Darkness Falls (IC)

[Schylerwalker]

OOC Thread
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9376477#post9376477

[I'll try to get an actual map up as soon as possible, I just need to get my damn scanner to work. :smallannoyed:]

Darkness falls on the Ruin Lands.

The Ruin Lands have long been a realm of contention and conflict. Long ago, in time out of mind, they were the center of a bright and prosperous kingdom of men and elves, ruling together with wisdom and strength. They lived in harmony with the land and brought peace and honor to all those they dealt with. But all good things come to an end. Corruption, greed, and ambition were the undoing of this once bright nation.

Now, the Ruin Land is a frontier nation, existing between other great and powerful countries. It has four natural borders; the Wyvernspine Mountains to the west, the Ameren Forest to the north, the Dreadwood to the south, and the Demetian Sea to the east. The Ruin Lands are ruled by several fractious nobles and ambitious governors, seeking to unite their rivals and carve out a new kingdom for themselves.

It is a land ripe with opportunity, thick with peril. The Hool Marshes hide great treasure and a greater chance for death, cruel men ride out of the Tarran Plains with fell deeds in mind, and rich men and women plot and scheme in bustling port of Saltmarsh. As can be expected, ruins dot the land in great number, filled with beasts, brigands, plunder...and the mocking ghosts of less successful adventures than yourselves.

We begin our tale in the region of Calabria, one of the northernmost states of the Ruin Lands. In particular, the village of Arains, once under the oppressive heel of the wicked Lord Grint. Many years ago, he and his men were defeated by the army of Kessen Almanar, lord of Brightarch, who united Calabria under his banner. Now, the ruined castle of Grint's Despair stands as bleak testimony to the tyrant's overweening ambition. To the east are the thick outskirts of the mystical Ameren Forest and Holgren Dale, and to the southwest are the rugged Blue Hills and the misty Harrowmoor.

In recent times, rumors have sprung up that herdsmen and trappers near Grint's Despair have gone missing, and that pale walkers have been seen on the walls of the mountain fastness. Bandits have been prowling the vicinity in greater numbers than have been seen in many years, and beasts come out of the wood at night at the behest of some strange power.

The village of Arains is a bustling cross-roads market town. It has a population of about fifteen hundred; it survives off of trade coming and going from the more civilized lands to the north, and off the farmers, herdsmen, and furriers who bring their goods in to town. It is governed by the Sheriff Sir Waymar Delce, appointed by Lord Almanar of Brightarch. It is the last day of spring, and the air is rich with the smell of honeysuckle, fresh cut hay, and the next herd being brought into town.

[Obrysii]

There existed a rather peculiar woman who had up until recently only been a seasonable guest within the town of Arains; she had come and gone with the seasons – seemingly to track down something that always seemed just beyond her grasp. Now, however, times have changed, and she has searched to become a more permenent, or semi-permenent, resident of the own.

Kailey Winters – who often used her middle name of Austin – walked slowly along the market place, pale-skinned, black-haired, and surprisingly charsimatic, if a bit sullen and fatigued. She walked slowly along, looking at everyone with steel-gray eyes that seemed to have an almost manic look. She was sick – ill, or so many of the people often told her.

'You look ill, have you been to the clerics?' they'd ask – and why yes, she had, she'd lie – she was in a fine state of health, just stressed out. Nevermind the fact she felt a weird lump within her, nevermind that she could and would often speak with the freshly dead as she reached murder scenes or scenes of death. Nevermind the fact her dead sister haunted her.

Or that she was slowly growing in the necromantic arts.

The apprentice to the village mortician, those who knew her would have a strong sense that she was obsessed with death – utterly so, in fact. She spent more time with the bodies of the dead than with anyone, and rare was the man who would take her to dinner or otherwise attempt to be a gentlemen caller.

At present, Kailey wandered in search of Machi Avellian – one of the few who understood her purposes, one of the few who even humored her over her claim to being able to speeak with the dearly departed.

[psilontech]

The air of late spring in this area would always bring a smile to Machi's face, which he now prominently showed. He had entered this town with his constant companion for quite some time, Thric, some months ago in search of employment to fill their bellies.
Ah, Thric. The lizard had followed him incessantly after he learned of Machi's abilities with the... darker arts of the arcane. To "keep you from raising an army of skeletons" he once declared. A scoff escapes his lips. Not bloody likely.

But Arains was a nice place, ripe with opportunities to practice his art and make a little gold on the side. A remarkably violent area, he mused to himself. Especially with the strange attacks that had begun recently. He had established himself as a person to call upon by the town guard to assist in the investigations of the more and more common murders in the area. A nice lump of gold for each success, he chuckled and pat his very fat coin pouch.

He really did need to get a hold of one of the bodies that had fallen prey to one of the more mysterious predators in the area to see what he could find, but alas, the majority of the bodies do not return to the village. Stranger and stranger, this area has become since his arrival.

... Speaking of strange, there was that pale young woman that would talk with him on occasion -- Ah, Kailey Winters, that was her name. Odd lass. She seemed to have a certain gift for the Necromantic Arts, though in a subtle manner completely unlike his own. It seemed to be more of an innate ability than something to be learned and practiced. She had even figured out with seemingly no difficulty, how to channel negative energies to manipulate the undead with such ease it was almost insulting to all that he had accomplished. 'Ah well', he supposed, 'I'm close to figuring out how she does it. I can feel it!'

A surprisingly slow day, he wanders the town in search of a quick meal or perhaps a poor soul in the need of their murderers tracked down, humming a pleasant tune he heard from a bard earlier that week...

[Turalisj]

Thric was at his usual distance from the necromancer, just far enough back to rush in in case he tried anything strange. He'd been following the mage for quiet a bit now, keeping an eye on what he did. That was easier said than done, as Machi had a nasty tendency to disappear for a few minutes and reappear with a corpse.

The dragonborn kept a cloak covering most of his body, leaving only his fanged muzzle barely visible. On his back sat a large sword wrapped in a red lacquer sheath with a similarly colored red handle, with a green gem atop it. He wore a simple chain shirt, kept tucked into his belt so as to make any unneeded noise. Upon his brow was tattooed the symbol of his god, a blue shield with a silver dragon's head.

