Angar simply shrugs at Zacks comment and follows along patiently. Rillex leads you all to the road out of town, you follow it until it connects to the main road and start heading south. Angar notices that you are going the wrong way and starts muttering to Yorick. Not the right way at all. Or is it? I don't know why I put you in charge of the map. You're sure? Well...then why...hmm...He eventually goes quiet as he follows along. The trip out if town doesnt take too long before you finally see Nadaar in the distance, next to his is dark lump. As you finally catch up you recognize the lump to be the corpse of a child, pale and withered. Angars eyes go wide upon seeing the body and he says Where did this child come from?
Nadia's heart dropped to her stomach at the sight of the child's corpse, a frown clear on her face when she hops off the horse and get closer, just to make sure her eyes weren't playing any tricks on her. "Gods..." She breathed out, her hand going to cover her mouth as she feels like the air in her lungs was being sucked right out of her. Being surrounded by children her whole life, having taken care of plenty from when they were babies to about the age of the passed child now... The sight was... She shook her head and backed away, turning her body to face the opposite of where the corpse was as her arms went to hold herself. "What happened?"
If Nadaar even heard the other's approach, there is never even so much as a glance thrown in the group's direction. He merely sat there in the road, staring down at the body with a weary sort of contemplative look. "This one was 'lost' off the back of your body snatcher's wagon, Dear Angar." Nadaar replied, still refusing to look up. "Or so I suspect, at this point... and which in my arrogance, I spooked in my initial pursuit of." He confesses with a bit of a growl to his voice.
"A mistake... *sighs*... The point is. The lead suggests a more southerly course. Which, I can only hope, you have further insight on, Dear Angar. Otherwise, Lady Nadia-..." Nadaar finally ups to the woman, only to pause at the sight of Zack for a brief moment. A tense moment of silence passes before the Dragonborn tiredly huffs and gets back to his feet, popping all manner of joints noisily in his back on the way up. "The child. What do you suggest, Zack, seeing as it may be one from one of your clan -- sorry, your.... people's lands? And lady Nadia? How good would you say you are at tracking undead beasts of burden? And lastly.... do I even want to know why both of you appear so exhausted?"
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Zack had managed to keep up a fair jog, but every step winded him further. If not for his training and overall health.... this may have been far worse for him. He did occasionally stray to the side off and on. Eventually, the trio (quatro? centuple??) made their way to where Rillex was leading them, glad the cat was smart enough not to press farther when they had taken the several delays to get prepared for the road.
As they came upon the scene, Zack would frown, the moment the body came into view. He was used to seeing such things when .. his platoon was late... but he never really got used to it... He did manage to hold in his.. well... lack of breakfast. And managed to keep facign forward as Nadia turned away and Angar began to speak. He hated to admit it mentally, but his questions were the same as Angars. How did he get here? Since Rillex came, not that I'd think otherwise... but I know for sure it wasn't Nadaars doing..... So then... His eyes scanning the area, but other than perhaps some faint tracks, the road, and the body itself, there was likely no evidence to be found in the area.
Catching himself, and, a man of his word as much as Nadaar might not think so. He began to unshackle Angar, now that he was, at the very least, surrounded should he prove untrustworthy in the end. There. Like I promised. If you turn out to be not as bad as I think you might be, then I do offer you my sincerest apologies. But you certainly give a horrible first impression.
Around that time, he noticed Nadia turning paler, and looking away, and.. even if one didn't consider her past... this was likely something she wasn't accustomed to. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder in reassurance, giving it a soft squeeze, and letting his hand linger there for several moments. When Nadaar stares him down, Zack returns it in cold neutrality, but without hostility. And until Nadaars own gaze left, he kept his locked with it. This was less of anything and more of an unspoken rule between men. When Nadaars gaze did break, his own would turn to the child.
First off, I don't consider the pursuit a mistake. Perhaps giving yourself away if you did, but not the pursuit itself. Had you not.. we may not have discovered this. Or rather you may not have. Since you deserve the credit for it.Zack was talking more mechanically to Nadaar than usual. Like someone who was reading off a report, rather than someone sharing in dark, grim conversation. As for what I think? This is horrible. But..horrible.. but.. it gives the whisperer a chance to prove himself to me, without violating a grave - and if he is true... we'll learn about what happened, won't we? Since otherwise our only course would be to either: Follow in the direction you were pursuing... or, simply turn back to wherever Angar was going to take us originally.
He let Nadia respond, if she wished to, but also would understand if the entire scene was a bit too much, and if she was appalled by his suggestion of Having Angar 'speak' with the corpse... he would give hr an apologetic look, knowing this scene was.. very unappealing to her. And would whisper ... You don't have to stay while it happens....
And in regards to Nadaars question, instead of taking the braggart route, the spite route, or any other confrontational one, he chose the one with the most vaguarity... Unfortunately.... we didn't get a chance to sleep the night before when Rillex came to retrieve us. And with his insistance... we rushed here as soon as we were aware.
Angar runs his wrists when the bindings are removed but his eyes never leave the corpse until he is mentioned by name. He looks to Zack and nods saying I can speak to the boy. I have a few ways of communicating with the dead. Luckily, the corpse appears relatively fresh, so I can utilize a more direct method of speaking. Just be aware, this is not for the feint of heart. Angar moves to the child and sits cross legged, laying Yorick beside him. Out of a pocket in his jacket, Yorick pulls out a stick of incense and a piece of flint and steel. Lighting the incense, he waves the burning stick around the corpse causing the air to fill with a light smoke. Young one, return to your mortal vessel and speak to us, for we have questions only you have answers to. Your spirit lingers, and longs for a ear to listen to your story. We shall be your audience, so that your mortal life be not forgotten. The smoke in the air starts to swirl on it's own, appearing like a mini tornado the smoke swirls and enters into the child's mouth. The corpse twitches violently as the smoke fills the corpse and then very suddenly stops. The child's head slowly turns to regard Angar, as if awaiting questions. We can ask him five questions. I have a few I want to ask, but if any of you have questions to ask him let me know now before I continue.
