DM Kathy Sunday January 18th, 2015 8:36:23 PM
First, before I forget (again), everybody please take 200 experience points for the first scene, and 500 experience points for the second scene (the zombie fight).
Talanthrel and Broom both peer around at the graveyard, but nothing seems to have changed in the last minute or so.
Var takes a look at the tracks. It's very difficult to tell with the recent rain, but you think that there has been some undead activity--above and beyond the zombies you just fought.
You find that you don't have a lot of enthusiasm for burying or burning the bodies. It promises to be an unpleaseant, back-breaking chore, and it may not even be necessary. Wilford suggests a mass grave, but you decide instead to go back to the chapel to see what you can learn from the man there.
Avin spends some time seeing to the dead while Ashley leads the way to the chapel. Toston, following, keeps an eye out for anything unusual, but doesn't see anything.
In the chapel, you find that Gilmek has been keeping an eye on the drunken man. "I think he's passed out again," the gnome says, stepping back to make room for you.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 03/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] Sunday January 18th, 2015 10:51:26 PM
Talanthrel smiles cheerfully, "Well that's easily fixed." he says. While pulling out a water skin with the intent of splashing the fellow to wakefulness.
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 d20+7=10 ; d20+8=24 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 11:30:08 AM
Var shrugs at Talanthrel and puts the healing potion back in his pouch. Taking a final look around, he tries to determine which direction the zombie tracks lead (Survival(Tracking): 10) before heading into the chapel with the rest of the group.
While Talanthrel and Wilford attempt to wake the drunkard up, Var takes a moment to scrutinize the man for any out-of-place details about him (Perception: 24)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:1/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+9=25 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 1:30:41 PM
Toston realizes he is still holding his gore spattered kama. Sensing that this may send the wrong message to the man, he cleans the weapon and re-sheathes it. Toston then reclaims the water skin he dropped when the zombies attacked and puts it in his pack.
Toston then searches the shrine for a shovel, spade or pick (Perception : 25) in case the party decides to re-bury the bodies.
He says to Gilmek, "Talanthrel, Broom, Ashley and I all were injured fighting the zombies. Is there anything you can do to heal us?"
Avin Fellows HP:12/12 AC:13 d20+1=8 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 2:57:19 PM
Avin follows the crew into the chapel after tending what little cares he can give to the deceased. Leaving the others to care for the man's well-being and potential interrogation, Avin searches the room for any possessions the man may have left about. However, Avin's sight proves weak by the lamplight (roll 8 perception).
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] d20+1=7 ; Monday January 19th, 2015 9:11:34 PM
Ashley watched the others of the party attempt to rouse the man awake and get information out of him. While they try to speak to the man, Ashley looks around the chapel, looking for anything of use or value. He would wait to see how loose the man's tongue was before stepping in on that account.
[Perception: 7]
DM Kathy Monday January 19th, 2015 10:16:39 PM
In the graveyard, Var looks to see which direction the undead were traveling. He isn't able to tell; the tracks aren't in any one location and the rain has washed most of them away.
Inside the chapel, Talanthrel uses a splash of water to re-awaken the drunken man, and Wilford shoves him agains the shrine and demands to know about the zombies.
"Mmm--pfff" the man splutters. "Wazzat. Who're you?" He sits up straight and glares. "Now, you lissen here," he says. "You can't talk ta me lithat. I'm an 'mportant man. Manna posisshen. Gotta....gotta...gotta posisshen here. Not like you...." he waves his finger around, "...you rabble."
[OOC: That was 'man of position' in drunk talk; I wasn't sure that was clear.]
As the man blusters, Toston looks around for a spade or shovel, but doesn't see any. This part of the buildings seems set up for worship; any tools are probably in a shed or closet somewhere. Var studies the man intently, but doesn't really see anything he would consider out of place. Avin and Ashley also look around, but don't see anything.
Toston asks about healing. "What?" the man says indignantly. "You come in here an', an', an' assault me an' tryta drown me and now you want me ta, ta....what was it again?" He blinks blearily up at Toston. Then he doesn't seem interested in an answer. "You...you all rabble. Get out. Nobody 'preciates me."
Broom (HP 7/12, AC17/T17/FF14) Monday January 19th, 2015 11:43:09 PM
Broom kept his peace and let his other companion do the dirty work, though he grimace at the rough handling.
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] d20+8=27 ; Tuesday January 20th, 2015 12:56:03 AM
Ashley listened to the man ramble on in his drunken babble, his expression darkening into a scowl. He understood the slurred words well enough; drunk is a sailor's second language after all. The tall man walks over to where Wilford and Talanthrel are, scowling down at the supposed 'man of position.'
"Listen well, wretch. We've come for answers, and we'll have them. If you don't want to be gutted and thrown in a grave with those walking dead we just hacked to bits, you had best start talking."
