Alanthian Nods and smiles at Cole. "Of course my friend, let us get to work."
Perception: +1 for traps
Alanthian walks under the over head bridge and approaches the statue of Zutha, Runelord of Gluttony - the statue depicts an obese man with rotting flesh, wielding a scythe.
The rogue studies the statue for just a few seconds and then works on the trap, disabling it easily and sliding the statue to the side. The outline of the door behind it briefly flares and Alanthian quickly finds the mechanism to open the door.
The door opens to reveal a crypt much like all of the others you have looked at thus far. The dark alcoves await in silence, seemingly undisturbed for ages...
Saoirse steps up to the crypt entrance, grasps her holy symbol, and focuses her inner will. She snorts and takes a step back, her hand going to her sword. "Evil lurks in this place, my friends!
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/8; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11; AC 17; Init +2
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
By the Nine Hells, could you be more specific?" Cole grumbles. He readies his own weapon, and says quietly to the others, "I can grant a touch of Law to a willing target, which removes chance from your nex chosen action. Anyone interested?"
Glancing to Saoirse and respecting the Paladin's warning Catila sendds the ffloating pebble of light into the room to try to reveal what dangers may be lurking within...
From the entry way into the crypt, the pebble of light floats down the center hall revealing no threats. To see what is inside the alcoves, one would have to accompany the pebble...
Stymied in her attempt to gain valuable intel, Catila now looks to her more physically capable companions...
Saoirse gives Catila a rueful grin and says, "I will lead the way. Thorin, to my right, the rest of you fall in behind. Be ready for anything."
She kisses her holy symbol of Iomedae, draws her bastard sword, and steps into the crypt. She doesn't get far, however, because as soon as she passes the first alcove on her left those behind her see her stagger as if hit by something and she gasps aloud and cries, "Ghouls!"
Those closest to the alcove can see a dark-skinned creature, humanoid in shape, with red eyes and a long tongue, emerge from the darkness in a flurry of claws and teeth!
And suddenly, down the hall, a second ghoul comes tearing out of the farthest alcove, rasping and slavering hungrily!
Initiative Rolls:
Saoirse
Thorin
Cole
Brankh
Alanthian
Catila
Ghouls
Initiative Order:
Brankh > Alanthian > Thorin > Saoirse > Cole > Ghouls > Catila
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/8; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11; AC 17; Init +2
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
Alanthian watches the gouls awaiting a chance to strike.
Round 1
Init:18
AC:17 (w/ CE)
HP:10/8
Attack:+1 if Catilia is using the song
Damage:
Sneak Attack:
Saoirse holds up her shield as she waits for an opportunity to strike at the foul ghoul in front of her. She speaks with exasperation as she feels the force of the ghouls claw strikes against the metal plate held to her forearm. "Is there no part of this crypt not given over to sin and corruption!" Gritting her teeth, Saoirse thrusts forward with her sword hoping to pin the darting, slavering creature back in the alcove for easier sword work.
Cole mutters under his breath in response to Saorise's exclamation, "Apparently not." He then moves up behind her, and readies his own weapon to strike at the ghoul, should an opening present itself.
As the ghouls charge in to feed on the tasty fleshy things that have foolishly wandered into their lair, Brankh calls upon his goddess for strength and unleashes a searing bolt of fire at one of the ghouls!
The bolt misses the ghoul as it claws its way forward, but Thorin steps up to meet it, yelling, "Back you beasts of hell!
The brave cavalier likewise misses the foul undead with his new sword, but then...Alanthian swiftly moves in behind Thorin and as the ghoul leaps to attack, he steps out and drives his sword in between its emaciated ribcage!
The beast hisses in pain and lashes out at its foes, clawing and biting.
Brankh ducks and Thorin's armor deflects the ghoul's filthy claws, while Alanthian rolls to the side and the ghoul bites nothing but air!
Beside them, Saoirse holds up her shield as she waits for an opportunity to strike at the foul ghoul in front of her. She swipes at it with her shield, but misses, allowing the ghoul an opening. But as it lunges toward her, she thrusts forward with her sword, driving the blade clean through the undead!
Skewered on her sword, the ghoul is somehow still alive...and Cole moves in for the kill, but the beast struggles wildly on the paladin's sword and Cole misses its throat by inches!