Nadia stayed silent for a long while, trying to rid her mind of the sight of the deceased child that was trying to burn itself into her thoughts. Even with Zack's hand at her shoulder, she didn't react, and Nadaar speaking to her, she didn't answer right away due to frantically, desperately, trying to forget it. Despite everything, she couldn't stomach it, and had it not been for the fact that she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning, she was sure she would've thrown up her breakfast as soon as she turned her back.
She sucks in a breath, somehow managing to focus at the matter at hand, and had Zack's hand still been there, she would have cupped a hand of hers over it. "Thank you, Zack," She murmurs softly, turning her head slightly to speak louder for Nadaar to hear and to not completely give him her back. "Beasts are my specialty, but undead are not... I can try, but with how tired I am, I can't really guarantee anything out of it. Maybe with some help we would have a better chance of finding a trail to follow...? I don't know." The elf shakes her head. "Sorry."
The ranger says nothing on the matter of why they were tired (Zack having answered it poorly), and when Angar begins the ritual, she keeps her back to it and lets the men ask the questions. There was no way in the Nine Hells she was going to turn around. For now, she would just listen.
His hand would indeed be there still, having not moved at all after letting Angar go. Feeling her own cusp his, he smiled ever so faintly but his focus remained in the area as he watched the 'ritual' proceed. Not without a degree of disgust at the scene. But he allowed it to proceed unhindered. His stomach churning enough to replace his hunger with disgust, having grabbed a tenday worth of rations from the farm before leaving (In leu of Nadaars) No need to be sorry Nadi. Everyone has experience in somethigns and not with others. And very few choose to actively pursue death. Whether or not this was a jab at Angar was hard to tell, but his voice was neutral.
I'd say the first, most obvious ones would be "What happened where your attack took place" and "Where was the attack"
The lack of warmth in Zack's voice when talking to Nadaar -- while unusual enough to warrant a brief raised brow ridge -- can be soon seen disregarded just as quickly in the dragonborn's eyes. If anything, there's even a sort of... relief(?) in them. As if whatever intended or unintended message behind it had been taken as something good over worrisome. He did frown soon after over the comment about 'proving', but would let it slide without an actual comment. Thinking back, the comment reminded him of the more stubborn and 'true' warriors of his people, and their heavier insistence on what built trust and friendship than even himself.
As he's shrugging off the thought to pay at least some proper attention to things, something about Zack's last statement... stuck. Again, Nadaar regarded the two. This time he's more attentive. Others can see the pieces began to clearly fill in his expression, until finally he goes wide-eyed for a few seconds, and then smallest grin just nodded; refraining from saying more. "I meant more in regards to the body's... relocation. Any traditions, or--" He stops, appearing to realize who he was talking to, and just shook his head in a 'nevermind' sort of gesture.
Back with Angar and the corpse,
With his attention once more on the corpse and Angar, Nadaar watched the magic with a more fascinated eyes than sickened or sad. Whatever more extreme feelings he had for the child had long since worked its way out of the Dragonborn's systems. And with one's breathe so intimately tied to their emotions as much as it was physical and magical, a certain level of desensitizing... had long taken place. "I believe the more prudent one would be 'Were you sick before you died? And, what do you believe removed your body from your grave? After all, if it is a gravedigger we seek, and given the dirt I initially found about the mouth suggesting as much, anything prior that is not sickness is likely to be irrelevant." He noted aloud calmly before looking to Angar. "Are there any limits to this we should be aware, assuming there's time?"
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Angar nods to Zack and once again to Nadaar. He calmly states Aye. The spirit won't know anything that has occurred after death. Thus the question about what took his body cannot be answered. The spirit is also unable to learn new information, or speculate on future events. He can only tell us what he knew in life. Given this is a child, I suspect our information may be limited but still of use. Still the how and where are good questions. Angar turns back to the corpse and in a low voice asks. Spirit, what was the name of the town or village you were in when you died. And what caused you to pass from this world? The corpses stares at Angsr with milky white eyes. In a soft, raspy voice the corpse replies. Dalansville. I died in Dalansville. I was sick. So were Momma and Pappa. Felt so sick. The it went dark and cold. I haven't seen Momma or Pappa since. Angar turns to regard Nadaar with a grim look. Two more questions from you if you have any. I only need the one. We have about 10 minutes to speak with the spirit before it must return.
Zack had no clue why Nadaar suddenly gave him such a look and thus, brushed it off as "Nadaar gonna Nadaar" but when Nadaar clarified Zack grunted Ah. Well.. tradition is to bury the dead. Preferably in their home town or a requested location... even as he said that, his eyes closed, imagining Nadaar now demanding to bring the body with the group to do just that and if not for Nadia being so apparently effected, he might have been more lenient towards that conclusion. But he could only see this being an issue for her, considering her past, and her current reaction. But considering the time it'll likely take us to get there from here... he continued. By the time we reached the town, the body would be... in much worse condition. Aside from smells.... etc.
