The Carrion Crown (E7 goodness with House Rules frosting)

Game Master Helaman

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Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

"Ah, there are indeed baby crocodiles here. Look, a nest. Perhaps if we move the boat away, we can safely pull up the rope."


You'd have to pull it up the bank and inland - the tree the boat is moored to, a swamp willow extends out into the water itself and pulling it around the bank would need to go past the nest.


Simeon Plavini wrote:

At Elidal's cry, Simeon hurries over to the camp. Puttering about his notes the coracle and the firepit, but lingers over the gory 'mask'.

"What purpose? Ceremony, psychosis? " he mutters as he gently pokes at the dead flesh with his dagger.

Looking up, he stands and takes the vial from Elidal, holding it up to the dim sunlight...

The gory relic has been prepared in some way, else it would have rotted away. The inside of the skin in not a flensed unprepared mess. It is clear that this was designed to be worn as a mask over someone elses features, though how they'd get the mouth and eyes to move is anyones guess.

The contents of the vial, when opened smell vaguely of carrots. It seems to be some sort of alchemical distillation rather than a potion.


SHEET

Ah! Nalun retreats from the water standing well clear of it. He makes sure that Emmett is between him and the water.


HP 10/15 | AC 14 | Acr +4 Dec +4 His +2 Ins +4 Int +4 Inv +2 Perc +4 Pers +5 SoH +4 Ste +5 Sur +3 | Saves: S -1, D +5, C +1, I +0, W +2, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +4 | PPerc 14; PIns 14; Pinv 12; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 2/2 | Spell DC 13 Att +5 (1: 2/3) | BardIns 2/3 | Status: Normal | Insp: Yup! |

Emmett rushes over to Elidal's side, readying his ranseur, preferring its reach to the weight of the axe. He points the weapon at the waters and steals himself to receive a charge when he says: "A mask!? That's gruesome. Poor fellow who's 'given' it, think he's from around here? I'd say it's some scary cult... Sounds like what the W would do?"


Inactive

"Whew..." Elidal sighs as she sheathes her sword. Turning to the others, she gives them a rather embarrassed look. "I really should have known better, shouldn't I? It seems like those things are everywhere in the waters around here. And I'm sure that nest over there isn't helping matters. However, there was definitely something attached to the other end of that rope...I'm curious to see what it might be, if we could figure out a way to move around that nest without drawing the mother's ire."


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

I'm not getting the set up. do we have to go into the water to untie the boat? Is the nest under the willow?


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
Emmett Escheus wrote:
"A mask!? That's gruesome. Poor fellow who's 'given' it, think he's from around here? I'd say it's some scary cult... Sounds like what the W would do?"

"There is a nation of cultists that wear masks neighboring Ustalav, I have heard. I do not think they are make of flesh though. If only the skull were attached, I might be able to question it."

"I would like to see what is attached to the rope. It is unfortunate for the crocodile that I am tired and my patience is wearing thin. Though Pharasma honors birth and motherhood, I do not think that applies to reptiles."


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Gently lifting the mask, Simeon curses himself for not being more prepared "Elidal, I did not prepare a cantrip to detect dweomers....could you?" he asks, obviously embarrassed.

-Posted with Wayfinder


Jaru Toth wrote:
I'm not getting the set up. do we have to go into the water to untie the boat? Is the nest under the willow?

Elidal could re-enter the boat with you guys holding it so it doesn't drift away, cut the rope and then exit the boat with you pulling it up the shore... I am happy for this to work without momma gator attacking. I reward smart play and combat is always best avoided


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
GM Helaman wrote:
Elidal could re-enter the boat with you guys holding it so it doesn't drift away, cut the rope and then exit the boat with you pulling it up the shore...

OK, That's what I was wondering.

Jaru rolls his eyes at the unprepared wizard and passes his symbol before his eyes casting detect magic. As he studies the mask, he gestures tiredly toward the boat.

"Elidal, stay clear of the water, but I believe you could move low down the center of the boat and cut the rope tied to the tree. Nalun and Emmett can hold the boat for you. I'll keep you covered with my crossbow. Once the boat is pulled up on the shore, it should be easy to draw in the other line."


The 'face' has no magical residue.

In short order both boat and its attached bag is pulled ashore.

The sack is very large (big enough to hold a Medium-sized humanoid in fact) and has blood stains soaked into its fabric. The sack holds some rope, a gag, a rusted lantern, a trio of heavy knives, and a rusted shovel.


