The day of the swallow tail festival was not a typical day for Gillian and the rest of the Rusty Dragon staff. Ameiko was hurried but appeared calm, which could not be said of her halfling assistant Bethana who wore every ounce of stress on her sleeve. The few cooks and servers worked with an urgent hustle to prepare the dishes and set up a booth on the east side of the Church Plaza for the festival. Ameiko was as confident as ever her spiced chicken noodles with the small imported nuts would win the taste off. Gillian worked side by side with the others, transitioning from prepping food, to setting, to serving festival goers relishing the excitement. Ameiko spent a lot of time out front of the booth schmoozing and entertaining, but she let Gillian take a few turns performing as well.
Once a shoanti traveler bellows out, ”Of blood and glory! Of hags and wayward children, of armored knights and fiery dragons! I’m here all week!" Look for me in your favorite inn! Gillian roles her eyes, seeing the maiden he just parted company with, knowing her occupation at the Pixies’s Kitten she wonders if he even knows how fiery the dragon might become.
There are other performers, but few are as talented as the residents of the Rusty Dragon, one strange man even bellows out a dwarven operatic piece…grossly off key. At one point a fine looking gentleman approaches Amekio as she is serving food and you overhear them speaking. He timidly says, “Excuse me, Miss Ameiko? I don't know if you remember him, but my older brother is Kyras Coric. He said that you would be best to speak to about finding out how to assist against the goblin raids in the surrounding areas. Is he correct?”
Ameiko looked up from the table of food in front of her and pushes the hair back from her eyes. “Ah, Kyras. I do remember him. You're his brother, eh?” she says, before being interrupted by a request for a plate. “Well welcome to Sandpoint. You picked the best time to come - unfortunately, I'm a little busy at the moment. If you're interested in helping with the goblins, I suggest you go talk to old Daverin Hosk over there. He can square you away.” She points with a sausage-skewered fork towards a stall in the middle of the square, manned by an older, bald human.
“Thank you ma'am. I appreciate the help!” And he heads off in search of the stable master.
The day continues to be busy as the time for the Swallow tail release comes closer and closer.
The caravan has pressed hard to make it to a campsite north of Sandpoint in time for the Swallowtail Festival. There to entertain and “earn” among the towns citizens and visitors the troupe awoke early festival day and headed off to ply their trade. Vili did not awaken with the same eager excitement as the others of his clan. His dreams had been onimous, though as he cleaned up the campsite after the others left he couldn’t quite remember why. Still he was eager to see the new church building that had garnered so much attention in the travelers gossip over the the past several months.
With the campsite fit, Vili nodded to a few of the band who remained to keep an eye on things and headed into town himself. Once there he made his way through the afternoon crowds, saw a cousin of his release a fat pompous merchant of of few silver bracelets, and made his way to the church steps. A kind, if extremely busy priest was coming out the door. At Vili’s request to tour the church he introduced himself as Father Zantus, gave his consent, but apologized he could not take the time to personal lead Vili around. As Vili entered the church he glanced back to see the priest join some official looking people on the stage as they prepared to offer some introductions to the festival.
Inside Vili was amazed at the beauty of the chapels reserved for the six patron deities. But he was most impressed with the cathedrals roots. The core of the new cathedral is an open-air courtyard surrounding a set of seven standing stones themselves surrounding a circular stone altar. These stones served the Varisians for centuries as a place of worship; although they generally venerated Desna at these stones. Standing their in the ancient stillness of his people, Vili is overcome for brief moment with a sense of dread and foreboding. For an instant he thinks he sees a pile of dead butterfly’s covering the stones, but then at a second glance all is normal.
Stepping back out into the excitement of the crowd Vili encounters a man, a woman, and a dwarf admiring the church. The woman says, "Completely made of stone, I suppose that this is to ensure that the past doesn't repeat itself? Notice the rustication with the grooves in the walls and the rough stone," She says tracing a path with her eyes over the curves of the ceiling down to the walls and to where they meet the floor.” She runs a hand between the stones. “It’s like they don't want the people to remember this is new--they don't want them thinking about the people that died inside or the tragedy that took place.” Her words echo in Vili’s mind as he hobbles down the stairs. They are joined by a shoanti man and their conversation turns to ale.
Vili enjoys the festival for a time, sampling food at the Rusty Dragon booth taking time listen to a talented bard who ends with a flourish and introduces herself to the crowd as Gillian. After a time the moment of the Swallowtail release comes near, and Vili is remained of the image of dead butterflies covering Desna’s stones.
The crowds are pressing closer to the presentation stage when they see Father Zantus take the stage again. Several porters set a dozen crates on the edge of stage and the head priest surveys the crowd. The porters attach a long pool to the crate lids and then connect them to a handle that is placed in Zantus' hand. The moment of the Swallowtail release is close at hand.
You watch as the head priest looks over the contraption one last time and them clears his throat. He raises two thunderstones over his head and claps them together while surveying the crowd.
A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun's setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus addresses the crowd.
