The Walking Dead of Golarion, by GM Fiendish

Game Master Fiendish Zen

Hawk nods to Valex

I am surprised we did not meet before all this happened, being a 'second son' of a minor noble family, I was sent off to become a merchant rather than be given the training to administer my father's estate like my elder brother. We might not have met at the university but there were lots of parties. he grows somewhat wistful

Still, all that's behind us now, I was glad to be away from the manor when the Harvest came, the merchant family I was staying with protected me, taught me to defend myself. When I could I got back to the family's manor... I'm sure you can guess the rest. he snaps back and realises what Valex has said

I hate to say but, the library, the whole university really, it was the site of a battle with the cultists. I think there was a group of magic users that tried to make a stand there, the fallout of the arcane battle was rather telling on the buildings, there was not much left afterwards. he looks at Valex as if considering something, then shrugs and reaches down to a nearby pack, rummaging around until he pulls out a moth-eaten volume. Looking at it fondly, he brushes imaginary dust from the cover and offers it to Valex.

Donovan's treatise on commerce, the art of warring coins, it was a favorite of mine but I've read it cover to cover many times, perhaps you can use it to start a new library somewhere?

*

Pentos sniffs as Lilith approaches, eyes roaming over her in an unfriendly and almost leering fashion.

Trust gets you killed. he replies, gnawing on one well-chewed nail.

But being alone also gets you killed. That's the only reason I'm here. his expression doesn't change, there's no humor to be found in his words.

Even if I could be convinced there was something in it for me to share my spells with you, they're where you can't study them, locked away inside me somewhere.

He points at his head, staring at her unblinkingly

I might be convinced to trade a scroll or two, but you'll have to make it worth my while.

Flynn: the temple is the only two story structure in the village, you can venture upstairs if you like to string your hammock, but you recall Hawk mentioning the floorboards up there were rotten from a leaky roof...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

Never good at reading people Lilith fails to notice the lack of truth in Pentos works. She only nods and is about to walk away but then adds her back to him If I am not your enemy then in this new world I am your ally and to strengthen me adds to your safety. You are a fool if you do not understand this. She goes to sit with her group, taking a place by Lenneth and the baby.

I can hold her for a while. she offers.

Melo sits and listens as they Lilith and the new group talk, still on edge he doesn't want to drop his guard for one moment.

He then looks up at Lenneth as she makes her way over to ask to speak and nods waiting for Lilith to have her words and moves with her, sniffing at Pentos as he leaves.

As the group gathers together he spots Flyn and sits to listen to him. "Flyn is right, they might seem nice. But i've met a lot of good mannered people since this all happened and most were out to skin me and Cyn." He looks over to Cyn curled up at Lenneths feet. "Cyn will watch over Lenneth and the baby, she won't let any harm come to them but this will be good for everyone a nights rest inside we can't forget though this is not our new home."

Well Skyfall will probably find her way up there and roost among the beams rather than the floorboards. Flynn will camp with the others

Flynn unbuckles his sword belt and sits heavily on the hard ground. He knows he has said little to the survivors of Solace and the others recently but he feels exhausted. He and Skyfall have covered miles upon miles, all while carrying the weight of his failure back at the castle.

He sighs heavily and as Melo walks passed he says;

Thank you. it is somewhat awkward but heartfelt nonetheless. You didn't have to throw your lot in with us and being a man of the land you could have lasted far longer out there without carrying a group like this. I was similar. With Skyfall it felt like we ruled the skies, we could have gone anywhere, safe from the Groaners below. But like you, I felt like I was on my own too long. I don't know if the others have had a chance to say it - but thank you. he repeats, offering his hand in friendship.

This can happen once everyone finishes talking to Hawk/Mentos-er Pentos, each other, etc.

Once Lenneth is able to get everyone together and in a somewhat private corner of the building, she looks at them nervously and begins to speak in a low voice. "Okay, I know I said I wanted to talk about Aura and I do, but there's something even more important that I needed to tell you about first." She pauses, takes a deep breath and continues. "Earlier in the trench when I was checking everyone...I, I'm almost positive that Ashleigh was bitten. She and Tabitha tried to cover it up but it looked like there were bite marks on her arm." The witch wears a miserable expression. "What do we do?"

