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The construct shows no signs of surrendering. Vinas and Atium smash into it, Hard!
The second celedon goes down hard and doesn't get back up.
The tomb falls silent once more. The grand double door beckons...
Aishe (7/10)
Atium (9/14; raging 11/16)
Vanyan
Vinas (15/15)
Tessenarin (8/8)
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Vanyan comes running around the corner, his longspear held low, a battlecry on his lips...that quickly fades as he arrives too late. It’s a weird feeling for Vanyan, first because he’s never been very good at fighting and so that he would be so ready to shove his spear into something is odd. Then, it also seems that Tess managed to hit something, which has him confused.
But the most odd thing is the bolt from Aishe that found its mark.
”Wow. Okay then. I guess we can leave...unless you want to strip these guardians down for scrap. Or leave them in a lewd position, Vinas? I don’t think you’ve completely descrecrated this holy tomb yet. There are still some parts that aren’t robbed and some memories that your hands have not smeart.”
With that, he heads to the doors and freedom.
"I've given no indication of defiling or malfeasance Vanyan, just a desire to make good on Roslar's wish to see justice meted out. Indeed."
To drive the point him, he sheathes the Pharasman blade
The young man looks around. "There are answers outside. There MUST be. There are answers within too. I came back to this place looking for a purpose, and a purpose I've found. It's not an accident that we had to earn these items of power. It's the will.... It's the will of Iomedae I fathom."
Tessenarin gives a nod to Vinas. "You are certainly an optimist, I see. Well, we have tarried here long enough I feel. It will be good to go back out into the sun and figure out how we got here. Vinas, would you like to open the doors?"
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Grim moonlight pours into the tomb as Vanyan throws the doors wide. The landscape outside is ominous. Dead trees adorn pale, rolling hills, each of which is covered with gravestones that march away to the dark horizon. The moon above is impossibly large and looks down upon you as a glowering skull.
One thing is certain: you're not in Roslar's Coffer any more and Iomedae's will seems to have had very little to do with this.
You're not even on Golarion any more! You're in the Boneyard, the plane where souls who have died go to be judged and receive their eternal rewards.
Know (planes)
Know (religion)
Vanyan slumps to his knees, dropping his longspear as the weight of what he sees is processed by his brain. He whispers to himself, trying to be sure of what he sees.
”This can’t be right. I didn’t die. I didn’t die. The ghoul didn’t get me...” Vanyan looks at the moonskull, wondering what has happened. ”I didn’t steal anything from inside. I shouldn’t be punished.”
He turns to the party, trying to be sure they see what he sees.
"What? Vanyan. Speak! What in the 7 heavens and 9 hells is going on?!"
Atium drops his axe to the ground.
Ain't no way. No way. No how. Why does the moon look so damned frightful? Why does the landscape look so messed up? LastWall has trees. Lots of trees. A huge forest is....
He trails off as he doesn't know what else to say.
He sure was not expecting to rise out of a tomb this morning as he "crawled out of bed", but that surprise was NOTHING compared to T-H-I-S.
Guys, we are in a bad, bad,bad way.
Atium takes the lead as he moves forward. While he picks his axe back up, his head is down and his shoulders slump.
Tessenarin stammers "I.... I.... think we are in the... BONEYARD. Are..... are... we dead then?
At Tessenarin's words, Vinas immediately looks at the blood on his arm from an earlier wound. "How can we bleed if we're dead?"
Vinas searches about for something He then turns his attention to the ground, looking for tracks
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Aishe is pleased when the last guardian falls and says so, ”That’s nice.”
He refreshes his quiver of quarrels and proceeds with the others outside.
He stares at the sky and surround and shakes his head. ”Ah, oh. So we’re dead then.” He seems quite accepting all things considered.
”One thing I don’t understand though. I have my pack. I mean sure, I might’ve been buried with my weapons, but my snuff? Does that make any sense?”
He thinks a moment, ”Any if I come to the Boneyard with everything I own, then where’s my wagon?”
Seeing Vinas getting down to business, Aishe does what he can to assist.
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As you struggle to get your bearings, two creatures approach. One is a looming skeletal humanoid with large wings and a metallic jackal mask for a head. The second rides on the first one's shoulder, appearing to be a black raven wearing a porcelain mask.
