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11:32, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow.

Posted by ylvaFor group 0
ylva
GM, 6 posts
The GM
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 07:03
  • msg #1

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

It's a small group gathered on the road to Falcon's Hollow. Seven men and women, against whatever nightmare has overtaken the village and its environs. The woods are thick, but you've reached, some two hours' walk away from the village proper, the edge of what can properly be called the affected area.

It's not hard to see the border. The forest boughs are thick enough overhead that even now at midmorning, it's shady and cool. But here...the darkness lies thicker. Under the trees beside the road, you can see the shadows rolling and twisting. Almost tangible, it seems, as though they might reach out and touch you. They don't move into the open ground of the road, though, don't move into the sunlight.

The air is still and silent. Not quiet, but silent, as though every bird, every insect, has been struck dumb. Not that you see any to begin with. There's no sign of life at all beyond the trees and your traveling companions. No sign of bodies, either, or struggle in general. Just silent, cool air, and shadows.
Caleb Miller
player, 2 posts
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 09:16
  • msg #2

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Well,that's ominous. I don't know much at all about magic, any of you lot got a clue?" Caleb gestures towards the shadows with his large crossbow, a bolt readied to fire, looking around at the eclectic group he's found himself with.
Hester Darkeye
player, 5 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 13:28
  • msg #3

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I have some magic", says the shortest, a mere slip of a girl who reeked of magic to those who could tell.  Even to those with no magic, the black eyes with no whites and the silver hair might give a clue although she appeared to be dressed like any peasant maiden for all that.  "But I wouldn't say I know much".

She knelt on the ground before the border. "Let's see", she said and began chanting and making eldritch movements with her hands.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Mon 24 Feb 2020.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 7 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 14:15
  • msg #4

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

A tall man with silver-gray hair shrugs his armored shoulders, "Could be a lot of things...none of them are good" he groused, "Hopefully it's not something local.  Be easier to get rid of if it just moved in."

He quiets as Hester works her mojo.  Girl had definitely changed since last he saw her.  Her hair used to be brown for one.

Then again, so had his.
Bristle Chonk
player, 6 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 21:13
  • msg #5

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle stood next to the group with her armored arms crossed. She squinted at the scene before her, checking to see if her deathwatch vision managed to pick up on anything noteworthy. But when Caleb asked if anyone had a clue about the magic that was present, Bristle decided it was time to take her vision up another notch. "I also know of magical things," Bristle added to Hester's comment. "This area is... intriguing."

Bristle clutched the holy symbol danging from her neck, closed her eyes, and whispered a quick prayer. When she opened her eyes again, the changeling woman peered over the border before them in an attempt to help determine which kind of magics were present. "You seeing what I'm seeing?" she asked, mostly to Hester. Unfortunately, Bristle was not very confident about what it was that she was seeing.



Bristle is using Detect Magic (along with her Deathwatch vision) to scan the surroundings and figure out what kind of magics are here.
15:11, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 13 using 1d20+11.  Know: Arcana - determine magic schools present.
Not the best start...

Illix
player, 6 posts
Atheist Rogue
HP51 AC24 F3 R11 W4
Tue 25 Feb 2020
at 00:52
  • msg #6

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Illix moved quietly across the road, his step being so light you could barely hear him moving at all. Dressed in a mithral chain shirt which had a faint shimmer of magic to it, his chest was festooned with assorted bottles and vials on bandoleers, whilst a longsword hung from his hip.

"Ominous indeed." Illix replied to Caleb. "I don't know magic, but something is certainly off."
Ralla
player, 6 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F 2 R 5 W 5
Tue 25 Feb 2020
at 06:21
  • msg #7

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The group had gathered on the road some distance back. Ralla's eyes studying all of them, but pausing at the sight of Arell. A friend from some time past now almost an old man. It hurt her heart to see him aged so. Still she gave a simple greeting, wanting to say more, but not being able to find the words. “Hello Arell...”

As they moved, Ralla rode her horse and enjoyed the darkness as it was easy on the eyes. The shadows rolling along gave her pause, as they where something they needed to keep an eye on.
Hannah
player, 3 posts
Tue 25 Feb 2020
at 15:38
  • msg #8

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hannah is tall and slender, with a bright blue skin and greener teal hair. She wears simple, light clothing, and carries a hefty bag at her hip. Her only obvious weapon is a shortbow, slung on her shoulder. Notably, she wears no shoes, anywhere she goes.

Hannah seems to carry an air of positivity with her, seeming to take great joy in the natural surroundings, but here, with the village and its ills looming, she reminds one of a small candle in a vast cavern.

"I don't know magic like that, either, but I can tell you this is off. Something bad happened, or is happening, here."
Arell Kirkwood
player, 8 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Tue 25 Feb 2020
at 15:51
  • msg #9

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Ralla..." Arell had breathed, a paragraph of emotion lodged in that one word.

Unfortunately now wasn't the time for reminiscing, so he steeled himself and pressed forward.

"You're...looking well." He tried, "You helping out with this, or just dropping in to say hi?"



Back in the present, Arell kept waiting for something to jump out and try to eat them.  He looked over to Ralla and her horse.  He wished he had her poise.  But damn it all, he KNEW this road...it used to be nice before whatever happened.  He couldn't help fret over what had happened to everyone back in town.
Caleb Miller
player, 4 posts
Tue 25 Feb 2020
at 16:30
  • msg #10

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

While waiting for the apparent mages to finish doing their checks, Caleb continued scanning the surroundings, watching for any signs of movement. He was no wizard, but he knew that there was undeniably something wrong here. Too quiet, that's what it was.
As the blue skinned woman spoke, he spared a glance before turning his attention back to the trees, "I'd say happening, rather than happened. It lets you be pleasantly surprised if everything doesn't go straight into the shit. Besides, the way those shadows are moving, I think it'd be a little too optimistic to assume the worst was over just yet."
Ralla
player, 7 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Wed 26 Feb 2020
at 06:52
  • msg #11

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow


Ralla raised an eyebrow and many thoughts ran through her head with a small smile. “Just here Arell, guess I'm lucky...the life of a hunter it seems.” Looking over to the shadows pointed out by Caleb, Ralla nods. “I see them, sadly, I think they will come for us as soon as the sun sets...Who knows or could say for sure...”

22:48, Today: Ralla rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge: Religion.
...

ylva
GM, 7 posts
The GM
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 20:03
  • msg #12

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Moving onward, the trees pass by and the silence grows thicker. The air feels cold, and somehow slimy against your skin. The shadows are thick.

There is no one around.

Finally, you see the outlying buildings of the village - a temple of Erastil, some houses, and of course, a lumber mill. Nothing is moving within that you can see from a distance.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 9 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 20:54
  • msg #13

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"At least the temple is still standing." Arell remarked, picking up his pace slightly.

Erastil may not have been Arell's god, but the church did serve as a good community space.

If anyone might know what was going on, they'd probably be there (or know who did).
Hester Darkeye
player, 7 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 21:28
  • msg #14

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Realising that magic did not seem to be working, Hester decided to rely on her own senses instead.  She moved forward slowly, keeping all of her senses as honed as she can.  She looked around, trying to see if anything was missing from when last she had been here.  She listened carefully for the sound of the wind or of any living things. She took a deep breath to smell whatever there was to smell.

21:27, Today: Hester Darkeye rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  Perception.
Caleb Miller
player, 5 posts
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 21:43
  • msg #15

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Yes, that's a good sign. Still, there's been nothing in the way of communication from this place for weeks and I don't like that there are no people around. I think we should look around for someone, maybe in the houses first and then the temple before we head on to the village proper."
Having said his piece, Caleb waits a moment for any response from the others before readying his crossbow and approaching the houses low and quiet, keeping his eyes and ears peeled for any sign of movement as he approaches.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
15:45, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 31 using 1d20+12.  perception.

15:44, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 23 using 1d20+20.  stealth roll.


This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Fri 28 Feb 2020.
Illix
player, 7 posts
Atheist Rogue
HP51 AC24 F3 R11 W4
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 19:03
  • msg #16

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Illix turns to Arell at his comment about the temple still being standing.

"The temple stands, and yet there are no worshippers. It shows how little gods care about us, and that we can only rely on ourselves for protection, not unrewarding servitude."

Following the precautions of the others, Illiex drew his rapier, for if something were to ambush them, he could always drop it for a bow, but didn't want his bow if the ambush was too close and close enough to stab.
ylva
GM, 8 posts
The GM
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 19:33
  • msg #17

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The air smells of...rotting food, and rain coming soon, but not decaying corpses. There is still no sign of movement or life within the village. The air stands serene and silent.

Moving into the outskirts of town, the houses look as though everyone quite simply stood up and left. There are meals half-eaten on the tables, rotting, but no flies, or rats, or anything at all that has nibbled on the food. A book sits open, a book of children's stories. A basin of water sits where someone was washing their dishes, the rag draped on the basin's edge, dry.

There's no sign at all of violence, or forced entry. The doors are unlocked, and undamaged.
Bristle Chonk
player, 7 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 19:44
  • msg #18

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Ominous," Bristle commented as they looked over the deserted house. It was eerie how untouched the scene was. "Are we dealing with a mass mind-control situation here? Or maybe like a siren song of sorts?" Bristle wouldn't admit it to her newfound companions, but she may have dabbled in a bit of mind manipulation in the past. Nothing of this scale though. Not even close.

The changeling woman moseyed over to the children's book to see what story it was open to. Mostly out of curiosity.
Hester Darkeye
player, 8 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 20:07
  • msg #19

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester shook her head, "Not unless someone was abe to control the minds not only of people but of rats and crows and flies and maggots.  Life has gone from this place.  It's ominous certainly, but an omen of what?"

She looks back the way they all came, looking to see if there was still a way back into the world from which they came.
Illix
player, 8 posts
Atheist Rogue
HP51 AC24 F3 R11 W4
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 20:42
  • msg #20

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"If we are, wouldn't we be effected?" Illix pipes up, during the discussion on if some form of mind control effect.

Illix was also intrigued by the children's book, curious if the stories told here were the same or different to those back home.

20:40, Today: Illix rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge: Local.
Assuming there might be something in it to seem similar to what's going on.

ylva
GM, 9 posts
The GM
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 20:56
  • msg #21

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The children's book is lying open to a story about a hungry wolf who devoured children who wandered in the woods at night. The wolf eventually was tricked into a pit by a clever girl, but the last three pages are torn out, making it hard to say how it ends - it's a common enough story that there are numerous endings in different versions.
Bristle Chonk
player, 8 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 22:39
  • msg #22

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle shrugged, both in response to Hester's question and Illix's since she didn't know the answer to either.

Then, seeing that the end of the story had it's pages ripped out, Bristle tucked the book into her pack. (So long as everyone else was finished taking a peek.) It was probably not related to their current situation, but her gut still thought it may be a clue. If nothing else, it could make some good tinder for starting a campfire.

"These empty houses are kind of giving me the creeps. Should we go check the temple? Or maybe look for tracks? It would be good to know if everyone in town headed in the same direction, or if any tracks are fresh."
Caleb Miller
player, 6 posts
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 23:23
  • msg #23

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'd hate to see the kind of magic that could force an entire town full of people and animals to just drop what they're doing and leave, but I think this is worse. Think about it, this food has been abandoned long enough to start rotting, a couple weeks at least, but there are no scavengers. That means there's something around here either scaring off the scavengers or snatching them up shortly after entering the village." Caleb said, having concluded his sweep of the house to ensure nobody was hiding anywhere inside before moving over to the table to inspect the food, nose wrinkling in disgust at the stench as he approaches.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
17:24, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 13 using 1d20+12.  Survival to try and determine how long the food's been left out.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Sun 01 Mar 2020.
Hannah
player, 4 posts
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 20:44
  • msg #24

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Something is not right here..." Hannah trails off. Pausing for a moment, Hannahs hands grow slightly larger, become green and scaled, and extend into wicked claws. "This silence unnerves me. It feels like a trap."
Hester Darkeye
player, 9 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 20:57
  • msg #25

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester casts a spell

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
(Mage Armor)
and moves until she has her back to Hannah's back while she looks around the room, waiting for what comes next, a fire almost seeming to burn in her blank, all-black eyes. "So whoever you are, maybe it's time to come out"
ylva
GM, 10 posts
The GM
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 00:12
  • msg #26

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

There's no response. No movement. No sound save for the distant crack of thunder.
Ralla
player, 8 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 06:26
  • msg #27

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Ralla's eyes look around and she also has an uneasy feeling. When Hester called out into the darkness, she almost expected something to come forth, but nothing came. She gave Arell a look, as they where all in serious trouble, just like the villagers where once here.
Bristle Chonk
player, 9 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 15:47
  • msg #28

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

With Hannah and Hester looking ready for battle, Bristle subconsciously raised her shield and flexed her claws. The cleric glanced around for the signs of danger the other two seemed to notice.

But when no danger became apparent, Bristle let out a deep breath and lowered her defenses to a more reasonable level. "Since nobody seems to want to accept your invite to show themselves, I think I will go look for those tracks. I'll meet back up at the temple in a few minutes."



Bristle is looking for obvious signs of which direction the town's inhabitants went. Footprints in the mud, trampled grass, broken brush, etc.
09:46, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Survival or Perception: find tracks of the townsfolk.

Hannah
player, 5 posts
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 17:23
  • msg #29

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I will help you search. We need to find out where the people are, before the other shoe drops." Hanna does not relax her claws at all, but begins to search for clues.

11:22, Today: Hannah rolled 29 using 1d20+17.  Perception (Search for clues).
ylva
GM, 11 posts
The GM
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 17:30
  • msg #30

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The tracks soon become apparent. Broken branches, crushed grass, scraps of cloth caught on thorns and branches. There are so many signs that even a child, it seems, could follow the trail.

Every sign leads the same direction: northwest, into the trees.

The sun is beginning to dip towards the west, shadows growing longer. It's not imminently night, but night is definitely coming.
Caleb Miller
player, 7 posts
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 22:11
  • msg #31

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb has been slowly tightening his grip on his weapon ever since arriving, clutching it like a lifeline. He knew something was wrong going in, but this was worse than he had expected. He hated when magic was involved and not on the same payroll as him.
As the trail of the townsfolk was found, he eyed the forest with no small amount of suspicion before glancing to the rapidly setting sun. "I'm no coward, but something tells me that chasing down a trail in the dark isn't a particularly good idea. Besides, we've got the rest of the village to check, it could be someone else came through here. I say we search for any sign that someone's been here and supplies, then head off to follow this at first light. What do you all say?"
Hannah
player, 7 posts
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 22:19
  • msg #32

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I agree. Either the townsfolk got away, in which case they are safe, and tracking them could bring danger, or they did not make it to safety, so there is no point in looking for them right now. I think we should check the town, with special emphasis on the south east. Whatever happened likely drove them away from that direction."

Still not relaxing her claws, Hannah heads towards the temple, and begins searching for signs as to what happened.

