Shoe Thief

Pilgrim's Caravan: An Open-Ended Fantasy (with Worldbuilding!)

@Remipa Awesome Why would you need firearms when you've got projectile magic available? You could have a mage that throws fireballs or whatever else from a wand or staff. Similar to a gun but not an actual gun 😁

@Timemaster

In d&d I have a strong love for martials. To add to that, I have recently been reading up on the time period where European knights would fight with lances and pistols, great swords that when turned upside down would be a hip fired mini cannon, knights who would topple into mud in the middle of a massive battle, draw a pistol or aquabus and blast the first peasant soldier who tried to shank them while they were down and then draw their weapon to fend off the rest in knee deep mud. That time period of warfare prior to the napoleonic era was insane for stuff like that. Though very short. And that’s what I wanted to recreate.

Pilgrim's Caravan: An Open-Ended Fantasy (with Worldbuilding!)

<Snipped quote by Remipa Awesome>

Unfortunately, I can't allow firearms in this setting. It just breaks the medieval fantasy vibe, imo.

@Tortoise

Totally get that! That's why I check. It's late for me now but let me see what I can pull up for a character by tomorrow! Thanks for the quick reply!

Pilgrim's Caravan: An Open-Ended Fantasy (with Worldbuilding!)

So this has me a bit curious. I have a couple character concepts I could use for this but for one I am wondering what the sort of tech available would be. Or in this case, would firearms be something that may be present in this world? I have a character concept who would use a black powder revolver or double barrel pistol. Though I know that's something that doesn't always work in fantasy settings.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 25 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: K16 --> K4 Action: Dash Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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They began to scatter. Though they had won and chased off their foes in the likely best scenario for the end of the battle, they were beaten, bruised, and they would struggle to fend off another encounter like that without a chance to reorganize, collect themselves, and maybe rest. Cavendish had gotten away, and Kathryn wished she didn't allow that to happen. But that was in the past. She could try to give chase but it was clear he was faster then her, and there was no telling where he went after the turn he took. In fact, it seemed all the guards had done about the same, though she took note of Blackberry giving chase to one of the guards. Kathryn followed after him wanting to keep him backed up, but seeing how roughed up Kosara was, and knowing that they would be separated from anyone else who could fight was too far behind to help much. It seemed Blackberry was far faster then many of their own members. Kathryn gave chase after Blackberry to make sure he couldn't be isolated from the rest of the party, at this point she didn't want to risk being dragged too far away from the rest of the party and being cut off. Cavendish must realize at this point that even being prepared the party at full strength was going to be a slug fest ending in the winner winning by the skin of their teeth. A battle that he must know could go either way in his case. But if he could separate the party, his odds were far better. And once the party was out of the way there was no telling who'd be able to stand in his way. Even if doing so was getting gut punched with a hammer and being flattened into the cobblestone...

Kathryn gave chase, shield and hammer in hand, and rusted and chipped chainmail rattling and clinking with every step she took. Sprinting with what effort she could muster she was able to spot Blackbarry quick enough engaging the guard. What she was also doing, was keeping Kosara, Marita, and Victoria in sight. Though the battle was winding down it didn't take much to spark up once more again. Kathryn couldn't reasonably catch up to Blackberry and be of any use, and doing so would leave the rest of their party considerably less protected should any of the other guards choose to return. "Blackberry, he's not worth it! Get back here and let's regroup. Let the hurt dog run." Kathryn said the last line with a bit of spite in her tone. Though her pleas were met with Cavendish's laughter, they were winning and it was clear to the guards as much. As well why they ran now. They were beaten and they wouldn't gain anything from chasing them outside of a prisoner to take care of or a dead guard on their hands. If he wasn't able to disengage she could attempt to sprint over and help him get free, but she couldn't risk abandoning the rest of the party over a chance for a prisoner.

@Sigil Guard 4!

