Rannik's Carrion Crown

Game Master Patrick Levasseur

The Crypt - Round 1

Centipede1 rushes up the steps and attacks the nearest piece of food it can find, which happens to be the scrumptious looking woman directly in front of it; Andjela. It's mandibles slide over and off of her thick armor, and you can't help but notice the wet glistening on those snapping protrusions.

With face contorted in disgust at the creepy-crawlies, Anna will snap a quick bolt at centipede2, taking a 5-foot step to the side to ensure the near centipede cannot attack as she fires. The bolt skips of the stone in front of centipede2, starling it, but not damaging the over-sized insect. Switching the crossbow to her off hand, she draws her dagger.

Tolvan draws an arrow, steps into the corner -also to avoid a bite, and shoots at the nearer one (centipede1). He has mildly more success than Anna, as the arrow does strike the beast, and lodges in it's hardened skin, but it doesn't seem to affect or hurt the centipede otherwise.

Centipede2 sees a scrumptious morsel of his own in Anna, and rushes up the steps to get at human woman, hissing as it does so. It lunges at her but bites the steps instead of the rogues feet, and shakes it head and prepares to strike again.

"Attack and fall back, give us room to move. We have higher ground." Andjela looks around eagerly, seeing how this new team takes advantage of spacing and position. She looks for a stop to 5-foot step into and reload her crossbow. Not seeing an open spot within 5' she delays an action. You can tell me a revised action, or go ahead with your original action, but since your movement was not possible I'll let you tell me what you'd like to do. This will not change your init unless you specifically state you want to.

Kimgald sets his pick-staff firmly against the ground as he traces several sigils quickly in the air. When he completes the task the room seems to warm several degrees and a sense of calm washes over the party. The dwarf then readies his weapon and moves to the top of the stairs. Spell Effects: Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects

For her part Kendra looks on in fear at the monstrous insects and indeed seems paralyzed and unable to shake herself of her fear.

Go ahead and post Round 2 actions everyone. Andjela I'll resolve your Round 1 with any revision you make, but also provide your Round 2 actions. Everyone, don't forget the -4 for firing into Melee to any ranged attack rolls, and don't forget the effects of bless this round. Now, get the bugs!!
***Map Updated***

originally didn't understand, and didn't see wall , I described a crossbow, fire and reload, and fire again (rnd 2). Reviewed map and changed action completely. Rerolled, attack w/ different weapon. Getting used to these boards.

Untrained at firing into melee the elf discards his bow, draws his sword, steps up (5 foot step) and swings at the creature.

Anna takes a couple steps and bounds over the insects, kicking once at the wall and twisting in the air, to arrive below them in a flanking position. Her blade then slashes out, laying a large gash in one.

The Crypt - Round 1 Resolution
Andjela drops her crossbow, steps between Tolvan and Kimgald and draws Elven Curved Blade. Centipede1 takes the chance to snap at her, but his mouth slides off of her armor once more.

The Crypt - Round 2

Centipede1 squirms and slithers closer again, biting at the dhampir woman for the third time, but in his hungry frenzy cannot sink his mandibles in.

Anna takes a couple steps and bounds over the insects, kicking once at the wall and twisting in the air, to arrive below them in a flanking position. Her blade then slashes out, laying a large gash in Centipede1 (the only one you could flank). The cut is nearly more than the insect can handle, and it shudders but doesn't quite fall.

Untrained at firing into melee the elf discards his bow, draws his sword, steps up to swing at the staggering creature. The injured insect wriggles just out of reach of Tolvans longsword, hissing at it's attackers.

Centipede2 strikes with uncanny accuracy at Anna, it's dripping mandibles sinking deep into her thigh. -2hp Anna. Please roll Fort save, DC 13. If you fail take 1d3 ⇒ 1 Dex damage this round.

"Just bad luck, hang in there..." Andjela turns her attention to the healthy insect, her elven blade moving almost too quick to see, and when her arms still centipede2 lies on blood soaked ground, in three different pieces.

As centipede2 is dead, and centipede1 is looking very much like it wants to run and hide in a hole, we can declare this combat to be over! Anna I still need your fort save. A bit of housekeeping, when you write your action descriptions, please hide them in the spoiler for that round, as I may need to edit/alter them for the round resolution.