“Citizens and Guests of Sandpoint, it is time…..
At the north side of of the square an unattained supply wagon suddenly explodes in to flames, everyone including the priest stare in shock. An instant latter five flaming and screaming child sized figures start running around chaotically.
Vhik pushes his way to the front of the crowd, pulls his blade and edges northward towards the commotion. Swiflty, Baldric also hustles out of the press of the crowd and hefting his eight foot guisarme to the ready as he goes. Standing among the crowd, Zwain starts the intricate work of casting his spell. Satinder sees the pole arm carrying man rush past, and also steps bravely out of the crowd retrieving two blades.
The figures continue to shriek and burn, running around madly in chaotic circles and zig zag patterns with no apparent direction. The first rushes past Baldric who whips his pole arm at it, but the blade passes harmlessly over the small figure. It continues up onto the podium headed towards the priest franticly dashing behind Zantus and spiraling around upon the stage. The second runs in a large circle around a merchant tent, spouts of flaming flinging from its flailing arms causing the fabric to catch flame. The third figure runs along the north side of the crowd away from the initial explosion then suddenly angles and charges straight towards the crowd, who scream in panic, and perhaps pain. The fourth also charges away from the burring wagon, headed straight south, spinning and twirling as it burns and runs behind the stage. The last one dives into another merchant stall attempting to smother it's self in the wares there, but only succeeds in setting the tent ablaze.
Travok pulls out a crossbow and holds his ground among the panicking throng of festival goers. The crowd takes the sense that Rhiannon is someone in charge and parts for her as she passes and moves towards the commotion at the north side of the plaza.
The panicked crowd tries to move away from what now appears to be something deadly, not festive. The surge around many of you once again.
Gillian looks up from the Rusty Dragon booth, seeing the commotion draws her longsword and dashes northward towards the flaming threat. Close by the Church Vili sees the danger as well, cursing his sense of dread he hefts his morningstar and and works his way northward through the crowd.
Vikh once again maneuvers out of the scrambling crowd and works his way around the performance platform. His song sends a furious twinge down everyone's spine. Baldric sets his shoulders and charges a short distance impaling the burring goblin with his blade. The creature lets out a shriek, and falls to the dirt, as the flames continue to burn. Zane finishes the lengthy, lethargic incantation and with a wave of his hands two of the goblins, one one the stage and one behind, fall down asleep still burning. Satinder gets ready to move and lay waste to one of the creatures, but sees a guisarme wielding warrior take it out. He shifts his weight, moves out of the crowd and leaps up onto the platform headed towards the priest and the unconscious flaming goblin.
The goblin on the stage is dark, crispy and ceases to move, but the flames on its body leap to one of the butterfly cages spreading the blaze. A second goblin, the one that just sent the round tent on fire leaps and jumps trying to get away from the flames coercing across it's body. It ends up on the stairs directly in front of the new cathedrals intricately carved wooden doors. The sleeping goblin behind the stage, leaps up screaming in pain and takes off running right at Vikh. The shoanti swings his great sword decapitating the creature, its head bouncing onto the stage at Satinders feet. The last goblin must be trapped in the tent it set on fire, and the blaze there and in the other wagons and tents, increases.
Travok wades through all the long legged citizens and set to fire his crossbow, just as he pulls the trigger he is jostled from behind and the bolt fires directly into the dirt at his feet. Rhiannon dashes through the crowd, they make way for her official status and she rushes to the stage. She grasps the stunned Zantus and pulls him away from the burning goblin corpse and the now flaming butterfly cage. The crowd continues to press south and west away from the fires.
Gillian hears a gruesome sounding laugh, turns to see a goblin with a dagger skulking in the shadows of the tents, eyeing a child crying for its mother. She dashes at it and swipes her sword, missing the target but drawing its attention away from the small boy. Vili sees another goblin out of the corner of his eye, shouts and rushes towards it. It stabs at him with a wicked blade, drawing a small amount of blood.
Vikh rushes up the cathedral stair and impales the burning goblin there in one swift easy motion. Baldric moves to the plaza's well, calling to the citizens of Sandpoint to form a fire brigade and save the town from a disastrous fire. He scans the area seeking the last flaming goblin. Zwain, fueled by rage charges toward the neared goblin on the stage, finding it dead he bangs his staff on it looking for goblins, but none seem to left alive. On the stage Satinder trades blade for bow, spins around looking for the last goblin culprit. He fires at and strikes what he thinks is the last goblin amongst the tents wares. The unattended fires increase in size and heat, except on the stage where a sudden downpour of water puts out the burning butterfly cage.
Rhiannon guides the priest off the stage and towards the well, his moment of disbelief and shock over he says, “Yes, thank you. We must not let the cathedral burn.”
As he rushes towards the well with her he starts shouting to the people, “Citizens we need your help, grab buckets, anything you can find we must the get fires out...SAVE OUR CHURCH!”
In response some of the crowd shifts from fleeing south away from the blazing tents, and turn back towards the north coming towards the well. At first it appears they are coming to help, but then you all hear...