HP 10/15 | AC 14 | Acr +4 Dec +4 His +2 Ins +4 Int +4 Inv +2 Perc +4 Pers +5 SoH +4 Ste +5 Sur +3 | Saves: S -1, D +5, C +1, I +0, W +2, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +4 | PPerc 14; PIns 14; Pinv 12; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 2/2 | Spell DC 13 Att +5 (1: 2/3) | BardIns 2/3 | Status: Normal | Insp: Yup! |

"Why hide such... uninteresting equipment!?" shrugs Emmett, waxing curmudgeon.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
Emmett Escheus wrote:
"Why hide such... uninteresting equipment!?"

"Hardly uninteresting." Jaru says with disgust and perhaps a little fear. "They might signify er, more civilized Eaters of the Dead or harvesters anyway. Is it possible they sought to create more creatures like the Beast?"


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Simeon, looking a bit dejected that the mask displayed no magical properties, brings it with him as the contents of the bag ate revealed.

Nodding, he responds to Jaru's speculation "My thoughts exactly, Jaru. These implements could very well have been used to harvest body parts for a cruder version of our artificial client."

He crouches and begins an examination of each item...

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

-Posted with Wayfinder


Nothing that Simeon can see gives him any further insights.


HP 10/15 | AC 14 | Acr +4 Dec +4 His +2 Ins +4 Int +4 Inv +2 Perc +4 Pers +5 SoH +4 Ste +5 Sur +3 | Saves: S -1, D +5, C +1, I +0, W +2, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +4 | PPerc 14; PIns 14; Pinv 12; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 2/2 | Spell DC 13 Att +5 (1: 2/3) | BardIns 2/3 | Status: Normal | Insp: Yup! |

Emmett pales a little at Jaru's and Simeon's comments.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru ponders while rubbing his eyes. "What have we learned here? I do not remember the Defendant having the bite wound specified by the local witness so that casts doubt on the witnesses. And these tools serve as evidence of grave robbing. Simeon mentioned his suspicions that the Sanctuary might have been engaged in selling corpses as well. That seems to be the only common thread here other than some tall poorly seen figure that has been mistaken for the Defendant."

"We should return now though perhaps stopping at the next town to see if they have a proper inn. I am too weary to return to Lepidstadt at this point."


Inactive

Elidal sighs wearily, rubbing at her own eyes. "I'm as anxious to get some rest as you Father Toth but before we go, perhaps we should ask Lazne or one of the other villagers if they've had trouble with grave robbers in the past or if any of them ever noticed anything unusual happening before the murders began...or if they've ever had any trouble with any other outsiders at some point."


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru gives shrug. "We must return the boat anyway. It would probably be fair to give him something for its use and perhaps we will learn something else, if it is Fated."


Lazne is about the same as you left him an hour or so ago and the small village such as it is has come to life with a few people, all dirty and grey complexioned as Lazne is himself sitting outside their huts or fishing, washing clothes in the water and the like. A few children move along the walkways between the huts.

Dint get et by 'gators then? Hows' th boneyard? We's doen us ut' no more.


Inactive

Elidal hesitates for just a moment, debating on how much to tell Lazne of what they discovered out in the old graveyard. "Ever had trouble with grave robbers, Mr. Lazne? It looks like it was done some time ago, but there were about six graves that had been emptied at some point. Other than that, didn't find too much out there."


Grave robbers? Well gods darn! Nope - we's keeps to ourselves an' we's wantin' others t' leave us be - can't say we noticed any grave robbin'.


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

"Of course not." Simeon says blandly, his friends realizing how hard it was for him not to sneer. "Was there perhaps a caretaker, responsible for the care of the boneyard, before it was rendered unusable?"


The man spits out some foul juice and then chews some more.

Caretaker? We's takin' care of our own - we's only goin' there when we've someone t' bury. An now? No one be goin' there. You be makin' some round ere nervous... Maybe y'all should just leave.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
GM Helaman wrote:
Maybe y'all should just leave.

"Yes, but I would consider finding a proper priest to care for your Boneyard. That is, if you care about the souls of your deceased."

onward, eh?


Its late morning when you leave - one of the villagers pushing a reed basket of cooked catfish into Jaru's hands just before he mounts up and your journey back to Lepidstadt is tiring but without incident or event. However you find Gustav Keppel waiting for you at the livery stables, fairly hopping from foot to foot.

Tha...than... thank Pharasma you are b... b... back! I n... need you to do an... an... another interview and quickly! First wh... wha... what did you find?


Inactive

By this point, even Elidal is feeling the effects of going without rest. She sighs wearily and rubs at her eyes, which feel dry and gritty. "Not a great deal, I'm afraid. They didn't seem very keen on speaking with us but we did learn that a swamp reptile supposedly attacked the Beast on the night the villagers launched their counterattack and left a mighty bite wound in..." she blinks blearily, turning to her companions. "Was it the left or right shoulder? One of the shoulders. So that's something that we can check when we next decide to meet with the Beast."

