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Jedech detects the passage of a few creatures, probably goblins, down the side tunnel, but the vast majority of the traffic down here goes up and down the main tunnel. Jed returns to the group and grunts, "Looks like er few gobbies went down dis side passage ... all sorts o' tracks down the bigger tunnel."
Jed grunts in agreement and moves forward quietly to inspect the floor for recent passage.
Jed grunts, "Bes' not leave any tunnels behin' us, lest some varmints decide ter sneak up on our backs."
Visibly puffing himself up, Jaxom offers "I'll take the lead" as he smiles at Ameiko. Jed falls in line right behind Jaxom. He strokes Bessie lovingly and murmurs, "Don'tcher worry, girl, thar'll be more gobbie blood fer yer to taste soon ..."
Jed grunts in agreement. "And it be no skin off'n mah back if she want ter come wit us to settle scores with the varmint o' a bruther o' hers. I know I'd wanner pay back such doins if'n any o' mah kin did me as bad as dis brother o' hers seems to have dun her."
With the casting of Calathes' spell, Ameiko's eyes open a little. She croaks out, "Where is Tsuto? He is behind the goblins attacking town earlier today." She alive, and somewhat awake, but still very injured. Jed grunts angrily at the news that someone at least peripherally connected to Sandpoint has betrayed its inhabitants in such a heinous way. He joins Norhalo in keeping watch for any hostiles, training the business end of Bessie down the hallways.
Jed doesn't hear anything behind the door. Jed gestures to Norhalo to open the door, while he takes up a position 5 feet back to cover the doorway with Bessie.
As the approach the first door along the hallway leading to the south, Jed Crell crouchs and listens intently.
Jed returns to the group and grunts, "Nuthin' livin' in sight down tere. Are two duers ter teh left along ter hallway, 'bout twenty feet from ter start." Jed then waits for one of the heavy infantry to take the lead.
Raising the nose of the still-loaded Bessie, Jed glides down the eastern hallway as silently as he can, carefully approaching the rubble of the wrecked false wall. He crouches low, poking his nose around the corner, trying to spy if any threats lie along the route to the south. [ooc]Stealth check[/occ]
Jed creeps back to the group from the western hallway. He grunts to Jaxom and the rest, "Looks ter be nuthin' but supplies the gobbies have busted up. No signs o' life, be they friendly er otherwise. Want me ter be checkin' out tis other way?" Jed gestures towards the hallway to the east that shows evidence of a false wall that's been recently smashed.
Jed nods and grunts to show that he's favorably inclined towards Norhalo's offer. He creeps forward behind Jaxom, ready to deal with more goblins ... or, even better, whose controlling them. Seeing Jaxom give him the appropriate 'you, eyes-scout, forward' silent battle singles, Jed quietly sneaks down the western hallway, scouting it out for the group.
Blackfang, I've leveled up Jed. One question: would it be OK now if I swapped out my Totem Spirit trait for Heirloom Weapon? I'd like to have Jed keep 'Bessie' as his weapon as he rises in level, since she's almost as much a part of his identity now as his drinking problem and irascible personality. Let me know if that would be OK. I'd explain her becoming masterwork as due to Jed making 'modifications' to her as he learns more and more about using a light crossbow as a weapon.
Jed nods and grunts to show that he's favorably inclined towards Norhalo's offer. He creeps forward behind Jaxom, ready to deal with more goblins ... or, even better, whose controlling them.
Issak cringes as the impact of Jaxom's shield rings through the building. "So much for any element of surprise. Let's get down there!" Glaive readied, he follows close behind Jaxom. Jed follows the young guardsman down the stairs, his beloved Bessie loaded and ready for bugbear!
After seeing Norhalo back among the concious, Jed clouts him upon the shoulder and grins, "There now, there'll be no more layin' down on ter job fer you, gypsy!" The rough looking scout then turns his attention to the birdman's find and meanders over to where Jaed is holding the glass-encased visage. The woodsman pulls another chunk of tobacco from his vest pocket and shoves it into one now-bulging cheek as he attempts to recognize the unfortunate person who used to own the face.
