Min/Max Boards

Meta Board => Retired PbP Games => Archive => [D&D 5E] The Lost Mine of Phandelver => Topic started by: Agita on August 29, 2017, 06:20:00 AM

Title: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on August 29, 2017, 06:20:00 AM
In the city of Neverwinter, a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker asked you to bring a wagon load of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days' travel southeast of the city. Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting
his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on horse, along with a bodyguard named Sildar Haliwinter, saying he needed to arrive early to "take care of business."

You've spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you've just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail. You've encountered no trouble so far, but this territory can be dangerous. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along the trail.

You've been on the Triboar Trail for about half a day. As you come around a bend, you spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of you, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side. The wagon won't be able to easily pass by unless the carcasses are moved. At the pace you've been keeping, you should be able to reach Phandalin by sundown or a bit after, but you might end up having to camp out if you're held up for very long here.

What do you do?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on August 29, 2017, 11:08:06 AM
Pieron curses himself for not having spotted the dead horses first, he had been scouting around the wagon and hadn't been up front when there was finally something to see.  Arrows in the horses meant action, and action was why he was hired (that and a good knowledge of the area).  Pieron had been hired for jobs like this before, and as his reputation is all he has left he makes sure he is known for doing the job well.

He quickly moves to the front of the group to examine the horses, drawing a javelin because he expects this to be an ambush.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on August 30, 2017, 06:59:04 AM
"We'd best be careful, don't want to get caught by whatever did these poor buggers in." Kovoir stood up in the wagon seat, using the extra height to peer down at the carnage arrayed before them. "You need a hand shifting all that out of the way? It's damn terrible to do, but we've got goods and a deadline. And ambushers I don't want to meet."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on August 30, 2017, 07:29:45 AM
Peering over the dwarf's shoulder from the back of the wagon, the eccentrically dressed gnome of the party chimes in, "Wasteofsomegoodhorsesforsure."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on August 30, 2017, 05:48:37 PM
Judging from the state and smell of the carcasses, it's been about a day since the horses died. Though the suspicious Pieron looks around warily, he sees no trace of any ambushers. It's only when his expectations seem to have proven false that they become true: Two small, lean shapes dart out of the foliage, snarling and brandishing short, wickedly curved swords and round wooden shields: Goblins! The creatures leap from the embankments on either side to land next to Pieron, one on a dead horse and another on the road, and slash at his legs and weapon arm. The lower goblin draws a long bloody gash in his thigh while he fends off the one on the horse.

Zuzie and Kovoir on the wagon, however, find that these two are not the only ambushers when an arrow shoots out of the foliage just as their attention has been pulled to the road in front of them - a third ambusher, this one armed with a crude shortbow! The arrow audibly glances off Kovoir's armor and whips past Zuzie's shoulder to land harmlessly in the wagon. It is black-feathered, just like the arrows that killed the horses.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on August 31, 2017, 07:42:07 PM
Kovoir dropped off the side wagon, taking cover from the archery fire, then carving a rune in the air. The searing bolt sailed wide, aimed at one of the goblins attacking Pieron.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 02, 2017, 07:04:21 AM
The bolt of fire goes wide, scorching a mark into the escarpment next to the melee, but it certainly gets the ambushers' attention. The goblins cry "Booyahg! Booyahg!" to each other and make hasty motions in the dwarf's direction, and one of them takes advantage of Pieron's leg wound to slip past him and charge Kovoir. Its long knife meets the dwarf's mailed arm.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on September 03, 2017, 04:59:25 PM
The gnome follows suit after the dwarf and rolls out of the cart to land behind Kovoir, then dancing around him to move up to the goblin harassing him and taking a jab at it with her rapier.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on September 03, 2017, 07:51:49 PM
Pieron doesn't hide like his cowardly companions, he relishes combat.  First, he throws his javelin at the archer but misses.  He then grabs his maul and brings it to bear against the goblin in front of him.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 04, 2017, 06:54:08 AM
The goblin up on the escarpment ducks under the thrown javelin, and when Pieron readies his maul, the other is suddenly within his reach, and its knife finds the warrior's flank. Blood flows, but Pieron is not yet down, and he manages to dodge a black-feathered arrow from the sniper, who proceeds to scurry into the brushes and hide.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on September 05, 2017, 12:41:28 AM
Kovoir swings at his assailant, but the gods are not with him today, and he almost twists himself into a knot with his "attack". It would have been comical if it wasn't life threatening.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 05, 2017, 07:23:39 AM
Sensing weakness, the goblin assaulting the wagon appears emboldened and continues pressing in on Kovoir, only to be once again thwarted by the dwarf's armor. Perhaps this is the chance for a turnabout?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on September 10, 2017, 03:37:47 PM
Zuzie continues advancing on this lone goblin and taking another stab at it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on September 11, 2017, 04:03:01 PM
Pieron is afraid he is going to die, and angry that he is afraid.  Giving in to his anger, he moves forward to destroy this goblin that dares try to kill him.  Unfortunately the damn dead horse gets in the way.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 14, 2017, 04:03:23 AM
The goblin locked in battle with Pieron cackles as it dodges under his swings, a measure of overconfidence showing through in its movements. Its own slashes, however, go wide or scrape off the warrior's leggings. A black-feathered arrow thunks into the ox-cart, reminder that a sniper is also still at large - but that goblin is now gone from sight, disappeared into the bushes.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on September 14, 2017, 07:30:18 AM
Feeling like he perhaps spent his life training in the wrong discipline, Kovoir flails fruitlessly at his opponent, once more proving how inept he is in melee.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 14, 2017, 07:52:31 AM
Ducking under the dwarf's swing, the goblin reaver slashes at Zuzie - and connects, drawing a bright red line!

