The Walking Dead of Golarion, by GM Fiendish

Game Master Fiendish Zen

Lenneth and Lilith recall that Turrey didn't have his equipment on him when his body was found. Additionally, you are very sure he was dead, and not coming back. As Melo asks his question about hobgoblins, some continue to look blankly, and others shake their heads rapidly.

Robban looks the dagger over then shrugs

Looks just like any other dagger to me

Mallis seems unusually tight-lipped, and busies himself keeping the two children of your group inside the hut and away from the graphic scenes outside.

The old woman has evidently had enough, she crawls away from Feldus as he turns to talk to the others, before scrabbling to her feet and staggering back towards the others of the village, who are regarding her with a mixture of pity and fear.

The direness of their situation seems to have finally gotten Lilith. The usual pragmatic and logical scholar stands looking at the scene before her and is unsure what steps she might take to make things better. And she always knew what to do. For the first time in a very long time she is floundering in indecision and depression. So she just stands there and hating herself for it, begins to softly cry.

Seeing Lillith in distress is possibly more disturbing than anything else that has transpired in the past few days.

Since he has known her, admittedly for only a short period, she has seemed stoic and strong, decisive and unequivocal.

He is keenly aware of the old woman and the fact she is wandering back toward her people. He watches as she goes, knowing what needs to be done and wondering who among them was strong enough to do it. Not for the first time he sighs, expelling a great lungful of air that does nothing to alleviate the weight of the world he feels upon him.

The blade also feels heavy, as heavy as the responsibility he takes upon himself, knowing as he does that he has to kill the old woman before she dies and takes others with her. If Ashleigh and Donal's death were not to be a complete waste, they must serve to teach them this harsh lesson.

But first, perhaps whilst he plucks up the courage, he approaches Lillith. He has to crane his neck to look up at the tall elf and for a time she doesn't notice he is there as she is lost in her grief. He slips his hand into hers and gives it a squeeze, hoping that the simple gesture says more than he can articulate with words.

He then moves his leaden legs toward the old woman, feeling like every step is a thousand miles.

My lady. he calls, not knowing what else to say to follow this up but eventually; We have to see to that wound.

Flynn intends to lead the old woman away from the crowd and then kill her. It sounds harsh when I write it like that and it is, but there is no other option and he is trying to do what must be done

Melo looks to the other for some guidance, getting nothing

Then watches as the old woman sways towards the crowed. She hasn't got long we don't have a cure we just extended the pain for Ashleigh we have to put her down. He then watches as Flyn takes it on himself to do what needs to be done taking the woman away he nods.

Stepping up he looks around at the gathered crowd. "Everyone, what's happened here today we don't want this to happen again!" He shouts out hoping to get everyone's attention. "Every life lost is a blow to us, no one here wants to see anyone else die but if we want this to happen we all need to work together! We have to look out for each other. First thing we're going to do is search the village for anyone hiding out and for any undead or weak points in the walls. I then want to get our food problems fixed!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 9 Hope to relax them at least a little

As you said it is harsh, but must be done.

Feldus watches Lilith's tears roll down her face silently, a brief look of pain flashing over his own face as memories from before flood into his mind. He turns away without saying a word though, as a show of respect.

As Flynn leads the old woman out of sight, Feldus moves behind the halfling, his hand straying to his handaxe. Seeing the look of death in Flynn's eyes makes Feldus' own eyes flash with a burning rage.

This will not go unpunished! Every one who is marked shall be avenged a thousand times over!

If Flynn wishes to allow Feldus to slay the woman, he will accept the responsibility of the killing blow.

I think we should probably wait until Fiendish is able to post. She or one of the NPCs may have something to say about the situation. Just so I know though, Flynn is pretty terrible at sense motive but if it's clear Feldus is in some kind of rage and planning on hacking at this old woman he isn't going to allow that. That's just how I read your post anyway.

Flynn is doing this as a necessary evil because he's practical but if Feldus looks like he wants to unleash some displaced anger Flynn might not be able to stop him, but he'll have something to say about it afterward.

As Lilith breaks down into tears, Lenneth is utterly shocked...and afraid. She'd seen the elf get emotional after the night they thought they'd lost Valex, had lost Polo, Kaiya, and Tali...but this was different. Despair, not grief. She watches as Flynn gives the elven woman's hand a squeeze and then slowly turns and calls out to the old woman...

He means to end her life.

Everyone knew it, even if no one was willing to speak the words out loud. She had to die, for the good of the rest. But it was plain to see how much the thought of doing it pained her friend.

Maybe it should be you. You ran and left your friends and family to die. You almost offered Lilith up to Tsuto that night at the old farmhouse. Mother or not, there's still some snake blood in you...and what's one more life that's forfeit anyway?

"Flynn, I..." she begins and then stops. She couldn't. How could she return to Aura with a smile on her face after having put down a defenseless old woman like a rabid dog? The very thought was absurd almost to the point of laughter.