“Goblins chew and goblins bite goblins cut and goblins fight stab the dog and cut the horse goblins eat and take by force!”
The wicked song is being sung by shrill, scratchy voices and six more goblins are approaching from the south with their dogslicers out and bloody.
Gillian stabs again this time ending the creatures life as it dies she turns to face the new arrivals. Across the plaza Vili smashes his morning star into the goblin’s head sending it flying to bash the church wall and fall limp to the ground.
Vikh leaps down the cathedral steps and races around the platform stage singing his raging song all the while. Baldric races past the Shoanti singer and edges himself closer to the goblin threat, ready to slash one with his long pole arm. Zwain contemplates going and stomping out the fires, but then the sounds of the goblins reach his ears and he hesitates. Satinder shuffles down the stage to gain a better line of sight and lets an arrow fly at the goblins but the wind catches it and hit turns down and harmlessly hits the dirt. Travok hoist his shield and orders the crowds to seek sanctuary leading Zwain away from the stage ready to fight. Rhiannon pulls her blade and follows after Baldric, coming up behind the Shoanti singer. As the fires continue to rage, the crowds rush away from the goblins, some headed towards the church others towards the well. Some see the priest and start to form a fire brigade.
The goblins advance. The first sees the dwarf and rushes across the plaza and takes a harmless swing at Travok. The second advances on Bladric, but is cut down before he can get close to the warrior. A third moves in and takes a swing at Baldric, and he cuts it down like the first. Two more goblins rush across the plaza towards the dwarf, while the last runs along the shops headed north east with a gleeful cackle.
Gillian moves south towards the advancing goblin looking out for any hiding in the shadows of the tents or alleyways. Villi sees the fire brigade forming up, knowing they will only be so effective he focuses his divine magic, and with a prayer summons a gush of water that hisses into steam as it floods over a burning tent helping to slow the fires growth.
Vikh belts our his raging song and presses his way through the crowd. His greatsword easily makes the goblin into two halves instead of one whole. Baldric maneuvers around the tent and strikes another goblin down, stabbing it in the back with his pole arm.
Satinder takes aim and lets another arrow fly striking the closest goblin with yelps in pain as the arrow finds flesh. Travok tries to punch the goblin in the face, but it just gives the dwarf a creepy wide smile and ducks under the stout fist.
Zwain takes a bow as the two goblins gleefully sit down and start applauding him. Rhiannon dashes through the crowd and gets behind (Flanking) one and swipes at it with her blade. She misses and it no longer is fascinated by the mage.
The crowd contends to move away from the fight, some heading to help put out the fire, others rushing towards the doors of the cathedral.
The foul goblin song continues ...
Goblins race and goblins jump Goblins slash and goblins bump Burn the skin and mash the head Goblins here and you be dead!
The first goblin stabs at Rhiannon with its blade while the other one left alive claps it hand vigorously at Zwain. Rhiannon cries out in pain as the goblin finds a opening in her defenses.
Gillian looks over her shoulder and sees the young man seeking his brother on the presentation stage firing arrows into the fray, he is unaware a goblin is crawling close to the ground trying to sneak up behind him. Turning she runs across the plaza, dodging fleeing citizens, seeking to intercede his stalker. Vili, notices that in the center of the plaza the folks he saw talking about the cathedral stone earlier are engaged with the goblins. Thinking he can help he charges into the center of the plaza.
Vikh continues to offer his raging chant. Baldric crosses the plaza and ends the life of another goblin, stabbing his pole arm past Rhiannon to do it. For an instant it seems the battle is over. The crowd continues to disperse, some in fear others moving to help extinguish the fires. One goblin remains, appalling the ridiculous wizard before him. Suddenly a scream from the south indicates more trouble. From behind a merchant tent two goblins riding goblin dogs are drawing a well dressed man by the feet with ropes. Four more goblins cackle with glee as they chase after the tortured man.
Vikh rushes across the plaza ready for action as Zwain works his magic on the lead goblins. The eyes of the goblin dog's glaze over and one of the riding goblins looks eager to head to the show, the other screeches something in the goblin tongue at his mount...probably a curse.
Baldric swiflty shifts his weight and weapons, flings his javelin and positions himself ready to defend against the newest goblin threat. His javelin flies true and impales the goblin on its mount, killing him before it falls to the dirt.
Stander takes aim and fires at one of the goblins following the dragged man. The arrow finds it's mark and sinks deep into the gut of the goblin, who screeches in pain and brandishes its dogslicer blade.
Travok sees more of the dreaded goblins approaching and draws out a warhammer, and advances...ready for them to attack.
Rhiannon luges forward and plunges the tip of her rapier into the back of the applauding goblin. It's amused grin shifts to pure horror before it's eyes roll up and blood drips out of it's mouth. It collapse dead in a heap at her feet.
