Sigil

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 23 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Region, roadside, post-battle Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Morty was doing an effective if mechanical job of dragging the bodies to a central location between the campfire and the cart. Some of them doggedly clutched their weapons in dead hands, while others limply let their metal stabby-tools slip to the ground; those and the remaining dropped ones had to be collected by the animated, smoky hog soon after, also to be organized in a central location alongside the corpses. Were the animal to have the manual dexterity (or "manuals" whatsoever) and cunning necessary, Victoria might have had it roll the Goblins for loose change.

In any case, she had her hands full. Literally. One hand carried a dagger while the other kept up with the growing number of pointy, green, left ears. The sudden gust of wind got her feeling a little uncomfortable as well. She was still bleeding evenly. Between that and her exposed skin now that she had to shed her damaged outer garment, it was getting chilly. This was the last thought that passed through her head before she saw Kosara, blessedly offering magical healing to her. "Oh, um, sure. Thank you," she responded, somewhat grateful for the warning first as well as the actual healing. Victoria tucked her dagger into an underhanded grasp and held her arm up so that the optimistic Tiefling could get a good view of the wound.

But it was all some sort of ruse! Some deranged plot to hug her again, as if she was some pretty piece of Half-Elven candy there for snuggles at the drop of a hat! The sheer and utter audacity of this woman to ...to... Okay, that was starting to tingle some. Healing energy and warmth flowed into Victoria, knitting her wound shut and restoring her vitality. Soon a light smile graced her features and she brought her arms in to return the hug. The knife and ears were still carefully in her grasp, but aside from that unfortunate business it was actually a touching moment. Until one of the ears slipped from Victoria's hand, that was, hitting the ground with a quiet plop. The Bard pulled out of the embrace with a little more red in her cheeks than she might have liked, apparently still unaccustomed to spontaneous physical contact. "Thank you," she said again at a whisper, imparting gratitude before getting back to her labors, now with renewed vigor since she wasn't nursing a damaged arm.

At least she might have, but for the strange question offered up by her healer. "Our cover story is that we're Goblin hunters. Not psychopaths. The ears are elegant enough proof of a kill if anyone asks questions. Ooh! Or if there's a bounty offered!" The idea of extra coin for their efforts wasn't a bad one.

"Hey," Victoria spoke, as if remembering something suddenly, "Kosara, sweetie? Would you feel comfortable trying to solo our wagon down here?" She nodded her head reassuringly, adding, "I've seen how well you took to the reins. I'm sure you can manage." This was intended to impart two things - knowledge that they were capable as a group of utilizing two wagons, however temporarily, and building Kosara's confidence in her goal of acquiring a new skill. Of course, if she would rather take it slower, Victoria looked ready to handle it herself or give assistance if desired.

Getting back to business, Victoria looked over the weapons. Not bad quality. As good or better than many an adventuring type had to start their careers. And having backup equipment just in case might be a prudent move. As much as she liked her rapier, a slim bladed shortsword as a backup couldn't hurt. From the pile, the purple-garbed lady selected a small sword and two daggers, determined to stash them in her traveling chest when the opportunity presented itself. The origin of the weapons eluded her completely, upon inspection. But she gave the sword a test swing, decided that she liked it, and tucked the sheathed weapon under her belt for the meantime.

Past this, the apology from Kathryn was appreciated, and really she couldn't stay too horribly mad at her, circumstances being as they were. "Come now," Victoria started, a charismatic smile forming on her lips, "This is the first time we fought together, and I daresay it shan't be the last, Lady Half-Giant." A quick wink let on that she meant the title kindly, and not as an insult. "Missteps, muddled plans; these are to be expected until we have better understanding of one another. I am feeling much better now, and I greatly hope that we can be friends after this." Ever the theatrical one, Victoria gave a quick bow, flourishing with her ear-hand in the process. Before the rose back up from said bow, she took the opportunity to slice off yet another one. Waste not, want not.

Morty... just kind of stared.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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It's a beautiful setting, really. All one might have to do is take up a rake and cover over the corpses of eleven Goblins with the glorious fallen foliage, and this might just be an excellent spot for a picnic! Maybe do something with the humanoid leg which is now charring over the fire, venting ever darkening smoke that only burning skin can produce. That kind of picnic was valued by no one who still drew breath along that stretch of road. Well, we hope. I honestly have no idea what horrible things lurk in the hearts and minds of the average adventurer anymore. In any case, without the potato salad and cucumber sandwiches, can a group of stalwart adventuring types really put on a decent picnic in the midday autumn hours? I shouldn't risk it, myself.

