Searat

Goblins of the Wilds

Griz's vision was swimming and his breathing was getting more and more ragged as he went along. The adrenaline had long past and now the goblin's stride devolved into a limping gait. The numerous cuts he sustained from the pursuit had stopped bleeding but he was almost sure that the mud, even now that it dried upon his body and clothing, would risk infection if he didn't get clean soon. Worst of all was the swelling in his left ankle and the constant throbbing pain where the orc punched him. Likely a sprain and a couple fractured ribs; injuries that were far from fatal but were very painful to endure. He wasn't sure how much longer could he keep this up.

Finally, a light in the distance sparked hope in his heart. He was near. So close to safety and security, yet it all seemed so far. Griz mustered all that remained of his strength contained in his battered little body and pushed on to the task's completion.

---

A goblin with a stone-tipped spear lazily looked onto the darkness of the forest ahead of him, it had been hours since anything of interest happened and that was when he saw a young hunter, he thinks his name was Breden, limping after a botched hunt. Other than that? It was just the boring usual of seeing goblins going in and out and maybe seeing a funny looking cloud in the sky. He prayed to the gods for something exciting to happen. And he got his answer in the form of a bloodied and beaten dirt-caked goblin that carried a burlap sack. "Griz? What in the nine hells happened to you?!" He asked in mild panic while rushing to help the battered goblin, it was very rare for him to see Griz this messed up. Hells, even earlier today he saw him chatting with another guard and he didn't worse for wear at the time. "Got...into some trouble...but got some great loot...in return." Griz tried to smile, but all he produced was a tired wince. The burlap sack was finally released from his grip and its contents spilled out to be seen under the torchlight. There were a number of precious gems, varying from amethysts to opals, and some human coins that looked like silver but were much shinier.

Though the most eye-catching items were the pair of runed short swords of Dwarven origin and a necklace with an obsidian pendant resembling a black dragon with baleful emerald eyes, clutching covetously onto its chest where a lone lapis lazuli star is embedded. "G-griz...where did you even get this?" Griz only had one thing to say. "North." Before promptly passing out in the arms of the guard goblin. "Griz? Griz! Someone, please help!"

Goblins of the Wilds

Not long after his meal of larvae, he finally found a clearing in the forest large enough for him to identify the constellations and perhaps know how far he was from the village. The gods were merciful to the goblin as there was nary a cloud in the night sky and the twinkling of distant stars could be seen with clarity. He was a seasoned survivalist and knew over a dozen constellations that would tell him which direction he was facing. After locating the Cavia Oriental and the Southern Star, Griz knew that he was walking northward. Ironic considering that he was trying to move away from Orc territory but instead was heading deeper into it. It was a miracle that he had not encountered any traps, what more, any patrols.

After reorienting himself to face South East he let a quiet prayer of thanks to the goddess of stars and gazed upon her celestial canvas one more time before he started walking again. There was one star he would solely focus on. It was a lone star that was not part of any constellations, major or minor, he had learned or heard about nor was it the biggest and most brilliant star there was in the sky. Still, the sight of it brought a smile on his face and filled him with a sense of comfort...of grief and anger to a lesser extent. It was one star he would never forget in a million years. It was her star after all. He gave the star a faint nod before leaving.

---

Of all the times his luck and favor from the divines to run out, why did it have to be gaking now?! Griz lamented mentally as he ducked underneath a chop of an orcish axe, by mere inches, that would have easily cleaved him twice over. Made more clear as the crude axe blade imbedded itself deep into a tree twice Griz's width. "Gah! Stand still ya weazly thivin' grot!" His brutish pursuer roared at him as he promptly ignored it and kept running for his life and keeping the burlap sack gripped tightly in both his hands. The goblin was regretting the decision to take the thing, but better in his hands than the orc's. Another swipe barely misses him and causes the loose earth beside him to propel upwards, showering both in bits of dirt and stone.

Fighting was out of the question, especially after a single strike from the brute had half broken his knife as he parried a lethal blow. If he were to survive this night, he was almost sure Koglan would tan his hide for letting this happen to one of his. He just hoped that the contents of the sack would be enough to justify keeping him alive. But that was a problem for future Griz, he needed to focus on surviving this encounter first before anything else. Outrunning the orc would have been child's play for the goblin under normal circumstances, but with the added weight of the sack made the escape far more difficult than it needs to be, compounded with the orc's reckless axe swinging.

Then a slip-up...

