Hayabusa's B2 The Keep on the Borderlands

[hayabusa]

The Tangra river flows several yards away on your right as your horses and ponies slowly make their way along the trade road. You have all left your homes seeking adventure and wealth beyond what you were able to find at homes and found the fellowship of others along the way.

In the distance, your destination looms above you, still nearly a mile away. On top of a barren hill is a large keep looming in the twilight sky, towers and parapets reaching against the purples and oranges.

The road is eerily quiet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/Sunclan/The_Keep.jpg


I'm feeling generous today, free mounts for all!

[Mordae]

Mogun's pony plods along the trail at the fore of the group, steel shoes slapping rhythmically on the dusty road leading up to the lonely keep. "Aye, lads an' lasses, here it be. Best be findin' a friendly tavern within, unless ye fancy another eve spent dancin' with wolves, ya?" He spares a glance at the humans and elf riding with him, gauging whether they are as road-weary as he himself is, but the pony is already eagerly stretching out the pace to eat up the distance between itself and a well-earned bag of oats.

[ybn1197]

Arional urges his horse forward to bring him up next to Mogun. "This looks as good as any place to stop for the night. Mayhap a night in the tavern will do our spirits fine."

[Mordae]

Mogun grins, exposing rows of bright teeth amid the scraggle of his thick, rust-colored beard. "T'were we ta go on much longer, tree dweller, there wouldn't be no taverns. The last alehouse we passed was six days ago. If this not be the famed Keep, I'd be mighty impressed ta see how many more empty leagues we must be ridin'." He spares a glance back at the two humans riding in the van. "Maybe we need a few more strong arms for this merry band? The lass seems stout enough, but the lad looks a bit green behind the gills."

[erhnamdj]

Denane sits slumped in the saddle. She's short, with shoulder-length wavy red hair. Her fair skin is beginning to freckle, and it's taken on a frightful red hue where exposed to the sun. She's wearing half the armor from a suit of plate, the other half stored away in saddlebags.

"Let's pick a place with some music. I'd like to hear some music, I think. Anything other than the sound of hooves and clinking armor."

[warriorsage]

Anuin sips from his waterskin, swishing it around in his mouth to clear away some of the dust of the road. He nods emphatically in response to Denane's comment.

Agreed. I think it might take weeks for me to taste anything besides dust -- and it leaves that wonderful gritty sensation around your teeth.

He stares longingly at the river for a moment before gargling more water. The mage had not yet adjusted to hard travel, accustomed as he was to a scholar's work. Needless to say, he was hardly a seasoned rider. In fact, it was difficult to call him 'seasoned' in any way, and he tried hard to hide his amazement at the keep ahead. But perhaps he spurs the horse on a little too eagerly, and perhaps his eyes widen just a bit too much. He begins counting the moments until they arrive, and is already dreaming of pleasant lodging upon their arrival.

[hayabusa]

The sun has all but gone down as you make your way up the dusty and narrow slope up towards the keep. Torches are lit outside of the gates as you are stopped by four blue-clad guards. "State your names and business at the keep," he says in a tired and slightly annoyed voice.

[Mordae]

Mogun pulls on the reins, bringing his pony to a halt several paces away from the guards--far enough away that they won't feel the need to draw weapons, but close enough that his ruddy face is clearly visible in the flickering light. His deep voice takes on a sonorous quality as he intones a formal greeting. "Mogun Broadbeard, son of Gorund Broadbeard, clan lord of the lofty mountains. I seek shelter for the night and adventure for the morrow. My traveling companions--Arional the tree-dweller, Anuin the student of magicks, and Denane the blessed of the gods--are of the same purpose." He looks the corporal of the guard full in the face, dark eyes unblinking despite the weariness of the late hour.

[hayabusa]

"Sounds good enough to me," the guard says after giving the group a quick once over. "Besides, Devereau will have our heads if this gate isn't closed right now," he adds. "Be peaceful in the keep at all times, no stealing, you know the basic rules. I'm sure you've heard 'em a million times before." He gestures you into the walls of the keep.

[ybn1197]

Arional looks to Mogun and then the others, shaking his head in an incredulous manner. As they enter the gate he says with a snort, "Could that guard have been less inclined to perform his duties." After entering the keep, he looks about the surroundings hoping to catch a glimpse of a tavern or better yet an inn where they can stable their mounts and get a good night's sleep.

