DrK Crimson Throne IC

[wilphe]

I already skewed her with one and it bounced off. Not keen on trying again, though if I see that creep Mortimer he is getting one

Winifred shoots at the zombie ravaged by Andrei's magic

Spoiler: OOC

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Half Action: Aim
Half Action: Shoot

(1d100)[23] BS 41+10
(1d10)[1] Dam +3

[Haval]

Andrei is going to fling another dart at one of the zombies since such things wouldn't tend to miss and hit Cassian. As he does so he will edge round the crypt to see if there's another entrance. If they weren't going to run away he'd really like to know what they were doing in there.

Spoiler

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Half Action to move away from zombies
Half Action to magic dart the zombie he already hurt

Channeling vs. Wp 51 (+10 Aetheric Attunement) (-10 if unsettled)
(1d100)[31]

Magic Dart 6+ or 5+ if channeling works
(1d10)[8]

Any Damage
(1d10+3)[6]

Perception to see if I can see another way inside the crypt
vs. Int 53
(1d100)[13]

Academic Knowledge (Magic) to see if the smoke is ringing any bells
vs. Int 53
(1d100)[87]

[DrK]

Backing away from the cloud of sorcerous smoke and fog that billows out the tomb mouth Winifred see's a swirl of movement that may or may not have been figures exiting and heading the other way (away from you and the approaching Templars). In the chaos, the darkness and the smoke its hard to tell. Andrei ducks behind a stone, he does not know the incantation but recognises the cloud as a dangerous one that would sear flesh if you ventured into it.

As he ducks back he see's Cassian running towards the zombies and manages to channel more aethyr through his weary body and the already injured zombie falls as another orb of magical power caves in its skull. The other zombie moves faster than expected, even Winifred's arrows glancing off its shoulder not enough as it leaps through Cassian's attack and bats aside his shield trying to fall upon him, withered rotted teeth snapping and trying to find flesh, Cassian managed to twist aside but the yellowed ragged teeth tear a strip in his right arm!


Attack Cassian (1d100)[2] TN 47 Dam (1d10+4)[7]

Behind you the Templar's race closer, a faint shout of of "Hold, stay where you are,..." before they clearly see the green smoke and the zombie grappling with Cassian, "The undead, dark magic, sound the horn!" as you see the rearmost Templar stumbling with a horn at his waist as he tries to keep pace

[rax]

Cassian roars in pain and anger as the zombie's teeth cut through his leather jack, but fortunately the wound is not too deep. Pushing away from the monster, he throws a succession of quick cuts at it from behind his shield.

Spoiler: Actions

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Full action: Swift attack (1d100)[12], (1d100)[93] vs. WS 52
Damage (1d10+4)[11], (1d10+4)[5]

Ulric's Fury if applicable
(1d100)[47], (1d100)[7]
(1d10)[3], (1d10)[3]

Pre-emptive Parry with shield (1d100)[15] vs. 62 (WS 52, Defensive +10)

Wounds remaining: 11/13 (Cassian took 2 damage after armour and TB)
Fortune Points remaining: 1/3
Harrow Points remaining: 0/2

[wilphe]

Winifred switches to her sword and heads over towards Cassian.

Yes, blow the horn damnit.

Spoiler: OOC

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Half Action - Ready Sword
Half Action - Move

[Haval]

Please say there are more Templars coming. Given the look of whatever was going on in the crypt Andrei was worried that it might already be too late. As the darts seemed to be working he'll switch to the zombie that was attacking Cassian.

