Urben's SKT

Agis doesnt appear to intimidated, seeing as he already has a low opinion on your abilities based on nothing. However he does seem to start to focus, though if that's a result of your attempt at intimidation or simply him getting ready for the fight is unkown. Regardless elf is caught off guard by the sudden attack and he is unable to dodge the incoming blow. Still he manages to avoid being cleaved in half, and the cut he did receive he takes stoically. The Elf quickly leaps into action, rushing forth short sword in hand in a thrusting maneuver aimed for the upper thigh. Zack however simply move out of the way and kicks the blade aside, avoiding the blow. 

Zack couldn't help but snort out loud. Perhaps you've never had a real opponent. Or maybe you're just green.... But for someone so thin, with such a small weapon... You're a hell of a lot slower than I expected.

His weapon being shifted in hand as he danced on the balls of his heels, jumping from one leg to another similar to a boxer. A technique he learned to get the blood flowing, and keep limbs limber. Even as he prepared the blade for his next swing, his taunts continued as he continued playing psychological warfare with the elf. And I'm even beat up while you should be fresh for the fight... But you sure do talk a lot about people you don't know.... the blade twisting in his hands as the grip adjusted itself, and when he felt that familiar 'tug; of friction... the blade came down in a blazing blue arc of fire.... I'm starting to get used to this whole magic thing... The blade comes down in an overhead chop.. only tryign to avoid hittign the elfs head as his intention wasn't to kill the bastard....

Attack: 14 Damage: 8 (rerolling 1 damage die 6) (13 damage IF that 14 hits)

 Agis, now prepared for your attack, ducks out of the way and follows up with another thrust, this time to the chest. However he seems off balance as his sword misses its mark by a good margin. Agis doesn't reply to you, and while it's clear he is trying to ignore you it does appear you are getting under his skin.

The elf thought he'd missed, but rather Zack let it his hit armor. Bouncing off like it was nothing. I suppose that's your best huh? You're pretty weak. The rats I fought in here earlier put up more of a fight. Perhaps the difference between you and I.. Is you fight in ignorance and anger at strangers. While I fight to protect my friends, the people of Nightstone... And the honor an old friend entrusted me. You've already felt that honor once. He was impressed the elf had dodged so deftly, but he was gettign a gauge of this guys abilities, and he wasn't impressed.

Zack shifted around his opponent, switching the blade in his grip so the blunt end would be what struck... as this time... Zack was going to attempt to shatter the elfs knee by hitting it in the direction it wasnt supposed to bend.

Attack: 22 Damage: 8 (no bonus damage since its not a 'slashing' attack)

((OOC - to be clear, Zack is specifically trying to target a limb and do specific damage so i put the attack at disadvantage. and you never specified what the conditions were so i'm rolling under this assumption :P - Also last fight post of the night so the others have a chance to respond etc))

(Edit after posting: HAHAHAHAHA nat 1...)

Agis sees the attack coming and easily manages to jump over the incoming blade. Seeing an opportunity Agis quickly kicks the hilt of the blade while midnair, causing the fighter to loose his grip and sending the blade skidding several feet across the room. The elf then quickly tries to follow up by slashing at Zacks face, but Zack manages dodge backwards and the blade only slices air. Agis grunts in frustration. "Dammit human just shut up already!"

(Right yeah I never found that rule set for limb targeting that I wanted to borrow. Disadvantage works fine for now. And yeah this will be a good stopping point. Besides I'm so tired I'm not really sure I won't fall asleep mid editing. Also Rose would have been so proud.)

Nadia gave up trying to interject between the two men after the duel was accepted, the elf just throwing up her hands in feigned surrender and going off to check on Snigbat and the woman. “You try avoiding a fight...” She grumbles as she pinches the bridge of her nose. It wasn’t to say she didn’t believe Zack couldn’t handle this guy (he most definitely could, especially with those rolls, Urben XD), but it was just a little bit frustrating that this exactly was what she wanted to divert from.

It looked like Nadaar had the goblins somewhat in control, so she just looked over the woman Zack had set down, checking to see if she was okay and if there was something she could do to help.