This creature is a Psychopomp. A Nosoi to be precise. Nosois eagerly fill the roles of clerks, scribes, and messengers in the bureaucracy of the hereafter. They record the circumstances of each mortal’s death, any judgments for and against its soul, and its final destination along the Outer Planes. But unlike more tireless, mechanical outsiders, nosois are also prone to powerful whims, boasting contests, and petty theft.
Mortals recognize nosois in their roles as messengers, counselors of troubled or disbelieving dead, and guides along the River of Souls, and some ancient texts refer to them as scribe psychopomps, death’s messengers, and yanakeion.
Many large and well-tended graveyards or catacombs play host to a nosoi who tends to the newly passed and keeps a watchful eye out for the looming taint of undeath. Nosois’ bodies take the form of mortal songbirds—usually crows, sparrows, and especially whippoorwills—though like all other psychopomps they wear graceful, elegant funerary masks that accentuate their sharp beaks and empty eyes. Many also craft decorative artificial tails from small bric-a-brac that trail behind them as they soar through the Boneyard.
Nosois are typically measure about 1 foot in length, though their tails may double or triple that length. They are deceptively heavy, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds.
This is also a Psychopomp. A Vanth to be exact. Stern, silent, and cloaked in ragged black wings, vanth psychopomps serve as stoic guardians of Purgatory and watchers along the routes of the dead. A vanth looks like a black skeleton with ravenlike wings and a mask resembling a vulture’s skull.
Also known as reapers, angels of death, or amzranei, vanths protect the departed from those wishing to eat or steal their mortal souls, recapture escaped souls trying to flee their assigned fates, and are death’s foot soldiers against whatever would disrupt the natural cycle of mortality. They may also guard the dead and death’s assets, such as forgotten cemeteries, unattended mausoleums, and sacred groves.
A vanth weighs 400 pounds and stands 8 feet tall, though its slumped posture means it can look most adult humanoids in the eye. Vanths are ancient creatures, perhaps predating the current gods of death, and are rumored to be ascended souls of a distant world of death-worshiping soldiers. They rarely speak or show emotion and their hollow voices carry unnaturally far. A vanth’s scythe is a badge of its station, reflecting its role as a harvester of souls. It features symbols in a language that was already lost when the death gods claimed Purgatory.
Most outsiders scorn vanths, as the psychopomps have no concern for law, rightfulness, or personal gain—only duty. Vanths view any outsider visiting Purgatory as a potential threat, and stalk angels and demons alike.
"Oh, isn't this a meeting of obvious fortuitousness!" the bird says excitedly. "Here you are, and here we are. My name is Umble, and my silent companion here is named Thoot." The skeletal humanoid inclines its masked head. "We mean you no harm, despite the strange harmaments you seem to have already suffered. Yes, yes, this is the land of the dead, and no, you aren't dead yourselves. You seem to be something of a special case—you seem a touch too vitalitinous for this place."
The bird peers closely, cocking her head to one side. "Ah, there is a wonderment! Your hearts have something lodged inside them. Something that's brought you here, but kept you from doing so in the orthodoxiumous fashion. I cannot help but ruminate: what has caused your strange condition?"
Tessenarin looks at these strange beings in confusion.
"I... We.... do not have knowledge of either how we got here or why we are here. And what do you mean that our hears have something lodged IN them?"
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Vanyan slowly stops his crying, trying to answer the questions being screamed at him. He barely notices the visitors as he tries to recover his soul.
"What? Vanyan. Speak! What in the 7 heavens and 9 hells is going on?!"
Vanyan shakes his head, but he knows the others are right.
”Yeah, this is the boneyard where the dead go. But...but...we’re not dead. I would remember being dead if I was dead, but I’m not dead. That’s what doesn’t make sense,” Vanyan struggles to his feet. He picks up his longspear, pointing at the moon.
”You see that moon there? I mean, you can’t miss it, can you? That glowering skullmoon is believed to be Groetus, the God of the End Times, a sentient and cruel moonlet that looks down upon the Boneyard and waits for the last living soul to die. That’s how you know.”
Vanynan looks at Vinas.
”Looks like I was wrong. You’re free to loot the hell out of that tomb. Nothing matters anymore...what we done is done. It’s over.” Vanyan wipes away some tears. ”I didn’t deserve to die yet. I still had things to do. I...I...was going to do something.”
