Talacyst smiles as his magic does its work, allowing Caerival to crush the offending goblin's skull. As the rest of his companions dispatch the second raider, the mage turns his attentions to the remaining goblin, and runs forward a short distance, drawing and nocking his shortbow. He has a rather worried look on his face, as though he is not at all accustomed to using the weapon. He takes a quick look around the area.
Etienne darts forward for a lunging attack against the remaining goblin.
"Smite the Wicked!"
Attack vs. Goblin 3 (1d20+5=14, 1d8+2=9)
Rel moves to d1 in support of the paladin
Combat Round 2
Rel slips around to the last standing goblin's rear, using the fallen table as cover from the gobbo's sharp dogslicer.
Talacyst draws his shortbow, and moves to a central vantage point, alert to any other attackers.
Caerival looks around with dismay from his magically increased height, seeing goblins race everywhere, running amok and singing and slashing indiscriminately.
The third goblin snarls viciously at Rel, and slashes at the rogue with its dogslicer. Rel's armor takes the edge of the sharp blade, barely saving him from harm.
Coppertop steps forth and tries to skewer the last goblin with his longspear, but his aim is off, and he stabs only at empty air.
Etienne moves forward with a battle cry, eager to end this small conflict. The last goblin, distracted by Rel, fails to see the paladin coming. It can only look down in dismay as Etienne's longsword skewers the little monster right through the chest! The nasty little goblin falls dying, scarcely before it even realizes what has happened.
End Combat
With the most immediate threat ended, everyone stops to catch their breath. Caerival, after a moment, shrinks back down to his normal height, and the effects of Coppertop's Bless spell likewise fade away.
There is so much chaos in the festival grounds, it's hard to know which way to turn next. Just then, however, a large plume of fire and smoke erupts into the air from south of the festival square.
Coppertop yells to his companions “Things can be replaced, lives cannot!” He scans the church square looking for the nearest innocent life in jeopardy.
Etienne flicks his sword, removing the blood staining it. He then pauses to survey his surroundings, "We shall cleanse Sandpoint of these brutes. Of that you have my word as a servant of Iomedae."
"Master Talacyst, if I am to thank you for the sorcery that so magnified my stature I would beseech you to withold such a boon for the valiant, not the brash. Commrades, where there is smoke there is fire! While Master Coppertop speaks in sooth, I believe we should follow the source of this calamity to it's end!"
"Let's move quickly before these miscreants can get themselves organized," Etienne declares as he moves towards the direction of the smoke. "Otherwise, we'd have a harder time dealing with them."
"Master Talacyst, if I am to thank you for the sorcery that so magnified my stature I would beseech you to withold such a boon for the valiant, not the brash."
The elf smiles, looking a little tired. "Yes, that was a trick I learned from my studies. There is no need to concern yourself - I still have some additional spells. I do wish I had prepared more potent spells this day, but I shall remain effective for a time more."
"But the smoke! We would do well to go that way. Coppertop, what lies to the south of here?"
“To the south lies the closing bonfire”, replies Coppertop in a frantic voice, “if that fire were to spread the whole of Sandpoint could burn!”
Mindful of Coppertop's warning, the party rushes to the south, eager to see what may have caused the sudden fiery conflagration.
The sight that greets the group only confirms Coppertop's fears, much to everyone's dismay. A group of goblins has found the three wagons which hold the fuel for the post-festival bonfire, and have set all three wood-laden wagons alight. The resulting blaze sends thick plumes of dark smoke billowing into the air. Four goblins with torches and dogslicers caper about in front of the burning wagons, while a fifth goblin, this one carrying a whip and dogslicer, stands nearby singing that horrible goblin song at the top of its voice. As soon as the heroes come into view, the goblins all shriek in delight and rush forward to attack!
COMBAT!
Round One Initiative Count
16: Talacyst (1d20+3=16)
14: Coppertop (1d20+1=14)
12: Rel Pais (1d20+7=12)
9: Etienne (1d20+5=9)
9: Goblin Singer
3: Caerival (1d20+2=3)
3: Goblin #1
3: Goblin #2
3: Goblin #3
3: Goblin #4
Caerival enters the scene with mounting dread - the druid hates wanton destruction by fire more than nasty little goblins! The combonation is unbearable.
"Gloam, stay!"
The elf curses silently at the daring of the goblins. Squinting through the smoke, he draws his shortbow and fires it at the nearest little bugger.
Much to Talacyst's suprise, the arrow flies true and hits its intended target; Talacyst allows himself a slight smile.