[JerichoPenumbra]

Ranver strolled about town asking for more information about the strange occurrences, taking a pause every now and again to enjoy the spring air .... at least when he wasn't down wind from the cattle herds.

He muttered to himself about how he would have arrived sooner if he hadn't gotten lost on the way to Arains. If those brigands hadn't chased him off the road he wouldn't have gotten lost and arrive later than that other investigator.

He was sent to investigate the disappearances from around Grint's Despair. But by the time he arrived another investigator had already made himself know in town. Ranver thought about whether-or-not he was needed to investigate the disappearances, that Machi fellow seemed competent enough. But then again the job is open to anybody and if Machi doesn't solve it then it just gave him more of a chance to solve it himself.

"Ouch!", he exclaims as he stubs his foot on some of the denser refuse in the streets.

Where was I going again, he thought to himself, then he remembered he was out to gather some more information about the new wealthy man in town and where the sheriff goes to on Tuesday nights.

There's always information in the marketplace he thought...

[Drogos]

A tall figure wrapped in a large black cloak heads into the town of Arains. His face was concealed by a low hanging hood. Across his back a long pole was strapped, one end thicker than the other and wrapped in white strips of cloth. He walked slowly but with a purpose. The telltale clink of metal he made with each step revealed that he was heavily armored underneath the cloak.

Malark Duskedge had come to town for a reason. A variety of reasons actually. The first had to do with all of the bizarre murders taking place. the local law officials had made little effort to keep the wild rumors from spreading, almost as if they were hoping some do-gooder would rise to their call of need. Malark was certainly no do-gooder but he had come to put end to those abusing the right to deal death. For those who kill for revenge, greed, hate or madness, who slay the living for their own pleasure or gain, were the ones that Malark had spent the last several years hunting and ending. The fact that they broke the laws of their own cities or kingdoms concerned him not. Such individuals did however brake his law and that is why he hunted them.

Malark had also heard that their were two particular individuals in the market town who played with the very force of death like a toy. Necromancy was an abomination as far as Malark Duskedge was concerned. To give someone an ungraceful imperfect thing was one thing but to deny someone even the peace of oblivion afterwards was unthinkable. And so he hunted a young girl who seemed to be cursed with this unnatural talent. In his efforts to find her, he had also come across another who sought her, another necromancer no less. Malark intended to find them both and evaluate their actions, for he was always fair in his judgments. If they were like all others he had met before, he would probably send them into oblivion, swiftly and merciless but perhaps they would prove themselves somehow worthy of the twisted life they lead.

All of this runs through the cloaked man's head as he makes his way into the heart of the market. the commoners in the street quickly made way for him because of his intimidating presence. No doubt his outlandish appearance would attract the attention of whatever law enforcement held sway here. With them he would start the search for his quarry.

Malark Duskedge, "The Reaper", had come to Arains.

[Schylerwalker]

Ranver's wanderings into the marketplace did not go unnoticed, it seemed. Around him, men and women cried out their wares; "Eggs, eggs, a silver for two dozen, getcha eggs here!" "Apples, finest apples ya ever tasted!" "Fine blades, blades worthy of song!" However, tailing him from a distance through the crowd were a pair of men in green and dark blue livery, a badge portraying a grey bridge on their left shoulder. [Knowledge (local) or Knowledge (nobility and royalty)] They moved through the crowd easily, hands resting lightly on the hafts of their maces, the chainmail under their tabards making a metallic slithering sound.

Machi, and by extension Thric, would soon run into Kailey meandering down the street, looking rather conspicuous. A trio of young men -- muscular, bare-chested farmers slick with sweat and covered in a fine layer of cut hay and dirt -- whistled at her from across the lane. She was a comely lass, her creepy air notwithstanding.

A guard at the gate looked Malark over hesitantly, but did not stop him. Whether it was because Malark wasn't really doing anything wrong, or the guard was intimidated by him, remained to be seen. [Malark, make a Spot check] The Reaper's passage into town was uninterrupted; men and women parted to make way for him, some even going so far as to drag their children away from his armored bulk.

[Zerkai]

In the distance a black speck could be seen by the guards stationed at the city gates and on the walls in the air briefly before disappearing back down to the ground and out of view. A moment later it could bee seen much easier by those outside the gates as the speck approached at a great speed and grew larger, black wings now visible as it covered over a hundred yards as in less then twenty seconds before slowly touching down on the dirt road that led to Arians.

After a few seconds of walking though it's wings started to flap, once again taking off towards the village, and it was close enough to give away details as it touched down 50 yards from the village, not just walking towards the gates in silence.

It's wingspan was almost 10 feet, with 2 smaller pairs of membrane wings coming out of the shoulders, each small wing three and a half-feet long. It was humanoid in shape, wearing a torn, ink-black outfit that consisted of a large wide-brim hat, boots, pants, and a traveling cloak with tears in the outfit for the wings, and presumable a shirt or tunic under the cloak. The cloak itself had 4 large red eyes scattered along the front of it, turned vertically. At first it seemed like it was just a pattern weaved onto the cloak, at least until the eyes started to blink, turning to look at their surroundings.

The creature's face was hidden by the wide-brimmed hat, but long black hair and bangs could be seen. Despite it's disturbingly eyed-cloak, six black membrane wings, and the slight aura of fear it seemed to give off, it was fairly short, a little over four and a half-feet tall.

[Anyone who sees the creature make a SAN chec-Er... a Will save. Seeing an Oxodrin's true nature, you must make a Will saving throw at a DC of 10+Number of features it has (So 18 DC) or be shaken for 1d4+3 rounds]

[Schylerwalker]

There are screams from the peasants and trappers taking their wares to market; an alarm bell tolls from the town center, and guards come rushing to the village entrance with weapons in hand. "Monster! Monster at the town's edge!" scream several townsfolk as they run screaming down the street. The watch-captain at the edge of the town Enda approached form streamed out of his booth, buckling his weapons belt around his waist. "What in the Nine Hells is going on?!" he bellowed.

Meanwhile, the guard detail at the village entrance rushed forward, stopping about one hundred and thirty feet away from Enda. There were three men, wearing chain shirts under their blue and dark green uniforms, with light wooden shields slung across their backs and heavy maces at their sides; they are armed with light crossbows, which are loaded and trained on you. "Halt and state your intentions, monster!" the one in the lead shouts in Calabrian.