[hayabusa]

As you enter the paved entrance to the keep, you see that the common stables are just a scant 20 feet away. The corporal that rather quickly let you into the gate watches a robed scribe take your names before motioning you through.

"Close the gate!" he calls out to the watchers on the parapets after taking a quick glance at the figure of Denane.

A young groom of about eleven years rushes over to you. "Pretty much always room in the stables, sirs," he says. "A silver a night for the pony. Three for the horses."

EDIT: Here's a map of the outer part of the Keep.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/Sunclan/OuterKeep.jpg

1: Main Gate
2: Flanking Towers
3: Entry Yard
4: Common stables
5: Common warehouses
6: Bailiff's tower
7: Private apartments
8: Blacksmith
9: General store
10: Trader's shop
11: Loan bank
12: Watch towers
13: Fountain square
14: Inn
15: Tavern
16: Guild house
17: Chapel

[Mordae]

Mogun nods glumly as he falls in alongside the elf. "No doubt an unfortunate side effect of life behind walls."

At the page's arrival, the dwarf slides down off his pony, thrusting the reins toward the bodyas he fishes in his pocket for a silver piece. "Done! An' which way be the tavern an' inn, lad? Ridin' be a thirsty business, make ye no mistake."

[hayabusa]

The boy nods. "Take a right at the end of this road," he says, pointing to the south. "Then follow that road to the square," he adds.

[erhnamdj]

A young groom of about eleven years rushes over to you. "Pretty much always room in the stables, sirs," he says. "A silver a night for the pony. Three for the horses."

Denane slips off the horse and hefts the saddlebags onto her shoulder. She hands the groom four silver pieces "Treat him right," she says and smiles. "Make sure he's ready for tomorrow." She pauses, repositioning the saddlebags. "And is there a bath at the inn?"

[Mordae]

Mogun reaches out his hand to give the boy payment for the pony, and when the clasp is completed the page finds five copper pieces in addition to the requested silver. "I have a feelin' ye an' we'll be gettin' well-acquainted, lad. Thank ye for the information, an' don't ye be hesitatin' ta look us up if ye have more ta tell."

Once the group has finished paying the page, Mogun leads off on foot toward the square as indicated by the stablehand, making straight for the tavern.

Dwarves do not let much stand between them and ale, after all.

[ybn1197]

Arional silently pays the boy, adding an extra silver to ensure proper care of his horse. He then follows the others. Though the thought of ale to quench his thirst and a soft bed for the night appealed to him, the idea of staying behind stone walls raised his ire a bit. No doubt the ale will help alleviate the anxiety.

[hayabusa]

The boy gives a large grin as he sees his tip and scampers off with the mounts. "I'll take real good care of them tonight!"

As you walk down the road, you can see that the majority of the shops are beginning to close, customers headed out with wares in their hands. The few commoners that make this small keep their home head to their homes. It doesn't take long for you to reach the fountain square, the inn to the north and the tavern to the east.

[Mordae]

Mogun's steady pace does not slacken as he strides straight toward the tavern door, thrusting it open to reach the welcome warmth and light from within. He immediately seeks out a table large enough for his companions as near to the center of the night's crowd as possible, so as to overhear any bits of information that might be forthcoming. As soon as possible thereafter, he flags down a server. "Ale, an' a bit of whatever's on the spit," he asks, trying not to allow his eagerness for food to seem overly brusque but failing all the same. "An' fer my friends, whatever suits their stomachs."

[erhnamdj]

"An ale for me," Denane says. "And do you have accommodations for travelers?"

[hayabusa]

"Probably," the barkeep says as he gets your ale. "That'll be a half-silver each," he says of the drinks. [color=blue]"My brother owns the inn, I just run the tavern," he adds.

[warriorsage]

Anuin is quiet as the party rides into the keep, staring up in awe at the fortifications. He hardly pays any attention while paying the stableman to care for his mount, collecting his travelling gear to prevent theft. He follows Mogun and the others to the inn, tossing a coin onto the table to cover a pint of ale. Relaxed, he finally seems to let his guard down. The mage gazes around the tavern to take stock of the different faces.

[hayabusa]

While drinking in the tavern, you hear that there are goblinoids in the nearby caves and that "Bree-yark" is their words for "We surrender".

