DM Corerue's Carrion Crown

Game Master DM Corerue

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Trial of the Beast Map 5


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Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

"It's Lazne he's after meaning, El. And I have a few arrows made for such things as th' white man, I'm thinking. Thank you, Andrew--it's easier you've made our lives, sure as anything."


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

“Can you tell us anything about Garrow, Starle, and Flichte, the sisters who will be testifying against you tomorrow? Do you remember doing anything to upset them?”


Female NG Half-elf (Varisian/Drow) Cleric-6 (Shelyn)| BaB: +4| HP: 39/39 | AC: 14 (11 Tch, 13 Fl)| melee +4/ranged +5 | CMB: +4, CMD: 15 | F: +6, R: +3, W: +9 | Init: +1 | Perc: +8, SM: +3 Speed 30ft | Spells: 0th: 4; 1st 4+1d/4+1d; 2nd: 3+1d; 3rd: 3+1d | Active conditions: None

"If we face some form of undead, should I perhaps speak to the local Pharasmin church for holy water?"


Female Changeling Witch 4; Init: +2; Perc: +0 (+9 - Kieli); Fort: +2; Ref: +3; Will: +4 (+2 vs Fear)

"It might not be a bad idea, Iesha. Anything we can do to arm ourselves, given how little time we have to prepare, could only benefit us."


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

When the party’s gotten all the information they can from Andrew and wished him well for the next day in court, Sour Heck unrolls his map of Lepidstadt and confers with Peredur on the quickest routes to the party’s destinations.

Knowledge (Local) roll to find the places we need to go quickly.: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26

I’m assuming the map gives a typical +2 masterwork tool bonus for this purpose. I'd take an Aid Another from Peredur, if we need one.

“First we need to get to an alchemist’s shop that will buy this wand--I heard all the ghost sounds I cared to under Harrowstone, thanks--and this Oil of Keen Edge, which should look pretty valuable to someone who might be able to duplicate it. I bet I can get a few hundred gold for them.”

562.5 gold, assuming we get half list price and that the wand is fully charged.

“I can buy some ghost salts from the alchemist for that, and get holy water for all of us there or at a Pharasman chapel. That should leave us with a little gold to split between us."

5 flasks of holy water--one for each of us--and ten applications of ghost salt cost us 325 gold total. The remainder is 47 gold and 5 silver each--add the water and coins to your character sheets.

“We might have time to grab a few other supplies on the way...”

Like Eloise’s weapon cord and wrist sheath, from some shady alley shop: 1 gold, 1 silver. Plus whatever else the rest of us want to purchase. Sour Heck slips off to buy three nice scarves and the equivalent of a courtier’s outfit, guessing at the measurements: 45 gp. I’m presuming our GM doesn’t want to bog down on every sale and purchase, so I’m handwaving all that business in this post. Storyteller, let me know if this isn’t OK.

“...but we should keep moving towards Garrow, Starle, and Flichte’s windmill, and try to get on the road to that ghost town right afterwards.”


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

"I wish we had the money for a wand of Magic Missile," Eloise says as she frowns at the map. "If it's ghosts we're facing, that spell would be sovereign."


Female Changeling Witch 4; Init: +2; Perc: +0 (+9 - Kieli); Fort: +2; Ref: +3; Will: +4 (+2 vs Fear)

"Since we're wishing, I wish I'd thought to have to hand that GhostBane ditty I had at Harrowstone. So much for leaving ghosts behind in that prizon..." Talia gives a harumph of annoyance, as if the ghosts of the world were to blame for not behaving in a courteous manner.


In the interest of moving this along after such a long pause, let's assume that Sour Heck purchased all the he wished, sans Eloise's desired wand of Magic Missile. I'll also assume that the party will be concluding their interview with Andrew

Andrew responds that he does not know of the three women that you mention.

The windmill where the sisters are located is about 20 minutes walk outside of Lepidstadt. Hergstag is roughly 15 miles away -- a much longer hike.

A chill wind descends unexpectedly on the town as the group shops for their items.


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

"It's th' sisters we should be after visiting first, I'm thinking, and then to Hergstag if need be. Perhaps we can rent horses or a cart for th' journey, as otherwise we'd not be back in time."

