Chapter I: Burnt Offerings [Lordhavelock's Rise of the Runelords]

[King Tius]

The young paladin can't help but cry out in pain as the goblin jabs its nasty little weapon into his leg. What follows is a stream of very un-paladin-like curses as the enlarged teenager once again takes a swing at the little goblin below him. The screams from the nearby building give him slight pause, but only for a moment. Growing up in Magnimar, Aurelius had experienced his fair share of illusory voices, especially given the fact that one of his closest friends was a gnomish lad who was studying to become a wizard. Quickly dismissing the fake cries for help, he focuses all his attention on the goblin right in front of him.

"Ugh! By the Horns of Erastil, I am going to bash your ugly little head in!"

Spoiler: Combat Actions

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Standard Action: Attack G3
Attack: (1d20+6)[16]
Damage: (2d6+7)[11]
Move Action: If G3 goes down, he'll advance 10 feet to attack G4. If G4 has ALSO gone down, he'll advance a full 20 feet, headed around the wood pile.

Spoiler: Statistics

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Aurelius Stormscale
Male LG Human Paladin, Level 1, Init +2, HP 6/13, DR -, Speed 20 ft
AC 16, Touch 10, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 1
(Power Attack) Longsword (Two-Hands) +6(+5) (2d6+7(+10), 19-20/x2)
Chainmail (+6 Armor, -1 Size)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 15
Condition Enlarge Person, Bless

[Melquiades]

Clive was pissed. How can they know those screams aren't real? What if they're wrong? Still, there should be enough time until anyone was hurt, or at least he hoped. He wasn't pleased to miss the goblin with the whip, but he wouldn't try again now that his target was behind the wood pile. Nice and easy. The less opponents we have, the faster we can sort this out.

Boonie starts moving, looking for a better position to shoot at the goblin that threw the torch. You're gonna pay for that.

"Hey, greenhead, look at this!"

CRACK!

Spoiler: Actions

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Clive moves to AC12 and shoots at G4
Move action: Move to AC12
Standard action: Attack: (1d20+7)[24] (+4dex, +1BAB, +1 Bless, +1 Point-Blank Shot)
Damage: (1d12+1)[8] (+1 Point-Blank Shot)

[LordHavelock]

The goblin taunting Zelgiel is left little time to consider the wisdom of it’s actions in retrospect as the half-elf’s arrow not only finds it’s (disgusting) target, but Clive’s musket round impacts it a split second later, giving the foul creature’s body a spin as it fall’s off the top of the woodpile to land with a sickening crunch on the packed earth below. Maneuvering her way to within view of the torch, Izzy’s divine intervention once again douses the fire before much harm can be caused; Sera’s spell however only serves to spur the Warchanter on, as he rounds on the advancing Aasimar, blood still dripping from her blade and raises its hands to afflict her with a hex of it’s own. Cyarra’s indomitable will serves her well in the face of the arcane attack, but on the far side of the square, Aurelius has already dispatched the last remaining minion gathered here at the bonfire, and advances to encircle the goblin leader.

Spoiler: Map

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Spoiler: Combat

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Zelgiel kills Goblin 4
Cyarra kills Goblin 1
Izzy douses the torch inside the building
Goblin Warchanter resists Sera’s spell
Aurelius kills Goblin 3
Clive shoots G4’s corpse (sorry)

Goblin Warchanter takes 5ft step to X10; uses Daze on Cyarra; fails

[Askel]

HP: 10/10 AC: 16 (13 T, 13 FF, 17 CMD)
Fort: +3 Ref: +5 Will: +2 (Elven Immunities)
Ammunition: 14/20

Zelgiel grinned approvingly as the goblin spun and fell from the woodpile. He began to walk forward, toward the goblin singer, drawing an arrow and pointing it at the creature for only a second before firing.

Regardless of the arrow hitting its mark or not, the half-elf shouldered his bow and drew his long, slender sword and the small inverted knife at his belt.

Spoiler: Actions

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Attacking warchanter with longbow
Attack - (1d20+5)[17]
Damage - (1d8)[1]

Moving to W9 while putting bow away and drawing Scimitar and Kukri (if I can't do all that in one round, I'd like to cut my move action a little short and just put the bow away, then continue the move next round and draw the weapons; my BAB is +1 so I can move and draw/put away weapons at the same time, and I just like the image of Zelgiel walking forward as he gets ready for melee; it's in line with the action hero thing)

[Feather Sigil]

Sera tried her best to remain calm in the presence of what was clearly a hostile mage. There was no telling just what the goblin was capable of. It had only used cantrips so far, but that could be due to overconfidence or general goblin madness. For all they knew it could cast a Fireball at its feet, perhaps in a moment of desperation, and kill them all in a suicide attack. It would be best not to give it the opportunity.

'Tis a tool of many uses, a shadow. To strike, to shield, to conceal, to grasp. With the shadows of others: to bind, to bend, to break, even to control.

Using Cyarra's shadow as a bridge, Sera reached to the mage's shadow and prepared to reshape it, when she felt a great satisfaction and amusement swirling, building within Luna. Luna merely stood silently on her shoulder, eyes closed, still breathing, but the emotion swelled until Sera found herself beginning to grin without meaning to; and there was something else as well, like an invisible bubble she felt expanding past her body.

"Go on" Luna whispered, her eyes still shut. "Pay me no mind."

