Mordecai Rand's page

Assuming there are no objections, does the night pass without event? I assume we will have normal watches. Also, Mordecai will try to see anything that come into town by night.

We have aplace to shelter. Thelman, have you searched other buildings for more survivors? Also, do the villager things try to enter buildings? We should discover what we can while the day remains and then hunker down for the night. In the morning you can see if one of these unfortunates is undead, right Malaswyn?

Then this place should hold for now. Lets do as Elydyr suggests and find someone to examine. How shall we secure them once we have chosen them? I have some rope but that seems less than ideal.

What are the specific wards here, and how long shall we anticipate them holding? Morecdecai asks, turning to Thelman.

To me, far more acceptable! The thought of striking down the victims here causes my stomache to churn. Shall we look for a villager immediately, or does anyone have a different plan? Mordecai shifts his weight from one foot to the other, fighting an instinct for resolution with a disgust at the thought of causing further harm.

Take care. I will check back after Christmas.

Where did everybody go?

Do you know where these creatures come from, or where they go to during the day?

I am still in favor of buring the church down as a starting move. Mordecai says to no one in particular.

Mordecai places a hand on Elendyr's shoulder. No offense taken my friend. I truly hope he is not here.

Thelman, are the villagers more active by day or night?

Thelman, who is here, and what is thier condition? Also, do you know of anyone else who is holed up in any other part of town?

Who gave you the scrolls?

I believe he is telling the truth. Mordecai offers.

The direct path seems to be burning the church and whatever hellspawn is in it. What surprises me is that these people so willingly tolerated a chapel to Asmodeus in thier midst.

Mordecai watches Thelman answer.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

He also looks to see if he can notice any tattoos like the star Rana mentioned.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

What is wrong with the villagers? Mordecai asks the halfling, the gnome and Thelman.

As soon as Mordecai meets Thelman he is suspicious. Rana's story started with a tale of a man with 2 maces!

Indeed, we are not from here. I am Mordecai, and this is Malaswyn. Mordecai lowers his hands and gestures toward the elf.

Please tell us everything you can, so we can help as much as possible. Oh, and also, so you are not alarmed, we have come with several others. They are outside right now.

Mordecai raises his hands in the air, palms exposed. I heard a rumor that my brother was in this town... I am only here to find him and to help others if I can.

Mordecai blushes at being spooked by a child.

I will go check on the little one. he says with a grin.

Mordecai goes up the steps singing a nursery rhyme softly as he goes.

Mordecai gasps out loud and staggers back.

There is someone in there! he whispers to Malaswyn.

Following Malaswyn's lead I head over to the abandoned building. As I I move I pick up a fist sized rock and by he time I get to the building it is glowing in my hand.

I do not wait for Malaswyn, but head inside holding the rock to see by and also ready to throw if needs be.

Cast Light on the rock

Mordecai speechlessly shakes his head no to Elydyrs question. He had come here hoping to find his lost brother. Now he hoped he would not find him.

Are they undead? he asks softly in revulsion.

I would prefer to be downwind so it is harder for things to smell us, whatever direction that is.

Agreed! I think making an unexpected approach to the town is also in our best interest. Mordecai is eager to get moving. Anywhere but near this grim figure on the bridge!

I am for helping, but dead is dead and I am in no hurry to join her! If her spirit is the self same one that tore through Rana's husband, how do you propose we keep her at bay while we perform this kindness?

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Does the child see us? What is she doing?

Seeing the little girl I stop.

Softly to the others... Didn't Rana say a little girl tore out the throat of her husband on this bridge?

Wait!!! If there is only one way in to the town then I suppose that is the way to go, but if there is more than one then I would prefer to take the one we are least expected to follow, or the least travelled one.

ETA: I am avoiding the spoiler until I am sure of the approach.

Mordecai is ready when the others are. Is there a road to Scarlet Hope or through Scarlet Hope?

