The messengers

[amanodel]

Chapter I. - The road to the Elf forest

You have all read the letter, altough you know what's going on already. The Burubu started to send legions to Nabarria ten years ago. They have conquere and settled in the south of the island centuries before, and after a stalemate situation, they are on the move again, heading for Dwarfland, to seize their famous mithral. A pity there are some towns in their way. Wolverineton is such a town. The lord of the Regency, Archduke William is away in Birminstone, which is reaported to be already under siege. Wolverineton currently hosts two militias, which are too weak to have even the slightest chance against a Burubu legion. You know Shean D'Raylee, the captain of the arms. He's a stong man despite his hair already begun to turn white, and the Archduke gave him full authority with the town's defense before leaving.

You came to the Mayor's house to register for the task. There are seven of you, who volunteered to deliver the letter to Elfland. The light rain just stopped as you reached the Mayor's house. Few people were on the streets, mostly peasants and craftsmen, passing by. A servant was waiting for you at the door of the manor, altough he didn't let you in until four o'clock.

Please come in. The lord is waiting for you. - the servant asked you, altough he eyed with the elves with barely hidden dislike in his face.

The servant guides you to the hall, where the army captain is sitting behind a large oak table, writing a letter. As you notices you, he finishes the letter and after folding it, puts it into an envelope and seals it with his signet ring. The man is quite impressive, and has a rather solid built, despite his age. He wears his steel armor even in his "office", along with some red and yellow cloths, the colours of the Archduke. An armed soldier stands guard near the door, leaning against the wall. He looks at the elves and the dwarf with distrust, but says nothing.

Well met, brave souls. - Shaen greets you all, but his eyes hang on Kaz Qualther for some time. - You know well the importance and the difficulty of this task, yet you volunteered, and I'm truly grateful for this.

Regrettably, I can't send my soldiers on this task, the Burubu must not become aware of our plans. Time and secrecy is of essence. But before we get to the details, why wouldn't we introduce ourselves? As you might very well know, I am Shaen D'Raylee, head officer of the defense forces of Wolverineton, Lord of Lower Chesterdale.

He looks at you, waiting for your intoductions. Meanwhile, a pretty, young human girl comes in with a bottle of wine and cups, offering you a drink. She smiles at you, especially at Eammon and Dafydd, and her face turns a little red.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon remains quiet as he gathers with the others and is led into the mayor's residence. He is used to the looks of contempt on people's faces. It makes him angry but he has learned to look straight ahead and hide his feelings. He is pleasantly surprised to find another elf in the party. He can't help feeling excited and nervous about the mission especially when as the Captain speaks. He tries hide that too though not as successfully.

Naturally he notices the girl and smiles shyly at her but looks away quickly. It's awkward being an elf in human lands. This is not the first human girl who he has met eyes with. In fact her mother may have looked at him the same way in passing many years ago. But every sweet smile from a young girl was followed by scores of warning scowls from her friends and family.

He remembers his mother's warning when they first entered a human town, more than 100 years ago, "Always be careful Eammon. We are only visitors in this land."

He picks up the wine from the girl and gives a sideways glance to Daffyd before stepping foreward to the Captain and saying, "I am Eammon Longsight my lord. My bow and skills are at your service. Long have we, elves and men, suffered under the oppression of the invaders."

He pauses to look at the goblin an dwarf and continues, "But they threaten us all. I am sure, once we get word to my people, that they will help send help my lord."

Then turning to his new companions he says, "Well met fellow messengers. I pledge myself to you all as well if you are willing to lend your arms against our common enemy."

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd strolls easily into the mayor's house, taking stock of the others. Quite a group, he muses, with an inward smirk. He ignores the portman's obvious contempt. Those who judge others based solely on race are generally not worth befriending. To the serving girl, he gives a kind, reassuring smile and thankful nod; a pretty face is, after all, not lost on him.

Upon hearing Shaen's words, and after Eammon speaks, Dafydd stands forward. I am Dafydd Fennswyth. On my honor, I will fight with my life to see these usurpers brought to justice for their crimes. He nods confidently at Eammon, I'm sure our kinsmen will be sympathetic to your plight. We might just as easily thank your townspeople for your willingness to fight against this common enemy. At any rate, my sword is yours. He bows before the mayor and Shaen, evoking a commanding yet graceful demeanor.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick Kaine

Lorrick had arrived in mid-morning at the Lord's house, but waited patiently until 4 to ask for entry. The previous day, he had sold all of his possessinos that would no longer be useful.

As he entered the Lord's house, he slipped the hood of his dark brown cloak off of his head. His face was weathered, and despite the fact that he was only 24, he looked to be in his mid-thirties. He had a deep scar down the left side of his face, running from near where his ear attached to his head down to the jaw line. Those of you who would have attended a prizefight might recognize him, as he had been working as a brawler to earn his living. He had never been a champion, but had played the spoiler on occasion.

As he made his way to the meeting room, he ran his fingers through his hair nervously. When he arrived, he moved over to the wall and leaned against it, as if sitting would make him uncomfortable. He unshoulered his backpack though, and set it at his feet, unwilling to bear its weight when he didn't have to.

As the meeting starts, Lorrick listens and nods at the Lord's words. He clearly agreed that something had to be done. When the young lady enters the room with wine, Lorrick declines the beverage. The more observant among you would notice that he always looked away from the woman, as if her presence was causing him pain.

When it is time for introductions, Lorrick hesitates. The elves spoke up quickly. Probably cause they are used to justifying their presence. Lorrick felt no such obligation, but nevertheless, when the room fell silent, he took the opportunity to identify himself.

I am Lorrick Kaine. I have lived here for three years, under your protection. To volunteer now is the least I could do. Besides, I am familiar with the area forests from my youth. May we have a safe and speedy journey.

With that, Lorrick falls silent again, relaxing against the wall, waiting for the others.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz Qualther
Kaz walks into the mayor's room last and stays to the rear of the group, watching his new companions. Interesting crew. When the group fell silent again after Lorrick's introduction, Kaz hesitated for a few moments, seeing if anyone would speak up. When no one did, he decided to introduce himself.
Hello Shaen. It's been a while. Looking to the group, Kaz smiles. I'm Kaz Qualther. It's nice to meet all of you.
Kaz declines a drink from the girl and rests leaning on the wall, his eyes focused on the captain of the guard. I wonder what Shaen wants. I'll have to check in later.

[tonberryking]

Cannol

The wildest of the bunch, a rather tall barrel chested fellow with lavender eyes and even more wild red hair that bears a few braids over his scalp, seems almost nonchalant as he leans back in his chair. Held in one hand crossed over his chest, as a king would would a scepter, is a darkwood staff that looks barely a few inches too thick than a normal stave ought. Pelts and hide are his armaments, adding to the feral look of his sharp hawk like nose and narrow eyes. All that he's missing is a beard; incongruously his angular face (almost elven in terms of it) seems unable to produce facial hair.

He was more interested in looking the way of the serving maid (and his hand noticeably moved when she past him as if he nearly followed through with the notion to cop a feel but felt it prudent to save the act for later) than the talk of invaders it seemed, but when the wine was passed and the others began to introduce themselves, he resigns himself to the task at hand. ...No, no the OTHER task.

Cannol Emberleaf of the Warmblood druids, yer captainship. I've had right enough of sharin' the land with these invaders so I'm here to aid these fellows in doin' something about it. They can rest easier knowin' I'm to lend them my strength.

He laughs aloud at his own 'humor' and drinks deeply, an almost surprising act as one would think a druid would abstain.. or at least water the stuff down.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

The goblin amongst the others has the lean, predatory look of a wolf. As they are escorted in, he flips the wide-brimmed hat back to hang over his back, revealing coarse black hair atop blood red skin. He seems unaccustomed to the finery of the Mayor's residence, but doesn't allow it to put him in an agitated state.

Finally, after most of the others have had their turns, the goblin speaks. "Ah'm Ozzgar the Wolf, o' the Stooart Clan. It'd be mah pleasure ta help put any kind a thorn inta dem bastards. Mah bow and mah blade and hammer are yers. We'll get through tha lines, 'fore tha bastards ken anythin' 'boot us." His jaw closes with an audible click, as the goblin's sharp teeth settle into their natural positions.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon is visibly impressed as Daffyd speaks and begins to smile at him but looks away before anyone catches him staring.

He studies each speaker in turn. Kaz's informality when he speaks almost make Eammon's jaw drop open but he regains his composure quickly.

He pays close attention to the Goblin, trying to understand his northern accent and what he means by the Burubus "booting" us.

Then he turns and waits for the dwarf to speak. He remembers his mother telling him long ago, "You can learn many things from dwarves, Eammon. How much patience you have, for instance."



(( OOC: For clarity I'll use green for elven and blue for common though in this case it's just fluff as the character did not speak. ))

[Dethcom1]

Dagg Undershot

As Dagg walks into the room he ignores to the point of denying the existence of the armed soldier giving him the looks, and scowls, as far as anyone else can tell, at the "opulence" around him. He wears dusty clothes, marred by dried blood, and scale mail armor missing more than a few scales. Very little of his face is visible, hidden from the top by an unkempt growth of thick black hair and from the bottom by an equally unruly beard. He has three thick scars crossing from left temple to chin, and an eyepatch over his left eye socket.

He is silent as everyone else speaks - after they make their introductions, he swallows his wine in a single gulp and says, "I am Dagg, of the Undershot clan. I bear no love for those who would desecrate the lands of my people, or the lands of my people's allies. I shall fight with all the strength I can muster, as will my father," he lifts his left-hand ax, bearing an obvious crack in the blade, though still functional, "and his father before him," and he lifts his right-hand ax, a more ornate and well-maintained blade.

He then falls into a stony silence.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz smiles to himself when the introductions are finished. He is awed by the group's apparent resolve to destroy the invaders, and is also impressed by the formality of the elves, despite the fact that he doesn't feel he needs to show much. Cannol's humor isn't lost on him, and he chuckled to himself slightly after hearing it. Kaz recognized Lorrick after he took down his hood. "I feel better about this mission with you here, Lorrick. I've made a good bit of coin wagering on your strength." Still smiling, Kaz turns his gaze back to Shaen. "Any further instructions sir?" ,he asks, shifting his weight on the wall.

[amanodel]

After listening to your introductions, Lord Shean nods.

Good... Now, where were we... - The old soldiers falls into silence, and after a short time, he continues, rubbing his chin.

Kaz Qualther, I hereby trust you with this letter, and nominate you for the leader of this mission. Your past services were appreciated by our Lord. - He walks over to Kaz, and putting his hand on the human's shoulder, he gives the letter and a map to Kaz.

Defend it even at the cost of your lives, and don't let anyone else read it, save for the most high-ranking elves. Should it fall in the hands of anyone else, especially the Burubu, destroy it before.

I give you this map. You probably won't need it in our lands. This is the most accurate map we could get from the elf forest and the borderlands, but if only half of the legends are true about the forest, you'll need to use your wits more than this map.

The paper shows a really detailed map about the Regency, a less detailed one about the borderlands, and only a few routes and places in the elves' land, often marked by quetion marks. The borderlands are inhabited mostly by humans and halfelves, living in little villages around forests, but only a few word came from there since the recent invasion begun.

You shall leave tomorrow dawn. I will have prepared some supplies for you, you can take them from the militia headquarters at the edge of the town before you leave.

Here's this signet ring, to prove that you're acting in the Regency's behalf, should it be needed. - he gives Kaz the ring. It looks like an ordinary silver ring, but a hidden mechanism lets you reveal the emblem of the Regency hidden in it.

Any question you would like to ask?

[Dethcom1]

Dagg Undershot

Dagg is somewhat surprised at their immediate acceptance for such an important mission, and subsequently seems grateful for that. He shifts his feet nervously, obviously eager to leave.

"I have one - who are we to report to in elven lands? And where should we find whomever it is?

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd takes stock of each of his new compatriots in turn, and is greatly pleased by the overall demeanor among them. He was in truth glad a kobold signed up for the quest. He hadn't seen many kobolds since leaving the elf forest but always found them and their curious ways to be highly interesting and entertaining. Kaz, apparently having done some of this type of reconnaisance work in the past, would presumably be a good choice for leader. He had no questions, perhaps aside from idly wondering about the identity of the serving girl, so he sidles over to Ozz and whispers "I hope that's a decent map, because I have an awful sense of direction."

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

The red-skinned goblin grins at the elf. He leans forward and replies, "Ack, laddie. Nae worries! Ah'm a fair hand at scootin' an' travelin' tha wilds. Ah'll nae letya git loost. 'Sides, seems a cuppla these lads mite be useful in tha same!" Ozz says with a surprisingly solid slap - coming from one so small - to Daffydd's knee. "Mah only concern is dat I mite be a touch overloaded fer wot we'll need ta be doin'. When ah wuz shoppin', ah 'spected ta be huntin' alone. Now mah plans've changed, an' here ah be," he pats the three quivers of newly fletched arrows he has around his person.

"Anyway," he begins, then continues in curiously accented elven, "It'll be a pleasure to travel with some of the fair folk!" Ozz bows in an imitation of courtly graces.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick looks over the map, appraising it for accuracy, forming a general opinion about it.