He had failed to spot the mud and before he could react fast enough, he lost traction and slipped. Everything went in slow motion. First, he slipped, then the orc. It seemed that there was still some luck in play. Griz scrambled to his feet and drew his half-broken knife and slammed the knife into the prone orc's throat. The effect was immediate as the brutish humanoid slammed his fist into the goblin's ribs sending him three feet to the side. Clutching to his severely wounded throat, the orc's eyes filled with bestial anger and was on the goblin in a second. Wringing Griz's throat and slowly squeezing the life out of him. Struggle as he liked, it was a completely one-sided battle and the corners of his vision were getting darker and darker each passing moment. Griz had to act now or die. Mustering all his might into his legs, he curled up and loosed a kick with herculean force to his still embedded knife. There was a sharp snap as the lower half of the knife dropped to the mud below, the upper half stuck out of the back of the orc's neck. He looks at the still imposing body of the orc, fearing that even after all that damage it was still not enough. The orc's grip loosed at his throat and he scurried out under it and gulped down as much air his lungs yearned so much for. The orc's lifeless body slumped to the mud and, even dead, it still scared Griz to the core. He was mere moments from death and he still managed to nearly kill Griz in those few moments.

The other races were right to fear orcs.

Griz rubbed his sore throat and, sure enough, he was still alive...albeit bloodied and battered. It would likely take him days to recover, even with the help from the shaman. Slowly, the goblin stood up and collected the discarded sack and sheathed what remained of his knife. This was going to be a longer walk than he was expecting, but at least he will be back to the village before the next day's dawn. "Gods above...this was going to be a long walk."

Goblins of the Wilds

@Aristocles

Ah no worries, I'll have Griz back by dawn (in more or less 2 posts) to the village. Just setting up a little plot hook for later on the game.

Goblins of the Wilds

For a long while, the only sounds that were heard in the forest was the ambient noises that nocturnal animals and creatures made and the soft footsteps of the lone goblin. Griz shivered slightly as a rogue wind hit him in the back. The nights were not unfamiliar to the goblin...but it just seemed that tonight was colder than usual. His soaked clothing was the most likely suspect as to why but perhaps his growing anxiety was also to blame? I mean, who in their right mind would be comfortable in orc territory? Nonetheless, he marched on deeper into the shaded forest.

A couple of hours passed without any issue nor encounters with beast nor orc alike. Though another pressing issue was the hunger pangs. A whole day of moving around and nearly drowning only made the hunger worse. "I'm gonna have to find something to eat soon." He muttered to himself before stopping his search for a clearing and starting to look for something to sate his bodily need. The easiest method was searching under some rocks or fallen branches. He would have searched for some herbs or even fungi, but he had never been in this territory before and doing so would possibly be fatal.

Approaching a rotted branch that seemed to have fallen down some time ago, the goblin used his knife to pry it open and reveal a myriad of insects that writhed and wriggled around aimlessly. Griz looked and scanned each one and identified which insect was safe to eat or was not. Usually, he could identify them by color but in the dim light only made the vibrant colors into shades of grey and black. Rather than risk eating a poisonous bug with no shaman or antidotes nearby, he would opt to only eat the larvae and beetles he found. They were bitter and mildly difficult to eat fresh but at least now he was no longer hungry. He continues his trek through the forest in search for the clearing.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Edward Marsh

---

As they returned to the mound, Ed made sure that nobody can see them enter their hideout by poking his head out just as they entered the structure. Finally safe from the threat of being found out, the ratman let his shoulders sag down in relief and lay down the loot he had collected on the first room's floor. "That fight was a mess...but we managed to help the travelers, made it out alive, and got some new stuff to boot. Considering all that, I'd say we did a helluva good job." For the first time in two days, Ed bore a genuine smile of satisfaction and happiness. Things may be looking up for him and his companions.

Maybe.

After letting all of the adrenaline out of his blood, he approaches the bindle and lays them bare on the floor. In the pale dim light cast by the moon laid the gear he managed to obtain. "So, we have the following items: two vine belts, two pairs of straw sandals, the black robes of the caster, his rabbit skull staff, a necklace made of bone, a wooden breastplate, a sturdy stick, a battered shield, a stone knife, and a metal one." Ed says as he presents them in an orderly manner to Asteria and Mother Rat. "I'll be keeping the sturdy stick, the shield, the breastplate, one pair of sandals, the black robes, and the stone knife as I think I could use them to their full potential." He says offhandedly as he begins to equip the gear he selected for himself. He would then wait for Asteria to decide what equipment she wanted for herself as well as for Mother Rat if Mother Rat was alright with wearing things that is.

It was at this time that Ed noticed the still healing flesh on the elder dire rat's hide. He approached the elder rat and gently caressed her back to help soothe and remove any lingering feelings of pain or panic. "That Hunter asshole got you good, huh?" He paused, he didn't expect a response from her but he still paused. "Good thing Doc Asteria was there to patch you right up." He slightly chuckles as he gives her some gentle ear scritches. Much like how he would scritch Cheeseburger. He would always give Ed the warmest of welcomes whenever he had a chance to go home to Twinbrook during breaks. The feeling left the ratman a little down. I wonder how's everyone doing now? Ed thought to himself. He wasn't sure how time worked here compared to how time worked back on earth. For all he knew, a week here could have well been years back home or even vice versa! Even if he managed to find a way back, would it be the same Earth he left behind? Would his friends and family be still there? Would they remember him? Would he still be the same Edward Marsh?

