"Kalgren believes they’re were five people living in this house", says Vigil. "We’ve also found the same slime, but still in a much more liquid form. It’s no creature I’ve ever heard about." He ponders the information as he recites it.
"Five people?" Zack ponders this, "Whatever the creature, or creatures are," he says the last part as he indicates the multiple pathways they've found, "They're getting more daring and, well, more hungry it would appear with each attack. Which shouldn't be too far away unfortunately," Zack says as he looks up into the sky.
While the "Wizards" talk, Grell would notice that not only did the trail split into 5 and disappear separately... but upon further notice... It seems they dug their way into disappearing.
How Grell didn't notice this the first go round is a mystery that totally doesn't rely on the narrator not realizing he made the connotation far too vague, no sir.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zack pulls out his map of the town once more, marked with the spots of the abductions. He examines it, factoring in the trail they have just followed and marking it on the map as well. Every now and then, he looks up and gazes around, then returns his attention once more to the map.
(DM Question - can Zack make any connections or perhaps get an idea of where the next attack might take place, based off the previous abduction sites and information gathered from the trail? Investigation if you want it: 10)
Zack pulls out his map of the town once more, marked with the spots of the abductions. He examines it, factoring in the trail they have just followed and marking it on the map as well. Every now and then, he looks up and gazes around, then returns his attention once more to the map.
(DM Question - can Zack make any connections or perhaps get an idea of where the next attack might take place, based off the previous abduction sites and information gathered from the trail? Investigation if you want it: 9)
(No investigation check for that one. um... ...basically, it is possible to be just about any of the houses along the southern part of the village at the moment. the sites aren't nice and neat, but whatever happened to be in their path or so it seems. That said, they *did* hit spots more "south west" as if they purposefully loop around from north-west hit the southern part of the village for this specific attack. What you do with that info is up to you.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
Zack relays this hypothesis to the others. He then looks around for a bit, between the environment around him and the map. "These trails lead to here and disappear, unless Grell has some insight into them, I fear we may be at a dead end at this point. With the few hours of light left, what did you all wish to do? I'm tempted to try and decipher these books given to me by Wulfa on the town's history. I'm hoping there might be something in there. However, I am also inclined to join you all in whatever expedition you deem most fortuitous. Perhaps at sundown we could set up a watch of the houses along the southern part of town?"
"Five people?" Zack ponders this, "Whatever the creature, or creatures are," he says the last part as he indicates the multiple pathways they've found, "They're getting more daring and, well, more hungry it would appear with each attack. Which shouldn't be too far away unfortunately," Zack says as he looks up into the sky.
(DM Question - how long until nightfall?)
'Mom and dad and three kids, of which at least one boy.'Kalgren added. He mentally went over all they had found for a moment.
'I don't think we are dealing with mere hungry creatures.'He stroked his beard in that typical "I'm pondering" motion. 'It just seems a bit excessive in terms of victims to justify killing for food. Which brings me to the second point.'He nodded at the slime trail. 'There was a struggle in the house but no sign of blood or other bodily harm and the bodies were taken away. A hungry creature would have most likely eaten then and there but it choose to take the bodies away. That leads me to the following deductions.'
Kalgren closed his left hand into a fist in order to count on his fingers. His thumb went up 'One: the creatures are intelligent enough to understand the correlation between housing and people.' His index finger followed. 'Two: the lack of blood or other traces of injury means that the creatures have no fangs and claws or otherwise choose not to use it. Not behaviour a predator hunting to eat would exhibit.'The middle finger joined. 'Three: the creatures are strong enough to overpower a grown man, evident by the struggle and my assumption that a carpenter would have some strength to him.'The ring finger extended. 'The creatures are also strong enough to carry away the victims, as well as have some method of silencing and restricting them, considering no cries of help or evidence of further struggle shows on the track. Though I will admit the latter can be accomplished by knocking the victims' lights out. But again, not behaviour indicative of a hungry predator. And finally,'the pinky turned the fist into an open hand, 'five: the fact that the victims are transported away means that the creatures have some further use for them, be it as future food or...'
Kalgren's voice trailed off as he did not want to entertain the other notion. His mind, wanting to think of something else, picked up on a sixth point. He lacked any more fingers to count on as his other hand held the pebble. He decide to forgo the fingers. 'Finally, the fact that the attacks have some frequency to them suggest, to me at least but I am most certainly not an expert, that these creatures do not sustain themselves on carrion. Which means,' his voice gained a faint sliver of hope, 'that some of the victims might still be alive.' His voice fell. 'Probably wrapped in a cocoon of slime or something else disgusting...'