Spoiler

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Half Action to magic dart the zombie attacking Cassian

Channeling vs. Wp 51 (+10 Aetheric Attunement)
(1d100)[32]

Magic Dart 6+ or 5+ if channeling works
(1d10)[4]

Any Damage
(1d10+3)[5]

[DrK]

Cassian forces the zombie back off him as Winifred rushes in beside him, the now one armed creature looking confused (well as confused as a zombie can look) before Cassian hews the other arm with a mighty blow that stoves in the deformed chest and ends whatever spell is holding it upright

Staring into the bank of vile green fog that oozes closer Cassian hears a rustle of cloth and scrape of leather on stone and realises their enemy may be trying to flee in the smoke, but the shouts and a sudden loud blast on the horn from behind him distract him as the Templars continue to close,

One skids to a halt levelling a massive engraved crossbow at the three of you, the other two closing to 20 or so yards, a shout of “In the name of the Boneyard stop, explain yourselves…” they can clearly see the 4 fallen and still twitching zombies but are clearly suspicious of what the three of you might be doing here

[rax]

"Easy now! I am Cassian of House Escalante. My companions and I were bringing the remains of an acquaintance to the cathedral for burial when we heard chanting from that crypt. We investigated and came upon two necromancers animating the dead! They sent their minions to attack us and then conjured up that unwholesome smoke to cover their escape!" he answers, speaking quickly.

[Haval]

From behind the tombstone Andrei adds, 'I was at the Acadamae with one of them. They already expelled him but I'm sure the faculty would appreciate hearing about this.' If Mortimer and his friend had got something out of their ritual he's content to let them go.

[wilphe]

Winifred lowers her weapon slowly, unwilling to give them an excuse.

Yeah. What they said. Two of our non-combatant friends went on towards the cathedral whilst we investigated.

[DrK]

Two of the templars listen to what you say and then run on,, chain mail jangling as they look pale and worried in the flickering light of their torches. Both men clutch the long blades in their other hands as the skirt the tomb avoiding the still cloying bank of green smoke. The other templar visibly seems to relax and lowers the crossbow. Seeing Cassian's wound and the burn mark on Andrei's chest he motions towards the Cathedral in the heart of the sprawling graveyard. Cone now, lets get you to the Church then you can speak with Bishop Keppira and he can see what thinks of your story."

Leading the way the Templar walks slowly back towards the church, he seems amiable for a man who spends most nights patrolling a graveyard searching for undead. "You seem pretty handy with that blade and bow, you did well for yourselves, I saw a few of the unliving you managed to knock down." he pauses tapping the symbol of Pharasma on his jerkin, "The Templar's ain't a bad life. We ain't celibate, leastwise not us soldiers and the rooms and food ain't bad." Gazing back to the main city where you can see flames rising and columns of smoke around the hills that are surmounted by the new Queen's palace and the Hell Knight's Keep he glances at Cassian, "What's happening in the city tonight eh? We heard rumours of trouble o'er the past few week what with the King being sick and all but looks like city has gone mad tonight?"

Reaching the cathedral he ushers you into the main knave, high vaulted windows each with blue stained glass in the shape of the spiraling orb of Pharasma. At this time of the nigh the hard wooden pews are empty and there are only a few candles burning but the wo guards at the door nod to Derren the guard escorting you and after a whispered conversation one marches off through a small door in one of the knaves. By the light of the burning candles near the funerary you see thin pale looking young woman kneeling in prayer, her thin frame shrouded in the traditional black robe of the Priests of the Pharasma. As she looks up you can guess from the narrow eyes, the delicate chin and the faintly pointed ears that she may have some elf ancestry.



Smiling Derrin introduces her as Acolyte Ramara. With a "Acolyte, these men are injured, found some cultists of one of the Dark Gods in the graves causing trouble, managed to deal with a few of the shambling dead but picked up some scrapes. Ramara nods and approaches Cassian and Andrei. "It is late to be out in the Graves, were you to do with the two poor noblefolk who recently arrived? Both seemed terrified by the riots in the city but said they had been saved by a motley band led by a Cassian?" She glances at Cassian, as clearly Amin has mentioned you. "Pleas sit, and let me examine the wounds. we've found they can turn nasty if they aren't cleaned properly." As she speaks she reaches down to a small sling bag that she has clearly had out, probably to treat Amin and his girl and looks at Andrei's and Cassian's injuries.

