Rollo breaks free once again and breaks into a sprint towards the river in the distance. The vampire reaches out in an attempt to grab the fleeing barbarian but misses and instead gives chase. Against an ordinary foe Rollo might have out run him but soon the vampire catches up and even gets ahead of Rollo. Grabbing you once again he lunges for yet another bite. This once stings worse than the others and you feel you're world starting to go black as the blood is sucked out of you. You realize you may not be getting out of this, that whatever you do next better work or else it may all be over here.

Perception: 9

Spaz Stealth: 9.

Spaz Perception: 17.

Spaz was divided between following Rollo or the easier job of sticking around with the rest. Unfortunately, intelligence had its drawbacks, and having heard the tale from Dakkurz along with everyone else, he eventually padded away and followed after the human, observing his movements from any and all shadows along the way.

And at first, all was well for him. Although he questioned why any human would stay so far away from society, the smells not withstanding, such idle thoughts wouldn't keep him distracted for long once the situation with Rollo changed. Whether it was courage and curiosity that stayed his paw, or fear and personal troubles that did otherwise, Spaz watched and followed events as best as he could.

Feeling the life leaving his body Rollo ends his attempts to escape and begins to swing out with the sword as he calls out into the night, almost closing his eyes as he prays.
"Tyr do I call and Tyr do I hail.
  Prince of the halls and dispenser of Justice,
  Wise Sage, stout-heart.
 I greet you.
  Yet though my path ends and my hands tire
   Still I am here, weapon in hand, Valhalla to tread.
 May your blessings be bestowed upon me and protect my soul.

I welcome the Valkyries to summon me home!"

Attack 1 (Reckless): 27 Damage: 12

Attack 2 (Reckless): 26 Damage: 9

War Priest Attack 3 (Reckless): 19 Damage: 7

 Rollo shouts a final prayer to his God before swinging his axe and cutting into the undead creature, sending its blood scattering across the snow and leaving what should be a mortal wound in its chest. However just as soon as the wounds are dealt you can see them beginning to heal themselves. The vampire laughs, ending the laugh with one final bite to your neck. You're only body goes ice cold and your rage subsides as death grips at you. Rollos grip looses and his axe falls quietly into the snow as the vampire finishes his feast and Rollos world fades.

Rollo: you're surrounded by a cold blackness. There's nothingness all around you but after a few moments you see a light in the distance. You hear the clanking of tankards, the cry of warriors locked in honorable battle and the smell of the endless feasts of Valhalla. You hear Tyr calling you forth towards the light.

Back in the mortal realms the vampire let's go of his victim and wipes away the extra blood from his mouth, kicking each finger to not let one drop go to waste. He laughs quietly to himself before regarding the corpse at his feet. Hmm, priests are always a treat though so few put up such a fight. It would be a shame to let such a specimen go to waste, and its been oh so long since I had a cleric. He seems to consider something for a few moments before something in the sky catches his eye. Peering up towards the town he sees the faintest image of a certain Tressym in the moonlight. How annoying, he says with a sigh. He picks up Rollos corpse and turns to find a secluded area to conclude his buisness. 

Spaz was near to finishing his 3 patrol around the village, silently lamenting to himself that even though he didn't really need sleep he still enjoyed a nap. Boredom had nearly set in when something caught his eye. About a mile to the south he saw two figures locked in battle among the snowy hillside. Flying closer he soon realized that one of these people was clearly unnatural and his victim clearly outmatched. Though not the giants or goblins he was looking for he decided that his bosses orders would dictate he investigate further so he moved in even closer to see what was going on. That's when he saw Rollo, locked in the grip of some unnatural beast. With three heavy and desperate swings of his axe Rollo cut a mortal wound into the unknown creature before him. Relieved that the brute overcame his attacker, Spaz considered going in closer to check Rollos wounds. However the man didn't fall and instead seemed to be laughing. Suddenly it was tearing into Rollo and the barbarians axe fell to the ground. The stench of blood was enough to cause a chill to run up the Tressyms spine and for a moment he simply stared at the scene before him. Finally he came to his senses and quietly turned to flee and warn his master of what he just saw. Flying as fast as he could he was still some distance from town, though Spaz knew he only had to make it so far before he could send mental images to his master of what just happened. Thinking about the man or beast or whatever it was that attacked Rollo caused Spaz to shudder with fear. Because of this he failed to see movement up above him until it was too late. Suddenly two massive swarms of bats were upon him, summoned by the vampire. They bit and clawed into his wings and fur and sent him tumbling to the ground where he dissapeared into a puff of smoke as he returned to the feywild, awaiting his masters call. Narz meanwhile slept soundly save for a brief shudder in his sleep.