Knowledge (Local) check, incl. favored community bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17


Peredur checks around the small city, finding a teamster who is willing to rent a medium wagon with two horses to the party for 5 gold for a day, or 5 horses for 10gp.

The wind picks up some as Peredur is locating transportation. Leaves float in small swirls as gusts blow through the city streets.


Female NG Half-elf (Varisian/Drow) Cleric-6 (Shelyn)| BaB: +4| HP: 39/39 | AC: 14 (11 Tch, 13 Fl)| melee +4/ranged +5 | CMB: +4, CMD: 15 | F: +6, R: +3, W: +9 | Init: +1 | Perc: +8, SM: +3 Speed 30ft | Spells: 0th: 4; 1st 4+1d/4+1d; 2nd: 3+1d; 3rd: 3+1d | Active conditions: None

"Let us speak with these sisters, then and head out to Hergstag as quickly as possible."

Iesha will pick up a bandolier and (if possible) an additional 5 flasks of holy water for a total of 125g, 5s.

"Do we still have any of those haunt siphons left? If we are facing ghosts, they might come in handy."


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

"I can't quite remember whether we do," Eloise replies, scratching her head. "I wasn't carrying one at the time, so... Who was, again? Peredur, wasn't it you?"


According to the original campaign thread, Eloise, Talia and Sour Heck were each carrying an unused haunt siphon. At some point Iesha used one and Sour Heck used his, leaving one for the group.

Also, assuming the group rents horses.

Following Gustav's directions, the group will find themselves approaching a small windmill a few minutes ride north of Lepidstadt. A small, mousy woman, perhaps in her early 40's, sits on a small bench in front of the windmill, apparently engrossed in knitting some sort of heavy wool blouse. The windmill slowly turns, and a slight grinding noise can be heard from behind a small wooden door at the front of the windmill.

The woman looks up as you approach, eyeing each of you intently (particularly Sour Heck).


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

Looking sorrowful, Sour Heck rides up to address the miller.

“Is this the mill of the sisters Garrow, Starle, and Flichte? The peddler who gave us directions was a lot better at haggling than she was at geography. Wouldn’t even point the way until I bought three silk scarves, all too fancy for my my wardrobe.” He produces the scarves from his cloak, wincing as if their bright, cheerful colors hurt his eyes. “You might as well have them for yourself and your sisters, along with my apologies for intruding on your work day.”

He slides off his horse and passes the scarves to the miller, bowing over her hand. “Folks call me Sour Heck, at least to my face. I’m a bard by trade.” He leans over to the bodrán hanging from his saddle and snaps out a rapid, showy drumroll with the air of a man offering credentials. “I heard of the sorrows at Hergsstag, and I think it’s a shame no one has written a proper Pharasman dirge for the children who were killed. I intend to write something to console their grieving families and memorialize them in the history of Ustalav.”

“I’m finding it hard to find anyone who can tell me details of their last days, though. Could you and your sisters tell me about events before and after the killings?” He makes great, pleading eyes at the miller. “And if one of you could use a little extra coin, would you be willing to guide us to Hergsstag? Otherwise, we’re like to lose our bones, floundering through the Dipplemere looking for the churchyard.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19


Female NG Half-elf (Varisian/Drow) Cleric-6 (Shelyn)| BaB: +4| HP: 39/39 | AC: 14 (11 Tch, 13 Fl)| melee +4/ranged +5 | CMB: +4, CMD: 15 | F: +6, R: +3, W: +9 | Init: +1 | Perc: +8, SM: +3 Speed 30ft | Spells: 0th: 4; 1st 4+1d/4+1d; 2nd: 3+1d; 3rd: 3+1d | Active conditions: None

Iesha tries to conceal her amusement at Sour Heck's talent for - exposition.


Female Changeling Witch 4; Init: +2; Perc: +0 (+9 - Kieli); Fort: +2; Ref: +3; Will: +4 (+2 vs Fear)

Talia informs her companions she is still carrying a haunt siphon, and follows them out towards the sisters, Kieli flying out of sight. At Sour Heck's introduction, she, too, tries to conceal her amusement.


