Shoe Thief

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Avonshire Township Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Things went fair enough with the Constable. Victoria held the bulk of his attention, but the man seemed to hold little care for dealing with their suspected casualty. Victoria soon went on to talk to the grieving family who Kathryn had tried to put on hold so she could finish things up officially as quick as possible. That likely would work out much better in their favor, Victoria seemed to have a thing for the younger kids which was nice. Kathryn watched as Victoria as Lizbeth hugged each other and apart of her wanted that too, a nice friendly hug. Though she had gotten over most of her issues, she still struggled with a lot. Trust within her personal space was among those issues. Most who entered her personal space were those she had full intentions to flatten. She supposed there was the exception of Kosara who had felt up her arm the day before?

The Constable himself seemed to care little for the party's actions other then to make sure they stayed within his own pre determined lines. He showed no interest in the deceased, leaving Kathryn and the party to explain the problems to the family themselves. The man seemed to be very territorial about his power. What's his is his, and no one else's. It rubbed off on Kathryn, but in a peaceful area she didn't see the harm. But between actual goblins being present, and the issues with the people going missing, something seemed off. These were not peaceful times, no matter how quiet they seemed to be.

Cecily had offered the party a place to stay. Securing a place to stay would be a great start so that no matter how the day went they would at the very least know where they could put their heads down for the night. "I don't think any of us are too picky on where we sleep tonight. If you're offering we will be extremely grateful for anything." Kathryn felt a bit guilty from taking from this woman after she had lost who she presumed was her father, but they needed the means to get their week sorted out. And the first night sorted out helped a ton. There were professional questions asked by Hugh who wanted to likely clear up some of the weird disdain that constable had for the party, and Kathryn figured it was as good a time as any that she could try to do something for the deceased. Kathryn handed the buttons to Cecily opting that to be better then having to show her the charred remains. "I'm sorry we couldn't help sooner. But if there's anything we can do to help we will do whatever we can." She appeared to need help with her own things as well, so why not? It may give the party a chance to ask around, and maybe Cecily and Lizbeth know something about their mission? Speaking of Lizbeth, she noticed Kosara in that group hug now. It was good to know the young one was being comforted in all of this.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Former Goblin Campsite --> Avonshire Township Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The party started packing up their gear and the others their loot. Kathryn still felt uncomfortable looting from the dead, but she wouldn't stop the others. She knew it was common for soldiers on the battlefield to loot corpses of the dead to supplement their pay from time to time. Even others she had worked with in the past have done so. Ser Lucas would as well from time to time. But even when he did so it was rarely. She figured if any situation allowed for looting it would be a situation like this where their enemies were not professional fighters but raiders who got most of their valuables by stealing and killing those who were not able to stop them. So when Hugh came over to give Kathryn her share of silver and copper. She gave the biggest and most awkward smile when she spoke in return. "Thank you..." She was trying to be sincere, but looting even in this situation where there wasn't exactly a next of kin or where those that were being looted had any legitimate claim to their own goods it still felt wrong to her.

She did take note of some of the things that Hugh was looting, and she took interest in the buttons in particular. "I know some bits on smithing and metals, mind of I take a look?" Hugh once he was done passed it over for the battle master to pear at. It was a neat but no longer shiny button. "It could be silver? Or maybe polished steel?" Both seemed probable. But something seemed off. "Or maybe... Painted bronze? Or really well made iron..." She paused, and realized she had no clue in this moment. She didn't know if it was the post battle fatigue, the condition of the button itself, or if she was just a little too out of practice to know for sure. "I am not so sure actually... I'll take another look later, see what I can figure out then." She was disappointed in herself. She still lacked in the non combat skills a bit and she had messed up her part in combat as well. She pocketed the button with intentions of taking another look later. Hugh was taking a look at a letter, but it seemed to only be adding concern to their situation. "Not too many humans know goblinish. But Avonshire does likely have a translator." Hopefully they don't charge too much, or maybe they can do a favor in return for a translation.