So many questions he had no clue what was the answer...but he at least he knew one thing.

He missed home more than anything in the world right now.

---

Asteria's revelation snapped the ratman out of his thoughts and caused the ratman to be mildly confused by the statement. "We're not talking about the garden variety of gnomes, are we? *sigh* I suppose that was the case. Well, I suppose we can offer it meat from the kobold and perhaps the hobgoblins. I don't think giving the fat guy's meat would garner a positive reaction from it though. None the less, I'll start butchering the bodies and offer the prime cuts. Let's see if it accepts the offer or maybe it'll just send phantasms to run us out." He hoped to God that it wouldn't be the latter. Ed would then go to the dead hobgoblin atop the barrow and steel himself for what he was about to do. But before leaving, he asks his companion for something. "While I'm going to 'prepare' the offering, can you make a strap for the grass bundle with the remaining vine belts, Asteria? It's going to make carrying it a whole lot easier. Thanks."

Brandishing the knife, Ed approaches the corpse to prepare it for butchering. It was rare for a culinary course to offer a butchery class for its students, but Golden Oak University did not offer a run-of-the-mill course. The only real issue here was that this was Ed's first time butchering a humanoid...and he was not going to enjoy this but he would do his damndest.

Stats

LVL: 7
HP: Healthy
SP: Rested
MP: Full

Effect/s: SORE

SKILLS:

Unspent Skill Points: 0
Current Skills:
Monster Analysis (1.25)
Magic Analysis I (1.0)
Overwork (1.3)
Dynamic Eye I (1.1)
Rabid Fit II (2.0)
Smash I (1.3)
Focus I (1.0)
Beast Sense II (2.75) (PASSIVE)
Mental Resistance I (1.0) (PASSIVE)
Alert I (1.15) (PASSIVE)
Harder I (1.0) (PASSIVE)
Faster I (1.05) (PASSIVE)
Stronger I (1.65) (PASSIVE)
Muffle II (2.275) (PASSIVE)
Dexterous I (1.1) (PASSIVE)
Use Light Equipment (--) (PASSIVE)
__________________________________
<UNUSABLE SKILLS>
SKILL PROGRESS:
Material Analysis (0.5)
Warcry (0.7)
Tremor Sense (0.05)
Telepathy (0.1)
Mana Shape (0.7)
Shield (0.5)
Mana Shell (0.4)
Soil Manipulation (0.7)
Crafting (0.6)
First Aid (0.1)
Meditate (0.4)
People Sense (0.3)
Plant Analysis (0.2)
Swift Swimmer (0.4)
Charm (0.025)
Repel (0.025)
Stealth Kill (0.3)
Blunt Resistance (0.1)
Prehensile Tail (0.5)
Mana Strike (0.6)
Minor Heal (0.05)
Iron Gullet (0.4)
Taming (0.1)
Suppress Presence (0.5)
Use Medium Equipment (0.4)
Inspire (0.2)
Point Strike (0.3)
Strengthen (0.3)
Pierce Resistance (0.2)
Double Skill (0.1)
Deception (0.2)
Lucid Dream (0.2)
<UNUSABLE SKILLS>

Inventory:
- Vine Belt (Shoddy Quality) x 1 [Equipped]

• Bundle of Sticks x 1
• Flame touched crystals x 2
• Short Cudgel (Unknown Quality) x 1
• Sturdy Stick (Unknown Quality) x 1
• Stone Knife (Unknown Quality) x1

- Wood Breastplate (Unknown Quality) x 1 [Equipped]
- Straw Sandal (Unknown Quality) x 2 [Equipped]
- Black Dyed Robe (Shoddy Quality) x 1 [Equipped]
- Battered Wooden Shield (Unknown Quality) x 1 [Equipped]
- Grass Mat (Unknown Quality) x 1 [Dropped]

• Healing Herbs x 1
• Nullven Cone x 1
• Flint and Striker x 1
• Tainted Crystal x 1
• Great Club (Unknown Quality) x 1

- Assorted Insect Parts and Meat x 1 [With Asteria]

Action Summary

-Finally relaxes in the barrow and commends the group for their success.
-Unwraps the bindle and displays the loot he had gathered from the bandits.
-Explains to his companions which of the loot he is planning to keep.
-Takes the following: A pair of sandals, the wooden breastplate, the shield, the sturdy stick, the stone knife, and the black robe.
-Lets Asteria decide what she wants to keep. (Maybe for Mama Rat as well if she can convince her to wear equipment.)
-Equips the gear he had selected.
-Notices Mama Rat's healed injury and comes to comfort her and passively thanks Asteria for healing her.
-The comforting gesture reminds him of his old life.
-He is saddened by the realization that it would be unlikely he would return the same, or at all for that matter.