16:18, Today: Hannah rolled 34 using 1d20+17.  Perception (search the temple).
Caleb Miller
player, 8 posts
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 22:36
  • msg #33

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Right then, I'm gonna start checking houses. Meet back here in twenty minutes, give a shout if you find something." Having said his piece, Caleb turns and begins heading towards the town proper, keeping low and quiet as he had on the initial approach.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:35, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 18 using 1d20+12.  Perception to look for signs that people have been here and any supplies worth taking.

16:32, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 21 using 1d20+20.  stealth roll.


ylva
GM, 13 posts
The GM
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 23:22
  • msg #34

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The group splits up, searching various places through the town.
Bristle Chonk
player, 10 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 00:46
  • msg #35

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Satisfied that they had at least figured out which direction the villagers had gone, Bristle headed toward the temple. While Hannah searched for signs about what happened, Bristle took a bit of a different approach. She looked at whatever relics were on display and whatever religious services might have been in progress when the Temple's inhabitants left. Then, going by what she knew of this town's deity, Bristle tried to determine if anything important was missing, missused, or even present but shouldn't be.

Perhaps someone replaced the communion wine with a rare poison? Bristle doubted it, but checked such things regardless.



18:36, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 31 using 1d20+11.  Knowledge: Religion.
Caleb Miller
player, 9 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 01:59
  • msg #36

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb slowly takes in the scene before hardening his heart to the carnage before him. It wasn't the first such scene he'd witnessed and it wouldn't be the last. He enters carefully so as to avoid disturbing the scene overmuch.
After studying everything and getting all the information he could, he moved on and inspected the chest. Eyes widen at the contents, only to descend into worried confusion as the note was read. He scoops up the chest and grabs a pair of tongs from the hearth with which to pick up and deposit the knife in the chest before heading back to find the others.
When he reaches them, he presents the chest for all to peer inside.
"Well, I found people, albeit not living ones. Four dead in a house on the southern end of town, a man and woman not much older than thirty, two boys who couldn't have been older than ten. I looked the place over pretty good, seems to me like the father went completely out of his head, smashed the place up swinging at nothing and killed the others and then himself, no real staging to speak of. The murder weapon was the kitchen knife in here, everything else was hidden under a false bottom. The coins are Taldan and there's something wrong about the knives, I was hoping that you magic types could try and make sense of it. The note seems like a bunch of rambling to me, I've never heard of a story about demons and monsters that featured a woman in these parts. I hope you all found something slightly less vile."
Hannah
player, 8 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 02:07
  • msg #37

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"The temple faired no better. There are signs they attempted a final stand there, with bedrolls and food, and it is barricaded, but no survivors. I did find this logbook, with Andoran's eagle on the cover."
Caleb Miller
player, 10 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 02:30
  • msg #38

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Interesting, any idea how many people tried to hole up in there? Mind if I take a look at the logbook?" Caleb holds out his hand questioningly.
Hannah
player, 9 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 02:52
  • msg #39

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'm not certain of the amount, but you are welcome to look over the book. I think, with night on its way, we need to figure out shelter. Either we find a place in town, or we camp outside."
Caleb Miller
player, 11 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 03:09
  • msg #40

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Sounds like a good idea to me. You said the temple has been barricaded, and from what I've seen in this town the temple seems to be the most easily defended spot in town. I say we stay there for the night and take turns on watch, I don't like the idea of being exposed outdoors." When he finishes speaking, Caleb takes the logbook and begins to give it a cursory looking over to try and gauge the contents.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 10 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 03:57
  • msg #41

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell nodded, finding little on his own search.

The note concerned him, not just for the usual reasons, but also because he had tromped all over these woods once upon a time, and he was pretty sure there was no "she" out and about that could do this kind of mind-melting horror.

He racks his memory for tales of the woods and the creatures that called it home.


21:54, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 12 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge religion who is "she".

Hester Darkeye
player, 10 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 07:08
  • msg #42

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester cast detect magic once more, this time on the knives and told everyone what she found.
Bristle Chonk
player, 11 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 15:32
  • msg #43

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Returning to the group after her "religious studies," Bristle looked over Caleb's shoulder to see what the log book was all about. "If we hole up here in town, I can create some... helpers, to aid our defense."



ylva
GM, 14 posts
The GM
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 18:44
  • msg #44

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

There are no bodies within the temple, though there are signs of habitation. Bristle sees nothing unusual with the religious artifacts. The kitchen knife does not seem magical, while the other blade, the dagger, bears an enchantment characteristic of sacrificial knives for dark cults. It bites at both the target and its wielder, tearing at them, and its edge is sharper than any mundane blade.

The logbook is mostly filled with crossed out entries. The final page that has anything reads:

Ignore previous entries. They were playing us and we fell for it. They can come out in the daytime. That's how we lost Adams. Here's what we know.

If you're reading this, you're fucked. There's no way to run - they will catch you. And they will kill you. Bright enough light cages most of them, but the walking dead can enter firelight, and so can some of the shadows. I don't know what they are - we call them shadows, because that's what they look like.

The pull leads northwest. That's where they all went - villagers, animals, everyone. We don't know what happened to them there, but we started feeling the pull, and it's getting harder to resist. A few of us already fell to it. Just stood up and walked out into the trees.

She shows up in your dreams. That's how it starts. A dream, a nightmare. Then more dreams. Voices. Nightmares that don't go away when you wake up. Then the pull. Eventually, you can't fight it anymore.

Best guess is, that's where she is. Northwest, in the woods.

I reckon tonight will be our last stand. The lieutenant is gone. So is the soldier we sent out to get word out - the shadows took him before he left our sight. We're running low on supplies and the pull is getting worse. I am not going to let her have me. I'll die first, and the rest of my squad says they feel the same. Tonight we'll charge the line. Hopefully whoever finds this can do more. The mercenaries who came in are going to do the same, because the pull is hitting them faster than it hit us, and they aren't sure how long they'll last.

Brave men and women, every one. I am honored to die by their side. Tonight we make our stand.

Like the priests said: We are the flame.

Sergeant Ingrid Anderson, 23rd Company, Andoren National Army

Hester Darkeye
player, 11 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 19:39
  • msg #45

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester swore viciously, with words that would make a sailor blush.  "Undead!" she said, "And shadows so good luck seeing them in the dark.  Looks like we're fucked.  I don't know what we can do for tonight, but how about we see tomorrow whether we can get out again the way we came?  Though to be honest, I don't think we're in Andoren any more."
Hannah
player, 10 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 19:48
  • msg #46

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Undead are a scourge, unnatural and vile. We have to be careful. I think fortifying here for the night is our best plan. Then, we should strike out at first light, and see if we can locate this 'she' and find a way to end this blight."
Bristle Chonk
player, 12 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 20:08
  • msg #47

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"The undead to not scare me overmuch," Bristle commented, calmly leaning against the door frame. "If they come close, I'll snatch their reigns and turn them against each other. Then, if any still stand, I'll do it again. And again. And again." She shook her head. "No. What worries me more is "the pull" they speak of. I don't like thoughts in my mind that aren't my own..."

Bristle stepped over to take a look at the sacrificial knife with her own pair of eyes (casting detect magic on herself first), but continued speaking as she did. "If we are staying the night here, which I am fine with, then what all should we do to prepare? Is anyone experienced with traps? Is there a local hunter who may have spare bear traps lying around?" She looked toward her party members who were native to the area, since they would likely know.



Caleb Miller
player, 12 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 22:10
  • msg #48

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb lets out a deep sigh when he finishes the final entry. "I should have known better than to accept this job." He takes a moment to weigh his options before an expression of resignation dominates his features and he begins looking around at the temple, assessing what exactly they had to work with in here.
"I don't think we're going to be able to get out the way we came in. Remember the shadows on the sides of the road? My guess is they'll take offense to us trying to leave. I'm thinking the only escape is to kill this "she". Besides, I still have to find the mercs the log mentions, see if they're my people. I say we stay here tonight and keep watch, no less than two to a shift, then we take anything at all useful from this town and start following the trail no later than an hour past dawn. I'll take first shift on watch, who's with me?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 13 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 02:57
  • msg #49

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'll join you for first watch, Caleb," Bristle volunteered. "I usually prepare my spells before bed, so if they decide to attack right when the sun sets and we fight them off, I can ask death to bestow more blessings upon me before I go down for the night. And my spectacles should be able to let me tell the difference between regular shadows and undead ones." She tapped the subtle glasses on her nose.

"Speaking of which, the more I think about these so-called "shadows," the more I am realizing they sound like a type of undead that I have heard of. Which, unsurprisingly, are called Shadows. They are born of a hunger that drain strength from the living. But based on the clues we have gathered, these sound more like a variant that drains the mind rather than the body. If anyone has protections against attacks on the mind, keep them handy."

At this point she gestured toward the magical dagger. "Were you able to figure out if that weapon will be effective against undead, Hester? I doubt my two flasks of holy water will do much to hold them at bay. Nobody happened to find more in this temple, have they? I suppose they would have used it all in their last stand if they did..." The changeling woman fished out the two flasks from her pack and put them in a much handier location on her belt. Some may think it strange for a cleric of death to carry holy water, but evil does not always play nice with evil, and Bristle liked to be prepared.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 11 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 04:03
  • msg #50

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"What I'm worried about is the dream component..." Arell remarks, "If "she" literally haunted the dreams of the townsfolk, us going to sleep might have dire consequence.  If anything, we should be planning around who is sleeping first...and who is awake to deal with whatever consequence affected sleepers bring."
Hester Darkeye
player, 12 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 08:32
  • msg #51

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'll take first sleep then. I only need a couple of hours." said Hester. She guessed if people watched each other, the dreams could be held off but that in itself could be harmful if it lasted too long. "But we have dreams for a reason so we need to deal with the main issue quickly.".
Illix
player, 9 posts
Atheist Rogue
HP51 AC24 F3 R11 W4
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 13:03
  • msg #52

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Once the note is found and they begin discussing it, Illix looks pained.

"I agree with you." He gestures to Arell. "We need to sleep, but at the same time I'm worried what will happen to us when we do sleep."

"I wish I brought some form of light, if it helps hold some of them at bay. When you can see in the dark, it normally seems redundant. And I doubt a candle will do much to them."
Hannah
player, 11 posts
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 14:14
  • msg #53

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I can actually help with that!"

Hannah pulls out a little glowing stone from her bag, and sets it spinning around her head.

"It is not much, but if someone needs it more, they are welcome to it, especially during watch."
Arell Kirkwood
player, 12 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 14:32
  • msg #54

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell considers this, "I'll take middle watch then.  Sleep for a bit and see if anything comes of it.  Abadar protects, so I shouldn't go nuts immediately.  And, if we're lucky, we might learn something.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Wed 04 Mar 2020.
Hannah
player, 12 posts
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 14:46
  • msg #55

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I will join you on the middle watch. Before we sleep, we should fortify as much as possible. Whoever 'she' is, we have to assume she is aware of our presence. Either she leaves us alone, deeming us unimportant, or she sends her minions to harass us. I don't want to be unprepared if the latter happens. If anyone has any skill in building, or some sort of magical protections, that might be prudent."

Hannah begins clearing space for those who will be sleeping, and assessing what supplies are still worthy of using, with special attention to anything that could help fortify, and what they could use to sleep.

08:45, Today: Hannah rolled 23 using 1d20+17.  Perception (assess supplies).
Bristle Chonk
player, 14 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 15:00
  • msg #56

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I have one of those too," Bristle said when Hannah pulled out a glowing ioun stone. She took out her own and sent it rotating as well. "I can see in the dark, but sometimes it help to see colors. And it was easy to make. I have ten torches as well that people can use however they would like. Ten candles too."

"As for construction skills, I don't have any particular talents outside of making jewelry. I have studied a tiny bit of engineering though, and I have all the tools for the job. Or rather, I have an any-tool." Bristle pulled out he traveler's any-tool.
ylva
GM, 15 posts
The GM
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 22:17
  • msg #57

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

There are enough supplies to piece together a decent barricade at the entrance with the broken pews of the temple. There is no sign of holy water, although there are several holy symbols of Abadar, Erastil, and Sarenrae scattered about.

OOC: You ready to move to night, or do you want to do a little more exploring? You have maybe two hours before nightfall.
Caleb Miller
player, 14 posts
Wed 4 Mar 2020
at 22:52
  • msg #58

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb nods toward Bristle as he finds a position to watch the door and windows simultaneously. "Great, undead. I don't know about vulnerabilities, but I find that everything dies if you shoot it enough times, I'm guessing that'll hold true enough for whatever these things are. My weapon's got a touch of magic if that makes a difference, he says, hefting his crossbow up for inspection.
Bristle Chonk
player, 16 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 5 Mar 2020
at 03:26
  • msg #59

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"A magical weapon is probably a good idea. Especially for the shadows. I think." Bristle had never actually faced any shadows before. Only read about them. "But what I am sure about is that it could be helpful if we search the nearby buildings for more light sources. Lanterns and the like. Even if the light doesn't stop the shadows outright, it should help us see them coming if the area is well illuminated. I plan to go look for some in a minute or two, if anyone wanted to help."

"And speaking of help," Bristle continued a bit sheepishly, which was somewhat uncharacteristic for her. "I could also provide us with a few extra hands to help defend our fort. As in, give those unfortunate villagers Caleb found a second chance to help defend their homeland and avenge themselves against the being who brought their fate upon them..." Bristle was obviously suggesting animating their bodies, but she tried to spin it in a way that would be more palatable to those who might look down on necromancy. The changeling looked among her companions, waiting for any disagreements she suspected may be on the way. However, if nobody outright insisted that she didn't reanimate the dead, she would. Bristle wanted to give herself (and by extension, the others) the best chance to survive the night.



Caleb Miller
player, 15 posts
Thu 5 Mar 2020
at 03:38
  • msg #60

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Sure, I'll go with you to help look for stuff, it's probably not a good idea to separate," Caleb says as he rises from where he had just sat down. "You're talking about that necromancy type stuff, right? Zombies and such? Sure, not like the dead can object, and they're not doing any good just rotting. I'll show you where they are. Brace yourself, it's not nice to look at." Caleb heads out to lead the way to the house he found, weapon ready to fire at the first sign of movement.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
21:37, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 27 using 1d20+12.  Perception to search houses along the way.

Hannah
player, 14 posts
Thu 5 Mar 2020
at 17:56
  • msg #61

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"As long as you can control them, I am ok with your use of the undead, but I must insist they are destroyed once their utility is over. Innocent people should not be desecrated in such a way, and if we have to, we should ensure no other abominations are created from their remains. I'm not religious, and don't care about last rites or any such hogwash, but Nature abhors such creations, and they should only be used sparingly, if at all."
Hester Darkeye
player, 13 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Thu 5 Mar 2020
at 18:45
  • msg #62

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester frowns.  "There are undead around already.  Would it not be better for you to try to wrest control from She rather than creating more over which She could rest control from you?"

