The militia and nearby monks fought the remaining goblins. Most of the attackers were either slain or escaped the battle with their pillaged loot. It was spring and most of the town's stores were bare, but the goblins took what they could and left.
Fyrisvellir puzzled over the battleground while Tank looted. The goblins greatly outnumbered the towns defenders. If they properly planned their attack they could have easily overwhelmed them. Most looked thin and bony. She guessed they hadn't eaten for awhile. From the spike motifs and grey color of their equipment she could tell they were from the mountains. Heldann was a far ways off for these particular goblins. Tornic would have been an easier spot for them to raid.
"That was great ! ", said Tank. " Fighting back to back, against overwhelming odds. That's what I'm talking about! "
His half elf companion did not share the knight's enthusiasm. He cleaned his bastard sword before sheathing it , while he examined the bodies. " They attacked out of desperation. They are far away from their normal territory. Some of them aren't even equipped to be raiders. Notice their heavy armor. It seemed the whole tribe was displaced. The town's lax militia most likely presented them an easy target. They seized it , performed a quick raid , and left with what they could. "
Fyris was pleasantly surprised at Agni's deductions. She hadn't expect such astute observations from either of the warriors.
"Don't forget to add, they got their butts kicked! ", quipped Tank.
Fyris expected that response from Tank however. Despite being several years older then her, he seemed the most immature of the three.
Tank proceeded with the grisly task of collecting skulls. Fyris frowned upon such crass practices while with the army. She knew some Royal Rangers that collected trophies when they killed a great foe, and she could understand that. However, the knight was collecting these common heads for pay. She knew that was the path of the adventure, a path she was reluctantly forced on, but the behavior still seemed crude to her. She thought she would never collect a head for payment.
Agni trusted his companion with his task, and he traced the trail of bodies to the gate. Fyris followed to see what other observations could be gleaned. The warrior mage examined the fierce battle scene he found there. "It seemed they used bugbear assassins and goblin rogues to overwhelm the defenders by surprise. They used a signal of some sort, to summon the main band. " He looked around a bit more, and found a large burned out metal torch. It was in the shape of a stylized bat, it had fallen in battle . Agni looked at it, and passed it Fyris. "Pass that to Tank would you."
Fyris bristled at being ordered so casually, but she obeyed his command and took the heavy torch to the knight. She struggled with lifting the heavy item, she was fit but knew strength wasn't one of her strong points. She relied more on speed and skill to dispatch opponents. She wore a breast plate and had a heavy shield, but they were made of star metal. A deceptively strong but light material. She heard others called it by different names such as Halfling silver, and mithral .
Tank took the torch and placed it into a bag. The bag seemed to swallow the mass and size of the torch effortlessly. Fyris had seen such bags used by supply sergeants in the army, but had never seen a civilian use one. Tank saw her surprise, and placed the bag over his face. His head seemed to be swallowed by the bag as he mockingly made wild gestures as he tried to feel his own head. Fyris sneered at his antics, but then Tank suddenly fell over twitching. Agni bounded to his friend and yanked the bag off.
"GASSSSSPPP", Tank said, as he sucked in air. His face was blue, and the veins on his skins were clearly visible. " Oh remind me not to play with bags of holding on my head from now on. "
"I have, I hope this third time the lesson will stick!", Agni said shaking his head.
The trio met the captain of the militia and presented them with the skulls of their attackers. The officer had to get a soldier to return to the main office twice until he had enough funds to pay them. He didn't seem to mind though, he knew from their bounty that these three's actions had prevented a much greater disaster from befalling the small town.
Tank negotiated one silver for every gold worth of equipment they scavenged. Fyris didn't think that was fair, but upon reflection thought it would be hard to liquidate so much gear themselves. Combined with the bounty , and the odd coins the goblins had, they came out with 200 gold a piece. Not great, thought Fyris but it was a good start.
Tank had efficiently stripped the corpses of all their valuables. He said it was a skilled he learned from following his brother. To survive he often had to scavenge what his brother and his comrades left behind.
