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Winter has been over for a week or more now, but in Ustalav you could hardly tell. The ground is cold and hard and the wind bites at you when it finds a place exposed from ubder your cloak.
But at least it has stopped raining. This morning a misty rain fell and brought with it a renewed bitter cold as winter clings in the air. The weathe ris partly responsible for your lateness to attend the funeral of your friend Professor Petros Lorrimor. But luckily you have arrived on the morning of the funeral and after a stop in the small village of Ravengro you have come to the cemetry north of town - The Restlands.
You notice others seeming to try and catch up to the funeral progression, which stands before the open gates of the cemmetry. By the look of them they too aren't locals and must be other friends of the Professor who have come to pay thier respects.
The mourners crowd around a cart carrying a finely crafted black coffin and speak in low voices as they point towards you and the others. Then a woman boldly steps forward her hands folded in front of her.
She wears a dark dress and a cape that tugs at her neck as it blows in the wind. Her dark brown hair is pulled back in a tight bun sitting atop her head and by her youthful apperance she must be in her mid twenties.
"May I help you?" she asks in a calm voice with but a bit of trepidation.
A young gentleman of average height clothed in scholar's clothes but with a silver symbol of Pharasma prominent on his torso advance . His skin is near white and quite in contrast with his black eyes and hair .
"Sorry to be so late but traveling in this season means a succession of delays. I am Aral Damir , the professor was a great help to my mother a long time ago and I've come to pay my respects . "
A young woman, tall and pale, approaches the speaker. Her hair is in braids and piled atop her head, while thin strands pulled free by the wind fall upon her deep blue cloak. Underneath the cloak is seen a white blouse and skirt with a blue vest. Around her neck is draped a scarf the color of autumn leaves. Her smile is polite, if somber.
"I apologize for the intrusion, if it be so, and my tardiness if it is not. I am Talia. Talia Senshir. I am here at the request of Professor Lorrimor, and to pay my respects at his passing."
A short and slender looking young man walks with his head lowered against the biting wind. A dark green scarf is wrapped around his throat and tucked into a long dark coat. As he looks up at the young woman his eyes sparkle behind the lens of golden wired rimmed glasses. The wind has blown strands of his long blonde hair loose of the black ribbon he has used to tie it back. He smiles sadly as he reaches up to push the strands behind his gracefully pointed ears, "I am also sorry for my late arrival. Like these good people, I was fortunate enough to count myself a friend of the Professor's. News of his passing only recently reached me, so I left as soon as I heard. I am Doctor Benedict Darcy."
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"Greetings from Skie Watcher." A native Garundi says as he raise his right arm out, palm down.
His leathers look odd with their studs and colorful bead work contrasting. A sword hilt rises above his shoulder and he carries a battered wooden shield on his left arm. Other gear and weapons abound on the obvious warrior. His dark skin has been darkened further by being out in the sun and his long black hair seems to be more wind blown then combed.
"Many miles have I come, to repay the scholar who helped me so long ago." he says lower his hand and looking about grimly.
A tall man lags behind the others, approaching slowly. As he comes closer, his pointed ears mark him out as a half-elf and half-glimpsed armour through his traveling outfit, as well as the scimitar in it's scabbard and a warhammer hanging from his belt mark him out as some kind of warrior. The holy symbol around his neck narrows it down to either a cleric or paladin.
"Greetings, m'lady," he says to the woman, "I am Felyiel Moonborn, paladin in service to Sarenrae and a friend of Petros'. I've come from one of the Elven communities that are descended from the time of Tar-Baphon. Petros helped my elder in recording much of the history that we have passed down through the generations. I have a small gift for his daughter, but I do not know who she is."
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As introductions are made everyone notices the surprise that comes to the woman's face. "It is you." she says as if shocked a little to meet so many new people. "It is all of you."
Looking at the surprise on some of your faces she smiles and adds. "I am sorry, I am Kendra. Kendra Lorrimor, Professor Lorrimor was my father. In his last letter to me he told me a little about each of you and how, in the event of his death, I should write to you and..." she looks sad all of the sudden and casts her eyes to the ground.
Turning to look back at the coffin sitting inside the cart she mumbles to herself, "And you truly are gone father." Her shoulders shake with a silent sob and she dabs at her eyes.
Noticing the group talking to Kendra a large man with three chins, a thin mustache, and thinning hair leaves the group of mourners near the cart and approaches. He wears a fine woolen suit and has more than a few golden and silver rings on his chubby fingers.