[They have readied actions to shoot you if you do anything other than speak in a non-threatening manner]

[Drogos]

Malark turns around as he hears the screams of the villagers and the shouts of the town guards. He spins around and hurries back towards the gate he had earlier entered. Was his quarry going to come to him for once? He grips the pole strapped across his back eagerly, ready to draw it at a moments notice. Upon spotting the flying creature approaching the village. He tries to identify the creature. It looked like it could maybe be an undead but it wasn't a form he was familiar with.

Knowledge Religion: [roll0]

[Obrysii]

Kailey was not unaccustomed to the affections of young men – she had, in her youth, a rather large crowd of fanciers; but all of that changed two years ago. With the death of her sister, the growing mania of her mind that the dead really were haunting her, and the sudden apparition of the very woman who had died had all managed to bend her mind sufficiently to disregard catcalls or whistling.

She had too much on her mind to spend wasting it with men who were doomed to die – doomed like everyone else she cared about.

Turning her eyes downcast, and looking altogether in a sinking dive of sudden sorrow, she nearly ran head-first into Machi – she stepped back, blushed faintly, and flashed her cold steel-gray eyes towards the man's face. “Ah, just the man I was looking for,” she said – having sufficient charisma to push back her feelings and make herself appear a little more lively.

“I was hoping to have a discussion – we're of similar minds, I think, and this place isn't suiting our needs,” she said simply. In truth, she needed to get out and move on. She wasn't gaining the power she needed fast enough in this place.

Her discussion was cut short as the cries came out, and her body instinctively tensed - following Machi, she would go along, ready to fight - ready to showcase her abilities.

She wasn't just a pretty, if creepy, face.


Knowledge (Religion): 1d20+4=15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2693297/)
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20+4=13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2693298/)

[Turalisj]

Thric let out a low growl, those that understood draconic could notice it sounded like a sarcastic 'fantastic'. Looking to Machi, then to the pale woman, and then towards the sound of the shouting and finally back at Machi. Grah, stay put necromancer. He said, turning and moving towards the sound.

[psilontech]

Taken quite by surprise by the sudden appearance of the younger necromancer, not a word manages to escape his lips before the warning bells and cries of the townsfolk reaches his ears.

"Hmm. It would appear that we must cut our discussion short for the time being, my dear. I think our attention must be diverted elsewhere. I for one am very interested in seeing what would cause such a commotion," a light chuckle escapes his lips.

Ignoring the warning to stay put by the lizard, not that he listens to him much to begin with, he begins to hurriedly walk after him in the direction of the gate and the disturbance, assuming Kailey to follow along behind him.

Running his hands through his brown hair out of habit of uneasiness he approaches the gate.


Knowledge Checks: What the name of The Ghoul is this thing?
Knowledge: (Arcana):[roll0]
Knowledge: (The Planes):[roll1]
Knowledge: (Religion):[roll2]

[Zerkai]

Surprisingly, the six-winged creature actually did stop, it's largest pair of wings folding back as three of the large eyes on it's cloak were focused on the three guards with their crossbows, the fourth's gaze just wandering randomly. The hat and cloak obscured the creature's face. After a moment of silence it eerily spoke up in the voice of a young girl.

"Monster... I am starting to get used to that. It this what you hear all the time...? It sounds almost nice... what's intent?" It's four eyes on the cloak tore away from the guards, all simultaneously moving slowly to look at something in the upper right corner of it's eyes as it asked it's question, though the creature was the only thing there. "... Oh, that." whatever it was seemed to answer it, though nothing could be heard.

"We are just traveling the land... seeing strange things, encountering bandits... lots of bandits here... that was a good meal." It remarked enthusiastically, it's head slowly tilting it's head to the side under it's hat "... Did i say that last part out loud?"

[JerichoPenumbra]

Concerned about the new disturbance, Ranver slowly heads to gates while being mindful that the sheriff's men may still be following him. Making sure his dagger is tucked in his cloak he hopes that what ever is at the front gates is less dangerous than the sheriff goons.

[Schylerwalker]

You have lost the guards in the shifting crowd, which is streaming in the opposite direction from you, almost carrying you away in the tide of screaming people. It's possible that they are running to the front of the town to deal with the disturbance, or maybe they noticed you noticing them and have ducked into some hiding place.

At the front gate, the guards looked at each other nervously. "Get the investigators," the captain said, swaggering up, warhammer clenched loosely in one meaty fist. Two of the men ran off, seeking Machi Avellian, Ranver Vorler, and Kailey Winters. The third remained where he was, staring at the beast with mixed horror and fascinating, crossbow quivering in his hands.

The guard-captain, chewing on a worse-for-wear cigar and standing at ease with warhammer and shield, wearing medium armor, seemed less impressed. "You just sit right there."

[Drogos]

Malark walks up beside the guard captain staring down the bizarre creature.

If you need assistance with this creature I would be happy to provide it. Either way, I would like to speak to your superior once this is taken care of. There are a few words I would like to have with him.

As he says this he sweeps aside his cloak a bit so the guard can see the shining black armor underneath it. He also lays a hand on the object strapped behind him on his back.

[Obrysii]

This thing was not what she expected. This thing was beyond this mortal realm - but not of the realm of death: it was from a realm of insanity. It had to be - though beyond that, she couldn't know.

"The far realm," she said, her lips quivering in an unknowable fear: she knew nothing beyond that tiny bit, and her mind was focused on the usages of the dead.

"You! Creature! Are you here to destroy or to seek peace?" she called, her eyes narrowing in potentially irrational anger.

[Drogos]

Malark Duskedge turns to the new figure addressing the mysterious creature. He recognized her instantly as the young necromancer he was seeking. Her appearance matched perfectly with the descriptions given by those he had interrogated. By first impression she seemed genuinely ready to defend the town, if necessary, but it could be a reaction out of pure self interest. Now that he had found her, Malark would be sure to keep track of her after this incident resolved itself. He took a couple steps back so he could keep both her and the creature in his field of view.

Hmmph, that was easy. One down, one to go.

[psilontech]

Machi nods to Kailey, "An accurate assessment, a terrifying combination of several equally terrifying creatures...", unease readily apparent in his voice. Once again, a hand runs itself through his hair in a nervous gesture.

"Such a being should not exist as far as I can discern. This is truly a... troubling situation."

