Mummy's Mask - Empty Graves (IC)

[DarkOne-Rob]

As they walk back towards the gate, Vershab asks the priest, "How widespread is the undead attack? We were surprised and have not been informed of anything outside what we have seen for ourselves. Does the church know what is happening?" The arcanist's intensity is a bit shocking - it is painfully obvious that his interest in the answers are more than academic - they border on obsessive.

[Gwynfrid]

The young man in priestly robes is at a loss to respond to Vershab's question. "We were as surprised as you were. Most of us sensed an overwhelming wave of necrotic power washing over the city - I still have a lingering headache from that, it was so powerful! That was a few hours ago. Then, wounded and panicked people came to the Mausoleum to seek refuge from undead attacks, everywhere in the city! This is terrifying, an horror the like of which has never been seen in Wati since the Plague of Madness centuries ago..."

The companions hasten back to the gate and Bal's rescue. To their great relief, nothing else happened to the young priestess and her fretful guards, and Ammeris applies his healing powers to his colleague. "I'm taking your place here for the day, Bal. Can you walk all right? Can you go report to the Mausoleum?"

Bal gets back to her feet, somewhat unsteadily at first. "I've been better, but I can do that. Thanks! And good luck... At least, by daylight the shadows will have a harder time jumping you by surprise."

She turns to Lehasti. "It was an honor to fight alongside you, and I owe you four my life. Without you, that gate would have fallen, so I think many people owe you their lives as well. Please take this, you may need it in the days ahead." She presses a tiny wand, carved out of bone, into the paladin's hand. "Not this year, not yet!" she adds, and in keeping with this traditional blessing she traces the sign of the spiral over her heart, before she takes her leave.

Next, the companions pay a visit to the shrine of Sarenrae. Here, Lehasti finds her friends and fellow believers busy, tending to the wounds of local citizens to the best of their ability, and doing what they can to secure their temple against possible attacks. Greatly relieved to see her alive, Yuia insists to hear Lehasti's story.

Spoiler: Loot

Show

Bal Themm gives you her wand of Cure Light Wounds, with 40 charges.

Reminder: Yuia is the leader of Sarenrae's small church in Wati.

Fortitude saves DC15
Menedes (1d20+7)[14]
Vershab(1d20+3)[9]
Grekka (1d20+8)[27]
Lehasti(1d20+10)[20]
Menedes and Vershab are Fatigued due to the sleepless night.

[DarkOne-Rob]

With a visible yawn, Vershab looks around the square for a spot to sit down with his back to a wall. "The events of the night have left me quite worn. If it is possible, I would like the opportunity to rest and prepare a different set of spells to handle this undead threat. Can someone stand watch and wake me if things look bad?" he asks. Then, without waiting for an answer, he pull his silk hood up to cover his head and promptly closes his eyes.

[Farmerbink]

Grekka sighs, feeling only slightly worse for the night's wear. "I'll need rest, too, if I am to recover any spells. It can wait, for a time. I think we should check on Minnothep and the others." She nudges Vershab with her sandel-bound foot. "Come on- you don't want to sleep here, anyway."

Still wary of the goings on around them, Grekka somewhat forcibly coerces the arcanist to his feet. "There are beds- hell, the chairs back at the Canny Jackal would be more pleasant that the wall. Come on, come on, do I need to carry you?" She finally resorts to more helpful means of persuading the gaunt man- namely the offering of a ride.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Stirring at the mention of beds, Vershab pulls himself back to his feet and wearily walks in the direction of the party's abode with the rest of the party.

[Gwynfrid]

Lehasti having retrieved her equipment, the group walks back to the Canny Jackal, where they're reassured to see that no further attacks happened during the night. On the way, they notice that some semblance of quiet seems to have been restored, with the fires put out and no more sounds of fighting in the streets. Minnothep, Calathon and the others are greatly relieved to see them, and ask eager questions about the situation in the city. In groups, everyone is eventually escorted home, but the sense of fear and unease is palpable throughout. The grateful owner of the Canny Jackal insists to give a number of items that didn't find a buyer during the interrupted auction, in hopes that the group can put them to good use.

After that, the Relic Knights repair to Calathon's and Vershab's appartment, to catch up on some well-deserved rest.