[roll0]

After he has finished appraising the map, he continues.

It will do. Even if it isn't accurate, we look to be capable. What are the last scouting reports on the road? Any known spots of trouble? And have there been any orcs sighted recently?

Lorrick asks that last question with particular curiosity.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Still unsure about most of what the Goblin has said, Eammon bows and smiles back politely at Ozz.

"Do not speak without reason Eammon," his mother would say.

Satisfied with all the members of the group, Eammon is content to listen and watch as he sips the wine.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

"My only question is to the group." He turns to them and gives a slightly sheepish grin. "It's been a while since I have been to the elvish lands, and diplomatics aren't exactly my specialty. Would someone else care to do the talking?" He then looks quizzingly at Lorrick for a moment. I haven't heard of orcs on the roads here for some time. Ah well, maybe he heard a rumor that I hadn't yet.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd steps forward to answer Kaz. "I can assuredly vouch for our company in the elven lands, for my part. I hail from Sacred Tree originally, and my people would presumably welcome me back." He grins humorously. "And you, Eammon, from what part of the Forest have you come?"

[GimliFett]

Ozz the Wolf

The goblin chuckles at Kaz's question. "Ah kin speak thare language, boot Ah'm not one fer pretty words, lad. Ah kin getya thar and Ah kin protec' ya, boot sommun else'll hafta do tha talkin'."

[ag30476]

Eammon

In reponse to Daffyd's question Eammon clears his throat says, "On the black day when Cardiff fell to invaders from the sea, my family sought refuge in these lands of the Regency for which we are in debt to his highness, the Archduke, and his fathers before him. We settled in a small dale not three days walk from Wolverinton. I confess to knowing no forest except the common woods near our home.


And he adds cautiously, thinking that Daffyd might be otherwise occupied this evening, "But if you would be kind enough to indulge me cousin when we have more time, perhaps on our travel, I would deign ask you a few questions regarding Sacred Tree. News from the Elven Forest is so rare here."

[amanodel]

Lorrick can see that this map is really amongst the best ones you can get in Nabarria. No doubt that the Cussilians with their precise astronomical tools could make better ones, but a place as mystical as the elf forest is not easy to be mapped.

Shaen shakes his head.

Regrettaably, I don't know who is responsible for the elven armies, but you should find him, most possibly their king, or the council of elders, or their high priest. Our contact with the elves has been very poor for a while.

Burubu legions were reported to be moving around Hereford and Clouchester, and Birminstone is about to be sieged anytime. You must beware of them, as they might have scouting parties or spies along the main roads.

After you're done talking about the details of the mission, Shaen shaked hands with all of you, and the servant guided you outside. Time has passed with the talking, the sun already started to settle down, giving the whole scenerio a deep red hue. Everything seemed to be... peaceful.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd nods sympathetically at Eammon's story. "Indeed, we fight both for the land of my people and the land of your family. It will strengthen our efforts ten times over, to be sure. I will gladly tell you of the Forest, though I've been absent over a year now." Then, to everyone present, "If any of you have need, my pack is near empty, and while I don't mean to sound arrogant, I can carry more weight if anyone feels overburdened."

Dafydd spends a fair portion of the evening swapping tales with Eammon and anyone else who cares to, about whatever he knows of elven traditions and his experiences in the Forest, and his notion that they, as a company of adventurers, were bound for greatness.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

The kilted goblin saunters up to Dafydd. "Ah doon't s'pose ya cood carry mah extra quivers, nae? It'd sure lighten mah lood fer scootin', lad. An' 'less we get inta a fair mess, Ah doot Ah'd need more'n one at a time," Ozz chuckles as he grins his wolf's grin. "If ya kin do dat plus mah pack Ah'd be set fer sure an' Ah'd be obliged."

The goblin tilts his head to the side, much reminiscent of a wolf, and waits for the elf's reply.

Dafydd: The quivers'll drop 3 pounds from my weight, plus the pack and non-essential gear within it, another 9.875 pounds. Can ya handle 13 pounds o' gear? :smallsmile:

[ag30476]

Eammon

If nothing else happens that night...Eammon, more than happy to spend time with Daffyd, listens attentively as the paladin speaks late into the night. When its time to leave, he returns to his private room at the inn. It's more expensive but he prefers not to make others uncomfortable by his presence. He writes what may be his last letter to parents before settling down to his nightly meditation. He gets up before dawn, checks out, asks the innkeeper to deliver his letter and gets to the appointed departure point eagerly awaiting the rest of the messengers.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"Certainly, my good kobold, of the...Stoo-art clan, was it?" He securely fastens the goblin's pack to his own, and squeezes the extra quivers in with his spare arrows as well.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

Ozz chuckles and shakes his head. "Nae, lad. Close, though. Stooart. Allta-gether. Stooart. Heh. Ah think ye'll have plenny o' time ta work on it, nae?"

He makes sure the rest of his gear is secure, but ready for a easy access: the potions go into his belt pouch, as does a single flask of oil, a small steel mirror and several pieces of chalk. His longbow he keeps in hand, and his remaining quiver is tight along his left hip. Hanging from his belt are a scimitar and a warhammer.

After managing his remaining gear, the goblin looks up at Dafydd."Ah'll need ta get one thing outta mah pack 'fore we leave in tha mornin'. Gotta get properly attir'd!" he says with a bark of laughter.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz listens to Daffyd for a while, thinking that learning a little more about where he is going is a good idea. He decided to leave the group and go to bed early, in order to prepare for what tomorrow could hold. Reminding himself of what he had thought earlier, he changed his mind about turning in early and decided to check on any new rumors, particularly any involving orcs or recent invader activity.

Gather Information: [roll0]

After checking the gossip wire, Kaz finally decides to hit the hay. The next morning he gets to the meeting point about an hour early, reasoning If I'm supposed to be a leader or something I should be there before the rest of the group.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Sleep never came easy to Lorrick, so he found himself wandering the paths of Wolverineton, remembering his time there. When it came time to sleep, he found a quiet place and napped til dawn. He arrived prepared for the road, with an assortment of weapons and tools and his backpack.

[tonberryking]

Cannol

The druid seems ill at ease as the other two elven blooded begin to discuss heritage related matters, hinting that his own contact with the elven lands is as poor as the captain's. Rather than making the most of a chance to gain camaraderie with the others, he excuses himself as he and his reunited badger head off into Wolverinton to find a tavern or an inn with an open mind about badgers in the stables...

However, before that...

"Well, we 'ave a night afore we're to be delivering this missive for aide. I'm gonna make the most of it, iffin any of you need me."

Can I make a knowledge nature check to try to determine how the weather may turn?

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Once out of the building, Dagg finds his horse and follows the group to the inn. After inspecting the stables (and presumably finding them clean and the horses well cared for) he pays for a day's stabling and leaves Fury there.

He then enters the inn and pays for poor lodging. He uses his armor as a pillow and sleeps with one hand on each ax.

[amanodel]

You spent the night peacefully, an in the morning you gathered around the militia quarter to take your supplies.

A militia officer, Grathuld of Sidlington greets you, and accompanies you to their store. You are free to get a backpack, blanket, torch, waterskin, and trail rations if you need any of them.

Also, Grathuld goes back to a locked room, and brings forth a sack, packed with potions.

Two fer each of ye, but let's hope ye won't need any. I'm sorry we can't afford to give ye more, we're runnin' outta supplies already.

He gives you the pack, with fourteen magic potions, glowing in dim amber colour. Most of you have seen such a potion, and easily reckognize it's nature. These potions are Cure light wounds potions. After you supplied yourselves, you are ready to go.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Having dourly bade farewell to his horse and unloaded all his equipment in the morning, Dagg takes the blanket, extra waterskin, potions and 3 trail rations. He is again surprised at the habits of the townsfolk, in that they gave the party such a luxury as healing potions.

Looking with some eagerness at the road that the party is to travel along, he asks Grathuld, "Should we expect any trouble on the road?"

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

The goblin, bedecked in blue body paint, seems anxious to get moving. "Th' sun's been up fer too long a'reddy. Ahr thanks fer th' s'plies, an' Ah hope we don' need 'em, either, boot it's best ta be reddy, nae?" Ozz carries his longbow in hand, but doesn't seem able to stand still, as he keeps shifting from bare foot to bare foot. He takes two potions and stuffs them into his belt pouch.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

If there weren't trouble on the road, they wouldn't be sending seven of us.

Lorrick looks over the supplies, takes the two potions, tucking them into a pocket in his shirt, under his studded leather armor but within easy reach.

As for the rest of the supplies, Lorrick seems to favor his own collected supplies over the ones supplied by the militia, but he takes 3 more days worth of food.

Lorrick then looks at Ozz with his face twisted strangely.

If he said we should make the most of the daylight, I agree.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon greets his fellow messengers warmly as each shows up.

He takes an opportune moment to say, "Upon my word Kaz, it was truly impressive, the way you talked to the Captain. May I inquire how you did it?"

He is bemused by Ozz, "And a fine morning it is my good Goblin sir. Is blue the fashion of clan Stoo-art then?"

And he takes two vials from Grathuld and expresses to him that he should convey his sincerest thanks to the Captain.

When they set off he keeps to the party order agreed to making pleasureable conversation if anyone wants to but generally content to listen and let others to the talking especially if its Daffyd doing the talking.

(( OOC: Gimli Fett suggested Ozz first, probably at least 30 feet ahead of the group, with the Lorrick and his higher movement rate ranging around the flanks. Dagg at the back as rear-guard. Behind Ozz: Dafydd, Kaz, Eammon and Cannol. And the raven familiar scouting from the air. ))

If anyone notices the raven which seemingly follows or leads them (or if Ozz frightens the bird by taking aim at it though it flies high enough to make it a hard shot), he explains, "The raven is a bird I befriended long ago with offers of food and shiny things. I daresay you will find him smarter than the average bird. He'll warn us if he sees anything from the air."

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

At Lorrick's comment, a wide grin spreads across Dagg's face. He walks along the road, occasionally bursting out in song.

"Gonna kill some giants tonight, gonna kill some giants tonight,
Chop off their heads, make 'em see the light,
O, I'm gonna kill me some giants tonight."

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

Ozz tilts his head as he looks at Eammon quizzically. "Wot? Och, tha woad! Heh!" the goblin chuckles. "Nae, lad. Tha's jus' ta lessen tha effecks o' sun on skin, nae? So's tha prey don' know ya are wot ya are, nae?" He chuckles some more to himself as he turns to make sure everyone is ready, then calls out to them. "Ahr we reddy ta goo? Ah'll take tha lead, if'n we're set."

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz smiles and thanks the guard as he takes a waterskin, bedroll, a few days rations, and slides two potions onto his belt. Good thing I left the rope at home. I doubt I'll need it, and I'm almost fully loaded up as is.

"Alright!" He says brightly. "I'm all set. If everyone's ready, let's head out. Turning to Eammon, Kaz shrugs. "The captain is an old friend of my father. I've known him for so long that I've really just started talking to him as though he was an uncle or something. Kaz moves over to the road and sits down, waiting for the rest of the group to finish up. He plucks randomly at his bowstring while he waits, trying to make sounds in tune to Dagg's song.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd grins broadly as they set out. "A right company of musicians we are." Dafydd gently shoves the goblin forward to his place at the lead and motions for the others to follow. As they travel, he keeps his eyes and ears on the road but continues to chat up the other party members, opting between respectful and mocking as appropriate, trying to get them to speak of themselves and their almost certainly interesting stories.

"...and when the high priest finally found the antelope, it had eaten a hole right through his mitre! His laughter dies down. "I truly am a paladin, I assure you all. This mission, I feel, has been appointed to me by the elven goddess herself, to bring the elves to join the fight as they ought.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

The goblin looks over his shoulder at the elven paladin. "Ah don' ken mooch aboot tha gawds, boot Ah ken this is tha right thin' ta be doin', 'fore them bast'rds o'errun us all." Ozz emphasizes his point by spitting off the path, then turns and continues leading the Messengers towards their destiny.

[amanodel]

You are undisturbed on your way, and make a steady progress towards the small vilalge called Gleans. As Cannol guessed, a light rain begun to fall in the afternoon, and lasted till the early evening. At the second half of the day, you reach the edge of a small forest. It's not a part of the elf woods, only a change of scenery in the human lands. A light fog obscures your view, you can barely see thirty feet away, and Ozz often dissapears from the sight of the rest of the group.

Suddenly, the raven returns, and seems to be nervous as it dives down, and settles on his master's shoulder.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg turns back from watching the road behind the group in and watches the bird dive with some concern. What's the matter with your bird," blast, what was it... ah yes! "Eammon? Anything good up ahead?"

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz sees the bird coming down and wonders what it could mean. This could be anything from it's tired of the fog and can't see to a scout party coming after us. Kaz draws his bow but does not nock an arrow yet. If it's a friendly I won't want to scare them off. "Eammon, is your bird alright? Did it see anything?" He turns to the front of the group again. Now how to alert Ozz without yelling...

