:shudders as she watches the corpse sizzle instead of reacting to the Defibrillator:
:sheds a sad tear for the dearly departed:
Well, there is always necromancy.
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:pokes the game to see if it stirs with even an ounce of life:
Dot two point oh.
Natural darkness holds no mysteries to me. She takes her eyes from the hall for a moment and peers down to the hunchback. Her eyes hold an unearthly red-orange shimmer as the flame behind them flickers ever so slightly. The near glow holds an eerie beauty to them coupled with her innocent though still sorrow filled smile. It comes in handy when one desires to hide from persecution. Hide from those who wish harm toward something beyond their understanding. Those seen as blessed by some may be seen as cursed by others. If i were not fortunate enough to have been guided by Ezra to the right path, I would have fallen to the fear of the ignorant long ago. As she looks back to the path before them, the words ring awkwardly around Gerald. The words seemed to have been coming from a far older and tired sort rather than this vibrant youth standing beside him.
We cannot leave an innocent here in a den of murder and evil. I say we proceed. Depleted as I am, I cannot turn my back on someone that needs my help. Lucia then moves forward deeper into the the hall pointed out by Gerald to about 15' ahead of the torch light and focuses her vision into the darkness to see what she can make out trailing the blood with her darkvision.
Lucia peered out into the halls in an attempt at steadfast focus, but her attention kept getting drawn to the fallen acolyte. Tears blurred her vision as her eyes passed over the tattered robes and burnt symbol. The anger welled up in her chest at the sight as the faces of the man flashed into her mind. Many of the acolytes and priests were familiar to her and the guilt of not having gone out of her way to know them better during their life gnawed at her.
Sssssssssssssssss! Don't listen to her. Take in the anger. Embrace the hate! Silence! All of you! Those around her may have thought she was listening intently to the darkness, though she was in fact growling at her own internal "demons".
Her eyes refocused back into the darkness peering hard. After a moment silence though, Lucia turns around toward the body and kneels before it. Lucia begins to recite a prayer as she tears the defiled symbol from the acolyte. Rest now and let Ezra guide you to the light. She stands back up and places a hand on Wendel's shoulder wanting to move on quickly in an attempt to finish their business in these now cursed halls.
Lucia nods to Wendel and follows suite holding her shield aloft and her sword at the ready. Sweat beads over her skin as the signs of the magical exertion show plainly. She fidgets a bit as the discomfort of the sweltering cloak makes it worst for her, but she remembers the reaction of her previous companion and dare not reveal herself to these three.
Lucia looks at the others with a resolute expression. She then turns toward where the crying was coming from and begins to head that way. I think we should see if there is a survivor within these halls, they take priority. We will double back for the abomination once we find the unfortunate soul.
Lucia then turns her attention over to Wendel and repeats the process.
After the pair of healing spells, the young girl looks pale and exhausted as sweat beads on her skin. She takes a few deep breaths and begins to stand drawing the bastard sword on her back. She then looks down toward the crying and narrows her eyes looking into the darkness. Speaking in a low whisper she speaks to the group. My powers are nearly completely exhausted. I only have in me one more healing and the rest are minor incantations of which will be of little use to us down here. I advise we all tread very carefully.
Lucia begins to stand back up feeling the paralysis slowly fading from her taut muscles. She scrambles over to Bane having witnessed the savage strikes from the monsters that had frozen most of the group. Erz val zen'ra sect Lucia, kneeling at Bane's side places her hands at waist level palms up. As she chants she lifts them up along her body until they are level with her collarbone, then slowly turns them outward and resting onto Bane's most garish wound as her eyes and mouth emit a soft silvery light and her hands emanate a similar glow. Cure Light Wounds(Spellcraft 16): Casting Time 1 standard action
Range touch
When laying your hand upon a living creature, you channel positive energy that cures 1d8 points of damage +1 point per caster level (maximum +5). Since undead are powered by negative energy, this spell deals damage to them instead of curing their wounds. An undead creature can apply Spell Resistance, and can attempt a Will save to take half damage.
Marry Christmas for those that celebrate it, Happy holidays those that don't and Happy life for those that don't believe in holidays. Sorry for the absence, I hadn't seen any activity in the gameplay forums so I havn't been posting. This is to show that I AM STILL HERE!!! ^_^ I hope that you all are doing well.
