The Carrion Crown (E7 goodness with House Rules frosting)

Game Master Helaman

Ob Portal site | Roll20 Site | Moonday, 13th of Gozran, 4714
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Sterne is unable to do much to the wood and steel structure but he does his best, meanwhile Emmetts axe goes whisting past it as it holds out the writing slate desperately.

Just waiting on the rest


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

"Wait! Wait!" Jaru calls out. "Is there anything written upon the tablet?"


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! |

Did Sterne manage to trip it?


SHEET

Nalun follows Father Toth's lead and holds.


I forgot the trip but for story for purposes lets say it does

The thing is dragged to the ground, arms windmilling for balance, one of its smaller arms losing a stick of chalk but it still manages to hold onto the slate.


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 calms down a bit and signals for Sterne to desist. His axe threatens, but doesn't bite at the thing.


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

Jaru moves forward to take a look at the slate.


Inactive

Elidal also cautiously approaches, her longsword still at the ready. "Wait...chalk and a piece of slate? What sort of guardian is this?" she asks, looking rather puzzled.

Kn. Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Readied Attack:

Attack (Mithral Longsword; Heroism, Power Attack): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12


The 'thing' just lies there for the moment. Looking closer you can see organs almost stapled to the exterior of the wooden frame, each suspended in a metal and glass case.

The slate reads Welcome to Schloss Caromarc. Can I take your Cl , in beautiful copper plate script.

It's a golem but of what sort?

It stirs and manages to push itself around into an even more awkward position. A claw grabs at a box on its body, spilling chalk onto the ground and secures a rag which it uses to wipe the slate clean. It then fumbles for chalk and writes a simple word.

Help


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

Jaru helps the pathetic thing up with a glance of distaste at its obviously borrowed 'organs'. "Help? How? and what are you any way?"


Please help me up. I am caretaker of Lord Caromarc's residence.


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 grunts and roughly brings the golem back up.


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

Jaru chuckles despite their dark surroundings. "Where is Lord Caromarc?" he asks the caretaker.


Inactive

"Er...sorry about that?" Elidal offers, looking rather nonplussed by the strange turn of events. "We were expecting another welcome along the lines of the one we received outside..."


The thing, a creation of timber and wires is restored to its upright position. Looking closely it has multiple appendages that seem to fit a multitude of purposes.

It uses one arm attachment to gather chalk, another pulls out a rag and wipes the slate clean.

I am afraid Lord Caromarc is indisposed. May I offer you a beverage or a snack while you wait?


Inactive

After their ordeal in even reaching Schloss Caromarc only to be offered refreshments by some sort of automaton-butler, Elidal isn't sure whether to laugh or break something.

This is ridiculous! We have fought our way past a troll, a golem dog, and a being of air and you're asking us if we want a bite to eat while we wait patiently!? she wants to scream. I nearly went into the river! But she bites back the urge.

"How long will he be indisposed? And do you have any 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 casts a suspicious eye at the automaton, wondering what counts as 'crossing the line.' Certainly, he saw the creation of The Beast as an act against nature, but what of the dog, and what of this thing? Is sentient flesh, once the owner has departed, to be considered nothing more than construction material?!

Turning to Jaru, he asks: "What do you think makes this... This thing move and think? What is its source of will? Is it the same as that of a zombie or a ghoul?"


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
Emmett Escheus wrote:
Turning to Jaru, he asks: "What do you think makes this... This thing move and think? What is its source of will? Is it the same as that of a zombie or a ghoul?"

Jaru frowns and shakes his head. "No, magical theory is not my particular field of study, but this is no part of a mortal soul as far as I can tell. From what I have heard of Golems, they are animated by some extraplanar primal source. Of course, I find it unnecessary and distasteful to use mortal remains in such endeavors."

Jaru turns back to the contraption. "Then Caromarc is alive and within this keep?"


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 nods and turns to Simeon, seeking his input on the matter.


SHEET

Nalun thinks about his studies at the University before speaking

I once attended a lecture about this very topic! Very interesting stuff, positive energy, negative energy...animating sparks, animus... Nalun rambles on


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 had been circling the construct as it fell and was helped back to it's 'feet' by the others.

As they communicated with it, he had flipped out his notebook and was furiously sketching details of the caretaker's construction.

Crouched down to one side, he was gingerly poking a fleshy portion of the construct's back when he noticed Emmett's gaze.