Seeing that people seemed set on moving out and exploring, she decided to join the party.
Bristle Chonk
player, 17 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 5 Mar 2020
at 19:14
  • msg #63

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle breathed a sigh of relief when it became apparent that at least half of her party members were not outright objecting to her use of necromancy. She had met too many who were exactly that type. Still, she attempted to address Hester and Hannah's reluctance before she went off searching with Caleb.

"I can certainly agree to destroying my creations once our business with this "She" character is concluded. I typically only resurrect my fallen foes, or livestock, but these are unique circumstances. And rest assured, I can control any undead that I create, and still wrest control over the same amount of other undead that may come my way. The methods of control are similar, but separate. And if "She" comes to wrestle control from my creations, then that means she will have to come close enough to us that we can attack her. At least, if she uses the same method as myself. If not, undead tend to be resistant to most forms of mind control anyway. Since, you know, they have no minds to control."

Bristle shrugged, since she knew very little about this "She's" capabilities. "But at any rate, turning something into an undead is a great way to help ensure nobody else is able to do the same."



Arell Kirkwood
player, 13 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Thu 5 Mar 2020
at 22:24
  • msg #64

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell looks over at Bristle, expression contemplative.  He hated zombies as much as the next person, but generally they gave him good reason to.  If the reason for his distrust were removed, so to would his dislike.  But still that left him with one problem.

"Are you certain, Bristle--in the depths of your bones and by any oath you hold dear--that those raised by your hand could not be wrested from you save by direct intervention?" He said, serious as the grave, "Because these were people once, people I knew and cared for.  And if I have to put down their shambling corpses due to some wrinkle of your magic you did not understand, or some eldritch trick this "she" poisoned them with, then I will be Most Upset..and you will live long enough to regret your decisions."

His eyes lost their killing edge, "If, however, given your Word that they will remain loyal to you, we have shall have no quarrel."
Bristle Chonk
player, 18 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Fri 6 Mar 2020
at 03:32
  • msg #65

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle's gut reaction was to lie and tell Arell that she was certain she could retain control, but she suppressed that urge. Her instincts told her this was a time for truth. A moment that all future trust between herself and the paladin would hinge on.

Bristle let out a breath through her nose and did her best to reassure the man. "As with all things magical, nothing is entirely certain. Although I can truthfully say that I know of no way in which "She" can steal control over my creations without coming well within arrow range. So, while I can not say I am certain, I can say that I am nearly certain "She" can't take them from me. And I give you my Word that it is far more likely for their bodies to be dishonored and turned against us in the future if they are left among the dead, rather than letting me turn them into undead." Bristle truly believed that to be so.

"And, if for any reason they do turn against us, I promise I will personally help you dismantle them with my own two hands." The cleric held up her clawed hand and made a tight fist, then pounded it against the full plate on her chest to emphasize her commitment.



Arell Kirkwood
player, 14 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Fri 6 Mar 2020
at 03:51
  • msg #66

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell exhales, "As good as can be expected in this circumstance.  Very well.  Cast your spells."
Ralla
player, 9 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Fri 6 Mar 2020
at 06:32
  • msg #67

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow


Ralla flexed her magic as her hand glowed for only a moment. “Undead, shadows...and whatever else all go down with magical might, fireballs and magic missiles hurt even the dead....I need rest to preform arts of magic. I will need a full nights worth of rest, every night to regain my powers.”
Hannah
player, 15 posts
Fri 6 Mar 2020
at 18:13
  • msg #68

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Luckily, I have no such requirements. My magic is intrinsic, as long as I don't cross Nature itself, at least."
Illix
player, 10 posts
Atheist Rogue
HP51 AC24 F3 R11 W4
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 00:11
  • msg #69

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"No magic for me, I'm pure skill, so if I need to keep watch to allow those of you the necessary time, that's fine." Illix adds to the discussions around how much sleep.

"As for raising the dead, I concur I'd rather have them with us than against us. Not like the original owners will need them at this point anyway."
ylva
GM, 17 posts
The GM
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 03:09
  • msg #70

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle finds the four humans to raise, as well as the skeleton of a cow from behind the butcher's shop. As the group checks for further bodies, they begin to see subtler signs of something wrong here. Words, scratched into buildings, drawn in what looks like blood. "QUIET MAKE IT STOP." "It's inside me." "I'm sorry I didn't mean to." And so on.

Finally, though, the group is huddled in the temple, behind a half-circle of lamps and torches scavenged from the village, as the sun sets. The twilight lingers for only a short time before full dark falls.

And not long after that, there are...things gathering at the edge of the light.

Some of them are like what Bristle described, animate shadows moving through the air with nothing to cast them. Others are animals, some visibly rotting, others seemingly still alive. There's everything from rabbits and squirrels to deer to a small bear. All of them sway in time to a single beat, a heartbeat it seems like. THe light wavers and flickers.

So far, none of them seem willing to brave the light.




The ring of...whatever they are remains still, swaying, while the first round of sleepers take their rest. The middle watch wakes from troubled dreams without any aggressive moves by the shadows and their compatriots, which remain at the edge of the light.
Caleb Miller
player, 16 posts
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 03:23
  • msg #71

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"They haven't moved at all, I think it's an intimidation move. What about you, any dreams worth mentioning?" Caleb says as Arell and Hannah get up to take their turn at watch duty. As he speaks he settles himself sitting up against a wall facing the barricade, crossbow held in his lap.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 15 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 03:55
  • msg #72

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell awakes with a gasp...followed by a grumble.  He was NOT happy with whatever he had just experienced.

"Unfortunately." he confesses to Caleb, "I got the world's worst children song followed by some kind of psychic attack.  I don't feel physically hurt, but I find myself insulted that this red-haired bitch can just insert herself into my head with impunity."
Bristle Chonk
player, 19 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 04:52
  • msg #73

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle was fairly pleased with their preparations for the night. Especially after they had found the cow skeleton. The changeling had brought all of the targets of her spell to the cow's location and bestowed Death's favor upon them. Their bones ignited as they were flooded with her deity's power, allowing her to loan just enough of their former selves from Death so that they may rise up again. For a while, at least. Everything was returned to Death in the end. Without exception.

Bristle had her five new burning skeletons stand guard just outside the temple. Close enough that they were within the ring of lights, but far enough that their burning bones would not light up the barricades.

When the things began to show, Bristle contemplated whether or not she should attempt to gain control over some of them. Especially the shadows. However, she decided it may antagonize them into attacking, so she did not. If they could survive the night without going to war, all the better. She did, however, gaze upon the more alive-looking critters outside with her Deathwatch glasses to determine if they were alive or dead. She even went so far as to cast Detect Thoughts to see if she could pick up on any mental activity.

Finally, when Arell and Hannah awoke, Bristle ordered her undead to remain exactly where they were until she ordered them to do otherwise. She then went to share all that she had learned and listen to what Arell had experienced. "I do not look forward to having similar dreams," Bristle admitted. "If either of you feel like you have experienced any mental drain, I do have one spell prepared that should be able to... reinvigorate, your mind. Otherwise I need to spend some time in prayer to request my nightly blessings." Bristle clutched the unholy symbol dangling from her neck. "And, unfortunately, get out of this armor."



Bristle can cast Lesser Restoration on Arell or Hannah if they need it. She is also removing her armor so she can sleep, after doing her nightly spell preparations. She is also casting Lay of the Land Upon herself before doing her spell prep, because why not.
Hannah
player, 17 posts
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 05:27
  • [deleted]
  • msg #74

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

This message was deleted by the player at 05:27, Sat 07 Mar 2020.
Hannah
player, 18 posts
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 05:31
  • msg #75

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hannah wakes with a gasp, choking and clawing for air, face a deep purple, as if from lack of oxygen. It takes her a couple of minutes of gasped breaths before she can speak.

"Walking in a forest, something eating me, laughing, screams, a pale redhaird woman, and drowning. I do not want another of this dreams."
Hester Darkeye
player, 14 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 07:50
  • msg #76

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester wakes. Not screaming but she too describes her dream. "I was hunting drow in the Darklands when all light went away. Happens sometimes but then I couldn't move my legs. I felt them and it seems I was trapped by a rockfall but then the rocks became snakes (I could feel their scales upon me) until instead they were slimy like intestines.  Then there was a woman's face above mine, looking down at me with sweet smiling lips, green eyes and red lips. Oh and she was pale, so very pale. She reminded me of me before I left home."
Hannah
player, 19 posts
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 08:20
  • msg #77

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I suppose she has come for her first visit, then. But what does it mean? She seems to play on your fears. But why use that to draw people to her?"
Caleb Miller
player, 17 posts
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 08:26
  • msg #78

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"If I had to take a guess, I'd call it terror tactics. I've seen people throw off magic through force of will before, so maybe she's trying to break down our will to fight before she makes her actual move. It's what I would do."
Bristle Chonk
player, 20 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 17:53
  • msg #79

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Makes sense," Bristle said. "I am definitely not looking forward to getting shut-eye tonight." The cleric took a reluctant step toward the area she had claimed for herself, but then paused and turned back toward the others again.

"If any of my burning skeletons move, even just a step, wake me immediately." She then pulled off her spectacles and offered them to the ones taking the next shift. "And one of you can use these while I sleep if you want. They will help you tell the difference between undead Shadows and regular shadows. Just don't break them."



Her glasses give the wearer sight as if affected by the Deathwatch spell.
ylva
GM, 18 posts
The GM
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 22:23
  • msg #80

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

To the eyes of those wearing the glasses, most of the creatures are undead, but a few are living and healthy. Those who slept feel strangely...unrested. As though the sleep simply wasn't fulfilling, wasn't restful in the way that they needed.

Suddenly, as Bristle is moving for her bedroll, two of the shadows break from the darkness and move into the light. They resemble dark, spectral werewolves, humanoid forms with wolves' heads and claws. They are insubstantial, misty, the only solid-seeming parts their teeth and claws.

So sharp.

They say nothing, just move towards you.

OOC: Initiative, please. If you roll higher than a 16, you act now. Then shadows act, then all PCs, then shadows. We are using block rather than individual initiatives because I have found it better for PbP.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 16 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 22:28
  • msg #81

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell hisses as the shadows cross the threshold, and draws his greatsword.

It's not an ornate piece, but it IS sharp, and well cared for.

OOC: Exactly 16 >__<

16:25, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 16 using 1d20.  Initiative.

Bristle Chonk
player, 21 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 22:56
  • msg #82

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle had been keeping a keen eye on the situation for several hours now with no attacks from their enemies. She should not have been so surprised they had chosen her moment of distraction to strike. But she was.



16:53, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 1 using 1d20-1.  Initiative.
Hannah
player, 20 posts
Sun 8 Mar 2020
at 00:53
  • msg #83

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hannah, still shaken and disturbed by her strange dreams, is slow to react.

18:50, Today: Hannah rolled 11 using 1d20+4 ((7)).
Caleb Miller
player, 18 posts
Sun 8 Mar 2020
at 06:46
  • msg #84

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As he woke to see the presumably undead things cross the threshold, Caleb swore loudly, swiping the sleep from his eyes as he brought his crossbow to bear, lingering drowsiness causing hesitation in his aiming.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
00:37, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.

Ralla
player, 11 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Sun 8 Mar 2020
at 06:57
  • msg #85

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow


Ralla woke up, not really feeling bad, but not fully rested. A dream, one might call a nightmare, but no more horrible than her life has been in time. Yet, her hunger for blood was stronger then ever before. Pushing back the hunger, she moved behind Arell for protection and readied a spell.

OOC: 22:48, Today: Ralla rolled 16 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.
Hester Darkeye
player, 15 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sun 8 Mar 2020
at 19:17
  • msg #86

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester's initiative is 13.
ylva
GM, 20 posts
The GM
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 02:45
  • msg #87

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The two shadows close in on the group, one slashing at Ralla with its ghostly claws, the other moving for Caleb. The spectres remaining outside the light's circle accelerate their swaying back and forth.

OOC: Attack on Ralla, 17 against incorporeal touch, 1 wisdom damage. Attack on Caleb, 12 on incorporeal touch, 4 wisdom damage. You're up.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 18 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 04:35
  • msg #88

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell's sword falls like a guillotine blade on the shadow that DARE pass him up for someone under his protection.  He follows this strike with two brutal slashes that tear through the Shadow like fabric sheers.

At the rate he's going, it will probably be confetti by the time he's done with it.

Taking my turn now since I'm pretty sure I'm first in turn order.

Attack of Opportunity vs Shadow that attacked Ralla.

23:13, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 32 using 1d20+12.  Attack of Opportunity.  Nat 20.

23:14, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 19 using 1d20+12.  confirm crit.

forgot to include my weapon's +1 bonus (now added), along similar lines these things shouldn't be immune to a magic weapon, so unless they have a DC of 20 or higher...he gonna get it.

23:20, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 35 using 4d6+16.  Critical Damage.

Actual Turn Time
23:21, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 28 using 1d20+12.  Power Attack vs Shadow.

23:24, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 20 using 2d6+13.  Slashing Damage.


23:25, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  2nd attack vs shadow.

23:26, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 13 using 2d6+7.  Slashing Damage.

Again 18 seems like a safe number to presume a hit. So therefore:

Shadow takes 68 damage if 18 hits, 37 if 18 misses.  35 of that damage occurs before it gets a chance to strike Ralla (possibly negating its attack entirely if I drop it)

This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Mon 09 Mar 2020.
Caleb Miller
player, 19 posts
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 04:58
  • msg #89

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As the creature slashed at him, Caleb rolled away, now fully awake. With the adrenaline now well and truly thundering through his veins, he sprang to his feet and fired three shots in quick succession at the creature, his hands a blur as he reloaded his weapon with the well oiled movements of a drilled professional, though the snarl on his face gave away a fair bit of anger at being woken just as he had begun to drift off.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Burning grit to resolve Vs. touch AC. All attacks exceed 20, damage is thus; 16, 32, 16. All magical piercing damage from a +1 weapon. Grit point is regained for crit. Total grit remaining =3.

ylva
GM, 22 posts
The GM
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 05:24
  • msg #90

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell and Caleb between them drop both shadows after only the one swipe at Ralla gets through. They dissipate silently and flow away into the night, leaving nothing behind at all.

The rest of the watchers, living and dead, stand still a moment, then go back to their slow swaying, showing no sign of intention to move into the semicircle of light.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 19 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 05:41
  • msg #91

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell shakes the ichor from his sword, and pulls a rag from somewhere to ensure it was clean.

"Everyone alright?" he asks the general vicinity.


His eyes, however, remain on Ralla.
Caleb Miller
player, 20 posts
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 05:50
  • msg #92

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'm fine, I was too quick for it. Now, does anyone know what in the fresh hell I just shot?" Caleb says as he readies another bolt just in case anything else gets any funny ideas about coming to pick things back up.
Hannah
player, 22 posts
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 14:21
  • msg #93

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I don't know, but she does not mess around, does she? I think we need to send our companions to sleep, and keep careful watch. This is likely not over."

