The town hall serves as a beacon of comfort and hospitality for those responding to the governor’s call to arms. At the point of a muddied cul-de-sac, it is well lit and lavishly decorated, with a red, terracotta roof and white, brick walls making it an obvious outlier from the surrounding uniform buildings. When you arrive at the front steps, the governor is there to greet you himself. As the door opens, the two fronts of cold outside air and warm inside air battle in the doorway creating a swift gust of wind.
”Terrible weather we are having. Please, come and take a seat by the fire and dry off. There is chilled port wine and a charcuterie platter on the table. Feel free to make yourself comfortable while we wait for the others.”
Brilliant orange light dances around the room, orchestrated by the chaotic methods of the blazing fire warming the grand parlor. The first floor of the room is elegant and homely. Furnishings of fine gold and red fabrics accent the rich dark cherry wood architecture. Flanking the center of the room are round staircases leading up to the second story loft. Wonderfully painted portraits of previous Vauntilian royals and nobility fill the blank walls. The center of the room is organized into close sitting area with several armchairs and settees arranged into a circle and a round table with six glasses of wine laid out and serving plates for the fine meats and cheeses. It isn’t long before the party arrives.
Grabbing his hat before it can blow away, Stephan steps into the warm room after shaking off what water he can outside. With a broad bow, he says ” I am Stephan Ferus. I have heard that you and the town are having a bit of trouble. If you would allow me, I would be honored to assist such noble people as yourselves.”
After the formalities are complete, Stephan moves into the room and takes a seat close to the fire, but facing the door. Setting down his gear, he lays his hat and cloak nearby to dry. Taking a glass of port farthest from his seat, Stephan sits in the chair by his gear in an attempt to dry off and warm up.
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Following Stephan maybe a hundred yards back is a mountainous man in graying travelling clothes. A massive sword almost as tall as he is sits on his back, along with his travelling pack and a quiver of arrows. He has a bit of trouble entering the room, but does so with a stoic nod-- almost as if he's approving the room or its contents.
He shakes the governor's hand firmly. "Henry Blackburne. Heard the call. Answered. Come to help." That's all the introduction he gives; he steps into the town hall, glancing around. He doesn't sit just yet-- but peels a piece of meat from a plate and stuffs it into his mouth, licking his fingers. It seems like that's enough. He pulls the sword from his back, settling it on the chair instead, and sits down.
Henry looks up at Stephan. "Whatever the hell charcuterie meat comes from, I don't dislike it."
His head still a bit befuddled from the drinks last night, Iliya slowly strolls into the town hall. He did not mind the cold weather outside, actually it even felt good, cold air helping him fight the hangover from last night. He was coming at the heels of a massive guy, almost as huge as he was. He heard that the man introduced himself as Henry, but his mind was immediatelly distracted by the fancy dishes and it's name.
Chair-cut-what?! What kind of meat is that? Probably an animal of a sorts...
Proferring his hand for a brief but firm handshake, Iliya states: "I understood there's some quest...and some prize involved, right? If so, my axe is yours."
He offers his name solemnly "Iliya, of the Kellids", nods to Henry and approaches Stephan. He sets forth his astonishment matter-of-factly: "You are new to me. Never seen or fought your kin before. What are you?"
Setting his glass down, Stephan stands to meet those who have entered the room, stretching up to his entire 4’6” stature. Seeing that he is shy about 2 feet compared to these two giants that have squeezed into this room, he relaxes to a more normal stance.
“I am Stephan Ferus, and my kin by birth are called catfolk. I hope that two such ….ummm….valiant warriors are here to help with the plight that these good people are currently under.”
Gesturing to the plate, Stephan says to Henry “Charcuterie can come from many animals, but commonly it is crafted from pig. It is really quite delicious, though a bit overcooked for my taste”
Seeing that Henry has suffered no ill effects from consuming the meat, Stephan now takes the serving fork that is next to the plate and serves himself a small portion of the meat. Taking a normal eating fork, he sits back down and starts to eat while addressing the men.