"What? Hrm. Eh..." he mumbled, nodding at Nalun's statement, "Hard to say. Some scholars insist that the constructs are wholly singular beings, others maintain that entities from beyond are forced to serve within....or it's merely an automaton, carrying out it's mission with singular devotion. "

Having finished his inspection, Simeon stands and smooths his pant, "Not a very exact answer, I know. The answers we seek are with the genius Caromarc! Tell us, where is your master?" he demands of the caretaker.


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 mumbles to himself how great minds always find a way around questions and adds finally, a bit tensely: "So are they like ghouls then?"


The construct scribes on the slate again.

I am afraid Lord Caromarc is indisposed. May I offer you a beverage or a snack while you wait?

He turns to Elidal and gives a small bow. He cleans the slate and writes, holding it up to Elidal to read.

Water. Very good. I shall fetch some immediately. Please stay here

It then trudles off and out of the room.

Simeon can attest, this is unusual Golem behaviour. It seems very intelligent albeit automatronic in it its responses and approach. This is no simple golem but it doesn't seem to have that 'spark' of life that The Beast had.


With the automation leaving the room and no immediete threat you have time to review this room at leisure.

It is a large reception room, with a few comfortable well made chairs off in front of a fire that has a large hod of wood as well as a coal bucket. A side table has multiple glasses and a collection of spirits and fortified wines.

Above the fire hangs a picture of a man with aristocratic bearing, surrounded by objects as if in a museum.

Elidal can notice a window behind the count that shows a bridge connecting the buildings outside the window. More curiously yet, it shows a mirror where a large four armed apelike figure with stitching stands. For those for whom art is more than mere 'pictures', it is painted in a stiff but efficient style, capturing a myriad of tiny details and would be worth a considerable sum of money.


Inactive

"It doesn't seem very ghoul-like," Elidal offers as she gazes around the room, "but that's just my opinion as a layman on the topic."

"And it doesn't seem like we're going to get anywhere trying to reason with it. I'm...hesitant to just start wandering around in someone else's home, but we can't stand around waiting forever," she sighs as she idly studies the strange painting.

"Is this supposed to be Count Caromarc, or one of his ancestors? The details in it are...odd."


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 ignores Emmett's mumbles, if he hears them at all, but he does raise an eyebrow at his question, "Ghouls? Golems? Alike? They are as much alike as the earthworm is alike the soaring eagle. No, no, ghouls are , it is surmised, given their proclivities, the result of the most depraved spirits returned from the dead to continue their depredations on the living: cannibals. Golems are constructs , of stone, iron, wood...and yes flesh. Common matter given life through the puissant and most difficult of rituals..." her Simeon pauses, having only really started to get going, tapping his finger against his chin as he looks up at the painting, " Life....are they alive?Vengeance certainly seems so...but the guardian hound, the caretaker, can they truly be considered alive...."

His voice trails off as his mind become more interested in the details of the painting, his eye darting from one spot to another.

Simeon tries to inventory the objects surrounding the man in the picture...

Knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32


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! |

"Still, I'm not sure I see the thin line between the two. Flesh reused is... wrong." grumbles Emmett, not sure why the others are so captivated by a silly painting that only reminded him of his boy's drawing and of the home he chose to abandon behind. His shoulders felt heavier and he had a harder time to breathe.

"I can't stay here... Why are we waiting!?" he asks, growing impatient.


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

"They are nothing like ghouls," Jaru responds with a shiver. "Trust me."

"I second your misgivings though. Much of this feels too close to necromancy for my liking. Perhaps the Count is closer to the Whispering Way than we've thought. Let us continue. I do not see that this strange creature is any help."


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 nods at Jaru's conclusions about golems and ghouls, but frowns at the idea of walking around the place.

"I tend to agree with Elidal... Perhaps... Let me try something." he turns to the automaton once it returns and asks: "I've changed my mind. Could I get something to eat?"

Once the strange creature leaves, he explains: "I'm curious to see how old is the food they have here. That should tell us something..."


There are two doors, one on each wall (the side of the fireplace), and the door the thing with the chalk board trundled through.

Let me know if you wish to wait for its return or go exploring


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 is suggesting to wait for its return. Some are studying the painting, in any case.


Looking closely everyone can see what Elidal saw. Simeon believes the figure reflected in the mirror is another sort of flesh golem.


Inactive

"Not a bad idea Emmett," Elidal nods. As they wait for the automaton to return, Elidal can't help but approach the door on the left side of the fireplace and carefully press her ear to it.

"I wonder if there's anyone or anything else that lives here?"

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18


Elidal opens the door and finds it to be wood and coal storage.

The wood golem trundles back into the room with a pitcher and a glass, not something commonly seen, and pours out a glass. The water is clear.