Steel Scarf (Metal Mystery): As a swift action, you can harden a scarf, sleeve, cloak, or other piece of your clothing into something as hard as steel that stretches out to be up to 30 feet long. You can then strike outward with it as if it were a weapon making a melee attack. For the purpose of this ability, you are proficient with this weapon. You can use the weapon to perform combat maneuvers. Make a melee attack roll against a creature within 30 feet; you may use Weapon Finesse with this attack. If you hit, the weapon deals 1d8 points of slashing damage + 1 point for every two oracle levels you possess. After this attack, the clothing returns to its normal length and hardness. You do not threaten an area with this weapon and cannot use it to make attacks of opportunity. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Charisma modifier.
Lucia reaches for her injured shoulder where the creature bit at her with a wince of pain. She then gasps as she feels her muscles seize up and her arm freezes half way to her shoulder. She then realizes that wasn't the only thing that seized up. Her whole body had gone rigid. Her eyes widening in fear and disbelief looking up to the hungry maw of the undead monstrosity.
Lucia releases the pent up energies she held by touching Wendel's back and bestowing a blessing as everyone around her bustles into their respective defensive positions. Ill'isi naktu lum! She slides her hand to her chest beneath her wrapped cloak and as she pulls her hand out, the tip of her index and middle fingers glow. She then extends the two fingers and touches the haft of Garold's long spear that peeked out behind him as the whole shaft begins to shine brightly.
Protection from Evil:
Casting Time 1 standard action Components V, S, M/DF Range touch
This spell wards a creature from attacks by evil creatures, from mental control, and from summoned creatures. It creates a magical barrier around the subject at a distance of 1 foot. The barrier moves with the subject and has three major effects.
Light:
Casting Time 1 standard action
Range touch
This spell causes a touched object to glow like a torch, shedding normal light in a 20-foot radius from the point touched, and increasing the light level for an additional 20 feet by one step, up to normal light (darkness becomes dim light, and dim light becomes normal light). In an area of normal or bright light, this spell has no effect. The effect is immobile, but it can be cast on a movable object. You can only have one light spell active at any one time. If you cast this spell while another casting is still in effect, the previous casting is dispelled. If you make this spell permanent (through permanency or a similar effect), it does not count against this limit. Light can be used to counter or dispel any darkness spell of equal or lower spell level.
Lucia picks up the pace trying to stay close to Wendel not wanting to hold the other two up with enemies behind.
The light held by Wendel exaggerated the look of sorrow as she locked her gaze onto the two behind them. Her eyes begin to be rimmed with tears. The ache in her chest swells as she sees the unnatural, unearthly hunger on their faces. The feeling slowly turns to outrage as she remembers the reason behind their fate. The reason they hunger as they do. Her hunched fearful posture is then replaced by a straight backed square shouldered stance and her voice takes on a more commanding tone. We need to move then. Two behind us. A pair of deacons. But I think they have been long dead. We need to catch up with the one ahead of us quickly or face the two behind before proceeding. I hold a spell of protection in my grasp so we need to make a decision before I discharge it. It will only last for a few moments so if we plan on chasing down the candle before us, I will hold on to it a bit longer.
Lucia turns and looks behind them into the darkness trying to focus her eyes beyond the glow of the sunrod Wendel held. Not immediately seeing anything she turns her attention back forward not wanting to inadvertently discharge her held spell too soon. What? How do you know? I do not see or hear anything.
Following closely behind Wendel, Lucia peers around warily at the number of dead surrounding the group. Her relief that these three decided to join her was plainly seen as her eyes darted up and down each alcove they passed. The sound of straining leather could be heard as the grip on her shield tightened. What is wrong little one. Scared of a few corpses?
Will the two of you be quiet?! I am trying to focus here. There may be danger around us. Lucia did not even realize she was using her "outside voice" as she watched for any movement from the dead surrounding them.
Lucia bites her lip with indecision. Every fiber in her body drives her to clear out the Church before moving on, but the pressing matter of the necromancer who had access to all the dead he he could possibly want or need for raising. She was glad that the decision was made for her as Wendel lead the way. She replaces the stopper on the waterskin and lets it hang at her belt. She follows in suite moving slowly behind him as she moves into spell casting. Spellcraft 16:
She is casting Protection from Evil and holding the spell. Estu'natre devitus protusin fel! She presses her palms together as she begins the incantation. In a fluid motion at the middle of the of the casting, she places her right hand over her heart then over her stomach for a quick moment before moving it into a one handed praying position. She then clenches her fist and holds it behind her shield making sure not to touch herself or anyone else until she needs to discharge the spell.
Torn between chasing whatever was ahead and going straight to the source, Lucia moves to the alter gritting her teeth trying to keep focused. As she begins to inspect the alter she mumbles more to herself than to anyone else. Just outside the city, was a derelict chapel with a near identical lay out. There was a stone covering a tunnel entrance leading into the city. The stone was around here somewhere. If we wish to get to the catacombs... Lucia tries to recall the exact layout of the ruined chapel and mimics Isabeau's movements fingering the stone and attempting to pull it up.
