Fantasy World Creations

Location: Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 23, Fesdey, 795
Time: 1900

---

The return south was slower than your initial ride as more people means hindered travel, however the size of your group drove away potential monster encounters allowing for relatively stress free riding.

At last on the evening of the 18th, ten days from your departure, you arrive back in Telan. As the small column of troops, with you riding along,  approach Telan you notice that a large gathering of villagers are milling about the edge of the village proper. It seems one of the militia watchmen noticed your group from a distance and let people know. At the head of the group Mayor Marcas MacLamraich stands expectantly. He flashes a wide smile your way as you pull up on your horses.

"You did a fine job! Welcome back." He says jovially, then turns to the expedition captain. "Gentlemen, welcome to Telan and thank you for coming to our aid. Please, let me know if there's anything we can do to assist you."

Captain Maddox and the mayor enter into a brief discussion about the general plan for where his force of about 20 men might stay. In the end, they will be forming a little military camp just outside the village so as not to interrupt the flow of daily life in town. As the sun rapidly sinks below the horizon, Captain Maddox and his group set up camp leaving you to go about your business.

     "Ah, back at last... How I missed a good bath. If only all your inns were as hospitable as the Stardust Knight. I wish we had a chance to stop over there on our way back. I was hoping to pick up some decent wine but I guess my uncle's cellar will have to do." He said as he stretched his arms. "I will be at my uncle's manor cleaning up should anyone need me... Hopefully not alone." He said as he saw one of the village girls he had "met" on his eve of departure. He set his horse into a light trot to catch up to her.

[info]Diplomacy to try and secure a bathing companion[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 10 + 9, total 19[/blockquote][/info]

Despite the overbearing pomp of Thedrin's comment, the village girl does seem inclined to join him in his offer.

"Oi will never understand that..." Scathach says in mild disbelief watching the two of them leave.

Location: Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 24, Resdey, 795
Time: 0600

---

In the morning, you are awoken to the sound of knocking on the door to your lodgings. It's a member of the expeditionary force, a young man no more than eighteen whose name you hadn't bothered to learn yet. The knot on his shoulder that holds his cloak on says he's a private. He has an earnest face.

"Captain Maddox sent me to come find you. Would like you to meet with him at his tent in camp if you can. It's the bigger one, can't miss it."

After delivering his message he gives a short bow and runs off, presumably to go gather up the others in your group.

     Thedrin cracked open a single bleary eye at the private before looking over to the pre-dawn gloom outside the window. "Lady of the Lake... six in the morning? We're not even on campaign yet..." He complained as he shifted in his bed. "Fine, let the captain know I'm on my way." He then set about untangling himself from the embrace of his companion before getting armed and setting out to the camp.

Location: Expedition camp outside Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 25, Resdey, 795
Time: 0700

---

When at last you all present at the captain's tent Maddox thanks you for coming and lays out a map of the area on a table.

"I've asked you here for your assistance dealing with this goblin issue. Not that I doubt our ability to deal with the threat, they are only goblins after all, but your local knowledge would be useful in navigating the terrain. Almost all my men are from the area around Aite-Aerd, so your help would be much appreciated. I assumed you would likely volunteer anyway." Maddox retrieves a small box full of troop markers from under the table and arranges the little figures around the point on the map representing Telan.

"The assumption we are operating under, based on the report you delivered to the Righ, is that a large group of goblins has begun to mass somewhere in the region. The boldness of their coordinated raid on the town, and their unusual 'bravery' leads me to believe that the attack was a prelude to something much larger. The watch captain here informed me that while there hasn't been another assault on the settlement, outriders have had to rescue more than one trade caravan from being harried."

The captain folds his arms across his chest before continuing. "It is likely that the bulk of this 'goblin army' is residing somewhere sufficiently distant from the town as to not be easily discovered, and has smaller camps of scouts and raiders stationed between their location and ours."

"In essence, my plan of action is to divide the men into scouting parties and send them out in a radial pattern to search for goblin encampments. IF we find any, we'll wipe them out and see if we can gain more information from them. Hobs can speak the common tongue, but they're smart and might not give us accurate intelligence. The smaller goblins however, are easier to trick. We should aim to capture one, and interrogate it. If you have someone here that speaks their language, that's good, if not Private Calcote here is fluent."

He motions to the young private that fetched you earlier the day, who returns a sharp salute. Captain Maddox then points to a location on the map. "We'll begin our search area at eighty miles from Telan, so about two days ride out and two to return. If we find something, we'll go from there. If not, we'll expand the search. Your participation pending, I'd like your group to take the southeast direction towards the mountains."

     "Of course, and how many men will be under my command? Ten? Fifteen?" Asked Thedrin with a yawn.

Captain Maddox looks at Thedrin for a beat. "I was unaware you held rank in the Righ's standing army." He finally says with a dry sarcasm. "As you are aware, since you traveled with us for the last two weeks, only twenty soldiers comprise this expeditionary force. To answer your question, none. Your group of four is a complete scouting party."

     "Well I was hoping that special dispensation could be arranged for one with my accomplishments." Replied Thedrin with a pout. "I also figured that a captain such as yourself would need to delegate the command of the actual scouting parties from the camp here. But if you require a demonstration of my tactical acumen then I will easily take this scouting party and bring you the coordinates of that camp, if not the head of the goblin king himself."

"We killed a skeleton in a tomb..." Scathach mutters just loud enough to be heard.

"The Captain prefers a more personal style of command." Sergeant Eoan interjects with a gravelly rumble. "When you spend time in the mud with the men you as to die for you, they grow to respect that you would die for them.

"Enough Eoan." The Captain chides again as he did outside the walls of Aite-Aerd, and so many times in between there and Telan. It is quite evident that the soldiers that follow Captain Maddox have a level of admiration and respect for him that cannot be questioned.

"At any rate I'm sure you will produce results. We are on a time crunch here, if you cannot find anything after your two days ride out make sure to return promptly and we will try another tactic. Dismissed."

With that, Maddox begins going over the assignment of scouting parties with Sergeant Eoan. You overhear him mention he will lead one of them personally. You are free to make any preparations for your scouting sortie to the southeast, before leaving town.

Location: Outskirts of Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 25, Resdey, 795
Time: 0730

---

You depart from town in a southeasterly direction, leaving behind traveled roads to traverse the untamed grasslands in search of goblin encampments.

[info]Skill Challenge
To locate a goblin encampment, as a party you will need to pass a certain number of skill checks related to your task. You may perform a round of skill checks every 3 hours, to try and find clues to locate your target. Assuming you do not continue after the sun sets, this gives a total of 8 rounds of checks before you must return to Telan. If you continue to press your search after sunset, you will incur penalties to your checks until the next day.

Time Crunch: If you cannot locate a goblin camp in 2 days, the challenge is failed.[/info]

---

After riding for some distance, Scathach pulls her horse to a stop. "We should probably take a look around for tracks or something" she comments.

     Thedrin looked about with a bored sigh. "If only we had tracking beasts. A foxhound or something. My grandmother had a small pack of trained wolves for hunting. Old crone was obsessed with the things. Wolf this, wolf that, wolf-fur cloaks, wolf fang ivory. I swear the old bitch was probably a werewolf in disguise." He said as he dismounted and casually looked at the grass with his arms crossed.

[info]Survival Check[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 11, total 11[/blockquote][/info]

---

[info][blockquote]Survival 1d20+3 : 2 + 3, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

[info] Using Knowledge: Local to see if there is anything amiss due to bands of goblins being in the area.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 1 + 8, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]

After some time searching the area, tracks are spotted a bit of nearly dried mud. Much to her surprise, both Scathach and and Thedrin were able to pick them out among the random formless depressions that littered the soft ground.

"Guess you're more capable than you look" she remarks.

The tracks lead further southeast, so once remounted you head in that direction.

     "But of course. Hunting is an important skill for one of my lineage. Though this hunt lacks the proper tools of a civilized pursuit, it still is a skill that runs in my blood and a such poses little challenge." Replied Thedrin as he tried to follow the signs from before.

[info]Survival check[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 7, total 7[/blockquote][/info]

Following the trail that her companions had picked up Cecilia continues to look for signs of goblins.

[info]knowledge local
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13[/blockquote]
[/info]

---

[info][blockquote]Survival 1d20+3 : 15 + 3, total 18[/blockquote]/info]

Location: Southeast of Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 25, Resdey, 795
Time: 1330

Continuing in the direction of the previous set of tracks, some time later Rhenri spots evidence of goblin movement. Depressions in the soil indicate a number of goblins and more than one hob passed this way no more than a day or two ago. It would seem your group was drawing closer. The tracks turned slightly more southern here, and so you follow along to continue the search. By now the sun has already passed its zenith and continues its course to the horizon.

---

[info][blockquote]Survival 1d20+3 : 19 + 3, total 22[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info] Survival check[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 18, total 18[/blockquote][/info]

[info] knowledge local.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 1 + 8, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]

Location: Southeast of Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 25, Resdey, 795
Time: 1630

---

A handful of hours pass as you follow the remnants of the trail left by your prey and though it seems for a moment you wont find any more tracks this day, Rhenri and Thedrin both spot the telltale signs that a group of humanoids have come this way. Scathach dismounts quickly to check the prints.

"These are really fresh. A few hours old at most, we're getting close... We should be careful from here on."

---

Location: Southeast of Telan
Date: Oaeksaber 25, Resdey, 795
Time: 1930

Some time later, Scathach proves to be right. In the distance, silhouetted by the last vestiges of twilight you spot a crumbling tower upon a low hill. Beside it, a campfire shines like a beacon in the gloom. It seems your search is over.

Location: Telan
Date: Oeksaber 26, Erstdey 795
Time: 1630

---

After a full day's ride you once again have returned to Telan, this time with the addition of your goblin captive and the odd wolf. The goblin, having long since awoken from his magic induced sleep has been chattering almost constantly in his incomprehensible gibberish language. At one point Scathach became so fed up with hearing the noise she fitted a gag on the creature to stifle its nonsense. The wolf too awoke some time ago, and though it initially struggled against its bindings it seems to have accepted that it will not be making an escape.

The military camp outside of town is still mostly empty, as the other search parties haven't yet returned. However, it seems that Captain Maddox's group came back early at some point.