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on September 20, 2017, 05:53:14 AM
Zuzie continues to flail away at the same goblin, frustration settling in.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on September 20, 2017, 04:12:10 PM
Pieron is getting frustrated himself as he once again fails to hit the goblin.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 21, 2017, 05:35:06 PM
The goblin's cackle dies in its throat as Zuzie's dagger silences it the hard way. Permanently. The other goblin in sight is visibly jarred and misses its own swings for looking more at the pair by the cart than Pieron. More black-feathered arrows thunk into the ox-cart, but the sniper remains hidden. Only one goblin is visible, and it seems to suddenly feel very alone.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on September 22, 2017, 07:06:31 AM
"Finally, some success!" With a blow finally sticking and that bloody goblin no longer scratching the finish on his fine scale mail, Kovoir felt free to bring his expertise to bear. Squinting one eye to get a good estimate of the range, he draws a rune in the air, finishing with a pushing motion. A black glob of some awful substance instantiates itself from his rune and flies towards Pieron, narrowly missing him to land with a wet splat right next to the goblin bothering the barbarian. The greasy liquid quickly spreads, rendering the offensive creature's footing uncertain.

"And now for that miserable git in the woods." Sprinting round to the left of the wagon, the runecaster keeps it between him and the sniper as much as possible, then dives across the opening and into the trees, where he kneels down against a bole, trying to get as much cover as possible while looking for that mangy little coward.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 22, 2017, 07:29:46 AM
The goblin is in the middle of maneuvering around the warrior's maul, trying to stay inside his reach, as the ground suddenly turns unstable under its feet. It slips backwards and lands flat on its rear, looking up at the much larger human and his weapon!

