Zilchus looks at the shadowy thing with interest...and with worry.
Know (Rel)
Zilchus has things to say about the shadow but seeks the right words to express them.
⁞⁞⁞⁞ ⁞⁞⁞⁞
‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“Hey, watch out!” Ben’s conversation with Bal – a conversation he was enjoying, appreciating the predictable nature the woman was manifesting – is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of the shadow through the gate. As usual, Benedictus realizes the danger a few instants before the others, but this time he does not take him a lot of time to decide what to do.
More power, more options…
Ben grins, and points his finger toward the shadow. “Burn!”
⁞⁞⁞⁞ ⁞⁞⁞⁞
In the blink of an eye, Benedictus pulls out a scroll from his case and reads it aloud, causing the words written on it to disappear and a bolt of sheer arcane energy to dart toward the shadow.
_________________________
Conditions – mage armor (+4 AC, 4 hours)
Wizard spells prepared (CL 4th, concentration +10)
[smaller]2st ()― glitterdust (DC 18), invisibility, locate object,
1st ()― burning hands (DC 17), color spray (DC 17), grease (DC 17), ear-piercing scream (DC 17), mage armor, true strike
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation
An incorporeal creature has no physical body. It can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures, magic weapons or creatures that strike as magic weapons, and spells, spell-like abilities, or supernatural abilities. It is immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Even when hit by spells or magic weapons, it takes only half damage from a corporeal source (except for channel energy). Although it is not a magical attack, holy water can affect incorporeal undead. Corporeal spells and effects that do not cause damage only have a 50% chance of affecting an incorporeal creature. Force spells and effects, such as from a magic missile, affect an incorporeal creature normally.
- - -
Round 1, Init 9
Zilchus nods, remembering something from his past. He looks at Cahal. "Cahal, you'll need magics for your weapon to affect this! Use magic if you have it."
Zilchus prays inward, channeling his prayer into his sword.
to hit; (magic)
magic slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+7[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 29/34
AC: 19 (7 armor, 2 dex)
DF: 0/10
Weap: 1/4
Grunting: 1/5 used
Quick Prayer: 1/5 used
PoP1: 0/1 used
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
"What's that?" Nidhi stupidly takes out her bow.
Benedictus opens with a scorcher, which sadly misses due to cover and the high touch AC of an incorporeal, but he follows up with a magic missile which naturally connects. Zilchus swings and also misses.
Bal draws a flask of holy water, steps toward danger, and pours it over the shadow! ”C’mon men, get out your holy water again!” she shouts with energy to her troops.
The shadowy figure touches the nearest guard ever so lightly…
The guard, shaken as they are, scatter at the sight and touch of the incorporeal undead. As they flee, Bal watches them sadly, but without scorn, ”This is the second of these today, but they did so well against the first!”
Round 2, Init 9
Zilchus tries again with his magic blade.
He 5' steps after he strikes.
to hit; (magic)
magic slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+7[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 29/34
AC: 19 (7 armor, 2 dex)
DF: 0/10
Weap: 2/4
Grunting: 1/5 used
Quick Prayer: 1/5 used
PoP1: 0/1 used
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
To be clear, the men who fled were city guards, not Pharasman forces. The only Pharasman has remained, and continues to fight in the front lines, though all she has that will effect it is holy water.
⁞⁞⁞⁞ ⁞⁞⁞⁞
‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“Tsk, and you believe you’re safe?! There are dozens of type of undead capable of passing through or over your gate, or even climb it at that!” Ben’s words sounds like a reproach to Bal for underestimating the danger she has to face together with her men.
I thought Pharasmins had a deep knowledge of death and undead alike…
“OK, let’s keep it up! Try not to get touched by it!”
In the meantime, Benedictus produces another scroll from his case.
This is the last one. Hope it will suffice, although I doubt it…
The scholar reads the scroll aloud, and another missile of arcane energy darts toward the shadow.
