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Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Posted by GMFor group archive 2
Kharash
Player, 127 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Mon 30 Oct 2017
at 16:07
  • msg #411

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

At Wrenn's words, Kharash grunted in agreement. "If the ghost appears at dusk, we have the whole day to do other things. Do these types of ghosts usually appear at the same time of day?" He asked Arizima. "If so, then I suggest we use our time well tomorrow, and search the goblin mound. If that leads to nothing, we can see if this ghost can lead us in a better direction."
Arizima
Player, 38 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Mon 30 Oct 2017
at 16:23
  • msg #412

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Arizima nods enthusiastically at Kharash's question.  "Typically yes, though things are rarely as simple as we like to believe.  The difficulty would be if they only appear on the anniversary of the events that led to the shattering of their being.  It could explain why this challenge is taking place at this moment rather than a week earlier."  She gives a small shrug before glancing around the group.  "I would investigate any other leads you have first.  Getting anything more from our deceased friend is a possible but uncertain prospect."
Kharash
Player, 128 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Mon 30 Oct 2017
at 17:32
  • msg #413

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

"The anniversary of an event," Kharash repeated. "There sure seems to be a lot more to ghosts than I expected." He had placed himself quite comfortably (too) close to the fire once more. "I sure am glad you know of these things," he looked at Arizima. "I would've been at a complete loss here." A faint smile crossed his face. "Is this regarded as more common knowledge in Dunnoth?"
Arizima
Player, 39 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Mon 30 Oct 2017
at 18:11
  • msg #414

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

A friendly smile flashes across Arizima's face as she sets aside her now empty bowl clearly happy to talk about home.  "Yes.  Well in a fashion.  I don't know if one would call it common but it is much more prevalent.  The arcane and esoteric is celebrated rather than seen as unsavory.  Particularly in Sirai.  It's what we're known for after all.  Well that and controlling southern trade.  Still I know a bit more than most.  Being an arcanist and daughter to the High Priestess that administers the Lich's Rite means that I've seen my fair share of esoteric ritual, and know many of the tales of those that are denied Duat through choice or circumstance."
Kharash
Player, 129 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Tue 31 Oct 2017
at 00:56
  • msg #415

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

"What is Duat?" Kharash asked with a puzzled look. "And you've seen how people become a lich?" All he could think of were the scary stories that the kids told each other back in the orphanage. Somehow those stories always ended up with strange monsters in them. Including the undead liches. "So, it's all true then? The undead, and... The undying Savannah Queens - are they, are they liches as well?"

His mind wandered - wondering about the marvels of this world. So much he still had to see. Could a civilization truly embrace, and be based on, undeath? Mostly unconscious, but perhaps just to make sure, he found himself opening his awareness - the Eye of Yggdrasil scouring his surroundings, and observing this exotic girl for traces of the living dead.



OOC: Kharash uses Divine Sense.
Gammon
Tue 31 Oct 2017
at 07:26
  • msg #416

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Gammon sat, his bow no longer nocked, but continues to stare down the strange Dunnothi woman.

[Private to Kharash: You get the distinct impression of something wrong with Arizima, though not evil. Your focus also draws you to the fact that she is currently casting no shadow.]
Arizima
Player, 40 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Tue 31 Oct 2017
at 15:22
  • msg #417

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

"Ahh... I might have misspoke slightly?  Well not truly it's just..."  Arizima frowns at the campfire flames for a moment seemingly lost in thought.  "This is going to require a bit of a lecture.  Please accept my apologies.  On the topic of the lich some concepts do not readily translate across Dunnothi, the Trade Tongue, Kriegan, and others.  What a Kriegan might call a lich and what I call a recipient of the lich's rite in your tongue are not quite the same thing.  There are certain commonalities.  Both are undead, and both to the best of my knowledge require immense arcane energies and complicated ritual to bring into being.  The methods themselves and the end result are not quite the same however.  It's like... The wolves of the north and the hunting dogs of the savanna are both canines and dangerous pack hunters yes? Even so they are certainly not the same creature and it would be quite the mistake to assume they are."

She shrugs seemingly unconcerned by the admission as the firelight flickers at her back.  If anything she still seems happy to share regardless of how grim or questionable the subject matter might seem to an outsider.  "It's common enough knowledge that the true nobility of Dunnoth are undead.  They swear oaths to protect and guide the Dunnothi people on their journey through the land of the living and to ensure that our society flourishes for as long as the sun is in the sky.  These oaths aren't to be sworn lightly of course.  Don't get me wrong there's quite the appeal to living forever with great power! It's just important to never forget that dying is a natural part of the cycle as well!"

