The latest assignment has a small group of the Regiment assigned to act as scouts and, if necessary, as the vanguard of a strike force. It's a dark job, the kind that most soldiers would hesitate to do. There's a reason it got sent to the damned.

The town of Washaway, in Lastwall, sits on a small river. The river is why it was founded - there's enough of a current to turn a mill, and the ground around it is fertile enough to gather a harvest. For Lastwall, that's high praise. And so Washaway was founded, a long time ago, as a small farming community. It's grown a little since then. Not much.

And now it's silent. Conflicting reports come out of the place, suggesting everything from an invasion of monsters all the way to treachery and betrayal by the villagers. One thing everyone agrees on is that something bad has happened there, something very bad indeed. And so, the Forsaken got called in. The orders are simple: find out what happened, and do the needful thing.

A small group. Some new, the broken-sun tattoo on their faces still fresh; others worn-in veterans who have been in the Regiment for a while now. It hardly matters. There's a camaraderie among the dead, regardless of their time in that position.

Gabriel and Gaius had stayed ahead of the group for most of the trip, senses sharp for any hints of imminent ambush, eyes peeled for signs of a trail headed towards or away from their destination.

As they neared Washaway, a hand to the base of the neck had Gaius sitting, waiting for his master's return. Gabriel himself stole close to the outer edge, perhaps twenty or so yards from the outskirts of the village, scanning for any signs of movement or activity before returning to the others.

23:49, Yesterday: Gabriel rolled 21 using 1d20+11.  perception to spot movement in the village(+2 if applies to humans, +4 if undead).

23:48, Yesterday: Gabriel rolled 25 using 1d20+14.  Stealth.

23:46, Yesterday: Gabriel rolled 32 using 1d20+16.  Survival to keep an eye out for trails/ambush(+2 if applies to humans, +4 if undead).

Teves hung back with the main force as they get nearer to their objective.

He did go over to march near Fenix, before they reached the village. Teves pulled out a piece of carved bone about 14" long, tipped with a roughly-cut agate. "If you wouldn't mind holding on to this. I picked this up in my last campaign. It makes people larger. I obviously can't make it work, but, er, was wondering if you could use it on me if we're faced by a horde. And of course, on any of the others if the time seems right."

He handed it over gingerly to the wizard, if Fenix accepted it. "Oh, apparently the word to activate it is 'Exun'daecta'."

Then Teves lapsed into silence, switching his polearm from his shoulder to both hands as they got closer, so that it did not jut up into the sky.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Tue 30 Mar 2021.

When Sedril saw Treves holding his weapon at the ready, the young suli man drew his own weapon as well. A large adamantine scythe. "You see trouble?" he asked. "Or just preparing in case Gabriel returns with something hot on his tail?" He was expecting the latter, but was almost hoping for the former. The trip here hadn't been all that exciting as far as Sedril was concerned. Perhaps an encounter with a pack of feral dogs, or a rabid bear, might liven things up a bit. Although the chances of that happening seemed rather slim.

And so Sedril resigned himself to idle chatter in the meantime (although he still held his weapon ready). "How long do you think we should wait before we go investigate? What is the time difference between 'Gabriel is captured' and 'Gabriel is dead?' You know, dead dead." He still hadn't gotten used to living in a post-funeral world just yet. His fingers absentmindedly brushed against the Forsaken Regiment's tattoo on his face. His upbeat attitude dimmed slightly, but he tried not to let it show.

Fenix grimaced as he looked out on the countryside horizon. After days of travel the party was now surrounded by farmland as far as the eye could see and he hated it. 'I'll have to reconsider wearing robes next time I leave, the damn thing gets caught on even the smallest twig' he thought as he readjusted the heavy robes he usually wore. The realization that someone had addressed him tore the wizard from his inner thoughts. He turned to face the man who showed him with what appeared to be a wand. "Oh. Yes, I see. It looks like it could be a serviceable item, the aesthetic is very interesting. I will make sure to use it if the need arise", Fenix said with a thin smile as he accepted the gift. Once Teves had turned away the wizard made sure to wipe the bone off with his cloak.

After the exchange Fenix joined the others in waiting for the scout to report back. "Does that happen often, getting captured I mean? I didn't think to place tracking spells on all of you", the wizard said half-sarcastically. After a pause though he continued with a more serious tone. "So what is the plan? Gabriel reports the monster and then the rest of us charge in with very large weapons?"

