Kevin returns to Shopkeeper Luthko with the remaining 10 gold. "Here you are my fine man, never let it be said that a Darlok does not pay his debt." Kevin produces a small flourish and walks out of the store and onto the streets of Ravengro.
Kevin grins slightly and straitens his newly aquired jacket. "Now that I look the part, time to act like it." He strides down the street towards the Laughing Demon with a smile on his face and a wicked gleam in his eye.
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Wren
The writer of the paper is Zokars oldest son. You met him at the funeral and he delivered you one copy to the doorstep. I think he still has a cp outstanding for that. Maybe paying that copper gives you better press.
Most of the times it is a boring paper with not much content. But it seems this has changed lately. It is hand written.
Kevin
The Laughing Demon still seems to be in uproar as everyone us discussing what just happened and the meaning of it. You are heartily welcome and served one of the special beers on tap.
The only change right now seems that nobody any longer will be willing to play cards or dice.
Kevin enters the Laughing Demon pausing at the door and glances as the patrons taking a quick count, then smiling and nodding to those he passes, makes his way to the bar.
”Zokar my friend! A round of drinks for the house! Make it your famous, or should I say infamous, Liquid Ghosts!” Kevin flourishes a gold piece and tosses it to the barkeep.
When everyone has a brew Kevin turns to the crowd and lifts his glass, ”To Professor Lorrimor, a true friend!”
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Everyone cheers you on. Everyone suddenly seems a lot more happy. Everyone cheers on the Professor. One drunk even approaches you and whispers in your ear
The food at the Laughing Demon isn't all fun and games—and it's no coincidence that Zokar serves more corpse chowder after unpopular merchants “leave town,” never to be seen again. If Zokar invites you into the Demon's back room for a complimentary taste of that evening's chowder, watch out!
+1 Trust for the toast and the free drinks
Overhearing Wren's indignant proclamation, Aldous tries to calm her.
"Wren, these are just villagers from a small rural town; when strange things happen that they cannot explain, it is only natural for them to try and blame the strangers in their midst. I doubt that it is strictly personal. I also think that you going and 'having a word' with the young man who puts out the paper would cause more harm then good. Leave it to me."
After all, the last thing we need is you alienating him further... Aldous thinks to himself.
He then sighs, and smiles.
"I will, however, be happy to go with you to the Professor's grave later this afternoon."
Kevin makes his way from table to table, introducing himself to the patrons as Kevin Darlok of Mivon, smiling all the while, making small talk and occasionally a few jokes about Nym’s ‘Hot’ hand of cards.
When new patrons arrive, he presses a mug of Liquid Ghosts in their hands and makes himself known.
Wren is both delighted and a bit confused by Aldous' words. On one hand, she is delighted that he will accompany her on her walk to the grave site...on the other hand, his words seem to suggest that her words would, in some way, be disagreeable to others!
Ha! People love me! And I just wanted to give that writer some better gossip to write about rather than making stuff up about my friends.
When Wren readies to go out the door, she calls Plume to her and they stroll out together.
Andrea just continues making herself useful to Kendra.
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Aldous
The innkeepers oldest son first seems reluctant to speak to you. But once you hand him the money and chat with him he seems to change his attitude.
"Thanks Sir, thanks Sir. You are very generous. I will take care that I deliver an issue to your house every week - plus every time there is something special. I will also do a great story about such a generous Sir. What was you name again -Aldous Preklikin - I will have to remember that."
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The Restlands
Behind the Funebrial (that's the rivers name) is a large stretch of moorland reserved for interring Ravengro’s dead. Thanks to the Pharasmin church’s influence in town, Ravengro’s graveyard is large and well tended. Tradition dictates that whenever one passes by (or through) the Restlands, one must always first draw a spiral on her heart as a sign of respect. The sign wards against the risk that the traveler’s passage will disturb the sleep of the departed.
All
You walk carefully towards the grave of Petros Lorrimor. The whole graveyard seems quite and empty. When you reach the place you notice some nearby tombstones that are turned over and someone tried to dig out flowers. All looks like wanton distruction. The grave of the Professor is an oasis amid the smashed bits around.
Following the obvious trail you spot two shabby looking humans - likely farmers. One of them with a shovel in his hand. As you walk closer - passing a crypt to your right - you suddenly notice these are no farmers - at least no longer.
This looks like some recently died farmers have come back up to live.
I assume Andrea is at Lorrimors place and everyone else went with Wren. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I did roll Initiative and Perception for everyone just in case. I don't want to exclude anyone from the first combat rolls after 250+ postings. You are 15-20 feet away. So close enough to reach. No suprise round. Please post one round of combat.
There is a skeleton lurking behind the crypt you just passed. A Perception DC14 is needed to spot that one befor it acts.