Jed shouts,"Oh, Desna's teats!" as Jaxom's strike causes the glass-encased body to explode. He dodges deftly to the side, avoiding the shards of glass and mass of bodily goo that spray outwards.
Seeing one of his new companions down and bleeding, Jed darts quickly to him and kneels. He jerks some bandages and a jar of some ill-smelling salve from his pack and attempts to administer first-aid.
He then hisses over at Calathes, "Hey, pard, gimme a hand here with the gypsy!"
Jed reloads Bessie and creeps up, staying right behind Issak. "I got yer back, lad. Let's give these buggers wot fer and then get us a stiff drink..." The woodsman then glances over at the wounded Jaxom and Norhalo and adds, "And meybe a trip ter the priest fer these rough-n-ready rascals."
Jed hollers at Jaxom, "Don't bite off more'n you can chew, lad!" He then takes a step forward, reloads, and lets lose at the goblin to Jaxom's left.
Seeing the tide turn in their favor, the half-Shoanti woodsman takes a step forward to the southwest, reloads, and tries to bring down the fleeing gobbie.
Jed takes a 5 foot step back (to the NE, I believe), reloads Bessie, and fires a shot at the gobbie he wounded just a few moments before.
Jed takes a five foot step forward as he reloads Bessie. He then fires a bolt at the nearest goblin (to the northeast of Jaxom's fallen form, I believe).
Jaxom will double move and place himself next to the goblin on the other side of the table from Issak. Jed will follow Issak, moving 30 feet, then snapping off a shot at the nearest living goblin.
Jed follows Issak closely, lifting Bessie up, hoping to get a quick sniper's shot off at one of the intruders. He pats his weapon briefly, murmuring, "There, there, girl ... you'll be tastin' gobbie blood soon, er mah name in'it Jed Crell!"
Jed loads Bessie and follows Issak into the building.
Happy Thanksgiving, all!
The scruffy woodsman scowls at mention of the sheriff, adding an exclamation point by hawking and spitting a thick stream of tobacco onto the ground. He then looks thoughtful, rubbing his scruffy beard with one hand, as he tries to jog his slightly-inebriated mind for any pieces of information on the glassworks or Ameiko's father's business practices.
Jed will also look around, trying to see if he can ferret out the location of any back ways into the glassworks, and if so, what tracks he might see on any non-cobbled path.
Jed squints over at Norhalo. "Yer think we'll be havin' some troubles at the glasswerks, friend? If'n so, I g'in we better start hoofin' it a bit." With this rusticly-pronounced interpretation of the ramifications of Norhalo's suspicions, Jed leaves off with the oiling of Bessy and starts moving double time towards the Glassworks.
Jed snorts as young Issak reveals (at least to Jed) his mixed heritage. He frowns as Issak takes a parting shot at his own parentage. He starts to bark something back ... but instead just shrugs, fishes out a flask from his pocket and takes a long draw from it, grimacing at the strength and or taste of whatever he's just imbibed. He then chuckles softly to himself, pulls a plug of tobacco from his pocket, bites a hunk off, and proceeds to follow along in the dark-haired youngster's wake.
Jed's racist views are somewhat ironic, considering that he's of half-Chelaxian and half-Shoanti blood. Not sure what type of check it would be for the others in the group to figure out Jed's 'half-injun'! Maybe Isaak would already know this?
"So yer a halfsie, too?! Bah, more's the pity. Ain't right, the mixin' o' races like that. I suppose yer kin't be faulted fer yer parents' sins, though. Least ways, it could be worse ... could be orc-blooded ..." After making this 'diplomatic speech', Jed turns back to his crossbow, removing a small vial of oil and lovingly lubricating the mechanism.
Jed grunts in Norhalo's direction, "Tsuto be her half-brother. He's a half-breed. Got the blood of his kind mixed in with human." Jed points his chin towards Calathes in a non-too-friendly fashion. "He left town a few years back. Was raised apart from Ameiko .. o'er at the Turandok Acadamee ..."