While some inspect equipment and others look for tracks, others admire wine, and of course, there was the obligatory argumentative back-and-forth that came with the territory of a new group. A fly on the wall might extrapolate that this would not be last similarly tense conversation between these people, and I personally wouldn't bet against the fly.

Things to note: The baying animal sound from somewhere in the distance has not been addressed directly as of yet, though it has not sounded since. Two hogsheads of unopened wine lay unclaimed upon the field of battle. Another one lay opened and thoroughly pilfered, obviously the founder of the Goblin's drunkenness. While the weapons have been looked over and a few claimed (including all of the remaining arrows, though two bows and quivers remain), the bodies of the fallen have not been thoroughly ransacked as of yet. They are, however, being dragged into a neat row by the Bard's hickory-smoked beast of burden for comparative ease of stated ransacking. The party's lent wagon and mule are still back up the way you came. No sound nor sight of it has been detected since this skirmish began. Remains of what is left of the (we assume human) body are yet untouched. And I am positive that there is another issue or two which could be addressed by an observant and/or inquisitive soul.

Avonshire Township lays to the north along the road about another hour or so, the group's wagon was left to the south just past the rise, and the whole region seems to hold more mysteries than most agricultural areas have a right to. It's a hell of a day to be alive.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

@Dragoknighte@rivaan@Remipa Awesome@Lewascan2@Sigil

Let's keep this short and sweet. Shorter and sweeter than the IC, and that was a relatively short update. So here's to it:

I have a few inquiries and check results that are waiting for their moment on the screen. Because of this, we've got another rotation of posts at least before moving on doesn't cut off actions already requested. So, keep those interpersonal moments coming, keep those actions rolling in, get done what you think if feasible in this setting of death and dismemberment. I will respond to new ideas, propose rolls for new lines of inquiry if necessary, and see where this takes us all. Basically, you keep doing you.

Let us assume that at least fifteen minutes or so has passed since the fight. This gives ample time for the multiple checks made, and actions related to those checks following.

And quick question - do you think that Goblin tastes like chicken? What about with hot sauce?

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 16 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Region, roadside Action: Harvesting Ears Bonus Action: Morty arranges corpses Reaction: N/A

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Victoria wore annoyance well. Granted, she wore everything well, being blessed in that regard, but even something as minor as being annoyed seemed to suit her. In this instance, it was a combination of pain from the arrow wound, the need to have her garment repaired, and the words that her esteemed colleagues were using at or about her, without actually speaking to her about the issue at hand. That was another thing - the issue at hand. Gritted teeth held her tongue behind them like prison bars, lest she actually say what was on her mind. It was a feat, considering acts of will of this nature were not her forte.

Instead, she tried to focus on the aftermath of the battle, and how best to utilize this situation. First, Victoria removed her cloak and, as best she could without fully removing her armor, slid her damaged and bloodied slim-fitting jacket from her torso and inspected her wound more closely. The black silks she wore beneath her more robust clothing and her light armor kept Victoria modest, though one could note her svelte and graceful form were one so inclined. She hardly seemed to notice herself, instead putting pressure on the wound to help slow the bleeding. A sigh escaped her lips, along with a shake of her head. Kosara had volunteered to handle her healing and she was going to just deal with things until the Tiefling lady did so. Victoria herself might have expended some energy to do so herself, though the offer meant that she wouldn't have to tax her pull on the strings of The Weave any more than she had to, so long as she could wait until her healer-to-be dismounted the big rock. In the meantime, she could keep herself occupied.

The sturdy rapier was replaced by her dagger; a far more utilitarian tool for the job to be done, and the bloodied Half-Elf strode to the nearest Goblin corpse, even as the others made their rounds. "Hmm," she pondered aloud, "Is it the right, the left, or both?" A smile and a shrug came next as as Victoria reached down with her free hand and grabbed the dead Goblin's ear. "Left it is," she crooned, her blade deftly slicing off the pointy projection.