She gives Kharash an easy smile before tilting her head to the side and giving a tiny laugh.  "Moving on... To undergo the rite is to choose to deny yourself Duat for the good of the Savanna People.  Ahh... Duat is... the simplest translation would be the land of the Dead.  Denying yourself the company of near everyone you'll ever know and much more for possible countless aeons is a decision that's only supposed to be met after much sober reflection.  In truth many members of the noble houses that do not have the specific eye of one who has received the rite will never have to worry about making such a choice at all.  For those individuals who do...  In theory its possible to refuse but it's a rare occurence."



[Private to Kharash: Kharash senses no hint of undeath, fiendish, or celestial influence on Arizima.]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Tue 31 Oct 2017.
Kharash
Player, 130 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Wed 1 Nov 2017
at 17:20
  • msg #418

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

As quickly as his heightened senses came, as quickly they went again. He had detected nothing, though he quickly glanced at the ground in front of Arizima - the ground was lit by the fire light, even though one would've expected at least some sort of shadow being cast there. Curious, he thought.

"It seems there is more to liches, and undeath for that matter, than I expected." The analogy with animals was one he could understand. "Though I have the feeling only true understanding comes when living in Dunnoth itself." Talk of these strange rites seemed so alien and out of place, here in this forest. "So, will you ever undergo this rite?"

After a short pause, he smiled. "I'm glad we've got you with us if we're going to talk to this ghost."
Arizima
Player, 42 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Wed 1 Nov 2017
at 20:34
  • msg #419

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

There's a troubled look on Arizima's face that passes so quickly only the truly observant would be likely to notice it.  Instead a soft smile takes it place.  "Ahh... Well.  I dislike bragging but it is quite rare to be plucked from the masses and made daughter to one of the deathless for any reason.  Generally speaking our new mothers don't have much intention of letting us simply pass on to Duat with the natural ravages of time."

She claps her hands together abruptly.  "I do believe you were planning on getting a good night's rest?  Don't let natural curiosity get in the way of such a thing, I'll still be here come tomorrow morning.  Well assuming your guide here doesn't decide to stick a dagger in my ribs while I sleep!  He doesn't appear to be too enamored with me."  Her gaze flits to Gammon with an arched eyebrow and a teasing smirk before she gets up from her seat to begin preparing her bedroll.  "Either way I'd certainly like to get some rest first.  It's been a tiring day."
GM
GM, 310 posts
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Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 10:39
  • msg #420

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

It is not hard to find a place for Arizima in the camp and the rest of the night passes uneventfully. Gammon is the first to rise and is bringing back some life to the fire by the time you are all awake and moving. Breakfast is a few rashers of bacon and some dried fruit, plus anything that you brought from your own stores. Gammon finishes his first and points towards the mound. "Head that way and you can't miss it. No more that an hour's brisk walk. I will tend camp and make sure no ghosts make off with our gear. I will likely go hunting to find some bedded down deer for dinner and a pelt. Do not be alarmed if I am not back when you return," he says with a smile at the ghost joke.

When all are ready, you head in the direction indicated and it is true to Gammon's word. Within an hour of steady marching, a hill rises sharply in the woods. Broken stones litter the ground and you can make out the faint outline of what once were structures and maybe a wall. Now, all that remains, is piled dirt and old trees. There is the distinct impression that whatever the site might have been has now been turned into a barrow.

It is mid-morning now and cool. Birds are awake with the light and the trickle of a stream can be heard nearby. What do you do?
Griswold Ortmann
Player, 179 posts
Half-Elf
Knight Errant
Fri 3 Nov 2017
at 13:38
  • msg #421

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Griswold looked up through the tree canopy and smiled contently.  "Such a beautiful morning!  I feel fantastic!"  Even his rapier seemed to be in a cooperative mood, as it slid out of its scabbard without so much as a grumble.  With shield and sword in hand, the young would be knight looked to the others.  "Well It should be easy enough to determine if these ruins once belonged to the knights or not.  The orders are nothing if not showy - they stick their emblems anywhere and everywhere!"  He laughed, slapping his backside with the flat of his blade.

He then proceeded to start turning over the stones with his sword, looking for any tell-tale symbols and markings.