Spoiler: Heal tests

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As Cassian and Andrei are both lightly wounded they recover 1d10 wounds from her successful heal tests
Cassian recovers (1d10)[3]
Andrei recovers (1d10)[3]

As she tends your wounds she chats happily enough, "How is the city tonight? Pavo, on of my brothers said the city was on the verge of madness. Much of that seems to be true from what young Lord Jalento said. Is it true that the Queen Illesoa has now now the ruler after the poor King's passing?" . before she say much more there is a scrape of wood on the floor and you can all turn to see an elderly looking man approaching. Obviously the Bishop he has a fine black robe of silk with silver wire embroidery and a thin coronet of black iron with Pharasma's swirl set in the midst of it. In respect of his position you also notice two guards lurking in the shadows nearby, clearly watching over the bishop in case you (as mysterious armed strangers) try anything.



Sitting down on a nearby pew he looks in turn each of you, his eyes piercing and wise and strokes hi chin. "A busy night, First words spread from Abador's Counting House that the King is dead and we have a Queen, then I hear words of rioting in the main city. Though thanks the Gods not the Gray, and then finally I have lost nobles and now mysterious young folk roaming my graveyards fighting the unliving. What has the day come to." With a more serious note in his voice he leans forward. "Why did you come to the Gray, why did you come to the boneyard? Answer truthfully, we will not do anything if you have a reason to be here. All are welcome if they come in peace.""

[rax]

Derren the Templar
Cassian nods along politely as Derren talks about his life as a templar.

"You're not wrong to call it madness. By all accounts, the king is indeed dead, and Queen Ileosa has taken the throne, announcing some new tax at the same time. It seems that was enough to send the poor folk of the city into a frenzy. We saw much destruction on the way here, and it looked like even the Guard were besieged in their barracks," he explains when talk turns to the riots.

Acolyte Ramara
"Thank you, acolyte, that's most kind of you," Cassian says as he sits down to await her ministrations. "We were indeed escorting Lord Jalento and his cousin to Cliffside when we came upon the cultists in the graveyard. We sent them ahead to the Cathedral to keep them out of immediate danger. Are they well?"

"As for the city, the rumours you have heard are sadly true. The king is dead and Queen Ileosa has taken the throne, she..." Cassian stops talking when the Bishop appears, rising to his feet and bowing reverently.

Bishop Keppira
"My lord bishop, we have come to the Gray to intern the earthly remains of one Zellara Esmeranda. She was murdered by a man named Gaedren Lamm, who also wronged the three of us in the past. With her assistance, we ended his criminal reign tonight, but we were too late to save her. Much too late..." Cassian replies.

"She...well, what's left of her is in here," he continues, digging out the hat box from his backpack. "None of us knew her well, but we know she had no family left and seeing her properly buried seemed like the least we could do..."

[Haval]

Derren the Templar

'I assume the rioting in the city will burn itself out eventually. I'd say it's safer in here if not for who we just run into. Do people come in here to raise the dead often?'

Acolyte Ramara

Andrei will thank Ramara for her help. 'I'd like to think I could tell if a magical burn ever started getting worse, but if it starts to go black or anything I'll try to come find you.'

Bishop Keppira

Andrei will bow awkwardly as his burns still hurt. After Cassian speaks, 'And given the way she died we would prefer to know that her spirit is properly at rest.'

The fight they had had on the way in seemed of more immediate importance. 'My lord, I'm a former apprentice of the Acadamae and one of the two Necromancers we met outside is known to me. If you're willing to pass on his name to the faculty I would appreciate it. I'd expect they would take the information more seriously if it came from you.'

[wilphe]

"What's happening in the city tonight eh? We heard rumours of trouble o'er the past few week what with the King being sick and all but looks like city has gone mad tonight?"