_________________________
Conditions – mage armor (+4 AC, 4 hours)
Wizard spells prepared (CL 4th, concentration +10)
[smaller]2st ()― glitterdust (DC 18), invisibility, locate object,
1st ()― burning hands (DC 17), color spray (DC 17), grease (DC 17), ear-piercing scream (DC 17), mage armor, true strike
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation
Cahal stabs at the shadow, and though she does less damage than she’d like, it’s still a lot. Florence blesses the party. Nidhi takes out her bow and gets into position. Benedictus pings a few more points of damage on the pile. Zilchus brings in the final blow, cutting the creature down where it stood. The shadow puffs away into the light like the shadow it was...
Bal, another flask of holy water in her hand, puts it away and smiles at the group.
Bal speaks up, ”That was very well done indeed! Very well done. Don’t blame the guard for their flight. They’re simply not prepared for this sort of thing. I mean, no one is really, but they even less so.”
She turns to Benedictus, ”Oh, I never said we were safe, but we are in relatively good shape. The magics placed on this wall, and these gates, has largely held. A few slips aside, we’ve managed to keep Wati from being overrun!” she says with pride.
”And now that you’re here, we’ll do even better.”
"You're not adequately equipped to face the undead," pontificates Benedictus. I hate to burst your bubble, but... "Shadows does not count among the strongest of their ranks. There are many powerful undead, well beyond our abilities. We should just hope that they don't show up."
Ben casts a questioning gaze to his friends, as to ask "what should we do?"
Zilchus chooses not to sheathe his blade with the undead so close and so active. He maintains an eye on the gate while he opines, agreeing with Ben and disagreeing with Bal.
"Oh no, we're not stationed here. Ptemenib just asked that we check in on you. And we'll be happy to report back," Zilchus clarifies, eying the undead. "And Ben is right, you're not equipped for this. Not sure why I expected better, but I had hopes."
Zilchus looks at Ben, almost returning the shrug.
"We should send word to Ptemenib and the Garrison, I think. Not sure why you let those soldiers go, Bal. You should get them back, maybe."
Nidhi agrees with Ben. "It seems like you all are barely keeping the dead back." Nidhi furrows her brow in concern. What is going to happen to Wati if we can't stop the dead from rising? Nidhi thinks of her grandmother and the other people living inside Wati. Wati was - is - their home.
Nidhi frowns, addressing Bal: "Try to keep these gates closed and we'll find a way to help." Nidhi nods to Zilchus, "You're right. We should get in touch with Ptemenib." And a way inside the Necropolis that isn't through the gate. The dead are clearly originating from behind those walls.
Nidhi walks near the front of the group on their way to The Church of Pharasma. She wants to know more about the leader of the Silver Chain from Ptemenib. Ben had told him about the Church of Nethy's, which was all the man wanted to know. It was strange, to Nidhi, that the leader of the Silver Chain hadn't seemed concerned about finding a way into the Necropolis. Perhaps Ptemenib will be able to recall more about his captors since being rescued and healed.
"You're not adequately equipped to face the undead," pontificates Benedictus. I hate to burst your bubble, but... "Shadows does not count among the strongest of their ranks. There are many powerful undead, well beyond our abilities. We should just hope that they don't show up."
"Well, naturally but unless you have a few thousand gold worth of gear to lend me, this is what we have now." she says brightly, clearly knowing what she faces, but refusing to see things as darkly as the party.
Zilchus chooses not to sheathe his blade with the undead so close and so active. He maintains an eye on the gate while he opines, agreeing with Ben and disagreeing with Bal.
"Oh no, we're not stationed here. Ptemenib just asked that we check in on you. And we'll be happy to report back," Zilchus clarifies, eying the undead. "And Ben is right, you're not equipped for this. Not sure why I expected better, but I had hopes."
Zilchus looks at Ben, almost returning the shrug.
"We should send word to Ptemenib and the Garrison, I think. Not sure why you let those soldiers go, Bal. You should get them back, maybe."