Post Combat - Old Crypt
The group settles it's nerves and takes stock, and Kendra enters the room, "I'm sorry I wasn't much help, that was the most dangerous situation I've ever seen in my life! If there's ever a next time, I promise to do better." The rest of the crypt holds a sarcophagus and more dust.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Yeeouch! That stung! She limps a little, savoring her injured leg as she looks around the room for anything else inclined to jump out at them. She starts muttering, Stupid bugs, whoever heard of bugs in a crypt? I can't believe that; now my pants are ruined.

Before pushing open the sarcophagus, she does a once-over to look for any possible surprises.

Trapfinding: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Well done, all... Nice moves, Anna. Might have to ask you to teach me some of that.

Andjela sheathes her blade, picking up her crossbow... and prods the bugs with her boot. Stepping on their skulls for good measure.

If this was the Professor's I'd say borrowing it from a father or good friend is fine. Get what we can carry, and let's get out of here. Unless we should clear the whole place.

Looking around Tolvan comments I think this is it, unless there are secret doors. I'll take a look around. Glancing over the find he observes Hmm. A lot of nice arrows here. Anyone else use a bow? I'll hold them for now. He gathers the arrows and then looks around in both the upper and lower crypt to make sure they have not missed anything of importance. And please remember his passive chance to find secret doors, if it matters.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Wow - my dice are not hot of late.... Oh well.

Lets do our best not to be seen leaving this crypt. I feel no guilt for using this cash of weapons to help the town, but I would rather not have to explain our intent to the townspeople or the good father.

Later, once back safely at Kendra's house, Tolvan can detect magic on everything and try to identify it anything that is magic.

Anna is unable to locate any traps and Tolvans search reveals no hidden doors. Kendra nods enthusiastically, "Yes lets get out of here and back to my place. Anna I'll want to take a look at that leg!"

Anything else you want to do before returning back to Kendra's? Also, tell me what you do, if anything, to hide your visit to the crypt.

Tolvan will toll the vermin corpses into the sarcophagus before closing it, and clean up any signs of the conflict with some water and a cloth. He will recover spend arrows and bolts, etc. and do what he can to cover the tracks. The dust has been disturbed. Nothing we can do about that, but we can obscure what disturbed it. We should leave the lock the way we found it. And Anna, could out scout first to make sure the area is clear before we leave? Best not to be spotted.

Right. Keep the light back, away from the entrance. Anna closes her eyes a bit to adjust to the darkness, then slips out of the crypt and checks for anyone nearby.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Umm, looks clear?

As far as you can tell :). Also, everyone take 100 XP for finding the cache and defeating the monsters. You too Kimberly, I prefer to keep the party at the same level.

"Let's be quick on our feet then, yes? I can't be tellin' if this chill is from the rain or the grave, but I'm thinkin' the latter. Best t' chase it away with somethin' warm in the gut."

I'm afraid I'm of little help in hiding our actions, though I will lend a hand in identifying the items. Otherwise I'm good to go.

I don't have a head for subterfuge, sorry. I'm a what you see is what you get kinda gal.

Anna makes a scoffing sound. And I'm just a farmer's daughter.

Once back at Kendra's Anna is keenly interested in the objects, looking over the shoulders of the spellcasters as they study them. After getting over her disappointment in the lack of coin or valuable treasure, she quickly becomes curious about the vials with the swirling vapor.

Did you nearly call me a liar, sweet nimble Anna? Now, what sort of farmer... your mother?

Anna studies her for a moment. For a moment she looks defiant. Then her demeanor softens, and a pang of hurt touches her voice. Everyone's got secrets. And my Da', he was the farmer. The usual sort. Chickens, goats, cabbages, turnips. He... he did the best he could.

Once back to Kendra's house, and after checking on Kimberly Tolvan will cast Detect Magic on the items found in the crypt.

Taking 10 on Spellcraft gives him an 18, or a 20 if someone assists him. Let me know if I need to roll separately to identify items.

Andjela seems to think back. The best is all we can ask. My father was a monster, may he burn in Hells.

Taking 10 on Spellcraft gives him an 18, or a 20 if someone assists him. Let me know if I need to roll separately to identify items.

And I will happily assist; Tolvan's modifier is a tad better than my own, so it's fitting he take lead on the task.