[ag30476]

Eammon

When the raven approaches, Eammon speaks only loud enough for those near him, (Daffyd, Dagg, Kaz, and Cannol), "Be on guard. The raven would not act so if he had not seen something."

When the bird alights on his shoulder, he asks it reassuringly in plain common, "What is wrong Branduh, dear friend? Do you know what's become of Master goblin or the ranger?"

As he confers with the bird, Eammon calmly prepares his bow. But inwardly his mind races to cast any magics that might be needed.

(( OOC: The raven can speak Common and has Int 6. But the DM can play the raven as he likes. He might want to speak to the group or only to me or not at all.

The raven is also supposed to be the spirit of one of Eammon's ancient elven ancestors but at 1st level and with an Int of 6, the birds is not fully aware of his past...yet. And the DM can retcon this if he likes too.

And here are my roll for Initiative, Listen and Spot (the latter at +2 from alertness granted by raven) if needed:

Initiative: 1d20+2
Listen: 1d20+5
Spot: 1d20+6

Hmmm...dice roller not working in-thread? Will try OOC... (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3115062#post3115062)))

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd, seemingly ignorant of his party's intention to keep quiet, draws his sword, stands erect and shouts into the forest, "If any can hear me, show yourself and state your business plainly!" If some conflict was unavoidable, perhaps he could at least draw fire to himself rather than his companions.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

When Lorrick hears Daffyd's shouts, he shakes his head, and then does his best to blend in to the trees. In case there is trouble, he'd prefer to take the attackers by surprise.

Spot :[roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Hide: [roll2]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz looks at the paladin in disbelief as he shouts, but quickly regains his composure. He nocks an arrow to his bow, quietly moves into the tree line opposite Lorrick, and surveys his surroundings, preparing for anything.

(ooc- not really sure what's needed so I'll give initiative, spot, listen and hide.)

Initiative-[roll0]
Spot-[roll1]
Listen-[roll2]
Hide-[roll3]

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon hears the paladin shout and thinks, "Daffyd is a knight and a true elf."

Anyway, my rolls in here in OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3115062#post3115062) were

Initiative: (1d20+2)[3]
Listen: (1d20+5)[22]
Spot: (1d20+6)[8]

Eammon used up a move action prepping the bow but will stay put waiting for the raven's response. On the next round he'll move to stand about 10 feet to the side of Daffyd and whispers in elven, "If a number charge us, stand not in front of me so I may enspell them at once."

[amanodel]

Nobody answers Dafydd's call, and the almost total silence may start making some of you nervous. You get the feeling as you were observed, and sometimes you could swear you've seen something in the thick fog, but before you could take another look, it's gone. Perhaps only the fog's playing tricks with you.

Eammon's familiar sits on his master's shoulder.

It cows a few times, and then speaks aloud in a brazen, barely reckognizable elven. "Empty wagon ahead is, master."

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Drawing both axes, Dagg moves up next to Daffyd and Eammon, not bothering to hide. He peers ahead, trying to see the wagon for himself, and says, "So, what, should we check it out? Or continue on our way? Who knows, maybe something attacked this wagon and we can get some good loot. Then again, we may be held up for too long... I say fight, if we have a choice."

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd released the breath he was holding in, letting a small chuckle escape as well. All that fuss over an empty wagon! "Certainly we can check it out. There may be someone in need of assistance nearby. Be sure to stay on guard, though, in case trouble arises." He looses his shield and holds it at ready, then begins to advance forward toward the direction the raven indicated.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick follows the paladin, but winds through the trees, staying hidden as best he can.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

At Dafydd's challenge, Ozz secures himself in some thick brush, hiding and seeking out the source of the elf paladin's concern. He waits seeking some sign until he can see the group approaching his position.

Hide: [roll0]
Search: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]
Listen: [roll3]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg moves back to the rear, with his axes at the ready, and tries to spot any enemies that may be approaching from behind or above.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz keeps in the tree line and follows a few feet behind Dafydd. I wonder what happened with this wagon? At any rate, maybe we could use it in some way.

[ag30476]

Eammon

After teh raven speaks, Eammon translates for those that might not know elven, "It seems there is an empty wagon ahead."

He nods in agreement at Daddyd's suggestion and then whispers to the raven in elven, "Good work Branduh. Stay with me brave bird. If we get attacked, fly away and hide in the trees.'

Eammon follows Daffyd about 10 feet behind bow at the ready.

As they get up to the wagon, Eammon will stop about 20 feet short of it.



My Initiative roll (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3115062#post3115062) was 3.
Here's my new
Listen: 1d20+5
Spot: 1d20+6

The dice roller did not work for me in this thread. My fault. Rerolled here in OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3120933#post3120933).

Listen: 23
Spot: 19

[amanodel]

You slowly continue on the road, and after half a minute, you can spot the wagon on the road. It's empty indeed, and one of it's wheels is broken. There a some tools around that wheel, as if someone tried to fix it, but couldn't finish the work. The horses have disappeared, but from this distance, you can't find no signs about what happened.

The dense fog is really a hindrance, sometimes you can barely see each other, and it's impossibly to spot anything in the white mass.

Those with a listen check above 15, can notice sounds coming from the bushes at the edge of the road as if someone or something was walking there, from within the trees, but when you look there, you can't see anything suspicious.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Once the party reaches the wagon, Lorrick will draw his longsword and move forward, out of the fog, to inspect the empty wagon closely.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

In his now-familiar stooped posture, Ozz creeps around the wagon, longbow in hand and arrow nocked though not drawn. The gregarious goblin seems an entirely different creature in the wild: quiet, alert and intense. When he's actually seen, that is. His gaze is fixed on the ground with his head at an angle, scanning for anything amiss or out of sorts but his ears are perked and alert to sounds from around him.

Move Silently: [roll0]
Search (for tracks): [roll1]
Listen: [roll2]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz keeps his bow drawn and stays near the bushes. He had heard sounds and stays nearby, hoping to discover whatever was in the wagon. He looks through the trees, on the ground nearby, and looks up at the treetops, not wanting to be surprised from above. This fog is annoying me. I can't see anything.
Spot-
Listen- [roll]d20+9 23 (rolled in OOC thread)

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg, completely oblivious to whatever is beside the road, walks forward to the wagon, gives it a quick glance (only to see if there are still goods in it), then searches for tracks. Should he find none, he will return to the back of the group.

[roll0]

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon points towards the source of the sound and tells his companions, "There is someone about."

Eammon glances quickly and Daffyd, then turns back to the source of the sound, stands up straight, bow readied but not aimed, and says, "Identify yourself. Be you friend or foe."

[tonberryking]

hide (1d20+2=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1235483) ...Whoo! Undisputed Invisibility! Spot and listen also: Spot/Listen (1d20+3=21, 1d20+3=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1235487) As well, he has a sling loaded with a rock and the intent to magic stone it should the need arise to attack. But hell if he's giving away his position

Cannol

Of the group, the druid is the least talkative for all his boasting, something seems to have dampened his spirits for the time it takes them to travel, his badger likewise, a grumpy one at that, seems antisocial to the point the druid had to stave him away from growling at the others...

And now it's hard to even figure out where he went. With a nod to anyone who watched him he slipped into the trees and... and apparently went up in smoke. The badger trundles off after him.

Anticipating describes his mood, as he tucks his staff to the side and loads a sling with an ordinary rock, almost bristling with the chance for action.

[amanodel]

Ozzgar can find a number of tracks around the wagon, altough the recent rain washed away most of them. Ozz can see that the rain gathered in the deep, human footprints, who were running around all the ways, it's hard to tell where did they go. Also there are other footprints, lighter than human ones, and have a disturbing, animalistic character.

There's also something in one of the puddles that resembles blood.

In the wagon, there's a crate that was opened by force, and it's empty now.

Everyone with a spot check better than 20 will see the samll figures in the fog, appearing everywhere around you, but disappearing back into the for in an instant when you notice them. You can't guess their numbers or their nature, but you're sure that there are more than six of them, hiding in the forest adn the dense fog.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf

The goblin finishes his investigation, then turns back to the others and directs his thoughts to Dafydd and Kaz. "Humans, er tha like, attact by lighter creatures wit' beast-like prints. A little blood 'ere," he points at the puddle with blood in it.

"Ah think it happen't durin' tha rains, oth'rwise tha prints wouldnae ha' been so deep. Scared folks tend ta leave deep prints."

I'm assuming my earlier Spot check (=20) applies and thus I missed by 1, otherwise let me know and I'll reroll it OOC.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz retreats to the wagon slowly, keeping his bow close. To his companions by the wagon he whispers "Guys, I think theres at least 6 or 7 of the little things Ozz mentioned nearby. I can't tell what they are but I think it's safe to say that they probably aren't friendly. Kaz slightly lowers his bow, trying to lure whatever's out there into thinking his guard is down.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Spot: [roll0]
Track: [roll1]

Lorrick is mostly oblivious to what's going on around him as he sorts through the wagon wreckage, his sword still in hand. When the comment about the others is made, Lorrick begins to look around, watching the fog intently, unable to see what's apparently in front of him.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"Cannol, if you're...around..." Dafydd obviously can't see the druid, "umm...I don't suppose you can do anything about this fog? I think we're about to be attacked by something. Dagg, you and I take point, everyone else, look for some cover." Dafydd stands resolutely, sword drawn, ready to rip into their mysterious assailants. "Whatever lurks beyond, this is your last chance to avail yourselves, we will hold no quarter unless you come forth peacefully!"

Dafydd readies an attack at the first thing to come at him, rolls in ooc, cuz this is an edit.

[tonberryking]

"If I was capable o' that I doubt I'd need your help." calls a voice from somewhere in the woods; giving you a general idea of his position but not a pin point. They'll probably not have anything in 'em to change it either so we're on an even keil...

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon moves behind a corner of the wagon from which he can still see Daffyd and Dagg, casts Mage Armor on himself, and knocks an arrow in his bow.

He whispers to the raven in elven, "Go now. Hide in the wagon until it is safe."




OOC for the next round if needed:
Initiative: 3
Listen: 1d20+5
Spot: 1d20+5

You know one day this will work for me...rolled in OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3126170#post3126170)

Listen: (1d20+5)[7]
Spot: (1d20+6)[18]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg readies to charge as soon as he can more clearly see one of the things, unless they answer Dafydd.

"Anyone have any idea of what they are? Or, why they would attack us?" Father, Grandfather, lend me your strength. May we kill many of our enemies this day, and send these vermin back into their holes.

[amanodel]

The total silence is broken by high-pitched screaming noises coming from all around you. You see the hideous monsters jumping out from the fog, running towards you. You cannot discern wether they are humanoid or animal, but they do not carry any weapons or wear clothes, but their fangs look dangerous. They look like twisted, mutated humanoids, probably the most ugly beings you've encountered so far. They can stand on their hind legs for a time, but they use all the four for running right now. They are likely to be about the size of a dwarf, altough not even that massive. As you quickly glance around, you can see at least eight of them surrounding you.

It seems they didn't notice Cannol hiding in the bushes next to the road, and all of them are moving towards those near the wagon.

/ You can make knowledge checks if you'd like to know something about these creatures. Other than that, it's battle time. I need initiatives and first round actions. No surprise rounds, both sides were well aware of the other's presence. If you beat them on the initiative (their is 6), you can assume that they are 30 feet away from you. Also, you could do me a favour posting your HP/AC along with your initiaitive/actions.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 21 AC: 18

Dafydd stifles his revulsion at the sight of these creatures and shouts at the nearest one, "If you mean to fight, then fight me, if you dare!" He keeps his sword and shield at ready for their charge.

Dafydd will use a move action to attempt to goad the nearest opponent into using melee attacks only on him on its next turn (will negates DC 13), and standard action to ready an attack at the first creature to approach him. If his initiative is lower than the creatures', he will use the attack readied in my previous post at the first to approach. If none approached him, he will move to attack the nearest one on his turn.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

General Info
HP: 19
AC: 15

From the OOC thread
Knowledge Nature: 13
Init: 14

..... (Actions made irrelevant by edit)

EDIT: Seeing those who act quicker charge into battle, Lorrick will follow suit, brandishing his longsword, and attacking one of them.

Attack (rolled in OOC thread): 24
Damage (rolled in OOC thread): 6 (+2 if these things are 'orcs')

He will now apply his dodge bonus to the one he hit, if it is still standing, else to the closest one to the end of his movement.

[tonberryking]

Initiative (1d20+2=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1239499) knowledge nature check (1d20+4=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1239503)

Cannol
HP:12
AC:15

The druid is practical; not yet giving away his position he merely bides his badger to wait as he loads up an enchanted stone into his sling, another pair of the stones loaded with the same magic in wait...

[ag30476]

Eammon

Though tense with anticipation of his first fight, Eammon still thinks clearly. If I can catch more than 1 attacker in a 15 ft. cone burst without hitting a friend, then I will cast Color Spray, DC 14.

If I can only target 1 attacker or I may hit a friend with the burst, then I'll shoot my bow at the one charging me or at the one nearest me.