His fingers flash through arcane symbols and he mutters in draconic under his breath as a shimmer of light materializes near his figure, standing side by side the other necromancer.

He turns his attention briefly to the captain who had sent men to retrieve him, "You called for us, sir?", a measure of confidence back in his voice.

Casting: Spectral Hand.

[Obrysii]

Kailey trembled. It was creatures like this that haunted her dreams, made her feel sleepless - if it wasn't the spirits who did it, it was nightmare creatures like this. She coughed, feeling weak - and feeling enraged by this entity she felt she had to do something.

"I'm not that good in combat ... but I can bring into being a few minions that can," she said, half-whispering to Machi. "But I'll likely have to leave this place if I use that - what do you think?"

She wasn't really sure what she should do herself - she felt out of control, as if she needed guidance. She felt like how she'd been banished from her home - yelling, screaming - there was more panic in her voice than necessary, perhaps, as if this creature was bringing up memories.

And she didn't need those - not now, anyway.

[Schylerwalker]

The captain of the watched nodded, not taking his eyes off the bizarre being who talked about eating people. Bandits, to be sure, but still strange beyond reasoning, especially when, aside from the eyes and wings she looked...well, vaguely human.

"Yes, I did call for you." He hefted his shield onto his shoulder, warhammer in a defensive guard position. "Can you tell me what sort of creature that is? And if it means us harm? I can't afford to let a dangerous being into Arains if it's going to go around eating people!" The grizzled veteran spat out his cigar.

[psilontech]

A calming hand is placed upon Kailey's shoulder, "Lets not do anything too rash. If fighting breaks out and it appears to be necessary, then we may need to defend ourselves and this place. But until it appears necessary, it is best to keep most of our cards off of the table" speaks Machi in a soothing tone. "It hasn't made any overtly aggressive behavior... yet."

In a louder voice, obviously directed at the Captain and in a vaguely authoritative tone, "The creature which stands before us appears to be an aberrant mutation, multiple alien creatures of the far realm added onto the original. Human? It is difficult to be sure. As for its intentions... As far as I can recall, beings of such nature are generally quite mad. It..."

Machi seems to consider it for a moment more, "Doesn't appear to bode any active ill-will towards us as far as I can tell. Beyond that, this is not my particular set of expertise. I advise against attacking it unless it starts a fight, such beings could cause a large body-count."

A small, forced smirk adorns his face now, "Perhaps send someone you don't like to talk to it."

[Drogos]

Malark can almost not believe his luck when the second mark we was seeking appears before him. It was clear the older one had gotten to the young girl before he had, as the two Necromancers talked. As the black creature before them did not seem like an immediate threat, he thought he would take a moment to let himself be known to his quarry. He walks up to Machi and Kailey and speaks.


Machi Avellian and Kailey Austin Winters, my name is Malark Duskedge and I understand that you play with the very powers of death itself. I am here to judge your deeds and intentions to see if you use your powers for a just cause. If you fail, I will most likely kill you. So far you have done nothing to condemn yourselves. Do not try to flee, as I am very good at finding people and such an action would confirm your guilt. If you pass my test I may allow you to live.

[Obrysii]

Just what Kailey needed - another person to harass her. Another to judge her, to make her earn his approval. Simply a man with too much of an ego on his shoulders, claiming it is some virtuous burden. Her eyes narrowed further, sharpening, her hands twitching, dark energies flooding into her palms.

She stepped back, though. "A precious little paladin out on a crusade?" she sneered, "Another judgmental man seeking to tame me. Seeking to punish me? Right, sister? What? He might be able to help?"

She shifted again, and again looking straight at the man, she spoke, "What is your test? Do not be certain of your powers, paladin: you do not know what powers I may or may not have - you do not know if I claim powers over death - or if death claims power over me."

[Drogos]

Hah! Me? A paladin? I have been called many things but I don't think paladin has ever been one of them. You couldn't be more wrong. I am simply a man with a healthy respect for death. Those who abuse the privilege of bestowing death upon others, I punish. Those who defile the sacrament of death by dabbling in the necromantic magics I also punish, if they do not do so with care. Denying someone peace by forcing their soul into a state of undeath is intolerable. I seek to bring all who are worthy into the peaceful fold of death as warmly and gently as possible. Those who are not worthy are ended by me, swiftly and without mercy. Pray you are the former.

[Obrysii]

The girl let out a healthy laugh. Well, it was a laugh - not necessarily healthy. More of a hauntly laugh - a weak, faint one that didn't really sound too good.

"I do not chain the souls of the dead to anything. If anything I make sure they did not die in vain," she said, clenching her fist. She'd seen people die in vain. She'd spoken to them - that mournfulness that comes from incompleteness of some task, and the lack of will to become ghostly.

"What use is the body but whatever its materials can accomplish? The soul is gone when a skeletal rises - and there is worse to be done with that. Think of the trauma the priests cause when they rebind a soul to someone in a resurrection!"

[psilontech]

Quite the little speech you have there, Clinky. You say you are no paladin, yet you seem to be intent on punishing those who do not conform to your ideals in an arbitrary manner. Not in the defense of yourself or of others.

I may, we may not be the highest example upon which beings should look for their ideals, but I am certain that my conscience is more clear than yours.

Questionable though the means may be, I bring order where there was once chaos. Murderers and rapists who would otherwise continue their foul deeds are brought their dues in the name of the laws of the land through my actions.

I do not murder, I am no judge. Though I do not pretend not to have killed, it has always been in self-defense. I highly doubt that you could claim the same thing.
So what is this test, that you deem appropriate to determine if I am worthy of your blade? A roll of the dice after hearing the opinion of a goat herder a hundred miles away?

Let us see your test.
Pray we do not fail it.

[Zerkai]

While they all spoke amongst themselves, the creature's four smaller wings started to shrink, not folding back like the larger ones, but sinking back into it's body and disappearing, the four eyes closing and flattening against the cloak as they disappeared too. The larger pair of wings stayed though, the humanoid creature stretched it's wings a little, raising a five-fingered hand to lift up the brim of it's hat to look up at them all now that it's four eyes on the cloak disappeared.