"Mistress Lorrimor, are you all right?" he asks not getting to close to the group. "Who are these people?"
"Councilman Hearthmount," Kendra address the man. "These are the people my father gave instructions about in regards to his will. They are all here and we can..."
"Hrmph. Yes, yes. They do have the look of people your father use to hang about before his retirement. But first we need to proceed with the progression Father Grimburrow is waiting." the councilman says giving the group a look of curiosity and disdain all in one glance. "We need pallbearers to take the coffin through the Restlands to the site. And none of the others seem up to it." he says with a ring bedecked wave of his hand at the small group of people by the cart.
The group notices now that it is a small group only four others stand by the cart. Two men, a boy, and an old woman bent from age.
"Perhaps these people would be willing?" he asks her not looking at the rest of you.
Sniffing as he turns away from the councilman in a deliberate snub, Benedict gives the young lady a small bow. "Mistress Lorrimor, I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest and sincerest condolences. Your father was truly a great man who had a profound impact on my life, both academically and personally. I would be proud to offer what strength I have to bring him to his resting place." With this he gives the councilman a glance with a flat expression before moving on to stand behind the cart.
In a practice honed from lessons learnt, Felyiel remains quiet while the Councilman talks, and focuses his divine ability to detect evil on the man. Something about the man put him on guard and it was obvious that the doctor felt the same way.
"I too will lend my strength to this task, to do anything less would be an affront to a learned man and friend," Fel says once the doctor has finished. He also gives the councilman a meaningful look, one that carries suspicion that he has managed to grow so large while his people appear to be so lean.
"Ms. Lorrimer, please let me present this pendant, a gift from my elder that he wishes you to have. It represents the dual nature of life and he hopes it will come as some measure of comfort in the coming days and weeks. He sends his deepest condolences and wishes he could be here but alas, is unable to journey far. I am, however, to extend our hospitality and offer you a place among our numbe any time you wish to visit."
Fel embraces the woman briefly, a gesture of comfort and nothing more. When he is done, he steps to one side and allows the others to give their condolences. He then goes to speak with the small group to see how they know the Professor.
Aral allows himself to show a little surprise at the councillor's greetings . He then advance toward him :
It would be a honor, Councillor . Allow me to introduce myself . I 'm Aral Damir , vicar of the Church of Calm Repose in Karcau . Do I understand we missed the wake ? ' . His attitude is attentive toward the councillor and while staying polite , his mien shows he is due respect and does give it .
Talia listens politely, her eyes roaming over the people assembled, the casket, and the brisk morning, before settling on the Councilman.
"I would be honored, Ms Lorrimor," she says, her eyes never leaving the elder gentelman, "to perform this service for the late Professor. It is the least I can do for one who had done so much for me. Her eyes finally leave the Councilman to focus on the grieving daughter.
Stepping towards Kendra, Talia bows deeply, saying "My condolences, my Lady, on your loss. If there is aught I can do..."
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After a few moments everyone finds a place to help carry the casket and the mourners along with Kendra step ahead o all of you.
Skie Watcher doesn't take up a corner but he trails behind bring up the tail-end.
While they were getting ready the group took notice of the few additional people who were there. Another large man with a perpetual grin and thick moustache, a thin boy who might just be in his first teen years, an older man with a thick scarf around his neck and knobbly knees, and lastly an older woman with a slight bent to her back.
Counting the councilman they make a very small group but then again the Professor had moved to Ravengro after retiring, perhaps he had little time to make a lot of friends.
With the casket between each of you, you enter the Restlands and walk slowly behind the mourners. Each of you notice them (even Kendra) make a small sign as they pass through the gates.
Each mourner lifts their right hand and points at their heart. Then before walking through they swirl their hand around as if drawing a spiral on their chest.
It is a sign to ward of evil used by many followers of Pharasma
After entering the progression makes it's way up a dirt path between numerous headstones. Suddenly the mourners before you stop, causing you all to halt still carrying the casket.
Looking over some shoulders you see another group of people (these dressed like farmers and laborers) blocking the path.
One of the men steps forward and says, "That's far 'nuff. We been talkin' and we don't want Lorrimor buried 'ere in the Restlands. Take him upriver and bury 'em. But he ain't goin' in the ground here!"
Group is about 30' from the guy. You may post an action if you wish but we are not in combat (ready actions might be best). Speaking of which. Does anyone know a good way to post maps to these forums? And from the other group do you even wish for combat to be mapped out?