"That's right. But that's what makes you good, Lenn. Leave the dirty work to guys like me."

Even though she knew he was probably miles away by now, Lenneth could still hear Lachen's voice in her head as though he were standing right beside her. And she knew that's what he'd say, or close to it. He'd have taken care of the old woman himself rather than let her bear the weight of doing so.

She gives the halfling a sad, understanding smile and then turns away. "Never mind..." she whispers as she goes to stand next to Lilith, putting an arm around her.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Valex catches Flynn's meaning. He pats the halfing's shoulder in silent thanks, giving it a squeeze as he passes.

He steps over to Lenneth and Lillith, bowing his head and touching his heart briefly in sympathy with them.

"Abesnt gods know, my lady, you have earned the right to tears, he says quietly. "take what time you need. Know that I offer whatever I can for your comfort. But as soon as you are ready, I need that fine mind. We need a plan, and a plan needs information and logic."

Flynn: I read Feldus' post as him being angry that someone else has to die due to the Harvest plague's effects, due to the Cult... he's not angry or in a thoughtless rage.

The old woman flinches as she is addressed by Flynn, continuing her way back in to the throng of villagers. They part before her, no-one wanting anything to do with someone who has drawn the wrath of the invaders from last night it seems. Melo's voice seems to fall on deaf ears, these people are either too far gone or simply no longer responsive to the things you have to say.

She eventually goes in to a hut on her own, weeping the whole while. Everyone else makes themselves scarce, and it's then a trivial matter for Flynn and Feldus to enter the hut unhindered after her. She seems to have gone deep inside herself and doesn't even react as you come near...

The others make themselves busy, Tabitha boils a small pot of water absent-mindedly, before realising you have nothing to put in it. She starts to cry.

Robban hoists his club on to his shoulder

I'm going for a scout around the walls, maybe drift past those nearby woods.

Mallis' head comes up

I'll join you

The two Solace children sit by Tabitha, staring in to the flames of the fire.

Yeah that's why I thought it was better to wait for clarity rather than react to a misunderstood post.

Flynn ushers the woman into the hut, gently placing a hand on her lower back to support her and guide her inside.

He sits her down on the remnants of a tattered bed and then sits beside her, looking at the ragged flesh of the wound on her face.

Are you in pain, Lady? he asks, offering her a strip of cloth from his pack and then encouraging her to hold it against the wound, applying pressure there.

I miss my family. he says wistfully, hands in his lap. I'm guessing it has been about six months since I last saw my sister and my mother. Doesn't seem that long when you say it like that but it feels like a lifetime. I'm... I'm beginning to forget what they look like.

He nods to Feldus and says Please make sure we have some privacy, Feldus.

Did you have family before all this? A son or daughter, children of their own even? I know you must miss them as terribly as I miss my own. This is a cruel, cruel world my lady, no longer fit for the good people who still linger here whether should be with those they've lost. They must be waiting for you.

He shifts his position slightly so that he is sat just behind her, the dagger slipped into the hand hidden behind her back.

Look over there, dear lady. he says gently. Not at the wall or the ragged village behind it. Not at the poisoned land and the desolate sea. Look beyond all that to somewhere for away, warm and safe and full of love. That's where your family are now waiting for you. Join them now, join then and be free of this pain. he says, sliding the tip of the blade smoothly into the indent at the Base of the skull where it meets the spine.

There is a small noise that reminds him of rabbits caught in a snare but then nothing more and she slumps forward. Flynn half cat catches her but calls Feldus over and between them they lay her on the bed.

Flynn reflexively opens and closes his hand, making a first just trying to stop it from shaking

Urgh... so many typos. That's what happens when you try to do a longer post on a phone.

Melo looks down and sighs as his words have no affect on the crowed, He watches as they all break apart and go their own ways. "Actions speak louder than words.." He thinks back to the child asking for food.

As Flyn and Feldus disappear into the hut, Melo moves over to Lenneth. "I'm going out... Cyn will stay with you. I have to scout around, I want to try and find a source for this corruption I have some magic that might help but... But I have to get out there I can't stand watching these people slowly starve to death." Melo then crouches on the ground and shifts into an eagle, but waits for a response before he leaves to scout.

The death of the old woman seems to have a cathartic effect on Feldus, as all the anger he felt before ebbs from his body, like the lifeblood ebbs from her own body.

She was going to EAT you...!!

Yes, but she was just trying to survive! You would have done the same...you and I HAVE done that before...

Flynn is right...this is no way to live...

As Feldus lays the woman's body on the bed he gently closes her eyelids and turns to Flynn.

"This has to END..."

Feldus will also do whatever is necessary (decapitating or severing the neck) to keep the corpse from re-animating again.

I couldn't agree more. the halfling replies grimly

"Okay Melo," Lenneth responds, her arm still around Lilith's shoulders. "I'll..." she looks around at the village, at a loss for what to do but knowing that she needs to do something rather than sit idle. "I'll meditate and then go from there. Maybe we can shore up the hole we blew in the wall."

