Anything on the perceptions dm?
Kevkas looks over at Matthias. "Could this have anything to do with your demigod?"
"It might... but I'm no expert. Belgrin, Janiries and Hezar are the ones who fought its minions. They told me terrible things about what was done to their late friend..." He shuddered.
"If Hezar doesn't find a clear trail, maybe we should go talk to those children before pursuing. Helm knows I don't want to remind them of their loss and the fear of what happened, but they might be able to tell us something that will help us fell these brutes."
As the discussion turns to Lassathor, Janiries chirps up from the back of the room. "If this had anything to do with Lassathor, then those bodies would be rising up right about now to try and kill us. He's big on the whole undead thing really."
Belgrin nods, still appearing passively disinterested in further examinations, but obviously concerned with the bigger picture.
"Aye, Lassathor's fond of his walking bones and pus-filled corpses. Don't recall any demons or the like; just the living dead. If 'twas his lackeys, they'd have killed the wee ones too and made soldiers of their remains. Lasses're right; it's neither of our quarries. We got ourselves a new force ta reckon with. Just means somethin' new to smash ta red paste."
"Well, it did say 'demon lord of the undead'. Could be Lassathor's making an offering to a patron or trying to elevate himself to a better job." Kevkas shrugged. "But we'll have to deal with things as they come." The big half-orc nodded at Matthias. "It can't hurt to talk to the only witnesses. Unless they're infected with some kind of curse or disease."
The children, the children ... why were they not offered up? Their sweet young flesh would have been to the demon's tastes, yesss .... enough for a second offering, and one more for sport .... Ambrose mutters to himself, seeing the reactions from those who can hear his words, and falls silent. His keen, dark eyes continue to take in the scene, however, and his excitement is hard to conceal!
Hezar and Apollo return.
After the murders, a second group of 4 or 5 people arrived, there was a fight and the murderers seem to have been driven off to the north, the second group stayed for a bit then followed them. It would appear that there is more to this…perhaps they met Kane's men
"That's inappropriate," Matthias said unnecessarily, his flesh crawling at Ambrose's behavior.
"Could Kane have tried to save these people?" he wondered dubiously. "I don't know enough about him to say, though it certainly seems strange... but why else would the cultists have spared the children?"
I have at least the beginnings of the trail. Belina, myself and Apollo will join you to see the kids. They must be a mess.
Hezar will go to see them, Apollo will do his best therapy dog bit with them
Letting Matthias speak for the group, Janiries wouldn't interrupt the silence that fell after his outburst. Only once Hezar returned and brought the conversation back around to the chase would the Sun Elf pipe up.
"So, which group should we go after? If we go check on those children, then I'm not sure that we could find either Kane's group or this other group afterwards, though that's up to the skill of our trackers."
we will find them. the children must be tended. hear says quickly
Kevkas nods at Hezar. "If he says we have time to talk to the kids, let's talk to the kids. I'll hang back so I don't scare them."
Nijena nodded.
"Let us go then, and not waste further time."
Beyha returns to the barn after a few minutes of looking around outside, working from Hezar's findings. You're going to talk to the children? We have a warm trail here that I can't ignore. She points north and west. The Tresqyl vineyards are just a few miles to the west - back down to the road and you won't miss them. I'll meet you at the Maiden's clearing in a few hours - its north of the vineyards, four miles into the woods. Hezar should be able to get you there, and Marius knows the area well enough. Good luck, and may Helm guard you.
Beyha heads off, clearly used to working by herself, unlimbering her longbow as she stalks into the woods.
"Right then, we had best go talk to some kids."
Janiries mounts back up, ready to move out to the Tresqyl vineyards.
Hezar and Apollo will go in calmly and gently, with Apollo panting like a puppy to erve as therapy dog, he will let Mathias speak
"Lovely. Couple of orcs, a Dwarf, an elf, and all manner of sharp objects followin' a demon sacrifice. Oh they'll be delighted t'see us."
Apollo will help Belgrin
"Oh, it'll be fine Belgrin. We'll do a comedy routine, with you being the straight-man and I playing the part of the fool. Kev the Brave can help out with some physical comedy too."