Spoiler: Loot

Show

Items given away by Minnothep:
oil of hold portal
potion of aid
potion of sanctuary
potion of spider climb
+1 dagger
a scroll of burning hands
scroll of color spray
scroll of grease
scroll of shield

In addition, the characters can finalize the purchases they had planned. Since there is no bidding, they get the things they wanted to buy to 10% less than the listed price.

The story is kind of open from here. What do you want to do next, after resting?

[JWallyR]

"It was an honor to fight alongside you, and I owe you four my life. Without you, that gate would have fallen, so I think many people owe you their lives as well. Please take this, you may need it in the days ahead." She presses a tiny wand, carved out of bone, into the paladin's hand. "Not this year, not yet!" she adds, and in keeping with this traditional blessing she traces the sign of the spiral over her heart, before she takes her leave.

Lehasti accepts the gift, inclining her head in a respectful bow. "I am just glad our paths crossed when they did; both are the brighter for their joining." The paladin reaches a hand to clasp Bal's, squeezing it gently. "Now, a well-deserved rest awaits you. Be well."

Next, the companions pay a visit to the shrine of Sarenrae. Here, Lehasti finds her friends and fellow believers busy, tending to the wounds of local citizens to the best of their ability, and doing what they can to secure their temple against possible attacks. Greatly relieved to see her alive, Yuia insists to hear Lehasti's story.

Before gathering her gear, Lehasti reports to Yuia, bowing low before the priestess, and responding to her superior's many hurried inquiries regarding the night's 'festivities', paying particular attention to Naadhira's courage in the unexpectedly dire circumstances. After being reassured that the church and grounds are in no immediate danger, the paladin excuses herself with a second deep, respectful bow to return to her quarters and gather her usual armor and gear, gently bundling the borrowed armor for return to Minnothep.

"I'll need rest, too, if I am to recover any spells. It can wait, for a time. I think we should check on Minnothep and the others."

Lehasti smiles wanly in amusement at Vershab before nodding her agreement with Grekka. "Indeed. It seems that the madness was not directed toward or confined within any particular place, so Gods willing, they will have seen no more horrors than before we left, but we should look in on them."

After assuaging any doubts as to the safety of those at the Canny Jackal, Lehasti insists upon escorting Vershab and Calathon to their apartment, and after checking that doors and windows are reasonably secure, the paladin retires to a corner of the modest abode, kneeling and turning eastward to begin her daily prayers in silence. The lines on her furrowed brow fade, and although the dawn is long past and the sun occulted by the walls and roof, a serene warmth blossoms in the young woman's expression. After her meditations are complete, she prepares for sleep in the same spot, not far from the door.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm thinking it's time for the party to get some rest. Lehasti is still down 5 strength, and healing 1 point "overnight" will get her back to a +2 mod. Might I request that Grekka prepare one or more Restoration spells to get Lehasti (hopefully) topped off on Strength for the next day? :D

In addition, Lehasti is going to go ahead and throw her remaining LoH for the day to heal herself: (2d6)[5]

I'm thinking that we ought to have a discussion re: spells, as Lehasti might be well served to prepare something like Grace if Vershab and/or Grekka are preparing Protection from Evil.

Lehasti is interested in the flaming puzzle falchion, but it looks like I've completely failed to track any monetary gains. I'll have to find a moment to look for the table and make some calls. She would also hold onto the Dagger +1 as a backup weapon if nobody wants it, but will yield to other members of the party that might have interest.

[Farmerbink]

Grekka walks stiffly and quickly until she steps through the shattered doorframe of the Canny Jackal. Seeing the interior largely as they left it, she finally allows herself to almost deflate- her purpose being what drove her so hard. She actually smiles as the wiry Minnothep approaches. "Thank the Gods you all are safe. I don't know what happened, exactly, but last night was.... eventful."

She accepts the offerings with her usual detached lack of proper etiquette, "Uh... yes. Thanks." before following the rest of the party to Vershab's apartment. Fatigue finally makes its presence known, and in the relative calm of Wati's morning, she sleeps.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I would think that Grekka would be willing to just patrol the streets in the afternoon/evening. Without knowing what caused last night's events, and lacking the particular toolkit to determine the cause, she would leave that task up to Vershab, while she made every effort to give him the time he needs.