Suddenly feeling much more confident that her spell would work, Sera seized the goblin's shadow, and then the square became dark, its many shadows blackening until the ground beneath them could not be seen. The sunlight dimmed as though covered by a fog, and a great voice boomed throughout the square. She couldn't tell where it came from; it seemed to echo from every direction at once.

"Hunters tail the goblins’ flight."

From the many black masses on the ground, one rose from beneath the goblin mage, a large shapeless thing of shadowstuff.

"Laugh with mirth at goblins’ fright."

It changed into an exact copy of the goblin mage, like his shadow made three-dimensional.

"Chase them to their goblin holes."

The shadow grabbed the goblin from behind, holding his arms in place.

"Eat their hearts and drink their souls."

Then the darkness faded and the square returned to normal, save for the goblin's shadow still restraining him. The overpowering swell of emotion faded from Sera's mind, but she could still feel a smug delight warming Luna from within.

"Much better."

Sera wasn't sure whether to be astonished or terrified. Only once before, at the forging of their pact, had she ever witnessed anything like such power in Luna--or, rather, the Night, for that was surely one more fleeting glimpse of what Luna truly was, far more than a mere raven.

Spoiler: Action!

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Sera casts Shadowsnare on GW. DC16 REF to negate. The Night Taunts GW, extending Eye of the Night's duration.

Spoiler: Seraphina and Luna

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Lady Seraphina Cieluce

Aspect: "Former Noble, Seeker of Forgotten Magics"

Trouble: "Prey in a World Full of Predators"

Female NG (leans LG) Human (Chelaxian) Witch, Level 1, Init +2, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 16, Touch 12, Flat-footed 14, CMD 11, Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2
CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 0, Dark Gifts 2
Dagger -1 (1d4-1, 19-20/x2)
Sling (20) +2 (1d4-1, x2)
Shadow Armour (+4 Armour, +2 DEX, +4 Cover)
Ability Scores Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 14
Conditions

Luna
Unknown Gender Unknown Alignment Tiny Raven Familiar, Level 1, Init +2, HP 4/4, Speed 10 / 40 (flight)
AC 15, Touch 14, Flat-footed 13, CMD 6, Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +4
CMB -6, Base Attack Bonus 0
Bite +4 (1d3-4, x2)
Ability Scores Str 2, Dex 15, Con 8, Int 6, Wis 15, Cha 7
Special Abilities
-Low-light vision
Conditions
Spells Prepared

-L0- (unlimited casting)
Detect Magic
Daydream
Luna's Guidance

-L1-
Dream of the Giant
Shadowsnare
Shadow Armour

Durations

Dream of the Giant (1 minute, on Aurelius): 3/10 rounds
Shadow Armour (1 hour, on herself): 592/600 rounds

Eye of the Night (on GW, -2 to saves): 4/6 rounds
Shadowsnare (1 minute, on GW): 10/10 rounds*

*If GW fails his save.

[Koryander]

Cy's eyes widened a bit as Sera began to cast her spells... The Aasimar's breath caught in her throat as an acute understanding of just how dark this woman's magic was began to form in the pit of her stomach.

The casting was a terrifying, but also fascinating sight to behold. The effects upon the goblin seemed just as daunting as the ritual that caused it.

"Wow."

She couldn't be sure, she couldn't know. But... if that was dark magic, who was this woman exactly? A warlock? Some sort of dark wizard? It was no question that there was dark spells involved, conjurations that could make ones shadow manifest. But despite the disturbing nature of what transpired, the prose of her spell casting was incredible. What other forces were at work here though, to cause shadows to bend and shape to her will? If she was causing the Warchanter some sort of magical distress, then the time to kill that thing was right now. There was no better opportunity.

"Girl, you're making this easy." Cy said with a smile, then attacked the Goblin Warchanter.

Spoiler: Actions!:

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Cyarra 5 foots to W10 and Does the thing with the weapon.
Attack Roll: (1d20+4)[24] (I forgot the +1 bless last time!!)
Damage: (1d10+4)[7]

Crit confirm and Damage, if it does in fact confirm:
Crit Confirm: (1d20+4)[20]
Crit damage: (2d10+8)[21] (two dice rolled and double str)

Spoiler: Stat Block:

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Female Archon-Blooded Aasimar (Lawbringers) Fighter (Tower Shield Specialist) 1LG Medium outsider (native)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +1
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +4 shield, +2 Dex)
hp 13 (1d10+3)
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee bastard sword +3 (1d10+4/19-20)
Aasimar Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +2)
. . 1/day—weapon of awe (DC 13)

[Feather Sigil]

Once the shock of the event wore off, Sera remembered that she had bigger things to worry about than this goblin attack. The townspeople were already watching them; there was no doubt that the whole town heard the Night speak and at least some of them--perhaps those who fought alongside her--would find it disturbing. Suddenly feeling very small and exposed, surrounded by a thousand eyes she couldn't see but with nowhere she could escape to, it was all she could do to simply look at the ground.

ARE YOU TRYING TO LEAD THEM RIGHT TO ME?! She knew Luna couldn't hear her thoughts, but could and would feel her distress.

[Recherché]

Okay what can I do now? I could try to h-

Izzy's attention was drawn by the actions of the other mage and the warrior

Date-n sange!

Izzy let out a curse in Varisian

Its okay just because its dark magic doesn't mean that its evil. There's lots of stuff that's dark but not evil. Still I coud have tried to get him to surrender. We could have gotten information out of him!