Know (Planes)
Know (Planes)
Vanyan finally takes heed of the approaching figures. He slumps, and will offer no fight as they take him to the line to be judged. He barely hears the words that the creatures speak.
”<we mean you no harm>”
”What? Are you here to guide us to the line of judgement? Well...I’m ready to go. I won’t fight you...just lead the way...” Vanyan slumps even further in defeat. He moves a bit closer to whisper askance of a favor.
”But if you could, I’d like to be away from them when we are judged. They would steal from the heroes of my hometown and I think my chances of seeing the Seventh Heaven would be better if I were not in their company.” Vanyan offers a hopeful smile.
Yeah Vanyan, why don't you call the Mayor. I am CERTAIN he'd be of real use right now.
Aishe sees the approaching creatures, and wonders if it’s another fight, or if they’re locals come to do their task.
Vitalitinous? What is that? Vital… maybe it just means we’re not dead. ”Oh, hey, we’re not dead.” he looks at the other party members and smiles, ”We’re not dead. Cool.”
He looks to the bird who keeps talking, ”Something in our hearts? I’m afraid we don’t know of what you speak. We awoke in the tomb below, and had to fight many guardians to escape. We have, and now you’re here saying… what exactly? That we shouldn’t be here either?” He nods, ”I think we know that. But I cannot answer your question, we do not know why we are here or what caused our condition.”
Then Vanyan has… a little nutty. He walks up to him and says gently, ”Vanyan no. They are not here to lead us to the river. We are not meant to be here. Ours is another purpose.”
Atium’s outburst raises a smile, but he’s worried for Vanyan and so he does not join in the mirth.
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"I... We.... do not have knowledge of either how we got here or why we are here. And what do you mean that our hears have something lodged IN them?"
“Well, it’s right there for the seeing, if you can see into your own hearts. A longitudinousness of your makeup. It’s ah... a bit of a tweak, you see.”
”What? Are you here to guide us to the line of judgement? Well...I’m ready to go. I won’t fight you...just lead the way...”
“Oh with all certaintuity! The wait for her magisterial presence is normally any number of centuries, but given the atypicallity of your arrival, I expect the Lady of Graves will see you in just a scant tens of years!”
"I... We.... do not have knowledge of either how we got here or why we are here.
“That is as much a mysteriosity to us as it is to you, I assure you. The customary route is one of considerably more post-mortality than you seem to have.”
The tall creature with the wings and jackal-skull head softly raps Umble’s head, then points to the entrance to a nearby valley. “Ah, Thoot, now that is a brilliant idea!” exclaims the gregarious bird. “You are from Roslar’s Coffer, and they are from Roslar’s Coffer. Perhaps you can help us? If so, we can provide you with some very helpful information about wending you in a homewardly direction."
“Some awful tragedy befell this Roslar’s Coffer. Everyone there died quite suddenly overnight. Well, everyone but you, apparently, but in any case, the sum of the populatory has deposited here, dead or otherwise. Their souls are milling about in that valley over there. As happens on such calamitous occasions, the inhabitants aren’t quite ready to admit that they’ve died. Despite their obvious amortality."
“Now, Thoot and I, we are not psychopomps in the greatest esteem. One might say we’re on our last chances around here. But because these souls have arrived in our territory, it’s our duty to make them accept their mortality and move them along in a soulwardly way. But they took one look at us, called us ‘monsters,’ and accosted us with homicidal intent. They wouldn’t allow any discussionment. Now, eventually, more powerful psychopomps will be along to settle this all out, but Thoot and I will be in a terrible amount of trouble in light of this failing. Here is our propositionality: if you convince these souls they’ve expired—as, until the recent event of their passing that you somehow avoided, you were among their kind—we can tell you about the Dead Roads: the roads from the Boneyard to mortal worlds, that is. Have we a deal?”
Atium doesn't know what the heck this Pop thing said. He just heard that they aren't high up on the tribal ladder, and so they want to win (somehow), bad enough that they are willing to make a deal.
DEAL!
Atium jumps at whatever opportunity is NOT waiting in a line for tens of years.
I appoint myself the new mayor of Rosslar's Coffin and I make whatever deal with you!
Yeah Vanyan, why don't you call the Mayor. I am CERTAIN he'd be of real use right now.
Vanyan looks sad at Atium, as if all his dreams and hopes had just died...because he thinks they have. Sure, he had dreams of not only starting his own life in the Coffer, but also happily turning Vinas in for graverobbery, looting, and robo-dastery. He has nothing to offer in return. He’s dead.
