Carrion Crown AP: The Haunting of Harrowstone

[Starscream]

To visitors, Ravengro appears as cheerful and inviting as an open grave. The buildings in the center square are angled slightly inward, almost as if huddling together for warmth. The farmhouses that surround them are gray and joyless, their windows shuttered against the unexpectedly chilly autumn air, and their fields empty, the farmers having already brought in the harvest in anticipation of an early winter. The river in the center of it all is banked in fog, its waters black and frigid. Just about the only signs of life within the town are the pillars of smoke that rise from the chimneys of each house, carrying promises of light, warmth, and good food within.

But these are not for you, and the hay-cart carries you past them to a far bleaker destination. The Restlands sit outside the town, and possess the same atmosphere of gloom as the rest of Ravengro, though it is at least more appropriate for a graveyard than a village. The effect is enhanced by an even more depressing sight looming on the hillside over it; a great stone building that looks like it could once have held an army at bay. But now it is a blackened shell, any grandeur it once possessed consumed in the fire that destroyed it.

The cart stops about a hundred yards from the Restlands out of respect, the farmhand accepts a copper for his trouble, and you disembark. Five strangers, meeting for the first time on this journey, connected only by their relationship to a man who is no more. Petros Lorrimor, scholar, educator, collector of obscure lore, and friend to all of you, has died and named you in his will.

As the gates of the cemetery come into view, you can't help but wonder why a man of such renown, who was friendly to all he encountered and who lived in a town small enough that he must know everybody, would rate such a tiny mourning party. The arrival of your motley crew nearly doubles the number of people present. The only one any of you recognize is Kendra, the professor's daughter, though she is known to some of you only as a picture in a locket Petros wore, which was painted when she was much younger. She is a woman now, and lovely, though her face is marred by sorrow. As you approach, she smiles, wipes away her tears, and greets you.

Kendra Lorrimor

"Norda! It's so good to see you! It's been more than a year since you were here last, hasn't it? I'm so happy the courier was able to track you down." "The rest of you I believe I know from father's tales and correspondence. Surely you must be Umana, the brave guide with the interest in battling insects." "And that means you are Daron, right? I thought so, I assisted father in researching your family tree. You closely resemble your ancestors." "That makes you Dimitri. I believe you stayed with father for a time? Of course that was before I was bo-" She stops and glances behind her, in case the other mourners heard. "That was a while back." "Thank you all so much for making this journey. I know father would be overjoyed to know he had such *sniff* - such wonderful friends."

With that she is overcome with emotion and begins crying once more.

Spoiler: Map

Show

[HappyMerecat]

Dimitri

Dimitri bow and nods when Kendra recognizes him. "I am Dimitri and I am sorry for your loss. The loss of all Golarion." He makes a move as to hug her, but stops himself. No one wants comfort from a half undead monster.

[kinem]

The man she called Daron, a thin young human man with black hair and piercing brown eyes, responds "Hello Kendra. This was sad news indeed. But it's good to see you."

He wears no armor, but carries a longspear, holding it as if it were a walking stick.

[Kish]

Norda steps forward. "I'm glad to be here too, Kendra. And I'm sorry for your loss." She offers the human woman a hug.

[Starscream]

Kendra accepts the hug with a tearful smile.

Kendra Lorrimor

"Thank you, you're all very kind. But where are my manners, I must introduce everyone before we begin the procession." She indicates each of your fellow mourners in turn, going clockwise around the coffin in which Petros lies, his body magically preserved so that he could be slumbering. They nod in turn as they are introduced, but no one has much to say on this somber occasion. "This is Gharen Muricar, town historian and councilman. Next to him is Zokar Elkarid, who owns the Laughing Demon Tavern, and his young boy Pevrin. That is Jominda Fallenbridge, our apothecary, and finally we have Vashian Hearthmount, another councilman, and who will be reading the will later on." "And now, though it pains me to do this after your long journey, I must ask a favor of you. I had thought we'd have more in attendance, but it seems that despite all the good my father has done this town, vile rumor and slander have done their work quickly." "We find ourselves short on pallbearers. By tradition, I must lead the coffin through the Restlands to its final resting place, where Father Grimburrow waits. Zokar has kindly offered to assist, but the councilman are getting on in years, Pevrin is too small, and Jominda too frail. If at least three of you would volunteer, I'm sure it would be easy to carry. And I know father would be glad to be accompanied by friends on his journey to peace."