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Sleeping better than he expected, Mordecai rises. The sun is as bright as his mood and he watches grimly as the body of Rana is consumed in the fire. Under his breath he murmers a prayer to Irori, that her soul might find perfection.

He has no interest in the conversation of the others, or in discussing religion. Waiting patiantly for the others to prepare, he focuses his mind and makes the electricity dance on his fingertips.

Then let us stay, but I am not certain there is much to rest to be found with those that wish to harm us circling like vultures.

His mood for conversation dampened, Mordecai takes his and starts his watch.

Spurred on by Elendyr's words Mordecai closes his eyes for a minute and then mutters under his breath. He does this at the fire first, and then at the tree that alarmed Elendyr.

Detect magic at the fire and the tree

Everyone is okay? Mordecai asks.

Malaswyn, I agree with Miriel, this place feels wrong, like a shoe on the wrong foot. Whatever vexes Scarlet Hope knows far more about us than we do about it. I believe it as mmuch as a cat fears the mouse it is tormenting. So far we have done exactly what it expected at every turn. My instinct is to do the most irrational thing we can think of to set it on its heels and buy us some time. Maybe this advanced hour is a good time to enter Scarlet Hope, or maybe we should feign withdrawal.

Mordecai is surprised by Miriel's sudden movement and grasps tightly to the formerly laconically held spear. Elendyr shout and Miriels scream make him tense though he does not see what they did. Looking skyward in frustration he sees clouds suddenly gather in what had been a clear sky. The angry clouds form a face which grins and winks with wicked intent and then just as quickly as it forms it is gone.

Mordecai relates this to the others.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Egorian, no Miriel, never to Egorian. In fact, my travels have never let me outside of this beautiful country. Of course I am still young so there is time for travel. Do you recommend I visit? What sights must a visitor see? I wonder about the safety of crossing the border in times such as these. Is it worth the danger? As he asks the last his eyes dance.

I do not really know. he says with a friendly grin. In truth I cannot remember when I could not do it, though as a teen I found it stronger and to be honest there were times when I felt like it controlled me! I do not miss those days. But that is the small talent I bring to this band.

What about you Miriel, what talents do you bring to the group? The question is playful and though it could be a dangerous insult with the wrong tone, it is clear that Mordecai is simply curious

I... Mordecai stumbles backward in both body and tongue. Two steps back and then he stops as Miriel approaches. I am sorry, I didn't... I mean in the light... That is to say, or what I meant to say is... Well, will he hurt me? As he asks the last he reaches out slowly to the scorpion in the same way he would reach out to a puppy he did not know.

I have some silk rope if needed.

Do we plan to camp here one night or to make this a more permanent camp?

Looking at Miriel sideways Mordecai sees her companion... Miriel do not move! There is a big bug on your shoulder!he cries in alarm.

Yes Gharkka.Mordecai says with a smile.

What sort of defenses do you have in mind? I am not sure I love sleeping at the bottom of a place that puts us at a disadvantage. he says looking at the bank.

I am happy to be on first watch.

What is the clearing like?

Mordecai helps Malawyn with the wood, clearly happy to be able to do something. When the job is finished he urges the others to start moving to the clearing.

Mordecai willingly shares what they saw, and listens in turn to what happened.

Mordecai's fingers dance and crackle with electricity. Twice he starts off toward the woods and then turns back.

We are expected. We are being toyed with and now we have this dwindling light to make camp in. I think we should hurry to the spot Gharkka found and make it as secure as we can.

Do we hear the scream? Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Gharkka, Elendyr and I heard something very large moving around out there and we are going to investigate and hoping others will join us.

AYE

Mordecai grins at Miriel. I have no idea! I suppose I will find out when we get there.

Elendyr is right... there is something big moving around out there. I think we should find out what it is at least and if it threatens us or the town we best deal with it in the light. Will anyone join me?

Mordecai takes several steps in the direction of the sound and then turns to see if he is doing this alone or not.

Mordecai moves to where Malaswyn stands and listens.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

What time of year is it?