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Reaching past the scuffling Aydan, Tanner grabs hold on Azuk'ai's shoulder, just long enough for them to lock eyes. A brief contest of wills as Azuk'ai's eyes seem to flick between recognition and hatred. "Throw this off friend! These acts are not you. And YOU! I am coming for you, there will be no where or no one you can hide.!" A flash of power sparks between Tanner's hand and Azuk'ai's shoulder.
DM Barcas:
Swap out Divine Favor for Protection from Evil Seeing the attacks on Council members and then Aydan too is too much. There was something wrong with him...Damn, he possesed! "Azk'ai, you are stronger than this! Get a grip and fight this!" Tanner's eyes flash blue in rare anger. He steps over the fallen citizen as he reaches out to grab Azuk'ai. But Azuk'ai stays just out of his reach.
Tanner looks at the others, no one seeming ready to step up. Where was that Duron fellow? He seemed to have a grasp of what was going on here. But two days in jail does not make one a likely voice of reason. But am I? I woke up in a dead girl's bed... You can see they are afraid. They need someone to believe in. Someone brave enough to face what they fear... We are talking about me again aren't we? Well, here goes. I faced angry mobs before for the Professor, is this any different? Making one last check with the others, Tanner takes a quick sip front the flask , runs his hand through his hair and steps forward.
"People of Ravengro, we are new to this town, yes we are strangers to you. And as such, we could easily shake the dust of this town from our feet and get out of town.....<murmur, murmur>...But that is not the path we have chosen. We were strangers not only to you but each other, but we have bonded together on this one issue...We will stop this murderer....<murmur, murmur>...His power is tied to the old prison. We went in there yesterday...it is a powerful place, and we fought...oh yes! For you and this town we fought! We plumbed its depths and emerged cut, battered, but not defeated! We did not find what we needed to stop the attacks...it is a big ruin. But we learned much...We learned how the power works...how to defeat it...and we now know where within the walls it hides...<hopeful murmur, hopeful murmur>...Will it be easy? No. The foe is elusive and deadly...I wish I could just go 'Show me the Evil of this World'..but..but...It is not that easy, so we become hunters. But in this hunt, we are determined, prepared, and willing to risk all to see that not another villager is hurt! That prison burned but it was not emptied...we will see it transformed back into a pile a rocks from which no spirit will ever stir to bother this town again!" Tanner ends on a high note and steps back to his companions appearing a little woozy.
Tanner takes back the flask and tucks it away. He still doesn't look right. Is he sick or..or worse...
As they approach the Sheriff's, "Aydan. Can you help me with a strap on this armor, its digging in on me? Nothing major...we'll catch up." And he sets to trying to adjust a strap over his shoulder. With Aydan behind him, and the others gong ahead, Tanner whispers over his shoulder, "Thanks Aydan, but I need to talk to you. Something is up with Azuk'ai. You have known him longer, but something is off. He was not this uptight when we came into town. I could caulk it up to nerves but it is not fear. He seemed eager to continue...it seems he is angry for some reason. Keep an eye on him...we don't want an outburst in front of the townsfolk."
Feeling a little more confident in his new armor and with a real weapon at his side, Tanner feels well more prepared to face the prison today than he did yesterday. Imagining the others sharing this feeling, he is a bit surprised at Azuk'ai's outburst. Must be nerves...Do you feel nervous? Do you want to lash out at the Sheriff? The one man in this forsaken town who doesn't believe you to be a murderer....Well no, I feel great..good sleep, good food. But Azuk'ai wasn't accused of murder... And yet he is the one uptight?.... He should have a nip for the nerves, I should too... Works for me.... Unconsciously, Tanner finds the flask already in his hand. He rubs his thumb over the surface and the dent. He takes a quick sip and presses the silver flask into Azuk'ai's hand, "Here, take a sip. It will calm those nerves." He really does look like he needs it... You have always been a fairly good judge of people. How does he to you?.... What? What does that even mean? ....[sigh].... Tanner flashes his friendly smile and lightly cuffs Azuk'ai's shoulder as he presses the silver flask into Azuk'ai's hand, "Here, take a sip. It will calm those nerves."