At Sour Heck's offer of the scarves, the woman stands and introduces herself as "Starle". "My, you are a sweet talker, aren't you? I imagine that comes in handy for one on your line of work. Well, you've found the women you seek, so your bribe purchase seems well spent. The sorrows of Hergstag, you say? Well, it's good you found us, as we can rightly tell you what happened as we lived there all our lives (up until 7 months ago) and witnessed the horror for ourselves." She turns toward the door and shouts,"Garrow! Flicht! Come on out. We have company!"

After a moment two other woman, somewhat older than Starle but resembling her more than a bit in face and in attire, appear at the door and brush some dust from their hands and simple dresses. They immediately eye the scarves that Starle is holding, barely hiding their interest in the colorful items. "This is Sour Heck, a well known Bard by trade, and his servants, " Starle tells her sisters as she waves her hand at Sour Heck and the rest of the group. "He says he's here to record the Sorrows of Hergstag, and has asked us to tell him of what happened there."

"Oh!" the other two coo at once. One of them turns to the other two, "Starle and Garrow, why don't you tell the master of the horrors we saw while I put on some tea?" and she walks around the side of the mill to a small cooking stove and begins to prepare something.

The older sister, Garrow, begins with "Well, let's see. It started about 9 months ago. We started losing the children, you see? They would vanish one night and then return the next day as a ghost. So it went for about a month until the culprit was found: The Beast of Lipdstadt! It boldly walked into the middle of the village holding the body of poor Ellsa." Her head drops as she sighs.

Starle continues, "Yeah, the beast was big and brutish, as you may have heard. And that accursed creature was laughing as it carried the child's broken body as if to mock our pain. As soon as we saw it, some men grabbed some pitchforks and we chased it. But try as we might, we couldn't catch it, and it escaped into the swamp. The poor innocents it killed continued to haunt our village, and before long, it became to much for us, so we abandoned the cursed place."


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

Sour Heck listens raptly to the sister’s tale. “Can’t say I blame you for leaving. Nothing sadder than having to see a bunch of ghost children in the streets at night. Well, except being a ghost child in the streets at night, with everyone you’ve ever known gone away.”

“Were they violent? Did they try to talk to people? What were their names? Was Elsa among them?”

He squints in the general direction of Hergstag, wrinkling his brow in exaggerated reluctance and foreboding. “Well, that tears it--now I have to go to Hergstag and see these ghost children for myself. If they’re lonely, maybe I can get them to talk to me about what they want and why they’re not passing on to judgement. Of course, if they’re that lonely, they’ll probably want me to stay...forever.” Sour Heck tugs at his shirt collar and swallows fearfully.

“Of course I have my friends here to protect me--or, chances are, to die horribly with me. Well, it’ll make a better story for the next bard that comes by.”

“You ladies knew these children. Is there one among you willing to be our guide, and perhaps see their poor spirits laid to rest? We’d pay gold, of course. If not, could you perhaps help us with directions to and a map of the village?”

Diplomacy, requesting aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

"Were there any other monsters about?" Eloise asks, her voice soft and pensive. "Or even just stories of them? Or stories of anything else untoward happening in the area?"


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Peredur keeps quiet and tries to look appropriately servile. (This is something of a lost cause.)


Garrow responds to Sour Heck with, "Violent? The ghost children? Well, in a way. They seemed quite twisted, appearing as shadows twisted into children's bodies and wreathed in black fire. They taunted us, often appearing just out of our sight. Wasn't much left of the original children left in those hauntings, just twisted pain, seemed like", ending with a deep sigh.

"The children's names were Allen, Gaard, Karin, Rachel, Maarten, and of course, Ellsa, is now among them after that accursed Beast killed her." continues Starle. "There's no way one of us would go back there, but we'll be happy to provide you with safe directions. Mind you pay attention to them, since the place is likely to be overgrown by now."

"As for other monsters, there were no other monsters 'sides that devil Beast. Nothing else untoward happened in the area, that I know of". Garrow will shake her head in agreement as will Flicht as she returns with tea and several small cups. "Do you allow your assistants to drink tea, Master Bard?"

Garrow and Starle will begin giving Sour Heck very detailed directions. Starle will point out that they left large traps about in hopes of catching the "Beast" as they left. She is not able to pinpoint any specifically, but says there are quite a few of them about.


