Etienne draws his sword and moves swiftly to follow the others. He is alert for any menace that might step out of the shadows.
Coppertop shouts “For Sandpoint!” and hurries toward the White Deer Inn.
As the party races after Coppertop towards the commotion Caerival says "Gentlemen, if the battle becomes more lethal try to remain close to me. I will summon nature's bounty which encourages healing."
"MMmeehhhhh," Gloam bays as if in agreement.
Etienne raises his sword and matches Coppertop's youthful enthusiasm, "For Sandpoint!"
Flush with their success thus far in goblin-slaying, the fledgling party rushes to the north with cries of battle on their lips, following Coppertop in the direction of the disturbing sounds.
Approaching the front of the inn, the party readily sees the source of the commotion. A well-dressed man, perhaps a nobleman of some sort, cowers behind a rain barrel. He looks on, frightened, and calls for help as his barking dog battles against a mounted goblin. This goblin's mount is some sort of mangy dog whose face has the flat nose, beady eyes, and protruding teeth of a rat grown grotesquely large. Tiny clawed forelimbs and a long, hairless pink tail add to its verminous appearance, and the smell of sun-baked sewage practically steams off its patchy fur.
Even as the heroes approach, the mounted goblin laneds a killing stroke against the noble's dog with his horsechopper...a goblin-sized halberd of dubious quality. The dog crashes dying to the ground with a gurgling whimper as several others goblins (who were themselves cowering nearby as the dog was handled) throw up a cheer and emerge from hiding.
Image: Trouble in front of the White Deer
Seeing the newcomers arrive, one of the emboldened goblins lets out a shout in its own foul tongue, and the whole lot turn aggressively on the PCs!
COMBAT!
Initiative Order, Round One
26: Rel (1d20+7=26)
21: Talacyst (1d20+3=21)
21: Mounted Goblin on 'Goblin Dog'
16: Etienne (1d20+5=16)
16: Goblin #1
16: Goblin #2
16: Goblin #3
16: Goblin #4
14: Caerival (1d20+2=14)
8: Coppertop (1d20+1=8) (4/8 hp)
"Halt, miscreant! Desist from your evil design!"
Not sensing if the mounted goblin can understand him, Etienne resolves to save the man. He charges at the mounted goblin and aims a strike at his mount, hoping that any resulting injuring to the mount will cause it throw off its rider.
"I strike for Iomedae!"
"Filthy abomination!" Caerival curses as he incantates a simple spell, hoping to distract the rider.
Coppertop watches the action unfold around him. A moment ago he was flush with adrenaline and seemed ready to take on the world. Now, faced with danger, he hesitates. He quickly comes to himself and steadies his nerves. "Protect your friends. Slay your foes" he says silently to himself before springing into action.
Talacyst snatches his bow from his back. Feeling confident after his marksmanship in the earlier skirmish, the elf strides forward a short ways forward and takes a shot. His luck doesn't last forever, though, and the shot goes wide and embeds itself into the inn's wall.
Talacyst shoots. (1d20+3=9, 1d6=6)
Seeing the goblins arrayed before him, Rel unslings is bow, takes a step forward, takes aim and lets fly death...
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Summary of Combat Round 1
Rel takes aim at goblin 3 and lets fly an arrow of death that hits killing the goblin dead in its tracks.
Talacyst fires a shot from his trusty bow but the arrow whistles by the mounted goblins head as he leans foward to attack Etienne.
The mounted goblin swings with his horsechopper and hits a big blow (9 pts. damage) at the same time the goblin dog take a nip at Etienne just barely missing.
Goblin 1 starts to charge the group but trips over his dead comrade falling face first into the road.
Goblin 2 seeking to help his leader attacks with a wild swing at Etienne and misses wide.
Goblin 3 lies there dead.
Goblin 4 charges Caerival with his rusty dogslicer and attacks hitting the Druid (4 pts damage) while he is casting his spell.
Caerival's concentration on casting his spell succeeds, a blinding light appears in front of the mounted goblin's face, the goblin screems in anger as his sight of the world dims to nothing but darkness.
The pale skinned cleric Coppertop sees his new friend Etienne stagger from the mounted goblin's attack and also sees Caerival out of the corner of his eye take a hit from the goblin attacking him....
“Etienne!” shouts Coppertop in a panicked voice. He moves to help his wounded friend.
Copppertop will move forward to I6 or H6 (or wherever he needs to move in order to be adjacent to Etienne Nevar without putting himself in range of the mongrel or it’s rider) and cast Cure Light wounds on Etienne Nevar. He will burn his Summon Monster I.