After a couple of ears were collected, Victoria heard Hugh's assessment of the situation, which she disagreed with just enough to lose the hold on her mouth for a moment. "Really? What exactly possessed me?" She motioned with her handful of ears at the rest of the party, her wound starting to bleed afresh, and asked a question of her own. "What happened to the plan? You know, the plan we were all supposed to follow? The one where I accompany you, Bounty Hunter," She spat the term out, remembering their introductory conversation from the previous evening, "over there and provide support while Kosara backed up the two heavies while they took point? Somehow that got turned around, and that's fine. It happens." They had never worked together before and sometimes plans got jumbled. Victoria understood this as well as anyone. "But there was no way in whichever Hell takes note of these things that I was going to leave Marita to get swarmed by herself because no one had her flank."

She did not outright mention Kathryn's name in the course of this rant, though she did spare a glance in the powerful lady's direction. The object was not to pick a fight with someone who could maneuver full barrels of ...really good wine, she finally noticed... completely by herself. Continuing, "And if you didn't notice, I WAS our frontline today. It was that, or make the Cleric our only frontliner at the start." She removed another ear, adding it to the growing collection, "But don't you mind me. This isn't the first time I've bled. Gods know it took some serious getting used to..." Her voice trailed off, as if an unrelated thought came to mind at that moment. Snapping back to the present, she intoned, "What possessed me was loyalty to my group, even if not all of them have earned it yet."

Upon immediate reflection, Victoria was puzzled to realize that, despite the clear and plain differences in ethic and points of morality to the point that they would certainly never socialize were they not thrown together by those letters from the Sheriff, she gave the most trust to Marita. Especially after this battle. Another ear joined the collection with a wet slicing sound, followed by a glance up the road, back in their wagon's direction. More softly, she mentioned, "Don't worry about my proclivities. I play many roles and wear many hats. I am what my party needs, when we need it. Today we needed another body watching the front's flank. It's not everyone who can look good doing it, but here I am."

A quick mental command saw Morty coming to Victoria's aid, in this case beginning to drag the bodies to one spot, in a line, that they may be more easily searched by their companions. Her work completed, Victoria looked over to the bones in and around the campfire. "Whomever this is, they deserve a proper burial. I'm taking the remains with us." It was spoken with finality. Now she had to locate a more or less respectful yet practical means of transport, and that coffin probably wasn't it. It looked nice, though. Comfy even, in a macabre sort of way.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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The fall of the last, retreating Goblin signaled a greater sense of quiet which befell the once chaotic stretch of lightly wooded road. Blood stained various bits of the detritus of recent combat, showing a clear cut victor in this skirmish. The sound of a light wind through leaves and the creaking of one slowly revolving wagon wheel upon the overturned merchant wagon were the only things to break the quiet of the afternoon, now that the clanging of metal and expressions of the arcane had ceased. In moments that the wind died down a little, the sound of meat sizzling could be detected.

Taking a quick look around the battlefield, one can easily point out eleven Goblin corpses. Mostly because they're out in the open and, let's face it, the party assisted greatly in the decor with this. An interesting item of note for whomever looks over the bodies of the fallen is that, while their armor is unattractive yet functional in the manner of their people, their weapons looked fairly new, uniform, and not of usual Goblin manufacture.

One can also spot the campfire, which still contains a now scorching leg from the knee down. The coffin remains where it was abandoned, now opened to reveal a fairly plush, comfortable looking interior. Between this and the construction noted before the fight began, it could be assumed that the former owner was likely financially well off. Three good hogshead casks could be seen littering the area, two of which are completely intact. One of them bears the obvious marks of having one end pried open, the majority of its contents missing and (one might assume) imbibed by the ropey green bandits.

As for the wagon itself, a cursory examination reveals that damage done to it is minor, and if righted, the vehicle may still be serviceable. Still inside, held by wooden bracing and stout rope, are five more casks, marked in the same manner as the others. For those versed in more epicurean or oenophillic pursuits (or someone whose background has them in taverns a lot), one can point out the words "Fortified Zinnoberrot", indicating an interesting balance to the vintage, and a vineyard name, "Rose River", burned into the barrel staves. As a touch of irony, it might have paired excellently with moderately spiced cannibalism.

In the distance, large herd animal bellowed. The sound of it seemed comically out of place with the surroundings being what they were then.

The day is yours! So far, anyway. There's a lot of daylight left, so... how are you spending it?

