Funeral of a Friend (Pathfinder 1.0 IC)

[Corlindale]

Hector follows Tesselin's gaze towards the tavern. For a brief moment he wavers, seeing two of the others heading into the blacksmith's shop, but he quickly nods and follows Tesselin towards the tavern. If those green monsters set fire to it with people still inside, there was truly no time to waste - and the armored woman and the strange wolf certainly seemed capable of handling a few of the things by themselves. He yells to the two who went to help the blacksmith as he begins moving:

"We'll head towards the tavern, join us when you can!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Hector simply moves as quickly as possible towards the tavern, alongside Tesselin.

[purepolarpanzer]

It's just around the corner to the front of the tavern, but it is a brutal sight to see. Here the fighting is particularly fierce, but the goblins have been pushed back outside the town with the exception of the very front of the inn. There only a few adventurers remain, each fighting for their lives against the intruders.

There are three defenders here. One is about thirty feet away to the right- a very tall dwarf (nearly five feet tall) wearing no armor who is nimbly dodging between sword thrusts, some of them coming a bit too close and adding another scar to a body that looks like it has been lacerated a dozen times. He jumps in the air and snaps out a kick that breaks a goblin's teeth, knocking it down. As he falls back down he lashes out with the other leg and another goblin falls with the sound of breaking bones. There are four goblins remaining around him, all cutting madly.

Another fighter is on the second floor of a nearby building, nearly fifty feet straight ahead away leaning out the window. He shouts words of magic and points at a goblin and two fast moving orbs race from his fingertip, curve around, then zoom in and impact a goblin from a small crowd standing in front of the stable. The goblin screams, but doesn't go down, so him and his band of four, roughly fourty feet dead ahead of Tesselin and Hector, draw shortbows and begin to take aim at the wizard.

The last defender is holding the door to the tavern itself, thirty feet away to the left. The door itself looks like it was blown open. Screams and children crying can be heard from inside, but they are joined by a goblin scream when a one of them tries to race by the woman standing in front of it wielding a length of chain with thornlike spikes all over it. The chain smacks the goblin across the throat and tears it out, but there are three more behind it preparing to throw spears at her to keep out of her reach.

Standing in the center of all this is a laughing hobgoblin. He cackles particularly loudly when the chain shreds the goblin in front of the inn, pointing at it and hooting. He stops laughing when he sees the two of you approach, but keeps on smiling. Tesseling recognizes him for what he is immediately by the vials on his belt and the bomb in his hand- this is an alchemist. His other hand has a longsword in it, and he is wearing thick leather armor. Above his lunatic grin he has only one eye, the right one covered by a rough eye patch. He opens his arms wide as though to welcome you both to the show, then hurls the bomb upward and onto the roof of the inn, where it explodes and some thatch catches fire. There is another burning spot that looks like it already took one of these bombs. The hobgoblin speaks, and while neither of you understands the language, it is clear he is taunting the two of you. He even childishly mimics farting in your direction before breaking out laughing again. He is in the center of everything, standing thirty five feet away.

Spoiler: OOC

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There will be a small map in the OOC chat soon to help clarify what is going on. Basically, a lot to do and not a lot of people to do it. Three heroes in various amounts of trouble while a boss enemy calls your mom something unspeakable in goblin. Get your towels ready, it's about to get sticky in here. It takes a full round to get to where Tesseling and Hector are, so now it goes to the second half of the order again. Lenna it would also be a full round action for you and Maple to get to the square where the big showdown is.

[Lokio]

Here was the thing about good. It wasn't always about saving the most people. Sometimes, it was about helping the hopeless. The one man, surrounded by five goblins, even if the best tactical decision might be to go save the inn. This man didn't deserve to die here. This man needed her. It was good she could do - good only she could do.

With a nod to Brac, the dauntless warrior-servant of Sarenrae strode forward boldly, deliberately provoking the goblins' attacks so that the blacksmith could fight anew.

Her hand reached down and touched the blacksmith's bleeding, fallen body. "By the Everlight, rise and rise again! Today is not your day!"

Golden light flowed down her arm and into the human. The steel helm turned and faced the goblins, her stare daring them to come again.

Spoiler

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Move action to approach the Smith and deliberately provoke AOOs so that he can get up safely after being healed. If Erika takes more than 5 damage from AOOs, go ahead and use a Swift action for a 3d6 heal on herself with Lay on Hands.

Standard action to Lay on Hands the blacksmith for (3d6)[11] (2d6 + 1d6 for greater mercy).

