Maybe we can get some holy water if there are devils and stuff running around outside.
Stanley nods, "This decision to move at night may work two-fold. If we are to investigate the offer of payment for the head of a shadowbeast, then our nighttime excursion may produce an opportunity to acquire one."
"Maybe. Though I'm not going to count myself unfortunate if we don't see a shadowbeast."
Colgrim goes and gets a wagon and loads the body inside for when they head out.
At this point, Janiven steps into the room, and, after inquiring about the plan, makes another note.
"Who says you have to transport the thing? We could hide the cart near Gorvio's stables, where you plan to put the 'symbol,' retrieving it after nightfall but well before dawn. You may even be able to hide in the stables while you're at it!"
She places her hands on her hips, shaking her head.
Leeka seems to keep to herself as the group makes preparations, though anytime Dario looks over his shoulder, he sees her there, silently watching him and waiting.
Well let us get going, dilly-dallied long enough.
Dario glances at Leeka several times as they load the equipment and make the cart ready. He does it more to check on her than anything else. But when he sees her waiting, he shakes his head. He glances at Iolana, but then speaks to the halfling. "Leeka, I need you to help, dear. This is going to be dangerous, going out at night like this. Stay close to the cart, but be ready to help the others if things go poorly. You can take care of yourself, I know it. We might need you out there."
Leeka nods. "Yes, master," she replies and quickly darts over to the cart, ready to help with whatever is needed.
Colgrim grits his teeth when he hears Leeka say that. We really need to work on her getting independence.
Stanley isn't sure what part he can really play in this, he's a terrible liar. Other than bearing the symbol of Pharasma, not even widely respected in Westcrown, he knows the people that tend the cemetery that they aren't really going to. Instead, he asks, "What do you need of me in this venture?"
Well if we encounter Shadowbeasts, we'll need all the help we can get o deal with wounds.
With evening falling, Colgrim escorts the wagon to the drop point with ease. Leeka acts as the "driver" of sorts, while the others take a more circuitous route to Jacovo's Stables, where the events of the evening will begin.
Colgrim, while escorting the wagon, gets very strange looks from the other guards, but otherwise isn't accosted any more than normal, nor is the wagon searched deeply, as Colgrim is known to be very thorough with his investigations.
Present are all of the "acting" members of the Free Citizens of Westcrown
Colgrim pays Areal for the production/offering of two vials of holy water. If foul shadowbeasts or devils are about, they will need the forces of good on their side. (50 gp)
Colgrim addresses the members of the FCW who are enthusiastic but not as skilled as them. Now let us not get ourselves eaten by the shadowbeasts, we drop the body off and get back to the stables. If something shows up we fight as needed but don't drag things out.
Byron shivers at the thought that they are actually going to brave the dark.
I know we need to do it, but I also know that there are terrible things abroad at night...
Nonetheless, he does not verbalise his disquiet, quietly sharpening his weapons, and making sure the straps on his armor are properly tightened.
"It will be dangerous, but not, I think, to an insurmountable level; we will just need to be cautious..."
...and lucky.
Leeka does double duty as wagon driver and bodyguard to Dario, keeping her eyes peeled.
At Leeka's insistence, Dario rides alongside her in the wagon. "Just keep your eyes open, my dear. You never know what is out on the streets at night."
Iolana makes a quick pit stop on their route to visit a purveyor of...less than legal...goods she knows from when she first moved to Westcrown.
The sturdy Varisian woman keeps a sharp eye on the guards and citizens they pass, but otherwise keeps her mouth shut and her opinions to herself as they make their way through the city.
As they move, Stanley uses his holy symbol as a bearer of his dull grey light spell. After all, the plan is to hide in plain sight. With it lit, it will stand out, and allow his ruse of taking the body for burial more believable. As they travel, he says prayers to Pharasma over the body whenever there are any passersby. This also allows him to have any spell ready to voice if he suddenly needs one.
Stanley, don't forget that Asmodeus is the only really allowed faith. Praying to others is supposed to be done quietly.
Perception Checks
Super Secret GM Stuff:
As you all move along the dark, dark road, you all realize, with the exception of your time in the Rego Cader, and your initial run to the Temple of Aroden, this is the first time most of you have been out after dark willingly after dark. Most of the Dottari enforce a strict curfew. The predawn darkness feels that much worse for where you are.
