This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ori following the lead of the others while trying to stay in front of them finds the role much more difficult to manage then he thought. He hated not knowing what was out there. Ori could face a problem head on if he could see it, but he wasn't really used to this exploration role. So when he heard the warning cry from Famh, Ori actually felt a little relief. Finally something I can help take care of.
"Oi mates, looks like we found a proper welcoming committee!" Ori grips the handle of the spiked greatclub on both hands and prepares to swing it if they get close enough.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thatch wrinkles his nose up in disgust as the odor hits him and he sees the small island ahead of them in the pond. “Surely our taxman did not go in there..”the bats break off his thought and he ducks down into the reeds to attempt to hide out of sight as they swoop in out of the mist.
As Thatch vanishes from sight ( and possibly reality itself) the others manage to wave their weapons about and convince the bats to seek other hunting grounds for the night, though the companions note that the cloud of bats wings away over the river not wanting to even fly over the Dell itself.
Moving on around the isle you are able to see that apart from the tree there is little else but boggy ground on the islet and the pond water is stagnant and still, the path moves even closer to the river as you continue...
You see now the river flows down from the north. Presumably it leads into Norham Wood and eventually joins the Hern River some miles to the east. A few thin tendrils of mist drift above the rushing water; the far bank seems clear.
Cainneach, Tana, Famh and Thatch note another splash of dried blood on the stones here...it is likely this spot that Harald emerged from the reeds....their keen eyes spot that there is blood spatter here as well on the reeds some way off the ground....
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"We're getting closer ... I hope. Some of that blood on the reeds looks fresher, unless its the mist fooling my eyes. And how did it get up that high? Doubt anyone mortal would have been brave enough to come in here and attack him again .... " Famh's voice trails off, and she begins examining the higher spatters of blood while keeping a careful ear out for the sound of movement in the mists around us. "I wonder what kind of creature could have done this?"
==============================
Investigation 13
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"We're getting closer ... I hope. Some of that blood on the reeds looks fresher, unless its the mist fooling my eyes. And how did it get up that high? Doubt anyone mortal would have been brave enough to come in here and attack him again .... " Famh's voice trails off, and she begins examining the higher spatters of blood while keeping a careful ear out for the sound of movement in the mists around us. "I wonder what kind of creature could have done this?"
==============================
Investigation 18
Famh has butchered and prepared enough game, poultry and livestock to recognise arterial spray when she sees it....though she'd need to see the body itself to determine much more she's fairly certain that a wound made with an animals jaws would have a much more 'patchy' distribution.
"Oh dear, this doesn't look good. Cainneach, you're a more experienced forester than most of us, I'd guess. Come look at this. Doesn't that look like a major artery got hit? And much too clean for a bat bite, or any other natural creature. Our taxman might be closer than we'd thought, but something else might too." She leans on her staff/spear where she stands by the higher blood spatter and looks around in a half circle up and down the path, finishing by peering across the river to see if Harald's body lies on the far bank if she hasn't seen anything on our side.
=======================================
Perception 3
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Fergus watches Famh search, disturbed by the news of the potentially fatal wound to the taxman. He pauses for a moment to calculate the positions of the victim and attacker, looking for angles and then looking around for most likely places to search.
He does have difficulty with the fog and lack of experience looking for evidence in a bog.
Ori relaxing a bit after the bats flew off away from the crew. "Well that was mildly disappointing. Atleast we know something lives around here and by the size of those flying rats, I'd say they have been eating alright too."
Ori has given up trying to stay in front of every body, he just gets in the way and doesn't really know what he's looking for. Certainly looking a bit more defeated and not his normal joyous self. When Famh mentions the man they are looking for may be closer by then expected, Ori perks up a bit. "Well I say he holler out to the poor fella, let him know helps here if he shows us the way. Maybe we can help him with whatever got him still running, aye?"