Futu-ți pastele si dumnezeii mă-tii astazi si masine de nenorocit!

Spoiler: Note

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For those who speak Varisian, what Izzy's saying is well and truly obscene and involves blood, invoking the gods, someone's prostitute of a mother and sexual deviance inside of a church.

[Melquiades]

"Oh... crap." It's not like Clive had never seen magic right in front of him, of course not. But he didn't remember something like this. To untrained eyes, sometimes even his rifle seemed magical. But he knew it wasn't. Wood, iron, powder and the height of human intelligence and engineering, that's all. He was not someone to be startled easily, but...

Who is this woman?

Well, she's not from Sandpoint. I'd remember her. Well, if not from Sandpoint then... Those people Lucas was escorting, weren't they looking for someone? Ok, Clive, keep your mouth shut and don't go assuming things. It's none of your business.

"Well done, guys. Is this the end of it? Can we go back to enjoying our damn festival?"

[Askel]

As Zelgiel walked, everything darkened. A voice boomed across the square; even the flickering fires seemed to diminish in quiet dread from the fury of the magic. Zelgiel, so brazen and confident moments before, ducked down, sheltering himself from the unknown surge of arcane power until, just like that, it was done. The goblin was dead.

What the hell was that?! Zelgiel wondered, rising back to his feet and blinking as he looked around in bewilderment.

That, he was sure, had not come from Izzy, especially given the vulgar obscenities she was uttering. Besides, Desna didn't really do the showy bits like that... and judging by Boonie and the female warrior's faces, it hadn't been them either. Wide-eyed, unblinking, Zelgiel slowly turned his head to look at the girl, the spellcaster. She certainly looked surprised, but... Zelgiel was ready to bet right leg that she'd been the source. The half-elf opened his mouth to say something, thought about what he'd say, then closed his mouth.

I'll let Belor get this one.

Instead, he strained his keen elven ears, listening for the sound of more fighting anywhere in the village.

Spoiler: Actions

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Perception Check - (1d20+6)[10]

[Feather Sigil]

Sera knew they were all watching her, and if the lady's very colourful expression was anything to go by they were all as shocked by the Night's display as she was. They didn't realize it hadn't truly been her doing, but it didn't matter now; no one was going to forget that, or her, anytime soon. And at least one of them, the archer, said he was a town watchman. I'm doomed... If her help wasn't needed anymore, there was only one thing left to do.

"Th-that is an excellent idea, sir. If they're all gone..."

Sera looked around the square again, while slowly backing away from the others.

"...then...then we can return to the cathedral and put all this out of our minds." They could, anyway. All she would do was bolt back to the inn as fast as she could, then stay indoors for a month.

Spoiler: Perception

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Checking for any other goblin sounds, signs of trouble nearby or the party from Magnimar.

Sera: (1d20+3)[21]
Luna: (1d20+9)[15]

[Koryander]

Cyarra could only wince as she sliced through the goblin warchanter... yes, she wanted to hurt it. Yes, she wanted to STOP it. But her frustration and heat of the moment ended up massacring the miserable little green bastard.

Well... so much for questioning. Blew it again, Cy.

Futu-ți pastele si dumnezeii mă-tii astazi si masine de nenorocit!

Cyarra blushed somewhat, she didn't quite know what her fellow one-time team mate had just said, but it was probably something along the lines of-
"Nice job leaving him alive so we can figure out what the hell just happened!"
Or something equally as frustrated. She could only sigh and poke at the messy remains once.

"I... didn't mean to go at it so hard. Heat of the moment, sorry."

Readjusting her hood again, so that it was low to her eyes, the Aasimar stood up and glanced around. The fighting seemed over, for now, which was good. The people in town were safe.

What happens now? That was the question, Cyarra figured.

"Well done, guys. Is this the end of it? Can we go back to enjoying our damn festival?"

The Aasimar could only look sadly to Boonie, shaking her head, "I think I had all the fun I can handle today. You should get that cut looked at, by the way."

And then there was the mage, or sorceress, or whatever the hell she was. She turned to face Sera, and there it was again, the stuttering in her voice, that... something in her eyes. The blood that pumped in Cyarra's veins couldn't abide by it. She tried to shut it out. Maybe there was some other lost soul in need, some other person out there she could just refocus her efforts on, to make that nagging need go away.

Cyarra looked to Zelgiel, to Boonie, to Izzy and Aurelius, they all had at least some sort of degree of control about them. Sure, they all seemed to have concern for the sudden outburst of their raven haired companion, sure. But none seemed so terrified, so in need of protection.

"I want to help you."

She blurted it out, unsure of what she even meant by that, or how she was even able to do so. Cyarra, despite the hood concealing her face, looked helpless none the less. Help? Help how? Help what? You met this person what, twenty minutes ago? Maybe more, maybe less?

You're a #$^% madwoman, Cyarra. You know that? A #$^% madwoman.

Truth is, this wasn't the first time she's had this reaction with a person, nor would it probably be the last. But now was not the time to harass a poor girl who wanted to be left alone from mad aasimar compulsions.

"I... Sorry. I don't know what... I don't know what I... sorry."

Cyarra looked like she looked when she first walked into Sandpoint, ashamed of who she was.

Please stop to see yourself as we see you.