As Angar however, had began his ritual, and the body began to shift move and speak, and Zack was fairly rebuked by Nadaar. A fair point... he swallowed, though, when the corpse began to speak, still unsettling. He wasn't the least bit afraid, but this was ... un-natural. And he didn't like it. But for now, he would bear with it.
After the first few answers are given.... Well looks like he's from where Angar said we needed to go assuming he's not being controlled to say that but, I digress.... Let me take up one of the last two questions then. if he can't answer what happened after then... What about "What day/month/year did you get 'sick'"
"I feared as much -- on both fronts." Nadaar admits, glancing between Zack and Angar. "But at least you do not have any more long-winded traditions. I know some require a holy personage to intervene before even so much as touching the body." He adds and would tug at his whiskers a few times before finally nodding inwardly over something. Even then, words are not immediately forthcoming. He squints at the corpse as if trying to discern something.
After a few more seconds of this however, a quiet sigh escapes alongside a muttered "So close." In advance of others questioning him on this the Dragonborn gives Zack a sidelong look. "... I know now's not the time for this, so I will wait. But recall that, if you distrust Angar so very much, and if he's willing to submit to my magics, we can settle the matter of trust fairly quickly afterwards. Just offering." Nadaar said, looking between Angar and Zack. "The matter aside, my question would be... Both before and during his time sickness, does he remember hear or seeing anything strange in or near his hometown."
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Angar nods to Zack and again to Nadaar but says Yes, my own questioning would have been the same. Since we agree on the question, I see no harm in allowing you to choose the final one if you wish. Nadaar considers this for a moment, before finally saying If you had to be remember for anything, what would it be. Angar nods sagely saying A fine question. Looking back to see Nadia clearly disturbed by the events, Angar frowns but seems to understand. I apologize if this upsets you. As I said, it is not an easy thing to witness. We will be finished soon. If you two need it, I will submit to whatever magical questioning you require. But I would prefer we not waste time while the trail is fresh. Angar looks back at the corpse who stares at him expectantly. Child, when did you fall ill exactly?
I don't know how long it's been, but I was sick for only two days before the darkness. Many people in town were sick. Friends. I saw my friends after the darkness.
Did you see or hear anything strange or unusual in the days leading up to your illness or during your illness.
I saw a gnome. I'd never met a gnome before. It was exciting. He was a trader. Smaller than be, but claimed to be fully grown. Older than my grandma even. I saw I Gnome. Then I got sick. We all did.
Angar turns to Nadaar as if to ask If that sounded familiar. He then turns back to the child.
If you were to be remember for one thing, what would it be?
My laugh. As the child answers this final question his mouth opens and the smile leaves the body, swirling up into the air and dispersing. Angar reaches out and closes the boys eyes and mouth to make him more "presentable" before standing up and addressing the group. It would seem my trip to Dalansville is unnecessary. I'm whoever, or whatever took this boy also took other from the town. The dirt on the body tells me he was buried recently. I'm sure other graves lie empty in the town as well. The trail seems to lead south for now. Nadaar, did you see a Gnome during your pursuit?
Zack was Disappointed with Angar that he had misconstrued his question. I was kinda wanting to know when this all took place .... he thought to himself as Angar pressed on with his questioning. Nadaars own question, while sentimental, didn't exactly help them but he would leave that issue alone. Since we never heard him laugh.. there's not much we can really do in regards to remembering it. But I get it. You were giving him some peace. Zacks hand had shifted on Nadia's shoulder several times so that it wouldn't simply awkwardly be there for the entire encounter, but to express that he was still, in fact, there. When it was all said and done however...
Well, I'm glad that's over. Not sure how I feel about that being potentially done to my mother either. Feels wrong. As much as I want to say my goodbyes, I'd rather say them over her grave, than to dig her up, say our peace, and fill the hole again.. assuming she's till there. it was clear he felt she was, based on his tone. But it does seem like you're not en... full of shit. So I'll trust you for now. But regardless of anything else, is there any chance Nadia and I could close our eyes for an hour? or do you feel the trail will be too cold by then?
Nadia took comfort in the fact that Zack had kept his presence known throughout the questioning with his hand at her shoulder. Each time the child would answer, Nadia would simply tighten the her grip she had on her arms, trying not to think of how the poor child must have looked. His voice was enough, the few seconds she gazed down upon his corpse was enough for her to visualize it in her mind, and she couldn't stop that sickening feeling boiling in her stomach because of it. This was wrong, but if it gave them somewhat of a clue of who was digging up graves and making people fall ill... Her shoulders lax in defeat at the response to the last question, her heart nearly breaking.
He was too young... They were all too young...When Zack speaks and suggests they rest for an hour or so, Nadia quickly shakes her head. "As tired as I am... I want to find out whose behind this as soon as possible. I've gone a few days with little rest and food so the exhaustion I feel now is nothing. You could rest on the horse if anything and I'll push past it and find a trail to follow. I-I don't care. I'll do anything to stop this..." She refers to the boys corpse, the tone in her voice pained, yet almost... determined. "From happening to anyone else."
Angar stares off too the south as he thinks on it. I suppose a short rest will not hurt but..well I'd rather not risk losing the trail while it is fresh. As Ms.Nadia says, I'd rather put a stop to this now rather than risk it occurring again. If you are to weak to keep up then you can stay behind. I will be following the trail, regardless if any of you come or not. If you follow then I welcome your aid, if not then to was pleasure to meet you. With that (and assuming Nadaar answers Angars question from earlier) the Death Whisperer picks up his staff and starts following the road south. He pays the childs corpse no further attention, no attempt to bury it, or prayer. His eyes are locked firmly on the southern horizon and his thoughts seem to be of a singular purpose.
