"You brought me out" the creature whispers in the back of your mind "they want you too, now" it pauses for a long while and just sits there before asking "fun?"
Week 5 below!
Group of holy men
Dusk, at the moment you're having a hard time recalling any specifics about their religion.
Abandoned picnic setting
Looking over the picnic, Dusk you notice small little swarms of bees that have just recently shown up due to the sweet smell of foods, but nothing really out of place. Erlang, your divine sense doesn't register any celestial, fiend, or undead presence here.
Ghost
As you speak to the ghastly figure, Dusk, and look deeper in the forest; the figure doesn't speak back, it just continues to point. Looking into the forest however, while you don't see anything humanoid or creature-like moving, you do catch what appears to be a flag or fabric of some sort waving in the slight breeze further in. Erlang, the ghost is the only presence your divine sense registers.
(OOC: Erlang is the first to say they're outside of the wagon, so I'm going to assume the wagon came to a stop near the ghost, since he needs to be within 60 feet for his ability.)
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
All of you begin searching over the torn bodies of these poor goblins and other goblinoid creatures. While there are varying degrees of wounds, and attached limbs, all the damage seems consistent with a set of claws like a large predatory animal would have. There are however, a couple bodies further up, once they become more common, that seem to have burn marks near some wounds and some cauterization.
Kell looks at the entire layout with thinly veiled suspicion, but doesn't approach "How about we don't disturb that which aint trying to eat us. I don't know what put that food there and I am quite comfortable not knowing"
Ghost :
Kell hops out of the cart, then starts advancing towards the spectral figure slowly. His body language is casual but his eyes dart back and forth, trying to get a better stock of the situation. "Hey there fella, you need some help?" When he gets close enough to see what the ghost is pointing at, he halts.
Perception: 16 (Rolled in log)
Goblins :
Kell dismounts the cart and looks around with the group. Burn marks? This can't have been natural. We are close to Wolfwater... "Careful folks, this doesn't seem natural to me. What wild animal causes burns like these?" Kell examines the bodies of the goblinoids, trying to determine what brought them into the open in the first place. Are they armed for a raid or are they carrying more mundane possessions?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
"If you want to scare me, Avimm," Khessa sighs "you have to give me a little more precise idea of this threat. How come if I know who 'they' are my brain stops working? How does that happen? It's something automatic, connected to being aware of their existence? Or do they have to activate an ability of their own, to drive you insane? And does this ability have some limitation? Like distance (you need to be within a given range)? Time (wears off after a while)? Are you talking about Far Realm horrors? Allies of Ambriel? Have 'they' free to act in Weskeilia yet? And if so, how come there isn't Is there an exponential increase in cases of insanity in Westkeilia?"
After a brief pause, the blonde arcane warrior concludes, lapidary: "But don't bother answering - sadly, as long as you insist on not acting like an ally, I certainly can't fully believe your words. If you want I can trust you (and that therefore I'm more likely to escape - with you - 'they'), your choices must help me to trust you. And, at the moment, they don't - so I guess we'll just see what happens and react accordingly. However don't overworry... what I do know for sure is that, to this day, all those who 'wanted me' against my will, the times they got me, have not been satisfied with the results".
Group of holy men
"Just one last question, please, holy men; sorry, I hate bothering you further, but it is important" Khessa asks. "Are any of you able to remove curses? Or if not you yourself, do you know if there is someone around who can?"
Picnic
"This matter intrigues me", the blonde arcane warrior admits "but not to the point of losing the rest of the day here... We have not found any explanations or clues... I'd say we simply continue with our journey".
Ghost :
"Of course Erlang" replies the tall adventuress, unsheating her Greatsword just to be ready for everything "let's go".
And to the others: "Come with us... Mr Ectoplasm's not answering you... so I guess he can't do it. His gesture is pretty clear, though... he's pointing there... I say his body will be there. But whatever there is, evidently it should be the key of the problem. Just let's go and fix this".