[Kish]

"I'll help if I can, of course. The height difference between me and the other pallbearers might be a problem though." Rumor and slander? I wonder what that means. But I can ask later, if need be.

[kinem]

"The good Professor ...? Well, sure, I'll help carry him" Daron says.

[Tacobob]

Umana glanced around at the rather depressing little buildings as she made her way through Ravengro. The good Professor had not been exaggerating when he spoke of his hometown. The place resembled the usual settings of some of her favorite horror stories. And no tour of a creepy village would be complete without a visit to the graveyard!

The cat caught sight of the professor's lovely daughter Kenda who was standing with a few others. Thankfully, the young warrior had arrived just in time to hear what she had to say.

"Yes, I am Umana Blackmoon, and I too am sorry for your loss." While being the one who was 'battling insects' did not sound terribly heroic, the girl's father did help her overcome her fear of the nasty vermin they had encountered during their little 'adventure'.

When asked to be one of the pallbearers, Umana quickly added,"Yes...Of course.", she whispered as she took up a side of the professor's coffin.

Spoiler: Image Of Umana

Show

[HappyMerecat]

Dimitri

Dimitri bows again, clearly somewhat awkward socially. "I would be honored to carry the ... your father."

[Starscream]

Kendra thanks you profusely for your help, and the four of you each take a corner of the coffin bearing the late professor's remains. Kendra walks in front, reciting a prayer, and you proceed into the Restlands. The rest of the funeral party follows at some distance.

The journey through the cemetery is a circuitous one, chosen to make those who walk it reflect on impermanence and the state of their souls. From the gateway, you proceed past the oldest graves, on a trail called Ancestor's Walk, filled with war monuments and the crypts of the towns founding families. From there the dead are carried through the Dreamwake, lined with shrines to several different deities, in the hope that passing them will give the deceased one last chance to make peace before meeting them. Then it would be on to the Eversleep, the newest section of the graveyard, to finally lay Professor Lorrimor to rest. But before you can begin this final leg of the journey, your progress is halted by several people blocking the Dreamwake.

Seven men step out from behind a large mausoleum, and none of them look happy. The tallest among them, a wiry old man, steps forward to address Kendra.

Gibbs Hephenus	"That's far enough. We've been talking, and we don't want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him up river and bury him there if you want, but he ain't goin' in the ground here."
Kendra Lorrimor	Kendra is swift to respond, her sadness quickly turning to anger. "What? Gibbs Hephenus, what in blazes are you talking about? I've already arranged everything with Father Grimburrow. The grave's already been-"
Gibbs Hephenus	“You don’t get it, woman. We won’t have a necromancer buried in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still can. Folks are pretty upset about this right now. And you there-” Gibbs pauses as he takes in the professor's escort. You only just arrived from your journey, and have had no time to stow your traveling gear, or change into something more appropriate for a funeral. He wasn't expecting that he'd be trying to intimidate people with weapons and armor. Nevertheless, your hands are full and the numbers are on his side. "You. Strangers. I don't know who you are or what you are doing here, but if you're mixed up with the professor then you've made a grave mistake and aren't welcome here. I strongly suggest you turn and walk away this instant."

The other men behind him all nod, muttering threats and brandishing fists, clearly ready for a fight.

Spoiler: Map

Show

[Kish]

"If you have something against Professor Lorrimor, I would like to know what it is," Norda says. "He was a good man. We'd better set the coffin down," she says quickly to the other pallbearers, suiting action to words if the others cooperate in setting the coffin on the ground. While she expects to find nothing, she also uses her ability to sense evil, in case the answer to this mystery is that one of these men is something much worse than he appears.