Thatch emerges from the reeds with a sheepish grin on his face as the bats fly harmlessly away. “I was ready to strike from the shadows if needed, but ye scared them off.” He follows Famh’s lead and takes a closer look at the blood splatter found on the trail and reeds. “I just hope our taxman is in good enough shape to answer, Ori. This is an awful lot of blood, and Famh’s right, I don’t like the look of this.” Thatch will look with Fergus to try to determine if there were any clues to what led to the blood spray.
"Oh dear, this doesn't look good. Cainneach, you're a more experienced forester than most of us, I'd guess. Come look at this. Doesn't that look like a major artery got hit? And much too clean for a bat bite, or any other natural creature. Our taxman might be closer than we'd thought, but something else might too." She leans on her staff/spear where she stands by the higher blood spatter and looks around in a half circle up and down the path, finishing by peering across the river to see if Harald's body lies on the far bank if she hasn't seen anything on our side.
=======================================
Perception 3
Cainneach is puzzled along with the rest of the crew, but prompted by Famh's remark, he responds, "Most of my skills have been acquired away from human conflict, so while I agree that that blood spray doesn't look like it was made by an animal's attack, I don't know much more than that. It certainly is a lot of blood, so could be an artery. If so, you're right in thinking that poor Harald may be nearby. Keep an eye out for the attacker, they may be highly skilled." He'll start looking around for further flung traces of blood, using the trajectory to guide him as Fergus is doing.
Ori relaxing a bit after the bats flew off away from the crew. "Well that was mildly disappointing. Atleast we know something lives around here and by the size of those flying rats, I'd say they have been eating alright too."
Ori has given up trying to stay in front of every body, he just gets in the way and doesn't really know what he's looking for. Certainly looking a bit more defeated and not his normal joyous self. When Famh mentions the man they are looking for may be closer by then expected, Ori perks up a bit. "Well I say he holler out to the poor fella, let him know helps here if he shows us the way. Maybe we can help him with whatever got him still running, aye?"
"Ori, let's hold off for a moment while we seek out the trail. Whatever did this, we likely don't want to attract its attention anymore than we already are with our thrashing through the reeds and stirring up bats. If we can't find a reliable track to follow, I'm up for a holler."
The others defeated by the dark, mist and the strange unsettling flora of the Dell it is Cainneach who spots the tell tale scuffs of dragging boots and begins to follow them...
......with Cainneach leading the way onwards down the path a high pole suddenly looms out of the mist. From its cross-bar hangs a stark corpse, swinging in chains and shackles.
He wears the livery of the Baron Aldred, torn at the shoulder to reveal a gaping blood-caked wound. One arm is twisted up behind him, its white fingers still clamped around a fine sword he had slung on his back. It seems he died before he had time to draw it.
(Anyone who considers themselves at least a little knowlegable in combat or soldiery may read-)
You find it strange that he did not reach for the other sword he wears—scabbarded at his belt, it would have been more accessible.
"Well... it appears we found the man and the sword, any chance his pockets are full of tax collections? Anybody got any ideas how to get him down or should we start dropping his perch?" Ori starts to observe the base of the pole to see if he can determine a way to bring it down. Trying to still be helpful/observant and trying to keep spirits from tanking even further, Ori says "The addition jewelry they gave him seems a bit excessive if you ask me."
Famh looks at the hanging man, the look on her face at the same time sickened and puzzled. "They just hung him up like a butchered wether. That's horrible! And why? Is it a warning, or a lure, or a trap? And they just left that fine sword on his back, half drawn ..."
... and puts her hand to her head as the sudden strange whispers start up in her mind again. Something about that hand ... it reminded her of ... what? The way it jutted up stiffly behind him ... almost - disembodied ... She breathes in slowly, steadying herself, and then speaks slowly. "Please don't think ... I'm demon-ridden or cursed but --- " And then more confidently. "Cainneach ... I told you about the dreams I'd been having just before we met. Well, the Old Ones have whispered to me before, at times The faeries. And at times they tell me how to do things that -- call on the powers of the fey. And nothing thus far has seemed evil, just skills they think will help me; they seem to like me for some strange reason." Her mouth quirks slightly at the memories, half grateful for the help, half bitter at the need for it and the reason it was needed. "And they've just taught me a trick that might help. I really think we should be careful about touching this fellow until we know more, but when we do I can call on a ... faerie hand in the air. And I know how to send it where I want it to go, and do things with it rather than any of us having to touch whatever we need handled directly."
