DnD The Standing Stones IC

[the asassin]

Welcome to DnD The Standing Stones game. This is the IC thread for our game. Let us begin >=)

Three adventurers are walking through town. They are on their way to be hired by their king for a new adventure. The king has heard of these rumors of Ossington that have been going around; how it's odd that nobody from Ossington came to the fair this year. That usually Ossington folk came for marketing and fairs, but not a single one has come since three months ago. Or how it's so odd that all contact has ceased, but no one has cared to make the three day trip.

He had his messenger earlier that day tell you "The king, your majesty, request that he sees you as soon as possible. He needs you to come in to be hired to investigate these odd rumors. King Arald says 'I'm worried by these rumors of an elven pogrom just like in the Lendore Isles.'" (the Lendore Isles were Isles that were taken over by elves in a pogrom.)

When they arrive they find King Arald waiting patiently in this throne room. He gestures you to sit down in the chairs around his table at the feet of his throne. You see a delicious meal prepared on the table before you.

King Arald sighed before speaking, "I am very thankful you could get here. I've already sent another adventurer to investigate, but he hasn't come back for a whole month. I fear the worst for him. I now need you to go investigate these rumors of Ossington. I'm worried by reports of heightened elven activity in the area that the elves are about to carry out a pogrom just like Lendore Isles. If you do find out that it is a pogrom I need you to stop it. If it is just rumors I will pay you each 100 gold pieces. If it is a pogrom and you're able to stop it, I will pay you each 1000 gold pieces. Ossington is a three day trek from here. Once you're ready my men will lead you to the road to Ossington, but no further. I warn you those forest are very old, and some think it is the home to druids."

Two guards escort you outside. You go gather your belongings that you'll need for the trip. Then you are escorted to the road to Ossington. The road is fifteen to twenty feet wide. As you plunge into the ancient forest the light instantly becomes very dim and hard to see in, as well as harder to get through all the overgrowth, and un-cared for roads. The lighting slowly starts to become darker than normal, you understand it is starting to become night.

Roll for Wilderness Lore skill check.

[fifacome08]

A teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway.
After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes, returned with the lens in her hand. "How did you manage to find it, Mom?" the teenager asked. "We weren't looking for the same thing," she replied. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150."

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim looks up at the dimmed sky, passively hoping that night hasn't come yet and that this is just how thick the branches over them are. A long time ago, even this little light would have been detrimental to his power, having needed a physical shadow back then. It was by Pelor's light that shines even in the darkness that he has been able to push past this, but even then, the moon and stars make him weaker.

He pulls out his dagger and starts cutting through the brush.

"This is the main road to Ossington, isn't it? It's awfully strange," he says to both and neither of his travel companions at the same time, "The way 'his majesty' spoke of this town and how it was disturbing that no one has come or gone from this place in three days, I would have expected this path to be a little better kept. I suspect that druids have been tampering with the natural order they hold so dear, forcing the plants to drink more of Pelor's light than they should."

[Arch warrior]

Osborn sees no reason to be seen, and seeing as how he really doesn't like the idea of people looking at him, he does some of his hide in plain sight so you can't see him on his horse. [roll0] is his hide.

OOC. Osborn doesn't like to talk or be seen much, so not seeing him is the norm.

[Anomander]

The cheery old saint gently chides them. "Peace and calmness my children - there is no reason to ascribe foul reasons to overgrown roads. The road has obviously not been used in a very long time - the ruts are all filled with new grass and weeds. The normal passage of time accomplishes these things.

"Have faith. Dark times come and go, and there is no need to dim our days before a cloud's arrival. I seem to remember the road well enough despite my age. I am certain I can guide us along the forest road."

He confidently points off into the forest. "The way is clear enough for now. The trickiest part will be dealing with the tensions our king suspects are at play. We must hope that calmness and kindness can be stirred in their hearts. The lot of all beings is fraught with enough pain without war.

"How do you think we should work with the strife ahead?"

He addresses this question to the others as he quickly strides off, his aged frame moving quickly through the forest.

[LordotTrinkets]

"I don't know just yet, but I say that if there has been death there, we should exact death on the criminals." He looks frustratedly at the shrubs he was hacking at as he follows Semper down the actual road.

[roll0]
OOC: I'm not too familiar with Wilderness Lore, but if it's survival (or otherwise wisdom based), I take a -1 penalty. If it's knowledge(Nature) and thus Intelligence, +1 bonus.

[the asassin]

So we can move on I will say that you all passed the roll check

You all have noticed that the forest is un-normally quiet, and that you haven't seen any animals. The only sound heard in this seemingly endless forest is each other, not including Osborn. The silence is defiantly not normal. It makes you feel as if you are the only alive beings for miles.

Will this forest never end? Already you've been traveling for hours slowed by the overgrowth and the roads that are in terrible shape. Still the endless lines of trees hem in the road on either side. Overhead you see a leafy canopy that blocks out most of the sunlight, letting only the occasional sunbeam through into the dim half-light of the road below. Other than the rutted dirt road, you've seen no traces of civilization since you entered the forest. Since you entered the forest not even a bird call or rustling in the undergrowth of some scampering woods-creature has broken the monotony. That's why the scream from somewhere up ahead sounds particularly loud in the silence of the forest.

Everyone roll initiative and a listen check.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Just at the same time you hear the screech you see a man dressed in a peasant garb come around the corner up ahead, running for his life. As he is running toward you he is blurting "He's after me! Save me! Help me! He's right behind me!"

[Anomander]

Semper sighs at the wizard's bloodthirsty approach and continues on. He would have to do what he could to head off any unnecessary bloodshed, and most bloodshed was unnecessary.

Semper had been blessed by his deity, but the truth was that he was still an old man, and the hard going was beginning to wear on him. Still, as the shout came, he reacted quickly - a being in need of help would always get his utmost attention.

"This way! We shall help," Semper calls out loudly.

Initiative: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

Yeah, yeah, Initiative is bad - he's old and isn't a fighter type.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn decides to head on to the attack, this combat might allow the forest to retune to its quieter state, and that would be nice for him.

Initiative [roll0], Listen [roll1], Hide [roll2], and Move silently [roll3]. Though I am trying to stay hidden, I will not go slowly till I am within sight of whatever this is.

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim tightens his chest in frustration at the gaffer's guffaw. Did he really have the audacity to disagree with him, or worse, pity his foolishness? Such nerve, considering himself superior to...

"No Selim!" comes a maternal voice from within his head, "He is your friend and is only disagreeing with you. Don't let your ego get the better of you, how do you expect to rid yourself of your evil if you let it consume you." Selim hated it when that voice was right, but he quickly forgot about that when the peasant ran by screaming.