”Vanyan no. They are not here to lead us to the river. We are not meant to be here. Ours is another purpose.”
”What? No. What?” Vanyan tries to make sense of what others are saying. ”But why are we here then. These...these are *made* to take care of souls like ours. Don’t you know anything?”
Vanyan turns for more explanation from the ‘pomps.
“As happens on such calamitous occasions, the inhabitants aren’t quite ready to admit that they’ve died. Despite their obvious amortality."
Know (Planes)
Vanyan steps closer to the ‘pomps, a sad look on his face. ”Wait. What? They are all dead?! All of the Coffer? Dead!? NO! NO! How? Do they know how?! Even the Mayor?” Vanyan seems really shaken and sad by the loss of life. He was going to build a home with these people. And now they are all dead.
”Why would they listen to us and not to you? We’re not really alive or dead?” Vanyan asks, wondering how he can possibly convince the dead...or if he even wants to.
Tessenarin looks at Atium. You do not make deals for us. This is for us to decide as a group, not your alone to make for us. What do the rest of you want to do?"
He then looks back at Umbel and Thoot. "Why can you not just send us home via magic? Why would we need to use these Roads? And, as much as I may not like to admit it, Vanyan asks a good question: Why would these people listen to us? I do not see how this would be helpful."
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Why would these people listen to us? I do not see how this would be helpful."
The little bird chirps up. "As I repeat. They perceive us to be 'monsters' even though we mean them no harm." He says innocently enough. "They know you and may be more than willing to listen to you rather than us."
"Why can you not just send us home via magic? Why would we need to use these Roads?
Umbal's chest heaves as he sort of laughs. "We do not hold that sort of power. Though you help us out with this fortuitous favor and we will lead you on your way back to the living. The roads are the only way out."
”Everyone… in Roslar’s Coffer… is dead?” This shook Aishe more than his own death. Everyone’s gone. He thinks through the faces and the people that he knows. Knew. He’d been there near ten years. All gone.
It takes him a moment to steady on, and he misses some of what the bird said.
”Wait, what do you want us to do? Tell them they’re dead?”
He hears Atium jump in with acceptance, but he’s not sure. He’s happy when Tessanarin slows things down. Very wise, he thinks.
”Monsters, OK. I can see that. Sure. You want us to convince the whole town they’re dead, and in exchange, you’ll lead us out of here and back, well, home.”
He looks to the others, ”Well, as I see it we don’t have much choice. We could wander around out here blindly, or we can get a guide who may help us if they’re being honest. I think our best hope lies in them.” He thinks a moment and adds, ”At least for now, and as long as they’re truthful.”
He goes silent and listens to the others discuss. He thinks back to his friends, and even casual acquaintances. All dead…
Tessenarin's mind reels a bit as he considers the psychomomp's words and the implications. The entire town destroyed, and it seems only the 5 of them survived with something in their hearts? What is that about? Clearly something is going on, but he doesn't wish to stay living in the Boneyard.
"I am inclined to agree that we have many options. I do not desire to live here in the Boneyard, so returning to what is left of home is the only choice I feel I have. I am willing to help these individuals."
Vanyan leans over on his knees, taking deep breathes and wheezing. It strikes him as odd that he's both not-dead and no-alive at the same time, not unlike Tess' sense of morality.
He gulps a bit more air (which, in saner time, would make him realize his aliveness), and gets his head around the situation. From his bent over gasping, he turns his head to look at Aishe, the only one that seems to care that the entire population of Roslar's Coffer had died overnight.
Those children! Vanyan vomits as the memory of the kids hits him. He disgorges whatever he had left in his stomach from breakfast near his shoes.
Those children don't even know what happened to them. None of them do.
He spits the bile from his tongue as he slowly recovers and tries to focus on what is being asked of him.
"We do not hold that sort of power. Though you help us out with this fortuitous favor and we will lead you on your way back to the living. The roads are the only way out."
"I'll go. For the children. They...they might remember me. They deserve better than to be lost here, wandering and alone. I cannot save myself, but I can try to help them. And maybe one of them knows what happened."
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"Indeed! Simply convince them to accept their untimely demiserires, then we will guide you on your way home! But not until your task is complete!"
