[IC] Rise of the Runelords (Spheres)

[Bansheexero]

The village of Sandpoint gathers to celebrate the grand opening of their new cathedral with a festival. The building is a temple dedicated to Desna, and there will soon be a release of her favored animal, swallowtail butterflies.

Amidst the festival grounds are various merchants featuring food, clothes, local crafts and souvenirs. And the Town square quickly becomes crowded with townsfolk. Zadavyr's nephew from the Deverin family is selling mugs of the family ale. His niece Kendra, the mayor, is also moving about the grounds, greeting people and ensuring things are moving smoothly. Unfortunately, however, his niblings tend to avoid their peculiar uncle, finding it hard to believe such a young looking man is who he claims to be and viewing his personality far too eccentric for their tastes.

Spoiler: OoC

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Now is the time to introduce your characters to one another

[Illogictree]

Contributing to the party atmosphere are numerous street performers. Buskers, singers, jugglers, prestidigitators, even a few dancers.

One dancer in particular was garnering a bit of unusual attention. A young Varisian woman, lithe in build with an olive complexion that contrasted her white hair, her coordinated movements causing her loose blue clothing and white scarves to swirl about her in intricate patterns. But it wasn't her attractive appearance that drew the eye. A set of small glowing orbs followed her movements, precisely maneuvering in close proximity with her, lending a hint of magic to her performance.

A knowledgeable observer, even one well-versed in Varisian dances, would be hard-pressed to identify the style of dance she was using. It seemed a bit too practiced and measured to be something made up on the spot, but it wasn't anything easily recognizable. Not that she minded; it was clear from the look on her face that she was thoroughly enjoying herself as she went through her routine.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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So... do we roll in this thread directly?

Perform(Dance)(1d20+10)[25]

[richmond]

Everything was so colorful! Verezza was trying not to look around too much and maintain her poise, but the sights around her were just too much. Back home everything was simple and dull, practicality more important than aesthetics, but here... Decorations hung everywhere, the smells were fascinating and a hundred different songs were playing. She walked aimlessly for a while, taking all the different sensations in, barely noticing they were all so, so small... She hadn't been able to see even one of the citizens who reached her shoulders, and many of them were clearly staring at her as she passed. It wasn't unexpected, though. For them, she must have looked unnaturally tall, and the fact she was fully armored in the middle of the celebration definitely looked odd.

As she walked towards the cathedral, thinking just what kind of magnificent spectacle the humans had prepared for her goddess, something else caught her attention. A woman was dancing in light clothes, beautiful movements following the rhythm of the music, but while it was impressive by itself, that was not what really fascinated Verezza: it was the light. Verezza had only seen real magic twice in her life, in the hands of the elder shamans of her people, and only on serious occasions. But here the woman was dancing, a simple street entertainer and she was doing magic as if it was something so casual! Verezza carefully removed the gigantic shield from her back, placing it on the ground so she could sit and watch the performance, her eyes following the movement of the lights with complete focus.

[Bansheexero]

Halcyon's surreal movements gather quite the large crowd, though they give the Goliath woman quite a wide berth due to how intimidating she looks in her armor. Several give her coppers and silvers as a tip on the stand nearby as they continue to watch, mesmerized by the performance.

Spoiler: OoC

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Gold earning (1d6)[4] gp

[Kvard51]

Raz enters the festival grounds with excitement written large in his huge grin. He had never seen so many people in one place before. And he could buy ANYTHING, as best he could tell. But all that goes straight out of his head as he rounds a booth where he was staring at the daggers and sees the dancer. She's incredible!


He sits down on the first open spot of grass he sees, never letting his eyes stray from the dancer. He casually leans toward the person sitting beside him, noticing in an absent-minded way that they are much bigger than him. "Have you ever seen anything more brilliant?"

[BtanH]

Sandpoint is the largest town Madison has ever been too, and the festival even more so. Arriving just as it begins, she finds herself overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells.

She spends some time wandering before remembering she came to the town for a reason. She's supposed to meet with Cyrdak Drokkus and get some time on stage so she can perform for an audience! Though looking around, it looks like she might be able to find an audience performing at this festival... That dancer has quite the crowd around her.

Madison watches for a while, looking to see if she can decipher some kind of pattern so she could perhaps join the dancer with a vocal accompaniment.

[richmond]

Verezza was aware of the wide berth the citizens were giving her, but she didn't mind. It actually let her relax even more and appreciate the show, the glowing orbs of light seemingly taunting her as they followed the woman's movements defying all logic. She wanted to understand how she did that, but her attention was instantly drawn to the young man who sit right by her side so casually.