You come to the fountain that the "drop" is going to occur at, with soft light from the homes next to you. A creature charges from the shadows to your left, with only Leeka able to react! The creature charges and lashes out at Colgrim, missing widely, while another comes from the alley further up, flanking Colgrim as well! The creatures look sort of shadowy, sort of slimy, and all disgusting with three tentacles each!
Initiative
Surprise round:
Leeka lashes out at the closest critter.
Round 1:
Leeka attempts to blind the same critter.
The Dirty Trick seems to confuse the creature, despite its amorphous appearance.
As the others begin to realize what is occurring, the creatures are a little more clear in the moonlight, but not very well distinguishable. They appear almost slime-like, similar to a giant torble mixed with a larger insectiod creature of some sort.
Red Creature is blinded for 2 rounds.
HP 34/34
AC 19/T12/FF17
Current BaB: +3
Saves: F6(8)(10)R3(5)W4(8 spells)5/7
In Hands:Dwarf axe,Shield
COlgrim hacks at the one between him and Leeka
"Good job, Leeka!"
Byron moves forward to attack the blind creature.
Dario gasps as the monsters appear. "Courage, everyone! We can defeat these things. Concentrate on the blinded one! Leeka has given us an opening!"
As the things charge out of the shadows, Iolana snarls and grasps her new morningstar in both hands. This, at least, is uncomplicated. Bracing her feet, she puts all her weight into the swing.
"So these are the vaunted shadowbeasts of Westcrown that keep the citizens locked away after dark?" she asks with a scornful laugh. "Looks like nothing more than worthless bugs to me! Step on them!"
The group, thus far very successful with the first shadowbeast, sees it fall, and most of the ooze melt away, leaving some very strange looking tentacles? Or are they striking legs of an insect? Either way, you're not sure. What you are sure of is that the thing screeched waaaay too loud for comfort as Iolana smashed its' brains in after Byron's successful swing. You all feel that the shadows and terrible lighting is powering the creatures somehow.
The remaining creature lashes back at Dario. Who successfully wounded it.
Unfortunately, the creature fails to connect with the Archaeologist.
Entire party is up again!
Colgrim whacks at the one near Dario
Byron shifts around the remaining creature, and readies for a flank.
Stanley doesn't know if these things are living, undead, some aberrant creature, or even a demon or devil. With nothing else, he will begin by trying to silence the beast, so that the others could remove it hastily and quietly. "We must be faster now, with the noise, there will surely be unwanted attention. Oh, and someone remove their heads as the others hang the body."
Leeka pulls out a shuriken and flings it.
While the scant moonlight flashes off the metal as it flies, it seems not enough of the light hits the shadow beast to blind it.
Dario directs the others toward the remaining shadowbeast. "Finish it off!" He whirls his scimitar around like the dervishes of the desert.
The trio of Byron, Colgrim, and Dario slash into the second shadowbeast as it slumbers due to Stanley's Hex.
The second shadowbeast's screech can also be heard, and it, too, leaves only a couple of tentacles/insectoid legs as well.
The screeches have been heard, as other screeches can be heard nearby.
Let us get this body tied up and get the hell out of here. Colgrim moves to get the body to it's proper location.
"Agreed!"
Byron hurries to assist Colgrim, before a thought occurs to him:
"Someone better box-up those shadow-beast parts for the second drop!"
Leeka grabs body parts and starts tossing them in the cart they used to transport the tiefling body.
Seeing that Colgrim and Byron have the setting up of their decapitated body well underway, Iolana turns to help Leeka toss the shadowbeasts' body parts into the cart. "Those didn't seem so bad, all things considered..." she murmurs. "Could've wished they were quieter, though." Despite her hesitation, she's rejoicing internally. Shadowbeasts taken down! Oh, this will show these Wiscrani that their fears can be overcome! Ha!
The first drop goes off without a hitch. The body is tied up, and the sign indicating the Free Citizens did this is set up properly. the wagon is turned around and taken back to the stables. Now, you have to get to the old Leroung Estate.
Stanley tries to help the others gather any parts of the shadowbeats that could be recognizable as a shadowbeats. Especially since it appears they don't leave heads behind.