"Oh great!" Beorn says after spotting the thing below. "There's a body in a ditch. I can't just leave him there so I'm going to fly down and check it out. You boys get ready for trouble." Then Beorn circles down, lands about 60 feet away and moves up on the body on foot.
You are likely relieved to find the body not moving or any nasties. The body has likely been there for months as the state of decay is very far along.
Beorn casts detect magic and searches the body for any identifying objects or marks (tattoos, locket, signet ring, etc).
Ad you search the body you find, a fighter's kit, rotten leather armor, two daggers, a longsword, a mace, a shield, and several javelins.
In his backpack you find several sealed scrollcases, a pouch of 8 cp, 13 sp, 31 gp, 2 pp.
He has an iron ring with the inscription: IAW.
With the state of decay any trace of tattoos would be hard to discern.
Most of it is just extra weight he does not need so Beorn leaves it in place. He takes the coin and the scroll cases along with the ring. Perhaps someone in Varnhold will recognize the ring. Just in case, he shares it with Flouncy before they take off.
On your path you see a traveling merchant, looks like small folk,
The rugged Tors of Levenies dip low here, creating a
natural pass from the east to the west. The Crooked River
f lows down to the west, cascading out of the mountains
just under the pass’s highest elevation of 200 feet, leaving
150-foot-high sheer cliffs to the north and south. A single
stone watchtower sits at the top of the pass. It is currently
abandoned, albeit with no signs of struggle within. Anyone
who climbs to the top of the 30-foot-tall tower can see the
village of Varnhold to the southeast on a clear day.
The building counts as a watchtower if a city is built in
this area.
You see a traveler on horseback, she looks like she is an adventurer, well equipped with a bow, javelins, and other weapons. Once she sees you she smiles and waves.
Flouncy looks at the ring and tries to think.
Seeing the small folk, Flouncy suggests we talk to them.
"Lead the way Flouncy, lead the way." Beorn says and flies down with him.
---
Later, when they see the lady riding, "Let us go say hi, gentlemen. She was polite enough to wave, perhaps she has information."
The halflings pull on the reins they hold and their ponies slow to a stop. They merrily wave and have been grins on their faces.
Once you are close enough the obvious leader springs into action with his pot belly falling feom the jump. A fancy hat and enough bling to note him as either a noble or wealthy merchant, you think the latter. Merrily he states, "Welcome! Welcome! Do you have a need for tonics or potions? We are always looking for wealthy adventurers." He taps the side of their wagon and it falls down revealing their sign, Tonics and tinctures for all sorts of maladies. We aim to have you healthy!
☆♡☆ ☆♤☆
You fly down to the woman and she is riding without reigns, you find her talking, "...I told you we should be able to find helpful... others. They ride Pegusus and those prefer the good type. Oh don't be shy, it's not every day they hear a talking horse!"
The horse then quickly say in a deep British accent, "To true on all accounts! So what brings you do these dreary Barrens? Oh terribly sorry we haven't done introductions. I am the embodiment of Sir Creat, the Saint of Almah, destroyer of the Jade Hags. Have you heard of me?"
She relays, "Yes sorry I am Jenna Swiftfoot. We are looking for others to help with Varnhold, it is covered in undead!"
To the halflings, Flouncy introduces himself. Flouncy Magoo's the name. Nice to see you. Who are you fine folk? Let's take a look at what you have...
[ooc]has flouncy heard of them?[/dice]
To the woman and the talking horse (lol), he asks, Undead? What sort of undead?
---
"Mostly zombies, ghouls, and skeletons. Though there was massive creatures made out of many corpses... so corpse lord?"
"Well met small folk. I'm actually in need of a healer's kit and a moderate strength healing potion if you have it." Beorn says after dismounting.
---
"Sir Creat, is it, I'm sorry but I've not heard of you. As to Varnhold, that is grave news. We were in search of a fellow who went to Varnhold and never returned. I suspected bandits not undead. Does the town still hold, is there anyone alive?"