AC with mage armor 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14
HP 13
Knowledge nature [roll0]
Initiative [roll1]

For bow attack
Attack including Point Blank Shot bonus [roll2]
Damage including Point Blank Shot bonus [roll3]

If needed
Critical confirmation [roll4]
Critical damage [roll5]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz sees the wierd looking creatures and readys his bow, preparing to fire at the first one that comes close.

HP: 12
AC: 16

Initiative: [roll0]
Bow Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

With a yell of "Flee my wrath, misshapen abominations of the earth!" Dagg rushes the closest group of monkey-like things.



HP:31
AC:14 (12 if charging)

If an enemy is within 20 feet at the start of Dagg's turn, he will take a move action and attack with both weapons. If they are farther than 20 feet, he will charge. In both cases, he starts raging.

[roll1] (+6 if charging, +8 if not)
[roll2] (only counts if Dagg isn't charging)

[roll=Damage]1d10+5

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Ozz quickly pulls an additional arrow and nocks it together with the first. He draws the string back and looses the arrows at the same creature. "Och! Ya harry li'l man-beasts! B'GONE!" The goblin roars as he takes a step towards the wagon to cover his back.

Initiative: [roll0]
Knowledge (nature): [roll1]
Full-Attack Action: Rapid Shot + Point Blank Shot.
Arrow#1: [roll2]
Arrow#2: [roll3]
Damage#1: [roll4]
Damage#2: [roll5]
5'-step back towards wagon; I think this should leave my back against the wagon.

[amanodel]

Dagg is the first to react. The dwarf runs towards the beasts with his axe, and aims at one of the creatures. His strike is powerful, and the creature he attacked collpses to what it's most likely a knee, but it still breathes! It jumps up, and attack the dwarf. Dagg evades it's arms easily, but he didn't counted on the beast atually trying to bite him. The beasts foul teeth penetrate the thick dwarf skin, and tear his flesh! (3 damage, fort save succeed)

Instead of charging, Kaz remains at the wagon, and let's an arrow fly, aimed ata second creature. But these monsters move fast, and the fog makes them even harder to hit. Kaz's arrow flies into the white fog and disappears.

Ozzgar stands next to the human, and lets two arrows fly. The goblin is incredibly skilled with the bow, and even the fog doesn't tricks his aim. Both arrows hit, and a creature collapse onto the ground.

Lorrick strikes out as well, and drives his sword into an attacking monster. It screems wildly as it grips the blade and pulls it out from it's own chest! It attacks the man with it's claws and bite, but Lorrick was able to evade them both.

Cannol the northen druid is nowhere to be seen as he prepares his magical attack.

Daffydd shouts at the monsters, and one of them indeed charges the paladin. The creature reaches Dafydd surprisingly fast, and it's vile fangs only miss the wild elf with inches! Dafydd riposts, and wound the beast badly on it's shoulder.

Further beasts come out of the fog, and attack those who are near them. Dagg is attacked by another beast appearin from the fog, and it hit's the dwarf at the side with it's powerful hand. It's claws tear into the dwarf's skin (5 damage).

Lorrick finds that he attracted another beast as well, but his lighning reflexes saved him from a painful claw attack.

Four creatures appear from the fog, it's getting hard to tell who's friend or foe in the dense fog.

Eammon can't find a clear target for his spell since the battle is already raging, so he shoots at one of the monsters with his bow. The elf's accuracy with the bow is supreme, his shot penetrates a monster's skull, and drops it dead.


(Fog rules: There are a number of creatures around you, it's hard to keep track of them. Anyone firing more than 20" away has to make a spot check DC15 to identify if the target's friend or foe. Do not make this roll in advance if you can.)

(Directions: The gibberlings surrounded you and attack from all direction. I need you to tell retroactively which direction you shoot or charge. (North, Northeast, East, etc, the wagon is our base point.) Sorry for not asking for you this one post earlier.)

(Anyone who beat the knowledge DC 15 for the gibberlings, have hard of them. They are uncivilised monsters living in the edges of civilisations. Their origins are unknown, everyone blames the others for these evil creatures. Nabarrians say the invaders brought it along, the invaders say it's a Nabarrian monster, Elves say that they are mutated dwarf zombies, dwarves say that they are demon-infested elves. Every culture has it's own name for these creature, and they are mostly referred to as Gibberlings in common. Gibberlings are cunning predators as a horde, but individually they are not much smarter than animals. It seems that they can understand common, but no reports of speaking gibberlings were heard. They are around for a few centuries, but only in remote areas, they were absolutely non-expected to be this close to a city. Physically, they have the capabilities of an able-bodied human or dwarf. Their bite is poisoned.)

Initiative order:

Dagg (20) 30" away from the wagon
Kaz (17)
Ozzgar (16)
Lorrick (14) 30" away from the wagon
Cannol (12)
Dafydd (11)
Gibberlings (6)
Eammon (5)

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 21 AC: 18

Dafydd, having tremendous difficulty seeing ahead of him, decides he will try to keep the attention of the beast which attacked him (which he can clearly see) on himself, rather than his nearby companions, so utters a challenge at it, "Wayward creature, you haven't a CHANCE at besting me!" He then raises his sword up high, calling the power of Corellan Lorethian into it, and strikes at the gibberling fiercely.

Dafydd uses goad against the gibberling which attacked him, and attempts to smite evil it.

[roll0] +8 if smiteable, +6 if not
[roll1] +5 if smiteable, +3 if not

looks like I forgot a 2 there...posting the attack roll to ooc then.

Oh, if the critter is dead by his turn, he attempts to smite the next nearest one.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon is a study in quiet concentration aiming his bow as if he were shooting at the targets he practiced on countless of times over the years. As soon as his arrow hits its mark, he looks for another target.


If Eammon spots another Gibberling and can positively identify it is not a party member he will shoot again, whispering in elven as he lets the arrow fly, "Swift death to my enemy".

Spot and attack rolls

Spot (vs DC 15)

Add +1 to below if target is within 30 ft.
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

If needed, again add +1 to below if target is within 30 ft.
Crit Confirm [roll3]
Crit Damage [roll4]
Crit Damage [roll5]



If he can't positively identify a target, he lowers his bow momentarily with a look of consternation in his face. His father always told him, "Don't shoot unless you are sure."

Eammon gestures strangely with his free hand and utters in elven "Light upon the foe."


Eammon here casts Dancing Lights to set 4 white globes in front of him, away from Dagg and Lorrick if possible, centered about 40 ft. The lights should give torch illumination in a 40 ft. x 40 ft' square.



If he gets charged and can't get off his shot, then he fends of the beastie as best he can.

Using bow as improvised club -2 1d6+1x2
Attack [roll]1d20-2
Damage 1d6+1

If needed
Crit Confirm 1d20-2
Crit Damage 1d6+1

To amanodel: just roll it for me if need or I can roll later.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

HP: 12 AC: 16

Kaz nocks another arrow, slightly annoyed at missing with the first one. He picks a new target, preferably one that hasn't yet been engaged and close enough that he can see it. If the closest target is in the fog, he'll shoot anyway.

Spot:[roll0]
Attack:[roll1]
Damage:[roll2]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

AC:14 HP:23

Seemingly oblivious to the wounds he has suffered, Dagg laughs maniacally and declares to the gibberlings, "After I slay you I'll use your skulls as mugs! I'll find every singly one of your horde and burn them all to death! None shall escape my wrath!"

He tries to take down both gibberlings at once.

He attacks the injured one with his off-hand first.
[roll0]
[roll1]

If he takes down the injured one, he'll attack the new gibberling with his main hand. If not, he'll again attempt to kill the first.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

HP:19
AC:15

Lorrick snarls as he is attacked by two of the beasts.

He strikes again at the one he already wounded, hoping to kill it. If he does, he will apply his dodge bonus to the other one, if not, it will stay on the first creature.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
Round 2--> HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The red-skinned goblin pulls two more arrows from his quiver and launches them in quick succession at the next closest creature to the north. Those closest to him can hear a low and persistent growl issuing from his throat.

Full-Attack Action: Rapid Shot + Point Blank Shot. If not within 30', subtract 1 from all rolls.
Arrow#1: [roll0]
Arrow#2: [roll1]
Damage#1: [roll2]
Damage#2: [roll3]

[amanodel]

Dagg attack his opponents, but the gibberlings are just too fast, and they can evade the dwarf's attacks. They both attack the dwarf, and hit him with their clawed fists (further 2 and 5 damage).

Kaz hits one of the monsters with his arrow on the leg. The creature screams in pain, but doesn't stop, and with two long jumps, it reaches Kaz, and attacks the human. Luckily, Kaz can evade the blow easily.

Ozzgar lets another two arrows fly. He hits again, sending another monster into oblivion. But another one makes his way past the killing arrows, and attacks the goblin. The mostrous maw cuts into Ozzgar's flesh, injuring the archer badly (4 damage).

Lorrick, surrounded by two gibberlings, try to fight them back, but the fast-moving creatures are not an easy target, and he misses. The creatres attack the man, but it seems Lorrick is even more evasive then the monsters, and none manages to hit him.

From his hidden position, Cannol lets a magically enhanced bullet fly, but in the dense fog, he misses the gibberling he was aiming for.

Daffyd shouts in elven, calling aid from beyond. You can see the paladin's sword radiate with amber light before attacking the monster. The attack is of ferocious power, and the wild elf cuts the beast in two!

A gibberling appears from the fog just behind Daffyd, but the paladin blocks the creatures's attack.

Eammon can see Dagg's in trouble. He can identify the siluette of the gibberling, and lets an arrow fly. The well-aimed arrow drops one of Dagg's opponents down.

There are six gibberlings remaining. Two is fighting with Lorrick, one is engaged in meelee with Dagg, one is attacking Daffyd, another one just reached Ozzgar, and the last one is facing Kaz.


Dagg (20) 30" away from the wagon
Kaz (17)
Ozzgar (16)
Lorrick (14) 30" away from the wagon
Cannol (12)
Dafydd (11)
Gibberlings (6)
Eammon (5)

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 21 AC: 18

Dafydd takes a moment to check the battlefield. He squints, and sees what looks like blood dripping from the figure that was probably Dagg, in the distance, surrounded by two opponents. He then looks to see some of the creatures pressing against his other companions. He shouts back at them, in the manner of a commanding officer, "Don't let them surround you, try to keep close ranks!" He himself swats at the gibberling behind him and moves toward the group with his bleeding comrade.

If I need to make a spot check to determine if I actually can tell which group has Dagg in it:
[roll0]

Smack the gibberling that just attacked me:
[roll1]
[roll2]

Move 20 ft toward the nearest of Dagg's opponents, taking as few AoO's as possible.

If both of the gibberlings around Dagg are dead by his turn, he will stay put.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg barely notices the arrow, only, in his rage-fueled state, seeing the gibberling disappear, and not thinking further. He focuses his attention on the remaining foe, and attempts to take it out at once.

AC:14 HP:16

Both attacks on the remaining gibberling.
1d20+4
1d10+5
1d20+3
1d10+5

[ag30476]

Eammon

Not wanting to hit a friend with an arrow by accident, Eammon draws his word and waits until he can sort out the confusion in the meelee ((OOC: cause I can't act anyway :smallsmile: ))

When his turn comes, Eammon will attack one of the gibberlings that remain, charging if possible. He will attack the gibberling facing the party member that seems to him to need the most help, in order preference that would be Ozz, Dagg, Kaz, Lorrick, and Daffyd ( no true elven paladin needs help ).


AC 17 with mage armor, 15 if charging

Attack [roll0] add +2 if able to charge
Damage [roll1]

Crit Confirm [roll2]
Crit Damage [roll3]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz sees the creature come to him and nimbly dodges its attack. For a brief moment he seems unsure whether to draw his kukri or to continue the arrow assault. Deciding on the later, he moves backwards slightly and fires an arrow at the creature directly in front of him.

HP:12 AC: 16
(ooc: to clarify, he just 5 foot stepped backwards and shot at the thing that attacked him)
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
Round 3--> HP: 12/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

"OOCH! Ya shood nae ha' doon tha'!" Two more arrows from his quiver are quickly lauched at the thing that bit him after a quick-step away.

5'-Step away, Full-Attack Action: Rapid Shot + Point Blank Shot.
Arrow#1: [roll0]
Arrow#2: [roll1]
Damage#1: [roll2]
Damage#2: [roll3]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

HP: 19
AC: 15

It's been too long since I fought for something other than sport. Let them dodge this!

Lorrick swings again at the creature he wounded.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Again, he applies his dodge modifier to the creature he struck, unless it is dead.

[amanodel]

Without any hesitation, Dagg turns around, and with an amazing blow, he first chops off the beast's hand, than leaks it's skull with the second strike. The dwarf is covered in dark, almost brown blood.

Kaz steps away from his attacker, and fires another arrow at the monster. But the shot was hurried, and he badly misses the gibberling. It runs after the archer, but Kaz can evade it's attack.

Ozzgar jumps back as well, but even the skilled goblin can't take a good aim on the raging monster, and misses both times. The beast hurls itself after Ozz, but the ranger managed to dodge.