Spoiler: Preception:

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Cyarra did take a peek around when she addressed Boonie, so I'll do a roll as well:
Preception: (1d20+1)[4]

[King Tius]

Aurelius leaps to the top of the woodpile (made all the easier by his enlarged status) to try and get the drop (literally) on the goblin warchanter. Once he mounts the pile, he sees his help is no longer required as Cyarra nearly cuts the little creature in two. Standing there, looking very much like some kind of awkward statue, Aurelius uses his vantage point to scan the area for more goblins. Seeing no immediate threats, he hops off the pile as the last of the enlarging magic fades, returning him to normal size. With his sword still drawn but hanging limp in his hand, he approaches Sera. As he walks towards her his eyes mist over, becoming pure silver before disappearing again. Perhaps it was just a trick of the sun reflecting off a window pane? Once he's close enough to speak to her in polite conversation, he smiles with a mixture of politeness and thinly-concealed pain as he motions towards his bleeding leg.

"That goblin got me real good. You seem to have quite the knack for magic. Do you have any healing spells at your disposal?"

Spoiler: Actions

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Aurelius will use Detect Evil on Sera, only for a round to detect the presence (or in this case absence) of evil, just to make sure he's got nothing to worry about on account of the shadow magic

[LordHavelock]

With Sera's shadowed bonds holding the Goblin Warchanter awkwardly in place, scarcely able to defend itself, Cyarra is able to take full advantage of the position, foregoing the usual awkward bulk of her tower shield in favor of an all-out offensive strike with her sword, the blade carves through the goblin's patchwork armor and into the mottled gray-green flesh beneath, eliciting a quickly strangled death rattle by the goblin leader. The furious blow very nearly cleaves the wretched instigator in twain, leaving it's body rent apart from its collar to its groin, which despite it's small stature is no less gruesome a feat of arms for the celestial blooded warrior now standing over the broken remains. The bonds of shadow dissipate as the last of life's blood pours out from the gaping wound, which is just as quickly sucked into the dry packed earth of the square, leaving not a puddle but a stain of bluish black ichor around Cyarra's boots to match the rivulets running down her blade and flecks across her upper body.

The reaction from those assembled is notably mixed, as several of the others who joined in the battle seem every bit as conflicted over the raven haired woman's apparent feat of shadow magic. The bonfire still blazes high, but without the goblins to dump further fuel on it, the only remaining concern is to be sure it will not topple over from it's own weight and into the one of the more flammable buildings on the north side of the square. Gathering together around the woodpile, there's scant time for words however before Father Zantus comes running full tilt down the Tower Street. Sparing only a brief glance for the dead goblins, he focuses his attention pointedly on Aurelius and Izzy, "The North Gate." He manages to get out, before he has to take a deep breath to slow his heart, "Another band trying to break into the White Deer Inn. Your boy, was there Clive, picking them off from the top floor, but a few of them had bows as well . . ." He trails off looking over to Clive, "He was still fighting when I left to find help, but he'd taken at least one arrow and there was another gobiln directing them, riding some sort of monstrous rat."

The good priest of Desna's brow suddenly arches as he looks from Aurelius to Clive and back again. "You're wounded, quickly, let me see to those and then we must make for the gate!" He strides forward, placing a hand on Clive and the Paladin's shoulder and closing his eyes. A soft luminescence of blue green light emanates in a palpable aura outward from Father Zantus and bathes those assembled in the grace of Desna, mending wounds and restoring vigor, lightening all burdens and imparting a sense of new wonder at the good work yet to be done.

Spoiler: Actions

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Channel Energy to heal everyone 7 HP

[King Tius]

Aurelius feels the healing energy flow through his body, knitting his wounds closed and revitalizing his will to fight. He can't help but shudder in relief from healing and moan slightly. Getting stabbed by goblins hurt so much more than the bruises he'd collected during practice drills. Though he's been gifted with Abadar's divine light, he was still very much a young man, and a formerly-coddled one at that, so his threshold for pain was not what he would have liked it to be. Still, now that he was back to full health...

"Thank you for the healing, Father. Clive was it? Let's go find your son." Turning to the rest of the group. "We're doing well so far, we should stick together. We'll have to introduce ourselves properly later, but I'm Aurelius Stormscale."

[Askel]

Zelgiel grimaced at the mention of more goblins, and of the White Deer.

That's Garridan's place... Probably won't even thank us for the help. Where's Belor, anyway? Probably sitting on his arse having tea or ale with the Scarnettis, chatting about the weather. That's what I'd be doing, anyway...

"Are you sure we're actually needed?" Zelgiel asked, frowning, "I know the guy who runs the White Deer. He's tough, and besides... there should be guards by the gate who can handle this."

Zelgiel was aware that his voice was sounding a little whiny, but it couldn't be helped. His day just kept getting worse, and he was hardly a hero. Most of them weren't real heroes, in fact. Two civilians, an old man, and Zelgiel himself.

"Don't get me wrong, I have a duty to get down there..." the half-elf conceded, "But the watch should have it handled. I doubt there'll be any goblins left by the time we get there."

[LordHavelock]

Father Zantus fixes Zelgiel with a gaze as stern as it is admonishing. "Watchman Lowstring, I always thought you were better than that." speaks the priest of Desna, suddenly every bit the authority figure, as he removes his hands from the shoulders of the injured and faces Zelgiel with his hands crossed in front of him. "Your penchants for shirking duties and general laziness are one thing, but cowardice in the face of a threat to the town who took you in? Do you really intend to disappoint your fellow watchmen? Sheriff Hemlock? The whole reason he puts up with your malingering is that he has faith in your ability and your drive to do what is right when the need is most dire, and for a man with as little faith in anything as Belor, you should know how much that means." Father Zantus shakes his head with solemnity, as if in final dismissal of the pleading half-elf.