Keeping his eyes on the courtyard for any who may be answering his call, Lucious Irkrile stood vigilantly by the front doors. Spotting a short fellow approaching the estate, he tugged the seams of his suit to straighten out any wrinkles, drew a breath and opened the door. His shock upon laying eyes on such a rare beast does not go unnoticed, despite his best attempt to conceal it. You are used this sort of reaction, regardless of their disposition, no one ever expects Catfolk in these lands. Throwing on a warm smile, Lucious steps aside and gestures to the foyer.
"I would be most honored to accept your services. I sent out many calls for help. You are the first to respond, but hopefully not the last."
As if to answer his prayers, your mighty presence startles the governor as he turns to meet your introduction. Gauging the height of you, his eyes slowly track from heel to head noting every detail about you.
"My word...someone so laden with steel will undoubtedly be an asset to the mission. I expect confrontation will be inevitable, if history is a predictor." Bending his body to get a look at your equipment, he notes the bloodied weapons. "And it would appear you have some experience with that. Good, you'll need it"
Just as the governor and Henry had finished their introduction, yet another colossus of a man steps into the foyer. The governor chuckles to himself, shocked to see such able bodied men respond so quickly.
"If hunting down and destroying a nefarious cult who would see our city burn and gain in strength is the quest you seek, then yes, their is a quest and favorable reward."
Lucious turns to address Henry, jokingly he says, "You didn't tell me you had a twin brother!"
Addressing those who have already arrived, Lucious chimes in: "If these dainty meats do not whet your appetite, please let me know and I will have my servants cook up," glancing at Stephan he quickly adds, "...or not cook, something a bit more substantial."
A tall, thin dark haired man walks into the foyer leaning heavily on a cane.
I came as soon as I heard that the dead are disquieted. My Lady demands that this be looked into. My name is Nilan Milarne, Priest of Pharasma.
This is what Nilan looks like, although replace the holy symbol with the spiral of Pharasma and the mace with a dagger.
Following closely on Nilans heels is a man in his late thirties or early forties... its hard to tell. His face bears deep lines of worry and strain and his hair is greying. If he is younger then he's seen some tough times.
His clothing while well made and fine, was probably fashionable a year or two ago, and shows signs of wear and travel stains. His leather coat and vest are both reinforced and likely does double duty as armour.
He stares, jaws gaping at the cat... person? for a moment before remembering his manners.
I am Doktor Kohlheim, Malthus Kohlheim, Physick, Alchemist and hunter of the dead... I come to lend my wits and my strength to match your towns need. His voice is rich and while having the accent of Ustalav, it is less pronounced and more softer, hinting at time abroad.
He comes to shake the Governors hand by the fire and turns to face the others with a small polite bow.
Then turns to the table and starts eating, politely to be sure, but with a focus that anybody watching can tell is from a prolonged period without food.
Stephan slowly shakes his head no, while waving off the kind offer.
Stephan stands and returns the bow, saying ”Greetings Doctor. I am honored to know you.”
Stephan then turns to Nilan with a look of concern. Sir, please sit and eat. It looks as if you have not broken fast in a month!
The 'Doktor' looks startled at the creatures speech but nods as he continues to eat.
A heavily hooded individual cautiously makes his way into the foyer. The drenching rain seems to have an odd effect on his personage; tendrils of steam and mist curl away from him, and the water itself balls up in droplets and falls away from him, as if it wants nothing to do with him.
He steps into the room, his footfalls an odd staccato against the stone. He looks over to the food and wine on the table, but refuses to approach it. He approaches the fire.
His hands emerge from his cloak to lift his hood off. They are hidden in slender gauntlets of articulated plates, reddish, as if they were made from a lobster's chitin exoskeleton. He pulls his hood away, and you see the face of a monster. The skin is a deep blood-scarlet. The eyes seem like smoldering coals of rage. His black hair includes a crown of four curling horns, like a ram.
"My name is Pyotr Krysnec, the shame of Vauntil. Yes, I am a monster, twisted by fell sorcery in the womb the last time evil reared its countenance in town. My purpose is to make amends. I wish nothing more than the destruction of the Prince of Death."
Pharasma! Save us!, squeeks Mathus, dropping a wedge of cheese in shock.
He seems shaken for a moment then says, casting his eyes down in shame, Forgive me... your... appearance... startled me.