At some point during the interview, Nadaar had taken it upon himself to start jotting things down on a pocket book. Without look up from which, he simply shook his head in answer about a gnome. The rest that pass is heard, but not reacted to by much, as the Dragonborn had become somewhat fixated upon some line of text. Any attempt to look over and read is futile, as the words appear to be in some form of draconic. He does perk up at Angar's last words, and reach out the grab the man's shoulder.
"Patience, my eager compatriot. As you said. An hour more can been made, even if somewhat fruitless I suspect it will be." He glances over to Zack and Nadia. "Haste has already nearly put you nearly several days behind. As it, I feel, somewhat undid me the evening before. Besides-..." He gestures down to the child body. "At the very least, we should see to this one's burial arrangements, even if it must be someplace in town. As free we are to wander, it would not do to leave without first leaving someone aware nearby. Least we leave with misunderstandings... and I know you must be growing weary by now of those." He hoped to give Angar a pressing look eye to eye, furthering pressing the need.
If however not convinced, the Dragonborn sighs, nods, and lets go. "If I could borrow the horse, I will make use of them to catch up once arrangements have made back in town."
If so however, he gives a grateful half-smile to Angar, then at the cost of his bedroll, carefully scoop up the child without touching them, and carry them back to the tavern to explain the situation in detail, as well as some precautions to take with the boy. Although he leaves it to the others to bring someone else out for the actual talk, seeing as he couldn't just enter with the corpse, or leave it out for someone to discover.
Angar looks back down at the corpse with a frown. It would seem in desperation to find answers, he forgot about common decency. Aye..You're right. The bot should be buried, and stay that way. We can give your friends a moment to rest, but please, we need to pick up the trail soon. I don't think I've ever been this close. Angar follows along back to town, muttering something to Yorick in a language none of you understand the entire time.
When you arrive back in town Sarah is outside the in catching some fresh air. She sees the group as they approach and starts to wave in greeting. As she sees the corpse however her hand goes to cover her mouth in, clearly shocked at the sight. N...Nadaar? Zack? Wh..what...who is this? What happened...oh gods...She turns away to not have to see the boys body but doesnt leave and seems to compose herself somewhat.
Zack would laugh mirthlessly Everyone keeps seeming to mistake my intent every time I ask for rest.It's less for me and more for ... Anyways. He could tell... hell probably anyone here except maybe Angar could tell that Nadia was upset by this entire scene - Especially after the last moments. And he .. didn't blame her. He wasn't happy with it in the slightest, even had they not spoken to the 'boy' letting out a soundless sigh at this entire thing. when did this all go from giants to corpses and sickness? he wondered inwardly. Finally, when Nadia finds her voice again, he listens and for the first time, removes his hand from her shoulder, not in an act against her, but in support of what needs to be done....
Then, the first step you need to take, is to turn around, and look. And not look away. You want to bring justice to the boy, you can't look away. Because whether its a person, or .. a thing that's taking their life. You can't turn away when we confront the ones actually digging them up. I wouldn't have been able to save you if I couldn't face the atrocities in front of my eyes. his tone wasn't judgmental, if anything it was somber, but serious.
And I agree with Nadaar, the boy should be buried, whether here or somewhere else. Though I feel he'd be more known if we buried him here than back in the town.. but There's no point in arguing with Nadaar. the last half kept as an internal thought.
Once back in town, however they all arrived...
He didn't really have much to say, aside from Nadaar discovered some bad news lastnight after he left. Sarah, I know you're upset by this... but we need to make arrangements as fast as possible to get the buy buried properly... So he can rest. Is he still alive? he said, hoping she would understand he meant the local mortician and or master of rites. As much as I'd like to see to the burial myself, Angar has a point, and Nadia .. is eager to seek justice. And the sooner we pick the trail back up.. the better...
Gods...yes...uh...put the boy in the back and cover him up I'll hurry and bring the priest. He'll make the arrangements. Sarah seems visibly upset at the whole thing but once the child is put out of the way she leave with a hurried pace.
Nadia had been half tempted to join Angar down the trail, but her mind reeled back at the thought of the boy's corpse just... laying there for any unsuspecting travelers to stumble upon. Thankfully, Nadaar had been the one to mention burying him, also successfully stopping the death whispering from going any further down the path as she was sure that she would need some further convincing had her brain been fully hellbent on seeking vengeance. When Zack's hand leaves her shoulder, she glances back to him, the elf biting down on her bottom lip when he speaks the truth to her, hating how right he was.
With no hesitation, she turns back to view the child's corpse again, allowing the sight to wholly burn itself into the back of her mind, letting the emotions she had tried so hard to steel herself off to consume her very being. She stared until her throat closed up and tears were stinging the corners of her eyes, but then, at her very core, she felt a spark of courage flicker. Determination to stop this from happening to anyone else flared within her, burning the guilt and sadness away and replacing it with a need to bring justice down upon those who caused the boys suffering. When it took over, she brought her gaze back upon Zack, locking fierce eyes with the fighter.
"I can assure you that when we find out whoever or what ever is doing this, I'm not leaving until I've made them into my own personal pincushion." She doesn't wait for a response, moving to begin to walk down the path back to town.
The fire within her wouldn't dim as they arrived town despite her silence on the way back. As much as she wanted to get back on the trail, this needed to be done so she had been keeping her impatience in check. At least they had a local priest to assist in putting the boy to rest again and she gave Sarah an appreciative nod in her urgency in getting them to come as soon as they possibly could.