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Aral will just raise his voice :
How dare you to impugn the protection of the lady's graveyard ? Only , by being interred in consecrated soil , can one be insured of a calm repose . Or would you want the professor's soul to be prevented of his reward and come back to take his revenge upon you and those you hold dear !
Fel looked on with incredulity at the effrontery of the group barring their way into the Restlands. He didn't disagree with the Pharasmin but he also realised that indignation was unlikely to sway a crowd.
"And why, pray tell, do you think the Professor is unworthy of burial in this cemetery, in front if his daughter, no less? Are you so bereft of compassion that you think this an appropriate course of action?"
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Kendra is also swift to respond, her sadness swiftly transforming to anger. "What are you talking about?" she cries oout. "I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He's waiting for us! The grave's already been..."
Last two posters may try Diplomacy, Bluff, Intimidate or whatever else their characters might try.
Benedict's expression changes little at first as he quickly takes in the situation. Holding up his free hand in a calming gesture he speaks out in a reasonable voice, "Everyone should calm themselves. I don't believe these good folk want to risk the ire of the Lady of Graves by interfering with one her most solemn rites. So stand aside and we will continue, and you will not further embarrass yourselves by your rash and unreasonable actions. You would not want your neighbors to speak of the heresy you are about to commit."
Talia smiles politely, struggling under the weight of the casket.
"Good Sirs, I find I am in complete agreement with the good Doctor. As faithful followers of the Lady of Graves, I must assume you would never incur the Lady's wrath by denying a poor soul his final rest, much less despoil a ceremony of such importance. Pharasma watches your actions. It behooves you to mark carefully your next word and deed, lest your final rest be denied as you would deny the late Professor's. Beware, there are some here whom the Lady has marked for greatness."
Bluff
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The good doctors words seem to fall on daf ears as the man continues to shout at Kendra.
"You don't get it woman. We won't have a necromacer buried in the same place as are kin."
"Necormancy!?" Kendra says bewildered. "Are you really that ignorant?"
"Why you..." Gibs starts to sputter."Get them! And get that coffin out of here!"
At Gibs words a few of the farmers advance towards the group. The move a little unsure and eye the group up with a little hesitation (most are shaken). The are armed mostly with tree branches (using as clubs and staffs) and all are unarmored.
Thug's INIT
INIT
At the instigation of hostilities on the part of the peasantry, a large, black raven with a striking blue tail feather swoops towards the crowd, caws loudly, and perches on the nearest mausoleum, tilting his head and glaring at the angry mob.
Talia sighs in disappointment. Alas, I fear these folks will not be dissuaded. And the procession started off so pleasantly. Shall we set down the coffin?
Ready action= Set the coffin down when others start to do so.
OOC:Forum weirdness, sorry. If this is a repost, please ignore. I reloaded the forum and didn't see the edit I'd made to my INIT post; when I reply, I do. Very odd...At the instigation of hostilities on the part of the peasantry, a large, black raven with a striking blue tail feather swoops towards the crowd, caws loudly, and perches on the nearest mausoleum, tilting his head and glaring at the angry mob.
Talia sighs in disappointment. Alas, I fear these folks will not be dissuaded. And the procession started off so pleasantly. Shall we set down the coffin?
Ready action = Set the coffin down when others start to do so.
Init
Aral is ready to put down the coffin
Benedict sighes as the crowd turns towards violence. He prepares to lay down the casket with the others.
Fel glares at the assembled group, outraged by their behaviour. He looks over his shoulder at the others and nods in silent agreement at dropping the coffin respeacefully to the ground. Once it is safely down, he looses his warhammer from his belt. Pointing it at Gibs, Fel plants his feet firmly in the ground.
"You act out of ignorance and fear, cretin," Fel does nothing to hide the contempt in his voice, "Leave this place and let this man have his blessed rest. Take one step closer, and I will crack your bones until you yield."
Although he is livid, he knows these people aren't acting out of malice. As such, he does not intend to kill them but only injure them until they back off.
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The group as one lowers the coffin and the thugs come in on them as they ready themselves for a fight.
Kendra steps away and utters a word in the language of magic and suddenly is surrounded by an invisible field of protection. "Stop this madness! My father was no Necromancer!" she screams, but the words fall on deaf ears.
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Skie takes out one of the thugs as he runs towards the coffin. The rangers scimitar slices through the mans gut and drops him to the ground.
As the others dodge the branches of the ferocious farmers Aral isn't so lucky. He takes one and then another blow from the limbs as the farmers seek to knock him out.