Upon moving out Kathryn found herself climbing into the party's original wagon. Kosara had made some progress in learning how to steer and operate it, which was nice as the harder to control wagon was now being led by Victoria. Kathryn wondered how hard it would be to find the owner, and if they should take steps to verify the ownership of said products. Arriving towards town was pleasant, a few friendly faces, some nice smells from today's cooking, and overall much of that same pleasant atmosphere from before the battle with the goblins. If it could be called a battle. In town it looked like a militia of some kind had formed. Though a few were better armed then others one man in particular stood out. The man that they would all learn to be Constable Cavenish. Upon orders to climb out Kathryn did so with a metallic thud as her boots struck the road. Kosara took most of the group explanation in hand rather well, explaining their deeds as if they were story book characters on a magic quest. It was rather cute. Hugh filled in a bit more of the specific details as things continued, and worked to help build their cover a bit more. Now if anyone asked, they had proof to their cover story. Kathryn found a moment to reply towards Cecily while the party wrapped things up with the constable. "We'll find some time to talk, no worries. I don't imagine this conversation will take too long." Kathryn gave the woman a reassuring smile, though she figured the woman wanted to talk about the missing grandfather, the owner of the buttons in her pocket.

As Hugh and Kosara finished up their topic points with the constable Kathryn turned and spoke in a hushed tone as to not let too many of those in the crowd overhear. "Sir, I do feel it's important to say. We do have at least one casualty. Though the goblin's didn't leave a lot left to identify with." Specifically, she wanted to avoid letting Lizbeth and Cecily hear too much before the news could be properly broken to them. Kathryn held out her hand towards the constable with one of the buttons in it, but out of sight from those not in the immediate conversation.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: Former Goblin Campsite, wagon. Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The argument about who was at fault continued. At this point it was more upsetting then anything, Kathryn knew she was at fault and dragging it on only seemed to have to hammer in that point more. Though it seemed things were calming down Victoria and Hugh still had some words to finish things off with. Marita was adamant that she need not be apologized towards which Kathryn understood her thought process there. But Kathryn still left her exposed. It was a mistake that should not happen again. "Hugh, I get what you're trying to do. But at the end of the day I feel behind and my attempts to make up for it didn't pan out the way I hoped. Thank you for coming to my side, it's much appreciated." She spoke to him with a smile on her face. She was sincere on both points, but what had happened happened, and Kathryn was the first domino in that line to lead them to their events. "I'm a big girl, I can handle my own. But the help is appreciated. It's not needed this time though." Hugh's intentions were in the right place, but like Kathryn they were both out of their elements. Hugh was more of a lone adventurer, and Kathryn was used to parties of people armed and equipped like herself. There was still a lot to learn.

It seemed the additional incite on the goblin's weapons wasn't able to yield much. Though a gift was seeming more and more likely as they went. If that was the case,w ho would intentionally arm a goblin raiding party? To cause chaos? Or to target this specific wagon? "They seem human made. Though I'm not sure how much that helps us. Especially since they don't seem like local weapons." She finally replied to Hugh's inquiries. She had to agree, it was unlikely that the weapons came from the unwilling. If she wanted to stretch an area's resources and manpower thin organizing parties like these were a great way to do so. They were hard to pin down, could cause a lot of damage, and were a lot harder to trace back towards whoever hired them. Shame none were taken alive. Looking back at the goblin who's head had a new cavity in the side of his head she figured she herself might be a pretty big part of that issue.

Kathryn was approached by Victoria and asked in a rather cute and awkward way to clear up if they were good while in a more private conversation from the rest of the party. "We're good." Finishing up the oxen to make sure that it would move with minimal problems she faced Victoria. "Yeah." Simple, sweet. It felt odd her asking that of her when Kathryn had the misstep. "You're the one who got shot?!" Kathryn spoke in an almost hysterical laughter. "Why are you buying the first round? If anything it should be me." Thinking about it though, Kathryn would never turn down free booze. "You think the owners will give us a discount on the wine for recovering it?" Kathryn wasn't the biggest fan of expensive wine, but cheap booze was cheap booze.