As Melo readies to depart, her expression changes to one of unease and she glances around nervously. Confident that none of the other villagers were within earshot, she whispers, "I...something's happened with Aura, during the night. I went to sleep with a baby in my arms and woke up to a young child of six or seven winters by my side instead...and I have no idea how or why!" Wringing her hands with anxiety, she continues, "No one else seemed to notice with all of the other ruckus out here, but they'll notice soon enough that a child has taken the place of the baby I arrived with. And I don't know what they'll do."

Flynn: Too caught up in the story so wouldn't even have noticed the typos if you hadn't said!

The old woman doesn't lift a finger, just listening to Flynn's voice it seems, though it is difficult to tell if it's due to his calm tone or whether she's simply in shock. As the blade enters the base of her skull, a soft moan escapes, and then it's over as she slumps to the bed with Flynn and Feldus' help.

Feldus you are confident Flynn's single blow was sufficient to ensure the corpse does not rise again.

*

A new face appears from the party's hut, a sombre-looking six year old stands and surveys the village, wrapped up in only a wolf-skin cloak. She smiles shyly as she meets each person's gaze.

*

The other villagers appear to be dispersing, though they throw glances at the party and the hut Flynn and Feldus went in to. After a minute or so there is no-one left in the square, they have either returned to their huts or headed out in to the forest.

You are all hungry, at the end of the day if you haven;t eaten anything then we'll start making CON checks.

With the deed done, Flynn rises and sheathes his blade.

We can't do anything if we don't eat. Feldus I'm going out with Sky, there must be something around here. Would you mind taking care of her? he asks. I can help you bury her later if it's too much to ask.

With that he mounts Skyfall and takes to the sky on the lookout for anything that might be edible.

Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Melo stops his take off and turns to listen to Lenneth. "I saw something i'd never seen before when I went to get the group last night. Aura bathed in shadows, If that was before the fall before the world turned to ash I don't know what i'd do." He looks up at her now. "Strange things have happened, I lost my connection to nature when the undead showed up. That's how my pack got destroyed I've slowly started getting my power back I've been granted more power it's like a small stream slowly trickling back to life."

"The others will listen to you. It's best you tell them sooner rather than later, but we need to understand what's happening to Aura... as her mother you need to protect her and don't worry Cyn will keep Aura and you safe." He then looks off into the sky, spotting Flyn take off. "I had better go look for food, I want to look for something that could be causing this blight too. But don't worry Lenneth we're all in this together, we all trust you Aura isn't our enemy. I might be new to your group but im bonded to all of you."

Feldus nods slowly to Flynn as the halfling prepares to depart. "Yeah, food...sounds like a good plan to me...I can handle this from here." He offers a small smile, "Good luck, and watch your back."

Once Flynn has taken off, Felus watches the halfling fly off into the distance with a blank stare on his face for a few moments, before shaking off his mood.

I don't think you will find anything, my friend...just more death...

With a grunt he turns himself to the grim task of burying the corpse. Not willing to drag her body any further than he had to, he half-lifts, half-drags her out behind the hut and works himself to near-exhaustion digging a shallow grave for her.

I will avenge you... He silently vows to himself as he finishes covering up her grave.

Now near exhaustion, he feels the gnawing of his stomach as he imagined his body consuming itself in a desperate bid to stave off death. By the Sewers...I gots to stay busy here, else I go mad! Seeing Lenneth standing out in the open next to...wait...is that a child??

He strides forth and stares intently into the girl's eyes, his nose sniffing the air in front of her. Yes, it is changed somewhat, but it is her...the baby, now grown.

He turns to face her guardian, a cold look in his eyes. Ever conscious of Cyn hovering close by he instead addresses Lenneth in an eerily calm voice, "Well, I see your child has grown. Care to explain this?"

But first, perhaps whilst he plucks up the courage, he approaches Lillith. He has to crane his neck to look up at the tall elf and for a time she doesn't notice he is there as she is lost in her grief. He slips his hand into hers and gives it a squeeze, hoping that the simple gesture says more than he can articulate with words.

Feeling the small but strong hand in her own brings Lilith back to reality. She looks down and cannot help but smile at Flynn. She notices Feldus turn away understanding the favor he is paying her. She then feels Lenneth's arm go around her, supporting her. And Valex lends her words that bring comfort. She may not know what to do, but she was not along. She did have friends and those friends needed her talent. She was vaguely aware what Flynn had to do; what he did. Her stomach growled in response to her awakening but somehow the hunger was easier to bear with friends about.

She wonders how she might help find something to eat but knows the immediate area must have been well searched. Finally she says The summoner's hut? Where is it? If there are any stores they will be there.

As Melo speaks, she feels a sense of relief flood through her. No matter what the other villagers thought, if they even cared, she knew that Aura and herself could rely on their companions to do everything they could to keep them safe. "Thank you Melo," she whispers. "We'll do our best too. You're a good friend."