Jed follows the rest of the group out of the tavern, loading his crossbow as he does.
Jed nods at Calathes, mutters a, "Meybe.", then slides his hand down to the handle of the wicked looking dogslicer that's tucked through his belt.
Jed leaves Norhalo's side and sidles over to where Jaxom is watching the barmaid. "Eh, tall 'n burly. Those gypsy blokes walking out ter door din't settle tere tab. Whatsay we learn 'em some manners?"
Whatever works for you, you're the GM. This. :-)
As unobtrusively as possible, Jed keeps the mugs of ale and bitters coming so that Norhalo can pump the guards and other patrons for information. One of his brown eyebrows lifts slightly at the news Ameiko had gone off to the glassworks. He glances over towards Calathes, Isaak, and Jaxom, trying to let them know via glances that progress is being made.
As Gorvi departs the room, Issak stands up and attempts to revive the mood. Projecting his voice, he says, "No need to be having any trouble on our behalf. And let us remember, every guardsman was a hero today! Bethana, a round for these fine men and women, please." He passes her two gold pieces, enough for a couple of rounds. Jed scowls towards Bethana as she scolds the loud-mouthed patron who was going to buy the group a round of drinks. He's quickly mollified, though, by Isaak's characteristically generous offer. He gives the guardsman a yellow-toothed, tobacco-stained smile and half-shouts, "Always knew you were a good lad frum a good family, young Isaak!" Jed looks over towards where the drinks are being poured, but side steps his way to the rear of one of Isaak's shoulders so that he can listen in on his and Bethana's conversation. As Isaak makes his observation, Jed nods in agreement. "Yer kin count on me, lad ... wouldn't do fer anythin' bad to happen to that sweet-faced Ameiko.". Jed then elbows Norhalo, and murmurs, "Hey, yer seem to have a bit o' a silver tongue in that gypsy head o' yours. How about I spread some drinks around and you spread some sweet words into these ruffians' ears. Mayhaps one of them know who the bloke was that had cross words with Ameiko and what was said." Jed pulls a small handfull of gold pieces out of his pouch and nods meaninfully towards Norhalo, then the barkeep and the patrons.
Jed has seemed lost in thought since they exited the Rusty Dragon. He ignores the townspeople, be they fair or foul, as they trod their way towards the Cathederal. He quietly assists Calathes and Norhalo in trying to find clues about the grave robbery.
He swears a blue streak once they determine that the grave was indeed robbed, and it was done by tall folk. When Shalelu gives the even worse news, his ruddy face turns pale and he mutters to no one in particular, "This ain't good a'tall ... something mighty powerful is holding those lil buggers in thrall to make 'em hold there mitts from each others throats."
Jed starts to give Jaed a sharp retort, but bites it back, choosing instead to give the bird-man's words some thought. He glances back at the attractive Tian tavern-keeper, rubbing one weathered hand across his bearded chin. "You may have the right uv it there, bird-beak. Still and all, she's quite the pretty thing ... and spirited, too." Jed then seems to let the subject drop from his thoughts, turning and following their elven guide towards the door.
Jed grins at the retreating form of the winsome tavern keeper, tosses the bar rag on the spot where his tobacco juice landed, and rubs it with a toe of his boot. He snatches it up and, if does not see anyone watching him, pockets it. Jed slips Norhalo a sly grin and a nod ..... it only faltering when he remembers that he, himself, is a 'townie'. He turns his head sideways to give this a think, but is distracted by the tilting of mugs. He shrugs his shoulders and lifts the shot of rotgut, downs it, and chases it with the rest of his ale. He sighs deeply and happily, stands noisily and announces, "Well, now, that'll make a man ready fer business o' one sort or t'other!" Jed then starts to gather up Bessie and his knapsack.