Initiative:
Aldous
Cassandra
Galadan
Kevin
Skeleton
Wren
Zombies
Andrea
Perception:
Aldous
Cassandra
Galadan
Kevin
Wren
Andrea
Kevin draws his sword and charges towards the shovel wielder.
" Have at thee!"
Attack:
Damage:
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Kevin draws his sword and charges towards the shovel wielder.
" Have at thee!"
Attack:1d20 +6 +2
Damage: 1d8+3
I wait with descriptions until I have enough actions to follow the Initiative. So once Wren and Galadan are done I will be back to you.
2all - feel free to add free actions (shouting encouragement / displeasure) for great hits/misses by the PCs or monsters.
Aldous recoils in horror from the bloated undead corpses.
Something is definitely wrong here!
However, he steels himself, and moves forward to assist Kevin (staying directly behind him), casting Guidance.
Kevin immediately hears weird pipe-music, otherworldly laughter, and maniacal gibbering, but above all else, a strangely compelling whispering which tries to guide his sword-arm...
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Aldous recoils in horror from the bloated undead corpses.
Something is definitely wrong here!
However, he steels himself, and moves forward to assist Kevin (staying directly behind him), casting Guidance.
Kevin immediately hears weird pipe-music, otherworldly laughter, and maniacal gibbering, but above all else, a strangely compelling whispering which tries to guide his sword-arm...
Ooops - Just realize I forgot Hastur - but assume he is on scribing duty ... Well - might make it more interesting - I already feared I wouldn't even be able to react ...
Thod
Wren looks over the weird farmers with growing revulsion. With a foreshadowing of things not being right, Wren will step next to those with weapons, hoping for safety.
Standing next to Kevin, Wren will give him sage advice, with a tap on the shoulder, "If you're going to use that sword, dearie, swing it hard."
He probably appreciates my help. Such a nice boy even if he does attempt to put on airs with that ridiculous jacket. I bet he wishes he had a nice feather coat like mine.
When you activate this school power, you can touch any creature as a standard action to give it an insight bonus on all of its attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws equal to 1/2 your wizard level (minimum +1) for 1 round.
AC: 13
HP: 7/7
Weapon: nothing
Status: Flighty
Effects:
Spells:
0: Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Message
1: Colorfowl Spray (DC 16), Grease (DC 18), Enlarge (DC 16)
Diviner's Fortune (1/8 used)
My initiative is +6. I've made that clearer on my stat block.
In addition, my perception is +4 when Plumie is nearby, +2 when not.
Doesn't affect anything here, sorry for the confusion.
Cassandra will let loose with a channel energy to harm the zombies.
Channel Energy: (DC:14 Will for half damage.)
Hearing of the others plans to visit the professors grave Andrea did indeed tag along mainly for something to do. She notices nothing unusual about the farmers and is shocked when Kevin suddenly leaps to the attack.
She realises that they are facing Zombies just before the undead react
A dark sense of foreboding and ill will comes over Galadan as he looks at the walking dead. He draws out his battle aspergillum and declares judgment. From his free hand a ray of positive energy bursts towards the closest zombie.
"The dead shall not walk! Obey the Will of Pharasma"
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.Wren steps up to Kevin. Her twittering seems annoying at first glance - but the Kevin realises that some wisdom is hidden in the twitter and forward he charges. Too late does the zombie raise the shovel to defend himself.
Galadan tries to target the other zombie but drawing his battle aspergillus his aim seems off.
Kevin buries his sword with all his mighthe deep into the zombie.
Aldous steps forward - casting another spell on Kevin to ensure the mighty fighter will hit true next round as well (+1 guidance on Kevin next round).
Alas - unseen by everyone a dirt encrusted skeleton lurches forward. Taking the group by surprise it attacks from the back.
Target roll
With both it claws the Skeleton attacks the flat footed target.
Claw attack 1 Damage
Claw attack 2 Damage
Cassandra raises her arms and asks for the favour of Pharasma to put the undead to rest.
Zombie 1 / Shovel- will save
Zombie 2 - will save
Skeleton - will save
Andrea still to act
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A shovel slams into Kevin but is unable to penetrate the chain shirt he is wearing under his new jacket. So the sole damage done is a patch of fresh Earth in the form of a shovel on the shiny new jacket.
Galadan is less lucky. The other zombie slams into him with all his might. Seriously wounded by the blowing hit he barely manages to stay on his feet (8hp damage).
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Damge = 8 now
The zombie with the shovel looks critically wounded. The second zombie looks hardly harmed.
Andrea: feel free to heal twice - you haven't done your round 1 action yet. I don't think apart of a crit that you could overcome the damage reduction enough to take one of the zombies down. Then we can go to turn two. Will see if the zombies are down or if I get another chance to act.