"I could have survived. We could still be out there alone sleeping under the stars." He looks over to Cyn. "But what good was i doing? I wasn't helping anyone I wasn't trying to change things." He slumps down next to Flyn stretching out. "I thank you for showing up, for knocking me out of my day dream. I don't expect any special thanks i just want to feel wanted again... to be part of a pack again."

@Group meeting
At Lenneths reveal Melo flashes his teeth in a snarl. "It's a disease that will spread to the herd if we don't cull it. I'm new to this group but if what you say is true we are running out of time, i know of no cure for a bite." He looks at the reactions of the others. "If we decide put her down before the turn i will do it to spare anyone that knows here." He says solemnly.

Lilith speaks up her tone hard. Some of you will remember that I was bitten too. And not by some simple mindless undead. I was bitten by that monster we killed back on the roof of the farmhouse. And yet I have survived. It must be said that we do not know the full risk of the bite. I say we confront her and and monitor her health, but we do not become murderers for convenience. Worst case if she grows worse we restrain her while we do what we can to help her. We only take that last desperate step when we know it is not the best option, but the only option.

Glad I'm not the one drawing heat this time...

Let him take all the blame... Another pawn we won't have to destroy or subdue.Let them all bicker and fight with each other, then we'll pick up the spoils. So the elf was biten too, and she survived? Interesting...

Lachen keeps silent, watching the discussion.

"I had no idea you were bit Lilith, I'm sorry if I spoke out to harshly but i've only known one cure for a bite. But wouldn't it be safer to at least move her from the others now, i'm not sure how fast she could turn from a bite." He speaks with a bowed head.

Flynn leans forward his hands in his hair.

How does this keep getting worse...?

He understands Melo's reaction. When you have a boil, you lance it. However, surely they have lost enough. If there is a chance they can save her, they should take it.

I agree that separating her would be the best thing. But if we are seen to be doing that then our new landlords will ask questions - and rightly so. We better be ready to either lie or deal with what happens if we tell the truth - that halfling was ready to kill someone as soon as we turned up.

Valex is silent, staring into space, pondering for a few minutes.

...which is a fancy way of saying it's a hectic day, and I'll have a longer post later...

Lenneth sighs. "Separating her would be the best thing...though I don't think it's something we'll be able to hide, not from our hosts and not from the rest of our group. So we either lie or tell the truth..." she shivers. "If we tell the truth...people may panic. Things could get ugly."

"If only we had a place with the proper equipment...maybe we could figure out why Lilith survived being bitten," she adds, although she seems to be speaking more to herself than to anyone in the group.

There is a crash, and Robban is standing in the doorway of the temple, the thick wooden door having banged off the wall. He closes the door behind him with a shove and ignoring everyone else, storms over to one corner and sits down with his back against the wall.

Pentos looks tense and returns to Hawk's fire, the ranger smiles at him despite the sorceror's pouting expression.

The rest of your group have settled in for the night, the deep breathing and soft snores starting to fill the air.

Flynn eyes the other Halfling warily.

Either this whole thing has broken him or he as like this before - which is worse. He's just looking for an excuse to hit something.

I'm sorry to put this on you Valex, but you are closest to the girl. Perhaps you should speak to her. But if you think there is anything I can do or I can help.... I don't know.

Valex does not reply to Flynn at first, but then heaves a weary sigh.

Unfortunately, I think that you're right, Flynn. I'll go have a word. he whispers to the group.

Levering himself up with his ands on his knees, he carefully and quietly picks his way over to the corner where Ashliegh and Tabitha are huddled.

He settles himself against the wall, lowering himself to the floor on Ashleigh's side,sandwiching her between himself and Tabitha.

"Ashliegh, dear, can I have a word?"

Assuming she assents, he begins in as soothing a voice as he can manage, taking her hand gently between both of his.

"Ashliegh, I'm going to tell you a bit of a story of our adventures since the harvest, and then I have a question for you, one that you must, absolutely must, answer honestly. Don't be afraid, we are all still here for you, for each other, but I must ask.