The perfect opportunity to vent off some pride was approaching. Selim runs behind Osborn and Semper, but readies himself to unleash his shadow.

[roll0]
Readied action to cast Carpet of Shadows on the ground around the oncoming person, specifically after he has past the other two.

[the asassin]

Extra details I forgot to mention. The man is around hundred feet away when you notice him.

You hear another scream. A different voice then the man currently running toward you, it sounds feminine. You can also hear that there were hoof beats right before the second scream.

You hear some hoof beats quickly after the man came around the corner one hundred feet ahead of you. Suddenly a man on a horse came around the corner, obviously trying to ride down the escape. The man screaming at you "Hurry! Help me! He'll kill me just like the others! You have to save me!" The man doesn't dare look over the back of his shoulder.

Turn order is
first:Selim
second:Osborn
third:Semper

[Anomander]

(Happens in my proper Initiative order - aka last)

Semper hears the cries and sees the charging horse - always he will stand between aggressors and their victims. Perhaps the fleeing man is a murderer and will be put together by the king's courts, but until that is determined, Semper will stand between the man and someone seeking to harm him

"Desist! Stop your charge!"

Semper runs forward quickly, past the fleeing man, placing himself between the fleeing man and the oncoming rider. He spreads his arms out, making himself a larger block. He knew a trained warhorse would charge right over him, but he should be able to make the horse stumble or fall, possibly throwing the rider.

He braced himself for the impact, knowing the pain to come, but always he would stand to stop needless harm and bloodshed.

[LordotTrinkets]

As he runs toward the marauder, he quickly discovers Semper's intent. "You old fool!" Selim shouts out. His shadow thickens and shoots out in the direction of the horseman and when it reaches its destination, it swallows the plant life. Perhaps 'cover' would be a more appropriate description, as the shadow makes the foliage become as dark as it is. Every blade of grass and every blossom of every flower grows a shadowy hand and they all grabs at anything that gets close to them. As the horse tramples on them, they only slow it down, as they lack the strength to hold on any longer than a moment.

When he and the horseman have closed to within 40ft, Selim casts Carpet of Shadows centered on the horseman and extends from him as a cone (the left over tile will be placed on the tile that stands closest between Semper and the would-be trampler).

[Arch warrior]

Osborn sees that the others have the horseman well in hand, but because he is not fully convinced that the man being chased is not a thief or the sort, decide to stop him. While he is still hidden, and therefor not able to be seen, goes straight in the middle of his path and trips him. Trip check is [roll0].

OOC. I subtracted the 2 for my strength and size bonus. If I get a bonus on this because I am not able to be seen, and he is therefor not able to avoid this, let me no.

Osborn then says "Boo" to the man.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn sees that the others have the horseman well in hand, but because he is not fully convinced that the man being chased is not a thief or the sort, decide to stop him. While he is still hidden, and therefor not able to be seen, goes straight in the middle of his path and trips him. Trip check is [roll0].

OOC. I subtracted the 2 for my strength and size bonus. If I get a bonus on this because I am not able to be seen, and he is therefor not able to avoid this, let me no.

Osborn then says "Boo" to the man.

Ten words to talk

[the asassin]

Selim's carpet of shadows is supposed to make the terrain hard to travel through. It should be effecting the armored man and his horse's movement. The man on his horse in armor just keeps running like the spell was never cast, as if it wasn't even there, or as if he was not there.

The villager that had just been sprinting for his life was just tripped by an un-seen person or thing. He screams "AAAHHHHH!!! He has me I am dead for sure! Just like all the others I am sure to die!!!" Once he stops screaming so he can hear you say "BOO!" He passes out.

The horse keeps charging un-effected by the carpet of shadows. He is fifteen feet away, ten feet away, five feet away. You embrace for impact, expecting to get trampled on. Yet the horse makes no indication of jumping, steering around you, or dodging you. Right when you think he's going to run you over he goes right THROUGH you. Still running at full speed toward the unconscious villager, completely bent upon the death of this villager. He will let nothing stand in his way.

[LordotTrinkets]

Though the horseman phasing through him tingled a bit, Selim didn't have a moment to lose. He turned to see Osborn standing over the peasant and the ghost coming straight toward them. "Osborn, what are you doing?! Stop that rider!" he shouts as he lights the specter's path with black flame. All through the flames are eyes of massive size and elongated shape.

Action: Casts Blackflame directly on the path between the peasant and the rider, any left overs go to surround the peasant. For every tile of black flame he walks through, there is a 50% chance (for the ghostliness) that he takes 1d6 points of cold damage.

Hindsight: If this doesn't work, perhaps it is for the better that the peasant is passed out. Your killer being a specter, riding through cold, black fire sounds a lot more frightening with the cold, black fire.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn realizes that there is no chance that he can stop the horseman. So instead he decides to hide the peasant. He quickly throughs some leaves in the air and then jumps on the peasant to perform a hide another. The hide check will be [roll0].

The reason my hide check is lower this time is because hide another person has a penalty of -30.

[Anomander]

Semper feels the familiar chill of the creature passing through him and shivers involuntarily. But he has dealt with undead before.

Part of his duties as a cleric have been to remove the negative energy creatures left by souls passing from the material plane. Yes, it is part of his duty, and he is good at it.

Very good.

Semper Lux - the Undimmed Light - turns to face the ghost which had just passed through him. No creature of undeath can withstand him!

"Begone! By the power of Saint Cuthbert, I Turn you from this area!"

Light flashes through the dimness and explodes outward from the old man's body. For just a brief moment, his body seems not so bent and old, but instead radiates with power.

Turn Undead Rules in SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#turnOrRebukeUndead)
How big (how many HD) of an undead can I affect? [roll0]
How many HD can I affect altogether? [roll1]
Nice Rolls!
I affect any undead up to 9 HD based on that roll. (HD is what its hit points are based on - the creature might have 6d12 HD, which means it is affected. If it has 10d12 HD, then I couldn't affect it.
If affected, the ghost creature does nothing but run away for 10 rounds as fast as it can.

[the asassin]

Selim lights the path between the ghost horseman and the villager. The horseman stops as suddenly a wall of black flame blocks his path. The horseman pauses for a few seconds then seems to simply float up with his horse. He goes over the wall of flame flying toward the villager that he is having inconveniences to kill.

Osborn hides the villager. Hoping that the horseman will leave once he can't find the villager. Or that he can get his friends enough time that they can take care of the horseman.