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 25 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: K16 Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: Blunt Force Trauma

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The bastard. The absolute bastard! Kathryn was glad to be wearing a helmet as her dumbfounded face would have shown anyone she was vulnerable to a strike in that moment. Kathryn had tried time and time again to get some reason out of the man. Sure, maybe she wasn't the most qualified person for such things. But the man was either crazy, or had an ego bigger then Kathryn herself. Kathryn eyed his sneer, and decided she was going to wipe it clean from his face. He wanted a fight, and Kathryn would give him one. "Have it your way then you wee bastard." Kathryn spoke coldly as she raised her shield and prepared the hammer for another swing. Then, he gave the order to scatter. No, no it couldn't end like this. If they got away they would only strike again and cause even more harm. Kathryn couldn't allow this.

Kathryn took some of Kosara's openly stated advice and decided it wasn't the worst option. Though she wasn't a fan of needless pain, Cavendish couldn't be allowed to escape. The Constable had insisted he would get his hammer back, so Kathryn obliged. "Here you go then." She said matter of factly as he made a break for it she swung the hammer down hard and fast against the side of his leg, hoping to either bring him down or slow him down long enough to restrain him. He tripped, stumbled, but kept going. He was away. And getting away meant he could, and would strike again. She wanted to give chase to the injured man, but she hesitated. If she did, she would be facing him likely alone, and leaving her team with the rest of the guards as well. The hesitation was enough though to let him made ground though.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 25 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: K16 Action: Blunt Force Trauma (Tripage plus edition) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: Blunt Force Trauma

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"Bloody hell." Kathryn mumbled as two crossbowmen began to fire from above. She debated ditching Cavendish to deal with the two shooters, but she worried about any additional tricks the constable had up his sleeves. Had she been within a part of people geared like herself she may have had someone sent up there to stall the shooting until they could clean up the streets and support the brave fool. But she and Marita were the only ones who could likely take sustained hits against multiple foes for more then a couple moments. No, they would have to wait. Once Cavendish was dealt with then maybe things would change. For now they needed to finish what they started. She worried seeing Blackberry being struck by by one of the bolts with a direct hit. If they weren't fast those crossbowmen would trickle away at them until they were combat ineffective. In her distraction she wasn't quick enough to spot Cavendish from striking at her. She saw the blade drawn and slide across her armor taking small specks of rust with it. Had she not been focused on the fast a man was trying to kill her, it would have been a great reminder that her rusted chainmail was due for another sanding job. The second attack was sloppier, and Kathryn was ready for it to come this time around. She brought up her shield to take the brunt of the damage causing little more then a scuff on a shield that could have been as old as herself. She hoped the wood dulled his blade. Not for any practical reason, simply out of petty spite.

Victoria's magic had rejuvenated her a bit. Though she was still roughed up it hurt less, and she didn't feel like she was dying at all. So overall a win. Kathryn would have to learn more about the kind of magic that her fellow party members offered as she was clearly out of her depth. Between Marita's ability to forcibly calm people, Victoria's ability to use music to heal people, and Kosara's horns of... Glowing fire? No it didn't quite seem like fire, but her lack of experience showed again as she couldn't even think of something to compare it too. Then there was Blackberry and his extra arms. How long had he been able to do that? Who knew? Not Kathryn. As the battle raged on she hoped Blackberry and Kosara could hold out long enough until Kathryn could run over and help. God she hoped so. Then she saw the guard that had stabbed her bring his blade to Kosara. "Kosara!!!" She needed to finish things with Cavendish. And fast. Blackberry seemed to be holding up a bit better though, so that was good news at least.

She kept focus on Cavendish. She would be much help if she let this brute get a foothold again, or stab her in the back. It seemed Marita was giving the crossbowmen something to think about. Good, maybe it would divert their attention a bit while they wrapped up in the streets. And like that, Marita bought Kathryn a chance to strike. With renewed vigor she swung the hammer around with the force that one could not parry. Your options against it were to dodge it or be prepared to take a pounding. The first swing Cavendish avoided, but as if on a spring Kathryn swung it back with connection and an audible crunching noise that could make someone question the return options for the armor they purchased. Kathryn withdrew the hammer from Cavendish's side and changed her stand to bring the warhammer into the center of his chest. She stepped into this strike with full intentions of bringing him down onto the stone road, hopefully pinning him and forcing him into reason since violence was his language of choice.