Medicine: 10

Slightly Earlier:

Rillex sees Wonder staring down at the arrow, appearing more confused than in pain over the arrow. After tugging at the offending piece of wood thoughtless a few times, she looks to Rillex and just shrug. At which point, the arrow falls down, as some "subconscious" part of the specter remembers its malleable and magical nature. If Rillex look of concern hasn't abated after that, she reaches out to pet him. Although from the Tressym's perspective, it feels more like a warm breeze passing over its form from wherever the 'hand' makes contact.

Meanwhile Nadaar, whose expression had hardened abit over Agis' firing orders, but had otherwise not rebuked the elf. Yet. A few moments later, and in response to Gum-Gum's reply, Nadaar subtly nodded, but would just slightly gesture for her hold her ground, as it were, until the fight provided another opportunity. Well, hold it a few steps back from easy accident range from any wild swings. In that moment, he keeps closer to the goblins, though knelt down, clutching his shoulder as if nursing his arm. An act that didn't require much effort on his part to feign, but would also help him shield Snigbat a fair amount more. Totally Incidentally, and just as likely to be totally pointless if the Archer he saw decided to move.

Present:

Seizing another moment to talk now that the Agis was right and properly angered, Nadaar whispers first to Nadia, "Do not mind her. I'll have her in just a moment... and forgive me for any assumptions, Lady Nadia. But, aside from the one or two lurker in the dark, how many more do you think might be waiting nearby to fire?" Whether he receives an answer or not, he whispers something more in goblin. Some of which, having had carried a bit of magic, for Snigbat's wound -- of its own accord, somehow -- pushed the arrow out before knitting itself closed.

Casted Soothing Word at first level on Snigbat, healing 7 HP. 

 After having said all that, he forces himself to stand once more; again, not needing to feign the pause from pain jolting through his body, but eventually standing all the same. "Come now, Mr. Zack. No need for such harsh words!" He lets out a bloody chuckle. "Lord Agis merely wishes to save face, after all. As any noble warrior would! Plenty of which we can /all/ agree has been done. And this matter can yet be settled more peacefully going forward. No further harm to /anyone/, goblin or not. No demands. No revenge. Just magnanimous forgiveness given the extenuating circumstances this one last time." He calls out, hinting at an offer there that he could only hope Agis would take.

"Besides. We all know that Victory would only be tainted for having defeated a man already on his last legs, as it were! A tact beneath an elf of his no doubt noble lineage."

Persuasion: 19.
(If at advantage for... whatever reason: 15.)

Nadia: Daphne appears to be okay physically, just in shock. She could probably be woken up at any time you wanted.

Nadaar: Rillex appears relieved when Wonder doesnt seem phased by the arrow. When the arrow falls out Rillex sniffs it curiously. Wonder goes to pet the Tressym and though it's not the same as being pet by a more corporeal hand Rillex purrs all the same content that all is well. Upon examining Snigbat you find that the Goblin has lost a good amount of blood already. She squirms about in pain, only exacerbating the situation. She let's out a muffled cry pain as the arrow is removed but once the healing magic sets in she seems to calm down. Nadaar then speak to Agis, appealing to his ego and trying to calm things down a bit. Agis looks at Zack intently but relaxes his stance.

"Fine. Your friend is right. It wouldn't be satisfying to beat down and already broken opponent. I'll bring back word about your 'peace talks', but no promises." Agis starts to walk towards the exit but stops at reaching Zacks blade. "I suppose if we are to talk peace you won't be needing this." Agis places a foot on the blade and kicks it, sending it sliding across the floor and into the mud pit where it sinks slowly to the bottom. Agis laughs (evil laugh cuz why not) and continues for the cave mouth, signaling for his scouts to follow. Out of the shadows two more elves emerge and stow their weapons, catching up to their leader and following them. With a wave Agis shouts "See you Nightstone!"

(Unless anyone wants to continue interacting with Agis he simply leaves)

The tumble had surprised Zack, his normally sure grip had failed, allowing the much smaller elf to actually dislodge it from his hands, and send it skidding and sparking across the floor. Likely tarnishing some of the visual polish. Zack was about to rush to get it when Nadaar interjected, interrupting the fight, responding I'm only being harsh cause this elf is effectively a racist. Judges people he doesn't know, on things he doesn't know. Probably wouldn't know it was a farmboy who's been handing him his own ass. If he had been the first elf I had ever met, I'd have a very shitty opinion of them. He's clearly not the greatest his race has to offer. He could learn a thing or two from Nadia. he said in retort to Nadaars comment. It was clear he didn't like this guy. Hopefully for obvious reasons.