The Tresqyl vineyards are less than an hour away; the road becomes progressively wider and better travelled as you get closer. At the outskirts, the seemingly endless vineyards are bounded by a simple post and wire fence. Closer to the main gate, the walls become stone and armed two-man patrols become common.
When advised of your mission, the first guard patrol you encounter rides swiftly back to the main gates, returning a few minutes later with the guard captain. Tall, with skin so dark it appears almost black, the tall, mail-clad captain quickly regards your group. Hail, travelers, I am Captain Aku, of the Tresqyl estate guard. How may I help you?
I am Hezar, and these are my companions, we are investigating a crime and here to speak with the children. My companion Mathias of Helm will tell you more.
Matthias raised his hand in greeting. "We've just come from the Taypool farm, and heard from Beyha of Helm that the children from there were sent here. I know it isn't the best of times to speak with them, but it may be the only chance we have before we go after the ones that committed the crime that took place there. If you could allow us just a few questions, we may have a better chance of finding the criminals and bringing them to justice."
Content for the moment to let Matthias speak for the group, Kevkas instead studied the wall and fortifications, trying to remember if he'd ever heard of a major battle near here.
Like Kevkas, Nijena was content to let Matthias do the talking as well. While she remained silent and observant, like her friend, her attention was on the people the group encountered. She examined each of them in turn, looking closely for signs of possession, or "demon taint."
Well met, all of you. The Captain's gaze lingers on Rylind and Kevkas for just a moment, perhaps assessing the level of threat they pose. The children are indeed here, and resting - terrible business, this. I will take you to them, through the main gates. Please note that we ask visitors to surrender their arms at the guardhouse - they will be kept safe for you.
Janiries nods to the captain at the welcome, starting to unclip some of her weapons to hand them in at the guardhouse.
Not every weapon, naturally. Only a fool would enter a place like this unarmed.
Hezar obliges assuming he trusts the guard
SM
"Thank you, Captain. We'll try to keep it brief."
Matthias surrendered his dagger, bastard sword and mace, trusting that Helm could protect them from any threat they might find in the otherwise idyllic-seeming mansion, but kept his shield slung on his back.
He also kept an eye on their roguish companions - Ambrose in particular. His response at the Taypool farm had unsettled Matthias considerably, and he had his doubts about letting the man see the children with the rest of the party. He couldn't think of a place he'd trust the strange man to stay alone, however, so he simply followed the Captain at the rear of the group, the better to watch over all their new companions.
At the command to hand over weapons, Nijena paused. Her weapons were almost superfluous, true, but she didn't like handing her grandmother's sword over to just anyone. Where Nijena came from, ancestors and their passed-along possessions carried great significance. And, although the laws on weapon ownership were far stricter, she came from the class that could own them.
All in all, she far preferred the "peace bonding" custom some of the local towns and cities used, rather than confiscation. Still, if there was Demon-taint in these children, it needed to be found.
Kevkas readily hands over his silver-headed morningstar, his bow and arrows, and a virtual arsenal of knives, hatchets, and other small, bladed weapons. His sword, though, remains on his back until the rest are done.
He reaches up slowly to draw the massive weapon from the harness holding it on his back, clearly telegraphing that he is not attempting to threaten anyone with it. "This is Pamas, the sword of war. Bane to demons and destroyer of enemies." The huge half-orc holds it out in both hands for the guards to see.
The blade is enormous, easily as tall as Nijena, nearly as wide as a plate and with its fuller etched with a scene that depicts Tempus, Torm, Tyr, and Helm waging battle against an endless sea of demons. The weapon is clearly some swordsmith's masterpiece, and it looks as deadly as it is beautiful.
"It is sacred to four gods, not least of which is my own. Its presence is a personal reminder to me of Tempus's teachings, a visual symbol of the Lord of Battles and my service to him." Off to the side, a spear fell over in its rack, making a surprising clatter though there was nothing and no one nearby to make it do so. Kevkas doesn't look over.
"I will swear on Tempus's name to not draw Pamas within these walls and accept a peacebond on it, but I will not hand it over save to one of my own faith."