It flails toward Saoirse, slavering with unquenchable hunger, and she speaks with exasperation as she feels the force of the ghouls claw strikes dig into to her forearm and shoulder. "Is there no part of this crypt not given over to sin and corruption!"
Saoirse opens her mouth to scream...but no sound comes out save for a hiss of air as her muscles and joints lock up and she stands as still as a stone!
Howling in triumph, the ghoul pulls itself forward and takes a bite out of the paladin's shoulder!
Fresh blood running down its chin, it swallows the piece of flesh and attempts to feed more!
Initiative Order:
Brankh > Alanthian > Thorin > Saoirse > Cole > Ghouls > Catila
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/8; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11/1; AC 17; Init +2
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
Brankh remained strangely silent for a while after channelling the divine energy of his Goddesss , an expression of agape wonder on his face. And there was a glow to him, a glorious halo which radiated through the room and then dimmed away like an ember once the channelling was complete.
When he sees his comrades struggling in crypt with the ghoul he storms in with the falchion. Then with a booming voice he cries out...."Be gone with you, filth!"
Seeing the desperate straits of the Paladin Catila whips a solid bullet at it's head, trying to put it down for good.
Attack & Damage:
But the thrashing bodies completely throw off her aim
Cole nods at Lord Thorin's command and shifts his sword to his shield hand so he can grab Lady Saorise and pull her away from the slavering ghoul.
Forgive me Saorise! The though runs through his mind as his hand grasps her waist, and guides her gently into his arms.
Alanthian grimices at the site of the beautiful Saoirse. He readies himself and attacks.
Round 2
Init:18
AC:17 (w/ CE)
HP:10/8
Attack:+1 with song?
Damage:
Sneak Attack:
Catila whips a solid bullet at the feeding ghoul's head, but her caution against hitting one of her companions causes her to shoot high.
Storming in with his falchion, Brankh cries out and attacks, but misses the ghoul by inches.
Grimacing at the sight of the beautiful Saoirse being mauled and eaten, Alanthian readies himself and attacks...narrowly missing.
Hearing his friend scream, Thorin spins and yells, Cole! Get her out of the way! as he attacks the feeding ghoul. BEAST!!! I AM THE TARGET YOU SEEK!!! He roars in challenge, even though his attack is in vain.
Cole heeds Thorin's request and grabs Saoirse as gently as he can, pulling her into his arms. Unfortunately, the ghoul comes with him and takes another bite out of Saoirse's beauitful flesh!
The other ghoul attacks its foes, trying its best to feed as well. It claws at Brankh and Alanthian, but both manage to dodge its filthy hands. And then it suddenly lunges at Brankh, and takes a large bite out of the cleric's thigh!
Brankh howls and staggers back, gritting his teeth against the pain and fighting off the paralytic poison that threatens to hold him still.
Initiative Order:
Brankh > Alanthian > Thorin > Saoirse > Cole > Ghouls > Catila
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/8; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/5; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11/-4; AC 17; Init +2; Paralyzed & Dying!
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
Cole staggers back as the ghoul bites into Saorise's flesh. He grits his teeth and finishes pulling her out of the crypt. He then lays her down and chants a quiet prayer to Iomedae to stanch the flow of blood.
"I will be back, Saorise"
Round 3
Init: 18
HP: 10/8
AC: 17 with CE
Attack:
Crit Confirm:
Damage:
Crit Damage:
Sneak Attack:
Screaming with the horror of litterally seeing her companion being eaten alive, Catila swings her sling-staff onto the undead creature's head.
Attack & Damage:
Half-orc nomads of Southern Katapesh are known to be fierce warriors. When they thunder across the sands into battle they are known to yell a shrill war cry which carries across the dunes. As a child Brankh would cry out these challenges during gangland brawls. And that's what you now hear now! A high pitched wail of rage!
Screaming with the horror of literally seeing her companion being eaten alive, Catila swings her sling-staff onto the undead creature's head. This time her aim is dead on and the force of her swing snaps the ghoul's neck with a loud crack!
But instead of falling to the floor, the ghoul remains impaled on the paladin's sword, twitching in a macabre death display.