The people in the tavern seem to be a very mixed bunch. Commoners from the town mingle with leather and metal armor clad adventurers such as yourselves.

[erhnamdj]

How many other adventurers are there?

[hayabusa]

About five, I'd say. Mostly humans, but there is another elf in the bar as well as a dwarf.

[Mordae]

Mogun smiles his appreciation to the barkeep as he accepts his tankard and takes a deep draught. Turning to his companions, he says in a voice a bit louder than necessary--hopefully loud enough to catch the ears of the other adventurers in the room, without being overly brash. "So, this be the place ta test one's mettle against the servants o' chaos. The four o' us might not have enough muscle ta do it alone. An' perhaps someone with guile, ta check for traps an' secret dangers..." He looks appraisingly at his allies, offering up the floor for any additional comments or concerns.

[ybn1197]

Arional smirks at his companion's comment, brash but to the point. "Agreed," Arional says, matching the dwarf's tone. "Of course the worst thing we could do is hire someone who doesn't know he way around a padlock."

[hayabusa]

It takes nearly a minute before a human male stands up from his chair at the far corner of the room, setting his mug of ale down on the table before heading your way. He's about Anuin's height and has very light brown hair. He gives a slight smile to you all.

"I, uh, couldn't help but hear that you all are in need of a specialist..." he says.

[Mordae]

Mogun smiles to his companions, a bit of now, that wasn't so hard hinting about his bearded face. "Indeed, we are, lad. Who might we have the pleasure o' buyin' the next drink for, an' what be your 'specialties'?" He pauses before making introductions, although in a somewhat less grand fashion than at the gate.

[hayabusa]

"Name's Tomas," he states. "As for my abilities, I'm not bad opening locks and the finding and disposing of traps. Well, better than you lot'd be." He grabs the ale that was purchased for him and gives a nod of thanks after taking a drink.

"Now, if you're impressed with that, let's talk price..."

[ybn1197]

Arional looks at the others to make sure there is no obvious signs of disinterest with Tomas. Seeing none, he nods towards an open chair. "Have a seat and we'll talk."

[warriorsage]

Anuin attempts to feign disinterest in Tomas, but it's obvious to the others that he hasn't the first clue about what the man's discussing. He sips awkwardly from his ale and shuffles in his seat.

[Mordae]

Mogun takes another drink of ale before setting his tankard down and lacing his fingers together; he rests his hands atop the table and regards Tomas squarely. "It be a simple matter, Tomas. We need someone ta be removin' hazards that the forces o' chaos might be usin' ta guard themselves or their treasure. We won't be expectin' ye ta brave dangers alone or ta lead the charge, but we will be expectin' ye ta defend yerself an' assist in defendin' the group, when the fightin' starts. Ye treat us fairly an' we'll treat ye fairly; a half-share o' the treasure an' a twenty gold piece advance for buyin' supplies."

[hayabusa]

"I agree to the half-share," Tomas says, "but it's the advance that I'm not all that pleased with. I'd say 30."

[Mordae]

"Hmm," Mogun replies to the counter-offer. "We'll have ta think about that. This be but our first day in the Keep, an' we've spent a fair penny on the road. Would there be any other consideration ye be seekin' if we can't afford yer advance?"

[erhnamdj]

Denane breaks in: "A half share? You mean half of your share, don't you, Mogun?"

[warriorsage]

Anuin clears his throat.

"I, uh...I could offer some too, so it's not just Mogun. Never hurts to have too many friends, you know."

If pressed, Anuin will even offer to pay the 30 gold advance himself, but only if the others agree to an even split of the treasure, with a half share for Tomas. He'll affect a cheerful attitude to try and win over his companions.

[Mordae]

The dwarf turns to regard the cleric, furling his bushy eyebrows into a dark knot above his nose. "No, I mean a half share o' the proceeds, splittin' the take four an' a half ways. If ye got a problem with that, ye can go out in front an' search for traps yerself." Without another word on that matter, he gives a more amiable nod to Anuin's offer of assistance to the cause of winning over the much-needed specialist.

[ybn1197]

Arional watches the discussion between Mogun and Denane. At least this time it isn't the dwarf and I, he thinks to himself and smirks. With a low voice, he says to the others, "My purse is very light at the moment, a trek here has nearly depleted what I possess. I agree to the half share for Tomas but there is little I can spare for his supplies."