Stepping into her swing she swung the hammer with such ease she may have well been a kid whipping a birch stick at one of her friends playing knights, dragons, and princesses. A game which Kathryn did all three roles rather well as a kid. It struck home with another audible crunch as metal struck metal. And she briefly swore she could hear the wind knocked out of his chest and sucked back in as Kathryn regained her own footing and prepared another strike. To her surprise, he still stood. Catching his footing much like herself post swing. She had to remind herself, this was no small goblin, nor untrained bandit. Cavendish was an experienced lawman, and it wouldn't surprise her if this lawman had proper combat experience. At the least, he had the foresight to set up backup in an advantageous position. No, he knew how to fight, and he had at least some incline of tactical thought. Going all in at once was a great way to find herself worn down fast and beaten down when she couldn't fight back anymore.

Looking at Cavendish though, he was roughed up. And it was taking a physical toll on him. She wondered if she herself had looked that rough at the start of battle? No, he had been struck far harder, and much more often. Maybe he could be reasoned with? Or maybe he was the selfish bully Kathryn had begun to imagine him as, and had a strong sense of self preservation. "Cavendish! Stop this senseless violence." She blurted out in what she hoped was a forceful tone, but came out as more frustrated then anything else. "You're losing. Stand down before things get worse for you and your men. We can still end this peacefully. Stand down while before things get out of control, and before lines are crossed that can't be uncrossed." The more she spoke though the more it dawned on her how useless this may be. Cavendish still had a lot of advantages up his sleeve. And shy of some bruises and punishment the other guards took, Cavendish was the only one who was showing any real signs of wearing down. Much of her reasoning now was hoping he was a selfish bastard with a stronger will of self preservation then any mission he made up for himself. In preparation for retaliation, she raised her shield to face him and pulled his hammer to the side preparing to strike again.

@Sigil Cavendish may surrender now.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 19 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: K13 --> K16 Action: Attack (trip) Action Surge: N/A Bonus Action: Second Wind (7 points) Reaction: N/A Free Action: Asset Denial

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Kathryn was really hoping for things to not break out into a clash. There was no good ending for them without jumping through so many hoops they were bound to trip. But that choice had been taken from her as the war hammer was brought up towards her. Seeing this she attempted to bring a shield up to protect herself before it could make contact, only adding another piece of debris in its path before the hammer struck her in the chest sending her flat on her back. As the constable stepped over her limp body she vaguely remembered reaching out towards towards him in one final effort to stop his advance towards the silver smith. While she collected her thoughts she did little more then lift her hand from the ground as a large magical blast went off next to her surprising her and she brought herself up to her hands and knees, only to be struck back down by glancing metal against her armor, then again with another strike. This time she felt the blade pierce her armor and felt the wound inside of her. Resisting the urge to shout in pain she let out a pained grunt as she bit her lip. She felt as more and more metallic points glanced off her, and now more then ever she was thankful for the protection this looted set of armor had provided for her. She did wonder if it would have done a better job had it not been falling apart as bad as it was.

The word "Magic!" being called out helped to wake Kathryn from her initial shock. She fell to her rear and she went to stand up, seeing Blackberry stab the guard with his sword, only for him to recover near instantly. She stood up shield in hand, weapon still not drawn ready for payback against this senseless violence. She offered these goods a chance to back down, and now they would face the punishments for not doing so. Though she didn't consider herself an especially violent person, nor a spiteful one. She had her flaws, and she intended to let these lawmen who abused their power to know those flaws. That's when she noticed Cavendish running from the silver smith's door Marita following. She wondered what had happened within that door to trigger that mess, but she didn't have long to think as Marita commanded the fighting to stop. She had no idea if she was commanding everyone, something to do with being a religious woman, or just the lawmen. But watching Cavendish go docile and drop his weapon. As well as one of the other guards. her mind trailed back to that weapon. A tool used by the Constable to wave his dick around and to bring his word of Law into town. The idea made Kathryn sick, but now it was out of his possession and she intended to keep it that way.