[purepolarpanzer]

Brenden's eyes flash open and he takes a deep breath, body nearly rising off the ground with the force of muscular flex from his broad frame. "An angel..." He mutters, smiling, as he slowly stirs and rises from the ground and picks up a hammer to continue the fight. While her back is turned the goblins all move to stab and slash at Erica, two of them landing lucky blows the draw a bit of blood through her formidable armor. However, her holy powers wreath her body in light and quickly repair the damage. The goblins shrink back, again intimidated by this magical power.

Spoiler: OOC

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They did exactly 6 to you with their tiny short swords, which your healing quickly handles.Three goblins left in the blacksmith's shop.

[DaOldeWolf]

Knowing that they had no time to waste, Brac decided to release his draconic aura and reveal the presence dormant within him. "Time to make waste of these opponents. You are all going to pay for this."He prepares to slash one of the goblins with his longsword even if he gets attacked in the process.

Spoiler: OOC

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Brac uses his presence of dragons as a swift action. Enemies within 30 ft must pass a Will Save DC 14 or be shaken for 2d6 rounds.
Brac draws his weapon as part of his movement action and attacks one of the closest goblins as a standard action.
Attack roll (1d20+6)[22]
Damage: (1d8+3)[6]

[purepolarpanzer]

Two of the goblins quail in fear, but one stands resolute. When Brac draws his long sword the center goblin swings it's own much smaller long sword directly into the thickest point of his armor for no effect. Then that goblin's head is lopped off by Brac's strike and the two remaining goblins, with even odds, attempt to flee. Erica's hammer smashes one into pulp, and a quick thrust of Brac's blade skewers the other. Brenden gives a cheer as the goblin's blood spills across his floor. "Thank you both! I'll remember this, I will! What are your names?" He puts down his hammer and reaches out to shake both of your hands. There is another explosion down the street that rattles the blacksmith's tools on their pegs, a chisel falling heavily to the floor.

[Merellis]

Lenna doesn't even pause to rip the arrow out of the corpse as she takes off running after the other two towards what she hopes is the tavern.

There's too much going on around this town at the moment, and she feels grief that her friends funeral is marred by such tragedy.

"Maple, come with me! Much work to be done!"

Lenna calls back as she continues to run. There's a lot of goblins and hobgoblins to deal with, and a lot of Innocents to save.

[purepolarpanzer]

Lenna comes into the scene in the courtyard seconds after Hector and Tesselin, seeing all the same things they do, including the taunting hobgoblin.

[Corlindale]

As Hector surveys the scene, he is at first torn about what to do. So many people needing their help... Then, he hears the cries of children from inside the inn, and realises the choice is a simple one. Everyone else looks at least somewhat capable of defending themselves, but if the goblins get into the inn where the civilians are hiding, the consequences will be dire.

"We need to secure the square so we can get people out of there before it really starts to burn!" he yells to the others, too furious to care that he is stating the obvious.

With another roar, he dashes towards the three goblins readying their spears to attack the inn's lone defender. As he moves and starts to speak the familiar incantation again, he wonders at how easily the magic flows through him just when it is needed the most. He stretches his palm forward once more, and lets another burst of dragonfire wash over the unlucky greenskins before him.

Spoiler: OOC

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Hector will move closer to the inn and try to catch all three goblins in Burning Hands if it is at all possible. He will of course try to keep the fire away from the inn - but it sounded like they had backed a bit away from the door, so I think that should be easy enough.

Damage: (3d4+3)[10] fire damage, Reflex DC 14 negates.

Not spending a hero point this turn after all, my original plan was based on misremembering some things about the Quick Runner's Shirt.

[hannahbbug3]

"I'll see what I can do inside!" Tesselin calls, bolting forward to try and get inside the inn as fast as possible to alert anyone who might be inside that they either need to evacuate or help put out the blaze on the roof. He does his best to tumble out of the way of any oncoming blows. As soon as he gets inside, he looks around quickly to try and assess the situation.

Spoiler: Acrobatics

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To dodge AoOs: (1d20+8)[21]

[purepolarpanzer]

Hector's blast of flame immediately ignites two of the goblins, who fall to the ground already roasted. The remaining goblin falls back and catches the spike chain with his face. "Thanks... I was getting worried there. So many of the damn things, and at range I'm as vulnerable as anyone." The woman dashes to assist the dwarf, who seems to be having trouble. He falls out of rhythm in his careful dance of war and takes a slash across the shoulder. It doesn't cause him to pause, however, wordlessly continuing to bob, weave, and dodge. The wizard fares even better, ducking inside just as all the arrows from the goblins flew inside. He shouts a curse in the language of fire, but shouts "I'm out! Just some minor scrolls left, and nothing that could help me fight them. I'm locking the door. Best of luck!" and ducks inside.