Surrounded by two gibberlings, Lorrick still stands his ground. With a powerful strike, he beheads the already wounded beast. The remaining gibberling attacks Lorrick, but the human parries the beast's claws.

Cannol strikes again, but the dense fog again tricked the druid's aim, and he misses. However, he's still unnoticed by the monsters.

Daffyd attacks the gibberling, and cuts a deep wound into the beast. It howls, spitting out blood, and attacks the paladin with unexpected ferocity. Daffyd can't even move as the beasts wicked claws tore a deep wound into his forearm (5 damage), altough he managed to avoid the beast's foul bite.

Eammon draws his sword, and attacks the monster fighting with Ozzgar, who stands nearby. His attack is swift, and injures the beast badly.

Four gibberlings remain, currently fighting with: Kaz, Ozzgar (injured), Lorrick, Daffyd (injured).

Dagg (20) 30" away from the wagon
Kaz (17)
Ozzgar (16)
Lorrick (14) 30" away from the wagon
Cannol (12)
Dafydd (11)
Gibberlings (6)
Eammon (5)

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg hesitates only long enough to locate the nearest enemy, then charges once again, ax held high and wordlessly screaming in rage.

AC:12
HP:16

Dagg is charging at the nearest gibberling he can see, if he can see one. If not, he'll just move towards the last person who spoke (which, it appears, is Ozzgar).

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
Round 4--> HP: 12/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Ozz tosses his bow behind him, safely next to the wagon, and yanks his warhammer from his belt. The goblin swings two-handed, hoping to finish the creature off in a single blow. "Tha's enoof, beastie! Ye're doon!"

Drop Weapon: Free Action.
Draw Weapon: Move Action.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage#1: [roll1]
Where o where have my die-rolls gone? :smallfrown:

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

HP: 12 AC: 16

Kaz repeats his strategy by stepping backwards, closer to the wagon. He breathes deeply, concentrates on the monster, and lets another arrow fly.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Well, now that was something. One more time!

Lorrick turns to the other one, and attacks.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[tonberryking]

Cannol

(For some reason this always happens no matter which druid or what level I use whenever they cast magic stone)

Cannol tries his final stone with frustration on his features, barking a hoarse order to his badger, the small brute relishing the fact that it can finally make an attack.

As the badger charges (yes charges) out of the underbrush snorting and growling like it swallowed a bee, the druid lets fly his remaining enchanted stone while questioning why he even bothered...

Magic stone attack (1d20+4=18) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1256868)

Hmm. maybe that one may hit after all. anyway, the badger is charging, assuming there's a straight line between it an a pesky gibberling. He's not being picky about which one as long as it's still alive.

CHARGE! (1d20+4=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1256882) (I did not add the +2 to attack it would get from charging, assuming it can't, but if it can, the attack's a 17)

Damages:
Stone:magic stone (1d6+1=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1256887)
Badger: claw (1d2-1=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1256889)

[ag30476]

Eammon

Though feeling out is his element in hand to hand combat, Eammon continues to attack the furry beast with Ozz.

"Stand together Master goblin! We should be able to at least hold it off."


AC 17 with mage armor

Attack
Damage [roll1]

Crit Confirm [roll2]
Crit Damage [roll]1d8+1)


But it looks as though Eammon is being a little tentative when the claws and teeth are right in his face.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"You call that a wound, cretin?" Dafydd grins at the gibberling, "I've suffered worse from studying parchment!" Dafydd whips his sword back around for a killing blow. "The battle is almost ours friends! Keep your spirits to the last!"

If the gibberling he's wounded is still alive by his turn, Dafydd will use goad at it and thwack it.

[roll0]
[roll1]

oops, too much damage. I don't think it's a hit though...I'll roll one in ooc anyway.

If the gibberling is dead, he will attempt to find Dagg, move next to him (if he's within 20 ft.) and heal him for 4 hp.

[roll2]

[amanodel]

Dagg rushes back towards te wagon to help out the archers. With a gigantic blow, he smashes one of the gibberlings' head with his axe from behind. The help for Ozzgar came just in time.

Kaz didn't have a saviour, so he needed keep on firing, altough he missed the quick moster once again.

Ozzgar tried to help him out, but even the usually reliable aim of the goblin failed him this time.

Lorrick spins around, and attacked with great skill, cutting deep into the monsters arm raised in defense.

Cannol's last magically enhanced stone finally hits, and causes heavy damage to the giberling attacking Kaz. The druid's badger stikes out from the foliage as well, and assaults the same gibberling, biting it hard.

Daffyd attacks his opponents, but somehow the gibberling managed to dodge the strike. It attacks back, hitting the paladin on the face with it's wicked claws (3 damage).

The wounded gibberling attacks Kaz again, but misses. Eammon attacks it with his sword, but the magician's thrust is weak, and the monster easily dodges.

Three foes remain: One is fighting with Kaz, sourrounded by Kaz, Eammon, Ozzgar, and the badger. One is fighting face-to face with Daffyd, one with Lorrick. All three gibberlongs are injured, but they are not willing to abandon the fight.

Dagg (20)
Kaz (17)
Ozzgar (16)
Lorrick (14) 30" away from the wagon
Cannol (12)
Dafydd (11)
Gibberlings (6)
Eammon (5)

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon is emboldened by the comrades standing by him in the fight, Kaz, Ozz, and the badger!

He shouts, "Press the attack! These fiends give no quarter!"

If the monster in front of him is still standing he stabs at it

AC 17 with mage armor

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Crit Confirm [roll2]
Crit Damage [roll3]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

HP:12 AC:16
Kaz laughs at the poor creature in front of him, drops his bow, draws his kukri, and attempts to stab it. "Thanks for the help guys; these things have almost had it!"

Attack: [roll0] (if i'm flanking this is +2)
Damage: [roll1]
Sneak attack: (I think this thing is flanked, if it isn't then ignore) [roll2]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

HP: 19
AC: 15 (w/o dodge)

Lorrick attacks again.. resolved to finish this.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If Lorrick kills the creature he attacks, he will use his movement to return to the wagon, and approach any remaining creatures. He will apply his dodge modifier to whatever creature is closest.

If Lorrick does not kill the creature he is attacking, he will stay by it and apply his dodge modifier to it.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg notices Ozzgar and looks almost ready to attack him too, but manages to identify him before striking. Instead, he looks around again to see the nearest enemy and charges into the fray again.

AC:12 HP:16

Moving toward the enemy that the rest of the group is fighting, and attacking with both weapons.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
Round 5--> HP: 12/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Ozz twirls the warhammer in his hands for just a moment, then quickly swings at the creature. "Aye! We've got it, noo!" he calls to his companions.

We ought to have 2 sets of flanks going!
Attack: [roll0]; if no flank, -2 to roll.
Damage: [roll1]
Ugh! Just...ugh. :smallfrown:

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 13 AC: 18

Dafydd stands firm, maintaining his commanding presence, though you can clearly see his face and armor smeared with his own blood from his wounds. "What's this then, a pin prick? he jeers at his foe. "I'll show you a wound, beast!" He gives a shout as he whips his longsword ferociously at the fell creature in front of him.

Same tactic as last time, goad the critter, hack at it. If it's dead by his turn, he'll move to and attack any remaining. If all are dead, he'll restore 4 hp to Dagg.

[roll0]
[roll1]

p.s. sorry I'm late guys

[amanodel]

With a skillful strike, Lorrick finishes off his opponent, and moves to help the others.

Daffyd smashes the gibberling's skull with a final attack as well.

The only remaining gibberling seems to be tougher than the others. It evades the attacks of Kaz, Ozzgar and Dagg, and strikes back, aiming for the goblin. It's clawed paw hits the goblin on the shoulder, dislocating the shoulder of Ozzgar (5 damage). Luckily, Eammon is close, and the elf thrusts his sword into the heart of the beast, killing it finally.

All the gibberlings are dead, and the forest road falls into silence again.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg stops moving completely and it is quite obvious that he is forcing himself to calm down after his rage. When he is done, he cleans his axes on the gibberlings' skin.

"Well, that was fun. Anyone reckon there'll be any success in looking for survivors from the wagon?"

He pointedly ignores his wounds.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 7/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The red-skinned goblin seems quite the worse for wear, grimacing somewhat from the pain. With a red cloth, he tries to stanch his wounds somewhat. "Aye! Fun. Bast'rds," he grumbles as he spits on the carcass of the one that clawed him.

"Ah've little 'ope o' tha', Dagg, but Ah'll take a luke 'roun, nae?" Ozz moves off towards the edge of the clearing, scanning the ground intently.

Search: [roll0]; looking around for signs of people.
Survival: [roll1]; looking for tracks leading to or away from the clearing.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

I doubt it. IF there were survivors, and IF they managed to escape, and IF they are still alive, they probably ran as fast as possible without stopping until they found aid. And IF we were being paid to find survivors, it might make sense to search. But we're not. I say we search the wagon for anything usable, then find the closest high ground and set up a camp for the night, something we can defend.

Lorrick glances around the group, and then starts scanning what he can still see of the distance, trying to find high ground.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon says, "Good work all. Master Goblin, you must tell me how you loose your arrows with such speed. But you should take of your wounds before you do any more scouting and there be more of these beasts about."

"It can't be a good sign that such foul creatures are so close to our lords land. Do the invaders have something to do with these Gibberlings?" He pokes the dead body with his sword.

"Father told me they were descended from a Dwarf that was cursed long ago. No offense intended Dagg..."

Suddenly Eammon's face changes as he looks at the creature. He steps a few feet to the side and vomits.

After he recovers, the raven flies to his shoulder. Eammon says with a grave look, "Til now, I had only shot at game."

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

While searching the ground, Ozz pulls a vial from his pack and throws the contents down his throat like a shot of whiskey. As he walks the bite and claw wounds close themselves up, sealing as if never having existed."My thanks for the reminder, Master Eammon. Watch yourself. First battle is always the hardest." he says in the elf's language. "Ah've gotta say we di' ferly weel. Nasty boogers got a coople o' good hits on me, tho'. 'S far as how ta shoot, Ah'd be more'n happy ta give ya pinters. It's a reflex thin' moostly," the goblin says without ever taking his eyes from the ground.

Potion, CLW: [roll0]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz surveys the battlefield quickly, then sheathes his kukri and picks his bow back up. "Heh, we did pretty well there. Way to work together guys. That fog was a bit of trouble, but we made do." He looks at Eammon and nods understandingly. "Don't worry about it. I did the same thing the first time I had to kill a man." Kaz's eyes drift to the side, as though he is remembering something he would like to forget. "Anyways, just remember that they tried to kill us, and they likely killed the poor people driving this wagon. These beasts deserved their fate."

Looking to his comrades, Kaz cracks his usual smile. "If anyone needs a potion, I can spare one. Little thing actually thought it could hit me." Kaz frowns slightly at Dagg. "You might want to fix yourself up a bit Dagg. Those things got a good piece of you."

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

"Well, not as fun as felling giants, but still, a satisfying kill. I'll be right as rain with a good night's sleep." He looks at Eammon with concern. "If it helps, these things aren't too far from being animals themselves. Crazy, crazy animals. Whatever any being did to deserve a fate like this..."

He looks sadly at the corpses strewn about, then visibly shakes himself.

[amanodel]

Looking around in the wagon, you find that anything consumable was taken away. What remains is a crate with clothes and a small, locked metal box, weighing about a few pounds.

The recent battle almost totally destroyed the tracks. There are no survivors from the wagon around, and examining the wagon, you find that the ropes around the horses were chewed. Not tor or cut, but chewed upon. It makes you wonder if the gibberling have eaten the two horses as well.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz notes the small box with curiousity. "If you guys would like, I'll take care of that box for you." I haven't gotten to pick something open in awhile. "Let's be ready though. My dad once told me that anything can pop out of these."

OOC- I'll wait until I'm given an ok by the party to open it.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Eammon feeling a little better tries to offer helpfully, "Indeed Kaz, these Gibberlings be an omen of bad things to come. If I may Kaz, I can detect the presence of magical wards on the box before you chance it."


OOC:
If all agree, I'll cast Detect Magic before Kaz Trap/Disable checks.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd looks up and around him after he fells the creature. He sees Eammon skillfully strike the final gibberling down, and subsequently lets the adrenaline fade, seeing no further threat. He makes a quick count of his companions and checks for wounds, feeling a sharp stinging on his own face and torso. He notices Ozz down a potion and restore his vitality, and proceeds to Dagg, still in some bad shape, and reaches out to the area of a particularly nasty wound on his person. "The blessing of Corellan Larethian upon you," he whispers in elven, and some of the wounds begin to close and the bleeding quickly clots. Wincing again from his injuries, he quickly quaffs a potion of his own, and feels instantly relieved. "Certainly, friends, you have all fought valiantly. I pity those poor creatures, whatever they may be, but I doubt highly good will come of showing them burial rights. Best to leave such matters with the forest, though I will say a prayer before we leave. Kaz, Eammon, we might as well see what is inside that box if possible. Certainly it will find no use to anyone out here. I fear Lorrick is correct about our chance of finding survivors. Again, well fought, all, I commend you on your valor. With that he wipes his blade clean on the grass, sheathes it, and stands alertly to the side, watching for any more gibberlings that may come.