     Thedrin strolled into the camp, head practically floating off his shoulders he held it so aloft, and made for the captain. "Captain! We have returned with not only the goblin prisoner you requested, but a foul beast that has been preying upon the locals as well!" He said with a grandiose sweep of his arm to the prisoners. "All in little over a day's work."

Captain Maddox takes note of your approach with a raised eyebrow. "Is that so? Fine work then, the four of you are as capable as you implied."

He takes a moment to study the beast slung across Scathach's horse. "A worg. Nasty. You said it was preying on the locals? They're known to work in concert with goblins on occasion, we should find out from our little green captive if there are any in their ranks... For the time being we should see it strongly caged, worgs have an unnatural cunning. We can figure out what to do with it once we're done interrogating the goblin."

---

A short while later, you find yourselves invited to a small tent where your goblin captive has been tied to a post. Captain Maddox, Sergeant Eoan, Private Calcote, and and a soldier dressed in the garb of a mage are present.

"Let's see this done then." Maddox says, nodding to Calcote who then removes the gag Scathach had placed in the goblin's mouth.

"Daagaan an or ghac shal?" Calcote asks the goblin, twisting his mouth to form the harsh sounds of it's language.

In response, your captive begins to gibber at a frantic pace while hissing and spitting in the general direction of your party.

"The hell did it say?" Scathach asks, arms folded.

"Ahh... well... Nothing about what I asked about. It's mostly ranting about how mad it is you tied him up." The goblin continued to rave while Calcote answered. "He has some very... choice words about you in particular." Another barrage of incomprehensible gibberish spewed from the creature's mouth before it spread into a wide and sinister grin. "Oh my, that was completely uncalled for."

"Tuul dar arlac ac taan ghec shor or or maal." The goblin frowns at this before spitting again on the ground. "I told him if he said that again, you'd cut his head off."

"Now I'm curious." Scathach remarked.

"I would rather not repeat it..." Calcote returned, blushing slightly.

Nearby, Maddox sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Enough. Lieutenant, do it." He waved the unfamiliar mage forward, who nodded at the command and began to cast a short spell. With a flourish of his hand, the spell completed; the goblin, who had been struggling vainly at his bindings suddenly jerked upright and ridged before its eyes glazed over and it slumped forward into a relaxed state.

"It is under my control. Ask away." the mage said.

Calcote again askes the goblin a question. "Muul ghakec agaan o? Daagaan an or ghac shal?"

This time, the goblin responds slowly and in monotone, its mind dominated by the mage. "Ghuur akhuuc ghuur. Daan haar drar ghal. Daan dar, mokec dhuur dhaan."

"Well?" asks Maddox.

"Ah, well. Goblins are a bit figurative in their way of describing things... From what I gather, there are quite a lot of them gathered at some place he calls 'The Great Dark Maw'. I don't know what that is, do any of you?"

Cecilia watched the interrogation with great curiosity, she hadn't ever seen something like it. After hearing about 'The Great Dark Maw' she tried to think of any nearby locations that could fit that description.

[info] knowledge local.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28[/blockquote]
[/info]

[info]Scouring her memories for anything useful, Cecilia recalls some information that she probably read in a book regarding landmarks of the steppe:

"To the south east of the village of Telan, lies an extensive network of black limestone caverns that worm their way into the base of a mountain. The caves are largely unexplored due to their remoteness. Local nomadic groups have more than one legend about an "entrance to the underworld" located in one such cave.[/info]

  "If memory serves, this "Great Dark Maw" that they are referring to could be south east of Telan. I've heard that there are black limestone caverns that some groups have claimed contain an entrance to the underworld. Might be worth asking around for some more information."

Cecilia was hopeful that this would set them on the right track.

     "Hmmm... That seems prudent I guess. I wonder what the goblins would want with some damp cave in the middle of nowhere. Other than the fact that it must seem akin to a palace to their primitive sensibilities." Said Thedrin. The focus on the goblin's interrogation having bored him, he was already looking forward to a solid meal. "I could ask around the tavern to see if they have any duck... I mean information about this hellgate or whatever."

Some time later, you find yourselves at one of Telan's taverns. The establishment is bustling with late afternoon traffic and there are plenty of people you could ask for information regarding the location of The Maw.

     Thedrin headed in to find a table near the rear of the dining hall and set down, waving down one of the tavern workers. "Do you happen to have any duck or goose? If not, I'll have whatever fowl you might have cooked up. Also whatever wine you have on hand." He said as he looked around. He tried to judge the most knowledgeable of the other patrons. He was loath to have to spend the time chatting with anything other than a well endowed lass but was willing to settle if it meant getting some more information on the goblin cave. He would start with the more attractive girls, maybe he would luck out before having to speak to some unwashed hermit.

[info] Diplomacy to Gather Information[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 14 + 9, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

"Cockerel with shallots and thyme, if that will do." the young woman who took your order replied. "I'll see what we have for wine."

You scan the room for anyone likely to be able to answer your questions while waiting on our food. Eventually the woman returns with a healthy portion of roasted chicken and vegetables, as well as some kind of light bodied fruit wine with a pale gold color.

After eating, you set to work asking about The Maw. Starting with the more pleasant looking women, and working your way "down" from there. Eventually you manage to piece together that there is indeed a large black limestone cave in the hills to the southeast that has been described as looking like a large fanged mouth. It is roughly a five day ride there, and the villagers typically steer clear of the area as it has been a home to savage wildlife in the past.

     His meal done and his information gathering more or less also done, Thedrin dabbed at his lips with his napkin before standing and stretching and turning to his companions. "Well, not much more to go off then what we already knew. Still, I guess it is something to bring to the captain tomorrow. I say we get our beauty sleep and prepare for a longer journey. It would seem to be almost a week's journey to these caves and I would like to get at least one night in a proper bed while we are in town." He looked around and saw a group of young women that he had spoken to earlier, they did not know much about the cave but one or two had caught his eye. "I might even get some sleep." He remarked as he broke off from his companions. "Ah, there was something I forgot to ask earlier. Tell me, what do you know about talking wolves?" He asked as he moved to insert himself at their table.

[info]Diplomacy to pick up girls[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 13 + 9, total 22[/blockquote][/info]

Scathach snorts watching Thedrin slide next to one of the girls at the table nearby. "What a line..."

"Talking wolves? How fearsome!" The girl responds, somewhat flirtatiously.

---

Location: Telan
Date: Oeksaber 27, Wholsdey 795
Time: 0900

The following day your party meets once more with Captain Maddox to relay what you've learned. The information you gathered is similar to what Maddox's men also learned in town. The captain decides that he will send a small advance scout party to check the location, and the main force will move after a plan has been made. For the moment, your group is free to pursue their own interests in town, but should you wish to partake of the attack on the goblin stronghold you should remain nearby.

Location: Telan
Date: Oeksaber 29, Lasdey 795
Time: 1200

In anticipation of the operation to clear out the goblin menace from The Maw, Maddox spends the next day and a half barely leaving his tent. He apparently has spent the entire time developing a plan of attack, using maps recovered from the basement of the town hall and with the advice of the local militia and those familiar with the area.

The resultant strategy is easy to understand, with the goblins entrenched in the cave system it would be suicidal to send the force in after them, so instead with the cooperation of the militia the expeditionary force will launch a three pronged attack intended to draw the enemy from its position. Two smaller forces, one on each side of the cave entrance will engage the goblins in an effort to divide them; from the middle, delayed slightly, a third force will move up the middle and create a quadruple envelopment as the anvil to smash the divided goblins against.

To that end, your group and a selection of militia fighters will form the center group. The expeditionary force and the accompanying militia will depart within a week to meet the scouts halfway and further refine the strategy. For now, it is a waiting game.

---

---

Location: Telan
Date: Oeksaber 30, Fesdey 795
Time: 1900

It's the last day of Oaeksaber and tonight is the celebration of Seelenacht. Though the expeditionary force, and the town militia are both beginning preparations for the assault on the Dark Maw, traditions must be observed. Without them, what does a civilization become? Tonight is a night where the boundary between the mortal realm and that of spirits grows thin, and you can feel it in the air, electric and sublime.

Children scurry between houses to knock on doors and beg for treats, as they have every year as far back as most mortals can remember. The largest moon, Theas, is full tonight and under its silvery glow you can almost see the shadows of the benevolently departed as they walk amongst the young and living. It brings an odd comfort.

Feasts are had among the households, and offerings are made to long gone relatives to ask for their wisdom and guidance for the future. You too participate in whatever way may suit you, and before long the midnight hour is upon the world.

The villagers, as if by some prearranged choreography come forth from their houses each carrying a single paper lantern that casts a dim light from the small candle within. The lanterns are both a representation of and a guide for the spirits that still linger in this world. Together as one the villagers release these lanterns, designed to float in the air, into the night. They rise together resembling a swarm of fireflies. A breeze begins to catch them and pull them higher and higher into the sky, until they are indistinguishable from the glittering stars.

     Thedrin sat in his uncle's parlor throughout the evening, a bottle of wine in one hand and a glass in the other. He spent it mostly staring at the cracking fire while his uncle more eagerly awaited the children to pass out sweets. The last group of expected children gone, his uncle sat down across from him in his won armchair. "You know, you could do something other than drink your way through the cellar." His uncle remarked as Thedrin let out an audible sigh and leaned back in the armchair he had occupied to look at stuffed bison head hanging above the hearth. "Hard to stay in a sober mood when right now back in Albion the Witching Eve parties are in full swing. The wizards are showing off their best glamours at the most prestigious gatherings. Esmerelda Veleste last year dressed as the Lady of the Lake in a absolutely scandalous gossamer gown that she had found a wizard to enchant to make it seem always wet and flowing as if under the water. It was a stroke of genius, turned every head at the ball, though it was a monster to get her out of later that evening." He swilled the wine in his glass and watched the light filter through the crimson liquid. "And what is the point of lantern lighting out here on these desolate plains? It would not compare to the  sight of a city's worth of lanterns drifting across the lake, their light reflected below, drawing the glowing fish from the depths of the lake. A beauty viewed from the balcony of Esmerelda's bedchamber... or any of the high towers I suppose..."  "Or maybe... you could try and actually get a different perspective and join the rest of the town?" His uncle interjected but Thedrin's only response was to roll his eyes. "Fine, wallow in the bottle of a glass all night. Just try not to drink the whole estate out of booze. Some of us like to actually drink to enjoy ourselves. I'm going to the lantern lighting." He said as he got up to don his coat, leaving Thedrin to his drink. Thedrin only grumbled and poured himself another glass.