However as it seemed the elf was willing to quit, he held his ground instead of pursuing his weapon, for now. An internal smirk at the elfs reasoning for quitting as the elf hadn't really landed any blows, his best feat being disarming his opponent, and while laudable, Zack packed a fairly decent punch too. That internal smirk faded though as the elf continued, thrusting his weapon unceremoniously skidding into the mud... Zacks hand reaching out as if it would help. As the elfs turned around and Zacks heart sank with the treatment of his weapon, his reaching out going beyond what he was aware of, and just as the blade made it halfway into the mud, it vanished... reappearing in his hands.... as if it had never left. (DM may decide if its covered in mud or if the teleportation negated it)

Zack is caught off guard momentarily before regaining his composure.. simultaneously glad the sword wasn't stuck at the bottom of the stinky ogre pit... and while unsure of exactly how it happened.. he .. for the moment, chalked it up more to his burgeoning powers.

Finally shouting back to the elf in parting. Yeah, we'll see you there.... jackass. Just remember, you quit first, which means you lost the duel. There are no draws.

Agis is already halfway out the cave when Zacks blade is teleported back to him, half the blade covered in mud but otherwise fine. To Zacks final shouts Agis simply raises his middle finger in the air until he has walked out of the cave and is out of sight. With the fighting and arguing done the cave finally goes semi quiet, only the sounds of dripping water echo throughout the cave.

Gum-Gum approaches Nadaar and point to the north eastern most tunnel. "Humans there. Gum-Gum gather others. Prepare to leave. No want elves to come back." Gum waits just long enough for Nadaar to give any further instructions before heading odd to the south western tunnel with a few of the other Goblins.

Snigbat wipes her tears away as she has calmed down, now certain she is not likely to die. Thanking Nadaar for the healing she then runs off to catch up with the others as they prepare to move homes. You are free to explore the cave as you see fit (I'll post a full map shortly)

Nadia's attention diverted from the napping Daphne to the duel after she did a quick look over the woman, holding back a few laughs at Agis missing literally everything on Zack. "I see why my sister dumped him. Not only is he a racist jerk wad, he can't hit shit to save his life." The elf mutters to herself, shaking her head in disappointment returning back to the woman, only to be drawn to Nadaar when he approaches her. She looks to where the arrows had been shot, and shrugs. "Probably, like, two. Three, tops..." (This probably doesn't matter now anyways XD)

The elf watches Nadaar easily diffuse the situation, she finally being able to breathe a sigh of relief as she was half expecting to have to fight once again if things got even more sour than they had already gotten. She gets up from her spot on the ground, heeding to Nadaar's word that he would take care of her. Probably wouldn't have been a good idea for her to wake up in the middle of a fight anyways. Certainly didn't need her to end up taking a dirt nap once again. Nadia slowly makes her way over to Zack as her deep brown eyes glare holes into the back of the elven males back as he departed. "I'm glad my sister broke his heart," She comments with a scowl. "Pompous elves like him give the rest of us bad names. Wasn't even cute. Natasha what the hells were you thinking."

Her gaze on Agis is drawn over to Zack, as at the corner of her peripherals she sees the sword be summoned back into his hands. She looks at the fighter with an impressed expression crossing her visage. "Look at you, mister magic hands, didn't even need to go mud diving for your sword," She jests with a smirk, her tone then getting just a little bit more serious. "... How are you feeling?"

Zack didn't quite falter. She had healed the most grievous of his woulds before he had come out of the tunnel. Yeah, sorry for pickin another fight but I didn't like him at all. That and.. It was a chance to secure a chance for what we originally came to Nightstone for. So I got to show him he wasn't quite as high on the horse as he thought he was, and potentially just secured relations between the elves and Nightstone. So I call this a win win. Other than my sword gettign messy. And yeah.. But don't worry, My opinion of you is still good. I know every race has some bad apples. And you're too sexy to hate. He focused on responding to her initial comments before addressing the latter as he wiped the mud from his blade using his arm to slough it off. 