Sorry - I'll continue this in a bit. There will be diplomacy rolls and sense motive rolls and performance rolls and all kinds of RP goodness...

"Before we met, Euron and I had been on the move for some time. Weeks, really. Dodging the dead had become habit - part of the terrain. The Harvest, it brought out the very best in some," he gives Ashliegh's hand a reassuring squeeze, " but in other, especially those inclined to such, it made the worst even worse. EUron and I had run afoul of a pack of goblins, on the hunt. We were meant to be meat.

It was more than a week we were running, and finally we sought shelter among the groaners and the crumbling buildings of a town that was called Sandpoint. Did you know it? Well, we had holed up, and the goblins that were chasing ran right in to Lilith, and...Polo, and Azmeri, and Lenneth..." his voice catches a moment as he remembers absent friends. Then he puts his reassuring smile back on.

"Between us all, we made short work of them. And so we joined that band, and were with them through the end of Sandpoint." He uses all of his training to let the tale set her at ease, to set the stage for what must come next.

Perform/oratory: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

We found out, though, that Lilith, in a fight with the terrible, sentient undead that stalked us through the mountains, had been bitten by it. Bitten. And of course, everyone knows what that means now. He leans forward,making sure that she is looking right at him, as he goes on, intensely, passionately.

"But. We. Don't. We don't know. Lilith lived! You see her right over there, right as rain. So a bite isn't an automatic death sentence at all. Some live!. And I, for one, will take every last bit of good new and hope that I can."

HE leaves off, smiling gently at Ashliegh.

"Ashliegh, it looks like you may have been bitten in the trench. We can help, but we need to know. Is it so?" he asks, as gently as he can manage.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Lenneth watches silently as Valex rises and moves over to where Ashleigh and Tabitha are curled up, attempting to sleep. In the dim light, she can make out the movements of the man's lips but no sound or words.

I hope I'm wrong...please let me be wrong. We've lost enough today.

As if to punctuate her thought, she feels Aura shift slightly against her. Gazing down on the tiny, peaceful face of the sleeping baby she suddenly realizes with a start that she's not yet discussed the other matter with the group.

Better do it now before anyone else scatters or decides to try and get some sleep.

"Um...there was something else," the witch begins, shifting uncomfortably. "While we were walking earlier, after the trench...I could feel my shadowy benefactors watching us, watching Aura. They offered me a way to even the odds of her survival, but they didn't say how - I had to make a decision then and there on whether to accept their help or not. I chose yes." Here, a small blush begins to creep over her face. "That's why I felt sick earlier. I don't know how deep this goes, but I...I guess they 'made' me into Aura's new mother. Surrogate. Something, I don't know."

Now, the witch's face is nearly crimson in color. "At least we won't have to worry about figuring out how to feed her now..."

That's all... I don't understand any of that Lenneth. I know the Druids in the mountains where I came from had powerful bonds with the land and like Melo, could perform some remarkable physical transformations. But... what you're going through... uh... the main thing is that the child will survive. Flynn offers a thin smile and gives Lennth's hand a squeeze. It's the right thing to do.

There's a smile on Lachen lips when Lenneth finishes her speech.

How I envy Aura...

Before Lenneth can take offense, the soldier continues

I don't want to cast another shadow, but we might soon have all a feeding problem. Earlier, I tried to hunt and forage. There's nothing edible around. No wildlife, no fruits, nothing. Maybe I wasn't lucky on my hunt, maybe it's worse. Of course, tomorrow morning, Flynn could take the air and scout around. Trouble is, if we are followed by our foes as i suspect, he can be easily spotted too. Birds that size aren't usual.

He looks at the small group
Besides... I know a few things about traps. The one you fell into must have taken either some great skills or use of heavy magic... and quite a devious mind. Add to that the acid burns on Whispers, the barren lands, the loot taken on the corpses down the trenches... Could there be a dragon around?

Ashleigh squeezes Valex's hand back, her eyes locked with his gaze and following every word of his tale, until he mentions being bitten. She flinches, looks away and feebly tries to pull her hand free, her lip quivers and she starts to cry. Tabitha just hugs her, staring at Valex and giving him the tiniest of mute nods. The pair begin rocking gently.