"Goblins are truly despicable. Attacking Sandpoint at a time like this."
Rel seeing more Goblin's causing problems pulls out his short bow and fires at the first goblin in front of him. "Lets take these buggers down fast gentlemen so we can get that fire out or at least contain it before it spreads"
Attack Roll (1d20+4=18)
Damage Roll (1d6+1=6)
Seeing no clear avenue to the other goblins, Etienne decides to assail the
goblin to Coppertop's left.
"Justice for Sandpoint!"
Attack vs. Goblin 2 (1d20+6=15, 1d8+2=10)
Combat Round 1
Talacyst curses silently at the daring of the goblins. Squinting through the smoke, he draws his shortbow and fires it at the nearest little bugger. Much to Talacyst's suprise, the arrow flies true and hits its intended target square in the chest; Talacyst allows himself a slight smile, even as the evil goblin wails pitifully. The goblin remains on its feet, but it appears to be gravely wounded.
Coppertop gives a wild yelp and charges straight ahead with his long spear lowered. He thrusts with all his might at the goblin before him, but the sneaky thing dodges to the side of the spearpoint.
Rel, seeing more Goblin's causing problems, pulls out his short bow and fires at the first goblin in front of him. "Lets take these buggers down fast gentlemen so we can get that fire out or at least contain it before it spreads!" At this close range, the rogue's aim is dead true, and the goblin pitches over backwards with Rel's arrow protruding from its forehead.
"Goblins are truly despicable. Attacking Sandpoint at a time like this." Seeing no clear avenue to the other goblins, Etienne decides to assail the goblin to Coppertop's left. The brave paladin rushes forward and hacks the already wounded goblin down without mercy, cutting it nearly in half.
The singing goblin continues to belt out the awful, grating song loudly, even as she steps forward and lashes out with her whip at Coppertop, from 15 feet away. Fortunately for the young cleric, the end of the whip cracks in the dirt at his feet, failing to ensnare him in a tripping manuever.
Caerival enters the scene with mounting dread - the druid hates wanton destruction by fire more than nasty little goblins! The combination is unbearable. "Gloam, stay!" With his donkeyrat out of harm's way, the druid casts an enchanting spell on his quarterstaff, then moves forward into the fray.
The goblin nearest Coppertop slinks forward, stepping around the priest's spearpoint. With his guard down, Coppertop cannot defend himself fast enough. The little goblin's dogslicer slashes Coppertop's arm, leaving a nasty bleeding gash!
The other goblin still standing advances on Caerival, giggling horribly as it slashes wildly at the druid. Fortunately, the gobbo's aim is poor, and the blade cuts through empty air.
Round 2 Initiative Count
16: Talacyst
14: Coppertop (4/8 hp)
12: Rel Pais
9: Etienne
9: Goblin Singer
3: Caerival
3: Goblin #1
3: Goblin #4
Magical Effect: Shillelagh on Caerival's staff.
Rel seeing the goblin go down draws another arrow and fires at the goblin singing off key, which is hurting his ears like you'd not believe.
Attack Roll (1d20+4=22)
Damage Roll (1d6+1=7)
Coppertop takes a 5’ step to F6. He then makes a trip attack against goblin #1. If the trip is successful he will attack the fallen goblin. If he is counter tripped he will drop the long spear.
Touch Attack: 1d20+3=18
Trip Check: 1d20+6=22
Attack: 1d20+3=22
Damage: 1d8+3=9
Edit: If Coppertop is forced to drop his spear he will draw his heavy mace.
Etienne is concerned with the wound Coppertop just received from the goblin. The faster we finish this, the faster we can get a look at that wound.
"Goblin, I come for you!"
Attack vs. Goblin 1 (1d20+4=21, 1d8+2=7)
Not wanting to risk hurting his companions, the elf turns his attention on the lone goblin, singing that horrible song. Moving forward while knocking another arrow, Talacyst fires a shot at the gobbo.
Arrows seem to be whizzing through the air as Caerival's companions concentrate their ranged firepower at the obvious leader of these arsonists. Caerival crosses in front of the goblin and uses his side stepping to lend momentum to his swing.
Combat Round 2
Not wanting to risk hurting his companions, Talacyst turns his attention on the lone goblin, singing that horrible song. Moving forward while nocking another arrow, the elf fires a shot at the gobbo, but it harmlessly bounces off the singer's studded leather armor.