[Gwynfrid]

Starday, 24 Lamashan, 4715 AR

It is mid-afternoon when the Relic Knights feel sufficiently rested from their harrowing night to go out again. By daylight, the city appears deserted, the pall of fear over it even seems to extend into the sky: A haze of light clouds obscures the sun, contributing to the general gloom. Wati has become a ghost town overnight, shops and public places closed, streets empty, windows in many places shuttered with hastily nailed wood planks. An eerie silence is only broken from time to time, by the noise of a fight in the distance: While less frequent than during the night, it is clear there still are undead roaming at large in the City of the Living.

Moving into the direction of the nearest tumult, the group is relieved to see that the source of the trouble is, in this instance, not an undead attack. They see a middle-aged man bring pushed into the street from a broken-open shop door beneath a hand-painted sign that reads “Sun-Ripened Teas.” His attackers appear to be a gang of young toughs. While four of them shove him around, mocking him and his feeble protestations, a few others are inside, busy looting the shop.

[Farmerbink]

Grekka strides purposefully towards the roughs, her hand on the haft of her polearm- but not loosing it from its sheathe. "Please," she begins in a gruff voice, "tell me that you punks aren't taking advantage of all this?"

Her expression makes it fairly clear that she doesn't expect any such declaration.

[Gwynfrid]

The young man turns to confront Grekka, a mocking look on his face. He calls out to his friends, "Hey guys, look what the wind blew our way this morning!"

Another one drops the unfortunate shopkeeper, who nearly falls to the ground. He comes to face Grekka, the insolence in his tone matched by the snarl on his otherwise fair face. "Hey Tusky, nobody gave you permission to talk to my friend like that. Me, I don't like it one bit. You outta apologize, because me and my buddies here, we're keeping streets safe today. So mooks like you can walk the city in peace, y'know.

'Fact, we ought to ask for payment. T'will be two pharaohs each to pass, to enjoy the safety of this street today. Only fair!"

For all their bluster, this gang isn't armed with anything more dangerous than a morningstar or club each, and their brand new leather armor doesn't look like it has been adjusted properly.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab looks perplexed at the men's actions and words. "Um, why would we pay you for protection after spending all of last night doing the protecting?" he asks, before an expression of realization comes over him. "Oh! You don't recognize us! We are the Relic Knights, and we appreciate your offer, but you really should be more careful out about the streets right now...I mean, I don't wear armor, but I can tell you need some lessons on wearing yours..." He gestures to the men's leather before seeming to put them out of his mind completely and turning towards the shop.

"Sir? Would you like some help rearranging your shop's merchandise and then better fortifying it before tonight? I am sure we can help..." he calls, oblivious to anything more from the ruffians.

[Untarr]

The young man turns to confront Grekka, a mocking look on his face. He calls out to his friends, "Hey guys, look what the wind blew our way this morning!"

Another one drops the unfortunate shopkeeper, who nearly falls to the ground. He comes to face Grekka, the insolence in his tone matched by the snarl on his otherwise fair face. "Hey Tusky, nobody gave you permission to talk to my friend like that. Me, I don't like it one bit. You outta apologize, because me and my buddies here, we're keeping streets safe today. So mooks like you can walk the city in peace, y'know.

'Fact, we ought to ask for payment. T'will be two pharaohs each to pass, to enjoy the safety of this street today. Only fair!"

For all their bluster, this gang isn't armed with anything more dangerous than a morningstar or club each, and their brand new leather armor doesn't look like it has been adjusted properly.

Menedes tilts his head a bit while squinting a single eye. Slowly he turns his head and takes in Lehasti. Her armor still shines, though a few nicks in it show the toil that they've been through. Turning it towards Grekka...I mean what more can you say about Grekka. The mountain of a woman seemed poised at all times to kill everything and with that polearm of hers probably could.

Looking back towards the boys. "What's a mook?"

[Gwynfrid]

The young leader looks at Vershab and Menedes with an air of complete and utter contempt.