Her hand instinctively went to her spear laying by her side, but she simply let it hover above her weapon as the human seemed to be focusing on the dancer as well. And he looked so small, so... harmless. Everyone seemed equally relaxed, so she decided it was possibly not a threat, her attention returning to the woman and her magic. It didn't last long though, as the man on her side leaned closer and actually spoke to her.

"Brilliant? Yes. The sun." she says simply, her voice deeper than his. She points up towards the sky, an inquisitive look on her face as she misunderstands his meaning. Common wasn't her primary language, after all... "Fire, too. These don't look too bright for me. Do I see them different?" she asks, her eyes now wider as she looks at the lights with curiosity.

[Illogictree]

There's definitely a pattern to Halcyon's movements, and a clear rhythm she's keeping up. She's even quietly humming snatches of a tune to herself to keep her dance moves timed correctly. A skilled accompanist should be able to join in.

Spoiler: Mechanics stuff

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I think it might be a Knowledge: History or Knowledge: Local skill check to recognize her moves and song as partly drawing from Thassilonian culture, though mixing in elements from Varisian and other more modern influences from the other cultures of Varisia. There's even a little Elven in some of it.

Edit: It would be a Knowledge: Planes check to realize the little lights surrounding her are actually disembodied souls, wouldn't it? She has 5 summoned, the max she can call up in a day.

[kjelfalconer]

He ambled the stalls, the sun giving his hair an almost metallic sheen as he looked over the various trinkets. Maybe there'd be something mother would like, though he doubted it. Humans seemed to be very good at convincing themselves that junk was worth something.
"Can I interest you in this vase sir? Genuine second age Osiric pottery!"
He glanced at it. "Pfft. That shade of red was introduced by Kelesh, and that smoothness came from a modern wheel. Find someone else to sell your fakes too."

Hmm. That girl had quite the crowd, though he wasn't sure why. Just a lot of flailing and some cantrips if you asked him. Maybe he'd try and find a drink. It wasn't like anyone needed him for anything.

[Bansheexero]

The mayor, Kendra Deverin, gathers several people near the stand in front of the cathedral, as a large container is wheeled out, containing hundreds of swallowtail butterflies. She calls for their attention, then speaks. "Welcome everyone to the festival, dedicated to the grand reopening of our cathedral to the goddess Desna. As many of you know, only a few decades ago, our original cathedral burned in that terrible fire. Today, in honor of our patron goddess, we release these swallowtails to bless this temple."

With that, she has her workers open the large container, and the sky is filled with butterflies.

Spoiler: Visual Aid

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Spoiler: Personal note

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Your GM actually suffers from lepidopterophobia (as well as mottephobia). I always dislike Desna for this reason.

[Bansheexero]

After the swallowtails are released, it is time for lunch, which is provided for free by the town. Their are various dishes available, but by far the most popular dish is a curry-spiced salmon, provided by Ameiko Kaijitsu. Served with a winterdrop mead, it easily overshadowed the other offerings, such as the Hahfish's lobster chowder or White Deer's peppercorn venison.

The festival continued for a few hours, but as the sun began to set, the head of the local clergy Father Zantus takes the stand at the central podium. He prepares to receive the Prayer of First Dreaming, but the crowd is preoccupied. In order to get their attention, he pulls put and uses a thunderstone. Unfortunately, when he does so, as if on cue, several goblins who seemed to have been slowly infiltrating the city over the course of the festival, leap out of hiding from within carts and barrels and other areas. They proceed to attack the village en masse, causing the festival attendees to panic and flee for their lives as they are chased down by the green marauders.

Standing amidst the chaos, the party sees several goblins leap out from behind a nearby cart and threaten to attack.

Spoiler: OoC

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Roll Initiative!
Goblins Initiative (1d20+4)[9]

[Kvard51]

After the incredible dancing, the boring parts of the festival start. As the mayor takes the stage, Iss wanders through the crowd, looking for the dancer. But with so many people, he misses her. He does, however, spot the very large woman he had plopped down beside earlier. She looks interesting. Maybe I can find out what she is and why she's so big if I talk to her.

He walks up behind her reaches up to tap her on the shoulder. "Hi.
My name's Issachar. We weren't properly introduced earlier. Who are you and where are you from?"

Before she can answer, the boring stuff becomes unboring in a hurry, as goblins seemingly spring out of nowhere. "Nevermind. We can talk later. Right now I'm going to fight some goblins."

Raz takes off running towards the intruders, drawing his daggers as he moves...