[Intimidate: 27]
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 03/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] Tuesday January 20th, 2015 3:30:56 AM
Talanthrel grins at the man and says cheerfully, "I would answer the man, cause he is not in a good mood and is likely to take it out on you."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:1/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+7=25 ; d20+1=16 ; Tuesday January 20th, 2015 7:38:35 AM
(OOC: Guys I am sorry about not showing a unified front but Toston is going to break ranks and speak ot against the treatment of the drunk. also to Kathy last post I was directing my question at Gilmek as I assumed you were NPCing him. Toston wouldn't have engaged the drunk in conversation yet)
Toston has no trouble determining what the man was saying, having experience with sailors himself. Toston attempts to discern if the man is telling the truth about being an important person or if he is just a common schlub (Sense Motive :25).
(OOC: Here we come to the crux of the matter if this man is lying, because one can assume he is scared and may lie to protect himself then we may be threatening the people we are supposed to be helping as agents of the crescent moon trading company)
If the man is lying:[b] Toston says to Ashley, "If this man is important then I am Vorelle. Look at him. He is scared and you threatening him isn't helping any."
Toston says to Wil, "You also probably shouldn't have shoved him against the wall. He is the type of person we are supposed to be trying to help."
Toston then apologizes to the man. "I am sorry for splashing you with water earlier and for the way my companions treated you just now. There is some urgency because of a zombie problem in Grubber Town and we were able to trace some zombies to the graveyard outside. We just want to help people and my friends may have been a little hasty because of the rain and the fact that we got injured fighting the zombies outside, which may have saved your life." (Diplomacy 16)
[b]If the man is telling the truth about being important:
This being Dirt City, if this man is important he may be guilty of something; just not anything obvious at the moment, still Toston is willing to give the man the benefit of the doubt.
To Ashley and Wil Toston says, "He is telling the truth about having connections. Still though we should probably treat him better, threatening him and shoving him against the wall send the wrong message, especially since as far as we know he is guilty of nothing more than being a drunk in the wrong place at the wrong time."
To the man[b] Toston says, "I am sorry for the way my companions treated you. Please excuse them; its been a rough day what with the rain and the zombies. Some of us got injured fighting them you know and since they were outside your chapel maybe they were after you? An important person like you must have some enemies? If so we may have just saved your life." (Diplomacy 16)
[b]If Toston can't tell whether the man is lying or not:
Toston is willing to give the man the benefit of the doubt on principal; being unable to tell if the man is lying or not.
To Wil and Ashley he says, "I can't tell if the man is lying or not about being connected. However we probably should treat him better on principle. As far as we know he has done nothing wrong, except being passed out drunk in a shrine besieged by zombies."
To the man Toston says, "I am sorry for the way my companions treated you. It has been a trying day with the zombies and the rain and all. Coincidentally the shrine you are in now was under attacked by zombies. We saved your life and some of us were injured. I know we got off to a rough start but any aid you can offer with our injuries or in seeking out the cause of the zombie problem, would be appreciated." (Diplomacy 16)
(OOC: I am sorry for the long conditional post...also not sure if I may get a bonus to my diplomacy check seeing that I remind the man we saved his life or if any bonus is negated by the rough treatment by the rest of the team.)
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 12:06:50 PM
Var carefully inspects the drunk priest, and then looks over at the shrine, as if for the first time. To himself, he says "Ffloy...I knew a priest of Ffloy. Met him on the trade road to Sheuvan." Taking out a gold coin, he places it on a offering tray on the altar, "Hard work should always be rewarded." Var turns, and looks around at the run-down chapel, and at the drunk rambling on about how 'important' he is. "Doesn't look like you've been working very hard, priest."
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) d20+7=16 ; Tuesday January 20th, 2015 1:30:14 PM
Wil realized he let his temper go a little and released the man. " I am so sorry, I tend to be a little hot headed sometimes. Can you please help us figure out what's going on with the undead invasion?" (Diplomacy: 16)
Avin Fellows HP:12/12 AC:13 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 8:38:28 PM
Avin heaves an impatient sigh as the crew question the drunkard. Mumbling once more to himself, he recuses himself back outside to keep a watchful eye out. At the same time he wonders how well the man can see without the lamplight, chuckling wryly to himself.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 20th, 2015 9:36:52 PM
As Broom looks on, Ashley gives the priest the full force of his personality. The man quails visibly. Talanthrel interjects some helpful advice, just in case Ashley's threats weren't clear enough.
Meanwhile Toston attempts to determine the man's truthfulness, which is more difficult than it seems. It's very clear that the man believes what he is saying; he believes himself to be an important man. Or at least, he believes himself to be more important than a random group of street thugs who burst in here and are trying to interrogate him. What that means in practical terms is tougher to determine. He probably needed somebody's influence to get this job, but did he bribe somebody? Did somebody owe him a favor? Or does he have an ongoing relationship with somebody in power? Impossible to say.