The creature's face looked human, despite being colored by fine ink black scales the same color of it's cloak and hat, it's hands the same as well. It's natural eyes weren't red, but a bright blue childlike eyes that stood out against the black hair and scales. She looked up at confrontation between the Necromancers and the Reaver, slowly smiling as she listened to them talk

"I don't know... I think I like them..." She once again spoke to nothing, sitting down on the dirt road and watching them intently, as if it were a show.

[Schylerwalker]

Captain Davlos stepped back and watched the adventurers warily. While he was confident in his own abilities and those of his men, he didn't want to get caught up in a fracas with two necromancers and some scythe-swinging vigilante. As the girl returned to some vague semblance of normality and sat down on the ground, he made a judgment call. "Men, stand down. If she tries anything illegal, you can clap her in irons then, but for now she seems peaceful enough."

About half a dozen of the town guards had gathered at the front gate, and beyond them were a few dozen townsfolk. The bells had stopped ringing, and people were slowly going back to work. "Adventurers," some muttered, or something along those lines. The watch-captain did not move to intervene on behalf of the two investigators...yet. However, his weapons were still drawn, as were those of his men.

[Turalisj]

Thric growled out a sigh, watching the entertainment between the four. He walked up to the captain, bowing as low as his massive frame would allow. I apologize for the trouble caused captain. I turn around for a minute and suddenly there's a fight brewing.
Diplomacy check, trying to get the captain of the guard to stand down, 1d20+2

Thric turned to the warrior clad in black, pulling down the cloak of his hood to reveal his draconic nature, and the holy symbol tattooed upon his forehead. And who might you be, to judge others? Death comes to all things in time. I can assure you on my honor that this necromancer here, the male atleast, has not been up to any foul doing. Stow any blade that might be drawn, lest it meet mine.

[Drogos]

My test is not one I can simply administer to you. I much observe your actions and intentions. So far, all that you have said indicates you use your talents responsibly. I have a proposition for you. No doubt you have heard of the bandits and other odd creatures raiding villages from the wilderness. I have which was my other reason for coming here, besides to track you down. I say we use our combined strengths to rid these villagers of whatever that ails them. The one, true way to know someone is to fight with them and that is what we shall do. If you wield your magics with the utmost respect to those who you give death to, you will past my test.

Malark turns to the Dragonborn as if noticing him for the first time.

I judge because that is what I do. Death does come to everything in time. But some deaths are better than others and there are those who deal it without pause or consideration. It is those who fall before my blade. At the moment I have been impressed with the responses I have heard from these two. Compared to the usual reactions I get from my prey, these two are doing admirably.

[Turalisj]

Only the foolish and vain judge others by the blade. Small billets of smoke escaped his nostrils, a warning sign that those around him often enough knew to be irritation. Under who's authority do you have to judge? You do not dress as a priest of Pelor, nor of Cuthbert.

[Schylerwalker]

The captain seemed almost offended by Thric's clumsy attempt at soothing him; he grunted around his cigar but said nothing. Apparently, a fight wasn't going to break out, and the strange creature had decided not to start eating people, so his job was done here. "Alright everybody, you can go home now, or whatever it is you milk-slopping peasants do when you're not running in terror from flying monstrosities!" Apparently in a foul temper, Davlos and two of his men wandered back into the guardhouse; the door slammed shut behind them.

Two of the other guards went back on patrol, while the last pair resumed their stance at the gate, watching the proceedings curiously. An elegant, well-dressed man approached the adventures. He was tall and broad, powerful muscles moving evidently beneath the cut of his fine coat and tailored leggings. His head was shaved and he wore a neat goatee on his strong chin. While cultured and refined, his face had a hard, gaunt look to it; his grey-blue eyes peered out of sunken sockets.

He stood a respectful distance away, looking carefully from one to the other. "Greetings," he said softly in Calabrian, heavily accented with the refined tones of a Laredi aristocrat. "My name is Holland Frae. I represent the esteemed Baron Akron Curlhoffen, recently moved into these parts. He has been seeking a group of highly-skilled professionals, like yourself, to deal with a problem in his new establishment. I humbly extend an invitation to meet with him and discuss possible employment."

He smiled charmingly.

[Obrysii]

"Rest assured, I am an adherent to Wee Jas, the goddess of lawful usages of undead. I want only to find my sister's killer and bring her to justice. And if you do not believe me, perhaps she will appear before you and explain to you as she has me!" she said. Though it had been some time since her sister last manifested - something about her being still too weak.

It was this that drove her towards adventuring. "I question, though, why I should wish to journey with you knowing that at every night or rest period my throat could be slit - or that I must walk on tip-toes against any mal-deed."

[Drogos]

Mortal combat is the only way I dispense of my foes. By allowing my enemy one last fight I give them the chance to send me to a glorious death and a chance to prove they are worthy of their wretched life. Slitting throats in the night is for cowards. Hailey, if all that you say is true, then you shall be fine.

While I am certainly no holy man, I tend to favor the teachings of Kelemvor if you have heard of such a faith. It is my own creed that dictates my actions, as I have never been one to rely too much in the Gods.

Now I suggest we answer this Baron Akron's sending. I feel more worthy foes than each other await us if we are hired to rid this town of its troubles.

[JerichoPenumbra]

Ranver finally reaches the gates after pushing through the stream of the crowd, worried about what this monster business was all about, seeing only Machi, Kailey, a representative of the Baron, a young winged girl who he's never seen before, and two figures wearing cloaks. Based on the frame of the tall one he assumes it is the one who always follows Machi around, though Ranver never knew he was of a draconian type. The other one Ranver views with caution, not only has he never seen this man before but the man is also wearing a skull mask. The young winged girl has an almost entrancing supernatural beauty to her while retaining a slightly disturbed visage. The representative almost seems out of place among all these other characters.

Walking up to this odd group he asks, "So... what did I miss?"

[psilontech]

Turning to Ranver, Machi's tone turns almost comical, "Oh, just the usual, Ranver. Aberrant horror flies into town, scares the hell out of the townsfolk, someone shows up with the vague idea of dispensing justice against the foul necromancers that have set up their nefarious shop in town before it turns out that everyone is nice and friendly.

Ah, and how could I forget our representative from a mysterious potential benefactor offering a job?"

It almost seems that Machi might not be the picture of mental stability based on his frequent mood-swings.

"Of course, I would be more than willing to meet with the esteemed Baron, not that I can speak for everyone else here, of course."