Etienne grits his teeth as he tries to block out the pain. Then, he feels soothing energy flowing from Coppertop, knitting his wounds.
If this be my final moments, I must make it count.
"Iomedae! My life is in your hands!" Etienne then brings down his sword on the mounted goblin.
Caerival confidently strides toward the center of the battle with his arms raised in reverence to the great forces of nature. He lets nature's vitality flow into him and then out in great waves of health.
Seeing that Caerival is busy keeping the group healthy, Talacyst grits his teeth and turns to face the nearest goblin , which has just sliced Caerival. He gives a silent prayer to Sarenrae as he snatches a flask of liquid from a pouch and flings it at the goblin, hoping to distract its advance on his friend.
It’s looking like Coppertop will charge the goblin threatening Caerival. I will wait to see how this round goes before making the final decision.
Rel seeing the goblin who tripped start to stand up and eyeing his friends with evil glee, he takes aim with his deadly bow and lets fire...
Rel stays at H10-Fires at Goblin #1
Opps thats supposed to be Rel!!!
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Combat Round 2
Rel takes aim again and brings death to another goblin!
Talacyst throws his flask at the goblin threating Caerival, the flask misses but some of the liquid hits the goblin anyway who begins to jump around trying to wipe off the liquid pain.
Mounted Goblin trys to attack Etienne again but misses wild of the mark being blinded by the nasty light
Goblin dog starts to bounce around noticing his masters discomfort and his angry curses.
Etienne attacks the mounted goblin with a massive blow knocking the goblin off the goblindog's back landing 10 feet away and not moving, dead
Goblin 1=Dead
Goblin 2 sees his boss killed by the big bad warrior turns and starts running away
Goblin 3=Dead
Goblin 4 is busy dancing around with the acid eatting his filty cloths away.
Caerival's spell goes off without any problems due to the fact the goblin he was facing is now distracted
Coppertop is ready for action, go ahead and state your action now! Goblin 2 is fleeing, wardog is sniffing his dead master and goblin 4 is in panic over the acid spill.
Coppertop attacks the strange dog-like creature with his long spear. “Fear the Tusk!” he shouts.
Long spear attack: (1d20 3=19)
Long spear damage: (1d8 3=10)
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Coppertop attacks the goblindog and easily dispatches it, putting it out of its miserable life. It dies growling at Coppertop till is last breath.
Rel takes aim at the fleeing goblin but the goblin is way out of his bow range so he quickly shifts his aim to the goblin laying on the ground crying in agony. He is about to fire when he notices the sheriff running up holding his hand up and shouting Hold your fire! Rel lowers his bow and takes a deep breath, the battle is over!
As the sheriff runs up with his deputies a cheer goes up from all of the towns folk filing out of the surrounding buildings. The loudest is the noble who was hiding behind the barrel the entire battle. He shakes everyone's hand vigourously and heartly pats everyone's back as he goes around the group again to thank them. The noble, Aldern Foxglove, he introduces himself as tell you he will be in town for a couple more days and he will be staying at the Rusty Dragon Inn in the south end of the city and he'd like for all of you to come by and visit so you all can talk somemore and perhaps reward you properly for saving his life. Sheriff Hemlock and his men take away the crying goblin to be questioned. Most of the towns folk are here now thanking you on a job well do and tell you if their is anything you need, all you have to do is ask......
"If time permits, Lord Foxglove. See you at the White Deer." Etienne then flick away the tainted goblin blood from his blade before sheathing it. He moves through the crowd to check on his companions. Etienne takes care to acknowledge the people's enthusiastic response to their deeds.
"Iomedae's name be praised."
The thin elf wheezes, and takes a moment to steady himself. "Hah... Not sure I liked that fight." Straightening up, he smiles wholeheartedly as he looks towards the townspeople, saying, "But so long as the rest of the town is safe, I'm sure it's worth my discomfort."
Talacyst smiles and shakes Lord Foxglove's hand warmly, assuring him that "anyone else would have done the same. But I'm afraid good Etienne is right - we may still be needed."
Caerival sighs deeply and then summons dear Gloam to his side. The druid takes a moment to inspect the goblins.
At some point Caerival will maneuver close to Coppertop and say, "It is more than coincidence that these otherwise unorganized vermin would stage such a coordinated attack on such an opportune eve do you not think?"
