[IC] Between the hammer and the anvil

[pandapolio]

"I am rusty, and a good fight might prepare us for what's ahead." Aldrich seemed to liven up at the thought that there might actually be a fight and they weren't just gonna keep on moving. He hopped off his horse, and started to walk it next to the group, leading it by it's reigns. He loosened his sword in its scabbard, letting everyone see a flash of red and gold. As a smile came to his face he thought to himself, he was gonna enjoy this.

[POOHEAD189]

Kayden raised an eyebrow at the Sigmar fellow, a tad confused at why he seemed to have a sour look whenever he saw the Prince. Hopefully they'd become better comrades later, but at the moment Kayden was just glad to know that he could trust this one in a fight. As he could the others, he knew. Nothing like a battle for their very survival to bring lads closer together.

It also seemed that while Sigmar's solution of riding past had merit, the rest of the team saw fit to confront the diminutive little nasty creatures. Kayden sighed, and gave a shrug before dismounting his horse and drawing his sword in a fluid motion. As the others unhorsed or drew closer as well, it seemed the Goblin's began to panic, and the bushes began to ruffle before the greenskins suddenly leaped out, short spears leading in (also admittedly short) throws.

Kayden blinked, but instinctively knocked aside a spear that would have hit his horse with a swipe of his sword. He heard the screeching of the little green creatures. "Kill kill! Take a prisoner and kill the others!" There looked to be a tad less than two dozen of them, Kayden having underestimated their strength.
@pandapolio@Kelewen@ProfessorLambo@Pumpkinbot

[Pumpkinbot]

Miri grunted as she slid off of her horse, not being one for physical exercise. As the goblins started pouring forth--one, two, three...uh, seven...oh dear--she held her hands out and focused her energy on the shieldnto move it lower, so the goblins would have to climb over the four foot tall conjuration. A more agile looking goblin simply vaulted over with his spear, but Miri briefly moved a hand to zap it mid-air and send it hurtling backward. It didn't seem too bothered by it, though, and simply got up again.

[pandapolio]

As Aldrich saw the goblins rush out he let out a yell and ran straight at them, vaulting over the barrier that was raised in front of him. As he drew his sword he cut one down with a slash across the chest then kicked another into a clump of its friends. As he was fighting, his sword was shining brightly, reflecting the light of the sun. The hilt was shaped as a gold dragon with the ruby red blade coming out of its mouth like fire. The eyes were red rubies, and some of the scales seemed to be actual diamonds. The sword was something most kings could only dream of without selling their kingdoms.

[Gentlemanvaultboy]

Mission: Blackmarsh

"Baby..." Begoda murmured under her breath as the boat drifted into view. It wasn't as big as her old barge, but it looked sturdy and fast. "Oh what fun we could have together." It took everything she had not to leap off the wagon before it stopped and sprint to the waters edge, physical diminishment be damned, but she figured she would be more useful if she actually equipped herself first. She'd changed intro something a little more convenient for travel, trading in the comfy greys for hard brown leathers that would at least provide same protection, but had left the weaponry she'd requested of Oldrik until now because rolling down the road fully kitted out would have looked damn suspicious. So while Zarwin helped the blind out of the boat, she set about putting everything on.

She was disappointed that Oldrik hadn't been able to get her "one of them magic swords that makes you invincible what like in those fairy stories," but otherwise the man had come through swimmingly with her fairly specific requests. There was a long knife, a "real posh one" as per her request, shiny and new with a beautiful pattern etched into the blade. Could be hawked for coin in a pinch but for now went on her belt. Next came a long wicked looking black chain, about a third of which menaced with spikes designed to gnash and tear at anything stupid enough to get hit by the end. She felt its weight now like she had when she was a little girl, smacking other young hoodlums on the streets of Redport with a weapon similar to this but far less menacing, but figured that some good boat work was just the thing to get her back into shape. She rolled it up and attached it to the other side of her belt, so that it jangled as she walked.