"You're welcome to chase them down and explain it to them, but I suspect they're fleeter of foot than you. They don't have your skills, or allies, and must face the horrors of the undeath with only their courage, and a little holy water, which as you see, has faltered - I hope only briefly."
"If you're not my relief, then go, and go quickly, to the church and let them know what we, I, face here. I'll hold the gates until I'm relieved." she says matter of factly - as if that's the only possible outcome to her being stationed there.
The party makes their way back to the church of Pharasma, still doing what they can for the citizens to be a place of refuge, while sending patrols out into the city to quash what uprisings they're able to.
You quickly get an audience with Ptemenib. He is robed now, and once again has a holy symbol resting on his chest. He's tired, but much less haggard looking as he greets you warmly, "Welcome back my friends!"
He's about to continue when Qasin appears out of nothingness on Ptemenib’s shoulder when you’re alone with the man, ”Thank you so much for saving Ptemenib from the gang! I have a gift for you” He nudges Ptemenib behind the ear.
Ptemenib fishes a small figurine (link) from his pouch and hands it to the party. ”It’s an ushabti of the willing servant.” he says and he describes what it does. ”Qasin and I thank you for your help, and hope this will be of some service to you.”
Upon command, an ushabti of the willing servant conjures a ghostly attendant that performs simple duties or manual labor at its owner’s behest, as an unseen servant. The ghostly attendant remains for 1 hour at a time, and cannot move farther than 30 feet from its ushabti.
If the ushabti’s owner inscribes his or her own name on the figurine, the ushabti of the willing servant gains an additional power. While it can still summon an unseen servant, the owner can command the ushabti to instead summon a ghostly warrior to fight and defend its owner. This warrior functions as a spiritual ally armed with a flail for 7 rounds. Once an ushabti of the willing servant has been used to conjure a spiritual ally in this way, the ushabti loses all of its magic, becoming only a mundane figurine.
It’s worth 3,900gp.
- - -
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Go on without me. I'll wait here with Bal, in case something else slips through," Zilchus offers to stay behind while the party reports to Ptemenib.
He takes his post not far from the gates and across from Bal while he waits the party to return. He stands, arms crossed, thinking about ways to end the horde of undead all at once.
While he waits, he makes small talk with Bal, asking a lot of really good questions, like...
"How did you get stuck with this assignment, Bal?"
"Bal? Is that short for something? Ballet? Balker? Balsa? Ballet? Ballsa-?"
"How many do you think are in there, Bal? A few dozen? Maybe we get a barrel of holy water, right? And a few some them miters or something...or fire breathers except we train them to use holy water instead of alcohol...should be able to clean up this area pretty good, huh?"
"Fire. We should use lots of fire. Let's do that."
"How did you get stuck with this assignment, Bal?"
"Bal? Is that short for something? Ballet? Balker? Balsa? Ballet? Ballsa-?"
"How many do you think are in there, Bal? A few dozen? Maybe we get a barrel of holy water, right? And a few some them miters or something...or fire breathers except we train them to use holy water instead of alcohol...should be able to clean up this area pretty good, huh?"
"Fire. We should use lots of fire. Let's do that."
"Oh, when the dead rose in the streets, I volunteered for this duty and was lucky enough to be accepted. It's important that the church do what it can to help contain this crisis. I heard bodies were rising up all throughout the city - not just in the Necropolis. But it's here that most of them will be found naturally."
She smiles at Cahal and Zilchus, "It's just Bal. If my parents wanted something longer, it must have been forgotten." she chuckles as she keeps a watchful eye on the gate.
"There may be hundreds back there, though you're right, there are only a few dozen now. There were more last night - as far as I could see with my lantern. All packed in and hungry for living flesh. That's when the last shadow came." her smile disappears for a moment.
"Can't do fire unfortunately, that'll take the whole city with it. Aye, we're going to need much more holy water. I made some this morning for the church in fact and will do so again tomorrow."
- - -
Meanwhile, at the church...