Inside the inn, Tesselin can see that the place is packed. There is a wake going on here for the public of Rainmere with many people there, including a whole family of halflings that are standing terrified in a corner. Doral is standing on the bar shouting, directing some stouter men to take kegs of beer up to the upper floors where the rooms are and put out the flames. His experienced voice is guiding the crowd quite well- this isn't his first goblin attack, and not the first to scorch his building. With the goblins in front of the door dead and the fire under control, it seems the only threats are the ones outside.

The hobgoblin alchemist watches Tesselin run inside, then turns his gaze towards Hector and the chain wielding woman. He mutters a few words in goblin under his breath and reaches to the vials on his belt. He opens them one at a time, tossing the corks aside, and tips them back into his throat. The effect is immediate, as muscles burst forth and he grows half a foot in height. Now with a rippling physique, he glares at the two of them with sadistic glee in his eyes.

[Lokio]

Spoiler: DM

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Could you please keep the prompts rolling for Initiative? I think I'm up now, so I'm going to post, but if I'm not, just do this when it's time.

"My name is Westmarch," she said, turning toward the door. This was done, and she couldn't dally. "Be safe."

And then the paladin was off, charging toward the battleground at the inn.

Erica uses a full round action to get to the battlefield.

[DaOldeWolf]

"Just call me Brac. I am glad to have been of assistance. If you need anything else, we Will be around. For the time being, try to find somewhere to hide, we will take care of the rest." Brac suggests as he goes after Erica ready to drive out the rest of the enemies.

Spoiler: OOC

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Brac uses his own full round action to follow after her.

[Merellis]

Maple comes charging into the fray towards the hobgoblin!

While a bit further back, Lenna Valkas plucks out a wooden medallion from beneath her armor and speaks quietly to herself and her god. "Oh grand hunter, Ketephys, grant me the power to shoot down upon my enemy as Falling Star dives upon their prey."

Her bow glows for a moment, and then she nocks another arrow, ready to break this chaos in two!

Spoiler: ooc

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Move action to have Maple charge at the hobgoblin, if there's a goblin in the way, she'll hit that instead.

Standard action to cast Gravity Bow, three minutes of 2d6 damage!

Full Round Action from Maple to charge!
Charge Attack: (1d20+6)[13]
Charge Damage: (1d6+2)[4]

[Corlindale]

With the entrance to the tavern being clear, the wizard barricading himself and the inn's defender rushing to the dwarf's rescue, Hector is satisfied to see that no one else seems in immediate danger. Feeling the magic fade slightly within him after his arcane exploits, he turns towards the hobgoblin with grim determination in his eyes, gripping Father Hennig's morning star with both hands.

"You will regret the day you made enemies of Rainmere and its loyal defenders. I will personally..."

Before Hector can finish his threat, a moose rushes past him to charge at the hobgoblin, and he completely loses track of what he was going to say. Figuring that actions speak louder than words anyway, Hector joins the charge, trying to land a two-handed blow on the hobgoblin.

Spoiler: OOC

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Hector makes a charge attack against the hobgoblin with the borrowed weapon. If the moose is straight ahead of him, he should still be able to occupy a square to the left or right of it.

Attack roll: (1d20+6)[23]
Damage if hit: (1d8+4)[9]

Hector's AC is down to 15 next round.

[purepolarpanzer]

Maple moves in to rush the hobgoblin, but he moves his lumbering physique with astounding quickness and dodges out of the way. This puts him off balance, however, when Hector comes in and brings the morningstar down across his back. He gives a grunt and turns to face both threats, his long sword held in a two handed grip, his teeth grit from the pain of Hector's blow.

[hannahbbug3]

Tesselin does all he can in aiding to douse the fire. He does, however, spare a glance out the second floor window, and seeing the hobgoblin having downed some potions... they may need help down there. He unslings his bow from his back and knocks an arrow to fire out the window. "Come on, Hector, give it all you've got, bring him to his knees!" he calls.

Spoiler: OOC

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Standard action to probably run around a bit to get to this vantage point and draw my bow, move action to use Combat Advice on Hector. Hector gets a +2 on his next attack roll against the hobgoblin.

