"So then do we move on?"
There doesn't seem to be much gained by remaining. We should continue to our objective.
"Yeah. We're wasting daylight, lets go."
08/23/4712 16:15
After investigating the small battle site at the abandoned ranch the group continues on. They've got about an hour worth of energy left before everyone is going to be exhausted. They resume travel to the south-west heading towards the location of the keep. The landscape is still cracked and dry, but there are far fewer rocks in this area. The frequency of ruined ancient homesteads and ranches is increasing rapidly. It's clear this area was prosperous long ago.
08/23/4712 17:30
Just as the group is becoming too tired to continue on without damaging themselves, they come across an old stone building. It appears to be a shrine, and has the longsword starburst symbol of Iomedae carved over the entrance. Next to the building are half a dozen worn and unreadable headstones in a small cemetary. It looks as if there may have been other buildings around at some point, but all that is left is some chunks of old grey wood, and crumbled stone foundations.
Given our distance to our target, resting would be advisable. I would also bring the horses inside before dark. We have been having trouble keeping them alive. Inside would keep them calmer and safer. Sigmund, Peitry, would either of you have any wards to place upon the building?
As Jin dismounts and draws his sword to check out the building, his blade speaks to his mind.
If no one has objection to making camp here, I would rest early and take watch all night so we are best prepared for what the morning brings.
Jin slowly stalks around the place and if all seems clear, checks inside. He casts detect Magic and scans as he searches.
The place looks safe enough. Shall we set up camp?
"Ugh.." Peitry gags at he thought of sharing the house with the horses, the smell... But shrugs and concedes to Jin's point, at least it would be warm.
"Umm... I have a scroll of alarm, but I'm too tired to empower it so it will only hold for 2 hours, a scroll of arcane lock, which is permanent, and a scroll of hold portal which only holds for a minute, for of a desperate situation spell than anything. So... Not many options from me here, sorry."
I have the holy dust for consecration, but have been saving it for the fort, since it is debilitating to undead. Alas, I did not pray for that blessing this morning. If you think we need it, I will meditate and pray.Hopefully these graves hold the restful dead and not the other kind.
"I agree with Sigmund, but I think bringing the horses inside and keeping a watch is a good idea. We need rest now anyway if something does decided to come a knocking."
08/23/4712 22:00
The group make themselves as comfortable as possible in the church. Night falls and Jin takes up his usual vigil as the others sleep. Du Dagnir is in the middle of scolding him yet again for his foolish behavior with the griffon when he hears a moaning sound outside. It sounds like it's coming from the front of the church. The nightly mists shroud the building, and while the inside is clear, outside is a murky soup. The sound continues on at a low volume, like a sad old man lamenting a lost pet.
Jin had an idea what the low moaning likely was. Moving as quietly as possible he wakes sigmund, his best ally if it was what he thought it was. Holding a finger to his lips to stifle a sound from his ally. He sneaks to the door and listens, even daring to crack it ever so slightly.
The moaning can be heard just out in the mists beyond sight. It doesn't seem to be moving.
Waiting a moment for Sigmund to ready himself, Jin casts SHIELD on himself, spends and arcane point to enchant his blade to a +3 Flaming Scimitar then uses a Move action to open the door.
Jin cracks the door and Casts FLAMING SHERE to appear in the space of the nearest Unread in range and Moves to the left of the door, giving Sigmund and Crissor a clear lane.
Waiting a moment for Sigmund to ready himself, Jin casts SHIELD on himself, spends and arcane point to enchant his blade to a +3 Flaming Scimitar then uses a Move action to open the door.
Jin cracks the door and Casts FLAMING SHERE to appear in the space of the nearest Unread in range and Moves to the left of the door, giving Sigmund and Crissor a clear lane.
Jin casts VANISH upon himself (Rendering he and his blade invisible) and walks into the mist, searching for the source of the moaning.
Warn me if your magical senses spot danger, Shadow
Thankyou. Now let's get to work
+2 for aid another, if successful
Sigmund will listen to see if he can hear the moaning.
He will get into his armor while Jin sneaks around in the mist.
Sigmund can hear the moaning. Following the sound Jin makes his way forward through the mists. He comes to the spot where the moaning is loudest. He sees a brief flash of something near the ground, but it's gone before he can kneel to take a closer look. The moaning disappears with it.