All
Post your round 2 actions.
Round 2
AC: 18
HP:12/12
Looking at the mud on his new jacket, Kevin howels in beastly rage.
Action: Attack Zombie with shovel.
Attack:
Damage:
Galadan withdraws, but not without calling upon Pharasma for healing.
"Give me strength, Pharasma, to end this abomination."
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Round 2
AC: 18
HP:12/12Looking at the mud on his new jacket, Kevin howels in beastly rage.
Action: Attack Zombie with shovel.
Attack:1d20 +6 +1
Damage: 1d8+3
Kevin decapitates the zombie with a mighty swing. The shovel drops into the grass. Luckily not much blood is left in the veins of the undead to soil the jacket any further.
Wren, Aldous, Cassandra, Andrea *2 before I act again with the remaining zombie.
Wren, seeing Galadan and Andrea hurt (that monster tore her dress), moves to intercept the walking abomination.
No one hurts my nestmates!
Stand between it and Galadn, Wren will squawk and screech as defensively as possible.
AC: 17
HP: 7/7
Weapon: nothing
Status: Being Birdbrained
Effects:
Spells:
0: Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Message
1: Colorfowl Spray (DC 16), Grease (DC 18), Enlarge (DC 16)
Diviner's Fortune (1/8 used)
Round 2:
Aldous again calls upon Eldritch Forces to guide Kevin...
Round 1
Andrea comes out of her shock as the Skeleton collapses, her healers instincts take over and she steps towards Cassandra speaking soothing words.At once the other womans wounds close over leaving just an ugly red mark
Healing Hex
Round 2
She performs the same service for Galadan leaving his flesh unmarred
Healing Hex
"Lay that poor soul to rest" she implores him
Round #2
Cassandra will again unleash a Channel Energy burst to damage the undead creatures attacking them.
Channel Energy: DC:14 Will save for half damage.
After beheading the shovel weilder, Kevin moves to intercept Wrens assailant.
"Not today my stinky friend. I'll be your huckle berry".
Move Action: Move next to zombie attacking Wren.
Standard Action: Power Attack Zombie.
Power Attack:
Damage:
"Ow!
What a brute!
Wren, with damaged wing, will carefully hop back 5'.
She will ready to give thoughtful counsel to the next person to engage the rude abomination.
Free Action: Squawk angrily at the zombie.
AC: 13
HP: 2/7
Weapon: nothing
Status: Being Birdbrained
Effects:
Spells:
0: Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Message
1: Colorfowl Spray (DC 16), Grease (DC 18), Enlarge (DC 16)
Diviner's Fortune (2/8 used)
Round 3:
Aldous once again casts Guidance on Kevin!
Round3
Andrea casts guidance on Galadan
"Sheylyn and Pharasma guide your hand"
" Why wont you just die already? ...Again!"
Standard Action: Power Attack Zombie.
Power Attack:
Damage:
The undead threat finally crushed to the ground, Galadan immediately goes into investigation mode. He searches the graveyard for suspicious persons, further undead, or anything which seems to stand out from the ordinary (including tracks if there are any).
Andrea moves up to Kevin
"Are you hurt..that shovel caught you a nasty blow?"
Wren will sit, testing out her injured arm/wing, looking around at the graveyard and wonder what happened.
"Dang thing ripped up my wing, Plumie." Turning to Andrea, "Andrea, you seem to have a soothing touch, would you mind taking a look at this? It's not infected, is it?'
Lowering her voice, almost whispering, "Andrea, if word gets out to all my friend that I was touched by one of these monsters, I'd never hear the end of it."
* * *
Wren will also take a look around, in particular at the Professor's grave.
Aldous looks at the bodies thoughtfully.
"We should probably work-out where these came from, and re-inter them with the minimum amount of fuss..."
He then nods to Galadan.
"It would probably be a good idea if we let Father Grimburrow know what has been happening; he might be able to provide some insight..."
A thought then occurs to him...
"Whilst we are here (but after we have dealt with the bodies), we might as well investigate the cache the Professor mentioned."
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The undead threat finally crushed to the ground, Galadan immediately goes into investigation mode. He searches the graveyard for suspicious persons, further undead, or anything which seems to stand out from the ordinary (including tracks if there are any).
1d20+7
1d20+7
Your sorrow investigation seems to come to the conclusion that only three graves are disturbed. You are most concerned that there seems to be no pattern and no outside help.
Spontaneous rising of dead isn't unheard off. Actully a lot of wandering undead seem to be created that way. But there always needs to be a negative and evil energy somewhere around to fuel such rising.
That this happened in a graveyard of Pharasma and not just with some hastily buried corpse is even more disturbing.