She took the chance at making a break for it, she stood up and booked it across the street. Her efforts were met with a sheering pain in her back as the last guard stabbed her in the back, puncturing where the links in her chainmail were weak and cutting clean through. "FUCKING... Bitch!" Kathryn snapped pulling herself off the spear. She turned to see the sly grin of the guard to had stabbed her. She still hadn't drawn a weapon yet and she had already lost track of how many times she had been stabbed, some more successful then others. She took a deep breath and attempted to collect herself and made a lunch for the hammer, Cavendish who had finally collected his senses saw her move and made to stop her. Bringing his foot up to kick her back, maybe down again. Kathryn brought up her fist and struck the bottom of his foot, bending it nearly parallel with his leg as he regained his footing, and Kathryn grabbed the warhammer. The first thing she noticed was how easy it was to hold. It was light, felt like it should be considerably smaller then it was. Seeing Cavendish though brought rage back into the warrior princess. Here was a man who abused his power, attacked those who either couldn't defend themselves or with out any provocation, and who took joy in the harm he brought to others.

Kathryn lifted the hammer with rage in her eyes. "AAAUUUGH" she screamed as she brought the hammer to side swipe his knees, lifting up his leg, and slamming him between the hammer and the road beneath him. That seemed to have done some harm to him, and to inflict wounds he wouldn't easily recover from like his friend. She jerked the hammer off him with some force before locking eyes with the guard who had gotten two good blows on her, with a look on her face that showed that Kathryn hadn't forgotten about his cruel acts. And he would be punished for them. She then turned down to look at Cavendish, any sense of mercy she had before the fight started gone. Replaced with someone who was ready to end this fight.

@Sigil CAVENDISH

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: Streets outside of silver smith. Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn stood frozen a bit once the door to the silver smith was closed. Kathryn turned back with a look of confusion and shock still on her face, but she figured things turned out better then last time. So that was good. Now it was in the hands of Victoria and Marita from here. And as long as the trio outside didn't do anything too outlandish, she figured they should be all set. She turned with a bit of a grin as Kosara went playing in the rain. It was cute and adorable, though it made Kosara seem a lot younger then she actually was. Then upon a moment of thinking, she had no idea how old her tiefling friend was. For all she knew of tieflings Kosara could be as young as 12, or older then 50. She would have to clarify that up when she got the chance. Blackberry was was trying his best to keep dry, and much to Kosara's efforts it wasn't working. Kathryn had to suppress a chuckle as the two worked out their dispute in the rain. "My uncle also said there's not a lot of rain in the desert. He said the heat was lethal as well. If you spent too long in it you would shrivel into a raisin, or burn to a crisp. Is there any truth to that? I've never been to one myself. And my Uncle was a bit... Bias when it came to talking of his tales of travel." She loved and missed her uncle, but he was an intense man who saw much of the world as on his side, or out to get him.

She looked over just in time to see a rather big growing pain in her side. Constable Cavendish. She hoped, she hoped so badly that he was just a stressed aging man who was ready to go to the extreme to protect his home. Though at this point that logic could only go so far. He was making shady behind the scene deals, had attempted to lure Kosara and herself out and away to likely deal with them. Kathryn pulled the shield off of her back and slid it onto her arm. Though she made sure to keep her hand free and unarmed. She was on guard duty, and she would do everything she could to convey being a professional blade master, without coming across as threatening. But she had a feeling the basket had been tossed down stream just a few too many times, and they were running out of stream to send this basket down. He was looking for a fight, and like Kosara mentioned he was all too eager for it. Kathryn had tasted power like that. Heir to a keep, lands, and even a small army if things went to plan. She was also a massive brute who could over power most humans with relative ease. She had skills in combat that could rival many guards and soldiers. And the idea of using any of that power the way that Constable Cavendish was so eager to use it would have made Kathryn sick. He held power over others, and he wanted everyone else to know it. Well now she had.

