The Dead Isle: Part 1 - Find Streleka

“My name is Dnaeon Aegypethileus. You don't have to try pronouncing the last name. I've never heard a human say it right once.”

In the city of Deon's Rise, in a high-class inn called the Cerulean Heron, there sat three adventurers at a table across from an elf whom they had never met before. The elf wore a silk, green doublet and had black hair that flowed over his shoulders. His refinement effused the scent of great wealth, but in spite of this, his face spoke of experience, confidence, and pragmatism.

Johannes glanced between his two companions: his friend Hadric, a strong and skillful warrior with whom he had traveled for the past three months; and Andriel, a young priestess, only nineteen years of age, who had somehow managed to convince him to take her on as an apprentice by swinging a mace at his head – he was still figuring out that one. They, too, studied the elf with a blend of intrigue and apprehension.

They sat and listened to what Mr. Aegype-something had to say.


He took a sip of his wine and set the glass on the table, devoting his attention to the business at hand. “I have a heavy request to make of you, but I'll start from the beginning so that you might better understand the factors at work here. You see, I am an Estraen, one born on the isle of Estraeus some 200 years ago, the isle which you humans and other races now call the Dead Isle, and not without good reason. In the past, Estraeus was often at war with the neighboring isle of Galia, our elven rivals, but exactly 150 years ago – to make a long story short – they won; and every Estraen elf on the isle was killed without mercy. The Galian Empire is still strong to this day, while our Estraen Kingdom has become naught but bones and ruins. My parents however, to their great credit, had the foresight to leave the isle before the war reached its peak, as did others at that time. As a result, the Estraen blood lives on in small communities around Mercia; here on Perdane, on Kabariya, and most of all on Terrignis Mare, for that isle lies directly east of Estraeus.”

Johannes felt a brief impulse to say something, but the words eluded him. Sorry your people got genocided? May the Galians burn in hell? None of those sounded appropriate. And one of his best friends – Mikael Vaeltaja – had been a Galian, an honorable man. Words of consolation didn't come quickly, but Dnaeon wasn't looking for them and continued after a sip from his glass.

“So the Estraen community is small, and we try to keep in contact with our kin – family, as you might understand, has become very important to us. Unfortunately, this bond of ours has led to a dangerous consequence. There is a rumor spreading among Estraens that there are survivors on Estraeus, trapped in the heart of the isle. Now, to be frank with you, it is possible that this is true, but it's unlikely. The isle has become cursed, there's no consumable food or water, and if there were survivors, you would expect that they'd have tried to escape in the last 150 years.”

“There's the undead,” grunted Hadric, recalling his recent experience.

“This is true,” replied Dnaeon. “I don't deny this... They say that when the Galians slaughtered us – men, women, and children alike – with so much hatred in their hearts and committing such heinous atrocities, that the land itself was tainted, causing all who perish there to rise again imbued with that same hatred... but for the living... However, there's more to this rumor of survivors which gives me reason to doubt it. Namely, no one knows who first said it, where it came from, or what evidence there is that it's true. To give you my own opinion, I suspect that this rumor was fabricated by the Galians, a malicious lie to lure Estraens back to the isle, and to die there. A lure for fools.”

The attention of the adventurers was fixated now, for this tale of war, mystery, and undeath was getting interesting and epic.

“And now,” continued Dnaeon, “I come to the heart of my request. My younger sister, Streleka, is such a fool. A few days past, she fled our home here in Deon's Rise and bartered passage on a ship to Estraeus, to search for these rumored survivors. I had told her my opinion of this rumor when she first heard it, but she did not heed my wisdom and made arrangements to leave discretely; she was wise in this regard, for I would have prevented her if I had known. My sister is passionate, foolhardy, and prone to such passing fits of action. And though this may sound harsh, I speak the truth when I say that she is also weak, for she could never compete with me in the sword, bow, or even magic.”

Dnaeon put his elbows on the table, his expression grim. “Streleka, my sister, has no idea how dangerous our homeland has become. I had the chance to visit it once a hundred years ago in my travels. I have seen the skeletons, the zombies... the horrors... If permitted to stay, Streleka will surely die there... This is a fact. Thus, I want you, along with whomever you see fit, to go to the Dead Isle and bring her back, even if she doesn't want to return. I want you... to save my sister from herself...”

A silence was left hanging over the table. It was only broken when a barmaid came and set a few mugs of ale in the center, one of which Hadric tenuously took. The barmaid, who realized she had interrupted a tense silence, awkwardly scooted away.


Johannes took a deep breath. “Your story, my friend, is... compelling... My companion Hadric and I were on the Dead Isle merely a month ago escorting an archaeological expedition, but, this effort did not get very far before being forced to flee from the danger. And so I might ask, Why do you bring this Quest to us, and not another?”

“For the reason you have just mentioned. For you see, it was the leader of that same archaeological expedition, Sorben, who recommended you to me!” replied Dnaeon, the connection much to their surprise. “Sorben and I have long been friends, and he told me of you. And so, the fact that you two have been on the cursed isle before, are veterans of it to an extent, gives you an advantage that is hard to find elsewhere. And also, he told me that you even took part in the slaying of a Dread Knight, an undead being which I haven't seen myself, but have heard rumors of the terror they inspire. With certainty, you are the most qualified group in Deon's Rise to carry out this request. So, will you do this for me?”

Johannes hardened his mind for what he was about to say next, for even to himself it sounded harsh. “I'm sorry, but we must decline this Quest.”

Dnaeon did not become upset. “May I ask why?”

“For a few reasons. To begin, the Dead Isle, as you recognize, is extremely dangerous. If I led a group to rescue your sister and one of my members perished, then it would be simply exchanging a life for a life. Second, we already have plans actually to-”

“I'll pay you 100,000 gold pieces.”

Hadric choked on his ale, and Andriel fell out of her seat, taking an ale with her that spilled over the floor. Johannes prevented himself from falling.

“100,000??” replied Johannes.

“That's... generous,” added Hadric after he recovered.

“I've lived in Perdane for a century and a half,” said Dnaeon, “And I've become a prosperous businessman in that time. Gold is something I have plenty of. But family I do not. Please, reconsider.”

Johannes thought for a moment. “And... would if your sister has already fallen before we find her, if you forgive my asking?”

“If this happens, then I would ask you bring me her ring. She wears a ring made of darkwood with a red diamond embedded in it; it's a family heirloom of ours which she would never part with while living. If you bring this to me, then I will know you gave this request of mine your fullest effort, and will pay you the 100,000 pieces all the same. Though I would hope this is not the case...”

Johannes took another deep breath. “Last question... How will we get supplies while on the isle? A ship can only bring so much, and we may end up needing things we don't expect.”

Dnaeon smiled. “In that case, you are in luck. My friend Sorben and others have returned to Estraeus to set up a semi-permanent Encampment earlier this month. Apparently, there is a great deal of interest among other nations in Estraeus, a desire to loot my homeland of its magical treasures which have been preserved among the undead all these years. In all truthfulness, I do not care about this; better for such items to be in the hands of the living than the dead. I have heard that the Encampment has been set up in an Estraen fortress on the coast which my people called Syrilythius. I have also heard that other daring adventurers have gone there, to support this small foothold and see if they can't acquire some treasures for themselves. I expect you will be able to find refuge and supplies there. And so, I return once again to my query: Will you go to the Dead Isle and bring back my sister? Or should she fall, her ring at the very least?”

Johannes glanced between the eyes of his companions, and the answers there were clear. The 100,000 gold pieces really did the trick. He turned back to Dnaeon.

“We accept your Quest.”

Two weeks later, Johannes was standing on the deck of his ship with the ocean on all sides. Two days of preparation, twelves days of sailing, and they were now nearly upon the Dead Isle. He kept his eye on the horizon waiting for the dark shores to appear – any hour now... He felt nervous.

Since the need to catch up with Streleka had pressured their time to prepare, he had only a couple days to gather a new team together, taking the first applicants to his notice on the public board in Deon's Rise. He looked around at the faces of people he barely knew, and yet who he would be risking his life with: There was Alacor, an older scholarly-looking fellow; Cabrakan, a young priest; Crispin, a sharp rogue; Ziv, a girl he knew little of; Dinamik, a musician and man of many talents; Lerdeth, a barbarian horseman; and of course Hadric and Andriel. In addition, he had hired two common sailors, Ted and Ned, to help him with the sailing, and who would likely never leave the ship for their own safety. Hadric had opposed the addition of so many new members to the group, for each new face was another cut from the 100,000 gold (excluding the sailors, who were payed a simple wage), but Johannes knew that the expense was necessary – if they wished to succeed at all.

“Everyone come round,” said Johannes, and the new members of his group all gathered on deck, the spray of the ocean against the ship's bow sending salty mists their way. “We're still all very unfamiliar with each other. Please introduce yourselves and become better acquainted... After all, on this very day, we will be together upon the Dead Isle...”


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Sun 09 July 2017.

At Johannes' summon, Cabrakan attention was shifted. He sat, motionless for a moment, sitting on the edge of the boat, legs dangling off the side and attempting to feed the gulls some of his bread. With a sudden shake of the head, moving his hair out of the way, all the gulls he had attempted to make friends with flew away.

"Curses..." He grumbled to himself, "To think they were just getting to like me..." He swung his legs around and dropped himself on the the deck with a mighty thud. The heavy leather boots were worn well with time and hard work. A sign of his not all impressive wealth. The clothes he wore were not spectacular, a common white and brown tunic, also well worn - 'With love' he claimed. Reaching his hand behind his head, he tied his hair up, to keep the salty slicing winds of the sea assault on it, as well as to keep from being blinded by it.

Cabraken strode over with a walk of confidence, as well as humility as he asked if anyone needed help along the way. On average standing a foot above everyone else, the nearly seven foot man often confused others with his kind nature - a contrast to the intimidating aura he seemed to give off.

"I love he sea" he bellowed as he walked beside Johannes, "Bit salty though... Ill stick to land thank you." With a large, calloused hand, he barked a sudden explosive laugh and slapped his back. Quickly thereafter followed by an onslaught of apologies and asking if his new friend was alright.

After reassuring that he was 'Just fine', Johannes focused on his work, leaving Cabrakan to feel embarrassed. He often forgot his own strength...

As he looked around for something to distract himself until he noticed the water again. The deep blue, shimmering with the sunlight reminded him of something. The reason why he sought after such a dangerous job to begin with. That share of the money would help... It would change everything in fact

"I got you covered Lilly" He said to no one in particular, lost in thought. "This should do it..."

Pouring over his spellbook, he was wearing fairly plain brown colored robes that had stains of a darker brown and reddish color. Clearly stains of blood, but the random pattern looked almost intentional. The wizard almost didn't notice the commotion going on. He looked up when he heard heavy footsteps walk by followed by a loud slap of armor as he watched the towering man hit the knight on the back. Normally he was usually the tallest in the room coming in at just over 6 feet, but this other man made him feel short and made a mental note to stay away from those slaps on the back.

He closed his spellbook and brushed his long and unnaturally white hair out of his face and made his way towards the others with the tattered edges of his cloak brushing the floor. Although he was light on his feet, the bright white wooden staff made a solid thud with every other footstep as it hit the floor. "I am Alacor." He introduced with a brief bow to the others. "I'm a scholar of the arcane arts and I have been specializing in conjuration." Alacor then gestured forward with the top of his staff where there was a small bat hanging off of a section that jutted out to the side. "And this is Jasper, my loyal traveling companion." He put the staff back to his side. "And who might you all be? I can't say that I've had the pleasure of crossing paths before." Pausing for a moment, "Does anyone have a map as well? It made be helpful to have some idea what this isle is like."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Fri 14 July 2017.

A young woman met the eyes of everyone with an unshaken gaze, and she stood firmly in place. With her elbows propped her up on the side of the port side of the ship, she tenderly twisted a knife about a little wooden slab she'd been carving at for the past few hours. The form wasn't yet taking place, but it seemed to have four legs, whatever it was... and her eyes returned to the finite work she had been putting into it. Generally, she faced the inside of the ship's deck with her back facing out to the sea. Blonde hair spilled over her shoulders and swayed softly as the wind swirled about their course. She was already quiet from observing everyone and going over the offer given to her for the return of said sister-- or her ring if she were to fall. She shuddered at the idea of someone dying. She had seen a lot in her lifetime, but nothing could shake the fear and emptiness of people passing.

Johannes shook her attention and had addressed everyone with a greeting and introduction, and yet it seemed as though others had disregarded him-- probably those who knew him-- and a white-haired, older-looking fellow across from her who answered. Carefully taking in each of their words, she waited for an opening. "I'm Ziv. Pleased to meet you," she promptly replied, still fidgeting and scraping away a little wood shaving from the small wooden carving she was creating. "I'll be sure to fight for and protect everyone as best as I can."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:34, Sun 16 July 2017.

In reply to Cabrakan (msg # 2):

Hadric eyed the group a little wearily. He was by no means a greedy man. He would miss the big cut for sure. Nonetheless, any numbers they could get would come in handy, for he knew the dead always outnumber the living.
"I am Hadric. An old knight. Friend of Johannes and the scruffy little squire. I'll watch your backs if you watch mine."

A young man with dark skin and a brilliant head of no hair gave a slight nod to everyone who had introduced themselves so far.
"Well met Hadric. Ziv. Alacor. Jasper. Large Man. My name is Crispin."
Dressed in all black from his hooded cloak to his boots, his affinity for staying hidden could not have been more obvious.
"Uhh I don't have a map, but I'm a well enough scout...Though, yeah, it'd be nice if we knew we were heading in the right direction at least."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:33, Sun 16 July 2017.

Lerdeth leaned against the railing of the ship,watching the horizon, and occasionally  glancing at the bow crashing through the waves. He thought to himself about their adventure; about battle tactics and strategies if and when they had to fight. He had heard about what they might find on the dead isle-just the name of the isle gave a hint at what it would be. With all the fighting he had done, he never actually battled the living dead; what would it be like he thought... The sound of voices began to appear over the crashing waves and his thoughts. He looked back towards the sound of the others beginning to talk to each other. He began to watch them while they interacted. After a few moments, he slowly made his way to the others. He never was much for small talk, at least not with people he didn't know, and this often led to people thinking he didn't like them. He waited for the others to speak to him, and then finally responded:"Greetings, I am Lerdeth, a warrior and former soldier. I have spent most of my life fighting and living as a nomad. Hopefully that will aid us in our mission. From the looks of it I would say we are going in the right direction, even though I have no map.".
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Sun 16 July 2017.

Back in Deon's Rise, I spoke further to our sponsor: ...
"Mr. Dnaeon, (to pronounce the part a human can pronounce I used your first name), is there any further information you can provide to us, in the form of a map, or a memory of locations of importance on the dead Isle, or any further information on your sister?  Like her ability with magic, or the bow, or the sword?
... {I pause for his response}
Is there any way we can calm her down if we meet her, such as a letter or seal from you?
... {I pause for his response}
Finally, I would ask, can any portion of the payment be forwarded to us for the purchasing of supplies for this undertaking?  In order to best equip ourselves before this journey."

"You all may be assured that we have a map for the navigation of the seas of which sailors Ted and Ned can read, but a map of the Dead Isle would be most fortunate.  Hadric and I have at the minimum a map in our mind, for this is not our first journey here.  I am sure also we could make an effort to purchase a map of some sort from the traders in the port fortress that the living have made on the isle."  {To Ryan, do Hadric and I have a map from our previous adventure on the dead Isle or from our sponsor for this rescue mission?  I mean surely we would have asked him prior to our leaving for such information}  "I have learned, as I expect you may have, throughout my travels that information is one of your most valuable commodities in this field, which is why I would ask each one of you to divulge what information, if any, you have on the Dead Isle or rumors or histories relating to it?  Perhaps, you, master bard?  Any rumors heard of?  Or you, good wizard, surely something must come to mind?  {i.e. make Knowledge checks about the Island}

I will tell you all that we faced many a creature of death, or rather undeath.  Hadric and I cut down many undead elves, ones more fresh, perhaps not always elves, with their flesh on them, known as zombies.  These are best dealt with by a blade or axe {Slashing}.  Others just bone now, better crushed with a mace or flail {blunt}.  Though, those are only the sort of base forms.  Others were like priests, brought back, but now with a new deity, death.  They were able to cast magic spells, like the divine abilities of a priest, yet twisted for evil.  Another was one of the most powerful enemies I had faced, a Dread Knight.  These exude a very force of death, hurting especially those devoted to good.  They were able to cast spells and attack with a blade atop their skeletal horse all without being hindered, as only the best spell casters can.

Not only do the inhabitants of the Isle seek to slay the living, but the environment itself seems to also reject life.  To my knowledge, all the plants and animals are inedible and the water poison.  Even the very rain is like acid.

Now, why do I tell you these things?  To frighten you?  No, but to prepare you for the horrors ahead.  Do not underestimate our enemies, and do not think you can handle this Isle alone.  We are here as a team and it is essential we remain that way.  Do not try to fight any enemy alone.  I also caution you, the other adventurers we meet here may not be trustworthy.  They come to remote places like this in search of something, but here it is far from law and order.  Far from the tamed world.  I want to make it clear, go nowhere alone here, always have another companion with you and let myself know if you plan to go into town.  Some of you may dislike this discipline, but I can tell you from my days in the army, this discipline could save your life.  We are all coming home from this, stay alert, stay disciplined.

Now please, if each one of you could tell us all your name, your combat experience or fighting style, and perhaps a small fact like where you hail from that would help us all get better acquainted and better prepared to work together.  Some of you have and I applaud you for it, so let us continue or mention any points missed in a 2nd round.  We have plenty of journey ahead of us after all.

Next, we should compile a list of joint supplies we will need, as I said, I know the rain is something we must avoid on this Island.

I suppose I shall go first then:
My name is Herr Johannes, I am a Knight, devoted to the path of Christ and Righteousness, and I am an experienced soldier and horseman, I even fought alongside some of your people Lerdeth.  I have trained especially in the use of the sword and lance from horseback, and charging from atop my holy warhorse, Fury, inspiring dread into the hearts of God's enemies."


**Also see my posts in market place and vault (to Ryan)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:06, Sun 16 July 2017.

Upon Herr Johannes suggestion, I decided to go next, introducing myself to the group.   especially others skilled in magical arts, especially divine.

"I too am a pursuer of the divine, working especially in the direct application of this (i.e. spells).  I am excited to put my skills to work again after a long search for another teacher in the divine arts after my first resigned from teaching any more disciples.  I have long searched for an opportunity to pursue their discipline in the application of their forces.  The best way to test and understand these abilities is in actual use, am I right?"  She nods at the other worthy casters around her, looking for their response.  "Also, I know I may be young, but believe me, this is not my first time fighting the undead.  My former master spoke of a mine in his home country infested with the undead.  Later the city was attacked by waves of hundreds of undead.  The undead are not a new enemy in the far north of Catheria.  Ask me later and I can tell you more about it.

Does anyone else here cast or work in the divine arts?  Healing?  Destruction?"

I paused a moment to hear a response from the terse crowd until I realized I never told them my name!

"Oh yeah! and I almost forgot to mention, My name is Andriel, cohort to Herr Johannes the Holy Knight and I am pleased to meet you all!"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Sun 16 July 2017.

The small figured who was perched just left of stage center on a wooden plank protruding from the edge of the ship now stirs. Now seeing that his eager ears had heard the last of the introductions, he begins to play an air lute before it materializes before everyone. The gnome lifted his interesting hat and fluffed his forest-colored tailcoat, then takes a breath;

Of great height was he who sailed the sea,
In search of gold and comradory.
A Summoner here to seek all things unclear,
Evening the odds quite favorably.
By her rite she'll carry your fight
Eyeing the scales prudently.
Where a knight takes his stand, no foe leaves nought brand
And if aid he provides, show some loyality.
Your man in the shade will warn you of blade
That seek to destroy you and your company.
This is our tale, we being and set sail!
And Dinamik will help fate play out their destiny.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Sun 16 July 2017.

The gnome played his song, regaling of the adventurers of themselves, and intoning hints of grandeur of their adventure to come. His strings harmonized with the rocking of the ship and soothed their very souls, as if the long weeks of sailing, at least for the moment, had been naught but a dream. Ziv, Cabrakan, and Hadric listened with devoted intent, and continued to do so even after the last string had been plucked.

"That was beautiful," said Johannes as Dinamik concluded his verse, the tones left resonating. The gnome bowed and donned a suspiciously wide grin, tinged with mischief. Johannes turned to Hadric. "What'd you think, my friend?" continued Johannes, ". . Hadric?"

Hadric stared at the gnome, and did nothing else; a bit of drool appeared at the base of his helm.

Alacor chuckled, "He's enchanted. Now that's funny."

"It looks like he wasn't the only one," added Andriel, pointing at Ziv and Cabrakan, who also both stared dumbly at the small creature.



The gnome bowed again, "Dinamik! At your service!" He then snapped his fingers, and all three awoke from their thrall. Hadric touched the drool on his armor and glanced at the sky, wondering if it had rained. Dinamik approached the group. "Being a bard and traveler of lands, it so happens that I, in fact, have a map!" This impressed the adventurers even more than the song. "Behold!" he exclaimed proudly as he unrolled a piece of parchment.


"There's, like, nothing on here..." commented Crispin.

"Well do you have a better one?" replied Dinamik testily. "Hm? It's not like anyone's ever explored this place! This map is pure gold I tell you, best you'll ever find."

"We'll make due," murmured Johannes while he examined the map closely.



"There wasn't much more Mr. Dnaeon could tell us either," he continued. "We'll just have to figure things out on our own, and perhaps with whatever allies we make at this encampment..."

"Look," said Lerdeth, pointing toward the bow of the ship. Everybody hushed, for on the horizon had broken a long, dark strip of land cut with mountains. It exuded a powerful sense of apprehension.

They had arrived.

A couple hours passed as they carefully guided the ship along the coast, searching for the fortress which Dnaeon had spoke of. Finally a cheerful cry from Ted caused them to turn, and a pleasant sight filled them with relief: A bay with several anchored ships with white sails, and beside it, built on the water below a cliff, an ancient fortress. After nearly two weeks at sea, a sight such as this (even if it was on the Dead Isle) could be a comfort. Ted steered them into the bay.


Ziv, the blonde-haired girl, rested her elbows on the railing and gazed at this dark land. It didn't look as bad as she expected it would, she thought. The rocky shores had brown vegetation on the ridges, plants that might have been dead or perhaps merely dead-looking, and they offered their own kind of charm to the terrain. Seagulls fluttered in the air of above them, never quite landing on the shore but seeming to linger on the rocks that scattered about the coast, and the clouds were heavy with melancholy. The whole scene impressed Ziv with a sort of beauty that was quiet, subtle, and subversive. Perhaps this land was not so dead as they thought. The only thing that bothered her now was the smell, for amidst the sweet saltiness of the ocean, a decayed smell had suddenly climbed into her nostr-

A zombie rose over the railing into her face. Ziv screamed as she held her arm against its neck, the zombie munching the air in front of her; she frantically pulled out a dagger and starting stabbing it in the head. Five, ten, twenty times. Blood spurted from its skull over her clothes and the deck of the ship, until the living corpse finally stopped moving and fell back off the railing, dropping twenty feet into the water.

"Ziv!" shouted Crispin as he to her aid. "Are you al-? a-.. uh... Oh shit."

Over the railing were more zombies – a lot more.

"CAPTAIN!" shouted Ned from the crow's nest. "THEY'RE ALL OVER SHIP! THERE'S FUCKING ZOMBIES CLIMBING ALL OVER SHIP!"

"TO ARMS!" bellowed Johannes, drawing his weapon, the others following suit.

Around the deck, zombies poured over the railings like water into a submerged bowl... Welcome to the Dead Isle.







This message was last edited by the GM at 11:48, Thu 27 July 2017.

"Hadric! Ted!" Ziv bellowed, keeping in mind what Johannes said about standing alone. "Run to us on the main deck! Do not fight by yourselves!" She barely had time to say that when a zombie took to its feet before her. Everything stopped and started all at once. Instinct quickly took over and everything fell into slow motion for her while her dagger was out and ready.

[Full round attack.]

With a smooth stroke, Ziv jabbed her dagger held in a saber grip forward towards the gruesome monster, steering clear of its mouth and snapping jaws. A slash attack. No need to be clean with these things, she thought idly to herself. But being bit by one could cost the mission for any one of us if we're not careful. With a swift twist, the slender blade shimmered and seemed to ring while it was slashing out the side. Blood from either the first time she stabbed the starting zombie, or this one, flung out in thickened dark ropes which decorated the sides of the ship in what seemed like muddy, burnt umber colored blotches. With a mere blink, she thrust forward another swift stab, and flicked a slashing motion towards the side so that the dagger was ready for another attack if needed. A second slash attack. Ziv focused solely on the Zombie, and kept an eye on its mouth to make sure it didn't dare snap at her.

When she had finished, she stepped back 5 feet so that the monster could not immediately attack her. [To 7E please!]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Fri 21 July 2017.

Dinamik rolled up his map hastily and put it in it's compartment. He was caught off guard at first, looking around a little frantic about having a scuffle before his boots even touched the cursed isle, which immediately turned to excitement for the tale it would make. Dinamik happily found himself surrounded by his company rather than nasty zombos: he smirked and turned on his heel to face the shambling loners behind him where the hedge of protection had disappeared. At this time, Dinamik saw Ted at the ship's wheel, as well as on both of the zombies radar! He bolted up the stairs and positioned himself on the top step to give Ted some cover fire;  Dinamik aimed his loaded crossbow of excellent make at one of the undead and fired. "Get out of the way Ted, unless you like being on the menu." He said a little too dry.

{Attack: 22, damage: 6}
This message was last edited by the player at 07:04, Sat 22 July 2017.

Alacor looked all around while he watched the zombies climb over the railings of the boat from all sides. A smirk formed and he said "I was looking to getting a close look at the undead for my studies." He looked towards the others and shouted, "Try to keep at least one of them in like two or three pieces for me!"

The shouting at Ted made him look over to the man steering the boat. He eyed the two zombies that seemed intent on getting to Ted's brains. Alacor wasn't about to lose such a new companion so quickly on this expedition, "and who would steer the boat." he thought to himself. He had no sailing experience and there was no way he was getting stuck here with these zombies.

The white haired wizard took his spell component pouch in hand and pulled out a candle and a smaller bag. He was about to start and incantation, but he paused and looked to Ted. "Ted!" he shouted with a warning, "Don't be alarmed, but there's going to be a bear to your left to hold off those creatures. He won't hurt you, just don't freak out!" The wizard gazed down and shook his head with a chuckle, "They always freak out, at least a little."

He began again. The staff held out in his right hand and in his left was the candle and bag. He set the candle and tiny bag down on the ground in front of him and traced a circle around them with the end of the staff. In a hushed voice the wizard began to speak while focusing on the objects on the ground. In the old Draconic he said, "Bring forth a beast of the heavens, a bear of light and without fear to destroy our enemies." A bright white vertical line roughly 5 feet tall appeared in the air next to Ted. The line widened into an oval shaped portal of pure white with a golden border. It was perfectly flat and suddenly a claw from a bear reached through. Followed by a second claw. The claws were attached to a standing black bear. The creature didn't quite look like those they've seen in the past. It was pure gold in color and its fur looked as though each hair had been placed into a perfect coat.

The portal blinked shut and the bear was left standing between the zombies and Ted. It let out a fierce growl at the zombies. "Rip 'em to pieces!" The white haired wizard shouted to the bear. "But not Ted!" he amended after a pause. He then swiftly picked up the candle and tiny bag and returned them to his spell component pouch.

{Alacor casts Summon Monster 3 at C3 and commands the black bear to attack zombie 7 with a full attack.}

22:18, Today: Alacor rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Claw attack 1.
22:18, Today: Alacor rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Claw attack 2.
22:21, Today: Alacor rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Bite attack.

22:23, Today: Alacor rolled 8 using 1d4+4.  Claw 1 damage.
22:23, Today: Alacor rolled 5 using 1d4+4.  Claw 2 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Wed 19 July 2017.

In reply to Alacor (msg # 14):

Hadric heard the calls from the party for him to return. He nodded in agreement. Still he wanted to make his retreat safer.The armored man turned to the rotting corpse befoer him, swinging his flail into its blistered knee caps sending it crashing to the deck. In the same motion, he brought thr wicked weapon down upon the creatures head before retreating.(1 attack and 1 move spee to d10 by the paladin. Squeeze through ca space.)

12:19, Today: Hadric rolled 17 using 1d10+9.  Damage.
12:17, Today: Hadric rolled 31 using 1d20+14.  Smacking zombie prone.
11:59, Today: Hadric rolled 29 using 1d20+10.  Str check.
11:57, Today: Hadric rolled 19 using 1d20+14.  Trip

"Are you al-? a-.. uh... Oh shit."

Crispin's body immediately reacted to the undead ambush before he could really process what was happening. The crossbow in his hands was swiftly loaded ("Huh, my bolt case feels...really light?") while his eyes scanned around for an open target. He spotted a zombie on the opposite side of the hatch whose feet had just touched deck; that instance of vulnerability before it could run amok.
It was at this moment that Crispin knew...it had fucked up.
He took aim at the mindless mound of rotting flesh, then fired and reloaded his crossbow twice in rapid succession.


{Free Action}
Crispin loads Light Crossbow +1 x3 (Rapid Reload)
{Full Round Action}
Crispin fires @Zombie3 x2 (Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot)

Crispin rolled 26 using 1d20+9.        Crossbow Sneak Attack (PBS, RS 1/2), Attack    @Zombie3
Crispin rolled 14 using 1d8+2+2d6.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (PBS, RS 1/2), Damage @Zombie3
Crispin rolled 15 using 1d20+9.        Crossbow Sneak Attack (PBS, RS 2/2), Attack    @Zombie3
Crispin rolled 14 using 1d8+2+2d6.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (PBS, RS 2/2), Damage @Zombie3
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Thu 20 July 2017.

Cabrakan was jolted out of his trace to the sound of Ziv shouting. He quickly spun around to see the blonde woman frantically stabbing an undead that made its way up the side of the ship. For a moment he was stunned, unable to move. This was the first time he had seen a creature such as this. His mind swam with feelings of fear, excitement, and sorrow. Sorrow for the poor soul unable to find rest, trapped in its decaying body and damned to wander the lands of this isle

For a second time, he was snapped into reality by the sounds of Johannas, shouting for everyone to take up arms as suddenly more creatures stumbled their way onto the deck of the ship

Quickly scanning the area for all of the crew, he saw everyone had weapons and someone nearby to fight along side. Ned was up in the crows nest, safe from harm... the captian however was trapped - hands on the wheel and unskilled in the arts of war.

With a mighty thud, the towering shield crashed on the deck, a hulking mass of a strange dark material as tall as the seven foot man. With a furious shout, he cried, "Hear me! Too long have you been trapped in a rotting, hollow form. Your suffering will end today, you poor damned souls!" Swinging out is morningstar, he began to cross the deck, making his way down to the captian. "Protect the non combatants and the small! No harm will come to any of us today!"

It was around this time that Dinamik fired his weapon at a creature with shocking precision, and it was also around this time that the large man felt rather silly for assuming the gnome was defenceless, but he kept that thought to himself.

crossing the deck thought the shambling corpses and the defending shipmates, Cabrakan began speaking, a prayer for the damned and words of praise:

"Gracious Lord, We come to you in a moment of peril and this dark hour. Yours is the domain of life, death and all things good. Too long have these souls been trapped, personifying the defiance of your laws. Be they abominations of their own fruition, or unwilling prisoners, I beg you, help them pass. Free them from their immortal coil."

as he walked closer to the center of the ship, his voice rang louder and stronger, assuring all could hear his words:

"In the name of the True King, the one who holds the keys of the underworld, and of paradice. The one who though all things are made complete and whole, Be free from your suffering, allow us protection from this blight! I rebuke thee!"

Cabrakan moves to E7 and Rebukes Undead

Lerdeth suddenly heard the shouts of his party members and looked toward the noise. As soon as he saw they were under attack he reached for his backup weapon, knowing it would be close quarters. When he turned around he saw a zombie was almost upon him. Even though he had been I many battles in his life, he was surprisingly uneasy about this battle. He had heard stories about terrible diseases carried by the unread, and that just a scratch could mean the end... he was glad to be encased in his full plate. He raised his sword over his head and brought it down on his foe with some extra effort; these zombies dint look too evasive so he figured he could trade some precision for power.
  23:44, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Attack roll on zombie.
23:45, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 17 using 2d6+10. damage number one.
23:44, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Attack number 2.
23:45, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 18 using 2d6+10. damage number 2.
He decides to hold his ground to prevent the zombies from advancing on Alacor and the others
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Sun 23 July 2017.

Chat:

Johannes: "Protect us, oh Lord, upon this quest we embark, and let the outcome be favorable, in thy name and for Christ's Glory...

For it seems battle is upon us already.  'Be ready in season and out of season...'

Ted! Look out!  The enemy is nearly upon thee!  Pull back and draw thy weapon!"

Ted: "Help! I can't fight!"