Location: Southeast of Telan
Date: Naev 6, Fesdey 795
Time: 1800

---

After Seelenacht, the expeditionary force, militia, and the town in general worked double-time to prepare for the upcoming offensive against the goblin menace. With the addition of some of the town militia's members, the total force now comes to about 50 fighters not including your own party.

Some days out from Telan, as the sun starts to set, a rider approaches from the southeast. Its one of the scouts Maddox had sent out the previous week. When he finally arrives in camp, the captain asks him the question on everyone's mind: "Well, what's the situation?"

The scout is wide eyed and answers hoarsely, "There are hundreds.

A small ripple of concern spreads through the few people close enough to hear the conversation, and you can just barely hear Maddox swear under his breath. "Shit."

The rider continues, "There's a whole slew of the little ones, it looks like an ocean of bodies all armed with their crude little swords and spears. Handful of riders on those nasty overgrown rats they like so much, and quite a few hobgoblins barkin' orders." He pauses before speaking again, And... they got a shaman."

Captain Maddox grimaces at the mention of a spellcaster. Goblins are not known for their use of magic, but when they do make use of a shaman it can transform even a small group of the creatures into a formidable force.

After a few moments of consideration Maddox speaks again. "Alright. So they have a shaman and they outnumber us. That doesn't change what we have to do. The Righ charged us with the protection of Telan and we are honor bound to do so. We have better arms, armor, and more skill than they could hope to muster. Not to mention the element of surprise. I'll make adjustments to the battle plan."

---

---

[info]There are still a few days left before the expedition reaches the Maw. State any final preparations or things you'd like to do before the battle begins. There are general supplies you can requisition from the camp quartermaster, these can include limited consumables like potions.[/info]

Location: The Maw
Date: Naev 8, Erstdey 795
Time: 0900

---

When at last you arrive at the Dark Maw, you can already sense the menace of the goblin horde. More accurately you can smell it. Goblins are not a race known for cleanliness, and in an unnaturally large group the already potent smell of their collective waste and body odors is magnified tenfold. To put it succinctly, they reek.

The Dark Maw, rests at the bottom of a depression in the earth that if one was not looking for it, you may never notice its existence. The entrance to the cave itself does in fact strongly resemble a large mouth lined with teeth, gaping wide to swallow the earth before it. The surrounding depression is lined with small hillocks and rock formations that obscure direct line of sight out of the low ground. Fortuitous for you and the others, as it gives you a moment to survey the goblins before beginning the assault.

The scout's report is quite accurate. There are hundreds of little bodies milling about down by the cave. Curiously, or perhaps terrifyingly, the smaller members of the horde look almost organized. They've formed little troops of goblins 20 to 30 members thick, each rallying around a hobgoblin which seems to be marshaling them about in drills. It's a worrisome sight, as goblins find great strength in numbers, which in turn is usually dulled by their inherently chaotic nature. You also spy the riders the scout mentioned. There are a handful of them, goblins with bows mounted on "goblin dogs".

The expedition force seizes upon their unnoticed approach to move everyone into position before the attack. As planned, two wings of fighters split off to the left and right sides of the depression around the cave, while your group and the remaining soldiers and militia fighters remain in place where you can charge up the center.

At last once all the pieces are in place, you hear the piercing call of a war-horn signaling the start of the assault. The flanking wings of the expeditionary force storm downwards into the hollow, taking the drilling goblins by surprise. Chaos breaks the discipline of the goblin troops just long enough to draw them into the perfect position for the double envelopment. Now is the time for your group to charge.

As you enter the melee, it isn't but a moment before your group finds enemy combatants ripe for the slaughter...

[info]Roll initiative.[/info]

[info] Initiative[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

---

[info][blockquote]Initiative 1d20+5 : 16 + 5, total 21[/blockquote][/info]

[info] initiative
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 3 + 6, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]

You wade forward into combat hoping to catch your prey on their back foot, but luck was not with you this moment. The group of goblinoid fighters nearest you notice your approach in the chaos and turn to fight. From behind a rock, one of the smaller goblins peeks into view and fires a shot at Scathach, fortunately the attack does little more than cut a scratch on her arm and the creature ducks back into cover.

The hobgoblin nearest the militia fighter that has joined you closes the gap between them and engages in a flurry of slashes and thrusts, until the militiaman is unable to keep up and takes a wicked cut across the chest spilling blood upon the rocks at his feet. The hob sneers in delight at the sight of his wounded target.

[error]Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage[/error]
[error]Hobgoblin 1 attacks Militia Fighter, 7 damage[/error]
[info]Rhenri to take turn.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage[/spoiler]

---

[info]Swift: Activate Stance of the Piercing Rays
Action: Attack hobgoblin, +1 Point Blank
(https://i.gyazo.com/33d12c2a6ec03ca80f8487caf73ef0fa.png)
[blockquote]Attack vs AC 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]

Move: 25 ft. for cover
(https://i.gyazo.com/e2aa8fe3d2022ad5ac433b4dec2bcd90.png)[/info]

Rhenri's flaming arrow streaks past its target and bounces harmlessly off a rock behind it. Meanwhile, the other two goblins fire off arrows of their own at Thedrin and Cecilia. Thedrin's armor managed to deflect the attack, though if it had been an inch higher it might have found a gap in his defenses. Cecilia was not as fortunate and suddenly found an arrow embedded deep in her left leg.

Scathach, hoping to take out one of the goblin archers, moved into a better position to shoot and let loose an shot which found its mark but left her target standing.

The other hobgoblin, closes in on Thedrin and lashes out, hoping to succeed where his diminutive cohort failed. The blade finds purchase and draws blood.

[error]Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 1, misses.[/error]
[okay]Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, misses.[/okay]
[error]Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage.[/error]
[okay]Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage[/okay]
[error]Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage[/error]
[info]Cecilia to take turn.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage[/spoiler]

Cecilia stands in the chaos around her focused on her magics, casting mage armor on herself.

[info] casting mage armor to not die. lasts for 2 hours. [/info]

     Thedrin channeled a portion of his power into healing himself before swinging at the hobgoblin with a counterattack aimed at slicing across the humanoid's thigh. "Now, while I have them distracted!" He said to Rhenri as he sidestepped to give her a better shot.

[info]Swift Action: Lay on Hands self[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
Standard Action: Attack Hobgoblin 2[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 18 + 6, total 24[/blockquote]    Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote]
Move Action: Combat Advice to give Rhenri +2 to hit Hobgoblin 2

Free Action: 5 ft step[/info]

The hobgoblin grunts in pain as Thedrin's sword splatters blood in an arc along the ground. Nearby, the militiaman thrusts hard with his spear, catching the hobgoblin full in the gut, producing a gout of deep crimson.

Sliding out of cover, the lone goblin by the rock fires off an arrow in Cecilia's direction. The arrow manages to pierce through the magical barrier erected around her and pierces flesh. The second hobgoblin meanwhile, retaliates against the militia fighter but cannot break the man's defenses.

[okay]Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage[/okay]
[okay]Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/okay]
[error]Goblin 1 shoots Cecilia, 2 damage[/error]
[okay]Hobgoblin 2 attacks Militia Fighter, misses[/okay]
[info]Rhenri to take turn.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses[/spoiler]

---

[info]Swift action: Activate Murderous Insight
Ki: 2 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (4 rounds remaining)
Move: 5 ft. step.
Standard Action: Attack hobgoblin attacking MF, no melee penalty (precise shot), point-blank shot
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 7 + 7, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

[spoiler=Murderous Insight Reference]Murderous Insight (Su):

The stalker designates his combat senses towards ending the lives of his opponents and gains momentary flashes of insight in how to best accomplish this. By spending one point of ki as a swift action, the stalker makes an attack and rolls twice for that attack and uses the better of the two results due to the stalker's precognitive abilities. This art has a duration of 1 + the stalker's Wisdom modifier in rounds.[/spoiler]

Rhenri's arrow slams into the side of the hobgoblin's neck, nearly finishing the creature off. However, it manages to hold on to the last thread of life and continues fighting. Another volley of arrows cut through the air from the pair of goblins behind the other rock, aimed at Thedrin and Scathach. Scathach manages to avoid taking a hit, but With Thedrin distracted in his fight with the hobgoblin, the arrow manages to hit. Scathach, seizing the chance to land a killing blow moves to find a better angle on the nearly dead hobgoblin and fires off a shot that brings him to the ground.

[okay]Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 2, 5 damage[/okay]
[error]Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage[/error]
[okay]Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, misses[/okay]
[okay]Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 2, 5 damage. Hobgoblin 2 is dead[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to take turn[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 2, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kill Hobgoblin 2[/spoiler]

Cecilia moves to the right, looking to get a clear shot on one of the goblins. She gets in position, and shoots a acid dart towards the nearest goblin.

[info] moves 25 feet to the right, uses acid dart

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 13 + 3, total 16[/blockquote]
Acid Damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
[/info]

     Thedrin tried to swing a backhanded slice at the hobgoblin's head, hoping to decapitate the foe.

[info]Standard Action: Attack Hobgoblin 1[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 12 + 6, total 18[/blockquote]    Damage (Slashing) 1d8+3[/info]
[info]Will hold remaining actions for results of attack.[/info]

[info]Oops forgot tags for damage roll [blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote][/info]

Cecilia's acid dart catches the goblin in the face sending him to the ground unconscious and disfigured. Thedrin's slash missed the hobgoblin's neck, but caught the creature in the chest leaving a gaping wound.

[okay]Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage. Goblin 3 is defeated.[/okay]
[okay]Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage.[/okay]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 2, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kill Hobgoblin 2
Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage[/spoiler]

     Thedrin kept his shield up between him and the hobgoblin. "The goblins keep at range, best keep them at bay with attacks of our own."