[hayabusa]

As you discuss payment for him, you can see that Tomas is doing his best to feign disinterest in your words. The thief takes a few sips from his mug and watches the ale swirl, his eyes shifting back to you all and then back to the drink just a second too slow to prevent you from noticing.

[erhnamdj]

"But why in the world would you start negotiations at a full half of everything?"

[Mordae]

Mogun's brows are already a single dark line across his wrinkled forehead, but he tries his best to knit them further. Were humans really this way, he wondered? His voice comes out as a gravelly growl. "In my lands, we pay a fair wage for fair work. It builds trust an' loyalty. Now, did ye come all this way ta fight or ta talk? If ye want ta be hagglin' all day, I've little doubt the rest o' us can find a healer ta take yer full share for the venture."

[ybn1197]

"Easy friends," Arional interjects. "I agree, a half share may seem excessive, however none of us have the specialties required to perform the expected tasks, and it would be suicidal to proceed without someone who can." In a lower tone, Arional adds "After all, we are asking him to put his life on the line at an equal risk. It should only be fair that he is duly compensated."

[erhnamdj]

"And I'm sure saying all that out loud where he can hear it is going to get him to accept a lower rate."

[erhnamdj]

"And I'm sure saying all that out loud where he can hear it is going to get him to accept a lower rate."

[Mordae]

Mogun shrugs, his muscled shoulders rising and falling to the accompaniment of jingling buckles and armor studs. "Aye, lass, an' complainin' about the value o' his skills will certainly endear ye ta him when the time comes ta stand back ta back against the mighty forces o' chaos. If ye want ta be hagglin', now, be my guest. I'd rather have a good drink, an' a good meal, an' a good bed, an' be ready ta set out in the mornin'."

[hayabusa]

"Look," Tomas says, interrupting the discussion in front of him, "I didn't mean to cause such a disagreement. I'll take the original offer. Tell the truth, I have a few things stashed away in my room. Besides, what I hear about those Caves to the northeast..."

"Caves?' a regular says with a snort. "I'd say we've more to worry about those Lizardmen in that swamp..."

[erhnamdj]

Denane leans over to the dwarf. "I say we ditch the rogue and head on over to the swamps. I wouldn't expect any traps from the likes of lizardmen. And there's no reason to give away half our take if there's no need."

[ybn1197]

"I have to disagree my friend. Though I wouldn't expect mechanical traps from the lizardmen, I would believe them to use traps of other kinds, concealed traps. I believe we are going to need a rouge's skills regardless of the venture we take. And we are not agreeing to half the take. He will get half of a share."

[hayabusa]

"You know, I can hear you..." Tomas says as he lays a mug on the bar. "Look, I can tell that you're new to the hiring game and I'm new at being hired. Point is, there's stuff that I can do that you can't and likewise. You hire me, you get someone more trustworthy than half of the people here with my skills."

[Mordae]

Mogun offers Tomas a lopsided grin. "Aye, lad, 'tis good ta know we're workin' with a true professional an' none o' them schlubs. Truth be told, I hadn't planned on one o' me travelin' companions objectin' ta a fair share, or we would be havin' this conversation elsewhere." He turns his coal-dark eyes toward Denane. "How about we offer ye first pick o' the magical trinkets we be findin', lass? Will that help assuage yer sense o' right an' wrong?"

[erhnamdj]

"It's been a long day," Denane says. "I'm sure I just need a good night's sleep." She raises her mug to Tomas. "No hard feelings."

[warriorsage]

Anuin will go on to bed as soon as his comrades retire, waking early in order to memorize his spell.

[ybn1197]

Arional nods his head, satisfied that everyone can agree on an appropriate outcome. "So, the caves or the swamps? I think we should investigate the caves."

[Mordae]

Mogun's wrinkly face relaxes into a broder grin as the atmosphere seems to lighten. "I too will vote for the caves, as any proper dweller under the mountain should."

[hayabusa]

"All right, the Caves it is," Tomas says. He pulls out a rough map of the area, and traces the road you've been travelling on past the keep, until it comes between two forests nearly 4,000 yards away from the settlement. "This is around where the caves are," he says, moving around the left hand portion of the trail. "Several caves based on what's been reported: according to most of the people here, they've never been explored by those that lived to tell the tale... Obviously, since we know that there are caves, that's not exactly true. Doesn't mean that they can't be deadly, or if we can even get there safely..."