"Oh! You don't recognize us! We are the Relic Knights, and we appreciate your offer, but you really should be more careful out about the streets right now...I mean, I don't wear armor, but I can tell you need some lessons on wearing yours...".

"What? The Frolic Sprites? Never heard of them!" His loud guffaw is echoed by mates eager to laugh along whenever he signals for it. "And I don't need no lesson about armor from some lab rat like you. If I put my armor on you, the weight would drag you to your knees or worse!" The laughter chorus gets louder still.

"What's a mook?"

"A mook, you ask, Shorty? It's somebody who's gonna give me two gold, or get his ass whipped. Somebody like you, for example."

[Untarr]

"He's making fun of my height as a dwarf. You offer a keen insight into the obvious."

The monk turns to Grekka. "I'll promise not to kill them if you do too...."

[Farmerbink]

Grekka turns her flat expression from the loud-mouthed youngster to Menedes. "I guess that depends on how badly they want their gold..."

"Go home, kid," she growls.

Spoiler: Grekka, surprise round

Show

JK?

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Grekka Cailean
L CG Half-Orc warpriest, Level 4, Init +4, HP 36/36, Speed 20
AC 12, Touch 12, Flat-footed 11, CMD 19, Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +9, CMB +8, Base Attack Bonus 3
Fireforged Bardiche +1 +9 (1d10+7, 19-20/x2)
Cestus +7 (1d4+4, 19-20/x2)
Short Spear +7/+5 (1d6+4, x2)
Breast Plate, (+6 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 SoF, -1 size)
Abilities Str 19 21, Dex 14 12, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 16, Cha 7
Condition Blessings (Agile Feet, Holy Strike): 1/5 remaining
Fervor: 5/5 uses remaining
Sacred Weapon: 5/5 rounds remaining
Spells: 3/3 divine favor
1/1 Bull's Strength
1/1 Protection from Evil
1/1 Weapon of Awe
1/1 lesser restoration

I guess initiative is in order: (1d20+4)[8]

I'm assuming this is a surprise round, as noted in the spoiler tag, and that I'll be both targeting flat footed and not trigger an AoO with an unarmed attack. If the guy *looks* like he's ready for the hit (not if he has some ability to allow AoOs anyway), she'll use the cestus, but take a -4 penalty to use it nonlethal.
(1d20+7)[19] atk
(1d20+7)[19] CC
(1d3+4)[6] nonlethal damage
(1d3+4)[5] nonlethal crit bonus

If cestus, -4 to above attack and CC and:
(1d4+4)[6] nonlethal
(1d4+4)[6] crit bonus (crits on 19+)

[JWallyR]

As the group rounds the corner with Grekka at the fore, Lehasti relaxes as some measure of tension eases out of the half-orc woman's frame. Her disappointed expression and words take the paladin aback, however, and she begins to step forward to see the developing situation.

"Sir? Would you like some help rearranging your shop's merchandise and then better fortifying it before tonight? I am sure we can help..." he calls, oblivious to anything more from the ruffians.

Lehasti darts forward, firmly (but gently) grasping the scholar's upper arm and steering him back toward the group before turning to address the ruffians. Seeing Grekka's nonchalant sidle toward their apparent leader, the paladin shouts above the insults, "ENOUGH. Has too little innocent blood been shed for you?" she gesticulates toward the group. "Is it not enough that this innocent man be made to fear for his life from the ravages of the undead, but you must strip him of his livelihood like scavengers in their wake?" The outrage and anger fade from the paladin's face and voice, and in a pleading tone she continues, "Do not allow the sickness that has fallen upon this fair city to stain your hearts. If the city is to survive, its good people must stand against the darkness, not turn upon each other. Please, search your hearts; do they not feel for their brother in this poor man?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Diplomacy to change attitude: (1d20+10)[29]

I'm writing this under the assumption that Lehasti can interject before Grekka throws the first punch...

