A wave of soothing, healing magic washes over all of Biston's defenders, with Guarm the gigantic man standing firm in its center.
There still remain sounds of combat coming from where you'd assume Garris is fighting with a zombie towards the back of the battleground, and somewhere directly in the middle near Malcom and Jannet there must be one more zombie that just dropped a constable.
Mal pushes through the fog, listening for sounds of combat, trying to close the distance as he reloads.
Gaurm also moves toward the lingering sounds of combat.
Taking a deep breath as the healing energy fills her Kyrra flashes the massive man a grateful look before dashing into the mists towards the sounds of the fight.
Pressing through the mists, the group finds a bloody and grimacing Garris battling with one of the last zombies. A few swift slices from sword and sickle and the creature is dispatched, a rotting pile of body parts and ragged linens plopping onto the ground. He stops and looks around, noticing that there seems to be nothing left to fight.
Jannet emerges from the fading mists as well, a wooden wand in her trembling hand. "Eating... eating him! Eating all of them..." Garris moves over to comfort Jannet, who collapses among the bloody mess that is now the battleground.
"Who did they get?" he asks, looking up at the group.
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"I'm not sure. I think a lot of the soldiers are badly hurt, or worse. We should spread out and search the area. Call out if you find someone still alive."
Calon kneels down and awkwardly puts his hand on Jannet's shoulder. "Jannet, I know it was bad, but there are people who need you. There might still be someone you can save."
He stands up and addresses the group. "Be careful. There might still be some of these things around here..." he says calmly before walking off to search for survivors.
Wandering through the mists you come across many bodies -- some of them fresh, most of them rotted and disgusting. Rouqas lies in the middle of it all, his greatsword a few inches from his fallen fingertips; he is dead. All three constables are also on the ground and bloody and it looks very dismal indeed, but checking them you realize that one of them still lives!
The mists soon clear and you can see that the sun is setting through the clouds, a red and orange ball low in the sky.
Even before life or lack of it can be ascertained, Gaurm again channels Torag's power into a healing burst.
"We should burn the dead so they don't rise again." Kyrra says looking at the corpses in disgust.
"Smart." Mal says, immediately getting to the job of piling them together for burning.
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"We may not have known him long, but Rouqas was a comrade. Should he not receive a better farewell than being burned along with those he fought?" Calon remarks as Mal starts to move the bodies.
Calon keeps a sharp eye out for any sign of other foes as the others tend to the dead. He moves a little closer to the center where the necromancer was to see if he left behind anything that might give them more clues as to his purpose in raising the dead.
With Guarm's healing power and a hex from Jannet the hedge witch, the last constable is revived and healed well enough to travel. He agrees that the undead corpses should be burned -- "We'll make damned sure their spirits are only resting for the rest of time" -- and suggests that the fallen defenders of Biston, not only Rouqas, be returned to town for a proper burial. [b]"We can make something to carry them on, if your horse would drag the load,"[/] he says, turning to Mal as he finishes piling up the rotten dead ones.
Calon can find nothing to help understand the necromancer's motives in the midst of blood and stamped grass that is the battlefield.
Gaurm will spend a few moments over the zombie corpses before the fire is lit.
"Forgemaster, Mighty Creator, Torag. I ask your guidance in the days to come. We must lay these abominations back to their final rest and deliver to he who profaned them his true comeuppance. Guide my hammer as you have these many years."
Mal cracks open a cartridge, spilling black powder over the corpses. Using a tinder twig to light a narrow cigar, he then flicked it onto the pile. It flared up with an impressive flash and the immediate cloying smell of burning meat.
Backing away he sighed and took a drag on his cigar. "We should stick around until these bodies burn down, just to be sure."
The corpses are lit and steadily burn away as the sun sets. Then, in darkness, the party returns home with their dead. The constable carries a torch and walks alongside the bodies and stays very solemn as you approach town.
Gaurm will accompany the dead Guards, and will stand vigil over them until they are interred.
