Wow this...thing is a tough one.
Christian brings his blade around and comes back from the left towards his right and drawing power from his hips as he snaps the blade across.
As the osteociene struggles to free itself against the remaining strands of ectoplasm, Rau hits it with another arrow.
Christian also scores a hit across the thing's arm, drawing a strange mewling scream from its double mouths.
Tomas fires another arrow, but it hits the ectoplasm, missing his target.
Thorek's weapon shimmers and becomes a massive dwarven longaxe as he raises it high above his head. With a crash, he brings it down, severing the osteociene's head from its body, sending it rolling across the floor. A foul-smelling ichor sprays across the floor from the neck, staining the rock a dark brown. The creature's body collapses to the ground with a clatter.
Azorius manages to stop Imado's bleeding, and while he looks pale, he is no longer in immediate danger.
-----
A few seconds after the osteociene dies, its body and head crumbles into a coarse dust. The tendrils that were extending up into the ceiling also begin disintegrating, leaving almost nothing behind of their existence.
The pools of water appear to be partially comprised of ectoplasm.
Unfortunately, there is nothing else in this room. It has crudely worked walls and seems stable, but it is otherwise unremarkable.
Checking the arrows he fired Tomas grimaces as he sees they have both been broken in use.
Turning to see that Imado is stable Tomas gestures towards the door. "Lets get the poor sod out of here and into the fresher air."
"Agreed lets move him to the tower he came from and stay there for the night. Perhaps we should let him rest til morning, he is no longer dying but healing him further in the morning gives time for him to let possible influences subside."
Thorek let the bloody axe go, letting it vanish. ”Thank Ye.” He muttered, to his ancestors and to Magrim. Then to the party.
”Aye. That’s a good idea all around. Let’s get to it.”
He looked at the corpse thoughtfully, wishing he knew more about what they had faced.
Looking around to make sure the situation is contained, Christian then looks to the others.
Everyone fine? No injuries?
Looking down at what remains of the creature.
It disintegrated? Odd.
Christian looks up at Thorek as he and the others talk of calling it a night.
Yes, a fine idea. I am in need of a strong drink after this
He points to the remains.
...thing...
Kneeling down and casting a cantrip to detect magical auras, Volkar studies the dust.
"This dust has some strange characteristics to it - it appears to possess qualities of both positive and negative energies. It might be good to study it further, if anyone has an empty vial or flask I can collect some of it into."
Keryn will offer to help move Imado, but is otherwise quiet following the fight.
You carry Imado back out of the cellar, through the jail, and up the hill to the tower. Before you arrive at the door, it opens to reveal an older human wearing a monk's robe standing in the light. He steps forward, turns back and closes the door, then faces you again.
"Pardon, but please stand where you are. I see Master Imado there, does he still live? And who can tell me what happened?"
In the fading light, you can clearly see a large scar running down the right side of his face. He stands nearly six feet tall, and appears to be very fit and in good shape. His gray hair is pulled back and tucked into a tight bun.
Evening Lord, pardon the late night intrusion. We are travelers on our way to Fort Justice and need to stop for the night. When we entered this village, we notice many thing amiss. My companions and I ran into Master Imado and he had this most intriguing story about a servant of Pharasma. We just had to see for ourselves if this was true. The creature was not what it claimed to be and in the end it was destroyed. I truly hope that whatever effects it had on the well and this place are over with its death. I will let those that are better suited in the ways Pharasma to explains what it was. We just really want to rest now. Lord...in these times it is hard to find good. Wars do that to a person. It is my hope that the rights of hospitality have not been forsaken in our time of need. I am Lord Christian Del`Agnate of Argent Dracos and these are my companions...
He points to the group around him and indicating that they should introduce themselves.
Thorek nodded curtly, taking ‘these are my companions’ as a general introduction. All in all he was glad that the nobleman was talking. ‘Nobs liked to do that and in general, he didn’t. Unless there was alcohol involved, of course.
"I am Azorius Var, Priest of Pharasma. This area is in need of my ministrations."
"In the morning I can set about commending the dead to their graves. Their spirits should likely have received Pharasmas judgement but without proper burial the bodies may rise. I will do what I can to placate them so they remain dead."
