The Wizard's Challenge

Shalech looks to the sky; and is amazed by what he sees.  Above them is a vulture, but one that has grown to incredible size.  You can tell by the plumage, the rows of white and gray feathers, that he has lived to a great age.  You get the sense he knows that you've seen him.

Shalech points the vulture to the rest of the group, then keeps an eye on it to see if it is following them specifically.

The vulture continues to circle several times more times; you are sure it's following you.

Shalech sighs, "Well, that is a bad omen.  Vultures usually follow death.  It's rather large, maybe it's not a natural vulture.  A pet, a familiar or an altered form.  Either way, lets not assume our approach is unknown."

"Death......!"  An eerie and ancient voice calls from above.  "Which of you is close to death?  I smell it on you.". Each word is stretched out and screams of dead things.

Stupefied, Shalech says to the party, "Ok, not natural!  I'm not going further with that thing following us."

Arching his head back and bellowing with his full voice, "I am not near death, I carry death!  Begone or death will seek you."

Persuasion: 15

"This is definitely not natural!"

Nathan tries to remember whether he has read or heard of a magucal creature like this, or whether he knows any creature like this in nature: Arcana:9, Nature 16

With a spit, "We are all close to death."

Making sure to avoid his weapons, Croak watches the vulture. Lighting a cigarette, "Seems like we are off in the right direction. We should continue."

Percption:17

Urselles took a look at the empty cart and then turned back to Normand "*sigh* should we head back to the church now"

"Death will seek me."  It hisses.  "The bargain is struck... The death carrier will bring death, fresh and large, and the one will be spared.  Fail so and death will come for you..."  It's voice echoes in the sky as it flies away.

Nathan, you would know that some form of sentience had to be given to this creature; you've never heard of anything exactly like this.

Croak, in the distance you see a small gathering of hills, that likely holds the hermit's home.

The people are truly saddened to see you both go. Urselles it doesn't take long to get back to the church.  "Thank you for your help; I just wish I could have been more useful."

Quote from RobertHReaper >>

"Death will seek me."  It hisses.  "The bargain is struck... The death carrier will bring death, fresh and large, and the one will be spared.  Fail so and death will come for you..."  It's voice echoes in the sky as it flies away.

 

Shalech, stunned for several seconds, snaps out of it and says, "What in the pit of all the hells did that mean?"

Urselles gives Normand a kind look "we''ll help these people Normand, I know there's a reason we're here"

"What do you plan to do for the rest of your day?"  Normand asks, with a smile, shifting the topic.  "Do you have plans with your friends?"

"oh, they left looking for an apprentice of someone, the, the, Necromancer from the guild"

"Don't know about necromancers from the guild; but they always kept things close in general; even their location is secret.  Heard they even made the tower invisible."  After putting away the containers, Normand adds; "Would you like to spend the time aiding me here until they return?"

"that sounds like a great idea, what do you need help with Normand"

"My day to day usually involves listening to any concerns that people may have, and try to aid them if possible.  I also often give advice about growing and weather.  Later I have a council meeting."  Normand says.

"Sounds pretty ominous. We'll have a challenge ahead I'm sure."

"sure, about how long do we have to get ready"

"The people usually come here throughout the... "  Normand is cut off by a young boy cautiously coming though the door.  "How may I help you?"  He asks the child.

He replies simply; "Momma fell down."