Coppertop steps back to clear some space, then sweeps his longspear around in a wide arc, completely taking the nearest goblin's feet out from under him. As the goblin sprawls in the dirt, Coppertop expertly shifts his grip, and plunges the point of his spear through the goblin's gut, pinning it lifelessly to the ground.
Rel seeing the goblin go down draws another arrow and fires at the goblin singing off key, which is hurting his ears like you'd not believe. His aim is true once more, and the rogue's arrow plunges into the singer's chest. The singing goblin is staggered now, but unfortunately does not fall. Its raucous tune continues to fill the smoky air.
Etienne is concerned with the wound Coppertop just received from the goblin. The faster we finish this, the faster we can get a look at that wound. "Goblin, I come for you!" he shouts, moving across the field of battle to the wounded singer. The paladin's blade falls truly once more, finishing the job that Rel's arrow started. The awful goblin song ends in a horrible gurgle as the singer falls beneath the powerful swordstroke.
Arrows seem to be whizzing through the air as Caerival's companions concentrate their ranged firepower at the obvious leader of these arsonists. Caerival stands his ground, swinging his enchanted staff at the last remaining goblin. The wretched creature has no chance as the magical quarterstaff strikes true, with the crunching sound of many shattered bones. Without a sound, the smashed goblin collapses to the ground, ending this conflict.
END COMBAT
In the battle's aftermath, the magical glow around Caerival's staff fades away.
Suddenly a voice rings out from across the sqaure. "Well fought, lads! Are you all right?" It's Father Zantus, running forward with several other able-bodied men and women of Sandpoint right on his heels. They carry buckets of water, and immediately set to work fighting the fire, so recklessly lit by the goblins.
Coppertop beams at Father Zantus’ praise. He pauses a moment to reflect on how well his companions fought. Suddenly a look of concern settles over his face as a thousand questions race thru his mind. He begins to rattle them off. Are goblins still running amok in the church square? Have there been other attacks in town? Where did these goblins come from; did they climb the cliff at Junker’s Edge? Should someone check on Gorvi? Who has been hurt or killed? Suddenly a look of near terror crosses Coppertop’s face as he exclaims, “Father Zantus! Have you seen my mother?”
Etienne takes a moment to flick away the foul goblin blood staining his sword before sheathing it. He then smiles at the worried Coppertop and says, "Relax, Coppertop. All is well. You're a veteran now. I'm sure your mother is proud of you."
Caerival approaches the two warriors. "Truly Coppertop, your age beguiles your adeptness with both arm and faith! Well done, young man."
The druid drops to one knee and makes a high pitched kissing sound. Faithful Gloam responds and gladly joins his master.
"Sir Etienne, your aim is no less accurate nor less deadly than the pernicious arrows from our trusty Talacyst and Rel. I am indeed fortunate that this company has arose on this occasion to rid the world of these foul goblins. Every death we inflict upon them makes the world a little bit more hale. We are goblin's lament."
"Father Zantus, please, tell us of the condition of the city and where there may be more goblins to dispatch!"
"Masters Rel, Talacyst and Caerival, you are all good comrade-in-arms. I am proud to fight alongside you," Etienne declares. He pauses as if remembering something then Etienne winks at Coppertop, "You too, Coppertop."
The elf manages a small smile at the praise. "Unfortunately, I'm sure I've been running on the goodwill of Sarenrae. But I am thankful to have found such skilled fighters as all of you! By myself I'm afraid I wouldn't have gotten off as well as I have. Can-" The mage's words are cut off as he has a small burst of coughing.
After a moment, he recovers. "Ah, that smoke is awful." Turning to Father Zanthus, "I was about to ask if you could tell us about the rest of the town. What's going on?"
Coppertop shows interest in the goblin singer. He's thinking that the singer’s whip might make an interesting addition to Daviren Hosk’s collection of goblin trophies.
"Father Zantus, how fares Sandpoint?"
Coppertop wonders aloud “Does anyone know what that goblin was singing? Their language sounds like cats yowling to me.”
Coppertop wonders aloud “Does anyone know what that goblin was singing? Their language sounds like cats yowling to me.”
"No, but believe me, their singing is only marginally better than their...artistic abilities."
Caerival takes a deep breath.
"Gentlemen, I am loath to discuss such bitterness on what should be a joyous day, but recent events encourage me to bring up a plight of some import. Goblins have infested Shank's Wood just outside of town. I made the journey here today because, like an infection unchecked, they are growing more ruinous. Since it is obvious that you men are sharp of mind and skill in the pursuit of goblin-slaying, I would beseech aid in cleansing of my forest. Not today, and mayhap not on the morrow, but soon, I would like for you answer my plea."