The man considers your group and your words for a few moments. "Very well, I am Brother Federic, in the service of Pharasma. My abbey was destroyed a few years ago, and my journeys led me here. I stayed to serving Master Imado and helping him care for his daughter, Celea.
He pauses, then continues. "When I arrived, I noticed something was amiss. Master Imado would hear voices. Part of why I stayed was not only to help care for Celea, but also to protect her. I did not want whatever befell him to also take her. And as he is her father, she has been unwilling to leave this place without him. I sincerely hope your assumption about the destruction of the creature lifting the curse on this place to be true, sir. I would normally not ignore the wishes of a woman trying to stand by her own father, but in recent days I was becoming more and more convinced that leaving was the only way to save her." he says, nodding to Christian.
"Come, let us move inside. I will show you where the Master's bed is located.'
He moves to the side and gestures you inside. Once everyone is through the door, he sets a heavy bar in place. The interior is much like you expect, flickering torchlight throws shadows across the stone block walls. Drafts are noticeable, but gentle enough not to bother you.
Standing in the entryway, you can see the great hall through a set of double doors. Behind the dias in the great hall is a staircase that rises, then splits into right and left staircases.
Frederic leads you into the great hall. Gesturing to the right, he says, "There are sleeping quarters through that door. Blankets are in the chests at the foot of the beds."
"There is a kitchen over that way, we have plenty of food to share, so feel free to help yourself. The jerked pork is very good."
"So how long exactly did you arrive here? Before or after events transpired here killing most of the townsfolk." Azorious asked finding the details a bit confusing. He arrived after several years of journey to help a strange confused priest and his daughter.
Frustrated by the 'follower of Pharasma' who was enthralled by a false 'angel of Pharasma' and now a 'Priest of Pharasma' showing up, Rau remains silent and watches Frederic carefully looking for signs of any maliciousness.
”Jerky?” Thorek nodded. ”Aye. I’m sure ye’ll enjoy talking to the Pharasmites. I’ll get a bite.”
Frederic closes his eyes for a moment, "My apologies, I have been here for a little over two months. I did a bit of fighting in the war, moved around, just wandered for a while. I was... in ill health when I arrived, and Imado took me in and helped me get better. Only in the past week or so have I started to truly learn what is transpiring here."
-----
The kitchen is nearly spotless. Several sacks lie on the table, and as Thorek moves closer, the unmistakable smell of jerky attracts his attention.
In addition to the doorway Thorek used, there is a door leading outside, and a small pantry full of root vegetables. Several bottles of wine lie on the top shelf, while a large barrel of drinking water is in the rear of the pantry.
"Well, thank you for your hospitality, none the less. I trust you are over your illness?"
Christian stands of to the side and watches as the tale unfolds. He tries to figure out what is being said and what is not being said.
Frederic gives Volkar a rueful grin, "I'm feeling better, but I won't ever get over it. But at least I've been sober for 8 days."
He turns back to the task at hand and leads you to a doorawy,. Opening it, he gestures toward the bed, "You can put him here."
After Imado is laid down, Frederic leads you back downstairs. "My room is at the top of the stairs, 2nd door on the left. If you need anything, juat knock.
Once Frederic leaves Azorius speaks again.
"We should maintain a watch. That creature might have had allies or corrupted others. We will not be caught off guard. Rest will be needed and the light of morning will be a welcome relief... hopefully we shall reach it undisturbed."
"Agreed. I am happy to take any shift."
Frederic greets you in the morning as you emerge from your rooms. "I have prepared fruit and bread if you care to break your fast. Water and juice is available." he says with a slight bow.
"Master Imado has awakened and is now in morning prayers. He wishes to speak with you before you depart if that is acceptable? He should be finishing his ministrations in an hour or so."
As he speaks a teenage girl with long brown hair pulled back behind her head wearing a brown robe steps up to join him. "Good morning, thank you for helping my father. Both he and Frederic have told me that you discovered a monster in the town and defeated it, freeing Dad from its control." She bows low and keeps her eyes downcast "Please do not hesitate to call on me should you need assistance." She bows again, then quickly turns and heads toward the kitchen.