Almeric surveys the grim scene and sighs in disappointment at finding Harold dead. In answer to the question, speaking to no one in particular. "It is a warning from the Undead that are trapped here by St. Ambrosius. A warning that the living shall not be allowed to live." Almeric continues his non specific conversation. "It is curious that Harold would try to draw the prize sword from his back, when it would have been much easier to draw his arming sword at his belt. We must get him down, whichever way and secure him and his prize. We will take both back as ordered."
The others defeated by the dark, mist and the strange unsettling flora of the Dell it is Cainneach who spots the tell tale scuffs of dragging boots and begins to follow them...
......with Cainneach leading the way onwards down the path a high pole suddenly looms out of the mist. From its cross-bar hangs a stark corpse, swinging in chains and shackles.
He wears the livery of the Baron Aldred, torn at the shoulder to reveal a gaping blood-caked wound. One arm is twisted up behind him, its white fingers still clamped around a fine sword he had slung on his back. It seems he died before he had time to draw it.
"Ach, that's an awful sight! I'm sorry to have led us to this ..."Cainneach turns away in disgust. The sight of it brought back unwanted visions of the horrors wreaked upon his clansmen in the borderlands between Ereworn and Thuland, a stark reminder of how little the inhabitants of this land cared for one another. Yet there was something different with poor Harald's corpse. The injury was grievous and the display of it harrowing, but this was unnatural.
Famh looks at the hanging man, the look on her face at the same time sickened and puzzled. "They just hung him up like a butchered wether. That's horrible! And why? Is it a warning, or a lure, or a trap? And they just left that fine sword on his back, half drawn ..."
... and puts her hand to her head as the sudden strange whispers start up in her mind again. Something about that hand ... it reminded her of ... what? The way it jutted up stiffly behind him ... almost - disembodied ... She breathes in slowly, steadying herself, and then speaks slowly. "Please don't think ... I'm demon-ridden or cursed but --- " And then more confidently. "Cainneach ... I told you about the dreams I'd been having just before we met. Well, the Old Ones have whispered to me before, at times The faeries. And at times they tell me how to do things that -- call on the powers of the fey. And nothing thus far has seemed evil, just skills they think will help me; they seem to like me for some strange reason." Her mouth quirks slightly at the memories, half grateful for the help, half bitter at the need for it and the reason it was needed. "And they've just taught me a trick that might help. I really think we should be careful about touching this fellow until we know more, but when we do I can call on a ... faerie hand in the air. And I know how to send it where I want it to go, and do things with it rather than any of us having to touch whatever we need handled directly."
Cainneach looks at Famh with wonder mixed with a trace of fear, although he hopes the latter doesn't show on his face. Dru had taught him something of the Aos Si and the fey, and he had of course heard all of the folk tales of his people. He knew that there were good spirits as well as evil and he was certain that Famh could only be entwined with the former ... but in this Dell, this dark place, Cainneach found it hard to push the thoughts of those evil spirits from his mind. "If they get to Famh ..."Cainneach shudders, forcing himself to stop the thought, not wanting to contemplate losing another friend, especially in that way. He responds quietly to Famh, "Yes, I think you're right, we mustn't lay our hands on that corrupted corpse if we can avoid it. I'm not sure I understand what you're describing, but I'm anxious to see what you can do. Let's just hope Almeric feels the same."
Almeric surveys the grim scene and sighs in disappointment at finding Harold dead. In answer to the question, speaking to no one in particular. "It is a warning from the Undead that are trapped here by St. Ambrosius. A warning that the living shall not be allowed to live." Almeric continues his non specific conversation. "It is curious that Harold would try to draw the prize sword from his back, when it would have been much easier to draw his arming sword at his belt. We must get him down, whichever way and secure him and his prize. We will take both back as ordered."