After a moment's pause, she coughs. "Um...do you have any idea about what's causing the dead to rise in the Necropolis? Even with the gates holding there are still things slipping inside the city - like those shadows. And who knows what else is in there that's not decided to come pay a visit yet," she shudders. "If there's a way to maybe keep more from joining the party then it needs to be looked into."
He shakes his head sadly, "No, we don't know what caused this, only that it's been going since last night just as I was abducted. We know it's city wide too, and maybe even into the countryside but that hasn't been confirmed. Could be it's the whole province!" he says with some sorrow.
Assuming you fill him in on what's going on at the gate he adds, "Oh yes, Bal is an excellent priestess. She'll hold those gates if they can be held, of that I'm sure. But she'll need help. Would you be so kind as to help her until I can send a squad? Won't be more than an hour, but I need to get some holy water out of storage for them."
Zilchus continues to keep watch and making small talk. Everyone once in a while he'll talk a short stroll around the gated area, looking for reinforcements or leaks. Mostly, he waits for the party to return with a horde of devout Pharasmooks clerics to blast away the undead in bursts of divine power...which is *totally* going to happen.
"Maybe this place needs to be re-sanctified, huh? Isn't that supposed to stop the dead from rising. What happened there, Bal? I'm no fancy smocked priest, but I thought that was how it was supposed to work."
Nidhi decides to go with Florence and Ben to the church. Nidhi glances over at Florence and Ben, "only an hour to retrieve the hole water? Will you be delivering it?"
"Ah! One more thing, Ptemenib. How does the Silver Chain enter the Necropolis? Did you hear them discussing it? Do they scale the walls? Is there a particular area of wall that may need repair due to climbing hooks?" Nidhi suddenly lifts her arms to perform jazz hands: "The dead are coming from the Necropolis! The source is probably within the very walls we're keeping sealed off!" Nidhi isn't complaining, but thinks someone will eventually need to venture inside the Necropolis.
With the promise of more holy water and a request that they return to the gates, Nidhi will head back with Florence and Ben to reunite with Cahal and Zilchus. Holy water... hasn't the church heard of garlic? ...Maybe I should have said something.
Ben seems rather unhappy with the task Ptemenib assigns to his party, but he knows all too well that without their help, the gate won't probably hold for long. Although undecided at first, the scholar ends up nodding.
"I see no better option, truth to be told. Although I would have rather do something else, something really decisive. Shall we go?"
"Maybe this place needs to be re-sanctified, huh? Isn't that supposed to stop the dead from rising. What happened there, Bal? I'm no fancy smocked priest, but I thought that was how it was supposed to work."
"Yeah, there are a few ways to handle it, but from what I understand, whatever happened last night, is stronger then the spells we have woven. It's very strange."
Nidhi decides to go with Florence and Ben to the church. Nidhi glances over at Florence and Ben, "only an hour to retrieve the hole water? Will you be delivering it?"
"Ah! One more thing, Ptemenib. How does the Silver Chain enter the Necropolis? Did you hear them discussing it? Do they scale the walls? Is there a particular area of wall that may need repair due to climbing hooks?" Nidhi suddenly lifts her arms to perform jazz hands: "The dead are coming from the Necropolis! The source is probably within the very walls we're keeping sealed off!" Nidhi isn't complaining, but thinks someone will eventually need to venture inside the Necropolis.
Ptemenib answers, "No, I won't be delivering it, your relief will be. I'm just coordinating for now from here."
He thinks a moment, "I have been told there are tunnels under the city that allow passage beyond the wall from the veins district. It's likely how our masked friend made his escape in fact, though I overheard no conversations of note while I was with them and conscious."
"But the dead are rising wherever they were buried. It's just that most of the dead are in the Necropolis obviously - so we must keep that gate shut until we learn more about what caused all this. You are right, the source may be within the Necropolis though. Still, I can't imagine anyone being willing to cross within at this juncture."
