|
One mile southwest of the inn, a clearing encircled by stones marks Cannibal’s Grove. Thick tendrils of mist rise from the ground and grant concealment to all creatures beyond 5 feet. Unsettling noises permeate the clearing—mostly echoes from the babbling stream to the south.
Crimson thistles have overtaken this clearing, punctuated by a ring of mossy standing stones. In the center, a neglected stone slab bears ancient stains and gouges.
Pinch, The Armenian Man, Neerduwyl notice the stench of raw meat coming from inside the circle.
Neerduwyl doesn't detect any magic inside it.
|
The Armenian Man follows Roland when he sees the haunt appear. The haunt carries an air of familiarity; the haunted fey that raised him might have done similar things, but with perhaps a bit more whimsy than the malice evident here. He knows that he lacks the power needed to destroy the haunt completely, but perhaps he can make it subside for some time.
He rushes up to the altar, laying hands on the cold stone. "Magdh, this is a beautiful haunt and an impressive display of inspired creativity, but it is causing us difficulty; please, send sacred energy that I may lay it to rest... if only for a while."
|
|
Neerduwyl does detect something magical on the little island in the stream. Calling everyone over you all take a good look at the area...
Neerduwyl, Glok, Hekran, and The Armenain Man are all able to easily spot a dull orange glow from beneath a pile of rocks...
I need some Strength checks here to move the rocks...
|
|
Retrieving the Lantern was made very easy by a pair of sturdy Half-Orc's, who have more brawn than brains. Once the lantern is retrieved by the duo, a loud cackling is heard on the other side of the clearing...
"Thank you for retrieving that for me. I will take it now! Lets get it from them!"
Emerging from the woods is an elk, apparently under the control of Sicklewit.
Know(Nature) to ID Elk.
Know(Nature) to ID Sicklewit.
(Two different tests)
COMBAT ROUND 1++++++++++++++++++++++++
Graktul
Ne'erduwyl
Elk
Hekran
Roland
Sicklewit
Gnickygnack
Armenian
Glok
BOLD MAY GO
|
|
SLIDE 8 - HANDOUT (COLONY)
Your journey to the village of Allenstead is completely uneventful.
Worship of Razmir began in the River Kingdoms, where it spread quickly and led to the creation of a theocracy. Allenstead has always resisted conversion despite being on the very edge of Razmiri territory.
Razmir is known as the Living God, a man who claims to have ascended to divinity by completing the Test of the Starstone. His faithful preach law, luxury, and obedience.
Razmiri wear identical masks to conceal their identities, but the material the masks are made of denote one’s position in the clergy: gold is above silver, and silver is above iron.
Allenstead consists of a few dozen buildings built along either side of a solitary dirt road that leads from Razmiran to a ferry dock on the West Sellen River. At the center of the village, construction is nearly complete on a large stone statue of a Razmiri priest that stands nearly 20 feet in height. The head of the statue peers down at a stage.
SLIDE 9
It is about an hour before noon. Feel free to ask question(s) of the townfolk and wander around.
==>Sense Motive Checks from EVERYONE, please.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Now, I reckon we should be careful. Here in the River Kingdoms, we're near the start of the Razmiri faith, but Allenstead here has always been a right cuss and resisted conversion."
"Y'all know Razmir, right? One of the Ascended, passed the test of the Starstone. God 'o law, luxury and obedience," Hekran says, chewing a mint leaf, "Now, his followers, they wear masks. T'hide their identity, but if ye pay close attention, what the mask is made of will tell you right quick their standin' in the church. Gold masks above silver, silver above iron and so on."
|
|
Chewing on a piece of elk jerky, completely uninterested in the local religion, Ne'erduwyl lets the others mingle with the locals. She's more interested in this lantern they obtained.
Speaking to whatever party members are in earshot, she says, "I wonder what the stage is for? And where this golden scepter is that seems to be so influential?"
And then she says to Graktul, lifting up a piece of elk jerky, "Flail gog nunum, nok!"
|
|
The Armenian Man listens attentively as Hekran reveals a world of information about the Razmiran faith and this small town that resisted it for so long.
He starts wandering through the town square, looking up at the rapidly constructed statue, and begins questioning some of the townsfolk. He doesn't really beat around the bush, not really having the sense to try a subtle approach.
"Allenstead was never too keen on this Razmiran faith, I thought. Why is everyone so suddenly on board? I think it's great that you worship how you like, but it's a surprising change, don't you think?"
|
|
Chewing on a piece of elk jerky, completely uninterested in the local religion, Ne'erduwyl lets the others mingle with the locals. She's more interested in this lantern they obtained.
[dice=Knowledge, Arcana, Magic Lantern]1d20+8
Speaking to whatever party members are in earshot, she says, "I wonder what the stage is for? And where this golden scepter is that seems to be so influential?"
And then she says to Graktul, lifting up a piece of elk jerky, "Flail gog nunum, nok!"
** spoiler omitted **
This is what you know about the lantern you found.
|
|
Several of you, when talking with the locals, find that they are completely bewildered and enthralled by Folloch, saying things like the following:
“We were visited by Folloch, priest of the great Razmir. He has given our lives meaning and shown us the joys of servitude and obedience.”
“I do not know where he is now, but he will be here at noon, as he always is. Folloch never misses his daily sermon.”
“Folloch has entrusted us with a sacred task. We must erect a magnificent monument worthy of Razmir’s greatness.”
As noon approaches, the townspeople stop their various activities and form a crowd at the base of the stage. At noon, Folloch exits from a house and makes his way to the stage, flanked by two guards. When he notices you all, he turns the attention of the sermon to you. "“Ah! My dearestb children, it appears some stray lambs have wandered into our flock! Surely Razmir can uncloud the minds of these wayward souls.”
With a flourish, Folloch activates mesmeric baton by grinning malevolently, extending the rod, and uttering an arcane word. Unbeknownst to the priest, his constant and reckless use of the scepter has drained it of its power, and it now does nothing. Realization slowly spreads across his face, and Folloch stammers for his congregation to defend him as he flees the stage.
You have 3 rounds to succeed in 6 (or more) checks. Each check represents 1 round of action and you cannot use the same skill more than twice. As long as you can explain WHY you are using the chosen skill makes it a valid option. DC to succeed is 15.
ROUND 1+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Armenian Man
Glok
Gnickygnack
Graktul
Hekran
Neerduwyl
Roland
|
|
The Armenian Man sees the man start to run off, and allows him to do so. He calmly pulls out an elaborately hand-painted deck of fortune-teller's cards. He walks to the edge of the stage, draws three cards, and places them on the edge of the stage in order.
"I... can make no sense of this. I thought I could see where he would go, but the future is clouded; we will have to give chase."