Ashell hung towards the back of the group as they journeyed. Despite the appearance of being slow and unobservant, the piercing eyes behind his mask saw much. He hadn't spoken much since they were given their assignment - though he had given his name. Having to rely on "Hey, you!" in combat situations was dangerous.

As they got closer to the town of Washaway - a peculiar name for a town if he ever heard one - he slowed and got quieter. He drew his shortbow for the moment and pulled out an arrow as well, getting it ready but not tightening yet. His eyes began to slowly look around to see if there was an ambush waiting for them...or any dead bodies.

He glanced at his talking companions. "Do you plan to draw any enemies out with your talking?" There was a hint of dry amusement in the question.

He stepped forward, making little noise, as he scanned the area.

23:23, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 29,6 using d20+12,d6. Perception (total 35).

23:25, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 25 using 1d20+12.  Stealth (if needed).

"Does it much matter if we do? We are the dead who's hearts still beat." Rasiel's reply is soft, as most of his speech as been the entire trip. He casts his eyes towards the town ahead, then murmurs a quiet prayer under his breath as he draws his battle axe and readies himself for a potential combat. "Your plan seems as good as any, Fenix."

Gabriel goes and looks at the town more closely, spying for movement. What he finds is...concerning.

After observing for a few minutes, Gabriel slowly slunk away from the town and back towards his companions. Picking up Gaius along the way, he emerged from a bush some ten feet from the rest of the group. "It's just us, stay calm," he said as he and Gaius rejoined everyone else. "I have observed the town, and from my preliminary observations, it would seem our superiors were right to send us. Everyone I was able to see seems to have been bewitched by something fairly powerful, they're all staggering about like charmed puppets."

Teves approached the scout and asked in a hushed voice, "Are they congregated in any one area? Can you show us a path of approach that is out of sight of most of them?"

The aging soldier had no desire to have to fight those who were being used against their will.

Hushing his voice like Teves did, Sedril moved closer to add his own (uneducated) perspective to the strategy conversation. "Can we snap them out of their daze? Maybe slap 'em on the cheek or something? Or does 'bewitched' mean we gotta kill a witch that is controlling them? 'Cause I've never reaped a witch soul before." Sedril ran a hand along his scythe, almost eagerly. "First time for everything though..."

Sedril wasn't very smart when it came to, well, most things, but he still knew enough to look toward their resident wizard for options on what to do about puppet-people.

Gabriel thought over Teves' question for a few moments before nodding slowly. "They were shambling all about the place, but I believe I could do so, depending on where we were headed and everyone's ability to move with stealth."

Having said that, he looked to Sedril. "I am not certain, my magical education was limited largely to more... practical applications. How to recognize its presence, know what someone is casting, that sort of thing," he said with a shrug. "I suspect Fenix will know better than I," he added, looking to the wizard in question.

Ashell nodded in agreement with Gabriel's words. "I did not see any sign of violence or anything destroyed, nothing unusual..." He spread his hands. "...aside from how the townspeople are acting, of course."

He listened as the other spoke on further. He frowned lightly behind his mask. "I think we should proceed with caution. I am fine with seeing what we can do to...'snap them out of it', as it were, but if that causes them to all turn on us or something, I do not wish to harm them if we can help it. Perhaps to start with, we can find one...on it's own more or less?"

Gabriel returned exactly as Fenix had anticipated. The diviner definitely had not been caught off guard and he definitely had not jumped slightly when the beast emerged from the forest. He paused for a moment to compose himself before he joined the conversation. He nodded along as he listened to the others strategize. "If the entire town is enchanted then I think we have bigger problems than the villagers. Putting one or two people under your control is something a normal mage could do, dozens of people though? Whoever or whatever created that effect is formidable. If we cause a scene an unknown caster might be able to catch us off guard. I don't like the idea of Sedril's scythe suddenly turning and attacking me."

The diviner paused for a moment to let his warning sink in before he continued on. "I think Ashell might have the right idea. Have we checked the area around the village? It's a farming community so there is a chance someone didn't live in the town itself and might have escaped their fate, or at least is isolated from the others.

If we want to go directly to town I agree we should try to sneak up on them, although I'm not great at sneaking about. I can't determine what magical effect they are under unless I can see them for myself. However in the event we are spotted might I suggest a, uhh, well a kidnapping? If we can grab someone and get them away from the village I'll have a chance to examine them. I might be able to figure out what has happened and possibly dispel the effect."