Spotting Flynn taking to the air with Skyfall, she gives her head a small shake and smiles. "Looks like Flynn had the same idea as you. You'd better get going if you want to find anything and be back before dark. Be careful out there, okay?"

As Aura peeks shyly out of the hut, Lenneth beckons her close and places her other arm around the child. She stands silent for a few moments and watches Melo disappear into the distance, pondering the druid's words.

He said he'd lost his connection to nature, like the priests to the gods. But that his power was coming back. Could that mean...?

Before she can chase that thought any further, Lilith's words draw the witch back into the present moment. "The summoner...do you think that she might've been hoarding food?" she asks, lowering her voice lest any of the villagers hear her. "It can't hurt to look. And the hut behind us has that tunnel to...somewhere. Probably down to the water's edge or out into the forest."

While the remainder of the group confers in hushed tones, Lenneth's eyes flicker towards Feldus as he approaches them. They'd not had much chance to speak yet, so she really wasn't sure what to make of him. But he and Flynn seemed to have the beginnings of a rapport of sorts and she largely trusted Flynn's judgement. She opens her mouth to speak but snaps it shut again as the man strides purposefully up to Aura and stares at her for a long moment before turning to address her. The look in his eyes...she didn't like it, not one bit.

"Actually, I was hoping one of you might have some idea," she responds, trying to keep her own tone even and calm. However, there's a definite undercurrent of tension as she shifts her position to stand protectively in front of Aura. "What I will say is that there's been a lot of very strange things to happen even after the Harvest."

But how much to share? Always the same song and dance, each time you join forces with a stranger.

"My story is one of those things, though I'd heard tales and rumors of people like me even before the world died. If you think you can put aside your distrust long enough to hear me out, I'll tell you what I can." Truth be told, she really couldn't blame Feldus for his suspicion but she knew she had to be strong or at least do her best to seem so - for Aura's sake, if nothing else.

Feldus continued to stare at the both of them, and there is an undercurrent of fear in his eyes as he looks Aura over. With a visible effort he calms down, taking a few deep breaths.

"Look, I know you don't trust me...and I don't trust you, or her either...but we don't need trust here to work together. We need answers more at this time...not to mention food." He glances away from Lenneth staring out into the distance. "I have not heard of such magic that ages a baby to a young child in a single night. Anything you can tell me of...Aura would help."

Yes, he is talking about Aura as if she is not standing next to him, he he.

Lenneth relaxes slightly as Feldus manages to calm himself and she slowly exhales the breath she hadn't realized that she was holding. "That makes two of us, but like I said, there've been a lot of strange things to happen since the Harvest."

She glances down at Aura and gives her a reassuring squeeze before raising her eyes to meet Feldus' gaze again. "I didn't always have the powers that I do. I'm not sure how much you saw last night, but...well, anyway, I couldn't always do things like that. Not until the night of the Harvest itself." Although she'd often thought back to what had happened immediately after making the pact with the shadows - the flight from her home as everything began falling apart - she hadn't thought back to that moment itself when everything she'd been had changed. "I'm not sure how much you know of magic, but I was...contacted...by beings of power, beings of shadow. Somehow they knew what was brewing and promised to grant me power to help me survive it...in exchange for being a conduit for them to view the events of this world more directly."

Quickly, she raises her hands in a placating gesture. "They're not evil! I know that much, at least. Not evil...but not good, either. They just are, if that makes sense." Her shoulders slump. "I know that's not very reassuring, but it's all I have. And Aura...Aura seems to have inherited some sort of power as well, though I'm not sure what or why. Maybe what happened last night triggered something?"

As she speaks, she shoots a quick glance at Aura and then back to Feldus before shifting her gaze again towards the hole in the wall.

Bluff (Secret Message; DC 15): 1d20 ⇒ 10

Per the rules for using Bluff to pass secret messages, failing by 5 or more means the wrong message gets conveyed. I'll let Feldus interpret it for himself, hehe.

Flynn and Melo take to the skies, trusting to their enhanced vision to discern anything to use as a food source. Miles of forest pass under their wings as they cast around for sustenance. From up here, with the winter sun so clear in the sky, even the cold sunlight dancing over the landscape looks beautiful, despite the harsh realities waiting back on the ground. The flight soothes only their souls for a moment, food seems impossible to find. No animals move, no fruit trees or vegetable patches seem visible from the air. The one thing they are sure of, as they catch sight of it, is that the path westwards is viable. The forest gives way to cliffs and rocky hills, and then finally a tiny band of white-yellow in the distance, the desert.

*

Aura tilts her head to regard Feldus as he stares. Her nose wrinkles but she seems more curious than anything else. She continues to stare t him even when he ignores her to speak to Lenneth. She reaches out to touch him but hesitates at the last moment.

You smell alive... she says, almost in wonder. She seems to remember something, and disappears back inside the party's hut.