Semper has had ENOUGH of this foolishness, he cast turn undead. When Semper says "Begone! By the power of Saint Cuthbert, I Turn you from this area!" The ghost has just enough time to look back, as he realizes the not so frail old man is doing something that can be very bad, then he is hit by the turn undead spell. The horseman flies off. Soon the ghost is farther then the eye can see. Despite the horseman being gone and the villager saved you have a feeling that the ghost horseman will be back soon, very soon.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Arch warrior]

Osborn makes himself visible and says, "Quick, help me move him to a tree!" After the present is in a safer spot then the middle of the road, Osborn hides him again.
[roll0]

Osborn then hides himself again because he will be more useful if unseen. Hide is [roll1]

[Anomander]

Semper Lux calls to the others, "Help him as best you can until I return. I heard other screams out here somewhere they might be wounded!"

With that, Semper turns toward the direction in which he heard the other screams and begins trotting off, moving quite spryly, at least for such an old man. As he leaves the area, Osborn and Selim feel the bolstering aura leave them.

As the shadows darken, Semper taps into the innate power of sainthood and a bright glow surrounds him, lighting up the surrounding area, banishing the gloom.

"Hello! Where are you! I am here to help!"

He pauses after going about a hundred feet and looks about, looking and listening for the source of the scream he had heard before.

As he moves 80' away, they lose their cheerful +2 bonus to Strength and Dexterity, as well as their +5' movement speed bonus.

He activates his "Protective Aura" - it combines a boosted Protection vs Evil effect (+4 deflection AC vs evil, and +4 on saves vs evil) and a Lesser Globe of Invulnerability (protects me from all spells cast toward me which are 3rd level and lower)

Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

edit: Sheesh. Once again I get phenomenal rolls for checks that aren't really vital.

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim scowls at the fleeing ghost, he doesn't like feeling this useless, not one bit. It seems that it just ignores all his efforts to stop it, he cannot harm it regardless of his efforts. He looks over at Osborn as he tries to hide the victim to be. Perhaps it would be best to protect the man first.

"I can cover him with a shadow too durable to break through, the same power can be used to resemble many other effects, but I'm afraid I can only do it once. If you have any better suggestions, tell me now before I do it."

If Osborn doesn't come up with any better ideas, Selim will cast the mystery shadow evocation to simulate resilient sphere. Unless the ghost can see through the illusion, he can't get through.

[Arch warrior]

"I don't have any other ideas."

[the asassin]

Osborn goes to hide the unconscious villager. Then after hearing Selim's offer he agrees. Letting Selim cast shadow evocation around the villager, both happy that you hid the villager well enough.

As Semper rounds the corner he is met by the site of a wagon and two bloodily dead villagers. One seems to be in his fiftys laying bloodily across the driver's seat. twenty feet farther up on the road is a woman, seems to be in her early twentys. She was obviously cut down while trying to run back the way they came. There's also donkey, that was pulling the wagon, he seems untouched. The donkey is simply quietly cropping the foliage, not to far away.

Semper, roll a search check. (If you decide to search)

[Anomander]

Semper curses under his breath and quickly runs to each body, touching each just long enough to lay a quick healing upon them just in case there is still a little life left in them. He then goes back to each to see if they are still living and in need of more help.

Uses Belt of Healing on one and then the other.
Healing on the man: [roll0]
Healing on the woman: [roll1]

If either of them was at negative hit points, but not yet dead, that will heal them (part way) and immediately stabilize them. Then, I'll go back and start healing them until they're conscious.

Heal check just to see if either of them is still alive: [roll2]

edit: The man, if still alive, would be healed up to at least 2 HP = back to consciousness. The woman, if she was still alive, might be conscious, depending on how negative her HP was. Also - this continues my pattern of rolling really well on unimportant things - I roll a 17 on the Heal check where even a 1 wouldn't fail. Sigh.

"A pox on undead - bringing more death and pain to the world. And this phantom looked to be a knight too, possibly a righteous person when alive. A pity."

[LordotTrinkets]

With a clap of his hands, Selim's shadow swirls over the peasant, becoming an indestructible tarp of darkness. He glares off at where the specter rode off, wondering how far it is now.

Selim closes his eyes and allows a second stream of shadow break off from the rest. This one has many eyes on it and darts along the ground in the direction of the murderer. To Selim's perspective, he is the shadow, and when he reaches the invisible barrier that he can see like this, he climbs to the tops of the trees to see if he can get a glimpse of anything.

"I'm not sure that either of us can fight that thing. What do you suppose we can do? Running's not a very good plan, this man cannot be moved until the power wears off, and I'd rather not waste so much energy just to dismiss it."

Selim casts Bend Perspective and goes out as far as he can (40ft) upward and forward in the direction the ghost went.
Spot check if necessary: [roll0]

[Arch warrior]

"If he is a specter, then our magical weapons and attacks should still have a chance to do some damage to him. It would be best for you to hit him from a far, and for me to strike, then disappear. At least until Semper comes back."

[the asassin]

Semper is incredible saddened when he sees that obviously both are VERY dead. The donkey the looks over at Semper's cursing and hatred, and goes back to eating the foliage.

Selim's shadow goes as far as it can in the direction of the fleeing murderer. Though still the murderer is far out of sight. Not destroyed, but simply his mission postponed.

Osborn having a terrible feeling that you'll see him again, you hope next time that you will have a means by which to destroy him.

Selim and Osborn roll listen checks
Semper roll search check if you decide to search the wagon. If you decide not to please state that.

[LordotTrinkets]

[roll0]

If he fails (which is pretty likely): His mind is put at slight ease, it would seem that it has gone... for now. "I am not too sure how well that would work out. What you have seen is the full extent of what I can dish out, everything else will have little advantage in combat." The shadow returns to Selim and he opens his eyes again, "Fortunately, however, I think he is gone. It might be best for us to reunite with Semper or for one of us to fetch him. Frustrating though it is, he is the only one of us who can do much against that thing."

[Arch warrior]

[roll0]

"Agreed. I will stay hidden here while you look for him."

[Anomander]

Semper utters a quick plea for his deity to watch over their souls as they move to their existence in the afterlife. He wasn't all that many years away from his own transition to the Celestial realms, and there were days he dearly longed for that time when he wouldn't have to witness such pain as this.

Semper started looking around the area, hoping to find some clues to their identity or perhaps just destination or origination. If he could, he would try to bear their remains back to their families at some point to help with their grieving.

[roll0]

Semper would take whatever he finds back to his companions, and he would dare not stay away too long. The ghost could conceivably return, though he thought it unlikely the spirit would return after the blast of holy power he had sent at it. Still, perhaps there was something nearby that would keep the ghost near.

Yes, he would quickly search and then get back to the others, just in case.

[the asassin]

Semper finds that the women has a nice set of silver earrings (5gp) The wagon contains 2 bed rolls, water skin, a dozen empty flour sacks, three rusty bolts, and an unloaded crossbow. (the crossbow is very low quality) That's all you find. Then once you find all you could find you start to head back to where you left your friends.

