Well, that was ... interesting. Necromancy is at work here, no doubt about it. Keep a sharp eye out boys, the one who animated these poor folk is no doubt close at hand.
Wix retrieves his crossbow and proceeds to clean it off using a scrap of cloth. He then stows it, keeping the short sword in hand.
All this rain has doubtless caused the ground to become sodden and likely to retain the tracks of the villains as they fled the scene. Perhaps Master Greenbottle could shed some light on the direction they have gone?
Beau drops his backpack off his shoulders and pulls a strip of cloth from it. After pouring a bit of fresh water on the cloth it easily tears into a makeshift bandage. Beau immediately sets to wrapping and covering the wound on his left arm.
Gods this hurts! He thinks to himself as he ties the wrap tightly on his arm. I have ta bear with it. There's no telling how many undead lurk out here and I'm already running low on the energy to deal with them.
Hearing the concern of his traveling companions Beau offers up a cheerful smile. It looks a lot worse than it is, I can barely feel it.
Petracleus you are injured as well, do you need aid? I'm well trained both on mundane and divine healing.
The group hears Darpan cry out, "There's someone trapped under the wagon. Quickly!"
"A scratch Beau......do not worry about me, tend to yourself if you can....."
He'll need all of his strength if we get caught like that again
"What.....wait, let me lift that"
Here now, let me lend what assistance I can Master Petracleus.
Beau moves up using his small stature to reach under the wagon and pull whomever from under the wagon.
Darpan helps Beau get the person out from under the wagon
Petracleus hoists the wagon up with assistance from Wix and shoves it to the side.
Beau and Darpan gently but firmly pull a young woman away from the wreckage.
She is conscious, though obviously dazed and in pain. Her clothes, which were once of fine quality, are torn and she has bruises and blood marks all over. While much the worse for wear, you can tell that she is an extremely attractive human.
You help her sit up and she insists on standing, though clearly her left arm is not okay.
"My guards. They...they..turned into skeletons. How? We were crossing the bridge when something..bestial attacked. I heard screams, but before I could see anything my carriage turned over and I was stuck."
She looks at the skeletons, clearly stunned and disbelieving.
She winces as she shifts her weight.
The rain continues to pound down, causing her some pain. She flinches at the latest cacaphony of thunder.
"There is an inn not far back the way I came. Could you escort me there?" As the shock wears off, the pain seems to be increasing."
"Of course mi'lady, first let me attend to your wounds."
Beau steps back ensuring both the lady and Petracleus are within 30 feet, then channels positive energy to heal.
Petracleus feels his wound knit back together and the dull ache disappear, "Thanks Beau"
Turning back to the rescued lady, "Could you describe the....beast....that attacked your wagon? Describe it to our good companion Shane here, for he is knowledgable of such things" More than I am anyway.....
Oh dear, another damsel in distress. I hope this one goes better than the last. Maybe we could start a business...
Darpan continues to search the area around the coach, as well as in the coach.
As Darpan explores the ruined coach, the party feels the warmth of Desna's healing touch, via Beau.
The woman's eyes focus on Petracleus at his question, then towards the indicated Shane. "My name is Alayna Vedellic."
She seems to expect some type of recognition from the party and, receiving none, continues. "Of House Vedellic?"
Another pause, but no takers. "We were returning to Oregent from a trading venture when something attacked us at the bridge."
She visibly flinches as another burst of lightning tears apart the sky.
The rain continues to pour down as you talk, interspersed with thunder and lightning.
"I saw something in the dark before the carriage was tossed over. It could have been a man; at least, it was about that big." She shudders as she looks at the skeletons. "But what man could do all that?"
She tries to huddle inside her torn clothing, which isn't doing much to deflect the rain.
Darpan doesn't find anything of interest in the wreckage. There is no sign of the horses.
"My pleasure friend, ye've only ta ask."
"Well Madam Vedellic, it is not much be we do have a horse ye could ride. He's a pack horse, but it would be an affront ta have one of yer station walking. Please allow my companions and I ta guide ye to yer destination."
Beau steps to the lady to inspect her wounds as well as guide her to the horse.
My Lady Vedellic, allow me to introduce myself. I am Wix Knickershins, at your service. Please allow my fellow companions and me to escort you back to Swallowfeld where we can, no doubt, find warm accommodations and get out of this dreadful rain. I fear your carriage is quite unserviceable, but we do possess a sturdy mount on which you may ride, if you wish.