As one ghoul dies, Brankh unleashes a war cry to shakes loose the ages old dust of the crypt, and attacks the second ghoul...but again, his foe manages to avoid his blade.
However, by avoiding Branhk's attack, the ghoul places itself in line for a deadly attack from Alanthian who delivers a backhand swipe that decapitates the ghoul so cleanly, that its body remains standing for several seconds...before Alanthian kicks it over.
Shocked and appalled at Saoirse's condition, Cole can hardly think what to do and casts a quick spell to staunch the bleeding on his companion. The blood stops almost immediately, but Saoirse's complexion is pale and her breathing shallow.
There appear to be no more threats in the crypt...
Actions?
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/8; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/5; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11/-4; AC 17; Init +2; Paralyzed but Stable!
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
Cole gently lays Saorise down on the floor of the main cathedral next to the statue, using his pack as an impromptu pillow. He examines her, making sure she is comfortable, but able to do little to cure her as he has already expended his healing spells.
He recalls the healing potions provided by Lady Valanthe, but since Saorise is currently paralyzed, any attempt to feed her the potion would be more harmful than helpful. He struggles to recall stories about the ghouls and their paralyzing touch, most notably the duration of said effects.
|
Thorin puts his back against the wall, and slowly slides down until he is seated. He fights back tears as he looks at the state of his group, and opens the remainder of his wine. He drinks deeply, allowing the alcohol to warm his body, while contemplating the most recent encounter.
"I'm of no help to these people...why is it that everytime I try to protect the people I love, I fail miserably? If Saoirse dies, it will be my fault...I cannot take more blood on my hands...Damn you Thorin Whitegold, why wont your blade strike true???
Flushed from excertion and emotion and bleeding, Brankh stands in the room leaning on his spear. He looks down to Saorise and begins to unsling his pack to look for his healing kit.
Perhaps he can assist in diagnosing her condition before deciding on a course of action. Brankh's hands are shaking as he pulls the bundle out of his pack.
Flushed from excertion and emotion and bleeding, Brankh stands in the room leaning on his spear. He looks down to Saorise and begins to unsling his pack to look for his healing kit.
Perhaps he can assist in diagnosing her condition before deciding on a course of action. Brankh's hands are shaking as he pulls the bundle out of his pack.
Brankh checks Saoirse's condition and can't believe she is still alive. Even though the paralysis has worn off, her flesh has a pale gray tint and her lips are almost blue. She is covered in dried blood and her forehead is sweaty and clammy. She twitches involuntarily and her eyes are rolled back in her head. And then in an instant, Brankh realizes her condition.
"The Dawnflower protect her! She has Ghoul Fever!" he hisses, looking at Cole with shock and dismay plainly on his face.
"C-can you h-help her? Can you s-save her?" Cole stammers.
Cole stares quietly at the still form of Lady Saorise, fighting back feelings of depression that threaten to overwhelm him. While he does not respond visibly to Lord Thorin's lament, it is clear to the others that, judging by the look on Cole's face, he shares the same sentiment.
Finally, he rouses himself and says quietly to the others, "We have to rouse her, despite the ghoul fever. Let me try to waken her..."
He brandishes his holy symbol of Iomedae, shared by Saorise, and calls on her power to flood the crypt with its healing light.
Once done, he leans agains a wall and mutters "We should be thinkin' of resting soon."
|
|
Thorin pauses in his self hatred long enough to respond to Cole's words, a glassy stare is almost all he can muster. He opens his mouth as if to speak, but a long silence before any words are ushered.
"I'm not sleeping down...down...here...
His gaze falls back to Lady Saoirse, and then back to the floor, but not before taking another large swig of wine.
Cole's channeling of divine power has a soothing effect on his companions and a very visible effect on Saoirse who gasps aloud and bats her eyes, murmuring something you can't quite understand. Her color is a little better, but she is still sweaty and clammy and shivering.
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/10; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11/0; AC 17; Init +2;
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
Alanthian stands looking at his companions as he scrubs his sword clean of the gore from the ghoul. " If you continue to drink like that Thorin, you will sleep right where you sit. Saoirse needs you to protect her, not lay around in a drunkin stuper."