Over at the fire Hawk is careful to not intrude on their grief by having a stranger interfere. Instead he unwraps two blackened and burnt javelins and arranges them over the fire, balancing a large metal pot over it. As it boils he discreetly steps to the rest of your group

No food I'm afraid, but we do have tea, pine needle or jasmine, you are more than welcome to share. You'll have to bring your own cups though, or else I don't mind sharing mine he brings out a drinking horn more befitting of an Ustalav manse than a southern noble

It's the only thing I've found that hasn't yet broken... he adds sheepishly

All hell breaks loose at the sudden appearance of a red-headed woman in a dark, hooded cloak as she seemingly steps out of thin air by the other group's fire

They've got wounded, one's bit! she declares loudly, crossing her arms and looking like the cat that got the cream.

Hawk freezes, glancing between you and the newcomer, whilst Robban surges to his feet and strides over to stand in front of the woman, Pentos lurks at the back, peeking around the duo.

What do you mean Sel? ventures Hawk cautiously.

Sel points over at where Valex, Ashleigh and Tabitha are talking.

They're hiding a bite, she'll turn in the night and kill us all! How could you let them in here!?

Hawk is lost for words as he holds out placating hands

Let's not be hasty here...

Shut up Hawk! roars Robban, hands clenched firmly around his greatclub ...too much of your talking got us in this mess, inviting infected in to our shelter...

he jabs his club towards you menacingly

Were all of you in on it!?

@lenneth

"It's good you have someone watching over you, and now the child. In my pack the raising of children was always the packs duty each person working to raise the next generation." He turns his head sideways looking at Aura. "She has lost a lot, you will be strong for her and we will all look after her."

@after
As the shouting echos out through the hall Melo jumps to his feet roaring out, and baring his teeth. Cyn joining in standing to guard Lenneth and Aura. "Stand back! This has nothing to do with you!" He shouts out, locking his gaze on Robban waiting to see what he does next.

Melo will move to intercept Robban or any of them if they move on the group

Flynn snatches up Sender and lowers it in front of the halfling like a barrier.

He steps in behind so that he is almost nose to nose with Robban.

Back off. Right. Now. he growls. She's one of us. And we are dealing with it.

We just learned about it.

answers Lachen, matter-of-factly. He looks at Flynn facing Robban with a grim smile

A slip fight? Great! I'm taking the bets.

Then he looks at the redhead, with amused eyes, taking time to get a good look at her silhouette before talking, becoming more serious after his initial joke. His words are careful, the voice subtly honeyed.
Even his gruff usual attitude change for one better fitting a world-seasoned diplomat.

Always had a thing for fiery women...

Sel...You ought to be spanked, naughty girl. It's not very good for a starting neighbourhood relationship to eavesdrop. But if you heard everything, then you can testify we have just been told that one of us got bitten, and that we were still searching what we were to do about it. So don't blame Hawk, cause he never knew.

I understand your concern, all, no one wants to be a midnight snack for a groaner. But what would be the point in fighting each other? We would spend energy, we would get hurt, or killed, easier picks for the groaners. What I propose is this: we can try to isolate the wounded girl, maybe attach her first to ensure she will not be a threat, and see what happens. I have no real knowledge about how it works, how you transform into a flesh eating wandering corpse. Maybe it's time to learn? Maybe we can find out how long it takes, and how much hope there is for a cure? How long is it since anyone of us had hope?

We have in our group people able to cure with magic, and knowledgeable in the mundane healing arts. Maybe they will find something, if you give them the time, Hawk. Maybe not. We don't know YET. And if the worse must happen, if this girl change to a groaner, I'll put her down, without remorse, and Sel will watch if she wants. We are not here to invade you, or to willingly cause you harm. But if we go now, or if we kill the bitten girl right here, right now, we have NO CHANCE to find something, and we will all condemned to run away again, pursued by walking corpses hungry for our flesh. Is that what you want, Sel? Is that what you want, Robban? Think about all the people you cared for. Think about those you lost. Think not about right now, but in a possible future, about the people you will meet, the people you might learn to care for, the people you would be angry and sad to lost AGAIN.