Wow. Surgery... Forget the game. Just bet better. Your health is priority number 1.
Same. (See above post by Wendel)
Before Departing:
Lucia smiles warmly at Isabeau as she settles her own hand over the one placed on her shoulder. She takes her free hand and places it on Isabeau's cheek and lowers her head as she begins to whisper: "Blessed Ezra, Our Guardian in the Mists, She who sacrificed Herself to fill the Hollow,
Lucia slowly raises her head with a warm smile. Do not fret over me too much dear Isabeau. Ezra has guided us this far. I have faith that our paths will cross again soon. I personally hope that I can finish my work swiftly so you do not have to follow me down to confront this darkness, but do not let your guard down. I may be facing evil magic, but you face the evil of man. Be safe my sister. Adjusting her pack as Isabeau, Stenrick and Bliznap depart, she offers her departing friends a last glance before turning to the others to encourage the three that they should do the same.
Lucia darts past the others and slides to her knees next to the downed acolyte with a sorrowful look in her eyes. She is on the verge of tears. She begins the motions of an incantation when she freezes looking down at her hand. His... His skin is cold. And... So little blood... Hours... He has been dead for hours... As the realization dawned on her the expression on her face turned from sadness and sorrow to outrage. The image of his smiling face and rosy cheeks faded as the sight of the undead creature laid bare before her took its place forever. Her teeth clinched and her jaw set as the angelic, cherubic face twisted with the anger she felt inside. The tone of her voice began to change. The Angelic harmony began to bloom with righteous fury while the dark whisper grew into a throaty rumble. Those around her had only ever heard her whisper but now it was full and robust as the triple reverberation shook in their chests with the force and conviction of soulful choir. You, how have defiled the house of Erza. You, who have so soiled these hallowed, sacred grounds. I swear to the goddess, with my last dying breath,
Lucia looks horrified as the acolyte impales itself on Garold's extended spear. She stifles a scream as she watches him continue on forward before his halted advance half way up the shaft of the weapon.
Lucia blinks in astonishment. All this talk of warnings and the drawing of arms. She is too stunned to even move. Her instincts tell her to scream out for everyone to stop but everything is happening in a blur of motion and action filled with anger and aggression. The confusion is too much. Then she takes a closer look at the Acolyte. Why with the lack of response. The youth just a few hours before was filled with exuberance and life, now seemed... well, dead... Eldin! Where was Eldin?! Has he fallen under the same fate?
May Ezra bless you in your endeavors and light our paths back to each other soon. With a nod, Lucia begins to rise slowly from her seat. She does not want to waste any time on this errand. They are working against the daylight and every passing moment brings them closer to dusk. Closer to giving the advantage to the monster beneath the cathedral. She offers Isabeau and Stanrick one last look before making her way outside. The talk of the walking dead had stolen her appetite anyway.
Lucia looked up a moment at Wendel with a sad expression. Bliznap's comment made sense and to be honest, she would welcome his strong arm against the darkness of zombies and skeletons. She swallowed hard as she dropped her eyes back down to the table. She must not interfere with their decisions. She said it herself, it was their decision and thus they should decide for themselves what path they would each take. Her two copper pieces should be kept to the confines of her own thoughts until a definite decision were reached.
She turns to look to Isabeau with a small smile. The goings on within the catacombs are dark dealings of a darker mind. Although the daylight will not reach me down there, knowing it is present for me to run to is saving grace in itself. Many of those nightmare creatures that I may encounter may also be repulsed by the light of day and thus give me an additional weapon in my arsenal against this evil. Her gaze moved toward Stanrick as he speaks.
I assume that the tampering within the crypts were not done too long ago. I was not informed of a specific time frame. Her head lowers as she then listens to Garold's words. The image of Eldin and the other lepers from the monastery, dead and walking. The dark thoughts showed plainly on her face as she frowned spread across her features.
I thank you all for your courage and kindness in this endeavor. If I may suggest though... If more than half of you decide to accompany me on this errand, then I would suggest we all go together. I do not want too many to come with me and not enough to investigate the murder without enough support. If... If that is alright with all of you that is. Her sheepish query fell to a soft whisper as her eyes drifted to her twisting, nervous fingers.