Angar simply shrugs at Zacks comment and follows along patiently. Rillex leads you all to the road out of town, you follow it until it connects to the main road and start heading south. Angar notices that you are going the wrong way and starts muttering to Yorick. Not the right way at all. Or is it? I don't know why I put you in charge of the map. You're sure? Well...then why...hmm...He eventually goes quiet as he follows along. The trip out if town doesnt take too long before you finally see Nadaar in the distance, next to his is dark lump. As you finally catch up you recognize the lump to be the corpse of a child, pale and withered. Angars eyes go wide upon seeing the body and he says Where did this child come from?
Nadia's heart dropped to her stomach at the sight of the child's corpse, a frown clear on her face when she hops off the horse and get closer, just to make sure her eyes weren't playing any tricks on her. "Gods..." She breathed out, her hand going to cover her mouth as she feels like the air in her lungs was being sucked right out of her. Being surrounded by children her whole life, having taken care of plenty from when they were babies to about the age of the passed child now... The sight was... She shook her head and backed away, turning her body to face the opposite of where the corpse was as her arms went to hold herself. "What happened?"
If Nadaar even heard the other's approach, there is never even so much as a glance thrown in the group's direction. He merely sat there in the road, staring down at the body with a weary sort of contemplative look. "This one was 'lost' off the back of your body snatcher's wagon, Dear Angar." Nadaar replied, still refusing to look up. "Or so I suspect, at this point... and which in my arrogance, I spooked in my initial pursuit of." He confesses with a bit of a growl to his voice.
"A mistake... *sighs*... The point is. The lead suggests a more southerly course. Which, I can only hope, you have further insight on, Dear Angar. Otherwise, Lady Nadia-..." Nadaar finally ups to the woman, only to pause at the sight of Zack for a brief moment. A tense moment of silence passes before the Dragonborn tiredly huffs and gets back to his feet, popping all manner of joints noisily in his back on the way up. "The child. What do you suggest, Zack, seeing as it may be one from one of your clan -- sorry, your.... people's lands? And lady Nadia? How good would you say you are at tracking undead beasts of burden? And lastly.... do I even want to know why both of you appear so exhausted?"
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Zack had managed to keep up a fair jog, but every step winded him further. If not for his training and overall health.... this may have been far worse for him. He did occasionally stray to the side off and on. Eventually, the trio (quatro? centuple??) made their way to where Rillex was leading them, glad the cat was smart enough not to press farther when they had taken the several delays to get prepared for the road.
As they came upon the scene, Zack would frown, the moment the body came into view. He was used to seeing such things when .. his platoon was late... but he never really got used to it... He did manage to hold in his.. well... lack of breakfast. And managed to keep facign forward as Nadia turned away and Angar began to speak. He hated to admit it mentally, but his questions were the same as Angars. How did he get here? Since Rillex came, not that I'd think otherwise... but I know for sure it wasn't Nadaars doing..... So then... His eyes scanning the area, but other than perhaps some faint tracks, the road, and the body itself, there was likely no evidence to be found in the area.
Catching himself, and, a man of his word as much as Nadaar might not think so. He began to unshackle Angar, now that he was, at the very least, surrounded should he prove untrustworthy in the end. There. Like I promised. If you turn out to be not as bad as I think you might be, then I do offer you my sincerest apologies. But you certainly give a horrible first impression.
Around that time, he noticed Nadia turning paler, and looking away, and.. even if one didn't consider her past... this was likely something she wasn't accustomed to. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder in reassurance, giving it a soft squeeze, and letting his hand linger there for several moments. When Nadaar stares him down, Zack returns it in cold neutrality, but without hostility. And until Nadaars own gaze left, he kept his locked with it. This was less of anything and more of an unspoken rule between men. When Nadaars gaze did break, his own would turn to the child.
First off, I don't consider the pursuit a mistake. Perhaps giving yourself away if you did, but not the pursuit itself. Had you not.. we may not have discovered this. Or rather you may not have. Since you deserve the credit for it. Zack was talking more mechanically to Nadaar than usual. Like someone who was reading off a report, rather than someone sharing in dark, grim conversation. As for what I think? This is horrible. But..horrible.. but.. it gives the whisperer a chance to prove himself to me, without violating a grave - and if he is true... we'll learn about what happened, won't we? Since otherwise our only course would be to either: Follow in the direction you were pursuing... or, simply turn back to wherever Angar was going to take us originally.
He let Nadia respond, if she wished to, but also would understand if the entire scene was a bit too much, and if she was appalled by his suggestion of Having Angar 'speak' with the corpse... he would give hr an apologetic look, knowing this scene was.. very unappealing to her. And would whisper ... You don't have to stay while it happens....
And in regards to Nadaars question, instead of taking the braggart route, the spite route, or any other confrontational one, he chose the one with the most vaguarity... Unfortunately.... we didn't get a chance to sleep the night before when Rillex came to retrieve us. And with his insistance... we rushed here as soon as we were aware.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Angar runs his wrists when the bindings are removed but his eyes never leave the corpse until he is mentioned by name. He looks to Zack and nods saying I can speak to the boy. I have a few ways of communicating with the dead. Luckily, the corpse appears relatively fresh, so I can utilize a more direct method of speaking. Just be aware, this is not for the feint of heart. Angar moves to the child and sits cross legged, laying Yorick beside him. Out of a pocket in his jacket, Yorick pulls out a stick of incense and a piece of flint and steel. Lighting the incense, he waves the burning stick around the corpse causing the air to fill with a light smoke. Young one, return to your mortal vessel and speak to us, for we have questions only you have answers to. Your spirit lingers, and longs for a ear to listen to your story. We shall be your audience, so that your mortal life be not forgotten. The smoke in the air starts to swirl on it's own, appearing like a mini tornado the smoke swirls and enters into the child's mouth. The corpse twitches violently as the smoke fills the corpse and then very suddenly stops. The child's head slowly turns to regard Angar, as if awaiting questions. We can ask him five questions. I have a few I want to ask, but if any of you have questions to ask him let me know now before I continue.