[info]Move action: Combat Advice to give Cecilia +2 to hit the goblin closest to her[/info]

With two less combatants on the field, the militia fighter makes a play to raise that number to three. Circling to the side of the hobgoblin engaged with Thedrin he makes a thrust with his spear, impaling his target with a fatal blow. An arrow from the goblin meant to avenge his comrade plinks harmlessly off the fighter's shield.

[okay]Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 5 damage. Hobgoblin 2 is defeated[/okay]
[okay]Goblin 1 shoots Militia Fighter, misses[/okay]
[info]Rhenri to take turn[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 1, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kills Hobgoblin 1
Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage
MF kills Hobgoblin 2[/spoiler]
Round 3:
Goblin 1 attacks MF, miss[/spoiler]

---

[info]Ki: 2 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (3 rounds remaining)
Move: 10 ft. E.
Standard Action: Attack goblin
(https://i.gyazo.com/fff0a1715e5ad75a107a5a369e4ed403.png)
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

The goblin avoids Rhenri's shot, ducking out of the way in time to prevent taking a lethal blow. Meanwhile the goblin on the other side of the field launches its own projectile at the militia fighter, missing as well. Scathach too takes aim at the same goblin as Rhenri, however her shot is wide and the creature remains unscathed.

[error]Rhenri shoots Goblin 1, miss[/error]
[okay]Goblin 2 shoots MF, miss[/okay]
[error]Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss[/error]
[info]Cecilia to take turn[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 1, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kills Hobgoblin 1
Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage
MF kills Hobgoblin 2[/spoiler]
Round 3:
Goblin 1 attacks MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Goblin 2 shoots MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss[/spoiler]

Cecilia moves forward to get a better look at the goblin behind the rock before letting loose another acid dart.

[info] moving 30 feet and shooting at the goblin that was previously obscured by the rock.
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/UX-R1/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+4 : 1 + 4, total 5
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 6 + 1, total 7[/blockquote]
[/info]

     The hobgoblin before him dead, Thedrin charged over the corpse at the goblin behind it. Blocking his face with the shield before dropping his guard to bring down an overhead swing at a diagonal angle to hopefully chop into the goblin's shoulder.

[info] Full Round Action: Charge at nearest goblin[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 3 + 8, total 11[/blockquote]
     Damage (Slashing) [blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote] [/info]

Both Cecilia and Thedrin's attacks failed to find their targets. The militia fighter followed after Thedrin, hoping that they would be able to get into a flanking maneuver on the creature, striking out with his spear as he closed in. Unfortunately the goblin proved to agile and shied away from the strike, dancing backwards and letting off a panicked shot from his bow. The shot passed between Thedrin and the fighter, plunging harmlessly into the dirt behind them.

From nearby you see additional goblin forces begin to close in on your position, they will be upon you soon...

[error]Cecilia shoots Goblin 2, miss[/error]
[error]Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss[/error]
[error]Militia Fighter attacks Goblin 1, miss[/error]
[okay]Goblin 1 shoots Militia Fighter, miss[/okay]
[info]Rhenri to take turn[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 1, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kills Hobgoblin 1
Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage
MF kills Hobgoblin 2[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 3]Round 3:
Goblin 1 attacks MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Goblin 2 shoots MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin 2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, miss[/spoiler]
Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
[/spoiler]

---

[info]Ki: 2 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (2 rounds remaining)
Move: 30 ft. NW.
Standard Action: Attack goblin
(https://i.gyazo.com/42bbfb77ab321574bb83bc6cf9193459.png)
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+6 : 8 + 6, total 14[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

Rhenri fails to strike her target, the projectile plinking harmlessly off a nearby rock. The goblin returns fire, but Rhenri manages to twist out of its path at the last moment. Scathach moves to get a clear shot at the goblin that fired upon her friend and looses an arrow of her own, sinking the projectile into the goblin's shoulder.

[error]Rhenri shoots Goblin 2, miss[/error]
[okay]Goblin 2 shoots Rhenri, miss[/okay]
[okay]Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to go.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 1, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kills Hobgoblin 1
Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage
MF kills Hobgoblin 2[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 3]Round 3:
Goblin 1 attacks MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Goblin 2 shoots MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin 2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, miss[/spoiler]
Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
[/spoiler]

Flustered that her previous attack failed to find its mark, Cecilia tries again.
[info]acid dart @ goblin 2
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[/info]

Cecilia's acid dart zips past the goblin once more, splashing on the ground behind it with an audible sizzle.

[error]Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss[/error]
[info]Thedrin to go.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Goblin 1, Hobgoblin 1, Rhenri, Goblin 3, Goblin 2, Scathach, Hobgoblin 2, Cecilia, Thedrin, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 1]Round 1:
Goblin 1 shoots Scathach, 1 damage
Hobgoblin 1 attacks MF, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, miss
Goblin 3 shoots Cecilia, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks Thedrin, 5 damage
Thedrin heals, attacks Hobgoblin 1, 6 damage
Militia Fighter attacks Hobgoblin 2, 11 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 2]Round 2:
Goblin 1 attacks Cecilia, 2 damage
Hobgoblin 2 attacks MF, misses
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 1, 5 damge
Goblin 2 shoots Thedrin, 2 damage
Goblin 3 shoots Scathach, miss
Scathach kills Hobgoblin 1
Cecilia shoots Goblin 3, 3 damage
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 2, 6 damage
MF kills Hobgoblin 2[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 3]Round 3:
Goblin 1 attacks MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Goblin 2 shoots MF, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 1, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin 2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, miss[/spoiler]
Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
[/spoiler]

     Thedrin swung his sword at the goblin in front of him with an especially low sweep to try and catch the goblin in the side of its belly. "Keep them pinned, I'll finish them once I'm done with this one here." He said to the wizard.

[info]Standard Action: Attack the goblin in front of Thedrin[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 4 + 6, total 10[/blockquote]    Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 1 + 3, total 4[/blockquote]
Move Action: Combat advice to give Cecelia +2 to hit the goblin they've been attacking with next attack[/info]

Again the goblin danced just out of the reach of Thedrin's slash, but in doing so failed to notice the militia fighter thrusting in from the side. The spear caught the creature just under the armpit, piercing vital organs and leaving the goblin lying in the dirt bleeding profusely.

Nearly as soon as the goblin is felled you hear the short high pitched blast of a war horn. From either side of your area of the battle arrive additional goblin forces, two riders mounted on goblin dogs, and two more hobgoblins advance to take you on.

[error]Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss[/error]
[okay]Militia Fighter attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage. Goblin 1 is defeated.[/okay]
[warning]Goblin reinforcements arrive![/warning]
[info]Rhenri to go.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Goblin Rider 2, Goblin Rider 1, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4 Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
Round 5:
[/spoiler]

---

[info]Ki: 2 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (1 round remaining)
Standard Action: Attack goblin, point-blank shot
(https://i.gyazo.com/2e2f40b6b1f1a9480fe29347ef212632.png)
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18[/blockquote]
[blockquote]MurderousInsight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]

Move: 30 ft
(https://i.gyazo.com/12bd1cb3ef0c7e98a9473cbf85c02ef2.png)[/info]

"Spottin' two more uglies." Rhenri announced as she hustled back towards the group.

The flaming projectile released from Rhenri's bow streaks through the air and implants itself in the goblin rider with a satisfying thunk. The creature sprawls over backwards, toppling off its mount to land face down in the dirt where it ceases to move. The oversized rat-dog that was the goblin's companion snarls at her viciously.

Meanwhile, the last goblin on foot takes another pot shot at Cecilia before skittering behind the rock once more, not even waiting to see if his arrow hit his target. Consequently, it did not.

Scathach, fires off an arrow at the Hobgoblin approaching from the west, scoring a blow before she moves to form up with Rhenri and Cecilia. "We should close up ranks so they cant flank us!" she shouts. No sooner does she come to a stop next to companions, the riderless goblin dog launches itself across the field in a burst of motion, coming straight at Rhenri with a vicious snapping bite! She manages to kick a cloud of dust into its face to avoid the attack.

The other goblin rider, swings his mount to the north a distance before coming to a stop and firing off an arrow at Rhenri. The attack however, misses.

[okay]Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage, Goblin Rider 2 is defeated.[/okay]
[warning]Goblin Dog 2 is fixated on Rhenri[/warning]
[okay]Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, misses[/okay]
[okay]Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage[/okay]
[okay]Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, misses[/okay]
[okay]Goblin Rider shoots Rhenri, misses[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Goblin Dog 2, Goblin Rider 1, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4 Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
[/spoiler]

seeing that the goblin that attacked her scurried to cover, Cecilia pushed the attack on the rider she could get a clear shot on. An acid dart streaked through the air, sailing towards the rider.

[info] moving 10 feet, shooting acid dart at the goblin rider 30 feet to to the north.
ranged touch attack:[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 14 + 4, total 18[/blockquote]
damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote]
[/info]

The globule of acid smacks into the goblin at full force, melting flesh down to the bone. The goblin shrieks in pain before collapsing off his mount in shock. The now rider-less dog growls low at Cecilia after sniffing its molten master's corpse.

The hobgoblin to the west moves into a position behind a nearby rock, and begins to snipe at Scathach. The carefully aimed shot strikes her in the leg, the head of the arrow burrowing deep into the flesh.

[okay]Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage. Target is downed[/okay]
[warning]Goblin Dog 1 is fixated on Cecilia[/warning]
[error]Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage[/error]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Goblin Dog 2, Goblin Rider 1, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4 Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
[/spoiler]

     "Damn, the flnks aren't doing a very good job of holding their attention." Yelled Thedrin as he turned to charge at the dog behind him.

[info]Full-Round Action: Charge Goblin Dog 2[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 16 + 8, total 24[/blockquote]    Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 5 + 3, total 8[/blockquote][/info]

Thedrin's rush across the field of battle was punctuated by a rising slash that cut the goblin dog deep in the belly. It's intestines spilling out, the beast clung to life tenaciously, ready to die to tear the throat from the person that killed its master.

Wasting no time, the hobgoblin to the east also launched into a charge, directed at Scathach. Though less effective, his attack still managed to lay a cut across the half elf's arm as she tried to skirt away from the blow.

"Four out of hundreds isn't too bad, we could be crushed between the bulk of their force instead!" The militia fighter, who's name you had not learned called out to Thedrin, as he moved into a defensive position next to Cecilia. "Hold close lady mage, I'll keep them at bay so you may cast!"