It has been an eventful night, don't know much except rumours. We have had issues of our own

++++++++

"It is late to be out in the Graves, were you to do with the two poor noblefolk who recently arrived? Both seemed terrified by the riots in the city but said they had been saved by a motley band led by a Cassian?"

Well that's mostly correct she sideeyes Cassian Where are they now?

Do you have anything for "I've just seen the dead walk, it was quite unnerving and I'm really questioning the Cosmos and my place in it"?

++++++++

"Why did you come to the Gray, why did you come to the boneyard? Answer truthfully, we will not do anything if you have a reason to be here. All are welcome if they come in peace."

Winifred stands and bows as the Bishop arrives

Most Reverend Excellency, as my colleague says, trying to ensure proper rites for the head of Zellara Esmeranda

[Haval]

Andrei decides to elaborate on their recent experiences. 'Putting Mistress Esmeranda to rest would be the right thing to do regardless but we have a personal reason to want that. May I ask whether you or anyone among the priests of Pharasma has any experience of spirits?' If there was anything more they needed to worry about here Andrei would prefer that they find out about it now.

[DrK]

Derren steps back as the Acolyte works and the Bishop arrives, adding little save for a "Odd goings on. As long as the Queen don't tax the church more we'll be okay. Aye the young Lord and Lady are fine. One of Ramara's friends looking after them. They were both proper rattled so a herbal draught and sleep 'll sort 'em right." Ramara for her part waves Derrna back and nods. "They were in eed both fine. " and then with a small smile at Winifred she adds, "Prayers to help soothe the soul and that will help you heal."

---

The bisphop looks at Zellera's head and shakes his sadly. Both he and Ramara looking appalled. "Poor Zellara, how I will miss seeing you.." he mutters. "I had not realsied this had happened, had I known I would have sent agents into the city. You say you dealt with this Lamn?" he asks, a voice hard and flat tight with rage. "I will have her remains washed and purified and I will lay her to rest in the morning. " He looks at Cassian, a sad smile, "I knew her, she had skill with the harrow deck. She would cast the deck on occasion for me when I sought more than just prayer."

As he dismisses Derren, the guard respectfully carrying the box with Zellara's head in it he turns back to Andrei. "We have seen more of late. A cult of pale lady has been spreading in the city. I've heard tales of plague in Old Korvosa and folk going missing all over the city. But these filth keep stealing into the graveyard and descecrating it." Looking at the three of them and Andrei in particular, "If you have knowledge of these things would you be willing to help? The church coffers can help and if the riots look to be true we can offer lodging in the barracks?"

[wilphe]

Lamn is very dead and the children he had exploited freed. Your excellency would know more about the chances of such a villain returning from the grave.

Two other matters excellency.

Firstly we were all contacted and spoke to Zellara for the first time this afternoon. Yet from her condition she was long since dead by then.

Secondly. We found this knife amongst Lamn's possessions.

I have since come to understand it was the signature weapon of a notorious pattern killer.

[wilphe]

"If you have knowledge of these things would you be willing to help? The church coffers can help and if the riots look to be true we can offer lodging in the barracks?"

Winfired looks at Andrei. I don't have knowledge but I have will, though I wonder what I could do as I hit that lady square and true but it did not penetrate her magic

[rax]

"House Escalante has always stood with the forces of life, my lord bishop. I will help in any way I can, but I have pledged to bring Amin and Cassandra safely to their residence, and that is a duty I must fulfil first. As for a place to stay, I have rooms in my family's townhouse. Are you thinking that the fight against these cultists will be a long one, since you are offering us a roof over our heads?"

[DrK]

THe bishop's eyes narrow as he see's the blade, and he almost hisses in disgust. "This was a dark time in the history of the city." He mutters staring at the dagger. "I shall consult with the sages in the church and reach out to my contacts in the other churches when the madness dies down. If the Key-lock killer has returned it will be dark days ahead."