Nadia stayed silent for a long while, trying to rid her mind of the sight of the deceased child that was trying to burn itself into her thoughts. Even with Zack's hand at her shoulder, she didn't react, and Nadaar speaking to her, she didn't answer right away due to frantically, desperately, trying to forget it. Despite everything, she couldn't stomach it, and had it not been for the fact that she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning, she was sure she would've thrown up her breakfast as soon as she turned her back.
She sucks in a breath, somehow managing to focus at the matter at hand, and had Zack's hand still been there, she would have cupped a hand of hers over it. "Thank you, Zack," She murmurs softly, turning her head slightly to speak louder for Nadaar to hear and to not completely give him her back. "Beasts are my specialty, but undead are not... I can try, but with how tired I am, I can't really guarantee anything out of it. Maybe with some help we would have a better chance of finding a trail to follow...? I don't know." The elf shakes her head. "Sorry."
The ranger says nothing on the matter of why they were tired (Zack having answered it
poorly), and when Angar begins the ritual, she keeps her back to it and lets the men ask the questions. There was no way in the Nine Hells she was going to turn around. For now, she would just listen.His hand would indeed be there still, having not moved at all after letting Angar go. Feeling her own cusp his, he smiled ever so faintly but his focus remained in the area as he watched the 'ritual' proceed. Not without a degree of disgust at the scene. But he allowed it to proceed unhindered. His stomach churning enough to replace his hunger with disgust, having grabbed a tenday worth of rations from the farm before leaving (In leu of Nadaars) No need to be sorry Nadi. Everyone has experience in somethigns and not with others. And very few choose to actively pursue death. Whether or not this was a jab at Angar was hard to tell, but his voice was neutral.
I'd say the first, most obvious ones would be "What happened where your attack took place" and "Where was the attack"
Occassional Dungeon Master.
The lack of warmth in Zack's voice when talking to Nadaar -- while unusual enough to warrant a brief raised brow ridge -- can be soon seen disregarded just as quickly in the dragonborn's eyes. If anything, there's even a sort of... relief(?) in them. As if whatever intended or unintended message behind it had been taken as something good over worrisome. He did frown soon after over the comment about 'proving', but would let it slide without an actual comment. Thinking back, the comment reminded him of the more stubborn and 'true' warriors of his people, and their heavier insistence on what built trust and friendship than even himself.
As he's shrugging off the thought to pay at least some proper attention to things, something about Zack's last statement... stuck. Again, Nadaar regarded the two. This time he's more attentive. Others can see the pieces began to clearly fill in his expression, until finally he goes wide-eyed for a few seconds, and then smallest grin just nodded; refraining from saying more. "I meant more in regards to the body's... relocation. Any traditions, or--" He stops, appearing to realize who he was talking to, and just shook his head in a 'nevermind' sort of gesture.
Back with Angar and the corpse,
With his attention once more on the corpse and Angar, Nadaar watched the magic with a more fascinated eyes than sickened or sad. Whatever more extreme feelings he had for the child had long since worked its way out of the Dragonborn's systems. And with one's breathe so intimately tied to their emotions as much as it was physical and magical, a certain level of desensitizing... had long taken place. "I believe the more prudent one would be 'Were you sick before you died? And, what do you believe removed your body from your grave? After all, if it is a gravedigger we seek, and given the dirt I initially found about the mouth suggesting as much, anything prior that is not sickness is likely to be irrelevant." He noted aloud calmly before looking to Angar. "Are there any limits to this we should be aware, assuming there's time?"
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Angar nods to Zack and once again to Nadaar. He calmly states Aye. The spirit won't know anything that has occurred after death. Thus the question about what took his body cannot be answered. The spirit is also unable to learn new information, or speculate on future events. He can only tell us what he knew in life. Given this is a child, I suspect our information may be limited but still of use. Still the how and where are good questions. Angar turns back to the corpse and in a low voice asks. Spirit, what was the name of the town or village you were in when you died. And what caused you to pass from this world? The corpses stares at Angsr with milky white eyes. In a soft, raspy voice the corpse replies. Dalansville. I died in Dalansville. I was sick. So were Momma and Pappa. Felt so sick. The it went dark and cold. I haven't seen Momma or Pappa since. Angar turns to regard Nadaar with a grim look. Two more questions from you if you have any. I only need the one. We have about 10 minutes to speak with the spirit before it must return.
Zack had no clue why Nadaar suddenly gave him such a look and thus, brushed it off as "Nadaar gonna Nadaar" but when Nadaar clarified Zack grunted Ah. Well.. tradition is to bury the dead. Preferably in their home town or a requested location... even as he said that, his eyes closed, imagining Nadaar now demanding to bring the body with the group to do just that and if not for Nadia being so apparently effected, he might have been more lenient towards that conclusion. But he could only see this being an issue for her, considering her past, and her current reaction. But considering the time it'll likely take us to get there from here... he continued. By the time we reached the town, the body would be... in much worse condition. Aside from smells.... etc.