The party returns to the gate and rejoins Cahal and Zilchus - letting them know they're to wait an hour or so for support. Bal is pleased, and thanks you very much for your time and company.
The hour you spend with Bal is pleasant enough, though the constant scratching and thudding at the gates does wear a bit on the nerves. As promised, a hand cart is dragged up with a few kegs of holy water and a half dozen fresh troops - these with the symbol of Pharasma on their kit. They take their positions and Bal thanks you again.
"You've been a great help. I'm sure Ptemenib has his hands full and so your assistance is even more appreciated."
She turns and begins giving orders and making preparations for what amounts to a siege.
It is late in the day, nearly supper if you eat a little early. Where do you go from here?
Zilchus will spend a few minutes helping with the holy water and warning the guards about any particularly nasty undead that he's spotted in his time here.
"If I have time, I'll come check on things in the morning," Zilchus says when he is sure the Pharasmooks have things in hand. "You know where to find us if you neeed us."
Zilchus claps his hands of dust and looks at the party.
"Shall we go get some food? What did Ptemenib say?" Zilchus asks, making ready to go. He's already ready to eat...and drink.
"Kill two birds with one stone?," asks Ben with a quizzical look on his face as he walks close to Florence. "What does that...Oh, it's a figure of speech I see. Quite macabre, admittedly, but it renders the idea."
Ben gives his consent on accompanying Nidhi, but while the group is on its way, the scholar's mind is filled with questions which do not seem to have a precise answer.
Are the recent events linked to the resurrection of the Sky Pharaoh? And why everyone else seems to be not so concerned about that crazed plot? I mean, Zilchus, Cahal and Nidhi are all Osirian natives. Why do they think this doesn't concern them? And what is causing the undead to rise? I believe we should place top priority on finding out the cause, if we want to solve the problem...
"Hey, Zil. Is everything alright?," asks Ben while walking. "You've stayed at the gate longer than us. Did you notice something in particular?"
After getting an answer, Ben ensues. "I was thinking...Shouldn't we try to solve the problem indipendently from Ptemenib's orders? I mean, I'm quite sure that to solve this problem we need to find out its cause, the source which is causing the undead to rise. Ptemenib, on the contrary, seems to be only dealing with the effects. What do you think about it?"
Cahal, I'll say you have some distant family a couple farming communities over, but it'll take a full day to gather up your clan take them there, and return.
Is the party accompanying Cahal? Where are you going this evening/next? The undead, if last night is any gauge, will be making their presence felt even moreso after dark...
As soon as he learns that accompanying Cahal would involve losing a whole day, Ben grows immediately hesitant. As he walks with the group, he stops suddenly, his eyes lost in the void.
"It's the same old story. The same old ethic dilemma. When many lives are at stake, what's the right thing to do? Save a few people you care for, or fight for many people you don't know? Well, my friends, I think we're faced with such a dilemma."
Ben suddenly sits down in the dust.
"I won't make another step until we don't come to an agreement. Think about it. The undead activity is going to become even more frantic during the night. Honestly, I think I can't just accompany Cahal and leave the city when there are so many people here that cannot protect themselves."
Ben shakes his head, but smiles kindly at Cahal. "But I perfectly understand Cahal's feelings. She is acting according to that protective instict that we share with many mammals. Not very ration, but perfectly understandable. But I think we should split."
Ben stands up and walks to Cahal, putting a hand on her shoulder, hesitantly. He still fears the woman, her physical prowess exuding from her tanned skin. "I don't ask you to come with us. In fact, I would be much more relaxed if someone comes with you. But we can't all come with you. Not tonight. Believe me, I would really like to help you, but...I'm sure you will be able to protect your daughter counting on your strenghts and that of another of us. But please, allow the rest of us to help Wati."
Ben finally turns to the others. "What do you think about it? Anyone who wants to accompany Cahal? Who's staying?"
"This is an explosive situation. Will you accompany us? We can return here right after."