Finally turning to the Reaper, "I have been meaning to deal with this problem for some time. You may assist if you wish. Perhaps the assignment from the Baron will coincide with this goal."

Each sentence to each individual streaming without break in tempo.
A great sigh escapes his lips as he cracks his back, "Such an event-filled day Today has turned out to be. And to think, it was such a peaceful one not ten minutes ago..."

[Zerkai]

"... Bandits you say?" The winged girl asked, turning her gaze immediately to Malark, slowly getting up and dusting the cloak off. She walked towards the group, cocking her head to the side as she looked them over "We are always up to hunting bandits."

She then turned her attention to Holland, the well-dressed man, before looking back at the adventurers, keeping silent. Whatever they chose, she planned to follow. they haven't been entertained like this for a while now.

[Schylerwalker]

Holland Frae gave the "party" -- such as it were -- about an hour and a half to prepare, getting horses if they had them, changing clothes if they felt the need, grabbing a bite to eat...in short, any last minute preparations they felt they needed to make. He met them at the edge of town, now wearing knee-length riding boots, a heavy traveling cloak thrown over his shoulders to keep the dust of the road off. Strangely enough for such a warm, fine day, he did not seem to be sweating all.

He looked over the group, a thin smile playing about his pale, dry lips. "Well, if everyone is ready, let us be off." He was mounted upon a fine dun gelding, very placid; when he flicked the reins, the horse set off at a reasonable pace so as not to out-distance those who did not own a horse. His cloak fluttered behind him in a faint breeze. You go east, in the direction of the wooded hills on the outskirts of the Ameren Forest.

The journey was short but pleasant. You pass through rows of ripe grain and corn, and fields where herdsmen take cows and sheep to pasture. Dogs bark at you from fences, and a few milkmaids sigh pleasantly at the many handsome men among the party; Kailey receives a few cat-calls, as usual. A few men make the sign of the sun and mutter under their breath at the sight of Thric, and many more gaze uneasily at Malark, but otherwise you are not harassed.

The land turns rougher as you continue, shaggy thickets of fir, aspen, birch, and beech trees appearing on the side of the road, interspersed with craggy cliffs and tumbled piles of boulders. You cross a babbling creek, the weathered planks of the small bridge creaking beneath you. The creek flows out of a small rock-face with clinging, flowering thorn-bushes. The air is redolent of summer flowers, insects buzz lazily over the waters, and a cool breeze lift the fronds of weeping willows leaning over the water. It is a peaceful, idyllic scene...

[Make Spot checks!]

[Drogos]

Malark rode along with the group. His weapon was still wrapped up across his back. His skull mask was not on as he would like to make a decent first impression. His mask was only for striking fear into his enemies and making himself appear more ghastly to them.
He looks out across the landscape to see what he could see.
[roll0]

[Obrysii]

Kailey took with her only her bag of gear - she hadn't bothered to unpack much in her time in the village, having figured she would have been run out sooner or later.

She sat next to the fellow Necromancer, idly keeping an eye on the being who had threatened them earlier.

Spot check: 1d20+2=21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2695782/)

[Turalisj]

Thric showed up at meeting holding a very large chunk of meat, one would guess it was the thigh off of a cow or other large animal. Across his back was his dragonbone greatsword, capped with the green gem that smelt of rusted metal. Across his chest was a gleaming chainshirt, the front having a symbol of his god like upon his head, but on the dragon's eye was attached a crystal.

Mrnch. Am I late? I had to stop and grab something to eat, Thric said, no, I did not kill the cow that this came from. I bought it from one of the locals.

ooc: because the dice roller is annoying.....

[roll0]

[Schylerwalker]

All is peaceful when Holland looks up and shouts "Ambush!" From the top of the cliff, two rough-looking men with bows simply weren't concealed enough for most of the party to not notice them. They grimace and begin to stand, bows at the ready. They wear studded leather armor and have shortswords at their sides. On the other side of the creek come three men; they were completely hidden behind several boulders. Two wear studded leather armor and wield javelins and light wooden shields; longswords are strapped to their belts.

Leading the two swordsmen is a brawny, swarthy man of Calabrian complexion, wearing a chain shirt and clutching a light wooden shield; he spins a well-crafted longsword in his left hand with practiced skill. With an ugly grimace, displaying several yellowing teeth, he shouts "Why don't you fall down and BLEED to death?!" And then he and his two cohorts surge forward.

[The Bandit Ringleader and the two Bandits are forty feet away. The Bandit Archers are fifteen feet away and ten feet up, to your left. Kailey, you go first. Malark, you cannot act this round, as you are surprised]

[Obrysii]

"I rather think you should fall," Kailey sneered, taking aim and launching a ray of enfeeblement towards her enemy.

Melee touch attack: 1d20+4=14 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2696040/)
Damage: 1d6+1=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2696042/) strength damage.

Bleh.

[psilontech]

//For after the bandits do their turn, don't want to hold things up as its getting a little late for me//

"Orcspit!" comes the surprised cry of Machi as he falls back several feet from the approaching bandits.

His hands flash through arcane symbols as he speaks the words needed to cast his spell.


Casting: Cause Fear
Target: Leader
DC: 17 against Will, partial.

[Schylerwalker]

The bandit leader winces and sags slightly as the ray hits him, and then charges with an angry roar at Kailey, swinging his sword with a still-mighty arm. The sword ducks under your guard and into your ribcage; blood spurts over his chest.

[He partial charges Kailey with his longsword and hits AC 20, dealing 7 points of damage. Malark is surprised this round, and we go to the Bandit Archers]

The two men atop the cliff complete standing, and release the arrows already nocked on their bows. One grazes Thric's cheek, while the other bandit almost shoots his leader in the head, his arrow woefully off mark.

[Thric, the Bandit Archer shoots you for a MIGHTY 2 points of damage. :smallamused: The other one got a natural 1, but did not fumble, thankfully!]

Machi's words of arcane power do not seem to effect the leader of this bandit gang in the slightest, who continues to press the attack, snarling angrily.

[He rolled a natural 20, for a total of 23!]

The two bandits hanging back hurl their javelins. One clatters off of Malark's armor with no effect, while the other wobbles feebly through the air and splashes into the river.

[It is now Enda's turn. Remember guys, this is the surprise round, so you can only take partial actions!]