Now come back to right here, right now, and see this moment not only as a risk, but as an opportunity too. What would happen if we were able to cure the recently infected from this curse? What would happen if we only learn more about our foe, and how to better fight him? Wouldn't it be worth a small, reasonable risk, if we take all the needed safety first?

That's a devil's deal.. Sometimes, I'm proud of you, Lachen
Diplomacy, untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Valex supresses - barely - the urge to spring to his feet and draw his sword. Instead, after a bit of a jerk, he rises slowly and calmly. he nods along with Lachen, then adds:

"If you heard some, madam, you probably hears enough to know that we have seen that bites are survivable!. We will take serious, measured precautions, to protect you right along with us - and her. Ashliegh. A living, breathing, frightened young lady that can still be an asset and a companion.

As Lachen has asked - Wouldn't that be worth a small, reasonable risk?"

diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Of course I get my first nat 20 in months on an aid roll...sigh

"Thank you Flynn, Melo...you too Lachen, even if you're a damn pervert sometimes," Lenneth whispers to her friends, squeezing Flynn's hand in return and giving Lachen a slight smirk. Anything else that she might've said is lost with the sudden appearance of the red-headed woman and her revelation of having been eavesdropping.

As she listens to Lachen's surprisingly well-spoken and impassioned speech, equally backed up by wise words from Valex, she can't help but look equal parts surprised and impressed.

Lachen has a way with words after all...at least when he wants to. I just hope they work!

However, her eyes narrow as she studies this new arrival named Sel.

Caution is one thing, but eavesdropping?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

I don't like her...or that smug look on her face.

"Lachen is right...it's not nice to eavesdrop. And now look at the ruckus you've started, when we were trying to figure out how to avoid that very thing and keep people from panicking," Lenneth adds, a hint of anger in her tone even as her arms encircle Aura protectively. "But now that the cat's out of the bag, will you listen to reason or are you too angry at the world to care anymore?" she continues, glancing at Robban. "Hasn't there been enough death tonight?"

Diplomacy (Aid Another; Lachen): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Lilith takes all this in and takes a step back into the shadows to watch. She readies to fire Magic Missiles at any "enemy" spell caster that starts to cast a spell unless Lilith is sure it is not offensive.

If it came to it, Flynn is sure his group would win. But he is tired to his bones and more so again of all this needless killing

He can see why they are angry and fearful but he cannot let them take the girl. He doesn't want to fight Robban but will be damned before he moves aside.

Lenneth: your instincts don't tell you anything out of the ordinary about Sel. In her position you're not sur eyou wouldn't do the same if you could, keeping an eye on strangers whilst they share your camp, it's less eavesdropping and more self-interested survival tactic.

Lilith notices Pentos eyeing her as she steps to the shadows, he balls his fists, clenching and unclenching as sweat visibly pops on to his brow.

Robban scowls at Melo and Flynn as they display an aggressive, albeit defensive, posture and he responds in kind.

S'right then, you and us you say do you? Dealing with it by bringing her in here to infect the rest of us!? Bird brain!

he clenches his teeth and his muscles tremble, he's barely keeping control of himself, and it's likely a combination of your outnumbering him as well as the fact no one has yet kicked things off that is keeping him in check.

At Lachen's initial jibe, Sel frowns and draws a loud breath as if mortally offended, clamping her lips shut and waiting for him to finish, her eyes getting narrower the whole time.

Think you're a clever man do you soldier? If the girl is a part of your group and you all stick together she nods her head in the direction of the others casting their supporting words and points at Lachen accusingly

If you're all so 'one for all' then you are all as guilty as the girl is, she knew she was bit, so did her friend. So your group knew you were dangerous and you still accepted our shelter.

she shakes her head at Valex

You talk of healing and magic and cures, I've heard it a thousand times before, each more desperate and self-deceptive than the last. The bites don't heal, not without the kind of magic that's been long gone for nearly a year now.

Hawk tries to step in between Flynn and Robban, moving slowly and using his hands to reach out to push Robban's club aside, but Robban shrugs him off and he backs away.