Since the priest does seem to have a pretty high opinion of himself, Toston decides to strike a more diplomatic tone. Or maybe he's just trying for "good cop, bad cop." Wilford also chooses diplomacy.
"I am Brother Elthorn," the priest says, climbing to his feet. He sways for a moment, then stabilizes. "I'm the priest here. Acolyte o' Ffloy. Never shouldda picked Ffloy. Nobody 'preciates me." He looks around. "Thish ish my chapel. I'm the man in charge, see?" He looks around, as if making sure everybody appreciates how important he is. "'Bout a week ago, the dead shtarted comin' outta the ground. Just..." he waves his arms as if trying to describe something, but it's hard to say what. "...just comin' outta the ground. I dunno why. Not sh'posed ta happen. Not my fault. Ground's sh'posed ta be consec-- conscec-- sh'posed to be magicked so it don't happen."
If you succeed on a DC 20 Knowledge: History or Knowledge: Local check, Highlight to display spoiler: { you know that local cemeteries are usually consecrated with some kind of ritual, which needs to be renewed periodically.}
If you succeed on a DC 15 Spellcraft, Knowledge: Religion, or Knowledge: Arcana check, Highlight to display spoiler: { You know that the Hallow spell will permanently consecrate ground, but it is expensive to cast and requires a relatively high-level caster. Because of this, most smaller cemeteries opt instead for a ritual consecration, which needs to be renewed perodically.}
Meanwhile, Var places a coin on the altar, and reflects on what a very poor example of Ffloy's virtues Brother Elthorn is. Avin goes back outside to look around, but doesn't see anything.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 03/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:47:51 PM
Talanthrel sighs and thinks to himself "Great, isn't acolyte like an apprentice priest?" He then step back from the questioning and puts up his water skin. Talanthrel figures he will let the others handle asking the questions as he knows almost nothing about religion.
Toston says to the man "Brother Elthorn, a few questions if I may. When you had the grounds consecrated did you use the spell hallow or opt for a ritual consecration instead? I ask because hallow is permanent but a ritual consecration needs to be renewed. Since you are a priest, can you heal Talanthrel, Ashley, Broom and myself?" At the second question Toston indicates each of his companions in turn.
Toston then introduces himself to Elthorn, trying to find common ground on the topic of religion "I am Toston Lotor, by the way. I am a monk but pay my respects to the whole Woldian Pantheon including Ffloy; though I revere Domi and Alemi more than the rest. I have a fascination with magic, dragons and martial arts as my grandfather used to tell me stories of Domi and Alemi's adventures as a gnomling. Tell me, why did you choose Ffloy? Surely something about him must have resonated with you the way Domi and Alemi did for me. His strong work ethic perhaps?"
Lastly he says, "My companions and I wish to stop the dead coming out of the ground, so we are all on the same team here. Hopefully you can help us help you put a stop to the undead menace. Who knows, maybe if you put an end to the walking dead people will appreciate you for who you are."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:1/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Wednesday January 21st, 2015 4:44:42 AM
OOC: That roll should have read arcana not religion...I mistyped my apologize)
Broom (HP 7/12, AC17/T17/FF14) d20+4=6 ; Wednesday January 21st, 2015 9:27:38 AM
Religion not being his strong points, Broom soon loses interest as he starts examining his not-glowing broom.
The dwarf wiggles his nose as he hears the mention of healing.
OOC: Sorry for been slightly distracted lately. One of my cats has kidney failure, spending a lot of time caring for him and visiting the vet.
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 2:10:46 PM
Setting down his backpack and rustling through it, Var produces a small leather bound journal and a few bits of charcoal. In a simple, ragged script he begins writing out notes regarding the zombies they just encountered.
"Zombies: Strong. Direct attack. Too soft for arrows, blades work better. Fire? Wizard says once we put them down they're too mangled for a necromancer to use again."
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 5:46:21 PM
Wil looks over Var's shoulder, "I would like to try to burn the dead next time. I have several bottles of oil just for that purpose." He knows nothing about Religion so he watches Toston speak to the significantly taller priest. "Where is your congregation, priest?" He asks gently.
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 5:51:30 PM
Var nods and adds in "Try: Burn bodies; holy water"
DM Kathy Wednesday January 21st, 2015 10:21:01 PM Talanthrel worries a bit that Brother Elthorn may only be an apprentice. Var takes the opportunity to jot down a few notes about zombies.
Broom thinks for a bit, but nothing Brother Elthorn says triggers any memories.
[OOC: I'm sorry your poor cat isn't doing well. Let us know if you need to take a short break.]
Toston has several questions for Brother Elthorn.