A small valley stretches out beyond the rocky pass. Winding stands of gray trees and tumbledown walls mirror the layout of Roslar’s Coffer, with simple trails in place of roads. Softly glowing figures—some of them with familiar faces—wander about, apparently practicing their daily routines.
The psychopomps escort the PCs to the valley entrance. Thoot shifts impatiently, looking around the horizon. "Well, go on, then. Make with the convinceration," Umble says encouragingly.
This narrow valley has several copses of dead trees, each separated by thorny brush. All the residents of Roslar’s Coffer are here, puzzled but trying to persevere. The Boneyard has created a rough facsimile of Roslar’s Coffer to ease their transition, and the trauma the souls experienced in their mass arrival is enough to blind them to the obvious imperfections of the simulation.
You make your way down into the town. The glowing citizens greet you as you pass, and you hear snippets of conversation:
"Hello! Strange weather we're having, eh?"
"I've been feeling a bit odd since I woke up. Must've been something I ate last night."
"Didja see that skeleton monster that came down from the hills? That thing looked nasty--good thing we were able to scare it away!"
"Ugh... I've got a killer headache..."
A few citizens show obvious signs of stress.
Crossing the bridge into town you see several familiar sights that bring pain to your hearts.
Vanyan watches as several dozen children play together around a now massive dead oak tree. Just as he did when he entered town. One of the children waves. "Hey Mister!"
Tessenarin watches as Gorm, Pathfinder and the third prince of the sky citadel Kraggodan, walks into what was once was Tessenarin's home.
Aishes finds his landlord, Luthias Catanach, standing with a small group conversing.
Atium watches as the young man he caught in the stables rushes off, holding the young woman's hand as they disappear behind a buiding for a ghost tryst.
Vinas watches as the priest who helped console him briefly conversing with the Mayor,Lady Mullana Grive, just outside of the Town Hall in the center of town.
Vanyan picks up his puke stained longspear, shaking off the worst of it and gets himself ready to move. He strides carefully along the path to the ghost Coffer, still seeing the community for the first time in a while.
"You see anyone you know, Aishe? Might be best to try with someone who would recognize you," Vanyan suggests.
"Hey Mister!"
Vanyan offers a weak smile in return, but is not yet ready to engage with the children. A thought occurs to him.
"Hey Tess, did the 'pomps say *where* we were supposed to lead the people? Or how we would know if we succeeded?"
You do not make deals for us.
Atium doesn't seem to take offense. This is a stressful situation, but he does try to give clarification.
Tess, you make a good point. I wish to explain myself. I was only agreeing to myself with the deal.He listens more to the questions and answers given of this situation. The impact of a whole town being snuffed out in an instant hits him like a ton of bricks.
*******
Before leaving, Atium makes a suggestion.
If we have to convince them that they are dead. Can I ask a question? Do spirits in the Boneyard give off a reflection in a mirror? Or would the reflection be foggy/hazy. or non-existent?
There's a heavy mirror in the Coffer, with Vinas's help, the two of us should be able to take it and use it.
Does that sound like an idea that could help us with this quest?
********
Atium sees the kids, and the situation pains him. They never had a chance to live. He's still very young, and he hasn't even had a chance to live. He sees Gorm, a well known hero - dead.
How on Golorian did whatever happened last night take out Gorm? Wasn't he a powerful Prince?
Tessenarin looks at Vanyan. "I did not hear them say. I would expect they will just leave the area once they accept their fate. It was at least the impression I received from them, but I suppose I could be incorrect."
Tessenarin walks around his 'house.' He looks longingly at books laying around and sighs heavily. He then looks to Gorn. "Hello, Gorn. Are you able to hear and see me?"
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"You see anyone you know, Aishe? Might be best to try with someone who would recognize you," Vanyan suggests.
Aishe nods dimly at the obvious suggestion. Right. Start small. Pulling himself together, he walks up to Luthias and the small group he’s with. He waits patiently a moment so as not to interrupt too badly.
Eventually though, he speaks, ”Luthias, you’ve never been a practical man - remember that business with the butterflies - but you are a sensible one. Let’s pretend to have a drink, we need to talk. Come with me a moment.”
He takes him to the pub and sits him down at the most out of the way table he can find. ”Look. There’s no good way to put this, so I’m going to be blunt. Something happened last night. Something bad.” He wets his lips a moment with his tongue before adding, ”You’re dead.”