[purepolarpanzer]

Erica and Brac arrive on the scene to see Hector charge the hobgoblin and whallop him. The hobgoblin is thirty feet away, and also threatened by Lenna's moose, but there is still plenty of room to engage him with a charge from either of the newcomers. There is still a monk nearby fighting a crowd of goblins twenty feet from the inn entrance, but he is being assisted by a woman swinging a chain and looks to be managing just fine as he nimbly dodges several sword thrusts. Past the hobgoblin, around forty feet away, there are some goblins getting ready to fire bows, but they seem disorganized and can't seem to agree on a target. When they do fire at Maple the arrows bounce off her hide and fur like rain, one of them coming dangerously close to striking the hobgoblin.

Despite the odds, the muscled up hobgoblin turns to Hector with rage in his eyes. Lifting his long sword, he brings it down in a mighty blow that bounces off of the sorcerer's magic armor with a shower of sparks the stings the eyes of both combatants. The alchemist is now swinging with brute might that nearly splits through the arcane plate. He doesn't seem to notice Brac and Erica arrive.

Spoiler: Initiative

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We're back to Lenna, Brac, and Erica for turn order. Goblins failed all over the place, so it is you three followed by Tesselin and Hector.

[Lokio]

There, the alchemist hobgoblin. A bigger, stronger enemy, one of their leadership caste -- and judging by what was happening to the building and the screaming and crying within, an evil one.

Moving twenty feet around and trying to position herself for a flank, she relied on her long weapon's reach to cover the rest of the distance. With an exhilation of effort, the paladin swung the mighty hammer downward --

Spoiler

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Power Attack:
To Hit: (1d20+7)[8] (+2 to flanking possible)
Damage: (1d12+9)[21]

[purepolarpanzer]

Erica's hammer blow is mighty, but the hobgoblin dodges out of the way nimbly and the weapon smashes a paving stone to dust under their feet. He seems to be realizing the odds are against him now that there are more coming, and a look of fear crosses his face, fortelling that he may run.

Spoiler: OOC

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I have a critical hits and fumbles table, but I thought I'd bring it up to the group as an option (instead of dropping it on Erica this fight). Vote in OCC.

[Merellis]

"Maple, box the big one in!" She calls out in elvish, getting her lovable, if terrifying, moose to lumber around to the back of the hobbo to box it in between herself and Erica.

She pauses, taking careful aim between her faithful companion and another savior of the town. With a breath, she lets the arrow fly!

Spoiler: ooc

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Not much to say here at the moment for Maple and Lenna, keep on attacking!

Move Action from Lenna to get Maple to flank with Erica.

Move and Standard from Maple to move around and go for a gore attack!

Maple Attack: (1d20+6)[19] ((added +2 for flanking!))
Maple Damage: (1d6+2)[5]

Standard Action from Lenna to attack with Deadly Aim!

Lenna Attack: (1d20+8)[25] ((Added 2 from Cordinated attack, removed one for Deadly Aim))
Lenna Damage: (2d6+4)[15] ((added 2 damage from Deadly Aim, changed die to 2d6 from gravity bow!))

[DaOldeWolf]

Brac thinks that it is best to use this chance to buff himself. There is not going to be another open window. Brac begins casting a defensive spell on himself. He doesnt car if he is found out in the process but this was something he though necessary to face such creature.

Spoiler: OOC

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Brac will cast protection from evil this turn on himself.

[Corlindale]

Though Hector put on a brave face as he turned to engage the hobgoblin, he is visibly relieved that all the others have rallied around him. Emboldened by Tesselin's support, he lifts the morningstar again as if to strike - but mid-motion he drops it to the ground, and instead triggers another surge of power. Vicious claws grow out on both of his hands in an instant, and he slashes savagely at the hobgoblin's face.

Spoiler: OOC

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Hector drops the morningstar and uses his bloodline power to grow claws (both free actions). Then he strikes twice - if it is possible to get flanking in any way, he will take 5-foot step to do so - but I don't think it is.

First attack: (1d20+6)[20] (added + 2 from Tesselin here). Damage if hit: (1d4+3)[7]
Second attack: (1d20+4)[20]. Damage if hit: (1d4+3)[4]

Add +2 to both attack rolls if it was possible to get flanking.

Hector's AC is back up to 17.

[purepolarpanzer]

The hobgoblin dies laughing, first taking an arrow to the lung as he dodges out of the way of Maple again, and then two slashes across the face and neck from Hector. In a spurt of blood he goes down on his back, slowly shrinking back down to his original size, chuckling through the bubbling blood. When their champion falls, the remaining goblins drop their weapons and flee with terror, quite of few of them dying to last attacks to their backs as they run. All over the eastern side of the town goblins are running from swords, arrows, and other weapons raining down on them from the infuriated adventurers and mourners. The hobgoblins are slower to retreat until the sound of a warhorn comes down from the cliffs.