OOC
Testing Investigation to look for clues about the ruins' origins:
13:38, Today: Griswold Ortmann rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Investigation
And
Testing History to identify any marks he might find:
13:38, Today: Griswold Ortmann rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  History.

Btw - Jacoby is still back at camp with Gammon.

This message was last edited by the player at 13:49, Fri 03 Nov 2017.
Kharash
Player, 133 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Fri 3 Nov 2017
at 14:56
  • msg #422

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Exposing rows of sharp teeth, Kharash grinned at Griswold's comment. He went to look around for this dangerous gully Gammon was talking about the night before.
Arizima
Player, 43 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Fri 3 Nov 2017
at 16:30
  • msg #423

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Arizima examines the barrow from a distance with plain curiosity in her eyes before giving a small shrug and and an accompanying grin.  "So we have less of an established marching order for these things and instead we simply blunder about looking for clues?"  She tilts her head to the side and gives a small laugh.  "Of course! I approve."

She removes her pack after spending a moment taking in the barrow muttering under her breath as she looks through it quickly before removing a well cared for leather tome almost lovingly.  She carefully brushes off the cover before tucking it under her arm.  She glances up giving the barrow a second glance eventually shrugging and vaguely following Kharash while examining anything she comes across with interest.


Arizima will keep a general eye out for anything wrong or out of place since the others know more about this place itself.
10:28, Today: Arizima rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

GM
GM, 312 posts
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Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 05:27
  • msg #424

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

As the others guard the surrounding area, Griswold, Arizima, and Kharash begin their search for clues around the barrow. Griswold, steeped in the knowledge and lore of the knightly orders and armed with an idea of what he was looking, finds next to nothing. A few worked stones and exposed foundation is all he finds, no markings of any kind present.

Kharash finds his target quite easily. The gully looks to be the product of a washout, a sheer drop to the small stream below. The water is clear and you can see a few stones of similar craftsmanship laying at the bottom.[Secret to Arizima:  As you look around, you are able spot a cleft in the side of the gully, vines overgrowing it. A possible cave opening sits behind them. ]
Kharash
Player, 135 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 12:38
  • msg #425

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Kharash peered down into the easily-spotted gully. "Must've really not been paying attention, those unfortunate enough to fall in here," he commented to Arizima.

He turned to her, his eyes glancing around their surroundings. Upon noticing their companions were out of earshot, in a lower, but serious tone, he continued. "I saw something.. strange, last night at the campfire. You.. don't cast a.. shadow, do you?" It sounded absurd to him while he said it. "Is there anything we should be aware of?" It was hard to tell whether the words were intimidating or caring.
Arizima
Player, 45 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 15:03
  • msg #426

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

"Ahhh... that."  Arizima grins sheepishly and scuffs at the dirt with her boot for the first time looking nervous.  "I do not.  It is not overly surprising that you would not know the significance of such an absence outside perhaps a horror story or two told before bed time to Kriegan children."  She stares off into space with her arms clasped behind her back almost as if she's trying to appear small and beneath notice.  "You could say it's another aspect of my rather rare malady.  It poses no true danger to you I promise!  It's just..."

She suddenly clutches her head shaking it back and forth.  "No, No!  Not now!"  There's a long pause as her eyes dart back and forth at the trees, the path, the gully, and Kharash.  Finally she drops her hands from her ears with a grimace.  "Ahh, I'm sorry.  I know that I must seem quite alarmingly strange about now.  Suffice it to say I've paired a rare malady with a rarer treatment.  It comes with... some side effects I guess you could say.  If you must know I can explain but it's a bit complicated and somewhat painful to speak of.  Sometimes in a literal sense.  If you are going to force me to explain myself to your entire band I would prefer to do so all at once rather than twice over.  If you would grant me that indulgence."
Kharash
Player, 136 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 15:31
  • msg #427

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Kharash looked concerned. He did not yet know what to make of all of this, and he had to admit that like so many aspects of Arizima's origin, this was definitely not his area of expertise. "It's ok, it's ok," he waived with both his hands and smiled. "Don't worry about it for now. How about we search through this barrow first, and then you share some of it during lunch. You can even break it up in smaller pieces, spread it out over some days, it might be easier then."

Again, he didn't understand how telling a story could be physically painful. But a part of him just accepted it as it was, thinking it may be another Dunnothi aspect he wasn't familiar with. Besides, the torment seemed real - whether it was caused by the malady, or the cure.