"When I had the grounds consec--consserated?" he echoes. "I dint do that. It was already done when I got here." He frowns. "Needsa be renewed. Uh....maybe there was somthin' like that. I dunno. A fellow can't be aspected to remember everythin'."
Asked about healing, he looks around. "All of you? Lissen, I'm a man of posisshen. I don't just heal every Tom and Dick and....and everybody who comesh in here."
Asked why he picked Ffloy, he blinks and sways for a bit before replying. "Nobody else was picking Ffloy. Gotta eddication, see. Wanted a possisshen. Wanted ta--" he waves his arms around. "Wanted ta--ta--ta have a possisshen. Not easy to do. Gotta know people. But Ffloy. Nobody cared. So I took it!" He looks pleased with himself, then he frowns. "Big mishtake. Nobody 'preciates me. Nobody likes Ffloy."
Wilford asks about a congregation. The answer seems clear at this point, but Brother Elthorn elaborates. "No connregash'n. Nobody 'preciates Ffloy."
Avin Fellows HP:12/12 AC:13 d20+8=24 ; d20+8=17 ; Wednesday January 21st, 2015 10:21:27 PM
While leaning against the doorway Avin's ears catch the mention of bodies rising from the cemetary and immediately (spellcraft 24) comes to the same conclusion as Toston seems to have reached. Content to let the gnome continue handling the situation his focus turns to Var and Wilford.
"Fire is good. Cremation makes certain." Avin mumbles slightly before speaking again, louder, "Didn't say couldn't. Just wouldn't. Too many bodies about to bother with damaged goods."
OOC: Knowledge Arcana/spellcraft (identical bonus) of 17 to see if a necromancer actually could utilize those bodies while we're on the subject.
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] Wednesday January 21st, 2015 11:19:20 PM
Ashley listens quietly to the dialogue, looking down at Toston in particular as he speaks to the drunken acolyte. The fighter's face is of a neutral expression, which for Ashley, is more of a constant irritated look. He just had one of those faces. He was keeping his thoughts to himself about the course of the conversation, it would seem.
Until Elthorn decides to complain about helping them. Ashley steps forward again, making sure to avoid bowling Toston over in the process as he stares down at the priest.
"When we got here, those walking corpses were making their way for this room. We're the reason you didn't wake up to becoming a dinner for four. At the very least you owe us the elf."
He hooks a thumb back towards Talathrel, unlike Toston, he doesn't seem to trust Elthorn with their names, and may be banking on the wine dulling the acolyte's senses enough to where he'll forget the names later. With any luck, that is.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 03/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] Thursday January 22nd, 2015 12:18:03 AM
Talanthrel looks alarmed at allowing the drunk to cast any spells in his direction. Especially as he does not know if the man's drunken state will effect the outcome of Devine spells. "Are we sure he is a cleric? It sounds like he got the position thru politics, instead of Faith."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:1/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+9=22 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 5:50:55 AM
(OOC: Would Toston know about a cleric's ability to channel positive energy allowing a cleric to heal multiple people at once utilizing little resources? I'm going to wait to for a ruling before bringing this up)
Toston opts for a different approach he digs through his pack and takes out his hat of special magnificence, his scoria dragon carving of Alemtrovex that his late grandfather gave him and a length of rope. He shows first the carving and then the hat to Elthorn. He then says a small prayer to Ffloy, "Ffloy please let me adequately demonstrate the hard work it took to learn the sailing profession," before tying a series of knots including a clove hitch, a constrictor knot, a bowline on a bight and finishing with an anchor hitch. (Profession Sailor: 22)
"No one appreciates Ffloy?" Toston asks
"Alemi appreciated Ffloy. It was Ffloy who managed his treasure hoard while he was stuck in the dragon form of Alemtrovex and for His troubles He got elevated to Godhood." Toston says indicating the carving.
"My late grandfather appreciated Ffloy. He was a carver of great talent and worked hard to create pieces such as this." Toston says indicating the carving again.
"My father appreciated Ffloy. He is a mostly retired hatter but he designed this hat." He says indicating the hat of special magnificence.
"I appreciate Ffloy. I learned through hard work what it takes to be a sailor and for a period of time in my life earned my keep by sailing, which in itself is hard, honest work." indicating the rope that still has an anchor hitch in it.
"You say that no one appreciates you or your deity, but I come from a line of gnomes that all appreciated Ffloy. Did you ever think that the reason why no one appreciates Ffloy in this city is the fact that as tender of this shrine you are His representative and it is you who are found wanting not Him? You have the chance to do something worthy of appreciation. Grubber town is being consistently attacked by undead. Help us put a stop to it and we will tell people that you were the one who ended the menace. Think of all the appreciation Ffloy and you will receive when it becomes known that through hard work and planning the great Brother Elthorn, cleric of Ffloy was able to deliver grubber town from the evil dead menace."