Alacor: "Don't worry Ted I have you covered! I hope you're not afraid of bears though. Just don't freak out!"

Johannes "We are on our way to you Ted, if you have to let go of the wheel for a moment until we can get to you, do it, but stay close enough to be able to take it again after that moment!

Remember everyone, swords and slashing weapons are best against these zombies, cleave them in twain!

Let us banish these foul creatures to the abyss from whence they came!"

Post:
Upon the sight of the filthy creatures, I immediately know it is time again for battle.  My mind begins again to race operating at maximum efficiency.  It is stressful, of course, at times, but each time I leave battle knowing I did my best and victory is achieved I feel empowered for the next challenge.  The adrenaline rushes through my veins and I instinctively take command, like it is in my blood.  The usual sense of slight apathy leaves my mind completely, the sort of minor numbness to the world after such events of struggle in my life is completely wiped away, even if only for a moment.  Like wiping a mirror clear of condensation, there is clarity, even if only for a moment.

I begin to immediately direct, "Quickly, we must move to protect Ted!"  I knew instinctively {ooc and from Ryan lol} that he could only release his directive grasp for a few {or rather 6} seconds, before something terrible could happen to the ship.  The sharp rocks on the cliff near us, jutting out like the island was grasping for the living, or we were sailing into a great maw, made me resist to think what running aground one would cause.  This to our ship, our way home, and our base camp with all literally all our earthly possessions aboard it.

Pleased, I see my new team begin to spring into action immediately, seeking to repel this threat. Standing next to Cabrakan I speak to him, "I told you we would need your skills as a priest quite keenly, here is your first chance, send these wretched creatures back where they came!  Show them Whose light you carry!  Go to Ted's aide, quickly!  I will hold them off here.  IN HIS NAME!"  I speak to Ziv then, "We will take this one together!"  I then call to Lerdeth, "Protect the wizard!"

...and Everyone, don't let them touch you!  Do not underestimate the Dead Isle!"

The smell of rotting flesh brought my attention back to the twisted wretch that now stood before me, disgust filled my nostrils.  I felt anger raised in my mouth, "GET OFF MY SHIP!" {Even now the odor of an animal that decided to die in my wall makes this all too realistic lol}.  Seeking to make them pay for their rank smelling ways, I had drawn my newly acquired Guisarme.  After taking a step back to give myself better space to cut this zombie in half.

I strike with great aggression.
{I 5ft step to E11 and full attack 4
01:40, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  AR with Guisarme, 5 PWR ATK, TDI.
01:42, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 20 using 2d4+15.  DMG with Guisarme, 5 PWR ATK, TDI.
2nd attack is a trip attempt:
touch attack:
01:44, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Touch AR for trip attempt on 4, TDI.
01:49, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Strength Check, for trip, TDI. (not sure if the +2 adds to this check? it would be +5 then)}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Sun 30 July 2017.

Ug, filthy zombies, never really was looking forward to that smell again.  I thought to myself as the smell sneaks in uninvited to my nostrils.  Had enough of that for sure, well, not like I did not know this would be coming, but then again, is it really so bad.  Look at the excellent opportunity this provides me for practicing again, haha, finally!  With my weapons drawn I begin to prepare to cast a spell to deal with them, hehe.  They will be no match for this...

Hmm, just then I hear again the voice of my new teacher in my head, "take a moment to study your opponent before rushing in, knowledge is power..."  Ug, delay again for study?  But I know he must be right, he does seem to be a skilled combatant and in mastering the divine.  I could be more effective if I study them first I suppose.  At least this saying makes sense, some of the other things seem to still be more obtuse and I am not so sure of them...  {like "knowledge is only possessed by the learned" lol}  Thus, still slightly frustrated, I decide to use the opportunity to recall anything from my limited studies on them:

Just then I realize with the moment's pause what my leader just said... "Ted!"
TED! I forgot about him!  He is no combatant!  I think a moment and realize just what to do, knowing he could easily be in danger, which would put us all in danger, not to mention he seemed like a pretty nice guy, would not want to have him get bit by a zombie.

I know just what to do, I speak to myself.  "TED!  Get to me over by the stairs!  Touch my hand and I can make the undead unable to see you!  Trust me!"  As he reaches to touch my hand I can see the fear in his eyes, he was a brave man to come on a trip as perilous as this...

I grasp my holy symbol in my left hand and reach my right hand out, "May the Giver of Life hide thee from all those who walk in death, may their eyes be blinded to thee!  Thou hast covered me with thy feathers and under thy wings I do trust...  Darkness is thy cloak!

Don't let them touch you Ted, but otherwise, the undead should not be able to see you for the next hour!"


This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Sun 23 July 2017.

Waves broke against the side of the ship, a lone seagull cried amidst the sails, and a horde of zombies moaned on the deck, hungry for flesh. A normal day. Some of the zombies, by the look of them, had been on the bottom of the sea for a long time, with seaweed, fungi, and even coral growing on their bodies. One had a starfish over his eye. Their skin was discolored to unseemly shades of gray, blue, and green, and some bore signs of old tattooes: Sailors who came too close to the Dead Isle and never came home.

Crispin loaded his crossbow and shot two bolts into the head of a zombie who had just landed on the deck {Crispin deals 9 & 9 damage to Z#3}, replacing its eyesockets with something more chic. It instantly toppled dead (i.e. deader) back over the railing. Ziv, in a flurry of slashes with her daggers, gave a zombie backalley, open-heart surgery {Ziv deals 7 & 6 damage to Z#4} (she would certainly have been sued for malpractice). And Dinamik scurried to the top of the stairs and shot a bolt around the corner into a zombie's chest {Dinamik deals 1 damage to Z#6}.

Alacor summoned a golden bear. "Again Ted, please don't fr-!"

"AHHH! A BEAR!!!"

"-freak out. . ." finished Alacor quietly. "Why do they always freak out? It's just a magical glowing bear. . ." The bear ripped the zombie into multiple pieces, sending sprays of blood all over the place; the remains of the zombie twitched for a bit then stopped {Cel. Black Bear deals 8 & 5 damage to Z#7}. "Oh. . . I get it now."

On the other side of the ship, Hadric swung his heavy flail at a zombie's legs and not only tripped the zombie, but took out its legs completely, sending the limbs spinning into the sea. The upper-half of the legless zombie dropped to the ground, where it still tried to crawl toward Hadric and munch on his feet. Hadric channeled the momentum from his trip into a downward swing and brought the heavy flail on the zombie's head, crushing the skull into a thousand fragments {Hadric trips and deals 17 damage to Z#2}. At that, he turned and climbed down the foredeck to his comrades.

Lerdeth swung his greatsword with incredible might, as through trying to fell a tree in a single swing. His might, however, was too much, and he missed the zombie twice – though he missed with such power, that the air from his sword made ripples on the water below {Lerdeth misses and misses Z#5}. Johannes, facing the zombie Ziv had wounded, then finished it off with a hack from his guisarme, severing half of its body down the middle; it, too, collapsed to the ground, making a terrible mess {Johannes deals 20 damage to Z#4}.

Andriel raced up the rear stairs, past Dinamik, and onto the steering deck. "Ted! Over here!"

"THERE'S A FREAKING BEAR!!!" he screamed.

"Enough about the stupid bear! Just get over here!"

Ted took a step over from the wheel, close enough so Andriel could work her magic, preserving him from the sight of the undead.



Finally, the hulking Cabrakan stepped to a central spot on the ship. There, he held up his holy symbol, a cross, and prayed. The cross began to glow, and then suddenly, instensely brightened, like the sun breaking at the dawn. The three remaining zombies screeched a gasping, high-pitched screech. And after a few moments, their bodies spontaneously combusted, turning to ashes that rained over the deck in black flakes.

They were left in silence, victorious.

"VICTORY!" bellowed Johannes joyously, and they all cheered, pleased at their first accomplishment on the Dead Isle.

"Captain!" interrupted Ned from the crow's nest. "There's something incoming on our port side!"

Everyone instantly shut up, clutched their weapons, and faced the left side of the ship with wavering eyes, waiting intensely for the next opponent and whatever horror it might be. But in spite of this, they were still caught off-guard for the unspeakable sound that came next.

"Ahoy!" called out a cheerful voice from the sea.

The adventurers all glanced at a each other. Then, with supreme caution, Johannes approached the railing and looked over at the water. There was a dinghy - a small boat - down in the sea beside their ship with four men in it, one of whom was standing and waving at him. The man who was standing was middle-aged with rough brown hair, a beard, and an energetic look about him.

"Nice weather, dont ya think?" he said. "Cloudy skies with a chance of zombies!"

Only after hearing the voice did Johannes recognize the man, for he had grown a beard since the last time they met.

"Sorben!"

"Hello, my friend! How was the welcome party?"

Chatroom Opened

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Sun 23 July 2017.

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:49, Thu 27 July 2017.

"Seems like a well enough guy, but c'mon 1000 gold pieces though? I don't know about that..." {Sense Motive}
Crispin's thoughts had never really been preoccupied by money during the two week voyage. Not until after he asked Sorben how much his map would cost.
"Pretty sure I spent all my coin before signing up for this escapade...Wait I DID get those bolts for a steal, so that would leave me with. . ."
He didn't want to think about it anymore.
He did however want to take one last mental stock of the deck's current status, just to be absolutely sure that everything that happened had indeed happened.
"Okay whatever, we'll deal with that later. So one more time: Ashes. Lotta ashes. That one's split in half. Exploded head one over there. More ashes. And that one got ripped to bits by the magical glowing bear...
we're not even on the island yet...
hey thinking of which..."

"Sooo guess it's time to get going then?", he said when the conversation with Sorben reached it's conclusion.
Crispin then looked toward the isle, then back at the deck, then finally turned to Sorben.
"Hey uhh just curious. That consecration fee wouldn't happen to include a cleaning service would it?..."

Crispin rolled 4. Sense Motive on Sorben.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Sun 30 July 2017.

Even faster than the bear appeared out of the portal, there was a flash of light and the gold colored bear vanished. "I told you Ted. There was nothing to worry about. You didn't need to freak out so much." The white haired wizard and shrugged, realizing there was probably no getting through to him. He observed the men boarding the ship and blessing the area. It seemed they were using the consecration spell. "If only we had a way to protect the ship more permanently. I'll have to study that."

Alacor put his component pouch back onto his belt while they started conversing with Sorben. He tried to discern Sorben's intentions. Maybe he tries to pull this scheme on everyone that comes to dock here. {Sense Motive on the sincerity of the value of the map 22:49, Today: Alacor rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sense motive; Sorben's intention about the map price.}. "Are there any other camps or settlements around the area?"

Ziv cleared of her weapons of the rustic blood from the zombies and simply sheathed them quickly to check her surrounding new company. She was on a mission: what is she doing feeling like she was about to take on another mission with this guy? (She had arched her eyebrow at this point.) Listening carefully, she brushed her fingers through her hair, trying to make sense of the gents standing before her.

At least she hoped they were gentlemen.

Cabrakan listened to the man's words intently, as well as the interactions with Johannes. It seemed as if they had worked before on the past, and seeing as how they haven't lunged at eachother, things must have gone well.

"It's nice to be in plesant company in such a dark and dreary place." He began with a smile, words of a map after seeing the less detailed on gifted to them by the gnome. "I'm not sure about the lot of you," he began, eyes glaring with optimism, "but knowledge is priceless, especially for such a dangerous location. I for one think it would be a wise investment." He concluded his decision with a solid nod, as if solidifing his 'executive' decision

"I would like your word however," eyes drifting toward sorben, "that we would not be filled with buyers remorse. Would it be possible to see the map so my mind can be at ease?" Voice tinged with an optimistic jingle of excitement.

Post:

to Sorben, continuing conversation:
"...If things go well, perhaps we would be interested in working for you again.  We would be more interested in working for you again if you would be willing to share your information with us."  I say with a playful jest, "But in all seriousness, is this quite a bit more detailed than the map we made from our first journey?  Is there a better deal you can do for us for the map, being we worked together?  I know I jest about sharing the information for free, but if our current mission goes well, we may very well be persuaded to working with you again, depending on what you have in mind, and the pay *{smiles cunningly, somewhat in jest}.  {Seriously again}  I am not interested in blind risk, but a warrior does earn his pay from fighting.  I do not know the opinion of all here, but I think I cannot close the door on it.  Anyways, if that is a problem for you on the price, we can just keep it even- we pay what you ask, you pay us full price for any work we do for you.  I feel that can sometimes be more fair among friends."

{00:35, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sense Motive, on Sorben's price of map, is it fair?} {lol, being I do not have any ranks in sense motive, I do not put a lot of stock in my results lol- go by my real instincts more}
{00:38, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Diplomacy, on Sorben, asking for a better price on map; tDI.}
{Also, for sales, my Charisma is 16}

"Next, you said 90 gold for the dock for us per day?  That seems fair when you said they bless our boat twice a day and you keep watch over it with guards?  Is that what it includes?  Or am I mistaken?"


"I want to hear more about how things are going here!  Have you had similar attacks as before?  Has the establishment become rather permanent?  Also, do you have a smith and source to buy supplies from?  We will need to keep ourselves supplied, and may need to purchase some additional weapons.  Anything more we ought to know about undead activity lately?"

"On a separate note, I was curious if you knew a certain Estrean man, Dnaeon, he said you worked for him or something?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Sun 30 July 2017.

Somewhat suspicious of Sorben's price, I consider to myself if it is fair?
 It does seem rather convenient that he shows up just at the conclusion of the battle?  How did he know we were coming?  Mr. Dnaeon or whatever his name was, the rich elf, said he heard of Herr Johannes and Sir Hadric through this Mr. Sorben.  Perhaps he will have more answers for us about Streleka?  I wonder if he saw her, does he know her?  Hmm... I consider to myself.
{01:00, Today: Secret Roll: Andriel rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Sense Motive, on Sorben's price of map, is it fair?}

I also observe the priests doing some sort of 'blessing' on our ship, I decide to watch them for a bit, perhaps they are doing a spell I know.  Maybe we could save ourselves some gold to do it ourselves?
{01:17, Today: Secret Roll: Andriel rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Spellcraft on the spell being cast by the priests, tDI.}

As much as I have my suspicions about Sorben, what an opportunity to study the undead!  I can contain my curiosity no longer and burst out a flurry of questions.
"What sorts of undead have you seen around the port here Mr. Sorben?  Have you begun to classify them yet?  Found any sort of particularly more effective weapons against them, or sort of tactics they employ?  Have you seen what they do when no one is around?
We heard tell that weather here is particularly violent, does the rain actually hurt the living here?
What do you do for water around here, if the water is poison?  Have any waves of undead reached this fortress?  If so, how did you ward them off?  Have you seen anything else than the 5 types I have heard of: human/average skeleton warrior, human zombie, ravager, skeletal priest, and dread knight?"

"Speaking of dread knight, I suppose after the tales of your last adventure you might have a lot to thank Sir Hadric and Herr Johannes for, maybe you would want to give them a deal on the map?"

"Also, we heard there are quite the magic items here from the previous culture, have you found many?  Are you being supported by the research institute to stay here or some other government?  Is this technically under the government of Herrod?"

I stop to hear Sorben's answers between but still ask them with intense inquisitiveness.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Sun 30 July 2017.

Crispin walked across the deck of the ship and stopped at the corpse of a zombie, its body split down the middle. He nudged it with his foot. "Gross," he muttered. Its fingers suddenly twitched, and Crispin was so startled that he leapt in the air. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he shouted as he started furiously stomping on the zombie's face.

One of Sorben's priests came up and put a hand on his shoulder, gesturing him to calm down. "Don't worry, it's just a reaction to the consecration. The divine energy makes them. . . uncomfortable."

Crispin collected his cool and, casually, wiped the blood off the bottom of his boot on the zombie's leg. "Oh, uh, I knew that."

"Right. . . Now help me with this body, will you?"

With extreme reluctance, Crispin helped the priest pick up the zombie remains by its legs and heave it off the deck.



"We don't offer cleaning services," chuckled Sorben as the priest guided Crispin to the next body, "Just consider this a helping hand. . ."

As the other priests completed the consecration, the adventurers talked at length with Sorben about purchasing a copy of his map of the area. He gave them the price of 1000gp.



"I'm afraid I can't offer a better price than that at this time," continued Sorben {Diplomacy Check ~ Failed}. "As the sort-of leader of the Encampment, I get some of the best information around. Thus, it's only to be expected to have a hefty price. It's not exactly 'detailed', in that sense of the word, but it will allow you to find places nearby that you could never otherwise find on your own. If you ever decide to purchase it, just stop by my office whenever you're at the fort {To be purchased in the Marketplace}; I'm afraid I can't give you any previews. As for your question, Alacor, the fort you see here is the only stronghold of the living for miles! There is word that the Galians have setup an encampment on the north side of the isle; I'm not really sure what they're doing there though. Technically, Galia is at peace with all the human nations right now, but I'd still keep clear of them if I were you. Now, since the ritual is all wrapped up, why don't we get going, eh?"

The adventurers carried out their now-consecrated dinghies from the cargo hold and lowered them into the water next to Sorben's, including one with Lerdeth's horse. "To clear things up," began Sorben, "There aren't any sort of docks or docking available. The rocks surrounding the fort and shoreline here make that impossible. All ships are anchored here in the bay, and then traveled to and from by dinghy. If you tried to dock, your ship would be smashed to pieces against the rocks; if you left your ship floating on the sea, it would be smashed to pieces against some other rocks." He shrugged. "Either way, something is smashed to pieces, so this is the only way to do things, at least in the area around the fort."

Everyone climbed into the dinghies, except for Ted and Ned, who stayed behind to keep watch over the ship. They waved from the railing as the party rowed away; Alacor could have sworn he heard Ted muttering something about, "Damn magical bears" and "Good riddance." They rowed closer to the dark, foreboding shoreline, and Johannes and Andriel bombarded Sorben with questions to the point he looked visibly overwhelmed and uncomfortable, as though he was suffering from vertigo. The mention of Dnaeon though caught his attention.

"Hm? Oh, that's right! I did mention your names, Johannes and Hadric, to my old friend Dnaeon not long after our first expedition; told him all about our adventures, including how you two helped defeat a Dread Knight. I last talked to him a little over 7 weeks ago; 2 weeks after that, I set sail here to start this Encampment. Dnaeon is just one of the many investors who have supported our latest project here." Sorben leaned in and gazed shrewdly at Johannes. "If you know Dnaeon, then that means he must've come and talked to you. Perhaps he's the reason you're here? Hmm. . . interesting."

Ten minutes later, the dinghies landed on the shore near the fort - not on the islet the fort stood on, which was surrounded by dangerous cliffs, but on the mainland nearby. The ancient stronghold loomed over them, a stone construction which radiated a sense of deep history, long preceding those who occupied it now. There, they took their first step on the Dead Isle. Cabrakan gazed down at the large footprint he made in the sand, feeling the weight it seemed to have on his fate, and the fates of others. This moment was full of meaning.

They followed Sorben to a bridge with a large stone gate, the one and only entrance into the fort. "Welcome, my friends, to Fort Zombiehead!" Sorben announced grandly.


"Uh. . . Zombiehead?" inquired Ziv, giving him a look that said, You can't be serious.

Sorben look a bit embarrassed. "Yea, sorry about the name. The elves know the real name, Syrily-something, but nobody else can remember it. Then, one day some of the guys played a soccer game with a zombie-head, somebody came up with a nickname, and things just sort-of happened."

Crispin nodded in approval. "I like it."

Sorben waved to some men on top of the gate, and the gate lifted. They then passed over a stone bridge with water on either side, through a second gate, and finally into the courtyard of the fort. The courtyard was lively.

Tents were propped up all along the walls as well as a makeshift stable on the far side. Some of the tents appeared to belong to merchants with goods on display; others seemed to be residences. Nearby, a blacksmith hammered on a sword-in-progress, his anvil setup in the open air.

There were easily at least 60 other adventurers in the Encampment, plus 15 different merchants. Several people waved to Sorben as they strolled inside.

"Fort Zombiehead," began Sorben, "Is a private project made possible by many, many people, and doesn't belong to any one nation. We have investors from Perdane, Olseen, Vaterland, Styrie, and Salutem - from the Herrodian Traders Guild (where I'm from) to the King of Vaterland himself. It seems like everybody everywhere has some interest in getting their hands on elven-made items (since Galia refuses to sell anything humans actually want, such as magical items, weapons, etc.!); some are hungry for Estraen magical weapons while others are here for the art and artifacts to sell to collectors. The merchants here are all representatives of those interests and readily buy up what adventurers bring back from the wilds. All in all, there's money to be made.

That said, there's a few rules to go over and to remember while you're here:

Rule 1: No attacking anyone inside the fort, unless it's a consensual duel. This includes any malignant spells, curses, etc. If you break this rule, at the very least you will be expelled from the fort, permanently, and lose all benefits from us, such as access to merchants, ship protection, shelter, etc.. Adventurers can sometimes get feisty, but please restrain yourselves, or the consequences will be steep. This is a hard-and-fast rule.

Rule 2: The Gates close at night and will not open until dawn of each morning. The Undead get very, very active at night. Since we're on the outer rim of the isle, we don't get it so bad – mostly Zombies and Ravagers – but nonetheless, those gates will not open until the sun rises, even if you find yourselves caught on the other side. So if you go out deep into the isle, make sure to get back by dusk or be prepared to take care of yourselves. If you have the ability to fly, however, you can get into the fort that way.

Rule 3: No stealing another person's property, or you will be fined. If you evade the fine, you may be expelled from the fort.

Rule 4: . . . Actually, this isn't really a rule, but it's something to remember. This isle is not governed by anyone. Outside Fort Zombiehead there are no laws or rules. If an adventurer were to step outside the gates and murder someone, Fort Zombiehead would do nothing and allow that murderer right back in, as long as he behaved himself within the fort and followed our rules. We have neither the will nor the manpower to police anything. Even our guards here aren't really guards; they're adventurers, like yourselves, taking on part-time work while they either rest from their last trip into the wilds or wait for a ship to go home. If someone was killed inside the fort, the result would be either rounding up a posse to arrest the killer or placing a bounty on their head. That's the only way we can enforce things here.

Rooms are available in the fort for sleeping at 2 gold pieces a night, per person, or you can setup a tent here in the courtyard for free. There's a tavern inside the fort as well. My office is on the top floor.

Phew - I think that's about everything. Now then, I must go and attend to my duties. I would wish to stay and talk more, but I simply don't have the time. I wish you guys luck on your adventures!"

At that, Sorben departed into the fort.

"Alright," said Lerdeth after he had gone. "What's our next step?" There were a few options:



"Hmm," began Johannes, "Maybe first we should-"

"Well, well," said an approaching voice. "Look who came back."

The voice was not a welcome one. Johannes turned and saw a face that he wished was not there. The face was that of a man with a bird-like nose and scar over his eye, adorned with shoulder-length black hair; his mouth curled up in a sneer. Most of the party did not recognize him, but Johannes certainly did.

It was Ramsey.



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:21, Mon 31 July 2017.

Someone has a severe case of resting bitch face, Ziv remarked to herself, casting a glance between the tension built between this foreign fellow and Johannes. Studying him carefully, Ziv narrowed her eyes.  "State your business with us, sir," she spoke slowly, sternly, but not quite with the intimidation she intended. Something wasn't right between he and Johannes. Instinctively, she stepped slightly between the two of them. "You will not have duels here, sirs." Her eyes flicked a hot glare between Johannes and Ramsey. "Not only do we not have the time for it," she fixed a glare at Ramsey, "we haven't the patience.  So don't try mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Tue 01 Aug 2017.

Ramsey: *Cough

We meet again, Johannes. I see you found a new group of fools. . . {He glances at Hadric}. . . and one old one.

Hadric: I guess me knocking that hammer out of your tiny little hands didnt humble you enough. Perhaps drowning you will do the trick. I think that pretty face o yours might look better below these black waters.

Lerdeth: You better watch your mouth. I don't take kindly to insults..

Alacor: Excuse me, who are you exactly?

Ramsey: Awfully sensitive for such big men. You sure know how to pick em, Johannes. . . Though I must say, I'm a bit surprised to see you again so soon, after all your 'fond' memories of this place.

'I' am Ramsey, Herr Ramsey Algedard II, to you.

Hadric: Pretty cocky for a man who couldnt beat folks so "beneath him" specially after you tried to finish us off after that fight with the dread knight? Why the hell do you even want to speak with us? Cos if you're just hear to play games and run your mouth I got no interest in you.

Ramsey: {He smiles} Isn't it obvious? I'm curious. . . For what reason, pray tell, brings my old 'friends' back to the Dead Isle? And with such a large party at that?

Cabrakan: Hello ser algedard II! We are here on rescue mission. How do you know these men?

Hadric: We had so much fun knocking pukes like you down a peg we thought wed come back for more.

Lerdeth: {looks to johanness and hadric} We are here on business.

Hadric: That and gold

Cabrakan: (Confused look) did.. why do I feel hostility

Hadric: Dont bother with him. He tried to murder us after a big fight with the undead. (Spits) he's a bloody coward.

Alacor: Ah noted. I should write this down.

Lerdeth: What may i ask, are you doing on the dead isle?

Ramsey: We were 'co-workers', for a time. So. . . your business. . . is a rescue mission? Typical.

Cabrakan: Ah a friend then! Any friend of my new friends is my friend.. friend.. Are you here for the same?

Ramsey: It so happens that 'I' am, too, here on business. I'm a representative of the Vaterland Trading Company, and we have investments in this enterprise.

Hadric: What kind of investment

Ramsey: The same as most I expect. Elven Weapons, obviously.

Hadric: I wanna know. Why did you try to scoop us out?

Ramsey: {His eyes light up at Hadric's question} An excellent question. An excellent question indeed.

Johannes: Cabrakan, Ramsey double crossed the archaeological expedition we were part of, tried to assassinate me and the rest of the party with me using poison, we were guarding the expedition and then tried later to murder us in a combat "accident"

Cabrakan: ...attempted murder? Ser, I ask you before I belive foul talk, are these claims true?..

Ramsey: . . . That's true enough. . . Tell me, Johannes. Have you even told these people who you are yet?

Hadric: I think it's time you go, lad.

Johannes: So Ramsey, you seemed to have gained yourself a knighthood under Rysan the Tyrant, member of the court for you failed mission?  I am surprised, maybe you actually just lied to them?  You seem to have a knack for that. I am amazed that Sorben even let you back here, or perhaps he does not know you are here? You left him and his friends to die also.

Ramsey: {He snorts} Sorben isn't as much in charge as you think, not when shareholders are involved. He knows I'm here, of course.

Cabrakan: Remember gentlemen, fighting on fort grounds is prohibited. I suggest foul man, that you leave. I have no tolerance for one such as yourself. Or perhaps I should walk away instead. I don't trust my tongue

Ramsey: So, Johannes' party. . . Would if I told your so-called leader had a bounty on his head?

Cabrakan: (Attention shifts)

Johannes: You mean like the bounty on yours?

Ramsey: Ah, he failed to mention that I take it?

Cabrakan: Johannes.. are you also a man of ill stock?..

Johannes: Everyone knows that standing up for what is right does not always make friends, like the proverb, if all men love you, what do you represent?

Lerdeth: he didnt, but i dont see why it is our concern. just because a man has enemies doesn't mean anything. I have made plenty of enemies in my day.

Ziv: Tut.... Men.. Ramsey, is it? Watch your tongue. And your back.

Ramsey: {He smiles} Whether you believe it or not, I'm actually helping you right now. I wanted to tell you that bounty went from closed to open this past month.

Cabrakan: For.. for what?

Hadric: why would you bother to help? What do you get?

Ziv: He's not here to help.

Johannes: So why did you decide to not collect it after the dread knight?  You still did not explain the source of your "knighthood"

Ziv: He's here to scavenge.

Ramsey: {He looked at Cabrakan} Treason.

Ziv: *folds arms*

Hadric: Why do you bother with telling us this

Cabrakan: (Sense Motive)

Johannes: You mean treason against a murderous tyrant?  Is that what you speak of?

Ramsey: I was already a knight, actually. . . You can thank your father for that.

Ziv: (21:40, Today: Secret Roll: Ziv rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Sense Motive. What does he want with us?)

Johannes: (16 sense motive for me)

Lerdeth: Treason against who?

Ziv: *glances at Johannes...*

Johannes: So now you represent the Vaterland Trade Guild?

Cabrakan: (20 sense motive)

Ziv: Johannes may have his secrets, but you cannot turn me against my comrades.

Johannes: Treason against Rysan the Tyrant, when you are a Tyrant you make the rules so even the greatest act of good can be declared wicked in the eyes of the state.

Ramsey: Against his country. I'm not sure what he tells you, but that 'murderous tyrant' he speaks of. . . was practically elected by the people.

Ziv: He could be royal, knight, soldier, or peasant.

Ramsey: And it's the 'Vaterland Trading Company', actually.

Johannes: You mean the way he convinced them to turn on their own king?  Manipulating his way into political heights?  Though evil, he does not appear to be a fool.

Hmm, does Rysan control that too now?

Hadric: I don't even know what you're talking about, but this is not the time or place for political debate. Ramsey, you needle necked bastard, if you have anything important to say, do so and go. If you want to just play, keep walking.

Ramsey: Anyway, I'm actually just here to help you, and your little teammates. I would hate for them to be 'unaware' that the very man who likely brought them here is wanted for such dire crimes. And. . .

Ziv: Agreed with Hadric.

Hadric: Your as subtle as my flail.

Cabrakan: I.. thank you for this unusual information

Hadric: These people aren't The Paladin's "Folowers" there mercs just the same. Looking to get paid.

Ramsey: It's likely I'm the only one on the Dead Isle, aside from yourselves, who is aware of the bounty. . . It sure would be 'unfortunate' if I let that information slip, wouldn't it?

Ziv: Pfffft. We're in neutral territory. Everyone here is likely wanted for something. *Narrows eyes* So, with that regard, we're all equals.

Cabrakan: She's right Ramsey. I wouldn't think it wise to threaten a group such as this on an ungoverned landmass

Ziv: And I am not falling prey to the bounties of ANYone. I'm on a mission, WITHOUT you.

Johannes: Where is your party Ramsey? Are they absent?

Cabrakan: I will have no part in breaking the laws of the fort, and will not condone any sort of bloodlust. But I can't speak for the rest of johannes party

Lerdeth: We were all employed by a third party. we are here for a job, not for him

Cabrakan: I wash my hands of the entirety of this conversation. I will act as if it never happened

Ramsey: There are a lot of desperate looking people here. Sure would be unfortunate if people knew. . . Sure, you're safe in the fort; but in the Wilds? . . Now, for myself personally, I wouldn't dream of trying to hurt you anymore. It's just me and J'bin here. What could us 2 possibly do against a party so large as yours?

Cabrakan: Listen here as I say this once you cur. Should you interact with us in hostility, I will personally put you down. Do not threaten me.

Ziv: If anyone dares to threaten the mission by betrayal (said to the party), or by putting any one person of my party in danger (said to Ramsey with a dark glare), I don't care who you are.  You will not be around for much longer. (21:50, Today: Secret Roll: Ziv rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Intimidate.) So stick to the mission, boys.

Ramsey: Like I said, I mean you no harm at all. {He smiles widely}. Perhaps a 1000 gold pieces might help me remember to keep my tongue in the tavern, or a magical item? I'm sure your lives would be easier for it.

Hadric: How bout I pay you in steel?

Cabrakan: I for one, would like to put this all behind us.. may I interest any of you (gazing at Ramsey as well) in an ale? My treat?

Johannes: Well Ramsey, you want to tell people, that is up to you.  But if you want to stir up trouble with it, let's go outside now and settle this.

Cabrakan: No no stop, we just got here. It would be unwise johannes. And would speak poorly of us all if you do this

Ziv: *rolls eyes, sputtering angrily to herself*

Johannes: You walk around all puffed up Ramsey, we helped save your life, while you walked out on the carivan, and tried to repay us for saving your life with death

Cabrakan: Please, let's all go to the tavern, I'll treat us? Maybe pay someone to sing as wellm

Ramsey: Like I said, what could I do to harm you? And remember, fighting - even disarming - is forbidden here. . . So how bout a gift? To patch thing up between us.

Johannes: You have no right to be called a knight.

Ziv: He's probably worse as a drunk with his tongue so eager to speak. I could cut it off...

Hadric: I don't care if I get kicked out. I'll rip your little tongue out and keep it.

Johannes: Ramsey, let's step outside and you can put your big words to the test.

Ziv: Hadric, you and I may have to fight over that tongue.

Cabrakan: (Extends an arm over ziv) please Ramsey, please leave

Ramsey: Honestly, I have no interest in the actual value. I would just get such an excellent kick from seeing Herr Johannes - a DISGRACED 'knight' - giving a humble nobleman such as myself a little something.

As for the duel. . . {He smiles} I decline. Maybe next time.

Lerdeth: Enough already! We have a job to do.

Johannes: Well Ramsey, you may think you have nothing to worry about, but I am used to people trying to kill me. Are you?  Do sleep well knowing that you have no diety to turn to, no hope for your afterlife? How would we know even if we paid you, Ramsey, that you would not speak?