Goblins of the Wilds

Everything hurts...
It's so dark...
Mama, help...
I'm so scared...
Please...

---

Griz's eyes shot open just as his body forcefully expels the water contained in his lungs and esophagus. Burning all the way. A violent coughing fit as he tried to remove any vestiges of water out of his lungs. Leaving him breathing haggardly as he tries to regain his bearing in the darkness. Hazy and blurred eyed his surroundings, hoping that the moonlight would serve enough illumination. There were dozens of what seemed to be trees. An odd bush or so. And a totem that caused the goblin's heart to sink to the pit of his stomach.

An Orcish war totem.

A sturdy looking stick with a stag skull that bore the symbol of their god, painted black and red. At the bottom of the stick were stones to keep the stick standing tall and proud, and just after the stones laid the skulls of many a foolish trespasser...or sacrifice. Several were small, goblin-sized skulls. The remaining four were from larger humanoids but Griz couldn't distinguish if it were from a human, an elf, a halfling, or a dwarf. More skulls meant that this was an area where Orcs would find victims often and would be patrolling this area more than usual. "Shit..." He wheezed out as he stumbled to his feet and looked around for his hunting knife. Thankfully, the large blade was only a few feet away from his position. At least some of the gods smiled on him. He sheathes the knife and does his best to find a clearing in the dark woods so that he can at least know how far he was from the village.

Fallout: Cascadia

Huh. Been a while since I've seen a Fallout RP with this many players.
I may not be applying, but I will be looking forward to reading the stories you all weave.
I do hope this will be a lively RP and a long-living one at that. Cheers!

Goblins of the Wilds

Thanks!

Goblins of the Wilds

Griz had forgotten how long he was squatting on the tree branch near the river bank. An hour? Two? Or maybe it had been only a few minutes and he was too engrossed in observing his quarry for the day. A giant frog. The creature in question was currently sitting in the shallow portion of the river bank. It was rather uncommon for Griz to find such a specimen this close to the village, perhaps it was seeking for a mate? Improbable. It wasn't the rainy season yet; not at least for another month or so. So for what reason did this giant frog appear from its burrow and this far upstream? The goblin had no answer to that question, but he sure did want to eat frog for his meal today. Slowly he crept from tree branch to tree branch, these animals were not exceptionally dangerous foes but he did not want to be swallowed whole and smell like frog spit for Gods knows how long.

Once he had positioned himself to a branch stable enough and linear to the position of the frog, he brandished his hunting knife. He wasn't sure if he could finish the slippery beast with a wooden arrow, but was sure that stabbing something with eight inches of sharpened iron on the head killed most things rather quickly. With a single bound, the hunter lept ten feet towards his prey. Iron met flesh, and Griz waited for the creature to drop dead instantly. A beat. It didn't die. He missed the head by a handsbreadth and pierced it's back instead. Griz's eyes widened as the giant frog began to thrash around in agony, causing the little goblin to clutch onto his still embedded dagger for dear life. The chaos scattering all his wooden arrows around the bank and as the giant frog did one particularly strong buck, the dagger was dislodged from it's back; goblin and all, and into the river. The current was simply too strong to resist against and Griz was swept away by the river.

Deeper into Orc territory.

Goblins of the Wilds

The goblin scout returned to the village as the sun reached its peak in the sky. Not a bad time to cover four miles considering his small stature. He was met at the gate by one of the sentries, a rather skittish goblin with a simple wooden spear. "S-so, about those humans the hunters saw last night..." Griz raised a hand to stop the guard goblin from speaking any further and lowered his hood and exposed his bald head to the warmth of the sun. "They weren't adventurers or bandits if that's what you were thinking. They were just a couple of travelers that got lost. I sent them away from our land and hopefully they won't bother us again." The skittish guard goblin's features relaxed as the anxiety left his body. "Thank the Gods, Griz. I really thought they were bad news." The skittish guard goblin let out a chuckle.

Griz too hoped that he made the right decision. He hoped that they didn't bring trouble.

Well, there was no point in thinking about it now. The travelers must have already reached the tree by now and was a long way away from the land and village. He considered entering the village and perhaps resting for the remainder of the day, but opted not to as he did not want to waste a day. He gave the skittish goblin a nod and turned away from the village and donned his hood once more. He then left the village to patrol their borders and watch out for anything that would warrant investigation. Perhaps he may even go hunt something for his dinner and for something the village can trade with.