The remaining rider dismounts, eyes on Zwain as it appears eager to appease the performer and join in the song and dance routine. The goblin dogs, sit and sniff the air excitedly awaiting what Zwain will do next. The goblin Satinder struck rounds a merchant tent and rushes the stage. Another goblin comes up behind the riderless goblin dog and kicks it serving something in goblin. The blow shakes the dog out of it's confounded state. Two of the others break away and run along the edge of the plaza looking for something to kill. Their eyes find Rhiannon and they grind gleefully as they approach her direction.
Gillian lunges forward staying at the goblin low to the ground, but the stage itself offers it some protection and the sword is stopped. Vili sees the entertainer from before attempting to slash a goblin, moves close and belts it one with his morning star, but off balance so it was a weak blow at best. it growls and stabs at him, but stumbles as it trys to rise from it’s crouch and the attack is useless.
Vikh dashes past the line of new combatants and circles back taking a mighty swing at the goblin dog. It yelps in pain as Vikh's great sword opens a wicked long wound in the creatures side. Zwain continues to encourage the goblins to dance.
Baldric skirts around behind the advancing goblins and easily cuts one down, it dies so quickly it doesn't even have a chance to scream. Standers arrow strikes true again, the goblin utters a gargling last attempt to curse his slayer as it falls to the ground also dead. Travok wades into the fight, targets the dancing goblin and crushes its skull with a might over head blow.
Rhiannon hears Baldric's suggestion and edges intowards the other goblin taking a stab at it. However it is quick on it's feet and avoids her blade. It growls and slashes back at her, but luck is with her and she parries the blow. At the south end of the plaza the other remaining goblin leaps forward and stabs weakly at Vikh who simply leans back far enough to avoid the dogslicer. The Goblin Dog then also attempts to bite the Shoanti singer, but the teeth can not penetrate the cured leather of his armor.
Vikh dashes past the front line getting close to Travok, hoping to take out the hypnotized goblin dog, confident his armor will protect him from the other combatants. His overconfidence betrays him as both the goblin dog and the goblin score hits agains him as he moves away from them. The goblin opens a vicious wound in his flank, and the dog pounces ripping out the Shoanti mans throat in a matter of seconds.
Zwain scolds the goblin dog with a wagging finger and a puzzled look crosses its face.
Gillian takes another swing this time drawing blood, as Villi finishes of their common foe with another well placed blow that knocks the goblin under the curtain fronted stage.
Travok panics at the sight of the Shoanti barbarian's blood pooling in the dirt outside the cathedral he was just dutifully admiring only hours before. His emotions win the day and he turns to flee running for the safety of the church doors.
Baldric drops another goblin dead before darting off to face the last remaining ones. Satinder lets loose another arrow, but if falls short harmlessly hitting the ground. Travok takes off, headed for the safety of the church building. Rhiannon follows after Baldric looking for an enemy.
The last goblin advances on Rhianon, ducking under Baldric's long weapon and stabs her with his short dogslicer. The goblin dogs are hypnotized and dazed. Vikh continues to bleed out.
Zwain lobs a ball of acid towards the fight but is falls apart in the air, the small drops harmlessly dissipating before it can hurt anyone or anything.
Gillian and Villi see the goblin dogs and turn to go and help the others facing them, only to see another goblin come rushing from beyond the flames. They look at each other and move to intercept it route towards the cathedral doors where it seems to be chasing after a fleeing dwarf.
Baldric quickly strikes with his long weapon, ending another goblins life with ease. That leaves the two goblin dogs, both shaking off the effects of the magicians magic. Travok disappears through the church door with a few other scared citizens.
Satinder fires another arrow, targeting the closest goblin dog. The arrow strikes true entering the creatures brain through it's eye socket. The dog falls dead.
Rhiannon acts fast and lunges at the other dog, but it sees her advancing and easily avoids her blade. In turn it bites back at her, wrapping its jaws about her neck and savagely dragging her to the dirt.
Zwains tears fall to the dirt, much like his weakly lobbed ball of acid.
Gillian and Vili cutoff the goblins pursuit, it slashes at Gillian and she feels the sting of it’s blade. She stabs back running it through as Vili wild swings his weapon above it’s dying body.
Baldric makes an effort, but his luck seems to have failed him this time as he fails to strike the last enemy and moves back out of the immediate threat. Satinder hears the warrior's call for help and leaps of the stage and runs into the church looking for someone who might be able to help. Rhiannon's wounds clot, but she remains unconscious on the ground in front to the savage goblin dog. It bounds after Bladric, who quickly drops his blade on the approaching creature. It's skull is split open as the man being dragged behind it cries out in pain.
Gillian and Vili stand together and survey the scene. The fires are slowly going out and the goblins now are all dead.
It was only a minute, but is seemed the longest minute in all of the history of Sandpoint. But for now the battle is over, goblins flee northward and citizens retreat to the safety of their homes. The fires are quickly extinguished, saving the cathedral and all but the first few tents set ablaze. The man being pulled by the goblin dogs is fighting to get to his feet and loosen the ropes around his legs.