Hannah moves to take her spot in the middle watch, letting her Ioun Torch circle her head again.
Bristle Chonk
player, 24 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 14:40
  • msg #94

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

By the time Bristle had wrapped her head around what was happening, the fight was already over. Which made the cleric feel a lot safer in their company, but also a bit embarrassed about her inability to assist. But at least she could share a bit of knowledge.

"I believe those were the shadow creatures mentioned in the journal we found. They are a type of undead. I am sorry I was not prepared to take control over them when they appeared. They caught me off guard. But it seems it was unneeded anyway."

"I guess I will go prepare my spells now, if our plan hasn't changed. But if we want to take the fight to them, I could have my skeletons start burning away the zombies outside. All they really have to do is stand next to their targets to start burning them away." The changeling woman shrugged non-committally, but waited to see what the others wanted to do.
Illix
player, 11 posts
Atheist Rogue
HP51 AC24 F3 R11 W4
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 00:22
  • msg #95

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Illix looked out at the creatures during his shift, with a mix of dread and intrigue as to what was making it all happen. Magic wasn't his area of expertise, instead preferring to understand what he can stab, and how to get around a dungeon safely.

Sat looking out at the light, he was happy to count down his shift until ready to sleep, a constant unease from them stood, watching.

By the time the shadows attacked during the mid-shift, and Illix awoke, it was over.

When Bristle admits they're a type of undead, Illix asks. "So now you know they are undead, can you do anything to them? Can you control them? As for burning the zombies, how do we know they won't simply turn to skeletons instead?"
Hester Darkeye
player, 16 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 12:47
  • msg #96

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Sounds good to me", agrees Hester.  "I may have a tiny amount of magic against the undead if it helps?"

With that she produces a mage hand, apparently emerging from her armour rather than making any of the movements associated with a spell.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Tue 10 Mar 2020.
Bristle Chonk
player, 26 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 18:47
  • msg #97

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I should be able to take control of at least some of them," Bristle replied to Illix. "If I can get close enough. And if the zombies get charred enough to turn into skeletons, then they will be charred enough to fall apart in a stiff breeze. Sure, many zombies have a skeleton inside of them the same as you and I, but those are not the same as an animated skeleton."

Bristle retrieved her glasses from whoever currently had them, then went to stand where she could see outside of their barricade. "If nobody objects..." She let the sentence hang in the air, suggesting she would start trying to burn zombies if nobody objected.



Bristle will give everyone time to object to her attack and/or prepare themselves. Then, if nobody stops her, she will direct her skeletons to attack the nearest undead targets and avoid the living ones if possible. If any more shadows come close, she will attempt to channel energy to gain control over them.
Hannah
player, 23 posts
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 19:10
  • msg #98

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Anything physical that gets past, I will back you up. Keep in mind, I won't be able to talk to you until I change back."

Leaving her next actions to explain, Hannah concentrates for the briefest moment, and then changes; her neck thickens with additional muscle, and her upper chest and face become scaled. The most prominent change, however, is her jaw extending forward, her teeth growing into large fangs, and her nose moving to the top of her new snout. Her hair and upper head are largely unchanged, which goes a long way to add to the strangeness, as she clearly has a crocodile maw in place of her previous mouth.

She chomps air a couple times, like stretching a tired muscle, then sets herself in a good position to attack any creature that try's to invade.

OOC: Activating Shifter Claws class feature, with the crocodile alternate natural attack. Hannah is set to attack anything that comes too close; she will start by activating her Shifter Aspect, Minor form, again crocodile, to get the extra +2 to her Grapple check, then initiate a grapple against the creature in question, specifically by biting it.
Caleb Miller
player, 22 posts
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 20:55
  • msg #99

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I don't necessarily object to setting the undead on fire in principle, but in practical terms, do you think you have enough in you to burn or control them all? I know we handled those two werewolf things without much problem, but something tells me it'd go real different if the whole horde attacked at once. If you think you can pull it off though, I don't mind to shoot a few more corpses, but I'll run out of bolts eventually." As he speaks Caleb rises from where he had sat back down, rolling his shoulders and taking aim at the undead in the doorway, ready to forego sleep if everyone wanted to give it a shot.
Ralla
player, 12 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Wed 11 Mar 2020
at 07:00
  • msg #100

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Ralla grabbed the wounded area where the shadow touched her. Not that her body was hurt, more her soul. As she tried to gain her wits about her, she looked up at Arell. “Just a little worse for wear. Head hurts a little, the attack seems to try to break down the will. Let's just say, you would not want to get hit by one of those multiple times...As for the zombies, please feel free to burn.”
ylva
GM, 23 posts
The GM
Wed 11 Mar 2020
at 18:19
  • msg #101

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As the burning undead move into the darkness, the watching creatures simply fall back, fading into the darkness faster than the skeletons can pursue them. The feeling of being watched remains strong, but there's no sign of the dead or the living outside of the circle of light.
Bristle Chonk
player, 28 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 18:37
  • msg #102

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"That is... not ideal," Bristle admitted. She was a bit disappointed she was unable to create a zombie inferno. "Hopefully that means they will give us no more trouble tonight." There was zero certainty in her voice.

"Do we go back to the original plan then? Second watch takes their shift and I go about preparing my spells for the evening? And hopefully the shadows won't interrupt this time."
Hannah
player, 26 posts
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 18:46
  • msg #103

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

To avoid having to change back to speak, Hannah just nods.
Hester Darkeye
player, 18 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 19:23
  • msg #104

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester keeps watch.  She's had her two hours' sleep already and she'll meditate to restore her spells at the end of her watch.  (Although she won't regain mage hand because her armour can only do that once a day.)
Caleb Miller
player, 23 posts
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 20:16
  • msg #105

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Yeah, no reason to change the plan. Night all, give a shout if something else shows up." Caleb sits back down against the wall, crossbow still cradled in his lap with a bolt ready to fire. He closes his eyes and tries to drift off again, wondering just what kind of dream he'll be getting.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 22 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Fri 13 Mar 2020
at 01:54
  • msg #106

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Goodnight Caleb," Arell says, somewhat perfunctorily.

He settles back down, but keeps his greatsword drawn just in case.
Bristle Chonk
player, 29 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 14 Mar 2020
at 01:49
  • msg #107

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Alright then," Bristle said, taking a deep breath and letting her shoulders relax a hair. "Whoever is on watch can borrow my glasses again. If my guys move an inch, let me know. Now if you will excuse me, I have a couple last minute spells to cast, then I will be saying my prayers and going to sleep. Or trying to anyway..." She was not looking forward to experiencing what the others had. But maybe they would be lucky and get left alone for the remainder of the night.

Before saying her prayers, Bristle took a few moments to cast a bit of magic on Ralla to help with whatever the shadows had done to her. Then she used a spell to help get a bit more acquainted with the surrounding terrain. And finally, the cleric of death said her prayers, took off her armor, and tried her best to get a bit of shuteye.



Bristle is casting Lesser Restoration on Ralla, since she is about to refresh her spells anyway. She is also casting Lay of the Land on herself since she didn't get that far earlier.
Ralla
player, 15 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Tue 17 Mar 2020
at 05:09
  • msg #108

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

In reply to Bristle Chonk (msg # 107):

As Bristle began to cast her spell, Ralla felt her mind turn right. Giving Bristle a thankful nod, Ralla crawled back into her bedroll. She hoped to get a little more rest, untill the morning came. Sometimes, eight hours are not enough.
ylva
GM, 24 posts
The GM
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 18:10
  • msg #109

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The rest of the night passes quietly. The sun comes up, but doesn't dispel the shadows completely, and they seem to move and shift when you're not looking at them directly.




<ooc>I need will saves from everyone.</ooc>
Bristle Chonk
player, 32 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 19:18
  • msg #110

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

14:08, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 28 using 1d20+13.  Will save.



Bristle woke with a start and immediately leaned over to cough up the water in her lungs. It took her longer than she would have liked to admit to realize she was not underwater. It had been a dream. A terrible, nightmarish dream.

"I- That-" She took a deep breath, then clutched her unholy symbol. "Death, give the strength to deliver that green-eyed witch to your doorstep today." And without further comment, Bristle got up and began putting her armor back on.
Caleb Miller
player, 24 posts
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 19:35
  • msg #111

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb awakes with a shout, bringing his crossbow up to fire before realizing that the chains were gone, or that they hadn't existed in the first place. "Damn witches..." he grumbles as he pulls himself to his feet, stretching to try and alleviate the stiff soreness that goes with sleeping propped up against a wall.
"Anybody else dream of a red haired woman in a cave, or was that one just me?"


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
14:26, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  will save.

Arell Kirkwood
player, 23 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 21:03
  • msg #112

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell has no further visions, but what sleep he does get has not improved his mood.

OOC:
16:02, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 25 using 1d20+9.  Will Save.

Ralla
player, 16 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 28/28 F2 R5 W5
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 06:47
  • msg #113

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Ralla could not believe it, with all her might she pulled herself out of what had to be a nightmare...dark dreaming and the taste of water....trying not to drowned. With her last breath she called out to the young, white knight from long ago.... “Arell...Help me!” Ralla woke up, the only water being the cold sweat on her face.

OOC: 23:40, Today: Ralla rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Will Save .
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Fri 20 Mar 2020.
Bristle Chonk
player, 33 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 23:27
  • msg #114

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Unsurprisingly, it seemed Bristle wasn't the only one who had a rough night. In answer to Caleb, she said, "It wasn't in a cave, but there was a woman with red hair. And green eyes. She was watching me as I drowned. She... almost kissed me." Bristle shuddered at the memory of her dream, then pulled the straps tighter on her leg armor. She glanced outside to make sure all her skeletons were still where she had left them, then pulled her chest plate into place.
ylva
GM, 30 posts
The GM
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 03:52
  • msg #115

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb finds his bolts intact, as though they didn't collide with anything, lying out in the street. After quickly ransacking the area for kindling and oil, what little there is of it, the group heads out into the woods. Northwest. They feel something tugging them in that direction, a simple...pull. Like water flowing downward, or a compass spinning to north. Gentle, but there. It feels good to follow it.

Even without that tug, though, they'd have been able to follow the trail. Dozens of people walked this way, taking slightly different paths, but all trending the same direction. They weren't paying any attention, it seems - there are footprints and scraps of cloth, broken branches, even one spot where it looks like something blundered straight through a huge thornbush on the way. Like what was pulling it out into the forest was stronger than any aversion to pain.

The shadows are so thick beneath the trees. You try to stay out in the light, but it is hard, and the darkness is so thick.

Finally, at around noon, you approach a hill, and see all the tracks, of humans and animals, converging onto it. It's a large hill, tall and steep, covered in grass with occasional trees dotting it. At the top is a stone statue of a man in armor, the details of which can't be made out from the base of the hill. Around the side of the hill, to the east, is a cavern entrance, leading deep enough to go out of sight.

It looks exactly, exactly, like the cavern mouth that many of you saw in the night.
Caleb Miller
player, 27 posts
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 04:40
  • msg #116

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Remembering the dream, Caleb suppresses a shudder at the sight of the cave. "So, this looks like the place to me. How do we want to go forward from here? I'm guessing there's a ridiculous number of undead things and who even knows what else in there, think we should try and draw them out?" As he speaks, he begins looking around the surrounding area for anything he could use as cover, eyeing up the trees trying to gauge how difficult it might be to get up into one with a good line of sight on the entrance.
Hester Darkeye
player, 21 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 09:53
  • msg #117

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester looks around as she searches for flammable materials."Mostly undead in there but I don't think she's undead. Fire might help either by burning them out or by stealing her air."
Hannah
player, 29 posts
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 14:31
  • msg #118

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I don't think drawing them out will work all that well. I feel like she is definitely watching us." Hannah reflexively grows her claws, like she seems to do every time she is nervous.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 27 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 15:04
  • msg #119

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'm inclined to just march right in there and start breaking things." Arell remarked, "One night of bad dreams is enough."
Bristle Chonk
player, 37 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 18:48
  • msg #120

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"This is definitely the place," Bristle agreed. She directed her burning skeletons where to stand as the party made their plans. "And I would bet my last coins that that statue up there is of that Halson character I mentioned earlier. But I agree with Arell. Our best bet is probably to push forward into the cave. If we wait for them to emerge, we may wait forever." Bristle rubbed her chin as she contemplated a strategy.

"My burning skeletons could go in first, in a wall-like formation. They will provide a bit of light and also burn anything that comes too close. I can protect up to two of us from their flames for one hour. So perhaps myself with my shield, and one other who is better at close ranges, could take up spots directly behind the skeletons." At this point Bristle took out her glowing ioun stone and set it orbiting around her head again. "People who are good at range can stay near the back and shoot at anything that poses a threat and doesn't burn up immediately. Especially those Shadow creatures. Would that work?" Bristle was more than willing to entertain modifications to her plan, or even entirely different plans.



Here is the info Bristle would have already shared with the group as they traveled:

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
ylva:
Bristle remembers that there is a cave to the northwest, Halson's Grotto. It's got a bad reputation, but then, the wilderness around these parts all has a bad reputation. Halson's is different, though, because it has a specific folktale surrounding it. Sometime around when Darkmoon Vale was settled, Sir Elias Halson was one of the major people in the settlement that later grew into Oregent. He was a paladin of Sarenrae, who fought the dark things in the woods on behalf of the settlers. He went to the cave that now bears his name in pursuit of...something, a demon they say but then villagers around here hardly know what the different types of fiend are. He slew it, so the story goes, but died in the doing, and left a warning to leave the cavern well alone.

How much of the story is accurate is hard to say, but it matches the direction and the appearance of the stone, so Bristle is fairly sure that's the place she dreamed of.


Ralla
player, 17 posts
I never drink...wine.
HP 39/28 F2 R5 W5
Tue 24 Mar 2020
at 05:25
  • msg #121

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Ralla nodded her head in agreement to the others. “Yes, I think it is best to go into the cave. Better to face things head on. That said, I'll need protection to cast my spells.” Ralla made sure to be in the middle of the group and within arms reach of Arell, in case another shadow wanted to get close.

Before going into the cave, Ralla will take a drink from one of her waterskins. Speaking a few words of power and wiping her mouth, a few red drops of what might be blood falls to the ground. In a instant Ralla seems renewed and ready to go forward.

OOC: Before going into the cave, Ralla will cast False Life.
22:18, Today: Ralla rolled 11 using 1d10+7.  False Life.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Tue 24 Mar 2020.
Caleb Miller
player, 28 posts
Wed 25 Mar 2020
at 01:47
  • msg #122

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I don't much care for the tight quarters this cave undoubtedly will be, but if you think we can't bait them out I'm in. I'm a fair hand at finding and disabling traps and I wouldn't put it past our mystery witch to have a few, so I'd like to keep up near the front, just in case."
ylva
GM, 31 posts
The GM
Wed 25 Mar 2020
at 16:24
  • msg #123

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Moving into the cave, it quickly gets dark, and opens into a small cavern. The darkness presses in tight around the bubble of light you carry with you, but those who can see in the dark see two openings off of the chamber - one ahead, and one to the right.