Are we all going together to the Church? Because each of us needs to top off the holy water and buy available healing. I figure us dribbling in all morning in ones and twos might put the old priest off his porridge.
Tanner finds a breastplate that seems effective and decorative. He feels a little more confidence that this Dwarven craftswoman knows what she is doing so that even the elegant breastplates are extremely effective. He makes his way to the weapon racks. Spears, clubs, and morningstars all seem effective but lack a certain grace. Looking over and seeing Aydan displaying his sword, Tanner tries the heft and balance of a few swords and they all feel wrong. It is then that he sees the delicate wire hilt basket of a slim rapier. He had some epee work in his academy days but its was never something he took seriously. But as he drew the blade from its subtle leather scabbard, it just felt right. This was the sword of someone who faced adventure with a grin and a wink, something the ladies could appreciate. He makes his way back the front of the workshop, and displays his choices, "What do you think? Quite the upgrade from this old leather and a walking stick."
Tanner hops in quickly. "Always ready to comply to a Lady's wishes." He starts to look around, "Aydan, I imagine most of this won't be much use against...the immaterial. But against big spiders and axes, I imagine a breastplate would be handy. Can you help me pick one out, my brother was always good at stuff like that. I would always pick the one that would look the best. And he would say, 'Your looks won't matter with a spear in your gut.' " Tanner continues to look at the displayed items, but the imitation of his brother's voice was spot on, for those that knew him.
"Maybe we should split this up here before visiting the shops. Probably best not walking around down carrying a chest full of gold. Doesn't seem...proper."
Thinking of a twist to be a little more useful in combat. Tanner carries a big pack with a crowbar, shovel, (and I should include a trowel). But I thought perhaps swapping a trait, Fortified Drinker (+2 vs Mind Control while drinking-maybe re-picking that up later) for Rough and Ready (+1 using tools of your trade in combat). If I swap a skill point into Profession-Archaeologist Field Hand, perhaps he could wield a crowbar 1d8 Bludgeoning damage (or piercing if designated) as an impromptu morningstar and a trowel 1d4 slashing as an impromptu dagger. I doubt a shovel would ever be a useful weapon (Mystery Men beside the point - I love the Shoveler :-]) Just a thought to stress the point that Tanner was never trained to be a warrior, but was always handy to the Professor. I really like the idea of eventually enchanting a thundering crowbar. Just a thought...What do you think?
Tanner comes over and puts a hand on Melk's shoulder "Hey there. Buck up." He says in a friendly voice. "We already learned so much about how that Prison is working...what to avoid...what might be haunted. A little better prepared, I am sure we can find what we need up there. We will stop these attacks."
Tanner runs his hand through his hair as he shakes his head side to side. "I don't know if that should be our plan, especially in light of there being more...attacks. If the ghost is down in the village and countryside at night...doing what it does. Going into the prison tonight may be too late. I still think we get our supplies and go knock down some doors. Let him come for us tonight, without his precious knife." Tanner looks to the others to see what was though of this. "Speaking of supplies...," as Tanner looks at Azuk'ai and Aydan bristling in weapons. "I want what you guys got. I don't want to walk back in there with just a walking stick or an over-sized machete. Is there a way I can get something with a little more heft or..style."
"I am with you on that Azuk'ai. I would not mind exploring at night, but it would be good to make another go at getting that knife before any ghosts materialize and start using it on us. Tanner fills up at breakfast, realizing that he had very little to eat since two nights ago. He pulls out his flask and buffs the grime and blood off it. He gives it a shake noticing the heft and slosh of its contents. "Um..Kendra? Is there a chance I can top off my fortification before heading back to the prison?"
Tanner drops his pack by the door and sits in the armchair in the corner He relaxes some of the tension of the day, but then his eyes focus on the bed. Tired and mentally exhausted, he wouldn't mind a bath, but not sure he can stay awake to take his turn. He continues to stare at the bed not able to bring himself to lay down on it. It was only this morning...just this morning... His weariness catches up to him still siting in the chair as he falls asleep.