[roll0]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg sits down by the side of the road and nods at Kaz. "If there's gold to be had, let's have at it."

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

"Alright then. Let's get this puppy open." Kaz sets the box down and pulls out his tools.

Open Lock: [roll0]

[amanodel]

Kaz tries to open the small metal box, but the circumstances are not in his favor, and he couldn't open the lock. Perhaps another time, with better illumintation, it will easily open to the nimble fingers of Kaz.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz looks at the box, squints, looks at it again, and sighs. "Is it okay with you guys if i crack this open tomorrow? It's a tad bit too dark to see properly right now."

[ag30476]

Eammon


"This is a place of death. We should move from here. We can make the village as night falls but we will have to be vigilant."

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg stands up again, begins hustling down the road, and calls back, "If we're going, let's hurry. I don't especially fancy blundering about in the dark."

He'll fall to the back of the group again when everyone keeps pace.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"Onward, friends. Bring the box along, it may even belong to one of these outlying villages.Let's all get back into marching order." Dafydd waits for Ozz to go ahead, and begins heading in their initial direction.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The goblin nods to Dafydd as he takes point once more, longbow in hand and arrow nocked, though undrawn. "Aye, let's quit this place and git moovin', nae?" he says as he passes the others. "We git throo' th' forest an' there's a village ahead we could rest in fer th' night if'n we choose. Or we could press oon a lit'l past an' camp. What'll it be?"

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick goes with the group, resuming his previous duty.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

"I prefer the town. If there's more of those things around I won't want to fight them in the dark." Kaz takes up his normal spot in the marching order and goes wth the group.

[amanodel]

After you defeated the gibberlings, you continue your travel on the road. The wet, muddy road slows you down, but eventually you reach the village by midnight.

This small settlement, Tuskinhoe, is an agricultural one, mostly peasants live here. You can tell this by simply looking at the houses. There are no torches or lanterns in the town, but the crescent moon enlights your way just enough. Between the peasant's houese you find some wealthier ones, and judging by the tools around, these dwellings must belong to the craftsmen of the settlement.

At the centre of the village, three buildings stand. A single temple, dedicated to the most common human deities, the arbiter's house, and a tavern. No light comes from either of the buildings, everyone's asleep.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Ozz spits off the side of the road as he notices there are no lights within the village. "Och! Ah hate mood! Slow'd us doon soo mooch! Woodn't be th' firs' time Ah slept ootside, but 's yer call, friends. Rouse th' keeper er move on?"

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"Perhaps the local priest would be kind enough to give us shelter this eve." Dafydd walks up to the temple and knocks somewhat noisily on the door. If none answer within a few minutes, he'll try to open the door and call softly for someone to receive them.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg relaxes slightly as he enters the town, and stares indifferently at the temple. "Aren't human deities ridiculously bloodthirsty? Why would one of their priests give us shelter? We'd probably end up on one of their crazy holy wars." He thinks about this for a moment. "Not that that wouldn't be interesting."

[ag30476]

Eammon

"How kind would you be if seven armed strangers came upon midnight to your village?" Yet it is not the villagers I fear. The ill omen follows us still." Eammon says to no one in particular.

As Daffyd raps on the door, Eammon turns and scans the surrounding village as far as his acute elven eyesight allows him.

And the bird? Sleeping somewhere in Eammon's backpack.

OOC

Spot [roll0]
Listen [roll1]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

I'd favor sleeping on the edge of the village. It will provide shelter, or at least distraction, if something happens upon us.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Jovially looking at Eammon, Dagg says, "I'd be pretty damn accommodating to them, I'd say! You can never tell what crazy business armed midnight travelers are up to."

He scans the edge of town. trying to predict whether the weather will turn worse.

Survival check to predict the weather.
[roll0]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz laughs after Dagg's remark. "Good point you got there. I'd take 'em in too. If no one's at the temple I'm alright with sleeping nearby the town."

[amanodel]

Dagg assumes, due to the lack of clouds, that no rain will fall during the night, but the morning will be very cold.


After Daffyd knocks on the door, a minute passes when you can hear someone moving around. Soon, a lean middle-aged human opens the door. He has long, black hair, almost unnaturely pale face, and tired-looking grey eyes.

Why do you had to wake me up from my dream? - he almost succeds to speak without any tone. His face is also rather emotionless as he examines your group.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd frowns at the emotionless man, but quickly takes on a more diplomatic demeanor. "Good sir, please, we apologize for the late hour, but we are an envoy from Wolverineton in the east. We have been marching all day, were attacked in the forest by some foul creatures, some of us are lightly wounded. Is there room for us in this temple to rest?" At the same time, he watches the man carefully, trying to detect any oddness or unnatural behaviors.

Dafydd will be diplomatic at the man, and will detect evil at the surronding buildings and the temple.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg shakes his head sadly. "Now you've done it. He's probably one of those killer death priests. Break all our bones with a single punch, he can. We're goners. I tried to warn you. He'll paralyze us and have our meat for soup. It happened to my uncle's great-cousin's friend's grandson."

[amanodel]

The ghastly man stares at the wild elf with his usual, cold face.

What does this place look like to you? Shelter for wayward elves? Charity center? Or do you think this is the tavern and I'm the barkeeper?

His tone is no longer emotionless, it has somthing in it. Now he is somewhat unfriendly.

Daffydd can sense a small amount of evil present in the man. But he is a priest of the god of Death, after all.

To recieve hospitality, it requires a diplomacy, bluff, or similar check. If you succeed very well, you may recieve even better treatment.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Somewhat surprised at the life that the party members continue to evince, Dagg glances inside the church. "Is it a tavern? No, no, that would be too lucky. No, this priest probably has some sort of gigantic magical weapon capable of killing ten people in a single blow, ready to use it against us to satiate the dark hunger of his god." He looks up hopelessly at the priest. "Show us mercy! We are but humble travelers, many of us non-elven, though it is unsurprising that your eyesight should fail you considering how many men you surely must have slain, seeking shelter from the cold night! Do not slaughter us, lest our unworthy blood offend your deity!" For good measure, he shouts out "Moradin save us!"

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz lacks his usual smile as the priest talks. Pulling Daffyd aside for a moment he says quietly "I don't like the look of this guy very much. He doesn't seem trustworthy to me. Maybe we would be better off rousing the tavern owner or even sleeping outside." He then looks toward Dagg and then at the priest and says "Don't mind our dwarven friend here. He's probably still a little spooked from the fight."

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd frowns and considers Kaz's words. "Truly, for a bed right now I would sacrifice much, but I think you right in this. I say also we should press onward and camp outside of town. It seems most here were of that bent anyway." Finding a consensus (presumably), Dafydd nods toward the priest, apologizes for disturbing him, and gestures for the others to follow him out of town in the opposite direction from which they arrived.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg will agree to sleeping outside, and as he leaves the presence of the priest, looks visibly relieved. "Spooked? Yeah, but not from the fight. I've heard stories about priests, that train all their lives to kill people, and are masters of hand-to-hand combat. Not to say that we all couldn't handle ourselves well, but these stories... They move faster than arrows, and can break every bone in a man's body with a single punch. I'm telling you, we're lucky to escape him alive."

Dagg looks back every so often to see if the priest is following the group, and clenches and unclenches his fists continuously.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz regards Dagg's comments with a smile and a slight bit of disbelief. "Heh, I only said that to make sure the priest wouldn't get too angry. Breakin every bone in one shot though? That sounds pretty tough to me. I've never met a priest that could do that." As he looks around at the night, he adds "More importantly, will some of us be taking watch tonight? I'd volunteer but I can't see all too well at night."

[ag30476]

Eammon

"First the beasts that attacked us. Now this priest. The journey ahead looks bleak. Aye Dagg, we'll need Moradin and Larethian's help indeed. We elves don't need to sleep much. I'll take a watch." Eammon says and looks expectantly towards Daffyd.

[amanodel]

Off with you, then. - The priest says, and closes the door.

You leave the temple behind, and go to the edge of the town, where you find a good for the night's rest.

[ag30476]

Eammon

As the company gathers in the morning, Eammon says "Let's be off, away from this town and its...unfriendly...priest."

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd chuckles at Eammon's remark. "Any night's rest we can walk away from is a good one, I suppose. Nothing rids weariness like a soft bed though, and I suppose we'll be seeing fewer of those, at least until we reach our destination. Ah, but the forest in fall is a lovely sight." He eagerly breathes in the crisp air around them as he dons his armor. When everyone is prepared to leave, he shoulders his pack and takes his place at a distance behind Ozz as the company sets off.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz gets up and streches a little before putting his armor back on. He assumes his spot in the marching order as normal, then smiles and remarks "Ah, I slept well. How are the rest of you doing?"

[amanodel]

The night was quiet, but as Dagg presumed, it was also very cold. But finally morning came and you were ready to continue your journey.

You leave the small village of Tuskinhoe behind, and follow the road heading East. The scenery is different, instead of forests, you're now surrounded with endless fields, where the locals grow wheat and sunflower.


(The night was extremely cold. DC 10 Fortitude save to avoid catching cold. :) )

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Fort Save: [roll0]

Lorrick wakes up, shrugging off the night and packing for the morning.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Fort save: [roll0]

"Cuszed be dat piest," says Eammon as he walks and sniffles.

[Quxelopqr]

Fort save: [roll0]

Kaz feels fine.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Ozz stretches his limbs in an attempt to warm up somewhat, arching his back like a cat. "Och! Ah'll nae say ill o' a priest. Least wi'in his reach," he adds with a grin. "So, let's quit this place and git moovin', nae?"

Fortitude: [roll0]

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd attempts to shake off the cold.

[roll0]

Turns out, he was actually feeling kind of warm the night before.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

[roll0]

Before re-donning his armor, Dagg stretches his legs a bit. "It's wonderful day, isn't it? Nothing like a bit of frost to make you feel alive. If only we had some icy water to bathe in, this morning would be perfect."

He hauls up his gear after extracting some trail rations and begins eating them with vigor.

[amanodel]

After getting, up, you continue your journey to the west. It's a lovely day with a nice weather, and nothing disrupts your voyage. You meet only local farmers on the road, and you reach the next village, Ginston, around two in the afternoon. The village seems to be a peaceful one, everyone is doing their daily job. You didn't have lunch today, and starting to feel hungry.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd pauses on the road, feeling his stomach grumbling. "What say we stop for a meal, gentlemen? I have some trail rations, if needed."

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

"I have some rations too, but we're at a village. Would you prefer to save the rations and eat a nice hot meal instead? It might do Eammon some good; he's looking a bit under the weather."

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"Ah, yes, I can almost smell something delicious nearby...nothing like good bread and broth to cure what ails. And wine of course." Dafydd heads in the direction of anything that smells good, or some kind of tavern which might serve them such.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The goblin grins his wolf's grin. "A bit ta eat'd be a blessin', Ah'll tell ya!" he says as he follows Dafydd's lead.

[ag30476]

Eammon

"I cand thmell nudthing," says weary Eammon while the raven flies high above.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

"I can stand a meal." He too follows Daffyd.

[amanodel]

At the center of the village, you find a small tavern. It's a rather old building, and somewhat larger than the surrounding houses. The tavern is open, and a few locals are eating or drinking there.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd approaches whoever seems to be in charge of the establishment. "Hello, good sir (or madam). Have you a morsel of bread and meat, and perhaps a drop of wine for my good companions and myself, perchance?"

Dafydd zaps inkeeper with his laser eyebeams of +7 diplomacy check

[amanodel]

An old fat man is the bartander, and the owner of this place, called "The Three-Legged Donkey". He looks at your group with a taint of distrust, but he nevertheless guides you to a lagre table.

But of course! I've gotsa the finest fried pork in all West of Wolverineton! - he speaks with the pride of of a craftsmen, and even very gently when it becomes clear that you can actually pay for your meals.

He gets a small note sheet, and writes down your orders, and if nothing very special is inquired, he will serve you your meals and a bottle of red wine or ginger ale in half an hour.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick lets the paladin handle the talking. What he does is look around the restaurant for any additional provisions. He'll also make note if the pork is salted or smoked or otherwise prepared in a manner that will preserve it long term.

Oh, and ginger ale with his meal.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz greets the innkeeper kindly and orders the standard meal. He'll opt for the wine with his meal. Kaz then says "Much better then that priest's place eh? The pork sounds pretty good. More importantly, we've been making good time. Should we stay here tonight or move on?"

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg sits down heavily, orders mead and venison, and replies, "What, and go sightseeing? We've a good few hours of daylight left. I say we keep moving until about midnight. We can all see in darkness, right? I'm wanting to get to these elf lands before war breaks out, after all."

He grins suddenly, and punches Kaz in the arm. "Bah, you're probably just not used to some hard walking. You're too used to the city, you cityfolk. Can't handle a good day's walk. Not to insult the city at all, it must be very comfortable if you love being cramped."