Khessa begins to advance, sending Avimm to scout ahead, asking him to warn her telepathically in time of any dangers (being a creature that seems to be made of shadow, it must be very difficult to distinguish him in the night - so as a scout he should be excellent) - and also to disappear in case he gets spotted.
To be able to see, the blonde arcane warrior pronunces a short formula with a musical sound and enchants a pebble to emit a warm orange Light; she keeps it with her.
Goblins :
In light of the new evidence, Khessa reiterates: "It's more and more likely that this is the work of the devil we are looking for. A devil who fights with natural weapons and has special abilities that burn, possibly based on fire or acid. Come on, let's see if there are traces. They could lead us to other clues - or better still to survivors, whose account could be further illuminating".
(OOC: Khessa is not a great tracker herself... so she will help a more skilled companion that tries - giving him advantage; she does not try to roll on her own)
Group of holy men : Togar observes what they say after Khessa’s ask, and adds his own two coppers worth. “I’m headed to the academy to learn more about magic, any advice or help that you could offer a beginner?”
Picnic : “I agree, let’s just move on, I don’t see anything here.”
Ghost : As the decision is made to investigate and see what the ghost is indicating, before swinging out of the wagon, Togar casts mage armor and then activates his ring of invisibility, expecting the potential for trouble ahead. He keeps watch as the walk, looking for any attack.
Goblins : After determining that potentially a demon may have played a role in the slaughter, Togar takes to the skies and peers from above, looking for any movement and keeping watch as they determine next steps.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"You mortals can't comprehend our forms. Our true forms would overload you." The voice hesitates momentarily "at least their form would. Our voices will overload you as well. Why do you think I speak to you like this? In a language you understand and not out loud? You do not want me to speak." Avimm stays silent as you continue speaking, simply watching you. "I do not know who this Ambriel is"
Week 5 below!
Group of holy men
"None of us here can, no" one of the men says before another speaks up "but should you make your way to the Temple of Sight our Saint may be capable of removing a curse depending on how strong it is." As you speak on the arcane academy, Togar and ask for any tips one of the men speak up "the arcane is beyond me, but I do believe arcane practitioners do much studying as we do, stay on top of your studies and you should do wonderfully!"
Abandoned picnic setting
Looks like it was unanimously voted to ignore the picnic and continue on. Good choice!
Ghost
Kell, the ghastly figure continues to ignore you just as it had ignored the rest of your party that spoke to it. It just continues to point deeper into the forest. Khessa casts light to create some light in the darkness of the forest and falling sun. You then, Khessa, send Avimm ahead to look around as you walk through the forest. Togar you cast mage armor and then go invisible. Dusk you move with the group deeper into the forest. As you all move through the forest, you find the fabric Dusk was speaking of. There is a well adorned corpse laying on the ground. A brilliant looking sword stands, stabbed into the ground, waving a piece of blue silk tied around the hilt. Avimm sitting next to the sword. Khessa you get the sense Avimm doesn't recognize any threats nearby. The corpse has many golden and silver rings on each of its fingers, gems are adorned in earrings, several pendants can be seen tucked into the blouse the corpse wears. Someone of a high stature, or at least a wealthy individual seems to have died here.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
You're having an easier time than you had imagined following these tracks, Khessa, especially with the help of Togar flying above. The tracks, which appear to be humanoid in nature, head straight up the road in the direction of Wolfwater. Only diverging where you find a new scattering of bodies as if a small fight broke out. Looking over the bodies, Kell, some appear to be weaponed up, and others not so much. What brought these goblins to a main road is ultimately unclear. There are a handful of goblin tribes that are civil and trade with nearby towns, and there are hostile tribes that aren't as civil. These, or at least some of these, could have been traders that were traveling the road, some of these most definitely could have been raiders.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((Has the ghost followed us?)) Dusk first looks over the body to see if he can get a general sense of how it died ((medicine 20)). Then, looking to the ghost, (if it's with us, immediately, if not walking back a bit to do so), Dusks voice comes from it's head-box saying, "Is this body yours? You need only nod or shake your head if you cannot speak. Would burying it be enough to appease your spirit? Or should we find a temple? Perhaps I could perform a ceremony for you?"