*

The hidden door in the other hut leads only to a space between the buildings. The man and his tiny family must simply have fled out the northern gate.

Lilith's search of the summoner's hut reveals little beyond the belongings of a common villager... until her magical senses detect a small chest buried under the filthy mat. The chest is unlocked and contains the following potions; Darkvision, Cure moderate wounds, Resist energy (Fire), Owl's wisdom, Protection from arrows. Buried next to it is a small clay urn, and inside this is a substantial amount of dried seeds.

know/nat: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Vaelx, as he moves around the village, seems distracted, lost in thought.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

At her find of the small chest Lilith's heart lifts a little. Her reasoning powers had not left her completely anyway. And she actually allows herself the smallest of smiles when she finds the food. Collecting her bounty She moves to find those in her party still in the village. Speaking quietly she tells them what she has found and explains her dilemma . We need this food to move forward and a single meal to these people will mean little in the long run. But it is from their village and I see how it would also be right to share it. She looks to her friends and companions for judgement. At one time in her life it would have been easy to keep the food. And at another more recent time she would have shared it without question. Something within her seems to hang in the balance with this decision.

I am fine waiting til everyone is together to ask about this issue. I'd like to hear from everyone.

Melo feels his stomach rumble as he search for food finds nothing, but spotting the desert he takes note. Flyn said the weapon was in the desert, at least we'll know what way to head.. He apparently thinks to himself. "I have to check the coast, something turn those fish black. Then with that he swoops down turning to head to the coast.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Survival: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Know nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

I hope to search along the coast for anything really something that stands out.. people., undead.

"I think that a meal for the village will go a long way," Valex tells Lilith quietly.

Disappointed and empty handed, Flynn returns to the village, landing in the man square next to where the giant pot was set up. He unsaddles Skyfall and goes to find the others.

There's nothing. Nothing out there! he fumes. I hope Melo had better luck. Tomorrow I can head back out, return to the woods two days away, at least we know there was game there, it might just take me a while to get bac

Who's this? he asks Lenneth of the girl standing beside her. Hi, I'm Flynn. Do you live here? he asks.

When the prospect of the seeds is broached, Flynn simply shrugs.

We will have to make the stew Lillith. he says. We came here to find resources and somewhere safe where the civilians from Solace could stay. Well, there's no resources and they can't stay here with a village full of people that we have denied food, otherwise they are just going to revert to type and kill our people for the pot. in fact, I'm not convinced that they won't just do that anyway, even with the guards gone. Has anyone checked out that secret tunnel yet?

Feldus glances down at the young girl with a look of surprise but does manage to respond to her, "Yes, I am alive...for now. I have your guardians to thank for that." He watches Aura disappear into the tent with a thoughtful look on his face.

She...is an intriguing one. But is she dangerous? Undoubtedly...best keep a close eye on her.

****

Feldus welcomes Flynn back with a serious look. "That passage led outside the hut. It looks like the former leaders fled through the front gate."

On seeing the seeds, Feldus' mouth waters and his stomach grumbles. The greedy look in his eyes dies to be replaced by disbelief and anger. Trying to control his temper, he speaks softly in response. "If you are going to waste these seeds on these villagers, at least try to get something for them! You have other refugees with you? Extract a bargain for their safety should they stay here! If they betray you...US, then we shall extract vengeance on them!"

Lenneth raises an eyebrow at Feldus after his and Aura's brief exchange, but says nothing. 'Alive' certainly wasn't the word that she'd have used to describe the rank odor that clung to their newest addition, but she reasoned that it would be best to keep such thoughts to herself.

As the day passes, she finally manages a quiet hour alone to see to her meditations. Though she still felt strangely drained, the familiarity of the magic as she inscribed it into her mind was welcome. At least she wouldn't be left completely defenseless or useless should trouble break out.

Once finished with that, she spends the rest of the day alternating between idly wandering around the small village, taking stock of defensible areas and weak points, and spending time with Aura. When they can find a few minutes alone, she kneels down until she's eye-level with the child and takes her small hands in her own. "Aura? I know this might seem like a strange question, but...do you remember anything about last night? Or even before that?"

******************************

"Oh...right, you weren't here when I told the others," Lenneth responds as Flynn greets Aura. "Um, this is...this is Aura. I don't know how or why, but she sprouted up like a weed overnight. With all of the ruckus this morning, it's no wonder you didn't see her before you bolted out of the hut..." Her voice trails off, awkwardly. The more she had to explain it, the more she realized just how crazy the whole thing really was.

Babies don't just shoot up into children overnight! What on earth has...is...happening to her?

Casting about for something else to focus on, she quickly seizes on the brewing disagreement over what to do with the seeds that Lilith found. "Sharing what we have would be a good start to bridging the gap between our party and the other villagers," she agrees. "But uh, Feldus has a point of sorts...if we're going to feed everyone for one night instead of some of us for nearly a week, we need to make sure that it doesn't go to waste," she continues, shifting a bit uncomfortably. "Maybe it would get some of them to open up to us more about the land here; surely there are some people out there that lived in the area before the Harvest right? One of them might know something helpful about why this land is blighted like it is."