[okay]Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage[/okay]
[error]Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage[/error]
[okay]Militia fighter readies an attack at anything that gets within range.[/okay]
[info]Rhenri to go[/info]


[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Goblin Dog 2, Goblin Rider 1, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4 Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 5]Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage
Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage
MF readies an action[/spoiler]
Round 6:
[/spoiler]

---

[info]Swift action: Activate Murderous Insight
Ki: 1 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (4 rounds remaining)
Free: 5 ft. step.
Standard Action: Attack goblin dog 2, point-blank shot

[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]

Rhenri's shot fells the ailing creature, causing it to slump over onto the dirt. The remaining goblin peeks out from behind its rock and fires off a shot at the militia fighter, inflicting a flesh wound. Scathach meanwhile, puts some distance between herself and the hobgoblin before firing off an arrow of her own. In her haste however, the shot misses.

The second goblin dog, bounds across the battlefield at Cecilia. It's fixation proves to be its undoing however, as the distracted beast is impaled upon the militia fighter's readied spear. "Another down. Can one of you render me aid? I've lost a lot of blood." he says, flicking gore from the point of his spear.

[okay]Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage. Goblin Dog 2 is defeated[/okay]
[error]Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage[/error]
[error]Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss[/error]
[okay]MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage. Goblin Dog 1 is defeated[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4 Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3, Militia Fighter

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 5]Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage
Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage
MF readies an action[/spoiler]
Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
[/spoiler]

"I'll try to cover you!" Cecilia was unable to heal her companion but she positioned herself between him and the hobgoblin before firing an acid dart at it.

[info] 5 foot step, shooting acid dart at hobgoblin 3.
ranged touch attack [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 7 + 4, total 11[/blockquote]
acid damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[/info]

The hobgoblin batted away the stream of conjured acid with his shield, preventing an injury. Nearby, the other hobgoblin tossed his bow aside and burst into movement, crossing the battlefield at a charge and swinging his sword at Thedrin.

Seeing the attack coming, Thedrin managed to deflect the blow with a timely parry.

[error]Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin3, miss[/error]
[okay]Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4 Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 5]Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage
Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage
MF readies an action[/spoiler]
Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss
[/spoiler]

     "Pick off the hobgoblins that are exposed in the open. Then we can regroup and recover." Said Thedrin as he made a retreating thrust at the hobgoblin in front of him and stepped back for some space.

[info] Standard Action: Attack Hobgoblin 4[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12[/blockquote]
    Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote]
Move Action: Combat Advice to give Rhenri +2 to hit Hobgoblin 3
Free Action: 5 ft step[/info]

The hobgoblin turned Thedrin's thrust aside with a swipe of its sword, as it grinned savagely at him. The second hobgoblin stepped forward to keep Scathach engaged, swinging his blade wildly, but the half elf nimbly dodged the blows.

[error]Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, miss[/error]
[okay]Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, miss[/okay]
[info]Rhenri to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Goblin 2, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4, Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 5]Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage
Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage
MF readies an action[/spoiler]
Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, miss
Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, miss
[/spoiler]

---

[info]Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (3 rounds remaining)
Free: 5 ft. step.
Standard Action: Attack hobgoblin 3, point-blank shot

[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]

[info][blockquote]Crit confirmation 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24[/blockquote][/info]

[info][blockquote]Rolled 1d8+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote][/info]

With unparalleled concentration amid the heat of battle, Rhenri fired a flaming arrow that struck her target in a vital spot. The projectile dug deep into the hobgoblin's chest and piercing organs. Though the creature was still standing, pink foam welled at its lips as blood seeped into its lungs.

Nearby the remaining goblin shifted further out of cover and fired a shot at Cecilia, but the attack was deflected by her arcane barrier.

Scathach, seeing the hobgoblin that had been pursuing her was on his last legs, took a step back and tried to finish it off. Unfortunately, despite its injuries, it was able to swat away the oncoming arrow.

Seeking to down another enemy, the militia fighter covered the ground between himself and the last goblin with a quick stride and loosed a series of thrusts. One of said attacks managed to gore the small target, and left a gaping wound in its stomach ultimately leaving it on the ground incapacitated.

[okay]Rhenri shoots hobgoblin 3, a critical hit, 8 damage[/okay]
[okay]Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss[/okay]
[error]Scathach shoots hobgoblin 3, miss[/error]
[okay]Militia Fighter charges goblin 2, 5 damage. Goblin 2 defeated[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4, Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 5]Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage
Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage
MF readies an action[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 6]Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, miss
Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, miss[/spoiler]
Round 7:
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 3, crit, 8 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF attacks Goblin 2, 5 damage
[/spoiler]

Cecilia stands her ground and adds her acid dart to the flurry of projectiles launched towards the hobgoblin.

[info] firing acid dart at hobgoblin 3.
ranged touch attack:[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+4 : 4 + 4, total 8[/blockquote]
acid damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[/info]

The hobgoblin remained unharmed, despite the barrage from Cecilia. With great effort it managed to weave between the spray of acidic projectiles, in spite of its grievous wounds.

The other hobgoblin stepped forward and swung its blade at Thedrin, cutting several wide arcs that were all deftly parried by the paladin.

[error]Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss[/error]
[okay]Hobgoblin 4 attacks Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[info]Thedrin to go.[/info]


[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4, Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3

[spoiler=Round 4]Round 4:
Goblin 1 shoots MF, miss
Rhenri shoots Goblin2, miss
Goblin 2 shoots Renri, miss
Scathach shoots Goblin 2, 3 damage
Cecilia shoots Goblin2, miss
Thedrin attacks Goblin 1, miss
MF attacks Goblin 1, 8 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 5]Round 5:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Rider 2, 7 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, 5 damage
Goblin Rider 1 shoots Rhenri, miss
Goblin Dog 2 charges Rhenri, miss
Cecilia shoots Goblin Rider 1, 6 damage
Hobgoblin 4 shoots Scathach, 6 damage
Thedrin charges Goblin Dog 2, 8 damage
Hobgoblin 3 charges Scathach, 4 damage
MF readies an action[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 6]Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, miss
Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, miss[/spoiler]
Round 7:
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 3, crit, 8 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF attacks Goblin 2, 5 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 3, miss
Hob 4 attacks Thedrin, miss
[/spoiler]

     Thedrin parried the hobgoblin's attack and reversed his swing to try and catch it off guard. "Only we've almost cleared out the most heavily armored of them. Try to finish off the other!" He said as he prepared for the next incoming attack.

[info]Standard Action: Attack Hobgoblin 4[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 16 + 6, total 22[/blockquote]    Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 4 + 3, total 7[/blockquote]
Move Action: Combat Advice to give Rhenri +2 to hit Hobgoblin 3[/info]

Thedrin's backswing slipped past the hobgoblin's defense and caught it in the thigh, coming away slick with blood. Nearby, its partner closed in on Scathach once more, launching a series of thrusts intended to catch her as she might try back stepping. Though she managed to avoid the most fatal of the jabs, the tip of the hobgoblin's blade did manage to nick her arm.

[okay]Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, 7 damage[/okay]
[error]Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, 3 damage[/error]
[info]Rhenri to go.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4, Thedrin, Hobgoblin 3


[spoiler=Round 6]Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, miss
Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, miss[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 7]Round 7:
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 3, crit, 8 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF attacks Goblin 2, 5 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 3, miss
Hob 4 attacks Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hob 4, 7 damage
Hob 3 attacks Scathach, 3 damage[/spoiler]
Round 8:
[/spoiler]

---

[info]Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (2 rounds remaining)
Free: 5 ft. step.
Standard Action: Attack hobgoblin 3, point-blank shot

[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 9 + 7, total 16[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 8 + 1, total 9[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

Rhenri's arrow slammed into the chest of the oncoming hobgoblin with a wet thud. The creature gurgled out an incomprehensible groan and fell to the ground, it's life extinguished.

"Nice shot!" Scathach called out, before moving into position to fire on the remaining hobgoblin.

Scathach too was able to sink an arrow deeply into her target, piercing something vital. The hobgoblin stumbled from the force, bleeding heavily, but remained standing in defiance.

Meanwhile, the militia fighter moved back to the group, ready to insert himself between the ranged members of the party and any new threats.

[okay]Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 3, 14 damage. Hobgoblin 3 is dead.[/okay]
[okay]Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 4, 8 damage.[/okay]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Hobgoblin 4, Thedrin


[spoiler=Round 6]Round 6:
Rhenri shoots Goblin Dog 2, 4 damage
Goblin 2 shoots MF, 1 damage
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF interrupts Goblin Dog 1, 11 damage
Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
Hobgoblin 4 charges Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hobgoblin 4, miss
Hobgoblin 3 attacks Scathach, miss[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 7]Round 7:
Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin 3, crit, 8 damage
Goblin 2 shoots Cecilia, miss
Scathach shoots Hobgoblin 3, miss
MF attacks Goblin 2, 5 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 3, miss
Hob 4 attacks Thedrin, miss
Thedrin attacks Hob 4, 7 damage
Hob 3 attacks Scathach, 3 damage[/spoiler]
Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
[/spoiler]

Cecilia fires one last acid dart at the remaining hobgoblin, hoping  to down it before it can strike again.

[info]
ranged touch attack fired into melee [blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 12, total 12[/blockquote]
acid damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d6+1 : 2 + 1, total 3[/blockquote]
[/info]

The acid dart caught the hobgoblin mid swing, splashing its arm at the wrist and melting through flesh and muscle. A half second later, the weakened joint gave way and the creature's hand separated from its arm, the sword clattering on the ground at its feet. The pain was evidently too much for the hobgoblin to handle as it's eyes rolled upwards and it collapsed, no longer a threat.


Before you had time to celebrate clearing your section of the battlefield however, there came a cacophonous roar and a great crashing from the cave entrance... Whatever made the fearsome noise would be upon your group soon, leaving little time to prepare.

[okay]Cecilia shoots Hobgoblin 4, 3 damage. Hobgoblin 4 is defeated.[/okay]

[warning]You have one round's worth of actions you may take before the arrival of new threats.[/warning]


[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
Intersession Round
[/spoiler]

     Thedrin hustled forward and drew upon his power to reinvigorate himself and Scathach before handing off his wand to Cecelia. "I will stand between you and whatever beast is making that noise. In case I'm unable to reach you, use this for healing." He said as he raised his shield in anticipation.