Cabrakan: You can't. He has no honor, his promises are as empty as his soul

Ziv: Ramsey, hear me out. You speak a word about Johannes, Hadric and I get to fight over that tongue of yours in your skull. You'd best believe we don't fight cleanly. Forget the gold and walk it off. Now.

Ramsey: {Nat 1 vs Ziv's Intimidate -- He takes a step back from her} Don't. . . Don't forget where you are. Fighting is forbidden in the fort.

Ziv: *Smirk* I know. But when you itch to leave, you'd best watch your back, sirrah.

Ramsey: And if I don't leave? It's quite comfortable here you know.

Lerdeth: {22:06, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Knowlege adv. on Ramsey.}

Cabrakan: Miss ziv that is enough

Ziv: Well if you don't leave, you've got something coming for you: no gold to buy food with. You've essentially starved yourself.

Lerdeth: Just know if anyone tries to compromise the mission the will regret it

Cabrakan: I can't defend you from all your enemies Ramsey. I am only responsible for these few, and even then my abilities are limited. Leave before things get out of control

Ramsey: Hmph. {Glances at Johannes} You'd better restrain this one {gesturing to Ziv}; I'm sure you'd hate to have your party of fools mar that so-called paladin code of yours. I'll keep this bounty to myself, for now - but, we'll just see how long that lasts.

Farewell. . . Goodluck on surviving the week here. . many don't.

Johannes: {Knowledge Nobility and Royalty, Knowledge Lore on Ramsey}


Ziv: *Folds arms, taps foot* Well that went swimmingly. Cabrakan, you said you'd treat us to drink?

Lerdeth: Im surprised he hasnt been killed..

Johannes: Remember who saved your life Ramsey!  We did! {Shouts as he leaves}

Cabrakan: Yes! Drinks! Shall we? You need to relax

Lerdeth: That sounds like a good idea. I could use some sleep

Johannes: We need to gather information on the mission next.  Also, NO ONE, I means NO ONE, NEVER goes anywhere alone.

Cabrakan: As far as you're concerned johannes, this land is without government, and your head is safe. As far as where you committed the atrocities, I don't think I will be there

Johannes: Always by 2s, and always tell each other when you are not staying with the party, anyone could easily try to assassinate you here, if if only for your equipment.

Ziv: Well, you and your cohort are a pair. Hadric, would you like to pair up with me?

Johannes: I can tell you all the tale more in detail later, I am not ashamed of doing what is right.  I have no guilt on my conscience, and I know God watches over me, because of Christ.

I mean in the bathroom and changing as well.  You might want to pair with my Andriel.  {Laughs} but you don't have to.

Ziv: Tut! Good idea, I suppose... Maybe travel in 3s?

Cabrakan: Are you afraid miss ziv?..

Johannes: We also need to tell Sorben, as soon as possible.  He was literally left to die by Ramsey.

Lerdeth: I agree, always travel with someone. As for the bounty, having someone who wants you dead doesn't mean you are a bad person. With all the evil in this world, plenty off good people are wanted dead by someone.

Johannes: I could see 3s, 2 is the absolute minimum. Next, do not discuss the mission with anyone, except asking about Miss Streleka.

Ziv: Cabrakan... I don't fear much of anything. I only fear untamed wolves.

Cabrakan: I doubt, but will trust you

Nobody else to know of the mission... right

Ziv: Correct.

Johannes: These are lessons I learned in the Army, they could save your life or the life of your friends.

Alacor: Good call Johannes. I can also create a lodge for us to stay in that will be very secure and enchanted with alarms.

Johannes: We need to ask about any information about Miss Streleka, and maybe, maybe could use some Gold to help if needed, since I am sure our financier would be willing to help. I think that could be a good cheap way to go.  Probably need to stay in the fort, but honestly, it might be best to stay on the ship at night

Cabrakan: Remember the undead who crept so quietly? I would rather stay in the fort personally...

Johannes: If we get caught outside the fort, we will go to the ship, if the ships are gone (Ramsey might try that), we make the lodge with Alarms.

You have stone shape Cabrakan?

Alacor: I agree, and we would have to take dinghies to and from the ship every time

Johannes: We need to double check with Sorben that our dinghies are properly guarded
Also, is the lodge made of stone?  Would it hurt our ship? I am really surprised there is not even a port.

Ziv: Johannes, a port needs depth in order to dock.

Alacor: It's made up the surrounding materials, but it's as strong as stone.

Ziv: The ship would sustain a lot of damage if it were to dock into rocks.

Johannes: I think Ted and Ned deserve us to come back there to sleep lol, but I suppose what little law there is here, does not protect us on our ship?  But maybe it would if Sorben knew, he should not have a lot of resistance against helping us against a man who tried to kill him. However, he really may be highly constrained by pay.

Andriel: This does seem like a serious fortress. They probably liked the fact it was hard to dock at.

Johannes: I mean we row out in the dinghies every night to the ship.

Lerdeth: He could certainly be less accommodating to him without outright punishing him

Johannes: Not that we dock our ship.  I really want to know how well Sorben plans to guard our ship as well.

Exactly Lerdeth

Alacor: He made it sound as though it is heavily guarded. Speaking of Sorben, thoughts on purchasing his map?

Ziv: I think we need to pay him at least for keeping our ship clean...er.....ttthhhan being attacked by more zombies.

Hadric: I mean couldn't the crew just stay in the fort? I mean the zombies arent hard to kill

Lerdeth: I would like the map however I am broke

Ziv: Yes, but then our ships... It's easy to fight the few we had. But to fight a horde of them?

Hadric: yes. I mean they are like paper

Johannes: I think the map is expensive, but likely worth it.  I mean, it is only gold, and that information could keep us safe while we find many valuable artifacts.  Also, we can trade the information to other adventurers who we want to befriend before Ramsey does.

Hadric: and we have our own priests to banish them

Johannes: Who says we can't convince a few good lads to stand with us if Ramsey decides to talk.

Ziv: Heck, I'LL pay him, then. *rolls eyes* It's a good courtesy.

Johannes: Mainly the Zombies would be dangerous to Ned and Ted and our stuff

Pay who?

Excellent job back there Ziv, I am not sure what you did, but he seemed genuinely scared {laughs heartily}

Ziv: *Bashful, half-grin* Heh...

Pay Sorben for helping with our ship, that is...

--End of Chatroom--

Ziv knitted her fingers before her and stretched forward her forearms to hear small snaps of her knuckles under pressure. "Mmm, yep. Time to hear some stories while we're at the tavern." And with that, she grabbed Andriel by the elbow and strutted off, giggling with her the way girls do together.

Thoughts swirled inside Cabrakans mind... Perhaps he didnt know his party of comrades as well as he would have liked. In a place as dangerous as this, the feeling that he may be in the company of men (or women) wanted for worse things... bandits? Cutthroats? Murders?...

His miasma of worry expelled when he heard Ziv and Andriel scurry away in a flurry of girly giggles. The large man stood frozen in time for a moment, stance reflecting the uncertanty he felt. With a sudden burst of motion and not-so-well-monitored volume, he bellowed; as if assuming everyone knew his thoughts and continued a conversation, "I think the problem is that we just dont know eachother well enough." His eyes lighting up with his stroke of brilliance and his own morbid curiosity, "The first rule of any strong bond as teammates is general understanding and acceptance, followed shortly thereafter by the willingness to defend one another with their own life." He continued his train of thought, not taking into account how strange his outburst may have seemed. "Lets share something about ourselves, perhaps we have more in common than we think? I will begin: My name is Crabrakan Terrason, but growing up my mother would refer to me as Crabby. I own a farm that once belonged to my parents - who in their old age retired to the city."

The large man looked down at his hands, with each point he made, keeping track by extending a finger for each individual fact, "I have a young daughter, Lyric - but I have sense taken to calling her Lilly who is incredibly smart... worryingly so. The money from my share of the reward from this venture is to send her to the college of Saarl, to attune her ways as a sorcerer from the elves... This is the only way I could afford to send her, really" His voice trailed ever so slightly toward the end but quickly resumed its usual bravado. "How about any of you? What can I learn about you?"

"Well I agree that getting to know each other couldn't hurt, but I also think that the ladies have the right idea. We've just touched land after two weeks of sea and I have like...six gold pieces left to my name...I'm about to get schwifty. We can trade stories inside."
Without waiting for a reply, Crispin turned and headed towards the tavern.

As Crispin turned away, the white haired wizard replied "I'll join you shorty to get schwifty! I'll see about that map and we can take a look at it." Alacor then turned to Johannes, "How about we go see Sorben. We can talk to him about this Ramsey that you seem to have quite the history with and we can purchase that map." The wizard took his staff in hand and prepared to leave. "We can meet up with the others in the tavern afterwards." He then made his way with Johannes.

Dinamik was scribbling away feverishly in his notebook of the details of their arrival, the "greetings" of Ramsey, and the somewhat dubious tale of Johannes' bounty which is still to be told in full.
Finally, Dinamik took a deep breath and cracked his fingers loudly; Excellent! What beginnings, what intrigue! Haha looks like Ramsey actually enjoys being hated and despised. I for one would LOVE a drink and a meal that isn't going to be stale before I finish it. said Dinamik as he skipped next to the lady priest and giving her one of his winning smiles.

Only have just met the man, Lerdeth alreadyd didnt like Ramsey. He seemed to be only motivated out of self interest. Whether or not Johaness had actually done something wrong, he had a bad feeling about Ramsey. "I would have to agree, let's all go unwind from our journey at the tavern. I definitely wouldn't hurt to get to know another a bit better too. perhaps we could talk about battle strategies, we are bound to see combat while on this isle. Although it may not just be against the undead..."Also we should start to make a plan about how to complete our mission." even going to the tavern to relax Lerdeth was still thinking about work. He always tried to make every minute count, always trying to work towards a goal. This wasn't the best for making friends but he was never much of a people person.

Andriel began to walk with Ziv, laughing of the effect Ziv had on Ramsey.
"Sure gave that man pause, I have to hand it to you Ziv, that was impressive.  I do not often say this, but I am quite pleased to be traveling with you all.  It has been some time since I was with others similar in ability to myself.  Ever since my former master became a pacifist I have been searching for someone to mentor me.  It has been even better to find a whole group to travel with and fight along side.  I really was at a loss after my former teacher so abruptly sent me away, but I knew I could not give up searching!  I searched for a long time.  Herr Johannes mentioned Rysan the tyrant, I really was taken aback at first.  The name reminded me of my master, not the sound of his actions at all, but solely the name- Rysan.  My former master was named Ryin, he had such knowledge of spell casting- I wish he still was teaching, but I am thankful he taught me enough to go out on my own before he had an epiphany that changed his beliefs so drastically..."
Andriel's face became minorly red when she realized she had been talking so long and just said so much about herself.  Ziv seemed to be a trustworthy person though

"...but anyway, nice of those priests to help clean our ship off for us.  Enough about me, tell me about your life Ziv- er I mean, yourself."

...

"Ah, Mr. Dinamik!  Do you want to walk with us?  Lerdeth? are you coming with us as well?
You were rather quiet back there Mr. Dinamik, writing everything down I suppose?  Notice anything about Ramsey worth mentioning?  {any knowledge checks worth adding? lol}  Interesting song you sang on the ship, though I had a 1 problem with it, I was not in it."  She says slyly to Dinamik.

"I would agree Lerdeth, it can be dangerous to be idle too long, but I think the tavern will be the best place to ask around.  I know Ryin, my former master told me of a tale when there were solving a dastardly plot by evil adventures in the city of Glosoli {spelling?}.  It is in the Kingdom of Cathyria, in the wilderness of the far north.  He explained how important it was in a scenario like that, where it is so difficult to know where to start, that you ask many people questions.  I remember he said they had a difficult time of it, but things worked out in the end, when they were able to ambush the enemies who executed the plot.  I learned from him, that hard work is essential and that, before he gave up killing, that many conflicts inevitably are decided by battle.  That was why I began to focus on much more combat oriented magiks.  Many casters out there perform miracles for daily needs, but in the end, combat is the real fire that tests us and grows us.  The impetus to push us toward a greater self.
Oh! I almost forgot, another reason to watch out for Ramsey, Herr Johannes mentioned another man from your country he betrayed, I can't remember his name, but he was a horse warrior like yourself."

she continued speaking as they walked to the pub...
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:10, Sun 06 Aug 2017.

my rolls from chat officially:
{22:09, Wed 02 Aug: Herr Johannes rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty), on Ramsey, tDI.
21:51, Wed 02 Aug: Herr Johannes rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Adventure); on Ramsey, tDI.
21:41, Wed 02 Aug: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sense Motive, on the intent of Ramsey in talking to us, tDI.}
also added:
{00:22, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Lore check on Ramsey.}

"Ah good point Andriel, I did not see myself in that first song yet either," I say to Dinamik with a chuckle.
"Anyways, I will need to tell you all more later further on this matter with Ramsey, but for now, Alacore is exactly right.  We need to see Sorben right away about this conversation with Ramsey, as well as the map and boat docking rent.

Before I go though, I want to reiterate what I said:
1. DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ALONE, GO BY 2s or more, and if you want to scout somewhere let me know- like if you need to scout alone Crispin, you need to tell me that.
2. DO NOT TALK ABOUT THE MISSION WITH ANYONE, except what details are necessary to help explain about finding Streleka- like do we even know what she looked like?!  Alacor and I need to ask Sorben about her as well, but I want to be sure we can trust him before I tell even him too much. (To quickly explain, he was the overseer of the last expedition talked to the Dead Isle.  It was the first expedition and it went poorly, but Sorben was a reasonable man who worked for Dnaeon directly or indirectly (I am not sure which))"
At this, I stride off with Alacor to go to Sorben's office.
3. We need to establish where we are staying tonight and how safe it will be there, will a room be a better choice? or the courtyard, discuss amongst each other your skills that you can use for a watch at night etc.
4. We need to establish a set of signals for if we are in trouble or need help, like the word 'acid' used in a sentence or something- something to work on if you wish Lerdeth.  That is more things I learned in the Army, have to explain more later about code words and pace plans- like in case we get trapped outside the ship.

A quick word on Ramsey and what happened between us:  When Sir Hadric and I signed up to accompany the archeological group and defend them from whatever horrors they may find, Ramsey also signed up to defend the group.  There were 3 parties of adventurers, ours, Ramsey's, and 1 other.  Our group proceeded south and were attacked by undead.  they seemed to be drawn to our life, seeking to extinguish it.  The archeologists were outmatched and decided to take residence in an old outpost, quite broken down, but it was all we had.  Things looked dire, and our group was sent to scout back where we came looking for an exit I believe?  It is still somewhat foggy because that was when Ramsey poisoned myself, and my entire party.  He was seeking to kill us, but instead, it gave us a bad headache and made us black out mid scouting mission.  We woke up to a man fleeing from a terrible undead dread knight.  We made it back to camp- but realize what he just did.  He later even admitted it to my face when he tried to murder me again, making it look like an accident while we were scouting for an escape route.  He choose to do this while many people depended on us, the escort, to make it out alive.  Not only did he try to murder me, but he left the caravan to die, and fled away after a huge battle with the undead.  Realize that, he left all those innocents to die, while he only thought of himself.  There is one person in his life of importance, and that is himself.  Watch out I tell you.  He has no honor- supposedly he said he would no longer make good on his effort to assassinate me after we help save his life in the battle.  I think it was more because he was afraid I would just kill him otherwise then, but we were tired and we had a job to do, so we got those people to safety while he went unpunished for his evil.  I know you may be concerned Cabrakan of his words, but think of what I just said.  Sir Hadric can assert this is true.  This is why it should not be hard to convince Sorben to be less favorable to Ramsey. Anyways, time to go.

Alright, we will meet you at the Tavern soon, see you there in 30 min.  If we are not there, in 45 get ready to come looking, with your weapons. - that is an example of planning from the army, if this happens when we split up, do this.  Or if you are attacked, we will come to you with the guards as soon as possible."

At this, I stride off with Alacor.  "So Alacor, you have magic we could use to communicate if separated?  The spell is called message, right?  Possible to craft something for this?
Perhaps the spell prestidigitation?  Can it send up a flare as well?  Or any other sort of light source.
...
Ah, your bat!  And my Parrot!  Yes, definitely could carry a message, is not that right Perry?
-RAACK- PERRY THE PARROT! WALK THE PLANK! -RAACK-
hmm, seems he learned that from his last master the pirate I think?
-RAACK- YA VOLE! YA VOLE! -RAACK-
that is more like it Perry
...
our conversation trails off as we depart...


{Question to Ryan, but applicable to all:  I would begin to post about what I say to Sorben and explain more about Ramsey to him, but assume that is posting too far ahead- like that I need to go post by post and not work too much in the future or the past, can you say anymore on this Ryan?  Am I correct in my thinking here?}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Sun 06 Aug 2017.

The unpleasant encounter with Ramsey had left a rather stale taste on their tongues, one which they instinctively knew could be conquered with ale. And so, together and in pairs, the party headed toward the Keep of Fort Zombiehead.

They crossed the courtyard and walked up a stone staircase built along the side of the Keep (which would have made a difficult obstacle for anyone trying to storm this place) and passed under an open portcullis into the Keep proper. Finally, through a set of wooden doors, they entered what they safely assumed was the tavern Sorben had spoke of.

But to be fair, it wasn't exactly a tavern; rather, it was an old mead hall that had been since converted into one, probably for the sake of feeling more like home. About seven or eight long tables were placed around the large chamber, all circling around a fire in the center, like planets around the sun, where a pig roasted on a spit. Torches and candles brightly lit the room, so that one could easily forget the time of day as there were no windows to be found. And in the nearby left corner was a makeshift bar, with a wooden counter, tankards of ale stacked on top of each other, and a few bottles of liquor, which were noticeably in short supply. Behind the counter was an Orc with gray-green skin, bald but with a short gray beard; he snarled, welcomingly(?), at the party as they entered.


What caught the party's attention most of all, however, were the adventurers, for seeing even this many adventurers in the same place didn't happen every day. About twenty adventurers sat at the tables, some in parties, others alone. But unlike the lively taverns back on Perdane, the patrons here seemed much more subdued, keeping to themselves and speaking in quiet tones. There were no bar maids, no musicians, nor any festivities of any kind – but, thankfully, the somewhat eerily solemn atmosphere was heartily countered by the warmth of the fire, which gave them a powerful sense of comfort after having spent two weeks at sea.

“Alright,” said Johannes. “Why don't you guys find a place to sit while Alacor and I go up and see Sorben?”

Crispin rubbed his palms together and went straight for the bar counter, murmuring, “Time to get schwifty.”

“And shake those posteriors,” finished Andriel, following close after him.

While the rest of the party set themselves to the quest at hand, Johannes and Alacor headed toward a staircase just left of the bar and began their ascent, recalling that Sorben had said his office was on the top floor.

The floor above the tavern-hall was rooms, a hall of closed, newly-fashioned doors; they figured these were the rooms available for staying the night and continued further up the staircase. However, they did not have to travel too far, for the floor merely above that was the very top, and the staircase came to an end. At the top of the steps, they entered a room that was square, stone, and full of boxes and barrels crowded against the walls, as well as a couple doors; at the opposite side was an empty desk.

“Hello?” called out Alacor, not seeing anyone around.

“Just a sec!” replied a feminine but squeaky voice, one that was so surprisingly close, their startled hands twitched for their weapons.

The mysterious owner of the voice was soon revealed when, out from behind a nearby pile of crates, appeared a girl – a halfling girl – carrying a box that was slightly larger than her. The halfling girl couldn't have been taller than three and a half feet (on the short side for halflings), and had a head of curly brown hair and a freckled face – yet another person whom Johannes recognized instantly.


The girl saw them, suddenly dropped the box (something shattered inside, but she paid it no mind), and sprinted straight at Johannes. “Johannes!” she cried, wrapping her arms around his knees in a hug.

“Hello Veena,” he replied, a little overwhelmed by the reaction.

She released him. “Sorben said you were back, but the last time you guys were here you were like, 'We're not coming back, blah blah, blah blah blah,' and now you're back! which is great! Ugh, there's so much to do, and, hey, can you get that box over there? Kay, thanks!”

“Uh, sure,” hesitantly answered Johannes.

“So who is this?” asked Alacor.

“This is Veena,” said Johannes. “Sorben's assistant. . . By the way Veena, we came her to purchase a copy of Sorben's map, and well as discuss some things about-. .”

“Oh yup, the map,” she replied, pulling a key from her pocket and spinning it around her finger. “Sorben told me you might come and get it, so I got the key right here. But you can't see him right now; he's super-duper busy.”

Johannes lifted and set down the box where Veena told him to, and they gathered around the desk, of which Veena sat on top with her legs dangling off the side. “It's kind of important,” continued Johannes. “Did you know that Ramsey is here, the same man who tried to assassinate me and several others!? The same man who betrayed and abandoned our expedition a couple months back!?”

Veena wrinkled her nose as though she caught a bad smell. “Yea, we know he's here.”

“We were hoping we could get rid of him,” said Alacor mischievously. “Or at least make his life harder.”

“I would love to,” replied Veena. “But we can't. . . When we first got here Sorben said the same thing and made a complaint to the Vaterland Trading Company, but could you believe what they said? Apparently everything he did last time to us was legal! -according to Vaterland Bounty Hunting laws.” She glanced at Johannes and blushed. “Apparently, anyone associated with or who prevents the capture of a bounty is fair game, and so when he poisoned half our guards, they said it was okay! And when his stupid little scheme didn't work and he left us behind, he didn't collect any of his pay; and so he met the exit-clause on his contract! Even though he was a twat, every twat thing he did met every line of Vaterland law and the legality of his contract! (which Sorben is putting in a new 'no-murdering each other' clause; we never had to do that before!).”

“Certainly we could make his stay here more difficult though?” asked Johannes.

Veena shook her head. “Actually, that would just make our own lives tougher. You see, the last time Ramsey was with us, he was a private-hire, but now he's here with the Vaterland Trading Company, which owns a big chunk of our stock. He administrates a bunch of the supply and export ships, so if we tried to screw him over, it'd just screw us over, too; and Sorben can't just kick him out without getting a serious kick back from the company. So unless Ramsey gives us a real, totally solid reason to kick him out – like breaking any of the fort rules – there's nothing we can do. But I doubt he's going to break any of those, cause he's been a model citizen since he got here. . . though when I see him and his stupid beak-nose and he makes those short jokes when I can obviously hear him and he asks me for things as if I was his assistant, and I- GAAGH! I JUST WANNA PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE!”

Veena breathed angrily and heavily for a few seconds as she winded back down; a level of calm was restored. “Alright then, let me get you that map.”

Johannes and Alacor purchased the map, said their goodbyes to Veena, and then departed back down the steps.



“Looks like we just need to keep an eye out for him,” said Alacor, as their feet echoed off the stone steps.

Johannes nodded silently in reply, contemplating.

In silence they continued the rest of the way, until they once again stepped into the tavern, where the crackling fire and a modest amount of chatter reset a pleasant mood; distinctly, they noticed the hall was a bit louder than when they had left it. They searched around for their party, which wasn't hard, for all they had to do was search for the noise. Their party was sitting at one of the longest tables, accompanied by four adventurers they had never met before. Cabrakan and Andriel were having a drinking competition and each downed an ale in three seconds flat.

“This, this little lady. . . This lady little is something,” said Cabrakan, already getting fuzzy while Andriel smirked with supreme confidence.

“Most impressive,” said an unknown adventurer at the table.

Johannes and Alacor approached and were welcomed by warm spirits.

“Welcomed back!” cried Dinamik, who then bit into a turkey leg the size of his head.

“More of your friends?” asked one of the unknown adventurers, who had a black ponytail.

“Yes,” said Lerdeth. “This is Herr Johannes and Alacor.”

The four new adventurers were an interesting looking group. Two looked fairly similar in face and physique, except that one had a black ponytail and goatee while the other had short black hair and a beard along the chin; the latter was smoking a pipe. The third of their number was a halfling with short dark-brown hair and stubble, whose face had a pleasant quirkiness about it. And finally, the fourth member was distinctly older, his black hair turning gray in several places. All four clearly hailed from Shan-tai, evidenced by their slanted eyes and light accents.

The adventurer with the ponytail rose and spoke, “Greetings, my name is Ming Plus. This is my brother, Ming Lo. The halfling there is Mink. And the eldest there of our group is-. .”

“Let me guess,” interrupted Crispin. “Ming Fa? Mingy? Minko?”

“. . Takki,” the elder adventurer replied.


“Yes,” Ming Plus continued. “Please, join our table. It's so rare to have a pleasant chat this far away from home.”



This message was last edited by the GM at 12:30, Mon 07 Aug 2017.

--Start of Chatroom--

Andriel: *Cough

Ziv: I'm impressed, Andriel.

Takki, Ming Plus, Ming Lo, Mink. Nice to meet you all. Can you tell us a bit about the culture of this place? And a bit about what you know within the island?

Mink: Hey hun {He bats his eye lashes}.

Ming Plus: So you're fresh off the boat then? I'll be the second to give you a proper welcome then (seeing as the first was probably that Sorben chap reading through the rules as fast as he can). We've only been here a few days ourselves, so I'm not sure I can say there's a culture or anything.

Ziv: Hmm... Well what kind of culture do you come from, then?

Ming Plus: Most of us our from around Bpa'Dong, and I think Takki - {He speaks in a language you don't understand} {Takki nods} - Yes. Takka's from Meung, in Shan-tai. Have you been?

Ziv: I... can't say I have... But they sound like places I would love to travel in!

Ming Lo: Mountains. Jungle. Rice fields {Inhales from pipe}. If you like that. . . Fishing's good though.

Mink: So what's a lovely blonde damsel such as yourself doing in a dreary place like this? {He speaks with no accent}

Ziv: I'm up for any place, at least once. And, I could ask you the same, Mink.
{Playful grin.} We have an interest in various things in our group. Though we each have one objective we share, and we wish to retrieve something.

Dinamik: Ooo, a mission to get back what was once lost. Do go on!

Mink: You're a gnome, right? Where does a gnome come from? I haven't seen one of you in ages.

Takki: Are you being rude? {He says to Mink}

Mink: Not at all! It's not everyday I get to see someone shorter than me!

Ziv: [Stifles a laugh.]

Dinamik: From a far off place, with a teeming forest, and the most beautiful groves you'll ever lay eyes on! (Animates language with hand gestures)

Mink: Wait, you mean Jan'Jap? I think I've got a cousin down there. . .

Takki: He's not Shan-tai. . . {Looks at Dinamik} What's it called?

Ziv: That's... Interesting, Mink!

Mink: I suppose so. He's an opius grower. . loads of drugs down there. . Scenic though

Ziv: Grower? Of what?

Takki: Opius is a drug that is smoked. It's not legal in some places.

Mink: And it's certainly not for lovely ladies such as yourself.

Cabrakan: Miss ziv, it may be the alcohol speaking but I belive this man is infatuated

Ziv: [Laughs.] I think not, Cabrakan. Takki, can't opius be used as a tea as well? Or am I confusing my herbs?

Cabrakan: Ah alcohol it is, the foul temptress.

Takki: Sometimes. It has strong addiction, so best avoid either way.

Andriel: Cabrakan, I heard you say you had a daughter? How old is she?

Cabrakan: Ah yes, my little flower. She will be 9 this summer... already smarter than anyone I know. She will be trouble in her older years hah! Any of you have little ones, or big ones for that matter?

Andriel: I'm much too young for that myself. . . Who's taking care of her now? Do you have a wife?

Cabrakan: As of now, she is with my parents in Perdane - likely scaring the sin out of them practicing her sorceries... gets that from her mother, certainly not from me *sip* no, we are no longer together. Everyone was young and foolish once yes? She has elaborate tastes and I suppose I couldn't provide the material things she wanted. Last I hear she's living with a duke somewhere. Ah well, I hope she finds what she's looking for

Alacor: {Wiping away the ale collecting his white beard} Ah now that's a shame. Glad I never put down any roots like that. Besides, studying the arcane hasn't left any time for commitments.

Andriel: I see. . .

Mink: What a bitch.  Ooph!- {Takki elbows him in the gut}.  Er, I mean - uh, what a not-bitch?

Ming Lo: {Exhales smoke from his nostril} Alacor, you a wizard right? Where you study?

Ziv: [Shifting glances between different speakers.]

Alacor: It's been a lot of traveling actually. Trying to find different teachers to learn from. Most recently I was in Deon's Rise  where I met Johannes. I was learning how to create magically enchanted items.

Andriel: If I heard right, Cabrakan want's to send his daughter to Saari, on Galia. Have you been there Alacor?

Alacor: I have, but only briefly. It was quite the city; almost like it has been frozen in time with how well the old architecture is maintained. I tried to find a teacher there a few years back, but apparently I wasn't "disciplined" for them. Pft

Ziv: [Eyebrows raise.]

Cabrakan: Oh.. so I can't use you as a reference then huh. Oh! Maybe you can teach her some things after this is over? I'll slaughter one of the hogs and have a pig roast for the ages!

Ziv: Johannes, would you mind telling me a bit about your country, some time? I'm curious about something.

Alacor: Heh, I would be surprised if any of them actually remembered me or know my name. Yes I could teach a thing or two! Especially over a good pig and ale.

Ming Plus: I would be impressed if they accepted you. I haven't been in Mercia too long, but I heard the elves there were very strict and unwelcoming to outsiders, though that was changing recently. . . So what has brought a wizard to the Dead Isle? Is it to study the magic of the dead elves?

Alacor: Very unwelcoming. But yes, the magic of the dead elves is quite intriguing as is the powers that support the undead. As well as the search for artifacts.

Ming Plus: That'll be a tough thing. Most of the old elf towns are deeper in the isle, and the undead get worse the deeper you go.

Alacor: Ah I should have known it wouldn't be easy.

Cabrakan: Is there any theory as to why this land is so accursed? Is there something about this island that keeps these poor souls from rest?

Ming Plus: {shrugs} Don't know. We didn't know this isle existed until a few weeks back, so we don't know much about the history. They say Galia invaded here 151 years ago, and after that it became the Dead Isle, full of dead elves that didn't stay so dead. Maybe they didn't like getting killed?

Cabrakan: Hah. Can't say many folks do.. I just wonder if there Is some vile source - a dark sorcerer who may be behind this all... maybe all the elves didn't die but some want it to look as if they did?

Johannes: Ah, the line at the bar took longer than I thought, and the bathroom was incredibly hard to find it seems {laughs}, but I am back now.  How did you get your ale so fast? Please to make your acquaintance Ming Plus, Ming Lo, Mink, Takki.  {I bow to each one and extend my hand to shake their hand only if it is offered}.  You all seem to look familiar?  Have we met?

I have read some about this Island, and know it was invaded by Galia as you say.  What a sight it would be to one of the elves who lived here once.  Especially since it could have happened in their life time.  Living that long seems like a foreign concept, fitting I suppose- foreign.  Though in some ancient tales there is humans who were said to live that long.

Certainly, Ziv. Was there anything in particular you were interested to know?

Ziv: Haha, you just answered some of the questions I had with just that! I heard my country was also getting invaded, even though I thought we were neutral...

Johannes: Hmm?  What do you mean?  {laughs a bit}  I don't recall saying anything about my country?

Ziv: The ale must be getting to m'head. Sorry! For some reason I thought you said yours was under invasion. Mine's under invasion by Vaterland, currently. It's...been a while since I've been to my home country, but I was curious if you knew much about the politics between Vaterland and Styrie?

Johannes: Yes, I know there has been some recent conflict.  I think it is, no doubt, related to the recent coup, it was almost overnight and was terrible.  It is basically why I left home.  Our king was dethroned and his family exiled or under "house arrest" or something.  The propaganda said otherwise and the people we deceived.  Now a Tyrant rules in his stead and claims he has divine right to it.  I suppose most were deceived because he won the people's approval in tournaments and much of the army's in our conflicts.  But it was all a deception, now our people of Vaterland follow him with whatever he asks it sounds.  Propaganda is a powerful thing it seems.  I don't know much about the reason for the conflict or even if their reasons are legitimate, but what I can tell you though is this, Rysan the Tyrant is a wicked man  and a Usurper.  He is not only tarnishing the reputation of my homeland but his putrid evil is spreading- look at Ramsey, he now has a position in the government or large guilds  there?!  This is what wicked men do, leaders replicate themselves and wicked leaders replicate their wickedness.

I know it can be bad form to lead with something like this, but let me tell you men, if you all (to Ming Plus, Ming Lo, Mink, and Takki) have not met Ramsey yet, he is a wicked man.  He may seem a decent man, but his tongue is oiled as a snake's and would betray you or even murder you (if he got the chance) without a second thought if it gave him advantage.

Ziv: Not with me standing behind you. *Gleeful smirk*

Johannes: He betrayed the first expedition I was on to the dead isle and poisoned half the guards.  He poisoned many of the people he took bond that he was to defend.  He left the caravan when they were highly vulnerable to undead attack and many died because of his wickedness.

Ziv: They will be avenged, one day.