”This place? This place here? It’s Pharasma’s boneyard. You are on your way to the next life. Understand?”
To Umble, "But... Did the others also wake up in tombs? I don't know anything about this.... process. It's... a lot to consider. "
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If we have to convince them that they are dead. Can I ask a question? Do spirits in the Boneyard give off a reflection in a mirror? Or would the reflection be foggy/hazy. or non-existent?
Umbral thinks for a moment. "Can't say I know the answer. Never tried it myself. It may work though once they see their reflecterization." The bird chirps.
Atium looks around, not only seeing the powerful Pathfinder Gorm among the dead but also the pair of newlyweds that were supposed to be married that morning. The famed Giantslayers Vanderhoff Steelkeg and Calrianne Blix.
*******
Tessenarin breaks off and heads towards his home where he follows Gorm inside. Gorm turns around at mention of his name. He smiles faintly. "Tessenarin. Where's the rabbit? You feeling alright?"
*******
Luthias looks to Aishe as if the man had been standing there the whole time. "Why would we have to pretend to have a drink. Let's go have a real one. You leaving again or something?"
Heading to the pub Luthias buys the first round and slides an invisible and imaginary mug towards Aishe. As Aishe mentions the current predicament Luthias begins to laugh. "What are you talking about? How can we be dead? Look around."
*******
Mayor,Lady Mullana Grive gets done speaking with the priest and tosses her hands up in the air in frustration. She heads towards Vinas with a look of confusion. "When did you get here? You weren't here yesterday." She raises her hands up. "No matter, the Knights of Ozem will be by soon to rescue us. Just be patient and remain calm."
"My lady. I have something I must impart to you. Look about. Something has gone terribly wrong. We have reached Pharasma's embrace. I shan't lie to you. Death comes to all mortals. I'm not sure what caused this. I promise to do what I can, when I can."
He beckons the priest over too. "Look about us. Tell me what your mind sees."
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"I see," Grive says, taking the news stoically. "Yes, being dead seems the most likely explanation. I thought as much when we first woke up in this strange realm. It's a terrible tragedy, to be sure... But I suppose there's nothing to be done for it. I've already come to terms with my fate, but the rest of the townsfolk have proven to be more resistant to the idea. I tried to explain it to the others, but that only led to horrifying reactions and panic, which hasn't helped anyone."
Just as she says it the priest begins to panic and spasm, flashing briefly between his normal form and a ghostly reflection of what he may become, before simply forgetting the past several minutes.
Mayor Grive ignores it as she has seen it several times now. "I'm willing to call a town meeting to inform everybody of what's happened, but I'll need your help. I'd like you to convince the rest of the town council of their fates, so that I'll have their support. The council leader is Arbella Tharmethion, one of Roslar's Coffer's most influential residents. And... I'd like you to broach the issue quietly and carefully to the town's children. I've never been good with kids myself, and I'm terrified that telling them that they are dead might warp their young souls."
"Once that is done I should be able to gather everyone together by then."
Vinas! Ahem. Your help is needed in getting this mirror out of the room. The rest of our group doesn't have the *umph* to help me lift it. The thing is heavy and the valley of people are a long ways distant.
Atium works on getting the mirror to the valley as a tool that might actually aid in getting things done. Words can usually be scoffed at, but a mirror might just show them an undeniable truth.
*********
With the mirror he and Vinas head over to where the the "evening tryst" couple were sneaking some kisses.
Before getting there, Atium asks Vinas to do some of the talking, but he'll start the introduction.
Hey Vinas, let's try the mirror on this young couple I ran into yesterday. Guys name is John. I'll do the introduction- but think you might be better at getting to the nitty gritty.
I also wanted to mention that last night, I bumped into a strange thin lady. She actually had a mask on, and a thick, odd accent when she told me that "She was sorry and she was already late.". She ducked into those cluster of buildings near the Inn. We should check them out with the group See what they reflect on this "shadow side".
Atium gets around behind the barn.
Hey John, I've been looking for you. I have a friend of mine named Vinas- here's here with me now. I, at least, have some good news in that you don't have to worry about your girlfriend's father killing you anymore....
to aid other.
Tessenarin breaks off and heads towards his home where he follows Gorm inside. Gorm turns around at mention of his name. He smiles faintly. "Tessenarin. Where's the rabbit? You feeling alright?"