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on September 28, 2017, 01:39:52 AM
The gnome lass steps towards the wagon for additional cover from the archer goblin that may or may not still be lurking, putting away her rapier and drawing a bow of her own in the process.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on September 28, 2017, 12:33:02 PM
With an expression of pure joy, Pieron raises his maul high into the air and keeps it there for a fraction of a second looking like nothing more than a circus strongman ready to ring a bell with a hammer and win a prize.  He then brings his maul straight down onto the goblin, completely pulverizing it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on September 28, 2017, 05:08:10 PM
The less said of the goblin's remains after encountering the zenith of Pieron's rage, the better. Silence falls upon the battlefield following this final stroke for several heavy moments. No more arrows rain from the foliage - but the sound of snapping twigs betrays the last goblin's presence, who has sneaked around the ox-cart in the cover of vegetation and is now taking its heels, darting north as fast as its feet will carry it. What will you do with the final straggler?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on October 03, 2017, 12:53:41 PM
Swiftly carving a symbol into the air, Kovoir finished it with a flourish, his eyes boring into the back of the goblin. Moments later, there was a shout of discovery from the woods before the fleeing creature, as if there lurked an ally of the three friends who had prepared an ambush. Stumpy legs churning, Kovoir then set off in pursuit of his foe. Runecaster he might be, but goblin the target was. It would die to a hammer, not a spell.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on October 06, 2017, 06:21:34 AM
The goblin visibly hesitates for a split second when the apparently-goblin shout comes out of the woods - then,it darts away from that spot, running towards the trees further away. Clearly, it is not expecting any allies to come to its help and likely suspects a trap.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on October 07, 2017, 11:45:40 AM
Dropping is maul, Pieron draws his javelin and launches it at the goblin.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on October 09, 2017, 01:35:16 PM
The javelin strikes the goblin square in the back and sends it stumbling forward with its momentum! It still patters forward, barely, scrambling to reach the treeline and hide. Most likely, it won't make it far - but will you take the risk?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on October 11, 2017, 05:29:08 PM
Still in the throes of rage, Pieron launches another javalin at the goblin.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on October 14, 2017, 05:17:56 AM
The second javelin hits the goblin and punches through its chest, pinning it to the ground with a dying gasp. Silence falls on the road, and no reinforcements reveal themselves. Only the dead horses remain between you and Phandalin.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on October 14, 2017, 11:26:59 AM
Satisfied, Pieron picks up his maul and after stowing it goes to retrieve his javelins from the corpse.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on October 15, 2017, 11:54:44 AM
Seeing that the foul goblins had been dealt with in an appropriate manner, Kovoir begins to clean up the mess they had left behind, as well as poke through any of the debris to see if there is anything that might have been lost that could prove useful or valuable in the future. You never can tell where a treasure might lie.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on October 17, 2017, 09:30:44 AM
None of the goblins have wealth of note on them: Each of them was clothed in tattered scraps with basic pieces of hardened leather covering sword arms and the most vital parts, and carrying a wooden shield, a long curved knife, and a hunting bow with some dozen-odd black-feathered arrows. The dead horses have their saddles still on, but any saddle sacks have been removed. If these bandits have been making regular attacks on the road, they'll have their ill-gotten gains stashed in a hideout somewhere and normally travel light.

Your current mission, though, is to get your cargo safely to Phandalin, and Pieron and Zuzie are both injured. Moving the horses' carcasses is quite some effort, but proceeds without interruptions.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on October 31, 2017, 07:45:05 AM
Kovoir leads the others into a quick clean up of the battle, grabbing anything of even minor value that might be on the field, and then pushing the cart to get it well away from the sight of the carnage. There was always the chance that a place like that attracted further undue attention. Best to get the deliveries to Phandalin and return later, if needs be. Or the town watch could handle it. Either one would suit the dwarf.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on November 17, 2017, 01:18:36 AM
Following the dwarf's lead, Zuzie climbs back into the cart after they pushed past the ambush site, slightly out of breath but coming out of it rather giddy. "Heheheh,wellthatwasadoozyaye?"
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on November 17, 2017, 10:30:33 AM
While the dwarf was busy looting and the gnome was being...overstimulated, Pieron cleared the road as much as possible.  He then follows the cart down the road.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on November 19, 2017, 12:54:56 PM
Beat up but victorious, you continue on the trail without further incident. The rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins - crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars - surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs towards a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.

As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up at you, but all return to their business as you go by.

The supplies you're guarding are meant for Barthen's Provisions, a trading post you find quickly - it's conveniently one of the first buildings on the road into town. A young man hauling crates in front of the building looks up as you approach, and runs inside as it becomes clear you're headed for the shop. He comes back out followed by a mellow-looking older human, and both run up to your cart as Kovoir stops the oxen.