I could perhaps help out with Zander. I know Taisper was going to ask a friend, so if that doesn't go through, keep me in mind as an alternate. Taking over an existing character is tough, but the story break here would give some time to get up to speed, and I would have picked Zander over Verik so that is cool. I am a known element to most of you, so there is that. And I lurk here enough that it I should go ahead and try to make it official, instead of just on the sister CC thread. Let me know.
Tanner's head snaps up. "Well, there was the axe. Professor, we fought the prison's executioner's axe. Not sure there was a ghost attached to it, but it was in the day light. But by your logic, if the spirits can wield it, perhaps they can be harmed by it. We hacked the handle to bits, but a new handle can be acquired here in town likely.
Tanner enjoys a long pull at his drink, making up for the little sips he has been moderating himself with all day...Hells of a day! At mention of weapons, Tanner's attention comes back. "Before we go tomorrow, would there be someplace to get a weapon. All I have is a walking stick and an over-sized machete. I think the Sheriff thought it best I didn't walk through town brandishing weapons, but I would like to pick up something to feel a little more useful...but of course against ghosts, what is useful?"
Tanner returns a dry chuckle, "Been trying, but unfortunately, I seem to have developed a few more since arriving in this town." He bows his head and then walks off to see if there is a side bar nearby.
"Hello Professor Adrissant. I'm Tanner Illengrin, I was the Professor's field assistant these last couple of years. Thanks for your help in this..." Tanner runs his hand through his hair and cocks his head with a bit of a crazy smile, "...and somehow I just knew you were going to say the prisoners were in the basement. But at least we now have some areas to target before we have the need to venture down there."
I was holding off till Tanner got the OK as I knew he was lagging in XP. I took average HP, or do we roll those? Will definitely be a better support character now as he picks up cure light wounds up to 3/day and disrupt undead as an orison. Also picks up Track, Wisdom bonus to Initiative, Detect Alignment
Can't remember the exact break out of skills, but did pick up Know(Religion) for his experience so far, and Spellcraft, and Know(Arcana) as he starts to realize his spell casting ability.
Speaking of material items. We recovered two potions of CLW and a scroll of Less. Res. from the chapel. Did anyone note they were carrying these?
Tanner stops at the greeting and self-consciously rubs his hand on his pant leg trying to get blood and grime off of it, but with a grin decides it is better if she doesn't shake it. "Kendra, of course. The Professor used sent me into town to mail you letters..I mean..his letters, that he wrote to you..that I mailed." He runs his hand through his hair. "From his stories I pictured you younger.." he holds out his hand indicating the height of a young girl of 10 or 12, and then with a faint smile, "...and I don't know, more Professor-ish." "Oh I am Tanner, Tanner Illengrin. I was working for your father in the field. He was a great man and I am sorry for your loss. I was supposed to meet him here and just yesterday learned of the sad news."
"Damnable axe! Probably killed so many, it realized it didn't want to stop." Tanner steps into the courtyard and enjoys the fresh air, it is then that it dawns on him how dim the light is...not from clouds, but the setting sun. "Hey, where did the day go? We weren't in there that long..were we?" He turns and looks out toward the town, "And if it's night, we didn't find the knife, so another girl is at risk." Facing back to the group, "Do we keep trying? Can the night here be any worse? Its not like we had light in there anyway?" It sounded like a stupid idea, even to him. But his stupid idea usually work out.
"Hey! That was a gift!" Tanner almost doesn't feel the cut he is so incensed at the damage to his flask. He again jabs the axe. "How do you like it? Huh? You're dented more than that." The axe, seeming more aware of him now, avoids his interference. Instead feinting towards him that has Tanner stepping back.
Not sure how much damage he can do, Tanner is sure he could annoy the axe and perhaps provide provide an opening for his companions. He moves in and jabs the axe haft, rapping it repeatedly interfering with its smooth floating about.