Johannes: I thought I should let you know, because he is here and Sorben seems to not be able to touch him because of his position and his protection by his guild and new corrupt laws by Rysan the Tyrant, though I think I have more I could say about it... Anyways, what brings you all to this Isle? {to the Shan' tai adventuring party}

Dinamik: *sketches the Shan' tai party, along with Johannes and Ziv making contact*

Johannes: If you did not hear me earlier Dinamik, I meant to tell you that was a great song, even if you still needed to add me to it. {winks and laughs in a jovial, not sarcastic, manner}

Mink: Is Ramsey that human with the long-ish black hair we've seen around? We've never talked to him personally, but we've heard his name hear and there. We'll take your word for it and make a mental note of that: 'Ramsey is a weasel.' Check.

Ming Plus: Unlike many of the adventurers here, we're not here for the artifacts - not that we don't do that when the opportunity arises. We're here on a quest of our own, tracking down a couple of killers.

Ming Lo: Sure have been a pain to follow, too.

Alacor: A couple killers you say? Who are they? This is quiet the long way to follow them.

Ming Plus: True, but we're being paid well to do it; we also have a personal stake. We've been chasing them for three months now, and they've been a tricky pair, but we didn't expect any less when we started. You've probably never heard of them . . We're after a half-orc named Adwonus Swillman and an elf named Pyrra.

Alacor: Hm interesting, money sure is strong motivator. Haven't heard of either of them, but a pair like that would be hard to miss around here. Not everyday you see an elf and a half orc getting along.

Mink: We talked to people already and found out they were last here 4 days ago before they went out into the Wilds. We thought we'd stay and wait for them, lay a trap for when they came back, but they never did! They could be dead already. . .

Ming Lo: Doubt it. Our luck is never that good.

Dinamik: (whispers) I sing about what strikes me, Johannes, I never amend my work. I'm thankful that you enjoyed it though *casts a beaming smile at him and shows the sketch of Johannes talking to the adventuring party in his gleaming armour*

Ziv: Adwonus and Pyrra, you say? Never heard of them. What killings are they wanted for? That is, who did they murder to stir on their bounty?

Johannes: We are similarly looking for someone, but for us it is a rescue mission.  An adventurer in her youth is here seeking others of her kin, but she is still young and does not realize the danger of the dead isle. Her name is Streleka and she is Estraen. Have you by chance seen her?

(Quietly, to Dinamik) hmm, I like it!  You caught the shining armour well.  Regal. {Nods in aproval}

Ah yes, you did say they were a pair of killers?

Ziv: I believe he said so. Why? Do you have an interest in them also, Johannes?

Johannes: I mean I was reiterating that they said they were killers, and that was why they were after them, thus implying they killed someone.  They did not say who.. How much have you had to drink? {Laughs and eyes her lightly suspicuously}

Ziv: Not much, no, but I like making sure everyone's mind is set for the main mission that we have, currently. One mission is enough to handle on its own with the size of our party. It'd do well to not focus on any more.

Johannes: Hmm, you were the one who asked?  Remember?

Ziv: I did. I was checking. *smiles cheerfully*

Ming Plus: They're wanted for killing an important merchant in the city of Herrod, named Celus Larlben. We were working under him when it happened, but his widow is employing us now.

Mink: Streleka, Streleka. Hmm, I think I know who you're looking for. . I spot all the lovely ladies that come through here you see {He winks at Ziv}. . Elven lass. If I remember right, she was with a small party that went out into the Wilds a few days ago; Eberan, Gwenith, and what-his-name. Yea, that's right.

Alacor: He must have left her with quite a bit of money to be able to hire 4 of you to track the pair down.

Any idea where their party was headed?

Johannes: Do you recall what they looked like or how they were equipped?  Could you tell what sort of adventurers they might be?  Like if they looked pretty green or were well experienced?  I hope they have been able to handle themselves here... {expressed with genuine, but moderate concern}

Mink: Eberan has a short brown beard and was a pleasant chap; wore some sort of mail armor. And Gwenith was a blonde woman with a sword, though I didn't get a chance to share with her my devilish charms. Aside from that, I don't recall much else, about Streleka nor the other guy - they didn't come drink with us.

Johannes: {12:39, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Sense Motive, on Shan-tai group, is Adwonus and Pyrra what they are really after; tDI. 12:38, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  Diplomacy, on the Shan-tai group, asking them about Streleka; tDI.}

Hmm, sounds like she is with decent folks at least.  Were all her companions Elves?

Ming Plus: Like many adventurers around here, they were trying to find a way to get further west, deeper into the isle where the best treasure probably is. I haven't seen any of them for several days, so they're probably still at it

Mink: Eberan and Gwenith were humans for certain.

Johannes: They are here based upon the rumor, perhaps legitimate, but perhaps just a ploy by the Galians- the elves who originally killed this Islands inhabitants- to get others of the lingering Estraen race to come her to die, on the false supposition of survivors from the conflict 151 years ago.

At least, that is my best guess.

Ming Plus: Oh, you mean the rumor that there are still-living elves in the center of the isle? We've heard a couple elves pass through here saying that. Sounded like a sort of 'hope' to me, rather than something real. . . Makes no difference to us though, since we've got our own business to focus on. Speaking of which, you'd tell us if you knew anything about them, right? Pyrra and Adwonus Swillman, that is?

Johannes: That is really quite a mystery, I hope they do not all go to their deaths.  Wrong or right, I don't think the whole race of Estraens ought to die, with all their culture, knowledge, and whatever else they have discovered-  though, perhaps that was part of what happened, some sort of terrible discovery or last reaching effort in contacting the demonic planes which resulted in obviously terrible results.  Or perhaps that was a super-weapon of sorts used by the Galeans {not sure if it is spelled Galean, or Galian?} (but that would be used upon other races I would think) or some plague developed to only kill Estreans.  Hopefully not still present today...{I give a slight look of concern while thinking on the Estraens}

I can see then we will need a ranger or tracker, does any of you happen to be one?  Or know anyone here who is one?  Or anyone else readily available?

{laughs} I was literally just going to mention that I had heard those names recently, and heard that they had come to this Island.  I do not remember where I heard that recently though.  I also remember when Mr. Larlben was attacked, I was in Herrod at the time, with many more of my companions then... {takes a moment to regain my composure, still greatly saddened by their MIA status}.

Mink: Takki's the tracker for our group, so, he's taken! Can't say anything about other folks.

Ming Plus: Hmm... {14:07, Today: Secret Roll: DM Ryan rolled XX using 1d20+X.  Ming Plus: Sense Motive Check on xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx}

Ming Lo: You were in Herrod during the faction wars, too? Rough time.

Johannes: Yes, I am guessing you were as well? They were quite bloody, and Mr. Larlben's loss was a detriment to the city- he was doing a lot to fight the pirates from what I understand on the business front. {13:18, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Adventure); on Shan-Tai group, tDI.}

Hadric: Why did these two kill your boss?

Johannes: Was it mainly money that you would keep working to find them at this point (after 3 months?), or out of honor?

Ziv: *notes to self* A group of four are with Streleka... Herself, and the three others. My guess is they're either really strong and may not greet us well, OR...we need to look for them asap. Our group could survive well out there. *finishes muttering to self*

Ming Plus: Last year, the city of Herrod was in the midst of a power struggle, and there was a lot of killing going on. We didn't expect our boss to get assassinated (in fact, we thought we were winning for a while), but we weren't all that surprised either when he was.

Mink: We all came down from Shan-tai to make our fortunes, then go back home, buy some land, get a girl - you know, live the good life. So we're mostly here for the money. But we wouldn't think of dishonoring ourselves either by quitting something we agreed to.

Ziv: What's the furthest out you've traveled on the Isle, here?

Takki: Four hours west to an abandoned elf village, then came back here before dusk. Any further than that, and you need to be prepared to survive the night. . .

Johannes: Hmm, did you say Streleka went that direction?

Ziv: Hmm... Any early birds in the party here?

Johannes: Early birds?

Mink: And boy was that place- Oh? Oh mama! {A Shan-tai woman walks into the tavern}

Johannes: What was it like in the village?

Ziv: *smirks*

Mink: I, uh, I gotta go. {Mink got up and left}

Johannes: {Observes new woman's armor and equipment}

Ziv: Johannes, early birds meaning, one who gets up early to venture out on quests. More ground to cover during daylight.

Takki: {Shakes his head as Mink departs, the returns to the conversation} The village was full of ravagers.

Ziv: Ravagers?

Ming Plus: Ravagers are horrible little things - undead, of course. They look a small, shriveled children with razor sharp teeth and claws. . . In fact, they might've been children. . .

Ming Lo: And they're fast too; not at all like zombies. Could be 20 of them on you in a second.

Ziv: *winces*

DM Ryan: {Their jovial conversation is suddenly interrupted when a man bursts through the doors of the tavern, half covered in blood}

Bloodied Adventurer: HELP!!! {Two adventurers run up and catch him as he falls} My teammates! They're trapped!

Unknown Adventurer: Come down bud. Where are they? How far?

Bloodied Adventurer: In an old fort, 6 hours from here. I- I managed to get away. . I told them I'd get help!

{The unknown adventurers exchange sheepish glances, and several others in the room shift uncomfortably}

Unknown Adventurer: We. . . we'll look for them in the morning. For now let's get you to the priests. {They carry the Bloodied Adventurer out the door and leave the tavern. The other adventurers in the tavern continued their chatter as if nothing had happened}

Johannes: Did that man look familiar to you? To any of you?

Andriel: . . . Doesn't seem like anyone's jumping up to help him. Why is that?

Ming Plus: It's understandable. 6 hours is too far. By the time anyone got there, it'd be nightfall - and few people here are strong enough to be out on the isle at night. That party will probably be dead by morning.

Johannes: I have been on the Isle outside the fort after dark.  {I examine the man who was wounded, what his equipment is, what his wounds look like they are from, knowledge adventure}

Ming Plus: I've seen him. Don't know him though. . . Anyway, I think we're going to retire to our rooms. We've got a mission of our own to work on. It was good meeting you all. I wish you luck in your quest to find this Streleka.

Cabrakan: We can't really leave them out there can we?

DM Ryan:{The Shan-tai party gives your party slight bows, a proper farewell, and then departs. Takki drags a reluctant Mink away from the Shan-tai woman on their way out. The Shan-tai party has left the chat}


Ziv: I think they were reluctant to help because he could be infected... Or simply, they were afraid.

Cabrakan: Who is more afraid here, those here reluctant to help, or those left in the dark to die

Andriel: I don't believe undeadness - at least from the normal kinds - is infectious. I think the only way to become an undead here is to die.

Alacor: It would be night by the time we got there. What would be our plan for the night? We would have to take care of ourselves as well as potential wounded.

Cabrakan: Well I for one wouldn't be able to stand myself knowing I could have helped but instead slept in the safety of the fortress. I am willing to go.

Johannes: {Andriel got a natural 20 on her knowledge religion about the zombies btw}  Upon closer inspection, talking with Andriel, and considering her words, I believe she is correct that it is not a disease.

Ziv: As am I. You shouldn't be by yourself, Cabrakan.

Cabrakan: (Smiles with a nod) Thank you miss. I will keep you safe as well

Alacor: That's a good start then. We don't have to worry about catching something.
I am of the same mind, I'm all for going to there rescue. That fort the man mentioned would probably have some defenses. He did say they were trapped after all

Ziv: It's on the way to Streleka anyway.

Cabrakan: Your bravery matches my stupidity friends

Ziv: And if we make it habitable, it could be a night's rest afterwards.

Alacor: I do have a spell to conjure a cottage as strong as stone

Cabrakan: Or a future foothold to regain the island for other brave souls

Alacor: I don't think we would be able to do it just the few of us. What say the rest of you?

Ziv: I'll go of any one of our party goes. You're not going alone.

Cabrakan: I'll go if none of you go to be frank. I won't be at peace unless something is done

Ziv: Looks like at least we're going, haha.

Johannes: I will be honest with you, we could go, but if we find ourselves completely outmatched, it would do Streleka and the world no good if we were overwhelmed. I am willing to consider it, but unity is essential to the safety of this party, and going alone could be suicide. We need to know how long we have until dark, right now, and we need to talk to the wounded man, right now.

{Note: I responded with a proper wai and Farwell to the Shan-Tai party when they left.} I have been outside the fort through the night and many souls were lost that night. We cannot underestimate the danger of the island.

Alacor: It looks like we have about 6 hours until nightfall.

Johannes: I also want to check if that man and his party were up to no good or if they were good people.  I would think they would be glad for help, assuming this is not a setup for an ambush.

Alacor: That's a good point, we should talk to him first

Johannes: Hmm, so we could arrive as the dark falls... Are we sure this in the direction of Streleka's party? Perhaps this location is marked on our map as well?

Alacor: That's at least what our new friends said. They went west into the island and the fort is also west. Perhaps that guy that came in could point it on for us

Johannes: I believe they were being truthful to the best of their knowledge. {Anyone else do a sense motive?!} I also wonder if he would be good to bring or not, he looked rather inexperienced though. {Knowledge adventure: effortless} He might be able to ensure we find the fort, but he would possibly be a liability.

Alacor: He is already wounded, we might not make it before dark if we bring him.

Johannes: I was also surprised at the lack of experience in the Shan-Tai party, not rookies, but not experts- I say this in reference to the dangers they witnessed, and gauging if we can handle this. We would heal him before we left or see that the priests do.

Let's go talk to him now then... We will need to hear what the rest of the party thinks on this one as well.

--End of Chatroom--

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:36, Thu 10 Aug 2017.

Note: The tag 'unexplored' means that no other adventurer has been there before. The tag 'explored' means that at least 1 other adventurer has been there before - but this does not mean that there is nothing to do there, nor that it was explored fully. The chance of running into other adventurers is higher in explored areas.


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:34, Thu 10 Aug 2017.

Crispin finally detached his face from the mug of ale he had become fused with and slurred his approval for the party's new mission.
"Whew okay...yeah I- I like that big-ol' heartayours Cab!...Savin' some folks ain't soundin' outlandish, hell soundin' pretty familiar!...So yeah lets go talk to the...to the guy if we can. Whatever we do's gotta be quick, daylightsawastin!"

He then returned his attention to the ale in his hand and remembered how much of a lightweight he was.
Damn...gotta- gotta sober up...nighttime onna fuggin undead infested island ain't gonna be a easy time. . .
juuust a- just a couple more sips then...

The wizard looked at his companion and noticed some of his starting to dribble down his face. "Oh gee Crispin, are you sure you're going to me all right? It'll be a long trek and you had quite a bit there."

He looked to the others around him and saw that the rest were at least in a better state. "We should get started quickly. We need to make sure we make to that fort before nightfall. I don't care to see what these undead are like after the sun goes down." With that the white haired man finished his mug and took his staff in hand to start to leave with his companions.

Unedited Chat Addition:

{I am posting here this question so people see it sooner and put it in their posts or answer here, so I can post better.  I will post a copy of this at the top of my post.}  I want everyone to weigh in on this decision since each person is putting their lives on the line here.

I want to go talk to this wounded man and find out what he saw and exactly where his friends are out there.  Might even want him to go with us to direct us, but don't want him to put us at risk.  As you all likely know, an untrained member of a team often can be riskier than a smaller team of experts.

I realize now that this is in the direction of where Streleka went.  Perhaps even this guy or a member of his party is a tracker which we could really use.  It is a risk, but we need to go this way anyway, and other than waiting for one of our priests to be able to cast stone shape and maybe some more info gathering, seems less risky to camp 6 hours from the fort rather than 12 or 18 hours from the fort.

I want to be wise about this, but I don't see a reason to wait as I consider this more.  We are experienced and have a plan, we could scout out a shorter distance (which is less risky) and save these people at the same time.  With Ramsey around it would not be a bad idea to have more people on our side if push came to shove as well.

That is my thoughts anyway.
{Wanted to get this posted in the most visible way possible, so people's posts could be better planned, not trying to mess up our chat...}
Would any of you spell casters have the ability to teleport us if the extreme need arises?

Post:
After the wounded man is taken from the hall, I stand and shout to all present in the makeshift mead hall.
"Is anyone here a ranger or tracker? I am looking to hire a tracker!
 If so, speak to me now!"

"I am going to speak to him now, let's hear it, what do the rest of you think?

As I examine our map, I also see we have a decent number of options.  As profitable as those may be, I think we need to prioritize our mission, especially since it is time sensitive- her life may depend on it, as well as our employer would be much more interested in hiring us again if we deliver well on his request.

Let us get you sobered up then Crispin.  Come Alacor, we shall speak to him."

Officially I vote we go west, talk to the wounded man, and help his friends on our way.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

Ziv gently gripped Hadric's elbow to tug him along with the party. "Action tonight! I'm looking forward to it." The sooner and closer to the mission, the more satisfying it felt.

In reply to Ziv (msg # 46):

Hadric groaned a bit. "I say we push west if thats where our quarry was headed. If this olace is as bad as I remeber, then time is not our friend here."

Cabraken was the last to stand and walk with the rest of his new comrades. Thought he had it set in his mind to go and save the poor man, he did not expect to have anyone go with him. It was unusual, seeing others place the needs of others before themselves. A smile crept along his face.

He then noticed the feel of the room. Drunken fools, story telling, the squabble in the corner of the room over who threw their knife the furthest into the far door. One thing was in common with all of these interactions: Companionship. Though some of them might not get along, there was someone there none the less. The man due west did not have that. Likely wounded, alone and afraid, Cabraken wondered if anyone would come for him were the tables turned. "Thats why Im going." He said to the backs of the heads of his group, "No greater love than this; a man who lay down his life for his friends." He stood, arching his back to let out a hefty snap. "Dont know the man, but he'll be my friend after I bring him back and get a grog of ale in his stomach." Begining to trot after the party, the man thought how lucky he was to have others with him just as foolish as he was.

Safety is nice, but great stories are made of risky endevors! Let's set out now, the boat was boring enough. Said Dinamik, tapping his foot rapidly. He immediately began to strap up his boots and gear up for a tussle. Hey Hadric, do ya mind?, Dinamik says holding out some extra gear that would slow him down.

"Hmmmm, that man did look prettty vounded... but you said he did not look fery tough, right?  I vet ve could handle it though.  I feeel great right now.  But Cabrakan, no.. Dinamik, now that is still not it, Crispin! and I need to sober up.  Yeah, we need to do that.  Yeah...

Like I said though, the undeadnessss is not a disease here, but some sort of undeadness tied to dying in a state of such hatred.  Most undeadnesss occurs from a necromancer casting a spell, but this type is ancient, like artifacts in zat the art of creating them or how they came to be was lost.  It is sort of a mystery to us, even now, how the undead were created here.  Ve know vhy but it is not clear how ve could replicate it today- not that I would want to of course- but for the sake of empirical study, is it possible.  It is rather dark though- let's see, I wrote down some about this somewhere, let me check..."

She rummaged in her pack a moment and pulled out a small booklet of sorts with pieces of parchment loosely bound with leather ties at the spine, temporary enough to add additional pages.  "This is my book of notes, I write the things relevant to Dead Isle in here.  Hmm, let's see."  She leafed through the pages until she found the entry she was looking for:



"I also vote we help this wounded man's friends, maybe one of them is a Ranger!  Also, they are on our way and it would be safer to make camp 6 hours out instead of 12, good point Johannes."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:38, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

Johannes stood abruptly in the tavern hall. “My companions and I are going to go save that man's team,” he loudly declared. “Is anyone willing to come with us?” He received no answer. He made a call for a tracker, but still received no answer. Several adventurers shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Seeing that they were alone in this endeavor, they took a final swig from their mugs, packed up their things, and silently marched out the doors of the hall.

They walked down the stone steps to the courtyard and, without much difficulty, found the healing tent, which was constructed against one of the walls. Inside they found several cots with white linens, a couple boxes, and a plain stone altar. One of the cots was occupied by the bloodied adventurer they had seen earlier; two priests in brown robes stood over him.

“How's he doing?” asked Cabrakan as they approached. “I am a *hic* priest, so I could do some healing.”

One of the priests, a young man, gazed up at this somewhat-drunk goliath and simply awed, but the other, a middle-aged man with a black beard, replied, “His wounds are already healed. He's going to be fine.”

Indeed the adventurer's wounds seemed to have been mended, but in his blood-soaked clothes, he still seemed in a wretched state. He laid in the cot, conscious but weak. “Yes, thank you,” he murmured. “But my friends. . .”


“Sir,” addressed Alacor, “We intend to go out and rescue your team. Could you tell us what happened out there?”

“Thank you-,” he replied weakly. “Thank you so much. . . We were out exploring a ruined fort we had discovered by chance. We fought the zombies lingering around there only a few at a time, so we didn't have much trouble clearing it out. . . but luck wasn't on our side. We were caught by surprise when a pack of ravagers came from the woods.”

“How many?” asked Johannes.

“At least a dozen,” he answered. “They're were being led by a skeleton priest, like some sort of vile shepherd and his flock. We had no choice but to flee. I was able to escape into the woods, but my three companions were cut off and forced back into the fort – where they were trapped. I couldn't get to them, so I promised to come back with help. . . and I ran. . . Two of the ravagers found me and chased me through the trees, tearing my arms and back. I managed to kill them, but I had to walk the rest of the way here on the verge of death. . . I'm so tired.”

“Is there anyway you could come with us and show us where this fort is?” asked Alacor.

“Impossible,” replied the priest on his behalf. “This man is fatigued, exhausted, and in a fragile mental state. He's under my care until the morrow.”

“I-. . I can mark it on your map,” said the adventurer. “My name is Welherst, by the way. Please. . . please save them.”

The adventurers left the tent, and, knowing there was little time to waste, soon found themselves at the gates of the fort. Johannes gestured to the men stationed above, and portcullis lifted open. The party took their first step, on their own, into the Wilds of the Dead Isle.

The party followed a rocky path along the cliffs which loomed over Fort Zombiehead and continued along a crude road heading west through a ravine. The east coast of the Dead Isle was a wall of low mountains, composed of gray stone, and featured much of the dead, beige grass which seemed ubiquitous on the isle. Johannes summoned his white horse, Fury, and trotted beside Lerdeth atop his steed while the others walked. Being their first adventure together here, spirits were high.

Dinamik mumbled and sang spontaneous verses, trying to compose something epic for the occasion:

“Off to save three fellows trapped,
In fort of elven lore.
Before they are all torn to bits,
And cease forever more.
With an army of nine, we'll storm the keep,
And slay our undead foe.
So let us all make haste my friends,
And- Yowch! Dangit. . . stubbed my toe. . .”

The eastern mountains were not so bad. There was no sign of life anywhere, but a light breeze from the sea kept the air fresh, imbued with a hint of saltiness. Everything was silent, but the silence was composed – tranquil even: The quiet beauty of the isle.

After a couple hours, the road broke free of the mountains and left them on the edge of a woods, a forest of leafless trees with dark, black bark. The road ceased here. Consulting their map, they stepped into the woods and initiated the roadless part of their journey.


Inside the forest, it swiftly felt like everything changed. Even though the mountains bore no sign of life, the lifelessness of the woods was more oppressive, incapable of being ignored. The trees were dead; the grass was dead; the wildlife was dead – color had been drained from the world, leaving a palette of black, white, and brown. It felt unnatural, as though every instinct in their body told them there should be color, that there should be sound, but the only familiar comforts came from each other. And the tranquility they had experienced in the mountains became something haunting, and inescapable.

For four hours, they trudged through the barren woods, encountering nothing.

“I expected something more,” said Lerdeth. “Like a foe to fight. . .”

“Trust me, my friend,” replied Johannes, casting frequent glances at the sun which hung barely above the horizon. “I'm certain you'll get your wish soon. . .”

“Look!” said Ziv in a hushed voice.


The party broke into a clearing where, up ahead, was the small fort they were looking for. Surrounded by a thin moat of dark water and with 20 foot high walls, the fort looked as though it had sustained considerable damage in the past, for it was collapsed in several areas – but most notably was that of the door, which had been broken open, hanging on loose hinges. There were no ravagers nor adventurers in sight. . .

“We're here,” announced Johannes. “Get ready and prepare anything you need: Spells, buffs, etc., . . We're about to go in.”


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

Ziv leans closely to the door to listen  after Dinamik.

The white haired wizard flipped through his spell book to decide which spells would best. After conversing with the others the wizard stood to the side with Hadric and starting casting enchantments. He looked to Hadric, "We'll start with the enlarging and from there give you some extra strength and dexterity."

Alacor reached into the small pouch at his waste and pulled out a small amount of iron dust. He squeezed the dust in his hand and a dull orange glow illuminated between his fingers. Gripping the staff now with both hands he pointed the end of it at Hadric. While he began tracing the outline of a stick figure in the air the wizard began speaking in draconic, "Share the blood of the giants with this man and give him size as if he were one of them." Every part of Hardic began increasing size, including his clothing and the weapons he carried.

"This will only last a few minutes so we must be quick." The wizard said without waiting for a reply. Again he reached a hand into the same pouch, but this time with a small bit of cloth in hand. Carefully bringing his hand out of the pouch the wizard held a very small amount of dung from a bull. He came closer to Hadric with it and rubbed the dung on his forearm. Though the wizard knew that hair would suffice, he always enjoyed the looks he got when using the dung. Just as quickly as Hadric make a face the dung began to heat up and completely evaporate from where the wizard had smeared it with a small bit of smoke. He took his staff and pressed it against the large man and made another enchantment. "Give this man the strength of bull, but not the smell or recklessness of one." At the end of the words every vain on Hadric's body could be seen as a wave passed through him.

"Just one more and I promise no more poop." One last time Alacor reached into the pouch and withdrew a small amount of cat fur. He threw it on the ground at Hadric's feet and started to trace out a cat's paw in the dirt with his staff. The wizard then put a hand on Hadric's shoulder and the fur burst into flames and strangely stayed burning. "This man needs the swiftness and grace of cat, let him move as though he were feline by birth."

The wizard took a step back and breathed a sigh. "That was a lot all at once." He grabbed his staff with both hands and was ready to go forward and face these vile creatures. "Let's get in there and take these monsters down. Put them in the ground for good!" He then took his place at the rear of the group.

{Cast enlarge person, Bull's strength, and Cat's grace on Hadric}
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Sun 20 Aug 2017.

Cabrakan, being not fully versed in battle listened to the suggesions recieved. As fiercely as he wanted to fly in ahead of everyone else, he reserved his aggression for future battles. Keeping a close eye on crispen, making sure he was safe... if anything were to happen to anyone ahead of him, he shuddered at the thought

He Stood behind hadric and the scout, touching their shoulders and giving them a brief glance and nod, an unspoken sign of his willingness to get them out of whatever unsightly event that may unfold. He stood near the ladies, ziv and andriel, but ever so slightly ahead, massive shield crossing over their path just barely. He made a note to himself to keep them toward the middle of the group.

Casting hide from undead - myself, johannes, alacor
Casting magic Vestment on hadric
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Sun 20 Aug 2017.

Lerdeth readies his weapon and waits for the scouts and spell caters to prepare for battle.

Ziv, doing as they had planned, stood behind Hadric and Crispin, and next to Andriel. She calmly waited for the spell to be cast, daggers ready and in hand, never quite getting her mind off of the flower-- just in case. Whenever the word would be given to follow the two men before her in, ehe would be ready.

Andriel prepares herself for battle, drawing her mace and readying her shield.  She then prepaired to cast her battery of enchantments, drawing her diving focus and recalling her spells.

"Everyone gather round, I have many spells I must cast before we move forward."  She says in a hushed voice, before continuing in a hushed voice.  She motions for all of us to come closer to hear and be touched, consecrating us before the fight.  She draws out a small bottle and holy symbol, preparing to bless us before we venture forth into battle.

"Lord of Johannes,
Keep these, Your warriors, hidden in the secret place- out of view from those the dead, yet not dead who shamble.  Invisible to the eyes and ears of death seeking whom he may devour."
She lifts her hands over us as she prays this, touching 6 of us in turn, while Cabrakan touches the other 3.

"Teach their hands to war," she continues, "bending the bow, and breaking the spear, burning the shield.  Bless them in the midst of their enemies..."

"Give Crispin the fortitude of a bear and Ziv the strength of the bull.
  'being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience'"

"May you keep Hadric in the palm of your hand, warding him from the enemies who try to corrupt in mind and body."

Actions:
Casts-
 1. Bless on entire party
 2. Hide from undead on Hadric, Crispin,
 Ziv, Lerdeth and his horse, and herself.
 3. Bears Endurance on Crispin
 4. Bulls Strength on Ziv
 5. Resistance on Hadric

Moves up with the group to the fort after casting these spells.  Her position in the formation is near the front, the second rank, with Ziv, behind Hadric.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Mon 21 Aug 2017.

Crispin positioned himself next to Hadric towards the front of the formation. While he waited for the spells to be cast, he loaded his crossbow and made sure he was prepared for the imminent infiltration and ambush.

Character Chat after scout room: Unedited

Andriel: cough* So who's going to look ahead? {Reply to enter the scoutroom}.

Dinamik: I wouldn't miss it for the world! I have some tricks up my sleeve I've been itching to use hehe
*rubs hands together mischievously

Alacor: I'll send Jasper in.

Ziv: Please shout for help, should you run across trouble, please.

Cabrakan: I want to go in so badly... I'm afraid I would give you away

Alacor: I can feel from Jasper. I think there must be something inside.
*feel fear

Dinamik: Looks at @Ziv and sings quietly;
"Near, far
Whereeevvver you are,
I will send word to you" (casts message)

Dinamik: What's in there @Alacor?!

Alacor: Jasper made his way in. It looks like there's two open rooms and the third is behind a locked door.

Dinamik: Are they empty?

Alacor: In the first room there's 7 undead creatures and a sekelton
In the second room is another 5 undead

Dinamik: Wowza

Alacor: Then after that is the closed door

Dinamik: do you think you could make it to and open that door?

Dinamik: Ok, I'm going to check on the door

Alacor: If those other guys are behind there we will need their help

Dinamik: Into the fray? Yes I say! Winks and frolics forward

Ziv: listens

The smell here has changed slightly... wrinkles nose

Dinamik: @Ziv; this skeleton can hear me! Crap.

Ziv: attempts to sneak in

DM Ryan: {Dinamik, with Jasper flying overhead, returns to the party, looking a little unusually white in the face.}

Dinamik: Okokok

Ziv: [Scratch that!]
Dinamik, what's up? speaking in a whisper

Dinamik: *Bumps into @Ziv * lots of baddies, and a skeleton with a brain

Ziv: How many baddies...?
Are they the zombie-children-thingies those guys spoke about? The ravagers?

Dinamik: 7 in the first room, 5 in the next

Ziv: Hmm... We should lure them out in the light and divide and conquer, possibly. That way we have an advantage, methinks.

Dinamik: Could be, grey and creepy
Well the grey ones can't see or hear me

Ziv: Well that's good. The skeleton seems to be a great first pick to lure out here.

Alacor: If we can get that door open those others might be able to help
Ziv: Was the skeleton armed?
Were the others?

Dinamik: Oh yeah, there's a door that I couldn't get to because of Mr. Funnybone after the second room

Ziv: Hmm...
Could he see you?

Dinamik: No but he could hear me

Ziv: Did he say anything?

Alacor: Jasper saw him holding a flail.

Ziv: ...good thing I have a shield...

Cabrakan: And good for all of you my shield is larger

Ziv: What did he do that indicated that he heard you?

Dinamik: I didn't exactly stick around for it Ziv, he moved and listened for me when I stepped

Cabrakan: I will lead

Ziv: Well no wonder you're white in the face... 😨

Cabrakan
Was there any clue as to where the men may be?...

Alacor
Jasper barely made it out himself!

Ziv
Probably in the room beyond the skeleton...
Poor little guy.. reaches out to Jasper tenderly

Cabrakan
Then that skeleton is our target. Just think, that is the last devil in the room standing between us and the injured men

Dinamik
If we hurry, you guys can deal with the Lovely Bones while I get the door

Cabrakan
We are so close to their freedom...

Ziv
What about the other things?

Cabrakan
Parts of a whole. Crush any you see

Dinamik
They won't see me coming

Cabrakan
Vile creatures..

Ziv
If the ravegers get to us, they bite and hurt! grimace

Cabrakan
All the more reason for me to go first!
Allow them to chew on me and strike a lethal blow

Ziv
@Cabrakan , you sure you wanna go first? @Dinamik has the advantage of not being seen easily.

Cabrakan
I worry for the small man's safety.. I wouldn't feel right
Not that I doubt you mink

DM Ryan
Andriel: Ravaners*, I believe. I might've misspoken earlier.

Ziv
You did have quite a bit of ale... wink

DM Ryan
Andriel: Though Ravager also rings off the tongue...

Dinamik
What do you doubt then, @Cabrakan? Eyes him

Cabrakan
I doubt your ability to be swamped by creatures none of us understand my friend
I would hurt for you if I am able

Alacor
{Looking around at the surrounding area} Hey did you guys notice these flowers here?

Ziv
Don't touch the flowers!

Cabrakan
Are flowers really important right now. Men are in danger

Alacor
Oh?!