"Let's rejoin the others," he said and gestured for them to return to the group.
Arizima
Player, 46 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 15:51
  • msg #428

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Arizima perks up considerably once Kharash suggests they return to the others.  "Yes of course.  No doubt they'll be intrigued by our discovery in the gully!"  She wanders away back towards the rest of the group without waiting for a response.
Kharash
Player, 137 posts
Dragonborn
Watcher
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 16:05
  • msg #429

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

"We found the gully, it's that way," Kharash pointed backwards with his thumb. "Can't miss it, really. But you don't want to tumble down there either, it can be a pretty nasty fall." He looked at his companions. "Shall we see if we can get inside?" He nodded in the direction of the burrow.



OOC: is there an obvious entrance to this thing?
GM
GM, 313 posts
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Tue 7 Nov 2017
at 13:23
  • msg #430

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

OOC: There is no obvious entrance for it that you can tell. Since you guys do not have a sneaky person in your group to hammer out the tricks and traps of an encounter, I am going to try something different.

The mound is a skill challenge. You need four successful checks to navigate it. You may use any skill you see fit, but it must have some bearing on the current problem(i.e. no persuasion check vs the mound to “open says me” it). Once a player has rolled for a skill, they may not use that skill again during the challenge. Aiding each other grants a +2 bonus to a roll.

Here for any questions as always.

Arizima
Player, 48 posts
Human Warlock
HP: 17/17 AC: 15 PP: 13
Tue 7 Nov 2017
at 14:53
  • msg #431

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

"There was that possible entrance a good way down yes?  If it was ever used in any numbers perhaps there's some remnant of a path back down?"  Arizima retraces her steps back toward the edge of the gully and peers over the edge looking for any traces of an old path to the vine covered entrance.

07:50, Today: Arizima rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Perception.
And I got the exact same roll anyway.

Brother Sul
Player, 64 posts
The Seeker
HP 9/9 | AC 18 | PP 20
Tue 7 Nov 2017
at 23:08
  • msg #432

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

The acolyte had been quiet most of the morning, opting to take in the light of the sun with a sort of meditative calm. Once on the move he continued his current silence as he really had little to interject, though once they reached the mound you could tell he was on alert. Goblins were sneaky ones, and their traps could still be there.

As their new companion mentioned an entrance that might be along the gully, he followed her path to see if another pair of eyes could help.

Gonna just help Arizima with Perception for the +2 (or perhaps the GM would allow a Guidance for a 1d4 instead? ^.^
GM
GM, 315 posts
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Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 05:35
  • msg #433

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Arizima is able to easily trace her steps back to the edge of the gully. Arizima points to the vine shrouded opening. With a little help from Brother Sul, you can spot there are two possible ways to approach, either risk the steep slope or ford the stream.

OOC: 1/4 successes
Griswold Ortmann
Player, 181 posts
Half-Elf
Knight Errant
Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 11:04
  • msg #434

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Griswold yawns and drifts over to the group gathered around the gully.  "Well, nothing here but us tomb robbers.  Knightly, goblin-y, or otherwise....hey why aren't we stuck with millions of little black arrows by now?  Are we sure this is the right place?"

He peers over the gully edge with lazy eyes. "Wow.  Water."  After a couple of moments, "What?  Is there something down there?"  After getting no answer he shrugs, "Well this looks like a task for...Griswold The Magnificant!  Most flightiest of flying flighters!"

Over at the slope, he cracks his knuckles, does a couple of showy leg stretches, then...leaps off!  With a number of exaggerated movements, including jumps, twists and landing rolls, all much more flamboyant than necessary, he tries to make his descent appear as impressive as possible, probably for the ladies, down to whatever has enthralled his friends so...


OOC
11:01, Today: Griswold Ortmann rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Acrobatics - Circus Gymnastics!


...but the ground gives way beneath his feet, denying him his moment and sending him tumbling unceremoniously downward.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Thu 09 Nov 2017.
GM
GM, 319 posts
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Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 11:29
  • msg #435

Re: Where the Darkness Lies (Chapter 1)

Griswold's attempted heroics prove less fruitful than desired. His footing does indeed collapse into the gully, as does Griswold. The stream is clearly filled with dangerous rocks. Quick thinking could save him from a nasty fall.

OOC: 1 failure and 1 success. A Dex save from Griswold will avoid a fall as you catch yourself. Otherwise take 2 points of fall damage and enjoy cold water.

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