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Caerival sighs deeply and then summons dear Gloam to his side. The druid takes a moment to inspect the goblins.
At some point Caerival will maneuver close to Coppertop and say, "It is more than coincidence that these otherwise unorganized vermin would stage such a coordinated attack on such an opportune eve do you not think?"
Caerival:
Rel takes delight in all the praise from the towns folk especially from the fine looking ladies. He moves through the crowd to his new friends and says to them... I am a little tired from the battle and its getting a little late in the day so I say we find an inn, have a few drinks and go to bed. We could stay at the Rusty Dragon even, the one that Foxglove fellow mentioned!..
"Hmmm, the Rusty Dragon. Sounds like a very modest inn. I'd like to see it."
Talacyst nods. "Yes, I will need a place to stay. I've only arrived earlier today, though I admit it seems as though that was days ago. This inn should do nicely, I think."
“Yes! Yes!” exclaims Coppertop. “You must stay at the Rusty Dragon!” He pauses as a look of concern comes over his face. “I hope Ameiko is all right. And old man Reeder. And Arika and Aneka. And…Oh Cripes! My mom!” With an anguished look on his face he blurts out, “I will meet you later tonight at the Rusty Dragon!” With that, he is off making his way carefully but hastily through the crowd. He accepts the occasional handshake and throws out a few nervous smiles but his mind in on his mother and her well-being.
As he hurries toward home the words of Master Caerival are ringing in his ears. “It is more than coincidence that these otherwise unorganized vermin would stage such a coordinated attack on such an opportune eve do you not think?" is what Master Caerival had said. Coppertop had not even thought about why the goblins had come to Sandpoint. But now the questions kept tumbling over themselves. Why so many? Why today of all days? Questions with no answers, revelry replaced by worry, memories of his first battle fought all raced thru his mind. Then a sudden peace descended on him; he was home. With a small smile he pushes open the door.
Caerival snaps out of his brooding and sees Coppertop with a furled brow. "You fought well this day!" the Druid says and pats him on the back. "Let's go to the Rusty Dragon and celebrate that no lasting harm was wrought."
"Coppertop, wait! I'll come with you to your home! Just in case."
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The day is won but their are still many questions to be asked and not many answers. It is time though for our brave adventurers to relax and have a moment to themselves to celebrate a victory.
Coppertop and Etienne head off to Coppertop's mother's home to see if she is ok.
For Coppertop and Etienne
When they arrive at the house, out front they see a small crowd with smiles on their faces and chatting away. At the center of attention is Coppertop's mother, Tasha. Beaming from all the praise they are giving her on raising such a fine son. When the crowd see Coppertop and his friend show up they give a cheer and rush to greet them, the fastest of course is his mother, jumping into his arms and weeping, thanking the gods, whoever is listening of course, for keeping his boy safe.
For Rel
Ha made you look!
The rest of the group heads over to the Rusty Dragon Inn, a large building with an iron dragon perched on the roof for decoration and lightning rod. As they enter a cheer goes up and everyone offers a hand to shake. Many drinks are also handed over to the heros of Sandpoint. The owner, a beautiful lady named Ameiko, of the tavern hands over keys to each hero for rooms in the inn for as long as they want to stay.
Rel takes a place in the corner of the inns main dining and drinking area so he can watch all the celebrating going on by the towns folk. He has a cute lass on his lap showing him much attention and of course Rel does not mind this attention in the least.
Seeing the crowd at Coppertop's home, "Well, Coppertop, it appears that news of your bravery has gotten ahead of us. Where is your mother?"
Etienne strikes a gallant pose, cradling his helm in his left hand and waves to the crowd, smiling. Clearly, the people are in need of hope and heroes offer them that.
Coppertop introduces Etienne to his mother and the many friends in the crowd. He spends some time telling anyone who will listen about the battles of the day. Coppertop is careful not to brag and down plays his own role in each fight. After an hour or so Coppertop turns to Etienne and says, "Perhaps we should be heading over to the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko will surely offer you a fine room and all the food and drink you could want."
Talacyst steps into the Rusty Dragon inn and sinks tiredly onto a stool. He asks for a small meal, then sits back to wait for his companions. His thoughts are on the day's events, and the significance of the goblin attacks.
Coppertop introduces Etienne to his mother and the many friends in the crowd. He spends some time telling anyone who will listen about the battles of the day. Coppertop is careful not to brag and down plays his own role in each fight. After an hour or so Coppertop turns to Etienne and says, "Perhaps we should be heading over to the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko will surely offer you a fine room and all the food and drink you could want."