"Mister Cavendish." Kathryn spoke sharply like the woman of authority she was raised to be. A woman who's words were law the moment they left her lips, and with the deep power that only a person her size could give to her words. "What is the meaning of this. What has this man done to deserve your ever so eager wraith." Like Kosara, her voice was loud. It boomed as she locked eyes with the constable. Something about the way the question was put to Cavendish made him pause his otherwise unerring march up to the silversmith's door. He even gave a cocky grin, patted the head of his very shiny warhammer with one hand, and responded, ”You are one tower of a lady, you know that? Okay, I'll humor you. Let's say I'm the Law in this township and I can take anyone I want away and put them to the question. I can, I have, and I do. But you want something that looks nice on paper? I'm dead sure that Jacques Mallard is plotting against the ones that rule over this place. And I say, if you aim to get in my way or help him in the least, you and your friends are next. Put that in your flagon and choke on it.”

Kathryn didn't like that answer. And it only confirmed her worst fears. He was a power hungry lunatic with a boner to be large and in charge. She didn't like the way he played with that hammer of his. He wondered if he would be the way he was if he didn't have something like that at his disposal. Would he play his power games like this if his big showy tool was taken from him? Kathryn was worried she would have to find out. She stepped forward making sure if any of the guards attacked any of the trio they would have to get through her first. There was a small part of her that was optimistic, that the fancy hammer he held was little more then a light show and that he was just competent with it. Enough to scare his own men when he touched it. She still didn't want things to come to blows. Like before, there were no good outcomes. "Mister Cavendish. I know we don't see eye to eye, but you strike me of a man who has more education then most people. One who understands the issues of international relations and how delicate they can be. I would plead with you to consider your next actions carefully." Kathryn took a deep breath before correcting her posture to that resembling a woman of her rank in court. Though a lot harder to achieve with the build of someone who could lift others with ease, layered on with layers of steel chain mail, and the oaken reinforced shield. Kathryn spoke up in her commanding voice yet again, though not as sharp as her opening statement. "My name Kathryn Pyke of Arcanaple. Decedents of the mountain clans of Silvertongue's peak, and a proud member of house V-" She stopped.

Choked being a more accurate description. Her confidence and determination to keep this situation under control had finally wavered. Though only about a full second passed, it felt like several minutes before Kathryn could pull the words up again. And though with a commanding voice, the confidence that gave it power had worn to dust. "A proud member of house VanEmber, off shoot of house Ember. I am here on personal business with Mister Mallard and have full intentions on seeing it through. If you plan on going through me to accomplish your mission, you must surely know you're gambling with the affairs of people in stations much higher then your own." She took a deep breath, losing the posture of a lady of the court in favor of a woman ready to stand her ground. "You have shown your intentions to be cruel and dishonest. I can not let you continue on in good conscience. Stand down and go back to Municipal Building and reconsider your actions. But you will not enter that silver smith." Kathryn spoke ready to stand her ground. The basket had been tossed, and he was looking for a fight. Maybe she could get him to back down, but she figured that the moment had passed. "To you lads following our dear constable, the offer goes to you too. Go home. And don't get wrapped up in this man's antagonism. Following orders is no excuse if those orders are immoral." She expected things to kick off, and was prepared for it. Though she was up front of the trio, she made sure to stay out of their weapon reach. That left little room to maneuver though once things kicked off.