Crissor:
Peitry:
Jin:
Sirhan:
Sigmund:
Kenan:
X:
Kenan 24
Crissor 22
Sirhan 21
X 16
Peitry 15
Jin 13
Not seeing anything for the moment but knowing something is out there Jin invokes his flight hex and rises 10ft into the air.
Channel Energy 6/6
Touch of Glory 8/8
Touch of Good 8/8
Extend 2/3
Spells. CL 6. DC 15/16/17/18. Conc +11. * = cast.
0th: create water, detect magic, light, stabilize.
1st: *bless, divine favor (d), *doom, sanctuary, *weapons against evil x2
2nd: bless weapon (d), *resist energy, *spear of purity, spiritual weapon, weapon of awe
3rd: *archon's aura, *heroism (d), *magic circle against evil, summon monster III
Sigmund hears the moaning stop and pauses.
Ah, goddess! he mutters.
Still only with his greaves on, he grabs up his inscribed mithril rod and casts Heroism .
Sirhan uses the first round to get on his armor then heads out to see what Sigmund and Jin are up too.
Once within sight of his companions He begins to pray.
School enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]; Level cleric 3, paladin 3
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, DF
Range 40 ft.
Area all allies and foes within a 40-ft.-radius burst centered on you
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
You bring special favor upon yourself and your allies while bringing disfavor to your enemies. You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Kenan dons his armor and readies his bow.
zzZZzzz... ..ZZzzz.. ..zZZzzZZ..
Kenan 24
Crissor 22
Sirhan 21
X 16
Peitry 15
Jin 13
Sigmund 4
Round 1
Initiative 13
Jin begins to fly out in the mist.
Initiative 4
Sigmund stops putting on his armor and then casts Heroism.
End of Round 1
---------------------
Begin Round 2
Initiative 16
A pale translucent form rises up through the floor next to Sigmund. It is an old man, who's been split open from the top of his head down to his belly button. He's wearing priestly vestments of a cleric of Iomedae and moaning reaches out his see-through hands to grab Sigmund.
Channel Energy 6/6
Touch of Glory 8/8
Touch of Good 8/8
Extend 1/3
Spells. CL 6. DC 15/16/17/18. Conc +11. * = cast.
0th: create water, detect magic, light, stabilize.
1st: *bless, divine favor (d), *doom, sanctuary, *weapons against evil x2
2nd: bless weapon (d), *resist energy, *spear of purity, *spiritual weapon, weapon of awe
3rd: *archon's aura, *heroism (d), *magic circle against evil, summon monster III
Sigmund gasps in horror as the ghostly specter of a slain Iomedean priest rises from the floor. His gasp mutates into a shriek of pain as the pale hands maul him.
Jiiiiiin! You woke the restless dead! Get in here and help me send him to peace. he yells, hoping to wake the others as well.
He will step carefully way and raise the scarred hand that one held the Sword-Mark. Gripping the rod tightly in his other hand he beseeches Iomedae's aid and is suddenly holding a sword of golden light. He swings it at the ghost and it flies forward, dancing and striking on its own.
for
With no enemies forthcoming Jin simply relies on his senses while he holds his action,
and hears Sigmund's call.
He flies towards the call.
As soon as he gets line of Sight he casts Magic Missile at the ghost
Round 2
Initiative 4
Sigmund shouts the others awake then summons a sword of force to do battle with the specter. It slices through the thing, eliciting a louder moan of pain.
Initiative 4-
Jin flies inside and throws three magical bolts at the creature. They strike its incorporeal form causing a sizzling popping noise.
End of Round 2
---------------------
Begin Round 3
Kenan 24
Crissor 22
Sirhan 21
Ghost 16
Peitry 15
Sigmund 4
Jin 4-
Sirhan prays to his gods for him and his allies to get help in this battle.
School enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]; Level cleric 3, paladin 3
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, DF
Range 40 ft.
Area all allies and foes within a 40-ft.-radius burst centered on you
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
You bring special favor upon yourself and your allies while bringing disfavor to your enemies. You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Kenan pulls his bow, challenges the ghost and fires one arrow at the ghost.
Crissor wakes up from Sigmund's shouting and stares at the ghost. "Oh this isn't good.