"Did you have a problem with your brother? Or did he have a problem with you? You seem capable enough , why didn't you just travel with them?", asked Fyris shocked at Tanks story.
"Whoa, are you from a different world or something?", Tank said truly shocked by her question.
Agni told Fyris and Tank, that he had a cleric lined up. A capable woman he met at the start of his mercenary career. They hadn't seen each other for awhile but they occasionally kept correspondence. Fyris could tell by the way he talked about her that they were once romantically linked. Tank crudely inquired if she was a babe...Agni left the question unanswered, but the twinkle in his eye was the only answer Fyris required.
They waited one more day at the inn, till Agni's friend arrived the next evening.
The cleric in question was an average height woman with a lean muscular physique. She wore a simple scale tunic, and wielded a long spear and shield. Fyris could tell from her shield's insignia that she was a cleric of the Order of Linel, the god of valor and heroes. Linel wasn't as popular as Mirrodin ,Nirrodin and Rawk, but he was just as respected none the less.
As she approached, Fyris could see the woman was much older then she imagined. She guessed she was in her early 50s. She had greyish ash blond hair in a pixie cut and slight visible wrinkles around her eyes . Despite her aged appearance , she looked like she was in remarkably good shape. She didn't possess the extra weight or sag of old age .
Agni didn't seem to react at all to her appearance , he had a big smile and hugged the cleric. "Sasha! You missed all the action ! You look great!"
The cleric glared at him playfully, " Liar! It's still good to see you. You...you haven't changed. Not one bit. How's your shrew of a sister, I'm surprised she's not here. You two seemed attached to the hip ", she half joked.
Agni rolled his eyes, " Surry is fine. She's as bitter as always. Last I saw her she was still angry at mother, angry at our village, angry at life in general. She's following our father now! I hope he can suffer her cheerfulness for the next little while."
Sasha seemed surprised ," You found your father! That's wonderful news. I didn't think you two were actively looking for him. "
Agni looked sheepish at her comment, " It was kind of an accident. A one in a million encounter, a chance meeting. He's a great guy though. I've fought with him, he's a genuine hero ! He promised to help me out and he kept his pledge! He sent me this blade and even some funds to start this expedition. "
Sasha seemed satisfied, "Well of course he's a hero. Look at the way his son turned out. We could only be so lucky if all his children grew up to be heroes."
Fyris rolled her eyes. Heroes weren't born they were made, she thought. She quickly tired of Agni gushing over his father. She didn't know the entire story but it sounded like he abandoned his mother and her children. What type of hero is that?
Agni blushed and looked at his old friend . Their eyes met and an unspoken exchange passed between them. Agni hesitated ,it appeared he wanted to touch her but she turned away. "Look at us talking like old gossips. Oh wait. .. I am an old gossip! Hey, who are your friends ? ", offered Sasha as she refocused her attention.
Tank mockingly snored... "ZzzzzZzz...Oh are you two done babbling yet? I'm Tank . Knight of the Crab. Survivor of the Taer plains, Veteran of the Great Host, the siege of McDunnalds and countless other battles. I'm the baddest knight this side of my brother. This is Bloodshadow, she's a big fat liar but she moves like the wind, and pretty handy with the blade."
Fyris glared at the rude Knight. " Bloodshadow at your service. ". She hated that moniker, but didn't feel the need to tell these companions of convenience her real name.
Sasha was taken back by the pairs introductions, but responded politely. " I am Sasha the White. I'm a warrior maiden of Linel. I hope our expedition proves successful and honorable."
The cleric waved at the door, and a small hooded and cloaked figure walked in. The figure smoothly slid on the ground, and almost seemed to float. " This is our fifth member. Svikki from Glantri. "
The small figure took off her hood and revealed a stark white face and hair. Her features seemed made of ice, but they looked fair and friendly. " Greetings, I came at behest of my friend Sasha. I am a ice halfling from the mage realm of Glantri. I am a skilled sage and have been on many adventures. "
Fyris jumped to her feet and drew her blade. " Careful! Its an ice mephit! Beware their icy breath, and their ability to summon more of their fell kind!"