[Mordae]

Mogun looks at the map carefully, his eyes scanning over the contours of the land and the features thereon. "This be a treasure in itself, lad," he breathes. "An hour or two's hike down the road, then a bit o' wanderin' in the woods. We'll probably want ta find the caves on the first day, then fall back a bit an' make camp before tacklin' them fresh the next mornin'."

[erhnamdj]

Denane will go to her room and get some sleep.

[hayabusa]

It is almost nine hours later that the sun rises over the keep, bringing the residents and guests out of their slumber. As you exit your rooms, you can already hear the other patrons of the inn planning to head to the tavern and get some breakfast, while a small trading company argues with each other that they should make their way back to the next largest city.

As you descend the stairs, you see Tomas exit his room.

[Mordae]

Mogun comes out of his room fully arrayed in heavy leather armor, studded with black iron knots for additional protection. Strapped to his back are a burgeoning leather pack, a plain rectangular shield, and a wickedly sharp battle axe. He manages to maneuver down the stairs without touching any of the walls, and offers a slight smile to Tomas as he passes into the common room.

Mogun orders a large breakfast of sausage, bread, and cheese, then returns to the same table the group had sat at the previous day to await the arrival of the other members. He swivels his chair around so he can sit astride it rather than unbuckling all of the gear carried on his broad shoulders.

[warriorsage]

Anuin smiles as he sits down in front of an impressively hearty breakfast ... it's perhaps a bit much for someone of his build. Nevertheless, he tackles it without much trouble, his appetite roaring after the long journey they'd had.

Once he's eaten, Anuin will collect his belongings, prepare his magic, and join his comrades for the next leg of the trek. He feels too inexperienced to speak up confidently about their destination, and looks more than a little worried.

[erhnamdj]

Denane goes about her morning business, then joins the others for breakfast. "Tomas, do you have a mount of some kind?"

[Mordae]

Mogun chuckles as he gnaws on the end of his bread. "He'll probably be draggin' his feet on the ground if he shares my pony, that be sure!" Seeing the elf has not made an appearance yet, the dwarf casts a dark-eyed glance toward the top of the stairs.

[ybn1197]

Arional makes his way down the stairs, cinching his gear in place. He looks to his companions and nods to each in turn. He orders a light meal and sits down to eat it quickly, knowing the others have been waiting for him. "I trust all had a decent nights rest in preparation for our excursion," he says with a smile.

[hayabusa]

Tomas smiles and says that he's had a horse staying at the stables for past few days.

The trek down the road takes only an hour. The river to your right comes to a quick bend that nearly touches the road before veering off once again to the south, while the large hill to the north begins to head towards a smaller one to the east. It is there, from what you've gathered, that the infamous Caves of Chaos lie.

"I think we should be on our guard..." Tomas says as he looks around.

OOC: Everyone roll a d6 for me, please.

[ybn1197]

Arional

[roll0]

[Mordae]

Mogun nods grimly as he rides his pony along the dusty road. He reaches back and loosens his axe in its sling, ready to bring it to bear at a moment's notice. "How far you think we are from the caves now, lad?"

[roll0]

[erhnamdj]

Here you go: [roll0]

[hayabusa]

"Wait, I think I hear something..." Tomas says as he stops his horse and holds up a hand. Denane hears the same thing: a slight singing in an odd language and the sound of rustling coming from the forest to your left. About 75 feet in front of you, a small party of five goblins walk out of the forest, two of them carrying a large deer hanging from a stick. They pause as they see you and begin to stammer in their language.

OOC: And I need another d6 for initiative. The group's average will be compared to the average of the five goblins.

Tomas: [roll0]
Goblin 1: [roll1]
2: [roll2]
3: [roll3]
4: [roll4]
5: [roll5]

[Mordae]

Mogun whips the battle axe from his back to grip it squarely in one meaty paw. "Looks like lunch is served!" he growls as he makes ready to spur his pony on.

[roll0]

[erhnamdj]

"Do you really want to start a fight with someone who has done us no harm? We've not been hired as forest rangers. It would be easy enough to wave them on."