He pulls out his holy symbol and focuses on channeling healing energy to harm the ghost.
Round 3
Initiative 24
Kenan shoots an arrow through the ghost, dragging some ectoplasm behind it.
Initiative 22
Crissor channels energy to harm the ghost.
Initiative 21
Sirhan prays for the group
Initiative 16
The ghost wails frightfully, and a supernatural terror grips the party. Then it lowers itself down through the floor, disappearing from view.
Will Save
Rising up to see the ghost descend into the floor Peitry looks around in confusion, not really knowing what to do.
"Err.. Sigmund.. You wouldn't happen to have a consecrate spell ready would you? This is after all a church of you god, right?"
Will Save:
Jin feels the moan assault his mind and he is chilled internally with flashes of......sadness. As all his doubts and fears were bought to the front of his mind and all his being screamed to run.
But he sword wouldn't let him
He readies an action to Move and 2 handed strike the ghost when it reappear s
Channel Energy 6/6
Touch of Glory 8/8
Touch of Good 8/8
Extend 1/3
Spells. CL 6. DC 15/16/17/18. Conc +11. * = cast.
0th: create water, detect magic, light, stabilize.
1st: *bless, divine favor (d), *doom, sanctuary, *weapons against evil x2
2nd: bless weapon (d), *resist energy, *spear of purity, *spiritual weapon, weapon of awe
3rd: *archon's aura, *heroism (d), *magic circle against evil, *summon monster III
I did not prepare one, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Sigmund digs in his pack and pulls out a silk pouch of silver dust and a vial of holy water.
Iomedae, this holy place of yours is haunted by one of our own. Help me cleanse this sacred place.
Round 3
Initiative 15
Peitry asks Sigmund for help.
Initiative 4
Sigmund consecrates the church, calling down a feeling of bravery and purity into the room.
Initiative 4-
Jin readied Du Dagnir to strike the ghost should it appear.
End of Round 3
---------------------
Begin Round 4
Kenan 24
Crissor 22
Sirhan 21
Ghost 16
Peitry 15
Sigmund 4
Jin 4-
Sirhan see Crissor move away from the ghost, Sirhan holds out his sword pointing it at Crissor then he recites the incantation in celestial for the spell to remove the fear of this haunt from His ally.
Crissor pats the fur down on his arms and gives a quiet, but obviously thankful nod to Sirhan, as he prepares to channel again if need be.
Round 4
Initiative 24
Kenan readies his bow should the ghost reappear.
Initiative 22
Crissor cowers in fear.
Initiative 21
Sirhan casts a spell on Crissor, and he pats the fur down on his arms and gives a quiet, but obviously thankful nod to Sirhan, as he prepares to channel again if need be.
Initiative 16
The ghost's hands appear from the floor at Jin's feet and he brings Du Dagnir down on them, just as Kenan fires an arrow at them.
Jin's blade misses, but Kenan's arrow takes it right through the face. It reaches for Jin's ankles.
Cantrips; 4 At will. Detect Magic, Detect Undead, Ray of Frost* (1d3+2), Read Magic
1st 5+1; Burning Hands* (5d4+2 DC 18), Magic Missile x2(*)(*), Mount(*), Protection from Evil, Shield (7 rds).
2nd 5+1; False Life, Flaming Sphere*, Rope Trick, Scorching Ray* (2 rays, 4d6(+2to one)), See Invisibility, Shatter* (DC 18).
3rd 3+1; Dispel Magic(*), Fireball* (7d6+2, DC 19), Haste, Wind Wall* (80ft long, 35ft high, 8rnds, DC 19).
Fingering the pearl of power Peitry summons back the spent magic missile spell to his mind and casts it.
Channel Energy 5/6
Touch of Glory 8/8
Touch of Good 8/8
Extend 1/3
Spells. CL 6. DC 15/16/17/18. Conc +11. * = cast.
0th: create water, detect magic, light, stabilize.
1st: *bless, divine favor (d), *doom, sanctuary, *weapons against evil x2
2nd: bless weapon (d), *resist energy, *spear of purity, *spiritual weapon, weapon of awe
3rd: *archon's aura, *heroism (d), *magic circle against evil, *summon monster III
The golden longsword cuts again at the ghostly priest.
Sigmund raises his holy symbol and channels energy. Rest in peace, stricken spirit.