Valex will take the day to move around to the families and groups within the village, gently approaching and asking names, histories..whatever he can. He will share bits of stories of his group - nothing too telling, but enough to reinforce that they have been striving against the undead since the Harvest.

If needed:

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

At some point, he will sit down with Aura and talk for a while. He will ask her about what she remembers, and what she knows about how she came to grow so quickly. He will speak to her as an equal, as an adult, sitting to speak to her at her height, if she will degin to speak with him.

"Aura, my dear, will you sit and talk with me a bit?"...

As they reassemble and begin to prepare for the evening meal, Valex will ask the group to gather with him in one of the huts afterwards. "I want to discuss our next move. I have a proposition."

A combination of Melo's experience and instinct draws him to a rocky cliff about half a day's travel west of Whitecliff. Atop the bluff there is a circle of broken stones, the central one is black with the stains of blood and vile magic. The entire area makes his hackles stand on end. Aside from that he spots the occasional lurching movement of undead in the woods, but nothing more than usual.

*

Aura returns from whatever she was doing in the hut, a big smile on her face. She tries to sweep her long hair back behind her ears but she is holding items in both her hands so the hair keeps falling back over her face. She eventually gives up as Flynn says hello.

We're all living here at the moment Mister Flynn she nods at him with a serious expression.

She settles down with Lenneth and puts down the small box and the book she seems to have picked up from the party's hut as Lenneth takes her hands. Her forehead wrinkles as she thinks hard about answering

I remember being warm even though it was cold, I remember being hungry and I remember having a full tummy.

she stares at Lenneth, concern in her eyes as she wonders whether these are the answers that Lenneth wants

..I... I remember sleeping, and dreaming of shadows. Three women spoke to me but I can't remember what they said she says the last words quietly, hoping Lenneth won't be cross.

As Valex asks his own questions, she gives him the same answers, though this time she appears more interested in Valex's reaction to her answers than the questions he's asking.

*

Valex's efforts at mingling do not go unnoticed, several of the villagers left in the huts when the others left to forage come out and speak with him. They all lived in the village before the Harvest, and despite the storm that wrecked their boats, felt safe when they built their wall. When food became scarce and their wills nearly broken, when they had led down to die, the half-elf appeared. She brought with her a protector who she said she worshipped and who looked after her, and would look after them if they worshipped it. It demanded food, and soon the villagers were eating the same food. Some look ashamed, but others don't even recognise the wrongdoing. They seem interested in Valex's stories of combating the undead, but it's a look the bard has seen before. Happy to be taken away from their lives for a while, but at the end their thoughts remain on their own lives. These ones are set in their ways, adventuring is not something they would ever consider.

Spotting the circle of broken stones Melo doesn't get any closer. He will have to tell the others, could this be causing the blight. I assume i'd need detect magic/some knowledge i don't have

Melo returns to the village landing and shifting back into his human form. Meeting up with the others he heard talk of seeds. "We shouldn't hold food at ransome, expecting something in return. Giving them the food they desperately need will go along way in bringing them on to our side." He pauses for a moment trying to get his point across. "I say we just offer it to them, no one will turn it down you saw how hungry they all are and will be very appreciative."

With his part said he tells the others of his day."I found nothing out there for food, so i'm glad you found the seeds. But I went looking along the coast I found something... It was a crop of broken stones in a circle the central one was black with the stains of blood and vile magic. It was a dark place, I didn't understand it I think we should go have a look maybe Lilith or Lenneth would know more about it."

How far would the walk be from the village?

After hearing from the party Lilith makes her decision - she will feed the village. She seems both worried and relieved about the decision. I was not aware there were quite so many people here.

Concerned that there could be some in the village that would try to take more than their fare share of the food she asks her party to watch her as she prepares the meal and to help see to an even distribution. And she will ask Feldus and Lenneth to handle any discussions for any concessions from the villagers in return for the meal. Please ask them to agree to not eat sentient flesh further. she implores, but knows that even if they agree now the decision might change in a few days when they are starving again.

With this agreed to Lilith sets to cooking in an open area that will likely be noticed. She adds what seasoning she might still have and does her best to make the food appealing and satisfying.

Profession Cook: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Once the meal is cooked and people fed Lilith will turn her attention to Aura. Aura, would you sit with me and talk for a while?

After talking with the others Feldus retires to the party hut and spends some time reviewing his spells, and also trying to figure out what may have happened with Aura. I know little of these so-called Patrons...but if they have taken an interest in Aura, then I can determine their true purposes by watching her closely.