Then, as soon as you have all stepped into the cave, you hear a voice - a young one. A girl, perhaps ten, whispering plaintively. "I don't like it here. I want to go home."

There is no sign of a girl, just the voice.
Hester Darkeye
player, 22 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Wed 25 Mar 2020
at 18:26
  • msg #124

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester peers at the little girl, wondering whether she recognises her.
Bristle Chonk
player, 38 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 02:04
  • msg #125

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As they neared the mouth of the cave, Bristle took a moment to cast a spell, gifting Hannah with some resistance to her skeleton's flames. She then cast it again on a second target. She directed her skeletons to walk side by side near the front of the group, but left a large enough gap that Caleb could retreat back behind them without getting singed if the need arose.

"Do we want to take the path forward, or the path to the right?" she asked her fellow adventurers. Specifically the ones gifted in tracking. She did her best to ignore the disembodied voice of a child, as she was assuming it was some sort of trick until proven otherwise.



Before going too far into the cave, Bristle will cast Resist Energy (fire 10, 1 hour) on Hannah and one other. Probably herself, but someone else can claim it if they think they might fight alongside the burning skeletons. (You take fire damage just from standing directly next to them.)
Arell Kirkwood
player, 29 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 02:36
  • msg #126

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Path to the right first." Arell said immediately, "If there is anything in there, I don't want to be flanked by it.
ylva
GM, 32 posts
The GM
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 03:41
  • msg #127

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

After everyone has moved into the cave, but before you can start down the passageway, something...changes. The light, already dim, nearly dies away entirely. The air is bitter cold even right next to the flaming skeletons. A sobbing sound fills the cavern, and then pale, misty arms reach up from the ground, cluthing at you, clinging. They bear with them a deep and eerie chill - not a natural sensation, more the cold of the grave made manifest.

Fortitude saves, please. Bristle, Ralla, and Arell instantly recognize this as a haunt - a manifestation of negative energy, somewhere between a true undead and a more generalized energetic impression. It is caused by suffering, by events so dark that they stain the world for their passing. Bristle, with her particular expertise, knows that the signs preceding the haunt's manifestation, as well as the form the energy takes, are invariably linked to what happened to bring it about. Additionally, she knows that while positive energy can disrupt a haunt's manifestation, often the only way to purge it completely is to resolve the dark history that led to its creation.
Caleb Miller
player, 29 posts
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 03:57
  • msg #128

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb opens his mouth to answer Bristle, but whatever words were forming were replaced with harsh and loud cursing as the arms sprang up from nowhere. Wrenching himself free from their grasp he falls back, shivering slightly as he brings his crossbow up and aims it at the arms, ready to fire, if he thought it would do anything.
"What in the hell are those?!" he says, looking to Bristle and Ralla
Arell Kirkwood
player, 30 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 04:24
  • msg #129

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell stomps at the hand trying to grab him.

"A Haunt," he barks, "Probably the reason most people don't bother with this place."

OOC:

23:21, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 27 using 1d20+11.  Fort Save.

Hester Darkeye
player, 23 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 08:24
  • msg #130

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester rolled 13 fortitude save

Hester stepped on the path behind the others half on a daze, thinking, thinking.  That voice. Who was it again? So long since she'd been in this place. "Annabelle, Annabelle Ravan", she said, "She lived in the place where Caleb found the coins and the knives, at least she did five years ago before I left..." then louder,after a beat.... "Did you start all this Annabelle?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 41 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 18:16
  • msg #131

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

13:06, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Fortitude Save.



Bristle held her shield in front of her as she faced the grasping arms (not that it would do any good), then did her best to weather the unnatural cold of its grasp. The cleric of Death's instinct was to strike at it with a spell, but she resisted the urge. Hester seemed interested in trying to communicate. And since she seemed to know who the Haunt used to be, maybe it would even work...

"Positive energies should be able to disrupt it if words fail to work," she said hastily to the group. "At least for a time." She held her Positive Pulse spell at the tip of her tongue in case it became needed.
ylva
GM, 33 posts
The GM
Thu 26 Mar 2020
at 19:14
  • msg #132

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'm cold," the disembodied voice calls softly, a whimper. "I want to go home..."

The hands fade, leaving an aching chill behind where they touched. The cave's atmosphere returns to what it was before - dark, cool, but without the unearthly qualities.

Down the tunnel to the right, there's a short passage before it opens into another small chamber. In this one, there's a corpse lying on the ground. It's monstrous, a humanoid frame with fur and claws, and a wolf's face - it can only be a werewolf. Written on the wall above it in what looks suspiciously like dried blood is the word HUNGRY. Another passage opens off the chamber to the left.
Bristle Chonk
player, 42 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Fri 27 Mar 2020
at 13:58
  • msg #133

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle's eyes went wide when she saw the werewolf. She quickly scanned it with her Deathwatch glasses to make sure it was in fact truly dead. And if it was, she approached to see if she could figure out the cause of death and how long ago it happened. (Heal +20)

"That storybook we found yesterday is starting to feel more like a history book," Bristle commented. She pulled the book from her pack, flipping to the story about the wolf that would eat kids who wandered into the woods at night. "It may be related to what we need to do to alleviate the conditions that lead to the creation of a haunt."
Hester Darkeye
player, 25 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Fri 27 Mar 2020
at 15:29
  • msg #134

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I don't think it was Annabelle alone", suggests Hester, "Nor for that matter the werewolf.  There's a third element somewhere and between them they create  perfect storm."

She pauses to remove her sleeves and rapier, placing both inside her handy haversack so that she is no longer overburdened despite the loss of strength.  With sleeves removed, her 'disguise' is gone and it becomes obvious that she is wearing a black robe with ragged sleeves over grey leather armor. Her silver hair and black, whiteless eyes remain unchanged though.

"Can we really end the haunt by removing one of the elements?  Would it help if somebody performed burial rites on this werewolf?"
Caleb Miller
player, 30 posts
Fri 27 Mar 2020
at 18:24
  • msg #135

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

While the others were talking about things that were in all honesty mostly going over his head, Caleb had stepped forward and jabbed the werewolf in the side with a bolt to see if it truly was dead.
"So a haunt is what, ghosts? How do we get rid of them then, kill the witch that made them?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 43 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 28 Mar 2020
at 03:04
  • msg #136

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Careful," Bristle warned Caleb. "That werewolf is registering as both dead and undead in my glasses. It keeps switching between the two. And shouldn't it be reverting to its human form if it is dead? This is definitely a... complex situation. As Hester suggested, there is almost certainly more to this Haunt than we are aware. For instance, this werewolf surely died long ago from something that left no wounds, but it looks as though it only keeled over moments before we arrived." Bristle leaned in cautiously to get a better view of the creature. The magics at work here were fascinating! Dark, dangerous, and weird, but fascinating!

"And yes, haunts are similar to ghosts in many ways, but I would say they are more complex. And the best way to get rid of them for good is to resolve the dark history that led to its creation. The signs leading up to a haunt's manifestation are closely linked to what happened to bring it about in the first place."Bristle rubbed her chin with her unshielded hand as the contemplated the entire scenario. There was a lot to consider.

"Do you want me to try doing some standard burial rites? Or maybe sprinkle it with holy water? Have my skeletons incinerate it? Try to raise it as undead myself?" Bristle shrugged, mostly indifferent to which option was chosen. "Or does anyone see any clues as to who this once was? I am half-expecting it to be that hero Halson from long ago that used to protect these woods from monsters. Except maybe he was the monster the whole time!" Bristle chuckled uneasily at the absurdity of her claim. But now that she said it out loud, it kind of fit. Especially when combined with the children's story they had learned with the ripped out pages. "Is this the hungry wolf from the folk tale? The one who devoured children who wandered in the woods at night? The one that was eventually tricked into a pit by a clever girl? Are we standing in the "pit" right now?"
Arell Kirkwood
player, 31 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Sun 29 Mar 2020
at 03:23
  • msg #137

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell looks around, face hard, "Logic dictates the girl's problems are the ones causing the Haunt.  Werewolfs--the more wolf-y ones anyway--don't have enough soul to linger, or enough innocence to make their death a tragedy.  Therefore I say focus on the girl."

His eyes flash amber as he checks the room for lingering evil.

OOC: Ah not-sucky Detect Evil, how I've missed you!

Basically scanning the corpses and/or objects for lingering evil.  SOMETHING has to be generating this haunt and in theory this should help pin down what.

Caleb Miller
player, 31 posts
Mon 30 Mar 2020
at 20:05
  • msg #138

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb takes a moment to try and puzzle things out with what he's seen and been told.
"Well, I'd say bringing the weird dead and undead werewolf back up probably isn't a great idea. I'm just gonna put forward burning it in case it decides to get up and sneak up on us when we leave this room. As for the story, what I'm thinking is that the "hungry wolf" in the story is this red haired witch we all dreamed about, and she snatched kids and whatever else she could manage. I can't imagine that they'd be able to resist whatever magic is at play here. Maybe the clever girl was a kid that somehow managed to slip free, that Halson fellow hears about it and comes out here, and he manages to trap the witch but not kill her. Could be the witch is undead, it would explain all the necromancy crap going on in here. Either way, the best way I can think of to find out is to keep looking around. Let's keep going this way, a dead body on the path usually means there's something interesting at the end."
Arell Kirkwood
player, 32 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Tue 31 Mar 2020
at 01:52
  • msg #139

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell hisses as his eyes glow, "It's worse than I thought...this place is almost consecrated in evil.  Like a temple.  And it's growing..."

He points to a wall, with a word scrawled on it. "There!  Get ready!"

He raises his sword in a defensive stance, eyes and ears peeled for any incursion from the darkness.

OOC: EDIT Initiative is 9
21:30, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 9 using 1d20.  Initiative.

This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Wed 01 Apr 2020.
Bristle Chonk
player, 46 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 31 Mar 2020
at 21:15
  • msg #140

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle's mind was still preoccupied with whether or not she wanted to burn the werewolf or not when Arell's voice told them to get ready. Unfortunately, it took a moment for his warning to register.



16:12, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 4 using 1d20-1.  Initiative.
Caleb Miller
player, 32 posts
Tue 31 Mar 2020
at 21:25
  • msg #141

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

When Arell shouted, Caleb reacted without thought. In the time it takes to blink he had spun around and leveled his crossbow at the wall, scanning for any sign of danger.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:06, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.

Hester Darkeye
player, 26 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Wed 1 Apr 2020
at 10:05
  • msg #142

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester, still conscious of the werewolf, drew her only silver weapon, her dagger as soon as she heard Arell shout.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:04, Today: Hester Darkeye rolled 12 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.

ylva
GM, 38 posts
The GM
Wed 1 Apr 2020
at 17:50
  • msg #143

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As Arell speaks, the air grows hot in the small chamber, and close, and red. The word HUNGRY, scrawled upon the wall of the cave, is no longer in dried blood, but fresh, and dripping. It has a terrible significance about it, as though it has a meaning to it that is horrible and unnatural. You feel famished, starved, as though you've not eaten for days. As though you'd gladly fall upon the werewolf's corpse and devour it.

But you can't, because it's moving. Its limbs jerk into some hideous semblance of life, pulling it upright. It stares with empty, milk-white eyes past you, and it snarls. It lunges on all fours, like a beast, and snaps at Arell, teeth closing on his leg. They are unable to penetrate his armor, though, and he is unharmed.
Caleb Miller
player, 33 posts
Wed 1 Apr 2020
at 19:53
  • msg #144

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Wow, I hate this place even more now. I'm not getting paid enough for this." As he spoke, Caleb brought his crossbow to his shoulder and opened fire, intent on ventilating the thing in front of him. His hands were a blur as he loaded three shots in succession, each bolt thudding into the werewolf.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Burning a point of grit to resolve against touch ac, attack rolls are 20, 22, and 27. Assuming they all hit, damage is 15, 12, and 14, all from a +1 piercing weapon, total damage assuming no DR is applied is 41

Bristle Chonk
player, 48 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 2 Apr 2020
at 03:40
  • msg #145

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Crap!" Bristle spat as she brought her free hand up to invoke a spell. Holding out her Unholy symbol of Death, a burst of positive energy coalesced over Arell and the werewolf, bringing the undead back closer to real death, and bolstering her ally.

Even before her spell had fully resolved, she yelled to her skeletons, "Surround the werewolf! Destroy it!" She didn't bother directing them away from Arell since she had already given the man protection from their flames. Under normal circumstances she would have tried to gain control over the undead werewolf, but destroying it felt like the right move right now. Bristle decided to follow her gut instinct.




Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Sorry for the wall of text. Bristle cast Positive Pulse on Arell and the werewolf: https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/p/positive-pulse
The werewolf needs tom make a will save or take 1d6+3 positive energy damage. "Haunts manifesting in the spell’s area also take this damage." Arell gets a +2 bonus on saving throws against death effects, energy drain, negative energy, and effects directly caused by haunts for 1 round.

After casting, she ordered her 5 burning skeletons in for their own attacks. I'm not sure how many will be able to surround it, but here are attack rolls for all. The werewolf should take 1d6 fire damage at the start of its turn for each skeleton it is next to, and for each time it attacks one with an unarmed or natural attack. Oh, and the skeletons explode when destroyed, dealing 1d6 damage to adjacent targets.

Burning skeleton attack rolls (I'm assuming they all have flanking bonuses from Arell/eachother)
Large 1: 2 hoof attacks.
22:24, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  large 2-hoof attack.
22:30, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 7,6 using 1d6+2,1d6 with rolls of 5,6.  Potential Damage: Large Skeleton.
Potential Damage: 7 bludgeon, 6 fire

Medium 1: 2 claw attacks.
22:25, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Medium 2-claw attack 1.
22:32, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 6,5 using 1d4+2,1d6 with rolls of 4,5.  Potential Damage: Medium Skeleton 1.
Potential Damage: 6 slashing, 5 fire

Medium 2: 2 claw attacks.
22:25, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Medium 2-claw attack 2.
22:34, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 5,4 using 1d4+2,1d6 with rolls of 3,4.  Potential Damage: Medium Skeleton 2.
Potential Damage: 5 slashing, 4 fire

Small 1: 2 claw attacks.
22:26, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Small 2-claw attack 1.
22:36, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 5,4 using 1d3+2,1d6 with rolls of 3,4.  Potential Damage: Small Skeleton 1.
Potential Damage: 5 slashing, 4 fire

Small 2: 2 claw attacks.
22:27, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Small 2-claw attack 2.
22:37, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 3,2 using 1d3+2,1d6 with rolls of 1,2.  Potential Damage: Small Skeleton 2.
Potential Damage: 3 slashing, 2 fire


Hester Darkeye
player, 27 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Thu 2 Apr 2020
at 09:32
  • msg #146

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester begins moving toward the werewolf only to find it surrounded by burning skeletons before she can reach it.  She moves as slowly and silently as she can to attempt to attack it from behind if and when the skeletons are done.
ylva
GM, 43 posts
The GM
Fri 3 Apr 2020
at 22:03
  • msg #147

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The undead werewolf collapses in flames, but even as the fire devours the body, the hunger fills you, a need for food. You're famished, with supernatural intensity, until Bristle fills the room with a burst of white light.