Lucia goes back to the conversation with Eldin about the specifics of the necromancer and shares any pertinent information with the group. She then pauses for a moment seeing her new companions' eyes on her. She sighs and continues. But, before we proceed, understand that this quest is mine. I cannot in good conscience ask any of you to accompany me on an errand set to me. This has to be your choice and your choice alone. Regardless of your individual decisions though, I have been chosen to deal with this necromancer. The Cathedral's crypts are meant to be a place of eternal rest and the disturbance is unforgivable. I would welcome the help, but none of you are under any obligation to do so. Besides, the dead tend to be a bit on the unnerving side for most.
Leaning forward and placing her forearms down on the table, she looks down at her fidgeting fingers. She looks up at the assembled with a bit of a saddened expression before returning her gaze to her hands. In a low somber near whisper (trying to to alarm any of the other patrons) she addresses the group. I... I cannot join you. At least not right away. I have another pressing matter I need to address before I can join you on our current endeavor. There... I... {Sigh} I visited my mentor in the church last night and received some disturbing news. There is a Necromancer in the city. I have been tasked with ending his evil. Lucia seems to brighten a bit after she finishes as she looks up to the rest of them with a half smile. But I promise to help you all when I return... If... you will have me back...
Lucia sits at the table gazing past Wendel who is seated across from her. She holds her far away look as her conversation with the priest replays in her mind over and over. The world around her muted and dulled as her thoughts wandered. A necromancer. Of all the dark perversions, necromancy may be the most heinous of magics I had ever read of. Tearing the dead from their restful slumber to have them serve a master twisted and evil enough to perform such an act. The torment those poor souls must be enduring... The tiefling visibly shivered at the thought. She suddenly snaps out of her reverie as she hears her name uttered by Isabeau as a small squeak of surprise escapes her lips. Her hands shoot to her mouth as she looks around at the others wide eyed. Lucia blinks a few times realizing that she had missed the whole conversation.
Last Night:
Lucia smiles warmly to the young man as he scurries off and leads her to dear Eldin. Her features slowly change to concern as she sees the expression on his old wrinkled face. She sits next to him and listens intently to his worries. How strange it was to have the tables turned on her. She was usually the one asking him for help or advice. A necromancer was bad tidings and even worst timing. Lucia nods to Eldin agreeing to help with the necromancer. She decides to tell him about the days events in hopes that he can help her with any information. Maybe the murder and the necromancer are linked. The way the noble was sacrificed may have been a ritual of some sorts. She recounted the events from the beginning up until her meeting with the second group within the tavern. Lucia woke just before dawn. The night had held her up longer than she was accustomed to, but her internal clock would not let her miss the suns rising. She knelt at her window and basked in the dawning light as she listened to the harmonies of the morning. After a while of quiet contemplation, she joined the rest of the group for what she hoped would be a hearty breakfast. Today was going to be a long day.
As they all turn in for the night, Lucia retires to her own room for the night. Once she is convinced that most of her allies are asleep, she decides it an opportune time to have that meeting with Father Eldin. Offering those still a wake a good night in the form of a soft smile and bow, but lacking an explination. She enters the dark streets, oblivious of the nights chill, and heads to the Church of Ezra with a determined stride.
Indeed, still here. I have just been a bit swamped with my little one. The wife is still healing so it is kinda difficult to post. Besides, I don't really have anything too constructive to add to the conversation. I am waiting til the scene progresses.
Alrighty, I am back!
Sorry all, Mother is in town and I will be out for another... 24 hours or so. GM, Please feel free to GMPC my char until my return to keep things moving. I will be checking back in regularly, but won't have the time to post. See you all soon!
Lucia giggles her unearthly giggle as she watches Isabeau and the fumbling gnome go about their little dance. It was cute indeed. She enjoyed herself immensely at the distraction. This was a definite relief from the current tensions flowing through the room. When the two finish, she gives them a genuine and enthusiastic applause and a wide glimmering smile. She silently waves at Bliznap as he departs and waits for the other's queue in the event that most of them do the same. Lucia was under the impression that they were to be contacting the gentleman tonight, but figured it would be absurd and quite conspicuous for ALL of them to participate in this little errand.
Lucia listens intently to the whispered conversation between the old woman and Stenrick. She is snapped out of her auditory focus as Bliznap's question intrudes into her ears. She blinks a bit as she straightens taking a moment to process the question he issued to her. She opens, then closes her mouth a bit astonished. She had never danced before, let alone asked to do so. She slowly shook her head with a small apologetic smile to Bliznap. Her ears twitch once more as she catches Wendel's words, but she keeps eye contact with the little gnome. She looks over to Isabeau and smile a bit wider. She then gestures for her to go ahead and dance with the gnome. She felt shy to say it but she thought it would be cute to watch.
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