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 10:04:24 AM
Wil thought about adding how the drunk was a terrible representative of Ffloy and other derogatory comments but Toston's elegant speach impressed him to be mute. He eventually added, "Sir, if you have no relevant information then I believe we may need to move on to other things. I believe I saw some evidence among the dug up graves."
Broom (HP 7/12, AC17/T17/FF14) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 10:41:52 AM
Broom stares at the drunken priest with disgust before carefully return back to combing his tattered broom.
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 12:01:26 PM
Var puts down his journal and approaches the priest. "How long ago did this start happening, and how many dead have risen?"
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) d20+7=25 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 12:21:40 PM
"Also," Wil begins as he digs through the bag that was on his shoulder. "I have my mother's amulet that allows me to speak to the dead." Wil pulls a small amulet from his bag. It is oblong and decorated with incantations. A large red gem sparkles in the light that pierces through the dirty windows. He places it around his neck and expects to be bombarded with voices but it's quiet. (Diplomacy: 25)
(OOC: I rolled diplomacy to see if I can poll someone. My character knows how to use this but I do not..lol. If I have to do something different let me know)
DM Kathy d6=4 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 6:50:08 PM Avin agrees with Toston's assessment, and goes back to thinking about the bodies. The truth is, a necromancer can use pretty much anything; the main question is whether they would want to use these.
Broom and Wilford are kind of done with Brother Elthorn, although Wilford does think to consult his amulet. [OOC: I see your amulet as a role-play device that you can use when performing a skill check. So, rather than trying to make some kind of roll to "activate" your locket, roll for the skill you want to use. Diplomacy would be to influence sombody; Sense Motive might tell you why somebody is acting the way they are; Perception might help you notice things. Those are all possibilities, but you have to pick one. :) ]
Looking irritaed, Ashley again brings up the subject of healing, but Talanthrel isn't so sure that a drunkard who may not even be a priest is the best option for spellcasting.
Toston tries a bit more diplomacy, and paints a rosy picture of how great things will be if the undead menace is stopped. Brother Elthorn blinks at you.
"D'you think you can?" he asks. "Hmm...." he concentrates for a moment. Positive energy washes over the group. Everybody heals 4 points. "We need the ritual," he says. "Gotta find it. Books," he waves his hand toward the door Var listened at earlier. "In my chamber. Books. Maybe the ritual's in there. Where's my wine?"
Var asks how long ago the undead rose, and about how many there are. "A week ago, like I said," Brother Elthorn replies. "Dunno how many. Lots."
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 07/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] d20+4=9 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 9:31:42 PM
Talanthrel relaxes slightly as the pain of his wounds lessen. "Thanks." he says nodding to Brother Elthorn. He then leaves a small offering (1GP) and bows to the shrine. He then moves to stand guard next to the door to the grave yard.
+++Perception 9+++
Avin Fellows HP:12/12 AC:13 d20+1=6 ; Friday January 23rd, 2015 1:40:49 AM
As the positive energy washes over the crew, Avin smirks and scratches at his face for a moment.
"Necromancer could use just about anything," Avin continued to mumble. "Can't burn every body in a hundred leagues."
Shuffling back out to the doorway he maintains watch with Talanthrel. Poorly. (perception 6)
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] Friday January 23rd, 2015 1:58:50 AM
Ashley listens, feeling some relief as his wounds start stitching themselves together. Without speaking, instead of moving to watch at the door the books are located in, Ashley deigns to move towards the door leading into the temple from the graveyard, just in case more of the corpses began to rise.
[Kathy posted early, and I got home late! Sorry guys.]
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 d20+8=13 ; Friday January 23rd, 2015 8:06:20 AM
Var packs his things back up and says to the group "I'll be right back, I want to get a count of how many disturbed graves we're dealing with." Putting his still-damp cloak on he continues "Could be more by now, of course, but just to get a rough estimate."
Heading outside, Var does a slow circuit of the graveyard, counting all the exhumed graves (Perception: 13), but his attention keeps wandering to the pile of twice-over corpses.
Once his count is finished, he heads back to the chapel, pausing at the group watching the door. "Does this sort of thing really spread by zombie-bite? How many could this affliction have spread to after a week?" he pauses, and looks like he just realized something "...assuming this is the only graveyard that's rising up."
Broom (HP 11/12, AC17/T17/FF14) Friday January 23rd, 2015 11:02:40 AM
Feeling considerably better, Broom gave the priest a grudging nod of respect.