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

@Dragoknighte@rivaan@Remipa Awesome@Lewascan2@Sigil

Thank you all, and congratulations for getting our first battle of the game out of the way without too much in the way of hitches. The issue with Reactions hasn't been fully addressed, but I can more forward a little more confident now that when the issue becomes problematic, we can discuss objectively and handle it. Let's get a couple of things out of the way first:

1) We are back into Narrative posting as of now. Regular rules apply.
2) The timer is being reset for everyone. Your seven days start NOW.

I would request that you please do not ride the clock and handle this last minute. If you do, this means I have to as well. If I have to, it's less fun for everyone.

Now, heading off a couple questions which may arise - Arrows spent will go by basic rules on the subject. Half are lost. However, as there were other archers on the scene, restocking shouldn't be an issue. Ongoing spells are toast, so that Bless is gone. If I remember correctly, Bardic Inspiration was used up by Kathryn and Marita. If I'm wrong, hit me up in the Discord and we'll talk rolls before it wears off.

Aaaaaand ...ACTION!

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Battle Map

The Coffin Goblin appears to be all that which remains, hurling himself as fast as its little Goblin feet can go in the direction that it hopes has the most safety. Blood and gore litter the area to the west of the road leading to the Avonshire Township, and the day appears (but that has been deceiving as of late) almost won.

So let's keep this combat update short and sweet, shall we? Our Battle Map has been updated to reflect the new information, and here starts a shiny new round. The ball is in your court, Adventurers.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

@Dragoknighte@rivaan@Remipa Awesome@Lewascan2@Sigil

Okay ladies, gents, and something that rhymes with gents that represents the full complexity of the alphabet mafia, but which I have not the wherewithal at present to announce in any way which sounds catchy, we move onward! make no mistake, we are still in Initiative order. That being said, here is the layout, modified for all the lovely kills you have racked up over the surprise and first combat rounds, respectively.

• Kosara
• Hugh
• Kathryn
• DM
• Marita
• Victoria

Going by Initiative rules present for 5e, @rivaan goes first. Again, you have two days to get your post in, or you will be skipped and the Dodge action will be implemented. As always please tag the next person in the list. Everyone have fun with the cleanup. The new Battle Map is posted in the IC. If there are questions, please drop me a line in the Discord.

Oh! Quick note - if the guy is taken down, tag me. Things will start moving back to Narrative. Thank you, and good hunting.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 16 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: Bless Location: E16 Action: Spell: Shatter Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The fight seemed to be ending without undue and/or unfortunate incident. This was good. The fact that Victoria helped to take point was not exactly what she had in mind for her midday activities, but fate had strange ways of changing plans toward the unexpected. Following the dispatch of the Goblins nearest to her, Victoria took the opportunity to scan the impromptu battlefield around her. It looked like things were over, until Marita let the cat out of the bag. Or the Goblin out of the box, as it were. The itinerant Bard switched back to a more martial posture, such as she was capable of demonstrating, until the utterly comical nature of the retreating Goblin was made apparent. There were those in her group who were closer and more capable of handling this one than her self, and so Victoria allowed herself to relax her posture a little and enjoy the show.

A burst of motion from the corner of her eye brought Victoria turning back to the tree nearest her. At this exact moment, she witnessed the arrow which struck Marita but missed notice of the one which found its home within her flesh. She screamed in pain and surprise, almost dropping her slender sword into the grass and leaves below but managing to hold on. It could be noted that, even in the intense discomfort of taking an arrow, her cry was sublime in pitch and melody. Victoria's involuntary calls of distress, inexplicably, were musical.

Gritted teeth held back the smallest portion of a growling, alto seethe as she crudely removed the arrow from herself. The wound was bad, but not mortal. And Victoria was damned lucky that she didn't leave the arrowhead in there with her ill-advised tugging out of the embedded projectile. It definitely hit a bone. This was not great. Even more troubling than the wound was the amount of blood which issued from it. "Bastards!" she asserted through her teeth, much of her distress apparently aimed at the growing discoloration of her fine garment. Addressing the tree, and inhabitants therein, she continued, "Do you have any idea how much that cost?!?"