GM Fiendish, he will spend the rest of the day researching what he knows of these Patrons, and especially what their motivations might be. Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 (at some point he needs to pick up Knowledge Arcana, he he)

****

Once the group has re-assembled he shakes his head in disgust on hearing Lilith's decision. He does head out to chat with the villagers with Lenneth on encouraging them not to backslide. For the most part, he keeps his mouth shut but does give them a few stares at the appropriate time.

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

****

Hearing the story from Melo about the circle of stones causes Feldus' ears to perk up. "Yes, checking that out would be a wise decision. It could be a base where the Cult is working from. If they have staging areas this far out....we need to investigate further."

Shadows...

"It's okay Aura, that's all that I wanted to know," Lenneth smiles, trying to reassure the nervous child. "I wanted to know because it seems that you're very special in some way because you're growing up fast," she continues in grave, but gentle voice. "That's what Mr. Feldus was asking about earlier. It doesn't happen often"...or maybe not at all..."so that's why he was curious. Some of the other people here might be curious too, but it's okay."

Lenneth tries to keep her concern about what Aura has shared from showing on her face. Although she wasn't terribly surprised to learn that she had dreamed of shadows, the mention of three women puzzled her. She herself couldn't ever remember any of the shadows taking a different form. But if Aura couldn't remember what they had said, Lenneth knew she didn't have much else to go on. So for now, she turns her attention to other matters - like the box and the book that Aura had carried out from the hut. "What do you have there?"

**************************************

Lenneth doesn't seem especially thrilled to be paired with Feldus to speak to the villagers, but as Lilith works on preparing the gruel she nods and looks over at the thin man. "Come on, let's get this over with..."

Much like she had seen Valex doing earlier, she mingles quietly as the villagers begin to gather back outside near the stew pot. "It's not much, but we have found enough to feed everyone tonight. But tomorrow will be a different story and that goes for all of us," she continues, indicating herself and the rest of their interloper crew. "We're still working on scouting around to find the source of this blight and I think we might have a lead. Until we can know for sure though, we'll have to tighten our belts. And there won't be any thoughts of returning to the old ways, either."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Although she tries her best to be sincere, trying to walk the line between gentle and firm is something that the witch isn't especially practiced at. She's not sure if Feldus' silent hovering and occasional glare is doing them any favors either but as long as the villagers don't get violent she knows she's not in much position to complain.

Once their rounds are made and the group is able to huddle up once more over their meals, Lenneth does nod in agreement with the proposition to go and investigate the strange circle of stones. "It's our only real lead so far, so we don't have much choice," she states simply.

Melo: from this height you get nothing more than the visual description and a feeling of foreboding. If you want to land and investigate on your own you can... the circle is most of a day's walk down the coast

Feldus: there are no reference tomes or other resources to really draw upon to research these 'patrons' Racking your brain you remember a vague conversation you once has with a sorceress passing through, who alluded to forces, 'concepts of things' that were powerful enough to grant powers to those who represented them, she didn't mention anything about their intent or desires, and that's about all you can remember. (No knowledge (arcana)!)

Lilith: there were perhaps 80ish people in the village when your scouts were observing yesterday, however...

Lilith's cooking proves amazing given the scant ingredients and terrible conditions, the gruel is both tasty and filling, and not just because you are hungry. The villagers file back in to the village empty-handed but break out in small smiles as they see the cook pot. They thank Lilith for the meal, and at the end of distributing it, she finds her portioning was perhaps a bit off as she has some left over. A quick recount of those left in the village brings understanding though, close to twenty of them have not come back from wherever they went. A quick discussion with some of the others reveals that they heard rumors some of the villagers were going to leave as they were either scared of the party following the previous day, or else didn't think the village would survive without the protection of the master and the 'food' the master and his priestess was able to bring in.

Aura looks up at Lenneth, as Feldus and Lilith come back over. She holds up the box that was on Brie's body, and the book you found all those months ago on the priest's body in Sandpoint.

Death she holds up the box

and life she holds up the book

See! she smiles at you, clearly expecting you to understand what she's explaining.

We never did get around to having Whisper open that box did we? Either that or she couldn't, can't remember which. And I'd forgotten about the prayer book!

"Oh..." Lenneth responds, realizing that she's missed something. In fact, she'd not even thought about the box given all that had happened in their flight from Solace and she'd nearly forgotten the book that they'd picked up in Sandpoint....

It didn't feel right, remember? Just like when you tried to channel your power under Solace...

"Aura, what do you mean?" she responds, her face paling slightly. "Is this a game you've come up with?"

Aura looks at Lenneth with a slight frown as if she's trying to figure out if the witch is trying to trick her, then she shrugs and her smile returns.

It might be a game! Light and darkness, they don't like each other very much because one can't be in the same place without the other, but even worse they can't exist without each other!

She picks up the book and bounces it up and down on top of the box as she speaks, each bounce getting higher and higher until she throws the book up in the air and catches it, giggling.

She stares at both the items

Why haven't you opened them? Are you scared of what's inside?

