"These are terrible. It is sad that anyone felt the depravity necessary to put the words to paper." Imrik says.
"Madam Kendra, might I have something to drink? I feel slightly revolted to study such tomes, and perhaps a beverage will help rid me of their essence."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 14
She is not with the group. There are several crystal vessels next to glass or crystal cups.
"Yes, Imrick. I belive some of them should not be spoken out loud... so shall we take them and head to Ledstript... what is that town called again?" He seems apprehensive to even look at the books.
Cristo pours himself a drink of water, and looks to the half-dragon.
"Yes, I can scout for us as we travel. So perhaps someone else should carry the tomes." Imrik says. "Or should we split them up and have several of us carry a tome each?"
"I volunteer to carry the tomes", the cleric spoke. "I know what horrors they might contain. I shall do my best to keep them safe."
"Yes, a wise choice, Cristo. Being righteous of mind and having even an inkling of what these books contain will embolden us to see this task to its end."
Calin also retrieves a glass for some refreshment. "We should retire early tonight so that we are ready to leave promptly in the morning. Does anyone require additional provisions or preparations before leaving?" Calin turns to Drake. "Are you willing to accompany us? I have come to rely on your prowess both in battle and in tracking. Plus, with our dwindling numbers even after reinforcements from these fast friends, we could use your help."
The cleric ponders. "I should be fine for 5 days of travel, if we keep to the wilds."
He happily agrees with Calin, "Yes, I planned to accompany you. My power and bow are for this group's success. If you plan to rest, I will return to my tower and see you bright and early here in the morning."
Morning comes quickly for most of you as you sleep soundly. After your last breakfast with Kendra for a while, you head out of the house to find Drake waiting for you on the road.
Before leaving the Lorrimor estate, Calin makes arrangements with Kendra for a map of the journey from Ravengro to Lepidstadt, some rations, horses - only borrowed, of course.
As the group approaches Drake, Calin nods in appreciation that Drake is accompanying them. "Thank you, Drake, for joining us to Lepidstadt. I've never made the journey, and your keen senses will be a boon. I know that there is work to do yet at your tower, so let us not waste any more time."
Assuming no other conversation, Calin leads the way out of town towards Lepidstadt.
"Yes. Thank you for your hospitality. And gifts", Cristo added. The cleric followed the Iomedaean down the road.
"It is good to travel with you again. I can scout a short distance ahead as we travel." Imrik offers as the group gathers.
He responds with a calm demanor, "I will scout ahead as well. But first, tell me about yourself classes and how you intend to support the group. I plan on scouting, providing ranged support and getting into flanking for any rogues."
"I have received intense training in the healing arts, both spiritual and practical, from The Lady of Graves", Cristo explains, bowing his head at the mention of Pharasma's moniker. "I also received an excellent education as an acolyte. I'm well versed in historical events, the finer points of nobility, and matters both arcane and religious. And I am well versed in many written and spoken languages."
Still in the town of Ravengro in Canterwall, intending to travel to Lepidstadt to the north to complete their errand for Professor Lorrimor—delivering his sinister collection to Lepidstadt. Before they leave, the PCs may be able to learn a little about their journey, and about the burghers of Lepidstadt, from local people in Ravengro.
about 100 miles. No journey in Ustalav is without risk,
but the old Mountain Road is generally regarded as the
best route. This road follows the southeastern foothills
of the Tusk Mountains, passing through the towns of
Tamrivena and Courtaud before following the Lesser
Moutray River up to Lepidstadt.
of intense local excitement. The dreaded Beast of
Lepidstadt—a terrifying abomination that has terrorized
the people of Vieland for years—has been captured.
Hundreds of people have flocked to the city hoping to catch
a glimpse of the horror and watch it burn for its crimes.
3 yellow musk creepers
1 assassin vine
Kin.
Entering the Vieland:
1 shambling mound
1 will o wisp
The early part of the journey to Lepidstadt passes without event; you see fewer and fewer people and more and more ruins, trees, and marshes as they go.
On the first day you see...
"I am a servant of the Goddess Omrataji. That gives me powers to heal or aid allies in combat. I am also a half-dragon which means I am hardy and can fly fairly quickly. So scouting through the air will give me a chance to see what lies ahead, but I am likely to be spotted as well." Imrik says.
In response to Drake's question, Calin answers with his usual serious tone. "As a knight of Ozem, I have extensive training and experience in the eradication undead. In my service and dedication to Iomedae, I have also been blessed with some minor healing and magical abilities. In combat, I am mainly a melee combatant. But you are likely familiar with my fighting prowess by now!"
Cristo chats with various townspeople in Ravengro. The vestments of Pharasma help loosen lips, as the cleric asks about Lepidstadt. Cristo shares what he learned with his companions.