The older man is lean and balding, and there is concern in his voice when he greets you. "Are you here to deliver Gundren Rockseeker's supplies? You look plain frightening. Bandits on the road?" This must be Elmar Barthen, a friend of your employer's who is supposed to pay you the agreed money for delivery of the supplies. From his look, it's clear things have not been going right.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on November 19, 2017, 05:04:44 PM
"Yes, these are the supplies.  Goblins on the road," Pieron says curtly.  He is still annoyed with himself, goblins should have have been so much trouble.  He's either getting rusty over overconfident, neither is a good thing in his profession.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on November 24, 2017, 06:19:06 AM
Barthen's face darkens further, as if you'd confirmed his worst fears. "I see. Will you come inside with me? I have your payment." He calls for a second assistant to help unload the goods and leads you all inside. The interior of the store is cramped, shelves packed with foodstuffs, camping and mining supplies, and farming tools alike. The shopkeeper gives each of you a small pouch of gold, ten coins each as promised. "Gundren was supposed to head out ahead of you, yes? I expected him here days ago, but he hasn't arrived. The goblins you speak of have been plaguing the roads for a while, so I fear..."

The implication hits Pieron, who handled the dead horses, like a bolt out of the blue: The horses had seemed familiar, but only now does he realize he'd seen them before; they were Gundren Rockseeker and his bodyguard Sildar Hallwinter's horses. They must've fallen prey to the same ambushers, but if they didn't make it to Phandalin, that leaves open the question of their ultimate fates. What now?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on November 24, 2017, 11:32:58 AM
Pieron shares this revelation with the others.  This isn't good.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on November 27, 2017, 12:45:18 PM
Kovoir's expression grows dark, and he can be heard muttering dire imprecations into his beard as he storms about the room. Until those imprecations become full-throated growls and threats. "We are going back out there to find those lick-spit bandits and put a dwarf sized boot into every one of the miserable bastards!" He rounded on Barthen. "You! I want supplies enough that we can hunt the cretins down without having to return every few days for food. And every. single. piece. of information you have on the vermin." Leaning in to focus on Barthen from uncomfortably close, he continued. "And when I come back, I'm having words with whoever is the gutless coward that didn't have these miserable wretches hounded until the ends of the world."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on November 28, 2017, 08:09:26 AM
Barthen backs away as far as the cramped space allows, holding his hands up. "Believe me, sir, I wholeheartedly agree. I consider Gundren a personal friend, though I know dwarves are slow to reciprocate. I was excited when he said he and his brothers had a lead for rediscovering the mine of the Phandelver's Pact."

The Phandelver's Pact is a story known to Kovoir: More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement, known as the Phandelver's Pact, to share a mine rich in both material wealth and magical power in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. Humans allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes as well, building the prosperous city of Phandalin, whose ruins are now the foundation of the small miner's town Phandalin. But disaster struck when a horde of orcs swept in from the North and attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize it. Mercenary wizards supporting the orcs and mages of the Pact clashed over it, and the location of Wave Echo Cavern was lost in the destruction and cave-ins that followed and decimated both sides.

In the present, Barthen goes on to describe the situation in Phandalin: "There is basically no authority or lord here to chase off the brigands - it's a very free place, but one without protection. And ever since the Redbrands moved in, most of the townsfolk are preoccupied with the town itself. They're bullies and extortionists, and openly flout the townmaster's authority." He shakes his head. "If you're of a mind to find Gundren, I will support you to the best of my ability. I have here anything an expedition might need, short of weapons or sorcery. And I shall introduce you to another fellow Gundren hired. He should be able and willing to help."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on December 01, 2017, 03:38:52 AM
Amidst the dwarf's ranting, Zuzie stands back stifling her chuckling as Kovoir rumbles and grumbles about the room.

"SoItakeitwe'reoffonapleasantjauntintothewildernessandgallivantaboutforsomeplumpgreenbuttstoplantyourbootstonight? Soundsdelightfu~l! Sowegetfreestufftoassistinthesearchandrescueyes?" she asks, leaning forward greedily.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on December 01, 2017, 11:19:46 AM
Pieron looks at Zuzie, dumbstruck.  He thought he had a handle on her speech but he lost her partway through that first...sentence?  Word?  Whatever it was she said.

"These people are not the enemy Kovoir," he says.  "Save your strength for the goblins." 