"Almeric, Ori, it sounds like Famh may have a way to bring down our quarry. Just keep an open mind. As to that sword, if our experience in Vallandar's tomb is any guide, Harald may have been of the mind that he required an enchanted weapon to strike down whatever had stalked him. Our normal weapons were useless against the spectre Morgrin; only Vallandar's enchanted blades could injure it."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
At the sight of the taxman, Thatch blanches and mutters a hurried prayer to both the old gods and the new. “By all that is holy, why would they string him up like that?” He moves to help Ori investigate the base of the pole to determine how best to lower the body. He looks up sharply as Cainneach reminds him of the creature from the Bear King’s tomb and Sir Almeric mentions the undead, his own injury at the hand of the creature's shadow blade still in his memory. One hand on his gladius, he shifts his attention and looks for any tracks or signs that would indicate who hung the body and if any threats were still nearby. “Look sharp, the may still be near.”
Fergus leans on his staff and sighs deeply. He noticed he was less perturbed than his allies but he accounts that he has seen cruelties in the streets of Port Clyster over his lifetime where those who lived hard lives were often treated as less than. He could no longer count how many times he stumbled across a body in the darker parts of the docks. Yet, even with that experience, a shiver runs down his spine as they stand in this eerie mist looking upon a trophy made of man.
Famh looks at the hanging man, the look on her face at the same time sickened and puzzled. "They just hung him up like a butchered wether. That's horrible! And why? Is it a warning, or a lure, or a trap? And they just left that fine sword on his back, half drawn ..."
... and puts her hand to her head as the sudden strange whispers start up in her mind again. Something about that hand ... it reminded her of ... what? The way it jutted up stiffly behind him ... almost - disembodied ... She breathes in slowly, steadying herself, and then speaks slowly. "Please don't think ... I'm demon-ridden or cursed but --- " And then more confidently. "Cainneach ... I told you about the dreams I'd been having just before we met. Well, the Old Ones have whispered to me before, at times The faeries. And at times they tell me how to do things that -- call on the powers of the fey. And nothing thus far has seemed evil, just skills they think will help me; they seem to like me for some strange reason." Her mouth quirks slightly at the memories, half grateful for the help, half bitter at the need for it and the reason it was needed. "And they've just taught me a trick that might help. I really think we should be careful about touching this fellow until we know more, but when we do I can call on a ... faerie hand in the air. And I know how to send it where I want it to go, and do things with it rather than any of us having to touch whatever we need handled directly."
Hearing Famh, he nods to himself in agreement. The less they touched the body for now the better till they could safely examine it. At the mention of a faerie hand, he makes as if to ask her something but bites his tongue. Instead, he holds his hand out open in front of his face as a light yellow vapor surrounds it like a glove made of sickly smoke, dancing and flickering like a flame. Stretching out his arm, this spectral hand floats up and prepares to try loosen the bindings on the body. Fergus looks to Sir Almeric
"Permission to try and release the body Sir?"
(OOC: Casting Mage Hand to try and untie body to lower/drop it, held action till approved by Sir Almeric)
A slight nod from Sir Almeric and to various degrees of wonder, disquiet and confusion Famh and Fergus manage to unhook the dead man from the chains holding him.....the long delicate green tinged fingers of Famhs summoned hand contrasts with the almost sickly nature of Fergus' and the two...entities?....seem to recoil whenever they approach the other.
But the apparitions were unable to hold the tax collector aloft and once released Harald tumbled unceremoniously to the ground with a thud....
Famh looks at the body she and Fergus just loosed, a sad and troubled look on her face. She bows her head slightly and speaks to the spirit of the dead man now lying on the ground. "Forgive us the roughness, Harald. It seems these fey hands are more deft than they are strong." Then she turns to Fergus. "I suppose ... I suppose we should try and make a litter to bear him out of here? At least someone ought to check his body to see if we can learn more as to his fate. Or if he's about to rise and walk; I'm thinking anything might be possible in this horrible place." She takes up a position a few feet from the corpse and holds her staff/spear at the ready, keeping an eye on both the body and the immediate surroundings. "I don't know too much about human bodies, but I can stand ready at watch while we're taking care of him."