Tanner's initial thought is to try to grab the axe,...but then items around here tend to possess people. Instead he prepares to knock in down with his walking stick. Suddenly, Aydan backs into him after being slashed with the axe and then Run shoulders by with a potion. He makes room for them stepping into the doorway. He looks at his quarterstaff and then at Aydan's sword and the splinters he smashed off the axe. Best let him do it...be better if the axe didn't chop him up quicker than he chops it...Got to do something though.." A quick sip at his flask, and he is ready. He steps up his stick held ready, but he lays a hand upon Aydan's shoulder. "Good job Run! Aydan, you can do this better than any of us. I have faith in you. At his touch, a blue shimmer covers Aydan. Tanner is as surprised as anyone else.
With the tension dieing down, Tanner looks at the wet branding irons. " 'M' and 'R'. What are these other two? Do these mark you by your crime or were they spelling something?"
Tanner moves toward the brazier. "Perhaps the source of the heat is the source of the pain." He squirts the brazier with a stream of holy water.
I have been waiting on Aydan. I will post an action that can be used or not.
As Aydan open the door an eager Tanner steps into the opening and stops. "Everyone stop! Back up. Smell that? Burning flesh..probably from those branding irons...it looks like there might be an exit there, but knowing what old chains can do, there are four branding irons just laying there." He takes his waterskin in hand and removes the plug, to have it ready. He hesitates to give other time if they wish, and then steps toward the irons ready to douse them at the first sense of heat or burning.
Pausing to look up at the web-coated spiral, Tanner never had much use for Gods. Too much asking and pleading, he was always of a mindset of just doing what needed to be done, and not letting Gods get in the way. But here, this is a Pharasman Chapel, and the ghost's are rampant. He raps his walking stick upon the alter. "Look alive there. You are needed here." When there is no response from the symbol or the alter, he turns to follow the others....he thinks to himself. Bah! I didn't really think she would respond. But what if she already did? What do you mean? I was right there..nothing.. Right. You WERE there. You ARE here. Wait. I can't be suggesting that I am here on Pharasma's wishes. I must be thinking pretty highly of myself to come up with that. This place must be getting to me. But it isn't, is it? You wanted to find that ghost, you were disappointed the spiders didn't attack you. Even if that is true, that doesn't mean Pharasma has a plan for me..does it? Let's just say She owes Me one.............. Without realizing that he walked there, Tanner finds himself standing beside Aydan at another door. He looks around no one else seems to be hearing or affected by voices. That was just his conscious, must have been. He has always talked with himself, reasoned things out, or more likely, talked himself into doing reckless things. It wasn't the best conscious, but it got him this far. And everyone talks with their conscious like that...don't they? ..but still...that was pretty metaphysical for his conscious. In a quite voice so as not to disturb Aydan or any specters, "Hey, um..Melk. When that voice took over. Was it your voice you heard, or some ghostly voice?" When Melk shudders at the thought, Tanner has his answer. "Sorry. Don't answer that. As Aydan searches the door, Tanner pulls out his flask to clear his mind. I am going to pound the snot out of whatever is behind that door if my conscious keeps talking nonsense and doesn't SHUT UP. Just as the liquid first hits his tongue, That's the spirit, sounds off in his mind. Tanner gags and chokes but gets the small swallow to go down. He replaces the flask and holds his stick ready as Aydan goes to open the door. Right. Let's do this. If it would just shut him?..me?...up..
"Sleep? No way. I was just thinking on some room that won't try to kill us..but I guess the spiders helped out there..sorry...but the chapel still might prove useful against restless spirits. At least we should check it out, and start working our way back to that secured door.
Tanner pats Melk on the shoulder in a comforting gesture, "It's good that was only momentary and that you are both alright." The hand comes to rest on the shoulder and gives it a good squeeze, a little harder than necessary, but perhaps satisfying Tanner's curiosity that Melk won't lash out again. "I was about to check out that spider-webbed chapel. If any refuge is to be found in this wretched place, that place may offer it.
Tanner's cold fingers struggle with his water skin cap, but he pulls the stopper free and sprays some holy water on the ragged clothes. "Rest. Be Still. Let it go."