This outrage renewed Victoria's vigor, which oddly resulted in her vocalizing notes. Scales ascended and descended, showing off her vocal range as she gradually moved to an higher register, each note wholly separate from the last and yet increasing in speed even as she went up in pitch. the determined look in her eyes kept scanning the tree, but not for the Goblins themselves. If she was right, she wouldn't have to know where they were.

For a second, it seemed like her voice came from two different places - herself and the center of the leafy mass. Victoria stopped vocalizing, while the sound issuing from the tree continued, growing to painful intensity. A stillness pervaded the great arbor, broken quite literally by a sound of splintering and cracking; an explosion of autumnal color flitting outward from the tree in all directions before fluttering to the ground. Then several branches, broken cleanly off as if severed by a sword followed, tumbling to the ground. Then the two Goblins. They had what appeared to be cracks all about their skin, clothing, and armor, spiderwebbing out like an organic stained glass window, eyes fixed and frozen except for one, which was cleanly bisected by such a crack. Their bodies thwacked upon the ground with a wet, meaty sound.

With disgust, Victoria threw the bloody arrow onto the ground in front of the corpses.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Coffin Goblin!

Location: E12 -> E9

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Aw, they look so cute when they're sleeping, don't they? Wait! It's not sleeping! It's not sleeping! Dear sweet and merciful bacon, it's on my face! AaaaAAAaAaArrRrRRRRrrgle!

Alright, so it's not really on anyone's face, but not for a lack of trying. Yes, this was a Goblin who found a spot to sleep it off. The lightly swelling spot on its forehead might be an indicator as to what happened to the coffin lid a moment before. The deranged and highly confused creature gives a faux-innocent grin which exposes a piece or two of poorly cooked person caught between its pointed teeth. In an instant it springs up and gives Marita a mighty shove. Mighty shove! The mightiest, possibly! Wait, no? Okay, nevermind.

Unfortunately, it didn't realize that there was a bit of a size difference, and he wasn't really at his best, so said shove doesn't so much as move Marita more than it might take to fend off the creature with her shield, if even that. Disturbed at the scene of Goblin carnage around, the small bandit takes the opportunity to Disengage and run for it. Just, absolutely haul his potentially doomed, green posterior out of there as quickly as possible. Before anyone could react, it's shoes were already on the road, headed west, screaming up demons in its high-pitched, wiry voice (which you might swear was nothing but profanity even though no one speaks this language) and waving its arms about like a demented Kermit the Frog.

On the other hand, so far as coffins go, this one actually looks fairly comfortable. Perfectly suitable for a very, very loooooong rest.

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Goblin 4 & Goblin 5

Location: Tree!

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The more astute of you might have noticed a discrepancy in the numbers on the map. This was on purpose. In any case, this tiny oversight will be repaid with blood. The tree (specifically, the large one north of the campfire and east of the overturned cart) suddenly rustled with activity, its temporary residents visible for only a moment as ranged attacks were executed. But more to that in a moment. Unlike their colleagues, these two goblins had taken to something of a strategy; their leather armor was plastered with fallen leaves from the foliage of the area and they took to the branches, their lithe and lighter forms better able to maneuver in the branches. Though what they might have used as adhesive might be a question best left unasked.

The duo, silently agreeing that the sight of their erstwhile sleeping companion, Coffin Goblin, running off screaming might just be the best opportunity to launch their counterattack, chose wholeheartedly to do just that. The targets were chosen partly out of tactic and partly out of convenience; the former being the Cleric, Marita, who had demonstrated painful mastery of divine magic which eviscerated two of their companions, and Victoria, who was simply nearby and thusly an easier target.

The first arrow flew from the soft cover of still thick red-orange leaves, shifting its course slightly in the light wind but still making its way to its target. The jagged, irregularly shaped arrowhead found its mark, mailing the Cleric smartly in her center mass with a sudden sharp twinge. Luckily, Marita's armor holds out remarkably, making the attack more of an action that gathered attention.

The second arrow also found its mark, entering Victoria's shoulder in a place where her light armor did not expertly cover. The fletching quivered for a split second as the arrowhead came to an abrupt stop. It might have just settled on something hard underneath her flesh. First blood was drawn against the attackers, and it was drawn from the Bard.

The moment that the arrows made connection, both Goblins issued sinister giggles and disappeared back into the leaves, opting to Hide rather than retreat. Obviously still in the tree, but pinpointing might take a little doing to achieve.

@Sigil - You're up next.