Zilchus readily agrees to help. He would not deny a friend's request for aid. "Of course, of course, but we should also check the roads and perhaps see if there have been any caravans coming in from outside...if what affects Wati affects all of Osirion, then sending them out would be an even worse decision. We can try to protect your families here."
* * *
"Hey, Zil. Is everything alright?," asks Ben while walking. "You've stayed at the gate longer than us. Did you notice something in particular?"
"I was thinking...Shouldn't we try to solve the problem indipendently from Ptemenib's orders? I mean, I'm quite sure that to solve this problem we need to find out its cause, the source which is causing the undead to rise. Ptemenib, on the contrary, seems to be only dealing with the effects. What do you think about it?"
Zilchus is taken aback by Ben's question, not knowing what to make of it.
"Of course, I'm fine. I don't think that shadow touched me...did it? Am I wounded?" Zilchus does a quick visual check of his body, then runs his hands through his hair. "The gate? The gate was fine. Nothing happened. Bal wasn't much of a chatter, and you couldn't get three words out of her..." Zilchus leans in to whisper to Ben.
"Don't make a big deal out of this, but I think Cahal is really worried about her family. We should help her out. She's worried."
Zilchus pulls back from Ben, letting loose a laugh as if he had whispered a joke rather than emphasized with Cahal. Then he gets back to Ben's question.
"Maybe we should look into the undead...but isn't that the job of the Pharasmooks? Aren't you all mad at me because I don't hold them in high esteem? Well, maybe we should have faith and let them take care of it. If they need our help, I'm sure they'll ask."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"How can you be so selfish? Things will be a bit safer outside the city so it won't matter. The city is packed with people who have no idea about what to do, and that are too scared to even conceive the idea of leaving the city. And you worry about us? You are worried about our safety, and I understand it, but...Am I the only one who is concerned about the lives of these people?"
Ben tries to find consensus in Zilchus or Nidhi, staring at them. In particular, he hopes to arise Nidhi's feelings somehow, since she's a native of Wati.
But she's also in love with Cahal and all. She will never leave her. Why does this have to be so hard?! You know what? I'll stay behind even if no one cares about the people. I will help, even if that might cost my own life. I don't care. I don't have nothing to lose anyway.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"How can you be so selfish?...Am I the only one who is concerned about the lives of these people?"
Zilchus looks at Ben, not sure he understands.
"What threat? What are we responsible for? Did you not see me helping at the Gates? Has it not been me cutting down undead all day?" Zilchus answers, rising to anger. Selfish? ME!?
He jabs his finger at Ben, making his point again.
"Don't you forget that I always bleed before you do. I always stare directly into the face of every horror we've faced, from that mummy to those piddlespotting dolls. I bleed every time, Ben. EVERY. DAMN. TIME. And so if maybe we trust the Pharasmooks to do their damn job and not make every ill in the world our damn job, maybe we'll live to next week."
Zilchus seems to be winding himself out.
"So, no. I don't think I have to chase every two copper mask in the City. I'll do what I have to, but I ain't begging for more trouble. I bleed when I choose to bleed. You don't get to tell me what I bleed for. You got that?"
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Cahal looks to the others and frown, as they walk down the empty streets. With a heavy voice, she says: "This is an explosive situation. Like a lion ready to pounce. All is immobile, but I fear that it will not remain so. I want to get my family to another town or village. I want them far from the Necropolis. I am leaving now to pick them up. Will you accompany us? We can return here right after."
Nidhi looks in disbelief at Cahal. ”What?” Nidhi places a hand on her hip and tilts her head, ”Cahal, are you giving up on Wati? Your family shouldn’t get special treatment over the other citizens. I think we should stay here instead of evacuating. We should tackle this problem head on.” Nidhi frowns, upset by Cahal’s suggestion. Cahal was supposed to be a brave warrior, eager to rise heroically into battle - at least in Nidhi’s fantasies.
To Cahal's question, she nods. "Sure, I'll go with you. We can eat while we're there and kill two birds with one stone."