Osborn hears a voice screaming. A male voice, it sounds a-lot like the villager's voice you just saved. You hear it's coming from the direction of the shadow concealing the villager. You can somewhat make out the panicked words "What the! Where am I? Ah did the horseman get me?! Why can't I get out!" Then you don't hear anything for a tiny bit, and then you hear in a more disappointed and confused tone of voice "Is this what heaven is like? I imagined it differently"

Selim just barely hears a muffled voice that sounds very panicked. It seems to be coming from SOMEWHERE around the shadow around the villager.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn turns to Selim (Not that you can see me) and says "I don't think he likes your protection method. He's in there terrified of your shield."

[Anomander]

Semper grabs up the pair of earrings. "I'm sure her family will need the value of these earrings, and possibly they will be a reminder of their departed one," he thinks as he puts them in a pocket. He considers the crossbow - even a low quality crossbow is of value to the poor - but decides against it. Too bulky. He will perhaps give some of his own funds if it seems they are in need of the money. The rest of it is not of value, at least not enough to pack along at this point.

Semper Lux come running back through the woods.

"Good," he says as he comes up to the others. "The ghost hasn't returned yet. Where is the man we ... oh, I see. Very good plan. If the ghost returns ... well, I can try driving him away again, but we'll be in a hard position. I think we'll need to leave quickly if it returns. I can probably keep it back, but hurting it isn't likely.

"Unfortunately it killed the other people we heard screaming. I would like to carry out a burial for them, but if the ghost returns that isn't going to be possible. What do you two think?"

[LordotTrinkets]

"Listen here, peasant! It's very difficult to simulate a force-field like that. So unless you want that ghost to murder you, you're going to stay quiet."

[EDIT] He looks over at Semper. "That is very unfortunate, but I would rather stay here for the time being. That shield I placed over the surviver cannot be moved, but neither can it be broken. We will have to wait until it wears off. In the meantime, perhaps we can find out what happened." Selim crouches over and flicks the black bubble, "Hey! Peasant! Why was that ghost after you and your friends?"

[the asassin]

The villager suddenly goes very quiet. He hears you ask him about the ghost. He gives a quick shriek at the word "ghost", but he then answers "I do not know why he hunts us. The village is starving, and we need food. I volunteered to go get food from outside the forest. When we saw the ghost coming we tried to run, but most of us were cut down." He then starts to cry over his dead friends. "I don't know why they hate us so much! We've done nothing wrong to them. Yet they slaughter us if we dare leave the protection of the stones. You have to help us! You're our only hope! All I know is that the slaughter started a-few months ago. We've always had troubles with the Grugach - that is the wild elves who slaughter us. They hate us and will do anything to eradicate us! I am only a simple villager. I do not know much but rumors. But no matter what you have to help us! It's only a matter of time before they kill us all!"

[LordotTrinkets]

"Well, it would seem that the king's concerns were well placed. We were told to expect a pogram, and a pogram we have found. But it is a good question why they are doing this...

"Well, ghosts usually seek vengeance based on some slight from their life. Maybe one of you stole it's lunch?"

[Anomander]

"Do not worry, young man," Semper tries to reassure him. "The king has sent us to bring peace and an end to bloodshed. You are under our protection against anyone who seeks to harm you, be they ghost or elf. I am Semper Lux, servant of Pelor, and these are Selim and Osborn. They too are ..."

Semper paused. Saying they were dedicated to this man's protection or to bringing peace might be stretching the truth a bit.

"... are sent by the king to get to the bottom of this. So while we wait to see if we have another crack at destroying this ghost, is there anything else you can tell us about the ghost? When did it appear? Who it might be? How widely it ranges? Any little bit of information at all would be helpful."

[Arch warrior]

Knowledge local check to see what I know about this. The check is [roll0].

[the asassin]

"Why would we steal a person's lunch? Wouldn't he forgive that anyways?"

"Um the ghost started terrorizing us around a month and a half ago. Well we did have a paladin come by about one month ago. You might be thinking he is possibly a good undead, this is not so. As soon as the paladin came he immediately started attacking us. He was a rouge, evil, and corrupt paladin. Our great leader was able to just barely kill the paladin before he killed us all. The villager then screams out "AND NOW HIS SPIRIT CAME BACK TO FINISH THE JOB AND KILL US ALL!!!" the villager then started to huff and puff "Well it seems that if we leave the protection of the stones it comes after us. No-one has ever gotten to the outside of the woods without dying. Sir, whoever you are, you've been very nice to me. My name is Brok, what is your name? Also GET ME OUT OF THIS PRISON BEFORE THE GHOST MAN COMES BACK!"

Osborn can not remember any gossip or anything that relates with anything this villager is saying. Though the mentioning of a paladin coming about a month or so ago seems to stir something in your memory.

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim kicks the dirt, "Well, if he were evil, he might not forgive it that easily." he mutters to himself, Anyway, relax, there's no way that ghost could break through that force field. In fact, your odds are better in that than heading home."

This is a shadow evocation of resilient sphere, there is still a chance that the ghost would be able to bypass it, but not as easily as if he were just walking unprotected.

[Anomander]

Semper tries to calm the man.

"Just a few minutes of waiting. Please be patient. If the ghost does not return in the next minute or two, we will remove the magic protecting you, and proceed to your village. You are far safer in there than we are out here."

Semper scans the area, listening and watching for any signs of the ghost returning. If the ghost doesn't come charging back in the next minute or two, he will urge them to continue on their way.

He isn't in a hurry, so he'll take 10 on his Listen and Spot checks.

10 + 11 = 21.

[Arch warrior]

"I can garnet that the thing that tripped you and said boo is still out here with us." Osborn also takes twenty on his own spot and listen checks. My base spot check is 11 and the listen check is 12.

[the asassin]

"I don't agree with you all. The stones around our home, well the ghost has NEVER gone past them. So I want to go home!"

As you listen for any sounds, you hear nothing. Which that disturbs you more then if there was sound. It is a forest there should be the chirping of crickets or chirping of birds, but no there was nothing. Neither could you see any movement, again very odd that there was no rustling from critters or animals moving. It seemed that you might as well be the only humans in the world. The silent just... just... just wasn't right.

OOC: How long does the shadow bubble last?

[Anomander]

After a minute of listening to both the surrounding area and to the villager's somewhat panicked pleas, Semper finally nods to the others.

"All right. The ghost has had time to turn around from his fleeing and return to us, if that is what it intended to do. I believe it is not going to strike back at us immediately. It might try to attack us again as we go to the village, but we'll have to risk it. Selim, can you end the spell and let him out?"

Semper thinks for a few moments, the words of the villager reminding him of something.