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) d20+4=9 ; d20+4=6 ; Friday January 23rd, 2015 5:51:00 PM
Wil slides the amulet over his neck and prepared for a bombardment of voices. He visibly winced but he heard nothing. The noise he had experienced previously was not there. (Perception: 9) This made him far more comfortable to wear the object but.. "Why is it so quiet," he asked himself. "Potentially, could of been due to the proximity of the undead," he thought. Wil never before put that connection together. He recalled other instances where he had to take the amulet off just before helping other Grubbers. They all happened to be undead. "Could be useful," he thought.. "but also potentially dangerous." He would have to figure out how to manage the abruptness of the noise. Wil was tired of the priest and opened the door to the library. It was a small office. Books were stacked upon the floor near eye level. They wobbled dangerously as he stepped into the room. "I'm looking for some sort of spell book," he said to himself. (Perception: 6) He approached the first stack and pulled the top book from it. The stack wobbled but did not fall.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:5/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+2=13 ; d20+9=21 ; Friday January 23rd, 2015 8:05:07 PM
Toston sighed audibly as the positive energy washed over him. He had been relying on his the discipline that came with Master Faust's training to ignore the pain of his injuries. He still was feeling less than one hundred percent but at least his wounds had closed.
Toston then undid the anchor hitch in his rope and put it, the hat and carving away but took 3 gold pieces out. He walked over to the collection plate and deposited the offering. "Many thanks Brother Elthorn. Now let's go find that ritual of yours."
Toston then followed Wil into the cluttered chamber/library letting the door close behind him. When Brother Elthorn said he had an education he meant a serious[i] education with the number of books he had. Toston searched his memory for authors and tomes that may have something to do with ritual magic (knowledge arcana : 13) before perusing the spines and covers of Elthorn's collection for anything that may be relevant. (perception: 21) he also keeps an eye out for Elthorn's wine, having half a mind to dispose of it if Elthorn did not follow them into the chamber or it looks like Elthorn isn't keeping too close of an eye on Toston. Toston meant what he said about getting people to appreciate Elthorn but it would probably help his image if he could sober up a little, then again in this city who could tell? [i]Still though maybe a drunk priest would more appropriate for Caeroldra or Warrd? Toston thought to himself before stopping his religious philosophical thoughts to focus on the task at hand.
DM Kathy Sunday January 25th, 2015 9:29:52 PM Talanthrel places an offering on the altar, then moves to guard the door, where he is soon joined by Avin and Ashley.
Var makes a circuit of the cemetery. It's hard to tell, because the ground is so churned up and muddy, but he thinks that 8-12 graves have been disturbed.
Wilford steps through the door, and finds, not an office, but a bedroom. It is none too tidy--the bed is unmade, and there are miscellenous items and bits of clothing strewn about. There is a small bookshelf, and a cluttered writing-table. Wilford's cursory inspection doesn't turn up anything immediately obvious.
Toston follows Wilford into the bedchamber. His knowledge of magic is sketchy at best, but he does have sharp eyes. He spots something on one of the bookshelves called The Grave-Keeper's Handbook, which looks very promising.
Brother Elthorn follows you, and stands in the doorway of his bedchamber. "Ffloy thanks you for your donation," he says, somewhat smugly.
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 07/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] d20+4=5 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 12:25:28 AM
Talanthrel keeps a close eye on Var to make sure nothing attacks him, while listening to the conversation within the Chapel. He scowls at Brother Elthorn's tone of voice.
+++Perception 5++++
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:5/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+2=19 ; d20+9=14 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 8:04:27 AM
Toston takes The Grave-Keeper's Handbook off the shelf. He opens to the pages at the beginning of the book looking for an index.
If the book has an index : He searches the index for a chapter or section pertaining to the consecration ritual. (Knowledge:Arcana 19) (Perception: 14)
If the book does not have an index: He pages through the book skimming its pages for anything pertaining to a consecration ritual. (Knowledge: Arcana 19) (Perception:14)
In either event Toston says out loud, "I think I may have find something that may help us; It's called The Grave-Keeper's Handbook. Just let me page through it to see if I can find something about the ritual to know for sure."
Broom (HP 11/12, AC17/T17/FF14) Monday January 26th, 2015 9:57:35 AM
Broom yawns.
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 Monday January 26th, 2015 5:36:18 PM
"What's wrong, dwarf, zombies not interesting enough for you?" Var says, chiding Broom's yawn.
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] Monday January 26th, 2015 8:59:39 PM
Ashley chuckled at Var's comment, continuing to keep an eye out on the outside entrance. He idly asks Var and Broom a vague question, trying to pass the time.
"Where are you boys from?"
DM Kathy Monday January 26th, 2015 10:11:06 PM Toston checks the book as Wilford stands next to him and the rest of the group waits.
You find a description for a consecrating ritual and hand it off to Brother Elthorn.