[HappyMerecat]

Dimitri

Dimitri almost shrinks at the approach and then verbal attack of the men. He is used to avoiding ignorant villagers; used to being chased from towns; used to being the monster. He does not shift the weight of the coffin, he stands his ground. Should he speak? Being found out as a Dhampir would not help the situation at all. He wondered in anyone but Kendra knew. They where dishonoring the Professor. Sometimes he wondered why he strove so hard to protect them people. He wondered if the Professor thought the same way. He opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. He would let the others speak for now.

In a low voice he spoke so Kendra could hear, but not the villagers. "Calm, my dear. They will not stop the funeral and we will not let it turn ugly." With that he shifts his weight so the casket is all on one shoulder and prepares to set the coffin down. Again in a hushed tone. "Any violence more that what is absolutely needed will only make this worse."

[Madmal]

Nadya

"You've got to be kiddin' me" Nadya mutters, striding from behind the procession. She always felt off in funerals and such somber ceremonies so she had kept quiet but Petros? a Necromancer? Granted, she had been out of the loop for what, decades now? But judging from the looks of the others, they had been riled by those words. And the way that... Man had said it...

She stands slightly behind Kendra, takes a second to calm herself and speaks up to the man while crossing her arms, dangling Desna's holy symbol "Petros has all the right to be buried here, dear sir. I'm sorry to say so, but you are wrong. Please sir, let us keep on with the ceremony to give him a proper rest."

[Starscream]

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Nadya rolled Diplomacy in the OOC thread, with a result of 9.

Norda is using Detect Evil on the gathered thugs. None of them register as evil.

As two of the pallbearers have begun to set down the coffin, the other two will be assumed to cooperate unless they say otherwise. The coffin is successfully placed on the ground and the pallbearers hands are now free, though weapons remain undrawn.

If Gibbs is even paying attention to Nadya's words, he gives no indication. His eyes briefly flick to her holy symbol, but are mostly are on the coffin as it is lowered to the dirt, as if even having it touch the ground of the Dreamwake is some terrible blasphemy. Instead of responding to Nadya's request, he answers Norda.

Gibbs Hephenus

"So the girl hasn't told you, eh? Where the professor was found, and what he was doing? She's suckered you all to protect her pa's reputation. And one of you a holy woman too, if that ain't proof she's as wicked as her old man I don't know what is." The coffin finishes its journey to the ground, and Gibbs immediately reacts. "Right, run 'em off, lads! We'll burn the body in the woods!"

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Combat begins. Please roll initiative.

NPC Initiative rolls:
Gibbs: (1d20+1)[3]
Thug 1: (1d20+0)[17]
Thug 2: (1d20+0)[10]
Thug 3: (1d20+0)[11]
Thug 4: (1d20+0)[18]
Thug 5: (1d20+0)[10]
Thug 6: (1d20+0)[13]
Kendra: (1d20+1)[12]

Note that you can freely move your tokens on the Roll20 map.

Spoiler: Map

Show

[HappyMerecat]

Dimitri

"I have known the professor a long time and not simply from folk tales and superstition." Dmitri pulls out his flail. and moves to stand between Kendra and the mob in a fluid swift move wasting no time in thought whether he should act or not.
"I do not wish to harm you, but you will not touch that coffin nor Kendra."

Spoiler: Crunch

Show

Dimitri will hold his standard action and attempt to trip should one of the mob try to attack Kendra or move past him.
Disguise (1d20)[2] to act as human as possible.
Perception (1d20+9)[10] to see if any other people are around or if there happen to be any rats, bats or wolves near.

[kinem]

Daron brings his spear down more horizontally, in case he needs to use it, casts mage armor on himself, and steps forward.

"We knew the Professor as a good man. What is he accused of?" Making a corpse talk, perhaps? The magic of grave words causes no end of trouble ...