Looking up at Eloric's tomb, it is hard to make out the winged beast and it's rider blowing the horn in the distance, but it is easy to see that the beast is overloaded and flying slowly. A victorious bellow in goblin echoes down from the sky as Eloric's casket slowly soars to the west, into the Wylds and the red woods, hauled by a griffin with a hobgoblin rider. Once this cry is sounded the goblins all turn tail and flee all across the town, as though the raid had accomplished it's purpose. The hobgoblins whip the greenskins forward into the oncoming pursuers as meat shields before running away themselves.

[Corlindale]

As the hobgoblin falls and the others turn tail, Hector's bloodly claws retract and he exhales with the effort of the past...had it only been minutes? As he exhales, a few puffs of black smoke escape from his lungs.

He turns to the others and nods in gratitude, before turning his head at the spectacle appearing at the mountainside. "Abadar protect us," he mutters at seeing the silhouette of the great beast that carries the fallen hero to some unknown fate. Still feeling the adrenaline rush of the battle, Hector's first impulse is immediate pursuit, but then he remembers that there are much more important priorities. Without pausing to discuss with the others, he runs into the inn in the hopes of finding his family.

[hannahbbug3]

As Tesselin sees the hobgoblin making off with his late friend's coffin, a scream of rage leaves his lips. His vision burns red for a moment in fury, and he reaches up towards the escaping griffin as though he can snatch it right out of the air...

[purepolarpanzer]

Just before the griffin leaves sight is seems to answer Tesselin with a cry of its own that pierces the air as it flaps beyond the cover of the redwood trees.

Hector makes his way into the inn, and his large halfling family quickly finds him. His little sisters are terrified, and immediately clasp onto his legs, traumatized by the attack. One of them has a bruise on her cheek which she stammeringly explains came from someone nearly stepping on her in the rush. His father is brusque and crotchety, obviously put out that there was nothing he could do in the attack. "This is what we get for coming into town! My little girl kicked and fire above our heads! Eloric or no Eloric, next funeral we're staying home!" He does hug his human boy and quietly thank him for protecting the family, passing him a flask to take a glug from after taking a slug himself. "You're bloody Hector. I hope those goblins remember MY son!" He says this loud enough to share his pride with the room.

[Corlindale]

Hector lights up into a relieved smile as he sees his family, gathering both his mother, father and youngest sisters in one massive bear hug.

"Oh, I am so happy you are alright!"

As he gently sets them down, belatedly realising that their clothing has become somewhat blood-splattered, he continues:

"I am terribly sorry I left you alone down here! I... I had no idea something like this could happen here. None of us did, I think... We will find the ones responsible for this, I promise." He clenches his fists as he looks at the scar on young Rhesa's face, adding gravity to his vow.

"I think they found what they came for, the last ones are being chased away now. We still need to figure what happened. They...they stole Eloric's corpse? It's insane!"

Hector shakes his head in frustration, then looks down at his concerned father.

"I think it's best if you stay in here a little longer, just in case there are any stragglers out there. Soon it will be safe enough to return to the farm. I...I need to talk to some of the others, figure out what we can to do help. I suspect we may need to travel quickly, I will stop by the farm later to get the last of my things. I...I promise I will put a stop to whatever's happening here, no matter what!"

With that, he gives one more round of (eerily bloody) hugs to everyone, before returning to the courtyard to join the other heroes who helped defend the town.

[Lokio]

The sight of the griffon flying off with the casket of the city's hero brought an angry set to Erica Westmarch's jaw, but there were matters to attend to here, things they needed to do and quickly. Fires to be put out, injured to tend to. Surely Rainmere's civil leadership would have a response in mind soon.

Putting up her polearm and leaning on it, she took off her helmet and looped it to her belt, blonde hair falling out from within it. Glancing at the families reunited, she couldn't help but smile through the anger at the dishonor done to Eloric Halfhand in death.

Striding forward toward the other adventurers who had defended the inn, the unarmored man who had dodged so many strikes and the woman with the chain, she held up her hand. On the palm of her armored glove was the symbol of the Everlight.

"You did well holding the line. Truly. Thank you for keeping those people safe. My name is Westmarch. May I tend to your wounds?"

Go ahead and heal up those adventurers as required, PCs or NPCs.

[DaOldeWolf]

Brac decides to check on his mother. She was the only family he had left in the world. He could heal her if she was hurt, he just hoped that nothing he couldnt cure with his magic had happened to her. "Mother…. please be fine." Brac mutters to himself.