Planning came soon afterwards. And given the information at their disposal the plans made sense. Kathryn worried about splitting up the party with how specialized they were, and with the likelihood that whoever went after the goblins may face combat but without support of at least half the party. Kosara returned making splitting up seeming easier. She seemed to be having the time of her life as she arrived with their new mule friend. Kathryn took note of Hugh's comment about the trail. Figuring she could help in some way, Kathryn made her way towards the coffin and briefly wondered if the body over the fire was from the coffin or the driver? She bent down to take a look, but couldn't figure out anything after the carnage the goblins inside had done towards it. She hoped that the body burning was one in the coffin, though she was starting to see that as less and less likely.

Both went North, even if off a bit. "I'm up for checking out where the goblins came from. I am weary about splitting the party. Especially since whoever goes after the goblin's there is a high chance of facing more of the creatures. Only that time the party wont be at full strength." She thought about it for a moment then. "The goblin camp would likely be in an identical state though. But both trails go north. Ish. If it stops prior to Avonshire we could stop there on the way, if it goes past we could stop there after we sort out affairs there. Though the goblins are the cover job, we still have our main tasks to consider." Her main concern was splitting the party. Though they were all skilled individuals there was no telling what may arise once they left. Victoria asked about assistance with the coffin, Kathryn figured while there she might as well do what she can to help with it. "Here let me help with that." Kathryn got on one side while Victoria took the other, thankfully this was considerably lighter then the wine barrels. Dear gods was it lighter. Once it was loaded up with the win barrels, the party's look, and other odds and ends, Victoria piped up with a very cheerful "Thank you!" Though they had chatted earlier about it, it was nice to see that there wasn't too much lasting damage. "No problem. It's considerably better then the wine barrels." She spoke with a relieved sigh. If she never had to move another one of those things she'd live happily ever after.

_{Victoria was bunnied with permission from her player.}

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: C12 Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Victoria took her apology rather well. She hoped Marita would as well but she would understand if she didn't. Kathryn's mess could have ended much worse then it did. Something about the bard's calming voice though reassured her that despite how things went everything would be okay. Even replied with a quip of her own. "Aye. I'd say we cahn be friends aftar this. I look farward to the next fouight." Kathryn replied to Victoria's gimmick by replying in a rather exaggerated version of her own accent to attempt to keep the positive tone of the conversation. Though she did wonder if anyone in the party legitimately believe she was a half giant. She said it with a rather serious tone as apart of a joke, and at least one person seemed to have believed it. She hoped that wouldn't come back to bite her in the ass.

Though she would respond accordingly to Hugh once given the chance, her attention was pulled away from the strange animal noise. As Victoria and Kosara seemed busy, and the heaviest of the haul had been loaded up, she figured she could spare a moment to check out the noises. "I'll be... right back." Kathryn started to walk off towards the sound of the animals. Upon arrival she saw two oxen still loaded up within their hauling equipment. Disconnected from their wagon maybe? A driver's last ditch effort to preserve the animals from the goblin's harm? It seemed to have worked. She thought about how to handle the beasts, her experience was rather minimal, but she remembered bits and pieces from the amount of caravan guarding she's done and figured she'd try a calming voice that maybe would convince the animal to follow her. "Hello there, fellow beasts." She spoke in the deepest voice she could muster in attempts to sound more in tune with a creature of their size. Though afterwards she wondered if she was just making herself look silly and decided to continue as normal. "Hey there, are you two alright?" She stepped forward with one hand out, eventually petting the heads and horns of the mighty tug beasts.