Ziv
They could be dangerous.

Alacor
Alacor rolled 14; Knowledge nature; Flowers.

Dinamik
straightens his jacket roughly, tips his hat Well, I've heard quite enough. Skeleton first, I'll go fetch him.

Ziv
[Natural 20 on flowers.]
😮

Cabrakan
Uh wait small friend

Dinamik
Do you need more time to prepare, shield bearer?

Ziv
Hold on, friend.

Cabrakan
I want us all to be in agreement. Hastiness is a killer

Alacor
Hmm just some red flowers, I think they're Rubaelum or something. What do you think Ziv?

Ziv
So says the hasty man, himself. @Johannes , do you think divide and conquer is correct? Or dive in?

Dinamik
gurds his loins

Alacor
I know I'm ready, I don't know how long those guys can wait

Ziv
@Johannes ?
I respect his input, guys. I like making sure we're all in together on a plan.

Dinamik
streaches

Ziv
As for the flowers... Well, everything has been dead thus far on this island.

Alacor
Agreed, he is the soldier after all and one of the 2 that have dealt with these creatures

Ziv
I can't imagine those flowers be anything good.

Alacor
everything's been dead, but they seem to be alive

Ziv
What's your assessment of them, @Alacor ?
Hmm...

Alacor
I don't have anything else, just vaguely remember the name Rubaelum.
I can't recall the properties though.

Ziv
kneels down by one I could pick one.
takes out hidden knife from sleeve Should I?

Alacor
your guess is as good as mine, but if they're poisoness I don't know we could do

Ziv
Poison is ingestion.

Dinamik
smirks at Ziv Taunting fate is unwise imitating Cabrakan

Ziv
Venomous is either inhaling or being bitten, from what I remember from-- well, from someone who taught me.

Cabrakan
(Taunt flying over his head) he is correct. Best leave nature be miss

Alacor
Ah of course.
I'm always mixing up terms like that, probably why the elves didn't like me shrugs

Ziv
holds breath Here. carves into ground with knife, making sure not to hurt the flower

Cabrakan
Venomous means if it bites you you die. Poisonous means if you bit it, you die
... there are a lot of snakes near the farm

Ziv
holds away from face You think this may be a key to getting past those Ravaners?
Can anyone else think of what Rubaelum might be?

Cabrakan
Besides almost sounding like something you'd make a pie out of, no

Dinamik
10+7+2+2=21

Cabrakan
Gollu

Ziv
looks confused, slightly

Cabrakan
(Wrong wimdow, scratch from the record)

Johannes
Among other matters, that is quite strange to find a flower on this isle?  Typically all plants here are dead or poisonous, but I don't recall ever seeing any here that are alive... ever.  Hmm, worth saving a sample, just don't touch it.
It could be caustic.

Ziv
Hence why I'm only touching the dirt it's in...
Where can this be stored? Do we have any jars?

Johannes
I noted that, well done.  I believe I have a glass flask?  Would that work?

Ziv
I'm guessing so... @Dinamik , what do you know about flowers?

Johannes
Now, the undead skeleton is likely an undead priest, a definite threat, and typically I would say we strike hard and close range, however with the ravaners we need to have a different plan.  I would say a large area, like artillery, or perhaps turn undead could kill them off quickly.  But we have to close the distance with the priest as fast as possible.  Maybe you could silence him @Dinamik ?

Johannes
And, we need to clear our this fortress before nightfall.  We don't want to be caught out in the open here.  I also doubt those men could last the night.

So you said there was 5 in the first room and 7 in the second?  The priest was in the second yes?  If we have another hide from undead spell, could we cast it on @Crispin? Being a rogue after all perhaps he could slit its proverbial throat?  And with Dinamik, could keep hitting it right?  Maybe you 2 sneak in, then we attack from the front causing a diversion.  The undead focus on us, while you focus on the priest?

How are you in combat @Dinamik?  Like what kind of armor are you wearing?  Does this spell let you attack the undead or does it stop working then?
Johannes
When you say first room, do you mean the first room in?  Or deepest you got to?

Also, can you describe the size and location of the room?  Was there any furniture?
Johannes
I would say we could block the door, perhaps with an entangling Web spell?  Our wizard used that before and caught the raveners well.  But the priest must be dealt with.  It was actually similarly dangerous to the dread knight we fought.

Do the undead need to see you for your turn undead @Cabrakan?

DM Ryan
{From the patch of red flowers Alacor showed her, Ziv scoops a flower and some dirt into a jar. Ziv obtains 1x Rubaelum Flower.}

Johannes
Also, these Skeletons were more resistant to sword and spears than I thought, does everyone have a blunt weapon back up?
Raveners also moved very quickly, and their claws were more dangerous than a typical skeleton so watch out.  Andriel, do you have more knowledge of these? {or anyone else with knowledge religion}

Alacor
We'll have 7 raveners and the skeleton to fight in the first room.
Jasper said that those raveners looked pretty weak, but that skeleton looks as strong as us
Johannes
Was the first room separated from the 2nd?  Or will the raveners just pour into it?  We should block them with a web or something if we can

Johannes: {knowledge religion check on raveners}

Andriel: {knowledge religion check in raveners}

Alacor
{whispers with Jasper} Only some stairs are separating the rooms

Johannes
Hmm, because the raveners might be weak alone, but a horde could be dangerous.

Alacor
Yeah especially when we're looking at a dozen in total

Johannes
Do we know what the building is made of? I ask this because I do not want to set it on fire on accident, is it all stone or is it partially wood?

DM Ryan
Andriel: Looks stone from here.

Johannes
Hmm the roof as well you think?

{Results of rolls:
20:26, Today: Andriel rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Religion); raveners, tDI.
20:25, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Religion); raveners, tDI.}

DM Ryan
Knowledge Religion (24 Johannes; 18 Andriel) on Raveners ~ Herr Johannes recollected his past studies: Raveners are a breed of Undead unique to the Dead Isle. Rumored to have once been the elven children of Estraeus, they share the same mindless nature as zombies but possess a hunger for the living that is far more ravenous. Due to their small, frail bodies, Raveners are known to be easy to kill, possessing no resistance any weapon-type. However, they are also extremely fast, often seen to be hyperactive and unable to stand still, and their sharp claws and teeth allow them to rend even experienced adventurers to pieces.

PICTURE OF RAVENERS

Ziv
blinks
I'm glad to know about these Ravaners... @Dinamik , what did you say about the flowers earlier? I was a little occupied.

Dinamik
No lore that I've heard, which is not a small collection, mentions this flower.

Andriel: I have an idea... Who else can cast Hide from undead still?  I can cast it once still and if we can have a second person cast the spell, we could all be hidden and move into position for this attack.  Beforehand, we should cast our enchantments and blessing of course to help us.  We need to do this quickly though before the sun falls behind the horizon...  can anyone else cast hide from undead still?

Ziv
shrugs
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Sat 09 Sept 2017.

"Alright everyone, prepare your shields and draw your weapons, speak your prayers and voice your enchantments, mount your horses and gird thy loins, for we are about to go into combat.

The plan is straightforward,
 first, we prepare here, draw our weapons, and speak our blessings and cast our enchantments.
 second, we move up to the door in formation, Hadric, and Crispin at the front, then Ziv and Andriel, next Lerdeth and I, and in the rear Alacor, Dinamik and Cabrakan.  When we go to attack this order will change, bringing Cabrakan to the front.
 third, we will move into position depending upon enemy positions.  The hide from undead should keep us hidden to all but perhaps the priest.

For now, cast your spells, then we move forward..."

"Command Thy angels concerning Hadric, O'Lord, lest he dash his foot against a stone.  Keep those that seek him harm far from him, bless him and keep him, for thou art his source, thou art his strong tower.  You deliver him from harm and keep his mind and heart in thy perfect peace.

Protect and guide us all Lord.  Keep us safe and watch over us...
in Jesus name, Amen."

Actions:
I cast protection from evil on Hadric

I draw my lance, mount Fury, and move into position after Hide from Undead is cast.

note, need to get that tent and heavy shield from storage...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:50, Mon 21 Aug 2017.

The blackened trees of the forest loomed overhead, their gnarled branches forming a web-like canopy above. Ahead of them, in a quiet clearing of dead grass, stood the ruined fort, solemn and decayed like the world around them. A certain tenseness swelled in the adventurers as they prepared for battle, mentally readying themselves for the fight to come, for their scouts had revealed to them what awaited within. In preparation, they cast a multitude of spells.

Alacor cast a series of spells on Hadric, who grew to a startling eleven feet tall. Once the wizard had finished his work, Hadric, now a giant, bent over and sniffed a particular spot on his arm.

He wrinkled his nose and muttered, “It still stinks.”

“Nonsense,” replied Alacor, delighting in Hadric's anguish. “It's all evaporated, see?”

“Are you trying to make me smell like undead, too? Is this supposed to be some sort of camouflage?”

“Don't be silly. You smell like freshly-plucked roses to me.”

“Ugh, what stinks?” asked Ziv.

Hadric shot Alacor a deadly glance, but the wizard, chuckling devilishly, went off to assume his position at the rear of the party. {Alacor sucessfully cast Enlarge Person, Bull's Strength, & Cat's Grace}

Cabrakan began casting his own spells, but he seemed to struggle with his prayers. A soft light, beginning to glow about his hands, diminished as quickly as it came, the magic unraveling before him. “Sorry,” he said, appearing disgruntled. “It's been awhile since I've been in battle like this. I'm still a bit rusty.” {Cabrakan failed to cast Hide from Undead & Magic Vestment ~ Spell Failure: Roleplaying Component missing}

Andriel's spellcasting was more mixed in her results, with most of her spells succeeding though with a couple failures among them. {Andriel successfully cast Hide from Undead, Bless, Bear's Endurance, & Bull's Strength; Andriel failed to cast Resistance ~ Spell Failure: Roleplaying Component not met}

Johannes ardently made his own prayers. {Johannes successfully cast Protection from Evil}

Having done what they could magically, they assumed their positions and gazed forward at the old ruin, the keep which they were about to storm. The sun, having begun to sink into the horizon, cast an orange, crimson band across the sky, that bathed the walls of the fort in a blaze. Its crumbling walls were outlined with heavy shadows, the blackness tracing into the contours of the stone. In many ways, the ruin became a metaphor for the isle itself; beautiful yet solemn, illuminated yet dark, waiting for them to breach inside and face the undead terrors within.

Lerdeth and Johannes mounted their horses; the horses nervously grinded their hooves against the earth.

“Alright. . .” began Johannes, his voice barely above a whisper, and who exchanged meaningful glances with his companions before resolving his gaze on the gates of the fort. He snapped the reigns of his horse. “Forward!”

With the giant-sized Hadric at the fore, the party rushed toward the gates, breaking from the treeline of the dead forest, crossing the crisp and brown grass of the clearing, and moving atop the crude wooden bridge that spanned over the moat of black water. And Hadric, using his enlarged armored shoulders, shoved opened the doors of the gate, bravely and boldly at the lead.

The eyes of party took in the sight, of which there was much to take in. Before them was a stone courtyard, roofless with the dusk-lit sky clearly visible above, and enclosed by stone walls; the stone walls that were part of the outside of the fort were without ramparts or walkways, being merely topped with sloped stone so as to make climbing over them difficult. To their immediate left was a door to a corner-tower and in a far right corner of the courtyard were a few raised steps, leading to the inner chambers of the small fort. And at the base of these steps stood exactly what their scouts had foretold: A Skeleton, surrounded by a horde of Raveners.


The daunting Skeleton wielded a shield in one hand and a flail in the other, whose spiked ball, frightening in its appearance, dragged on the stone ground next to it; it was also wore a rusted-looking chainmail and helm. And about the courtyard, huddled in packs, stood hunched some of the most disturbing creatures the party had ever seen, the Raveners, who were small and child-like in their features, deformed, with mouths full of razor-sharp teeth and possessing long claws made for rending flesh; they breathed quickly and heavily as they lingered, like restless and panting dogs.

The party stepped into all this, bearing the sight of all these horrific creatures and their skeletal master, and they felt a chill ripple through them.

And from the very moment they opened the doors of the fort, the Skeleton saw them, instantly, its empty black sockets narrowing upon their living pupils. It was not clear whom he saw and whom he didn't, but, without a doubt, he saw many whom the Raveners did not.

The Skeleton lifted his flail and released a high-pitched shriek – not one of terror, but one that inspired terror, and that could haunt the dreams of children for the rest of their days. Every Ravener in the courtyard suddenly perked up their heads, turned toward the gates of the fort, and lurched, on the verge of a rapid sprint to engulf the area of the gate, whether they saw any creatures there or not.

Bearing witness to the horde about to swallow them, the party tightly grasped their weapons.



Note: The doors seen on the map may now be ignored.

quote:

Skeleton (Challenging) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 1 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 2 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 3 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 4 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 5 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 6 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured
Ravener 7 (Effortless) ~ Uninjured

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:39, Mon 21 Aug 2017.

In Character Chat:

Johannes: THE ENEMY KNOWS WE ARE HERE!  ATTACK!
Priests!  Light our way forth through the darkness, bright enough for the dead to see!!

Andriel:  "FORWARD!
Burn foul creatures!  Thou shall be but as ash!  WAIHHHHH!"

(Turns undead)
(8HD for height, 11HD for damage)
Johannes: Look! The skeletal priest appears to flee even!

Quickly @Alacor!  Trap him in a web and we will make him perish!  Then we shall cleanse the next room and seek to find the others in this tower, seeking other undead to destroy!

We must not delay, that we have time to barricade this tower before the darkness falls!

Post:
Andriel marches into the tower, into the tower's gate, as a great maw.  Its doors open wide as if to swallow them, looming far above.  She steels her heart and marches forward with her companions close at hand.

Upon sight of the priest, she can feel fear begin to try to take her, but in defiance she takers her holy symbol in her hand and lifts it high above her head!  She shouts, "I BANISH THEE FOUL CREATURES!  GO BACK TO THE SHADOW!"  A shrieking howl like a banshee begins to resonate from her as if amplified by her holy symbol, her eyes filled with fire, "WAEEIIII!!" Light pours forth from her holy symbol and the undead quickly give attention to her as a moth drawn to fire...

Actions:
Andriel moves to L4
casts/uses turn undead (rolls below)

{8HD for height, 11HD for width:
17:28, Today: Andriel rolled 11 using 2d6+5.  Turn Undead, damage check; tDI.
17:25, Today: Andriel rolled 18 using 1d20-1.  Turn Undead, turning check; tDI.}


This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

Post:
As we ride toward the fort, I recall the first undead priest we fought...
sound track: https://youtu.be/xoYeqEMLupE?t=59m55s
We were in a similar fort on watch, the night was dark.  As I was tending to a wounded companion in the fort I heard the call from the watchmen, "TO ARMS!  WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!"  before we knew it the undead had surrounded us like they had planned it!  Not like the mere mindless or animal like undead, we had encountered previously, but one with some sort of intelligence.  Thorns sprung up from the ground and I felt them pierce into my feet, my mount was rearing feeling the spines pierce my feet.  I mounted my horse as quickly as I could, trudging through the scourging weeds, my whole party gathered to fight this undead priest.  It looked grim as friends around me were wounded or tied to the ground, I saw blood dripping down my legs and the legs of Fury as I pushed him through the spikes.  I knew we had to get to the priest.  Already weakened by the poison of Ramses and the earlier attack, we were struggling.  In a last ditch effort, I mounted the rampart where I could see the priest below.  In a final last ditch attempt, I rode Fury from the rampart, leaping below to attack our necrotic foe...  It was only a moment later before I nearly collapsed from my horse, we had won, but only barely.  It was the closest I ever came to death, I believe (though I could mention many others, such as the building burning down around me, but each time my Lord delivered me.  Even then I charged in without fear, but a part of me asks now, how I did with seeing only a thin veil between the plane of life and death?  I know it is because the veil is not as thin as it looks, it must not be for God has kept me safe... I have no other explanation.

Being brought back to the present, I firmly see why such preparations were made against such a foe, it is time we begin again.  As we near the fort gate, I grip tightly around my lance, praying the spell will keep us hidden.  Below me, I see a gate, worn with age, and my new friends surrounding me.  My friends ahead of me begin entering the fort, and I hear one of them speak in a hurried hiss, "They see us!"

The time to go quietly has ended and I speak from the silence,  "GROUP, FORWARD!  LIGHT OUR WAY PRIESTS, WITH THE LIGHT OF GOD, LIGHT OUR WAY!  We are His chosen, and we shall know NO FEAR!  ALACOR! LAY DOWN A TRAP LEST THEY ESCAPE.  HADRIC, REND HIS WEAPON FROM HIS WRETCHED CLAWS.  AFTER THE PRIESTS, WE ATTACK! knowing we have come to do His will! HAZZAAAHHH!"

Upon this shout, I ride forward with the rest.  Steeled in our choice to save those trapped here.  confident God will not forget us in our mission.

Seeing the field filled with opponents and without a clear path to charge the priest, I set up on the edge, relying on my comrades to turn him and defend us this round while we set up the kill.

After arriving, I cast a spell to light my way, praying to myself.



Actions:
I move to LM-23
I cast the spell light (cantrip) on my Lance


This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

The Reports from the scouts were... Disturbing to say the least to the Cleric. In all his years studying the scriptures with his family and himself, later to become the leader of a small church off the countryside of Perdane - He never imagined he would face the undead. The stories he heard, the scrolls he read were nothing compared to the real thing. As the group opened the doorway and the skeleton screached, the small undead ravagers jumped to attention. All eyes on them. As if they lusted over their life force, or simply despised them for having their souls intact. Either way: His heart was filled with pity.

Is the fact that they took attention to them cause of his failure to bless his group? Was it the fact that he had panicked and not thought through his actions cause for their discovery? Cabrakan festered in these thoughts, likely for the years to come. "Never again." He said to himself- again assuming the others could hear his thoughts, "This is not a story or study, nor is it some old wives tale; this is real and I will not allow harm to befall any of you."

He began walking calmly to the center of the room, "Hear me, living beings of the fortress! we are here for you! No harm will come to any of you!" As he walked and raised his voice, a strange air of peace blew around him like a soft breeze. The large man lowered his head, a testimant of his faith and to a lesser degree - an insult to the shambling corpses. A show of no fear, even as the small creatures sprang from their locations to strike them down, Cabrakan simply uttered a prayer:...

quote:

Abba Father, the name above all names. Great is your plan and greater is your kingdom. These souls desire pain and misery to the living. Namely the men trapped behind them. I beg you in your awesome power: Free these men, free these undead wretches from their husks and usher us to safety and to the aid of those in need of our protection. Hear me beings of doom! You are unwelcome on this plane and now stand before the messenger of the most high! Your pressence is a festering wound in this land. It is in his name I command you, and in HIS name you are routed! Flee from this place! Flee from your vile forms and find peace! Lest I myself drag you to hell myself... In his name you are commanded!

Cast: Turn Undead [19 Turn undead, 11 Turning damage]
Move to: O-6
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

The wizard watched as the two clerics took their turns making ash from the raveners that filled the room. "Hah! Who thought a skeleton would be one to turn and run!" The white haired one said with a smirk. "But he's not going anywhere." He said in a low determined tone. He then walked into the room to gain sight of the skeleton at the far side. {Move to L5}

Alacor quickly stuck his hand in the pouch at his side and pulled out a bundle of some thin silk like material that was wrapped around a short rod. The wizard began unraveling it winding it around his staff. The small strands suddenly began spread over the length of the staff into a glistening web. A spider's web. His hand now free of the web he swiftly made a sign contorting his fingers in seemingly painful configurations. The wizard now grabbed the staff in both hands and as he did the web on the staff grew to encase his hands. THUD The sound filled the room as Alacor slammed the bottom of the staff into the ground in front of him. His gazed pierced the skeleton as he started to mutter the words for the spell, "Rise from the darkness and do not let this creature flee. Leave him trapped until he is struck down from this world." As the last word left his mouth spiders began crawling out of the gaps in the stone floor and the walls around the skeleton. At first there were dozens, then hundreds, and then thousands were crawling along the floor, walls, and on the skeleton laying web down as they went. Just as quickly as the spiders appeared they were gone, crawling back through the same cracks they came from. What was left was a thick wall of web in the entry way to the next room with the skeleton centered in the middle. {Cast web centered at the skeleton and connecting to the walls closest to him at R2 and T4 arranged vertically.}

"Heh, looks like he's gotten himself into a sticky situation." The wizard said with a slight grin looking to the others for approval.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

In reply to Alacor (msg # 65):

After the spells were cast on Hadric, he pushed forward to R5. Using his immense reach, he engaged the skeletal priest. Upon reaching the beast, he attempted to take away it's vicious weaon.

21:52, Today: Hadric rolled 29 using 1d20+26.(Disarm)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

Lerdeth moves toward the enemy, preparing to attack.(move to ST56) he thrusts his lance as hard as he can with both hands on the skeleton.(attack with 4 power attack on skeleton.
 23:32, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 17 using 1d8+13.  damage with 4 power attack.
23:31, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Attack on skeleton 4 power attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

Amidst the flurry of activity that sprang out of the gate, Crispin planted his feet firmly and steadied his aim upon the lone, unsuspecting skeleton. After the clerics had finished filling the courtyard with holy light, he then fired upon the skeleton twice with great care as to avoid hitting his allies in the crossfire.

{Free Action}
Crispin loads Light Crossbow +1 x2 (Rapid Reload)
{Full Round Action}
Crispin fires @Skeleton x2 (Precise Shot, Rapid Shot)

Crispin rolled 12 using 1d20+8.        Crossbow Sneak Attack (Precise Shot, Rapid Shot 1/2), Attack @ Skeleton.
Crispin rolled 21 using 1d8+1+2d6.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (Precise Shot, Rapid Shot 1/2), Damage @ Skeleton.
Crispin rolled 21 using 1d20+8.        Crossbow Sneak Attack (Precise Shot, Rapid Shot 2/2), Attack @ Skeleton.
Crispin rolled 8 using 1d8+1+2d6.    Crossbow Sneak Attack (Precise Shot, Rapid Shot 2/2), Damage @ Skeleton.

Underneath her clothes, she could feel the strength of a wild bear course through her veins from the spell used on her. She smirked and grabbed the rope given to her to throw. Stepping out from the group, she used all her might to throw the rope towards the evil skeleton. "Now! Charm the rope now to tie him!" She cried.

[Now standing at N7.]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

Dinamik runs up to Ziv, going as fast as his little feet could carry him. "Lady Ziv! Take this; when you get close, toss it on ol' tall-white-and-scrawny. I'll take care of the rest." Dinamik said with a wink as he handed her his silk rope. He then popped out his favorite reeded pipe and played a foreign melody (see "there's a place in France"), putting the rope under his spell.
"Aaaaand restrain"

{Spell: Animate Rope, Ranged touch attack}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

The horde of undead descended upon the party, the claws of the raveners scraping against the stone, running like dogs on all fours, their teeth snapping hungerously for the taste of living flesh. In response, Andriel and Cabrakan burst forth from the group, charging boldly closer to the horde, and they exchanged the briefest of glances with each other as their intentions aligned and held forth their holy symbols.

Andriel's symbol, an obscure circle on a silver chain, glowed suddenly, and the raveners grinded to halt and screeched terrible cries like wounded beasts. Their skin began to darken – slowly at first, but then rapidly – and soon their bodies were usurped by blackness, and their screeches utterly ceased. Their bodies then disintegrated into ashes, raining upon the ground as though they had been only made of sand, and leaving a faint and dusty cloud to hover where they remained. {Andriel successfully cast Turn Undead, destroying the 7 Raveners}

Cabrakan's symbol, a cross, glowed after, and unleashed a bright golden ray upon the skeleton, who shrieked in response. But unlike the terrifying shriek it had uttered before, this time it was a shriek of its own terror, seeming to be afflicted with the very fear that it had once hoped to impose on others. Even though its face was merely that of a skull, there seemed to be a distinct change in its countenance, and it turned to flee. {Cabrakan successfully cast Turn Undead, turning the Skeleton}

Alacor ran through the gates to the fore of the group and cast his magic, summoning a web across the threshold of the fort interior; the skeleton, afraid and lethargic, was then ensnared upon the strands like a fly on some unfortunate morning, its bony arms struggling helplessly against the trap. {Alacor successfully cast Web}

“We've got it where we want it,” cried Johannes triumphantly. “Begin the attack!”

Crispin let sail two bolts from his crossbow, and though the first shot missed, the second struck true. {Crispin missed the skeleton; Crispin hit the skeleton, dealing 3 damage}

Hadric rushed across the courtyard, taking great strides with his magically-enlarged legs, and swung his heavy flail. His weapon wrapped around the chain of the skeleton's own and pulled the weapon from the skeleton's clutches, delivering it to the ground. {Hadric successfully disarmed the Skeleton}

Lerdeth came galloping through on his horse and thrust a mighty blow at the skeleton with his lance, piercing through its chainmail to its hollow body where the sound of shattered ribs clearly echoed. {Lerdeth dealt 12 damage to the Skeleton}

Johannes followed into the chamber upon Fury and took position next to his cohort Andriel, where he enchanted his lance to be luminous and bright, glowing fearlessly. {Johannes successfully cast Light}

Dinamik ran up the bridge and held out a rope for Ziv, who took it, ran forth, and threw the coil near the feet of the skeleton. “Now! Charm the rope!” she cried, and though she waited eagerly for the rope to rise up and act, it did not, instead remaining a coil lumped on the ground in a rather silly fashion. “Uh, any minute now,” she said, casting a piercing glance back at Dinamik, who held out his pipeflute and muttered nervously to himself.

“Just give me a second,” he called back; then he resumed his muttering. “Hum, let's see. How did that go again. Mary had a little lamb? . . no, that's not right. . . TNT, I'm dynamite? . . nope, not that.” {Error: Dinamik has no actions remaining to cast a spell}

Nonetheless, they succeeded in disabling the skeleton and took control of the open courtyard. But then a sound came from the interior of the fort, from behind the webbing across the stepped entrance - out from the darkness came sprinting yet another pack of raveners, five in number, their horrible visage rising from the shadows like a nightmare. But, at the sight of this, Johannes smirked.

“As expected,” he murmured.

The raveners, unthinking in their ferocious desire, ran forth from the entrance straight in the spider's web cast by Alacor, their thin gray arms and legs being caught in the strands. They struggled viciously against their imprisonment, not as an insect would out of fear, but rather they continued to try and run and bite and claw at the adventurers with such unrelenting and unforgiving hunger, that the sight aroused in them a blend of both horror and pity.

quote:

Due to the inability of your opponents to continue fighting, the remaining rounds were carried out automatically on the players' behalf.

Cabrakan, again, stepped forth and held up his cross, murmuring to himself a quiet prayer, and from the symbol came a light that incinerated the remaining raveners, destroying them in the same manner as those before. {Cabrakan successfully cast Turn Undead, destroying the 5 Raveners}

The skeleton alone remained, struggling in fear within its bonds. The party, eager to release it from its cursed state, gathered round and struck it repeatedly with their weapons, until the skeleton uttered a final, waning shriek into nothingness, and the bones felt apart of their own accord, scattering atop the ground in a pile of rags, armor, sinew, and dust, topped lastly with its skull, now silent and unmoving. Its empty eye sockets, now, seemed truly empty.

The battle was decisively won.

--Combat Rounds have Ended--

The party allowed a cheer for their victory, and then Johannes reminded them of the objective at hand.

“Let us not lose focus yet,” he declared, casting a nervous glance at the sun whose glowing visage had now completely sunk below the horizon; stars came into existence across the eastern half of the heavens. “We must find those adventurers. Let's move.”

Alacor dismissed his magical webbing, and the party continued into the fort, ascending three short steps and entering an enclosed chamber. At the right and left hand corners of this room were what appeared to be entrances to other halls and chambers, but the ceiling and walls in these areas had since collapsed and destroyed the regions completely. However, at the far side of the room was a door, intact and shut closed. Johannes dismounted, approached the door, and tried to open it, but the door would not budge in the slightest degree. In fact, the door seemed so immovably held fast, that even breaking it down did not seem possible. Alacor's eyes lighted up.

“This door has been locked by magic!” he discerned.

Johannes then knocked against the wood, as though he had come to a neighbor's house. “Hello?” he bellowed. “Is anyone there?”

At first, the party heard nothing and began to grow uneasy, but then a voice came from the other side. “Who goes there?”

In unison, the party's spirits lifted.

“We have come to rescue the friends of the adventurer Welherst!” Johannes replied anxiously.

Some shuffling was heard within, and soon the door lost its magical quality; a bolt was then audibly unlocked from inside, and the door swung open, unveiling the face of a man with a short yet bushy brown beard and the faces of two others behind him. The room they were in was a small stone chamber with no exits. On seeing them, the countenance of the bearded man turned from one of uncertainty to that of a bright and glistening smile, as though all his hopes and dreams, briefly lost sight of, had returned to him.

“Thank the Lord,” he murmured aloud, becoming overwhelmed with joy. “We're saved!”

Night fell, and the party gathered in the center of the open courtyard, where they assembled a pile of dry wood from the forest and started a fire; its flickering flames alone seemed to fight against the blackness that threatened to overwhelm them.




“We'll need to decide watches and our security measures,” said Johannes, casting an uneasy glance through the broken doors of the fort at the woods beyond. He knew only too well what terrible things could happen. “But presently, we're all awake and safe for the moment. Let us share a dinner with our new friends and celebrate our victory. I'm sure there is much to talk about.”

The adventurers gathered around the fire and accessed their rations, their dried bread and salted meats, their various herbs and pickled fruits; and shared their bounty with the other adventurers, whom they had just rescued from a terrible plight. All three of the other adventurers were injured, but not direly so. They examined each of them in turn.

The bearded man appeared to have only recently left the prime of his youth, being the age of thirty-five or forty, and gave his name as Eberan Wolfe. Donned in bandedmail and carrying a halberd, he had all the bearing of a former soldier, but the intelligent expression which formed over his brow seemed to suggest a higher education. His dull brown eyes, though non-offensive, spoke of fatigue, and had a radiant but melancholy tone to them, like the warmth of a fire on a cold winter night.


The next member of the party was a dark-skinned woman with raven-black hair that was bound and braided down her back, who gave only the name Ksalla, appearing twenty-four or twenty-six years of age. She carried a sword and shield whose hilt and shape were somewhat unusual, suggesting that she might have made them herself. Her face, by objective standards, was beautiful, but her eyebrows were arched in such a way that gave her an almost menacing look; which in combination with her stony gray eyes and impressive physique made her nothing short of intimidating. Her breastplate did not alleviate this impression, for it was covered with numerous scratches from previous battles, showing she had seen violence on many occasions.

The remaining member of their party was goblin by the name of Argkt, who was surprisingly old, a rare quality among the short-lived goblins. The small figure possessed light-green skin whose pallor seemed unnaturally drained, along with red eyes that drooped in an expression of permanent melancholy. As for his head, it was perfectly bald, and he was otherwise hairless save for a tuft of white hair on his chin. His clothing was that of a crimson-red robe, held together by a bronze brooch.

It was with these three strangers that the party had their evening meal, while the night of the Dead Isle came upon them in haunting silence.

quote:

Health Status:
Eberan ~ Injured
Ksalla ~ Injured
Argkt ~ Injured

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:17, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

Ksalla: *cough

Ziv: Are you guys injured anywhere?

Ksalla: Only a scratch {She shows a gaping wound made by ravener claws, which few others would ever call a scratch!}

Eberan: All of us are. We ran out of potions some hours ago.

Ziv: {grimaces} Yikes... I didn't carry potions on me. Guys? Did anyone else here bring accommodations?

Cabrakan: Potions no, The God of all? Yes. Come here, I shall heal to the best of my abilities

Eberan: We would be grateful for it. I'm sure you all just saved our lives.

Ziv: Our pleasure to help.

Alacor: How did you guys get that door shut like that? It seemed like there as some magic to it.

Eberan: That we owe to Argkt, the esteemed magician of our group.

Argkt: Arcane Lock, to keep the demons at bay. We hoped that they would have left if they couldn't get to us;- but nay. It seems once they get the scent of life, they feel little impulse to leave it.

Ziv:{to @Cabrakan} How do their wounds look? Better?

Cabrakan: I haven't had the chance to look them over miss ziv, new friends, do I have permission to examine your injuries and make an assessment to begin healing?

Ziv: [24 listen check; 26 sense motive; 18 spot check.] I think a sweep of that watch tower is in order. I want to make sure the premises is safe. Can I have someone come with me?

Eberan: Of course, honorable priest. And I could come with you miss.

Ziv: Aren't you injured?

Eberan: Let him tend to my companions first; I'll be alright.

Ziv: {@Alacor} Care to join?

Alacor: Certainly! My eyes and ears aren't perfect, but Jasper here can get a good look.

Ziv: Send Jasper as a wee scout first. And then we'll take a look.

Alacor: Ah good idea!

DM Ryan: {The little group walks a few feet from the fire, opens the tower door, and peers inside. The room is empty save for a ladder, leading thirty feet up to the platform. They return to the fire.}

Ziv: I want to look up there. There's gotta be a good view of the surrounding land.