Pyotr looks down and away. "No apology necessary. Your response is natural, good and right against the horrors of the Abyss." His voice is throaty, gravelly, and oddly hollow, as if heard from the dark depths of a cave.
Noticing another Pharasmin in the ranks of would be heroes Nilan nods at Mathus.
Doctor, it seems we have much in common. Nilan says, making a spiral motion over his heart.
Smiling wanly at the furred humanoid, which calls itself Stephan, Nilan replies Thank you for your thoughts. I may just partake in the governors refreshment.
To the tiefling at some point in the evening Nilan will share with him a Pharasmin aphorism The Lady judges us by our actions. She does not see past them.
Our shared faith is more due to my parents efforts and our Ustalav heritage more than anything else I suspect, says the Doktor. Fell events have made me more devout of late.
Hearing the approach of a new member to his assembly, Lucious approaches Nilan to extend formal greetings. His gaze hangs on the spiraled jewelry that hangs from your neck, a satisfied smile stretching from ear to ear.
"Nilan you said? Your God was at our side not fifty years ago when we did battle with the minions of Orcus. I expect you will bring her to our side once more?"
He places his hand on your back and leads you to one of the arm chairs where the others are waiting.
The clamour of rattling equipment and clanking glass alerts the governor to yet another presence. He notes the obvious alchemical and chirurgeon tools and materials paired with a weathered look of rough experience. He approaches the man, throwing his arms up in delight at the introduction.
"Doktor Kohlheim, my agents told me they had sent word to you, seeing as you have a very particular set of skills. This all looks very costly, you aren't worried about it being ruined or lost in your journey?"
You slipped through the door unseen by the governor who was preoccupied with his greetings between he and the doktor. He finally notices you when you drop your hood. Fearful of our countenance, he immediately reaches behind his back, palming a silver dagger strapped to his belt and preparing for the worst. But as the monster spoke, his grip weakened and posture relaxed.
"I apologize for the hostile reaction. It's just that...there are many prejudices here, and I'm afraid you've just found one. But your cause is noble and as Nilan pointed out, we are to be judged by our actions, not our heritage."
Lucious approaches Pyotr to extend his hand as a sign of trust.
Moving to position himself in front of the fireplace, he rests his arm on the mantle. "This seems to be a sizable group for now, let us carry on with the mission details." He reaches into his cloak, revealing an opened envelop hidden away in a side pocket. Pulling back the lip, he opens the letter and begins reading.
"Poor Governor of Vauntil,
You have the unfortunate position of making
a difficult decision. The Shadows you once
thought extinguished have once again found
a foothold in these dark lands. The eternal
and infernal Orcus has saved us. For his
favor, we need sacrifices. Six children,
alive and screaming, are to be delivered in
plain wooden coffins to the Crypt of the
Undying. You will more likely know it as the
resting place of my father, the Herald of
Undeath himself, Deuston de Mon. They are to
be delivered at nightfall of the next full
moon. Fail me, and your precious city will
fall once more.
The wind and rain kick up, beating furiously on the fragile windows. The governor drops the letter on the table, allowing you to read and inspect it for yourselves. It is written in plain black ink on simple parchment. The penmanship is sinister and it is signed at the bottom with the symbol of Orcus. Allowing a brief moment for you to read the paper, another man arrives from one of the side doors. Your initial reaction is of a dirty vagrant, a destitute deformed derelict who is out of place. His hair is shoulder-length, black and wet with grease. The obvious feature, however, is his amblyopia. Lucious cuts in to introduce the man to the party, "Fellows, this is Chauncey Slugworth. He is my eyes and ears in this town. He is the one responsible for finding you and having my message delivered." Chauncey gives a quick, stiff bow. The crowd is obviously much larger than he would prefer. He shuffles over to the governor and whispers in his ear,
Chauncey: "I do not think we should be doing this. We should just deliver the children and be done with it!"
Lucious: "I will not send innocent children to their death!"
Chauncey: "Yet you would send these...fools to their death!"
Ending the conversation, Chauncey stomps away, visibly upset but not before grabbing his pipe off the table.