Rasiel's face grows troubled at the mention of 'bewitched' townsfolk and he lowers his axe. When the idea of capturing one of the villagers without alerting the others is raised he nods emphatically, adding, "I have no interest in risking or taking the lives of those who may yet be saved, though now I wish they'd sent us with more in the way of magical assistance." He turns his attention to the stealthier members of the party and continues, "Gabriel, Ashell, do you think the two of you could isolate and capture one without raising any alarm so that Fenix can safely examine whatever compulsion has taken them?"

"Yeah, I'm not so great at sneaking either," Sedril said, stating what the others had likely already guessed. He tapped on his mithral breastplate for emphasis. "But I am faster than most. And pretty strong. So if Gabriel and Ashell can grab someone, I can rush in and carry them out if needed. I can watch from a distance with my bow ready until then," he suggested. He stowed the intimidating scythe he held and quickly retrieved his composite longbow instead.

---

For reference, Sedril has a speed of 50 (walking and flying), and can carry another 63 lbs before moving into medium load territory. Over 200 lbs before he gets into heavy load territory. 410 lbs before he reaches his max load. So he could carry one or two unconscious villagers on his shoulders if need be, and still retain a walking speed of 35. If they take a single small child, he probably wouldn't be slowed at all.

Gabriel thought over the proposition that he and Ashell abduct someone with a conflicted expression, seemingly waging some form of internal war before shaking his head and speaking up, a measure of distaste coloring his voice."I believe Ashell and I could incapacitate someone off on their own without much effort, yes. Gaius can drag the unfortunate soul without much trouble, but I would appreciate having support nearby in case it all goes wrong. Any volunteers?"

Ashell hesitated and then gave a nod. "Yes. I am...somewhat trained in dealing non-lethal blows to others." There was a slight pause and he spoke on as if feeling the need to explain, It comes in handy when dealing with unruly...patients." He changed the word he was going to say from 'subjects' to 'patients' with barely a pause.

He patted the rapier at his side.

"I'll try to stay within 100 feet and cover you with my bow," Sedril reassured Gabriel. "Far enough that they hopefully won't hear me, but close enough that I can charge in and Pounce into combat if needed. But I think you two will do just fine."

Ashell and Gabriel, moving up on the outskirts of the town, find someone standing at the edge of the forest, hacking away at a tree with an axe. He is clearly no lumberjack, lacking the upper body strength normally associated with that profession, and his movements are both clumsy and monotonous, the axe rising and falling with the steadiness of a metronome.

He looks up at the approach of the two, hearing some faint noise from their footsteps on the forest floor, and manages to let out a strangled cry. But it doesn't appear that anyone heard, and he is quickly, easily subdued.

Sedril watched with both excitement and a hint of anxiety as Ashell and Gabriel did their thing. From his hiding spot further off, he kept his arrow ready to fire if any trouble arose. But it was looking like it wouldn't be necessary after all. He instead readied himself to assist in carrying the axe-man once Ashell and Gabriel brought him closer.

The young suli man was eager to hear what the more inquisitive minds in their group would discover.

 Gabriel had hung back and let Ashell actually bring the poor man down, instead choosing to produce a length of rope from his robe. He moved in quickly once the man hit the ground, hogtying him with the efficiency that can only come from long experience. After that, a quick command had Gaius dragging their victim back to where Sedril was waiting by the collar of his shirt.

There may or may not have been a momentary pause for concern from Gabriel when Ashell drew his rapier as they approached. He shifted his grip slightly and when he walked up behind the man, he punched outwards with the hilt first rather than the blade, intending to give the man a non-lethal bludgeoning knockout. And as he had stated previously, it did indeed look like this was not the first time he had done this.

He then turned his masked face back to Gabriel as he sheathed his rapier once more. "Are you strong enough to carry him yourself, or shall we each take an end?"

Looking up from where he was securing the ropes, Gabriel replied. "Gaius can manage his front well enough, but I would appreciate some help with his legs, thank you."

The man is quickly bound and carried back away from the village to the group. He appears to be stirring by the time they reach the rest of the Forsaken, but doesn't say anything, just looks warily from one person to the next.

With the man brought before everyone else, Gabriel made a quick job of untying him. As he did so, he spoke softly, hoping to keep him calm. "You can relax, we're not going to hurt you. We just need to examine you, maybe ask a few questions."

Ashell looked the man over carefully, first without actually touching him or doing anything, just observing. He asked his allies without taking his eyes off of the man, "Can someone please cast Detect Magic on him? I am curious to hear the results."