"Someone of a high stature, or at least a wealthy individual seems to have died here..." Khessa comments, taking the time to perform an arcane ritual that let's her detect eventual magic (OOC: @DM: Does she detects any?)"And it was definitely not a robbery murder, as so many valuable things were left here. Maybe once again our devil at work?"
Once the blonde arcane warrior has finished searching for traces of magic: "Well, his possessions don't make sense that they follow him to the grave... I'd say we divide them and put them to good use. While the body should be buried. Your idea of the ceremony is great, Dusk! Has anyone ever told you that you are incredibly empathetic and sensitive for a machine? If you know one ceremony that helps the deceased find peace, go ahead - I wouldn't wait too long for a reply from Mr Ectoplasm... he may not be able to understand us".
The tall adventuress retrieves a shovel and begins digging. She doesn't bother asking Avimm for help, since it was already impossible to get him to cooperate before.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
Khessa tries to check, around, if she can also identify the traces of whoever carried out the massacre... Whoever it was, he won't always have stayed with the goblins. There should be trails (not of goblins) leading to and away from the site of the carnage… (unless the killer has come and gone by flying or magical means).
The ghastly figure has followed the group into the forest. It is yet to speak, but it continues to point at the body you see before you. Dusk, the ghastly figure does not nod or respond in any meaningful way, but there are resemblances between the floating figure and the dead body. Additionally, you don't see any recent signs of physical trauma on this corpse, Dusk. There are many visible scars, but all healed. Nothing fresh. Khessa, the sword stabbed into the ground and a single amulet wrapped around the dead bodies neck appears to radiate with some magic.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
Khessa, the only visible trail you have picked up that is consistently showing up between areas of bodies is a single pair of humanoid footprints. They're bare feet, not shod, and they follow the road toward Wolfwater. As does the carnage. It seems like whatever or whoever did this, was heading in the direction of Wolfwater.
Khessa announces: "The sword and amulet wrapped around his neck are magical".
The blonde arcane warrior takes the sword and tries to examine it... (OOC: @DM: What kind of sword? Shortsowrd? Longsword? Greatsword? Is there any visible clue about its powers?)"Togar, you are able to Determine the exact powers of these items? I know there is a spell for that…but it's a spell I haven't learned yet".
However, she puts the amulet aside - and the various non-magical jewels - then, with a sigh, begins to bury the corpse, speaking, for the first time, to the ghost (although convinced that it is completely useless): "Don't worry, Mr Ectoplasm, now we'll get busy, see? Your body will be buried in no time. Oh, and don't bother thanking too much, eh?"
If in the meantime Dusk begins his funerary ritual, she tries to follow the ceremony, the meaning of the sentences, while her mind goes back to a time when, always at night, her brother Anator was killed... 'He did not get even this. Not even someone who accompanied him with a ceremony on his last journey. The only thing he got, was a steel blade that was twisted into his guts… Anator, poor brother of mine'.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
"Hmmm... the only visible trail that is consistently showing up between areas of bodies is a single pair of humanoid footprints" Khessa checks the terrain for the last time, but she can't find anymore clues, so she shares what she descovered. "They're bare feet, not shod - so this devil must be a poor one," she jokes "and they follow the road toward Wolfwater... As all this carnage does, by the way. It seems like whatever or whoever did this, was heading in the direction of Wolfwater. So we better hurry to reach the village..." she climbs back on the cart, ready to continue, frowning and worried "I don't like to think of that, but If the devil went there and they don't have a good defense, they might not have fared any better than these goblins".