"The stones around the village - the ghost doesn't cross them ...," he mutters, half to himself. "Hmmm."

He eventually shakes himself from his musings and turns to the others. "Our primary goal is to check the village, and hopefully bring a peaceful resolution to what seems to be human-elven conflict. However, I would also like to see these stones which seem to protect the village and rid the forest of this ghost. I suggest we stop at the wagons to gather as much as we can for our friend here, and then hurry on to the village as quickly as we can in the morning. It is nearly dark right now, and not everyone can see easily in the dark."

[LordotTrinkets]

"I can, but as I've said before, I spent a great deal of energy to make this. I will be unable to protect him in such a fashion again for a while." he half-listens to Semper mutter to himself, "What an old fool!" Selim thinks.

He then returns to look around him, "That might be good, the only way to bring rest to this blackguard too perhaps."

[Anomander]

Semper nods to Selim's words.

"I understand. Another minute or two of waiting might be wise, but then we must get going.

"Just another minute or two of your time in there then we'll get going ...," Semper trails off. "Oh, I'm afraid I haven't asked your name, sir. What is your name? I am Semper Lux."

[Arch warrior]

Osborn stands puzzled. This unusual quiet seems very mystical to him, and why would the ghost not be returning by now? He moves his hand over his sword, expecting that the ghost will return the moment that the shield is down.

[the asassin]

"I'd prefer to be here and completely safe, then have to make the rest of the journey home not well guarded."

"Nice to meet you Semper. My name is Brok." Brok stated, then he asked "What's the other two men's names?" Brok paused, then suggested "Well I know that back toward the town there is shelter. It's not too well protected, but on our way back tomorrow night we could stay there." He then mumbled "It's better than being stuck in this little bubble of darkness." Sadly Brok moans "I don't think anyone can bring peace without killing all the elves, and the ghost. We don't want to just kill them all, but they don't feel the same. I fear peace is impossible."

[Anomander]

Semper frowns. That sort of thinking - that the only way to peace was to kill all the opponents - hopefully wasn't widely spread beyond this peasant. Otherwise it would certainly make a successful peaceful resolution difficult.

"Well, we can't stay here forever, good Brok. That protective shell will eventually wear off. We won't be defenseless on our return walk, but we won't be able to seriously strike back at the ghost until we have time to prepare our spells carefully."

Semper looks at Selim, and then looks briefly around for Osborn before assuming the sneaky fellow was most likely nearby. Semper then brings forth his innate resistance to evil beings, and the others see a brief glow emanate from Semper; everyone within 20' feels a brief warmth in their chest that slowly fades away.

"Selim, we might as well get going now since waiting isn't gaining anything. The ghost doesn't seem to be returning right away, and we still have a long trek before us. You might as well take down the shield. We'll stop by the wagon to see if we can recover anything, and then try to find a safe place to camp."

OOC: Everyone within 20' of Semper now has +2 AC vs evil. He also gives everyone within 80' a +2 Str and +2 Dex, which means everyone's AC gets +1 from the improved Dex. Finally, enemies within 50' need to make a Willpower Save (DC 20) or have a -1 on their attacks. Altogether, that's +3 AC vs the ghost and maybe -1 on the ghost's attacks. That should be pretty helpful. We also move at +5' speed.

[LordotTrinkets]

So there is shelter just a short distance ahead? Perhaps that would be a better place than here. If it's inhabited as Brok seems to imply, then its definitely safe. As such, Selim offers no more protest when asked to retract the bubble.

He turns, swats his hand aloofly to dismiss the mystery, and walks to the massacre site "Fine." The bubble first shimmers and then breaks away at the top. To all observing, it seems to actually be following a trail of blackness, just barely visible under the grass, all the way back to Selim's own shadow.

At the wagon-site, Selim feels somewhat disappointed. Semper didn't seem to bother to properly respect the bodies of the deceased. Selim sends his shadow along with his gaze into the wagon to see if he can't find some cloth to properly cover them. If he does, he begins with the woman, rolling her onto he back and placing her arms and legs at her sides and then covering her. The man might be more difficult, being still seated and all. He wasn't strong enough to lift him by any technique. Therefore, Selim will leave the man alone until the others arrive.

Uses Bend Perspective to see into wagon (still active from last use I believe).
Search: [roll0]
Tuxedo of Umbral Hands to move cloth and lady (only 15 pounds can be moved by this).

[Anomander]

Semper helps Brok to his feet.

"All right, stay close to me, and I will do my best to protect you should the ghost return. I'm afraid that your companions on the wagon did not survive the ghost's attack. We will take them with us back to your village if we can. If you could help us with the wagon and mule, we would appreciate it. My skills do not include how to drive a wagon."

Semper looks around for Osborn, but still doesn't see him. "Um ... Osborn? Uh, while we are getting going over at the wagon, could you please listen and watch for the ghost?"

Semper looks around again, feeling rather silly speaking to the empty air.

With that he turns and goes to the wagon.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn is still trying to listen for any sign of the ghost, and readying himself to attack should the ghost appear.

[the asassin]

"Thank you sir. I can drive the wagon if that is what you think is best. Who's Osborn? I do not see him. Is he your imaginary friend? And yes the house is inhabited by a... nice family. They are nice, but very cautious and protective. Let us get moving." Brok gets into the drivers seat pushing the dead body aside.

You find nothing on the wagon that Semper didn't already find. There does not seem to be any cloth.

[roll0]

Still you hear no sounds of the ghost.

[the asassin]

You've been traveling for awhile. Your progress being slowed by the over grown forest and un-maintnenced road it seems nearly twice as long to cover ground. You start to see small slivers of light starting to shine through any small gaps in the trees. It is morning. The ghost hasn't made any appearances in the night. But you have an odd feeling like you're being watched. Yet when you turn around to see if there's someone there, there is no-one.
Guessing around some time 11:00AM you start to see a clearing up ahead. When you are able to see the clearing you met with what seems to be a haunted battle field. On the left, a small derelict farm that seems like a strong gust of wind would knock it over. Un-plowed fields, with a skeleton horse still attached to the plow with arrows sticking out of it like a pin cushion.
"Well we're here." Brok sighs "Only a cold memory of the treachery of the elves. Well let's go see if they are home, or dead." He walks up to the door with you, and mentions for you to knock.

[Anomander]

Semper steps forward, activating his innate abilities to put up a protection vs evil. It wouldn't completely stop undead, but it would give a good protection. (OOC: Magic Circle vs Evil ability)

"No one has cleared out the horse's skeleton, worked the fields, or come out to greet us. I'm sorry Brok, but if any still live, I shall do my best to save them, I promise."

Semper walks forward to the ramshackle home with Brok.

"Stand behind me, just in case."