"Ritual," he says, reading. "The whole graveyard? But it's raining! We should wait until the rain stops. Let's see," he moves back into the chapel and begins to rummage through a small cabinet. "Incense, herbs, oils." He pulls each item out as he reads them off. "Hmm. Powdered silver." He peers into the cabinet for a while. "Not here. I don't think I have any." He looks at you. "If you want me to do this ritual," he says, "you gotta get me some powdered silver."
Knowledge: Religion DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { He really should have had the stuff on hand, but it shouldn't be too difficult to get hold of.}
Knowledge: Local DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { It shouldn't be too hard to find powdered silver. Well, it might be a challenge in Grubbertown, but there's probably a shop in Moontown where you can get it. Or, failing that, the Full Moon Market.}
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 d20+3=10 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 10:21:06 PM
Var looks almost surprised by the large man's question, "A ways north of here. Near the Culverwood." He says, "Tiny village called Whispering Copse, can't find it on most maps.". Var turns to see if the taciturn dwarf has something to add.
Hearing the priest come rushing back into the chapel & rummaging through reagents, Var overhears the priests concerns on performing the ritual in the rain. Var tries to think of what he knows about weather and it's interaction with magicks (Nature 10)
Avin Fellows HP:12/12 AC:13 Monday January 26th, 2015 10:27:44 PM
Avin looks back between the priest and his companions, hoping they may know more concerning this than he but after a moment impatience gets the better of him.
"Where do we find it?" He blurts out unceremoniously. He clarifies, "The silver. Where do we find powdered silver?"
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 07/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] d20+4=16 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 10:34:52 PM
Talanthrel idly listens the conversation while keeping watch. Glancing at the sky he mutters "I wish this damn rain would stop."
++Perception 16++
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:5/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+7=13 ; d20+2=5 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 8:43:56 AM
(OOC: I take it we can't just go to the catacombs and buy some powdered silver? )
Toston tries to figure out if Elthorn is telling the truth about being out of silver since it is a precious metal. (Sense Motive: 13)
Toston asks Elthorn, "How much powdered silver does the ritual require?"
He asks the group, "If we can't figure out where to buy it, anyone got any silver coins we could try to pulverize?"
He then searches his memory for any shops he might have heard of selling material spell components. (Knowledge[arcana] : 5)
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) d20+7=13 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 11:04:51 AM
Wil states that he does has 10 sp but it would have to be turned into powder. He openly wonders if this is possible. Smashing the coins would just make dented coins.. Could melt them but that wouldn't make a powder. "We need to check to make sure nothing else is needed, I don't trust this priest," he tells the group. "Also, is this going to help us resolve the root of the issue. This priest has not given us any idea what is causing the dead to rise." He turns to the priest and asks, "Which family runs this town? Do you have any debts? What about anyone in the city? Does anyone have a price on their head?" (Diplomacy: 13)
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] Tuesday January 27th, 2015 9:31:35 PM
"Answer the questions, Elthorn."
Ashley made his statement without turning to address the man directly, instead keeping a watchful eye on the cemetery outside of the door. Wilford was right, Elthorn had failed thus far to address the root cause of the issue. Ashley wondered if they would ever truly know. They may as well be playing damage control at this point, the way things are going. He keeps his negative thoughts to himself, however, awaiting Elthorn's response to the others' questions.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 27th, 2015 10:28:30 PM Talanthrel, peering out of the doorway, wishes the rain would stop. Actually, you appear to be getting that wish. The rain was already starting to let up when you started fighting the zombies, and now it looks like nothing much is falling out of the sky. It is still windy, though, and with so much water lying around, the wind can still find plenty of moisture to drive into a person's face. Still, that can't last forever.
Toston isn't sure whether Brother Elthorn is telling the truth or not. He asks how much powdered silver will be required. Brother Elthorn steps up next to Talanthrel to peer out at the cemetery. "Half a measure should do it," he says.
Wilford also has some questions of the priest. "Which family runs this town?" he echoes in some astonishment. "Dirt City is run by the Prince of Thieves, of course. Did you just get off the boat yesterday? Does anyone have a price on their head?" he scoffs. "A lot of people have prices on their heads! This is Dirt City!" He takes a breath. "No, I don't have any debts," he says. "Why should I? Man of position. Gotta salary."
Avin finally just asks where to find powdered silver. Brother Elthorn shrugs. "Some shop or other," he says. "Or the Full Moon Market. It's not that hard to find."
Talanthrel (Paul) [HP 07/11; AC 16; Touch 13; Flat 13; Cmd16] d20+4=10 ; d20+1=11 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 12:29:12 AM
Talanthrel shifts his posture slightly so that he can keep an eye on both the grave yard and Brother Elthorn, as he noticed that the priest still had not answered the question regarding the Undead.
++Perception 10++Sense Motive (untrained) 11++
(OOC) What is a measure of powdered Silver?