To their 'prisoner' he asked, "Hello. My name is Ashell. Can you tell us your name?" He watched them intently to see what, if any, reactions they showed. And if they spoke.

22:43, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 15 using 1d20+12.  Perception (Sense Motive is 1 less if needed instead).
22:43, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 2 using 1d6.  Inspiration die.

When the crew got their target back to the group, Sedril felt it best to remain quiet and let them do their work. Although he had decided to switch his bow for his scythe again and stood not far away somewhat menacingly. His eyes almost dared the person to try and escape. And his eyes simultaneously Assessed their abductee, letting the vorpal knight catch a glimpse into the poor man's soul.

---

Sedril is using his Assess ability on the person they captured.
Assess: As a move action, I can focus on a 1 target and determine its HD and class levels. (I don't believe it tells me what those class levels are though.)

I am also attempting to use Intimidate to make sure he doesn't try anything against us.
14:34, Today: Sedril Crovast rolled 37 using 1d20+20.  Intimidate.
Hope he doesn't pee his pants...

Fenix clapped his hands when the other members of the Forsaken returned with the bound man. "Well done, I knew you would succeed. Now let me have a look at him." Fenix mumbled a few words and his eyes briefly flashed crimson. He then poked and prodded the captive as he looked for signs of magic on the person.

Cast 'Detect Magic' to view any auras on the captive.
21:01, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 20 using 1d20+15.  Knowledge Arcana: Identify a spell effect that is in place.

Seeing that the abductee is safe and in good hands, Rasiel lets the more magically inclined of the group do their work and silently steps away to keep watch, just in case their actions have been noticed.

The prisoner remains still and calm, eerily calm, as he is examined.

"Can't speak to the magic on him," Sedril said in semi-hushed tones from the back of the group. "But his soul is quite puny. I've seen sheep with a stronger soul than this guy." Of course the strength of the man's soul had absolutely nothing to do with anything, but Sedril liked to feel like he was contributing. And it helped to break up the quiet as the more educated members of the group did their thing.

The wizard stroked his chin after he had finished examining the villager. "It as I expected. He is under some sort of enchantment spell, a complex charm effect. I might be able to dispel it but I can not be certain." Fenix paused his speech and reached into his bag. He dug around for a moment before he pulled out a thick worn book. "I did not prepare the appropriate spell however it should not take me long to memorize it."

Fenix flipped to a page near the back of his book and studied the spell he wanted to cast. After a minute he put the book away. "I am now ready. Let us see if I can dispel the magic that has grabbed hold of his mind." The diviner took a moment to peer into the future to help him before he chanted and held a hand out towards the man.

Fenix prepares 'Dispel Magic' for his open 3rd level slot.
Free Action: Prescience (1/8) to replace any d20 roll this turn with (12).
Standard Action: Cast 'Dispel Magic' to use a 'Targeted Dispel' effect. I'll replace the natural roll with Prescience roll. New Dispel Check total = 19

12:36, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  Dispel Check.
12:35, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 12 using 1d20.  Prescience (1/8).

The spell takes effect, ripping the charm away. The man slumps to the ground, eyes rolling up in his head. He appears to be alive still, but unconscious.

Ashell walked forward and then knelt down next to the person. He checked for a pulse and breath. Then he stood once more and stepped back.

"Hmm. We should wait for them to awaken and see if it worked but..." He let out a sigh. "I have other thoughts but will wait to see if this worked first."

OOC: Luckily Nat 1s on skill checks don't mean super-bad things happen.

12:46, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 6,4 using d20+5,1d6.  Heal check on the unconscious man.

As the man collapsed, Gabriel caught him beneath the arms and eased him to the ground. Once he was settled, he looked up to the others, Fenix in particular. I presume that means it worked then. While we wait for him to awaken, what can you tell us about the spell that held him Fenix? I expect your insights will far outstrip my own."

Not too eager to hurry up and wait, Sedril nudged the unconscious man's shoulder with his toe. He drew upon the power of one of his consumed souls as he did and channeled a bit of healing magic into the guy. He wasn't sure if it would work, but he figured it wouldn't hurt. "Wake up, you lug," he muttered as he channeled the magic.

Despite his impatience, Sedril still listened curiously for any explanations Fenix might provide.

---

Used one of my 5 Cure Light Wounds SLA for the day. Maybe it will help rouse the man back to consciousness. Maybe not. Either way, he should heal for 1d8+5 HP (I rolled 6 for HP healed).

14:26, Today: Sedril Crovast rolled 6 using 1d8+5.  Cure Light Wounds.