Sel grits her teeth then and actually screams in frustration at Hawk

Damn you and your stupid compassion, you'll be the death of us all yet!

she gestures at Robban, almost imperceptibly, and whilst he looks back at her several times, finally lowers his club. She throws up her arms in exasperation, declaring to you

What then do you propose? You stay on your side and we stay on ours, she turns in the middle of the night and eats you all then us?

Just try it, brother Flynn thinks as Robban trembles in anger before him. When the barbarian lowers his club Flynn turns to Sel, spitting venom at the stupid woman.

I wonder if you'd be so decisive if it were you who were bitten. We know the bites can be survivable, and we're going to do everything we can to give her a chance. Let's not spill blood over this, we are all just trying to survive. We'll lock her away overnight somewhere if that makes you feel safer but you better believe I'll be watching over her in case any of you get any brave ideas.

Did we ever learn more about Whisper and her condition? Did she ever regain consciousness?

Now that hostilities look less likely Lilith takes a step forward and adds. You already know that we did not intentionally deceive you and still you choose to take offense. You also know that a single biter is no threat to your group or ours and yet you pretend that if she turns she might kill us all. Your meaning is clear Sel. You do not want us here. But at least use logic in your arguments and do not pretend we are idiots. We will watch the girl tonight and depart your company in the morning, even though both our groups would be stronger together. Unless you intend to remove us by force this discussion is concluded. Hawk, I personally thank you for the compassion you have shown us. It seems your friends do not appreciate you. I for one would welcome you to join up with us when we leave.

Lachen looks puzzled after the elf's words

"stranger"? Didn't she mean "stronger"?

Yes, corrected.

meh...works either way

"After the night we've had, I'd think you would be a little more understanding of why I didn't say something to the rest of the group sooner," Lenneth says, the anger in her voice gone, replaced once more by simple weariness. "We'd just lost several of our own down in that hellish pit. Children lost their mothers, people lost their friends and there was clearly still something lurking out there in the dark - can you really blame us for simply trying to put as much distance between us and that place as we could? Flynn had been scouting this area because we'd heard rumors of an abandoned village; that's how we wound up here at all."

As she listens to Lilith's words, she sighs inwardly.

She's right...we're clearly not trusted or wanted here by anyone except Hawk, maybe. But do we really have to leave? This is the only place we've found that offers protection against the elements.

"Is there no way that we can come to some sort of compromise? The buildings here are the only things we've found since leaving Solace that offer any sort of protection against the cold and the rain - I don't want to give that up, but I don't want to force anyone else out either, not even your group."

I dunno, our group is fairly strange as it is ;)

We're not going back out there. Flynn thinks. Not until we're ready and I've had a good chance to scout out what's around. If we still mean to make for the cliffs to the south then we've got a long way to go and we are in no shape for that. If this group thinks to force us out they might be in for a shock... If only they would see beyond their own immediate fears

Melo is angered again at the stupidness and fearmongering. "We aren't going anywhere, as you simply put it. Your side and our side." He nods his head to the group.

"We will leave when we're ready too, none of us want to sleep out in the cold again for a long time. It is stupid for you to even think of attacking each other... we could be all that's left and we just fall into their hands and do the job for them?" He loosens up taking on a more neutral stance. "We will deal with our people, no one else will get hurt tonight."

We can't leave we have nowhere to go it took so much out of the group just to get here.

Lachen has an hard time keeping quiet and silent, then try to defuse a little the situation with a silly and bad-timed joke

I've been told earlier than I am not quite the usual fatherly figure, and I don't think I'm husband material either. So why do you want me to propose, Sel? Isn't it a little early in our relationship?

Diplo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

His eyes go from Sel to Lenneth, and a wicked smile appears on his lips
My joke will probably fall flatter than a bird-riding halfing tumbling from up above, but Sel really has a nice a**. Lenn's big bo*** and Reddy's near perfect butt would be just my kind of woman. Couldn't decide if I want her to be a redhead or a black-haired woman, I like both. Yeah, having both would be great! Why should I have to choose?

Listen, Reddy, I don't hold a grudge against you for spying on us, cause if the situation was reversed I would have done the same, but with less skill. I cost me to say it, but I think the elf got a point. Instead having "yours" and "ours", why don't we try just to have "us"? Sure, we started on the wrong foot. Everyone is on everyone's nerves, I understand that, and some of us have quite a short temper, me included.