Addressing the scene before Chauncey even exits the room, Lucious apologizes."You'll have to forgive him, he's not the most acclimated to social interactions. Now, I'm sure you all have some questions, so ask away."
Pyotr's entrance and governer Lucious reaction elicited a very similar response from the young barbarian. Thankfully, he was delayed because of Mathus reflex, and thus just a moment too late to charge the newcomer. By some stroke of luck, governer reacted fast and admirably and Iliya found himself with his great weapon drawn in the middle of the room, eyeing the tiefling.
Turning to Stefan, he comments openly, before approaching the red-skinned creature: "And yet I thought you catfolk were strange. What in the name of Great Dreamers elk are you?" - he addresses Pyotr directly.
After all the initial buzz with introducing and getting to know one another has passed, and the governor has read his letter, Iliya notices Chauncey's entrance and prick his ears trying to get in on the muttered exchange between the two.
Again, rather plainly the young barbarian addresses the governor, not hiding the fact that he was eavesdropping, even before Chauncey was out the door: "Fools? Is that what you think of us? Sending us to our deaths? Well, this does not bode well, when you start calling your would-be heros fools. Perhaps we should discuss this prize money some more, eh? If you're sending us to our deaths, than we should be at least well-payed, should we not?!"
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Henry wipes his hands on a napkin and reads over the letter with interest.
Looking up, he sees everyone in states of insulting one another instead of speaking about the letter, and looks blankly at Iliya.
"You should have kept your mouth shut; Now, they no longer think, but instead know you're a fool. Stop being theatrical and let's get to the business at hand."
Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, but de Mon had children? How many and where can we speak with the family. the Pharasmin states bluntly.
To the angry Kellid Nilan says Becalm yourself Iliya, all who live face her judgement. Nilan places his hand on Henry's shoulder, No need for insults sir, we all face a greater foe.
Drawing a deep breath to puff out his chest, Lucious steps towards the barbarian, not about to back down and trying not to be made a fool of in his own home.
"I never said you were fools. I refuse to send children who are unable to defend themselves to a certainly horrific end with an uncertain outcome that we can only hope is safety when I could recruit able bodied men who are willing to put their lives on the line, whether for gold or glory, and possibly put an end to this nefarious scheme. Please understand, I am doing this my people. As Mr. Blackburne stated, we should focus on our current mission." Lucious adjusts his gaze towards Nilan and answers, "If he had children, we were not aware. He lived a simple life as a respected pastor before he turned. If he had a child, it was either taken away or forgotten. But it seems he did and this child of his cannot be happy. His family perished after the events fifty years ago, killed by the undead horde and animated to fight other innocent men, women and children."
The good Doktor shakes his head at the question as to the risk of damage to or of expense of his equipment.
It is all I have now... that and my hate. Oh, that it may hurt the enemy deep in his hells!, he thinks.
Have you any scouts who have reported back, or any maps of the area? What intelligence can you give us as to what we can expect, he pauses, undead of course, but what else? Is this de Mon fond of traps? Does he have arcane spell casters among his numbers or did he have last time?
Responding to the Doktor's questions, Lucious nods. "We have a map we can give you. It marks the location of the crypt and a straightforward path there. We sent out scouts a few days ago in the hopes of finding some clues on the matter, but they have yet to report back... I fear the worst way have come of them. Deusten's army was formed by a mixture of unholy alchemy and tainted clerical magic, they used their potions to create beastly monsters out of their living soldiers and bolstered their front lines with shambling zombies and skeletons. According to records of the battles, the fields were often trapped with magical wards, so I would be wary.
I should inform you that the Crypt of the Undying is the very crypt where Deusten's body was sealed away. The entrance sealed by powerful magic. If the ward has been broken then who knows what schemes the de Mon son could be planning.
Lucious looks uneasy, worried even. He finally slouches into one of the chairs, letting out a sigh heavy with so much stress. After a moment, he adjusts himself in the seat, straightening his back and sitting up straight. He grabs a glass of wine and quickly finishes it off, pouring himself another, this time sipping it gently.
Let us see this map and, more importantly, see if there is an indirect unexpected route to approach this necromancers tomb from - 'Only a fool walks up the footpath of a dragon' as they say.