Frederic watches her go, then turns back to you. He speaks softly, "Celea is a tough girl, but the past few weeks have been especially hard for her. Ever since her mother fled, she has watched her father go through hell, but through it all she has kept supporting and loving him. She knew that something changed recently, and knew that something was wrong, but she didn't know exactly what was happening." He pauses... "Imado filled me in on some details this morning. Celea doesn't know about the townspeople, and I would appreciate it if you don't reveal that to her. That's something her father should talk to her about, in his own time."
He glances toward a window, and speaks in a normal voice again. "I am ready to begin my own meditations. They are more… physical… than Imado's prayers. I would welcome the company should any of you wish to join me."
Not interested in Frederic's routine, Rau heads towards the kitchen to see if Celea can help him find some food.
Tomas still believes in eating and sleeping when possible, you never know when it might not be? He joins Rau in heading to the kitchen.
”Aye then. Won’t get in the way of kin doing what’s clan-business. I’ll join your exercises. Might as well, ye’ve been hospitable enough.”
"Very well. I would suggest we stay here to properly put the dead to rest. It might save tragedy later in the form of undead, dangerous scavengers or disease. It's a grim business and working together it should go far swifter, would you be willing to help with this Frederic."
Volkar moves towards the kitchen, as well. Soldiers always ate when they could, and he absolutely intended to eat now. If they stayed for the dead to go to rest, he might also be able to study the raw ectoplasm in the Osteioscene’s cell.
Christian makes for the kitchen with a dual purpose in mind. Sitting down next to celea, he breaks bread with the gathered group.
Lady Celea, Did you prepare this meal? It is an amazing fair that you have provided us. I thank you kindly for the hospitality that you and your family have shown us. You are a strong vibrant young woman and I am honored to be in your company.
food and some help for a young woman who has seen so much. More than any young woman should.
Frederic nods at Azorius. "Aye, I'll help. I think Imado has some ideas about that though. Best wait to speak with him to see what he's got planned."
He waves at Thorek and leads the dwarf outside to a small courtyard surrounded by a short stone wall. "If you would, stand behind me, and slightly to the side. Follow my moves. We will not be using weapons today."
Frederic proceeds to run through a series of strikes, kicks, and blocks in slow motion for the next 45 minutes without stopping. All of the moves begin simply, and become more and more complex, until by the end, Frederic is running through combinations of 10 action. Despite the slow speed, both Frederic and Thorek are sweating and breathing heavily by the end of the routine.
-----
Celea is reticent at first, clearly unused to being around so many people. She assists everyone in finding food, even producing a fresh sausage from the pantry. Unfortunately, her responses are short, and while not unfriendly, it is clear that she is uncomfortable speaking too much.
Imado arrives, a look on his face somewhere between guilt and embarrassment. "Ah, good morning, I'm glad you're here. I believe you had a dwarf companion as well? Is he nearby?"
He glances at Celea, then steps around the table to give her a hug which she returns warmly. For most of you, it's the first outward sign of anything other than morose timidity that you've seen.
"Celea, let me speak with our friends. Why don't you find Frederic and help him with his tasks?" She nods, stands, then gives the rest of you a smile, then hurries out of the room.
Imado looks at the table for a moment, the looks up, "She's a good girl, better than I deserve."
He gathers his composure before continuing, "So, I was tricked by that creature and I committed what I consider to be blasphemous acts against my patron Goddess, yet she still provided me with spells when I prayed to her. I have spent many hours this morning considering this, and the only thing that makes sense to me is that she wanted this to happen. For some reason that I cannot imagine, all that has happened so far was meant to be. "
He sighs, "Or maybe I was just a fool, and I'll spend the rest of my life in penance."
He pauses, then looks at each of you in turn, "But I know this, I said 'osteociene' to Frederic earlier today, and he got extremely angry with me. Claimed I had insulted his family. I was simply relating what had happened, and when I got the part where Thorek called it out, and it screamed at him, Frederic just lost it. It was strange, but I'm convinced he didn't hear what I said. Took me a while to calm him down again."
He looks around again, "But I'll also add that none of you have reacted like him means you can hear me say osteociene without a problem."