"It is sacred to four gods, not least of which is my own. Its presence is a personal reminder to me of Tempus's teachings, a visual symbol of the Lord of Battles and my service to him." Off to the side, a spear fell over in its rack, making a surprising clatter though there was nothing and no one nearby to make it do so. Kevkas doesn't look over."I will swear on Tempus's name to not draw Pamas within these walls and accept a peacebond on it, but I will not hand it over save to one of my own faith."
Nijena watched Kevkas' speech and presentation with interest, her own sword not having left her back. When he was done, she turned her gaze to the guardsmen, awaiting an answer.
Belgrin cocks an eyebrow at the suggestion of being disarmed, and scrunches his nose as his companions begin to surrender their weapons one by one. He lifts his maulaxe to eye level, glancing between it and the captain, obviously weighing his options intently.
"Bah! Better off out here with the guard, I'll be. Don't see smiths with weapons like these just hanging on the wall every day, aye? You lot go play with the wee ones; after what's reared its head of late, I'd rather wait outside than let me own blades out of arm's reach. Lest ye want to wrap mine up the same as the big one."
The guard captain sighs, obviously expecting at least some negative responses to his request. I appreciate the importance of your weapons - I was an adventurer myself, for several years. But if you're unwilling to temporarily surrender them, waiting here at the gate might be the best way to go.
If anyone wants to attempt a persuade or an intimidate, DC is 22.
Kevkas nods at Belgrin and the guard captain, re-sheathing his sword on his back. "I'll stay with the dwarf, then. You can tell us all about the family while we wait."
Nijena nodded. She disarmed, but handed her weapons to Kevkas Him, she trusted.
Kevkas accepts Nijena's sword with a wordless nod. He doesn't need to tell her he'll keep it safe for her- she already knows.
The guard captain escorts you down the long road to the estate proper; you pass by a number of workers, mostly humans but with a fair sampling of halflings, as well. You get a few looks and whispered comments, but most seem interested in not getting involved, or drawing attention.
You are led to a small room on the second level; all six of the children are being kept together, under the care of a pair of nurses, one human and one halfling. The oldest is a boy, perhaps of ten winters or so, the next a sister, just a little younger. The younger girl cradles a baby in her arms, protectively. Two little boys and a girl, perhaps two or three years old, round out the group - all seem to be the same age - triplets? Most unusual.
Please be quick, these children have seen far too much the past couple of days. The guard captain whispers to you as you go in.
Nijena debated - briefly - and decided that the guard captain wouldn't approve of the fastest way she knew of to test the children for evil taint. No one really liked the idea of exposing children to open flame - regardless of culture - even if she did assure them that it wouldn't hurt the good ones.
Instead, Nijena simply nodded to the guard captain and the nurses, then she knelt in front of the children. She gave the oldest each an encouraging half-smile. Then she looked at each of them. She watched their eyes, their movements, searching for any sign of taint. As she did so, Nijena's eyes once more changed from dark green-gold to the lighter, near-glowing hue from before.
Hey kids. My name is Hezar and this large puppy dog is Apollo. We know you have been through something awful and we want to get the people that did it. My friend Matthias is going to ask you some questions answer your best and if you aren't sure you can tell us. We want to help you.
At the mention of his name Apollo scrunches down on the ground and crawls over to the children, and rolls over inviting some belly scratches.
Matthias clasped Hezar's shoulder before moving past him into the room. He knelt by the children, looking at each of them with what he hoped was a reassuring expression. His heart went out to them; they would never see their family again. When he spoke, he addressed the eldest boy, who might be the least likely to be frightened.
"Hello. I'm Matthias of Helm, and these are some of my friends. We heard of what happened at your farm, and we mean to bring the ones who did it to justice. We could use your help to catch them, though. If you all could tell us what happened, anything you can remember, any detail, it would help us a lot. I know it's hard, but can you do that for us?"
The children are frightened, and tired; but they seem to brighten a bit at your kind words and manner, and at the friendliness of Hezar's animal companion.
After a few moments, the eldest boy gathers his courage and speaks. I .. I am Kylan, and this is my sister, Reesa. We ... we know our parents, and our eldest brother and his wife, are dead. The boy points to the baby held in Reesa's arms. This is Manu, our cousin, and our remaining siblings, the triplets Arthu, Amus and Anna. Though dispirited, each forces a little wave at the mention of their names, save the baby, who appears to be asleep.