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Peredur nods at Starle, then addresses Sour Heck. "Let me go first when we reach th' village, then, for I've an eye for such things."


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

Sour Heck snorts. “The heroes of Harrowstone fear no tea, madam, no matter how dark you brew it. Pour us all a cup, and in the time it takes to drink it, I’ll tell you how the Hawthorn Society came to be--how Eloise the Bold, Talia the Fair, Iesha the Wise and Peredur the Doughty put an end to the evils threatening the humble town of Ravengro.”

He quickly tells the story of four heroes who came to the aid of a warden’s ghostly widow, stopping the spectral prisoners that wanted to destroy her and escape.

Take Ten on Perform: Oratory: 10 + 8 = 18

“I wish I could do the story better justice, but we hope to make it to your old village before sunset.” He gulps down his tea and makes a face. “Too much talking cools the brew. Goodbye, ladies. Remember our souls in your prayers.”


Female Changeling Witch 4; Init: +2; Perc: +0 (+9 - Kieli); Fort: +2; Ref: +3; Will: +4 (+2 vs Fear)

Talia politely listens, sips her tea, and stays rather more quiet than usual as she hears the tale of the children.


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

“Peredur, don’t wait for my permission to get in front of me whenever there’s danger.”

Sour Heck broods on the back of the wagon as the party rides towards abandoned Hergstag.

“Twisted shadow children, engulfed in black flames--there’s something that sounds familiar about that. Some story I heard whispered in a dark place...”

Knowledge (Religion) to identify undead by description: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The bard sighs.

After the wagon’s progress has taken them well away from the windmill, Sour Heck carefully pulls a wrapped bundle of cloth out of his pack, and nudges Talia.

“Pretty horrible, this matter with the children. At least at Harrowstone the tormented spirits were guilty prisoners--not that I’m saying their punishment fit their crimes, but they weren’t innocents. And Vesorianna was at least an adult, and made her own choices that led to her haunting. I think this is going to be a lot worse to witness, not to mention that we’re all probably going to die.”

“So. Here.”

He hands Talia the bundle, which turns out to be a courtier’s outfit: A beautifully sewn black dress, nearly a gown, cut from a rich brocaded cloth that a wealthy merchant’s daughter would leap at.

“Not a sun dress, but the season’s getting a little late for that anyway. I considered asking for something to match your eyes, but explaining to the seamstress why it had to match blue and green seemed a little complicated. Black’s always in style in Ustalav, and it suits your hair. You’ll fit right in with the fanciest ladies in the courtroom tomorrow.”

“I figure you deserve it...you’re the one who spotted that the boat was too small for Andrew, and I think that went further than anything else towards changing peoples’ minds. We’re probably going to watch that sorry huge bastard burn, but with your wits, I guess we can’t just give him up for lost.”

He drums his fingers in a complicated, private rhythm on the wagon’s bare planks, thinking about what to say next. “I, ah, was going to give it to you tomorrow morning, before the trial. Not like you’ll want to slip into it before we get to the village of the damned. But by tomorrow, we’ll probably be dead, or worse than dead. So I thought I should give you the dress while I still have breath to tell you.”


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

Perform (sing) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Knowledge (religion) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Eloise hums and mutters a bit as the group moves on to the abandoned village, but her heart clearly isn't in it. She appears distracted, her eyes gazing into the distance as she racks her brain for useful information about the type of undead children described by the old women.

"I think," she starts to say. "I think I remember something..."


The sisters will wave goodbye and pray for blessings as the group leaves. Anyone looking back will notice the sisters' eyes lingering long on Sour Heck's back.

Eloise:
Remembering tales of the broken souls of people -- spawns of some wraith. Incorporeal, their touch is deadly, yet they are much less powerful in sunlight (or so they say).

What little song escapes Eloise's lips is quickly muted as the strong, chill wind increases in strength.

As the group heads toward the abandoned village, they will find the neighboring farm fields have grown untended and unchecked, and high corn now all but hides the narrow road. Peredur is able to navigate the group through the tall corn until they spy a set of 3 small buildings 20 yards ahead. The trail apparently leads straight to them and beyond, bending to the right and out of view. The sound of slowly trickling water belies the presence of a small creek 5 yards beyond the furthest house.