When it was clean to satisfaction, he'd finally holster it, before replying, as Nadaar was giving out orders. Hey, Nadaar, we should probably scope the place out fully since we technically 'cant come back' may as well be thorough. Ask the goblins whats in the other places.

Then, finally looking up to Nadia walking around her as he responded, shifting his arms and legs as if to test their durability.. Well... I didn't know I could do that until just now... And Besides, I'm sure you'd love to see me covered in mud, probably make a snarky comment.... the blue haze of his eyes was turning mischievous As for how I'm doing.. Well I'm not one hundred percent, but i'm mostly just sore. even as he said it, he had started to make his way behind Nadia, eyes locked to hers intently To be honest..... I'm feeling good enough to do this... a bright smile flashes across his face, whether because this situation had more or less ended well, outside of the one casualty they were aware of or perhaps .. what he was about to do. His palm rising up to smack her ass with just enough force to be felt but not hurt, just before he would dash towards the northeast portion, where Gummybear had said the humans were located, looking behind him to see if he was being chased, regardless, laughing, clearly in a good mood.

If there was one thing Nadia liked about Zack was that even despite situations like these, he always found a way to make the tone lighter, sometimes even playful. Being surrounded by the weight of a problem would be suffocating, having people who didn't know how to jest at the right moments in time would be just enough to kill her on its own. He knew when times were serious and times where he could mess around and have fun, and with the comment (compliment?), instead of giving him a quizzical look, she cracks a smile. "A real papi chulo you are, ah?" She chuckles lightly with a shake of her head, shifting her weight on one leg. "And don't apologize. It was fun seeing him get knocked down a few pegs and miss everything on you. He's worse than me when it comes to close combat..."

Speaking of, I should probably ask him to train me a bit in that respect... She says to herself as she observes him clean his blade and address Nadaar quickly, watching a little too closely at how his arm muscles would tense and strain even at doing such a mundane task. Nadia forces her gaze back on his when he begins to stretch though, hoping to the Gods above he didn't notice her staring. 

When he got close to her though, with a playful glint in his eyes, she couldn't help but raise a brow, unbeknownst to her why exactly he was looking at her that way until she felt his hand give her a firm slap on her ass. There was a yelp of surprise that made it past her lips when it happened, and before she could really do anything, he had ran off. Of course she chases after him, all the while shouting: "¡Regresa aquí! ¡Veamos cómo te gusta que te den una palmada!" (Get back here! Let's see how you like to be slapped!)

Nadaar just nods appreciatively at Nadia's assessment, and would later look to her with an appreciative grin when proven right. The whole time Zack is explaining himself, the corner of Nadaar's eyes is twitching. 'Shutupshutupshutupshupt!' He thought furiously while wearing a pained yet mostly placid smile. Once the elf is good and gone(for the moment, at least), Nadaar lets out a deep exhale, which then transforms into a bloody cough. Any attempts  to check on him are promptly waved away. But with his focus elsewhere, if only briefly, he doesn't see Zack's teleporting trick. Eventually, the Dragonborn has to sit down altogether, and give his bruised ribs a rest. During that time, Torchbearer Wonder had wondered over to stand beside the disgruntle Dragonborn.

"Hn... You did well, Gum-Gum. If you or the others know of Ogre Stash. You see to it you take before leaving. Other than that..." Nadaar's reply to Gum-Gum is cut short at a thought. "For what it worth, Ms. Gum-Gum. I'm sorry for all the trouble we caused ya. Couldn't be help if we want villagers back. But..." He shrugs haplessly and pats her on the shoulder. "Will your people be willing to work with humans? So you maybe live in nightstone? Might take convincing, but Nadaar help with that if want." He inquired. If the answer is a negative, he'd suggest then head in the exact opposite of the forest in the future. "And maybe not kidnap people in future, hm? I'd hate for Gum-Gum and Snigbat's pretty face come to harm." He smiles a toothy but mysterious smile.