Baldric, Zwain, Gillian and Vili stand in the plaza a heartbeat noticing for the first time how they all came together to defeat this part of the battle only now fully realizing other parts of Sandpoint were also under assault, goblins driving off by the town watch and militia.
Satinder returns from the church, unable to locate the priest inside only now realizing the depths of the fight and the fire birgage that was led by the priest behind him during the battle.
Rhiannon lies unconscious at Baldric's feet. Vhik has gone on to see his shoanti gods, and the dwarf Travok is nowhere to be seen.
Baldric picks up the limp body of the young half-elven woman and begins carrying her toward the church. "PRIEST!" the burly warrior calls out, "this woman fell defending this church and this town... where should I put her to make sure she gets the care she needs?"
As he walks, he makes eye contact with and nods in acknowledgement of Zwain and the two able defenders he has not yet met. As he makes his way by them he can be heard muttering, "foolish girl... you were a whole lot braver than you were tough..."
Vili absently wipes some blood from the side of his face while blankly staring around the once colorful and festive courtyard, now a scene of carnage. Startled from his reverie by the shout of the young man carrying the bloodied body of a young woman. "Warrior! I am no priest, but bring her closer and perhaps I can aid some of the worst of her wounds."
Vili hobbles towards the young man while whispering a prayer to the Lady of the Stars. In response, a few of the butterflies that escaped the flames lift off from a nearby tent awning to flutter over the unconscious form as the flow the of blood slows from her wounds.
Zwain looks around with his hands on his hips. "Hope there wasn't a critic in the audience. I think we were a bit flat."
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Gillian stands still, looking around the ruined plaza and wearing a blank expression similar to the one her new-found partner in goblin slaying wore. However, Zwain's absurd commentary on the aftermath seems to bring her to her senses. Her head turns in his direction and recognition blossoms across her features.
"Godsdammit Zwain," she snarls, clearly exasperated. With a shake of her head, she begins to take stock of the situation. Seeing that the large and heavily-armored man and her partner from the battle are tending to the unconscious young woman, she slowly walks over to where the body of a man lies motionless. Once she gets close, she can see that it belongs to the singing shoanti warrior from earlier and that he is now beyond all help. As she gazes at the fallen man, an odd thought suddenly crosses her mind as she remembers that she first saw the man parting company with one of the 'maidens' from the Pixie's Kitten, before the festival got underway.
At least he had himself a good time before he went; that's more than most folks get...
Her lips twitch in a faint smile. "Good on ya, sir" she says with a respectful nod at the body before making her way back towards the church and group of people beginning to congregate there.
Walking over towards the group, Satinder survey's the situation that had just occurred. "I came up to help fight the goblins, but I never thought that I'd be on the job on my first day... These little guys really did a number for themselves." Noticing the two men tend to the girl, he sighed in relief that she was being helped as she almost offered her life in protection of the town. Noticing the other woman get up from the man lifeless on the ground, he asks her as she walks to the group as well "Tell me, please... Is he lost?"
"'Fraid so," Gillian replies to the man addressing her, sounding regretful. "A shame too, fella seemed a fair hand at fightin' and he had a set of lungs on him to boot! Was he a friend of yours?"
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Satinder sighs sorrowfully as he lowers his head at the woman's words. He picks it back up as he responds to her. "I can't say he was a friend of mine, I don't even know his name. All I do know is that he's another unfortunate reason to add to my list of reasons to drive back these little menaces to our homes." He stands quiet for a moment before speaking to her once again. "You were working with Ms. Kaijitsu earlier right? It was a brave deed to see you charge among the warriors against them. I can't say I've met too many people like you. I'm glad to have fought at your side."
"His name was Vikh..." the ruddy warrior offers, apparently having overheard their conversation, "and I'm Baldric Moore, and I'm glad you all fought- I don't think I could have killed them fast enough to contain the fires and casualties this well on my own."
Laying the girl on the ground at the feat of the mystic attending to her, he adds "I'm going to go check on that guy they were dragging" and quickly trots off across the square.
Zwain, seemingly ignoring the half elf woman's outburst, continues to look around and then a puzzled look crosses his face.
"You know, I'm not certain these fellows were here for the show. They must have had some other purpose in mind.". The wizard ponders for a moment before snapping his fingers.
"Thats it! They're here for the salt! I can't believe I didn't see it. Slugs being a staple of their diet, salt must be in high demand. Lucky for them, I happen to know of some salt deposits we can broker deals for. These ones don't appear to be in the bargaining mood. We will need to find their employers and make a deal with them. From where do these goblins hail?"
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Kneeling by the girl, Vili glances up at Baldric, "Baldric, if he's wounded and there's any hope of saving him, please bring him near. The same for the large Shoanti...but there is a lot of blood on that one I fear."
Vili pulls out a few herbs and leaves and makes a thin paste with a pinch of dirt while quickly applying it to the worst of the young girl's wounds.
Drawn from his reverie by the ramblings of the Chelaxian, "Salt? You think this horror was all for salt?" Shaking his head Vili turns back his attention to the wounded girl at his side.