Spoiler: Initiative

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Initiative: (1d20+4)[15]

[richmond]

When the mayor starts addressing the crowd, Verezza stands up and, with some effort, takes her eyes out of the magic lights and turn to the cathedral. Whatever she was expecting as a ceremony, thousands of butterflies suddenly filling the sky definitely wasn't it. She gasps at shock at first, her eyes widening once again as she wonders how did they manage to get so many of the creatures and keep them all until the right moment.

She daydreams for a bit, barely noticing things return to the usual festivities until the smells hit her. Lunchtime! And so, so much variety. She tries a bit of everything, of course, but that salmon really hits the spot. She eats about 4 average person servings by the time people stop eating, and she sits down again to let her stomach process all of that. She watches the people come and go, the children play and the entertainers perform until the night starts falling and people start once again moving towards the cathedral. She stands up, following the crowd and noticing a clergyman taking to the podium, but alas, her attention once more is stolen by the young man.

He introduces himself and Verezza is lost at words at first, mostly by the sheer casualness of this boy, bluntly asking her about her origins. She thinks for a second about what to say - and if to - but a loud noise comes from the stage and by the time she notices it was simply a thundestone, all hell breaks lose. Goblins, the tiny obnoxious marauders were invading the town, and she could see the fear on everyone's eyes as they scream and run from the buggers. The boy again reacts surprisingly, nonchalantly taking initiative and running towards the foes, daggers appearing on his hands out of nowhere. She smiles to herself before answering his call.

"You won't be alone," she speaks, grasping her spear and adjusting the tower shield on her arm, "Let me show you who I am," she says more to herself than to Issachar as she rushes to join the battle.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Initiative: (1d20+5)[7]

[BtanH]

Madison's study of the dance is interrupted by the release of the butterflies. It's a beautiful sight, and reminds her that there's more to the festival than just this dancer. She should talk to the mayor, and maybe try and get some advice on meeting with Cyrdak Drokkus.

Of course, lunch comes first. And it is lovely! Madison finds the salmon actually isn't to her liking, though she never has been a big seafood fan. She avoids the chowder, and sticks largely to the peppercorn venison. Lightly crusted, it's absolutely perfect. She makes a mental note to try and get the recipe if she can.

After lunch, she tries to catch the mayor's attention, but running a festival as large as this one is hard work. Madison isn't able to find her, or the dancer from before. She peruses the stalls instead, and if she can find White Deer she'll ask for the recipe.

The crack of the thunderstone interrupts Madison's exploration of the festival, as do the screams shortly following it. She looks around and finds goblins everywhere, and a few people she remembers from before pulling out their weapons, ready to fight. Madison moves to take cover away from the fighting, and mentally prepares herself to cast.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Knowledge local to see if I know anything about the dance
(1d20+5)[24]


Diplomacy if it'll help me get that recipe
(1d20+11)[25]

Initiative
roll]1d20+5[/roll]

[Illogictree]

Halcyon finishes her dance to the applause of the onlookers, smiling joyously but clearly tired. She gives an appreciative nod to the glowing orbs still gently floating about her, and they fade from view as she takes a breather to watch the butterflies released. She notices the huge woman in the audience, and a shadow of concern passes over her face, but it's rapidly replaced with excitement at the beautiful sight of the cloud of insects being released into the air. She cheers and claps in appreciation along with the rest of the crowd.

Soon she's out enjoying the provided lunch, chatting amicably enough with those who're about, though she seems a little reserved now compared to the exuberance of her performance. She highly enjoys the exotic taste of the curried salmon, though she makes sure to sample everything.

Towards the evening, she's feeling rested and relaxed enough to perform again, but she decides to wait until after the speech to do so. When the goblins suddenly spring out and attack, she is briefly overwhelmed by the screams and rushing crowd and the violent little monsters running around. However, she composes herself.

This wasn't the sort of dance she intended to do, but people are in danger, and she knows she can help. Or rather, who can help. This time as she takes her steps, magical energy traces the movements of her hands and feet.

"Tempest." she whispers as the disembodied souls flicker back into view about her, "I need your help, sister."

Spoiler: Mechanics

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That's a good roll from Madison. Unless the DM objects, I'd assume she figures out the nature of her dance.

Initiative: (1d20+2)[4]

[kjelfalconer]

Unacceptable. How dare they try and ruin his day? As much as he wanted to turn back into a dragon and rip them to shreds, people tended to complain and sometimes shoot him when he did that. He still wasn't sure why. Lightning arced between his teeth, but there was no way he could hit them from here. Ah well. The old fashioned way was the fun way anyway.