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As they reach the village, Calon looks around the group.
"I would like to go back out tomorrow to see if we can find the necromancer. Are we all in agreement? We can meet at the Stomping Squat in the morning, unless someone has another idea of what to do?"
He then heads over to Mayor Galway's office to tell him of the day's events, and to let him know about the fate of his constables.
"While the necromancer behind this escaped, we did manage to stop him from taking any more of the dead. It was too high a cost, though. I believe that just Gaurm, Malcom, Kyrra, Garris and I should return there tomorrow to continue searching for this man. I hope that Jannet will accompany us, but she was very upset by the loss of life."
Mayor Galway has stayed up waiting for your return, and you find him busy at his desk in the manor. Though he is still young, he looks considerably older with stress since the last time you found him. "So the creep escaped, huh? Pity... but I'm sure you did your best."
At the mention of searching for the necromancer, Jannet is in strong agreement, "Yes, I feel that my days of excitement are over... I'll never forget these two days and I'm glad to have helped, but I think I can better serve our people here around town rather than out there battling evil."
Garris nods and puts a hand on Jannet's shoulder. "I'm afraid, friends, that I cannot accompany you tomorrow. I was asked by my mentor to return and, after informing him of what we accomplished tonight, continue my training. But goodluck if you plan to go into the forest... stay sharp and safe." He and Jannet bow and slip out of the room, Jannet still crying softly.
Mayor Galway looks deep in thought as he skims a few parchments on his desk. "Yes, I appreciate your vigilance Calon, but unfortunately there is more endangering our town than just this necromancer. That hippogriff rider we saw earlier came from Korvosa, and he seemed to believe that we violated our agreement with the Crown by disturbing the bodies of our fallen heroes. I will ask that you stay, and tell your story to the soldiers that will surely arrive tomorrow. I trust they will believe that we did not mean to revive any old rebellious intentions when they see the battlefield and hear your story, but the more you can plead our case the likelier they are to offer protection against this new menace."
"Now, I believe you have a reward in order." He leans back in his chair and you hear the mechanical clicking of a key in a lock, then he pulls open a reinforced drawer. Inside there is a lockbox, which he opens with another key and from which retrieves a leather pouch that jingles as he drops it on the table. Then, counting out platinum coins as he speaks, he tells you, "In the past two days you have done more for this town than anyone, even myself, has done in ten years. I can't thank you enough. This isn't much, I know, but I will talk with the vendors around town and I know they will be more than willing to offer you discounts themselves, as well." He pushes a large pile of coins toward you and smiles.
"Now, we should consider everything we know about this necromancer menace, starting from the beginning. Calon, the skeletons that attacked the Bencey farmhouse -- was there anything in particular about them that stood out? Anything about the necromancer himself that caught anyone's attention? The more we know about him, the sooner we can bring him to justice."
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Calon replays everything he can remember in his mind, trying to gather every detail he can. Finally, he replies.
"The skeletons were Elven, about 50-60 years old. I think our Necromancer, who called himself 'Veranishka' must have brought them with him. The zombies at the Field were unnaturally fast, which I think might be part of the reason why they were able to kill so many.
Veranishka was a venerable Elf, corrupted and withered, and he seemed half-insane. From the spells he cast, I would guess he is probably an arcane caster, possibly a Wizard or Sorcerer.
And this is personal. As he escaped, he shouted 'You must be punished for your past.' Does this mean anything to you?"
"Some kind of vengeful turf war for our seaside villas, no doubt," the Mayor jokes, his face downcast and uncheerful. "But seriously. If this 'Veranishka' is holding something against us, I'd like to at least know why he's upset."
"You know, I've heard stories that there was once a seclusive tribe of Elves living in the Ashwood Forest. I don't remember much, but I know that they somehow got mixed up in our unfortunate rebellion... in the chaotic and brutal martial law that followed, contact with them was lost. The rebellion was about... 55 years ago?" He reaches for the liquor bottle on his desk. "What are the odds?"