A low, guttural growl is heard as Pyotr responds, "If any such child should be sent, it should be me. Let the demons feast on the entrails of their own spawn. Or let me feast upon theirs..."
Malthus shivers involuntarily.
The tiefling looks around, realizing that what he said was perhaps too bloodthirsty. He falls on one knee. "Sarenrae, fill my heart with light. Sarenrae, fill my soul with mercy."
He stops a moment, and stands. "Many apologies, kind sirs. I promise to only allow my hatred to extend to the Abyssal monstrosities that would take peace and prosperity from this town."
. " Greetings Pyotr. Have no fear, my compatriot. There is always those of us who look past the physical before seeing the physical."
Stephan reads the letter, then casually places it in his pouch.
+ 6 = 23
Stephan looks at Chauncey with a look of distrust.
Blackburn's response gets Iliya's blood boiling: "It takes either an even bigger fool, or a very brave man to insult a Kellid with an axe!"
Gazing straight in the eyes of the large man in front of him, neither of them flinching, the atmosphere becomes very tense. Silence is broken first by Nilan's calming words, and then by Iliya's hearty laughter: "But it seems you were right - I was being rash...a fool as you said. And I choose to consider you a brave man. You're probably a bit crazy, but aren't we all?"
"Now, these people need help, and all of us are here for one reason or another. But we all want to help, don't we? And since we'll be depending on each other if we're to defeat this...warlock or necromancer of a sorts, than I choose to trust you now. Later, when all is done, money is earned and glory is gained, then you and me Henry - we're gonna headbutt and see who was right today? Shake on it?"
Iliya proffers a hand to the big ranger in front of him in an almost childlike gesture, looking genuinelly sincere.
In response to Mathus's witty anecdote, the governor gives out a good laugh. "Yes, yes, quite right." He calls for one of his servants flutter in and out of the room silently to fetch one of the maps. They quickly bring out a rolled parchment, held together with purple twine. Lucious undoes the knot and rolls the map out on the table, it is about two feet by two feet, and quite weathered. He walks over to one of the side tables and grabs a quill and inkwell and marks the path.
"It is fairly straight forward. Follow the path that the borders the northern end of the Raiteso River and cross the bridge. Then continue to the follow the path along the Droa River and you will reach Cadaverwood. So far it is about 10 miles, and another 2 miles into the forest. There are no other trails through those woods, so don't get lost. As far as alternate entrances, you could try approaching from the sides, but ultimately, the crypt only has one way in."
As the last word left the governor's mouth, the front doors burst open from the frenzied charge of mad woman. Rain, wind and leaves came funneling into the parlor and the howling wind added to the general distress of the situation. The governor jumped to his feet and a few of the servants let out a quick scream, startled by the clamorous interruption. Heralded by her furious sobs coming out more as screams, the intruder fell to her knees. "SOMEONE TOOK MY BABY!" she cried. She continued to bawl on the floor, repeating the sentence under her breath. A note drops from her hand and falls open on the floor. It's only contents being the symbol of Orcus. The governor's face fills with both terror and anger and he glances around the room at each of you. He speaks frankly and calculated, holding back the anger in his heart. "The full moon is tonight. I don't know how or why children have gone missing, but this mission just got a lot more important. Bring back those children and I will make it worth your while."
A faint ruffle in the drapes on the loft catches your eye, and you spot Chauncey hiding in the shadows baring a satisfied, child-like smile.
Pyotr looks at the woman, looks at the governor, looks at the note. His nostrils flare. Turning to the governor, he asks, simply, "Children?"
+6 = 8
Stephan runs to the woman to check to see if she is alright. If so, he helps her to a chair, telling her "M'lady, have no fear. We shall recover your child, and ensure that it never happens again. "
Perception
Nilan stands, unfazed by the outburst of the woman. It is a great crime to harm a child. Their destiny is unfulfilled and they cannot face judgement. Yet more reason for haste.
Responding to Pyotr's question, the governor quickly adds, "I don't want to sound too quick to assume, but if the forces of Orcus have moved to take a child then I suspect that they may have claimed another five. It is still early in the morning and many families are asleep. I have horses that can be loaned for your journey, the faster you get there the better. I believe you all know what needs to be done. If there are no further questions I will show you to the stables.