The cleric points out the signs of undead 90 feet away.
"LOOK OUT! Deathspore zombies! A stronger strain of the yellow musk undead!"
The evening before, Calin asked around town for information about Lepidstadt. He ends up only learning basic information like the travel distance and that the old Mountain Road is their best option.
Calin sees no signs of anything until Cristo points the undead out.
"Yes, definitely Deathspore Zombies! We must cleanse this area of the undead!"
There are 8 zombies in the clearing, after surprise round, in round 1 they begin moving towards the group. We will see how many actually get killed.
He runs up from making sure they were not getting any guests from that way, "Do you want me to prune them?"
"I think that would be best, Drake. I shall assist", Cristo says determinedly.
Surprise Round
He uses slashing arrows to be most effective. He offers, "I only have twelve of these, then we will advance onto them in melee. Sound good?
Round 1
3/12 used.
Round 3
2/8 down!
Drake
Calin
Cristo
Imrik
zombies
I feel like we are missing players!!!
28 Drake
19 zombies
11 Cristo
4 Imrik
4 Calin
The zombies respond and begin to advance on the group. 60 feet away.
Round 2
They continue to move slowly holding their arms out towards you. 30 feet away.
Calin draws his longsword and moves near Drake, positioning himself to defend the elf if the zombies make it into range.
Cristo draws his newly-empowered morningstar and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Calin.
The Anubian follows suit, weapon ready to take down the objects of his oath, none would escape him
Round 1-3
Imrik takes to the air and moves to be able to attack the zombies at range using his spiked chain as they approach the group.
Round 3
The zombies rush forward smashing into the three of you.
Vs. Calin
Vs. Cristo
Vs. Anapa
The other three swarm in but can't attack.
Round 3
Cristo gets slammed hard by the zombies.
The Pharasman swings back his enhanced morningstar.
Imrik stays above the others and says, "Beyond this hill is a field of yellow flowers and more of these zombies!" He then swings away.
Calin doesn't get his shield readies in time to block an attack from the zombie, but he is able to withstand the toxin that tries to invade his body.
Calin calls upon his connection to Iomedae for her aid in culling the undead scourge. "Guide my blade against these undead."
With so many undead close by, the paladin unleashes a wave of positive energy to disrupt the magic that keeps them together
Round 3
Drake shoots one he hit already taking it down. The three lead zombies slam into each of you as the others swarm. Cristo swings and misses with his Morningstar. Imrik hovering above, his Spiked chain slamming into the corpse making gore splatter over Cristo, taking down that zombie. Calin cuts into the corpse with full force cutting away flesh and roots. Though it still stands to fight. Anapa channels and nothing is affected...
Round 4
Round 4
The zombies swarm and smash into the three of you.
Vs. Calin
Vs. Cristo
Vs. Anapa
Round 4
He moves to the side to aim at the clear one next to Anapa.
Calin continues to focus his attacks on the zombie that he used Smite Evil on.
Round 4
Cristo still fights on against the horde of attackers.
"They seem to not be undead, my divine energy did nothing to them." the Anubian warns, still, he swings his weapon at the closest of his enemies
+2 if they actually are undead
Round 4
Calin cuts down one of the corpses. Cristo swings and misses. Anapa swings a large bastard sword solidly connects and takes down another one as well. Imrick takes down another one as the spike in the chain goes through the corpses head.
Imrick
+1 Adamantine Spiked chain-PA:
+1 Adamantine Spiked Chain+PA:
Round 5
Vs. Calin
misses
Vs. Cristo
hits
Imrick
+1 Adamantine Spiked chain-PA:
+1 Adamantine Spiked Chain+PA:
Round 6
Imrik is unable to keep hovering so he lurches forward and swings at an undead fighting Calin before starting to sweep back around towards the group!
Round 7
Imrik continues to fly in a circle and lashes out another of the undead creatures.
Round 5
Despite being slammed again, Cristo fights on for his life.
Round 5
He takes his shots with the penalty one arrow at a time. If it falls he moves to another target.
Round 5
Calin attacks the closest creature.
Round 5
The group finishes off the last two corpses.
Cristo checks the health of his companions.
He collects his magical dark wood sturdy arrows. Then offers, "Feel free to loot. I will get into a good sniping spot for the other ones."
He would creep over the hill and look for a tree or boulder. He creeps back down then circles heading towards some trees.
Looting the corpses you find a suit of leather armor, chainmail, three backpacks, 21 sp, 43 cp. 4 gp, three waterskins, 14 torches, a cooking pot, two mess kits, five brass tankards, a silver cup, 5 pints of oil, a thunderstone, four potions, two flasks, and a plain looking satchel with nothing in it.