"And to think I encouraged his faith in you, on little more than what he and the our dearly departed Father Tobyn had to say of your good nature." He sighs heavily and throws his hands up, "I suppose I won't be the only disappointed one though, not once all the young women of Sandpoint learned your habit of dereliction extends to outright cowardice."

[Koryander]

Cyarra stepped in front of Aurelius, eyeing him cautiously as she approached Sera. Something in her blood could feel the goodness of this man, and it was throwing EVERYTHING in her head off balance. What was Cyarra protecting anyhow? Did she deserve protection? But then she felt another tugging, towards another direction. Sera didn't want anyone around her, that was for certain, she wedged herself further between Sera and the giant Aurelius.

Relax Cyarra, he's just asking for healing. What's WRONG with you?

"The North Gate." He manages to get out, before he has to take a deep breath to slow his heart, "Another band trying to break into the White Deer Inn. Your boy, was there Clive, picking them off from the top floor, but a few of them had bows as well . . ." He trails off looking over to Clive, "He was still fighting when I left to find help, but he'd taken at least one arrow and there was another gobiln directing them, riding some sort of monstrous rat."

The relief in her eyes were massive as the distraction came swift and hard. She swallowed as Aurelius spoke.

"Thank you for the healing, Father. Clive was it? Let's go find your son." Turning to the rest of the group. "We're doing well so far, we should stick together. We'll have to introduce ourselves properly later, but I'm Aurelius Stormscale."

"R-Right. Cyarra, Cyarra Maewood. Its a pleasure to meet all of you. Well, that said, lets go save a town, huh?"

Cy looked to Sera, one last time, and waited for some distance from the others.

"Its obvious talking isn't going to work out between us, and I'm sure I've made it clear by now what my intents are for you. But you wont bite, and I can tell you don't want to be here. So I have one last offer... you take my cowl and cloak, its big enough to keep everything about you well hidden. You take it, and you walk out that south entrance, and you escape the goblins, you escape the queer eye everyone's going to give you now that they've seen whatever the hell you just did, and you escape whatever's kept you uneasy since arriving here. I say this because I can't seem to control myself, and its hurting me. I don't know if you can understand what my deal is, and honestly I don't expect you to. But I'm willing to give you a disguise and you can just walk away before you're dragged into whatever is going on."

Her eyes scanned what was going on with Zelgiel and Zanthus... maybe she could provide some encouraging words, depending on what Sera's choice would be...

[Melquiades]

"Thank you for the healing, Father. Clive was it? Let's go find your son." Turning to the rest of the group. "We're doing well so far, we should stick together. We'll have to introduce ourselves properly later, but I'm Aurelius Stormscale."

Clive is still a bit shocked from the news Father Zanthus just gave him. He barely looks at Aurelius, but answers while nodding his head. "Yup, Clive Boonie. It's a pleasure."

I'm not going to lose my son when I just met him after all this time. Children should never die before their parents. I won't let it happen.

The moment Zanthus finishes talking with Zelgiel, Clive already has his musket on his back and his eyes are narrow, showing determination and resolve. "If you're coming, you better do it now."

Clive starts running at full speed to the White Deer Inn. Please don't do anything stupid. Just hide until I get there. I'll take care of you, Lucas.

Spoiler: Actions

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Clive will try to run at full speed to the White Deer. If his Constitution (14) doesn't allow him, I will spend a Hero Point if that's an applicable use. If that means arriving before the others because they can't or won't get there as fast as him, and he gets into combat before them, that's what he will do.

[Recherché]

Zelgiel grimaced at the mention of more goblins, and of the White Deer.

That's Garridan's place... Probably won't even thank us for the help. Where's Belor, anyway? Probably sitting on his arse having tea or ale with the Scarnettis, chatting about the weather. That's what I'd be doing, anyway...

"Are you sure we're actually needed?" Zelgiel asked, frowning, "I know the guy who runs the White Deer. He's tough, and besides... there should be guards by the gate who can handle this."

Zelgiel was aware that his voice was sounding a little whiny, but it couldn't be helped. His day just kept getting worse, and he was hardly a hero. Most of them weren't real heroes, in fact. Two civilians, an old man, and Zelgiel himself.

"Don't get me wrong, I have a duty to get down there..." the half-elf conceded, "But the watch should have it handled. I doubt there'll be any goblins left by the time we get there."

For a few seconds Izzy contemplates punching the half-elf in the groin or at least slapping him for his indifference to human life.

“Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of peace." Violence against him will not get me anywhere. Deep breaths. Calm yourself.

Father Zantus fixes Zelgiel with a gaze as stern as it is admonishing. "Watchman Lowstring, I always thought you were better than that." speaks the priest of Desna, suddenly every bit the authority figure, as he removes his hands from the shoulders of the injured and faces Zelgiel with his hands crossed in front of him. "Your penchants for shirking duties and general laziness are one thing, but cowardice in the face of a threat to the town who took you in? Do you really intend to disappoint your fellow watchmen? Sheriff Hemlock? The whole reason he puts up with your malingering is that he has faith in your ability and your drive to do what is right when the need is most dire, and for a man with as little faith in anything as Belor, you should know how much that means." Father Zantus shakes his head with solemnity, as if in final dismissal of the pleading half-elf.

