"I am a paladin of the order of Bahamut, hailing from the Platinum Cadre," Tyrus says, stepping forward. "I assure you that none of these men are undead, though we did nearly have a run-in along the way."

OOC: Does Tyrus know of the Knights of Samular? History: 4

To Tyrus

"Aye, I know of the Knights of Samular, Ian. Paladins of Tyr. We can call them friend, though I suggest that you do nothing to break the law while in their vicinity," Tyrus says.

The half-orc continues to strike poses and flexes his muscles to the inspecting guards as he asks questions.

"Thagakh wants to know *Harumph* if you guys know *Uhumph* anything useful *Hurah* against vampires and such *Ahumph*?"

After pouring holy water over the rest of the party, the gate is opened to the group.  The Dwarf climbs down to greet the party.  “I am Bram of the Stoneshaft clan.  There are only twenty left of us from a group of 500.  You are welcome to stay as long as you feel safe.  We have some supplies for sell or trade if you need anything.  You and your paladin friend are welcome in the north tower.  We generally keep below ground or in the south tower.  If there is anything I can get you please make it quick.  It is not safe to be out after dark.”

"Thagakh have a few items to trade, let me check for a second."

The topless half-orc rummages through his belongings.

"Thagakh is willing to trade 59 crossbow bolts with 3 cases included, a hand crossbow and a heavy crossbow.

Thagakh also wants to know if you have magic items to sell."

The Dwarf takes the weapons from Thagakh and says “ we have holy water, wooden stakes, and we can silver most items.  As far as magic, we have a few scrolls of protection against good or evil.  Several of our survivors are clerics.  The towers have all been rigged to dump large amounts of water on unwelcome visitors.  You should be safe inside.”

"Have you been attacked recently?"

Thagakh dons his armor as he speaks with the dwarf.

"That's a big drop of number, from 500 to 20. Thagakh is amazed there are still people left around guarding this city.

During Thagakh's time as a soldier, if a battalion is reduced to that, it means things are pretty bad, if not worst.

Thagakh's suggestion is to leave the place and come back with reinforcements."

Replying back to Arafiel “we are attacked every night.  If we abandon this keep, we will loose it forever.  So far no one inside the keep towers have been harmed.”

"Thagakh thinks both of our problems are connected to vampires. I think we should put an end to it before it becomes worst.

Thagakh doesn't want to sleep knowing our departed friend Johnson popping out of nowhere and decides to take a bite at us just because he's lonely."

Arafiel states to the dwarf, I am at your service should you need more in the defense tonight

Ian says “you can count on me if needed.  Do you have somewhere I can keep my horse and wolves?”  Ian soaks 10 arrows in holy water.

Bram introduces Ian to Blakely the groundskeeper.  “He will show you to our night stable under the keep.   Watch out for the burn pit as you put away your animals.”

Tyrus spends some time introducing himself to those defending the keep, and asking for as many details he can on the situation: What are the threats they are facing, how did they drop to so few defenders, what help do they need, etc.?

"Thagakh will join the watch tonight too. If Thagakh's hunch is correct, Thagakh's knowledge of undead can help us track and locate where they are coming from."

Arafiel asks the guard "Do you have any sort of library in this place?"

Bram tells Tyrus " we have 5 fighters, 3 clerics, 2 rangers, 2 wizards, a druid, a rogue, a barbarian, a cook, a blacksmith, a leatherworker/weaver.  In addition to these our leader is Strolhs and his second is Dallis.  Some of the 500 have left to find a safer life.  Some have stayed to fight and have not made it.  We were ambushed once from a trick.  a small caravan of travelers showed up.  When we came to help them we were attacked from inside their wagons.  The attacks are usually undead but a few times it has been lizardfolk and once it was an orc raiding party.  The Mere moves with the High road.  We tried to make a safer way for travelers but everytime the Mere adjusted to our new road.  We also think that there is a Vampire out in the swamp that is directing the attacks."

"Your suspicion seems to be correct. We had a run-in of our own with this vampire. They may have murdered a former traveling companion of ours."

Tyrus's face blanches as he realizes the implications of his statement. Could Johnson be...

"What do you think, friends? If this goes unchecked, there will not be a High Road to travel on."

“I am always ready to prove myself.  Let’s see what tonight brings our way and then maybe we can track them back to their leader while the sun is up.  This will delay us to your shield however.” Says Ian.