When the venison arrives, he tears into it and eats ravenously.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd orders enough of the delectable pork and wine to feed himself twice over, and probably thirds afterwards. "Never know how long it'll be before we get a chance at a good meal again, eh?" During the meal, he begins telling old wild elf folk stories. When the meal is over, he adds his opinion, "Yes, we'll be traveling on. I don't know if I could go until midnight again though...can't see in pitch blackness after all. Our human companions would be harder pressed as well."

untrained perform storytelling check to see if he can attract onlookers. Roll result in OOC...it was a 9.

[ag30476]

Eammon

Even Daffyd's wild tales can't cheer Eammon up as he sits grumpily. Constantly wiping his nose, he pushes his plate away. At least the raven will get a good meal.

[amanodel]

The meal is filling, and you feel ready for another march. Daffydd's stories reached some attention. A couple of foresters, drinking quietly in a corner, look at the paladin now with almost tangible distrust. They frown upon the elf as he continues, but remain at their table, and continue drinking. You hear that they are talking about "pansy elfs" and "whiny treehuggers" at some times.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd attempts somewhat uselessly to ignore the comments of the foresters, but the chip on his shoulder continues to grow nonetheless. He purposefully rises from his seat and approaches the sneering men. "Ah, what a quaint little town this is, where they let the dogs eat upright at their dinner tables." He smiles quite pleasantly at the group, his hands held at ease behind his back.

[amanodel]

The foresters, four large, able-bodied men, jump off their chairs at the insult. They stare at the elf in a quite threatening way, and one of them starts to crackle the bones of his wrist.

Whaddya say, treehugger fairy?! - he says loudly. - I tell ya, these bastards keep attacking us from the woods! I'ma teach the fairy some manner now!

The other foresters, of course didn't fail to spot the massive sword the paladin carries.

Tom, sheriff said no kililng 'round. But these treehuger lack tha spine to fight like a man, I tellya. - says another forester.

As you look around, you notice a buch of axes placed near the foresters' table, altough they didn't seem to think about picking them up

Whaddaya say, fairy?! Are you man enough to back up your words? - the first one adresses Dafydd, still cracking his bones, anticipating a bar fight.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"Teach ME manners?" Dafydd snarls, "It seems to me like you boys are the ones who need to learn a lesson about multiculturalism. So who's my first pupil?" He brandishes his fists menacingly at the closest of them. The thought nags at him, though, that they mentioned something about other elves attacking them in the forest.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg is jubilant over the prospect of a fight. He grins widely at the lumberjacks. "Thank you for this. I needed a good fight to help me digest. Perhaps after this you can tell us what you mean by elf attacks?"

He draws his axes and leaves them on the table before walking to Dafydd.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

"OCH! Can't a fella git a bite ta eat wi'oot a fight breakin' oot? Well, ye're roo-in-in mah lunch, so ye'll be payin' fer it," the goblin growls as he moves to stand opposite Dagg next to Dafydd and loudly cracks his knuckles. Ozz grins at the lumberjacks, baring his many sharp teeth.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd looks somewhat relieved and grateful as his friends gather about him. Still, he realizes they probably look somewhat unimpressive up against these four behemoths, and he sincerely hopes the fight won't come to lethal blows.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick stands, and looks the men in the eye.

Are we all so nervous here that mere words stir us to brawl in a bar? I've been in my share of fights, and I can't say one ever made anyone feel better. Let me get you a drink.

[amanodel]

The four human lumberjacks stand in a line. They are quite big, and they look pretty tough. Their will to fight only rises as the other two demihumans, Ozz and Dagg appears next to Daffydd. Lorrick's words don't have any effect on them, as they are more interested in beating up a some wild elf than in another round of ale.


(Waiting to see if someone else wants to join the fight.)

[Quxelopqr]

kaz

Kaz gets up with a sigh, almost reluctant to leave his lunch. He gives a snide smile to the lumberjacks and says "I'd say 'let's all just get along' but where would the fun in that be? He stands up, trying to give the illusion that he is bigger than he is. "You sure you want to do this? I've fought kobolds bigger than you fools."

Intimidate check! [roll0]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Sensing the fight ready to start, Lorrick speaks.

If we're gonna do this, let's go outside. Out of respect for the tavernkeeper. We're all gonna want drinks afterwards.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

"Very true, damaging a tavern would be inthinkable." He waits for the lumberjacks to move first, and if they do not, he will walk somewhat arrogantly to the door.

[amanodel]

For a moment, the lumberjacks seem to hesitate.. Then, suddenly the one called Tom raises his bear-sized fist, and starts a punch, aiming for Dafydd's head. But the wildelf was quick and ducked his head from the punch.

Combat begins. Tom's first strike was the surprise round. Roll initiatives and your first-round actions. If someone doesn't wish to engage in the fight, he can just sit at the table until the others finish this. The woosdmen's initiatives are: Tom (17), Sam (20), Matt (15), David (5).

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd sees what looks like an opening, pulls in close and attempts to deliver a bruising right hook to Tom. Meanwhile, he taunts him, "Well, I don't usually go around training dogs, but every once in a while I'll make an exception!"

Use goad against Tom. If Tom is knocked out by then, Dafydd hits the next nearest one.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg whoops in delight and jumps at Sam, attempting to wrestle him to the ground.

AC: 16 HP: 14
Attempting to initiate a grapple with Sam.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Initiative-

Kaz will send his foot at Tom's head, taunting him as he does so.

attack- [roll1]
damage- roll]d3+1 (4; rolled in ooc)

Kaz will try not to damage anything relating to the tavern if at all possible.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The red-skinned goblin growls as he launches himself at the burly man opposite him. "Roo-in a fair loonch an' a pritty day, nae?" BIGGOTS!" he hollers as he tries to hit the lumberjack.

Initiative: 1d20+
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]; YAY for Favored Enemy: Human! :smallbiggrin:

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Stupid, stupid people. Okay. I'll take... THAT one!

Lorrick picks out one of the men at random, and attempts to grapple him, provoking an AoO.

Initiative: [roll0]
Touch Attack: [roll1]
Grapple Check: [roll2]
Unarmed (non-lethal) Damage: [roll3]

[amanodel]

Ozzgar is quick to act. The goblin attacks the human named David, but he can't reach the chin of the tall human. David tries to kick Ozz, but misses the fast goblin.

Kaz kicks Tom in the head, but the large lumberjack shakes off the hit, and sports a wicked smile as he spits blood to the floor.

Sam attacks Dagg, but the slow puch goes over the dwarf's head. Dagg tries to bring the man to the ground. As he tries to get a hold on the man, Sam puches him hard in the chin (5 damage). This disorients Dagg enough to miss his attempt on the wrestle.

Tom swings his fist again, aiming at Daffydd, but the agile paladin evades the strike again. Dafydd steps within the reach of the man, and puches him with a strong hook. But even after the strike of Kaz and Dafydd, he remains standing.

Matt attacks Lorrick, but he misses. Lorrick tries to grapple the lumberjack, but he's just too strong for Lorrick, and knocks away him.

The barkeeper quickly gathers the most expensive bottles, and quickly withdraws into a storage room.


First round
Ozzgar (22)
Kaz (21)
Sam (20)
Tom (17), -8HP
Matt (15)
Lorrick (13)
Dagg (9), -5HP
Dafydd (8)
David (5)

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 20 AC: 16 (w/o shield)

Dafydd tries, if possible, to get into a flanking position with Kaz around Tom. From there he attempts to deliver a punishing elbow to Tom's jawbone. "Obviously, here is a man well-versed at hitting trees and other stationary objects. If I were a tree, sir, I would be afraid indeed," he jeers.

hit Tom (or next nearest foe if Tom is down), move to flank if not already flanking, if already flanking use goad as move action against whoever Dafydd is fighting.

[roll0] +2 if flanking
[roll1]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz will send his foot into Tom's gut this time, trying to knock his wind out.

attack: [roll0] damage: [roll1]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

I underestimated them.

Lorrick decides to swing hard at one of them.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Deciding on a different tactic, Ozz grins fiercely :smallbiggrin: as he aims for something a little lower: the lumberjack's groin.

Initiative: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

This one has a bit of fight in him! I'll have to say sorry now, though. I haven't quite recovered from that rabid monkey bite. I think I may be infected. Ah, well, this fight may not be the most exciting to you folk."

Giving up grappling, he tries to simply punch the human in the gut.

AC:16 HP:9


[roll=Damage]13+1 (I forgot that being unarmed counts as having a light weapon)

[amanodel]

Ozz punches David in the groin with a solid blow.

Kaz tries to kick Tom again, but the lumberjack is aware this time, and sweeps Kaz's leg away with easse.

Sam punches Dagg another time in the face. The strong hit nearly breaks the dwarf's stone-solid nose (6 damage).

Tom attacks Daffydd again, this time hitting the paladin right in the face (7 damage). Blood starts to flow from the wildelf's face after the giant punch of the lumberjack.

Matt tries to hit Lorrick with a left hook, but Lorrick evades it with ease. Lorrick sees an opening in the woodsman's defense, and hits him hard.

Dagg attacks Sam, but his arm is considerably shorter than the lumberjack's, and he misses again.

Dafydd takes revenge on Tom with a solid punch.

David tries to kick Ozz again, but he goblin jumps out of the way of the woodsman's slow leg.

Second round
Ozzgar (22)
Kaz (21)
Sam (20)
Tom (17), -13HP
Matt (15), -6HP
Lorrick (13)
Dagg (9), -11HP
Dafydd (8), -7HP
David (5), -5HP

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 13 AC: 16

Dafydd spits the blood from a newly dislodged tooth out of his mouth, briefly wishing there was some way to put armor there. "That little flea swatter you call a fist is what I've been worried about this whole time? How silly of me." After his show of bravado, Dafydd attempts to deliver a solid uppercut to the woodsman, despite having to reach a fair distance to hit the chin.

Goad at Tom again, unless he's down. If so, move to next nearest, flanking if possible.

[roll0] + 2 if flanking
[roll1]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick continues his attack.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16; AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The goblin grins broadly, showing his sharp teeth. "Heh heh. Ya kin yield at any time, lad. I'd hate ta mess oop tha' pretty face a yers when ya fall flat on it!" Ozz punctuates his statement with another jab at the lumberjack.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Quxelopqr]

kaz

HP: 12 AC: 16

Kaz is growing annoyed with Tom, so he manuvers across Dafydd to flank and punches the back of Tom's head, trying to knock him out.

attack: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]
I think I get sneak attack when I'm flanking, but I don't think I can do that nonlethally so I won't roll it.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Grunting incomprehensibly, Dagg yet again flies into a rage. He attacks Sam yet again, uncaring for his wounds.

AC:14 HP:7

Again, attacking Sam. With both fists, this time.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[amanodel]

Ozz strikes again, and delivers another punch at the lumberjack's belly.

Kazz tries to knock Tom aout, but his fist slips offthe woodsman's head.

Sam kicks Dagg again, the dwarf is pretty beaten up now (3 damage).

Tom tries to hit Dafydd again, but the paladin ducks his head just in time.

Matt swings his fist wildly. Altough the attack is not accurate, it stillgets past Lorrick's defense, and hit the man with the side of his arm (3 damage). Lorrick tries to hit back, but he's still a bit disoriented, and misses the lumberjack.

Dagg finally lands a punch, hitting Sam hard in the chest.

Dafydd hits Tom hard in the face, and the lumberjacks blackouts. He falls back, nearly knocking down those who are around him as well.

David hits Ozz in the head with a hammering-like attack, causing the goblin to see stars all around.


Third round
Ozzgar (22), -5HP
Kaz (21)
Sam (20), -5HP
Tom (17), subdued
Matt (15), -6HP
Lorrick (13), -3HP
Dagg (9), -14HP
Dafydd (8), -7HP
David (5), -9HP

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd
HP: 13 AC: 16

Dafydd grins at the satisfying *crash* of his opponent, and shakes his fist slightly at the sting he was feeling. He quickly surveys the rest of the fight, and, noticing the goblin facing a creature who must be at least four times his mass, decides to jump in and help. He manages to boast, "These folks seem awfully lazy, they like to take naps in the middle of a fight!"

Dafydd moves next to and attacks David.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (5 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Ozz shakes the stars from his vision, then smiles like a wolf at its prey. "Wha's wrong, laddie? Can' stoomach a wee goblin kickin' yer arse? Well, I'll leave that part aloon. This'll be tha part where ye fall down." The goblin kicks straight up into the lumberjack's groin. "Mah regards ta yer footure wee ones."

Attack: [roll0]; flanking with Dafydd.
Damage: [roll1]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Pleased at finally getting a hit in, Dagg renews his attack, determined to see Sam dead or dying.

AC:14 HP:14 (11 non-lethal damage)

Continuing to attack Sam.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz, noting that his opponent had collapsed, decides to help out Dagg. Jeez, that guy did a number on him. Kaz moves to flank and attacks Sam.

attack [roll0] damage [roll1]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick keeps swinging.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

[amanodel]

Ozzgar attacks again, but misses the human this time.

Kaz moves to help out Dagg, and punches Sam hard in the side of his face.

Sam is beaten up badly as well, but he's not down yet, he keeps on focusing on the dwarf to finish him. He punches Dagg hard in the face (4 damage). Dagg's vision goes black, and the dwarf falls to the ground unconscious.