I am fine. It is you and others in town I worry about. Have you not noticed something very odd today? The trees, for example? It seems last night some great tragedy occurred and you and most of the residents are now dead. WE are in the Boneyard.
Vanyan, who had been following Aishe, tries to provide support to the man's diplomatic efforts. He doesn't know Luthias, but tries to be a calming presence to Aishe's efforts.
Diplo to aid
However nice his intentions, he just looks creepy and sour, grimacing and growling at the situation he was in.
Aishe, unaided and with Desna's continued luck, doesn't seem to make a connection. Then again, the man is dead.
He tries another tack.
"Look around you my friend. Really look. Ignore the people and concentrate. Where are the roads? What is that moon in the sky? Concentrate."
He prattles on thusly trying to convince his friend he's dead. He really tries hard, talking with patience and calm. He doesn't rush, there's no sense of urgency, just a relentless statement of the truth of things.
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I am fine. It is you and others in town I worry about. Have you not noticed something very odd today? The trees, for example? It seems last night some great tragedy occurred and you and most of the residents are now dead. WE are in the Boneyard.
Gorm's eyes go wide with fright as he begins to panic. Gripping the counter he leaves small cracks in the wood where his body spasms with immense strength of a dwarf. His body flashes briefly between his normal form and a horrific ghostly reflection of what he may become, before simply forgetting the past several minutes.
Gorm turns around at mention of his name. He smiles faintly. "Tessenarin. Where's the rabbit? You feeling alright?"
******
"The moon?" Luthias looks out the window as he nearly spits his drink out. "You have too much to drink Aishe?"
Aishe and Vanyan receive a similar horrifying result as the pair attempt to convince Aishe's landlord of his fate. His body begins to spasm and flash between his once mortal form and its ghostly visage.
"Why would we have to pretend to have a drink. Let's go have a real one. You leaving again or something?" He slides another drink towards Aishe.
Vinas will help with the mirror, but has little faith in that being enough.
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"Mayor, I'm happy to help. I'm not sure my compatriots are well suited for talking with children either. I'll gladly do my best with them. IF you have advice, I'll take it. Otherwise I'll go with my heart and Iomedae's will."
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Vanyan fails to help Aishe in any meaningful way, but that doesn't mean that he's going to fail with the children. He girds up and approaches them, trying to keep things light.
"Anyone want to hear another story? Well..." Vanyan begins to recall a story from his memory.
"...a mission in the Mwangi, the Venture Captain had no idea the perils he was...<history>...hordes of apemen...<history>...and that first group died horrible and painful deaths...<history>...so the VC sent a second team...venomous flying drakes...<history>...faces melted off, you see? acid is quite painful...and so the second also group died horrible and painful deaths. We explored the temple to Groetus...<religion>...saw the carvings in the wall...religion...found their prophecies...and learnt about death," Vanyan pauses to make sure he still has their attention. When he does, he continues.
"Now, I was part of the third expedition that the Venture Captain nearly sent to their dooms. We found the remains of both parties and also nearly died to the warlike apemen and the acid drakes, but more importantly, we learnt that when they die, they go to Pharasma's embrace. We learnt that when you see Groetus' moon, that's how you know you are in the Boneyard, awaiting your judgement."
Vanyan waits for it all to sink in.
"When you see that fell moon, it's time to be at peace and find Pharasma's noble judgement. It's time now," Vanyan points to the moon.
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Aishe tries with Luthias one more time, patiently, but doesn't want to spend all night with him.
Giving up, he joins the others with the children and tries to see how they fare. He watches carefully, to see if they do better.
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Tessenarin leaves Gorn and looks for the others. When he finds a group of them, he speaks to them away from the others.
"There is something odd here. They cannot seem to accept that they are dead. When confronted with the reality they seem to break down, then start over like we never had a conversation.
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Vinas helps Atium with the heavy mirror as they slowly drag it down into the valley below. They are caught dragging it through town as the Mayor approaches Vinas at that point.
Atium drags the mirror to the couple, once again catching them mid-action. This time the man seems quite irritated. "Again man! You're killing me...This some kind of weird fetish?" The woman seems overly embarrassed. The pair explain the situation of what happened. At first the pair doesn't believe what is happening. That is until they see the flashing in the mirror. It seems to help, though only a little.
It takes several minutes as the girl becomes hysterical. John consoles her as Atium stays with them to accept their fates.