Rollo: You approach the light of Valhalla following the call of Tyr when suddenly it all dissapears, like someone slamming a door shut and cutting out all light. You're surrounded by darkness and it hurts to breathe and you're terribly terribly cold. Finally you open your eyes. You breathe in only to get lungs full of dirt, yet for some reason this doesn't seem to bother you as you would expect. You claw your way through the dirt ahead of you until finally the dirt gives way to fresh air. As you're head leaves the grave and your eyes meet with the sunlight you feel a terrible burning sensation all over your body. It feels as though you're on fire though theres no flame to put out. You see your things all packed neatly in the shade of a nearby tree, along with items that don't belong to you, namely a cloak with a deep hood. Crawling over to the shade you find some relief from the burning daylight. It takes a few moments for you to gather your thoughts and realize what just happened. You're on a hill outside of town, you can still see Bargewright Inn in the distance. You remember the fight last night, and you distinctly remember dying. You remember the doors of Valhalla being shut to you, and a disapproving glare from Tyr as you approached. And now, well now you've dug yourself out of a grave. You feel a compulsion to dawn your clothes and the hood and seek out a man named Akir in Bargewright Inn. You're not sure why but you know in your heart you cannot resist this compulsion. Before you even have time to consider why that may be you are dressed and pulling the hood over your head, offering sweet relief from the burning sun. You grab your axe and your symbol to Tyr before dropping it as your hand begins to burn with searing pain. Tyrs symbol lies in the snow, and you understand that to touch it would bring great, unimaginable pain. You fear for a moment that Tyr rejects you, but you think back on your last image of Valhalla before you returned. You saw the face of Tyr, with a uncharacteristic look of despair on his face. You know you weren't rejected, but that you simply couldn't enter in this state of being. You know that if you ever wanted to return to your gods service, you'll need to overcome this creature you've become. You feel the tug drawing you back to Bargewright and are unable to resist. You head back to the inn.

Everyone else you wake up the next morning to a modest breakfast. Rollo appears in the inn not long after with his face hidden in the hood of a new cloak. Narz, when you try to summon Spaz back to you you realize he isn't in this plane. Something must have happened and you'll have to cast the spell again to summon him.

Rollo walks past the group and begins to look for Akir. When he finds the man we wanders over and sits down with a heavy thud. "I'm guessing that I'm not going to be able to harm you now but know that if I could I would be holding your head underneath a river for a good long time. Until I find a way to fix this a hearty go throw yourself off a bridge into the sea is all I'm going to say." 

Akir is not in the dining room today but you quietly ask the innkeeper and he directs you to the attic where Akir keeps residence. When you're sure you're alone you make your way there where you find Akir sitting in a lounge chair, clearly awaiting your arrival. He grins widely at the threat, clearly bolstered by rhe fact you couldn't follow through if you tried. Oh come now! There's no need for such talk. I mean really, I know I don't get out much but I hear the same rumors everyone else does. "The bat of Womford." I mean come on now! I really wish they'd come up with something better. Really though if you hear that and don't think there's a vampire about well...he shrugs. And sleeping alone and away from town too boot. I mean really you practically invited me in! Speaking of I suppose I should be a good parent and give you the quick tips on being a vampire. You can't enter anyone's home without an invite, inns amd shops seem to be the exception since they are welcoming by nature, so if you need food try to get permission first. Or find some fool off on his own hehe. Obviously stay out of the sunlight and of course stay out of running water though you already knew that didn't you? Thats really all there is too it. Now you can live forever, eternity awaits my friend you really should be thanking me he says with a smug smile.