Using its other appendages the golem writes Here is your water, I hope it is to your taste as it presents it.

How else may I serve you?, it writes.


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

Before the golem returns, Jaru follows Elidal to look beyond the door. "I do not see this in the same light as the factory which was obviously inhabited and we were acting only on suspicions. The troll and goblin served the Whispering Way. Either Caromarc is allied with them or he is in dire danger."

When the automaton reappears, Jaru joins the others. "You have no food?" He gives Emmett a look and shakes his head. The tall priest looks down at the golem butler. "Where is Caromarc? Is he in the Schloss or has he left? If he is here, does he have other guests?"


If you require food I can supply some fruit, nuts and cheese and if you wish provide something more substantial given time, it writes.

Lord Caromarc has not departed Shloss Caromarc. I am afraid Lord Caromarc is indisposed. He had visitors some time ago and they have departed. Lord Caromarc has not told me to prepare for other guests but he would not turn away visitors who have come to his door.


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! |

"Fruits and cheese I would love." replies Emmett flatly.

"Visitors... The trolls and goblins have been left behind by them. Caromarc might be dead, or worse... What of The Beast? Would this animated creation know of it?"


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

Jaru shrugs, "Ask it."

The priest turns again to the robo-butler. "Have you heard of the golem Carmarc calls Vengeance? Is he here?"


Inactive

Relieved that the automaton doesn't seem to have noticed her peering into the storage room, Elidal surreptitiously shuts the door as the others attempt to get more information.

"I suppose you're right," she whispers quietly to Jaru and the others. "If he's innocent, better to beg forgiveness later if need be. And if he isn't...then it won't matter."


I can fetch fruit and nuts if you wish , it writes.

Vengeance? I don't know anyone by that name


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

Jaru thinks. "Caramarc hasnot departed, but have you seen Lord Caromarc since his guests departed? Can you take us to him?


I am afraid Lord Caromarc is indisposed

I will bring the fruit and cheese.

It trundles away to where it went before.


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

Jaru looks to the others. "I am starting to find 'indisposed' to be particularly vague and slightly ominous. I think we need to find out exactly what Caromarc's state is. Let us start upstairs." He moves up the stairs before the contraption returns.

I'm assuming the 'up' is stairs.


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 points at the retreating caretaker, "That, my friends , is why Vengeance is so singular. Golems are guardians or perform simple tasks, go there, get food. There's no intellect in the caretaker or the hound. " he says shaking his head, "Would that Vengeance was like this construct, limited to it's instructions, he wouldn't find himself so bereft of a place in the world."

He remains gazing thoughtfully at the portrait, and the genius and his construct depicted there, before joining Jaru up the stairs.


Inactive

"Sounds like a plan to me," Elidal nods. She eyes her glass of water for a moment and takes a sniff. Not seeing or smelling anything 'off' with the water, she quickly drinks it down and carefully places the glass on the nearby table.

"Well...let's get this self-guided tour of Schloss Caromarc starting," she says with a wry smile as she follows the others up the staircase.


SHEET

Nalun ponders Professor Plavini's words Vengeance will find his place. he thinks to himself.

I. Uh, yes. Well, the Count might be a bit peevish if he catches us traipsing around yes?


Inactive

"Probably...but this may be one those situations where it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission," Elidal replies. "After finding all of those monsters outside we were simply worried about the Count - which is true."


You head up the stairs and faced with a number of doors proceed to the furthest one In the interest of speeding things up, and find a very spacious and well appointed guest room. It looks clean but unused.

Moving to the next door on its right you find another guest room but the expensive fittings and bed have been replaced by 3 cots. On a table in the room are spread a number of books which seem to be technical manuals on the subject of engineering. Valuable to the right people. The table also supports a gold inlay drafting set, silver inkwell and a silver writing set. Again, these would be valuable to the right people.

Another guest room is revealed, this one also clean but unused and it opens onto a stone balcony, lacking handrails, that affords a fantastic view of the falls.

Finally you enter what you feel is the master bedroom, a large chamber that holds a resplendent four poster bed and many items of fine oak furniture. A warddrobe, credenza desk, dressing table, chest and a tall dressing mirror are the more noticable items. There is a small bookshelf along one of the walls holding a number of tomes. Silver candlestick holders are throughout the room. On one wall, above the desk is a large oil portrait of a beautiful noble woman, smiling shyly.


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

Jaru pays no mind to the rich furnishings. we aren't common thieves, he thinks. He does take some time to look around the master bedroom for any clues however.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

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