[roll0]

[ybn1197]

Arional glares at Denane. "Suffer not a goblin to live," he says as he pulls out his sword.

[roll0]

[warriorsage]

Initiative Roll: [roll0]

Anuin stares warily at Mogun and reins in his horse, wary of other goblins that might be unseen.

[hayabusa]

At the sight of the heavily armed men on horseback, the goblins freeze for a slight second before quickly throwing the dead deer down on the ground before fleeing back towards the forest on the right.

OOC: Party's up, Tomas goes after the PCs.

[Mordae]

OOC: Fleeing which way? I'm a bit confused since they emerged from the left and are fleeing "back to the right".

Mogun snorts in disgust and glances to his companions. "If we pursue, it's a trap. If we don't, it be a warnin' ta the others. Damnable greenskins." He gives a heavy, jingling shrug. "Best return ta the plan, I say."

[hayabusa]

OOC: The goblins did enter the road from the left, saw you all and fled to the right side of the road. The "back" part of the text was just a mistake on my part.

[Mordae]

Mogun spurs his pony up along the road, hoping to either drive the goblins into full retreat or into melee. Dwarves are rarely interested in running battles, after all.

[erhnamdj]

Denane's not going to be the first to act. She'll wait until there's bloodshed, holding out hope that it can be avoided. She mutters a few prayers while waiting.

[hayabusa]

OOC: Anyone else going to act?

[ybn1197]

Not willing to be outdone by the dwarf, Arional spurs his horse on in a friendly race against Mogun and his pony to be the first to confront the fleeing goblins.

[hayabusa]

While the others continue their likely vain attempt to run, one of the goblin hunters turns and aims his bow at Arional and fires off a quick shot at the charging warrior.

[roll0] to attack (Hits AC 1)
[roll1] for damage.

[Mordae]

Mogun chuckles as the elf earns an arrowing for his eagerness. The burly dwarf presses the charge, running down the goblin who was foolish enough to pause for a shot. One mighty swing of the battle axe comes scything through the cool air.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[ybn1197]

More aggravated than anything else that some goblin thought to use him as a pin-cushion, Arional spurs his mount on further to catch the fleeing goblins, leaving the archer to the capable hands of the dwarf.

[hayabusa]

Mere seconds after Arional is shot by the archer goblin, Mogun ends his life with a quick swing of his axe.

A crossbow bolt flies through the air, going right between the two as Tomas, the hired thief takes a shot at the back goblin that was carrying the deer. The bolt hits the goblin in the back, killing it in an instant.

Anuin remains where he is, hesitant to use a precious spell unless it is absolutely necessary.

[roll0] Attack roll at +1 missile adjust.
[roll1] damage

[Mordae]

Mogun raises his blood-drenched axe in a salute to Tomas's marksmanship as he barrels on toward the remaining three goblins. If they get too far in the forest that the dwarf can no longer see his companions, he breaks off the pursuit and returns to the road. Otherwise, assuming he can get close enough to catch one...


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[erhnamdj]

Denane sighs, then gets out her warhammer. "Fine." She'll charge forward and swing at a goblin.

OOC: You can roll for me.

[hayabusa]

[roll0]
[roll1]

Denane manages to just hit the goblin she charges at, but only manages a very glancing blow.

[Mordae]

Mogun waves Arional on. "The last one be for ye, lad! Leave not a warnin' for the others!"

[ybn1197]

Arional smirks at Moguns words even as he attacks the final goblin.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[hayabusa]

Tomas stays where he is and quickly reloads his light crossbow, taking aim and firing off at the remaining goblin.

[roll0]
[roll1]

The shot goes wide of its target and impacts on the dropped deer a few feet away, causing the thief to let out a short curse.

The remaining goblin quickly pulls out his short sword and slices at Arional. (Hits AC 5 for 1 damage)

[Mordae]

Mogun wheels his pony and rides to the assistance of Denane. His axe drips goblin blood as he aims a careful swing while riding his pony along a path that avoids colliding with his ally.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[hayabusa]

Mogun aims his battleaxe directly at the goblin's head and if the creature hadn't moved just slightly, the slight scalp wound that he just received would have cut his head off.

[ybn1197]

Arional swears under his breath, "Suffer not a goblin to live... But this one just refuses to DIE!" He hefts his sword again and swings to take the goblin down.

THAC0: 18 attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]