*******
Aishe seems to get stuck in some sort of time loop with Luthias as the main spasms and returns offering Aishe another drink. Though Aishe is frustrated he could be stuck in a worse loop as he is getting an endless supply of drinks on his landlords dime.
*******
Vanyan leaves him be as he feels it is time to go talk with the children. Most of the children of Roslar’s Coffer are all playing together in and around a massive, dead oak tree tied with ribbons and unusually vibrant flowers. A large crow with white tips on its feathers watches over them. The children gather quickly to hear another tale from Vanyan with wide-eyed anticipation. Annabelle, Billy, the twins Tommy and Timmy and Maggie are all there, though Jacob is the one to smile as he grabs ahold of Vanyan's hand with his much smaller hands. The children all laugh. "It's okay Mister. We know we are dead. The lady told us!” Maggie points to the tree. "A woman with a beautiful voice spoke to us through her pet bird. She told them to be good and be brave and that she would be there soon to make everything right."
As the children speak, a large crow with white wing tips lands atop a child’s head and opens its beak. A lyrical voice ushers forth, with a curious, lilting accent. “Ah, newcomers, you must be the curiosities I heard tell of. I am Mictena, and I cordially welcome you to the Boneyard and eternity. Do not fret about your unusual condition; I shall be with you shortly to correct this horrible error and help you on your way to the final rest you have earned!”
Vanyan seems startled by the talking bird, which is weird because he just followed some 'pomps through the afterlife. He takes a moment to address Mictena, after he looks closely at her.
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"Oh hi, Mictena, who are you, exactly? And are you going to help these children find Pharasma's judgement?" Vanyan asks, trying to keep his cool.
Well, the mirror is a bit of a success! Now that we know it helps, let's get over to that head councilwoman's house.
Arbella is her name - right?
Hey Aishe and Tessinarin. Join us.
*******
He starts ontowards Arbella's house, hoping Vinas helps him with the heavy mirror. Atium tells the others about the lady with the mask, and to keep their eyes open for a dead woman walking that looks like that.
Atium squints as he walks by the alley that is near the Inn. The same alley the weird lady went down.
Do you guys know what's down this Alley? Do you see anything?
Also, we should be asking people that were on watch that night, or whomever was awake - what the last thing they remember was. It's cool to get these people onto their eternal walk, but we also should gather some information while we have 435 sources of it.
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who are you, exactly?
"The crow works for me. I am a psychopomp, but I am afraid I am quite busy for the time being. I’ll be there in person soon enough.”
And are you going to help these children find Pharasma's judgement?"
"Let’s not focus on the past. I’ll fix you and the children up properly as soon as I’m able.” The crow cocks it's head. “I know you don't wish to die, my children. Change is always frightening, but I will make it soft and swift, like a mother’s kiss. You’ll feel only love.”
******
Atium, walking on clouds from his recent success, walks around looking for Arbella. Arbella Tharmethion is a trader from Roslar’s Coffer. Arbella is well known and well liked in Roslar’s Coffer, and sits on the town council as the local economic advisor.
You find Arbella Tharmethion lingering in a hedge thicket with several other members of the council. They are listening to a ranting ghostly man who bears a strong resemblance to Arbella, albeit with a short beard and a broken nose. You recognize this man as one of Ervin Roslar's companions--he was featured on the mural in the crypt's second level.
"Do not be taken in by this nefarious trickery!" the phantom cries. "I, Garrid Tharmethion, have come from beyond the grave to guide you through this ordeal. Though it may seem you are dead, you are not! This is not your time. Greater heroics await you once this situation is resolved!"
Garrid appears to be an unfettered phantom. Phantoms are escaped souls of humanoid creatures in desperate search of a psychically attuned being with whom to merge—such a merger creates a spiritualist. Every phantom harbors a strong emotion that tears it from the normal path of souls seeking final judgment and reward. Until an unfettered phantom finds a refuge, it is a frantic and shifting thing, a desperate creature of raw emotion and need.
Phantoms are ectoplasmic outsiders that resist all but slashing weapons and are immune to mind-affecting effects.
“I know you don't wish to die, my children. Change is always frightening, but I will make it soft and swift, like a mother’s kiss. You’ll feel only love.”
Vanyan quirks his head, trying to understand.
Is that right? That doesn’t sound right.
Vanyan sits and lets that stew for a moment.
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