Kendra's House
After you all get back to Kendra's she makes Anna sit and endure some examination of her leg, washing and bandaging the wound. "I'm no healer.. maybe Kimberly will be able to help when she wakes up. She, has a way with things like this." She seems to remember the girl then, and goes to check on her. "Sleeping like a baby." Kendra says with a soft happy smile.

She then sits with the others, surprising all of you with a knack for detecting magic and identifying items. Between the three of you the items true properties are revealed.

Kendra stifles a yawn, and gives a grin to each of you, "I felt more alive tonight then I have in a long while. Terrified of course, but alive as well. Thank you." She turns and heads to her room for the night.

Anything else you want to do tonight?

Following through with his idea, Tolvan also checks on Kimberly personally. He seems unable to concentrate on anything else until he does so. Once this is done he removes a notebook from a pocket deep in his robes and marks an item off a list.

Once that is accomplished he helps with the item identification, surprised at Kendra's previously unrevealed skill. You have some talent with Magic Kendra. Perhaps tomorrow we can discuss this further and maybe compare notes.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 What can I tell about how she practices magic? Is she an arcane or divine caster? Spontaneous or not?

Anna listens intently to the descriptions of the magical finds. Taking one of the haunt siphons, she looks closely at the tiny swirling vapor inside and taps lightly on the glass with a fingernail. So, it's like a trap, for ghosts. Interesting.

As Kendra retires, Anna thanks her for looking after her leg, though she wonders about Kimberly's way.

After relaxing a bit, she suddenly remembers, and sits upright. The rat races! Tolvan! Can I borrow your rat tonight?

Tolvan looks confused. Rat? I seem to be out of the vermin. Why would you think I had a rat?

As to the items, Tolvan recommends that we all take a potion of healing and a holy water to hold. Five of us, and 5 potions. That make sense, right? Kimgald should hold the scrolls I think. Spilt up with the lesser restoration potions with Andjela and Anna holding them. The extra holy water should go to Anna. I will hold the arrows, unless there is another bow user in the party? And these haunt siphons... they trouble me as I fear their presence means we will be encounter haunts. Haunts are extremely dangerous so these might be very valuable if we run across them. Again we should each have one, and have it ready, as the key to their use seems to be to use them as soon as the threat manifests. Does anyone have any problem with my plans to distribute these resources?

Knowledge Religion for Haunts: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 [ooc] I seem to know little on what haunts really are. Anyone else care to roll? [/oow]

Andjela, much of the magical weaponry seems to be in the form of arrows. I am sure that as a paladin you have training to use a long bow. If I go down, please feel free to use this bow and these arrows. It was crafted by a Master and I believe you are just strong enough to pull it. But I need to let you know that I am bonded to this weapon and cannot cast my spells effectively without it. So I can't lend it to you unless we decide that my spells are not needed. It might be worth while for you to try to acquire a longbow in town before we decide to head to the prison.

Don't spellcasters have familiars? Animal assistants? I thought if you had a rat familiar he'd win a rat race no problem.

Tolvan smiles at the mistake. No Anna. Many spellcasters bond with an animal, but many don't. I have chosen another path. Perhaps you could check with our Kendra. It seems she is also a spellcaster.

Tolvan your rolls tells you she's using Arcane magic, of a divination persusuasion.

As for haunts... A haunt is a hazardous region created by unquiet spirits that react violently to the presence of the living. Haunts always arise from a source of terrific mental or physical anguish endured by living, tormented creatures.

Andjela keeps to herself for the most part, taking in her new friends and surroundings.

Tolvan, yes... But, bows are not cheap and currently, I'm a little low on funds. Perhaps there will come an opportunity. For now, my crossbow will have to do. Paladin, yes... but more specifically a Divine Hunter, specializing in ranged weaponry.

Back there, it seemed my blade was the better option all together. Fate works in mysterious ways.

Her attention turns to Anna, then. Rats? Why would you want to be handling such vermin, ewww.

Oh yes, Anna - It's actually about 10:30 at this point. So you'd be a little late to the 'party' if you went now. But also they do run every day. Just FYI.

I don't plan on handling them, just racing them I guess. Or probably placing bets on them. It's a local thing, and I'm interested in seeing it. But, thanks to our little excursion tonight, I'll probably check it out tomorrow night.