With that, Semper pushes open the door and peers into the dilapidated building.

"Hello? Anyone here?"
Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

[the asassin]

You hear soft, not too stealthy, but soft foot steps. You see out of the corner of your eye an old, grizzled, poor, and hungry person, sneaking up to the door holding a rusty pitch fork. As well as a red haired girl in a corner, holding a crossbow pointed toward the door. "Who goes there? Are ye elves? 'cause we don't be wantin' elves. Ye better speak soon"

OOC: It's not a pirate accent, more like terrible grammar. I just wanted to have different accents/voices for my different NPCs.

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim struggles to keep his eyes open. An entire night marched through and it was starting to catch up to it. He looks over at the hut and shakes his head, "With how tired I am, I have the bad feeling that this is going to make me nocturnal."

Letting Semper lead the way, he stands in the distance. When the man spoke in his guttural accent, Selim closed one eye to get a better visual of the man. "No elves here, just weary travelers sent by the king to check on Ossington." He says this twice, realizing that he muttered the first time.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn does not speak. Rather, because he still does not trust that the elves would attack without reason, he sneaks in and starts to look around for anything that might prove a motive, one way or the other. He makes a hide check of [roll0] and a search of [roll1].

[the asassin]

"Oh that is good! I thought ye be a-bunch of elves, and the last thing we need is 'em elves visitin' us in the mornin' usin' us as some target practice. Now quickly, quickly-getcher selfs inside a-fore them elves or the 'orsemun comes" When you come inside he quickly and forcefully slams the door behind you. Inside it seems to be basic kitchen. "You can eat and sleep with us as long as ya need. It's not common that we get visitors or guest. Where are my manners, my name is Tarbee. This is m' daughter Tanasha" Who set down her crossbow in the corner, and hastens to set 3 more places at the table. (basic wooden bowls and carved spoons) She then pours porridge into the bowl, thin but but palatable. You can't help but to notice how attractive Tanasha is, with deep red hair, and a small hint of elven blood.

[Anomander]

"I thank you both for your hospitality. We are traveling on to hopefully bring peace with the elves. If you wish, we would be glad to have you accompany us on our way to the village. You will likely be safer there."

When the stew is offered to Semper Lux, he declines with a soft word, "Thank you, but I have no need."

Semper looks sadly around the small house and the run-down farm. Two people working such a poor farm would have to work their fingers to the bone just to keep from starving, much less improve anything.

[LordotTrinkets]

Unlike Semper, Selim immediately accepts the bowl of gruel. He remembered the etiquette taught to him for only long enough to bow his head in gratitude and then commenced to scarfing the food down. It may not have been up to the par of what he was used to or even very flavorful, but a full night's marched left him too hungry to care.

Half-way through though, Selim pauses. "Wait a minute, if he's so distrustful of elves as a whole. What's his daughter doing with elven ancestry?". He continues to eat at a slower pace, but gives a curious scowl at Tanasha's ears, along with a glance at Tarbee on occasion.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn paies enough attention to the conversation to know that there is some elven blood in the house. but he continues to search around for some secrets that the villagers don't want us to know.

[roll0]

[the asassin]

Osborn despite all his efforts finds nothing that could seem evil, diabolical, or something of the short. It seems to be a normal house, except for the fact it's really run down.

You notice now that you look more carefully that Tanasha does have more pointy and longer ears then most, but not long enough to be obvious. Yet the strange thing is, is that you don't see ANY trace of elven in Tarbee. She notices you keep looking at her ears. Tanasha asked "Is something wrong with the food? I know it's terrible, but it's the best we got"

"We be wantin' to stay here, but thank ye for yer offer. While it be a danger out here, we be stickin' to our home. Where as for yer job to be brinin' peace between us and em elves I wish ya luck. It's not many 'uns that kill a elf and tell de tale. Ye seem strong enough though, and with yer friend I bet ye could kill some of em, and bring peace. I don't believe you've told us yer names? O' hi Brok"

[Anomander]

Semper watched the man and his daughter, wondering about them. The girl's elvish ears suggested that her mother was probably either an elf or half-elf. They were living on a farm that looked like it was on the border of starvation, and yet they were sharing their food. They were good people. He would see what he could do.

With a thought, Semper triggered one of the magic items he had on hand and an Unseen Servant popped into being - though it was invisible to sight.

"Clean the outside of this house," Semper whispered quietly as the others were talking, and he trusted that it was doing its job, though he could neither see nor hear it. He would have it clean the inside too once they were done eating. Maybe he would have it start clearing the farm's field of rocks too.

"My name is Semper Lux, and we do appreciate your hospitality. We met Brok yesterday evening when we ran into a ghost. It was quite hostile and unfortunately killed two of his companions before we were able to drive it away. Has it bothered you at all? Have the elves bothered you?"

Semper nodded his head toward the man's daughter. "Or have they left you alone?"

[Arch warrior]

Osborn wispers in sempers ear, "Stall. I am going to look around for a little longer. There something here that just doesn't sit right with me." With that he goes downstairs to see what the food supplies are.

[roll0]

[LordotTrinkets]

"Selim, and no, it's not the food. I just thought there was something unusual about you. I do apologize if I made you uncomfortable, I believe it was merely the rarity of your beauty." He then holds his fist to his chest and bows courteously. Returning to his food, he tries to conceal his frown of discontent with it.

[the asassin]

Tanasha gives you a distasteful look. You have obviously offended her, and Tarbee notices that she seems offended. "what be wrong my little gurl"

Apart from the fact that there is obviously little food, there is nothing that would say anything somewhat related to evil.

Tanasha after giving Selim a distasteful look gives you a puzzled look. Though it seems to have a innocent look. Like a puppy gives when he tries to seem innocent. "Well considerin' de fact dat we barely go outside we be barely attacked."

[Anomander]

"Please pardon my companions. They are wonderful fighters, but less than polite. While saving Brok here," he gestures to the villager they rescued, "they managed to scare him half to death while saving him."

Semper glares at his companions.

"We do appreciate your kindness in sharing your food with us. In fact, we have some food we can contribute to this feast. Don't we, fellows."

Semper emphasizes the last few words to the others hoping they would get his suggestion. He opens his own pack and pulls out a travel ration of hardtack biscuits, a piece of beef jerky, and a rather bruised apple. It was all he had. He didn't need to eat, but he still carried around just a little bit of food, just enough for a meal if he met someone in need.

"It's not much, but I carry around a little, just in case of emergencies."

As he spreads out his meager pack of food, he starts talking to the farmer, taking a more subtle route than before.

