Sebastien remains determined to fulfil the late Professor's last wishes.
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"Best not to draw too much attention to myself while the town is so on edge they already look at me with fear." Sebastien thinks as he notes the townsfolks' expressions. Sebastien's shoulders sag slightly for a moment with disappointment as Millicent speaks. "She must not have noticed when I told Father Grimburrow it would be best to visit the ruins with the sun out. I wanted Millie to see I'd been paying attention during her lessons. Oh well..." he thinks before adding to the discussion. "After what we learned from the Father's archives it might be a good idea to check the monument to see if any other letters have appeared. Just so we can confirm your suspicions about the Splatter Man, see if we can't determine who his victim might be and if we catch him in the act possibly do something about it before we visit the ruins."
"Nothing serious. Just a bit singed." Sebastien responds distractedly as he watches Rankin inspect the skulls.
Sebastien grits his teeth as the bolt fails to find its target but nods in satisfaction as the source of his frustration is quickly snuffed out. With the undead eliminated he turns his attention back to the fire and drops his crossbow as he rushes to help Ajir stomp out the last of the flames.
"Looks like the town might get to keep its town hall after all." he says as he tries to stomp out the fire.
Sebastien whirls around as the skulls burst into the town hall.
"Rankin, Mellum, if you can keep beating back the flames I'll keep these creatures away from you." he says as he dashes forward for a better shot and drawing his crossbow on the run. Quickly positioning himself to avoid Ajir Sebastien lets the bolt fly at the skull harassing his friend.
For a brief moment Sebastien is encouraged as the flames are beat back. "Come on you two let's finish off these flames and help the others." he says as he continues to beat at the blaze.
Sebastien continues to beat at the flames in frustration. "Go out damn you!"
Spreading the cloak before him Sebastien beats at the hungry flames as they spread towards the stage.
The shattering of the oil lamps catches Sebastien by surprise but he wastes no time as he rushes towards the nearest fire. As he moves Sebastien pulls his still damp cloak from his shoulders and prepares to smother the small blaze.
"What do we intend to do?" As Sebastien replies to the Councilman's query he levels a cold, humorless stare locking eyes with Councilman Muricar for the briefest of moments before turning his withering gaze on Gibs Hephenus as he addresses the crowd.
"We intend to send the restless spirits of Harrowstone to the Boneyard where they belong and any living souls who are found to be responsible for stirring them up shall join them. Neither the Lady of Graves nor I have any patience for Necromancy. Now. We have preparations to make. I suggest you all return to the safety of your homes."
Following Ajir and Marinus towards the stage, Sebastien grits his teeth as he bites back a retort to Gibs' outburst. "No point in acknowledging or engaging with the fool. No one seems to be paying him any mind." he thinks as Ajir and Marinus verbally brush him aside and hijack the conversation. "Just need to help them win over the others." "That's right." he says nodding along to Mari's remarks. "The Professor's research was intent on stopping last night's tragedy from happening and even in death he arranged for us to be here so we could finish his work and we will do everything in our power to put an end to this threat."
Sebastien nods in response and a little more tension drains out of his shoulders as he follows the priest through the rain. "Thank you, Father. That would be much appreciated. I don't believe we're planning to Harrowstone right away. Are we?" he says glancing over his shoulder to his companions. "I had certainly planned to attend the meeting and I would personally rather make the trip in the morning so we can explore the ruins with the sun overhead." As the procession makes its way across the town square Sebastien slows his steps and falls into place next to Millicent. "On the topic of this "Splatter Man and the bloody shrine. I made a point to check Gibs Hephenus' home while I cleared the town with the deputy last night. There was no light in the window and he didn't appear to be home. It could be nothing but it seemed a bit suspicious." he whispers.
Sebastien cups his hands to his mouth and warms them with a breath of warm air. "Is it always so cold down here? I was so focused I didn't notice it earlier but I can see my breath it's so cold."
Sebastien follows along behind Father Grimburrow as he leads the group down to the basement. "Thank you, Father. Any information we can gather will be a great help." Sebastien says as the weight of suspicion begins to lift from his mind. "In his journal the Professor mentioned you had access to the tools necessary to hold the prison's spirits at bay. Do you know what he was referring to? If so it would be much appreciated if we could make use of them once we've had a chance to thoroughly research what we're walking into."
Sebastien brushes a layer of dust from the spine of a book on the nearest shelf. "Well let's see what we can learn about Harrowstone."