"And to think I encouraged his faith in you, on little more than what he and the our dearly departed Father Tobyn had to say of your good nature." He sighs heavily and throws his hands up, "I suppose I won't be the only disappointed one though, not once all the young women of Sandpoint learned your habit of dereliction extends to outright cowardice."

Izzy can't help but smirk slightly at Zantus's threat. Smirks and listens. Apparently her superior thinks that shaming him and dousing his romantic prospects will work. Who knows maybe Zeg actually has a sense of honor beneath everything.

Lowstring, I'm going. Whether or not you come with me is your choice but if you back out now, I will blame you for anything that goes amiss and if asked I will not lie about your cowardice.

Izzy rehearses the word in her head but when the time comes to speak them her throat seems to close up and no sound comes out. Doubt creeps into the space words would be.

What is challenging him makes him angry. I could make this entire thing worse. Besides I'm sure Father Zantus will deal with this issue. He knows the man better than me. Let him take care of it.

Cy looked to Sera, one last time, and waited for some distance from the others.

"Its obvious talking isn't going to work out between us, and I'm sure I've made it clear by now what my intents are for you. But you wont bite, and I can tell you don't want to be here. So I have one last offer... you take my cowl and cloak, its big enough to keep everything about you well hidden. You take it, and you walk out that south entrance, and you escape the goblins, you escape the queer eye everyone's going to give you now that they've seen whatever the hell you just did, and you escape whatever's kept you uneasy since arriving here. I say this because I can't seem to control myself, and its hurting me. I don't know if you can understand what my deal is, and honestly I don't expect you to. But I'm willing to give you a disguise and you can just walk away before you're dragged into whatever is going on."

Her eyes scanned what was going on with Zelgiel and Zanthus... maybe she could provide some encouraging words, depending on what Sera's choice would be...

Okay this time I should intervene. That last spell may have been disturbing but it was effective.

Uhm miss, I understand if you want to leave, I mean I was kinda rude about what just happened, and the bit about the ma-ti was probably a bit much, but I would really like it if you stayed. That spell was really powerful and it helped end the fight before anyone really got hurt. What you've done has saved a bunch of people and we could really use that. I know that what you did was kinda dark, but dark isn't always bad and light isn't always good. I'm sorry if I'm rambling but we could really use someone as powerful and gorgeous as you on our side.

Immediately after speaking Izzy looks panicked and covers her mouth with her hands.

Oh dear Gods, did I really just say that? Desna why couldn't you have given me the ability to roll back time just a few seconds and unsay everything?

"We're doing well so far, we should stick together. We'll have to introduce ourselves properly later, but I'm Aurelius Stormscale."

Finally one that was easy, or at least easier.

Do I really belong with this group? All of them can do so much, and I've done is put out a few fires. If I hadn't been there I'm sure someone else would have. Would it really make a difference if I slinked off now? Would they even notice? l

Izzy looks at the shadow mage and Zegliel again.

At the very least I can act as an example. After all I cannot ask them to do what I am unwilling to.

Izy steps forward.

Izabetta Meresis but everyone calls me Izzy. We should hurry, the longer we take the less chance that . . . well the less chance that Lucas will be alive when we get there.

[King Tius]

Aurelius nods respectfully back to Clive but bows to both ladies when they introduce themselves. After all, he was a member...well, former member...of the elite Magnimar social scene. When Clive takes off the young paladin gives a little shout of surprise and quickly takes off after him, trying his best to keep up with the sprinting gunman. He turns and calls back over his shoulder "Nice to meet you!" As he rushes after the concerned father, his mind temporarily distracted from goblins by the beautiful and/or mysterious women he's suddenly found for company. No time for that now...I've got to not die to those little green bastards first!

[Koryander]

If the man with the gun had family in danger, he was right, it was time to go. But things just kept getting more complicated as well. The relief she held when everyone ran off probably shouldn't have existed at all. She should have been mortified that someone else was in danger... But the raven haired woman needed her space as well, and she needed an answer before she followed the rest of them.

But this other girl, this Izabetta, heard what she told Sera. And she cursed herself for being louder than she intended.

"No no, don't take my word as her word, miss... Izabetta? I'm putting words in her mouth, she never said that." She looked to Sera, knowing the gravity of the question she just asked the poor girl, then back to Izzy... who hopefully wasn't able to catch on with how out of proportion she has already made Sera's current life choices. Cyarra mentally cursed herself for being so stupid.

"Really, that was all me. You know, always misinterpreting things. I can be so dense sometimes."

Cyarra peered behind Izzy, watching the rest move towards danger. Her feet became antsy, People. In danger. A son in danger. It was like a buzzing in her ear as suddenly it began to sank in, and her focus was once again thrown off.

Her feet were still fidgeting, but she didn't move without an answer.

Come on Cyarra, just go. Go help, go help them. Go help that poor mans kid, this one didn't want your help, and the old man needed your help. Move, get going.

But maybe she needs to get out, maybe she just needs an excuse, or a sign, or a way to move about without the people who saw her come in recognizing her as she left? Maybe this new woman, this Izabetta, is going to slap me in the head after she recognizes that I'm acting so strangely?