"It certainly looks like the elves have made life hard for a farmer like yourself. Dead horse, field full of weeds - the elves are certainly making life hard for you even if they aren't attacking you. Are you sure you, or perhaps even just your daughter, don't want to come with us? The safety of a town might be better than here. We have a wagon to carry your belongings with us."

Maybe if he can convince them he is a friend, they'll be more willing to give some information.

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim flushes as Tanasha grows frustrated with him, and flushes more when Semper points out his failings while defending the other peasant. Taking the hint though, he places his own trail rations onto the table, "I'll have you know, that hailing Osborn was the one doing most of the scaring out there." He then unties the bag to reveal the same things as Semper had.

"Again, I'm very sorry if I insulted you ma'am. I suppose that I'm just tired and having trouble thinking straight.

[roll0]
Ok, so it's just a straight up charisma check.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn, now convinced that everything is on the up and up here, walks past the pile of food and drops a biscuit on the pile of food. He then goes and walks out the door.

OOC. Yes, he does open the door as little as possible.

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim watches as the biscuit appears seemingly out of nowhere and looks over a the door as it creaks open. "Resident house spirit?" he asks while pointing his thumb at the door.

[the asassin]

Tanasha and her father look at the food that you offered. With gaping mouths, they obviously haven't eaten this nice of food for months. Once they scarfed down the food, the father answered "I told you I don't want ta be goin' to da town. And ya em evles be givin' us a hard time. And who be dis Osborn ya speakin' of."

Tanasha turns her head, and crosses her arm. "Fine! Apology accepted." She then mutters to herself something about dumb, elf, and mistook. "Well how about you get to bed." The father walks over to his daughter, and hugs her. Whispering in her ear "It's ok ye be me angel, not some elven demon."

"WHAT THERE BE A SPIRIT!" The father grabs his pitchfork, and gets in position to kill whatever comes through the door. While the daughter and Brok jump under the table, surprisingly fast, covering her head with her arms.

[Anomander]

"Calm yourselves," Semper Lux quickly assures them! "I can send any spirit fleeing should it bother anyone, and your physical weapons won't do much to it. Your bravery is a much better armor against its type."

Semper Lux looks about briefly, suspecting the pranks of his unseen companion. "Ungrateful louts," he thinks to himself. "Scaring these good people after they've been willing to share their food with us even in their own poverty."

He decided he would not expose his companions' rudeness and childishness, but he would do what he could to set their hosts at ease.

"Brock, if you and our host would stay here, I will take Tanasha with me for a quick glance around the yard, just to be sure. She will be safest with me if there is a spirit of some sort."

He reaches his hand down to the young woman under the table. "Would you come with me, my child, and guide my steps outside? Spirits are not common, and it is more likely that a gust of wind would catch a door than that a spirit would move a door."

As he says this, he gives a fierce scowl to his only companion that he can see. If the blasted sneaky one were nearby, he'd give him a scowl as well, but since Osborn isn't apparent, Selim would have to do.

[Arch warrior]

Osborn is now leaning against the outside wall, no longer hiding himself. He is trying to figure out why would the elves leave these people alone like this. If they are enemies, shouldn't they try to eradicate them? And elves aren't known for being cruel enough to leave their opponents in this bad of a state. He looks around to see if there was something unusual that could shine some light on this.

Search is [roll0] and spot is [roll1]

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim looks into his lap, growing slightly flushed. He just can't seem to get a break. He tries to be polite, it's mistaken for an insult. He tries to be friendly and witty, his hosts get frightened. Whatever he does, the opposite result occurs.

"Maybe I haven't been thinking too much about how others feel. No, that's definitely what it is. If I had any bit of actual compassion about me, I wouldn't have been needed to be told what to do." He tilts his head a bit to look down at the floor. "I think I'll go for a walk too, but by myself. Mr. Tarbee, while I am out, might I do some work clearing your field? If it's too early for that, I'd be fine doing just about anything else really. Having something to do while I'm out might be good for me."

[the asassin]

Tarbee looks at Selim with what seems to be pity, as he realizes how this situation must feel like for you. "Err... Well ya our field be 'un darn out of shape field. We be to scared of 'em elven devils to be goin' outside ta be fixin' de field. Even if ya go out 'der be careful of 'em sharpshooters. Tools will be in the shed."

Osborn no matter HOW MUCH he looks around doesn't find anything suspicious. Though he gets the occasional feeling he is being watched.

Brok, Tanasha get up from under the table with pure fear struck on their faces. Tarbee though while more relaxed is still on high alert. Tanasha almost seems eager to go take your hand and take a walk, but just a single look from Tarbee made it very clear where his line was. Tanasha then less eagerly comes walks over to Semper, but doesn't take his hand.

[LordotTrinkets]

"Don't worry, I've survived through much worse than mere snipers." With that, he rises from the table, gives a courteous bow, and heads outside. At the shed, he doesn't pick up much, just a shovel and a pick in case there are many rocks to pry out of the earth. The actual work of clearing the field starts out at the farthest corner away from the farm, where he can use his magic without alarming anyone. With his shadowy hands, Selim goes to uprooting the blades of grass. Selim works around the corners of the field, throwing the grass into the middle with the idea to simply burn the rest of the grass out... If Tarbee would permit it, of course.

As he effortlessly does the work, he thinks over the conversation. "I suppose that it all went wrong when I tried to avoid giving the actual answer when I was staring at Ms. Tanasha. In fact, perhaps in hind-sight, she might have recognized just what I was doing, or was just sensitive about the matter of anyone looking in that direction. No matter what, it would be best for me to speak to her father first, he's more understanding and it would be best to have a guide through that trapped hall.

Uses his Tuxedo of Umbral Hands to clear the field.

[Anomander]

Semper Lux leads Tanasha about the house outside, keeping her close as they examine the surroundings, and allowing his natural aura to help her feel better.

"You have nothing to fear from spirit nor elf as long as we are near," Semper says, doing his best to sound reassuring. He keeps the light shining, and sends his own invisible servant to help clear the field along with Selim's.

He softly says some prayers in Celestial - nothing magical in themselves, but the beautiful and soothing sound of celestial words might be a comfort to people who hear only crude Common.

After a few seconds, he casually asks Tanasha, "Is there anything else you might be able to tell us about what is happening around here? Spirits or elves, it matters not - we are here to bring safety to the area. Anything at all you wish to share would be most helpful."

OOC: Take 10 on Diplomacy: result is 36. A 30 is enough to help convince someone who is neither friend nor enemy to be my friend and to be helpful to me. (see diplomacy here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/diplomacy.htm))

[Arch warrior]

Osborn decides to go out to the farthest end off the farm and climb in a tree. Perhaps if the elves have really been here recently he will find a sign of it there.