Anna seems to deflate as she reminds herself of their search for Pyotr. She sits down and puts her injured leg up. Unless you are going to bed, we should probably share what we learned today. Kimgald, did you come up with a list of the prisoners from Harrowstone? We found lots of notes by the Professor here, talking about the fire and all the guards who died in it. The prisoners supposedly all died as well. But I'm not too sure. We couldn't find the list of prisoners, because some were supposed to be just awful. There's even a morbid little song the children sing about a "Tricksy father" who killed his wife and splattered her name in blood. Kendra thought it was related to the prison.

Andjela seems transfixed by Anna's words. I simply came to pay my respects. What have I gotten myself into?

Andjela, since I seem to be forgetting things, Kendra would have extended an invitation to stay at her place if you'd like. Or there's a Tavern in town that's available as well.

I think with the commonality of having been the professor's friends... she'd stay.

Anna looks around the room, then draws a deep breath. Perhaps you should do some research before taking up holy symbols and shouting things like "Covenant". Then you'll know what you're getting into, she smirks.

Pinching her brow to get her thoughts in order, she starts, Let me see. The Professor's journal mentions he was investigating some agents of the Whispering Way -- big time necromancers or something like that. They were interested in Harrowstone, more specifically one of the prisoners, we think. The Professor geared up with the stuff from the tomb and tried to stop them. He ended up dead, obviously.

That was a few weeks ago. The Whisperers are probably done with their business at Harrowstone. Or dug in. We don't know. What we do know is that the Professor seemed to think whatever they're doing is going to threaten the entire town.

What may be related is a giant "V" written on the memorial of the Harrowstone fire -- oh, wait, you need to hear about that. Harrowstone was a prison, that was mostly destroyed about 50 years ago in a big fire that supposedly killed all the prisoners and all the guards. The fire actually stopped a prison breakout, which was going on at the time.

The memorial was built to honor the guards who saved the town by dying and keeping the prisoners from getting out. Anyway, a big "V" was written in blood earlier this evening on that monument.

Any questions?

Andjela seems nearly hurt, as Anna smirks.

Have I done something to earn your... disdain, Anna. I'd thought we were getting along. The point of a covenant is prescribed action in the face of certain circumstances or the evidence of those circumstances.

I am sorry your friend is gone, and for how he disappeared. It is in our nature to want answers, closure. If it makes you feel better to take some of the anger you may be feeling, out on me... I'm OK with it.

This is a lot to take in, I will think on it. Thank you for the information. Taking up the cover she was using, she draws it closer as if to shield herself from the... cold.

Kn Nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18, maybe something historical, some notable character during the last events?

Anna appears taken aback by Andjela's hurt at what she thought was a good-natured ribbing. Disdain? Well, no. I don't...

She pauses, frowns, and searches for words. Pyotr wasn't my friend. I didn't know Pyotr for more than a few hours. But he seemed thoughtful, wise, and willing to forgive, even those who'd just assume he was a dumb, violent orc. I guess I liked him.

You didn't know the guy and just took his symbol, like he'd already died or something. That seemed wrong to me. So when you asked what you'd gotten into, I threw that in your face. Sorry. I guess that was rude, wasn't it?

Andjela still seems a bit defensive, but tries to speak without emotion. I am not as wise as I'd like to be. So I can't tell you if that was wrong... only how it made me feel.

I know him well, enough... we'd both dedicated ourselves to the same path. We are brother and sister more than if we'd shared parents. So, although I do not often show my grief, one of my family is missing... and may have fallen.

I pick up his symbol, so that it is in safe keeping. I take it in my trust, until I can return it to Pyotr or know his... status. The name is vaguely familiar, but not one of those we are required to memorize.

It is difficult to understand perhaps, but that is dictated by covenant. Something each of us swears to before Iomedae herself.

Andjela looks around, taking each of the others in. I am not used to being around so many people. I spend a lot of time along, occupational hazard. Sorry.

Anna has covered most of the details Andjela. Our plan is to learn what we can in this town and and then head up to the old prison itself and have a look around. We are having a problem that maybe you can help with. The locals don't know us or trust us. And we've given them little reason to do so thus far, so I can't blame them for that lack of trust. The church has some documents we think we need to see, but the father will not let us in to see them. We need to win him over, and I think you could help convince him that we are acting with the interest of the town at heart.