But her feet wouldn't move. And so she waited for some sort of sign, or answer.

[Askel]

"Watchman Lowstring, I always thought you were better than that."

Zelgiel's eyes widened slightly.

"Huh?"

"Your penchants for shirking duties and general laziness are one thing, but cowardice in the face of a threat to the town who took you in? Do you really intend to disappoint your fellow watchmen? Sheriff Hemlock? The whole reason he puts up with your malingering is that he has faith in your ability and your drive to do what is right when the need is most dire, and for a man with as little faith in anything as Belor, you should know how much that means."

Zelgiel raised his hands defensively, waving them back and forth, determinedly trying to get a word in.

"Wait a second, hang on! That's not what I was-"

"And to think I encouraged his faith in you, on little more than what he and the our dearly departed Father Tobyn had to say of your good nature."

Zelgiel was urgently trying to speak.

"Father Zantus, slow down. I think you-"

"I suppose I won't be the only disappointed one though, not once all the young women of Sandpoint learned your habit of dereliction extends to outright cowardice."

Cowardice...

And there it was. Suddenly, Zelgiel had clammed up. He was no longer trying to explain himself. He wasn't trying to get a word in. He just stared straight ahead, his face totally blank.

Coward... Your cowardice... You're a coward... You let them die...

That was it. Zelgiel took firm hold of Father Zantus's robes and looked him square in the face. His eyes were smoldering, and his voice shook as he spoke; each word was separate and cutting.

"I. Am not. A. Coward."

He let go of the priest. Some of the others had started to walk away, moving towards the gate already. Zelgiel shook his head in disgust and turned without another word, unshouldering his bow and moving towards the north gate. His thoughts remained black, however, and he veered away from the others, looking for a good high vantage point he could take to. He didn't want to fight close to them. He didn't want their stares on them, or their judgement, or their misconstrued ideas about him, and he especially didn't want the guilt that he felt in his heart, because he knew, deep down, that they were right.

Coward...

[Feather Sigil]

Amidst the discussion in the square Sera stood where she was and listened to the discussions and arguments, head hung, eyes shut, arms limp at her sides, relaxed in sheer resignation. Whatever shock and terror lingered from the Night's outburst, and whatever exasperation arose in her at the notion that this battle would seemingly never end, was swiftly replaced by overwhelming defeat. She couldn't escape. Even if she had never attempted to investigate that argument before this unpleasantness began, even if she had obeyed her better judgment and stayed in her apartment this morning, she would have been involved regardless, which was why she had no one to blame but herself. She could never have sat idly while others fought off the goblins outside. Three weeks ago she could have ordered guards and her own entourage to the fray; now she had a way of contributing by herself, a way that only made her stick out like an ugly dress--and that, too, was her fault. Perhaps once the goblin threat was dealt with they would simply deal with the dark mage threat right in front of them, and only then Sandpoint would be safe. Miss Maewood's offer availed her nothing; she would hardly last two days in the wilderness and there was nowhere else for her to go. But if she was doomed, would it be better to let her pursuers snatch her from some dark hovel, cowering and miserable, or would it be better to at least do something worthwhile with the time she had left and face her end with whatever dignity she could hold onto?

The one thing that pulled her from her miserable contemplations was, of all things, being called gorgeous. Sera couldn't help but look up and raise an eyebrow to...Miss Meresis. Clearly that slipped out without her intention, as evidenced by her reaction. Not to mention Sera looked far from gorgeous at the moment, she had blood all over herself, dirt on her robe, her hair was messy...but the compliment was welcome nonetheless.

Straightening up and taking a deep breath, she looked to both Miss Maewood and Miss Meresis. Perhaps she would seem a little strange, being overtly terrified one moment and resolved the next, but what else was she supposed to do? "Miss Maewood, your generosity and valour honour me but please, keep your cloak. You need it. Leaving won't help me; I have nowhere to go. If you wish to help me, keep fighting. Miss Meresis, thank you very much for your kind words. Now let's catch up with the others." So she ran off, following the distant Aurelius. Ah, yes, now she knew who they were, as well. The young man she'd empowered, Aurelius Stormscale. The town watchman, Lowstring. The aasimar, Cyarra Maewood. The rifleman, Clive Boonie. The Varisian with the colourful vocabulary, Izabetta "Izzy" Meresis.

[LordHavelock]

Coward... Your cowardice... You're a coward... You let them die...

That was it. Zelgiel took firm hold of Father Zantus's robes and looked him square in the face. His eyes were smoldering, and his voice shook as he spoke; each word was separate and cutting.

"I. Am not. A. Coward."

He let go of the priest. Some of the others had started to walk away, moving towards the gate already. Zelgiel shook his head in disgust and turned without another word, unshouldering his bow and moving towards the north gate. His thoughts remained black, however, and he veered away from the others, looking for a good high vantage point he could take to. He didn't want to fight close to them. He didn't want their stares on them, or their judgement, or their misconstrued ideas about him, and he especially didn't want the guilt that he felt in his heart, because he knew, deep down, that they were right.
Coward...

Collecting himself after Zelgiel's sudden outburst, Father Zantus looks briefly concerned, but then he quickly composes himself and looks after the now determined and grim half-elf. 'Perhaps I pushed him a bit hard . . . or assumed too much about why he should be so lazy.' Not one to dwell however, he quickly makes his way towards the garrison, looking to retrieve more help from Sheriff Hemlock and the other members of the watch if possible.