"Thanking you. You're not even worth the bones that are holding you up right now. I'll thank my next bowel movement before I thank you. Now, I hope your soul rots in the hells once someone finally kills you. If not, I'll see you when I figure out how to cure this and then I'll personally escort it there." With that Rollo heads downstairs and finds the others. 

As you get up to leave Arik says Sit down child, we aren't finished here. You want to leave but can't seem to force yourself to take another step. Before you know it you're sat back down in the chair. Arik smiles devilishly when he sees you obey. I haven't had a spawn in centuries you know, I forgot how nice it is to have someone obey your every command. Hmm, but frankly having you around would really be more of an annoyance to me really. It would be more amusing for me if you had to wander around like this rather than you serving mt every whim. So fine, I'll let you have your free will, but there will be some rules. First, you cannot do anything that would potentially bring harm to me. Not telling people what I am or leading people to my chambers, and certainly no attacking me though I know how much you wish to. Second, the same goes for yourself. No doing anything to intentionally get yourself killed. That would be no fun for me. Lastly, take this. He tosses over a wooden symbol carved to look like a chalice overflowing with what appears to be wine but you know is blood. This will allow you to cast all those fancy spells of yours and serve as a reminded of who owns you. Now begone. I wish you to be out of town by tonight. It'll be amusing to watch you try and fail to find a cure, but you can't do that here. Unless I summon you you may never return to Bargewright. Now go my plaything, a world of opportunity await.

After being dismissed and returning to your companions you feel the compulsions from earlier ease. You feel a little more free and though you still feel a connection to Airk and could not harm him, you feel as though you could continue to do as you pleased. Breakfast is waiting for you but you soon realize food simply turns to ash in your mouth.

Torsus had woken up with the dawn, and wouldn't be at the Inn. His belongings already on his person (except his DUNKEY) as he makes his way to Old Lady Melborns, after giving the innkeep ten gold for the information (more than fair compensation considering the price of most food is less than a gold!) and set himself up outside her residence.  Knowing that most people didn't awaken this early. His stomache complained for lack of food, but this was more important, to him. For what good was a spell granted by his patron, if he couldn't use it? Torsus was content to wait until about nine in the morning if need be, before knocking on the door.

When it had started to become clear the evening before that Narz would be sleeping alone, the hobgoblin internally rejoiced over the realization, and wasted very little time trying to shift beds over if at all possible. Although even a small bit of joy could do so much about the smells. The next morning he had been expecting to see Spaz curled up outside the room, or even on the roof ready to report the evenings movement.

But there was nothing. Unusual, but not wholly uncommon. Spaz was a clever spirit, but not immune to the predation of owls and other local wildlife. In fact, this wouldn't be the first time he quite possibly died, only to be revived later with only disappointing news of having lost a stupid fight against a stray as well. So no matter. Once he'd finished spending most of the wee hours of the morn preparing for the day ahead, and perhaps even after breakfast too, time could be spare the time to revive the spirit for what promised to no doubt be a poor excuse.

Seeing Rollo roll in only furthered assured him all was well. Though... did the man look more rough for where than usual? No? Also, was that a new cloak? The hobgoblin watched the man past half curious before ultimately dismissing the notions in favor of delicately digging back into his meal. Minutes into and even maybe a few after breakfast concludes, Narz spares a thought for Torsus. There's even a bit of concern in a small frown and searching look for the Tortle. Because while he had no longer quite cared for the Tortle and whatever dark entity seemed to have some control over him, it would be quite bothersome to find a replacement on such short notice if he died to the 'Wormford Bat' over night. Plus, the others might invite others to want to actually stay and investigate, wasting even more time on the town then necessary.

"Hmn... I'll be right back. You ladies enjoy the rest of your meal, eh?" He said, if Ayed and Claire shared breakfast time with him, before returning to his room and beginning the ritual to summon Spaz in Tressym form again for the report.