The scene in front of the cathedral steps is one of shock and slow motion. Several citizens mill about the well covered in grime and soot, Father Zantus walking among them encouraging them with his soft demeanor. Elsewhere merchants are shifting about uncertain, most starting to pack up their tents.
Those of you who rose to action now gather at the foot of the stairs in uncertain conversation. Baldric, Gillian, Zwain, and Satinder watch on as Vili tends to the wounds of Rhiannon. His magic seals some of her injuries, but she remains unconscious. A quick look at the shoanti man and Vili knows the fellow is beyond the help of his magic.
Baldric leaves the gathering and approaches the man on the south side of the plaza whom the goblins were dragging. He pulls free of the ropes, and stands uneasily to his feet. Looking at the young warrior he exclaims, "Thank the gods for you sir, oh thank the gods. My life would be forfeit, yet you came to my aid. Such skill at arms young sir, the way you cut so many of the little bugger down. Is there a better hero in all of Sandpoint, I should think not!"
Back at the stairs a woman calls out, "Gillian, are you hurt?" Amekio arrives with concern in her eyes. She sees her student with the familiar Zwain, the young fellow looking for Kyras, and the varisian kneeling over the wounded girl. "Are you all okay? Will the girl recover?" It is easy to tell the inn keeper is concerned but not rattled, and the smears of blood on her clothes indicate she too had a hand in pushing back the goblin assault on the town.
"It was a rather abysmal performance, and the audience was extremely suspect. I believe some of them were gate crashers and showing up in the middle of an act is a serious faux pas. All in all, though, I'd say with the exception of the large man on accompaniment who took the 'break a leg' bit too seriously, we are none the worse for wear," Zwain shoots a look at Baldric and a rare glimpse of clarity comes through as he stares down at Rhiannon and whispers,
"I hope ..."
"It's a good thing I was here, yes," Baldric responds as he reaches out and helps the man steady himself, "those of us who make our living with blade and bow rely on the rewards and reputation that can be earned in a crisis like this..."
While he talks, he retrieves his javelin from the nearby corpse and begins re-wrapping the leather strap around it. anyway, glad I was able to save your life... I'm Baldric Moore, and you are?"
Despite the carnage, Gillian can't help but chuckle at the man's words. "Well, running away screaming isn't really my style - and I'm glad I'm not the only one, apparently," she says, nodding at him, the man named Baldric, Zwain, and the man tending to the wounded woman. "That was some good shooting, by the way."
"I'm okay 'Meiko, just a scratch," she calls back to her boss. "Looks like we were able to put the little kneebiters down before they did too," glancing at the fallen shoanti, "much damage." Looking down at the injured woman, Gillian shakes her head. "Can't blame her for trying to help, but she would've been better off making for the cathedral with the rest. She looks as much like a warrior as I do an orc."
Satinder smiles at the woman as she compliments his archery. "Thank you miss. I do try my best, though I fancy myself towards my blades." He then looks down towards the injured woman laying at the man's feet as he treats her. "I do hope that she'll fair better than Vikh, Baldric did seem to find her in time."
Vili finishes his ministrations to the lady on the ground, and slowly looks around. Turning to the woman identified as Meiko, "She should be fine with enough rest in a warm bed. I was able to stabilize her and the poultice should stop any further bleeding I hope. Does anyone know where she was staying?"
Sluggishly Vili manages to stand with some obvious effort, just barely catching the odd Chelaxian's soft comment. Smiling a little wanly, The child should recover. and glancing at the archer, "Baldric's speed was most helpful in getting her stabilized in time. She should have many travels before she yet goes to Pharasma's boneyard to wait in line. I hope we all should be so lucky."
"Good deal," Gillian nods as the man reassures them that the young woman will likely recover. As she looks around, something seems to dawn on her. "Wait, where's the sheriff and the other deputies?"
Amieko joins Gillian, Satinder, Zwain, and Vili near the cathedral hovering over the body of poor Rhiannon. "Glad you are well Gill'." She looks at the girl in Vili's arms, "This girl was staying with us wasn't she, the Pathfinder...or so she claimed. She talks a lot. Take her to the Dragon. Her room is on the first floor, Bethana is already back there, she knows the one. And the rest of you are free to stay there tonight as well...free of charge. The rooms are booked but there is plenty of space on the common room floor, but after what you did to night it is the least I can do."
As if on cue, Sheriff Hemlock and several of the city patrol arrive. They too look as if they had been at it with the goblins. He glances about and then starts barking orders at the patrol men. "Keep heading to the north gate, make sure none are left hiding in any rain barrels, not all of them will be daft enough to leap off Junker's Edge. Move now!" The patrol men hustle on as the sheriff scans the plaza taking in the chaos, burnt tents, and the corpses. Seeing the priest he makes his way to the north side of the plaza to engage Father Zantus in hushed conversation.