Nidhi turns her head sharply to stare at Florence, ”What? What about the citizens of Wati? This is my home – our home – we can’t just abandon it!”
Cahal, I'll say you have some distant family a couple farming communities over, but it'll take a full day to gather up your clan take them there, and return.
Is the party accompanying Cahal? Where are you going this evening/next? The undead, if last night is any gauge, will be making their presence felt even moreso after dark...
Nidhi raises her top lip up in disgust and shakes her head fervently. ”I’m not going to escort Cahal’s family to the outskirts of Wati. Not when Wati itself is in danger of being overrun.” Nidhi narrows her eyes and prepares a dramatic and emotional defense: ”You – we all saw what kind of creatures are inside the Necropolis. If the undead overrun the wall, it won’t be just mummies, skeletons, and zombies pouring through the gates. Think of the giant centipedes, drooling poison from their mandibles!" "Wati citizens aren’t prepared for that!” Nidhi raises an arm and gestures towards the River Sphinx. ”Not even the Ruby Prince will be able to contain the horrors that emerge from the Necropolis. It we don’t contain it here, it will spread like the plague all over Osirion.”
"I don't ask you to come with us. In fact, I would be much more relaxed if someone comes with you. But we can't all come with you. Not tonight. Believe me, I would really like to help you, but...I'm sure you will be able to protect your daughter counting on your strenghts and that of another of us. But please, allow the rest of us to help Wati."
Nidhi narrows her eyes at Cahal and leans her head back. This is her home. She has a house here. Why is she so eager to just give it all up? Maybe she and her family never had to put in the same blood and sweat into their livelihood as family did.
"Maybe we should look into the undead...but isn't that the job of the Pharasmooks? Aren't you all mad at me because I don't hold them in high esteem? Well, maybe we should have faith and let them take care of it. If they need our help, I'm sure they'll ask."
Nidhi turns to face Zilchus as she addresses him. ”Zilchus, it’s not about holding the Pharasmins accountable for what you think is their fault. It’s also about protecting our homes. This is where we live. I’m not going to just step aside while my home is overrun and destroyed.” Nidhi paces, her brows knit together. ”Why even bother to save that tea merchant if we’re just planning on running?”
"Is this some sort of Osiriani negotiation tactic?" she asks before she can stop herself. "I can go with Cahal if you think that everyone else can do more good here helping the Pharasmins. My magic doesn't seem to work as well against the dead as yours does Ben but hopefully things will be a bit safer outside the city so it won't matter as much. And there's probably other people leaving the city too so it shouldn't be too hard to find others to make the trip with - safety in numbers and all."
”I think every bit helps Florence. You’re a necessary part of our party and Wati needs all the help it can get right now.”
"How can you be so selfish? Things will be a bit safer outside the city so it won't matter. The city is packed with people who have no idea about what to do, and that are too scared to even conceive the idea of leaving the city. And you worry about us? You are worried about our safety, and I understand it, but...Am I the only one who is concerned about the lives of these people?"
Nidhi nods enthusiastically, clearly taking Ben’s side. Wait. Nidhi's mind gets off-track. Nidhi stops nodding to turn her thoughts inward: What if everyone else has the same idea at Cahal? The robbers and looters will follow the masses and it’ll be no safer than in the heart of Wati... Nidhi plops down on the nearest object or on the ground.
In a small voice, Nidhi says: ”I’m not going. I’m going to stay here and fight.” This is the only place Nidhi has ever lived and her family roots originate from Wati. If it’s her fate to die, she is going to die where she lived. Nidhi stands again and her voice gains strength: "I'm going to return to the Silver Chain hideout. And possibly get laid! Nidhi is yelling now: Determination burns in Nidhi's eyes, "I need to sleep and prepare. I'm going to Milki for the night. Maybe I can recruit a team of brave locals."
Zilchus agrees with Florence, eager to help a friend with a decision even if it is a questionable one. He'll do it. When Zilchus hears that Cahal wants to keep his family in the city, he changes to support that tough decision too.