At Cassian's words he nods. "These cults take a long time to root out, particularly the darker ones. You are welcome to use chambers here for this evening. Lord Amin and Lady Cassandra are sleeping. Perhaps you would stay here this night and could then head back into the city in the morning when the sun's rise has calmed the mob?"

At Zellara's head he purses his lips.

"I hope there is some explanation for you speaking with her this afternoon. It would pain me tgo think of her unquiet spirit not in the Boneyard's safe embrace. I shall think and pray on the matter."

He nods happily to you all. "It is very late, guards, please show them where they can spend the night and provide food and bandages as they may need." With the polite dismissal you are shown to some relatively plain acolyte cells that are clean with a bed and blankets and food is brought. The guards seeming friendly enough with you all.

OOC:
You can all rest with tending to heal 2 wounds overnight
You all receive 400 XP for dealing with Lamn and finding a safe place in the Riot

[Haval]

As he dismisses Derren, the guard respectfully carrying the box with Zellara's head in it he turns back to Andrei. "We have seen more of late. A cult of pale lady has been spreading in the city. I've heard tales of plague in Old Korvosa and folk going missing all over the city. But these filth keep stealing into the graveyard and descecrating it." Looking at the three of them and Andrei in particular, "If you have knowledge of these things would you be willing to help? The church coffers can help and if the riots look to be true we can offer lodging in the barracks?"

Andrei is disappointed, 'If you're asking me for help then you clearly don't have anyone more suitable. I'm willing but I am only an apprentice. I suppose I could make inquiries at the Academae. Assuming anyone there will talk to me. Regardless of that, I appreciate the offer of a bed.'

"If you have knowledge of these things would you be willing to help? The church coffers can help and if the riots look to be true we can offer lodging in the barracks?"

Winfired looks at Andrei. I don't have knowledge but I have will, though I wonder what I could do as I hit that lady square and true but it did not penetrate her magic

'It's usually a matter of having the will and the knowledge to break through something like that. Or else you try to take them by surprise before they can get their defences up. I'd like to think an arrow in the neck would be enough most of time. Even for a Necromancer.'

[rax]

"Indeed, it has been a long day, and the mob was numerous. I thank you for your offer, my lord bishop, a safe place to stay for the night is much appreciated," Cassian answers.

"Never fear, Winifred, the cataphracts of House Escalante slew many a foreign wizard in the glory days of Taldor. It is as Andrei says, they fall to a good blade as easily as the next man or woman."

[wilphe]

Andrei is disappointed, 'If you're asking me for help then you clearly don't have anyone more suitable. I'm willing but I am only an apprentice. I suppose I could make inquiries at the Academae. Assuming anyone there will talk to me. Regardless of that, I appreciate the offer of a bed.'

We tried when many others would have not, that may not be enough but it is a good start.

You should not be so hard on yourself

[wilphe]

With the polite dismissal you are shown to some relatively plain acolyte cells that are clean with a bed and blankets and food is brought. The guards seeming friendly enough with you all.

Winfred thanks the guards politely, Is there perhaps somewhere I can wash and get a change of clothes and perhaps have my clothes cleaned?

I do not wish the smells of blood, zombies and rancid fishguts to stay with me.

And if this involves tipping one of servants, well yes she will...

[Haval]

We tried when many others would have not, that may not be enough but it is a good start.

You should not be so hard on yourself

Andrei smiles ruefully, 'Perhaps, but there's only so much an apprentice can do.'

[DrK]

The rest of the night (what's left of it) passes quickly enough as you are well fed in the church kitchens and then led to your small rooms. You are awakened quite early as the bells above you toll loudly marking the start of the day and you can faintly hear the sound of sonorous hyms echoing around the ancient stone structure from the morning service, although you are pleased that the bishop or the acolyte clearly didn't ask you for to be awakened for the morning service.