"Yeah... we have a healer's kit, two in fact. Each one will cost you 100 gp. A potion of cure mod... let me check." He gets up into the wagon and offers, "sorry fresh out. We do have two potions of cure light, Third tier caster, though They both cost 200 gp."
---
The horse with the english accent remarks, "We couldn't get near, it is far too dangerous for just the two of us!"
Flouncy wonders if the talking horse is sincere.
What did you two see? Be specific.
Flouncy shoots a glance at Beorn, indicating his distrust of the pair.
Anything you can remember would be helpful, the halfling says to Jenna.
Jenna looks at Flouncy confused, "What do you mean?"
At the wee caravan...
"A little too rich for my blood." Beorn responds to the little man. "Where are you guys coming from?"
---
"Well, our mounts will make it a bit easier to recon the place. I was waiting until I got to Varnhold to summon a friend. I may do that tonight depending on what we see." Beorn says. "You two going to stay in the same vicinity so we can find you after we take a look?"
Jenna looks at Flouncy confused, "What do you mean?"
I mean tell us everything you can remember about the undead you saw. You saw them, right?
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The halfling sales rep continues with, "We are traveling from the fledgling Arcane Duchy."
☆☆☆
Jenna then points out with a bit of unease, "We still have business in Varnhold and also a few friends we want to spend some time with. If you don't mind we will tag along for the foray, unless you think we will get in the way. Then we can watch from afar."
In his English accent he adds in, "Indeed! We need to meet with the silversmith and Varn himself. We can show our mettle, I am sure your strong arm will be welcome."
Then she takes a few minutes to think where things were, "The corpselords and zombies or ghouls were around the fort. The fort was closed up. But there was no sign of life or undead on the walls. We didn't get close to the fort. The town appeared to be filled with wandering undead, though they looked to be searching for something."
From between the wagons, you hear a a horse snort.
At nearly the same time, the wagon flap snaps open revealing a handsome female warrior. Though the surprise is nearly alarming, her voice smooth, steady and reassuring.
They all seem... alright. Shouldn't be any trouble.
She gracefully hops down from the wagon, hands empty. As to what could have been in her hands, one of two starknives, a whip or light crossbow amongst other choices.
Well, if you have friends there... perhaps we should hurry. Time is of the essence.
For the record, I like that tower back there... early warning and could help establish a trade route.
"We're headed for Varnhold. Be careful, a lot of wild stuff out here. I'm sure we'll see you again." Beorn says to the small man and then walks back to his pegasus. "Let's fly gentlemen."
Surprised at her appearance, "I agree with your tower assessment. Are you headed to Varnhold as well?"
---
"You can follow a bit but we'll likely be flying directly over the town and the fort so as you say, watch from afar." Beorn advises.
They call me Eve. She nods to the warrior, offering an arm clasp before turning her attention to the Halfling merchant.
If there are undead lurking about, there is safety in numbers and... shelter.
Varnhold seems the closest place to shelter properly. If my job is to keep you safe, we go there. Overnighting in the open is not wise. She lets him mull her suggestion over as she walks to her dappled grey gelding.
Mounted, she returns. And, what's with the crazy high prices? We made a deal, so I will fulfill my end of the bargain. Keeping you safe, along your path so long as you agree to reasonable precautions.
I go above and beyond for those I like. Start dealing fairly with honest folk, because charlatans... I do not like.
Offering a friendly smile, I'll give you time to make amends... Boss. Money won't mean a thing against undead.
The company of friends? That'll go a long way.
The halfling merchants nod and agree with Eve. At the mention of the prices he states, "Supply is low and demand is high, I am not gouging my prices to 500%! That is true, then how about 75 gold?"
"Seventy five? Ok, I'll do one healing kit for 75, it may come in handy." Beorn says and walks back to the merchant. After paying for the kit he adds it to his pack
The halfling offers a tincture of oil for aching joints for free with the purchase! He happily collects the coins and puts them in his belt.
He adds, "Eve does have some sound logic, we will follow you to Varnhold. Strength in numbers and all."
---
As the conversation with Jenna and her talking horse come to an end, the halfling's wagon approaches. They speak with Jenna and move to follow her as she follows the flying mounts.