Claire takes a bite of food as Narz speaks, and she covers her mouth as she nods to the Hobgoblin.  "Mgp, erm, we certainly will.  When should we meet to head out?  I do want to try to pawn this diamond off before we hit the road," Claire says after swallowing her mouthful.

After an answer from Narz, Claire focuses on finishing her meal.  "Anybody else need to buy anything before we leave?" she asks as she finishes up, glancing around the table.  Her gaze settles on Rollo.  "... Something wrong with the food, dear Rollo?"

Rollo's last move before exiting the attic is the reach a single hand back in and flip off the vampire

Rollo passes Narz on his way back down and thuds heavily into a chair. He keeps the hood up before looking at Claire. "We have an issue. It seems that the creature in the woods is very real and very tough." He pulls the hood back just far enough to show her the bite marks in the side of his neck. "I now have other issues to worry about besides giants apparently."

Narz, heading to you pass Rollo who keeps his face hidden behind his hood. Once you reach room you spend the next few minutes summoning Spaz who, in a moment of truly living up to his name, is freaking out. He hurriedly communicates what he saw last night and shows you the image of a man standing over a dead Rollo.

Torsus: you knock on the door early in the morning and a young man answers the door. Explaining why you are there he bids you to wait while he asks his grandmother. A few moments later find yourself sitting in a small, cluttered sitting room sipping on tea and eating some surprisingly good baked goods with a fairly well dressed elderly woman. So dear,my grandson says you wished to speak to me about some matter of importance? I'm not sure I know what that could be or if I could help but please, ask away and I'll do what I can.

Sitting in the chair, and obviously feeling uncomfortable in the sense of someone who wasn't fond of imposing in this way (Like a guest who doesn't like to eat, or take up more time of the owner on principal, than they have to) but he also respects that some would take offense to him not eating/drinking offered so he made sure to atleast sip his offered tea to the bottom of the cup, and eat atleast one of the baked goods, but clearly feels that eating more might impose too much. Regardless, he allows himself to relax, since his business is fairly straightforward and simple... 

When the Australian woman, Mrs Melborn approached, he was attentive, and offered the best smile an old man who was a turtle could. Nodding only faintly as he set down whatever he had been holding (wherever its proper place would be) before saying Importance for me, yes. I don't know where you will or won't stand on the matter. You're the most likely to have what I require. I am a caster of spells of a fashion. Unfortunately some spells require more specific things than simply knowing what to do, or what to say. And while some components are easy to come by.... Others are highly specific. he says, choosing to be direct, and honest. In the same way as a fine wine can only be made if the proper procedure is taken, and then a length of time passes... and so forth.

I recently came into the knowledge of such a useful, but particular spell. I was hoping I might inquire as to whether or not you might be in possession of a single gem, worth no less than three hundred gold. The value is the annoying specific. Anything less won't work as a proper catalyst. 

My desire for it is not entirely selfish. I require it in order to aid my allies in our fight. I do not know if you've heard about the recent attacks by giants in some provinces, but my group is currently investigating them. And we need every tool in such an endeavor. He pauses long enough to take a breath after his long winded speech, but pushes to finish before allowing her to respond.

If you have such an item, I am willing to pay in full, with up to twenty five gold in addition.

Prior to Narz' departure, he would answer Claire. "Preferable within the hour. An hour and a half at the very most. So, best to dyour pawning before then, as we got quite a bit of ground to recover, eh?" At that, the hobgoblin is well on his way, marking Rollo's passing if by apparel, but far too focused on getting the summoning out of the way. When he hears the news, Narz' eyes widen for just a moment, before narrowing into a more stern expression. Unlike some fools, he wouldn't bother questioning if Spaz truly saw what he saw. The fae spirit was many things, but their contract wouldn't allow for intentional deception.