The wizard chanted and with a flourish finished his spell. He felt the resistance of the spell before it broke and then watched the man pass out. Fenix winced as the others started to surround him. 'Shit. Did I mess something up? No. No I did it correctly, I think' he thought as the others started to try to wake the man. "I'm afraid I don't have much else to offer. The enchantment was rooted deep within him and I can confirm it is gone. That is the extent of my knowledge. Just poor some water on him or something and he should awaken."

The healing has no apparent effect, but as the water splashes on the man's face, his eyes open. They are strangely vacant, no hint of alertness or focus. His face is set in a blank smile.

Sedril snapped his fingers in front of the man's face a few times. "Anyone in there? What's wrong with him?" Once again, Sedril looked to the more knowledgeable members of the group to diagnose the man.

Ashell let out a sigh of slight frustration as the magic didn't seem to....'correct'...whatever was wrong with the person. "That is admittedly disappointing."

He walked in a slow circle as he pondered the situation. He spoke, almost to himself really. "We need more information. I think two of us sneaking in once more and poking around discreetly may be beneficial. Or we could all walk in brazenly and see if they even bother reacting. If they do, we learn something and can retreat. If they don't react, we can investigate with impunity." One finger tapped the 'chin' of his mask as he spoke.

"I could do a fly-by," Sedril suggested. "Draw their attention and see if or how they react? Then everyone can sneak in while they are gawking at me, or attack them if they harpoon me and reel me in." He shrugged, unsure if his suggestion had been a good one.

Fenix scowled at the villager who seemed to be in a daze. Surely that couldn't have been right? He scratched his forehead as he thought about the other suggestions. "Sending in one person to just go up and talk to them might not be the worst idea. Preferably someone who can reasonably outrun the villagers if they turn hostile. Even if they are under some magical influence we might be able to get some information. If the source of this magic is still around at worst only one of us would be incapacitated. Then they can retreat, cover their tracks, and meet back here so we can see what we learn. Meanwhile we can at least try to talk to this man here", Fenix said as he pointed to the man in a stupor.

Gabriel listened to the back and forth conversation but offered no input as yet, instead busying himself with looking over the man for any physical hints about his condition. As he did so, he attempted to engage their subject in conversation. "My name is Gabriel, can you tell me yours? Do you feel ill?"

ooc: 23:59, Today: Gabriel rolled 22 using 1d20+13.  Heal-does this man seem to be under the influence of some substance?

"I'm probably the fastest one here," Sedril replied to Fenix with a slightly boastful attitude. "I'm a fast walker, and I can even fly as fast as I walk when needed. I'm sure I can get people to answer questions I ask them too, whether they want to or not." He ran a thumb along the edge of his sythe intimidatingly. Then his face took on a much more sheepish appearance. "I just... Well. Maybe it would be good if you wrote down some of the questions I should ask though."

---

I'll volunteer Sedril to go into town head-on. He has walk and fly speeds of 50, and his Intimidate skill is his only real stand-out talent. (He is also decent with Handle Animal for some reason.)

The man says nothing in response to the inquiry, merely sits and stares into space.

Gabriel sat back, confused. "I can see no evidence of any narcotic substances inside him. Fenix, are you certain you purged the magic from this man?" As he spoke, Gabriel began snapping his fingers directly in front of the unresponsive man's face, trying to elicit any kind of reaction.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Sun 16 May 2021.

Fenix's scowl deepened as he heard Gabriel's request. "I assure you my spell worked just fine!" Afterwards he turned again to face the man who seemed almost catatonic. "Okay fine, I will cast the spell to humor you" he grumbled as he started to cast the spell. His eyes once again glowed briefly. As he gazed at the civilian he pondered Sedril's question. "I would start by asking them some basic information. See if they can give you their name and the name of the town to confirm they are lucid. Then ask them if anything strange has happened in town lately, maybe ask if they have had any visitors? I'd ask a few different groups if possible, see if their stories collaborate each other."

OOC: Cast 'Detect Magic' to view any auras on the captive.

Fenix detects no magical auras on the man, who does not respond to the comments going on around him. He simply stares into space, seeming lost within his own mind.

Sedril nodded after Fenix gave his opinion on what to ask, then waited a few moments for them to wrap up what they were doing before he headed back toward the town. He approached on foot at a normal pace with his scythe in hand, but he did not wield the weapon menacingly. Yet. He tried to look casual. Like a traveler just entering town after a day of travel.