As far as she could tell the tugging equipment was starting to take it's toll on the mighty beasts. She hated to have to ask them to do more, but they were on their last leg off this trip. "I'm going to need you're help for just a bit longer. Then we can take all of this off of you. Sounds good right?" She tried to keep a calm and soothing voice, but she was still new to this. She pulled ever so lightly on their gear in an attempt to coarse movement from the animals. They refused to budge, and she was pretty sure that one of them gave her a look that read along the lines of "Really?" She narrowed her eyes at the oxen. "Come on, town isn't much further, you can do it." She pulled again, this time planting her steel plated feet into the dirt and mud and bracing herself giving the gear a heavy frontal pull. With a heavy grunt she pulled herself a bit deeper into the mud having to readjust her footing, but eventually convincing the creatures to start moving. "Wonderful work lads." She said in both a respective tone, and with a sigh of relief. Though she was rather strong, she had little reason to believe she could take on the strength of the two beasts.

She led the beasts back towards the goblin camp speaking a few calming and soothing phrases to them as she walked. "That a boys. You're doing great.""Come on, we're almost there.""After this we'll find you two somewhere comfortable to rest." Once back she could see the others finishing about their business with little problem. Though Kathryn was willing to help however she could she was getting tired, her gear was heavy, she fought a lot more aggressive then she probably should have, and it took a lot of effort to get the oxen to move then she would have liked. Plus, those damn wine barrels were heavy as hell. "Look who I found? Think they'd be willing to help?" She spoke with the biggest smile before turning the creatures around. Thankfully once motivated they were rather obedient making it rather easy to hook them up to the wagon. So that was that taken care of, Kosara was gone so she was likely grabbing the other wagon, and most of the supplies were loaded up shy of some wine barrels, and the coffin. All work that had to be done.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: C12 Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Though cleanup was going well there was still a lot to do. Mistakes were made and Victoria paid the consequences. Marita bit back towards Kathryn as she apologized. Though the cleric was right. She was out of position and things fell apart from there. Hugh came to her defense and though she respected the man for it, Marita and Victoria were still right in the end. "Thank you Hugh but I do hold fault here. I was out of position and tried to make up for it by being more aggressive in hopes of finishing the fight faster." She sighed gathering the rest of her gear and loading it up back on her person. "Obviously that didn't work. And Victoria took a hit for it." Turning to Victoria she locked eyes with their bard who while things have gone on she went... collecting ears. That's when she noticed several members of the party looting the goblins. It's not something she could bring herself to do, it felt immoral and wrong to her. But she lacked the context and backgrounds many in her party had, so maybe it was more of a way of life to them. In a way it felt like no better then being a raider should she participate. She pulled her thoughts away from those thoughts to take a look back towards Victoria who was being Hugged by Kosara? Healed? Magic was something Kathryn knew little of. "I'm sorry you took the hit for my mistakes. It won't happen again. You have my word on it." She hoped the damage wasn't too bad and that Kosara could fix her up cleanly.

Kathryn did turn back to Marita. "You're still owed an apology. I left you exposed in a situation where you didn't need to be. So my word carries for you too. It wont happen again." She was ashamed of her mistake, and her attempts to compensate for it had not panned out in her favor at all. But at least the injuries were minor, and were able to be fixed. Though things could have been worse. The damage could have been more then their party could have healed, and the party could have been facing a longer battle preventing any healing from being done yet. Mistakes were made, prices were paid. Kathryn was thankful that the price was manageable this time but it easily could have not been. Then again, she figured she didn't really get a say in how reasonable the price was since she wasn't the one to pay it.