Above all things we must keep her alive! Lest she become one of these monsters herself in death! Her wounds we can heal, but to overcome the hideous fever she will require all the strength of her character! We must keep a close watch on her. She must fight! If you see her falter you must let me know - so that I may call on my Goddess' power to bolster her spirits.
Holding his hand aloft he cries out as a flame engulfs his hand. He grits his teeth in a grin of pain, pleasure and exertion as he kneels by Saorise's side and brings the fire to her wound. A familiar sizzling sensation surrounds the room as her wounds heal. He takes a towel from the kit and wets it with clean water to wipe her wounds and face.
"Keep the spirits up, friends. Rejoice!....she needs it. Arise Saoirse! Doesn't it feel great to be alive? Thorin, pass the bottle. Let her have a swig. We'll drink a toast to life! (then you can put the bottle away). So, Saoirse, are you with us?"
Cole nods at the exuberance of Brankh, and responds ”Yeah, I think we could ALL use a drink at this point, but only a swig. Lady Saorise needs all of us to work together in order for her, and all of us to survive! Thorin, I know this place is not the accommodations you may be used to, but unless we waste the chimes power, we are stuck here. Once we have exhausted our divine abilities, we need to rest.”
Saoirse slowly opens her eyes as the darkness is pierced by the fierce light of Sarenrae's fire. The sizzling sensation of her wounds being knitted back together set her limbs to flailing. Her mind still rings with the screams and pounding heartbeat of the recently finished fight, calling back to an earlier time when she fought other ghouls in a cave with her father. A time when she lost her father in biting blood and betrayal.
So, it is no wonder when Saoirse gasps out a reaction to the painful healing of her bitten flesh. Her already pale skin showing the affliction she is under as her veins show up a nearly translucent varicose blue on her bare arms. Blinking her eyes several times as she readjusts to the shifting light of the torches, she whispers softly, "Where... where.. am I? Wha... what... happened?"
Her breathing is labored even with the restorative power of Brankh's faith and her left arm hangs limply by her side, the feeling not back in it yet.
Saoirse feels the sweat run down her back and can't believe the scars on her arms where the ghoul actually took bites out of her flesh (perhaps she can't really fathom that reality yet).
Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/10; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9/9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11/10; AC 17; Init +2;
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 20; Init +0
Cole resists the urge to sweep Saorise in a comforting hug when he sees the look on her face. Ach, she has been through too much.
He sighs and rubs the stubble on his face before he responds tiredly, "You were assaulted by those foul ghouls, and they...they nearly killed you..." His voice breaks, and then he finishes up rushing the words out of his mouth, "...and they infected you with ghoul fever."
Cole resists the urge to sweep Saorise in a comforting hug when he sees the look on her face. Ach, she has been through too much.
He sighs and rubs the stubble on his face before he responds tiredly, "You were assaulted by those foul ghouls, and they...they nearly killed you..." His voice breaks, and then he finishes up rushing the words out of his mouth, "...and they infected you with ghoul fever."
Brankh steps in and gives the young woman a hearty slap on the back.
But you're fine now! Look at you. You look a like a million gold pieces! We just have to keep a close eye on you for few days, that's all. Do not despair! Your with friends. We will not let you down. Let's find a good spot to fortify ourselves and have a good meal. You need food Saoirse - as does our warrior here. I must adnmit that I did not bring many days worth of provisions...that might become an issue the longer we stay. Now this room stinks like death. Catila and Alanthian, why don't you search this place out? Then we can choose one of the crypts to fortify and recuperate ourselves. I think we are in good shape...but I am spent of all healing spells and could use some time to rest and pray.....Brankh pauses for a moment in contemplation...
I had a vision, my friends...a vision of the Dawnflower...whose voice commanded me to destroy the evil that desecrates this catacomb and to drive out the darkness with her light! I am now committed to this mission and will see it through at any cost! What do you say? Are we ready to kick undead ass and send these evil aberrations to the abyss?! I'll drink to that!
Brankh raises the wineskin and takes an Orc-sized celebratory swig!
Group Post 14: Prayers of the Faithful
At the news of what happened to her, Saoirse begins to hyperventilate and it takes Brankh, Cole, and Thorin speaking to her and holding her to calm her down enough to talk.