Brusquely, "There is little to be gained by lingering here in the storm - whatever caused the atrocity has long departed.......I would suggest that if the good Lady wishes to lodge at an Inn tonight then we escort her there post-haste."
.....and frankly, after the last day, I could do with a good drink.....that, and I'm not going to be able to stomach more of Beau's tea.
Darpan nods in agreement with Petracleus' statement. Let us hurry before a chill settles in our breast and we become further delayed."
"It's...good to meet you, ma'am," Shane says hesitantly.
I'm not used to dealing with high-born ladies like this.
"I can try to lead us out of here and back to the town, if you wish."
She thanks you for your assistance and says that she can walk. "I don't feel up to riding a horse just yet.."
What she might have said next is interrupted, for, as you begin moving along the road once again, the rain, thunder and lightning continuing, an enormous bellow echoes out from underneath the bridge and you hear the sound of something big squelching about in the mud. The pack horse lets out a yelp and begins pulling forward, away from the bridge and up the road.
Alayna, clearly spooked, says, "Let us go, PLEASE!"
Darpan will hang back as the others go ahead. He will stay a little ways from the main group and keep watch on their back trail.
"Get her out of here somebody!!!", Petracleus gestures for someone to get Alayna out of harms way then, peering into the darkness, takes sword and shield in hand.....
Looks like that drink will have to wait
Beau moves to Alayna putting himself between her and the bridge.
"Don't run off inta the woods! We'll protect you!"
"Shane don't let that horse run off, we need ta protect it too!"
I'm gonna have to go with the horse on this one.
Gentlemen, whatever is making that sound will more like than not find our resistance but a mere annoyance. I suggest we beat a hasty retreat to Swallowfeld and the safety of an Inn. Let us away.
Shane turns around to grab the reins of the horse.
What in the name of the gods was that?
You hear what sounds like a giant yawn from under the bridge and some more "squooshing" noises.
Alayna starts walking hurriedly along the road, back the way she came.
"If we are going to run then we had better make it quick......"
Sounds like whatever is down there had just woken up and, in my experience, the larger the beast, the hungrier it is......
Petracleus stays at the rear of the party keeping himself and his sword between the departing Alyana and the noises under the bridge.....
Beau will stay with Alayna walking backwards watching the bridge. Beau will stay within 5 feet of her.
On me then gentlemen. Lady. If we stick to the road, we should have good footing and make good time.
Wix draws his shortsword and sets a brisk pace west along the road, taking the lead position. He is careful not to let his fellows get too far behind ...
The group moves away from the bridge hurriedly but orderly. You continue to move along the road, with no one sighting whatever is under the bridge when lightning flashes illuminate the sky. The pack horse, still scared, finally tires and slows down a bit.
After about a half an hour, the party comes upon a sign post and a rutted track leading off into the woods to the right.
You are only on this track for ten minutes or so before coming to a bit of a clearing...
A blocky structure looms into view through the dark and rain. It looks to be a tavern or common house, with lights shining warmly from is windows. The building is sagging and old, with a wide, low porch along the front.
A painted sign hangs above the entrance. The sign depicts a man sitting on the edge of a small square pit, his face resting in his hands and a shovel lies across his lap. Under the picture, the sign reads The Gravedigger's Rest.
Tied to a hitching post (and looking surly) is a donkey, stoically ignoring the pounding rain. The only other thing of note is a weather-beaten outhouse behind the building.
Whatever was under the bridge doesn't seem to be nearby.
What kind of name is that, certainly not very inviting.
"Seems ta be our only choice out here."
Darpan will check out around the outside of this Inn. Just looking to see if anything looks out of place.
Looks a little seedy, but drowned rats can't be choosers I guess...
What say ye fellows? This place may not be ideal, but it beats tromping through the mud and the rain. We might even find some warm food and stout drink within? Shall we indulge ourselves with a bit of respite?
For myself, I vote yes.
Beau hesitantly glances to Alayna. Trying to speak where the party can hear but she cannot, hoping to keep from worrying her.
"We need ta, even if we dun like it. We can't let a lady such as Madam Vedellic stay in rain and woods. Keep yer eyes open though. That name alone gives me a bad feeling, especially with necromancers and undead about."
Shane studies the area, looking for anything odd.
As long as that roof keeps the rain off, what's the problem here?
Petracleus shrugs and peers through the windows of the establishment.....
Stepping inside, warmth and light wash over you. At the left side of the room is a cheery fireplace. At the back is a long bar. An old human woman, wrapped in a shawl, looks up from a chair behind the bar as you enter and traces some small sign in the air with a gnarled finger.