[info] Move Action: move to front of group

Swift Action: Lay on Hands self[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
Standard Action: Lay on Hands Scathach[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
Free Action: give Cecelia wand of Cure Light Wounds (37 charges remaining) [/info]

---

[info]Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (1 rounds remaining)
Ki: 1 of 3 remaining
Standard: Ready an action to attack the first enemy she sees.
Move: Perception, in case it helps with anything
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9[/blockquote][/info]

"Ya'll ready to roast whatever made that sound like a smoked whole hog?" Rhenri asked rhetorically as she slung another arrow to her bow, waiting to let her arrow loose on the first sign of danger.

Cecilia takes a 5 foot step and attempts to use the wand to heal herself.

[info] 5 foot step, using wand of cure light wounds
UMD: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 13 + 6, total 19[/blockquote]
cure light wounds: [blockquote]Rolled 1d8+1 : 1 + 1, total 2[/blockquote]
[/info]

"I wonder about that..." Scathach replied, looking at the cave entrance as a new threat emerged.

A few goblins scurried out of the cave, brandishing their crude little swords and shouting in their clipped language. "Oh that could be worse..." Scathach began before trailing off. Shortly after the goblins appeared, the ground shook subtly like the skin of a drum. From the darkness that opened into the earth came a massive lumbering figure. It was a hobgoblin, but nearly twice the size and armed with a longsword the length of a horse's body. It looked down at your party and a wide grin spread across its pale grey face. At its side hobbled out another hobgoblin, dressed unlike any you had seen before.

The normal sized hobgoblin was wearing a crude robe made of animal hides and was adorned with bone fetishes that rattled with every step. In its hand it held a gnarled staff, topped with a human skull.

As the collective group of goblinoids emerged from the entrance to the maw, Rhenri loosed her arrow...

[info]Rhenri to take readied action. First creature in sight was Goblin 6.[/info]

---

[info]Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (1 rounds remaining)
Ki: 1 of 3 remaining
Readied Action: Attack goblin 6, point-blank shot

[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 2 + 7, total 9[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote][/info]

The target of Rhenri's attack, the goblin at the front and center of the new group manages to duck just in time to avoid the flaming arrow.

Meanwhile the robed hobgoblin points the head of his staff in Thedrin's general direction, loosing a barely distinguishable bolt of magical force that strikes him in the shoulder. The enlarged hobgoblin saunter's forward with its massive sword and looses a powerful downward blow at the militia fighter. Despite raising his shield and bracing with his spear the massive blade crushes the man under the weight of the blow, pounding him into the dirt with a grunt and leaving him incapacitated.

Deciding the magic wielding hobgoblin is more of a danger than its enlarged counterpart, Scathach hops backwards to gain some distance before knocking a pair of arrows and sending them at the caster. The first fails to find its target, but the second digs itself into the creatures arm with force. The robed hobgoblin grits its teeth and rips the projectile free with a snarl.

The goblins begin to close ranks with your group, one of them takes a tentative swipe and Thedrin, but the attack is turned by his shield.

[error]Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss[/error]
[error]Hobgoblin Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage[/error]
[error]Enlarged Hobgoblin attacks Militia Fighter, 8 damage. Militia Fighter is unconscious.[/error]
[okay]Scathach shoots Hobgoblin Shaman twice, hits once for 7 damage[/okay]
[okay]Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Shaman, Enlarged Hob, Scathach, Goblin 5, Militia Fighter, Goblin 4, Goblin 6, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
Round 9:
Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss
Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage
E. Hob attacks MF, 8 damage
Scathach shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss
[/spoiler]

Cecilia moves towards the large hobgoblin, looking to incapacitate it as quickly as possible. She holds forth her hands and a burst of color explodes towards the hobgoblin and his companion.

[info] Cecilia moves 20 ft to get into position and uses color spray.

Color spray will save DC: 15 [/info]

Color Spray info: [spoiler] A vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from your hand, causing creatures to become stunned, perhaps also blinded, and possibly knocking them unconscious. Each creature within the cone is affected according to its HD.

2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.)

3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.

5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.

Sightless creatures are not affected by color spray.
[/spoiler]

The dazzling flash of impossible colors washes over the Cecilia's targets, who blink dully before collapsing to the ground in a stupor.

[info]Goblin 4 and Enlarged Hobgoblin are Unconscious, Blind, and Stunned for 3 rounds.[/info]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Shaman, Enlarged Hob, Scathach, Goblin 5, Militia Fighter, Goblin 4, Goblin 6, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
Round 9:
Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss
Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage
E. Hob attacks MF, 8 damage
Scathach shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss
Cecilia casts Color Spray
[/spoiler]

     Seeing the giant hobgoblin fall to the ground, Thedrin rallied and swiped at the goblin in front of him as he positioned himself in line of sight of the shaman in back. "Excellent, now slay the shaman before the beast wakes back up!"

[info]Standard Action: attack Goblin 6[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25[/blockquote]    Damage (Slashing)[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 7 + 3, total 10[/blockquote]
Free Action: 5 ft step

Move Action: Combat Adsvice to give Rhenri +2 to hit Hobgoblin Shaman[/info]

[info]Crit confirmation[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23[/blockquote]    Damage[blockquote]Rolled 1d8+3 : 3 + 3, total 6[/blockquote][/info]

Thedrin's sword caught the goblin in the neck and then continued through, decapitating it cleanly. A thin mist of aerosolized blood clouded the air above the stump that was its neck before the pressure dropped. Shortly after, the goblin's body dropped limp to the ground.

[info]Thedrin attacks Goblin 6, a critical hit, dealing 16 damage[/info]
[info]Rhenri to go.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Shaman, Enlarged Hob, Scathach, Goblin 5, Militia Fighter, Goblin 4, Goblin 6, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
Round 9:
Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss
Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage
E. Hob attacks MF, 8 damage
Scathach shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss
Cecilia casts Color Spray
Thedrin attacks Goblin 6, 16 damage
[/spoiler]

---

"Ahm on it!" Rhenri called out, targeting the hobgoblin shaman, and releasing her burning arrow.

[info]Swift action: Activate Murderous Insight
Ki: 0 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (4 rounds remaining), Combat Advice
Free: 5 ft step north
Standard Action: Attack Hobgoblin Shaman, point-blank shot, combat advice

[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+9 : 16 + 9, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+9 : 15 + 9, total 24[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 5 + 1, total 6[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote][/info]

Rhenri's arrow struck the shaman, drawing blood and singeing the flesh before it could extinguish the flames. In retaliation, the shaman pointed his staff at Rhenri and loosed another bolt of magical force. The spell slammed into Rhenri, bruising the flesh and causing her bones to creak.

The enlarged hobgoblin and his goblin cohort continued to lie prone, incapacitated by Cecilia's spell. Meanwhile Scathach launched a barrage of arrows at the goblin nearest Rhenri. The projectiles landed one after another, center mass, sending the goblin tumbling over backwards to bleed out.

[okay]Rhenri shoots Hobgoblin Shaman, 7 damage[/okay]
[error]Hobgoblin Shaman shoots Rhenri, 4 damage[/error]
[okay]Scathach shoots Goblin 5, 10 damage. Goblin 5 is defeated[/okay]
[info]Cecilia to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Shaman, Enlarged Hob, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Goblin 4, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 9]Round 9:
Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss
Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage
E. Hob attacks MF, 8 damage
Scathach shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss
Cecilia casts Color Spray
Thedrin attacks Goblin 6, 16 damage[/spoiler]
Round 10:
Rhenri shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Shaman shoots Rhenri, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 5, 10 damage
[/spoiler]

Cecilia dropped her staff and drew her crossbow and fired a bolt towards the goblin shaman.

[info] drop staff, draw crossbow, shoot bolt @ goblin shaman

attack roll: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9[/blockquote]
damage: [blockquote]Rolled 1d8 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
[/info]

Cecilia's bolt flies harmlessly past the shaman, who laughs tauntingly.

[error]Cecilia shoots Shaman, miss[/error]
[info]Thedrin to go[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Shaman, Enlarged Hob, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Goblin 4, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 9]Round 9:
Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss
Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage
E. Hob attacks MF, 8 damage
Scathach shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss
Cecilia casts Color Spray
Thedrin attacks Goblin 6, 16 damage[/spoiler]
Round 10:
Rhenri shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Shaman shoots Rhenri, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 5, 10 damage
Cecilia shoots Shaman, miss
[/spoiler]

     Thedrin quickly stepped up to the unconscious and helpless giant hobgoblin and raised Eiltin's blade over his head and pointing the tip of the blade down to thrust it between the hobgoblin's armor and into its neck.

[info]Full-round Action: Coup de Grace Giant Hobgoblin
    Damage[blockquote]Rolled 2d8+6 : 1, 4 + 6, total 11[/blockquote][/info]

The sword plunged into the enlarged hobgoblin's neck, severing the vital arteries. When the blade was withdrawn a gout of blood spurted from the wound and continued to flow, pooling around the hobgoblin's head. As the creature lay dying, the enchantment faded and it began to rapidly shrink back to its normal size.

[okay]Thedrin performs a coup de grace on Enlarged Hobgoblin, executing it.[/okay]
[info]Rhenri to go.[/info]

[spoiler]Combat Log
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/5769518/PNxYsg)
Initiative Order:
Rhenri, Shaman, Scathach, Militia Fighter, Goblin 4, Cecilia, Thedrin

[spoiler=Round 8]Round 8:
Rhenri shoots Hob 3, 14 damage
Scathach shoots Hob 4, 8 damage
Cecilia shoots Hob 4, 3 damage
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 9]Round 9:
Rhenri shoots Goblin 6, miss
Shaman shoots Thedrin, 3 damage
E. Hob attacks MF, 8 damage
Scathach shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Goblin 6 attacks Thedrin, miss
Cecilia casts Color Spray
Thedrin attacks Goblin 6, 16 damage[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Round 10]Round 10:
Rhenri shoots Shaman, 7 damage
Shaman shoots Rhenri, 4 damage
Scathach shoots Goblin 5, 10 damage
Cecilia shoots Shaman, miss
Thedrin executes Enlarged Hobgoblin[/spoiler]
Round 11:
[/spoiler]

---

[info]Ki: 0 of 3 remaining
Buffs: Stance of the Piercing Rays, Murderous Insight (3 rounds remaining)
Standard Action: Attack Hobgoblin Shaman, point-blank shot

[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 1 1d20+7 : 20 + 7, total 27[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Murderous Insight Attack 2 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Piercing 1d8+1 : 3 + 1, total 4[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Fire 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote][/info]

[info][blockquote]Critical Confirmation 1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Extra damage dice, if preferred to roll rather than multiply 1d8+1 : 6 + 1, total 7[/blockquote][/info]

[info][blockquote]Bows are x3 1d8+1 : 4 + 1, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

Rhenri's carefully aimed shot streaks through the air, slamming solidly into the right eye of the shaman and piercing its brain. It's grey matter destroyed, the hobgoblin falls to the dirt, convulsing as the last of its neurons fire in a desperate attempt at survival.