Erlang stands beside the grave, his glaive held loosely in his hand as he keeps a watchful eye on their surroundings. As Dusk begins the solemn ritual, sprinkling the powdered silver over the corpse and holding the amulet outstretched, Erlang's gaze shifts between the unfolding ceremony and the ghostly figure of the apparition. He remains respectfully quiet, observing the intricate dance of moonlight and shadows that paints the scene.
Well Dusk, you don't have to worry about casting ceremony because the moment Khessa attempts to remove amulet from the dead bodies neck, the ghastly figure lunges at her. Funnily enough, all of you get to go before this ghost, so go ahead and post your turn as this ghastly figure lunges at Khessa.
Togar is about to answer Khessa, in his mind about to say “Why yes, I can certainly…” when the ghost takes a swipe at her. He had prepared with invisibility and he had cast mage armor prior to pursuing the ghost, concerned that the spirit might turn malevolent, which it has. For his movement, he flies up and away from the ghost, then lobs a ball of fire at it.
Chromatic orb : 21 to hit for 12 points of fire damage. With casting the spell, Togar is visible again.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"It would have been enough to say 'no, I'd rather that one was buried with me!' – but if this really the only form of communication you're capable of..." Khessa comments, leaping back (and at that point dropping the amulet around the corpse's neck) before the ghost can reach her.
'He's deceased... He's translucent... Something tells me that attacking him with non-magical weapons would not bring us very far...' the blonde arcane warrior thinks, as she intones an arcane chant, accompanied by agile finger movements, in response to which three bolts of energy materialize out of nowhere and dash towards the undead, hitting him squarely.
Soon after, Avimm disappears and a shortsword blade suddenly sprouts from the blue-eyed woman's wrist—as if the weapon were somehow fused to her body.
(OOC: Action: she casts Magic Missile, Bonus Action: she makes Dhaekzhil manifest)
well shit. And after writing up that nice long post describing everything... lol. ah well. At least this will make deciding to take the jewels from it a much easier decision :P
@DM - Just to be clear - the 'ghastly figure' is the body yes? Not the ghost? What is the ghost doing?
On his turn, the same dim light surrounds Dusk by 30ft, granting his team either 9, or removing frightened or charmed, your choice. He also summons a spiritual moon shape, mimicking the shape and style of Athua, and attempts to slam it into the figure.
"Khessa! Did no one ever teach you not to desecrate the dead? 'Specially not while they are watching?" Kell ducks towards the ghost, holding up his hands in surrender "I apologise on behalf of my companion. She meant no disrespect, she just aint got no manners, you see? Let us put back your things and we can leave all peaceful"
Action: Dodge Persuasion: 4
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
As the ethereal figure of the ghostly apparition suddenly lunges forward in a chilling gust of wind, Erlang's body tenses in an instant, muscles coiling with purpose, as he swiftly steps in front of his companions. He raises his glaive, pointing towards the ghost, its blade gleaming in the pale moonlight. His eyes fixed on the apparition before him and says, "We mean you no harm and we won't take your amulet. Let us bury your body so you can rest in peace."
Using Channel Divinity Abjure Enemy (DC 13):As an action, you present your holy symbol and speak a prayer of denunciation, using your Channel Divinity. Choose one creature within 60 feet of you that you can see. That creature must make a Wisdom saving throw, unless it is immune to being frightened. Fiends and undead have disadvantage on this saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is frightened for 1 minute or until it takes any damage. While frightened, the creature’s speed is 0, and it can’t benefit from any bonus to its speed. On a successful save, the creature’s speed is halved for 1 minute or until the creature takes any damage.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Week 3 secret conversation
Khessa
"You brought me out" the creature whispers in the back of your mind "they want you too, now" it pauses for a long while and just sits there before asking "fun?"
Week 5 below!
Group of holy men
Dusk, at the moment you're having a hard time recalling any specifics about their religion.
Abandoned picnic setting
Looking over the picnic, Dusk you notice small little swarms of bees that have just recently shown up due to the sweet smell of foods, but nothing really out of place. Erlang, your divine sense doesn't register any celestial, fiend, or undead presence here.