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

"Most likely, the children have become wraithspawn," Eloise says as the group walks. "Their touch will be deadly... And this clears Andrew yet again: a victim only rises as wraithspawn if slain by a wraith, NOT by a flesh golem."


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

With a +11 to his Knowledge (Religion) check for matters related to undead, how much does Peredur know about wraiths?

"Talia, it's thinking I am that your bird should do some looking from above 'fore we get much closer."


Peredeur:
Ah, right, you have a bonus for undead. You would know, as Eloise already pointed out, that wraithspawn (if that's what the children as described truly are) will be created by a wraith. Killing the wraith essentially frees the wraithspawn to their own will. Their touch drains one's constitution. You would also know that they're incorporeal, affected by sunlight, and have an unnatural aura that animals fear. They can fly, intimidating, and besides their immunities and resistances to corporeal weapons and such, are difficult to damage unto true death.


Female NG Half-elf (Varisian/Drow) Cleric-6 (Shelyn)| BaB: +4| HP: 39/39 | AC: 14 (11 Tch, 13 Fl)| melee +4/ranged +5 | CMB: +4, CMD: 15 | F: +6, R: +3, W: +9 | Init: +1 | Perc: +8, SM: +3 Speed 30ft | Spells: 0th: 4; 1st 4+1d/4+1d; 2nd: 3+1d; 3rd: 3+1d | Active conditions: None

KN Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Ooookay... ;P

Iesha tries to make sense of what the sisters told them, but apparently wasn't paying attention in Undead Recognition class.


Female Changeling Witch 4; Init: +2; Perc: +0 (+9 - Kieli); Fort: +2; Ref: +3; Will: +4 (+2 vs Fear)

Looking startled, but pleased, at Sour's gift, Talia says "Why thank you, good sir. It is lovely, and I should be delighted to wear it tomorrow, if we're not all dead in a swamp somewhere. I...I hardly know what to say. But I thank you again." She stammers on for a few seconds, then smiles and squeezes his shoulder in thanks.

...later

"Certainly, Peredur. Come, Kieli. Time to earn yourself a fish. See if you can spot anything from the air. But do try and stay safe." Kieli launches into the air, moving in the direction the boat is travelling.

Kieli's Perception:: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

While Kieli is airborne, the ranger mentions what he remembers of wraiths from his studies. "Eloise has th' right of it. They're things of spirit only, not bound to walk th' earth but rise above it, and only magic or special weapons can touch them. Our horses will know them 'fore we do--their unnatural existence troubles all beasts. Th' sun weakens them greatly."


Kieli begins a high circling loop around the group, drifting higher and father to the south and west, towards the running stream and beyond the buildings.

Talia feels ...Fear....Cold... as the bird circles over a spot perhaps 400 yards due west of the groups' position. It quickly returns, its feathers visibly shaking.

The 3 small buildings nearby look long abandoned, and the only (barely visible) trail runs straight west past them.

Map the sisters drew, white star is current location


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

I'm not seeing a scale on the map.


Sorry, didn't realize that got stripped. 1 square = 50 feet


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Thanks! That makes 400 yards just east of the other side of the oxbow, right?


Female Changeling Witch 4; Init: +2; Perc: +0 (+9 - Kieli); Fort: +2; Ref: +3; Will: +4 (+2 vs Fear)

Talia shivers and points to the west. "That way, not quite two furlongs distant. Kieli spotted something which made him scared. And cold..." Talia shivers again, and looks to her flying companion in worry.


Peredur, as the crow flies, sounds about right


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.
GM Storycrafter wrote:
Peredur, as the crow flies, sounds about right

Or the raven, as the case may be.


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

Eloise draws her black sword. She does not hold it aggressively, instead opting to rest it against her shoulder, but hold it she does.

"So what's our move?" she asks. "Do we try to find evidence in the village or go straight to the source of the discomfort? Because I have to tell you... I don't like it around here any better than Kieli does."


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

How long until sunset?

Sour Heck unties the banner of the Hawthorn Society and lets it unfurl, snapping in the chill breeze.