---
The four of you take to the air on your mounts and get a good head start on the others. Reaching Varnhold well before them as dusk is upon you. You see the packs of roving undead.
Thank you both for being reasonable.
Now let's see if we can get there by hoof and wheel, before nightfall. She moves ahead to scout the way.
Seeing that, in fact, Varnhold is exactly as described, Flouncy feels a bit revulsed.
This is so sick. Let's find a safe place to camp, and notify our allies, too.
As fun as we are, Beorn, the 2 of us aren't enough to take this on. We need friends. Allies.
Flouncy sees a good place to start from, but he has no idea what natural barriers might lay ahead.
Drop me here. Go back and guide them to me. I'll be very close to here when you return.
The halfling turns invisible and jumps off the back of Beorn's mount.
|
"If we are going to camp and fight tomorrow I will do what I can to destroy some undead!" He says and soon enough he ventures forward on the pegasus and channels at the same spot several times, working on taking out as many clustered undead... with 10 channels
Landing after expending all but one channel he looks a bit exhausted. Thinking to himself, 'Just in case... you never know. Plus most of my spells still could be used in melee. Too bad there is no doors around. Tomorrow after the battle perhaps.'
He states hoping to get some rest, "Unless someone has a need for some healing, I am going to go to sleep."
Koldur walks around and states, "The rest of you get the rest you need. Beorn and I will keep watch for the night. Eve another set of eyes would be appreciated."
Of course and thank you for working me into your routine.
The girl makes sure her horse is settled, then finds a good stop from which it help with the watch.
As those are settling into the camp or bedrolls.
He continues to walk slowly 30 feet from the camp, 60 feet from the fire.
Luckily he is right before the pack of undead and gets to act in surprise, he shouts, "Watch out we have undead incoming!"
Eve crouches, readying her buckler and drawing her enchanted starknife, its glow pushing away any encroaching darkness.
Stay in the wagons!
Beorn grabs his bow and arrows and scans the area indicated by Koldur. "Scan the area and call out if you see anything."
Koldur
Jenna
Eve
Flouncy Magoo
Beorn
undead
Everyone then undead.
Koldur yells out, "they will pass me!" He waits and as they pass he takes his AoOs, then fights those that stopped to hurt him,
Soon after you hear the slashing of a blade through flesh. One leaps at Koldur as the others part around them. Giving him plenty of AoOs.
Round 1
After a few seconds of preparation the horde is upon you. A dozen or so bodies come crashing into camp.
20/x3)
20/x3)
20/x3)
Undead attack
20/x3)
Flouncy gets up and casts Dancing Lights, 10 feet off the ground, sending the lights at Koldur, to illuminate what we're fighting.
Round 1
Beorn opens fire, "Don't let them touch you if you can help it. You never know what these things may carry."
Beorn's three arrows nail the first undead coming out of the night dropping it.
The dancing lights illuminate about a dozen ghouls or ghasts, an eriey intelligence in their glowing red eyes.
Jenna shakes her head and gets in the fight standing beside Loarin with her glaive ready and braced.
Creat gets up and stands ready to hit the first thing with a hoof.
The other horses rush off away from the undead, likely pulling free any reign holding them in place.
Ghosts! Don't let them touch you!
Flouncy casts Haste, affecting all his friends and none of his enemies.
He draws his rapier, just in case.
A wall of combatants forms before Beorn and Flouncy. Then the tide of undead come pouring down upon them. 9 on those in front. 2 more on Koldur as they turn back. Though no attacks in Round 1 except for a few charges of the front line.
Round 2
Eve moves with preternatural speed to assist Koldur, an aura of magical light emanating from her starknife. Coming up on the other side of one walking corpse, she strikes!
Koldur, take a step towards me! Keep them moving!
Ghosts! Don't let them touch you!
ROUND 2
Beorn steps back (5' step) and sends arrows flying at the nearest undead shifting fire if it drops before he full unloads
Round 2:
Flouncy runs to Beorn and casts Fly on him.
Jack 'em up, Beorn!