The hunger fades. The room is just a room again, the werewolf naught but a smoldering corpse, and the writing on the wall is just a word. There's one passage out of the room.

Continuing down it, you soon reach an alcove in the tunnel - a small chamber cut out into the stone of the cavern wall. In it, a large slab of stone has several skulls, candles, and knives on it. The wall above the slab and the slab itself are covered in scrawled glyphs, harsh and jagged looking runes, cut into the stone or smeared in dried blood. [Language unknown: Les ntieratio tha k Meouio, anro preoutnce t ou enticaher i is anttedeau sste Hiinul ne anss orebe ch ort ersicaioutioove. Ckri pl rutintcom ha ameate'aveanyest redereame ec red.]
Hester Darkeye
player, 28 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Fri 3 Apr 2020
at 22:57
  • msg #148

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester tries to read the runes, then asks whether anyone else can read them.
OOC: how does linguistics work?
ylva
GM, 44 posts
The GM
Fri 3 Apr 2020
at 23:18
  • msg #149

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

OOC: You can roll Linguistics if you want, but it's a hard DC to decipher a completely foreign language.
Bristle Chonk
player, 49 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Fri 3 Apr 2020
at 23:40
  • msg #150

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle felt a bit of pride for her burning skeletons and their aid in the quick dispatchal of the undead werewolf. If they had the capacity for thought or emotion, she would have told them as much out loud. But instead she ordered them to back off once the werewolf was thoroughly crispy and proceeded to the next area with everyone else. Which is where they found the altar.

"It is Abyssal," Bristle replied to Hester. "Prayers to the demon lord Jezelda - the lord of evil werewolves. Apparently this is a sacrificial altar to her." Bristle looked carefully at the altar to see if she could determine anything more about it's presence here. Especially in relation to the undead werewolf they had just slain, or the haunt. She bestowed a bit of Divine Guidance on herself to try and help jog her memory.



Religion roll, with Guidance:
18:41, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 24 using 1d20+12.  Knowledge: Religion - altar's relevance/connection to events.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Fri 03 Apr 2020.
Caleb Miller
player, 34 posts
Sat 4 Apr 2020
at 00:35
  • msg #151

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Abyssal huh, makes sense. Looked Fiendish to me anyway." Caleb says as he looks around, distinctly uncomfortable with what he's stumbled into.
"So, what do you all think of this? I'm thinking now that maybe we've got a necromancer who moved in recently, and she's been bringing people in to be sacrifices. She might not be here though, this blood isn't fresh, a couple weeks old at least. Then again, that might be because she hasn't had anything worth sacrificing for a while, so let's keep moving slowly." Caleb waits for the others to finish looking around if they want before heading out and down the other passage, eyes peeled for anything that even resembles a trap.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
19:33, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 40 using 1d20+20.  stealth roll.

19:34, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 22 using 1d20+12.  perception.

19:35, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 25 using 1d20+17.  Preemptive disable device.



Hester Darkeye
player, 29 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sat 4 Apr 2020
at 08:40
  • msg #152

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Abyssal", muses Jester as she squints at the runes. "Don't think I've seen that before... evil werewolves".

OOC can't copy and paste but she tries to take in the script for future reference. Rolls 15
Hannah
player, 34 posts
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 06:16
  • msg #153

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Having failed to respond to the werewolves attack, Hannah follows the others, not especially sure how helpful she can be.
ylva
GM, 45 posts
The GM
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 06:57
  • msg #154

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle feels confident that the altar is related. This demon is mostly worshiped by evil werewolves, so perhaps the undead werewolf was one of her followers, if she had a cult here. It looks like a sacrificial altar used for blood sacrifice, and such actions certainly have a tendency to leave metaphysical stains on the world.

Meanwhile, those continuing down the passageway find that there are numerous cracks in the stone floor. Far below, in the dark, you can hear...rushing water. An underground river, it would appear, some sixty feet down. Crossing over the water are multiple arches of stone, natural bridges of some sort, criss-crossing the river. The water looks dark, and fast, and cold.
Bristle Chonk
player, 50 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 19:47
  • msg #155

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow



Bristle's claws flexed for a moment before she forcefully willed them back into a more relaxed state. She mumbled some self-encouragement to herself in Necril, took a deep breath, and looked to her companions. In the Common tongue, she said, "Steel your minds, friends. That girl spoke to me again. Annabelle, was it? Along with something... else. I felt one or both attempt to influence me for their own purposes..." The look on Bristle's made it clear that she took grave offence to someone trying to control her in such a way.
Hester Darkeye
player, 30 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 20:31
  • msg #156

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester nods and her expression turns all fierce while the muscles in her shoulders tense.
Caleb Miller
player, 35 posts
Mon 6 Apr 2020
at 22:07
  • msg #157

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Well there is just no end to how much worse this job can get, is there?" Caleb said in response to Bristle's news before returning his focus to the river and its bridges.
"I can't see so well in the dark, but I can tell enough to know that falling in that water is probably a death sentence. Can any of you see a relatively safe way through, because the best I can figure, we'd have to make a jump at some point, and I do not envy any of our chances of reliably making it across without going for a swim."
Bristle Chonk
player, 51 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 7 Apr 2020
at 18:16
  • msg #158

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I am also leery of the water," Bristle added. "Especially since my personal version of the dream we were all gifted involved me drowning. But I do have rope, so we can tie it around peoples' waists as they attempt crossings. If they fall, the rest of us can catch them." Bristle didn't mention that she would likely be someone who needed catching. Especially if she left on her fullplate armor.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 33 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Wed 8 Apr 2020
at 03:13
  • msg #159

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell follows along with the group, quietly mulling over the alter.  Abadar was a god of civilization, so he didn't have much sway in caves and natural places.  But alters to evil werewolves were bad news period, so somewhere in the recesses of rituals, Abadar must have SOME method for wiping that place from the face of the earth.

Meanwhile, the task at hand beckoned.

"There are two paths.  Maybe there's a way that's not so damp."


OOC:

22:05, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 20 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge Religion purify the alter.

Hester Darkeye
player, 31 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Wed 8 Apr 2020
at 11:34
  • msg #160

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester moves along with the others but eventually the thought in her head pops out of her mouth.  "What DID they do to Annabelle, I wonder?" she muses, addressing her question to nobody in particular.
ylva
GM, 46 posts
The GM
Thu 9 Apr 2020
at 19:04
  • msg #161

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell clearly sees that the most effective way to remove the awfulness of the altar is also the most obvious - clean away the runes, remove the unholy tools of sacrifice and symbols of demons, and if possible destroy the slab itself. Purification.
Caleb Miller
player, 36 posts
Thu 9 Apr 2020
at 19:35
  • msg #162

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Rope might be a good idea, we could tie it to a sturdy stalagmite and use that. You can save yours though, I got this one." While speaking, Caleb tugged on a loose thread of the ratty looking robe, which somehow became a length of sturdy looking rope. He kept going for a minute or two, amassing quite the length of rope before beginning to knot it, all the better for climbing.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Using robe of infinite twine to produce ten feet of hemp rope per turn, continuing for two minutes for 200 feet of rope. I'm pretty sure there's no check to make good knots for climbing the rope, but feel free to correct me.

Arell Kirkwood
player, 34 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Thu 9 Apr 2020
at 19:59
  • msg #163

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

In the few moments as Caleb works on a way forward, Arell starts desecrating the Alter site.  He digs in his pack for his Ioun torch and any-tool--turning the device into a pick-ax--and begins smashing the unholy sigils to rubble.  Once done with that he gathers up the old tools into his haversack (careful not to touch them with bare hands) to be disposed of later.

Once the secondary concerns are dealt with, he turns his attention to the alter itself--and draws his greatsword...

OOC: pausing here in case my house-cleaning has negative effects

Next post I intend to break the alter with evil-smiting paladin-ness.  Will that require a roll of any sort?

ylva
GM, 47 posts
The GM
Thu 9 Apr 2020
at 20:17
  • msg #164

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

There's a sense of a weight lightening as Arell desecrates the altar. A feeling of a burden you weren't even aware of being lifted. There's no reprisal of any kind, though at the same time, there is a faint sense of malice directed his way.

Strength check to break it or a sunder attempt - but if you actually use smite evil, that's enough to pass.
Bristle Chonk
player, 52 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Fri 10 Apr 2020
at 03:12
  • msg #165

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle winced when Arell started destroying the alter site. She would have liked to study it and see if she could learn anything about the magics involved here, but that desire was unrelated to their current goals. She knew that Arell's actions were the correct move, as much as she loathed to admit it. Eventually, the changeling took out her own any-tool and helped him take the space apart.

In the end she didn't feel too bad about it, considering the area was helping fuel whoever had tried to control her. But when Arell went for the final smash, Bristle put some distance between herself and the smite-area and went to go check on how the ropes were coming along.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 35 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Fri 10 Apr 2020
at 03:17
  • msg #166

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Arell utters a prayer over his sword, calling on the lawmaker to rectify this travesty.

He raises his sword high and speaks in sepulcher thunder

"Be purified by the word of Abadar.  Be sanctified by his might.  Let no evil fester in this place.  Let no wickedness survive.  By Abadar, be CLEAN!"

And down goes his sword through the unholy alter, shattering it beyond recognition.  And then, almost as a final 'screw you and everything you stand for,' he pours out a vial of holy water over the rubble.

OOC: You bet your ass I'm smiting this evil.
Hester Darkeye
player, 32 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Fri 10 Apr 2020
at 06:40
  • msg #167

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

With evil smote, Hester started checking for secret doors to try to avoid the water or perhaps an easier way to cross it.
ylva
GM, 48 posts
The GM
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 02:20
  • msg #168

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The stone breaks in half with a sound more suited to cracking glass than a slab of stone. As it does, the feeling of relief intensifies, as though some impalpable weight has been lessened.

But not removed, and it remains a grim, foreboding atmosphere as you continue, maneuvering past the cracks in the stone. Once past them, the corridor dead-ends at a shaft leading down to the level with the river. Small handholds are cut in the stone, but they don't appear to have been frequently used.
Bristle Chonk
player, 53 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sun 12 Apr 2020
at 01:58
  • msg #169

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Since her burning skeletons wouldn't be able to use the rope for balance without burning through it, and since the river would extinguish them, Bristle decided to leave them behind. She left them just past the destroyed altar area with instructions to stay in the area and attack anyone who came down the passage. They could act as guards against any who may try to sneak up behind the group.

When they reached the spot with the handholds, Bristle glanced over to Caleb and said, "Good thing we have unlimited rope, huh? I'm not much good at climbing, so if you feel like lowering me down first, I can stand guard as others descend."
Caleb Miller
player, 37 posts
Mon 13 Apr 2020
at 22:41
  • msg #170

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Having finished his knotting, Caleb nodded to Bristle, looking her up and down. "Yeah, rope is always good to have. Come here and hold out your arms at the sides, I'll put together a makeshift harness for you." Caleb worked with practiced efficiency, and soon enough the rope was secured around Bristle's chest and waist.
"That should hold well enough, drop down when you're ready."
ylva
GM, 49 posts
The GM
Wed 15 Apr 2020
at 04:10
  • msg #171

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Using the harness, the group is able to lower Bristle to the bottom of the shaft. Once there, she sees the same thing Caleb had described - a river, crossed by natural stone arches that create a tangle of bridges over it. From down here, she can make out a single clear path all the way across.

Unfortunately, she can also make out five more of the undead werewolves on that path. They are standing stock still, not moving or stretching or breathing at all. Past them, at the far end, the path continues, turning a corner and following the river.

OOC: Will get a map soon, very tired now and have to do a few other posts. For clarity, the direction of flow of the river is like this.

Wall        ||
Bristle     ||
Arches    ||
Passage  ||
              v

Does that make sense?

Bristle Chonk
player, 54 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 16 Apr 2020
at 03:19
  • msg #172

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle's muscles tensed at the sight of the undead werewolves, but she unstrapped herself from the rope harness regardless. It looked like the werewolves might not attack if she stayed put, but even so, she kept her shield at the ready. She did her best to bring her companions' attention to the werewolves without being noisy, but did not want to take her eyes off of them.

If they started moving toward her, she was ready to try and exert command over them before they could so much as scratch her shield. She let her companions know as much as they came into whisper range.



Bristle is standing guard while everyone else climbs down. She is keeping a readied action to try and Command Undead if any targets decide to come close enough. Otherwise she is waiting until her allies are ready, then she will approach the werewolves and try to use Command Undead on as many as possible at the same time.
ylva
GM, 51 posts
The GM
Fri 17 Apr 2020
at 19:54
  • msg #173

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As the group moves in, the undead werewolves rise and begin to close in on Bristle. But once she uses her ability to control them, she finds that they succumb readily to her influence. The party is able to move past them, along the arches, and around the corner. There, the river goes down a steep incline, with only a narrow, slick path next to it. At the bottom, just barely visible, is a waterfall.
Bristle Chonk
player, 56 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 18 Apr 2020
at 03:16
  • msg #174

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Got any more rope for this slippery slope?" Bristle asked Caleb once all the undead werewolves were under her influence. She was glad that they hadn't been as big of a problem as they could have been. And now she had even more undead play-things! Except...

"Guys. As much as I would like to bring these beautiful bad beasties with us, I think we should destroy them immediately. I don't think I am the only one controlling them, and that could pose a danger to us in the future. Likely at the worst possible moment..." Reluctantly, Bristle ordered all of her new minions to lay on their backs with their hands awkwardly bent underneath them and their legs crossed. She then turned to those of her companions that had expressed hatred of the undead. "Would you like to do the honors? I hate breaking my own toys."
Caleb Miller
player, 38 posts
Sun 19 Apr 2020
at 08:49
  • msg #175

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Oh, I've got all the rope we could ever need. Seriously, I will never regret buying this thing." Caleb says as he begins tugging on a loose thread, slowly but steadily producing quite the length of rope and placing knots in it for easier use, looking around for something nice and sturdy to secure it to up at the top, like a stalagmite..
Hester Darkeye
player, 33 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sun 19 Apr 2020
at 09:55
  • msg #176

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester looked nervously down until finally asking if she too may be lowered down.  "I'm sorry but I can't climb over.  Yes I know, the thing is I'm not very strong."
Arell Kirkwood
player, 37 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Sun 19 Apr 2020
at 13:20
  • msg #177

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I can lower you," Arell volunteers
Hester Darkeye
player, 34 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sun 19 Apr 2020
at 13:31
  • msg #178

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester smiles and curtseys.  "Thank you", she says.  In truth she's scared of going down there.  She dreamed of a landslide, but she isn't saying anything about that.
ylva
GM, 53 posts
The GM
Tue 28 Apr 2020
at 00:11
  • msg #179

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The undead werewolves are easily put down, and the party moves down, deeper and deeper, following the underground river. Descending further, the slick path proves some hazard, but ultimately no mishaps happen, and you make it to the waterfall. The water descends another thirty feet, close to a hundred feet below the base level of the cavern. There's a lake at the bottom, a large one. It doesn't look too deep, at a glance, and there's an island in the center of it.