Johannes: Is there any more than just the 3 of you?  Are you all not critically wounded?

Ksalla: Just us.

Andriel: I can help tend to your wounds as well. Is anyone else wounded in our group?  Check yourselves over. Also I want a report on how everyone is doing for water. It is important to imbibe enough water after a fight like this. The intensity can really make you sweat.

Johannes: Does anyone need more in their waterskins?

Andriel: I can help with the water as well. Better now than after we rest.

Ziv: {attempting to be silly} I have a splinter. Rather, I have an itch to scope out the place. {@Alacor} Can you send Jasper to check the floor above?

Johannes: {chuckles, but the returns to the serious subject} We do need to check this place over well before night, and not delay.

Argkt: {Address Alacor} You are a colleague, yes? Where did you study?

Alacor:{To Ziv} Yes I'll have him take a fly up there.{To Argkt} Yes, mostly in Deon's Rise. What about you yourself? That arcane lock looked very useful, maybe I could take a look at the spell when we have some time? I'll share something I have in return.

Argkt: Excellent, excellent idea. You come back with us to Zombiehead, yes? There we pool our knowledge and learn something new. I teach you Arcane Lock, and you can hold doors and boxes against even the biggest orcs; and you teach me something new, too, yes? You look more studied than me; you could teach me much. Though I am old, I have been wasteful in my time. Much of what I hoped do to when young - never done; never will, me thinks.

Johannes: Excuse me a moment, I have been checking the grounds briefly after we gathered wood for the fire.  {An in game explanation for why I was not able to respond to chat until now} while I patrolled I cast detect evil seaching for undead nearby (outside door and crevasse in wall to north, and checking inside the room we are in and the tops of the walls for signs of undead, this also is to check all present) {I am listening to the red forrest music while I do this hehe}. I suppose we have a moment to chat, but remember after dinner we need to straight away prepare fortifications, like bar the door or at least get a timber to do so, fill in that hole partially, consecrate the area, and likely create our shelter.  It is too dangerous to sleep outside with the rain.  Will need to close up that door way by the steps if the collapse areas provide holes in that part of the fortress.  I want everyone going home alive.

Eberan Wolfe was it?  Do you by chance hail from Vaterland?  I thought perhaps with your ser name?" {I suddenly notice the cross around his neck, assuming picture is accurate}  "Is that a crucifix?!"  I suddenly interject on my own earlier questions. {I look over our new companions in interest} "Glad to see you are all alive!"{18 on Knowledge adventure}

DM Ryan: {Knowledge Adventure Results: Eberan Wolfe is a pure Marshal class of Easy Difficulty; Ksalla is pure Fighter class of Easy Difficulty; Argkt is a pure Wizard class of Easy Difficulty}

Cabrakan: Bunch of basics. How did they make it this far.

Alacor: {chuckles} Well remember this isn't terribly far. Going out this way they should have been able to make it back before dark.

Ksalla: Who are you calling basics? {She glares intensely at Cabrakan}

Eberan: {He brightens at Johannes' questions and touches the crucifix around his neck} It is, so that I might never forget the Lord, even when things look their darkest. You also hail from the Kabariyan Isle then! I thought as much when I first heard your voice. I don't hail from Vaterland but Lapland, on the southwestern border of Styrie. But despite this, I will happily see you as a brother in this land of strangers, when we've come so far in the world.

Ziv: {Casts @Cabrakan a dark look} He's often saying things that get him into trouble. Kind of like our acquaintance back at the base? Ramsey? Pffft. {looks at @Johannes} What's this man talking

Ksalla: Hmph {She settles back into her seat, though casting contemptuous glances at Cabrakan from time to time}.

Ziv: Do you guys know that Ramsey guy? Just as a side question...

Johannes: I agree Eberan, we might not be from the same nation, but we are from the same Isle and share the same faith I think! The Lord is faithful to rescue his children. {I reach my hand out to shake his hand, but shake his forearm as a soldier would} We are brothers in Christ. {I say with gladness}

Eberan: You mean that man with the black hair and the hooked nose back at Fort Zombiehead? I've heard he's a great warrior; but his expression unnerves me a bit.

Ziv: And sister... {jabs a gleeful thumb into the middle of her sternum} ...s? {considering Ksalla} Oh? Is that all you know about him?

Johannes: {in response to what I overheard from @Cabrakan} There is nothing basic about where these people have come.  They are accomplished warriors to have made it this far and this long. I am sure he misspoke, Ksalla.

You too Ziv?  You had been so quiet I was unsure what faith you ascribed to and what Isle you hailed from.

Eberan: {He responds to the handshake with equal enthusiasm} I could not begin to tell you what a relief it is to meet you brother. I've traveled among the faithless for some time and have longed to be in the company of those who hold the Lord God highest.

Ziv: I'm... Shy about it.. I've had enough people in my travels tell me to be quiet. So I left them and had accepted working with you, and faith being one of the reasons. But I've told you where I'm from.

Johannes: Well, while we are on the subject, though I don't want to distract from our conversation too much, Ramsey is dangerous and not to be trusted.  He betrayed the party he was guarding and left them to die, he has no honor.  His skill in battle has taught him no strength of character. Are you a soldier as well Eberan? {indicated by the received forearm shake}

You did Ziv?

Ziv: ...Back at the Tavern.. {smile wanes}

Johannes: Hmm, I apologize I did not remember, are you sure it was not when Alacor and I were gone?

Eberan: I will note your advice, for from the very manner you hold yourself, I can see you are not one to lie maliciously. And I am - er, was - a soldier of Lapland, an officer of modest rank, and have fought in many campaigns against the Duruth Princes.

Ziv: You were answering my questions and I also answered them... {trails off, rolling her eyes}. Anyway.

Eberan: Where do you hail from sister? And what is your name? Your features, too, strike me as Kabariyan, and you look not too different from the ladies of my countries;- though your accent slightly differs!

Andriel: Are you skilled in the divine arts at all Eberan?

Cabrakan: Yes. That is precisely what was meant! I am simply amazed by your resourcefulness.. arcane lock on the door? Inspired.

Ziv: I'm Ziv. I'm from Styrie, where the mountains are.

Andriel: Un yes! That was quite impressive!  You must be quite the warriors! trying to help cover

Eberan: {To Andriel} No, young miss, though I admire those who are. {To Ziv} Ah, Styrie! I should have known. My country is on neutral terms with yours.

Ziv: Last I heard it was under invasion by Vaterland.

Johannes: You will have to forgive me Eberan, who are the Duruth Princes? Where do they hail from?

Ziv: {sudden placid gaze}

Johannes: Much to my country's shame... I cannot control what they do now.  I left the country when the tyrant took over...  looks down wistfully

Eberan: {To Ziv} I've heard the same, though this is nothing new. Vaterland and Styrie have been warring since even I was a child, and I must be nearing twice your age! Though I hear this is the farthest the invasion has come in a century; perhaps this time will be different. . .

Ziv: Yes, well... I'm... trails off..

Johannes: It is a mistake that Vaterland is doing this, in this case. But I do not which to talk more of that now... {My face begins to look upset, before I change it back to something more peaceful}. So have you all been traveling together for a while?

Ziv: {ties hair back into a low ponytail}

Eberan: Ah, I understand. I've heard many things about the fall of the royal family in Vaterland and their new king; I can comprehend if this arouses much emotion in its citizens.

We've known each other only a couple days actually. We formed our group at the Fort, having come from different walks of life for a singular purpose

Johannes: Yes, it has been tragic.

Andriel: What do you do Ksalla?

Ksalla: {Glances at Andriel} I kill things.

Ziv: {smirks} What sort of things, Ksalla?

Cabrakan: If it's undead, is it still considered to be killing?

Andriel: Fascinating, what is your purpose? I mean all of you, in your mission?

Johannes: Don't we all... {laughs uneasily still distracted by memories}

Andriel: And Argkt? Do you practice the divine at all?

Ksalla: Nosy girls mostly.

Andriel: {Widens eyes and looks away slightly perturbed}

Eberan: {Chuckles awkwardly on behalf of Ksalla} She jests I'm sure. . . But to answer your question, miss, our purpose right now is not so complex, I must admit; we seek to collect what we can in this inhospitable land and profit by it, and I, personally, find no qualms in the slaying the abominable dead.

Argkt: Not me. The arcane and machines are my field, my life.

Ziv: [Rolled 20 intimidate.] {To Ksalla} No one gets to threaten my team, you hear? We're all trying to help and get to know you. Show some respect. You've already come this far.

Andriel: Machines?

Johannes: Hmm, I see to make ones way in the world, this is a good place to ply ones craft as a soldier, that is for sure.  Just make sure to not pay for it with your life, the Dead Isle is not to be underestimated, I know first hand.

Alacor: Yes what do you mean machines?

Ksalla: {21:52, Today: Secret Roll: DM Ryan rolled 11 using 1d20+X.  Ksalla vs Intimidate - She returns Zivs look and smiles} I like you.

Johannes: Getting along now ladies? That is better. {says sternly}{Sense motive on nature of the rescued parties mission}

Ziv: {Smirks.} Likewise, Ksalla. You struck me as the type to take no one's grief. ...including {@Cabrakan arches an eyebrow.} Though, he really did speak out of turn. I believe he meant the few enemies we fought to get to the door, perhaps.

Argkt: Yes, machines. On Cliffshore we have many machines; big ones, small ones. I study them, try to make them better;- and someday I wish to build a certain one. . . but I'll prolly die before then. . .

Andriel: {more intensely now} what machine?

Alacor: How fascinating!

Johannes: {Diplomacy check}

Ksalla: {She shrugs} It don't matter anymore. He seems like that type of man - big on the outside but soft on the inside. You though. . . I can tell you've got a fire in you. That'll make you strong.

Argkt: {Shakes his head} Shouldn't have mentioned it. I get me hopes up for things that don't happen {Diplomacy check required}.

Ziv: Heh. I'm told I get that from my mom.

Johannes: {Diplomacy Check on Argkt} I am sure it would be worth telling us, even if only to keep that memory alive and one day create it.  Do not give up hope, my God has made a way for me when everything looked impossible! We better prepare the barricades, Argkt, can you lock these doors or make a stone wall with your magic?  Any other useful spells for fortifying our position tonight?

Alacor: And it sounds quite interesting. I would love to know more of it.

Ziv: It's true, friend.

Johannes: {Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  Diplomacy, on Argkt (to tell us his idea); tDI.}

Ziv: {Ziv rolled 22.  Sense Motive. What is our guest party thinking?}

Argkt: {Diplomacy ~ Success} I prolly not have too long to live - I'm no Nerkyl - and no money, and no tools. But I had always wanted to build a flying machine. Cliffshore is a land of rocks; you can barely walk on the surface;- so Goblins builds their homes and cities underneath. But with a flying machine you could go over! - without needing to take the windy rivers through the caves.

Johannes: That sounds like an amazing idea. Nerkyl?

Argkt: Thanks, thanks, but only an idea. Nerkyl is the oldest goblin in all the world. Goblins don't live long next to humans, most not longer than 25 years; so the oldest goblins be the most respected, wherever they go. And all goblins know Nerkyl, for he be around for a long long time.

Ziv: It's a good idea! Is that why you're out here? Gaining treasure for investing into this idea?

Cabrakan: Lofty goals

Argkt: Yes, er, some, sorta - mostly. . . {He trails off}

Andriel: I think it is worth pursuing Argkt. Perhaps you will find machines here that could help!

Argkt: Estraens I don't think make much machines. In all Mercia, Cliffshore is best now. But the Makeen were better, though they gone now.

Ziv: [Ziv rolled 17 for Diplomacy.] You mind telling us what your goal is, now? Your goal, mission. Please don't get smart with me.

Argkt: Smart with you? What you mean?

Ziv: What is your mission here?

Andriel: Makeen? Who were they? {quite interested}

Johannes: {Confused at Zivs statement}

Argkt: They say it's easy to make gold here. Though I be old, I come, too, to try my luck. Perhaps fate will be good to me. -- Ah! The Makeen! They were the best, the best, best, best; - of all the builders. We call them the Makeen, but you may call them something else. Humans on Perdane call them the Old Kingdom. They say Cliffshore got their knowledge from the Makeen, but we never got as good.

Ziv: Ah, okay. Did someone employ you to be here to complete a mission?

Argkt: No, no. Came on me own on a ship.

Ziv: And you two? {Gestures at the others}

Andriel: Fascinating indeed! Johannes told me of many machines they have in their ancient kingdoms! Like large men made of brass and lightning from doors and spikes! {excited}

Ksalla: {Silently shakes her head}

Eberan: The merchant Ledvin told me about Fort Zombiehead when they were setting it up. I owe it to him that I'm here now, trying to make a little fortune.

Argkt: Yes, truly! I would love to get me hands on something made by the Makeen myself. But, ho! - have you heard what be happening on Cliffshore? They say a metal man came from the sky there!

Ziv: Metal man...?

Andriel: What?! Never heard about it! Tell us what is going on! keenly interested

Ziv: Ksalla, could you tell me about your friend who ran back to Zombiehead?

Johannes: I knew a girl who took a spider the Makeen made once laughs to self

Argkt: A god mayhaps. Or a Makeen! I was gone meself, but all goblins know about it now. They say a metal man fell from the sky in the middle of Groong, but he has no life; they look inside him but too complicated. So he stays still and silent like a statue. Some goblins go to him to pray and thinks him a granter of wishes. I hope to see him when I get back.

Johannes: Did you hear about this Isle back in your homeland Eberan?

Ksalla: {To Ziv} Welherst? Barely know the guy.

Andriel: When did this happen!?

Argkt: A few months ago, I thinks.

Johannes: Wish granter? {puzzled}

Andriel: How big was this metal man? Can he fly?

Argkt: No, I don't thinks so. Just a man-shaped metal man, who appeared - no one know from where.

Eberan: {Misses Johannes' question and yawns} I think it time for some sleep. Let's rest up team.

DM Ryan: {The NPCs stand up from the fire and begin a look for a place to lay their sleeping bags.The NPCs leaves the Chat}

--{End of Chatroom}--

Note: Some content omitted.

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

After taking a quick look around with Ziv, Alacor speaks to his companion Jasper and has him quickly fly above and around the fort they are in. Looking for anything creatures or other undead outside.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

Post:
{see below for the plan}

"Alright, we have no time to waste people.  We need to fortify this place to sleep.  Alacor, I think the cottage should go right in the doorway, the one where the skeletal priest stood, we could just move it over to allow a 5ft wide entry if Eberan and his group plan to stay in the room again.  {PQRS-2345 or QRST-2345}

Next, I need the priests (Cabrakan and Andriel) to help heal up Eberan and his group, we all want to be tip top if there is combat, Cabrakan, you could cast magic vestment on someone for the night also, I know that lasts.  Alacor, if you can, perhaps Argkt would appreciate that greater magic armor?  Also, Cabrakan you talked to me about consecrating this area, can you do that, in this courtyard?  Is that too big?  Can you see that a cross is fashioned for the enchantment to ward off the undead further?

That crack in the wall {10S and 10T} needs to either be filled or have caltrops and spikes put in it. We can easily fashion the wooden spikes from nearby wood in the forest.  Nobody goes out there alone to get it of course though, teams of 2 at a minimum and make sure I know who is going - Hadric and Ziv could you handle that?  Lerdeth, could you assist them as well - We need timbers for the door and cross as well if you can find 3 large ones. {I believe you could fashion the spikes with a craft (weapon) check, their value is less than a copper so it should be easy}

Crispin and Dinamik, can you scout the rest of this fort and tell me about any other openings in the walls and the moat?  I will join you in a moment, searching for secret doors, recently was trained in how to find them better.

I would really like to include your group Eberan, our mage can summon a cottage, but it is made for 8 people, and we are fitting 9 plus 2 horses.  I was planning that each group keeps watch separately, and we thus have at least 2 pairs of eyes watching for both our parties.

Andriel will tell you more about the watch order.  I need to be able to concentrate on this enchantment."

I then turn away from the group and begin casting detect secret doors.  I hold my hands together with the heels touching, forming a sort of cone, with my fingers outstretched.  I begin speaking to myself in a my native tongue.    I continue muttering to myself as I walk about the interior perimeter of the fortress ruins and outside the door of the fort we came in, always sweeping in many directions up and down, side to side before me rhythmically.

Actions:
I cast detect secret doors and sweep the entire fort (within the moat, as much as possible in the spell length) for secret doors.

After that, I return to help set up 2 torches on cottage wall for those on watch/stoke the fire in the courtyard and take my watch with Crispin.

https://youtu.be/xoYeqEMLupE?t=1h21m47s
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Sun 03 Sept 2017.

Clearing her throat, Ziv spoke up after listening to Johannes speak of their nightly plans. "Well, Hadric? Want to go get some wood and fashion those spikes with me?" Her wrists flicked and two shiny daggers swiftly pointed out from her fists. "Better ready ourselves if we're to venture out, just the two of us." She smirked and shrugged a shoulder as if to say better safe than sorry.

Ziv looked inquisitively at Johannes for a moment. "Also... Upon taking shifts, who all is going to scout together throughout the night? Who's in which group?" Finding it rather funny to make a habit of grabbing Hadric gently by the elbow, she softly tugged him along to join her in finding some wood. Making eye contact and a gesturing nod to Lerdeth, she beckoned he come with, too. Back to Johannes she said, "Let us know when we get back, yeah?"

[Party of 3: Ziv, Lerdeth, and Hadric.]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Sun 03 Sept 2017.

The days excitement drawing to a close and with it the effects showing on Cabrakans mind (with the unfortunate verbal upheaval toward Ksalla) the priest then decided it was time to likely hunker down for the night.

"Let me see you," He said. Feeling the visual daggers tossed upon him by the woman he insulted, "I will aid to your pain. We need everyone at the best to return to the fort."

The priest walked over slowly hands outstreached, "Before I begin, Do I have your permission to touch you?" The curious question likely causing some strange thoughts, "You would be surprised how often people become uncomfortable or question my intent if I fail to ask permission to bless. It seems there are more people who doubt my good wishes..."

Thought trailing off toward the end, the priest regained his composure quickly with a sudden physical snap to attention. "I truly wish the best for you - ALL of you, and offer my deepest apologies for my outburst earlier. This is my first time 'in the field' one might say. I offer my services as condolences."


With a slightly prolonged bow of the head, Cabrakan slowly looked up, eyes leading to see if there were any refusals or more malicious objects flying his way...

(assuming none of which happened) He then stood up with a smile, motioning to all three of them to walk into his embrace with elaborate arm motions. Seeing as he was roughly four feet taller than the goblin, he quickly took this into account and knelt down on his knees, arms still outstreached inviting them all to him. "I am a hugger" He began his payer by saying, "I apologize in advance but you may have to get used to it." A sharp loud laugh followed by hefty pats on to the backs of his targeted audience - followed shortly there after by deep meaningful apologies if he stuck any of them too hard...

quote:

"Abba father. Glory be to you and your name be shown above all others. I come to you on my knees, begging to be a vessel - neigh a basin, seeking to be filled and in turn overflown upon these your children. Damage has been tone to these fine people by the souls of the damned, those who seek only harm to those under your hand. And so, I bring them to you - though me your servant to show them what love is. We are unworthy of even your presance that you grace us with in every moment, but here you are. Within the stout and frail hearts alike, those who do not know you and those who want nothing more than your breath in our lungs. Oh lord I ask that you fill me. Fill me with your love and power so that I may show them only a mortal fraction of your power. We are unable to feel the true depths of your love, but in this small request i beg that you show it within their hearts. Heal their wounds. Rid them of pains they feel, from both mind and body. Aid to what ails them and grant them comfort for this night in this dangerous land. They showed bravery, and made it though their ordeal simply for me and my companions to happen upon them in their dire hour. I believe that it is you who put me here to show them all what it truly means to be in the presance of peace and serenity. To you be the power, and honor and glory, though no power of my own, but of your blessings in and through me.

Though I come asking also for forgiveness. I ask much of you, and will continue to do so until the end of my days. There is no other whom I would place my trust and bring only my most urgent of matters. The only one who I would trust with the lowest and most meaningless of matters as well... Lord, I beg also that you bless not only our bodies, but even the ground that we are soon to rest upon. Should evil knock upon our gates, I ask that you stay with us in spirit, keep us strong, keep those who wish only harm weak. For it is only in your presance that evil shrinks in might and body. Hate is not the opposite of love, It is simply the absence. And in your presanse abba, hate will find no place. For it is in your breath that hate is vanquished and love will shine though. For whomever watches the dark of night I ask of your protection. Cast your veil of power upon them and let only the purest of intent recieve your blessing.

It is in all things I ask of your name, amen. Lord i think you, for I know that it is in your name that all these things have been acomplished. Keep us strong, keep use brave. But most of all lord, keep us in your sight."

I Cast:

quote:

Consecrate
Magic Vestment -on whoever takes first watch-
 28 Cure Critical wounds, Erben.
 22 Cure Serious wounds, Ksalla
 14 Cure Serious wounds, Argkt.

After discussing the coming night with Johannes, the wizard began to make preparations to conjure some lodging for him and his companions for the evening.

He started by walking around the inside of the fort and picking up seemingly ordinary objects. The first was a small piece of stone he picked out of a crack in the floor. A few more paces and the white haired man bent over and gathered a few splinters of wood that were by the door. Lastly he picked up a handful of sand. The items from the ground were placed in one hand while Alacor used the other to reach into his pouch and pull out a lime. The wizard then walked into the center of where the small cottage was to be and he carefully placed the chipped stones, sand, and splinters of wood at his feet. With a soft squish, he crushed the lime in his hand and let it drop to the floor and lay among the other items. Finally, he took his water skin, opened it, and spilled some water over the materials on the ground. The wizard took his staff and walked around in a square where the walls of the cottage would be. He dragged the staff along the floor as he did, but he was holding it down with so much force it seemed as though the wizard was trying to bury it into the stone. The opposite appeared to happen. Looking closely it seemed as though the place where the staff was dragged the stone began to extend upwards. As he walked around he was speaking towards the ground. "Bring forth shelter in this place of death and danger. Keep out any who would seek to harm us." He continued this with slight variation as he made his way around. At the end of the second pass Alacor withdrew his staff. With it in one hand he pointed it at the ground in front of him and he held open his other hand. He commanded the very stone itself, "Rise!" he said in the arcane speech once again. As he began to raise his hand and staff the stone in the floor extended upwards into walls and forming a door and windows as it did. As it completed with the roof the wizard wiped the sweat from his forehead onto his sleeve and put the staff down to his side. He sighed with satisfaction as he gazed at the structure. {Casts Secure Shelter at the corners P2, P5, S2, S5 (If this is not legal due to the stairs then shift the structure left) the door is on the North side with Windows on the east and west}

Alacor followed this up with pulled a tiny bell and a tangle of silver wire. He pulled the wire out from the tangle and shaped it into a circular like symbol and hung the bell on it. He proceeded in a circle inside the cottage while ringing the bell at every other step. It created a faint hum in the air between rings that seemed to die out suddenly as the wizard quieted the bell and placed it back into his pouch. {The Alarm spell feature is to be included in the shelter.}

The wizard came back out from the new shelter and looked to his companions. "Alright we should be pretty safe in here. If any one, or any thing rather, tried to enter there will be a ringing bell that will sound as an alarm. If any of you get cold feel free to start a fire in the fireplace" He then proceeded to lay down on one of the bunks in wait to take the final watch.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Sun 03 Sept 2017.

After helping Alacor create the cottage by pushing the fire over in the courtyard with some unburned sticks to provide space for the cottage, Andriel moved some of the wood inside for a fire to be lit in the fireplace.  She decided to try her hand at starting a fire in the fireplace by taking a few embers from the fire outside.

"Well, Alacor, I am cold already so I will try right now!"  She said emphatically as she carried a smoking stick inside.

{00:31, Today: Andriel rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Survival, to start a fire in the fireplace; tDI.}

Andriel then went to help Cabrakan heal the wounds of the other party, but by the time she arrived she found their wounds were all recovered fully from what she could tell.

After speaking with Herr Johannes a moment in the courtyard she spoke up to the group after he walked off, "Herr Johannes went to check the area for secret doors, lest something surprise us unexpectedly and left me to set up the watch schedule.  Since we want someone with good eyes and ears at all 4 watches as well as someone skilled with magic, divine or arcane, in addition to someone who can turn undead the order will be as follows:

Watch 1: Herr Johannes (and Fury), Crispin, and myself
Watch 2: Dinamik, Lerdeth, and myself
Watch 3: Ziv, Cabrakan (Fury sleeps in celestial plane to make room for Lerdeth's horse at this watch)
Watch 4: Hadric, Alacor, and myself

Watches will be 3 hours per group, thus allowing each person to get a solid 8 hours and 1 hour to pray/meditate/study for your magic and miracles for that day... or stretch or whatever you need to do to prepare.  You can be thankful now this is not the Army, in which case you would get only 5 hours to sleep, or so says Herr Johannes- he told me to say that.  We can discuss the order if things need to be changed in the future.  In the mean time, let's get that holy symbol, bar for the door, and spears finished so we can rest.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I am on almost all watches because I only need 2 hours of sleep a night hehe.  That is all."  She mentions quickly, without explanation, seeming to hope someone will ask about her new magic ring.

Andriel next begins to help Cabrakan with crafting a holy symbol for the area and setting it up.  When that is finished she helps turn sticks gathered into spears for the crack in the wall.

{00:38, Today: Secret Roll: Andriel rolled 8 using 1d20-1.  Craft wooden spears (for fortifications).
00:32, Today: Secret Roll: Andriel rolled 13 using 1d20-1.  Craft holy symbol (for consecrate).}

Andriel then walks to the side of the cottage (west wall) and tells the group, "Alright, bring your canteens!  Time to create some water to drink."  When she has everyone's canteens and waterskins she puts then below an edge in the stone wall to make ready for the fount she is about to create.  She begins to wave her right hand as she holds her left over the crack in the wall.  She begins to draw her hand down the wall as if painting a spout of water.  While she speaks "Let it rain" in a celestial tongue, she makes the same motion again and as she pulls her hand from the wall, water begins to come forth, as if she was pulling a rope of water from the wall.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Sun 03 Sept 2017.

Upon hearing the plan, Crispin simply nodded then began to stroll around for the first watch.
With his head low and eyes in a soft focus, he mainly relied on his ears to catch any signals of impending danger.

Alacor watched with pride as walls of stone rose from the courtyard ground and formed a flat roof overhead, creating a box-like cabin. Lastly a door, wooden in appearance, carved itself from the front stone, adding the final touches to the humble cottage. Alacor opened the door and stepped inside for an inspection, and he felt pleased with the cozy abode he had created. Four bunk-beds, nightstools, and a fireplace at the end – far better than some of the inns he'd stayed at.

“I call top bunk!” he said, and he threw his luggage on the closest one.


Jasper, his bat, returned through one of the windows and settled on a nearby rafter, hanging upside down; he began squeaking and chittering, to which Alacor nodded every few seconds, seeming to understand everything the small creature said.

“I see,” he murmured in reply. “Nothing dangerous around the fort then. . . No, you can't go to the bathroom inside. . . Why? Because we're going to sleep in here, that's why!”

Outside, Ziv, Lerdeth, and Hadric returned from the woods with arms full of sticks, and much of the group gathered around the bonfire to start sharpening the ends into crude points, using whatever tools they had on them – swords, daggers, axes – the usual.

“Do you really think we'll see another horde tonight?” Ziv asked of Hadric as they walked over to the gape in the fort wall and planted some finished spikes in the ground, pointy-side up.

“Possible,” replied Hadric in his grumbling voice which, as always, sounded like rocks in an avalanche, “But it's not the hordes we have to worry about.”

Ziv raised an eyebrow at this remark, but Hadric didn't elaborate and they finished their work in silence. They then returned to the bonfire to find Andriel, Eberan, and Cabrakan putting up a cross made of two thick branches. Eberan, as well as Ksalla and Argkt, looked in much better shape than before, having been healed by Cabrakan's prayers {Cabrakan successfully casts Cure Serious Wounds, Cure Serious Wounds, and Cure Critical Wounds}.

quote:

Health Status
Eberan ~ Uninjured
Ksalla  ~ Uninjured
Argkt ~ Uninjured

“Are you able to cast Magic Vestment still?” Lerdeth said to Cabrakan, to which the priest scratched his head with a dash of embarrassment.

“Nope,” he replied. “I lost it when I messed it up before. But I can still consecrate this place, at least for the night.” {Cabrakan failed to cast Magic Vestment (Error: Magic Vestment not available); Cabrakan succesfully cast Consecrate (-25 gold for material component costs)}.

When Cabrakan concluded his work, he returned to the fire and sat down on the rock he had been using for a chair. A few seconds later he felt a hand on his shoulder, and, startled, he jumped a bit and glanced over his shoulder, where he found Ksalla – startled again, he jumped a second time. However, her expression was not so menacing as it was before.

“Those were some pretty words,” she said, seeming to refer to the prayers he'd used. She then said nothing for a few seconds, leaving it at an awkward silence, and then finally grunted and wandered off. Cabrakan blinked in confusion at the interaction.

Argkt, who'd been watching, chuckled. “Me thinks she's trying to say thank you for the healing.”

“Are you sure?” asked Cabrakan. “It was kinda hard to tell.”

“Positively. Women are same no matter what race they be. They say one thing, but they always mean another!”

Meanwhile Johannes, Crispin, and Dinamik walked into the interior of the fort, where Eberan was laying out bed-mats for his party.

“Sorry. We would have invited you to join us in the cottage,” said Dinamik. “But I genuinely don't think we have the space.”

Eberan smiled, and the corners of his mouth were lost in the fluff of his beard. “Don't worry about it. I'm a military man. I've slept in much worse conditions. As long as there's not a snowy blizzard going on and I can feel my toes, I'll be happy sleeping anywhere.”

Johannes wandered over by the walls and cast his recently-acquired detection spell – his eyes widened. “Guys, I think I've got something.”

“A secret door?” asked Crispin.

“Yes, but. . .” Johannes' gaze turned downward. “It's far, and low – very low.”

They looked at the old halls whose passages were filled to the brim with rubble; the debris well-surpassed what they could remove by hand, at least without a sincere investment of time and effort, but they couldn't help imagine that, perhaps, there might be a staircase somewhere beneath that mountain of stone, leading to someplace dark and unknown. Noting this in the back of their minds, they concluded their scouting and rejoined the others in the courtyard.

Night deepened, and the moon, which was three-quarters full, hid behind a ceiling of cloud as though it didn't wish to bear witness to what transpired in the cursed world below. Most of the party retreated into the cottage and settled in a bunk, where, one-by-one, they fell asleep – their first night on the Dead Isle.


Johannes, Crispin, and Andriel stayed up for first watch, keeping the bonfire lit between them in the courtyard. Crispin stoked some of the embers, which crackled and brightened in response; he then perked his head and listened.

“Eerie, isn't it?” he asked.

“What?” inquired Johannes. “Do you hear something?”

“No, that's just it,” replied Crispin. “I hear nothing. No bugs, no birds, no animals – just the fire. . . and Lerdeth's snoring. . . but aside from that, nothing. It's eerie.”

The paladin nodded and returned his attention to the fire, as though it were a safe haven for his eyes. Over the course of an hour everything grew still, so still that the motion of the stars seemed fast – all the other adventurers had fallen fast asleep.

Silence.

Andriel shivered and leaned in closer to the blaze; she folded her arms. “I just got a chill,” she said.

“Are you cold?” asked Johannes.

“I wasn't before.”

Johannes stood up. “Wait here. I'll get you a spare blanke-” Suddenly, Johannes blacked out and fell face forward; half of his upper body, armored, crashed into the fire, knocking wood and embers across the stone ground. He was unconscious.

“JOHANNES!” shouted Crispin, shooting up.

Andriel leapt off her seat, into the cottage, and hollered; and the rest of the party escaped their dreams and began rushing out of their beds. Crispin dragged Johannes by his arm out of the fire and patted out the embers caught in his armor. The paladin began to murmur, slowly re-nearing consciousness.

“Johannes? Are you okay?” said the rogue as he crouched down next to him and slapped his cheeks.

Johannes gradually pried open his eyes, as though he were waking from a deep sleep, and then they abruptly widened. “SOMETHING'S COMING!” he cried.

The adventurers – including Eberan, Ksalla, and Argkt – ran out into the courtyard, and while they did so, Crispin sprinted to the watchtower, flung open the door, and climbed up the ladder as fast as he could. He reached the top of the platform and gazed over the parapet toward the woods. It was difficult to see in the night. But then a tree – not a branch or twig; but a tree – fell in the forest and came crashing down. Crispin narrowed his gaze on the sound, and something emerged from the treeline.

“What. . . in the nine hells. . . is that?” murmured Crispin; he felt the blood drain from his face, as well as the very depths of his being.

A minute later Crispin descended the watchtower, where the adventurers waited anxiously with weapons at the ready.

“Crispin, what did you see?” asked Johannes hurriedly. “I was getting chills, but they've stopped now.”