Broken from his train of thought by Zack's request, Nadaar repeats it in goblin to Gum-Gum and Snigbat, knowing it to be likely easier to understand. "Ah, and... one more thing. Er.. hm... Snigbat, my dear. Or maybe Gum-Gum? Whoever... here. A final gift from me to you all." He takes out 16 dragons and roughly divides it between the two. "Don't know how much these will do you. Don't know if Hark has other treasure too. But thought if not. Maybe at least Clan can have these for road ahead." At that, he listened to all the say in turn, and if still eager to move out sooner than later, bids the goblins goodbye with a final two fingered salute.

Zack and Nadia run off giggling like children in a playground while Nadaar sits to rest his no doubt bruised and broken bones. Wonder wanders over with Rillex in town and Rillex jumps on Nadaars chest, likely causing some pain,  and starts to lick his face to try and make him feel better. When Gum-Gum is asked about working with the humans she hesitantly looks over to the tunnel leading to the foo-human pen. "Humans probably mad. Kill goblins before work with. Probably best if they no see us. We stay out of way, wait for humans to leave. Then we head north." Snigbat nods in agreement and promises "No more kidnapped people. Only make people want kill tribe anyway." 

Once asked about what else in the cave Gum-Gum points at the various passages starting with the Northern tunnel and moving clockwise. "Big hole in ground, cut off from tunnel. Not explore that way, not sure where lead. That tunnel (northeast) lead to humans, humans in pen. Many bats too, keep humans from leaving if make noise." at that point Gum-Gum seems to remember Zack and Nadia heading that direction, making a lot of noise "shit!" she cries and runs off calling out tonget Zack and Nadias attention to hopefully warn them not to make noise in the tunnel.

Snigbat laughs nervously before picking up where Gum-Gum left off. "Hehe... sure they be fine. Ah...umm..anyway. That tunnel (eastern) forbidden. Leads to clean pool of water. But The Blob lives in water. Killed many goblins Hark forbade other from entering after several deaths. Also connect to another tunnel. Tunnel go down for many miles. We not find end of it before scouts turned back. Not sure if go anywhere. That tunnel (southwest) Where tribe sleeps. Not many warriors left after elves attack. Just the ones out here. Everyone in that tunnel to weak for fighting. That tunnel (west) lead to pool of water. Water is poison, make you sick if drink. But clean water too dangerous so we only drink bad water. Also connect to Harks, but you know already." 

Ending the verbal tour of the cave there, as the only remaining tunnel goes direct to Harks old abode. If not needed Snigbat will head to the Goblin Warren's to start gathering her people and to remain out of sight when the humans leave the cave.

Meanwhile: Zack and Nadia run up to the northeast section of cave. Nadia chasing the bold fighter but clearly the scene is light hearted and playful. Zack finally reaches the tunnel entrance and looking back to Nadia sees a worked up Gum-Gum waving her arms in the air frantically  trying to get their attention. When Gum catches up she gives the explanation that the tunnel Is infested with bats, that any loud noice will make them frenzy and that could put themselves as well as the prisoners in danger. After catching her breath Gum offers to lead the way so long as everyone remains quiet.

Slightly earlier:

No idea what that means, but I'll take it. It doesn't sound like an insult! he said scratching his nose with the length of his finger at her last comment, taking a moment to consider...

During the chase:

Zack runs around the pillars, having had just enough of a head start to keep the lead. Going around the rock to the north, since he didn't know which way would be faster. He was laughing like a friendly maniac "haha hahaaha" etc. Unbeknownst to him behind them that Nadaar had coughed up a lung. A bit too caught up in the moment. As she began shouting in Spelvish, he just shrugged, having no clue what she said, and as he gets around the corner and out of immediate sight...., he 'readies a grapple' to grab her by the waist, knowing they still had to get the villagers out of here, but wanting to take just one more moment.

If not resisted or contested....

as he came barreling around the corner, he would grip her in a way that spins her once before pulling her in. at the hip, pressing just a little close. before saying If you want some... his face pressing closer... give you... his nose pressing to hers Some pointers about....  his lips just an inch from hers, eyes locked on intensely Close combat... he held himself there unless otherwise pushed letting it linger for several long seconds before attempting to let her go in a way that wouldn't cause her to fall, offering her a something between a smirk and a genuine smile

Chasing after Zack brought her back to a simpler time when she would run after her sister in the forests surrounding their village, either playing tag or simply racing against one another, and it brought a joyous expression across her face. Even despite her annoyed tone of voice, she was grinning and laughing, not realizing Nadaar was probably gonna keel over in just a second. They'd cross that bridge when they got to it.