===================
Perception 4 (if needed)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Cainneach watches in wonder as the ghostly hands did their work. What strange fortune to have met so many people capable of such mystical feats! Perhaps, with their help, he could some day learn to wield magic. "I'll watch over the proceedings as well, but I think Almeric seems most qualified to reckon with the body." Cainneach draws his bear-adorned short sword, wishing Dru were here to offer counsel in this bizarre situation.
Ori following the lead of the others while trying to stay in front of them finds the role much more difficult to manage then he thought. He hated not knowing what was out there. Ori could face a problem head on if he could see it, but he wasn't really used to this exploration role. So when he heard the warning cry from Famh, Ori actually felt a little relief. Finally something I can help take care of.
"Oi mates, looks like we found a proper welcoming committee!" Ori grips the handle of the spiked greatclub on both hands and prepares to swing it if they get close enough.
Initiative: 13
Thatch wrinkles his nose up in disgust as the odor hits him and he sees the small island ahead of them in the pond. “Surely our taxman did not go in there..” the bats break off his thought and he ducks down into the reeds to attempt to hide out of sight as they swoop in out of the mist.
Stealth: 8.
Initiative if needed: 11.
.
As Thatch vanishes from sight ( and possibly reality itself) the others manage to wave their weapons about and convince the bats to seek other hunting grounds for the night, though the companions note that the cloud of bats wings away over the river not wanting to even fly over the Dell itself.
Moving on around the isle you are able to see that apart from the tree there is little else but boggy ground on the islet and the pond water is stagnant and still, the path moves even closer to the river as you continue...
You see now the river flows down from the north. Presumably it leads into Norham Wood and eventually joins the Hern River some miles to the east. A few thin tendrils of mist drift above the rushing water; the far bank seems clear.
Cainneach, Tana, Famh and Thatch note another splash of dried blood on the stones here...it is likely this spot that Harald emerged from the reeds....their keen eyes spot that there is blood spatter here as well on the reeds some way off the ground....
"We're getting closer ... I hope. Some of that blood on the reeds looks fresher, unless its the mist fooling my eyes. And how did it get up that high? Doubt anyone mortal would have been brave enough to come in here and attack him again .... " Famh's voice trails off, and she begins examining the higher spatters of blood while keeping a careful ear out for the sound of movement in the mists around us. "I wonder what kind of creature could have done this?"
==============================
Investigation 13
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Famh has butchered and prepared enough game, poultry and livestock to recognise arterial spray when she sees it....though she'd need to see the body itself to determine much more she's fairly certain that a wound made with an animals jaws would have a much more 'patchy' distribution.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Fergus watches Famh search, disturbed by the news of the potentially fatal wound to the taxman. He pauses for a moment to calculate the positions of the victim and attacker, looking for angles and then looking around for most likely places to search.
He does have difficulty with the fog and lack of experience looking for evidence in a bog.
Investigation: 8
Ori relaxing a bit after the bats flew off away from the crew. "Well that was mildly disappointing. Atleast we know something lives around here and by the size of those flying rats, I'd say they have been eating alright too."
Ori has given up trying to stay in front of every body, he just gets in the way and doesn't really know what he's looking for. Certainly looking a bit more defeated and not his normal joyous self. When Famh mentions the man they are looking for may be closer by then expected, Ori perks up a bit. "Well I say he holler out to the poor fella, let him know helps here if he shows us the way. Maybe we can help him with whatever got him still running, aye?"
Thatch emerges from the reeds with a sheepish grin on his face as the bats fly harmlessly away. “I was ready to strike from the shadows if needed, but ye scared them off.” He follows Famh’s lead and takes a closer look at the blood splatter found on the trail and reeds. “I just hope our taxman is in good enough shape to answer, Ori. This is an awful lot of blood, and Famh’s right, I don’t like the look of this.” Thatch will look with Fergus to try to determine if there were any clues to what led to the blood spray.