Spoiler: OOC

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Charge G2 and make an unarmed strike. At this range I'm too far to do anything else.
(1d20+7)[21] to hit
(1d4+4)[5] damage

Also, using the berserker sphere base effect for 4 temp hp and -2 ac. Yes, this means I have an ac of 4, but quite frankly its already so low that making it worse is kind of irrelevant.

[BtanH]

The goblins are Madison's first experience with the more monstrous inhabitants of the world. She keeps her distance and tries to stay calm, moving back to take cover behind some overturned stalls. As she passes the the dancer she saw earlier she smiles, briefly forgetting about the goblins. "I loved your dancing, I think I saw some Thassilonian and Varisian in there? I'd love to get a chance to talk to you about it later." Madison's hand brushes against Halcyon's shoulder as she moves past, spreading some Joy with the touch.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Move action - Move to O25
Standard action - Touch Halcyon with a Touch of Joy
Minor: Touch of Joy (Su): You can touch a willing creature as a standard action, filling it with elation and confidence in all it undertakes. For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result.

[Bansheexero]

The goblins leap into action in a chaotic mess, their short attention span taxed by the bedlam going on around them. Taking great offense at the blue-haired tallfolk attacking them, the two nearest him strike at him with their short swords.

Spoiler: G1 & G2

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Goblin 1 tales a 5 ft step to close in on Zadavyr's and both attack.
G1 attack (1d20+2)[19]
Crit? (1d20+2)[12]
Damage (1d4)[1]
G2 attack (1d20+2)[3]
Crit? (1d20+2)[18]
Damage (1d4)[1]

One of the other goblins charges the other nearby human, while the other puts down the chicken bone he was gnawing on and runs up the podium stand to taunt the other tallfolk, sticking out his tongue, "Stupid tallfolk! You go die now!!!"

Spoiler: G3 & G4

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Goblin 4 charges Iss
G3 attack (1d20+4)[21]
Crit? (1d20+2)[10]
Damage (1d4)[3]
Goblin 3 double moves up the podium stand

All around, you hear screams of villagers being attacked and the sound of glass breaking.

[Illogictree]

Halcyon smiles at Madison as the joy fills her mind, even if she's not sure where it's coming from. "I'd be glad to," she says as she continues her movements. "I'll do my best to make sure we get the chance!"

The glowing light coming off her hands and toes start to form into more definite magical-looking patterns. In time with her movements, she chants some words in the mystic language of spellcasting.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Using Summon ability. Trying to summon Tempest in the space directly North of Halcyon.
Spending 1 spell point ( 4 / 5 remaining )

Skilled Casting DC: 16

Perform(Dance): (2d20b1)[15] + 10

Do I roll for Tempest's initiative once she's summoned, or does she act after Halcyon's turn?

[richmond]

Verezza was fully expecting more people to join the fight, as she had seen some folks carrying weapons during the festival, but she was not ready for the unarmed and unarmored blue-haired boy leaping towards the goblins and, of all things, punching one of the creatures in the face. Unfortunately, the little monsters carry swords and use them to slice the scrawny boy and also Issachar, who was somehow already in the middle of the fight.

She rushes to join the boys, but a voice catches her attention behind her and she notices two girls talking, one of them the magical dancer from before. "Why aren't they running with the others?" she thinks to herself, readjusting her initial plan to consider the safety of the magical lights. She would like to see more of them, and perhaps if she protects the girl, she will.

Seeing as one of the goblins takes position atop the podium, Verezza rushes to be as clear a target possible, trying to draw their attention with a bravado of her own. "I am the tallest. Make me die!"

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Verezza can't reach anyone, so she will use the Run action to position instead, moving to O5. Her AC is now 20 from losing Dex in that action.

In case G4 or G3 provoke AoO, she will take those (she has reach, so they are threatened). And then, if they attack her, she will spend more AoO for Active Defense (Shield Sphere), making her AC 22 again. She has 5 AoO in total.

You may roll my AoO if it's easier. They are +4, for 1d8+3 piercing damage.

[kjelfalconer]

Bless. Watching them try to stab him was actually kind of cute. Adorable even. Sure, they were scratching him, but so did brambles, or paper. It was a little realised fact that he was just as heavy in his human form as he was normally - which had its perks when he needed to throw his weight around. He might not be a dragon right this second, but he could sure as hell fight like one. Throwing his weight onto the already injured one, he spun with his other arm, grabbing the leg of the other unsuspecting goblin, and dragging him towards the rest of the defenders.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action to shove the injured goblin, (1d20+5)[15] to hit, dealing 4 damage and battering it.
(1d20+5)[8] to drag the other goblin, provoking an aoo, and dealing [/roll]1d4+4[/roll] damage due to smash if successful

And renewing the temp hp

[Kvard51]

Issachar winces as the filthy goblin weapon gashes him. He stabs down at the creature, looking to put it down quickly.