Sebastien turns his attention from the Councilman as both Milo and Winfielde call his name. "Sure. I'd be happy to help alert the town. I think Winfielde and I can handle it without too much trouble though Milo. You should go take care of those ribs." As he rides through town Sebastien makes note of Gibs Hephenus' whereabouts.
Sebastien also looks greatly recovered as he joins Millicent in the kitchen. His smile is firmly back in place as he makes himself a cup of tea. "Good morning, Millie! Glad to see a good night's rest did the trick!" he says as joining her at the table. He blows on the tea and gives it a moment to cool after the first sip burns his tongue. "Hopefully your powers of deduction see more use today than your power over the arcane. We really need to find the source of these troubles. We did well yesterday but I doubt the town could handle too many days like that." Sebastien nods in response to Ajir. "Hopefully we've earned a bit more trust and goodwill from the town leaders. Getting to the heart of this problem would go a lot smoother if we had their support."
Sebastien sighs as Millicent storms off. "Well this is going well. Maybe I can smooth things over with the Councilman." Stepping forward he clears his throat and addresses the Councilman."Excuse me, Councilman. If I may, you are right that the situation is grave and warrants our attention but my friends and I are physically and mentally exhausted from fighting against this threat and the citizens of Ravengro have seen their loved ones rise from the grave, get sent back to the grave, and in some cases take some of the living with them. Hell, the Sheriff's barely able to stand. People aren't in a place to make rational choices. Perhaps if we gathered everyone together and then gave them a few hours to compose themselves we would be able to have a more productive conversation in the morning. I would be more than happy to stand guard while the others recover."
Sebastien makes his way about the square retrieving his spent bolts and examining them to see if any are still usable.
He shakes his head ruefully and holds up a bolt whose tip shattered on the cobblestones. His gaze flits from Millicent to Caeller. "Yeah, my ammo isn't going to last forever and we need more time if we're going to tend to the wounded." He says as he places the two ruined bolts into his bag with the others and slides the other two back into his quiver.
Seeing Marinus offer up the last hand as a target for Milo Sebastein reloads and makes his way towards Ajir. "Ajir! Fall back and I'll pick him off!" he shouts as he takes aim.
"Milo, watch out!" Sebastien shouts as he steps forward, reloads, and continues to methodically move from one undead nightmare to the next.
Sebastien uses his momentum as he nimbly dodges the rotting hand to leap out of reach of its murderous grasp. Taking advantage of the moment he quickly reloads and tries to skewer the creature with another bolt.
Sebastien springs into action as he notices the undead abominations advancing on the children. "Run! Get inside!" he yells to the children. Running straight towards the nearest hand he raises his crossbow and fires in one smooth motion.
Sebastien's head dips abashedly. "No ma'am. Not yet. We were in a hurry to make sure everyone was okay and it was felt Father Grimburrow might be of more use considering the nature of the situation." Walking over to the base of the stairs he adds, "I'll just make sure it's still clear outside and then we'd be happy to escort you back to the Lorrimor home."
Sebastien's eyes dart nervously towards Ajir and then back to Mrs. Draznoi she berates them. "No ma'am, no need to be worried. Millicent and Marinus are back at the Lorrimor home seeing to Kendra. She was a bit startled by her father's corpse paying her a visit but she is also fine I assure you." Sebastien timidly hefts his crossbow before adding, "And I have done my best to keep Milo and the others safe. I may be young but the church has prepared me for dealing with these situations."
Sebastien nods in agreement and voices his support for Milo's advice. "Milo is right. They seem to be seeking out people and places they knew in life. I would advise you to lock your doors and stay inside for the time being. I think we have sent the lot of them back to Pharasma's waiting arms but better safe than sorry.
Sebastien waits a moment for the others to respond before shrugging and turning away. "Guess not." he says as he starts jogging towards the Draznoi home. "Oh well. I think we got them all anyway. Better safe than sorry though." "Hello! Mrs. Draznoi! Anyone home?" he calls out as he trots up to the door and knocks. He keeps his crossbow loaded and in hand but lowered so as not to seem threatening if Milo's mother answers the door.