Jed grins at the retreating form of the winsome tavern keeper, tosses the bar rag on the spot where his tobacco juice landed, and rubs it with a toe of his boot. He snatches it up and, if does not see anyone watching him, pockets it.
Jed hawkes and spits a thick stream of blackish tobacco onto the street,
Jed hawkes and spits a thick stream of blackish tobacco onto the street, then fixes his brown eyes upon Norhalo. "Ain't a matter of fightin' 'im, gypsy, as it might be of findin' 'im. Even if'n we do, it might be in one of his camps ... and you can bet your girly squeals to gold pieces that any one of ol' Brutha's boltholes will be thick with alarms and nasty traps to greet us." The curmudgeonly scout then dips his head over at Isaak, "Best go with the lad's suggestion and search all the bodies to see which of the tribes be stirrin' so fast and hot. That is, 'less our 'illoostrious guide has already seen to that bit o' sleuthin'..." Jed flashes a tobacco-stained grin towards Shalelu after saying his last bit.
Jed tips his head towards Calathes, "The 'alf-sharp-ear has the know of it. Devil-damned goblins are thick in the areas 'round Sandpoint. Isaak, there, is right -- we should take a look at all the buggers to see which tribe they come from ... ". The scruffy huntsman pauses, then adds in a quieter, darker tone,"Desna 'elp us if'n they are from more'n one tribe, as it'd take some mighty powerful evil to get the vicious little b@stards to hold off slittin' each others throats long enough to mount an attack like we just dealt with ..."
"Ah'm Jed Crell .. from aroun' these parts. Trapper, tracker, hunter. Beasts mostly ... but men, too ... when it's needed." Jed notes Jaxom's order and adds, "I'll have what that fella is havin'. An' some bread."
Int check
After everyone has entered the room, the sheriff clears his throat and says, "Kendra, I received your message and I believe these are the folks you wanted to speak with. Most of them look to be worth their weight, except the bird man and, obviously, Jedech Crell himself. Consistent with what his new battle companions have seen so far of the scruffy woodsman, Jed reacts with little to no diplomacy, glaring at the sheriff with naked hatred in his dark eyes.
Jed nods towards the mayor, mumbling a respectful, "Yes'm" before walking out of the office, a slight limp showing that he is still suffering a bit from the vicious wound the goblin hound dealt him. After he reaches the out of doors where Shalelu awaits, he gives her a nod which those who know him is as close as the rough trapper and scout ever comes to showing anyone other than Mayor Kendra respect.
Once you arrive back at the square, the number of people there for healing makes it obvious that the number of goblins you all faces was but a fraction of the full force that managed to get into town. There are at least 50 people with various degrees of injury. It's easy to spot Father Zantus in the crowd, as he's standing in the middle issuing orders to the acolytes, all while tending the wounds of a particularly large, dark-skinned man who appears to be a shoanti.
The scruffy woodsman's pain-filled eyes narrow as he notices the dark-skinned hulk with his wounds being treated. He mutters to no one in particular, "S'too bad ter lil' buggers didn't have done wit 'im ... "
After downing the foul canine that savaged his leg, the woodsman crumples to the ground, the pain of his injury clearly getting the better of him. "Durn blasted buggers and dere foul pets!" He starts to struggle with his pack, pulling out a torch to use as a splint and some rags to tie it. His feeble efforts are interrupted by the cryer who lets everyone know about the triage center being set up in the town square. With Jaxom's help, Jed struggles to his feet, wincing and only not crying out by letting vent to a string of curses that might make a shipful of Ulfen pirates blush. He grunts at Jaxom, "Thankee, warrior.".
The goblin dog jumps forward and bites Jed's leg deep. Jaxom hears something snap in Jed's leg. Jed lets out a bloodcurdling yell of pain, "AAAAAARGHHHH!!" He then (if he can take 5' step) staggers back, dropping to his (one good) knee, reloads Bessie, shouts at the animal, "YER MANGY CUR! I'LL BE WEARIN' YOUR SKIN AS MOCCASSINS!" and fires.
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