Ghost
As you speak to the ghastly figure, Dusk, and look deeper in the forest; the figure doesn't speak back, it just continues to point. Looking into the forest however, while you don't see anything humanoid or creature-like moving, you do catch what appears to be a flag or fabric of some sort waving in the slight breeze further in. Erlang, the ghost is the only presence your divine sense registers.
(OOC: Erlang is the first to say they're outside of the wagon, so I'm going to assume the wagon came to a stop near the ghost, since he needs to be within 60 feet for his ability.)
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
All of you begin searching over the torn bodies of these poor goblins and other goblinoid creatures. While there are varying degrees of wounds, and attached limbs, all the damage seems consistent with a set of claws like a large predatory animal would have. There are however, a couple bodies further up, once they become more common, that seem to have burn marks near some wounds and some cauterization.
Picnic:
Kell looks at the entire layout with thinly veiled suspicion, but doesn't approach "How about we don't disturb that which aint trying to eat us. I don't know what put that food there and I am quite comfortable not knowing"
Ghost :
Kell hops out of the cart, then starts advancing towards the spectral figure slowly. His body language is casual but his eyes dart back and forth, trying to get a better stock of the situation. "Hey there fella, you need some help?" When he gets close enough to see what the ghost is pointing at, he halts.
Perception: 16 (Rolled in log)
Goblins :
Kell dismounts the cart and looks around with the group. Burn marks? This can't have been natural. We are close to Wolfwater... "Careful folks, this doesn't seem natural to me. What wild animal causes burns like these?" Kell examines the bodies of the goblinoids, trying to determine what brought them into the open in the first place. Are they armed for a raid or are they carrying more mundane possessions?
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Week 3 secret conversation
"If you want to scare me, Avimm," Khessa sighs "you have to give me a little more precise idea of this threat. How come if I know who 'they' are my brain stops working? How does that happen? It's something automatic, connected to being aware of their existence? Or do they have to activate an ability of their own, to drive you insane? And does this ability have some limitation? Like distance (you need to be within a given range)? Time (wears off after a while)? Are you talking about Far Realm horrors? Allies of Ambriel? Have 'they' free to act in Weskeilia yet? And if so, how come there isn't Is there an exponential increase in cases of insanity in Westkeilia?"
After a brief pause, the blonde arcane warrior concludes, lapidary: "But don't bother answering - sadly, as long as you insist on not acting like an ally, I certainly can't fully believe your words. If you want I can trust you (and that therefore I'm more likely to escape - with you - 'they'), your choices must help me to trust you. And, at the moment, they don't - so I guess we'll just see what happens and react accordingly. However don't overworry... what I do know for sure is that, to this day, all those who 'wanted me' against my will, the times they got me, have not been satisfied with the results".
Group of holy men
"Just one last question, please, holy men; sorry, I hate bothering you further, but it is important" Khessa asks. "Are any of you able to remove curses? Or if not you yourself, do you know if there is someone around who can?"
Picnic
"This matter intrigues me", the blonde arcane warrior admits "but not to the point of losing the rest of the day here... We have not found any explanations or clues... I'd say we simply continue with our journey".
Ghost :
"Of course Erlang" replies the tall adventuress, unsheating her Greatsword just to be ready for everything "let's go".
And to the others: "Come with us... Mr Ectoplasm's not answering you... so I guess he can't do it. His gesture is pretty clear, though... he's pointing there... I say his body will be there. But whatever there is, evidently it should be the key of the problem. Just let's go and fix this".
Khessa begins to advance, sending Avimm to scout ahead, asking him to warn her telepathically in time of any dangers (being a creature that seems to be made of shadow, it must be very difficult to distinguish him in the night - so as a scout he should be excellent) - and also to disappear in case he gets spotted.
To be able to see, the blonde arcane warrior pronunces a short formula with a musical sound and enchants a pebble to emit a warm orange Light; she keeps it with her.
