Tyrant's Grasp: The Dead Roads [IC]

[DrK]

Grum spins around at the mention of "reapers" and then sees the skeleton and the raven and strides in front of the others shifting the massive blade into a more defensive style. "We ain't no easy meat beast. No ye ca be gone and leave us be.." he challenges them as he rests into a defensive posture.

Behind him Helena had been looking confused between the pair of brothers confused at the mention of things like "Europe" and "Sheol". As the flying skeleton flaps towards them she whips her hand back plucking an arrow out stepping into her stance to bring holy fire to her arrows as she takes careful aim, a questioning "Raven or skeleton first?" to the group as she wonders what manner of beast they are.

[lostsole31]

A high-pitched voice emanates from the chattering beak of the masked songbird, “Oh, isn’t this a meeting of obvious fortuitousness! Here you are, and here we are. My name is Umble, and my silent companion here is named Thoot. We mean you no harm, despite the strange harmaments you seem to have already suffered. Yes, yes, this is the land of the dead, and no, you aren’t dead yourselves. You seem to be something of a special case—you seem a touch too vitalitinous for this place.”

The bird peers closely, cocking her head to one side. “Ah, there is a wonderment! Your hearts have something lodged inside them. Something that’s brought you here, but kept you from doing so in the orthodoxiumous fashion. I cannot help but ruminate: what has caused your strange condition?”

[DrK]

Grum holds his blade and lowers it to the ground. ”No harm aye, ye be saying I be dead. But you hole nae part of that?” He glances at the others, “Ya ken what this talking but or it’s bony mate be?”

Helena lowers her bow. ”What manner of creatures are you? And how did we end up here? None of us were in fights or strife last night?”

Tapping her chest she looks to for a mark or injury, “I cannot feel anything there.”

[lostsole31]

As Thoot gives a big, enigmatic shrug, Umble squeaks out, "We are psychopomps, whose functionation is to guide the souls of the dead to their final rewards; we come in multiplicitous varieties, as you can see.

"As far as your hearts ... well, it’s right there for the seeing, if you can see into your own hearts. A longitudinousness of your makeup. It’s ah... a bit of a tweak, you see."

"Where are we?" asks Drake, still having trouble with what was said earlier. "How did we get here?"

“In Pharasma’s Boneyard, of course; in the Graveyard of Souls. As far as your arrival, that is as much a mysteriosity to us as it is to you, I assure you. The customary route is one of considerably more post-mortality than you seem to have.”

Gwennid, seeing even the little bird as strangely terrifying, pipes up, "Will you hurt us?"

Camael says with some sense of purpose, "Can we speak with Pharasma?"

“Oh with all certaintuity! The wait for her magisterial presence is normally any number of centuries, but given the atypicallity of your arrival, I expect the Lady of Graves will see you in just a scant tens of years!”

[DrK]

Grum listens then asks with his dwarven bluntness, ”Can we leave this place. Ye be coming and going, how do ye do that? Can ye send us back tae our realm?” He looks around and pats Gwen on the shoulder, “Aye lass, we be safe frae them. I’ll keep ye right.”

Helena is stlll perplexed ”You say we are oddities in this place. Have you seen this before? As master Grum says, can we leave this place please.” Then as she looks about, “Are we the only people from Roslar’s coffer here?”

[lostsole31]

The tall creature with the wings and jackal-skull head softly raps Umble’s head, then points to the entrance to a nearby valley.

“Ah, Thoot, now that is a brilliant idea!” exclaims the gregarious bird. “You are from Roslar’s Coffer, and they are from Roslar’s Coffer. Perhaps you can help us? If so, we can provide you with some very helpful information about wending you in a homewardly direction.

“Some awful tragedy befell this Roslar’s Coffer. Everyone there died quite suddenly overnight. Well, everyone but you, apparently, but in any case, the sum of the populatory has deposited here, dead or otherwise. Their souls are milling about in that valley over there. As happens on such calamitous occasions, the inhabitants aren’t quite ready to admit that they’ve died. Despite their obvious amortality.

“Now, Thoot and I, we are not psychopomps in the greatest esteem. One might say we’re on our last chances around here. But because these souls have arrived in our territory, it’s our duty to make them accept their mortality and move them along in a soulwardly way. But they took one look at us, called us ‘monsters,’ and accosted us with homicidal intent. They wouldn’t allow any discussionment. Now, eventually, more powerful psychopomps will be along to settle this all out, but Thoot and I will be in a terrible amount of trouble in light of this failing. Here is our propositionality: if you convince these souls they’ve expired—as, until the recent event of their passing that you somehow avoided, you were among their kind—we can tell you about the Dead Roads: the roads from the Boneyard to mortal worlds, that is. Have we a deal?”