[Kish]

"Two holy women, actually. If you have evidence of wrongdoing by Professor Lorrimorr, we want to hear it, but switching from words to force will not end well for you." Norda draws her axe and steps forward as she speaks.

Spoiler

Show

Intimidate check, if appropriate: (1d20+1)[14]

[Tacobob]

Umana will slowly lower the coffin onto the ground with the others, making sure not to drop it.

“I seriously doubt the good Professor was an necromancer.”, the cat yelped, “And do you know horrible things can only happen if you desecrate a body and not give it a proper burial? You get a village full of the undead!” While she was not sure that was true, it did make sense to her. “Let’s give him a proper burial so this doesn’t happen!” Like the others, the young archer knew these people were not evil, just scared.

Spoiler: Ignore.

Show

Please ignore. Trying something out

[roll]1d20+5[/roll]

Spoiler: Also ignore. Trying to get something to work.

Show

[roll]1d20+5[/roll]

[Starscream]

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Combat will proceed in this order:
Nadya
Daron
Thug 4
Thug 1
Dimitri
Thug 6
Norda
Kendra
Umana
Thug 3
Thug 2
Thug 5
Gibbs

Nadya reacts quickest.

[Madmal]

Nadya Hp 10/10 AC 16

She exhales, giving a frustrated stare at the stubborn coot. "This is a mistake, but like heck i'll let you get away with it." she then picks her starknife from her belt and prays, reciting a simple benediction from one of Desna's writings.

Move action: Draw Starknife
Standard action: Cast Bless (+1 morale bonus on attack and Saving Throws against fear effects for 10 rounds)

[Starscream]

A look of fear crosses Gibbs' face, as it suddenly occurs to him he should let the others soften these interlopers up before he makes his move for the coffin. That dwarf means business, and up close the tall pale one looks somewhat...less than human.

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Daron is up next.

Gibbs is demoralized by Norda, and Dimitri's disguise check left Gibbs very suspicious of what he is.

[kinem]

ooc: Daron's actions were given above in post #16. Reposting it & adding:

Daron brings his spear down more horizontally, in case he needs to use it, casts mage armor on himself, and steps forward next to Kendra.

"We knew the Professor as a good man. What is he accused of?" Making a corpse talk, perhaps? The magic of grave words causes no end of trouble ...

OOC: Though he doesn't want to start hostilities, he'll take the AOO if one of the hostiles approaches within his spear reach.

[Starscream]

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Actions taken this round:

Nadya: Draws knife, casts Bless
Daron: Casts Mage Armor, step next to Kendra
Thug 4: Move up, Attack Norda with club: (1d20-3)[0] for (1d6+1)[4] nonlethal damage
Thug 1: Move up, Attack Dimitri with rake: (1d20-3)[11] for (1d6+1)[2] nonlethal damage
Dimitri: Hold Standard, disguise check, perception
Thug 6: Move up, Attack Norda with hammer: (1d20-3)[8] for (1d6+1)[3] nonlethal damage
Norda: Draw axe, step forward, intimidate
Kendra: Acid Splash Gibbs: (1d20+1)[14] for (1d3)[3] acid
Umana: Draw bow
Thug 3: Move up
Thug 2: Move up
Thug 5: Move up, Attack Dimitri with pitchfork: (1d20-3)[4] for (1d6+1)[6] nonlethal damage
Gibbs: 5ft step away, draw sling

When Gibbs gives the order, the other men spring into action, but they are nervous to be attacking strangers, uncertain of the propriety of their actions, and trying not to deal lasting harm, lest they wind up jailed. Too nervous to directly attack Kendra, who they believe to be dangerous, they instead focus on the two targets who presented themselves, Norda and Dimitri. Farm implements and handmade cudgels are of little use against real armor, however, and they succeed in little more than making noise. Seeing how little they have accomplished, you can bet they will stop holding back now.