[Gwynfrid]

Lehasti's heartfelt tirade interrupts Grekka's underhanded gesture just as the half-orc was moving to punch the living daylights out of the thug leader. The paladin's voice soars, backed by the brilliant symbol of the Dawnflower on her chest, which seems to shine softly as if reflecting the sun's glare even as today's clouds hide it from sight entirely. Stricken by the conviction in her words, the youngsters listen, looking at each other sheepishly. Then, one by one or in groups of two, they break off in embarrassed silence, one of them even taking care to put a stolen object back on the shop's counter before he leaves. Helplessly, the astonished leader calls after them: "Er, guys... Guys? Are you gonna listen to... " his face looks like he's searching his mind for an insult, but, tongue-tied all of a sudden, he can only manage to finish lamely, "... to... to her?" before his voice trails off. Casting a baleful gale at the group, he has no choice but to back off as well. He spits a profanity in Lehasti's general direction, and runs.

"Thank you, my Lady, oh, thank you so much!" This is the shopkeeper, unsteadily getting back to his feet. "You just saved my livelihood, that is, at least if there is hope of it! This bunch would have ransacked it all, all my delicate treasures!" The merchant states his name as Bahtep, and insists on inviting the group to taste his finest tea, and ask the Relic Knights, which by now he sees as ultimate heroes, to give an account of their exploits of the night. Awash with admiration, he gives Lehasti a pair of tiny gaze bags, fragrant with particularly powerful tea and jasmin effluves. "I am not rich, even less so with the business prospects as they stand today, or I would have given you a more substantial reward. Please accept this token of my gratitude for saving my life. It is good, if on the stronger side, and may help you in your travels."

Spoiler: Panic Level = 19 & Loot

Show

Panic Level reduced by 1 for making the streets safer.

Bahtep's gift: two packets of seer's tea.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Vershab begins to awkwardly return toppled merchandise in the man's shop, enjoying the smell of the teas and other fragrant items. "Do you read tea leaves often, sir?" he asks, when Lehasti is presented with the gift, before continuing, "I find it an inconsistent process at best, but of some interest when nothing of more value fills the time..."

[JWallyR]

Lehasti stands tall and stern, waiting until the last of the troublemakers has left before allowing the previous night's weariness to show in her posture. She reaches a hand to assist the man to his feet, and with a warm smile accepts the man's gift. "I'm just glad we arrived before greater harm could be done to your shop. The Dawnflower willing, perhaps those young men will think better of such mischief, but your safety is reward enough for me this day."

Vershab begins to awkwardly return toppled merchandise in the man's shop, enjoying the smell of the teas and other fragrant items. "Do you read tea leaves often, sir?" he asks, when Lehasti is presented with the gift, before continuing, "I find it an inconsistent process at best, but of some interest when nothing of more value fills the time..."

Clearing her throat loudly, the paladin gently interrupts the scholar's rambling. "To each their own, Vershab. Come, master Bahtep can better tend to his shop than we, and the city needs us yet." With a gentle clasp of the man's shoulder, Lehasti gestures toward the door and the bar within with an expression clearly hinting that it should be used to protect the goods within.

[Farmerbink]

Grekka seems if anything a hair disappointed that the ruffians gave up so easily. As they disperse, she goes about straightening the shop, with the obvious air of a fish out of water. Their assumed duties completed, she turns to Lehasti. "I, for one, would like to check on The Tooth. See if they fared any better than most..."

[Gwynfrid]

Vershab begins to awkwardly return toppled merchandise in the man's shop, enjoying the smell of the teas and other fragrant items. "Do you read tea leaves often, sir?" he asks, when Lehasti is presented with the gift, before continuing, "I find it an inconsistent process at best, but of some interest when nothing of more value fills the time..."

"Er... I'm truly sorry, Sir, that I can't offer anything better than this. I made it myself... Sometimes I use it personally, and I find it helpful, while limited to fairly minor matters..." The poor Bahtep is dismayed by Vershab's disdainful reaction, and is glad for Lehasti's interference.

Clearing her throat loudly, the paladin gently interrupts the scholar's rambling. "To each their own, Vershab. Come, master Bahtep can better tend to his shop than we, and the city needs us yet." With a gentle clasp of the man's shoulder, Lehasti gestures toward the door and the bar within with an expression clearly hinting that it should be used to protect the goods within.

"Thank you, once again, my Lady. Should you enjoy my teas, you will always be welcome to sample them here any time you like. As will your companions, naturally," he adds, with a quick, uneasy glance at Vershab.