As Angar however, had began his ritual, and the body began to shift move and speak, and Zack was fairly rebuked by Nadaar. A fair point... he swallowed, though, when the corpse began to speak, still unsettling. He wasn't the least bit afraid, but this was ... un-natural. And he didn't like it. But for now, he would bear with it.
After the first few answers are given.... Well looks like he's from where Angar said we needed to go assuming he's not being controlled to say that but, I digress.... Let me take up one of the last two questions then. if he can't answer what happened after then... What about "What day/month/year did you get 'sick'"
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"I feared as much -- on both fronts." Nadaar admits, glancing between Zack and Angar. "But at least you do not have any more long-winded traditions. I know some require a holy personage to intervene before even so much as touching the body." He adds and would tug at his whiskers a few times before finally nodding inwardly over something. Even then, words are not immediately forthcoming. He squints at the corpse as if trying to discern something.
After a few more seconds of this however, a quiet sigh escapes alongside a muttered "So close." In advance of others questioning him on this the Dragonborn gives Zack a sidelong look. "... I know now's not the time for this, so I will wait. But recall that, if you distrust Angar so very much, and if he's willing to submit to my magics, we can settle the matter of trust fairly quickly afterwards. Just offering." Nadaar said, looking between Angar and Zack. "The matter aside, my question would be... Both before and during his time sickness, does he remember hear or seeing anything strange in or near his hometown."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Angar nods to Zack and again to Nadaar but says Yes, my own questioning would have been the same. Since we agree on the question, I see no harm in allowing you to choose the final one if you wish. Nadaar considers this for a moment, before finally saying If you had to be remember for anything, what would it be. Angar nods sagely saying A fine question. Looking back to see Nadia clearly disturbed by the events, Angar frowns but seems to understand. I apologize if this upsets you. As I said, it is not an easy thing to witness. We will be finished soon. If you two need it, I will submit to whatever magical questioning you require. But I would prefer we not waste time while the trail is fresh. Angar looks back at the corpse who stares at him expectantly. Child, when did you fall ill exactly?
I don't know how long it's been, but I was sick for only two days before the darkness. Many people in town were sick. Friends. I saw my friends after the darkness.
Did you see or hear anything strange or unusual in the days leading up to your illness or during your illness.
I saw a gnome. I'd never met a gnome before. It was exciting. He was a trader. Smaller than be, but claimed to be fully grown. Older than my grandma even. I saw I Gnome. Then I got sick. We all did.
Angar turns to Nadaar as if to ask If that sounded familiar. He then turns back to the child.
If you were to be remember for one thing, what would it be?
My laugh. As the child answers this final question his mouth opens and the smile leaves the body, swirling up into the air and dispersing. Angar reaches out and closes the boys eyes and mouth to make him more "presentable" before standing up and addressing the group. It would seem my trip to Dalansville is unnecessary. I'm whoever, or whatever took this boy also took other from the town. The dirt on the body tells me he was buried recently. I'm sure other graves lie empty in the town as well. The trail seems to lead south for now. Nadaar, did you see a Gnome during your pursuit?
Zack was Disappointed with Angar that he had misconstrued his question. I was kinda wanting to know when this all took place .... he thought to himself as Angar pressed on with his questioning. Nadaars own question, while sentimental, didn't exactly help them but he would leave that issue alone. Since we never heard him laugh.. there's not much we can really do in regards to remembering it. But I get it. You were giving him some peace. Zacks hand had shifted on Nadia's shoulder several times so that it wouldn't simply awkwardly be there for the entire encounter, but to express that he was still, in fact, there. When it was all said and done however...
Well, I'm glad that's over. Not sure how I feel about that being potentially done to my mother either. Feels wrong. As much as I want to say my goodbyes, I'd rather say them over her grave, than to dig her up, say our peace, and fill the hole again.. assuming she's till there. it was clear he felt she was, based on his tone. But it does seem like you're not en... full of shit. So I'll trust you for now. But regardless of anything else, is there any chance Nadia and I could close our eyes for an hour? or do you feel the trail will be too cold by then?
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Nadia took comfort in the fact that Zack had kept his presence known throughout the questioning with his hand at her shoulder. Each time the child would answer, Nadia would simply tighten the her grip she had on her arms, trying not to think of how the poor child must have looked. His voice was enough, the few seconds she gazed down upon his corpse was enough for her to visualize it in her mind, and she couldn't stop that sickening feeling boiling in her stomach because of it. This was wrong, but if it gave them somewhat of a clue of who was digging up graves and making people fall ill... Her shoulders lax in defeat at the response to the last question, her heart nearly breaking.
He was too young... They were all too young... When Zack speaks and suggests they rest for an hour or so, Nadia quickly shakes her head. "As tired as I am... I want to find out whose behind this as soon as possible. I've gone a few days with little rest and food so the exhaustion I feel now is nothing. You could rest on the horse if anything and I'll push past it and find a trail to follow. I-I don't care. I'll do anything to stop this..." She refers to the boys corpse, the tone in her voice pained, yet almost... determined. "From happening to anyone else."
Angar stares off too the south as he thinks on it. I suppose a short rest will not hurt but..well I'd rather not risk losing the trail while it is fresh. As Ms.Nadia says, I'd rather put a stop to this now rather than risk it occurring again. If you are to weak to keep up then you can stay behind. I will be following the trail, regardless if any of you come or not. If you follow then I welcome your aid, if not then to was pleasure to meet you. With that (and assuming Nadaar answers Angars question from earlier) the Death Whisperer picks up his staff and starts following the road south. He pays the childs corpse no further attention, no attempt to bury it, or prayer. His eyes are locked firmly on the southern horizon and his thoughts seem to be of a singular purpose.