Ashley Steward [AC: 17, Touch: 10, Flat: 17, HP 8/13] Wednesday January 28th, 2015 12:50:42 AM
Ashley actually chuckled at Elthorn's response, looking back to Wilford with a smirk on his bearded face. It seems Ashley is more familiar with the criminal nature of the city than some of his companions did. They couldn't help it, being new and all to the place, but it was still amusing. Ashley pushed himself off of the doorway, nodding to himself in approval as the rain started to slack off.
"Let's go, lads. Time to see what kind of deal we can get on this silver. Don't be surprised if you're asked to turn your pockets out. Those of you new to the dirt won't be used to the markup on uncommon wares here."
Avin Fellows HP:12/12 AC:13 d20+8=9 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 2:44:33 AM
Avin snorts, "Helpful! Very helpful. Very helpful indeed."
With a loud harrumph, Avin marks the end to his side of the conversation as he tramps back to the doorway. As he begins grumbling he fires a glare at the priest, the kind of glare that calls into doubt whether the recipient could reliably tell a spoon from a ladel and a kobold from a dragon. Anyone listening closely to the wizard's mumbles can hear him muse about whether Boggs could manage locating the powder.
While musing on the powder, Avin considers if the idea of pulverizing silver would be a viable option or if the silver would require a more alchemic or other treatment to be utilized in such a ritual. (Arcana: 9)
OOC: Archaic societies tend to lack a wholly unified way of measuring objects scientifically due to the lack of mass production of measuring instruments. A measurement, I believe, comes to more of an approximation based upon a widely accepted method of measurement for the item in question. Similar to a handspan. I don't have any sources to back me on this (going from memory) but I think in this case it could come close to a half-cup?
Broom (HP 11/12, AC17/T17/FF14) Wednesday January 28th, 2015 3:59:04 AM
Broom takes out a silver coin from his pouch.
"Silver?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:5/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC d20+6=21 ; d20+9=23 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 4:57:45 AM
(OOC: Isn't Wil from Dirt City? Or is he trying to give false information to Elthorn by feigning ignorance? Also I wonder if he means half ounce or half pound? I did some research online concerning measurements in antiquity and since pathfinder gives market value of things in pounds can we assume the Roman System of 12 ounces = 1 pound? I also found this article concerning silver and gold prices in Biblical times as calculated by this Egyptian Eye thing but they used the unit measure on barley only; silver and gold had their own terms...but I digress)
Toston says to Elthorn, "For our plan to work concerning raising the appreciation of Ffloy, it would help if my party's role was really downplayed. In fact maybe it would be best for the narrative we want to tell if you just don't mention we were here? We will be back with the silver, though. Just give us some time."
He says to Broom, "Put that away for now. We need the powdered stuff."
Toston follows the rest of the party out of the chapel, trying to maintain a low profile(OOC: Stealth as fast as possible between half and full speed) while keeping an eye out for danger. (Stealth: 21; Perception:23)
Var HP:12/12 AC: 16(T:13/FF:13) CMD:17 Wednesday January 28th, 2015 8:57:08 AM
Sensing the tension in the room, Var shrugs and follows Toston and Ashley out of the chapel.
Once out of earshot he states the obvious "So this guy is jerking us around, right?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:5/9; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:16] - CMTC Wednesday January 28th, 2015 9:52:59 AM
(OOC: second post to respond to Var's question)
Double checking to make sure they are not being overheard Toston answers Var "I couldn't tell if Elthorn was really out of silver or not."
He continues, "However, I have a plan. The groundwork was set by suggesting that if it becomes known that Elthorn solved the undead problem, Ffloy will be appreciated. Our main objective with the company is to do good while maintaining a low profile, so if we can stop the undead and put word out that it was Elthorn that did it both objectives are met. Elthorn has incentive to keep our names out of it, if he wants to grow his congregation. Furthermore, since he sent us to fetch him some silver we now have the potential for a legitimate reason for the company to be involved. We go to our appointment at the scrum, get a contract drawn up by Boggs, deliver the silver dust after we find it, have Elthorn do the ritual and then we should have at least stopped the dead rising from this particular cemetery for a while. Hopefully by doing this we have bought enough time to figure out what is causing the zombies to rise and stop that too."
Wilford Grimly (HP:10/10; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 13) Wednesday January 28th, 2015 1:12:06 PM
Wil was furious. He was even less of a fan of this priest then before. He addressed Toston, "I seem to be failing in many ways. This priest has just exhausted me. I was trying to dig for some details. Maybe some names. That just didn't work. I guess I'm just not used to working with grubbers that didn't ask for help." Wil paused for several uncomfortable seconds. "Ok, fine," he was actually responding to his mother but it likely showed as a response to the group. He then addressed the group. "Let's move ahead. I agree that stopping this issue here would be a priority."
LOG ON