As you rise you find your clothes laid out neatly, washed and mostly dry and one of the servants, a timid mousy looking girl in a neat if plain black frock asks you in a voice so quiet you strain to hear her to follow you all to the kitchens. In the more bustling kitchens you are waved by a harassed looking middle aged woman with a flour covered apron to a seat in the corner on a large table where you see young Amin and Cassandra. Amin rises to his feet, a smile and a welcoming handshake to Cassian, "My good sirs, welcome to you. I had heard from one of the staff you were well but it pleases me to see this is true. I had heard rumours of dark magic and the walking dead, though surely that must be in jest.." he adds with a smile. With a nights rest he looks much better and less terrified than the night before. "Have you seen the food here? I had not thought peasant food was up to much but Mistress Elma here has made us a feast!" he adds waving to the table there is several freshly baked breads, a large chunk of butter, water and some light breakfast mead. "I would head home after we break bread and if you come with us I will see you rewarded." He looks up, "I am in some rush to see what has come of the night of rioting and what has happened within our fair City."

[rax]

"Good morning to you both - it's good to see you in better spirits. Rest and a decent breakfast can indeed work wonders," Cassian answers Amin and Cassandra with a smile.

"Alas, the rumours are true Master Amin. We came upon two necromancers working dark magic to make monsters of the corpses interred in a tomb," Cassian continues, shaking his head in disgust. "We could not let such a thing stand, so we engaged them and drove them off. The templars then arrived to take up the chase and we retired to the Cathedral. I am not keen to face such horrors again, but Bishop Keppira has asked for our assistance in this matter and I have pledged my sword to finish what we started. But first we must see you both safely home!"

[wilphe]

Winifred courtesies on greeting them, enough to be polite and pitching at just below their social level, Simple food cooked well is better than any banquet, I should know she adds meaningfully.

One hopes things are quieter than last night, I do not need such another eventful day in a hurry.

How pray did you manage to get caught up in the unfortunate situation in which we found you?

She casts a keen eye around, observing the Elma's methods and working practices

Spoiler: OOC

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Still want Trade: Cook

[Haval]

Andrei is glad of the rest, especially as this is a nicer bed then most of those that he's slept in lately.

At breakfast, 'Regrettably dark magic is more common then you might hope. Normally they have the sense to stick to the shadows when they're doing it.' He'd like to think that the worst of the rioting was already over, but who could say how much mess had been made.

[DrK]

As the sun rises the three of you, plus a timid looking Cassandra and young Lord Amin head outside, a friendly nod to the guards. The young acolyte Ramara catching you, a hand on Winifred's shoulder, "Have a care, but also, please, keep an eye out for my fellow acolyte Pavo. When he went back into the city yesterday evening he hasn't returned, with the madness last night I am worried about him."

As you head back through the graves, the Gray looking far less scary in the daylight you can see trhe damage wrought on the city from the night of riots. Smoke from a dozen (mostly extinguished) fires marring the cityscape, and even more surprising long queues of wagons at the city gates, angry looking farmhands shouting at the still locked city gates, no soldiers visible on the walls. As you cross into the main city district the mood seems somber, clearly the pent up fury of the previous night is only taken a breath rather than ceasing and in several places bloody smears or a discarded knife on the cobbles speaks of a rough night for the locals. Amin looks at you all witha worried expression, a quiet, "I hope the docks and warehouses remained safe. Much of the family fortune is invested there."...

Before he can say much more on the quiet streets you see a mad looking beggar running towards you, he looks ragged, cloths barely clinging to him, a filthy matted beard and a gap toothed mouth spitting in excitment. 2The queen has risen, death rises with her and the city will drown in blood" he screams as he runs towards Cassian seeking to grab him by the shoulders in an insnae and excited embrace

Initi [roll]1d10+3[/roll[
- its a partial combat enoucounter depending if you want the flea ridden beggar to grab you whilst raving about the end of the world