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"Who would know more about these Elves and what happened back then? Does anyone know where exactly they lived in the forest?" Calon is suddenly very alert and on edge.
When they get a quiet moment after meeting with the Mayor, Calon seeks out Malcom.
"That is a very interesting weapon you have. It looks to have seen better days, though. I have a bit of magic that can repair broken items. I am not sure if it will work on that, but I am willing to try if you wish." He sounds curious, but helpful.
"You know, that would be real handy. It's been neglected for years. I was worried I'd have to machine new parts. Some magic might save me a lot of time. I have to get home to my wife, but if you come by tomorrow morning, I can trade you a good breakfast for your spells."
"If those things came from the Ashwood, there could be far more of them hidded amongst ruins and the darker parts of the forest. That has to come to an end."
"Hmmm... there is nobody left who is old enough to remember those days anymore. The rebellion and brutal martial law that followed it were not kind to our people. There may be some records left that mention the Elves, but I've gone over them before and haven't noticed anything. You're welcome to look through them, though," he says, standing up and moving to a drawer full of aged parchments.
"Mr. Wunhur over at the temple may have more records from back then. There is one more person, as well: I'd bet that Mrs. Adrienne Riel has some dated records from that time. She's developed something of an obsession with the Biston Rebellion and I know she's been hoarding relics and documents relating to it -- but she might ask for a favor before releasing anything. To this day, even to me, she still denies her collection's existence."
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Malcom:
"Thank you, I will be there. I look forward to meeting your mate."
Kyrra:
"We have been told that the woods are very dangerous. We should learn more about what we are facing, and how to fight them before we charge in. A lot of lives were lost in our last battle, and I for one do not want that happening again."
"Thank you Mayor Galway. Perhaps fresh eyes will notice something familiarity overlooked.
Would anyone like to come with me to the temple and to see Mrs. Riel. If she is as difficult as the Mayor says, I will probably need some help..." he finishes, looking somewhat uneasy.
"I can go with you, Calon. Perhaps she will cooperate with us."
The sun rises bright and clear the next morning, cool crisp winter air sweeps across the farmland and over the lake Syrantula's calm surface. Farm birds crow at dawn and continue throughout morning while townsfolk emerge from their homes to go about their daily business -- fishermen set out in their small dinghies, farmers take to tending their fields through the harsh winter times, and life in Biston seems to continue on as normal. A darkness seems to have settled on the public's subconscious, however, and people's faces are downcast.
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Calon rises with the sun after his night's meditation. He strolls out to his favorite quiet spot in a copse of trees with his spellbook to decide what magic he thinks he will need this day.
When he is finished he walks to town and manages to find Malcom's house with little trouble. Brushing the dust off his clothes, he takes a deep breath and knocks on the door.
"Good Morn. I hope I am not too early?"
Mal had been up since sunrise as well, handing the elf a steaming mug of spiced milk and brandy when he answered the door.
"Nope. I'm an early riser. Breakfast is almost ready. Come in, have a seat."
The small house was clean but rather cluttered. At the table sat an attractive woman in a nightshift and robe. She stared blankly out into space, an untouched glass in front of her.
"This is Hope. She doesn't talk much, so don't take it personal."
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"A pleasure to meet you." Her condition seems to make Calon uneasy. He takes a sip of the milk, enjoying the warmth as it goes down, and seems to look everywhere except at Hope. "You have a nice home."
After a few moments of awkward silence, "So, why don't I have a look and see what I can do about your weapon."
He takes and holds the pistol for quite a while, chanting with his eyes closed. He finally gives it back, looking no different than before.
"I apologize, but this is unfortunately beyond my power to repair at this time. I believe Gaum is a weaponsmith, perhaps he could help? I am going over to meet with him to we can see if we can talk Mrs. Riel into allowing us to look at collection of papers on the war. Would you like to come with me? Or would it be a problem for you?" he ask nervously, with a sidelong glance at Hope.