"We also investigated the old village graveyard, supposedly tainted by the blood of the Beast during that attack. Aside from old signs of grave robbing and some miscellaneous items left behind, we didn't find much that seemed immediately useful," she continues, attempting to stifle a yawn.

Come on Elidal, keep alert...you've been through worse than a bit of sleep deprivation.

Elidal takes a deep breath and does her best to put on an alert and serious face. "But obviously something new has happened or come to light while we were gone. What happened?"


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru snorts and raises his voice in tired ire bat the demanding clerk. "We have traveled night and day without rest. What is so important now that it cannot afford us even a moment's rest?"


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Glad to be out of the swampy back-of-beyond, Simeon glares, red-eyed at the stammering lawyer, echoing Jaur's disdain "Yes, out with it, man! "


The lawyer explains he is up to his neck trying to stop the prosecution from moving the trial early to tomorrow - something that must be avoided at all costs. He had come down here to leave a message against your return.

He has just found out that there are three sisters named Garrow, Starle, and Flicht now own a small windmill on the outskirts of Lepidstadt and are witnesses for the prosecution. All of them come from the village of Herstag and were there at the time of the incident.

I urge you ple... ple... please meet with them and take their testimony at the earliest! You may a... al... also want to visit the village to search for add... add... additional clues.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

"The earliest for me will be this evening after I've had some time to rest. I am not skilled enough a rider to sleep mounted. I am sure the testimony will suffice as I don't really care for another journey or conversation with your rural countrymen. We have a couple other leads anyway such as the charred papers and the chymists."


I can... can... can't stress enough how im... im... importnt it is to hurry lest I am forced by cir... cir... circumstance to start the defense to... to... tomorrow - I must rush back to my off... office and to cou.. court now.,, Here are th.. the details.

He hands you a piece of paper with the directions on it.


SHEET

Perhaps we just rest a few hours and then head to the Windmill? says Nalun, altogether eager to prove the Beast's innocence.


Inactive

Elidal sighs inwardly. Although Jaru is right that they will have to rest at some point, she also understands that time is of the essence and that they're fighting an uphill to prove the Beast's innocence.

"May I see the paper?" she asks gently. "Nalun has what may be the best idea; we will need to sleep at some point lest we risk exhaustion...not to mention we're less likely to spot things of importance when we're sleep-deprived. But I understand that time is limited if we wish to prevent the trial from beginning early." Elidal studies the directions for a moment before looking up again. "Perhaps we can rest for a few hours and then speak with these sisters...or speak with them, then rest and see about setting out for Herstag."


HP 10/15 | AC 14 | Acr +4 Dec +4 His +2 Ins +4 Int +4 Inv +2 Perc +4 Pers +5 SoH +4 Ste +5 Sur +3 | Saves: S -1, D +5, C +1, I +0, W +2, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +4 | PPerc 14; PIns 14; Pinv 12; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 2/2 | Spell DC 13 Att +5 (1: 2/3) | BardIns 2/3 | Status: Normal | Insp: Yup! |

Emmett's legs creak noisily in protest of the long rides they've endured going back and forth at impossible hours.

When the lawyer asks for them to resaddle, he can't help but grunt and stiffen even further.

"I say Elidal has the right of it, or Nalun really. I need to get my feet up and my head down. At least for a few..."

With that, he settles in a corner and proceeds to fall asleep immediately, his snore rising progressively louder.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru gives a nod to Emmett's wisdom, "Speak after." He returns to his own quarters for a few hours sleep.


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Simeon looks at Emmett's supine form in the corner, his face slack with exhaustion, eyes red and watery. Blinking, he nods at Jaru's simple statement, looks sharply at the lawyer, "Have someone wake us in 2 hours, no more."

He then stumbles to his own chamber and immediately falls into deep, hopefully dreamless sleep.


Currently Kendra has been your quarters. She is putting you up for now

Kendra can see your fatigue and asks no questions of you instead offering pillows and blankets and allowing you to rest.

Four hours later Kendra wakes you all.

Sorry to disturb you - Simeon said 2 hours but I tried to wake some of you and couldn't get you to stir. Come to the kitchen - I have a treat for you. Some Qadirian kafee.

After presenting the hot beverage she asks What has you running around so? Oh, that reminds me - there was a tall albino asking after you as well as that lawyer - that was before you came in.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru gives Kendra a hearty thanks and sips the kafee gratefully. "We must be moving up in the world, " he notes wryly. "In Ravengro we weren't allowed to sleep undisturbed. Here we're not supposed to sleep at all."

He frowns at the new information. "Albino?"