Speaking of strength, Pieron obviously doesn't have much left to spare.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on December 05, 2017, 09:15:53 PM
Kovoir calmed himself enough that he was no longer using his dwarven bulk to loom over the shopkeeper, but he was still visibly frustrated and angry, pacing the room in short sharp bursts that made his armour clatter with each rotation. "Fine. I'll save it for the goblins. But we're going tonight, not wasting a day while the trail gets colder. Which means you," his finger wagging at the factor, "need to find someone to heal Pieron up. Now!"
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on December 06, 2017, 05:11:02 AM
"Absolutely. I have someone in mind." Barthen leans out the door and shouts for one of the apprentices, "Ander! Run to the inn and fetch Heylian! Say it's about Gundren Rockseeker. Thistle, finish carrying the small items and then take a break until he comes back." The named clerk takes off down the road and Barthen nods. "Heylian Espershard was hired by Gundren much like you were, only for a different purpose. He'll be as invested in his fate as you are. You're welcome to rations and camping supplies as you figure you'll need them."

Not too long after, Ander returns with a newcomer in tow.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 06, 2017, 08:12:33 PM
"You rang, Barthen?" The half-elf that comes into view has long, bright red hair and golden eyes. He is of average height and build for one of his kind, though it can be hard to tell with the massive poncho he has on right now.

"Pleased to make your acquaintances, fellows. Heylian Espershard, at your service." He sizes up each one, and stops as he notices Pieron's injuries. "Wow, those look pretty bad. I can spare you a bit of healing if you want to be in top shape for the road."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on December 06, 2017, 08:45:05 PM
"If we are to hunt tonight, healing would be appreciated," Pieron says a little stiffly.  This man looks...strange.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on December 09, 2017, 08:38:10 AM
Kovoir runs a beady eye over the flamboyant twit that showed up. What else should I have expected from an elf? Even his name is idiotic. Out loud, he just nods in the direction of Pieron. "Get to work. And I'll be watching."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on December 09, 2017, 08:56:00 AM
The gnome lass waves excitedly with both hands at the new show. "PleasurespleasuresHeylian." As the others had abstained from returning the pleasant elf's introduction, she proceeded to take it upon herself. "PieronKovoirZuziewonderfultomeetyou!" she exclaimed, pointing with both hands to each person as their names were called out.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 10, 2017, 11:19:15 AM
"My my, aren't we a little piece of sunshine and sugar! Pleased to meet ya." He smiles back. Kovoir's distrust doesn't even faze him - his mother's ancestry has earned him many a bad look back in the day, and he's grown a much thicker skin since.

Ironic considering he doesn't look like he's had a wrinkle in his life.

"Have a seat." He asks of Pieron.

From under the poncho, the half-elf produces a rather large violin, Taking the bow dextrously in his right hand, he starts strumming along a rather upbeat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8xBW7VbTQA) melody.

The light glinting off the cords of the violin turn into twinkles of green, and start spinning about around the bow, before he finishes with a slight flourish, and the twinkling, star-like energy floats around Pieron and dissipate as they touch his wounds - no doubt allowing him to breathe a little easier, though by how much remains to be seen.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on December 10, 2017, 01:35:24 PM
Everyone gets a sense of just how much pain Pieron was in when you see his face relax as his wounds close. 

"Thank you Heylian," Pieron says, for once not being curt.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on December 12, 2017, 07:53:54 AM
"Hmph. Well, you aren't the complete waste of flesh most of you pointy-eared imbeciles are." Kovoir looked around the room. "Everyone packed? We should be, we just got off the road. If not, grab your supplies and lets go. There's dwarves out there at the mercy of goblins, and that will not stand."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 13, 2017, 07:47:03 AM
"The dwarves are not at the mercy of the goblins. The goblins are locked in there with the dwarves." Heylian jests.

"I'll have a spare crossbow if they have any. You seem to have a lot of close-combat fighters on the team; it wouldn't hurt to get some ranged support, methinks."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on December 13, 2017, 07:52:09 AM
Kovoir's judgement of the elf drops further. "Nice to you think we dwarves can't use our runes past the ends of our beards. But you are right about the goblins never knowing what hit them. And they certainly won't."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on December 13, 2017, 10:23:03 AM
Pieron is remembering why he mostly takes solitary scouting jobs.  These people are completely unprofessional.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 13, 2017, 02:47:34 PM
Heylian IS a professional.

At entertaining, and generally being loud. Probably why Pieron isn't too fond of the guy.

He turned to Zuzie, pulling a piece of candy from his pocket. "To celebrate making a new friend."