Tolvan pauses to try to read the expression on the Paladin's face. [b]And there is the down hall and its records that we still need to research. And some magic shop that might hold useful information. And now we have this desecration of the marker in town. Blood of some sort spelling the letter "V". Does anyone know someone whose name starts with "V"? Remind me to ask Kendra in the morning. ]/b]

Andjela furrows a brow, trying to absorb everything. Vampire... comes to mind.

Let's be honest with them, straight forward. Tell them that that we'd like to investigate the professors last "discovery or subject". Ask them if there is something we could do to earn their trust.

Did someone mention Pharasma? She and her followers abhor the undead. If evidence leads us to suspect undead, they should be more than willing to aid us in eliminating such a threat to the town.

Does any of that help?

Well, it could. But I thought vampires were prone to drink blood, not write with it. She offers a weak smile, trying to inject some humor into the matter at hand.

Another thought I had is that the "V" means "5". There were supposedly five really bad prisoners there at the time of the fire. We need to find out who they were. I'm wondering if one or more escaped the fire, and they're back for some revenge. And listening to that little children's song, if Tricksy Father is just one of five bad guys, then I'm scared to think what the others might be like. Fifty years might be a long time for a human, but there's plenty of other races that means nothing to.

The paladin's demeanor is thoughtful.

Maybe it wasn't being defiled, but a warning written by a victim in their own blood? I don't think I want to hear this... song. But, I might have to, or read it.

Right. I had asked for Kimberly to sing the song again for us, but she was tired and went to bed. We should get her to do so in the morning. A little easier to sing in the light of day I would think. And that is an interesting idea Anna. Maybe the song is about one, or more of those 5.

Feel free to continue this late-night conversation in Flex Time.

Kendra's House - the next morning
You wake up to the smell of food cooking, a sensation already familiar to some of you as this is not your first time waking up here. Kendra is bustling around the kitchen with hotcakes and a light ale out. There are several choices of preserves for those who wish to top their hotcakes with something sweet. There is both tea and coffee hot and ready as well. Kendra sips at some tea herself, greeting each of you as you enter. "I trust you all slept well, sorry I went to bed so early. I am unaccustomed to late night excursions filled with danger and excitement! I could hear some talking before I drifted off last night, discuss anything interesting?" she asks, and then sips delicately from her cup.

Andjela is visibly thankful for the morning meal, and devours as much as any two people at the table.

I have been on the road most of the last year or so, and a home cooked meal is wonderful. It is evident, she isn't aware she's speaking with her mouth full at time.

She audibly drinks the coffee hot, black no sugar.

Sleeping indoors and in a real home is wonderful, as well. Thank you.

A lot went on while I without computer access, and I'm having difficulty keeping it all straight in my head. I think I'll have taken a jug of cider and retired to my room for the night as soon as we arrived at Kendra's, and pick up with the following morning.

Kimgald's nose once again leads the dwarf to the breakfast table, this time with a jug of cider now two-thirds empty in hand. Though he's harboring a slight hangover he appears much more composed than he did the previous evening. He takes a seat across the table from the paladin and quietly begins serving himself. After a few moments he pauses and looks sheepishly at the woman.

"I apologize for my demeanor last night; I'm afraid I was not entirely myself. I feel a proper introduction is in order ... Andjela, was it? My name is Kimgald, and as you have probably gathered I was also a friend of the Professor. It is good of you to have joined us." The dwarf sets the jug of cider on the table beside him and starts into his meal.

Kimgald, thank you. And, no worries... seems recent events have everyone a little off from center. I'm certain once we get some answers, everything will return to normal.

Being blind, do you need help with anything? Where are my manners?!

The elf appears in the doorway, a heavy book under one arm and a small notebook in his hand. He can see Andjela. Just not very far. Tolvan enters the room and sits by Kimgald on the far side of the paladin. [b]Has anyone seen Anna this morning? Did she go out to see the vermin competition? [b]

"As Tolvan noted, I am not entirely blind. I can get around my own, though I would make a poor lookout." The dwarf looks at Tolvan curiously. "I'm sorry, what vermin competition?"

Following the elf's explanation Kimgald grins. "That actually sounds very enjoyable. I wonder if she would object to my company when she attends."