All of which is easy to overlook when you notice the bodies. There are...so many of them, under the waters of the lake, in various states of decomposition. Human, animal, it doesn't seem to matter.

None of the bodies seem animate. The air is cold, damp, and silent save for the waterfall. The high ceiling, well above where you're coming into this cavernous room, is shrouded in darkness.

The path continues down beside the waterfall, tight, slick switchbacks proceeding down the cliff.

Perception checks, please.
Hester Darkeye
player, 36 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 28 Apr 2020
at 09:38
  • msg #180

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

They walked, they explored and as she moved, Hester looked and listened in particular for any hint of a possible landfall, and sniffed for snakes and things.  She hoped she was alert.

10:36, Today: Hester Darkeye rolled 19 using 1d20+9.  Perception (Cause ylva said so).
Bristle Chonk
player, 58 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 28 Apr 2020
at 19:30
  • msg #181

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle kept a firm grip on Caleb's rope as they continued to descend with the others. She even cast Guidance on herself a couple times to help ensure her armored feet didn't slip. When the lake below the waterfall came into full view, Bristle couldn't help but be impressed by the sight, in a curious-about-dark-magics sort of way. "How much you wanna bet we need to get to that island?" she asked nobody in particular. "Anyone happen to bring a boat?" she half-joked.



Perception roll, with Darkvision and Deathwatch:
14:25, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Perception.

Caleb Miller
player, 39 posts
Wed 29 Apr 2020
at 01:58
  • msg #182

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"No boat sadly, and I don't trust that water as far as I could throw any of you," Caleb said as he took in the scene, eyes peeled for any sign of movement. "The path carries on further, so it could be that the island isn't what we need down here though. I wouldn't put money on it, but I can hope. Before anything else though, I don't trust these corpses to not get up out of the water and try to drown us. Bristle, you're the resident undead expert, what do you think?"


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
20:58, Today: Caleb Miller rolled 18 using 1d20+12 ((6)).

Bristle Chonk
player, 59 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Wed 29 Apr 2020
at 02:13
  • msg #183

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle cast some guidance upon herself as she pondered Caleb's question. She offered any insights about the reanimation potential of all the bodies as best she could.



21:11, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 14 using 1d20+12.  Knowledge: Religion (with Guidance).
Bristle Chonk
player, 60 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Wed 29 Apr 2020
at 19:43
  • msg #184

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

After thinking things over and carefully observing their surroundings, Bristle had some more insights to share. Urgent insights.

"I don't think the bodies in the water are what we need to worry about. I don't see anything "undead" about them. The ceiling, however, is another matter. Those aren't shadows up there. They are Shadows. Capital S. Like the things that attacked us last night. There are... lots of them..." Bristle leered nervously at the sight above them.

"Oh, and as for the island, I did notice a faint spectral form over there. Vaguely in the form of a teenage girl." She let her companions decide what to do with that information.
Arell Kirkwood
player, 39 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Mon 4 May 2020
at 14:56
  • msg #185

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"So whatever method we use to get over there.  We're going to need to fight while doing it." Arell considers, "Can anyone fly?  Or breathe underwater?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 62 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 5 May 2020
at 01:55
  • msg #186

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"In all likelihood, yeah, we may end up fighting a swarm of shadows at any moment. And I personally have no current modes of flying or breathing underwater, unfortunately." It seemed Bristle was well equipped to handle most aspects of their excursion into this cave, save for the terrain itself. "Unless someone sees a large swimming animal we could fish out from the water. I could reanimate it to give us a ride. Or use it as a paddle board." She scanned the creatures in the lake, just in case.



Bristle is looking for any animals in the lake she may be able to raise that would be able to help them cross the water. Bear, beaver, crocodile, big fish, etc. Even a horse might be helpful, if its feet would reach the bottom.

20:50, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Perception: looking for swimming critter bodies.

ylva
GM, 56 posts
The GM
Thu 7 May 2020
at 21:05
  • msg #187

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle raises a brown bear, wrenching it back into a semblance of life. As soon as the body begins to move, to answer her will, she feels another presence in the blank space where its mind would be, if it had one. It feels the same as that which was controlling the undead werewolves.

But it doesn't (can't?) fight her commands, and the group is quickly ferried out to the island. The shadows clouding the ceiling churn and writhe, flowing over and around and through each other, but they don't attack.

On the island, which is really just a shallow rise of rock sticking out of the water, there are bodies crowding the shore. But one draws your eye immediately. It looks like a girl, perhaps in her early teenage years, human, completely untouched by rot and decay of all kinds. This makes it easy to see that she did not die a gentle death, nor a kind one. The body bears the marks of her torment, bruises and cuts and emaciation.

Standing over her is a pale specter, faintly luminous, staring down at the body. They have the same features, exactly the same. The ghost looks at you, her head hanging to the side as though lolling on a broken neck. Her features are unreadable. "One, two, breaking through," she says in a sing-song voice - unmistakeably the same voice that you have heard progressing through the cavern. The voice of Annabelle Ravan. "Do you see what they did to me? Look what they did to me. Mother, I'm cold. Three, four, on the floor. Everybody knows, oh, everybody knows."
Bristle Chonk
player, 63 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Fri 8 May 2020
at 02:57
  • msg #188

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle did not particularly enjoy getting soaked on the trip across the shallow lake, but her new skeletal bear made the trip much quicker and safer for the group. Its rib cage provided ample handholds for those who were not strong swimmers, and its large size ensured they did not sink too deeply.

Once on the island, Bristle directed her new play-thing to stand at the side of the group, ready to attack at a moment's notice. The changeling woman kept an eye on the shadows above and the ghost before them, and let her fellow companions focus on the talking. After all, earlier it had seemed like Hester knew this ghostly Annabelle girl in life.



Bristle is standing guard and keeping an eye on all the shadows. If the shadows come in for an attack, she will attempt to use Command Undead on them.
Hester Darkeye
player, 37 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Fri 5 Jun 2020
at 18:06
  • msg #189

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"How dare they?" mutters Hester, "And why?"  Then she speaks somewhat louder.  "Who did this to you Annabelle and why in the name of all that is holy did they think this was okay?" Then to nobody in particular, the gods perhaps, or anyone who is listening.  "How DARE they??  She took a breath and asked Bristle, who seemed to know most about the undead.  "How can we help Annabelle?" 
Bristle Chonk
player, 64 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 9 Jun 2020
at 18:35
  • msg #190

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"The best way to get rid of them for good is to resolve the dark history that led to its creation," Bristle said briskly, trying not to divert too much of her attention from the mass of shadows above. "Try and find out what that is." Bristle knew it likely had something to do with the ghost's grizzly death and current appearance, but there was probably a bit more to it than that.
Hester Darkeye
player, 38 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 9 Jun 2020
at 18:56
  • msg #191

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester's attention is on Annabelle and she doesn't turn away when she asks, "Is that right, Annabelle?  We need to resolve what they did to you?  What do you need sweetheart?  Vengeance?  Happy to help, but against who?"
ylva
GM, 59 posts
The GM
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 00:10
  • msg #192

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Earlier, the group had moved through the haunted, abandoned village of Falcon's Hollow, finding little in the way of concrete signs of what had happened there. What you did find, though, was troubling. A children's storybook, open to a tale about a wolf and a clever child who trapped the beast in a pit, with the ending pages ripped out of the book. A logbook, left by the Andoren army contingent that had previously gone into these woods to find answers, detailing the way that they were being called to the northwest of the village by dreams and visions that had come to haunt even their waking hours, and expressing an intent to die rather than be taken by the being sending them. A house, with the only dead remaining in the village - a family, father and mother with two children, all dead by the father's hand. In that house, a chest that held far too much coin of a Taldane minting, an adamantine dagger that seemed to have something sick about it, and a cryptic handwritten note describing visions, monsters in the woods that belong to "her" as do the villagers themselves, and a final sentence of "We dealt with demons, and the demons won."

By this time, the sun was setting, and you set up a camp in the temple of Erastil, where the army contingent had made their stand before you. Shadows and animals both living and undead came and watched you, from the edge of your circle of light, and two of the shadows moved in and attacked but were dispatched. The rest left you in peace, though you each had haunting nightmares in your sleep, visions of suffering that all featured a pale woman with red hair and green eyes watching with a smile.

The next morning you had moved out to the northwest, into the forest, through shadows that were too dark and too real for comfort. You followed the trail left by the creatures that had moved this direction before you, and found a hill, with a statue of a paladin from days gone by standing atop it. It's a bad place, they say, where that paladin fought a monster and they both died, around the time that Darkmoon Vale was first settled. Halson's Grotto, they call it, after the knight who died here.

Within the cave, there were repeated manifestations of haunts, accompanied by the voice of a girl - Annabelle Ravan, who lived in the village. In fact, she lived in the same house with the family you found dead, because they were her family. Now, though, she manifested here as a haunt, speaking about suffering that she had been through - moments, it seems, captured in time. She was brought here, cold and alone and hungry, and she was tormented. There were signs of a group of evil werewolves here, who worshiped the demon lord who is the patron of such lycanthropes. You destroyed the altar you found, and moved forward, finding a way deeper into the cave's depths.

Down below, you found a deep, rapid underground river, and undead werewolves standing watch. The werewolves Bristle seized, finding another mind controlling them, but one that was not exerting control actively. Having destroyed the undead, you moved further, following the river past a waterfall and to a large lake. The water of the lake is filled with corpses, of humans and animals and other things that are not easily identified in their current state of decay. The ceiling is obscured by countless undead shadows, making it difficult to see above you. And at the center of the lake is an island, on the shores of which is the corpse of Annabelle Ravan, horribly mutilated and bearing the marks of her suffering openly, but not rotting.

Standing over it, a ghost, of a girl...
ylva
GM, 60 posts
The GM
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 00:20
  • msg #193

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Now, being questioned, Annabelle looks at Hester and Bristle. "Under the ancient shadowed trees, I sold you and you sold me," she says, in a singsong voice. Her head lolls to the side, as though on a broken neck. "They were supposed to care. They told me they cared. Through the night I hear them laughing. It isn't right. But none of them care. It isn't hard to see that stories like this end badly. All it takes is a little push." The spectral voice trails off into a giggle.

Then, abruptly, the ghost looks at you and it seems as though she is actually seeing you, and not merely talking to the air. You did not see her move, but she is closer, and standing up straight, and there is something about that gaze that is uncomfortable and upsetting. It feels like she is seeing more of you than you would care to show. "They brought me here and they took everything," she says, her voice soft, but laden with spite and anger. "Everything I had or ever could have, they took it away, and when they'd used me up they threw me down into the dark to drown. Down here, in the dark, with the rest of the trash. And they laughed. I begged for help. But nobody came..."

That focus disappears again, and she giggles some more, a broken sort of laugh, the kind that carries madness in it more than any scream.
Bristle Chonk
player, 68 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 03:24
  • msg #194

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Nobody came then, but we are here now," Bristle said to Annabelle with compassion, even going so far as to attempting to rest a consoling hand on her shoulder (albeit with a secondary motive as well). It seemed this girl had suffered gravely and needlessly. And while Bristle wasn't opposed to causing suffering in a general sense, what happened here seemed to have crossed a line.

Despite her kind words to the specter, the evil cleric still looked to Hester for guidance. Bristle did not know what to say next, and so hoped someone else would take the conversational reigns.

Meanwhile, she made sure her skeletal bear was still nearby and ready to follow any orders she may have for it.



Bristle will attempt to use her Lore Keeper ability on the spirit, if able, to learn about her abilities and weaknesses. Equal to a 27 knowledge roll if successful. It is technically a touch attack, but Bristle is not being hostile toward Annabelle at the moment. She is hoping to gain some insights that can assist in bringing Annabelle to her final rest.
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/class...ns/knowledge-domain/

Caleb Miller
player, 42 posts
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 07:59
  • msg #195

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb had been openly unnerved by the appearance of the ghost, and her speech did not help, leaving him clutching his crossbow tighter and tighter, ready to level it and fire if she turned hostile.
As she began to devolve into giggling though, the tension began to be replaced with confusion as he lowered his weapon a hair, staring at the ghost with his head cocked to one side. "Well, that's not right. Annabelle, can you focus on me? I'm not gonna ask you to spell out all the little details, mostly because I'm pretty sure you won't be allowed to, but can you point us the right way to find them in here? I promise we'll repay the favor for you," he said, raising his crossbow again for her to see, showing exactly what he meant by repaying the favor.
Hester Darkeye
player, 43 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 12:12
  • msg #196

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester was trying hard not to growl at this point.  "Why you Annabelle?" she asked.  "Why not me?  They drove me away, I think because they couldn't use me.  I was tainted you see?"  She turned to Bristle.  "That could easily have been me.  We need to find the place where the deal was done."

Then she turned back to Annabelle and she asked, "Here is where the Demon was meant to take you, but you were too strong.  Your rage at being treated so was so powerful that you had your vengeance against them but you still need vengeance against the demon don't you?  We may not be able to kill it but perhaps we could trap it for millennia of silence. Would that be sufficient to give you rest?  Or maybe you would prefer us to destroy the village and plough salt into the earth so that nothing will ever grow there again perhaps?  Or is it perhaps the shadows we need to destroy?  Are they not yours to control?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 69 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 02:50
  • msg #197

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I do not think the shadows are hers," Bristle said, after taking a few moments to try and make sense of all of the knowledge she had absorbed by touching Annabelle. "Annabelle is merely a ghost and, unless she is truly a powerful unique spirit, controlling a village of living and undead beings and a hoard of shadows should be well beyond her capabilities."

"It sounds like Annabelle is caught between the present and the past. Or, her attention is anyway. Which is why her awareness seems to keep shifting in and out. She seems particularly fixated on having things taken, being thrown away like garbage, and being in the dark, so those are likely the keys to getting her soul into a peaceful state. To go fully into Death's embrace. It may do us good to give her back her dignity and give her a proper burial. Probably in the light of the sun." Not her own preferred method of burial, but this was not for herself.

"But there are definitely other powers at work here. My guess is the woman from our dreams. Could she be the demon you mentioned?" Bristle was eager to learn more about the demon and the reasons Hester could have been in Annabelle's place. "Did this town regularly give their people to a demon?" Bristle's question was full of curiosity, but not condemnation.
Hester Darkeye
player, 44 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 10:37
  • msg #198

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester met Bristle's eye.  She opened her own eyes wide and then wider still, huge round pools of blackness.  She stretched her arms as wide as they would go.  Human arms do not stretch so far nor do human eyes open quite so wide and even if they did, they wouldn't look like that.