He would offer to the others, but Kovoir probably thinks it's poisoned.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on December 17, 2017, 04:40:33 PM
Barthen strokes his beard pensively. "I'm afraid I don't carry weapons or armor, only supplies. The Lionshield Coster further down the road sells weapons, but they're a trade company with no connection to Gundren and have lost money to the bandits as well, so I doubt Miss Graywind would be willing to negotiate on prices."

Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 17, 2017, 06:21:33 PM
"Doesn't hurt to ask. I mean, surely she'll be happy to see a paying customer if we're making the roads a bit safer for her, right?" Heylian offers with a mirthful smile.

"Now now, master Dwarf. I meant it as a compliment."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on December 17, 2017, 07:44:06 PM
Zuzie accepted the offered candy, but gave Heylian a smirk in return for it. JustcauseI'msmalldoesn'tmeantotreatlikeachildbutthankyoueitherway."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 18, 2017, 07:56:54 AM
"Wouldn't dream of it. I just figured EVERYBODY likes candy. And I like your sunny disposition." Heylian offers with a smirk of his own.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on December 18, 2017, 03:14:48 PM
"Give us what supplies you can. Food, camping supplies. Make sure it's portable. We're going as soon as that's sorted. Anyone fool enough not to have a weapon on them best run to the blacksmith, now." Kovoir let a spark of magic play across his fingers as he kept his sour expression fixed on Barthen.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on December 19, 2017, 10:46:40 AM
Pieron wonders why these people weren't already as prepared as he is.  Amateurs.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on December 31, 2017, 08:36:09 AM
With the proceeding from here on determined, Heylian runs to the Lionshield Coster to procure a weapon while the rest make final preparations to depart. The Coster's master is a sharp-tongued human woman of thirty-five named Linene Graywind. As Barthen predicted, Heylian finds her unwilling to budge on the price of her wares, but she reveals that bandits have also attacked Lionshield caravans in the past, and offers to give the winning half-elf a crossbow and a quiver of bolts on credit if he can recover the goods the bandits stole from her. He can then buy the weapon off out of the reward money.

The sun has started setting by the time you return back to the site of the ambush at the fastest pace you can make. The horses are still where you left them, rotting to the side of the road. After a search of the area, Pieron finds a narrow trail hidden behind thickets to the north of the road, roughly in the direction the last surviving goblin attempted to flee when the tide turned. It leads northwest into the forest. Based on the tracks and markings, Pieron guesses that about a dozen goblins may use the track in total, and there is evidence of two human-sized bodies being hauled away from the ambush site.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on December 31, 2017, 10:30:37 AM
It is an offer Heylian is more than happy to accept, and he promises whatever extra wares he gets out of his share of the loot she'll get first crack at.

In order to support the team most effectively, be it from a range or from melee, Heylian requests to be just before the rearguard. That way, if they are attacked from behind, he can help mount a defensive wall, and if they're attacked from the front, he can pepper them with bolts.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on December 31, 2017, 12:30:05 PM
Kovoir nods at the suggestion, and takes his place in the middle of the order, where he can fire magic in both directions. Not that he's afraid of meeting a goblin in physical combat, just that he's more suited to using spells on them.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on January 06, 2018, 04:08:37 PM
Pieron takes point as is expected of him.  He won't be surprised again and has a javelin at the ready.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on January 12, 2018, 12:33:01 PM
Alert and experienced at navigating the wilderness, Pieron leads the way down the path. The group treks some ten minutes northward in the light of the setting sun before he stops the party. He has spotted a hidden snare right on the road. of the sort a trapper might set to catch rabbits, only sized for humans or dwarves. Not a particularly deadly trap, but certainly an embarrassing one to be caught in until a goblin band comes along to capture the victim.

And it's just as well that Pieron almost walked into it, because it has him looking carefully for any further traps on the trail, and his caution pays off when he finds a significantly better hidden covered pit right on the trail by the goblin footsteps tracking around it rather than over. Whoever falls into it would be in for quite a concussion.