Leaving the shopkeeper to put his property back into order, the group takes on the streets once again, to check on the Tooth and Hookah. Arriving there, they find the place closed and thoroughly boarded up. On the main entrance, a hastily drawn sign says, "CLOSED DUE TO UNDEAD EMERGENCY".

[DarkOne-Rob]

Before he leaves, Vershab smiles and awkwardly asks, "I have read of an herbal drink, dark like tea or coffee, but with a unique flavor. Do you have any chocolate for sale?" When the man pulls a bar from behind his counter the arcanist smiles broadly and immediately buys it from the shopkeeper. Then he turns and leaves, tunelessly humming as he smells the precious bar with a deep breath.

At the Tooth and Hookah his countenance falls in disappointment. "Oh...I planned to have a special drink when we were done here. I guess it will have to wait," he says to no one in particular. "Perhaps the clergy at the temple will have an idea where we can best help those in need today..."

[Farmerbink]

Grekka walks up to the boarded-over doorway, and begins loudly pounding. "Farhaan! It's Grekka and the rest of the Relic Knights! You in there?!" The pounding continues for several seconds, pausing intermittently to listen for a response.

[Gwynfrid]

After a minute or two, grating noises can be heard coming from the door, and soon a panel opens, revealing the familiar Garundi barman's scar-crossed face. "Good to see you. I'm huddling in here with whatever customers decided to remain. You all right? Can I do something for you? There's room for you, if you need it."

Grekka notes the well-worn, but well-maintained chainmail on the man's back, who also carries a fine stiletto and a shining morningstar - she's reminded of remarks about Farhaan's adventuring past she had heard about over the friendly evening at the Tooth and Hookah, a few weeks past.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Good to see you. I'm huddling in here with whatever customers decided to remain. You all right? Can I do something for you? There's room for you, if you need it."

"Excellent! Do you have any water boiling? I have an herb here I would like to make into a drink," says Vershab as if nothing at all were wrong about town. "I have read about it many times and heard it to be quite the delicacy. Have you ever used 'cocoa' in your drinks Mr. Farhaan? My studies suggest it mixes well with either coffee or liquor, though this early in the day I do not think that alcohol would be the wisest choice..."

After rambling for several moments the arcanist notes the armor and weapons and is brought back into reality. "Oh - perhaps this drink should be done as a celebratory drink after all this has blown over...pardon me..." He then waits for the rest of the party to speak, clearly uncomfortable with what he imagines is a social error on his part.

[JWallyR]

Addressing Farhaan directly (and pulling his attention away from Vershab's oblivious discussion of beverages), Lehasti says, "Glad to see that you are all safe. Have you heard anything about the cause of this madness, or goings-on elsewhere into which we might investigate?"

[Gwynfrid]

Farhaan gives a puzzled look to the arcanist, evidently wondering why the young scholar wants to discuss the finer points of upscale beverages in the middle of a dire crisis for the city. He looks relieved that Vershab's questions are superseded by Lehasti's more practical one.

"Matter of fact, there's been this gang in the city for a while, the Silver Chain. They rob graves in the Necropolis and traffic in dead bodies. Some say they run it to fuel a mumia operation, others think their purpose is even more nefarious. But I can't believe a mere band of thieves and smugglers would be able to trigger an undead uprising of this magnitude."

Spoiler

Show

Mumia is known to the group as a drug made from the flesh of the mummified dead.

[Farmerbink]

Grekka cringes at the grisly mental image and implication thereof. "This sounds out of their league, if you're asking me. Of course, it would be just like them to rob some powerful necromancer's grave and not even know the difference until their drug-hunting shenanigans got them killed..." She stares gently into the middle-space, offering her thoughts almost as if they were unrelated. Looking back up to the barkeep, she meets the grizzled man's eyes and smiles.

"I'm glad to see you're faring well- well enough, anyway. Keep these folks safe, and keep the kegs tapped- we'll be back for a round before you know it. Any idea where we can find this Silver Chain? Might as well see if they know anything useful..."

[Gwynfrid]

Farhaan shakes his head. "Nope. I'll ask a few questions around. This ain't the best of times for chatting with people, but who knows?

And not to worry, my stores are intact and ready to serve", he adds, grinning.