Svikki's frozen cheeks blushed and she seemed embarrassed at the paladin's reaction. Sasha stepped in front of the sage and blocked any possible attack from the paladin.
Tank slowly put his gauntleted fingers on Fyris's blade and slowly pushed it down. "Careful...careful...we're all friends here. I don't know where you're from, but that's an ice halfling. You know halflings right? Sometimes called hobbits. Cheerful little guys, like to stuff their face with pie, enjoys smoking barely legal drugs, dance and sing, throws artifacts into volcanoes. All around good guys. Remember we're good guys too...we go after goblins, orcs, gnomes, giants...we protect elves , halflings , dwarves, humans..."
Fyris looked at not only her companions but at the rest of the now on the edge inn. She slowly sheathed her blade , apologized and retreated in embarrassment back to her room. She wondered how mephits could pass for halflings in this strange place. This world was truly bizarre.
Tank poured a drink to the shaken sage. "Don't mind her, she's just jumpy cuz she's sexually frustrated right now. She wants a piece of the Tank but everyone knows that's against the adventurer code."
Agni and Sasha glanced briefly at each other when Tank mentioned the code. They turned away just as quickly.
Agni laid out the few maps he had of the area. "Our final destination is , depending on the region you are from, the Broken or Shattered Mountains . As you all know , its the monster infested mountain range between Tornic and Grom City. The main roads are heavily patrolled, but unfortunately we are headed deeper into the range. "
Tank dug around in his pack, and drew out an ivory scroll tube. He opened it and took out an ancient map. "The pyramid of Dow Mow. ", he said proudly.
Sasha looked puzzled, "We are seeking a pyramid , in the middle of the mountains? Aren't they typically in the desert?"
Svikki's hands shook at she examined the map. "This map ...its authentic. And your translation is correct...its the pyramid of Dow Mow.", she silently read more inscriptions and then turned to her friend.
"Its true, most pyramids of the later dynasty's are found in deserts , but by no means is that the only place they are found. Ancient zigguarats are known to be located in jungles . Recently a submerged pyramid was found in a swamp by Melonville, close to Vorin Narg. Some have even been found atop towering plateaus. This particular pyramid is quite exciting indeed. From the inscription it was created by the last member of the First Dynasty of pharaohs. These ancient rulers preceded even the Empire of the Dawn. Their empire stretched across the known world. From the Malaghepi swamp to ...apparently the Broken Mountains. The size of their empire was truly staggering. "
The sage read more of the inscription, and frowned when she noticed parts were too badly worn " It says something about this particular pyramid being used as a storage or something. Most likely a storage for their dead. The most common use of pyramids were tombs or massive channeling devices to control latent magical energies. A sort of cap for invisible magical energy lines."
"Boring...get on with the treasure part." , yawned Tank.
Svikki ignored the knight's demands and continued ," The first dynasty was known to be a terrible blight on the world. Despite their impressive achievements , their empire was built on the life and death of countless slaves . They waged constant war on their weaker neighbors. They engaged in blood sacrifices and they were the first people to make pacts with evil outsiders. As I said before, Dow Mow was the last of the dynasty. Pharaoh Dow Mow was the most war like and increased his empire's size to staggering proportions till civil war tore it apart upon his death. His father was the equally evil Cow Mow. He was known to be a master demonologist. It was said he made many pacts with the vile demon lord Baphoment. His great grandfather was Aow Mow, widely regarded as the worlds first necromancer. "
"What about his grandfather? ", asked Agni.
The ice halfling shook her head,"It is a curse to utter his forgotten name. He was the most vile and evil of the four, and created many terrible artifacts. His name is said to still have great power. To utter his name is like uttering the lord of Torremor's name. "
Tank mused " Hmmmm...Dow Mow...Cow Mow...skip a pharoh ...then Aow Mow...I wonder what his hidden name could be? Rumplestlskin Mow? Bigsexy Mow? Chairman Mow? "
The newly formed group ventured off promptly the next day. Tank and Agni had their own mounts, Sasha and Fyris however didn't. Agni debated purchasing them mounts, but chose against it. The groups expedition funds were quite limited. As soon as they reached Tornic, they would have to abandon their steeds anyways. Sasha rode with Tank, while Fyris rode with Agni. Tank offered to trade partners, but the other three didn't reply back to him. Fyris liked Tank the least of her new companions, and Agni and Sasha decided it best to keep their relationship professional. Svikki used her magic and created wings of ice from her cloak, and flew along with them.