“. . . Don't worry,” replied Crispin, his voice sounding hollow. “It's gone now. The thing looked our way for a bit, but then it left. . . I saw it walk back into the woods.”

“Are you sure it's gone?” pressed Ziv nervously.

“I don't feel it anymore either,” said Andriel. “I think we're safe, for the moment.”

Crispin nodded in corroboration. “Yea. I didn't see much in the dark, but, what I did see. . . I'll tell you in the morning. I need to process this.”

The party let him through to the cottage, where he collapsed into one of the bunks. Outside the party lingered for a bit, just in case.

“What do you think it was?” asked Alacor.

Johannes gazed in the direction of the woods. “I don't know,” he replied. “But it was sure no skeleton priest. . .”

The rest of the night went by peacefully: The adventurers resumed their dreams, shifts for the watch changed smoothly, and no more creatures assailed them. There was a conspicuous feeling of relief when the sun rose the next morning, for the night had been so still and long, that sometimes it felt as though it would be eternal, as though the prospect of tomorrow disappeared completely. A band of orange and pink swelled in the eastern horizon, and the adventurers – at least those who weren't on watch – rose from the cottage and started their morning routines.

Lerdeth rekindled the dying bonfire and brought out some salted bacon. Eberen and Ksalla re-appeared from the fort interior and contributed strips of mutton to the frying pan; and as though the smell of meat cooking had some sort of magic power that not even the strongest wizard's spell could compare with, all the adventurers swiftly re-gathered in the courtyard, ready to begin the next day.

“Now then,” began Johannes. “Our second day on the isle. . . What shall be our next course of action?”

--Open Chatroom--

Note: If you wish to change out any spells, do so this week. You won't be able to do so next week.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:13, Sun 03 Sept 2017.

"Okay, no, we're not ready for a course of action until we have a description of what was seen last night." Ziv, adamant and defiant with her position, pressed her lips firmly together and tenderly played with one of her daggers in her hand. Her eyes didn't flicker every which way but remained fixed on Crispin. Only once did she cast a glance at Hadric and mutter, "..is that what you were warning about..?" But she shook her head and nearly pressed all her energy into Crispin giving her an answer.

As far as she knew, she wanted groups no smaller than 4 traveling anywhere while there was a monstrous creature about them.

Crispin: {Muttering in sleep} I- I kno...Why... {Jerks awake in a cold sweat} I KNOW YOU DO DAMMIT!!! WH-...oh. . .g'mornin'

Ziv: Crispin, tell us what you saw.

Crispin: {Deeep Breath} Okay, I- I couldn't make out too much of it, but it's got this- this head of like... a deer skull or something with these huge horns. Uhh It's body looked vaguely humanish I guess, I dunno it was really dark but we locked 'eyes'. THAT much I'm fucking certain of! I didn't even want to move...it's got this...this fuckin EVIL aura that I've never felt before...overwhelming is an understatement... Then I heard it in my head.

"I see you"

That was it! Then it just fuckin turned around and walked away! Oh shit yeah and a patch of these- these BLOOD red flowers would grow wherever it stepped!... Dammit I kept hearing that thing in my dreams...Why did it just leave? The hell does it want?...

And I KNOW there's some bacon around here! 'Scuse me while I go remember what it was like to be happy...

Ziv: Are you describing your dream, or what you saw last night?

Crispin: {Gulps down a mouthful of delicious distraction} What I saw. The dreams...I'll keep those to myself...

Ziv: {blinks} Okay... So this thing spoke to you? {ravenously takes a bite of bacon}

Cabrakan: Good lord man

Crispin: Yeah I know I said I 'heard' it, but I think 'experienced' it would be more fitting. It was a good distance away but I could still feel it's empty sockets drilling right into my eyes... Then those three words reverberated in my head and like spread throughout my entire body! Everything went cold...but all that stopped when it turned to leave. It was toying with us, that much is lookin clearer to me now. The whole encounter was fuckin haunting I tell ya. . .damn this is some goooood bacon

Cabrakan: How did it pass by us so quickly?.. and without attacking

Crispin: I'm thinkin it does whatever the hell it damn well pleases... I mean that thing is almost certainly what straight up knocked Johannes out...somehow

Ziv: It didn't have a complete form..? Can you try describing it again?

Cabrakan: It made it inside and nobody else saw?

Ziv: It's a spell... Probably related to this. {pulls out flower} I heard Crispin muttering about red flowers in its wake. Perhaps we should put it back?

Crispin: Well again it was hard to make out too much of it. It's fuckin animal skull head with bigass horns will not be leaving my memory anytime soon. I really couldn't see it's body but the upper portion looked human enough...but like legitimately black and kinda twisted...or that could've been the night playing tricks on me I dunno. Yeah and a whole patch of deep red flowers would grow around his feet with every step!

Ziv: {furrowed, thoughtful look}

Cabrakan: Maybe these flowers are something we should not have miss ziv

Ziv: Yeah, we'll need to put this back. Or at least re-plant it elsewhere.

Cabrakan: Or destroy it. Evil creates evil after all. Are you sure you're alright crispin?

Ziv: I'm afraid destroying it may stir it to find us. Not that I know, but I fear it

Crispin: Either keep, replant or destroy flowers in the hope of not inciting the wrath of some evil goat monster... Yeah Cab, I'm feelin a whole lot better now, thanks for askin man. But I don't think I'll feel whole again until we figure out just what the hell that thing is and whether or not we can kill it... The Dead Freakin Isle... Hey ya think Argkt might know a thing or two about mysterious death flowers? Or Eberan and Ksalla? Not meanin to be classist.

Cabrakan: You will be safe my friend. Yes, ask the wizards they may know. Perhaps the paladins as well. I wonder though....

Crispin: Hm?

Cabrakan: You say this beast spoke to you as well as claimed to see you. On that basis alone, I wouldn't feel right returning to the fort. It singled you out for one reason and another and knows of your existence. I can't speak for the rest of us, but your presence in the fort could be catastrophic for those residing.

Crispin: Hey I'm not the one who got magically slept! Nor the only one to feel it's presence! But I will agree that this thing KNOWS about us. Like we're in it's territory and could come and go as it wants... This IS our problem now. Acting without more information on our situation could be very bad like you say.

Cabrakan: Well. It creates flowers. We could trail them.

Crispin: . . . Oh damn. Yeah we- {sigh} we could follow it. What else do we have anyway? Still we should ask the others about any info they have on magical flower-growing horror goats...

Cabrakan: Hah! Agreed! Lest we forget why were here anyway. Finding this girl is only more important with these creatures roaming about

Ziv: If we trail it, it could lead us to her... Think: this dead isle is having a vengeance rave. I can only assume it's going after her, or something.

Cabrakan: Or in the opposite direction.

Ziv: I doubt it. "Family" sticks together, like a pack.

Cabrakan: On what grounds could you say they're connected.

Ziv: If that thing is related to her in any way, it's lineages. Alive or, heh, undead.

Cabrakan: Then by your logic all we would find are more of those things

Ziv: Possibly. Either way. Prioritize her, yes? If we don't go after it now, it may come after us, and could endanger her if we let it go. Even if there are more, one less is one less to deal with later. But... This has me a little concerned. How far out were we before we raided this place where we found these flowers?

Cabrakan: I am curious as well miss. But need I remind you we are looking for a girl. A very frightened girl at that. We can save the witch hunts for after we find her safe
Should the two paths cross, so be it. But she is my priority

Ziv: She came here of her own volition. I doubt she was fearful when she knew what was ahead of her.

Cabrakan: I can assure you if she is lost or captured she is afraid however

Ziv: If she's here with companions, similar to the troupe we just saved, I think that fear wasn't high up on her list. Determination gets you really far, when willing enough. So I wouldn't go as far as spinning "fear" onto a girl we have yet to meet.

Crispin: So what about Eberan, Ksalla and Argkt? Streleka might be the reason we're here, but those three are the reason we're HERE.

Cabrakan: I am in the presence of knights and men who can craft buildings with mere words and I am terrified. If you are not at least slightly threatened in this land, you should be.

Ziv: We are all threatened. But dwelling on fear gets you nowhere. If she's strong willed enough to defy her brother to come here, she recognizes that. Fear aside... I think we need to travel West. Or to the village on the map. I understand that westward may not have a whole lot, but it's yet to be traveled. She could be anywhere. And if she's trying to find where kin may be, it could be westward, the part of the map that doesn't have markings yet... OR, she's likely where other elves could possibly be. Undead or not.

Cabrakan: A fair point on your end. I should not have assumed her emotional state and I apologize. But you are sidestepping my point dear miss. Claiming this creature has something to do with our missing elf is a bold sweeping statement that is dangerous and foolish. If we went out of our way to hunt this thing, she may die and that dangerous choice could get everyone killed

Crispin: Huh, hey wait do we have any leads on Streleka's location?

Cabrakan: Well no... we left the fort immediately upon hearing about these three and their situation (Arm wave behind him towards them)

Crispin: But we DO have a lead on this dangerous creature that you yourself said makes returning to populated areas extremely dangerous. I don't even want to follow this damn thing right now, but it's such a mysterious enemy and what we don't know WILL kill us, Dead Isle or not.

Cabrakan: ..it is a terrible idea

Eberan: {Eberan joins your group} That was some night. . .

Cabrakan: Indeed.. perhaps you should weigh in on a dispute

Eberan: I'd be happy to. {Adds some dried roots to the frying pan}

Cabrakan: Well we can start here. Crispin, could you give eberan what you saw?

Crispin: Alllrighty. Mr. Eberan would you happen to be familiar with a dark humanoid creature with a goat's skull for a head that eminates tremendous evil power, communicates telepathically to a terrifying effect, and leaves a trail of blood red flowers in its wake with every step?

Ziv: {Stabs dagger into a wooden slab no wider than her palm.}

Eberan: I- I can't say that am. I was there last night and also felt a chill. If there are indeed horrors such as that out in the forest, then I fear we, that is, my companions and I, may have stayed too far from the fort. In fact, I've also come on behalf of my party to ask if you're willing to escort us back to Fort Zombiehead this morning. I know that I personally would feel more comfortable if you were with us. - We could offer a small, extra reward as well.

Ziv: Guys, it may cost us a day, but I would feel better protecting these guys and gathering more information about Streleka.

Cabrakan: We are trying to find someone my friends... perhaps you would be willing to be patient or come with us?

Eberan: I'm afraid we can't come with you. Argkt insists on returning, and we need to see our wounded friend, Welherst, who still knows nothing of our fate. We'll be returning in any case, but I thought I'd request this of you anyway. I would perfectly understand if you decline, as you've already done a great deal for us already, such as saving our lives.

Ziv: ...This friend of yours silly enough to venture on his own to find you guys?

Eberan: I don't know, but hopefully that won't come to pass.

Ziv: Would you be willing to take a look at the nearest site with us before we help you back? Aside from here, that is.

Eberan: I'm sorry miss, but that would be irresponsible of me as a party leader. The day is a lot safer than the night on the Dead Isle, and I'd rather not risk an encounter that could cut our time short.

Hadric: I'll go with you.

Ziv: ...I'm conflicted. Hadric shouldn't go alone, yet the party needs to remain on mission. We'll need at least another volunteer to go with him.

Crispin: But what still irks me is just how little information we have on our main mission...

Cabrakan: We didn't get much information at the fort because we didn't have time to ask

Ziv: Johannes, do you think we should regroup at the fort?

Eberan: What is your main mission, if I may ask?

Ziv: We're trying to rescue and retrieve an elven girl. Her name is Streleka.

Eberan: Streleka? Oh yes, I know her.

Ziv: Could you tell us what you know about her? Where she went, who she went with, and anything you might know about her?

Crispin: . . .yes, please, do tell. . .

Eberan: We were in a party together a few days ago; she seemed like a nice enough girl. But she and another elf wanted to go deeper into the isle, a little bit to far for my own comfort - so we went our separate ways, which is common enough when people have different goals.

Cabrakan: Which direction did she go? Could you point it out on our map?

Eberan: I couldn't tell you exactly where. Streleka was talking about going to an old Estraen town called Kirilyth, which I think she mentioned was north-west of here. But Adros wanted go to the village to the south - I'm not sure why. We parted ways before they had a certain destination. This was almost 3 days ago though.

Ziv: {Deep in thought.} Something tells me she's at the village you mentioned.... Could you tell us about Adros?

Eberan: I don't know too much about him - blonde hair, much older than me. He said he was from Terrignis Mare and good with a sword.

Ziv: If there's something we don't know, I deem it a dangerous situation.

Crispin: What could you tell about their relationship? Was one clearly leading the other or were they more cooperative?

Eberan: I couldn't say. I didn't see anything like that.

Ziv: What did you see?

Eberan: I'm not sure what you mean, Ziv.

Ziv: What DID you see between them? What chemistry?

Eberan: I didn't see anything like that. They seemed no different than any other adventurers working together. {Finishes his bacon} I'm going to check on Argkt a moment. He's looking through his spellbook right now. {Eberan leaves the group}.

Johannes: {Suddenly speaks after a long time of silence pondering to myself} I think I know what that creature was...

Ziv: ...? {Looks up.}

Eberan: {Eberan returns} I recommended Argkt prepare a mending spell for today. My torn clothes certainly need it.

Johannes: I heard you know about Streleka? Traveled with her even?

Eberan: Yes, you heard true.

Johannes: Her brother sent us to find her, he fears for her life. I mean, can you blame him... all the rest of his family is likely dead on this Isle

Eberan: Ah, so this is what has brought you to this accursed place?

Johannes: Is there any more details you could provide us?  Like what she looked like, how tall she was, if she was heavy-set or light-set, hair color, skin color. Yes, she came here on the rumor that the Estraens still have a group surviving in the center, but her brother fears it is merely a rumor spread to draw the rest of the Estraens to their final death, or perhaps undeath.

Eberan: Since you saved the lives of my companions and I, aiding you in your quest is the least I could do. Streleka was tall, like most elves tend to be; 6' 3" I would imagine. Her skin was fair, her hair raven-black; a charming woman.

Johannes: I was curious if you remembered her equipment, or what she was skilled in as well (divine or arcane arts, swordsmanship, the bow etc.) That makes sense, all like her brother. He unfortunately had not a picture of her...

Eberan: She was the archer of our group, though I did not get to see the full extent of her skills against mere zombies I'm sure. She wore a kind of leather if I recall.

Johannes: Hmm, that definitely helps. Anything else you remember, like the color of her cloak and tunic?

Eberan: Her brother must be an excellent man to send you all this way for his sister.

Johannes: I think so, he said, he has much gold but little family. I feel for him. {Looks understandably sad}

Eberan: I see, that is quite a melancholy situation. As for the color of her clothing, that I'm not sure. I suppose we didn't travel long enough together for me to remember.

Johannes: Also, any idea on the village to the south you mentioned they talked of? I would believe this is the village to the north-west she mentioned. {Shows him the place on the map with red star, abandoned elven village}

Eberan: {Peers over the map} The village to the south I'm aware of. Other adventurers from Fort Zombiehead have been there before, and is known for being a good place to start out. This is certainly that red marker there; I imagine the red markers must all be towns of some sort. The one to the north-west, however, I didn't know of; I doubt few have been that far into the isle.

Johannes: I know we all must prepare to leave soon, and use the daylight as we have it. I am sure you will be safe with the day and Sir Hadric, but most of all safe with the protection of our Lord and Savior. If you ever wish to travel with us, or work with myself in the future I would be glad for it. {Especially as I will be having openings in my leadership positions- followers and allies}. I am always glad to have another ally and brother in my company.

So would you surmise that star on our map marks it? (The northern village I mean?) If you could answer that last question before we must keep packing I mean.

Ziv: {Pats Hadric on the back as a farewell.} Don't beat me too quickly to Ramsey's tongue...

Eberan: That would be my guess, that the marker would mean so. And you're right, brother. Thank you. I will remember what you have done for us today and will let others know of your heroism. And I'm sure Sir Hadric will be an excellent protector on our journey back to the fort. Please feel free to look for me there should you return soon. I am getting the signal now from Ksalla that I must pack my things. I'll take my leave of breakfast. {Eberan leaves the chat}.

Hadric: No promises. . . Better grab my stuff, too. {Hadric leaves the chat}.

Johannes: Good of you to escort them back Hadric, but you will be missed.

We appreciate you putting in a good word for us, remember to watch out for Ramsey, but of course trust in God before all others. God be with you. {Shakes his forearm as a soldier does}

{Johannes practices his goodbyes cause farewells are hard on him. There's a tear in his eye.}


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:19, Thu 07 Sept 2017.

Character Chat *continued:
{I will post this following portion in my post}

Johannes: Though, as I was saying, I think I know what that beast could be.
I heard tell of a beast with a head like a burning skull, horns like a bull, and a body like a man.  It stands around 12 feet tall and body is wreathed in flames.

Did it look at all like this @Crispin ?

Crispin: ...no not entirely. You got the horns right I suppose, and the skull as well if it isn't a human skull. From what I can remember, the body was similar to a man's but, again, I couldn't really tell because it was pretty dark...which would have made seeing flames of any kind that much easier to spot. No flames, only red flowers...

Ziv: ...Not all flames burn brightly.

Johannes: I pray it was not what I think it was...

I don't know whether the flames burn with light or not, but I would not be surprised if they were only dark.  It is a beast foul, who makes his home in the depths of hell.  I heard tell that this isle was cursed from the infernal plane to become what it is now.  If those walk this land, I only know of rare hero's who have ever faced them and lived.  They are Princes of demons.  Known as the balor...

{I suddenly snap from a sort of trance and speak more boldly...}
Even if they are, I know God will protect us.

Anyways...

Andriel: So which town do we think we should go to next?  I expect the one to the north to be "deeper" into the isle, than the one to the south, being he said beginners often go to the southern one.  Thus it is more explored and more adventurers will be there fighting/keeping it safer.

Alacor: It sounds like Strelleka went deeper, so I think we would be better off going to the one to the North.

Ziv: I agree, for the North.

We can always get to the south, later.

Andriel: The northern city is unexplored, and she might have been more likely to go there because of that.

Or maybe she went to the southern city because there would be more people to talk to there with information. Especially since the people who would stay there would be somewhat more experienced than the people who reside at the fort.

We would need to be careful though of other parties, out in the Wilds like this, if they don't like you they might just attack.

Ziv: Even she could attack us...

But I'm not worried.

Andriel: The main reason I would say to go south instead of North would be for the people to talk to there, and because it would likely be less dangerous. For some reason, it seems more step by step to me.

Ziv: I'm going to have to disagree.
I would prefer to start North.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Sat 09 Sept 2017.

Post:
Since it appeared Hadric was unable to hear my earlier farewell, I make sure to take him aside and discuss his journey back escorting our new companions, reiterating much of what I had said before.

Johannes: "Good of you to escort them back Hadric, you will be missed.
I thought it would be best to send our new loot back home with you, except for a few pieces which I will use for now. "
{I take the following items and put them in my mounts saddlebags:
     Heavy Shield, Steel
     Flail + 1

I also take the silver ring and put examine it, using detect evil on it as well as offering for Andriel or anyone who can to cast detect magic on it.  If it appears uncursed, I then put it on, and ask people to keep an eye on me when I do.  (I want to use it for shield other).

the rest of the loot I had to Hadric to take back with him:
     Rusted Chainmail
     800 gold pieces (Random)}

"Also, I was going to ask if when you return you could bring back some new supplies (rations etc.) as well as the new tent I purchased, I want to have a backup shelter in case things get really bad and we have more people to rescue."

I laugh lightly to myself, but soon with a slight frown, pat Sir Hadric on the shoulder and turn to find Eberan.

"Eberan!, I wanted to tell you that we appreciate you putting in a good word for us at the Fort and to remember to watch out for Ramsey.  Watch out on your way back and in your continued travels, trust in God before all others.  Hopefully, we will meet again soon, God speed in your continued quest for good and God be with you." {Shakes his forearm as a soldier does}

I then go back to my effects and open my spell book to read through it and choose my spells for the day, changing only 1.

I also recommend to Andriel a few spells that I think would be useful.

After speaking with her, I go a few feet from the others working, to pray about for the coming day before us.  {And pray for spells}  I pull my small Bible from my pack and open it before me while I kneel.
"Protect us O'Lord, as we go forth once more into the Isle of the Dead.  Give us direction Lord, which way should we go to find Streleka.  I know that you guide our steps and watch over us, keeping us from all evil.  Thank you for preparing us and using us to rescue other believers.  Keep them and Sir Hadric safe as they venture back to the fortress.  I thank you that you vindicate us from those who seek to hurt us (like Ramses).  Grant me once again, to ride the blessed mount of which you gave to me Lord..."

At this, I stand from kneeling and raise one hand as I recite a verse from the Bible I used to pray.

{I call my mount from its celestial plane with my spell-like ability}

After praying, an idea comes to mind!
"Cabrakan, Andriel!  Perhaps you know the prayer for Augury?  That could help us know which way to go!

If not, though dangerous, I suppose the northern city is more likely where Streleka will go, even if not at first.  We might be able to better determine that by going to the southern village and talking to other adventurers there, and it would be likely much safer.
 What does the group think?  For we need to decide very soon."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Sun 10 Sept 2017.

Post:
Andriel also speaks with Hadric before he departs with the others, "Safe travels friend, keep an eye out for beasts.  Do you think you could bring back any bandages as well?  I think we could use some more."

She talks to the new friends we have made after this, "So glad you were all still alive when we got here.  Er, I mean it was great to meet you all, nice to find friendly folk out this way."

She then talks to Johannes a moment, "this silver ring should work for shield other, though I apologize, I do not have detect magic to cast on the ring for you, and further, I do not have the spell augury prepared, I apologize, though I am sure your God will direct you none the less."

She then shouts to the rest of the group, "CAN ANYONE ELSE CAST DETECT MAGIC ON THIS RING FOR HERR JOHANNES?  MAYBE BEFORE YOU SWITCH ANY SPELLS FOR THE DAY?"

"Anyways," she continues, "let us take a look at those spells you were suggesting..."  At this, she sits down and opens her spell book to consider.

changes suggested:
level 0: no changes
level 1: instead of 1 hide from undead,
 command or sanctuary
level 2: instead of bulls strength, or bears* endurance,
 augury, and/or shield other
level 3: no change


"As for where to go, I am not sure either and am somewhat partial to go south to find more adventurers to speak to, but I think if anyone can cast Augury, we should do that and ask specifically if it will result well in finding Streleka.  I would be lying though if the fact that the northern city being unexplored both draws me and makes me nervous of what we will find there.  Thus, I think I am inclined to go north more, but I still would like to cast Augury if we can."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Sun 10 Sept 2017.

"Even though we adventured together only a short time, I'm sure we will miss your fighting abilities. Farewell Hadric " while the others switch out their spells and meditate, Lerdeth goes and does a short workout-stretching, push ups, pull ups, and some squats with his gear. Just as they must focus and train their minds, he must train his body for battle. He also feeds his horse and prepares to travel.

"The sooner we get the hell outta here, the better. And the sooner we get closer to Streleka, the betterer. I think heading north to Kirilyth does both of these things so that's where I vote to go. But really ANY direction is fine with me as long as it takes us away from this damn place! I don't know if that monster plans on following us but it's gonna have to catch me on the move!" After stating his stance on the question of direction, Crispin then went and prepared for travel.

The bacon was finished off, the supplies were packed, and the adventurers gathered in the courtyard to say their farewells.

“It was an honor to have met you all,” said Eberan, returning Johannes' clasp of the forearms. “It is good to see such people in this forsaken place. If it weren't for the intervention of your party, all of us would have surely perished. You have my eternal gratitude for that. But I, as well as the rest of us, feel that you all deserve a little more than just our gratitude. Please, take this as well.” Eberan handed Johannes a small object wrapped in a piece of linen. “It is a portion of the treasure we found when we cleared this place out. May it serve as a small reward to your party for your self-sacrifice.”

quote:

Johannes received a Silver Comb embedded with Moonstones.

Meanwhile, Ksalla put a friendly hand on Ziv's shoulder. “Until next time, Sister. May you bathe well in the blood of your enemies. And do not forget to eat their hearts to gain their strength.” Ziv's eyebrows raised at the remark.

“She is only kidding, I'm sure,” Eberan added with an uneasy laugh.

They took one glance together at Ksalla. She wasn't kidding.

“Goodbye,” grunted Hadric, nodding farewell to his companions. The large warrior then turned and departed, accompanied by Eberan, Ksalla, and Argkt. The small party walked out from the ruined fort, which had formerly been their prison, and strode into the woods as liberated adventurers.

quote:

Quest Completed: The Rescue of Welherst's Companions
You have gained experience points!
Johannes gained 125 XP
Hadric gained 125 XP
Alacor gained 125 XP
Cabrakan gained 125 XP
Crispin gained 125 XP
Dinamik gained 125 XP
Ziv gained 125 XP
Lerdeth gained 125 XP
Andriel gained 125 XP

The remaining adventurers concluded their morning routines, saddled their horses, and brushed their teeth. And then they, too, left the fort. Having coming to a general agreement, they set their sights on the northwest horizon and aimed for the ancient town of Kirilyth.


On foot and on horse, they plunged back into the woods, whose barren trees continued as far as the eye could see. The morning sun cast sharp and blinding glares through the gnarled branches, painting thin webs of light across the ground. Nothing stirred among the desolate labyrinth.

For several hours the party traveled, and they stopped to rest beside a creek. The waters of the creek ran black across a bed of stones, and although they had no interest in the water, they appreciated the location for the sound. The babbling water seemed like an oasis amidst the otherwise empty world, a world of haunting silence. And so they welcomed the respite of noise. After restoring some peace to both their legs and minds, they resumed their travels.

The party traveled for another four hours, until the sun had passed the zenith and hailed the afternoon. Mountains became visible in the north, their rocky peaks tearing up the sky.

“We must be close to the town,” said Dinamik as he poured over the map. He quickly checked between the mountains and paper for landmarks.

“We have come pretty far,” added Alacor, feeling a bit weary.

Crispin cast a nervous glance back over his shoulder. He didn't say anything, but his thoughts were ominously clear: “Hopefully, far enough. . .”

The party heard a dull sound – faint at first, but one that grew steadily as they walked forward – and after another fifty paces, the sound became loud enough for them to realize what it was.

The sound of combat.

“There's a battle!” cried Johannes, reering his mount. “Someone may need our help. Hurry!”

Drawing their weapons, the adventurers hastened through the trees toward the noise. The sound of steel on steel and the clanking of armor became recognizable as they drew closer, and finally they broke from the forest into a clearing full of buildings.


The first thing they realized was that they had found the town of Kirilyth. Most of the ancient town had crumbled away to oblivion, but a handful of the buildings and structures remained standing. A derelict bridge spanned across the far side, beside which was a bell tower containing a dark bronze bell at the top. To the left of the adventurers was the bend of a river in a sunken patch of land.

The second thing they realized was the source of the sound, which came from a sight like none they had ever seen before. In the center of town was transpiring a fierce battle between two armies, armies of skeletons.

Their armor was worn and rusted, and they fought with chipped longswords and broken battleaxes, striking against bone and steel. On both sides behind the frontlines – which seemed to extend down the middle of town – stood two pairs skeletons in chainmail and tattered beige robes (for a total of four) casting spells of dark light. The two forces, who were utterly indistinguishable from each other except by who was attacking who, fought relentlessly.

Three of the warring skeletons took notice of the party – who stood in the clearing gaping at this bizarre event – and turned their way.

“Uh oh,” said Dinamik.

The skeletons began to advance upon the party.

--Combat Rounds have begun--

quote:

Note: A full-sized version of the map will be posted in the facebook group.

Examine ~ The Skeletons in chainmail and tattered robes – 7, 10, d, and g – carry flails and heavy shields, and are of a Challenging Difficulty. The remaining Skeletons are donned in rusty-looking halfplate and carry either a longsword or battleaxe, and are of an Easy Difficulty

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:36, Wed 13 Sept 2017.

The party clutched their weapons tightly, caught between the choice of whether to flee or to fight, to gather their strength and return, or take their leave of this terrible place. But at that moment a figure emerged from the building to their right - a woman donned in fullplate. Her skin was tan, her hair bound in thick braid, and she carried a worn mace. She glanced at the party with dark, judging eyes, which landed upon the paladin with a look of recognition.


"Johannes, fight with us!" she shouted hoarsely. She pointed her mace westward. "Destroy the opposing dead!"

A name came back to Johannes.

"Dakira!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:31, Wed 13 Sept 2017.

Ziv rummaged through one of the saddle bags ofJohannes's quickly to retrieve a flail, a smile curling her lip. She stepped forward, knocking the handle of it to her shield to taunt her enemies. "C'mon, bag-o-bones!"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:51, Sun 17 Sept 2017.

The wizard looks over the battlefield. Briefly turning his attention to the women who burst out from the door. Perhaps luck would be on their side and they've found an ally through this vile land. He did find it a bit odd. The undead fighting each other. Perhaps the fierce looking women find a way to control half of the unread and called them to herself. Or perhaps the undead just get bored of this place and started fighting each other. Either way the wizard knew these creatures had to be put down. As he contemplated the best creature to summon he took a step to his left. {5ft step left} a small effort to put distance between him and the advancing undead.

The wizard brushed his white hair out of face and then reached in his pouch and pulled out the same small candle he had on the boat during their first encounter with the strange creatures from this land. The candle in hand, the wizard swung it at his staff, striking it as if it were flint against steel. It even sparked the very same and lit the end of the candle. Alacor concentrated on the and started  tracing a circle in the air in front of him. As the outline started to glow the wizard started to speak in a deep voice, "lend us a lion from the heavens to return these undead to the Earth!" A similarly shaped disk appeared in the midst of the skeletons parallel to the ground and five feet in the air. With a roar a celestial lion drops groom the portal immediately attacks the closest skeleton. {Summon monster 4 celestial lion at squares Y20-Z19}

Swiping with it's claws and biting at it the lion tries to grab the enemy in it's teeth. The lion brings down its teeth with even more and quick flash. It seemed as though the attack was trying to fend off the very mature of evil. The wizard watches his creature while he puts the candle back into his pouch and observes the other around him act. {Lion full attack on 10. Smite evil with with bite attack. Attempts to grapple with the bite}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:59, Sun 01 Oct 2017.

In Character Chat:

Alacor
Johannes you know her? Can we just her?

Johannes
My gosh, Dakira! {Surprised to see her}, yes, we fought together on the first expedition.  She helped fight against the dread Knight. She was a part of Ramses group, but I don't think she knew what he was doing, nor did she ever attack us unprovoked like him.
Johannes
Even though it looked like it was just Undead fighting, it seems I was correct, someone is in trouble, just it looks like they have taken control of their would-be attackers.

{Shouts to Dakira} Dakira!  Do you control the undead to the east?!  Are they your allies?!  Or shall we destroy them all?!

Alacor
It's about time we have a good surprise.

DM Ryan
{She appears too occupied to converse}

Johannes
I think she has to focus to control the undead.  We can trust her, like Ksalla she can be aggressive but she respects strength.  Let's give her a hand!  Turn the other undead!

Post:
Andriel sees the horde of undead before her battling, and knows, as much as she did not focus on actual turning of undead, it has clearly become a needed function.  "Not too surprising I suppose," she thinks to herself, "this is the Dead Isle after all, that sure is a lot of undead though.  I guess another great opportunity for practice... like Herr Johannes says"  She can hear her heart pounding, even with as easy as the previous battle was, it was not enough to take away the adrenaline surge.  "Let's do this!
 Cabrakan, Come with me!  We shall turn the Undead to the west!  You focus on the Priest and I the front line!"

As the 3 undead before her and her companions turn appearing to be about to charge them, she rushes toward them instead.

She takes her holy symbol from her neck in hand and lifts it as high as she can, while she displays her shield boldly emblazed also by her symbol.  She does this as she steps out from behind Herr Johannes.  "All you creatures of undeath uncontrolled by our ally, hear me!  Hear me and wilt in terror!  For you shall all be turned to dust before the Almighty!  You are an abomination to AO.  Woe to you!  A twisted mockery of life!  May the light free your soul from the wretched prison of thy captivity!  TURN FOUL CREATURES!"

She speaks to herself smugly, "You don't scare me!  I will scare you! haha!"

Just then, it hits her, how is this Cleric controlling so many undead?  Last she read, evil cleric's could control undead, but not that many, not normally at least, not with a rebuke undead (the turn undead for evil clerics).  Maybe she came to this Isle because she had been working on how to control more.  As far as she could tell, Dakira could normally only control a single priest, with how powerful they are.  She speaks to her companions quietly: "Be ready for the undead west undead to attack too everyone, I don't understand how a single cleric could control so many..."  {Andriel does an Examine check on Dakira and a knowledge check if one she has applies (or if spellcraft does)}

Actions:
Andriel moves to Z5 and uses turn undead.
12 for turn undead, meaning same as Cleric Level (6)
14 for total HD of undead turned.
If possible, Andriel focuses her turn undead on the Undead to the West, from what we can tell, uncontrolled by Dakira.  She aims for 3,4,5,6 to be turned (since those are all the closest to her.)