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: Streets of Avonshire --> Streets outside of silver smith. Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita had calmed some of Kathryn's nerves. As the Cleric had reassured her, not everything going on was related. And it was was more problematic to chase false leads then no leads. "You're right. I need to not over think this and let it lead me astray." Kathryn needed this, and Marita not calling her an ignorant foreigner was nice. Not that she expected it, but she prepared for it. Maybe she was a bit too paranoid? "I would still like to get the note translated. But I won't do so at the cost of our mission." Kathryn still felt out of her element, but she still had the ability to assist those who understood the way of things better then she did. Even if that was mostly just saying out of trouble, drawing enough trouble to help paint the bigger picture, and moving heavy things for the party. She honestly did hope her specialized skill set didn't see use outside of those goblins from before. She genuinely wanted to help those who were taken, and she didn't want that confrontation with those in charge here. If she had too though, she would.

Once arrived at the Silver Smith, Kathryn debated holding the short bow in her hands so that way if she spotted anything she could react quickly and prepare to defend the group as Marita and Victoria went inside. But she decided that drawing the bow in preparation of combat would be just as likely to start something as being prepared for it. She did take a look around to see if they were being followed, or if they were about to be ambushed. And as she looked around she realized, she didn't see shit. And not in a way where she knew it was clear, she couldn't find much around her and she knew she was either looking too fast or she was missing something. Or nothing, and she was leaning on that paranoid side of things. Marita with the note began things in the shop, Kosara began watching over her weapons and armaments, and Blackberry was... Snooping? Kathryn was tempted to pick up their newest addition and pull him away from the window. But not only would that ruin what little chance they had of not getting in trouble again, but it may sour her relationship with him. "I'm sure they will tell us all about it once they are out." Kathryn said with a slight tone of concern.

Though Kathryn found herself listening in too more then she meant too. She listened as he explained the test and... wait... An Eight foot tall Tart? "I uh... I'm not Eight feet..." She had heard nearly all the comments about her height imaginable. And if what she said at the table the other night were to be believed, she would reach 8 feet soon enough. Though Tart had her puzzled. Tart... tart... Like the treat? She was snapped out of her thoughts when Mallard called out to those waiting outside. Kathryn froze, and even with her helmet resting on her head her it wasn't hard to tell she was now a deer in the torch light. Back stiffened, eyes wide, she looked at the man she accidentally stole from. "Hi." Kathryn said short and sharp as if she was a young girl half her size, who had been caught stealing from the cookie jar. Kathryn took off the helmet and set it on the ground by her feet to seem a bit less threatening as she decided to once again push her luck. She took out the ring and began stepping forward, making sure to not step into the shop itself, and to keep her body as outside of the door as possible. "I'm sorry I took this. I should have returned it sooner." She reached inside just barely while trying to stay out as much as she could in a poor almost comical attempt to set down the ring on the table next to the door. "I'm sorry for upsetting you as well earlier. That wasn't our intention, and if we can make it up to you please let me know." Kathryn attempted to say softly as she backed out the door to let Marita and Victoria take the lead again.

Kathryn while still in sight of Mr. Mallard wanted to show her respect however she could, and attempted to remember how various cultures did so. Her own normally meant a display of the family sword in the manner the situation deemed most appropriate. Being honoring a guest, welcoming a friend, proposing to a loved one, or simply a friendly hug when something more simple was required. None of those options seemed good to use with Mallard as he didn't seem in a hugging mood, and that was the same with Kathryn. And she figured drawing her family sword wouldn't help with that either. "Thank you for your time Sir." Kathryn spoke with genuine optimism, hoping that her earlier encounter with the man wouldn't negatively impact his new interaction with Marita and Victoria.