"Yeah, I'm sure it's just a temporary uprising anyway...something to do with the position of the moons or something. I'm sure the undead will go back to bed on their own. Don't worry."
As the party comes around to the idea that they'll stay and help - at least for the immediate future - they decide to head to Abdur's to at least check on Cahal's family, and perhaps grab some grub.
Though not yet dusk, Abdur has already lit the lanterns surrounding his domain. His guards are now supplemented by a handful of able-bodied villagers as well - all milling about the entrance or walking around the building. The place looks well fortified.
Abdur himself greets you warmly as you return, getting up from his stool by the door. Though you're sure he hasn't slept, he looks somewhat refreshed and clean shaven. "What news?! How are things in the city? Here they have grown somewhat quiet. We've had a few stragglers, but I think this district was less infected than the others somehow - or maybe we've just been lucky." he says somewhat jovially.
"But supplies are running thin. Perhaps tomorrow you can help me with that, no?" he asks casually, placing no weight on the request.
Regardless of the parties discussion, you are escorted in to a full and raucous bar. Folks have spilled over into the shop, and Abdur's staff, usually more than enough in number if not quite skilled, has had to be supplemented with volunteers to help everyone. It's a refugee camp as much as anything else - akin to the one at the church, if not as large.
Cahal's family is also here, relaxing near the fire.
Cahal's decision makes Ben happy. For once, that's not just because he emerged victorious from a dispute. Not at all. It's the fact to see Cahal indipendently choose something rational but sentimentally painful that makes Ben smile.
Once at Abdur's, Ben quickly fills in the man with the most recent news. "The undead activity has decreased throughout the day, but we suspect it may increase again tonight."
Ben takes a look around himself. For once, he feels important. And he can feel the eyes of some of those who have found shelter at Abdur's on him, spying from the windows. There's a cute girl among them, and Ben blushes a bit when their eyes meet. He immediately turns his attention to Abdur again.
"As for your supplies, we need to discuss among ourselves, but I believe no one will object if we help you. Isn't it, everyone? You believed in us, that's a debt that can never be really paid."
Zilchus is happy to do any task asked by Abdur and readily agrees to help...for that is what Zilchus does. Helps.
"Of course, Abdur, I will help. You know all you have to do is ask," Zilchus responds. "I shall be ready to go in the morning...and it would be good if you would suggest spots that we might go to find those supplies."
The party dines between some minor statuettes of the last dynasty, and some buckets for general use - on the floor of the shop. Abdur makes you as comfortable as he can with blankets and pillows, some rather nice examples if modern textile work also from his shop. The night is largely uneventful, though there are one or two attacks on the building, they are easily brushed aside from the perhaps over-eager mishmash of guardians Abdur has collected - and the ever present and strong Abdur himself!
In the morning there are no eggs (out) so the breakfast is a little light on protein, but he does what he can with lentils and goat-meat in a nice hot stew with thick slabs of bread and some rice. When everyone has had their fill, some of the bolder folks drift off back to their homes - being only refugees of the night, but others remain hunkered down here for safety.
Abdur pulls you aside, ”It’s easy really.” he says, ”but the way things are, it’s kind of a problem you understand. There’s a ship in harbor - the Nebuchadnezzar. Within it’s holds are all I need, and then some. The captain and I know each other from some time ago, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving my shop unguarded with all that is going on.” he leans in, ”And while some of my troop can handle themselves, most are still wet behind the ears and no good on their own.”
He leans back, ”So if you’d take this cart, no horse or mule I’m afraid, they got old Bessy last night, down to the wharf, the good Captain will load her up and you can haul it back. Two trips ought to set me right, three would be wonderful though it will take you all morning I suspect. At least there’s little slope between here and the waterfront.” he consoles the group.
The wagon is in pretty good shape, and will only require one of you to pull it down to the ship. Laden though, it'll take two or more strong backs (+5 str mod combined - so it could be one very strong individual as well) to haul it back.