They have put a bounty on goblins. We are headed to Brinestump Marsh using what field craft you were able to hammer into my limited mind. Have you been there recently, have you seen these Licktoads?" Sandru's wager was for ears, not how easily we would find them.
Seeing everybody ready, Jasper begins leading the group to the Marsh. "That is an interesting problem Kili. Where did you learn to speak Dark Fey? Since I do not speak that language I would like to know what to expect from you in combat."
"Let us hope they are hunting pirates and not joining them." I wonder if they are working for Sandru. He has many fired irons. No, irons in the fire. Jasper sighs heavily and shakes his head before looking to the others for indication they are ready.
"Are there any others heading into the Marsh? We'll have to be careful either way." Jasper shoulders his pack into a more comfortable position in preparation for the march ahead.
Jasper eyes the road out of town, speaking quietly to himself. "Fledgeling is appropriate for those preparing to leave the nest, and we are going on an adventure. It is our motives that define us, but if we return victorious will we not be hailed as heroes and adventurers?" Is that something I am prepared for?
Oh, did I say something wrong? Anen seems on edge. "I wouldn't worry about Sandru," Jasper says turning to Thaddeus, "he doesn't need the money. Betting on our success is his way of keeping score." Jasper seems uncomfortable with the crowd and stays behind the others as much as possible. "Thadd, do you recognize that other group?"
Jasper arrives at the gate with a backpack of supplies and a temple sword at his waist. "Anen, it is a pleasure to see you again." he says with a short bow.
"Don't forget to fill your waterskins before we leave. Fresh water in the marsh can be hard to come across. Should we meet at the gate in half an hour? That will leave us plenty of time to get to the marsh and begin our scouting." Jasper stands and prepares to gather his supplies, waiting only to hear from the rest of the group.
I wish I could squeeze more skill points out of my monk levels, there are so many useful skills. I didn't think I'd get more than general knowledge out of my attempts, but with no take 10s on untrained knowledge rolls I wasn't sure if you wanted to roll those for us or have us roll them on any general DC 10 knowledge checks.
Jasper nods, his eyes closed, a slight sheen of sweat forming on his head from the summer sun. "We all approach the gods in different ways, according to our callings." Opening his eyes and motioning towards Ceru and Kili. "By my reckoning we should reach Brinestump Marsh in a hour. I will not guess on the time to locate the goblins." Closing his eyes and wiping his hand over his head and down his neck, Jasper finishes off his drink. This tea is just what I need to cool off. I will make sure we all have full water skins before we leave. Fresh water for six will be difficult to find in the marsh.
Jasper considers Parsifal's questions. "I have spent time in the marshes training, moving as a group it shouldn't take too long."
Perhaps we are better leaving in the morning? "Do we need to get there today, or should we leave in the morning if that would allow us more time?"
I agree on the NPC posts, as long as it's clear who is speaking I am fine with one profile, multiples seem to clutter the thread. I was going on the bar scene in the recruiting thread as taking place on a previous night, with some of us gathering back at the Rusty Dragon.
"The tea is calming as usual Ameiko, thank you. It sounds as if we need to head into the Marsh and take care of these...Licktoads."
"I think we are decided to undertake this task, when should we leave? I need only retrieve my sword and pack and I will be prepared." Jasper nods to the table and waits to hear their opinions.
"You are correct Ceru, I only seek to warn you about Sandru. He is as skilled at games as you are, make sure you know the rules before you play. Of course, you don't need me to tell you that." Jasper pauses to consider the matter of the reward. "I try to live simply, I don't know that I need much in the way of reward. In any case, I'll not spend money I don't yet possess." Thaddeus' father has denied my requests to build a shrine to Irori and spread his teaching, perhaps with coin in my pocket he will see things my way. Such is the path of Abadar.
"I don't know the wager Ceru, but if my brother is involved I'd think twice. Sandru plays to win, even if he's learned to lose gracefully from Ameiko." Jasper runs a hand over his bald pate. Still, I wonder if this business has merit. "If we can win some coin while freeing Sandpoint from the threat of goblin raids then I would like to pursue it." Jasper leans back in his chair and sips his tea, waiting for the others to respond. His eyes close as he breathes deeply, the din of the tavern becoming a susurrus. The taste is distinctive, something Ameiko learned from her mother? Half whispered over his cup, "Lavender perhaps?"
Jasper would live in the same home as Sandru, probably in a small guest house if such a thing is possible. If there is a small cell at the local temple he could stay there instead, not sure how Sandpoint is setup. Sandru is Jasper's big brother, he looks up to him and follows his lead in the social situations where Jasper lacks ability. Sometimes Sandru's outgoing nature causes Jasper to withdraw, in an effort to avoid being the center of attention. Shalelu has trained Jasper to survive in the wild and fight. Although he has learned his own method of combat he respects her abilities. He is sad for her, living as a functional immortal amongst such short lived races. He would find Koya's wisdom to be worth listening to, but is too young to hold her in awe, believing he can find his own path. Overall I do not think Jasper would interact with her much, keeping his distance out of respect for her age and wisdom. Ameiko he finds attractive, but he attempts to submerge these feelings through his training. If anything other than friendship were to develop he would avoid acknowledging it.
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