[DrK]

Grum nods at them, "YOu say there are others from our village, Aye ye flying beastie, ye and the sack o'bones can point us in that way." Helena reaches out to Grum, "Grum, you didn't hear, they are all dead. I suspect.." she adds looking at the raven, "Not in a similar way to us who seem to be strange, but properly dead. But we need to help them. We need to help any of them we can."

She looks at the strange view and creatures, "How do we convince them they are dead if they are stuck halfway in between?" she asks to Humble and Thoot.

[lostsole31]

"First, have we a deality?" asks Umble.

[DrK]

Helena nods, immediately agreeing to help her fellow people from Roslar’s Coffer. ”Yes of course I shall help any of them.”

[lostsole31]

"Like I explanated," says Umble, "We didn't convincerate the folks from Roslar's Coffer. So that's on you. Let's go!"

As the psychopmps lead you out of the particular graveyard you are in and travel along a road, Sal speaks up, "You mentioned the Dead Roads. Where I come from, there are some wives' tales and children's songs about the reaper walking the dead roads to bring the dying home."

Umble and Thoot offer nothing to Sal's remembrances, escorting the PCs to the valley entrance. Thoot shifts impatiently, looking around the horizon, and Umble encourages the PCs to get on with their convincing, but the two of them will stay at this point.

[DrK]

Grum looks at the two psychopmps and shrugs, "Best be about it eh?" he grumbles and starts stomping down the road. Following him Helena looks at Sal and nods, "Its similar here. The dead roads are where the souls go on their path to the most appropriate afterlife", the under her breath as she follows Grum, "THough damned if I know how to explain that to the souls of Roslar's coffer"

Heading that way she looks into the mists and for for what may lie ahead.

[lostsole31]

The party travels along as directed. A small valley stretches out beyond the rocky pass. Winding stands of gray trees and tumbledown walls mirror the layout of Roslar’s Coffer, with simple trails in place of roads. Softly glowing figures—some of them with familiar faces—wander about, apparently practicing their daily routines.

This narrow valley has several copses of dead trees, each separated by thorny brush. All the residents of Roslar’s Coffer are here, puzzled but trying to persevere. The Boneyard has created a rough facsimile of Roslar’s Coffer to ease their transition, and the trauma the souls experienced in their mass arrival is enough to blind them to the obvious imperfections of the simulation. The residents greet the PCs, commenting perhaps on the strange weather or feeling a bit odd, but otherwise refusing to consider anything might be wrong. Even family and friends of the PCs can’t seem to understand that something is wrong. Locals comment about the “skeleton monster” that came down from the hills that morning, but they seem confident they scared it away. A few citizens show obvious signs of stress —their perceptions and minds tearing them apart inside—and if not eased into the transition soon, they could easily return to "their world" (Golarion) as ghosts and restless undead, Camael informs you.

What now?

[DrK]

Grum grunts a greeting to those he meets, a look of sadness on his craggy face as he can see their misty forms and realises they are dead. "Tis a shame lass. they be all gone. We best find some o'the council to see if we can gather folk up. Mayhaps have a word eh?" He looks at Drake, Gwen, Sal and Camael, "Maybe outlander riends 'ere can talk some sense into them."

Helen had paused to speaks with some of the people and looked sad. "I should check the barracks, see if my unit is here?" she suggests, "They might be able to help?".

Grum shrugs, "Aye lass, whether we be pub, merchant or barracks I'v no great concern. Tis a dead town now, memories and dust." The last is said sadly and Helenal looks at the dwarf in surprise as if she only now remembers he is probably older than her grand parents.

[lostsole31]

So, if I get this right ... Grum is going to look for "those in charge" of Roslar's Coffer.

Meanwhile, Helena is going to try to locate and rendezvous with members of her unit?

[DrK]

Grum looks at the others and gesture towards the main square and where the inns are. "Shall we try that way aye? Be busy enough if the mayor ain't there someone 'll know where she is"".

Helena nods her head and looks at Gwen, "Would you come with me? I'd like to have some company?" If Gwen agrees she'll head towards the barracks.

[lostsole31]

"Helena, do you mind if I go with you?" asks Camael. The Windchasers look at him curiously, so he explains. "We don't know what's happening and if there are hostile forces out there. In case Helena and Gwennid are attacked, they have an extra hand."