Rolls:
13:31, Today: Andriel rolled 14 using 2d6+5.  Turn Undead, damage check; tDI.
13:29, Today: Andriel rolled 12 using 1d20-1.  Turn Undead, turning check; tDI.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Sun 17 Sept 2017.

"There truly is no rest in this vile place is there?.." Cabrakan stated, voice disheartened and filled with grief. The poor souls who now roamed the lands unable to find rest... He felt for them. The energy he used to fuel his crusades was not one of anger or wrath, but of sorrow.

Amongst the chaos of shambling corpses and the clang of steel chiming across the muddied ground, the cleric felt peace. His somber expression remained steadfast as he walked toward the battle. As he approached, he took his greatshield and prepared it tightly on his arm so that he could be a barrier for those behind him. As he apprached, his voice rang out, Clear and powerful, but at the same time soft and submissive. The appropriate demenor one should have before asking such a request to a power such as his Lord.

"Abba... Father.."

He began,

"Long has this place been filled with such strong emotion. Feelings of sadness, hate, and rage. I beg of you father, show your face in this dying accursed land. Show these souls the meaning of peace and rest. Give them the presence from you that they so need. Remove the negitive energy from their husks of bodies and fill it with your spirit. Wither it be strong emotion or dark powers keeping them trapped here, I ask you father. Please free them from their bonds. grant them peace. If strong dark powers keep them trapped, help me to find them and rid the world of their dark influence. If it means aiding the sick, wounded, trapped or afraid - I will go where you send me. I thank you as I know my request has been brought to you in your golden halls and it is in your holy and powerful name, it is only in your name I know these things can be accomplished. Amen"

Move to W6
Turn Undead Nat 20
Turn Undead damage 17

Post:
I turn and speak to my group from on horseback, explaining the plan.  "Alright everyone!  I would say to turn and take a tactical retreat while these creatures fight it out, but it seems I was correct!  There is an ally here in need of our help!  So let us stay true to what we stand for, and let us stand by our ally.  She fought with me on the Dead Isle before, and could be a powerful ally to have still. Also, remember, if we help her, she would be much more likely to tell us anything helpful if needed about Streleka.  Thus, let us focus on the West undead force first, but be ready in case more come from in the buildings,
 or in case Dakira loses control of the undead."

I then call out to Dakira, seeking a better explanation than the cryptic one we received.
"DAKIRA!  ARE THE UNDEAD TO THE WEST UNDER YOUR CONTROL?  YOU MUST TELL US NOW LEST WE DESTROY THOSE YOU CONTROL!"

I notice Ziv has no blunt weapon, "Ziv, take the flail from my saddle bag, it is magic, used by the priest ironically.  It will fair better against the skeletons' fleshless bones.  I have another weapon for them.  Keep watch on our blessed casters."

"Priests, Andriel and Cabrakan, you know what to do, we will cover you! GO!"
"Lerdeth, you and I shall charge the front line, after the clerics turn them to ash we charge the priest, else we engage their front line and protect our blessed casters!
Cripsin, cover our advance with your dead eye!  Choose your target, perhaps the priest {7}?
Alacor, Dinamik, I am sure your guys have something clever up your sleeves.  Alacor, you have shown us your summons in the past, do you have one now to keep that priest occupied?!  Dinamik, do you have anything to cover us while we advance?"

I then shout to the group the order
"For the Glory of the Highest, ATTACK!"

As I turn to charge, I feel a fire stir within me, and a verse comes to mind:


I then raise my lance in protest of our enemies, pointing to heaven.  I speak to myself another verse:

My lance suddenly bursts into flames, but not only my lance, but it appears I do as well.  Fury rears and we charge forth, seeking to crush those who intend harm upon my companions.
I aim my lance at the skeleton before us...

Actions:
First, I use my fire devotion ability: IMMOLATION (swift action)
Next,
3 options:
1- if the skeletons before us (in the way of charging 7) are destroyed, I move to 12,13-VW charging 7
2- if the skeletons before us (in the way of charging 7) are NOT destroyed, I move to XY-8,9 (or near that out of the way of the Clerics) charging 3
3- if skeletons 3,4,5 and 7 are destroyed, I cast Protection from Evil on myself
and
I do a knowledge adventure check on Dakira

Rolls:
{01:08, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Adventure); on Dakira, tDI.
01:44, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 54 using 3d8+42.  DMG with Lance, 5 PWR ATK, TDI. (+1
01:42, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  AR with Lance, 5 PWR ATK, TDI.
}

*note: the damage 54 is magic and piercing plus 9 additional fire damage, also the skeleton must succeed on a DC 17 Reflex save or be caught on fire, dealing 1d4 addition fire damage per round.
http://dnd.arkalseif.info/feat...ion--1130/index.html
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Sun 17 Sept 2017.

The young scout had stared true terror in the face and heard its words, something that had taken him a while to realize. The island's silence provided him with guidance upon the path to Kirilyth. There was a riot among undead upon arrival where a battle scarred woman rallied for alliance. Trust was gifted, Crispin lifted his crossbow and shot twice towards an armored skeleton.

{Free Action}
Crispin loads Light Crossbow +1 x2 (Rapid Reload)
{Full Round Action}
Crispin fires @Skelly7 x2 (Rapid Shot)

Crispin rolled 25 using 1d20+8.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (Rapid Shot 1/2), Attack @ Skelly7
Crispin rolled 13 using 1d8+1+2d6.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (Rapid Shot 1/2), Damage @ Skelly7
Crispin rolled 21 using 1d20+8.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (Rapid Shot 2/2), Attack @ Skelly7
Crispin rolled 9 using 1d8+1+2d6.  Crossbow Sneak Attack (Rapid Shot 2/2), Damage @ Skelly7

A battle of the undead. The adventurers had never seen anything like it in their lives. The abandoned town, which had likely known nothing other than silence for the past century, was now filled with the sound of clanging steel and breaking bones, roused by warriors at war for whom even death had not brought peace. Upon the sight of Dakira, the adventurers entered the fray.

Crispin opened the assault with a pair of arrows, hitting the skeleton donned in chainmail and tattered robes {Crispin dealt 8 & 4 damage to #7}, while Ziv, eager to dive into the battle, tossed her dagger aside, grabbed the flail from Johannes' saddle, and moved closer the frontlines.

Herr Johannes viewed the many unholy enemies before him and was filled with an inferno of passion. He proclaimed a prayer to the blazing glory of God, and, as if in answer to his devotion, his weapon and body were anointed with fire. Atop his steed he charged like a fireball toward the nearest skeletal knight, struck it with his lance, and obliterated his foe, shattering it into a heap of smoldering bones {Herr Johannes dealt 54 damage to #3; #3 has been destroyed}.

The priests, Cabrakan and Andriel, followed him into battle and held up their holy symbols, Cabrakan's a cross, Andriel's an empty circle; and they uttered a proclamation of doom upon the damned. Light emanated from them across the battlefield, and many of the undead monstrosities turned away in terror {Andriel successfully turned #4, #5, & #6} {Cabrakan successfully turned #1, #2, #a, & #b}.

“Fools!” barked Dakira. “Do not turn my minions! Harm only the western dead.”



Meanwhile, Alacor called upon his magic, and he wielded it to call upon something appropriate for the occasion. A lion descended from a portal of light into the battlefield, whose white fur and mane shone with an astounding brightness that was almost offensive to the dim gray world of their enemies. Without hesitation, the beast unleashed a flurry of claws upon one of the robed skeletons {Celestial Lion missed his bite and hit with both claws; Celestial Lion dealt 2 & 4 damage to #10}.

Lerdeth and Dinamik, however, were still shocked by the incredible sight of this war in the wilderness, and they stood still, awed by its magnitude.

The skeletons closest to the adventurers turned and fled, influenced by the power of Cabrakan and Andriel, but the skeletal being in tattered robes, whom Crispin had struck, knew no such fear. The robed skeleton faced them and cast a spell, whispering in a language not meant for mortal ears. Cabrakan, Andriel, Johannes, and even the paladin's steed, heard that whispering in their own ears, as if the skeleton was speaking mere inches from them. Their minds felt hot and burning. The whisper told them things they were never meant to hear, things forgotten as quickly as they heard them, but the pain remained – and blood started to drip from their ears. And then, almost being a sweet relief, they couldn't hear anything at all {#7 dealt 24 damage to Cabrakan & Fury; #7 dealt 12 damage to Johannes & Andriel; Cabrakan, Andriel, Johannes, & Fury have been deafened}.

quote:

07:03, Today: DM Ryan rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Fury. Will Save vs ? - DC 17.
06:56, Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Herr Johannes, rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Will Save vs ? - DC 17.
06:56, Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Andriel, rolled 17 using 1d20+8.  Will Save vs ? - DC 17.
06:55, Today: DM Ryan, on behalf of Cabrakan, rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Will Save vs ? - DC 17.

The other robed skeleton, beset by the lion, defensively summoned some magic of its own and shot a charcoal gray bolt at the creature, but the spell missed {#10 missed Celestial Lion}, all while chipped swords and battleaxes clanged throughout the rest of the battlefield, some breaking bones, others not.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
{AoO: #g dealt X damage to #5}
{AoO: #e missed #4}
{AoO: #f missed #4}
{#8 dealt X damage to #c}
{#9 dealt X damage to #e}
{#11 dealt X damage to #h}
{#12 missed #j}
{#13 missed #j}
{#14 dealt X damage to #l}
{#c dealt X damage to #8}
{#e dealt X damage to #9}
{#f dealt X damage to #9}
{#h missed #11}
{#i missed #11}
{#j missed #12}
{#k dealt X damage to #12}
{#l dealt X damage to #14}

---

Dakira then cast her gaze upon the bridge, which overlooked the battlefield, and examined the skirmish which transpired there. She raised her mace and began to chant in a guttural tongue. The clouds in the sky started to darken, unnaturally concentrating over the bridge. Suddenly there was a flash of light, and a pillar of flame shot down from the sky like a smite from the Gods themselves; the opposing skeletons were engulfed by the blaze. The pitiful creatures shrieked a high-pitched and inhuman wail, one that sent shivers down the spines of the living, and they fell to their knees, completely aflame. Dakira's skeletal servants finished them off, until they were nothing more than a heap of bones and ash {Dakira dealt X damage to #12, #13, & #14; #12, #13, & #14 have been destroyed}.

Upon Dakira's decimation of her foes, the adventurers anticipated that round of battle was over, but then came yet another surprise. From between two of the crumbling buildings, an alleyway to their right, emerged a figure in full armor, with a decorative but scarred helm and a mantle of fur. The stranger, whose entire body was enclosed in armor, carried a single warhammer.


At the battle's edge, the warrior crouched like a frog on the verge of a leap, and for a moment that's what adventurers expected would happen – but it didn't. Instead, from the warrior's back grew two wings made of fire, and only fire; and as the adventurer rose, they flapped, and he soared over the battlefield like some terrifying phoenix. He landed on his feet beside Alacor's lion, upon the robed skeleton, and struck the undead creature with his warhammer, which glowed violently as he did so. The blow appeared to do significant damage {Warrior dealt X damage to #10}, and as broken bones of the skeleton were flung to the ground, the warrior's wings dissipated in a wisp of smoke.

The battle raged on.



This message was last edited by the GM at 19:10, Sun 17 Sept 2017.

Additional (Post Wed), In Character Chat:
Ziv
Johannes! Andriel! Cabrakan! You guys okay? That looked like it hurt...

DM Ryan
{Ziv finds that they do not seem to hear her!}

Cabrakan
-grunt- Is everyone okay?! What happened!!

Alacor
{18:33, Today: Alacor rolled 34 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify #10's spell.
18:33, Today: Alacor rolled 39 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify #7's spell.}
{11:05, Today: Alacor rolled 22 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify Dakira's spell.}

Alacor
Those were some serious spells guys. It looks like Dakira hit them with flame strike. But those skeletons cast spells I've only ever read about. The bolt attack from that one {points to #7} was bolt of serious inflict wounds. The other one cast Word of death. Their hearing should be back in less than 30 seconds though.

Johannes
{I bring my gauntlet to my helmet and look around, ears ringing}  Ahh!  My ears, what happened!  {I see the priest and remember outloud}  the priests on the dead isle in the past were able to do this, but it was less powerful.  Wait, no, it was the dread knight.

{I consider quickly what I can tell about these spells cast... see knowledge checks}

Ziv
{Talking to self} What is this dread knight he keeps mentioning?

Alacor
{17:23, Today: Alacor rolled 32 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify the Warrior's spell.}
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

Post:


Whispers of death stab into my ears, like a skeletal hand reaching into my head.  My eyes screw shut beneath my helm as if the ringing sound was piercing my mind, and my left hand comes to my head.  "AHHHH!  The whispers...  I can hear them again... GRAAAA!"  My voice begins to feel distant, until the world is silent, like the blackness of space, there is no sound.

Then I hear it, a verse comes into my mind, like a scrolling message on a flag...

The ultimate prophecy of God's son and the enemy...  I shake off the ringing and the pain, knowing this temporary affliction is but for a moment.  This pain may be as a bruise to my heel, but the retaliation of my God shall lay waste to the wicked crushing their skulls to dust.  The wicked have been defeated already- my Messiah completed the task long ago and now, I as His Will made manifest in this world, shall execute his righteous judgment.  The skeletal priest's attack serves now only to ignite my heart with a burning passion.  My face now fills with righteous passion as my eyes open and a battle cry springs forth from my mouth "NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER!"

I almost begin to laugh, in the face of these wicked.  Seeing the skeletons burn on the bridge rallies me, reminding me of the heroes of old, like Elijah, who wrought holy justice, incinerating those who worshiped the demon "gods."
"Praise the most merciful God from whom no darkness can hide, LET US CRUSH THE SKULLS OF THOSE WHO OPPOSE HIS LIGHT, DESTROY THE SKELETAL PRIESTS!"

"LERDETH!  AWAKE!  I NEED YOU AT MY SIDE, CHARGE THE PRIEST AND BRING HIM TO RUIN, NOW!"

I shout a few more instructions, hoping I am heard regardless of the deafness.
"CABRAKAN! DISPELL ANY SPELL THAT PRIEST CASTS, PROTECT US!"
"ALACOR, send us another beast to flank the skeletal priest, we shall surround him and crush him!"
"CRISPIN, charge the priest with us!"
"ZIV, charge him if you can, else charge with us!"
"DINAMIK! DONT JUST STAND THERE! YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO COMBAT THESE SPELLS!"
"Andriel, you know what to do!"
After this, I charge forth as a streaking meteor, seeking to bring the priest to ruin.

Actions:
I do a series of knowledge checks
I charge to VW/13,14
leap over 3 on the way (DC15, I got a 30)
Attack 7, I did not add the bonus from flanking or bless, with it, it totals to AR of 19
If it hit, I deal 51 + 9 fire damage, also the skeleton must succeed on a reflex save DC 17 to not catch on fire and take 1d4 more fire damage.

Rolls:
{18:25, Tue 19 Sept: Herr Johannes rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Spellcraft on Dakira's spell, tDI.
22:08, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Religion); priests, tDI.
22:07, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Religion); skeletal Knights, tDI.
22:06, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Adventure); on unnamed Warrior(W), tDI.
22:11, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 30 using 1d20+14.  Ride; mounted leap over undead carcass (3), tDI.
18:15, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+10.  AR with Lance, 4 PWR ATK, TDI. (not including flank, or bless)
22:24, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 51 using 3d8+36.  DMG with Lance, 4 PWR ATK, tDI (not including fire damage). +9 fire damage}

{revised plan below:
@ALACORE Attack 10 with the lion, and use his smite evil with whatever attack hits best (likely a claw) since it only adds damage.  Grapple with the lion if bite hits.  I checked with Ryan and the smite was not used last round.  Next, summon another creature, bison to flank with us 17,16/VW
@ANDRIEL move to
@ZIV, charge 8, via b15
@LERDETH (via 13,12/YZ) and I (via 13,12/VW) charge 7, leap over 3 (DC 15 Ride)
Perhaps also @CRISPIN charge 7, after Lerdeth, via X14 and use flank for sneak attack
@DINAMIK got any bard song buffs please (especially attack roll bonus, want to make sure our attacks hit)?
@CABRAKAN can you ready a dispel on any spell cast by 7 next round or 10 if 7 is destroyed? Turn undead risks turning other friendlies

Let me know your questions}
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

{in progress}
Post:
Andriel brings her shield hand up as the resonating speech from the undead priest intensifies, instinctually seeking to block the spell's progression with her shield, like covering oneself from acid rain, but to no avail.  Her forearm comes to near to her forehead, being her hand is occupied, and she grimaces in pain "Ahhh!"  Gritting her teeth, she knows that she must weather the storm for the undead will not listen to any cry for mercy.  But, would she even offer it if it would?  "NO!", she considers resolutely to herself.  Her face begins to relax as she brings her right forearm to her ear, tapping it, expecting a different result then she finds.  Bringing her arm down she finds blood, blood from her ear on her arm.  Her eyes widen, but redirects the concern into communication -action is more helpful than fear.  She speaks, or at least she thinks she speaks?  She cant tell, at least not by sound... "Uh, guys, I cant hear!  Guys?"  She looks around slightly disorientated, "Guys, that spell, it took out our hearing!"  She looks around to see others near her grabbing their head also, Johannes still aflame, Fury shaking his horse head, and Cabrakan... but the rest seem to be nodding or saying something, so they must have understood?

"What to do, what to do... first" she thinks quickly to herself.

{She makes a series of Knowledge checks}

She looks around again and sees the others rallying, probably about to attack.  Her best guess is to cast a spell that will help them, maybe even the lion up ahead too.  "I am not sure how well I can do this without my hearing, but I have to try!" she thinks to herself.  "But I have to try..."

She brings her bloodied hand down to her holy symbol once more and takes it in hand.  She lifts it in defiance with her shield, boldly displaying her insignia.  She steels herself and marches forward speaking (she thinks?)  She looks around though, making sure she does not step in the way of anyone about to go forth into the fray {charging}. "Let these servants of good be blessed, filled with courage. May my companions strike bold and true...  Know, my friends, you go forward into the fray, from which others flee.  You do today good, good that will not be stopped.  Take pride knowing you chose that which was right and good and just.  Your actions are blessed to succeed!"  At the end of her words, light burst forth a moment, giving each member within 50 ft hope.

Actions:
Knowledge checks
Walks to Z9 (or Z10, or shorter even (like Z11) if she would be in the way of Lerdeth or anyone else charging)
Casts Bless
(spell failure roll below)

Rolls:
{18:24, Tue 19 Sept: Andriel rolled 20 using 1d20+8.  Spellcraft on charcoal bolt spell, tDI.
18:24, Tue 19 Sept: Andriel rolled 9 using 1d20+8.  Spellcraft on Dakira's spell, tDI.
18:23, Tue 19 Sept: Andriel rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Spellcraft on deafening spell, tDI.
22:13, Today: Andriel rolled 20 using 1d20+8.  Spellcraft, on the Warriors wings spell; tDI.
22:10, Today: Andriel rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Religion); skeletal knights, tDI.
22:09, Today: Andriel rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Knowledge (Religion); skeletal priests, tDI.
23:46, Today: Andriel rolled 12 using 1d100.  Spell failure (20% and below is failure), for being deafened, casting bless; tDI.
}

PS we need to get the feat at a party to avoid charging conflict...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

Peripherally, everything sharpened. Ziv could feel adrenaline fill her veins. The rush of it burst forth, just like her feet towards the skeleton right in front of her (#8). "AAAAAHH!" she roared swinging the flail harshly down upon it.

Alacor sighing as he sees the lion miss with it's takes another left to his left. The wizard then commands the lion to attack the priest once again. The wizard turns his gaze to the other priest after seeing his companions in agony and left deaf for the time being.

He takes out the small candle from his pouch once again with a fierce look in his. The wizard is determined to stop these foul priests in there tracks. Alacor throws the candle into the ground at his feet. It had so much force that the bottom of the candle deformed as it hit the ground and stayed standing straight up. Next he took out a tiny bag, opened it, and filled it with a small amount of hair from a bison. The wizard then made a gesture with his staff pointing it at the candle and making a sign with his hand holding the bag of hair. "Stop these fiends in there tracks and return them to the dust where they should have stayed!" He shouted in a tongue that most of the others could not understand as he threw it at candle and it seemed to disappear and cloud of gold colored dust. At the same instant a similar, although much larger, cloud of dust appeared next to one of the priests. Accompanied by sounds of hooves and the snort of a bison.

Before the dust had time to settle the bison was already attacking the priest. It's attack gave off a strange aura that threatened evil itself.

{Alacor 5ft steps to the left}
{Lion Full attack #10 and attempts to grapple}
{Summon Monster 3, Bison  at V16, V17, W16, W17}
{Bison attacks #7 with smite evil}


16/17 V W

Lerdeth kicks at his horse to get him to run. He gallops toward the skeleton priest, leaping over the fallen skeleton. Lerdeth thrusts his lance into the foul creature as hard as he can. He shouts and is suddenly filled with anger towards their foes.(Rage initiated) "Die you foul creature! Go back to the dust where you belong!"


{ 22:05, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 61 using 3d8+48.  Damage on skeleton 7.

22:04, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 19 using 1d20+12.  Attack on skeleton priest  (7)ending movement @(Y-Z,12-13). 4 power attack added.

~Note I forgot to add the flanking bonus it it applies
 }

22:02, Today: Lerdeth Kiensc rolled 21 using 1d20+12.  Ride check to jump skeleton carcass.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

Cabrakan clenched is jaw and firmly slammed his eyes shut. The things he heard in his head... Although not even in a language he understood filled him with horror. Images, sounds and even sensations flodded his body until, seemingly hours later it all ceased. He opened his weary eyes and attempted to regain focus, as sweat tears and blood dripped from him. He didnt notice at first, but the low gentle humming replaced all sound on the field. He looked up and saw Johannes shaking his head. Saw arrows fly from Dinamiks crossbow, but not one sound graced his presence.

It wasnt until he tapped on his ears to see if they were still there did he notice the blood dripping down. When he saw the blood, he began to wretch, feeling all of the sensations images and hearing the sounds screaming in his head. It hurt his head... It made him want to vomit and collapse. His eyes couldnt focus onto anything in front of him.

As he stumbled slightly, his eyes looked up and focused all too quickly on the dark priest. The dim glow in its eyes and muscle-less face gave far to much expression than it needed. Smug. The look a cat would give to a moth as it pulled off its wings and watched it roll about on the ground.

He was angry, but not just for his own sake, he saw the others that where hurt by the same spell and was filled with holy wrath. he began lumbering toward the creature, attempting to close the gap so that he could smash its skull under his mighty shield.

Fueling his wrath, he knew the thing was nothing without his spells, and if it were unable to cast, he could crush him.

He regained some of his footing and began marching toward the priest. Fists clenched to the point of numbing of the fingers, blood continued to trickle but he did not care. The expression he gave to the priest spoke just as loudly as the expression its skinless face gave to him. 'You'll Pay.'

Unable to control the volume of his voice, he didnt know how loud he spoke -



ready action Dispel 7 if casting spell (or 10 is 7 is destroyed) -Counterspell-
Move to V-9
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

Once the element of surprise was spent, several party members charged the enemy undead army. Hesitant to drop his crossbow in order to join in, the rogue instead holstered his weapon and then advanced upon the skeletons while drawing the club from his side.

{Move Actions}
Crispin holsters crossbow, draws club and moves to Z10

Dinamik shakes himself from his trance-like attention to detail, trying to remember all that has transpired so he could remember it for a life time; it better be enough, because he was needed! Dinamik bounded behind the group as they prepared to charge, going as fast as his Gnome feet would carry him. As this wild spirit of the wind took over his demeanor, words formed on his lips;

We're closing the distance,
At breaking neck speed.
Ziv's not alone (not alone) aside Johannes and steed,
Crispin, Andriel, a reconning force,
Lerdeth raging and charging on his horse.
Yeah, we've closed the distance.

{Move to B4}
{cast Haste on Johannes and his horse, Lerdeth and his horse, Ziv, Crispin, and Andriel}

“Years of study at the University of Perdane,” murmured Alacor bitterly as he went through the motions of his spell. “A mountain of debt from graduate school. All those semesters of trying to stay awake through Pishak's lectures. I've heard people say that school doesn't prepare you for the real world, but-” He gazed over the battlefield of undead and the maelstrom of bones, swords, pillars of fire, and axes. “They really weren't kidding.”

He summoned his bison from the celestial plane (which was an odd concept now that he thought about it), and it rammed its golden horns into the back of the robed skeleton, while nearby its companion, the lion, delivered a flurry of claws to another, though missing its bite {Alacor successfully summoned Celestial Bison; Celestial Bison dealt 15 damage to #7; Celestial Lion dealt 4 & 2 damage to #7, but missed his Bite Attack}. He took a moment to appreciate the magic of other casters.



Johannes atop his steed, still blazing with righteous fire, spurred his mount to charge; Lerdeth did the same. And together they aimed their lances at a deadly incline and converged upon the robed-skeleton, like two bolts of lightning striking the same place. They struck with such simultaneous power and fury that the skeleton's bones shattered apart. The undead creature released a shrill high-pitched shriek, a wail that seemed to echo and fade in the air even as its body fell to pieces in a heap on the ground {Johannes dealt 55 damage to #7; #7 succeeded his Reflex Save to not catch on fire. Lerdeth dealt 61 damage to #7. #7 was destroyed}.

Crispin swapped out his crossbow for a club and dashed closer to the fray while Cabrakan began praying. Meanwhile, Andriel tried to make a prayer of her own, but her words were lost amid her own inability to hear them {Spellfailure: Andriel failed to cast Bless}. Giving up the attempt, she made the best use of her remaining time by studying her undead foes, though little did she know that Johannes was doing the same.



The battle continued to rage, and Ziv charged forward. The young fighter sprinted across the battlefield like some wild amazon, spinning her flail overhead and bringing it down upon an unsuspecting skeleton. The spiked end struck its skull, which made a sound like a splitting coconut and left a large crack {Ziv dealt 10 damage to #8}.

Finally, Dinamik strolled toward his companions, plucking notes to a song he had just wrote. His teammates weren't certain whether it was the terrific lyrics or simply the fact that it was written in C Minor, but whatever the reason, the song imbued many of them with a feeling of energy and a conscious desire to go faster {Dinamik successfully cast Haste on Johannes & Mount, Lerdeth & Mount, Ziv, Crispin, & Andriel}. In fact, the song was so enjoyable, that those who were deafened - Johannes, Fury, Cabrakan, & Andriel - regained the ability to hear! -though this might have been a coincidence of timing {Johannes, Fury, Cabrakan, & Andriel are no longer deafened}.

The skeleton whom Ziv had struck turned on her, glaring with its hollow black eyes. “Siath etule arrae kall efusta,” it rasped threateningly, its voice as hollow as its body. It then chopped at her with a longsword, cutting into her shoulder {#8 dealt 11 damage to Ziv}.

Not far from this, the remaining robed skeleton, surrounded by a lion, bison, and the mysterious warrior, began to weave a spell of dark light {#10 succeeded his Concentration Check}. Cabrakan's eyes glinted at the opportunity, and he weaved a counterspell of his own. {Cabrakan succeeded in his Dispel Check}. The skeleton's spell unraveled in its hands, and it uttered a screech of frustration as the spell vanished.


Across the field of the abandoned town, swords and axes rang in combat.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
{#9 missed #e}
{#11 dealt X damage to #h}
{#c missed #8}
{#d cast a spell}
{#e missed #9}
{AoO: #e dealt X damage to #4}
{#f dealt X damage to #9}
{AoO: #f dealt X damage to #4}
{#g cast a spell}
{#h dealt X damage to #11}
{#i missed #11}

---

Dakira moved closer to the battle. Her countenance now portrayed a satisfaction at how the battle was proceeding, with victory seeming nigh. Finally, the warrior began to act.



“A battlemage,” murmured Johannes with awe, not sure if he had ever seen a fully-realized one before.

The battlemage swung his warhammer in three consecutive strikes at his opponent, the robed skeleton. His weapon glowed violently upon each hit and all three struck with a terrifying amount of force, combining strength and magic to savage effect. Upon the final blow, the skeleton burst apart with a shriek, obliterated, having been destroyed almost single-handedly by the stranger {Warrior dealt 31, 33, & 33 damage to #10; #10 was destroyed}.

Truly, this was a interesting day.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Sun 24 Sept 2017.

Ziv winced at the blow, yet didn't stagger for a moment. Ignoring the words of the skeleton before her, she murmured some of her own under her breath before gripping into the next attack. She hoisted the flail in the air and swung it across the skeleton's left side in first position. Knowing she didn't do enough damage, she rallied pulling harder into second position for a firmer strike against her foe on its right side. A final blow from seventh position from the flail flinging from overhead unto (hopefully) it's helmet to crack it upon the head. She stepped back a moment to slow the momentum of the flail from continuing around in uncontrollable circles (B16).

(Used a full round action. Secured 4 damage on first strike, and 8 damage on second strike, for a total of 12 damage done to Skeleton #8.

Third attack roll was a 12, and if it lands, it'll be 6 damage dealt from just the third attack alone, bringing the final count to 18 damage.

Current HP: 59/70)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Sun 01 Oct 2017.

In Character Chat::
{23:34, Today: Alacor rolled 26 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify the d's spell.
23:34, Today: Alacor rolled 32 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify the g's spell.
23:33, Today: Alacor rolled 24 using 1d20+19.  Spellcraft check to identify the Warrior's attack.}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:23, Sun 01 Oct 2017.

Post:
As my lance with Lerdeth's makes contact with the skeleton priest before us, I witness in slow motion, him (or her) fly into pieces, the fire bursting forth from my weapon, like a firey wave in a vertical sea before me.

I look at my hands before me and I see them blur slightly as they move.  I can feel a tingling sensation through my body, the world around me seems to slow.  The effect of the spell haste, what an amazing thing this magic.  It is a great day when it is on our side, as it was meant to be.

Witnessing the Lords power at work in my members emboldens my emotions to math my Faith, and I cannot but continue to rally my fellow soldiers around me, calling out to them.
"OUR ENEMIES ARE AS GRASS BEFORE OUR LORD!  WE BRING RUIN TO THE SERVANTS OF DEATH!"

"Glad to have you at my side Lerdeth!  Those Skeletons that flee, Let them not escape!" I speak to Lerdeth, now beside me.
"Everyone, advance!  Spellcasters, keep the skeletons from escaping {I motion with my hand flat, toward the skeletons fleeing to the north}!
Alacor, can you trap those skeletons that flee from us with your magic? Send your Bison to help Miss Ziv, and your Lion to attack the skeleton behind him!
Crispin flank that skeleton with Ziv, surround him!
Cabrakan, move west to push the skeleton who flees from you back to the group!
Dinamik, can you catch those skeletons that flee?
Lerdeth and I will catch the skeletons fleeing to the west!"

"Let us run them down and trample them Lerdeth! YA!"  At this, I wheel my horse to my hard left and prepare to once again charge my foes and crush them.  "IN HIS NAME!"

Actions:
I charge to to 14,13/EF and attack 2.
I also consider a moment the spells cast by the "allied" undead priests and the warriors magic again.
Total of
AR 22
DMG 48 piercing and 9 fire damage, also must make a reflex save DC 17 to not catch on fire for 1d4 more fire damage


Rolls:
{00:31, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 22 using 1d20+11.  AR with Lance, 4 PWR ATK; TDI.
00:33, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 48 using 3d8+36.  DMG with Lance, 4 PWR ATK; tDI (not including fire damage).}

Battle Plan:
{Herr Johannes: Charge to 14,13/EF and attack 2 (hopefully destroy him)
Lerdeth: Charge to 12,11/DE and attack 1 (or 2 if undestroyed (make contingent))
Ziv: Full attack 8 (remember Haste gives you an additional attack at full BA), and 5ft step to  b16 (1 square north)
Crispin: move to where Ziv was (b15) and attack 8, you get a sneak attack for flanking with the warrior (W)
Alacor: Bison move to 15,16/YZ and attack 8
         Lion 5ft step to North (19,20/YZ) to get flank and full attack 11, use smite evil with a claw, don't grapple this round -OR- Dimension hop Lion to block the path of 4 and 5 fleeing (23,24/lm) and have lion full attack 5 with smite evil (still not used).
         Alacore- dimension hop lion, or use a low-level spell on 4 and 5 to stop them if possible, could even summon a lower summon up there if preferred.
Dinamik: any spell you have that could stop 4 and 5?  don't waste a good spell on them though, we may need a high-level spell later.
Cabrakan: Heal self and move left as far as possible, with the hop of causing 6 to flee back toward crowd, too dangerous to Dimension hop you into the back range alone, or to send you in low HP, Clerics have high strategic value, so they often are targeted.  I would send you in like Andriel possibly, but only 1 enemy undead is fleeing from you currently, and moving west may solve that.
Andriel: Probably same as Cabrakan or Maybe Dimension hop her to back in place of Lion- 4 and 5 are fleeing from her- ALACOR, what do you think?}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Sun 01 Oct 2017.