Investigation: 5.
.
Cainneach is puzzled along with the rest of the crew, but prompted by Famh's remark, he responds, "Most of my skills have been acquired away from human conflict, so while I agree that that blood spray doesn't look like it was made by an animal's attack, I don't know much more than that. It certainly is a lot of blood, so could be an artery. If so, you're right in thinking that poor Harald may be nearby. Keep an eye out for the attacker, they may be highly skilled." He'll start looking around for further flung traces of blood, using the trajectory to guide him as Fergus is doing.
"Ori, let's hold off for a moment while we seek out the trail. Whatever did this, we likely don't want to attract its attention anymore than we already are with our thrashing through the reeds and stirring up bats. If we can't find a reliable track to follow, I'm up for a holler."
Survival 24
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The others defeated by the dark, mist and the strange unsettling flora of the Dell it is Cainneach who spots the tell tale scuffs of dragging boots and begins to follow them...
......with Cainneach leading the way onwards down the path a high pole suddenly looms out of the mist. From its cross-bar hangs a stark corpse, swinging in chains and shackles.
He wears the livery of the Baron Aldred, torn at the shoulder to reveal a gaping blood-caked wound. One arm is twisted up behind him, its white fingers still clamped around a fine sword
he had slung on his back. It seems he died before he had time to draw it.
(Anyone who considers themselves at least a little knowlegable in combat or soldiery may read-)
You find it strange that he did not reach for the other sword he wears—scabbarded at his belt, it would have been more accessible.
"Well... it appears we found the man and the sword, any chance his pockets are full of tax collections? Anybody got any ideas how to get him down or should we start dropping his perch?" Ori starts to observe the base of the pole to see if he can determine a way to bring it down. Trying to still be helpful/observant and trying to keep spirits from tanking even further, Ori says "The addition jewelry they gave him seems a bit excessive if you ask me."
Famh looks at the hanging man, the look on her face at the same time sickened and puzzled. "They just hung him up like a butchered wether. That's horrible! And why? Is it a warning, or a lure, or a trap? And they just left that fine sword on his back, half drawn ..."
... and puts her hand to her head as the sudden strange whispers start up in her mind again. Something about that hand ... it reminded her of ... what? The way it jutted up stiffly behind him ... almost - disembodied ... She breathes in slowly, steadying herself, and then speaks slowly. "Please don't think ... I'm demon-ridden or cursed but --- " And then more confidently. "Cainneach ... I told you about the dreams I'd been having just before we met. Well, the Old Ones have whispered to me before, at times The faeries. And at times they tell me how to do things that -- call on the powers of the fey. And nothing thus far has seemed evil, just skills they think will help me; they seem to like me for some strange reason." Her mouth quirks slightly at the memories, half grateful for the help, half bitter at the need for it and the reason it was needed. "And they've just taught me a trick that might help. I really think we should be careful about touching this fellow until we know more, but when we do I can call on a ... faerie hand in the air. And I know how to send it where I want it to go, and do things with it rather than any of us having to touch whatever we need handled directly."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric surveys the grim scene and sighs in disappointment at finding Harold dead. In answer to the question, speaking to no one in particular. "It is a warning from the Undead that are trapped here by St. Ambrosius. A warning that the living shall not be allowed to live." Almeric continues his non specific conversation. "It is curious that Harold would try to draw the prize sword from his back, when it would have been much easier to draw his arming sword at his belt. We must get him down, whichever way and secure him and his prize. We will take both back as ordered."
"Ach, that's an awful sight! I'm sorry to have led us to this ..." Cainneach turns away in disgust. The sight of it brought back unwanted visions of the horrors wreaked upon his clansmen in the borderlands between Ereworn and Thuland, a stark reminder of how little the inhabitants of this land cared for one another. Yet there was something different with poor Harald's corpse. The injury was grievous and the display of it harrowing, but this was unnatural.