"You have raised a very brave man here, madam," Etienne tells Coppertop's mother. "And Coppertop, you never said that your mother is such a handsome woman. Shame on you."
"Nice meeting you, madam. Perhaps, I shall be seeing you again. Ok, Coppertop, let's go to the Rusty Dragon."
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Coppertop and Etienne head over to the Rusty Dragon Inn to join the others. Once they enter the inn they see there friends already enjoying themselves, Rel in the corner in the company of a lovely local lass, Talacyst sitting with Caerival sitting back enjoying a drink and a little conversation. The vibe of the inn is happiness, everyone has a smile plastered on their face, a drink in hand maybe two for some and all the talk is of the battle and how the hero's saved the town from the goblin's. They are also debating why and how the goblin's attacked the town in strength and in such cordination. Some are worried more are going to attack and they should prepare now or tomorrow more like because most have a lot of drinks in them already.
Rel takes a moment from the lass when he sees his friends and waves hello and smiles a job well done lifting his drink in salute......
Etienne draws his sword and returns Rel's salute with a salute of his own. He then sheathes his sword and settles down on an empty chair, telling Coppertop to, "Relax. You've earned it."
Catching the eye of the barkeep, Etienne asks the barkeep for some wine and water.
Coppertop relaxes with his friends and enjoys the festive atmosphere of the Rusty Dragon. He exchanges smiles, conversation, back slaps, and handshakes with his new companions and the many fine folk of Sandpoint who are in attendance. He accepts a free tankard of cool, frothy ale from Ameiko with a gracious smile. Ameiko seemed to regard Coppertop with a look of reappraisal and a small smile. Or was that just Coppertop’s imagination running away with him? Turning to his friends he says, “I wonder when nobleman Foxglove will make an appearance? Do you think he will really reward us? I wonder if it would be OK if I called him Aldern?” With a look of hopeful anticipation he settles back to enjoy his drink.
Talacyst raises his hand to signal to his companions, and makes room for them at the table. "Hello again, Etienne, Coppertop." The elf shrewdly notes Coppertop's exuberence over the day's events, and gives a slight smile.
"I hope that gentleman, Foxglove, makes his appearance soon. I think I'm ready for some sleep... It's been a long day."
"Let us thank the gods that we are still here." Etienne takes another sip of his watered down wine.
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The celebrating continues into the night and the inn is still packed full of people. Your group keeps an eye out for the young noble but he is not seen all night.
Rel bids everyone a good night and says,When I went to get my key to my room, I inquired about Master Foxglove, the inn keeper Ameiko told me that he had gone to bed for the evening but left a message for us to meet him here for breakfast if we would like. I will be there so see you in the morning. Rel heads off to his room that he was given, alone wanting to get as much rest as he can, its been a long day....
Etienne also gets a room at the Rusty Dragon.
Coppertop, despite his conscience, decides to stay late at the Rusty Dragon. He finally pulls himself away and heads home to catch some sleep. The next morning he awakens bright and early feeling totally refreshed and hurries through his morning chores. Before heading over to the Rusty Dragon he pauses to put on his armor. He almost decides against wearing his armor again today but at the last moment decides that, because of the possibility of more goblin attacks, wearing his armor is a prudent decision. After kissing his mother goodbye he heads over to the wood lot. Old man Reeder is conspicuously absent. This causes Coppertop some worry. Shaking off the worries and doubts he hurries off to the Rusty Dragon. With a smile on his face he pushes open the door.
Talacyst turns in after finishing his meal, and sleeps soundly through the night. He awakens feeling rather sore from the last day's excitement, and takes the time to study his spellbook before heading downstairs.
Etienne looks for Caerival. Seeing him, Etienne does not waste any time and asks him, "Caerival, can you give us an idea of the sort of opposition that we might expect when we go to your forest?"
Etienne looks for Caerival. Seeing him, Etienne does not waste any time and asks him, "Caerival, can you give us an idea of the sort of opposition that we might expect when we go to your forest?"
Coppertop joins Etienne Nevar and Caerival just as the question is asked. Coppertop takes a seat and listens intently to Caerivals response.
Suddenly a chill goes down Coppertop’s spine and he senses a great loss, as though a "god" has died. The moment passes and Coppertop refocuses on the ongoing conversation; the sense of loss seems to settle into his bones.
Etienne looks at Coppertop and Caerival and asks, "Did you feel that, too?"