Init order:
Group(action area lists characters in individual init order)
Thugs
Kendra
Actions: round 1
Felyiel - lower coffin (full round)
Dr. Darcy - lower coffin (full round)
Skie - double move, draw weapon (free) - makes AoO
Talia - lower coffin (full round)
Aral - lower coffin (full round)
Thug1 - att Aral
Thug2 - att Dr. Darcy
Thug3 - att Aral
Thug4 - att Fel
Thug5 - att Skie
Thug5- stabilize
Thug6 - att Talia
Kendra - 5' step (E-11), casts mage armor
No one can make an AoO as you are all not armed (and no one is a monk), sorry.
There are more farmers about but they are not the ones in combat. And Gibs is not in combat either.
Map is location of everyone at the end of round 1 begining of round 2
Blue X is the coffin and difficult terrian.
It is round 2 group is up.
MAP: Round 1
Talia's eyes widen at the sudden attack then narrow at the thug next to her. She quickly steps away , speaking the words of a spell, her hands moving in complicated gestures before pointing at her attacker.
Sonic Damage
She sighs once more before drawing a dagger from a sheathe at her waist and squaring off against her assailant.
Aral tries to fight despite the pain he is in
He tries to touch the thug in G11 ( if it is not the boss otherwise the one in I9 )
Melee touch attack (grave touch)
His lack of experience causes him to miss , he then takes a 5' step to I10
Benedict ducks the farmer's attack and dances to the side, moving to get the farmer between Aral and himself. Once in position, Benedict weaves defensively until the man is distracted by Aral and attempts to punch him in the kidney.
Fel carries out his threat, albeit against one of the other farmers as Gibs has not moved within range of his warhammer. Wielding it with two hands, he swings at his opponent's leg aiming to incapacitate rather than kill.
"Cease this foolishness," Fel bellows, "All you will accomplish will be your own misery! Do not get yourselves hurt for a man who dare not even fight himself!"
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Stepping over to help Talia the grim Skie Watcher swings at the attacking farmer, before Talia steps away.
The agile farmer dodges the blow as Talia's spell hits him. "A Banshee!!" the man screams although his friends have heard nothing.
He steps away attacking Skie Watcher as he tries to get away from Talia.
Skie Watcher's attack:
Thugs Fort save:
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Init order:
Group(action area lists characters in individual init order)
Thugs
Kendra
Actions: round 2
Felyiel - att - hit thug is down
Dr. Darcy - move (draws AoO) att - hit thug is down
Skie - 5' step att - miss
Talia - 5' step casts ear piercing scream
Aral - grave touch - miss
Thug1 - att Aral
Thug2 - unconsious - rolling AoO
Thug3 - att Fel
Thug4 - stabilize check
Thug5- stabilized
Thug6 - att Skie
Kendra - 5' step (F-12), aid another (raise Aral's AC]
sorry no fluff am running out the door won't be back till 9pm tonight didn't want you all to have to wait
MAP: Round 2
Benedict gives a self-satisfied smirk as a farmer goes down in agony with a bruised kidney. He gives a quick glance around before moving around a headstone to attempt to bash another farmer with a double axehandle behind his ear.
Talia grins at the farmer's reaction, winking and blowing him a kiss before turning to see how the rest of the fight goes. Noticing Aral wincing in pain, she moves towards him, cautious of the fighting around her, and prepares to come to his aid.
Fel wheels to his left, his warhammer whistling through the air as he aims to connect the head of his weapon to the knee of his opponent.
Aral seeing the fight is won withdraw to L10
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In a matter of moments most of the farmers (and Gibs) are fleeing the area, while the six farmers brave enough to attack lie about on the cold hard ground around you.
Their moaning let's everyone know that they are all still alive, but a lot worse for wear.
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Kendra looks on at the group with a pleased little smile of thanks on her face she is just about to say those very words when a gruff male voice shouts something from behind her.
"What is going on here!?"
Turning towards the voice the group sees an old man dressed in the robes of a Pharasma cleric. He has no hair on his head, but has two very bushy white eyebrows set above his small beady eyes. His thin frame is swallowed up in his dark purple robe and his gruff wrinkled face looks very angry. Two men with shovels follow in behind the old priest.
"Father Grimburrow," Kendra says quickly. "We were just on our way when these men tried to stop us."
"Tried to stop you?! From what I can see they have and now both your father and his pallbearers lie in the mud." the padre retorts eying the group with suspicion.