"I will be the first to take the pledge to help a new friend rid this world of those fowl beasts" says Rel. Seems there's some problems here with those little beasties we need to take care of first though" Rel addresses the whole group.
"I will be the first to take the pledge to help a new friend rid this world of those fowl beasts" says Rel. Seems there's some problems here with those little beasties we need to take care of first though" Rel addresses the whole group.
Caerival rouses out of a moment of reflection.
"Oh, yes, of course, that was my intent. I am prone to forgetting to complete my thoughts at times. Father Zantus, please tell us the city is safe or where we may help if not."
Placing his hand on the hilt of his sword, Etienne gravely declares, "Master Caerival, I shall help you cleanse your forest of these creatures once Sandpoint is safe. Clearly, their mischief knows no bounds, as they brazenly attacked this town. But if they have gained such audacity now then something drastic must have happened to push them. These creatures are normally cowardly and only seek a fight when the odds are heavily in their favor. Attacking a settlement like Sandpoint, to my mind, does not qualify as such."
"In any event, mounting an expedition to your forest requires some preparation."
Talacyst nods, slinging his bow back over his narrow shoulders. "The goblins attacking a town like Sandpoint is most unusual. The people of this town... they can not fight. We who can must strengthen and protect them. I would be honored to travel with you all to battle the goblins, both here in Sandpoint and in Shank's Woods, if you'll have me."
Coppertop drops to one knee and says, “I pledge my spear and spells to you Master Caerival, Druid of Shank Woods, until the blight caused by theses goblins are wiped out. However, Sandpoint must be made safe from the goblin threat first!"
If time allows, Coppertop helps douse the flames. He also spends some time casually wandering from dead goblin to dead goblin. He looks at each one with youthful curiosity. He also finds time to practice some of his attacks. Those listening closely can hear him quietly letting out battle cries. Cries of "Right makes Might!”, Smite the Wicked!", "Justice for Sandpoint!” and "Goblin, I come for you!" can be heard. After he has worked up a little lather he pauses and his hand drifts, almost subconsciously, to his belt pouch. He pauses, as if thinking. Suddenly his face brightens as an idea crosses his mind. He begins to practice with renewed vigor. Once again those listening closely can hear his quiet battle cries. However, this time, with each sweep or thrust he says grimly “Fear the Tusk!”
Etienne helps Coppertop in putting the fire out.
I hope this picks up. I've never been so enraptured by a PBP.
I hope this picks up. I've never been so enraptured by a PBP.
In the aftermath of the battle with the goblin singer and her cronies, everyone looks around to catch their breath and get a sense of the current situation. Father Zantus' makeshift fire brigade have busied themselves bringing the raging flames under control. At this point, things at the festival itself have calmed somewhat. Here and there, the sounds of battle, clanging swords, calls of support by the town guard, and shrieking and singing goblins echo through the streets, but at the festival itself, most of the citizens have fled. As the group looks on, one hapless goblin leaps from the top of a nearby building, intending to jump on one of the locals fighting the fire. However, the moronic invader mistimes his leap, missing his target...the crunch of the goblin's breaking neck is unmistakable as it crashes to the ground. One or two goblins remain behind to scavenge food, but many more lie dead...along with a few unfortunate citizens, sadly.
Father Zantus responds quickly to Coppertop's concern for his mother. "Don't worry, lad, I saw her fleeing south from the square with some other women. She didn't look injured to me. I'm sure she's all right."
When pressed for information about the state of Sandpoint, Father Zantus begins to reply, "Sheriff Hemlock has organized some defenders, and I believe these little terrors are taking the worst of things..." Just then, the priest is interrupted by the sound of a scream and frantic barking from the north. It sounds like this fresh commotion comes from direction of the White Deer Inn. Father Zantus exclaims, "Sounds like I spoke too soon! We have this fire under control. Please, go!"
"Gentlemen seems their's more work to be done!" Rel says with a grin on his face. He turns to Coppertop, "Lead the way to the inn my new friend?" the thief asks, not knowing where the inn is being new to town.
"Come Gloam, it seems there are more goblins to slay! While my magic is wanning I will lend what aid I can in the furtherance of their demise!"
Caerival follows Coppertop and Rel with a renewed gusto.
Looking about the square, Talacyst bends down to snatch up the whip the female goblin was carrying. I should be able to use this for a useful little spell... he thinks. Straightening, the elf hurries off after his companions, nodding to Father Zanthus as he passes.