The mourners prepare themselves for a fight, though they do not attack just yet. Nadya draws her starknife and casts a spell in preparation, Norda unsheathes her axe, Umana nocks her bow, and Daron moves to defend Kendra, while also magically protecting himself. Dimitri uses his supernatural senses to see if any allies can be found, but none of the creatures he knows how to commune with can be found, and the rest of the funeral party is holding back to avoid danger. His attempt to look normal while doing this is less than successful.

Gibbs, realizing that he is now in the center a real battle, as well as the main source of his enemies' ire, backs away nervously, fumbling in his pockets for his sling and bullets. Better to let his followers take the brunt of the punishment, while he attacks from a safe distance. Kendra, not willing to let the old coward escape, points at him while muttering an incantation and sends a small burst of acid at him, which strikes him in the leg.

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

2nd round begins, thugs will not be attempting non-lethal damage now.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Numbers added to thugs, in case needed to declare who you are fighting.

[Madmal]

Nadya Hp 10/10 AC 16

She steps foward, off the path and attempts a resolute starknife swing at the closest thug (5).

Attack:(1d20)[8]
Damage: (1d3-1)[0]

[Kish]

"STAND DOWN!" Norda bellows as she steps forward and slashes at Gibbs.

Spoiler

Show

Attack: (1d20+4)[8] Critical threat: (1d20+4)[17]
Damage: (1d10+3)[8] Critical damage: (2d10+6)[12]

[kinem]

Still hoping to avoid bloodshed, Daron tries a possibly insane gamble, casting the spell light on his spear. This requires his concentration, but not words or gestures, so it might appear that the spear itself is magical.

He points at Gibbs. "Call them off, Gibbs! Unless you are eager to join the Professor!"

[Starscream]

Still hoping to avoid bloodshed, Daron tries a possibly insane gamble, casting the spell light on his spear. This requires his concentration, but not words or gestures, so it might appear that the spear itself is magical.

He points at Gibbs. "Call them off, Gibbs! Unless you are eager to join the Professor!"

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Bluff check to see how convincing your ruse is.

[kinem]

ooc: Bluff for Daron (1d20-1)[6]

Edit: The -1 isn't the real problem

[Tacobob]

Spoiler: GAMEPLAY

Show

If Daron’s bluff does not cause the attacking thugs, Umana will do this next action. If they run off, she won’t attack!

With an arrow notched, the black panther fires an arrow into the nearest thug. She had been hoping this would not happen. She would attend the funeral. Hear some sad speeches and then be done with it. Maybe even get to enjoy some tasty 'Funeral Fudge', if that is in fact a thing.

Spoiler: GAMEPLAY

Show

Attack: (1d20+5)[11]
Damage: (1d8+1)[3]

[Starscream]

Spoiler: Gameplay

Show

Nadya: Steps forward, attacks Thug 5 with starknife, misses
Daron: Casts light on spear, bluffs Gibbs (6). Sense Motive result (reduced for Shaken):(1d20-2)[7]
Thug 4: Attack Norda with club: [roll]1d20+1[/roll] for [1d6+1] damage
Thug 1: Attack Dimitri with rake: [roll]1d20+1[/roll] for [1d6+1] damage
Dimitri: No action posted
Thug 6: Five foot step, attack Daron with hammer: [roll]1d20+1[/roll] for [1d6+1] damage
Norda: Five foot step, attacks Gibbs, misses
Kendra: Casts Mage Armor on Daron (+4 AC)
Umana: Fires arrow at Thug 5, hits for 3 damage.
Thug 3: Move and attacks Nadya with hatchet: [roll]1d20+1[/roll] for [1d6+1] damage
Thug 2: Attack Norda with sickle: [roll]1d20+1[/roll] for [1d6+1] damage
Thug 5: Hit with arrow, drops his pitchfork and Withdraws.
Gibbs: 5 foot back, tries to sling bullet at Kendra, penalty for firing into melee: [roll]1d20-3[/roll] for [1d4+1] damage