Give us just a night, at least, if not for my own personal charm, for the civilian's rest. They've been through tough times, and they won't take it much longer. The bitten girl will be secured, bound and gagged, so she poses no threat, and all I ask is that you don't try to kill her. Not because I care about her but there is no point, if she can't bite you.

Lachen then looks at Lenneth a few seconds. His stare hardens, he breathes deeply a few times, then manages to calm himself.
He will probably talk to her later, even if she doesn't know why is was suddenly so angry at her.

Lenneth catches the look that Lachen gives her and gives him a puzzled one in return but quickly shifts her attention back to Sel and her companions, clearly waiting to see what sort of response they offer.

The hell? I've never met such a moody person in all my life...

Lilith: Whisper got healed but she has yet to wake up

Sel shakes her head at you all

This is how it starts, I've seen it before. I've never seen anyone yet who's survived she remarks dismissively to Flynn's declaration

As Lilith declares a single biter to be no threat she actually snorts and her eyes go wide in disbelief.

Hawk looks back and forth between Sel and Lilith, looking uncomfortable.

Hawk nods as Lenneth talks about the events leading up to the groups meeting

You have had poor fortune this day to lose so many, I doubt anyone is thinking straight he stares at Sel meaningfully.

Robban tabs his club on the floor, the heavy thunks vibrating the floor.

Enough of this, she can't stay here. Infected can't stay. This is our shelter, s'posed to be safe... as Melo declares your group isn't going anywhere, Robban's lips curl up in a snarl and his grip tightens on his weapon.

Lachen's odd humor fills the air, and whilst not diffusing the situation at least changes the focus somewhat. Robban looks more confused than anything else, looking to Sel for guidance.

Sel stares at Lachen

Your soldier's humor might have served you elsewhere, but now all you are doing is being inappropriate. You think the situation funny?

She snaps at you

There's one room back there with a door. She goes in, anyone else with a deathwish can join her. You keep one on the door and we'll do the same

She gestures emphatically and Pentos moodily stalks over to the room at the back, standing there and waiting.

Sel turns and sits down at the fire, hands clasped in front of her as though praying. After a minute Robban joins her.

Hawk mutters an apology to you under his breath and moves to his group's area, though he grabs his bedroll and repositions it close to one of the walls, away from where the others are.

Are you moving Ashleigh to the back room? Who's on gaurd duty if so? Are you setting the usual watches?

Recommend one or two in the room with Ashleigh and at least the same number resting outside.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

He's clearly not happy traveling with them, but feels obligated to for some reason. I wonder why?

Realizing that this stalemate of sorts is the best they can hope for under the circumstances, Lenneth simply nods. "Fair enough."

As all but Pentos move over to their side of the room, Lenneth turns to look at her companions. "I'll help keep watch outside," she offers, glancing down at the sleeping Aura again. "All things considered, I'll likely be awake on and off throughout the night anyway. It's up to the rest of you on who is willing to keep watch inside with Ashleigh, but I do have a suggestion..." She gives Valex an apologetic look. "I think one of them should be you; she seems to take the most comfort from your presence after Tabitha's."

I'd have insisted...Valex answers with a smile, crouching once again to take Ashliegh's cold, trembling hand.

"Well, my dear, care to join me, all alone, in private...all night..." Valex makes the offer an humorously exaggerated pick-up line as he helps her to her feet.

I see nothing wrong with your idea Flyn.

Melo relaxes as the groups seem to have reached a rocky truce, then moves as the group begins to discuss their plans.

Listening to Lenneth speak he nods, her words wise and holding a lot of weight. "You should stay with the group Lenneth, you give them hope and i wouldn't want to put Aura in danger and she shouldn't leave your side. I will take watch on Ashleigh, Cyn will stay outside and help guard you and the child." He looks over to Valex. "Good man Valex Lenneth is right the girl will need a friendly face in there and she seems close to you. I couldn't let you stand guard alone please let me stand with you it will be safer."