"I have no idea.  I was a child when I was driven out, but it answers some of the questions so it's a working theory.  I was tainted see?"
ylva
GM, 61 posts
The GM
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 18:58
  • msg #199

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Here in the dark where nobody will find you," the ghost sings, for no readily apparent reason. "Tell me, where is evil bred? One, two, she's inside you. Do you think the monsters know they're monsters? I wonder, did they ever wonder what drew them to this place? Welcome home, I've been waiting, it's just like you left it..."

Once again, her focus suddenly sharpens. She is looking at you, and she smiles. That smile is a terrible thing, too-wide and crooked. There is something in the expression that is uncomfortable, as though it is being inspired by something that smiles should not be. Her gaze, likewise, is discomfiting as it flicks to each of you in turn. It feels like being weighed, measured, and found wanting, all without the slightest bit of passion.

"I am lost," she murmurs, except the voice resonates not in your ears but within the silent spaces in your mind, "and I will never be found again."

The ghost dissolves into sparks of spectral light and vanishes.
Hester Darkeye
player, 45 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 20:07
  • msg #200

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

When your eyes are like huge black mirrors it's impossible to roll your eyes and so Hester didn't but almost under her breath she (almost of course, only almost), she muttered, "Yes Annabelle.  I know I'm a [EXPLETIVE DELETED] monster."
Arell Kirkwood
player, 42 posts
Paladin of Abadar
AC 19 HP 64/64
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 15:20
  • msg #201

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"They'd better not have been giving themselves to demons." Arell muttered.

What a mess.

"Think she's gone for good?" he asked Hester.
Hester Darkeye
player, 46 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 18:12
  • msg #202

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester looks into Arell's eyes and she doesn't blink.  Her voice is almost a whisper.  "No.  I have to believe there is hope that she can be laid to rest."
Bristle Chonk
player, 70 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 18:58
  • msg #203

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"We may not see her again, but I doubt she has passed to the afterlife just yet. But I guess that still leaves the question, 'What do we do next?' If there are demonic influences here, how do we go about tracking it down or drawing it out?" She contemplated her own question, casting a bit of Guidance on herself as she did. She offered the same magical Guidance to her companions as well, if they wanted it.



Used guidance to see what Bristle knows about locating the demon responsible (if that really is what is behind all this). Would current events be within a demon's capabilities?
13:50, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge: Planes, with Guidance - how to find demon.

Also, Bristle will cast Guidance on anyone who wants it.

Bristle Chonk
player, 71 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 6 Aug 2020
at 18:23
  • msg #204

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Actually, now that I think about it, this does not seem to be the work of an actual demon. Although they may still be involved indirectly. Especially demon-cultists. But I believe the lady from our dreams is probably the key here. Connected through Annabelle in some way. Caleb. Did you have any further insights? It sounded like you were on the verge of a realization of some sort." She hadn't noticed it at the time, but did now that she had time to process all that had been said.
Caleb Miller
player, 43 posts
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 08:35
  • msg #205

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb had been listening to the others only in the peripheral sense as they discussed the ins and outs of the ghost, preferring to keep his eyes on the Shadows Bristle had talked about. He turned his attention back to the group when he heard his name, though he certainly made sure to keep an eye upwards while he spoke. "Huh? Oh, right, Annabelle. Didn't you notice, she wasn't acting right. She was drifting in and out of awareness, but not in a normal way. Towards the end too, when she just broke down into that laughing," he said, shuddering at the memory. "That wasn't right either. She wanted to keep going but something else wanted her to shut up right then. It actually reminded me of this one time I got paired up with a mage over Cheliax way, he'd cast a spell or two and people would just do whatever he said, didn't matter what they wanted."
Hester Darkeye
player, 48 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 09:51
  • msg #206

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"So one of this pile is a dead witch and she's gone ghost?  Or are we looking for a Necromancess?" Hester still looked a little on the confused side.  Correction, Hester looked a lot on the confused side.  This habit normal people had of coming back from the dead just blew her mind.  She expected that when she died, she'd just return to primordial slime.
Bristle Chonk
player, 74 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 19:59
  • msg #207

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Not a witch's ghost," Bristle said. She began pacing as she contemplated the situation. "At least probably not. Your powers before death matter very little when you become a ghost. The circumstances of your death are a much bigger factor. A Necromancess is more likely. Or, at least something with strong necromancy capabilities."

The cleric of Death scratched her chin inquisitively as a few mental puzzle pieces seemed to fall into place. "Whatever is going on here seems to be very clearly linked to Annabelle. The strange things in town only happened after that... happened to her." She gestured regretfully toward Annabelle's body. "Her family were the only ones who were killed in town without being taken away. I was going to wait until after we faced whoever was at the root of all of this to put her to rest, but I think it may do us more good if we laid her to rest immediately. Doing so may sever an important connection the dream-woman has to this land."

Bristle moved toward Annabelle's body, ready to bring the unfortunate girl up and out of the cave with the help of her undead bear. "Hester. Where is the most appropriate place to inter a member of your village? Where would Annabelle likely be most at peace? This may not solve all our problems, but there is a good chance it will make our problems much less immediately dire." The Changeling woman made sure to keep one eye on the shadows above just in case they reacted poorly to her plan. If they could hear her words at all.
Hester Darkeye
player, 49 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 21:13
  • msg #208

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester had no wish to die ever and so no wish to be buried and if she were buried, it would be nowhere near this village but Annabelle was a local girl so Hester guessed it was probably the Cemetery just to the East of town.  "Cemetery I guess.  Do you know, I don't think I ever went to a funeral."
Caleb Miller
player, 44 posts
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 06:20
  • msg #209

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As Bristle voiced her idea, Caleb listened quietly, only to shake his head when she finished speaking. "I don't think the cemetery in town is a good idea. The girl's fixated almost entirely on betrayal, probably by that dead family with all the money in the chest if I had to take a shot in the dark. I know I wouldn't want to be buried where people who sold me lived. Maybe just take the body outside this cave for now, if you think that'll do something to make killing whatever's in here easier?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 75 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 14:27
  • msg #210

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Let's give it a try," Bristle agreed. She hoped Annabelle would be pleased when she found out the ones she had had killed were since turned into burning skeletons. "We can figure out our next steps once we get out of here alive. However, I am beginning to think that our true foe may not actually be at this location. I have a feeling she is working from afar, using Annabelle as her conduit to this location.
Hester Darkeye
player, 50 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 14:31
  • msg #211

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Hester sighed a sigh that was part resignation and part relief.  "I'm glad it's not here.  I keep remembering why I left and how they kicked me out."
Bristle Chonk
player, 77 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 13 Aug 2020
at 02:18
  • msg #212

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As she helped to secure Annabelle's body, Bristle took a moment to contemplate the cave system they were in so that she might determine if going back the way they had come was actually the best course of action. The last thing she wanted was for them to get lost down here, but based on what she knew of the surrounding terrain (aided by a spell she had cast), she knew that going forward might actually prove to be a more expedient decision.

"Caleb, how buoyant is that rope of yours?" she asked the man with infinite twine. "There's a pond about a mile from the hill we entered through. Hester probably knows the one I'm talking about. Based on the direction it's in, it seems extremely likely that it is fed by this underground river. I think we could probably get out by simply floating down river. We could secure Annabelle to the inside of my skele-bear's rib cage and mosey on down the river until we see daylight! It's up to you guys if you want to risk it though." It was obvious Bristle would be willing to try either direction.
Caleb Miller
player, 45 posts
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 06:01
  • msg #213

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As Bristle laid out her plan, Caleb shook his head. "I'd rather go back the way we came, partly because I left the rope tied up for easier exiting and because we don't know for sure where this river leads or how far we'll have to walk before it opens back out. Always better to go with the sure thing." As he spoke, he began to rhythmically strum his fingers against his crossbow's stock, tossing glances up at the ceiling. "Either way though, can we get moving?  Every second we're in here is a second those shadow things could decide to come kill us, and I'd rather not be standing where they can swarm us on all sides when they do."
Hester Darkeye
player, 51 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 11:18
  • msg #214

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"If we go back the way we came", said Hester, "Somebody will need to lift me.  I'm afraid I don't know how to climb."
Bristle Chonk
player, 78 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Sat 15 Aug 2020
at 01:46
  • msg #215

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"I'm not much of a climber either," Bristle agreed. "Especially in this armor. But I will concede that returning the way we came in has distinct advantages. Let's go." With Annabelle secured to her skeleton bear, she urged it to return upstream. She grabbed ahold of its rib cage to help herself get back across the water as well. She was no better at swimming than flying.

As she began to enter the little lake once again, she added one last nugget of insight. "Oh, and about the shadows surrounding us. Don't let a wall to your back lure you into a false sense of security. The incorporeal undead are often unhindered by such simple things as "walls.""
ylva
GM, 66 posts
The GM
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 00:29
  • msg #216

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As soon as you pick up Annabelle's body, the shadows overhead begin to roil as though they were a single body. They swoop down in graceful, deadly arcs as you frantically paddle back across the lake. Where their claws pass through flesh, they leave a cold feeling and a growing sense of anxiety and confusion. Illix falls at some point in the scramble back out of the cave; it's hard to keep track of where everyone else is. The world is a chaotic blur of shadows and light, hauling the bear's corpse along with that of the girl, sprinting for the exit. The shadows chase you the whole time, hungry and vicious as they slash over and over at your heels, all in eerie silence.

Finally, you erupt out into the light of the setting sun, and the shadows do not follow you out of the cave. You are standing in open, clean air for the first time in what feels like a much longer time than it could possibly have been. The forest trees sway around you in a light breeze. Behind you the large hill has no sign of the terrible things that happened beneath it; the statue on its summit, of a holy knight of Sarenrae, seems terribly misplaced here.
Caleb Miller
player, 46 posts
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 08:08
  • msg #217

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

As they burst out of the cave, Caleb continued running for at least ten more feet before spinning around, bringing his crossbow to bear at the entrance, his whole body taut as he breathed heavily, eyes wide as he waited for the first sign of movement to fire at.
After standing like that for maybe a minute, his breathing began to steady as he looked to the others, performing a quick head count and checking for visible injuries. "That... was awful. At least they only got one of us, and we got the girl's corpse out. Let's bury her and find shelter for the night, because I am not going back in that damned cave after sunset, not for all the money in the world."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 08:08, Thu 20 Aug 2020.
Hester Darkeye
player, 52 posts
Strange girl she is.
Coming home she is.
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 12:16
  • msg #218

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"Are we sure that Illix too can't become a matrix for Her power?" asked Hester.  Then she shrugged and added, "Let's hope not."

She too turned to face the cave, aiming the crossbow on her wrist and waiting for anything monstrous to come out.
Bristle Chonk
player, 80 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 19:16
  • msg #219

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Bristle breathed heavily as she finally made it into the light of day, her undead trailing not far behind her. She made sure the burning skeletons she had left closer to the entrance to the cave were also collected on their way out and sent them to stand in a line at the threshold of the cave. They would act as an extra deterrent for the shadows if nothing else.

"It is too bad that Illix didn't make it out, but honestly, we are lucky more of us were not swallowed by the shadows." Perhaps she would have felt more sorry for him if they had known each other longer. But as it was, the risk of death was always high in their line of work.

"But yes, let's give Annabelle a sendoff that will put her spirit at rest. Then we can hope against hope that Illix does not become a new conduit." Bristle was opperating under the assumption that as horrible as Illix's death was, it was not nearly at the same level as Annabelle's death. And therefore he was unlikely to become the same type of spirit as Annabelle. In fact, in all liklihood, Illix would become yet another shadow...

Bristle cast a bit of Guidance on herself and tried to determine the best way to lay Annabelle to rest. And then did her best to follow through on those insights.



14:13, Today: Bristle Chonk rolled 17 using 1d20+12.  Knowledge: Religion with Guidance - Lay Annabelle to rest.
ylva
GM, 67 posts
The GM
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 19:30
  • msg #220

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

The most likely place to find sanctified ground, Bristle realizes, is likely by the statue atop the hill. If nothing else, a place commemorating a knight of the goddess of the sun is as clear a place as any to stand in contrast to a death lost in darkness.

The hike up the hill is quickly accomplished, pushing up the steep slope and hurrying against the sunset. Once atop, the statue is clearly that of a warrior - armor, shield, sword. It bears Sarenrae's ankh, and the inscription beneath reads:

Sir Elias Halson

Friend
Brother
Soldier

To stand vigil against the darkness, that it not spread once more.


At the foot of this somewhat unsettling monument, a grave is quickly dug, a body lowered into it, and dirt filled back in atop. As the last shovel of dirt falls on the ground, several things happen. First, you hear a scream of cheated wrath, echoing only within your mind rather than any audible sound. Second, Annabelle's ghost reappears by the fresh grave. She raises her spectral hand, almost but not quite touching Hester's cheek, mouths the words "Thank you" silently, and vanishes with a sense of finality in the disappearance.

And finally, the tension and unease that had filled the air since you first went into the shadows surrounding the abandoned village of Falcon's Hollow snaps and fades. The shadows are merely shadows once more. There is no sick, writhing feeling of anguish, nor a sense of being watched. Merely a forest, and a statue, and a grave.
Caleb Miller
player, 47 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 06:54
  • msg #221

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

Caleb clutched his head as the screaming began, and very nearly went for his weapon when Annabelle reappeared, only to relax as she vanished, taking the oppressive weight of the atmosphere with her. As quiet descended, he simply stared at the spot where the ghost had stood before speaking.
"I'm guessing that was a good thing we did just now, so is all that's left a final scouring of the cave to reclaim Illix's body if nothing else?"
Bristle Chonk
player, 86 posts
Cleric of Death and Info
AC 22, HP 36/36
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 19:09
  • msg #222

The Shadows of Falcon's Hollow

"She is with Death now," Bristle muttered as Annabelle disappeared. She found her muscles relaxing as it became clear they had succeeded in their task. A wave of exhaustion washed over her. The ordeals of the last two days had been intense and constant. She felt she would sleep well tonight. But it was not time to rest just yet.

"Yes, we should retrieve Illix if possible," Bristle agreed. "Probably bury him here too, just to be certain that the voice in our heads doesn't get to him. And then," Bristle sighed, "I will have my burning skeletons dismantle themselves, as promised. I'm keeping the cow and the bear though. They aren't cheap to raise and I like my new bear skeleton. I have a feeling I can find a buyer for the burning cow skeleton. Unless one of you want to buy her?" Bristle would be willing to sell the burning cow, at cost, if someone wanted to ensure it got destroyed here rather than get sold to someone else.

"Regardless, other than making sure Illix's body is given the respect he deserves, we should double check to make sure the villagers are really all gone before we leave it as a ghost town. There is a chance some people were entranced like so many of the animals and were out wandering the woods or caves in a stupor. Unlikely, but possible. Other than that, I believe our work here is done..."
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