The rest of the journey is uneventful, and finally, you come across a large cave in a hillside five miles from the scene of the ambush. A shallow stream flows out of the cave mouth, which is screened by dense briar thickets. A narrow dry path leads into the cave on the right-hand side of the stream. The path ends here, and the cave seems an attractive spot for the goblin bandits if it's deep enough. How do you approach?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on February 20, 2018, 08:51:02 AM
"So which one of you is going to be the coward who suggests hiding in the briar thickets waiting for the goblins to appear?" Kovoir, stubborn as usual for a dwarf, was itching in get his meaty hands around the neck of whichever goblin had hurt another dwarf.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on February 21, 2018, 12:22:41 PM
Heylian will use Prestidigitation to make it look like everyone else but him is raising their hand.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Stratovarius on March 02, 2018, 06:47:44 AM
Kovoir growls. "Funny, elf." A mage hand appears out of thin air and slaps the elf across the face.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on March 02, 2018, 10:35:39 AM
"Half-elf, if you please." Heylian responds, not minding the Three Stooges-esque response. "Now let's be a bit more quiet about it. Just because we don't plan on sneaking about doesn't mean we have to throw the element of surprise in the latrine. Do you suppose we try to capture one of them, or do we simply flank them and kill them all?"
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on March 04, 2018, 09:59:20 PM
Pieron's opinion of these people as amateurs has been firmly cemented.  He shakes his head at their inanity and says, "What need would we have to capture one of them?"
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on March 06, 2018, 09:28:25 AM
"Information, Pieron. We'll go faster if we know how to evade their traps and ambushes so we can rescue our friends. And if we confirm they aren't alive, then we'll be that much more motivated to murder every last one of them." The half-elf said, all smiles and patience.
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on March 06, 2018, 10:31:44 AM
"Do you speak Goblin?  Even if you do, do you think that a goblin would tell you what you want to know?  Does it look like we have time to torture information out of one?  Would you even be able to, and if you could how would you justify it to her?"  Pieron sneers disdainfully, and at that last question gestures at Zuzie.  This is the most any of you have heard Pieron say at one time, even those who have traveled with him.

"We have a job to do, people to rescue.  Enough time has been wasted already."

Pieron ignores the dry path as he assumes it is full of traps.  Javelin in hand he steps into the stream and makes his way to the cave.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: ketaro on March 06, 2018, 05:29:51 PM
Zuzie covers her mouth with both hands and gasps mockingly; suddenly having attention tossed her way as well. "Ohnothebigguyisrighthowcouldweeverjustifytorturingsuchapoordefenselesscritterlikeagoblininfrontofthechildwewouldbetheworstkindofparentstoallowsuchathing!"

Snickering behind her hands, she follows up a bit more on topic. "ThislittlegirlisnotpracticedattortureeitheranywayssoIcouldnothelpwiththattoo."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on March 06, 2018, 05:55:19 PM
Heylian scoffs. "Torture. Such a primitive method of obtaining information. Suit yourself, though." The half-elf shrugs. "There is far easier trickery to visit upon such simple-minded creatures. If any of them is left breathing by the end of our first contact, we can discuss what to do then."
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on March 07, 2018, 12:23:01 PM
Maybe it's Heylian's casual insult. Maybe you were talking too loudly. Either way, your approach doesn't go unnoticed. Just as Pieron steps up to the stream, he hears the hurried rustling of a pair of goblins scrambling to get ready for combat behind the bushes on the other side, sentries who must have been slacking off. Now, they bark back and forth in a panic and get ready to attack!

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Kuroimaken on March 07, 2018, 10:05:32 PM
At the first sign of a goblin scream, the half-elf draws his brand-new crossbow and takes aim reflexively.

"Gobbos, two o'clock!"

Without wasting another second, he shoots at the one that seems most ready to bring harm to the team.

"Pieron! Time to show that professionalism you're so proud of!"

They may seem the mocking sort, but Heylian's words clearly have a different effect on the gruff ranger. There's magic in the air coming from the bard.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Agita on March 08, 2018, 02:47:52 AM
The bolt flits between leaf and branch to narrowly miss one of the would-be ambushers, drawing another scream. The goblin is on the ball, now, and retaliates with a black-feathered arrow from the bush, which strikes Heylian in the arm!
Following that, the bushes rustle as this goblin repositions to hide in the vegetation.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Goblin Arrows (IC Thread)
Post by: Nanshork on March 30, 2018, 09:39:36 PM
Pieron lunges forward, pushing through the bushes.  As soon as he gets close enough he attacks the closest goblin with his javelin but he is still surprised and his aim is off.

(click to show/hide)