Sebastien Level 3: Level 3 Inquisitor(Kinslayer) +1 BAB +6 HP +1 Reflex Adventuring Skills: Bluff +1, Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Know(Religion) +1, Perception +1, Sense Motive +1, Survival +1 Background Skills: Craft(Weapons) +1, Know(History) +1 New Ability:
Teamwork Feat:
New Feat:
New Spells:
As the others comfort Kendra and investigate the Professor's body Sebastien loads a bolt into his crossbow. "Now that Kendra is safe would anyone like to join me in searching the town? I would still like to find Lireia and check on Milo's mother at the very least."
Silently berating himself for his lack of composure Sebastien runs closer in an attempt to line up his next shot.
Coming into view of the Lorrimor home Sebastien quickly aims his crossbow and fires at the shambling remains of the Professor.
"I'm sorry, Professor." he whispers, as shaky hands and eyes fighting back tears betray his usual pinpoint accuracy.
Sebastien's stride falters for a brief moment before he regains his focus. "What? No. Lireia wasn't there." he shouts over his shoulder as he sprints towards the Lorrimor home. "Searching the entire town would take too long though. I'll help look for her once I'm sure Kendra is safe."
Sebastien watches Father Grimburrow closely as they escort him to the Restlands and as he examines the various bodies and graves. At the mention of admitting his mistakes and working as allies, he studies the priest's face intently searching for some clue as to his intentions.
It takes a moment for him to realize what's happening as Millicent shout at them and breaks into a sprint but as her words and the empty grave break through the haze of suspicions gripping his mind Sebastien chases after Millicent at full speed. "Not Kendra. Please let her be okay. I can't fail the Professor. Not in this of all things." he thinks frantically as he runs towards the Lorrimor estate.
Sebastien sinks to his knees by the boy's corpse his shoulders sagging in defeat despite the quick dispatching of the zombie. Head bowed he says a short blessing over the child. "May you find happiness in The Lady's embrace." Rising to his feet Sebastien adresses the woman. "I am so sorry for your loss. It might be wise for you to make your way to the temple until we can be sure the town is safe." he says despite his misgivings regarding the priest. "Did you see any more of the creatures?"
As he waits for the Laramee woman to answer Sebastien scans the area visually while also listening for the sounds of other villagers in distress.
A slight frown darkens Sebastien's face as Millicent continues to dismiss his concerns. "Well I agree that he's unlikely to act against us if we're all present. I just don't want Ajir going to him alone with Mari's unconscious body." Sebastien's attention turns to Ajir as he struggles to lift Marinus. "Here, Ajir, let me help." As he lifts Mari's legs he turns back to Millicent. "Perhaps you could keep an eye on what Grimburrow is doing as he heals Marinus. Would you be able to tell if he were casting something harmful?"
Sebastien blinks once in stunned disbelief. "You want to take Mari to the temple...to the "priest" that is possibly responsible for what's happening?" After a brief pause he starts moving from zombie to zombie collecting his spent ammunition. "Just give me a moment. I'll come along if only to make sure he doesn't take the opportunity to finish the two of you off."
Placing the two usable bolts back in his quiver and the two ruined bolts in his pack Sebastien turns back to Ajir. "Let's go. I suppose he might actually heal Mari if we ask in front of witnesses."
"Rest now." Sebastien whispers as he kneels over the fallen zombie and closes its eyelids. Rising to his feet Sebastien makes his way back to the others as they huddle around Mari. "I was able to stabilize his wounds but actually healing Mari isn't something I'm capable of at the moment. Is there anything you can do for him Milo?"
As the last zombie veers his direction Sebastien adjusts his positioning and takes a shot.
He turns to Ajir as he reloads and says, "He's all yours. Finish him off."
Sebastien's head swivels to the western gate. "One more? I'll pick him off." he says as he quickly moves into position to take a shot if the zombie wanders through the gate.
As Milo steps into his line of fire Sebastien cries out, "No! Don't... oh never mind." Lowering his aim Sebastien begins to circle around the cluster of combatants and whispers another brief plea to Pharasma. "Not yet. It's not his time." In response, a chill runs down Sebastien's back as a cold, disappointed voice whispers in his mind. "Awww jeez, fine..."
Sebastien rushes forward trying to get a clean shot at their shambling foe. "It makes it really hard to shoot the zombies if you all cluster around them like that!" he shouts as he takes aim through a very narrow opening in the melee.
Sebastien shakes his head as Marinus baits the zombie. "Well that's one way to get its attention." he says as he reloads his crossbow.
Sebastien winces as the zombie slams into Milo. "Gotta end this now. Milo can't take another beating like that." As Millicent engulfs the zombies in another gout of flame Sebastien lets his bolt fly.