Aster the conversation finishes and everyone knows what the plan is Melo moves to a quiet place. Sitting on his black legs he closes his eyes to those watching it seems like he's fallen asleep sitting down. After a few moments you seen his fur begins to ripple as his form starts to revert back to its human self. Left sitting there now with his eye closed is Melo motionless tell he begins to stretch his hands out flexing his fingers and moving his head from side to side. Muttering a few words in reverence of the green faith he stands a yawn escaping as the days activities start to catch up on him.

Lachen looks at Lenneth and shakes his head disaprovingly

You will stay in bed tonight, Lenneth, because as you said it yourself, you'll be already awoken a few times to feed the baby. You will already do your part. Now go to sleep, by doctor Lachen's order, or feel the sting of my hand on your pretty bottom. I'll take your watch too.

He winks at her, his anger completly dissipated.

After a few minutes, Robban stomps over to the door and drags part of a broken marble pillar across to serve as a makeshift barricade. He deliberately avoids making eye contact with any of you.

The others settle down and seem to be trying to sleep.

Midnight
(You have not yet had sufficient rest to regain any health, spells or abilities)

Who is on watch at the moment? I'm taking my watch and Lenneth.

Perception, just in case: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"I...fine, but it won't do us any good if you tire yourself out picking up my slack," Lenneth grumbles, though without any real anger. Although thankful that a way had been opened to improve, if not ensure, Aura's chances of survival, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at Lachen insisting on taking her watch as well as his own.

I'm supposed to be able to help pull my own weight here...we've already got enough people to care for, the group doesn't need to add me to that list too...

She glances down at Indigo, who stares calmly back at her. "Indigo, ki jim pomagajo, da gledajo, kot si lahko, v redu?" she whispers. She then looks up at the others. "Be careful, okay? Gods willing, I'll see you all in the morning." Her voice subdued, she settles in next to Cyn and Indigo and quickly drops off to sleep in spite of her inner turmoil.

Lenneth will be attempting to sleep as much as she can, so she won't be taking watch unless you want to randomly roll to see if she's up tending to Aura at this time of night. People can feel free to read the familiar speak spoilers; I just thought it would be fun since they can communicate verbally now but it's gibberish to everyone but those two hehe.

"Zelo dobro. Dobro spali, ljubico," Indigo replies as he begins to wash himself with one paw. Once finished with his bath, he cautiously sniffs Cyn for a moment before hopping up onto her back and curling up, tucking his paws underneath him and looking like an oversized fuzzy rock.

Awake at Midnight? (1-50% Yes, 51-100% No): 1d100 ⇒ 58

Time passes and though the small cat seems to be asleep at first glance, those watching more closely see the occasional glint as the dim light is reflected in his eyes, giving off an eerie orange glow. However, as midnight swiftly approaches Indigo's breathing slowly becomes deeper and more regular as he too, drifts off to sleep...

Lilith is too upset with the situation to sleep so takes first watch. She invites Hawk to sit with her if he is going to stand a watch too. Unless you want to sleep immediately Hawk, please come and take with me some. Sel, you are welcome to join us too if you would hear the story of my bite. I assure you it is no lie.

At Lachen's remark about a spanking Lilith has to say something. Lachen, that type of comment is not appropriate in this setting. If Lenneth will not say something I will. People have died today and more may die before the sun is up. It is no time to flirt, and when it is time, if it ever is again, I will ask you to do so privately and not in front of large groups that include strangers. Your words are offensive and unwelcome.

Later

Lilith sits taking quietly and listening to the night. Around midnight she thinks she hears something.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Earlier

Someone else need a good spanking too.

I will never ask opinion from anyone, and especially from you, about how, when or who I should try to seduce or just have fun with. And even if you're the last girl alive, I'd better have my d*** chewed by a zombie giving me head than touch you, Lilith. People have died today, people will die tomorrow, I may die tomorrow. I speak as I want. I flirt if I want. I take pleasure as I want, when I can. What's would be the point of running away from one bunch of flesh-eaters to another, if I can't enjoy the few days of the rest of my life in freedom? I don't like you, for many reasons, and you don't like me. I'm fine with that. I'm no longer in Cheliax and I don't have to get orders from you or from anyone!

@Lilith: No ill feelings from the player, just Lachen