Kathryn turned to the goblins that took her axes from her after she lobbed them at the raiders. Walking up to them one at a time placing her foot to keep the bodies pinned before yanking out the axes and cleaning them off on what clothes the goblins wore. Kathryn listened to Hugh as he spoke of the gear the goblins used. And looking at it she saw the same thing. They were good condition weapons. But only the weapons? Had Kathryn been more open towards looting herself she may have snagged herself a spare dagger or short sword. They'd be in better shape then her gear, but it still didn't sit right with Kathryn. She was tempted though, and in her efforts to help load up the unlooted gear into the wagon she held one of the daggers in her hand and examined the blade. It was really nice blade, though seemed uncommon. The more she thought about it, she wasn't sure she's seen any blades made like these since she arrived to the region. Her finances have limited her ability to buy new gear, but that didn't stop her from looking. "'Ey Hugh." She wasn't sure why she called to him specifically, maybe she felt the man was most qualified to follow up her examination or maybe it was because he backed her up when she wasn't willing to even justify her actions. Maybe a mix of both? "Do you have any idea where the blades could have been from? As far as I can tell, they're not mass produced anywhere locally." She was wondering if these had anything to do with their current mission? She briefly wondered if someone wanted to create some chaos, some problems maybe? That would be odd but it was an effective tactic, supplying raiders to create problems to divert resources. She wondered if there was a hint of truth to the cover the Sheriff gave them. "Do you think these could have been gifted to them?" It was a big accusation, but even by Hugh's logic there wasn't a lot of options. The rest of their gear was sub par, they clearly lacked the funds to buy it themselves, and the chances of being able to raid a group that well equipped was unlikely. And again, it was only their weapons.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: B12 --> C12 Action: Putting things back together Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The battle had ended. Though not completely according to plan, things went well. Then the coffin shook. Kathryn still had her sword in hand and was ready for anything that may come. Undead maybe? Marita got to the coffin first, Kathryn found herself on standby for whatever came of it. As the lid was pried open Kathryn was honestly surprised it wasn't an undead or some other creature of that nature. But another fucking goblin. A short battle ensured. If it could be called that. Kathryn turned to intercept only to have things kick off again. The tree above her rang to life as an arrow struck Victoria. Kathryn reached for her axes in retaliation only to find they were not present. They were still in the remains of the goblins she first struck. She briefly considered throwing her sword before realizing how foolish that was. But they were lost to sight again. The recent events took place fast, it felt like only seconds between the new hostiles appearing, and being wiped out by Victoria's and Kosara's magic. Watching what the powerful magic did to the creatures, Kathryn told herself not to find herself on the bad side of a caster unless she was prepared for the fight of her life.

Taking another look around, things seemed to have calmed down. Kosara was setting up to work on Victoria, and the area appeared to be clear of enemies. "Fuckin' 'ell." She forgot just how tedious goblins can be. Though unskilled in traditional combat, they were persistent and annoying. They were difficult for anyone caught out alone or surprised. Ironic the party did just that to them. The gear the goblins had was suspiciously new. Who had they robbed? Surely they didn't have this kind of money if they had to grave rob for food. Looking about she figured they should probably try to clean up the place. No need to leave this kind of mess for some kid to find. Looking at the wagon she guessed it was still in pretty decent shape? And might be large enough to put the cargo back in. As well as maybe the remains of the goblins and their suspicious gear. She wondered if maybe Hugh could piece together some of the suspicious gear? Where it came from and how they got it?

She took a look at the rest of her party. Outside of Victoria it seemed the rest of the party got out unharmed. Kosara was already making her way to assist their bard, Marita and Hugh as far as she knew were okay. "That... did not go to plan. But shy of a couple issues it looks like things went well." She looked at Marita with this thought. She would have with Hugh too if he was easier to spot. "Good work. Uh... sorry I fell behind there." She wasn't sure if it was poor timing or coordination on her part, or maybe she misunderstood a step along the way. Marita ended up filling out a lot of Kathryn's roll instead. "That won't happen again." She spoke a bit shameful. She attempted to make up for falling behind on her own tasks by hitting the enemy harder, and Victoria took an arrow while Kathryn was supposed to be by her. She needed to keep a better mind about her roll in the party.

Kathryn took her helmet off and set it down on top of one of the barrels. She attempted at first to tip the wagon back on it's wheels, but loaded up with the tied down cargo, she stood no chance. She attempted to gauge the weight of the barrels by gently lifting it a bit to confirm that she likely could move it, though it would take a lot of effort. Kathryn got herself into a squat position to start lowering the loaded barrels one at a time. After the first couple she found herself starting to tired out from under the hard work and heat. Then she realized, it's fall. If she is over heating she is wearing at least two layers of armor, and that surely would help. She debated it for a moment, but considering this was a recently active combat zone, and she was still getting to know the rest of the party, she figured being unarmored was not the best choice. She did start taking off some of the metal plates across her arms and shoulders. She briefly considered the chain mail again, but figured this was enough. She returned setting down the barrels one after another, much easier now that she wasn't as loaded down with her gear. Once the wagon was unloaded Kathryn looked at the tipped over wagon debating the best way to deal with it.