"I...need some air," she gasps, pulling herself to her feet and staggering out of the crypt. Once in the main cathedral, Saoirse takes several deep breaths, as she walks around the huge chamber. Cole follows her, whispering fiercely, tears dripping down his scarred face. Brankh falls to his knees, calling on Sarenrae to intervene on behalf of his friend, his mind alight with fire.
Catila and Alanthian look on in shock and worry, wondering what to do, and Thorin looks back and forth from his wineskin to the paladin, fighting for her life, while he fights his own inner demon.
Then, Saoirse suddenly kneels at the top of one of the flight of steps leading down to the bottom floor of the cathedral. Slowly and painfully, she removes her outer tunic and chain shirt and places her hand directly on the mark over her heart - the mark of Iomedae. She looks around at her friends, smiles slightly, and then bows her head.
"Light of the Sword and lord of my life...hear me, I beg you...she prays. And then her voice dips below a even a whisper as her lips continue to pray. After several seconds, her body begins to glimmer as a glossy sheen of golden light engulfs her fully. Cole falls to his knees and puts his face to the floor, knowing full well that his goddess is at work!
And within a minute or so, the light dissipates and Saoirse collapses on her side. You rush to her and check her for life...and find she is breathing normal and looks fine. Her skin looks as if it has been freshly washed and her temperature appears normal. The scars from the ghouls are not quite gone, but have been fully healed; she is resting peacefully.
As the undead horror slumps in true death, Catila stares for a moment at her sling-staff in shock. Weapon training and sleuthing were one thing, and attacking an enemy from a distance was another, yet this was the first time in her life that the young halfing had ever killed something with a direct strike from a weapon, and such a creature as the undead horror at that!
Rapidly though her attention shifts to her gravely wounded comrade and Catila does all she can to aid Brankh and Cole in Saoirse's treatment. As the two potent priests call upon their repsective Godsesses to aid the Paladin, and as the wounded warrior as well calls upon her Goddess Catila can not but stare to rapt in amazement at the divine energies at work coursing through the room.
Finally, as all is done and the immediate danger to Saorise has passed Catila sighs as she says "Praise be! Who could have thought that in such a short time we would have been confronted by so much evil! And I thank the fates that I travel with such holy companions! Yes friends a rest is definitely due. Alanthain, let us scout out this latest crypt and then decide which one would be best for us to recuperate in. I think that by closing the secret door from the inside we should be safe from any wandering threats. As for food, here, I am happy to share what little I have."
And with that, Catile squats and roots in her backpack, taking out a trail ration for Throin and any others who need them. When done passing out the food, she'll go with Alanthain to scout the latest crypt and then decide between them on which seems cleanest and/or safest.
Perception:
Godsmouth Ossuary Exploration Map
You have currently explored four of the crypts, fighting battles in three of them; all can be closed off from the grand cathedral and guarded for a safe resting place.
As far as you know, the grand cathedral can also be closed off...provided there are no others or other things wandering around the crypts.
Actions?
"Sure thing Dr. Lets get to searching."
Alanthian begins searching the crypt area for anything of note.
+1 for traps
"I suggest we find one of the crypts to hole up in for the rest of the day." Cole glances behind hin, and mutters, "Much as I hate to say it, that Lust crypt is probably the cleanest one there."
"I suggest we find one of the crypts to hole up in for the rest of the day." Cole glances behind hin, and mutters, "Much as I hate to say it, that Lust crypt is probably the cleanest one there."
Alanthian nor Catila finds no sign of traps and the walls seem solid; nor are there any secret doors leading off somewhere else.
Satisfied with their search for now, Catila leads the others into the Crypt, helping Alanthain make sure it door is closed securely behind them. Once settled the bard uses her Presdigitation cantrip to make the place as pleasent smelling and looking as possible. She'll also use it to flavour their food so the plain trial rations become, well, whatever one desires.
"So Thorin, what would you like your rations to taste like?" the petite halfling lass asks with a teasing wink.
To relax everyone Catila sings a soft and comforting melody from her homeland about angels.
Once a crypt is selected and the door shut, the group rests (for as long as you want), recovering spells, healing scratches and minor wounds (if any remain). After about 8 hours, you are ready to move on again.