"Before I tell you what I remember, do you have any specific questions for me?
-----
Thorek went through the motions. He felt silly at first, but as the routine became more intense he found himself enjoying it. Not that he would ever use any of the moves. He had the ability to summon nearly any weapon he wanted at a moment's call. Why punch someone when you could stab them? When he saw the tattoo he nodded to himself.
"The prince's home guard, eh? Explains your skill. Look, we're looking to put this land back in order. Push out what's wrong, make it safe for people to live here again. If we come into a tight spot in the future, mind if we call on ye for help?"
"That is worrying, he's been reasonable so far but the word is unknown to me. Perhaps it had gotten a different kind of influence over him? Or his family had some kind of connection... it's strange. Thorek might know more, I had not heard the word before."
He pauses "Whether Pharasma is being merciful for failings or it is part of a path she has set before you none can say for sure. Regardless would it not be to proceed by being the best Priest you can be? I would not claim to know her opinion but your interpretation might be... optimistic. Wallowing in past regrets does not serve her well either."
Frederic stops his movements and slowly faces Thorek. "Humph. The tattoo... should have removed it when the Prince fell. But I had hope then, hope that we could push out those monsters, rebuild our towns and cities. I had hope that we could recover."
"Do you know what 30 years of being a soldier gets you? Nightmares, nothing but nightmares. Seeing the same young men and women butchered before you can help them. Hearing the cries of babies and children as they burn to death. I used to think drinking myself to sleep was the answer. Now, I pray with everything I have that Pharasma will grant me peace when I pass on, and the only reason I'm still standing here and not shoving a sword through my chest is I'm afraid she wouldn't like that."
"I appreciate your words, but you're asking the wrong person for help."
-----
Imado considers Azorius' words for a moment. "Perhaps you are right. That this is a test, I have little doubt. But the actual matter of testing... I admit I am not sure. Hopefully further reflection will allow me to understand more of Her plans for me."
"But you are correct, I intend to be the best servant I can be - starting with caring for the remains of the townsfolk. After we finish speaking, I intend to address that matter forthwith."
"I have spoken to the others about this, you will not undertake this task alone. Even when enthralled you still sought to serve Pharasma, this is something she will know."
The dwarf stopped and thought. He’d never been good with consoling others. But he’d seen this before. And humans were so...different. At length he said ”Lad. I’ll let ye in on a secret. Ye worship Pharasma? I worship Magrim, me kind’s god of the dead. Err...that’s not the secret. Thing is, the dead? They’re not gone. Me ancestors talk to me. They also help me. See?” He held out his hand and a dagger appeared in it. He tapped it against the wall to show that it was real and then dropped it. The dagger vanished.
He tried to think of something that would impress the man. Something about his order that would convince him that the spirits talked to him.
The ancestors were either silent or knew nothing of the sort. So he continued. ”All of our comrades who died? All of the innocents? They’re not gone lad. Live a good life and ye will see them again. We’re being judged, ye ken? Judged by our gods and by our ancestors. I feel yer pain. I feel it too. I’ve seen what ye seen. I’m just fortunate enough to have proof that all the pain is temporary.”
Volkar, quiet throughout breakfast, says, "This is true. Pharasma has seen you do your duty, even with the creature's influence. She does not forget such things."
"Actions are what man judges man for. Belief and intent are how we are judged by the Lady. If you stay on her path you will be fine."
Having lived through a war Tomas picks up on Celea's reasons for being so uneasy. He confines himself to polite responses and generalities if he speaks to her.
Catching on that Celea is hurting more than she is letting on, Christian tries to not push her to open up.
A rueful smile plays across his lips, "I wasn't just in the Guard. I was the Captain. I was there the night when the shadows came to life throughout the castle. I was there when the Prince and his family were turned into withered husks in their beds. I lost over a hundred men that night. Some of the finest soldiers this wretched land has ever seen." He snaps his fingers, "Gone! Just like that."
His shoulders sag, "But I hear you, Thorek. I don't know what good I can offer, but if you are serious about restoring this land, I'll answer if you call."
Frederic turns and heads toward the door, "Come on, there's probably still something left to eat."