"Ahh, you dog," says Drake with a weird sense of encouragement, "helping the ladies, why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you and Grum still think of Gwennid as female. There is only one lady, and neither the lady nor the nonbinary fey have proven to be helpless in battle," says Camael, who turns to Helena. "Is that alright with you?"

[DrK]

Helena blushes heavily at the interplay between Camael and Drake, the pink glow clear on her pale skin. Looking towards where the barracks are so they can't see her face she nods. "Of course Camael. From what we've seen in the tomb its not free of danger and I doubt this pale reflection of Roslar's Coffer will be different." However, as she looks at the buildings she does sling her bow over her shoulder so as not to be walking around fully armed.


Grum looks at Sal and Drake a gruff, "Inn be this way Lads"" as he starts stomping through the foggy surrounds.

[lostsole31]

Helena (et. al.)

Helena and her new friends make it to the armory, a small garrison of no more than 12 souls (of which Helena was one) designed to be on hand to ride and range in pairs about Roslar's Coffer in their eternal task. Lieutenant Garcy, a halfling outrider, oversees the armory.

"Varvatos!" he barks upon seeing you. "Where have you been? We were thinking the scythe-wielding skeleton and its strange bird got you. Definitely a thinking bonebox, so surely a pawn of some new upstart in the Way, wouldn't you say?"

No sooner does he give you that spirited greeting than his attention sort of just ... wanes and he isn't really focused on a reply or you.

Meanwhile, a smaller voice from a much larger body to the side of the entrance to the armor is heard. "Sun-Sunflower? Is that you?"

Helena turns her head to see Garvin there, having used his familiar for you as you are as tall as a sunflower with golden hair.

---

Grum (et. al.)

To Grum's surprise, he has no trouble at all getting an audience with the mayor, Lady Mullana Grive.

"Well?" she asks of the dwarf.

[DrK]

Helena

Helena nods to the outrider bellowing at her. "I met the creature. A psychopomp no undead. We may have to discuss somethings my friend." At someone calling out to her via a nickname she nods and smiles. "It is me. I am here. Although in some strange circumstances. Can I introduce my friends, this is Gwen and this is Camael."

------

Grum

Grum looks at the mayor and nods to Drake and Sal. "Aye Mayor. Tis good tae see you. These be Drake and Sal, frae out o' town. " He pauses as he looks about. "I have a wee bit o' bad news. Mebbe we be talking inside, you be needing a drink fer this." He gestures to the nearest bar. "Best we talk inside."

[lostsole31]

Helena

"Hey," he looks at the strangers, and takes on a less familiar tone. "My name is Garvin. Helena and I are .... friends.

"Helena, any idea what is happening? What's a psychopomp?"

---

Grum

You were already seen by the mayor, and she's well enough alone.

"Out with it, man."

[DrK]

Helena

Helena approaches Garmin carefully looking for any signs of strangeness. ”Oh Garvin. I am so sorry. It’s not fair any it. Do you know where you are? What happened?” she asks.

Offering a gentle embrace she says wearily. “Everyone is dead and gone. This is the Dead Roads all around us. How do you feel?”

——

Grum

Grum looks at the mayor and shrugs. ”Aye. If ye want it blunt I can gie it you blunt. Ye are all dead. The town be gone and ye be in the dead roads. It be time to move one.” He pauses to give the mayor a moment to think on the blunt explanation of events.

[lostsole31]

Helena

Garvin looks at her amusedly. "Dead, hahaha. Oh, we're in Roslar's Coffer. Not where .... wherever you said. I mean, I went to bed last night and woke up as normal, though I have been a little foggy I admit. But dead? Ho-ho-ho, I don't think so."

Helena, do you spend significant time with him to try to convince Garvin of the fact that he's dead?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

This takes more time than a few quips, but doesn't need to be RP'd to the nth degree, either, as a result.

---

Grum

To Grum's and the brother's surprise ... the mayor isn't.

"I agree that being dead seems the most likely explanation," she begins. "However, my own efforts to explain this have led to horrifying reactions and panic, which hasn't helped anyone. I'm not willing to try again unless you can convince the rest of the town council, led by Arbella Tharmethion -- one of the most influential residents -- and also broach the issue quietly and carefully to the children of Roslar's Coffer. I've never been good with children, and I'm terrified of warping their young souls should I try.

"If you can convince them, I agree to call a town meeting and, with the backing of you and the town council, explain the situation to the whole town."