Bending down to get leverage Kathryn braced attempting to tip the wagon back on it's wheels now that it was unloaded. It creaked and groaned as Kathryn lifted it back towards all fours, her knees starting to buckle under it's weight and her exhaustion of the previous battle and labor. The wagon crashed down on all fours with a loud grunt from Kathryn as it fell into place. "Wow that was.... heavier then it looked..." She spoke between breaths with some strain. "We can use... the..." She stopped for a moment to take a deep breath and regain her thoughts. How heavy were those damn barrels? Heavy enough. "We can use the other wagon to return the cargo to it's owner. And to remove the goblins from sight for some passerby to stumble on." She thought of their own wagon, it should be able to be loaded up with whatever couldn't fit into this wagon. Then the thought crossed her mind, how were they going to pull two wagons with one mule? Could they be tied together somehow? She briefly thought back to her joke about pulling the wagon herself. Kathryn pushed this thought to the back of her mind, they still needed to load this back up and get to town before it got too late. Kathryn grabbed one of the barrels wrapping her arms around it knowing it was heavy enough that a controlled fall was difficult. Once she got it into the air it was easy to tell that the thing was at least as heavy as herself, maybe even twice over. She dropped it down into the wagon catching her breath again. They had their work cut out for them.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 (-2 without shield) Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: F11 --> B12 Action: Poking G1 Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The Chaos began. The goblins Kathryn realized stood no chance to their party. Though they had little experience working together so far they had destroyed the goblins in a single moment, leaving the remaining goblins with a surprising amount of courage to finish the fight. Hugh once Kathryn had kicked things off had taken out the lookout who appeared to have the only ranged weapon. Good, they'd have to get up close to Kathryn if they wanted to deal with her. Marita opened up with her own attacks, as if she commanded the goblins to perish with her words as a spectral blade dropped one, and she finished another. Which Victoria finished off rather smoothly, with assistance from Morty. The many magical lights that came from Kosara as she unleashed hell and fury onto a bunch of the goblins was something Kathryn couldn't even comprehend. And with Hugh still picking off stragglers from his position, these goblins really stood no chance. Any creature with an ounce of wit would know the battle was lost. But these creatures were either too dumb, or too drunk. Either way, Kathryn would oblige.

Kathryn quickly found herself out of position as the battle went on. Instead of being upfront and making sure combat stayed contained she found herself fallen behind. Looking at Marita and Victoria it seemed they held that flank down rather well. TO help wrap things up Kathryn decided she would close in from the other direction. As Kathryn made her way towards her next target she passed over the coffin, briefly wondering what the story around this caravan was before the goblins had attacked it. If any survived she'd ask about.

From the point of view of Kathryn's target, the goblin would get a split moment to see his buddy blasted from a blast of all blasts, and brief moment of smoke and debris as the sound of heavy metal and chains rattled towards him, getting only the briefest chances to see the armored half giant bring her large sword down from above and struck him down. Kathryn stood over last target. There couldn't be many left now could there?

Tag Note:@Sigil(Says DM next but if I need to tag for Marita I can change it)

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: O13 --> F11 Action: Axing off G8 Bonus Action: Axing off G6 Reaction: N/A

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And so it began. Though Kathryn wanted a chance to let the cruel and inhuman creatures get a chance at surrender, the others made it clear how in this case, it wasn't a feasible option. Some points on the goblins themselves, some on the logistics, and some points on how bringing them to justice how Kathryn proposed would have the same end result anyways. At least by blade it was fast, and they would hold their respective advantages. The half giant of a woman was glad that Marita expressed some sympathy towards Kathryn's proposal. Even if for Kathryn sake it was more so she could say to her own morals that she at least tried. As Marita, Victoria, and Morty the pig moved into position Kathryn debated her approach. She knew she could take a beating, and dish one out. But numbers of bodies and hands were not in their favor. So that was her current priority. Cripple their numbers as fast as possible to limit the goblins main advantage.