Matt attacks Lorrick again, but Lorrick has seen his share of bar fights, and leans back to a table, ducking the punch. He leans further back, and kicks Matt in the head. You hear Matt's jawbone being disclocated as his head flips back, but he's not down.

Dafydd steps in the help out Ozz. He raises his fist, and hits David hard in the scruff. The blow is strong, and takes out David from the fight.

Third round
Ozzgar (22), -5HP
Kaz (21)
Sam (20), -9HP
Tom (17), subdued
Matt (15), -9HP
Lorrick (13), -3HP
Dagg (9), -18HP, subdued
Dafydd (8), -7HP
David (5), subdued

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Grinning a sickening wet, red grin, Dafydd eyes the two opponents menacingly. "Do you yield? You must know you can't win this fight, and unless you're particularly fond of pain, we had better clean ourselves up and discuss our grievances like civilized folk from here on." Dafydd winds down a bit, after the incredibly cathartic session of trading blows with these fellows, and his sense of fair play overrides his desire to cause even more pain to his adversaries.

I suppose he'll use an intimidate check on the remaining lumberjacks (if there are any) when his turn comes around.

[roll0] plus whatever bonus modifier you deem appropriate, since they've had the poops beat out of them

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

If the lumberjacks back down, Kaz will help Dagg back up. If not, he presses the attack on Sam.

attack: [roll0] damage: [roll1]

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick keeps striking.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (5 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

Looking around, Ozz sees Lorrick's situation and moves to aid him."Tha's enoof! Stand doon an' ye'll nae take any more bruisin' ta yer pride." He winks at Lorrick, letting him know he's covered.

Aid Another (AC boost): [roll0]; flanking Sam with Lorrick.

[amanodel]

Ozz moves to help out Lorrick, and distracts Matt.

Kaz attacks Sam again, but the lumberjacks blocks his fist. Sam turns his attention to Kaz, and headbutts the human (4 damage). Blood runs from Kaz's nose as he steps back.

Matt tries to punch Lorrick, but he'S too distracted by Ozz, he misses. Lorrick, on the other hand, remains focused, and with a well-placed punch in the face right next to the eye, he subdues Matt.

Upon Dafydd's call, the only standing woodsman, Sam collapses to the ground, covering his bloody face. "O' roight, ye win!" - he says and raises his hands, giving up the fight.

Fourth round, end of the fight
Ozzgar (22), -5HP
Kaz (21), -4HP
Sam (20), -9HP
Tom (17), subdued
Matt (15), subdued
Lorrick (13), -3HP
Dagg (9), -18HP, subdued
Dafydd (8), -7HP
David (5), subdued

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd lowers his guard and attempts to help the conscious lumberjack to his feet, the anger drained out of him. "Ah, it was a good fight all around, dear fellow, well done. My name's Dafydd Fennswyth, by the by. Why don't you rouse your companions there, we'll all clean up a bit and I'll buy you all a drink?" He then excuses himself to kneel over Dagg, mutters a quick prayer and channels healing energy into the battered dwarf.

4 hp to Dagg

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick looks to Daffyd.

Offer to pay if you want, but from where I'm from, the ones who were bested usually buy the drinks.

Lorrick returns to the bar, the minor injuries he sustained in the fight unphasing him.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Wiping the blood from his nose, Kaz makes sure Dagg is okay, then returns to his lunch. "I agree with Lorrick. If you want to pay Dafydd, go for it, but I'm not buying a drink for people that attacked my friends."

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Rising groggily from his stupor, Dagg looks about in confused alarm. "What happened? Did we win? Are we in jail?" His voice is rather strongly affected by his recent nasal exuberances, lending his speech a certain whining quality. Seeing that the party is not, in fact, incarcerated, he locates and retrieves his tankard of ale.

A good gulp later, he murmurs "good fight... thanks for the healing, Dafydd."

[amanodel]

Sam, the only lumberjack who wasn't knocked out, remains siting on the floor, on gets up to take a bottle of whisky from the bar.

The barkeep returns, and Sam growls something about actually paying for the bottle in an undefined time in the future. He drinks nearly the half of the booze with one swallow, as if it was some kind of medicine for his injuries.

Then he tosses the drink to your trable. He throws it, but not in an attacking way. Lorrick can catch the bottle with ease. Sam doesn't seem too talkative, but after all, he's been beaten badly a few seconds before.

The barkeep brings some of the drinks back, and tells the barmaid girls to clean up the evidences of the recent fight.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Lorrick catches the bottle, and sets it down, but abstains from drinking.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (5 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

After taking a long pull on the fruits of his labor, Ozz grins at the lumberjacks. "Tha' was foon, laddies! Thanks!" he laughs. "Noo, wha's this 'boot elfs attackin' y'all from th' forest?"

[amanodel]

Sam wipes the blood off his face, while answering to Ozz shortly.

Folks gone missin' 'round the forest. Many claim they saw elves. Matt saw elf footprints or what.

That being said, Sam drinks quickly his remaining drink, and finishes Tom's and Matt's immediately thereafter. He seems pretty drunk by now, and murmurs something incomprehansable to himself, then sits down on the floor next to his knocked out companions, and starts shaking them.

You can try to have a longer conversation with Sam about the topic, but it seems pretty pointless.

After finishing your meals and paying the 3 silver pieces for it, you are ready to contimnue your yourney if you don't have other business here in town.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (3 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

"Tha' was good eatin'!" Ozz says as he finishes his last bite and throws the last of his ginger ale down his throat. "Soo, it seems tha' tha locals have been havin' a bit o' trubble wit' somethin' from tha forest, nae? I doot it's elfs unless they were provoked. We'd best tread with an even warier eye than before, nae? Same formation as b'fore?"

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd, invigorated from the fight, fills his stomach with some more of the bread and wine. "Indeed, friend. Certainly, the people of my homeland are not kidnappers, or some such. I than you all for fighting with me, I could not have overcome those ruffians by myself." After the meal is finished and they leave, he pays the bartender a few extra silver for any damage the fight may have caused, and says aloud to any within earshot, "Let none speak of elves as 'pansies' again without thinking twice, or thrice even, about the events of today!" Dafydd is a bit of a showboater, after all.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

"Same formation, but let's keep a little tighter around the elves. No sense getting into another fight." Kaz will take his place in the form, check his ring and take out that iron box again. "While we have a minute, lemme get this thing open."

open lock: [roll0]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (3 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The goblin whistles long and low. "Well, tha' was quick Kaz! Lessee whacher got!" Ozz excitedly exclaims as he looks on with interest.

[amanodel]

Under better circumstances, Kaz's nimble fingers open the metal box almost too easily. Within the box lies a handful of gold and silver coins, an ornate ring, and a sealed envelope. The letter is sealed by a signet ring of a local noble house, but it doesn't have the addressee's name written on it. The total amount of wealth is 100 gold pieces.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Instead of looking at the treasure, Lorrick looks around to see who ELSE may be looking at their good fortune.

[Quxelopqr]

kaz

Kaz looks intently at the signet ring's mark on the letter, trying to see if he recognizes it. He isn't about to open the letter yet. knowledge local: [roll0]

Kaz inspects the ring closely as well, comparing it to the one from the regency, then asks Dagg what he thinks of it. Kaz will then divide the money amongst the party.

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

"We've found some gold! Oh, joyous day." Taking the ring from Kaz, Dagg inspects it closely as well. "I'm not exactly one to hobnob with nobles, but I'll see if I recognize it."

[roll0]
[roll1] (+2 added due to racial bonus)

[amanodel]

Luckily for you, people seem to avoid you the best as they can after they've seen you beating up the lumberjacks.

Inspecting the insignia, Kaz reckognizes the sign, and recalls he has seen it somewhere in the Regency, altough he cannot remember exactly where. Dagg is also only familiar with the insignia a little, but even he can't recall where he saw it. Altough he can appraise the ring's value. He estimates it to worth circa 20 gold pieces.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz opens the letter and reads it, hoping to gain some insight as to where it came from and where it's going.

[amanodel]

The letter is signed by Lord Matheus Davergne, a minor landlord in the regency, and it's addressee is Lord Almeus Givagn. Lord Givagn is a well-known charmer and deviant, disrespected by the other nobles, but pretty popular amongst some of the the poorer folks and ladies. His manor is located at the western frontier of the Regency, and it is said that bandits and highwaymen are welcomed there.

In the letter, Lord Davergne asks Lord Givagn in a very diplomatic manner if he would send her daughter back. Lord Givagn is known for seducing and luring away noblewomans and girls, and then blackmailing their fathers for some gold in exchange of their children. The 100 gold you found in the box is called 'transportation fee', but is essentially a ransom. The ring is there in case Lord Givagn would like to marry Davergne's daughter. That would save the Davergne family from being dishonored, so noble etiquette demands the ornate ring to be sent along the ransom. Altough more than twenty such kidnapping is known and Lord Givagn isn't married yet.

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

As Dafydd scans over the letter, a puzzled look creeps more solidly onto his face. "What make you of this, my friends? I suppose we ought to see this letter delivered, if possible. It is a wonder though...such a hefty gift to be sent with a small group of messengers through these dangerous parts. The fact that the money was intended to be a discreet ransom escapes Dafydd.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

"I'd like to get this letter delivered as well. I've heard of this Givagn before and I'm not too big a fan of what he does. Slight problem though, going out to deliver this will take us away from the elf forest. I believe Givagn treats his guests kindly so I think we should finish the task at hand first." Kaz grimaces at his own words and then places the ring back into the box, which he returns to his pack. Wish I could be in two places at once...

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg scratches his ear as he looks at the letter. "What's it say? What about Givagn? Why is his letter being sent with a bunch of gold?"

He takes it in stride that the group continues.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz thinks for a few moments then shakes his head. "Oops, sorry guys. Givagn's place is actually past where we're going. If everyone would like, we can stop by there after our errand is completed."

Kaz tries not to appear embaressed by the fact that he is directionally misinclined.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Well, let's finish our job first. Then we'll have a decision to make.

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (3 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The goblin nods solemnly as the details unfold. He hands back the portion of gold he was given. "Ah cannae, in good conshuns, tae th' money. Ransom money is important, an' if disturbed can lead ta fueds, ya ken?" Ozz looks at his companions. "Ah doon' think we shood worry aboot it till we've finished ahr given task, eh lads?"

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

Dafydd frowns at that his opinion is not echoed, but shrugs amiably. "Well, I suppose we can get to it later. Our mission must take precedence, after all." He smiles wanly at the group. "Shall we be off, then?" Dafydd sets the trend by picking up his belongings and marching again toward the western path.

[amanodel]

Deciding to continue on your original route, you leave the small town of Ginston behind after thegood meal and brawling. The rest of the day passes peacefully as you head west. You ocassionally meet travellers on the road, mostly tradesmen and working peasants. At the end of the day, you reach a small hill near the road. A ruined, old temple stands atop it. It looks like it's abandoned for centuries, it's hard to guess which god it belonged to in the old times. (Knowledge local, or religion: DC 15.)

It looks like a storm is gathering on the horizont, and the old temple looks to be a good shelter against the upcoming storm.

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz looks at the temple, checking to make sure that it is not the same kind as the "demon priest" Dagg was frightened of.

knowledge local: [roll0]

"I don't think I know about this place, but it looks like rain. Shall we stay here or press on?"

[obliged_salmon]

Dafydd

"We should stay here, by all means! I know a storm on approach when I see one. Usually. Sometimes I don't pay much attention, but it ill favors us to camp in the rain when a roof presents itself." Dafydd grins confidently at the crew, without the faintest idea whose temple this might have once been.

[mdsoze]

Lorrick

Yes. It's always best to stay dry in a storm. Getting soaked to the bone can mean death if it gets cold.

Lorrick takes out a bullseye lamp from his pack, along with a flask of oil, and lights the oil using flint and steel, before entering the temple.

[amanodel]

You climb up the small hill, and enter the temple. Altough it was ruined generations ago, the thick walls stand still, and at a corner, the roof is still there, and looks to be solid enoughto sleep under.

In the light of Lorrick's lantern, you can take a closer look at the temple. Altough it's still a mistery who it was dedicated to, a number of stylistical features suggest that it was built for one of the pagan gods (the gods aside the official pantheon, see OOC for details).

[Quxelopqr]

Kaz

Kaz walks into the temple, looking around for anyone or anything inside.

listen: [roll0] spot: [roll1]

[GimliFett]

Ozzgar the Wolf
HP: 16/16 (3 subdual); AC: 17, touch 14, flat 14

The goblin hisses sharply and shakes his head at Kaz. "Lemme 'ave a look 'roun', an' see if anythin' waits for oos, nae?" he says as he moves back ahead of Kaz, and quickly scans the area before them; from floor to ceiling and back.

Listen: [roll0]
Search: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]

[Dethcom1]

Dagg

Dagg walks in, drops his backpack on the floor, and nods respectfully at any obvious religious symbols lying around.

"Why're you all so interested in searching the place? Not like there's any treasure to be had."