HP 10/15 | AC 14 | Acr +4 Dec +4 His +2 Ins +4 Int +4 Inv +2 Perc +4 Pers +5 SoH +4 Ste +5 Sur +3 | Saves: S -1, D +5, C +1, I +0, W +2, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +4 | PPerc 14; PIns 14; Pinv 12; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 2/2 | Spell DC 13 Att +5 (1: 2/3) | BardIns 2/3 | Status: Normal | Insp: Yup! |

The watchman stirs in response to the floating kafee aromas, ascending then converging towards the pot, watching with eagerness the stem rise as Kendra pours the brown liquid.

He takes a careful sip, his eyes emerging to the world like a bubble of soap popping out of existence: "That drink is indeed delicious. It moves through me, waking up every part of me..." he says, waxing poetic for a moment.

"Delicious. And godsent!" he says, seemingly ready to hit the road again. But then he turns to Kendra and asks her: "You wouldn't happen to have something sweet, like a pastry perhaps, lying around? It just feels like for an old watchman like me that it would go hand in hand with the drink..."


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Simeon blurrily sips his kafee, trying to re-acquire his youthful endurance that he once displayed in his undergraduate days, studying all night, classes all day...repeat.

The energizing drink slowly takes affect, so that he's able to answer Kendra's questions, "Oh, we're just out to defend the most notorious criminal the area's seen in ages. " he says, then perks up even more, parroting Jaur, "An albino, you say.Tall, you say? His name? Did he leave his name?"


SHEET

A watchman that likes pastries...reminds me of a song I know.

Nalun makes a quip about fat guardsman.


Inactive

As Elidal tentatively sips her cup of kafee, her eyes widen in surprise. "This...this is good!" she exclaims as she takes another sip. "Kendra, you may have just ruined me - there is certainly no way that I can afford to have this as my beverage of choice all the time!" she laughs, continuing to enjoy the warm, slightly bitter taste of her drink. "Between this and the nap, I think I'll be good to go for a little while longer now."

She looks around the room at the others, clearly a little surprised that they don't seem to remember their meeting with the traveling show on the way to Lepidstadt.

Well, we have slept since then...and then haven't slept at all!

"Could it have been a Kaleb Hesse?" she asks aloud. "We ran across him and his traveling show on our way to the city. If so, I wonder what brought him to your...and our, door?"


Kendra passes Emmett a curious pastry or cake... round and filled with a jelly.

Kaleb - indeed it was. He said he had news for you - rumour is getting around that some out of towners were investigating the Beast. He said he has some news for you if it is you. He and his troupe can be found not far from the towns square where they have set up.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru brightens immediately. "Of course! For a moment I thought it was perhaps Jorminda's visitor... Let's pay them a visit after we talk to the Hergstag women."


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HP 10/15 | AC 14 | Acr +4 Dec +4 His +2 Ins +4 Int +4 Inv +2 Perc +4 Pers +5 SoH +4 Ste +5 Sur +3 | Saves: S -1, D +5, C +1, I +0, W +2, Ch +5 Adv charm, disease; Imm Sleep| Init +4 | PPerc 14; PIns 14; Pinv 12; DrkVis | Spd 30' | Insp: No | HD 2/2 | Spell DC 13 Att +5 (1: 2/3) | BardIns 2/3 | Status: Normal | Insp: Yup! |

"My! This is... Just fantastic!" blurts Emmett as he stuffs his face. "You know, I was thinking that if you keep the shape, but put a hole in it, then a watchman can indulge and remain fed, while remaining alert, thanks for the hole in the middle! On the other hand, the jelly inside speaks of mysteries to be revealed by the patient yet focus investigator..."

He takes another bite and adds: "Kafee and this nut of dough. A perfect combination for the Watch!"

For a few moments, he's lost in flavours. When he emerges he blinks and asks: "So where are we going?"


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Simeon watches Emmett wax eloquent about the pastry before trying one himself. A wide smile shows that he seconds Emmett's opinion, speaking around a mouthful of sugar and dough, "Let us pay Hesse a visit, I had a thought that his kind might know some such about our Beast."

-Posted with Wayfinder


Inactive

Elidal looks bemused as she too takes one of the curious pastries and has a bite. "Mmm...Emmett, you're right! This seems to go well with the kafee..." she begins, then stops and laughs abruptly. "Listen to us, speaking as though we're connoisseurs of fine cuisine! Although, perhaps you should have been with us when we were judges at the fair in Ravengro - it sounds as though you have a talent for such things," she grins.

As she continues to munch on the pastry, she nods in agreement with the motion to go visit Mr. Hesse. "It was good of him to think of us and seek us out to offer his aid. But I'm in agreement with Father Toth that we should speak with the women from Herstag first, if only to placate Mr. Keppell's nerves for a time."


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru gives the pastry a suspicious eye and abstains. "Yes, I doubt our friends would mind if our visit comes a little later in the evening. I do not know the women and it is better we do not try their patience if our visit with Hesse and Company runs long."

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