Then there were the bandoleers. Two of them, with six grenades each. They were small, black, round, with short oil soaked fuses that could be lit with a spake even when wet. To this end she had also requested a pair of sparkers, a leather pseudo-glove worn over the thumb and index finger. The shaft of the index was inlaid with flint, while the thumb had a steel cap, effectively letting you create sparks by snapping your fingers. Both were convenient tools she'd taken from an shipment of alchemical goods once upon a time, and she'd fallen so in love with them that she'd set their escorting alchemist free on the condition that he be her contact with the local guild so she could buy more. She wondered what had happened to old Morty? She'd given those alchemists a lot of money in her time. She'd have to check in with them if she ever made her way back to the Crimson River. For now, she looped the bandoleers over her shoulder and across her chest.

Last but not least, and this one really impressed her. She'd made the request mostly in jest, not really figuring he would be able to get it. She knew that there was a market among the higher classes for pirate flags. Hell, she'd partaken in it, stealing the flags of other groups that dared cross her and selling them up the chain. She figured that's what had happened to hers, a conversation starter now hanging in some avid collectors trophy room only getting the opportunity to flap if someone opened a door. There it was, though, in black and white and red. A red skeleton set on a black background, a bone white snake wrapping around it and poised to strike right it right in the head. She took a deep breath and ran her hand over it for a moment. If any of her boys, her sweet good boys, were still kicking around out there...if any had gotten away that night...

She shook her head. Focus. She had to focus on the job at hand. No need to get sentimental now. Finish this job and she might get to hoist her flag again some day and sail with what was left of her boys. If not, well, they'd be resting on her head. She took the flag and tied it round her skull like a bandanna, her mark prominently displayed for all to see. Now she was ready. She gave Oldrik a look as she hopped down. Big badass pirates didn't hug people and bow or do any of that polite stuff, but she gave it her best. "You're a reliable man Oldrik." She said. "Your ladies lucky to have ya. We ever drink together, it's on me." Then she turned and started toward the boat.

When she reached the dock she stopped obediently in front of the boat, kissed her palm, and slammed it to the railing before stepping on. "Oi, you two." She called to Aeryn and Zarwin, patting the railing. "Come over here and introduce yourselves to the ship proper." She walked around, giving the boat a once over before turning to the fisherman. "S'good ship. She got a name?"

[Gisk]

Rolf stepped down from the carriage. They had come far enough out into the country that towards the end of the journey the ride had roughened up some. Most of the party made their way toward the boat ahead of him, but Rolf looked behind to see the last remainder in the carriage. She was a tall Elvish woman, her supernatural beauty irreparably marred by a brand burned into her face. It was a crescent, like a moon, each corner overlapping one of her eyes as the arch went across her forehead. Her clothes were woolen, with a conspicuous lack of leather and bare feet. Rolf noted that at dinner she had not touched any meat, either. She carried a hand-and-a-half sword with a worn wooden grip and scabbard. She tucked this into the sash around her waist as she stepped down and past him without a word, heading toward the boat and the others. She unnerved him a little, but every elf he had met had that effect. There was something inherently magical about them that those attuned to the arcane couldn't help but pick up on.

Rolf followed her, coming to walk next to her as confidently as he could manage, and met up with Bergoda, whose talkative nature he preferred.

"Alright," he went all out and kissed the railing as he boarded. "I'll defer to you on boat rituals, but say, if you tell me where the best breeze should come from... might be we'll see it happen," he finished with a wink.

The boat's apparent owner was setting about his work, but spared Bergoda a smile and an answer, "Wavehalk, though she sees more river travel than on actual waves these days."

[Kelewen]

Mission: The Boy

Wren tried to fight back a panic when two dozen of the little monsters came hurtling out of the trees at them. There were so many! She'd only been in a few fights in her life and never one where her side had been so badly outnumbered. And there were no dark alley ways for her to simply disappear into until the coast was clear.