What the...? Tanner isn't sure he saw what he thought he saw. He moves closer to Aydan, still suffering from a spider bite. He adjusts his position until Melk's light is angled just right...There it is, the spider gunk is thick, but Illengrin is engraved on the blade...or something close to it..its mostly covered in gore...but...why is my name on his blade? His mind goes back to the memorial statue and the names washed in blood. And here is his name awash in spider blood. A bit of a chill runs down his spine. He gives himself a shake to clear that thought. There are other things written there...its probably a trick of the light. He thinks of asking Aydan, but it sounds silly when he tries to form the question. Instead he pulls out the flask and takes a sip. These companions are tough and competent. Hells, they cleared out that spider infestation before I could barely run up...who am I to question them...must have been a trick of the light and shadows. Holding his walking stick before him, Tanner enter the room, previously the spiders' lair.
Tanner steps up and pokes the spider, oh yeah. It's dead.
Tanner come moving up the hall and sees Run's flung explosion. Wanting to stay clear of whatever that was, he moves into a position to help assist those already fighting the spiders.
Absentmindedly over his shoulder, "Oh, no. I didn't smell this perfume around you earlier." Giving up hope of seeing or smelling her, Tanner turns to the group. Well if she were trying to lead us somewhere, she didn't do a good job. Unless she is behind these doors right here. But otherwise I liked the systematic approach we had going."
Tanner sniffs down each passageway. "Huh. I mostly smell damp mildew and chemicals. For a second there I thought I smelled perfume. Had to have been from her, no?"
Tanner give the sturdy door a hard rap with his stick. "I agree Aydan. We will need to come back to this door. But I always seem to find myself chasing after women, and it is always worth it." He gives Aydan a smile as he heads off after Run, leaving it vague as to whether he was referring to the ghost or Run.
Tanner had been studying the door, but whips around at Run's words, determined not to be bathed in flames again. The wildness of his action has his walking stick collide with Aydan as he spins. Sheepishly, "Sorry 'bout that." He peers back the way they came but sees nothing. He concentrates, trying to make out a shape, but sees nothing. A quick nip at the flask, he mutters to himself, "You'll get out of this, you always do." and his nerves calm a bit. DM Barcas: I would like Tanner's little nips and a muttered mantra about luck or controlling fear to install Guidance for a minute. I will apply it if something happens immediately after I detail he hits the flask. But definitely won't abuse it, with him automatically drinking every minute or anything silly like that. The nips also keep his fortified drinker ability active.
"Looks promising. Heavy door, might be the evidence storage...or maybe the guards' weapon storage." Tanner will walk up the hall to give the door a good examination.
Tanner follows, also eager not to spend time in the entrance chamber. But he catches himself pausing anyway to try to see where exactly the flames came from. Suddenly realizing what he is doing, he moves on, hoping he doesn't see where the flames come from.
Tanner just looks at her with a deadpan expression. The woman just friggin' cracked a safe! He holds his hands up to refuse as he shakes his head with a very wry smile, "Not for me. They look good on you Run, really bring out your eyes. But its between you and Azuk'ai"
At Melk's hissed curse, Tanner's head snaps up, connecting sharply with the desk that he is currently under. He peers out and sees a twisted and elongated form of Run. WHAM! He hits his head again as he struggles to climb out quickly from beneath the deck. Rubbing his head, he looks from Run to the others. Melk seems disturbed. I mean, look at her!, but still no one seems surprised. I need to learn more of what the Profesor's friends are capable of. I know a good place to start. What? But he loses his train of thought as it appears Run actually opened the safe. His jaw still hanging a bit open, "Umm..that's an impressive talent."
Tanner enters the room and stands before the safe. He cocks his head to the side as he runs a hand through his singed hair. "Heh. And there I was just saying how I used to get into places the Professor needed...but safes? No..I am not that good, and it wasn't like we were criminals or anything. Maybe a key in the desk?" Tanner gets behind the desk and proceeds to give each drawer a thorough search, knocking and tapping anywhere a space might be concealed in a false bottom or hidden compartment.
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