Four men, you'd guess farmers, turn from their drinks as you enter. They seem surly and you get the sense they don't like you already.
There are three strangely shaped tables in the room, each about three feet wide and six feet long. You realize that they are overturned coffins, raised off of the ground on stout wooden boxes.
"Welcome to the Gravedigger's Rest. Sit down, sit down. Dry off. Have some soup." The old woman goes through a door into what you assume is the kitchen. She is the only employee you can see.
[ooc] Oops. forgot to reply to you and Shane.
@Darpan - you can't see very far in the driving rain, but this looks like a typical off the roadside inn..with a strange name.
@Shane - storm wipes out everything but mud. You don't notice anything of note.
Ensuring someone is still keeping an eye on Alayna, Beau will make his way to the fireplace, slipping his cap off and leaving it to dry on the mantle, taking a few minutes to dry off and warm up by the pleasant flames.
"Time ti eat, i think........."
Petracleus heads to the bar and addresses the old bartender
"It has been a long journey and we would very much like to eat.....pray tell, what is on the menu?
Darpan will then go inside and warm himself by the fire. If it is offeres he will also accept a bowl of soup.
Wix chooses a seat at a "table" where he can have a good view of the room and the door. He carefully takes note of the layout and the exits and plans several routes of escape, if necessary.
Pulling out a chair at the same table, he invites Alayna to sit using his best court manners.
My lady, allow me.
Calling to the innkeeper he orders a bowl of soup and a crust of bread.
Soup and a crusty loaf, my good woman, and a mug of something stout, if you please. This rain shall yet be the death of me, by Desna.
You all sit around a coffin and divest yourself of wet outer clothing. Alayna gives a smile to Wix as she takes the proffered seat.
As the warmth of the room slowly suffuses your remaining clothes, you don't quite feel like you've been wet forever. The locals cast an occasional dark look your way but pretty much ignore you, talking quietly among themselves.
Yrena comes bustling back out with bowls of hot soup for each of you. The soup smells STRONGLY of garlic. She is rather neutral to all of you, except for Alayna, with whom she is, well, grandmotherly.
"Dearie, you've had some type of trouble. Wrap yourself up in this blanket." She doesn't offer anyone else a blanket. "What happened to you, dearie?"
After bringing your food and water, she asks if you'll be needing rooms for the night. "You don't want to venture out in that storm again. You can start out fresh in the morning."
You don't have time to respond before she heads back into the kitchen, saying something about 'jack'.
Shane sits quietly, pondering the events of the day.
This is certainly the most excitement I've had in a long time. I'm not sure what to expect.
There sure is a lot of garlic in this, isn't there? Oh well, I'm sure it's nothing.
Well I, for one, am famished. I think I shall relish every bite... They are quite fond of garlic as a seasoning, aren't they?
As an aside, quietly, to Shane:
Is that strange for this part of the world? Master Greenbottle, are there any poisons or other herbs that have a garlic-y smell that you know of?
Beau, having warmed himself at the fire takes a seat with the others once the soup is served. Upon taking a taste of the soup and makes a face at the overpowering taste. Beau digs his backpack out removing one of his rations and tears the small loaf of bread into small pieces sprinkling it in the soup to absorb the garlic taste. He then removes the curious looking box filled with herbs and sprinkles a bit of sugar into the soup sampling the dish now and finding it pleasantly corrected.
Might as well be poison bad as this tastes. Where did this "Jack" learn ta cook.
Mi'lady Vedellic, where is it ye'd like us to escort ye again. Is there somewhere safe or someone you trust ta stay with nearby. Surely a lady of yer standing does not travel alone for far.
The locals are watching the party's response to the soup. Beau's reaction caused narrowed eyes, but his continued eating of it relieves the tension.
"Well, sir, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I needs must return to Olfden, but that's the opposite direction in which you are all travelling..." She lets the last sentence trail off.
Yrena comes back in bearing mugs on a tray. She puts one before each of you and you detect a faintly fruity smell. "Grave Digger's Jack. Just the thing to warm you up."
You take a cautious sip and discover it is a potent brew with a subtle taste of apple.
Darpan takes a sip of the strong drink, then sets it aside. He watches the locals, trying to gauge their mood and reaction to the party.
Darpan is surprised at the strength of the drink and sets it back down. He keeps an eye on the farmers. They appear to be common working men who aren't crazy about outsiders. Except for an odd interest in who eats the soup, the locals pretty much ignore the party.