Spoiler: Attack

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Dagger: (1d20+4)[23] for (1d4+1)[5] piercing damage.

Crit? (1d20+4)[22] for (1d4+1)[5] crit damage.

Dancing away from the possibility of a return swing, he turns and sprints after the goblin closing on the stage.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Acrobatics to avoid a possible AoO, (1d20+11)[28]

AC 21 vs AoO if Acrobatics fails.

[Bansheexero]

The goblin falls, hemorrhaging profusely as Issachar nimbly dances around the body and limbs the stand to confront the next threat.

Spoiler: AoO

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G3 AoO (1d20+2)[16]
Crit? (1d20+2)[15]
Damage (1d4)[4]

[Bansheexero]

Zadavyr's batters the injured goblin to the ground with an off-handed shove and it seems to cease moving. As he goes to grab the other, however, it darts to the side and strikes at him.

Spoiler: AoO

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G1 attack (1d20+2)[15]
Crit? (1d20+2)[6]
Damage (1d4)[1]

[BtanH]

Madison watches as the three warriors in front of her sycthe through the goblins, cutting them down. They seem to have things well in hand, so she waits, watching to see if any goblins will get close to her.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Ready an action for if a goblin gets within 25 feet
(1d20+10)[26] v DC16 to cast minor paralyze charm
if my roll is 14 or 15, immediate action cast minor Inspiration charm on myself for +2
(1d20+10)[24]

[Illogictree]

With an eerie whistling sound, a spot in space just ahead of Halcyon bubbles and warps. Another person steps through. Though taller than Halcyon by half a head and outfitted with protective garments in a strange style, her face is nearly identical, as if she's a twin sister to the dancer. The most attention-getting feature of her is the stubby orange crystal shard sticking out of her forehead, just above her mismatched left eye.

The warrior takes in the scene quickly. "A party, Halcyon? And you didn't invite me until someone crashed it? I'm disappointed." She readies a hooked polearm and strides toward the remaining goblins.

Halcyon looks a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Tempest, I thought you hated that sort of thing." She follows after the taller woman, looking at the other warriors around them to see if any need immediate aid.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Tempest
Action: Draw guisarme
Move to L18

Halcyon
Action: Concentrate on summon.
Move to L19

[Bansheexero]

The remaining goblins seem idiotically confident, somewhat dissociated from the fact that their allies were just slaughtered with barely any effort. They turn to attack the nearest aggressors.

Spoiler: Goblin attacks

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G1 attack on Zadavyr (1d20+2)[20]
Crit? (1d20+2)[16]
Damage (1d4)[1]

G3 attack on Issachar (1d20+2)[16]
Crit? (1d20+2)[8]
Damage (1d4)[1]

[richmond]

The battle seems to be going much better than Verezza expected, with two of the goblins already down. Issachar has been hit only once, but the boy is nimble and agile, darting in and out of combat with ease. Meanwhile, the blue-haired man was fighting bare-handed and clearly winning, none of the swords even making a scratch. Verezza felt envious they were having all the glory.

Seeing as the goblin atop the podium ignores her taunt, understandably preferring the slim Issachar as a target, she roars as Iss dodges the attack, thrusting her own spear at the enemy to apply pressure while marching forward to give her battle companion another opportunity to strike.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Verezza attacks G3:
Hit: (1d20+4)[14] vs. AC
Crit?: (1d20+4)[20]
Damage: (1d8+4)[10] (+(1d8+4)[6] crit)

She then takes a 5-foot step to P15.

[Kvard51]

Issachar ducks under the goblins ungainly swing, and comes up with a hard thrust of his dagger.

Spoiler: Attack

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Dagger (1d20+4)[23] for (1d4+1)[5] piercing damage.

Crit? (1d20+4)[9] for (1d4+1)[4] piercing damage.

He follows the thrust with a dive onto the stage to give himself a better angle if the goblin survives his blade.

Spoiler: Action

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Acrobatics to move through the threatened squares to R17 (1d20+11)[27]

[kjelfalconer]

For goblins they were putting up more of a fight than he expected. Which was to say they hadn't died to a mere flick and then run off screaming.

He'd just have to teach them propper manners.

Spoiler: ooc

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Move action to shove again (which turns out is a melee touch attack - (1d20+5)[21] to hit, dealing 4 damage and battering it.

Standard action to make an unarmed strike - (1d20+5)[15] to hit, dealing (1d4+4)[7] damage.