Benedict sniffs quietly at the priest's suspicion. "Pardon me, I'm going to make sure these men don't bleed to death." He pulls out his healers kit and begins to see to those farmers who have taken lethal damage.
Aral will straighten his clothes and advance
These people were under the impression Dr Lorrimor was a necromancer et did not want him to be buried with their loved ones.
Our excuses for the delay but we had no choice but defend ourselves , our entreaties fell on deaf ears . We are now ready to resume our solem duty
Talia, sliding her dagger back in its sheath, approaches Father Grimburrow.
"Father," she says. "If you will but give us a moment to attend to the injuries of these men who have so rudely interrupted the late Professor's service, we will, with somber haste, continue on to the appointed spot where the ceremony might be performed. It is unfortunate that such ruffians felt the need to disrupt the day's events, but surely we can continue?" Her smile is sad, though warm.
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Father Grimburrow looks a little confused by the pleasantries of the group but quickly you see him come to realize what truly happened.
"So it was some locals," he says gruffly. "And there are more running off from what I can tell. Anyone know who led them?"
Benedict rises from the last slashed farmer walks over to one of the ones he knocked out. Using smelling salts he brings the man back around. "You should go get others and bring these men to their homes. Their bandages will need to be changed with clean and freshly boiled ones every day, and they should be encouraged to drink as many liquids as possible, especially broths. Finally, remind them that, though they attacked the friends of Professor Lorrimor with deadly force, those friends were merciful and made sure none of them died for their imprudent actions. This does not sound like the associates of an evil necromancer to me, nor would it to any sane man." Benedict leans down closer to the man and whispers, "If any man disturbs the grave of Professor Lorrimor, then the Professor's associates would certainly find the offenders and would not be merciful them. Tell that to the others as well."He helps the man rise and wakes his companion with a similar speech.
Finally, he turns back to the casket and pushing his glasses up his nose with says, "Ready when you are.
Looking around and seeing that the others are dealing with the farmers who are now groaning in the mud, Felyiel leaves them to it and steps over to Father Grimburrow.
"Father Grimburrow, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Felyiel Moonborn, a paladin in service to Sarenrae. May the Dawnflower's blessing visit upon you. These men were led by one other, who didn't dare join the fray. We did not catch his name, but perhaps some of your flock could name him? I would be keen to see him jailed for breaking various laws," Felyiel's voice was stern.
Aral is standing near the coffin and let some steel in his voice while looking hard at Felyiel :
Now is not the time ! Let us make our farewells to the professor first
"I concur," says Talia. "Let us continue with the service. There will be ample time in which to discover the who's and why's of this deplorable interruption."
She moves back to her place beside the casket, ready to continue the procession.
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The padre smiles once he sees you all eager to resume the procession. He walks over to Kendra and offer's his arm, the gravediggers, Skie and mourners bring up the rear as you walk along the path to the professor's final resting place.
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The group reaches the grave and gently lower their friend into the deep hole. Skie Watcher moves up quickly and kneels before the pile of dirt. He takes a handful and sprinkles it on top of the casket and then takes another handful and places it in a small pouch.
After he is done, Father Grimburrow gives a moving sermon as the gravediggers fill in the grave. It is like the words and the sound of the shovels are choreographed to help take the mind off what is going on. The sermon itself is dedicated to the Lady of Fate herself, Pharasma, and the role she plays in the destiny of every soul in the mortal realms.
After the sermon is complete the grave is once more filled and Kendra has no more tears to shed. She looks calm as if the service has somehow brought her an unknown peace.
Father Grimburrow asks if anyone else would like to say a few words about Professor Lorrimor. Kendra looks up at the group almost expectantly wondering if she will learn anything about how her father knew these strange people.
Everyone may post up a little something about the Professor or how they new him. A story if you wish, nothing is wrong in this whatever you make up is fine.
In each post you may make a Diplomacy or Perform check. Beating a DC 15 earns you a Trust Point. If the person before you missed by 2 you may attempt an aid another check instead to help push them over the DC. This is hopefully one of those party bonding moments.
Benedict clears his throat a little uncomfortably, "Several years ago I met the Professor at a conference where he was the keynote speaker. For some reason he took interest in a young medical student and mentored me through the last several years of my studies. His letters contained so much wise advice, that I shall forever be in his debt. His recommendation was instrumental in obtaining my position as physician to House Harstov. There was no gain or payment for Professor Lorrimor to help me, he did it merely for the pleasure of seeing another succeed professionally. He was a great scholar and a great man, and I shall miss him tremendously."