Baldric is a bit aways from the others, speaking with the now rescued nobleman. "Ah yes where did my manors go, tis if a goblin stole them. I am Lord Aldern Foxglove of Magnimar. And yes reward is in order, for you and your companions. I have a room a the White Deer, you shall come and have lunch with me on the marrow. I can not take no for an answer so do not even try, and there I shall give you your reward."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, m'lord," Baldric answers with an awkward partial bow, "and I look forward to seeing you again on the morrow. Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go finish meeting my companions."
Content that Lord Aldern is unharmed and earnest about a reward, Baldric returns to the small band of goblin fighters. "He was fine, no need for healing... he would, however, like us to join him tomorrow at the White Deer for lunch and a reward for our efforts," he says with a smile, "and, now that we're all business partners, perhaps we should introduce ourselves... as I said, I'm Baldric, and I'm a classically trained sell-sword from Magnimar. And you all are?"
"Thank you very much for the offer of a place to stay. Staying near this lady might be best for the evening...just in case there are any complications.", Vili says to Ameiko. Looking back to the archer, "You look hale enough, perhaps you would assist me in carrying her back to the inn?" As Baldric comes up as he is speaking, "Or you were carrying her earlier, perhaps you might assist?"
"That is awfully generous of him. As long as this lady is stable, and in good hands, I would be glad to join you as you go tomorrow. I am Vili, Vili Szadro of the Vishki clan. Our troupe has recently arrived in town, but we do have family here in Sandpoint. I am a guide and story teller in our caravan. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.", Vili replies.
"Gillian Flynn, waitress, singer, and now I can add 'occasional slayer of goblins' to my list of credentials," the young woman grins. "As long as boss Ameiko doesn't mind," she says with a wink at the other woman, "I'd be happy to take him up on that offer. You never turn down a free meal!"
Satinder notions his head to the girl being held. "Oh yes! I have no problem helping you carry her Mr. Szadro. I am Satinder Coric, and I believe I already have a room at your establishment Ms. Ameiko, but I am very gracious for the offer." He walks over to Vili to help him carry the girl back to the inn. "As for tomorrow I don't mind joining for lunch, I learned it was best not to refuse a noble offer when I was younger, however at some point tomorrow, I would like to speak with the sheriff and offer help as I had originally intended on doing anyways, should anyone like to join me as well."
Zwain looks at Gillian with an air of skepticism. "You sing, eh? I may have to be the judge of that."
Listening to Baldric, Zwain falls in line with the group. "This man named himself after a hand garment made of the skin of a reynard? Interesting. I will have to meet him."
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Though he missed the initial offer, Baldric gathers from the others' comments that an offer of lodging has been made... "A place to stay?" he asks, "I just arrived this morning and hadn't made any arrangements yet, so that would be great!"
Watching Vili and Satinder work to carry the unconscious girl together he adds, "would you like me to carry her?" as they all move towards the inn.
Vili grunts slightly as he helps Satinder lift the unconscious girl from the ground, "Now then, where might this inn be? You say you have a room there already Satinder? Why don't you lead?"
As the pair start to make their way to the inn, the progress is slow unfortunately due to Vili's hobbling gait. Looking somewhat sheepishly at Baldric, "I think we can manage the weight...but the two of you might be able to get her to her room a bit quicker without my aid. The rocking motion is also probably not doing her wounds much good as they try to mend. If you take my end, I can carry our gear and meet you there." Vili slows even more and offers his burden to Baldric, before picking up his polearm.
Just catching the last snippet of the Chelaxian's comment he shakes his head slightly, "You do have a unique way of looking at things it seems...", he says with a wry smile.
"That's one way to put it," Gillian smirks. "And I may not be a fancy singer from Magnimar like that Allishanda woman, but I've not been booed out of the Dragon yet," she adds with a glance at Zwain. She accompanies the group to the Rusty Dragon, making sure to stay out of the way of those carrying the woman.
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At Gillian's comment, Ameiko seems about to say something...probably another snide comment about Cydrak. But instead she says, "Head on back, I have more to do here. I will be back soon."
It is a dreary walk across town to the Rusty Dragon, several goblins lie dead in the streets. The inn itself seems to have had its welcoming luster, the large iron dragon on the roof seeming to lear over the disheveled citizens.
Inside the mood is sour, visitors and towns folk alike sitting in shock muttering softy over mugs of slowly sipped ale. Bethana is tending to the quite crowd and offers Gillian a welcome smile, with a sigh of relief that help had arrived. The halfling comes over as you enter. "Gillian dear, I am so glad to see you." After a hug she escorts Vili and Satinder up to the room Rhiannon had rented for the week. Only after feeling certain she is resting well do they return down to the common room.
Bethana brings over a try full of ale mugs as the five of you find an empty round table and sit. After a moment a young woman notices you, stares a bit and then says loudly, "It is them, the ones who took on the goblins. I saw 'em fighting in front of the church."
Every set of eyes in the place is now resting on all of you.