Passing Victoria Kathryn let her shield rest into place on her back. Though her chain mail made a decent chunk of noise the pass without a trace held long enough despite some close calls on her part. In her mind she was struggling, this is her first combat encounter with this new party who would clearly operate very differently then those she fought with in the past. She would have to not fight as aggressively as she had done in the past, she would need to keep in mind that as a pure martial she was alone. Though Marita could hold her own in situations like Kathryn was used too, being aggressive held a lot more risks then before. And without her former mentor her judgement in this fight would have to be hers and hers alone. And without a clear party leader there would also be little room to change the plans should things come up. Mentally she was scared, and she was anxious. Mentally she felt like she was unsure of her own abilities and was uncertain of her other party members. And now it was her turn to draw the bulk of the attention from these killers.

Physically her actions played out as one smooth movement. Though the professional killers of unarmed peasants and under armed civilians had won their battle, they were about to face off against a professional killer of killers. As the armored giant took her steps, she rotated her steps to fluidly change into a right handed throwing position sending her hand axe into into the first drunken fool. The axe collided with the target's head sending them to the dirt before he even knew what hit him. Within the same fluid motion Kathryn rotated briefly turning her back to change into a left handed throwing position sending her other hand axe into the chest of a second goblin who had only the split second of watching his friend across the camp fire get lobbed to react before dropping to the same fate.

Starting off her fight with two downed enemies boosted the wavering confidence of Kathryn Pyke. Now she was ready to fight and ready to bring her own former fears upon her enemies. Drawing her long sword with both hands Kathryn let out a blood curdling scream of rage and fury. "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" As if daring the next poor bastard to come and face her.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: Inspired N/A Location: O13 Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Goblins. A pest in most lands, a great danger in others. She and Ser Lucas had faced off against the vile creatures plenty enough, but they fought dirty. In many cases they were even more cruel then those who had stolen her home from her. This case wasn't so different. There was not only evidence of foul play, but of casualties. She wanted to take her axes and send them into the creatures who would commit acts such as these. A rage in her wanted to be unleashed and give out justice in it's most pure and violent form against the murderous creatures. Kathryn was visibly upset thinking ahead, but her expression changed as she calmed down. Unlikely that others could notice through her helmet her posture showed that of someone who was ready for a fight. Hugh was the first to come up with a workable plan. It seemed strait forward enough and simple enough it would be hard for anyone with an ounce of discipline to mess up.

Kathryn and Marita would be their frontliners while the rest of the party went off to the flank to cause as many problems as possible for the poor bastards. And if there were hostages or survivors it would be a chance for the others to save them before things got too far out of control. Kathryn had some experience in pitched battles and knew from experience that once fighting broke out to it's fullest it was hard to keep control of a battle, let alone regain it once lost. Hence, the simple plan held much more validity to it. Kosara as well listed her versatility in combat as well. Kathryn was glad to see the now fluffy covered tiefling was able to hold her own in combat, though Kathryn worried about how safe she would be. "It may be better if Marita and I get their attention first before any magic spells are thrown on them to make the most of our surprise advantage. Maybe we can surprise them multiple times and cause a panic amongst them?" A well organized enemy could put up a deadly fight. An unorganized enemy was easy pickings. Seemed the party also agreed leaving the mule and wagon behind was a good idea. Was there risk of theft or loss? Yes, but considering the enemy in front the risk was minimal.