“It’s true, things look pretty bad, but we don’t know how much of what the sisters told us is true. Things might actually be much worse! The only way I can think of to find out what really happened to those children is to talk to their spirits, and that means finding them first...before they find us.”

“If Peredur’s right, we should be pretty safe from them as long as the sun is out, if we stay outside. Before the children come out to play at night, we could ride around town and find out if there are any other dangers. Maybe we’ll get lucky and be eaten by manticores and caimans before we can be turned into damned souls.”

“We might find other clues while we’re at it. Peredur might be able to find where they lurk by where the horses get nervous. We also might find a defensible place where we could lure the spirits, like the top of that hill, or if it’s still sanctified, the graveyard.”

The bard dips the flag, pointing into the village with the point of his spear.

“Lead on, Peredur! And, uh, look out for those traps the villagers left. Anything big enough to hurt Andrew would pound us to gruel. Pits, you think? Deadfalls?”


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

Assuming no objections, Sour Heck used the time on the road to apply ghost salts to the party’s heavy hitting weapons:

One application on Eloise’s black blade
One application on Peredur’s +1 keen longsword
One application on Iesha’s battle aspergillum
One application on Sour Heck’s whetted longspear
Three applications on arrows in Peredur’s quiver

That leaves three applications for later use, so don't sweat it too much if you have to whack a non-wraith with a salted weapon.


The sun is half past zenith, leaving you approximately 4 hours until nightfall.

GM Screen:

Notice trap: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 2 = 18
Trap attacks: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Trap damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 3 = 12

Assuming the party moves forward with Peredur in the lead, warily searching for traps. What is your marching order, btw?

As Peredur leads the group carefully around the block of 3 buildings, he is completely surprised as a loud snap is heard. Two massive, jagged, rusty steel jaws spring upward where he was standing, clamping tightly together. They narrowly miss catching his foot after he steps over the trap, initially unaware.


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

The ranger starts, then relaxes. "There's one."


Which way is the group going? Directly to the heart of the village or along the outer road? There's a fork there.


Male N Half Elf ("Andoren") Urban Ranger 5 ***INACTIVE*** |HP: 34/44| AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl, +2 vs. undead) | CMB: +7, CMD: 20 | F: +6, R: +7, W: +3 | Init: +5 base | Perc: +15 base, SM: +2 base |Speed 30 ft | No dailies | Spells: 1st 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

"It's thinking I am to go through th' village center, for it seems less likely that they'd trap th' places they walked most often."


Male N Human (mixed Varisian and Kellid) Dirge Bard 11 | HP: 107/90| AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMB: +8, CMD: 20 | F: +13, R: +12, W: +14 | Init: +10 | Perc: +14, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Bardic Performance Rounds: 30/30 | Spells: 1st: 7/7; 2nd: 5/6; 3rd: 4/5; 4th: 2/3| Active conditions: none.

“It’s your legs at risk, Peredur...chose your own path. Talia, could you lay a ward on him like you did when that freak spider attacked us? Maybe he’ll just lose one foot instead of both.”

The bard eyes the rusty trap with interest. “Don’t know if that great iron would stop Andrew, but it definitely wouldn’t catch a ghost. Unless...” Sour Heck’s hand falls to the pouch at his side with the ghost salts. “Peredur, do you think you could load that thing into the cart, then plant and reset it if we find a good ambush site? I’ve an idea worth trying.”


The high corn rustles loudly as the chill wind continues. The tassles bend and bob in waves across the expansive, flowing across the sea of green and yellow.

Passing over the bridge, the water below appears almost serene. Flowing ever so gently, there is little life visible on the banks or in the stream.

Approaching the first set of houses after crossing the bridge, Peredur notices a quick movement up ahead, as a small humanoid form dashes behind the house.

Updated map


Female CG Human Bladebound Magus 6 | HP: 33/51 | AC: 21 (13 Tch, 20 Fl) | CMB +5, CMD +16 | F: +7, R: +3, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Perc.: +2 | SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft. | Arcane pool 3/6 | Spells: 1st: 3/5, 2nd: 2/4: Active conditions: None

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Eloise looks around, longsword still resting against her shoulder, and mutters a quick cantrip.

Detect Magic, just in case; I'll maintain and re-cast as necessary, at least until we get in trouble.

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