The elf loses sight of him when he rounds the corner, expecting him to have kept running down the tunnel, but to her surprise he was right there waiting for her. There was no resistance (as with her noodle arms, there really was no point in doing so), her eyes widening as her spun her, his arms catching her and bringing her in close. Nadia froze in her boots, her face flushing red as panic shot itself through her entire body. She wasn't expecting this- how close he was to her (how warm he felt), how he kept inching closer to her (how close their bodies were pressed up against the others), how it seems as if he was leaning in to kiss her--

But, in her panic, she sticks out her tongue and licks his nose. It was childish, but it was something she did a lot when she was younger and boys got too close to her face. Boys were scared of cooties, but Zack wasn't a boy. He was a man. A handsome stupid man. A man who tasted like sweat and dirt with just a hint of blood added into the mix. She wrinkled her nose at the taste, her cheeks still tinted pink when he lets her go. "I know I need a bath, but you need one more than me. Bleh... But about that offer--"

Before she  could get too into it, Gum-Gum approaches the duo. As she listens to the goblins explanation, her mouth forms an 'o' in sudden understanding, soon quietly apologizing for the noise. She follows behind her, stepping as quietly as she could as to not disturb what lies in the darkness.

(This is Nadaar for most of the ongoing scenes:

Nadaar catches the resulting bloody cough in his throat, but a trickle of blood still slips out the corner of his mouth while petting Rilex. "You silly Tressym." He says with a chuckle to his voice, before Snigbat and Gum-Gum's replies draw his attention back to them. "If we kill Blob. Clan can get water though.... Hm... Well Snigbat. You tell others that Nadaar will try to change Humans opinions. Even if only a little. Then, if you need come back to Nightstone much much later. Because you find not good home in north. Maybe... maybe they willing to work with Goblins then. But no promises."

Nadaar faintly smiled at Snigbat. "I won't hold you up any longer. Go to your people. And if we do take care of Blob. You can gather water from there before you leave." Having said that, a strange look crosses his features, before he tries pulling Snig into a quick hug. "Good fortunes, fair travels, and May Hlal bless you with more uplifiting times." He said as he found a stalagmite to rest against, and try to take a short rest. 

Once again, Wonder wanders off, set on the course of finding and providing light for Zack. In her place, Nadaar breaks out a pieace of woven together wood, summoning forth a spirit of light. Only this time it takes the shape of a female hobgoblin figure, pretending to brush his head a she rested.

Zack could help but be enjoying himself despite everything. it had been a long time since he was last able to... just do something. On the farm when he wasn't doing his chores, he would play around with the local kids, or listen to tales of adventurers and soldiers passing through. It was a simpler time, before everything. He felt her all but melt into the pull, which did shock him, that fact coming through his expression for a moment before the pulling began and encroaching commenced. Zack himself felt a bit embarrassed, having expected a small rejection, but his mood only brightening more when it hadn't. His intention to tease her a bit, and see how she reacted....

As their faces got closer, he could feel her warmth where his glove didn't hide it. Along the inside of his forearm,  and the heat radiating from her face as he got closer. His eyes could see every bit of her features.. the couple moles dotting her face, the thicker lips.. likely part of her races features, his eyes were drawn to them for a moment. She didn't pull away.... he thinks to himself as he admires just how attractive she was up close. He had never really taken the time to  look before. He had seen her, and knew he found her attractive but he had never ...actually... looked... And just in that moment a wet appendage drug across his nose, bringing  him back to reality and crashing his thoughts where they stood.

Blinking once before Gummy approaches, his eyes darting between Gum and Nadia to see if being caught like that had any effect on her with a smiling-smirk, however, after Gumgum told them of the dangers of being loud, he would say Perhaps you should head in? I'm not the quietest even when I'm trying, but I'll stay close enough that if they do get spooked.. I can help. grabbing her by the shoulder, softly, as his fingers wrapped around it pulling himself close to her pointed ear,  and whispering even softer, a faint gravel to the tone And if we both need a bath.... maybe we should take it together~ his smile wide as he pulled back - leaving it at that.