At the same time, Scathach swiftly drops her bow and pulls the sword from her hip as she moves to finish the remaining goblin. A rising slash across its back severs the spinal column and ends its life.

As you take a moment to catch your breath, anticipating more goblins to arrive at any moment, you take stock of your surroundings and are pleased to find that the combined might of the expeditionary force and the Telan militia have soundly routed the goblin menace. The last living stragglers of the goblin horde are cut down without mercy, and before long a cheer rises up from the fighters. A decisive victory.

"I could stand a bath after that," Scathach says while wiping dirt, sweat, and goblin blood from her face. "This man needs care." She kneels next to the downed militia fighter, checking his pulse which still beats weakly.

Some distance away, you notice that something around the neck of the shaman's body glints with a soft purple light.

[info]Combat over.
1,093 EXP each[/info]

     "Some victory wine would be nice as well. I really should have remembered to grab a bottle from my uncle's cellar before we left."  Said Thedrin as he walked over to heal the wounded militia fighter. The man healed, he took a cloth from his belt to wipe the arterial blood from his sword. He paused when he saw the glow coming from the shaman. Continuing to clean his blade, he walked over to the shaman and turned the corpse over onto its back with his boot to get a better look and slid his cleaned sword into the shaman's robe to pull it aside and get a look at the source of the glow without having to stoop down to the ground.

[info] Expend 1 charge of Lay on Hands to heal the militia fighter[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 3, total 3[/blockquote][/info]

The infusion of positive energy knits the fighters wounds closed, and a moment later he wakes, appreciative for the healing.

The glow, as it turns out, is being produced from a necklace or amulet worn around the shaman's neck. It is constructed from a thin iron chain with settings at regular intervals from which several crystals hang, each about the length of a man's thumb. The crystals are an impossibly deep purple, so dark they seem to swallow the light around them while producing their own soft steady amaranthine glow. There is an energy to them that is difficult to describe in words.

---

As Thedrin began to heal the wounded militia fighter, and check on the shaman, Rhenri kept alert as she moved to each corpse, checking if there were any valuables or things worth taking.

[info]1) Active Perception for any danger that might still be around.
[blockquote]Perception 1d20+7 : 16 + 7, total 23[/blockquote]

2) Check on each goblin and hobgoblin corpse for valuables or anything of interest. The initial roll of Perception as she reaches the corpse(s), but take 20 if time isn't an issue.
[blockquote]Perception 1d20+7 : 12 + 7, total 19[/blockquote][/info]

     "Peculiar... some kind of tribal fetish?" Murmured Thedrin as he reached down and took the necklace from the corpse.

[info]Rhenri:
You detect no further threats in the area, and find nothing more than mundane armor and weapons on the goblinoids, it seems as organized as they were, they weren't well equipped.[/info]

[warning]Thedrin, make a will save.[/warning]

[info] Will save[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+8 : 15 + 8, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

The moment Thedrin's hand touches the necklace there is a great quieting, experienced only by the paladin. For him it is as if time has ground inchmeal to a stop. Moments stretch to hours as the world fades away to a muted background where the only sound he can hear is the slow sucking of his own breath.

And the whispers.

They barely register as noise, unintelligible and hushed yet somehow penetrating all the same; clawing at the back of the skull like so many grasping fingers picking at his sanity. Soon the voices become a cacophonous din, and with it there is a rage. Savage fury boils the blood to a red mist of murderous hatred. It pounds like a drum in his chest and for a moment there is the sweetest temptation to relent to it. How good it would feel to turn his blade upon his companions. To end the ceaseless teasing of the half-elf bitch... To ride all the way to Aite-Aerd and crush the Righ to claim his petty throne. Burn every resource of this insignificant kingdom to bring death to those fools in Albion, to return and take what should be his, what he is OWED.

Such a delicious seduction... and yet...

There is something else there besides the covetous bloodlust, something pure and good still yet. A glimmering shard of decency that pulses in counterpoint to the drums of madness. It is this foothold that brings him back. Color fills the world once more, time returns, and Thedrin finds himself stooped over the shaman's body clutching the necklace tightly, the deep purple crystals now cracked and dun. A light and cold sweat has formed on his brow.

"Oi, you alright over there?" Scathach calls out. "You get hit on the head? You're spacin' out."

     Thedrin looked back down at the necklace. "I could have sworn those were amethyst..." He whispered as he looked at the dull grey crystals before shrugging. "Nothing, just some kind of tchotchke. It might be worth something to a trinket merchant." He said as he looked at the shaman's belt for anything of actual value.

[info]Take 20 to look for anything else of value on the shaman [/info]

"Hmm," Scathach grunted in affirmation but said no more.

A thorough search of the shaman reveals nothing more of importance. The staff the creature wielded was clearly ensorcelled to function as a wand, but it seems that the charges were expended during the battle.

After some time, Captain Maddox and his retinue arrived. "Fortune and skill were on our side today," he said while eyeing the carnage around the battlefield. "Minimal casualties and a thorough route, I don't believe we lost a single man today. The four of you were a formidable asset, I'll be sure and send commendations to the Righ."

     "Should we perhaps send the shaman's severed head in tribute? Preserved with magic of course." Asked Thedrin as he tossed the spent staff to the side. "And what of the goblin king or whatever is at the head of all this? Surely a single shaman like this wasn't able to rally an entire army."

"I doubt that will be necessary," Maddox replied with a raised eyebrow. "We've seen no indication of a higher authority among their ranks that would imply some kind of 'goblin king'. If such a creature existed, one would imagine it would be present to command its forces. Still, it is highly unusual to see them as organized as they were. Perhaps there will be answers within the cave."

     "A proficient enough commander need not take the field if their subordinates loyalties are assured." Replied Thedrin. "So what is the plan for seizing the cave? Lay siege until they starve?"

"That's what I'm getting at. Goblins dont organize. Even the more militant hobs are so prone to infighting they never become larger than small bands. The shamans command a degree of fearful respect, but goblins and hobs detest magic in all its forms. Its unnatural they would even be following one in the first place. There is something very wrong here."

Captain Maddox massaged the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger before making an inaudible comment to one of his adjutants. The soldier saluted sharply and departed before the captain continued speaking to you. "There's been no sign of additional forces near the mouth of the cave. I'm going to have scouts probe it and see if we need to move in with force. If not, we'll do a broad sweep of the cavern and see if something within can help explain why the creatures would mass as they have. Did you discover anything on the body of the shaman?"

     "Nothing really except some kind of fetish." Replied Thedrin as he took the necklace out of the belt pouch he had stored it in. "It appears to have been enchanted to glow but that seems to have faded with the shaman's death. I assume it's some kind of badge of office, if you could call soothsaying animal dung an office."

"Hmm," Maddox hummed in response, but said nothing more.

---

Twenty minutes later, the scouts returned from the cavern much more relaxed than when they entered. "Cave's all clear sir. Smaller than the entrance would imply. Nothing left inside but the refuse and leftover equipment of the goblins." The scout snapped a sharp salute and then continued; "Oh, we did find this though."

One of the scouts produced a small rectangular wooden box, perhaps six inches on the long side, much like what a noble would keep his pipe kit in when not in use. The container had but one form of decoration on the outside, an emblem embossed with gold. The symbol was a lidless eye, set in a square that had been turned forty-five degrees so that its corners pointed to the cardinal directions, a series of lines radiated from each edge of the square and the eye looked as if it was crying a single tear that had been colored by small garnets. It gave the impression that the tear was meant to be blood.

The scout holding the box opened the lid to reveal a collection of the same deep violet crystals that had been on the shaman's necklace. They glowed with the same perplexing anti-light as the others had. "Strange things eh sir? Told the men not to touch them, seem dangerous," The scout leader said, before the box was shut again.

"I see. Well, we can have the mages take a look later, our friend here said he found the same things adorning the shaman," Maddox nodded in Thedrin's direction. "Was that all?"

"There was a large panel of stone along one of the back walls, looked to have been carved mural of some sort at one point but the work is so old there's hardly anything left of it. That's the long and short of it."

     "I'm sure it's nothing but the ruins of some vain goblin that believed the caves to be a vast empire and not some damp hole. Hardly worth investigating." Replied Thedrin dismissively.

Upon hearing about the mural, Cecilia perked up. "I've got a suspicion that the mural will have some sort of importance, I'd like to go investigate. Would anyone like to accompany me?"

It wasn't often that an opportunity to study something of cultural significance came along. She had no clue what it could be. Did the goblins make it? unlikely. It could be a remarkable discovery and she had to find out more.

---

"If you need someone to watch yowah back, I'm game." Rhenri said, nodding towards Cecilia.

Cecilia, Rhenri, and Scathach take off into the cave entrance accompanied by one of the scouts, leaving Thedrin to his own devices.

Beyond the entrance to the Maw the floor slants downward at a gentle angle, descending into the earth. The cavern walls are limestone worn smooth by time and dripping water. After about five minutes of walking at a leisurely pace, the cave levels out and opens up into a wider hollow. You are unsure of the precise dimensions as a natural space has irregular walls, but its clear that you would be able to fit a large number of people here quite comfortably. The hollow is littered with the refuse of the goblin army; garbage, discarded weapons, and general filth are piled in places near the walls and the smell is ripe. A few passageways branch off from the central chamber but the target of your search is along the back wall.