[Koryander]

Cyarra's eyes widened at the sudden change of pace of the raven haired girl. She took a moment to digest the offer.. then smiled. A real, genuine smile.

Its a start.

She let out a shaky sigh, then looked to Izzy, Cyarra looks like she's gotten her own resolve back as well.

"Well then, miss Izzy, why don't we go save a town?"

And, keeping pace with Sera and Izzy, she raced off to help as well. To the White Deer Inn... this kid needed help and nobody was dying today, if she could help it.

Spoiler: Running Time!

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Cyarra will balls to wall run. Run run run. A constant 4x her movement speed until she makes it to the square. And being Cyarra, she'll probably run past every goblin In her way, giving the finger to attack of opportunities until she was besides Clives Son... if she could somehow identify him.

[LordHavelock]

The scene before the White Deer Inn is almost surprisingly grim, even compared to the cathedral square and the bonfire, as several dead goblins already litter the ground, but along with them are a pair of Sandpoint’s town watch, lying entirely too still whilst the band of goblin raider’s continue their mayhem. Two of the goblins are carrying crude but effective shortbows, and are peppering the two turrets of the north gate with arrows, where another two watchmen can occasionally be seen to pop their head over the parapet and fire a half-hearted shot from a crossbow. Another two goblins stand and taunt them, waving about their dogslicers and spewing their foul language in the general direction of the guards, as well as encouragements at the largest of the goblins who, as Father Zantus mentioned, sits astride what at first glance might be a large dog, but whose hairless tail and prominent teeth show it to be some enormous breed of rat. The goblin sergeant and his steed are hunched, perched triumphantly over the corpse of a true dog, a large breed of hunting hound, who no doubt put up a valiant fight, but like the walls of the north gate, has more than a few arrows protruding from him.

“Over here!” Comes a cry from around the corner of the easternmost building, a split-level guard house for those on duty at the gate, across from the Inn. The voice is hoarse, and clearly frightened, immediately drawing the ire of the goblins, but also rousing them to your presence as well. The goblins round and wave their weapons in the air, as their leader points with an oversized but crude sort of pole-arm (bearing more resemblance to a crude machete or cutlass tied to a broomhandle), and sounds the attack.

Up along the balcony of the second floor of the White Deer Inn, the slumped form of a bowman can be made out, similarly feathered with at least an arrow or two, as are the deck and bannister. His longbow lies askew next to him, and the glint of a silver sword can just barely be made out as Clive and the others approach.

Spoiler: Combat

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First Round Initiative Order:
Izzy, Clive, Cyarra, Zelgiel, Aurelius,
Goblins
Sera

Spoiler: Map

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[Koryander]

As Cyarra joins the others in the square, her eyes go wide at the ghastly scene before them. This place ended up being far worse for the ware. Her eyes immediately move to the Nobleman who seemed to be in a very bad way, and then up to the second floor of the inn. Her breath caught in her chest for a moment, before her eyes raced to Clives,

"Is that your son up there? Get someone to him, I'm going to distract the goblins as best I can!"

Her feet move in automatic, she couldn't stop herself even if she tried, it was a mad dash to certain doom as all logic left her brain and muscle reflex took over.

You better hope that you're ready for this one dummy, cause this has to rank as one of the stupidest things you've ever done.

"Come on! How about you all fight a REAL target this time!?!"

Spoiler: Actions!

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Cyarra uses ANOTHER run action, trying to get in between all five goblins in a dazzling display of 'Lets see how quickly I can face plant Cyarra in the first action sequence in the game'. She can reaches up to s16.

If she's Attack of Opportunity'd by anyone, she will take the possible hit cause "she's Cyarra, lol"

[Askel]

Zelgiel stared in horror at the scene before him. He'd been right about the watch; they had been guarding the gate alright, and now they were dead. As he looked at the fallen, Zelgiel gritted his teeth.

Cowardice? I'll show them cowardice.

Zelgiel jogged out into the square, readying an arrow as he moved. When the rider came into sight, however the half-elf paused. Whatever it was, it was ugly. He took aim at the creature and was about to let fly when he became aware of the warrior-woman charging right out into the square.

"Are you insane?! Wait!" he called to her.

She's got a death wish!

He shifted his aim and tried to hit one of the goblins awaiting her, lest she end up completely surrounded.

Spoiler: Actions

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Knowledge Nature to identify the beast-mount
Knowledge - (1d20+6)[24]
Move to H21
Attacking G1 with longbow
Attack - (1d20+4)[24]
Damage - (1d8)[3]

[King Tius]

Aurelius watches Cyarra run straight towards the goblins with a look of bewilderment on his face. She gets about five paces ahead of him before he instinctively follows suit, keeping up with the armored woman and trying to make sure she doesn't get completely surrounded.

Hey! Don't break formation!

Spoiler: Actions

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Aurelius will also use Run to keep up with Cyarra, ending up shoulder-to-shoulder at R16.

Spoiler: Statistics

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Aurelius Stormscale
Male LG Human Paladin, Level 1, Init +3, HP 13/13, DR -, Speed 20 ft
AC 17, Touch 11, Flat-footed 16, CMD 17, Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 1
(Power Attack) Longsword (Two-Hands) +5(+4) (1d8+7(+10), 19-20/x2)
Chainmail (+6 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 15
Condition No Dex bonus to AC due to Run