The eldest girl, Reesa, appears very taken with Osuki's exotic appearance, and gasps at her eyes when they change colour. So beautiful! She says, taking a step forward, before her brother holds his arm up, staying her.
Apollo licks the children and wrestles with them, always letting them take control, he lopes back to Hezar and claims his favorite chew toy and walks back the the kids with it hopefully
Matthias offered the children a kind, if sad, smile, and nodded to each one as they were introduced. "You have all been very brave," he told them earnestly, "but we must ask you to be brave just a little longer. Did you see who locked you in the basement? Was it someone you knew? Can you describe them to us? Did you hear them talk about who they were, or where they were going?"
Nijena cocked her head to one side when Kylan had stopped his sister. But after a moment, she gave the boy a nod. "It is good that you are cautious, and look out for your sister. You are the patriarch now. Your family is your responsibility."
Nijena met the young girl's eyes and smiled at her, as well. The glow in the exotic woman's eyes faded, her dark, deep green irises returned, seams and flecks of gold highlighting the jade. "I am honored by your attentions, sister Reesa. I look different from you, but remember always, that we all carry our scars. And even scars can be beautiful."
She gave another reassuring smile, then fell silent as Matthias began asking his questions.
The boy swallows before answering Matthias. The man who locked us in the basement - he saved us from those others that came first. He said that he was sorry he couldn't get there in time to save our parents, but that we'd be safe until someone came for us. He was a big man, with a beard. He fought the others - the skinny blind mage, the black skinned elf, and the two others. There was another there too - something in the shadows - it smelled of rotten eggs. They were going to kill us too. But the big man drove them out, snarling, and I swear his hands seemed like giant claws. He never said his name, but said he couldn't stay, that if people found him there he'd be in trouble.
His eyes were sad. I asked him why he was crying. He said he'd dug himself a deep hole and he didn't know how to get out. Reesa pipes up after her brother speaks, rocking the baby sadly.
He had several others with him, a man with a bow who looked a little like the pretty lady here, Kylan says this while looking at Nijena, and several others who looked like skilled woodsmen. They never said where they were going, I'm afraid. Kylan's lips waver for a moment, before he steels himself, swallowing. The ones who killed my parents - you're going to kill them, aren't you?
Nijena stood, and now her eyes looked as hard as the jade they took their color from.
"They will face the justice that is coming to them," she promised the children, her voice like chipped stone, "This I swear to you, on the honor of my ancestors."
Even in her anger, she did not swear to killing, but to justice. In all likelihood, in this case, justice and death meant the same thing, but Nijena knew better than to swear to one, when the other might prevent it.
The exotic woman knelt again. "What you have shared with us is troubling, but it is good that you shared it. Without knowing what you have shared, we would very likely have hunted the wrong people. While the sad-eyed man you speak of, he has many crimes of his own to answer for, your words may have spared him an unjust fate." Nijena gave the children a sad smile.
"I cannot promise you an easy life," she said, "nor that this life will be fair. But I promise you that I will do my very best to bring justice where it is needed. I cannot promise that I - or anyone else - will be able to help you in any challenge that you may face. You, who are family, must help one another to be strong. But know that your family has a friend in Nijena, of Clan Osuki, and that I will look in upon your line whenever I can."
Matthias nodded, offering his arm for the boy to clasp. "Don't you worry. As Miss Osuki said, we'll see to it they get what's coming to them. You've been a great help, Kylan. Thank you."
On the way back out, Matthias was troubled. What exactly was Kane's story? There was really only one way to find out, and that was to capture him.
He thanked the guard captain for his time and related what they had been told to those who had remained outside. "I don't like not knowing the whole story, but I think our first priority should be those diabolists," he said. "Let's find Beyha and pick up that trail."
Marius seethes while walking out of the estate. He must have been acting! Kane is a bloodthirsty beast, any remorse on his part is too little and too late. He wheels around on the group. We still need to stop him, and if that means killing him, then I'm not going to shed a tear!
Is everyone set to reconnect with Beyha?