Sebastien's smirk of satisfaction as his bolt strikes true is cut short as the zombies suddenly close the distance to his allies. "Fast indeed." he thinks. As the wall of flame engulfs the zombies advancing on the left Sebastien adjusts his aim and steps into position to shoot the blood-splattered zombie charging Milo.
As soon as the bolt fires Sebastien quickly loads another and lines up his next shot.
As he finishes his brief prayer a sense of confidence and determination takes hold of Sebastien's mind as Pharasma answers his plea. It's as he lines up a shot at the closest zombie that he realizes the speed at which they are lurching towards him. "These aren't normal zombies everybody. You don't need to worry as much about them shrugging off your blows but they strike fast and they strike often." Once he's warned the others Sebastien lets his bolt fly and quickly reloads for his next shot.
Sebastien pries his attention away from the ghostly sword long enough to appraise the creatures shambling around the Restlands.
"Zombies don't typically fling spells around but that doesn't mean we won't find the necromancer that raised them lurking about." he replies to Ajir, making no attempt to hide the contempt in his voice when speaking of necromancers. Turning his gaze back to Milo he nods his head reassuringly. "Well I'm no expert with a blade but just grip it firmly and keep the point up. You want it between you and them at all times."
Sebastien's eyes widen in surprise as Milo draws the phantasmal blade out of thin air. "Wow! First the suit of armor. Now a spectral sword? Are you sure you're not accustomed to this kind of action, Milo?"
"My childhood certainly wasn't boring but it was a happy one. I had a good home, people who cared about me, and a purpose. I'm glad you were horrified by the zombie its existence was horrifying. The fact that seeing a zombie in this scarred land isn't commonplace means me and the other Inquisitors have been at least somewhat successful." Sebastien pauses as he spots the lurching forms and reloads his crossbow. "And Millie is dead on. I couldn't help anyone if I let my fear get the better of me." As the group gets closer Sebastien will murmur a brief prayer. "Lady of Graves give me the strength to protect my new friends."
"Sure. I can look around for a trail." Sebastien says as he stoops to recover his bolt.
"Drat. That one won't be of any more use." Tucking the bolt away to dispose of later Sebastien examines the area for the deceased villager's trail.
"I have trained my whole life to hunt down undead and release them from their cursed existence so that they might find their way back to Pharasma's embrace." Sebastien responds to Ajir as he follows the shuffling tracks in the mud. Once he has established a clear sense of where the trail leads he looks back to Milo and the others. "North. Looks like the trail leads north."
Seeing the rotting skin and hearing Marinus' cry of zombie Sebastien draws his crossbow and fires.
"Never fear. I will end your torment."
"Thank you! That sounds wonderful." Sebastien says as he makes his way back to the tea and weighs out half a pound of Barley. Making his way back up to the counter he continues, "I'll start with a half pound today but I'm sure I'll be back."
Sebastien joins the others as he steps outside. "Well they were certainly pleasant. Where to next?" he says oblivious of the figure slumped over by the apothecary.
Sebastien nods appreciatively in response to Millicent's offer. "Thanks. As for going into town, I think I'll meet you there." As the others head to the general store Sebastien takes a few minutes to clean the grime and the gore off before following.
Sebastien steps into the shop as Milo greets the shopkeep.
"Hello." Sebastien says as he steps up to the counter with a smile. "When you're done helping the others I'd like to buy some tea to replenish Kendra's supply."
Sebastien stands slightly behind Millicent as she cremates Antrellus and says a few words to commemorate his passing. "Lady, this man has suffered greatly and experienced great loss, and yet in his way he fought to eliminate corruption until his dying breath. May he find comfort in your embrace." Turning back to the others he places a hand gently on Milo's shoulder. "He deserved far better but if there was even a chance another of those creatures might hatch from his remains it had to be done. Know that the Lady looks favorably on souls with the resiliency to weather life's hardships as Antrellus did. He is at peace despite his violent end."
Sebastien pours himself some of the mulled wine and sips it quietly as he watches the exchange. "The thing incapacitated one of us in moments. I shudder to think what it could have done if we'd allowed it to mature." He perks up when Marinus and Millicent start signing to each other. "Would one of you mind showing me the basics of that? If it's something personal I'll understand. I don't want to intrude but it seems like it might come in handy if we need to communicate and we don't want someone listening in."
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