[DrK]

Helena

Grabbing Garvin by the hand Helena leads him to one side and proffers him to sit down. ”Im so sorry Garvin, it’s the truth. I struggled with it as well. I woke up in a tomb, I met these strangers from another realm…” Here she points at Gwen and Camael, “But we are in the dead roads and it is time to move on. I’m so sorry….”
She sits with him for some time describing the tomb and what she has seen so far and Umble and Thoot. By the end a few tears drip down her cheeks as she feels the sadness of the loss of everyone she knows in the town

Grum

The dwarf starts at the matter of fact tone of the mayor. ”Aye, well aye.” he stutters. “I dinnae like kids but mebbe Helena can help with that, where be this counsellor?”

[lostsole31]

Helena
It takes 36 minutes, and Helena finds that for herself, her best means of imparting Garvin's death and helping him to understand is less in her natural abilities to convince another, and more about her own understanding of theology and explaining it to another person.

Finally, it seems to dawn on him. "It's really true, then." He then turns to look Helena squarely, studying her face, and then smiles wanly. "We were never meant to be, were we, Sunflower?"

---

Grum

The mayor shrugs and tells the men where she last saw Arbella. Of course, Grum knows what she looks like. Of course, as Grum is a resident he does know what Arbella looks like. She is a trader from Roslar’s Coffer who has a very distinguished ancestor: a warrior from the Shining Crusade named Garrid Tharmethion. Arbella is well known and well liked in Roslar’s Coffer, and sits on the town council as the local economic advisor.

[DrK]

Helana

By the end Helena has tears streaking her face as holds Garvin in a tight embrace. "No... I don't think we are to be true. I'm so sorry Garv'. I don't even know what happened. I'm so sorry. I promise you, I'll find out what happened. I'll find those responisble and make them pay." The last sentence is said with venom as she looks angry at the loss of this.

Holding onto to him for a few minutes more she kisses him gently. "Its time go go. But you'll live on with me."

Helena will sit with him for another few minutes to allow him to accept the inevtibale before wishing him farewell and leaving the barracks. She looks to Gwen and Camael, "Lets go and find Grum" she says as she heads back to town.

----

Grum

Grum nods to the brothers. "Come on then. Lets talk some sense into Arabella. Best be telling her that she be dead and time to move on." He doesn't even pretend to like the woman as aside from his few friends he wasn't that fussed for many in the town.

(Hopefully with directions) from the Mayor he heads towards where Arabella was last seen with Sal and Drake in tow.

[lostsole31]

"Hey, Grum! Is that really you?" comes a familiar, squeaky voice.

Grum turns around to see Dravit Swipeslap, the local jeweller, casually walking towards him down the road.

"What the hell is that?!?" remarks Sal without much use of any inside voice.

"I, sir, am a gnome," Dravit answers with a haughty sniff of his gold-flecked green lip, his unkempt turquoise moustache wriggling defiantly. "And what the hell is THAT?" he follows up, pointing to Sal's stowed sidearm. "Is that an Alkenstar weapon?!?"

"A what?" Sal looks to Grum helplessly.

"Wake up in a strange place, everyone has lost their damn minds. Including you, you big oaf," Dravit says with mock accusation. "What's going on here? And who are they?"

[DrK]

Grum

Grum turn at the shout and nods to the approaching gnome. He offers Dravit and strong and firm handshake. "Aye Drav' it be me. How ye be doing?" He asks the gnome. Then he steps aside as Dravit spots the gun. Nodding he gestures, "Met 'em in the tomb. Its goes "boom" and everything. Shocked ye didn't hear it," He adds.

Looking around he gestures at the greyed out hills, washed out petitioners and the like. "Ye not seeing anything wrong ye badger kissing rogue?"

[lostsole31]

"Something ... seems off," he says, drifting his gaze about, "I just can't put my whiskers on it, you brain-rotted whelpling."

[DrK]

Grum sighs. ”Mebbe a drink would help aye… Ye be dead. Ye be in the Dead Roads.”” He says bluntly. Suggesting they sit down on a ledge/wall/bench he’ll spend the next few minutes explaining the situation to his gnomish friend

[lostsole31]

Grum's a warpriest, not a parish priest, and his skills aren't given (yet) to comforting others. Even with Dean studying and trying to aid Grum (since Grum began this), it isn't quite enough after 37 minutes of the attempt. Dravit begins to panic and spasm, flashing briefly between his normal form and a ghostly reflection of what he may become, simply forgetting the past several minutes ... including all of Grum's attempt to convince him that he is dead.

Sal says to Grum, "I could try, if you think we have the time?"

"No," says Drake. "That's just it. We don't have the time. It would take weeks and weeks to try and get everyone in town individually. I say we leave your pal for now, and scare up this Arbella like the kindly dead mayor-lady asked us."

Grum, what do you want to do?