Pyotr throws his hood back over his head. "I am ready." He turns to leave.
Nilan nods in approval at the teifling's decision, indicating he too is ready to leave.
Stephan settles the lady with a glass of port, gathers his things, and is ready to leave.
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Henry stands, gathering his things to leave-- and shakes Iliya's hand firmly. "I can agree to that. Right now, we have more important things to deal with. This woman needs her child returned and there are things here that concern me deeply."
Shouldering his bastard sword once more, he looks to the group. "Let's be off, then."
Aye
After everyone has confirmed that the crypt is to be their immediate destination, the governor briskly gathers his belongings and escorts the party to his private stables. The rain has let up slightly, reducing to a steady drizzle but the wind still carries a frightful chill with it. The commute only takes a few minutes, trudging through unpaved streets and twisting down alleys to cut down on the time. The grizzly trek through muddied ground cakes your boots and low hanging clothes in mud, forcing your steps to stick to paved ground with a suctioned resistance. The huddled buildings in old Vauntil showed signs of weather and dilapidation, for despite their recent reconstruction after the war, nature and expectancies are shunned in this country. Things age and die faster and slower than one would expect. Spend enough time in Ustalav and you'll hear stories telling of an entire city that vanished in the fog banks of Lake Encarthan...
The governor's stables are just as one would expect, pristine and accommodating, even for human standards. Fiddling through his key ring, he fits it into a large padlock and with a click, it falls to the ground bringing with it a heavy set of rattling chains and the doors swing open. "Here we are. Take your pick, there's more than enough for the six of you. Stable boys can get them saddled and rider ready. The outer walls are fit with three stalls with two sets of additional stalls running down the center, dividing the room in two.
Once you are all mounted and ready, Lucious gathers you at the head of his stables. "I know I am asking a lot of you and you are risking your lives, but there is more at stake here than the individual. I will make sure your actions are recognized." He unclips a small pack that he had around his waste and tosses it at Mathus. "I'm no adventurer so I don't have much to give you, but I was able to find a simple healing potion. It's better off with you. Now go, and may whatever God in which you seek solace grant you their blessing!"
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When the governor is out of range, Henry, from the back of a large ebony stallion, begins to try to organize the troops.
"It'd be wise to send a scout ahead. If possible I'd also like to find a less-travelled path to the crypt. It'd be safe to say that they have a man watching the road waiting to see if the townsfolk begin marching with pitchforks and torches."
"Any thought?"
Agreed. This straightforward route seems...fortuitous
Agreed
"I'd say they already know that we're coming. They took a child, or more of them. They will be expecting this. I don't want to waste time getting stuck in the woods somewhere, but if the rest of you believe that there's an ambush waiting for us, and that it's better avoiding it, instead of smashing it, then I will follow your lead"
"While I agree that the planned road would be watched, and an ambush expected, we must be on guard as we travel our alternate route. Henry, I believe that we need your skills to get us there through the forest without getting lost. I will assist you however I can to find a way through."
The road ahead is long and uneventful. With few travelers on the road in such weather, the single merchant that you passed was an eerie sight. The open plains and farmlands of the Vauntilian countryside are dotted with crooked looking forests that echo with shrill, frightful sounds. The rain has almost passed and off in the distance you can see the haze of rain continuing east across the hinterlands. Every now and then the distant clouds light up to be followed by the faintest rumble of thunder.
You gallop ahead, and circle around the forest entrance in the hopes of finding some sort of hidden path or lightly covered trail as well potential threats, but turn up with no such luck.
You gallop ahead, and circle around the forest entrance in the hopes of finding some sort of hidden path or lightly covered trail as well as potential threats, and you think you may have found something. You notice a deliberate clearing of trees and brush in an path just south of the forest entrance. You see the remains of faint tracks, but they have mostly been washed away by the rain. The tangles and obstacles caused by the density of the woods means you would to leave your horses behind, increasing the amount of time to get to the crypt by half an hour. Otherwise, the area appears to be clear of would-be ambushers.
There ya go :) I'll do that from now on, GM.
Well, unless anyone else has any ideas, it looks like we will be going into the forest with the path.