At some point during the interview, Nadaar had taken it upon himself to start jotting things down on a pocket book. Without look up from which, he simply shook his head in answer about a gnome. The rest that pass is heard, but not reacted to by much, as the Dragonborn had become somewhat fixated upon some line of text. Any attempt to look over and read is futile, as the words appear to be in some form of draconic. He does perk up at Angar's last words, and reach out the grab the man's shoulder.
"Patience, my eager compatriot. As you said. An hour more can been made, even if somewhat fruitless I suspect it will be." He glances over to Zack and Nadia. "Haste has already nearly put you nearly several days behind. As it, I feel, somewhat undid me the evening before. Besides-..." He gestures down to the child body. "At the very least, we should see to this one's burial arrangements, even if it must be someplace in town. As free we are to wander, it would not do to leave without first leaving someone aware nearby. Least we leave with misunderstandings... and I know you must be growing weary by now of those." He hoped to give Angar a pressing look eye to eye, furthering pressing the need.
If however not convinced, the Dragonborn sighs, nods, and lets go. "If I could borrow the horse, I will make use of them to catch up once arrangements have made back in town."
If so however, he gives a grateful half-smile to Angar, then at the cost of his bedroll, carefully scoop up the child without touching them, and carry them back to the tavern to explain the situation in detail, as well as some precautions to take with the boy. Although he leaves it to the others to bring someone else out for the actual talk, seeing as he couldn't just enter with the corpse, or leave it out for someone to discover.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Angar looks back down at the corpse with a frown. It would seem in desperation to find answers, he forgot about common decency. Aye..You're right. The bot should be buried, and stay that way. We can give your friends a moment to rest, but please, we need to pick up the trail soon. I don't think I've ever been this close. Angar follows along back to town, muttering something to Yorick in a language none of you understand the entire time.
When you arrive back in town Sarah is outside the in catching some fresh air. She sees the group as they approach and starts to wave in greeting. As she sees the corpse however her hand goes to cover her mouth in, clearly shocked at the sight. N...Nadaar? Zack? Wh..what...who is this? What happened...oh gods...She turns away to not have to see the boys body but doesnt leave and seems to compose herself somewhat.
Back at the bodies original location....
Zack would laugh mirthlessly Everyone keeps seeming to mistake my intent every time I ask for rest. It's less for me and more for ... Anyways. He could tell... hell probably anyone here except maybe Angar could tell that Nadia was upset by this entire scene - Especially after the last moments. And he .. didn't blame her. He wasn't happy with it in the slightest, even had they not spoken to the 'boy' letting out a soundless sigh at this entire thing. when did this all go from giants to corpses and sickness? he wondered inwardly. Finally, when Nadia finds her voice again, he listens and for the first time, removes his hand from her shoulder, not in an act against her, but in support of what needs to be done....
Then, the first step you need to take, is to turn around, and look. And not look away. You want to bring justice to the boy, you can't look away. Because whether its a person, or .. a thing that's taking their life. You can't turn away when we confront the ones actually digging them up. I wouldn't have been able to save you if I couldn't face the atrocities in front of my eyes. his tone wasn't judgmental, if anything it was somber, but serious.
And I agree with Nadaar, the boy should be buried, whether here or somewhere else. Though I feel he'd be more known if we buried him here than back in the town.. but There's no point in arguing with Nadaar. the last half kept as an internal thought.
Once back in town, however they all arrived...
He didn't really have much to say, aside from Nadaar discovered some bad news lastnight after he left. Sarah, I know you're upset by this... but we need to make arrangements as fast as possible to get the buy buried properly... So he can rest. Is he still alive? he said, hoping she would understand he meant the local mortician and or master of rites. As much as I'd like to see to the burial myself, Angar has a point, and Nadia .. is eager to seek justice. And the sooner we pick the trail back up.. the better...
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Gods...yes...uh...put the boy in the back and cover him up I'll hurry and bring the priest. He'll make the arrangements. Sarah seems visibly upset at the whole thing but once the child is put out of the way she leave with a hurried pace.
Nadia had been half tempted to join Angar down the trail, but her mind reeled back at the thought of the boy's corpse just... laying there for any unsuspecting travelers to stumble upon. Thankfully, Nadaar had been the one to mention burying him, also successfully stopping the death whispering from going any further down the path as she was sure that she would need some further convincing had her brain been fully hellbent on seeking vengeance. When Zack's hand leaves her shoulder, she glances back to him, the elf biting down on her bottom lip when he speaks the truth to her, hating how right he was.
With no hesitation, she turns back to view the child's corpse again, allowing the sight to wholly burn itself into the back of her mind, letting the emotions she had tried so hard to steel herself off to consume her very being. She stared until her throat closed up and tears were stinging the corners of her eyes, but then, at her very core, she felt a spark of courage flicker. Determination to stop this from happening to anyone else flared within her, burning the guilt and sadness away and replacing it with a need to bring justice down upon those who caused the boys suffering. When it took over, she brought her gaze back upon Zack, locking fierce eyes with the fighter.
"I can assure you that when we find out whoever or what ever is doing this, I'm not leaving until I've made them into my own personal pincushion." She doesn't wait for a response, moving to begin to walk down the path back to town.
The fire within her wouldn't dim as they arrived town despite her silence on the way back. As much as she wanted to get back on the trail, this needed to be done so she had been keeping her impatience in check. At least they had a local priest to assist in putting the boy to rest again and she gave Sarah an appreciative nod in her urgency in getting them to come as soon as they possibly could.