"She didn't actually create those wings you know. ", said Fyris out of hearing range of the sage. " She just folded her wings along her back when not in use and calls it a cloak."
"That makes no sense, if she already had wings, why would she walk all the time.", answered Tank unimpressed with her logic.
Agni figured it would take two or three days to get to Tornic. The road snaked through an area called the Slay plains, and monsters were known to frequently attack travelers there. Sasha asked if it would have been more prudent to wait for a caravan and journey with them. Tank reply was simple, if they couldn't travel alone then they might as well give up being adventurers.
On the second night , Fyris was awaken by the faint smell of smoke. She knew they were in no danger, the smell was far away. The paladin saw Sasha was awake and alert on guard. She motioned for the cleric to be silent as she slowly began scanning the horizon. Her sharp eyes spotted several faint fires miles away. She pointed her discovery to Sasha and they promptly awoke their comrades.
"Yawnn... its probably merchants", said an annoyed Tank.
"No...they are too far away from the main road. I'm guessing from the amount of camp fires there's over 50 of them, maybe even 100. ", answered Fyris clinically.
"I checked, she's correct there's around 90 of them", said Svikki as she flew down from the sky.
Agni nodded, "Its the goblins, I'm sure of it. They're the only band in this area of that size."
"So what? They don't know we're here. Let's get to sleep and alert the guard when we reach Tornic.", Tank replied groggily.
"No...the last time they attacked Heldann it was because they were desperate. They are supplied now, the next time they attack ...things will get ugly for that town. ", Agni said shaking his head.
"Despite their militia's increased vigilance, I doubt their gate has been fully repaired. And they're missing their best defenders." , Sasha said while smiling at Agni.
Tank missed her smile, and thought she was referring to himself, "Yup, that's true. The old tankster aint around to save those wine merchants. Guess its time to play the hero again."
Fyris fought many goblins before. She knew the key to defeat them was to break their morale." Listen, I've battled these creatures many times before, this is what we're going to do." She quickly outlined her plan in her most authoritative voice. To her surprise , her companions listened intently to her plan , even Tank.
The goblins were still celebrating their raid from a few nights ago. They had suffered many major setbacks recently. Even their victorious raid was costly. All that was forgotten now, they were well fed and ready for action once again. Khazor their chieftain thought a couple of attacks against the caravans that traveled this area would be their next most likely targets. The treasure and the slaves they would gain would serve them well. His scouts reported several ruins far to the north east of here. A good place to reestablish his tribe. The prey here was weak and plentiful. He wondered why his people struggled for so long in the mountains . In the mountains they were constantly fighting for survival. Against beasts, against other tribes, even against the humans. The humans near the pass were a lot tougher then the weaklings they had found up here. They should have moved here years ago.
"Bree Yark Bree Yark...", a goblin cried as he pointed off to the dark horizon. Khazor stood up and looked. It was a bat shaped fire, his tribe's signal fire. Why in the abyss was it doing there? Were his scouts lost? Were they in trouble? Maybe it was a trap?
The large crafty goblin growled a bestial roar. The other goblins knew their chieftain meant buisness. He indicated to two of his brothers to take some goblins and investigate. They growled beast like and changed from goblins to large bestial goblin wolves. They howled in the air, as goblins and worgs scrambled at their command. Within a few minutes two dozen wolves and goblin riders sped to investigate the signal.
Khazor grinned, he half expected stragglers from his raid to return. Regular goblins were so stupid and easy to control . He was a barghest, a demon goblin, and it was his right to rule over his lesser kin. He could easily see his brethren getting confused after their rushed raid. He gleefully smiled as he entertained thoughts of stripping them of their loot, and punishing them for their incompetence. Maybe a duel to the death between two of them, or maybe a good old fashioned lashing.