[Drogos]

Malark curses as battle suddenly erupts around him. He swears at himself for being so careless as to be ambushed by such amateurs. He does note however that both the necromancers seem to have went for debilitating spells instead of lethal ones. An unnecessary show of mercy to scum like these, but an interesting one none the less. He presses his skull mask into place as an arrow pings harmlessly off his black armor.

Hah! It will take a lot more than that to bring me down!

[Zerkai]

Enda's eyes widened as the bandits came out. "Bandits... heh... heh, heh heh... Ahahahaha!"

She threw her head back, laughing maniacally as the battle started around her, in a second a dozen red eyes shot open, scattered along her cloak and black bangs, black tentacles sprouting out from her shoulders, a larger one sprouting from the middle of her back, tearing holes in her cloak.

"Hahaha... heh heh... Alright! Let's all bleed together!" a psychotic grin spread across her black-scaled face as she made a beeline straight for the Bandit Leader and his men."

Will save for the Bandits, 12 eyes, 3 tentacles so DC is 25 or be shaken for 1d4+3 rounds. Swift Action was revealing her True Nature, move action to move 40 feet.

Attack Form;
Large Tentacle 6FP
Medium Tentacle 3FP
Medium Tentacle 3FP
Basic Eye x12 12 FP (Lowlight vision, +6 Search and Spot bonus, +4 AC, +3 Reflex save, 20% chance flanking fails, 10% chance not flatfooted at start of combat)

[Turalisj]

Thric looked up at the archers, glaring at them for daring to attack. Repent now, foolish ones. And maybe you can lessen your time in Hell. He said, a stream of blue-white flames gushing from his mouth towards the nearest archer.


[roll0] fire damage

[Obrysii]

The longsword did not pierce the girl as much as it should - her thin frame taking the attack surprisingly well; she slid back, coughing blood, shaking from the threat of her own death.

"No - can't - " she gasped, clasping her hands together, weaving into existence a skeletal body. It would, however, take time to create.

Slowly but surely the clack-clack-clack of bone began to sound as a body of a large creature began to form, being summoned from someplace else - but the enemy against her would be able to attack before it was finished.

Kailey 5-ft steps back and begins casting Summon Undead II. It will complete just before her next turn.

[Schylerwalker]

Obviously shaken to the core by the sudden appearance of a true monster taking a stand against them, the bandit chief lifted his sword and gave a snarl, rallying his men. He hopped forward and to the left, holding his sword high and waiting for the right moment.

[The Bandit Ringleader takes a five step diagonally to your left and readies an action. Malark will have to spend a turn dismounting from his horse and unsheathing his scythe, a full-round action, if he wants to be effective in this combat. Correct me if I am mistaken, please]

The archers on the cliff loosed their arrows, both striving to bring down the most heavily armed members of the party. One glared at the scaled zealot; his shoulder throbbed where he'd received a nasty burn. Their arrows go zipping past and splash into the creek, woefully off target.

[Wow, 2 and a 4. Even with elevation and PPS...So, I'm not skipping you Machi, but I am just gonna go to the Bandits, as what you do is unlikely to interfere with them]

The bandits drew their swords while rushing forward, one zipping past Kailey to flank her with his chief, taking a slash just as the chief found an opening and attempted to slay her. The chief missed, but your dodge gave his compatriot the opening he needed to hit you in the small of the back for a truly crippling blow, causing blood to spray everywhere!

[I don't believe Kailey has a weapon drawn; if she does, she gets an AoO. If you don't have IUS or have a weapon ready, you don't get the AoO. The Bandit Ringleader takes his readied action and slashes at you, missing. The other Bandit hits you for an excruciating 8 damage however, and that's taking your DR into account; he rolled max damage!]

The last bandit, eyes wide with fear, takes a slash at the tentacled horror.

[He misses pathetically. *Eyeroll* Moving on!]

[Zerkai]

Enda's attention turned to the bandit that swung his blade at her, still grinning as her tentacles lashed out wildly at him

Full Attack;
Large Tentacle: Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]
Medium Tentacle: Attack: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]
Medium Tentacle: Attack: [roll4] Damage: [roll5]

[Obrysii]

Before the skeleton can fully form the blade slashes painfully, and Kailey felt her life flash before her as she began to lose consciousness.

Light waned - she saw the frozen corpse she had inspired to raise her from a cold death; she saw her family turning scornfully away from her. Others in her life shaking their heads . . . she saw person after person discard her after using her for her knowledge, her abilities, her body . . .

Kailey landed hard on the ground, bleeding badly and unconscious, the mote of dust drifting about her listlessly.

Kailey is at -1 and bleeding.

[psilontech]

Machi's eyes widen as he sees Kailey fall, one of the few people to understand his goals.

Shock turns to anger as he sees her body slump across the ground, bleeding, his pupils yellowing before his eyes narrow.

The words form for his spell, part of it unheard, said under his breath. Even without hearing it, the hair on the back on your neck to stand.
"Bastard"

His hand reaches out, crackling with energy, seeking to come into contact with the face of the being which had angered him so.


5-foot step towards Leader.
Empowering Spell with Dark-Speech, +1 CL
Charisma Damage from Dark Speech: [roll0]
Touch Attack against Leader: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Schylerwalker]

The ringleader looked more than a little terrified at Machi's...choice of words, but managed to dodge out of the way of whatever deadly blast of malign energy was aimed at him. The bandit who was the target of Enda's wrath turned and began to flee...and then promptly collapsed, bleeding profusely and twitching spasmodically. The other bandit charges at the reptilian man with the sword, yelling with surprising courage as he chops clumsily with his sword.

There is a clang as it connects with Thric's far mightier blade!

[The first Bandit was at 0 hp and drops to -1 as soon as he attempts to make a full withdrawal. The other charges Thric, missing with a 10. Malark, you still need to take your turn. Then I guess it's back to Enda. *Scratches head* Try to stay in initiative order guys, it's getting a little muddled.]

[Kailey, to stabilize, you need to roll a d20 and add your Con modifier. You suffer a penalty to this roll equal to your negative hitpoint total. The DC is 10. You receive one roll per turn on your initiative.]

[Turalisj]

[roll0] Attack Roll
[roll1] Damage Roll

I'll make the post based on the rolls.