Satinder sits there as the entire building sets their eyes upon the table he and the others now sit at. Looking back and forth between the group, he asks quietly to just them "Umm... I'm not quite sure what to do here... Do any of you have a suggestion? All we did was try and help make sure no one was hurt, it could not have been that heroic, was it?"
In a hushed voice, Baldric assures Satinder and the others, "I believe I can handle this..."
Standing up from the table, he addresses the crowd, ""
Smiling, he sits back down and knowingly adds to his stunned compatriots, "that ought to do the trick."
Lowering his head and sighing, Satinder responds to Baldric's statement. "I don't quite think that 'suggesting' payment is the right way to go about it..."
"Did you consider perhaps that they had family among the goblins you slew? Hmmm? Truly, your insensitivity is astronomical."
Zwain reaches over comfortingly to Satinder. "There, there, boy. We can set up an orphaned goblin child charity or some such to make amends. It'll all wash out in the end, you'll see. "
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Gillian chokes and splutters on her drink at Baldric's words, both shocked and amused by his bluntness. "Cheeky b******! You get straight to the point and I like that, but some of us actually live here so I'd be grateful if you wouldn't try taking advantage of the goodwill of my friends and neighbors," she hisses under her breath. Raising her voice to address the rest of the tavern patrons, she says, "We were just doing what any good-natured traveler or citizen fed up with these kneebiters would have done. Don't forget that our brave Sheriff Hemlock and his deputies also played their part in stopping the goblin raid, as well as the lovely and fiery Ameiko! The young woman who ushered Father Zantus to safety and the Shoanti warrior who fell in defense of a town that wasn't his. And all of the brave souls who worked to put out the fires before the entire town went up in smoke. We all did our part today for the defense of Sandpoint," she smiles. "Every town should be so lucky to have citizens and attract visitors of such caliber!"
Satinder joins in with Gillian. "Yes, that's all we are, just brave souls who wanted to make sure everyone was safe, just as much as anyone else who took action to protect this town. I do not believe that entirely classifies us as heroes however..."
Vili blushes slightly at the woman's praise and uncomfortably grabs his mug to take a big drink of ale. Relaxing slightly, as Baldric stands to acknowledge the crowd, Vili promptly chokes and spits his ale across the table. Between coughs, he gives the big man a wide eyed quizzical look. As his coughing subsides, he murmurs to the table, "Sorry, I was not expecting that...", while he tries to regain some of his composure and wipe up some of the spilled ale
Baldric's confusion at Gillian's comments turns to complete shock as Satinder speaks. He leans back from the table and raises his arms to shoulder height in a gesture of frustrated disbelief... "Its like you're trying to make sure we don't get paid!" he barks quietly.
Vili grins towards Baldric, "Well, maybe not get paid for services rendered freely...but I have no doubt the feelings of remorse for not having stood against the goblins will come into play for the townsfolk. My family has counted on the general need of others to 'help out' those who have selflessly made some effort on their behalf...give it time...give it time" he softly adds.
Satinder nods in agreement with Vili. "My brother and sister are the same way. Although it probably helps that the local church in Nybor also houses my family, so payment really is not much of an issue..." he says as he leans back, taking a sip from his mug.
A red eyed farmer stands and points a finger at Baldric, If that is your kind of helpin' we are needin' none of it. Excitin' all those goblins, makin' them chase our women folk and the youngsters...frightened out of their wee briches. True heroes handle their business, keep townsfolk safe, and be endin' the threats. Then you have the gall to stand their askin' for free fixin's, mugs flowin' with ale, and our hard earned coin." He turns his gaze on Gillian,"Tis a good thing the sheriff was here, he is a real hero. He brought down the Chopper and run them goblins right out of Sandpoint tonight, no thanks to the likes of this braggart. I seen you in here a time or two, expected you'd be the type to keep better company. Do you even be knowin' how many died with my Liza tonight?" Overcome with emotion he starts to sob.
"Of all the ungrateful..." Baldric mutters beginning to rise. Then he makes eye contact with Gillian and is reminded of her concern about having to live with theses people and he chooses restraint. Settling sullenly back into his seat, he quietly murmurs, "last time I save this cheap, ungrateful town..."
Satinder looks at the man who yells at Baldric and stands up. "I am sure we all lost some today. I know that we lost a good man who tried to help defend the town. When you look at it though, we all lost something. And that is not worth throwing coin at people. I feel no need to ask for your coin such as this man. Instead, give your coin to those who need it most, the families who've lost loved ones." he finishes saying as he sits back down. Looking towards the rest of the group, he continues quietly towards them. "I may not have much, but it would not feel right taking coin from these folk. Why would I expect payment from something I did of my own freewill?"
Fixing his frustrated gaze on the bowman, Baldric says through gritted teeth, "I can't tell if you've been spoiled by rich parents, or are simply naïve... or maybe your a pretentious ass... but some of us earn our living by putting our lives on the line for others. You may have the luxury of only endangering yourself when it seems noble or utterly necessary but if you could refrain from publicly disparaging my career right in front of me we'll get along a whole lot better."