Goblins :
In light of the new evidence, Khessa reiterates: "It's more and more likely that this is the work of the devil we are looking for. A devil who fights with natural weapons and has special abilities that burn, possibly based on fire or acid. Come on, let's see if there are traces. They could lead us to other clues - or better still to survivors, whose account could be further illuminating".
(OOC: Khessa is not a great tracker herself... so she will help a more skilled companion that tries - giving him advantage; she does not try to roll on her own)
Togar :
Group of holy men : Togar observes what they say after Khessa’s ask, and adds his own two coppers worth. “I’m headed to the academy to learn more about magic, any advice or help that you could offer a beginner?”
Picnic : “I agree, let’s just move on, I don’t see anything here.”
Ghost : As the decision is made to investigate and see what the ghost is indicating, before swinging out of the wagon, Togar casts mage armor and then activates his ring of invisibility, expecting the potential for trouble ahead. He keeps watch as the walk, looking for any attack.
Goblins : After determining that potentially a demon may have played a role in the slaughter, Togar takes to the skies and peers from above, looking for any movement and keeping watch as they determine next steps.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ghost
"Come. There is something to which it is pointing," Dusk says, indicating the fabric and begining to walk towards it.
Goblins
Curious about what a devil or demon may appear as, Dusk follows and keeps its senses open, helping however possible.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Khessa's tracking roll in goblin carnage (since DM prefers she to be the one rolling): 10
Great! If it has been an Elephant, Khessa is now on its trail! Come on and follow me! 😉
Week 3 secret conversation
Khessa
"You mortals can't comprehend our forms. Our true forms would overload you." The voice hesitates momentarily "at least their form would. Our voices will overload you as well. Why do you think I speak to you like this? In a language you understand and not out loud? You do not want me to speak." Avimm stays silent as you continue speaking, simply watching you. "I do not know who this Ambriel is"
Week 5 below!
Group of holy men
"None of us here can, no" one of the men says before another speaks up "but should you make your way to the Temple of Sight our Saint may be capable of removing a curse depending on how strong it is." As you speak on the arcane academy, Togar and ask for any tips one of the men speak up "the arcane is beyond me, but I do believe arcane practitioners do much studying as we do, stay on top of your studies and you should do wonderfully!"
Abandoned picnic setting
Looks like it was unanimously voted to ignore the picnic and continue on. Good choice!
Ghost
Kell, the ghastly figure continues to ignore you just as it had ignored the rest of your party that spoke to it. It just continues to point deeper into the forest. Khessa casts light to create some light in the darkness of the forest and falling sun. You then, Khessa, send Avimm ahead to look around as you walk through the forest. Togar you cast mage armor and then go invisible. Dusk you move with the group deeper into the forest. As you all move through the forest, you find the fabric Dusk was speaking of. There is a well adorned corpse laying on the ground. A brilliant looking sword stands, stabbed into the ground, waving a piece of blue silk tied around the hilt. Avimm sitting next to the sword. Khessa you get the sense Avimm doesn't recognize any threats nearby. The corpse has many golden and silver rings on each of its fingers, gems are adorned in earrings, several pendants can be seen tucked into the blouse the corpse wears. Someone of a high stature, or at least a wealthy individual seems to have died here.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
You're having an easier time than you had imagined following these tracks, Khessa, especially with the help of Togar flying above. The tracks, which appear to be humanoid in nature, head straight up the road in the direction of Wolfwater. Only diverging where you find a new scattering of bodies as if a small fight broke out. Looking over the bodies, Kell, some appear to be weaponed up, and others not so much. What brought these goblins to a main road is ultimately unclear. There are a handful of goblin tribes that are civil and trade with nearby towns, and there are hostile tribes that aren't as civil. These, or at least some of these, could have been traders that were traveling the road, some of these most definitely could have been raiders.