The girl gripped the hilt of the long dagger she'd been given and tried to position her horse behind the others. She'd been hesitant to dismount when her companions had done so, preferring the option to flee if needed, but as 5 of the goblins circled wide around Miri's barrier and rushed at her, Wren realized her mistake. Her mount was no more battle hardened than she was and when the first goblin slashed at the horse's legs with his sword, drawing a line of blood, the animal reared in fright. Luckily, it managed to clunk one of the goblins with it's hooves, quite by accident, as it came back down and then simply bolted, straight through the other horses and the combatants, plowing past friend and foe and ignoring every effort by his rider to halt or turn back around. Wren, determined not to lose the horse in the wilderness, hung on.

[Kelewen]

Mission: Blackmarsh

Gris

When the party aboard the wagon stopped and began transferring their gear and themselves into the boat, Gris clenched his hands in some frustration. "Shades! How are we to follow them now!?"

He and his companion had paused at the edge of the treeline. "We could simply ask them where they are going," said the other.

Gris snorted, but then reconsidered his quick dismissal. "Perhaps you're right. In any case, we may learn something useful."

And so the pair continued their walk toward the small group and the fisherman. As they approached, Gris had a better opportunity to study them, eyes going from the wagon driver to the swordsman helping a thin man onto the boat. Was he blind, perhaps? Next his gaze went to the boisterous woman who seemed to be wearing a pirate flag on her head and a slight built man who looked as if a stiff wind might blow him over. His eyes landed lastly on the tall elven woman, getting a better look at the cresent shaped brand on her face, and wondering if she'd put it there on purpose. An eccentric bunch, to be sure.

As they came closer he put up a hand in greeting and kept the other hand well away from the hilt of his blade so as not to appear threatening. He glanced back over his shoulder multiple times, pretending to be worried that someone might be following them. "Friends, might you grant us passage on your vessel in exchange for a few coins?" He looked back over his shoulder again nervously, hoping that the ex-prisoners might have some sympathy for a couple of men on the run, "Gotta get outta here quick."

[pandapolio]

Aldrich was enjoying the fight, but it wasn't a very difficult one. All He had to do was keep moving fast and they couldn't coordinate an attack on him. As he was dodging between a pair of them a goblin of to the side threw a leftover spear at him. Luckily for Aldrich it missed him, but unlucky for him he lost his balance and stumbled. As he regained his footing he realized he had been surrounded. While he could get out of this situation he wouldn't come away unharmed, so he tossed a quick glance over to the others wondering if one of the would come help him. But as he looked over he saw the horses panicking and even saw one of his companions being spirited away. If he wasn't in the position he was in now he would have started laughing at their poor teamwork (him included).

[Gentlemanvaultboy]

Mission: Blackmarsh

Bergoda pulled the map back out of her pants and looked over it again. "Loooooks like we'd want a southeasterly if we wanted to make good time." She said, then whispered conspiratorially, "Don't go whole hog now. Place is a maze. Too fast and we're like to run aground."

A voice than cut through their conversation. A a pair of men walking up the dock, explaining that they had reason to get away quick. Well, how lucky for them that they just had so happened to come across this boat out here. How bloody fortuitous. Bergoda walked back to the railing, leaned against it, and studied them with her alligators eyes. "This ain't no pleasure cruise. You might just have a better chance with whatever's waiting on this shore." Then she smiled a crooked smile. "Cap'n!" She called up to the old fisherman. "What do ya say to two more? I'm all for extended a charitable hand and all, but it ain't my place to say."

[POOHEAD189]

Five Goblins stayed near the bushes, nocking arrows into their shortbows and giggling murderously as they aimed. Two of them aimed at Wren fleeing away on her horse, and one arrow managed to hit her horse, though it wasn't a strong hit and the big animal wouldn't die from such a wound. It whinnied in pain, however. The other arrow struck a tree right beside Wren's head, missing her by a hair's breadth.