Marita brought up a mild revision to Hugh's plan where one of their spell casters would join the two heavy fighters to provide a more hands on support. Kathryn saw the logic there, though had a minimal understanding of a caster's ability in combat, but figured it was best to not underestimate it. Most of her fighting style consisted of swords, shields, axes, and pikes. "The plan sounds pretty effective to me." Marita seemed to have a better understanding with the arcane and how it could be applied to a combat situation. Kathryn hesitated another response, motioned as if to speak up and then stopping herself. Hearing Victoria explain that she could use their dead pig friend as support Kathryn wasn't sure if she was relieved to have another ally or a bit terrified that her backup would normally be considered dinner. She figured a bit of both, but in her mind that was a good thing as her enemies would likely be having identical thoughts, though they would be the dinner's enemies too.

Kathryn appreciated Victoria's words of inspiration. She hadn't participated in a real fight like this since Ser Lucas passed. She had worries her abilities in her mind did not match what they were in reality. She felt a little better about them in the moment though. More thoughts did continue to press her mind in some regards. Regards that wouldn't let themselves go unless Kathryn acted on them, or she would be left wondering for ages about them. "I know it's unlikely, but I think we should give them a chance to peacefully surrender. Face justice in the modern civilized way." Where they would likely face execution for their crimes. "I know it's unlikely, but it seems wrong to not at least give them the chance?" Not only did Kathryn know it was unlikely they would surrender, she was hopeful they wouldn't. She wanted a fight. She wanted a fight to not only show her skills to the party, to show she could be apart of the team without being a drag, but she wanted a chance to prove to herself that even without Ser Lucas in the picture she could hold her own. And finally, she missed the rush of it. She missed the adrenaline of extreme fighting. The risk, the rewards, the organized chaos of it. She loved it, she craved it. And despite her wishes to be as honorable as possible, her wishes to strike fear into the hearts of the vile beasts was stronger.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Road to Avonshire Township Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn could hear odds and ends of Kosara's and Victoria's conversation as they went but not enough to make out the whole thing. She heard bits of something about a walking food supply and a camel with people water, but she was a bit too deep into her own conversation with Marita to pick up the rest. Looking at Morty the dead/undead pig Kathryn figured it had something to do with that. "Oh... I see." She spoke upon realization. She did find Kosara's summery of Kathryn's story quite enjoyable. "I think I would still be considered a princess in a way. Though I lack any claims to lands or castles at this point in my life. But a heroic princess has a nice ring to it!" But at the end of the day, she was a Pyke now. And while she carried that name she held little royal privilege, no claims to lands or titles, and with a considerably smaller target on her back.

Kathryn was a bit surprised by Marita's confusion to her own reaction to the description of the caves. "Do you not think so?" She supposed there could be caves that didn't look so good. Or maybe it had to do with the Cleric's past, one that she tried her best to separate from in hopes of avoiding all connection towards. "Maybe it was just your words and what you chose to share. Though I haven't seen it with my own eyes, so maybe I filled in a little too many blanks there? My bad." Kathryn spoke with a bit of a smile of embarrassment.

Then there was the laughing. It gave Kathryn a bad feeling, but she couldn't tell much about it. But it made her uneasy. The others noticed it too. Victoria said something about an unknown language, green arm. A downed wagon to join it. Sounded like trouble. Marita jumped to a conclusion faster then Kathryn, but a likely one. Goblins. Kathryn stood up with that in mind. Marita spoke what Kathryn presumed was another spell and prepared to organize the party for a fight. "On it." Kathryn spoke coldly fixing her helmet on her head. Kathryn once armed up and ready for a fight climbed out of the cart with her boots and armor making a solid Thud as she landed. Hand axe drawn she then stepped her way in front of the party ready to intercept the first sign of trouble that arises. Marita seemed to be taking the main control of the situation deciding to act cautiously and carefully until they knew for sure that there was malicious intent afoot. "Shouldn't we get a better look? If there's malice it may be better to cut off the intent of it before it gets worse." Though this was the kind of area Kathryn thrived in more, she's never held a leadership roll of any kind. And most situations like this she was in she fought alongside others armed and armored in identical means as herself. She had no idea how a party like this would function, especially considering that if this did turn into a fight no one in this party have ever faced an enemy together before.