((Has the ghost followed us?)) Dusk first looks over the body to see if he can get a general sense of how it died ((medicine 20)). Then, looking to the ghost, (if it's with us, immediately, if not walking back a bit to do so), Dusks voice comes from it's head-box saying, "Is this body yours? You need only nod or shake your head if you cannot speak. Would burying it be enough to appease your spirit? Or should we find a temple? Perhaps I could perform a ceremony for you?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Ghost
"Someone of a high stature, or at least a wealthy individual seems to have died here..." Khessa comments, taking the time to perform an arcane ritual that let's her detect eventual magic (OOC: @DM: Does she detects any?) "And it was definitely not a robbery murder, as so many valuable things were left here. Maybe once again our devil at work?"
Once the blonde arcane warrior has finished searching for traces of magic: "Well, his possessions don't make sense that they follow him to the grave... I'd say we divide them and put them to good use. While the body should be buried. Your idea of the ceremony is great, Dusk! Has anyone ever told you that you are incredibly empathetic and sensitive for a machine? If you know one ceremony that helps the deceased find peace, go ahead - I wouldn't wait too long for a reply from Mr Ectoplasm... he may not be able to understand us".
The tall adventuress retrieves a shovel and begins digging. She doesn't bother asking Avimm for help, since it was already impossible to get him to cooperate before.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
Khessa tries to check, around, if she can also identify the traces of whoever carried out the massacre... Whoever it was, he won't always have stayed with the goblins. There should be trails (not of goblins) leading to and away from the site of the carnage… (unless the killer has come and gone by flying or magical means).
Ghost
The ghastly figure has followed the group into the forest. It is yet to speak, but it continues to point at the body you see before you. Dusk, the ghastly figure does not nod or respond in any meaningful way, but there are resemblances between the floating figure and the dead body. Additionally, you don't see any recent signs of physical trauma on this corpse, Dusk. There are many visible scars, but all healed. Nothing fresh. Khessa, the sword stabbed into the ground and a single amulet wrapped around the dead bodies neck appears to radiate with some magic.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
Khessa, the only visible trail you have picked up that is consistently showing up between areas of bodies is a single pair of humanoid footprints. They're bare feet, not shod, and they follow the road toward Wolfwater. As does the carnage. It seems like whatever or whoever did this, was heading in the direction of Wolfwater.
Ghost
Khessa announces: "The sword and amulet wrapped around his neck are magical".
The blonde arcane warrior takes the sword and tries to examine it... (OOC: @DM: What kind of sword? Shortsowrd? Longsword? Greatsword? Is there any visible clue about its powers?) "Togar, you are able to Determine the exact powers of these items? I know there is a spell for that…but it's a spell I haven't learned yet".
However, she puts the amulet aside - and the various non-magical jewels - then, with a sigh, begins to bury the corpse, speaking, for the first time, to the ghost (although convinced that it is completely useless): "Don't worry, Mr Ectoplasm, now we'll get busy, see? Your body will be buried in no time. Oh, and don't bother thanking too much, eh?"
If in the meantime Dusk begins his funerary ritual, she tries to follow the ceremony, the meaning of the sentences, while her mind goes back to a time when, always at night, her brother Anator was killed... 'He did not get even this. Not even someone who accompanied him with a ceremony on his last journey. The only thing he got, was a steel blade that was twisted into his guts… Anator, poor brother of mine'.
Scattering of goblinoid bodies
"Hmmm... the only visible trail that is consistently showing up between areas of bodies is a single pair of humanoid footprints" Khessa checks the terrain for the last time, but she can't find anymore clues, so she shares what she descovered. "They're bare feet, not shod - so this devil must be a poor one," she jokes "and they follow the road toward Wolfwater... As all this carnage does, by the way. It seems like whatever or whoever did this, was heading in the direction of Wolfwater. So we better hurry to reach the village..." she climbs back on the cart, ready to continue, frowning and worried "I don't like to think of that, but If the devil went there and they don't have a good defense, they might not have fared any better than these goblins".