Kayden leaped into the fray, flanking the Goblins that surrounded Aldrich. He hacked through two of them before they realized he was there to aid his comrade, and his attack was distraction enough to give Aldrich (and Miri) breathing room as well. "We don't need to kill all of them. Just enough to scare them off." Kayden told them, breathing somewhat haggardly. He picked up one of the fallen spears, and poked at one of the Goblins that was attempting to stab him. They were still surrounded, but the Goblins seemed to be wavering a bit with their morale.

"Stick together. I'll get Wren," The Prince said, surging forward and swinging his spear to keep the Goblins at bay, using the sweep as a feint. One of the Goblin's thought he was off balance from the swing, but Kayden still had his sword in his other hand, and when the Goblin attacked behind his spear swing, Kayden chopped into its skull with his blade.

He then leaped back and mounted one of the frightened horses, years spent riding letting him ride it well enough. "Hya!" He called, and pursued Wren into the forest, bowling a path through the Goblins to further help his allies as the monsters became confused. Kayden was struck by a spear point, though his armor blocked most of the blow. He grimaced but rode forward, into the archers and toward the horse that carried Wren.
@pandapolio@Kelewen@ProfessorLambo@Pumpkinbot

[pandapolio]

As Kayden rode off Aldrich shouted "AYE!!" He the turned around and told Miri ,"Use that magic shield of yours to guard my rear, and I will protect you." After he shouted this he noticed movement to his left, and kicked the attacking goblin in the face. He then blocked a thrown spear by the goblins and moved back to Miri. As he was lashing out at one of the goblins, another one managed to get a cut on his right thigh. "I also heard you mention something about healing magic. That would be very helpful if you could do any of that."

[Pumpkinbot]

Miri was already panting and puffing from the effort of keeping the shield up. She moves her eyes down to Aldrich as he spoke. "Wh--I can't move it, if that's what you're asking. The others need it. Just...huff...Keep your back to the shield. And yes, I can heal, but I'm not dropping the shield for that. Not just yet. After."

The horned woman seemed to be tiring quickly. If the goblins didn't flee soon, she'd be out of energy to cast, and she'd be forced to drop the shield.

[Kelewen]

Mission: The Boy

Wren pulled back on the reins, bringing the horse's nose almost to its chest, but it plowed ahead regardless. It was headed straight for some thick brush and Wren, realizing there wasn't much hope of stopping now, loosened the reins enough to give the horse his head. He rocked back and jumped the obstacle. He probably would have cleared it easily enough if that wasn't the moment the arrow struck the meat of his shoulder. He stumbled as he landed on the rooted and uneven terrain, sending Wren tumbling over the horse's head. Her back hit the ground hard, knocking the wind from her chest as the horse regained his footing and continued his flight without her.

--

Jek and Drittor whooped as their arrows brought the rider down. The pair rushed toward her the while the two human men, the half-orc, and the horned blue woman were engaged. "Got one! Got one!" Jek screeched as they plowed through the thick underbrush to the spot where the girl was struggling to get up. Drittor bared his sharp, pointy teeth at her as he saw the panic reflected in her eyes. They'd each knocked another arrow to their bow strings by now. "Dun mov, humie," Drittor commanded, pointing his arrow down at her.

Another horse and rider were coming their way. Feel overconfident at their assumed victory, Jek positioned himself with his bow pointing toward Kayden's horse. "STOP!" he shouted as loudly as he could.

[Gisk]

Rolf had his back turned to the shore, his wand out and moving about as he murmured to the sky. When the two men approached the boat, he tucked the wand back in his sash surreptitiously and turned toward them, as a stiff breeze started to lash at he ropes. He didn't like inviting more strangers onto the boat, it made doing magic difficult, as he already wasn't sure if he should do it in front of the fisherman. But Bergoda had already put the answer into the hands of the old man, who had turned to look the two newcomers up and down.