Cainneach looks at Famh with wonder mixed with a trace of fear, although he hopes the latter doesn't show on his face. Dru had taught him something of the Aos Si and the fey, and he had of course heard all of the folk tales of his people. He knew that there were good spirits as well as evil and he was certain that Famh could only be entwined with the former ... but in this Dell, this dark place, Cainneach found it hard to push the thoughts of those evil spirits from his mind. "If they get to Famh ..." Cainneach shudders, forcing himself to stop the thought, not wanting to contemplate losing another friend, especially in that way. He responds quietly to Famh, "Yes, I think you're right, we mustn't lay our hands on that corrupted corpse if we can avoid it. I'm not sure I understand what you're describing, but I'm anxious to see what you can do. Let's just hope Almeric feels the same."
"Almeric, Ori, it sounds like Famh may have a way to bring down our quarry. Just keep an open mind. As to that sword, if our experience in Vallandar's tomb is any guide, Harald may have been of the mind that he required an enchanted weapon to strike down whatever had stalked him. Our normal weapons were useless against the spectre Morgrin; only Vallandar's enchanted blades could injure it."
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
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At the sight of the taxman, Thatch blanches and mutters a hurried prayer to both the old gods and the new. “By all that is holy, why would they string him up like that?” He moves to help Ori investigate the base of the pole to determine how best to lower the body. He looks up sharply as Cainneach reminds him of the creature from the Bear King’s tomb and Sir Almeric mentions the undead, his own injury at the hand of the creature's shadow blade still in his memory. One hand on his gladius, he shifts his attention and looks for any tracks or signs that would indicate who hung the body and if any threats were still nearby. “Look sharp, the may still be near.”
Perception or Survival: 8.
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Fergus leans on his staff and sighs deeply. He noticed he was less perturbed than his allies but he accounts that he has seen cruelties in the streets of Port Clyster over his lifetime where those who lived hard lives were often treated as less than. He could no longer count how many times he stumbled across a body in the darker parts of the docks. Yet, even with that experience, a shiver runs down his spine as they stand in this eerie mist looking upon a trophy made of man.
Hearing Famh, he nods to himself in agreement. The less they touched the body for now the better till they could safely examine it. At the mention of a faerie hand, he makes as if to ask her something but bites his tongue. Instead, he holds his hand out open in front of his face as a light yellow vapor surrounds it like a glove made of sickly smoke, dancing and flickering like a flame. Stretching out his arm, this spectral hand floats up and prepares to try loosen the bindings on the body. Fergus looks to Sir Almeric
"Permission to try and release the body Sir?"
(OOC: Casting Mage Hand to try and untie body to lower/drop it, held action till approved by Sir Almeric)
A slight nod from Sir Almeric and to various degrees of wonder, disquiet and confusion Famh and Fergus manage to unhook the dead man from the chains holding him.....the long delicate green tinged fingers of Famhs summoned hand contrasts with the almost sickly nature of Fergus' and the two...entities?....seem to recoil whenever they approach the other.
But the apparitions were unable to hold the tax collector aloft and once released Harald tumbled unceremoniously to the ground with a thud....
Famh looks at the body she and Fergus just loosed, a sad and troubled look on her face. She bows her head slightly and speaks to the spirit of the dead man now lying on the ground. "Forgive us the roughness, Harald. It seems these fey hands are more deft than they are strong." Then she turns to Fergus. "I suppose ... I suppose we should try and make a litter to bear him out of here? At least someone ought to check his body to see if we can learn more as to his fate. Or if he's about to rise and walk; I'm thinking anything might be possible in this horrible place." She takes up a position a few feet from the corpse and holds her staff/spear at the ready, keeping an eye on both the body and the immediate surroundings. "I don't know too much about human bodies, but I can stand ready at watch while we're taking care of him."
===================
Perception 4 (if needed)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Cainneach watches in wonder as the ghostly hands did their work. What strange fortune to have met so many people capable of such mystical feats! Perhaps, with their help, he could some day learn to wield magic. "I'll watch over the proceedings as well, but I think Almeric seems most qualified to reckon with the body." Cainneach draws his bear-adorned short sword, wishing Dru were here to offer counsel in this bizarre situation.
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]