And if he had noticed Rollo in passing before, then... that meant he just left the man with the others for well over several minutes. Although anxious to move, the hobgoblin instead took a few moments to calm himself and quietly assess the situation. He also spent that time review Spaz' description of events, and narrow down just what it was they were dealing with, least he presume too much in their next meeting.

(To Urben: Don't know if this would be an arcana, nature, or history check. But, Narz is trying to figure out what Rollo's attacker was based on invent. Here's a d20 + Int mod, and you can decide if it would be one of the skills he's proficient in for the add +3 bonus)

Intelligence Check: 7.

(Gonna hold off before adding more, since it'll be at least 11 mins since Narz left the table. Plenty of time for other things to pop in reaction to Rollo's big reveal)

(To everyone: Notifications also appear to be acting funny, so might want to rely on checking for posts under 'My Notifications' in the account section of DDB for a while)

Claire- about to shovel in the last mouthful of her meal -drops her fork to clatter noisily against her plate, her jaw hanging open.  Her eyebrows knit together in concern.  "Rollo... what happened?  Was the monster a snake?  Are you poisoned?  I can help!"  Claire starts to reach towards Rollo with the intent of casting Lesser Restoration, light beginning to gather to her palms.

Narz: You're not completely sure at first what you saw. For a moment you think it may have been one of the townsfolk but it seems doubtful any normal person could take down Rollo one on one. Then the stories of the Womford bat come to mind. At first it may have seemed to have been some wild beast, however given what you saw the idea of it being a vampire comes to mind. Further more, if Rollo truly was dead as Spaz said, and he was just seen down below, then it can only mean one thing in your mind.

Torsus: Mrs. Melborn politely listens to your story while sipping on her tea. When you begin to discuss why you need the gem she nods solemnly. Yes yes. I'm quite familiar with the purity of gems. Its less about the exact price as much as the quality of the gem itself. Though the quality can be said to be judged by the price one asks for it. Of course there are folks who would sell an inferior gem to an inexperienced spell caster for a higher price, only for the poor wizard to find his spell wouldn't work. One must be able to properly tell the quality of the gem they are buying with a proper insection of its cut, clarity and weight. She puts her tea down and if she catches a slight hint of surprise from you she says I used to sell gems to wizards and such. I took an interest since my husband always had the hardest time finding quality gems for his spells and fell victim to a few cheats in his early years. I've ling since retired and unfortunately the money we made was mostly lost to a series of bad investments, but such is life. However I do still have a few pieces like you say. I would be willing to part with then and, if you were interested, I could perhaps teach you a thing or two about how to spot a quality gem. Could prevent you from being cheated in the future and you may even find gems being sold for less than their worth. It will take a few days to probably teach you however if you were interested.

Rollo just gently bats her hand away. "It won't work. I have not been poisoned, but rather transformed into something I would much rather not be. I'm forbidden from saying exactly what apparently but suffice to say that I can no longer be counted among the living."

It was less surprise, and more curiosity that danced along his face. After some of the thing's he'd seen in his long life, little surprised him. And the offer intrigued him but he was clearly conflicted. Such a skill would be valuable for him, especially if more spells his patron deigned to give him required such things. He was no wizard, but he knew well enough that various gems of various worth were needed, depending on the power and complexity of the spell. Or so he'd learned. As well as the more practical value of knowing the worth of a gem.. for any reason. He licked his lips as he took a few liberal moments to consider it.

I am hesitant to accept the last offer, if only because of my allies and our current mission... That and I do not possess too much more money than I have already offered as payment for the gem.... he said, consider that he only had perhaps another 30-60 more gold than what he'd already put on the table. Though if the lessons will come at little to no additional charge.... I may be willing to do it. I can, afterall, catch up with my allies quicker as I can fly a few times per day... he admits, though the knowledge was what intrigued him most about the offer. If that is the case, I can inform my allies that i intend to stay for a little longer, and if they are unwilling to wait, I can find them. 

Regardless, I suppose I should add in, that the I would need the gem to be able to contain a liquid. No more than a drop or two, without reducing its value.  he lets his comments hang in the air, giving her ample time to consider and respond.