[Schylerwalker]

Thric's blow rebounds off of the bandit's armor, laying across the bandit's stomach with an almighty thwack! The man bends over, almost dropping his sword, vomiting out a horrid mess of whatever lunch he had mixed with an awful lot of blood.

[Gory! crit from the crit deck; normal damage and target is sickened for 1d6 rounds. [roll0] ]

[Obrysii]

Life fading.

Life descending down - darkness. Hell - was it hell? The afterlife? No life? What was it?

It was life - and this was the truth; for now she would live, if given the chance and the healing.

Stabilization check: 1d20-1=15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2700361/)

[Schylerwalker]

The bandit chief, down a man, suspicious that he may have wet his trousers from the sight of the tentacled monstrosity, and now seriously outnumbered, decided that perhaps discretion would be the better part of valor. He turns and runs, dropping his sword and shield so that they will not encumber him as he dashes behind the boulder he emerged from and into the undergrowth.

[The Bandit Ringleader makes a full withdrawal. Malark, you can't really get to the archers right now, so I'll take their turn, but if you have some kind of ranged attack that can interfere with them, let me know]

From atop the cliff, the archers fire one last volley before retreating into the rocks behind them. One slams into Thric's chainmail, and another slices into Malark's shoulder plate, puncturing the muscle.

[I can't access Mythweavers right now, but I'm relatively sure that a 16 hits Thric and a 21 hits Malark. If these do hit, Thric takes 8 damage, and Malark takes 4 damage.]

[psilontech]

Like Hell You're not going to be a part of my mantle at some point in the future!


Casting: Necrotic Cyst
Target: Leader
Save: DC 18 FORT
Failure: A small, unnoticeable cyst develops near our dear leader's heart.

[Turalisj]

Thric roared in anger, his eyes glowing in full draconic rage that would make most people start to run away, fast. YOU AREN'T GETTING AWAY THAT EASILY!!! He bellowed, running into the underbrush after the bandit leader.

[Drogos]

Malark grits his teeth after being hit by the arrow and forces himself through the pain. He jumps off his horse and finally brings to bear the wrapped weapon that had been on his back the whole time. He twists a section of the shaft and white bandage tear away to reveal a long and slender blade that springs into place. Its blade gleams with supernatural sharpness. Malark twirls the scythe with expert ease and sweeps it low at the remaining bandits legs. If the attack doesn't completely sever the man's legs, he is liable to be tripped by the sweeping scythe.

Attack Roll:[roll0]
If Hits, Trip attack:[roll1]
Damage roll:[roll2]

[Schylerwalker]

Malark's blade snakes out and snags the bandit's ankle, catching into his leather boot and yanking him to the ground. His look of surprise is almost comical, until the scythe sweeps around again and sinks into his chest, spraying blood along the weapon's haft. He screams and struggles to rise.

[He attempts to stand and provokes an attack of opportunity...most likely a repeated trip and slash. :smallamused: ]

The leader of the gang turns and sees Thric hot on his tail. He goes pale and decides to make his stand in the brush, being as he is facing the dragonborn one and one and the zealot has been weakened by his archer's arrows. His sword lashes out...

CLANG!

...and rebounds off of Thric's greatsword, sending red and green sparks flying!

[Drogos]

If you keep moving this is only going to hurt more. Accept your fate and embrace the moment of your death.

Taking advantage of the gap in the bandit's concentration, Malark swings his scythe, aiming for the legs again.

Trip Attack:[roll0]
Scythe Attack[roll1]
Damage:[roll2]

[Turalisj]

[roll0] Attack
[roll1] damage

Thric struck at the bandit leader, but in his rage his blade cut the air above him.

[Schylerwalker]

Like a jack-in-the-box, up again, down again, the bandit collapses with an enraged shriek. Malark's scythe comes down once more, seeking to finish him off, but the scruffy figure barely manages to bring his shield around, knocking the hungry blade aside.

He takes a swipe at you from the ground with his sword, but misses terribly due to his awkward position and the fear still coursing through him.

[With all his penalties, he's at a total -2 to hit. x.x]

[Zerkai]

Enda continued to grin as she watched the man collapse, the eyes on her cloak scanning around before looking at where the archers had retreated. Her wings stretched out as she flew towards the top of the cliff, lifting up fifteen feet in the air feet to find where they had retreated, not planning on letting them escape.

(Enda hustled, moving forward ten feet and fifteen feet up, raising it's elevation above the cliff)

[Schylerwalker]

The duel between Thric and the bandit leader continues! His blade slips under Thric's guard, biting through his chainmail with a metallic crunching noise and badly bruising the ribs underneath.

[He hits hits AC 19 and deals 6 points of damage]

The archers move thirty feet back towards a tree that grows up alongside the opposite side of the cliff -- more of a promontory jutting up alongside the creek -- where a ladder is partially concealed in the branches. The archers are heading towards this ladder. One of the men glances over his shoulder to see if they're being followed, and screams in terror.

They whirl around, fitting arrows to bows and loosing a volley at you. Both arrows hit, but bounce off of your supernatural hide.

[Agghh, so close. :smallamused: ]

[Turalisj]

The dragonborn's eyes lit up as he opened his maw. A gout of flames opened up from his mouth, aimed directly at the bandits head.


And the damage is... [roll0]

[Schylerwalker]

The chief stumbles backwards, throwing his shield up to protect his face but still receiving nasty burns on his arms and chest. He snarls in mixed pain and fear, sword weaving from side to side as he seeks an opening.

His sword lashes out, but you knock it aside easily with your blade.

[I believe an 18 makes the save. Considering he's still sickened AND shaken, he has no bonus to Reflex, so if that fails, he pretty much needs a 20, and his bonus to attack sucks]

[Turalisj]

ooc: Save DC is 14, so yea he makes the save. Can I use my healing power on myself?

Thric swung his blade around again, bringing it down as an executioner upon a bared neck.


[roll0] Breath Recharge time, -1 because it was last round.
[roll1] Attack Roll
[roll2]

[Zerkai]

Enda lands on cliff as the arrows bounced off her hide, eyes on the archers as she made a b-line for them like the last andit she attacked

(Move action to move ahead 10 feet and land, another move action to catch up with them)

[Obrysii]

Kailey lays on the ground beside the cart, alive - breathing - but in her own darkness, unable to act, unable to think - only able to live, and only then maybe only for a moment...