When he got near somebody, or it was clear he had someone's attention, he asked, "Hey buddy, what's your name? Could you tell me what town I'm in?" He figured he would try asking the nice way first...

Ashell shook his head. "No." He sighed. "No, this is not getting us anywhere." He tapped his masked chin once more in thought. Then he gave a small half-shrug. "Well. I think we should decide on a course of action, be it someone walking openly to see if they react while others sneak, all of us just entering the place together and seeing how they react, or something else."

He spoke again, "I personally say we just walk in openly and look around."

Gabriel sat back on his haunches, staring at the man before them with a look of dawning horror intermingled with pity. "Fenix," he said, his voice faint even by his own standards, "Would you perchance know any sort of magic to peer into the minds of men, and if so, would you gaze into this one's? I wish to confirm a suspicion of mine."

"M'name is Jacek the man in the village says, sounding friendly if distracted. "You're in Washaway. What can I do for you?"

Fenix snorted at the request. Could a wizard of his caliber peer into minds? Of course he could! If anything he wasn't sure if the drooling thing in front of him even had a thought worth noting. He had turned to tell Gabriel all of this when he saw the expression on the man's face. So instead he shrugged his shoulders, "I can view his thoughts but only on the surface. If the man isn't coherent I wasn't sure if his thoughts would be any better. Never hurts to be thorough I guess, everyone stand back." The wizard reached into his robe and pulled out a large copper piece. He chanted a few words and lifted the coin to his ear.

Fenix casts "Detect Thoughts". Unless something happens Fenix channels for 3 rounds which allows him to hear surface level thoughts. Will Save DC is 18 if he wants to resist.

"Jacek, eh?" Sedril replied to the man in town even as his companions were back with the blank villager doing their literal thought experiments. The vorpal knight looked at the villager with heightened scrutiny as he continued to talk to Jacek. "And this is Washaway? Good. Good. Say, um, uh... has something strange happened in town recently? Maybe related to a recent visitor?"

Sedril was mentally kicking himself for his own lack of subtlety. But then again, he always had been better at the direct approach when it came to these kinds of situations.

---

Might as well use Assess on this guy too, just in case the lucid guy is different from the guy they had kidnapped.

Assess: As a move action, I can focus on 1 target and determine its HD and class levels.

Fenix detects no thoughts within the man's mind - not few, but none. It's like attempting to read the mind of a tree.

Meanwhile, within town, Jacek shakes his head. "No, sir, nothing like that. Things are quite normal here."

Sedril detects that this man has 3 HD, and is a level 3 ranger.

Sedril gazed around skeptically to see if what the man said was true. Gabriel had reported that the townspeople were staggering around like dazed puppets. If nobody within sight was acting that way, maybe Gabriel had been wrong? Oh! Or maybe they only acted like puppets when they didn't know anyone was looking.

---

Does everything actually appear to be normal?

As reported, people are going about their business in a daze, clumsy and imprecise in their movements.

With abundant suspicion in his eye, Sedril slowly backed away from Jacek without another word, then headed toward one of the people obviously in a daze. He then repeated the same greeting he had given to the ranger. "Hey buddy, what's your name? Could you tell me what town I'm in?"

---

Trying to talk to another person to see if the new person becomes less puppet-y, and to see if Jacek becomes more puppet-y after no longer interacting with Sedril.

Edit: Might as well Assess them too.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Fri 04 June 2021.

Fenix blinked several times as he scanned the man's mind. The wizard had expected some nonsensical thoughts floating around, but to find absolutely nothing? He stroked his chin as he turned to face the others. "It seems whoever this man was his mind is completely blank now. Gabriel does this confirm your suspicions?" While he waited for a reply he physically inspected the man's head to look for signs of anything unusual.

15:51, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Perception on man's head.

Gabriel's face fell even further when he heard Fenix's findings. "Yes, it does. This man is dead in every way which matters," he said, looking down at the sack of meat and bone that used to be a person with a terrible pity in his eyes. "He reacts to absolutely nothing, he makes no sounds or movements, and his mind is devoid of awareness. Frankly, I'm surprised his body can even breathe on its own."

As he spoke, he knelt down next to the body, and with a subtle flick of the wrist, one of his knives was in his free hand. "This is not a person, nor is it an animal. This is a lump of meat that doesn't yet realize it's dead,"he said as he positioned the blade against the jugular. "This... This is a mercy," he said, in a tone that betrayed he didn't believe his own words as he tightened his grip and prepared to open the vein.