Id better not, think its safer to wait for the other if we go tomorrow morning

Melo eats up happy to have something in his stomach, and happy to see the villagers smile.

When all the food is given out he sits close to the others listen to their discussions and spending some time with Cyn.

Fiendish i learnt Plant growth for today. Plant Growth Link I was wondering if i could cast it tonight using the Enrichment effect? Not sure how large the village is but i'd cast it maybe just outside.

Lenneth continues to stare hard at Aura as she bounces the items around. Although she still looked and largely behaved like any other child might, she spoke of some things with a wisdom that was beyond her years. Or was it simple childlike innocence and clarity, seeing a larger picture where those grown got mired in the details and shades of gray?

"The box is locked and very hard to open," she finally replies. "And we haven't had much time to sit and try to work on it. And the book...I think it's a book of prayers. It would be better for someone...not touched by shadow...more in tune with the gods to try and read it, I think."

Should I be scared, Aura?

I'm assuming that this conversation is taking place while the 'group' is sitting down to eat so anyone else that wants to interject here feel free!

Flynn understands this situation very poorly. How can Aura now be grown? He has given up trying to get to grips with these types of things. Instead he says simply;

Can you open it Aura?

Feldus stares at the box with a look of trepidation on his face.

This box...Death? And the book...is life? Could this be what the Cult is searching for?

He quickly adds to Flynn's reply. "We don't want you to open it, just to know if you CAN open it Aura."

Flynn waits anxiously for the reply from the little girl.

Melo: You are free to cast Plant Growth on the manky-looking grassy field outside the village... please make a caster level check

Lenneth: Unless someone wants to take her off somewhere private, Aura stays talking to everyone at the same time

Her bright eyes turn to Flynnas he asks if she can open the box, then as she is about to reach out Feldus speaks. She narrows her eyes, frowning.

I don't think so, they're singing to me but I don't know the song.

she cocks her head to the side, listening to something only she can hear. Then she shrugs.

I think... Mister Feldus can open the book and Miss Lilith can open the box.

She looks a little lost.

I don't really know what's in them though, or what will happen next

She becomes distracted by Cyn, stroking the cat's soft hair.

Cooking dinner for the village gave Lilith something to focus on and she took pleasure in doing a good job. The food was not only filling but seemed to be genuinely enjoyed by everyone. After she busied herself preserving the leftovers for travel (perhaps making patties out of the stuff like you would corn meal). Preserving the food got her to thinking about future plans and she was again faced with indecision. It was worse than not knowing which option to choose. It was more like not having any options. What could they do. There seemed to only be the circle of broken stones and what was here in the village.

Sitting with the others Lilith tries to get Aura to talk about herself. Aura, how old are you now? She asks in an attempt to get her to understand/admit that something is special about her. Lilith then asks Can you tell us why you think it is that you are growing up faster than most kids do? And when Aura says the book and box sing to here Lilith asks Maybe I know what the song means but I can't hear it. Can you sing it to me?

Eventually Lilith will re-examine both book and box, studying each with Detect Magic. Can you remind us what we already know about the book? Have we not opened it yet? That does not sound like something Lilith would let slip. Did we just forget about it?

Why do you say the book is life and the box is death? Lilith asks as part of her examination of the items. Once she has all the information she can gather without opening either she will start with opening the book.

On returning to the village Melo moves just outside finding a large manky-looking grassy field. Kneeling down he takes up some of the dirt feeling its coarseness, spitting into the dirt he shouts out for aid from nature. "Grant growth to this land, bring back natures beauty." Then unleashes his spell, standing his looks around hoping to see some change.

Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Brilliant rolling continues

---

Melo look on as Aura seems to speak in riddles, unsure of what he can do he watches and listens as it all unfolds. Cyn meanwhile enjoys the attention rolls over and rubbing her head against Aura.

Feldus wolfs the food down as one who has not enjoyed real food in weeks, perhaps months. He nods once to Lilith in appreciation for her culinary skills.

After dinner is finished, Feldus stares at the child Aura as she makes her announcement. He starts to ask the child a question before closing his mouth.

Whoever her Patron is be the one granting her this knowledge for their own purposes...she is but a vessel and knows nothing herself.

Gingerly he takes the book from her, careful not to crack it open. While the book felt solid and real in his hands it did not trigger any recollection.

Appraise (the book's monetary value): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Once he has finished examining the book he quickly hands it over to Lillith. As he sees her about to open the book he quickly places a hand on her shoulder. "I feel we should follow Aura's advice here. Let me open the book, while you open the box."

Although curious herself and knowing that her companions mean well, Lenneth still feels a stirring of motherly instinct as they put several questions to Aura. She moves to sit next to the girl and puts a protective arm around her.

"It's okay Aura, like I said earlier we're all just curious about you because you're a very special girl in many ways. Try to answer as best as you can, but it's also okay to say 'I don't know' if you really don't know." She can't help but smile ruefully. "There's lots of things that we don't know either."

Like what to do next or where to go...