*Thunk*
Khazor fell backwards and looked at his chest. He saw an intricate glowing arrow imbed in his chest. His head spun as the delicate arrow had struck with the force of a sledge hammer. He howled in anger at this inconvenience.
*Thunk...Thunk...Thunk*
3 more arrows landed in a tight grouping in his chest. Khazor was as tough as a giant, and his hide could turn aside most blows, but these arrows tore into him like spears into a kobold. His head began to grow light , he looked for his hidden attacker, but was greeted with a savage war cry. He turned to his shaman for healing magic , but he saw him brutally cut down by a large armored human . A shorter human directed a spectral spear, which floated and danced in the air. It attacked his archers mercilessly. A band of his bugbears charged the humans, but were engulfed in fire.
Khazor did not observe their fate, he could only think of survival right now. He used his magic and vanished from sight. It was painful to transform, but he managed anyways. The arrows tore at his chest as he changed shape. He dashed into the tall grass, and decided to wait the battle out. If his side was victorious he would return in triumph. If they fared poorly he would slink off into the darkness, and rebuild.
From the grass, he was shocked as he watched the battle. His followers were thrown into confusion after he fled the battle. Their will to fight was gone. Their morale left as quickly as their leader had. What was more shocking was the number of their attackers. Khazor only counted three. He thought there was much more, from the ferocity of their attack he expected at least 30. After their initial assault his followers could have easily overwhelmed them. He wanted to bark orders to them, but he thought it more prudent to wait in silence. About half his goblins quickly fled the battle, even though the attackers only slew 10 in their initial attack. After the first fiery burst of magic, the fight seemed a lot closer. The humans fought well, but he knew his brothers would return soon to dispatch them.
"Hidden from sight, but not hidden from my blade...", a feminine voice said in rough goblin next to Khazor. The invisible demon wolf turned to see the source, but only saw a flashing silver blade. He whined and yipped as the blade tore through his side. He panicked and tried to open a dimensional portal, but the blade flashed once again into his throat.
As Khazor laid dieing. He only caught a fleeting glance of a cloaked figure appearing from the tall grass with her blade bloodied by his black blood.
The battle was close, but they were victorious. After their initial surprise attack, half the goblins fled. Their entire plan depended on Bloodshadow slaying or driving off their leader, and the paladin kept her word. Her blessed arrows hammered her evil prey. The remaining goblins fought fiercely, but their morale was broken when the head of their leader was thrown into their midst.
There was no time to celebrate though, the adventurers finished off the slower goblins then hid back into the grass. The first group of mounted goblins returned, but were surprised when a magical web appeared around them. Agni had miscalculated his spell, and only a few were caught. It was enough though. Tank, Sasha and Fyris cut down the trapped riders and their mounts as they struggled in the magical binds. The remaining goblins and wolves fled into the night.
Svikki flew into the camp, she had waited by the torch and lit it a few miles away. She flew as fast as she could to the camp, but the battle was over when she arrived. The sight of the celebrating humans and half elf told her that the paladin's plan had worked.
She circled the camp to make sure the goblins weren't planning a counter attack, but found no signs of their opponents.
"All went well I take it?", asked the returning Sage.
"The goblins are scattered and leaderless now. We have their supplies, I doubt they will be able to mount another raid like they did. ", observed Agni.
"Linel favors the valorous , brave, and the well prepared.", Sasha intoned as she healed the wounds of Tank.
"I thought cutting the heads off your foes was beneath the mighty Bloodshadow?", asked a celebrating Tank. Despite being healed by the cleric, the knight was busy engaging in one of his favorite pastimes, looting.
"Cutting heads off for money offends me. Cutting heads off to strike terror in my foes, well that's another story.", said the paladin as she searched the battlefield and calmly recovered her arrows. Her matter of fact attitude to her terror tactics came as a shock to her new companions.
"Well I guess with a name like Bloodshadow, you can't be expected to play nice.", quipped a happy Tank.