"Thish ish no pleasure cruise, the lady's right," he answered toothlessly, "But if you have the shilver, I can take you as far as Blackrest, just outside Blackmarsh. Can't have no extras in the boat after that, though. Expect to have some gators we'll need to haul out of the marsh."

Rolf grimaced at the answer, but said nothing. At least they wouldn't go the whole way, and it looked like the old man knew that they had to keep secrets, which made him more trustworthy, in Rolf's book. That, or Lady Dulcena had lied to him too.

[Kelewen]

Mission: Blackmarsh

Blackmarsh. Why on earth would Dulcena be sending the prisoners there?

"Blackrest'll be fine," Gris replied, handing over a few silver coins to the fisherman. The pair climbed aboard quickly, not wanting to give the fisherman a chance to change his mind. "Much appreciated. I'm Otho, this here is Jacob."

Oldrick looked less than pleased as he turned the wagon around and headed north again, now worried both about these two strangers accompanying the party and about potentially meeting whoever they happened to be running from. But as the boat pushed away from the little dock, it was too late to do much about it at this point. Now all he had to decide was if he should tell Dulcena about this little hitch in her plans.

[pandapolio]

With the shield guarding him from the rear Aldrich was having a much easier time with the fight. As he slashes through one he dodged the spear of another. He then grabbed the spear and pulled it into one of the goblins to the right of him. He the slashed the one holding the spear and punched one of the ones that went to help it. Everyone in a while he would still get tagged with a small cut here and there, but nothing was too serious. While the fight was going easier he still had to put all his in it, so instead of staying to close to Miri as to make her a target, he tried to get all of them to come at him. Whenever one would turn away to go after her he would target them for his next attack to get them to focus on him. After slashing at another goblin a smile came to his face. "Good this is fun"He thought to himself as he blocked a small sword. He then let out a guttural roar and charged a clump that were trying to go after Miri.

[Garth]

Zarwin wasn't happy about bringing on the other two men. Yet the matter has been decided now. Which was find. It sounded like they wouldn't be on the boat for too long. We was going to sit at the front of the boat as a look out. It looks like now, he will have to keep an eye on the inside as well as the outside.

He nodded to the two new comers. "I'm Zarwin. Welcome. I hope we stay ahead of whoever is chasing you. By the way, how many are you running from?"

[Kelewen]

Mission: Blackmarsh

"Uh, 5, maybe 6," Gris replied, remembering to glance back toward the dock as the sailboat left it behind. Having come up with his plan on the spot, he didn't have a good story straight in his head yet and so tried to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Blackmarsh, huh? Why on earth would you want to go there?" Heck, maybe he'd get lucky and one of them would just come right out and tell him. "Things in there that'll eat a man for lunch. I'd rather take my chances against a small army any day."

@Gentlemanvaultboy@Garth@Gisk

[POOHEAD189]

Kayden sped his horse forward, seeing the distant tumble Wren took through the foliage of the trees. He grit his teeth, spurring his steed to greater speed as he rode it with practiced skill. Only, he didn't count for the Goblins in the way, nor did he expect them to have another of their group. He cursed, and saw the Goblin leveling an arrow in his general direction. Kayden decided to turn his horse directly at the Goblin, and suddenly the little creature found 1500 pounds of horseflesh bearing down on him. Jek panicked, and shot wildly, missing his target before he was trampled by Kayden's horse. The Prince's sword sang out, cutting the ear off the other Goblin, causing it to run about in confusion. Miri seemed to have a chance at escape, but Kayden didn't have time to help her up. The next minute, he found Wren in the dirt, scrapes abound on her. "So, will you take my offer for a ride now?" He jested, though it was in good humor. He dismounted and helped her to her feet, brushing the mud off of her face. "You're ok." he confirmed for her, easing her mental state.

Elsewhere, the Goblins seemed to have started to lose their spirit, as this prey proved far tougher than they had anticipated, and half their numbers were either dead or dismembered. @Kelewen