[the asassin]

Osbron goes out searching. There are no tracks that he can find, but during his time of searching the forest for tracks, he finds how incredibly unusual it is. There aren't any animals about, there aren't any bird nest, no signs at all of ANY animals or of elves. The lack of animals is eerie, creepy, disturbing, and very mysterious.

As she listens to the celestial words, and feels the aura of comfort she feels like in heaven. She seems to have forgotten all about the meaning of danger. She looks deep into your eyes, but when you as her if there's anything to tell she takes a step away and looks down. "My father believes it'd be better if we just stayed here all cocked up. He fears that on the trip that... that he might loose me. Even though you two seem very capable people" Motioning to your scars "Well... At least one of you seems capable to keep me safe. I.. I.. I'm just scared. Even if we do get to the stone village safely, it's not like they are abundant with food. Don't think am questioning your strength, but it all just seems to hopeless for anyone to help us." She sighs and looks at the forest expecting elves or the dreaded ghost to come out and kill her and this handsome and amazing man that seems to have fallen from heaven. "If you give me your promise... in celestial words, that you can keep us safe I will try to convince my father to have us come with you." While listening to her you realize how much more beautiful, educated, and peaceful her words are then her fathers.
Semper do listen check.

[Anomander]

Semper stops and takes her young hands in his own wrinkled ones, and gazes sincerely into her eyes.

"Your father has very difficult choices, and I understand his reluctance to risk the roads and the uncertainty of another place. However, if you do not leave here soon, you will surely starve to death. There are threats on the road, but a slow death by starvation here is a certainty. Unfortunately there is not a completely safe solution.

"But I can promise you this, as long as you are with us you will be safe, no matter what forces come against us - be it elves or ghosts."

With that, he chants the celestial words to the spell Ray of Hope (http://alcyius.com/dndtools/spells/book-of-exalted-deeds--52/ray-of-hope--52/index.html), and a golden glow shoots out from his hands to hit the young woman, bathing her in golden light.

It would only last a minute, and there were no outside threats near them, but Semper had always felt the more subtle dangers of fear and depression needed to be addressed as forthrightly as the danger of a charging Wight, and so he spent his magic freely to give hope to the young woman bound by fear.

[Anomander]

I forgot to add in the Listen Check. Here you go: [roll0]

[the asassin]

For the roll you don't hear anything.

"Well I better be off then, and tell your... shadowy friend 'thanks for helping with the farm' I am off to go try and convince my father to come with you guys." With that she walks of back to the farm, while holding eye contact with Semper for a-little bit. She then calls back "Oh by the way since we won't be ready to leave tonight, how about you spend the night here."

OOC: Since currently people can't do stuff I will be skipping ahead.

Tanasha convinced her father that it'd be best to go to the main village. You guys spend the night at the farm house. You had to admit not the most relaxing, comfortable, and soundless sleep you've had, but sleep is sleep. The next morning Tarbee and Tanasha pack their more essential possessions, and you all head out. During the ride the silence of the forest becomes increasingly oppressive.
Not too long after mid-day you guys come along what seems to be a chapel. The chapel is all alone in a field of foot-tall weeds and long grass. The only protection seems to be a low ditch as well as a un-kept, and un-efficent stone wall. It is obviously a very old place.
Everyone do a listen check.

[LordotTrinkets]

The rest that came at night was very well welcomed, even if the accommodations weren't the best. Selim woke only grudgingly in the morning, having traveled for so long and worked on an entire field afterward. He did not accept any breakfast, and though it was mostly so he did not waste any more of the peasants' precious food, it also stroked his ego a little to prove that he was strong enough to not need a proper meal.

On the road, he tried to stay away from Tanasha and Semper, neither seemed to be too willing to be kind to him and he saw no need to make amends when it would only make things worse. Still, Selim felt a small need to speak on that shaded trail, this darkness making him feel lonely and in need of someone to talk to.

The site of the church made him feel great disdain. "Such a pitiful state this has been brought down into." he thought, "I understand that it is supposed to be because of the elven onslaught, but to allow a place of piety like this... It's inexcusable."

[roll0]

[Anomander]

Semper spent the trip pleasantly talking with the farmer, his daughter, and the villager, mostly to keep them reassured that nothing was going to be jumping out at them as the forest grew darker and darker.

When they came to the unkept chapel, Semper broke off his talking and slumped a little to see the chapel no longer being used - abandoned to nature. He could understand the fear that kept people away, but it was a dangerous thing to give up on worship - without the comfort of a chapel and its connection with the gods, people's fears would only increase. Not to mention they would no longer have the more concrete benefits of the magic of the gods in their lives.

"'Tis a sad thing to see fear keep people away from a place which can offer so much help. Tarbee, Brek, Tanasha - I would be pleased to lead you all in a brief prayer for protection and blessing on our efforts. Perhaps once we have restored peace to the area, I can return here and set up a full blessing of the gods here."

Semper quickly strode ahead toward the chapel. In spite of his confident words suggesting the place was perfectly safe, he wasn't quite so sure. As he went ahead, he carefully listened and looked about himself, checking for any clue that danger was about. If there was, he wanted it to be aimed at him rather than the others.

He also looked around to figure out which deity or deities were honored at this chapel.

Listen: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
Knowledge Religion to know more about the chapel. I'll just "Take 10" = 22.

Semper Lux is looking for any possible ambushers, or any signs of violence in the area.

[the asassin]

Semper and Selim both hear a very hoarse voice, from inside the castle, sounding like it's chanting. The chanting seems to repeat, but with slight differences. You also notice a doorway facing the road. The door is stone lintel, flat arch, and without any doors.

You can make out that it sounds like a mumbled prayer, but the words are too faint to be distinguished.

Do you guys go inside, or keep going along the road?

[LordotTrinkets]

Selim gives a curious scowl as the noise rises up. Perhaps it is more because of the withered context of the temple, but it seems to Selim as though this is possibly another ghost. "It seems that you might have someone to help with the consecration once our task is finished, Semper. That is to say unless this song isn't from something lingering from a past time, or just some vagrant." Selim made sure to add that last part, mostly for the sake of not alarming the peasants with the general direction that his own mind wanders to.

[the asassin]

OOC: Sorry that I haven't replied.

As you enter there are flickering candles dimly lighting the single chamber. You see that there are shrines to nine different gods. Going clockwise the shrines look like a unicorn rampant, a sunburst, an eerily beautiful female face, a stylized eye within a pentagon, a horizontal crescent, the leafy face of a green man, a twisted mask half white half black, a rotting skull above a scythe, and a hand and an eye. And a women in tattered robes going from shrine to shrine, bowing and praising at each one, and her voice shows that she has been doing this for hours. There is also a small monkey like creature that perches on her shoulder. She does not notice you enter.

please roll knowledge religion (to identify the gods)