The mural in question is a bas-relief carving set within a cut rectangle about fifteen feet long and ten feet tall. Though much of the carvings have been destroyed either by design or from time its fairly evident that the work was not done by goblin hands. The surviving contents of the mural depict a handful of figures near a large structure of some type gesturing outwards at a section of the carving that has been destroyed. The next image in the series shows smaller figures that give the impression that they are traveling somewhere, their backs bent in hardship. The remaining carvings are too damaged to get a clear understanding of the imagery.

"it is a real shame that more of this carving isn't intact, it looks like it would have been quite the story. Perhaps we should ask around about this first bit with the grand structure. If we can figure out what and where it is, there could be an adventure to be had."

---

"Any magic?" Rhenri asked Cecilia as the archer began to look over the mural.

[info]Initial perception, then take 20 if time isn't a problem, to search for anything that might be out of the ordinary.
[blockquote]Perception 1d20+7 : 5 + 7, total 12[/blockquote]

General knowledge check if the images depicted is anything familiar Rhenri might have heard or seen before.
[blockquote]Intelligence 1d20-1 : 10 - 1, total 9[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Rhenri:
You detect nothing noteworthy even after expending more time for a thorough search.
The imagery of the relief stirs nothing in your memory.[/info]

"Wouldn't that be something?" Scathach commented, looking at the damaged carvings. "Maybe the Righ has one o' them court wizards or somesuch that knows something, or a library at least. That's a thing rich people have yeah?"

With nothing more to be found, the three that descended into the cave return to the surface and rejoin Thedrin and Captain Maddox.

The captain has ordered the expeditionary force to set up camp near the cave entrance once all the goblin corpses have been disposed of and begin the march back to Telan the following morning.

---

Location: Telan
Date: Naev 10, 795
Time: 1200

The return of the expeditionary force is met with much cheering from the townspeople. The subjugation of the goblin menace has lifted a heavy weight from the town and celebration is obviously in order. A feast is quickly prepared for the valiant defenders of the realm, and much rejoicing is had.

At some point during the celebrations, Maddox takes your group aside. "The four of you work rather well together, I appreciate your efforts during this assignment. If you would be inclined, I have a request of you. Though the immediate threat of a goblin horde is no more, the defenses of the town are in need of shoring up. Part of the mandate set by the Righ was to ensure that Telan remains properly defended when the Dark Time arrives in a little over a month. To that effect, the expeditionary force will be remaining here for the time to construct new palisades and ensure no harm befalls the townsfolk. This leaves me with the issue of reporting the victory over the goblins to the Righ, which I would ask you to do in my stead. Private Calcote would be sent with you as well." The captain pauses, waiting for your reply.

     The choice between staying stuck in the village and watching a fence get built or returning to the closest thing to a city he had seen since leaving Albion seemed clear enough to Thedrin. "Of course, our glorious victory must be reported to the Righ. I'm sure that our skills can be put to better use heading for the capitol than here."

"I will leave the reporting to you then. Your departure is naturally at your discretion, though I wouldn't tarry for too long. Be sure to collect Calcote before you depart."

[info]Purchases
20x Elven Train rations (2 gp each for 40 gp total)[/info]

The morning after the feast you gather your things and say your farewells to any that may worry for you on your travels. After collecting Private Calcote from the encampment you begin the ride north once more to Aite-Aerd, knowing that it may be some time before you find the chance to return.

---

Location: Aite-Aerd
Date: Naev 26, 795
Time: 1200

Again you find yourselves at the capital of the Steppe. The fifteen day ride to the city was surprisingly without conflict albeit the cold certainly has taken hold with the turning of the season. Once you are past the city gate Calcote turns to ask a question: "Will you be heading straight to the keep or do you need to clean up first? If it is the later, I will secure us a chance to report on the goblin subjugation."

     "Of course we should prepare ourselves. It is a meeting with the Righ after all. You can go ahead and make the arrangements. We'll be cleaning up." Replied Thedrin. The road had been long and even more boring than before with not even a minor animal attack to liven up the monotonous march and he was in need of a bath.

"Of course." Calcote responds before heading to the keep.

With some measure of expedience, you find a tavern that will allow you to quickly wash up and change clothing. Once you are presentable, you head inward and upward to the keep.

---

True to his word, Calcote has secured you a quick entrance to the keep to make your report. Once again you find yourselves in the audience chamber, surrounded by courtiers and standing before the Righ. Private Calcote hovers nearby, in his hands the box containing the strange crystals that were recovered from the cave. To the left of the Righ stands an older man you had not seen on your last visit.

The individual in question would be more accurately described as "ancient". Clothed in lengthy robes of muted colors, he stands bent backed and silent. An impressively long white beard extends nearly down to the floor and serves as a sharp contrast to his entirely bald pate. You note that despite the man's advanced age, his eyes watch you with a honed interest.

"You return, successful in the venture I hope?" the Righ questions.

     "Of course my lord." Said Thedrin with a bow. "The goblin menace was no match for us. We handily crushed their attempt at rallying an army in a great battle at their home base. As proof of our deed we bring you these crystals." He said motioning to Calcote. "Some kind of crude magical fetish that appeared to have been used by the equally unrefined leader of the goblin army: soothsayer or witch doctor of some stripe."

"Excellent, and I assume Captain Maddox and his men will be staying in Telan for some time to re-secure the town." The young monarch smiles easily, pleased at the news, before sitting forward. "Crystals you say?"

At Thedrin's indication Calcote steps forward with the wooden box, opening it to reveal its contents. The exposed crystals glow with their strange anti-light, seeming to drain some of the color of their immediate surroundings. The familiar murmur of courtiers washes through the audience chamber at the sight. From the dais the elderly bearded man turns to the righ.

"My Lord, may I?"

Righ Marr nods his aproval and before you realize it, the ancient man has hopped down from the platform near the righ with an uncanny spryness and already stands next to Calcote looking over crystals in the box. A mixture of curiosity and concern knit his brow as he reaches into one of the sleeves of his robe to produce two items: a set of silvery tongs and a pair of glasses that emit their own soft glow. After sliding the spectacles onto his face he uses the tongs to remove one of the crystals from the container and turns it about, examining it intently.

After a moment he turns his attention to the group. "Fetish indeed," he harrumphs softly. "Do you know what it is you've got here? I suspect not, or you would have left these where you found them." He narrows his eyes, appraising you. "Did any of you touch them...?"

     "But of course." Replied Thedrin as he pulled the necklace from his belt pouch. "These crystals came from the hobgoblin leader itself. What magic ensorcelled it appears to have faded with the life of their owner."

"Your apparent sanity is... impressive" The aged man says with a raised eyebrow and a tone that indicates he is less impressed at the intactness of Thedrin's mind, and more that he was foolish enough to pick up a sinister looking magic rock in the first place.

"Forgive my master wizard, he is a man of brilliance and eccentricity. What is it we have here Baeddan, don't keep us in suspense" the Righ apologizes before pressing the wizard to continue.

"Of course my lord" Baeddan replies, removing his glasses and stuffing them up a sleeve once more. "Crystalized negative energy" the wizard continued, holding the glowing shard at arms length still clenched tightly in the silver tongs. "A kind of concentrated malice, or dark essence if you will. Insidious little baubles really. Touch them and they corrupt the mind, then the flesh; stirring every dark thought a man can hold before twisting his body to match. They are a powerful catalyst for fueling esoteric spells of dark design, and in turn require potent sorcery to create."

Baeddan carefully returns the crystal to the box in Calcote's hands. "Sorceries far beyond the ken of hobgoblins." The wizard shut the box and flipped the simple latch before patting Calcote on the shoulder lightly. "Best to keep that shut lad, and mind your fingers."

Returning his gaze to the Righ, he continued: "No, its likely the hob found them somewhere..." he paused a moment, "Or was given them."

     The implication of the wizard's last words were not lost on Thedrin whose mind quickly jumped to the possibility of an even greater foe he could vanquish. Something that would make a more epic deed than slaughtering the underwhelming goblin menace would and better increase his odds at claiming a decent title. "And uh... who might have been able to provide the crystals then?" He asked, trying not to seem too eager.

"Who indeed?" Baeddan asked rhetorically.

"A troubling revelation... I will need to think on this matter," mused the Righ behind steepled hands. "For the moment though, let us turn to rewarding the outstanding service of these individuals."

From a side room a pair of servants emerge, one holds a tray upon which rests a small cloth sack and the other carries a bundle wrapped in a dark colored velvet.

"From the treasury and armory I bequeath these to you in service of your deeds for crown and country."

[info]The sack contains 600 gold, and the bundle is a masterwork longbow.[/info]
"In addition to this, I grant the use of an ambassadorial apartment on the third ring to use while you remain in the city. I would request you do so as I may need your services once more in the very near future."

[info]The apartment is more precisely a two story building in one of the nicer parts of the city. You will not need to pay for lodging there, but food is still the responsibility of the party.[/info]

     When the Righ had mentioned a reward Thedrin had reflexively knelt and prepared for the knighthood he had hoped would come but looked up at the Right at the granting of the actual prize. "A most generous reward my lord... And this apartment... the property is... ours?" He asked with a hint of timidness sneaking into his inquiry.

"As long as you are agents in my employ the property is yours to use as you see fit." The Righ replies, implying that he most likely has more work for your group yet.

     "Of course my lord." Replied Thedrin as he slowly rose and backed up a step. "We shall remain at your pleasure." He finished as he indicated with his eyes to the others that it seemed time to leave.

     After making it out of the hall, Thedrin looked around to see if there was anyone that might be around to eavesdrop on them.

[info]Perception[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 14 + 2, total 16[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Aside from various servants scurrying around as expected you don't notice anyone listening to you in particular.[/info]

     Seeing nothing but menial servants, Thedrin's carefully maintained serene expression immediately soured and he let out a huff. "Ugh, an apartment? We don't even have ownership. Not even a country squireship and a half acre plot... They don't know what a waste of my talents it is to merely sit and wait when I could be governing a whole county, or whatever it is you call them here."

[info]Proceed to: Book 1 - Chapter 5: Have Sword - Will Travel, or How the West was Fun(dead) (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=2179.new#new)[/info]