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: Hayloft --> Streets outside of silver smith. Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn was last to step into the Hayloft, making sure everyone else got in first and to cover their entry. "Welcome to Camp Blackberry." Kathryn said with a shy, almost apologetic tone. She had been coy with her description of their hideout sure, but it's not like she had poor reasons too. Plus their living situation at the moment was very comparable to camping. Only they had a wooden wall and roof instead of a tent. Once inside, Kathryn went about collecting what little else she may have needed. Though she was already fully armed and armored. She grabbed the Goblin note from Hugh's things. She was determined to know how that fit into everything. Too much was bugging her and she lacked so many answers and she was worried what this note may offer once translated. If it turned out to be nothing once translated, she would feel like a fool for thinking so much of it. She did find it odd that she had faced Goblins several times in her life, though didn't speak an ounce of their language. How many had she killed without being able to even offer them a chance to properly surrender, or learn about them before wiping the floor with them. She figured that would be something to look at some other time. The ones they faced before were without a doubt evil, but she wondered about others. Whoever wrote the note though, paid for the weapons, and paid the goblins, needed to be discovered. As well she made sure to grab her pack, loaded with water, rope, torches, and meals to last herself upwards of 10 days. For a human woman of more traditional size, and who wasn't maintaining a comparable muscle mass it may have lasted longer. But if the party did find themselves isolated, it would be food for them for a few days too. Then there were some nets, meals of fire. Pretty much the only thing she left behind were her fine clothes, and any other spare clothes she had shy of socks.

Then she looked over at the pile of loot from the goblins, much of it collected by Hugh, and even that much had been gone through by other party members. Now missing the better of her two hand axes, she walked over and against that little voice that told her looting was wrong, she rummaged through some of the weapons in play. Grabbing a short bow that in her hands almost seemed comically small. Though bows and the like were not common for her usage, she did know how to use one rather well. She had learned when she lived back in her keep, and her training for such had ended when she went on the road with Ser Lucas. She then grabbed herself a dagger and attached it to her belt. Though she was carrying a lot more gear now, it wasn't much compared to what she could handle. Victoria's followup to Kathryn saying she wouldn't let her get struck like that again was reassuring. "We're making good progress, hoping at the rate we're going we'll have some of this teamwork stuff figured out by he time we have to worry about that stuff again." Kathryn said in an almost joking manner. But she was determined to do better this time. She took the mini pouch she accessed via the gap in her armor under her armpit and took it out. Inside the original letter sat. The one originally meant for Ser Lucas. And Kathryn did her best to slide the new note in with it. She slide it back into place. Though not the most hidden, it felt more secure there then in her pack.

When she stepped outside with the rest of the party, she caught Robert's attention. He knew now, how much he could avoid saying was another thing. But he seemed like he would do what he could to keep working with them. The walk was easy enough, but Kathryn figured now was as good a time as any to talk to Marita. She flagged her down a bit subtly, and begin walking behind the group a ways to keep out of earshot. Once the two were separated Kathryn spoke in a hushed tone. "I think we were meant to find those goblins. I think they were intentionally placed in our path, so we would find them, and we would deal with them quickly and effectively. I... I don't have proof. But between the fact that they were hired for something, in a region where goblin attacks are near unheard of. And the second group of people they come across on the road connecting two population centers happens to be the group hired to take out an unheard of goblin problem? It made our story rather fool proof. And they were all armed with brand new, high quality weapons. At least by regional standards. And mass produced ones at that. Someone, wanted us to deal with that specific goblin problem." She couldn't commit to the idea it was the Sheriff. But maybe someone else who knew the whole story? Or maybe it was just a huge coincidence. The way she saw it, Marita seemed like one of the more logical members of their group. She figured Marita would realistically look at the situation and determine if it had some validity to it, or call Kathryn out for being an ignorant noble woman who's understanding of the world still needed work. Either way it would put some rest to Kathryn's mind on the situation.

Arriving at the Silver Smith Kathryn kept some distance. She didn't want to get spotted through the window and blow the party's one chance to try and fix things up. Looking down at the bed and breakfast, Kathryn wondered how Cecily and Lizbeth were doing. She hoped they were safe, and if given the chance she would love to go check on them on their way through. But she also didn't want to risk getting them into danger, or leaving her party unprotected. If she had the chance, she would check on them on the way out. But she didn't want to draw unwanted attention to them if she could avoid it. And she wanted to make sure outside was still safe for her team.