-------
Imado bows his head, "Thank you all for your kind words, and your gracious consideration. I am glad to have met you, not only because you freed me from my living torment, but also because you are now helping me place my feet upon my path to redemption."
"As for the townsfolk, I believe the best way to be sure we properly care for them is to have a pyre. Those who are willing to help can prepare the site, while the rest of us can gather the deceased. Does that sound acceptable?"
Thorek nodded to Frederic. ”Aye.” He didn’t know what else to say, but he felt that summed it up.
——
Wordlessly Thorek went to work gathering the bodies. Unfortunately it wasn’t the first time he had to do so.
Gathering the bodies moves along faster than expected. To everyone's surprise, the corpses are little more than husks at this point. Whatever the osteociene was doing to them, it essentially left their bodies as shells.
With Azorius saying prayers throughout the work, none of the corpses rises as an undead, and all are able to be put to rest.
The pyre is large, but it burns out fast, having consumed nearly the entire town in only a few hours.
At Imado's request, you also accompany him back down into the tunnels under the jail to investigate the creature's lair. The large appendages that were hanging from the ceiling have all shriveled up and all but disintegrated. No other sign of the osteociene remains.
The well, unfortunately, is still befouled. Imado declares that he and Frederic will work to purify the waters.
He also provides a letter addressed with an open heading (i.e. "To Whom it May Concern") to explain what had happened, and to declare you to be honorable and faithful servants of Pharasma. (He does add a post script note indicating that he knows some of you aren't technically "official" servants of the Gray Lady)
Celea remains in the tower, even when your group departs.
After giving his thanks, Thorek brushed his hands against his legs. ”Disturbing work. Really didn’t see this coming, but glad we did. Ready to keep moving to Fort Justice?”
Christian offers his cart to help with the dead bodies.
That was our objective...so let us keep it.
Christian nods at Thorek
Once the bodies were taken care of, Volkar nods. "Agreed. We should head to Fort Justice and check in there, make sure to let them know we haven't all died."
"Agreed. Fort Justice was our original destination to set up base camp after all."
"Agreed, it's good to know the shadow of one source of evil has been removed from this land before it could fester any longer."
The journey to the Fort is quite easy, allowing everyone time to come to terms with what you just encountered. The road is straight, and there is evidence that work to clear a bow shot's length on either side has taken place recently.
Fort Justice rises into view an hour or so before you arrive. The land here is flat, allowing you to get a good view of the structure. The tower itself stands five stories high, with the first and second significantly larger than the narrow spire that rises almost 70 feet above the ground. A stone wall 10 feet high encircles the tower and surrounding buildings. Outside the wall, a small tent city rests in the shadow of the tower.
As you get closer, you note soldiers manning a large gate leading into the compound, as well as patrols walking along the ramparts. The tent city appears to be full of refugees taking advantage of the safety of the Fort. While most of the tents seem to be used as houses, other larger ones have signs indicating they are in fact places of business. Many faces peer at your group as you pass by, you cannot tell if its simple curiosity, or wariness.
The soldiers at the gate issue a challenge, and quickly usher you inside once you present your credentials. From the activity, you estimate there are approximately 1,000 soldiers inside the Fort. A large stable can be seen (and smelled) toward the east, while large barracks are on the west side. The main building in the center is what you saw as you approached.
A few minutes pass before a human male with long brown hair wearing a robe strides up to meet you. The robe he wears is covered in arcane runes, and seems to shimmer in the dwindling sunlight.
He stops in front of you and bows low, "Welcome to Fort Justice, I am Magister Tynan, master of arcane mysteries in the Fort. Colonel Uller is presently meeting with his subordinates, but he wants to speak with you as soon as he is able. Please follow me and we can find places for your mounts, and rooms for you all."
He hesitates a second before continuing, "I'm very glad you're here, we should..."
Tynan stops as a couple of soldiers walk past you.
He glances at them, then back at you, "Come, let me show you around. Perhaps we can discuss local matters when you have settled in."
"Of course, the more we know the better we can set about making an assessment of the area and dealing with threats." Azorius refrains from saying much beyond that until they are behind closed doors but was very curious to hear what Magister Tynan had to say.