Erlang stands beside the grave, his glaive held loosely in his hand as he keeps a watchful eye on their surroundings. As Dusk begins the solemn ritual, sprinkling the powdered silver over the corpse and holding the amulet outstretched, Erlang's gaze shifts between the unfolding ceremony and the ghostly figure of the apparition. He remains respectfully quiet, observing the intricate dance of moonlight and shadows that paints the scene.
Well Dusk, you don't have to worry about casting ceremony because the moment Khessa attempts to remove amulet from the dead bodies neck, the ghastly figure lunges at her. Funnily enough, all of you get to go before this ghost, so go ahead and post your turn as this ghastly figure lunges at Khessa.
(OOC: Khessa the sword is a longsword.)
Combat stats
21 Khessa (29/29)
17 Kell (27/27)
16 Dusk (27/27)
11 Togar (23/23)
4 Erlang (31/31)
4 Ghastly Figure (0/??)
Togar is about to answer Khessa, in his mind about to say “Why yes, I can certainly…” when the ghost takes a swipe at her. He had prepared with invisibility and he had cast mage armor prior to pursuing the ghost, concerned that the spirit might turn malevolent, which it has. For his movement, he flies up and away from the ghost, then lobs a ball of fire at it.
Chromatic orb : 21 to hit for 12 points of fire damage. With casting the spell, Togar is visible again.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"It would have been enough to say 'no, I'd rather that one was buried with me!' – but if this really the only form of communication you're capable of..." Khessa comments, leaping back (and at that point dropping the amulet around the corpse's neck) before the ghost can reach her.
'He's deceased... He's translucent... Something tells me that attacking him with non-magical weapons would not bring us very far...' the blonde arcane warrior thinks, as she intones an arcane chant, accompanied by agile finger movements, in response to which three bolts of energy materialize out of nowhere and dash towards the undead, hitting him squarely.
Soon after, Avimm disappears and a shortsword blade suddenly sprouts from the blue-eyed woman's wrist—as if the weapon were somehow fused to her body.
(OOC: Action: she casts Magic Missile, Bonus Action: she makes Dhaekzhil manifest)
Magic Missile damage: 12
well shit. And after writing up that nice long post describing everything... lol. ah well. At least this will make deciding to take the jewels from it a much easier decision :P
@DM - Just to be clear - the 'ghastly figure' is the body yes? Not the ghost? What is the ghost doing?
On his turn, the same dim light surrounds Dusk by 30ft, granting his team either 9, or removing frightened or charmed, your choice. He also summons a spiritual moon shape, mimicking the shape and style of Athua, and attempts to slam it into the figure.
Attack: 14 Damage: 10.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Khessa! Did no one ever teach you not to desecrate the dead? 'Specially not while they are watching?" Kell ducks towards the ghost, holding up his hands in surrender "I apologise on behalf of my companion. She meant no disrespect, she just aint got no manners, you see? Let us put back your things and we can leave all peaceful"
Action: Dodge
Persuasion: 4
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
As the ethereal figure of the ghostly apparition suddenly lunges forward in a chilling gust of wind, Erlang's body tenses in an instant, muscles coiling with purpose, as he swiftly steps in front of his companions. He raises his glaive, pointing towards the ghost, its blade gleaming in the pale moonlight. His eyes fixed on the apparition before him and says, "We mean you no harm and we won't take your amulet. Let us bury your body so you can rest in peace."
Using Channel Divinity Abjure Enemy (DC 13): As an action, you present your holy symbol and speak a prayer of denunciation, using your Channel Divinity. Choose one creature within 60 feet of you that you can see. That creature must make a Wisdom saving throw, unless it is immune to being frightened. Fiends and undead have disadvantage on this saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is frightened for 1 minute or until it takes any damage. While frightened, the creature’s speed is 0, and it can’t benefit from any bonus to its speed. On a successful save, the creature’s speed is halved for 1 minute or until the creature takes any damage.