Kyrra spends the early morning patrolling the perimeter of the town, taking in the community and trying to determine the most likely source of a threat.
"Oh well. I was going to see what I could do to clean it up and repair the damage the usual way. I should probably get to that. I'll catch up with you folks later. If you need me for anything, you know where to find me."
As she familiarizes herself with the town, Kyrra notes that Biston is a sprawling village with much room for growth. The stretch of Ashwood Forest closest to the town looks at least two or three miles long, and where the forest stops the town's towering cliff faces begin. Richer citizens file out of the complex cave system here on their way into town, but a few guards posted at the mouth of the caves are keeping a steady watch. The farmland itself north of town near the forest is very exposed and she notices townsfolk warily watch the tree line, but all of the men working the fields have axes or knives on them and seem prepared to defend themselves.
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Malcom sits for the day alongside Hope as he works on his gun, the soft clinking of metal and tools ringing throughout the small, quiet house.
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Gaurm gets the forge warmed and set for the day before Selyna comes in for the morning work, and talks with her for a short time, "So I need to go speak with this Mrs. Riel this morning. I hope she can shed some light on this strange attack by the undead."
Selyna nods as she puts on her apron, "Don't worry about it. I heard about what you did yesterday, and I must say I'm very grateful. My great uncle was in that field, and I'm glad knowing he's back at rest."
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Calon begins leafing through the documents the Mayor gave them. They are mostly invoices and letters collected from major establishments around town from the time leading up to and during the rebellion, but a few faded personal journals are there as well. He realizes that it will take much more time to peruse through the papers for any specific information without getting very lucky. Once information from Mr. Wunhur and Mrs. Riel is collected, probably even more time.
Guarm arrives at the Stomping Squat after Calon had been reading just a few minutes .
Gaurm walks into the Squat and across from Calon. "A little light reading?"
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"Yes, this shouldn't take too long at all. I think we should go get the other papers before we start digging too deeply. It might help to be able to cross-reference information from different sources. Shall we go?" Calon starts to get up, then hesitates.
"Unless you have not eaten yet? I could go to Mr. Wunhur while you eat and bring the papers back here. Then we both go to Mrs. Riel's once you are done?"
"I had a light breakfast at the forge this morning, but I think i will see if a sausage or two can be obtained and eat while we walk."
Gaurm purchases a portable second breakfast from the serving wench, and nods to Calon once it arrives.
Mr. Wunhur is bustling around his church in his old robes when you arrive, needlessly tidying and taking inventory. When he spots the two of you, he stops his work and comes over immediately. "Ahh yes, Mayor Galway mentioned you might be stopping by. I was hoping your companion Malcom might have come as well, but maybe I'll have to go visit him later." He leads you into the back of the church again and there is a small bundle of papers and books wrapped up in a twine string. This he hands over without hesitation and says, "Goodluck, I hope they are of use. Of course I hope to get them back from you once you've finished, but I'm in no rush."
Gaurm has absolutely no information about Mrs. Riel.
Kyrra meets up with Calon and Garum on their way to the church after gathering herself a quick breakfast of fruit.
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"Good Morn, Kyrra. A pleasure to see you again.
I am sure you have heard the stories about Mrs. Riel's husband and his disappearance, but despite his... unscrupulous reputation, I think it best not to say anything bad about him if she should bring him up. I do not know what information she may have, but we need all we can find."
he says before walking up and knocking on her door.
The door remains unanswered for some time before, after a few more persistent knocks, you hear shuffling from inside and the door opens a crack. A distraught, worried woman pokes her head out and immediately recoils at the strange sight of an Elf, a giant of a man, and a wild-looking woman gathered on her door step. She gives a little peep, turns away, then comes back a second later, "Umm, yes, can I help you?"
Gaurm tries to look less intimidating while letting one of his more charismatic companions do the talking.