He turned to the others. 'Does that information ring any bells?'Kalgren asked those with more experience with monsters, animals and the wild.
OOC: summary of thoughts: - creatures are above animal instinct and have some intelligence. - creatures are strong enough to overpower adult males and carry them away. - lack of blood and gore most likely means a lack of sharp (fighting) instruments. - carrying away the bodies means the creatures have some future use for the victims. - live prey > carrion combined with the above might mean (some of) the victims could still be alive. - slime used for cocooning?
"Hmm, some good observations," Zack scratches his head as he ponders these points, looking at the slime trails. Then suddenly he turns to Kalgren, "Do you think perhaps the creatures are..." he gulps, "...ingesting them to transport them?" Zack paces a little as he continues. "The trails seem decidedly different from one movement direction to the next. If, for example, a giant slug we to slither in unencumbered and then leave with a body inside, that would make for some reasoning behind a lack of evidence to the victims exit. With the slime trails here deteriorating quickly in the open, that suggests to me that the creature's habitat is an interior of some sort, whether it be a cave, house or basement. What I can't pinpoint is the significance of the tool marks on the trees and houses..."
"Hmm, some good observations," Zack scratches his head as he ponders these points, looking at the slime trails. Then suddenly he turns to Kalgren, "Do you think perhaps the creatures are..." he gulps, "...ingesting them to transport them?" Zack paces a little as he continues. "The trails seem decidedly different from one movement direction to the next. If, for example, a giant slug we to slither in unencumbered and then leave with a body inside, that would make for some reasoning behind a lack of evidence to the victims exit. With the slime trails here deteriorating quickly in the open, that suggests to me that the creature's habitat is an interior of some sort, whether it be a cave, house or basement. What I can't pinpoint is the significance of the tool marks on the trees and houses..."
Something clicked in Kalgren's mind.
'What if,' he tentatively started, 'the creatures are not the cause of the marks but the consequence of them?'
He looked at Zack a bit more appreciative of helping his train of thought move further along. 'What if someone ELSE marked the houses so the creatures know which house to attack?'
Kalgren grabbed the map out of Zack's hands. 'You said it yourself.' He traced his finger and the light pebble along the map. 'The attacks congregate on the southern part of town and, what was it you said: They purposely looped around the north west to strike at the south west?' He lifted his face and stared at Zack. 'Hungry creatures would not care about such a thing and just attack wherever. This sounds like it was coordinated. Like someone commanded it. And combined with my idea...'
'I don't think we're dealing with some creature looking for food.' Kalgren addressed the entire group with a grave face. 'I think these are kidnappings, done by someone holding sway over some abnormal creatures.'
OOC: addendum to previous theory: - tool marks are used to put a target on someone for the creatures to kidnap.
So this was that moment in the detective show when the detective is sitting in his favourite pub relaying the case to the bartender, upon which the bartender says some off hand remark that makes all the puzzle pieces click together and causes the detective to storm off into the third act. XD
Vigil watched the two men exchange theories for a moment. It might not be much, but it could help them formulate a plan for the next part of their investigation.
"If your little theory's right, we're probably dealing some sort of mage that's playing a very dangerous game. If that creature is as intelligent as you say, I doubt it appreciates being manipulated this way. Don't know many intelligent creature that willingly do human's bidding."
The tiefling starts noticing that it is getting late in the day. "Sunlight is soon going to run out. If we want to stand guard at the houses in the area, as Zack mentionned, we best be getting a move on." He takes out his scimitar and marks a nearby tree with an X. "If we want to pick up our search tomorrow, we'll be able to know where we stopped."
As the others are talking, Grell continues to look for where the trails end, noticing their sudden disappearances. He crouches down to one knee at the end of one, seemingly brushing away dirt, leaves, and other debris.
”Grell fears the trail does not end here...”
(ooc: Been a bit busy / rubbish posting recently, will up my game!
re looking, need a roll DM to investigate the trail into the ground?)
"If what you say is true. The creatures may not need be overly intelligent. Rats can be trained." Zack looks over at Grell as he mentions the trail does not end here. "Do you have a way of following it? One moment, I'll help you look." Zack offers help to Grell for his investigation check.
As the others are talking, Grell continues to look for where the trails end, noticing their sudden disappearances. He crouches down to one knee at the end of one, seemingly brushing away dirt, leaves, and other debris.
”Grell fears the trail does not end here...”
(ooc: Been a bit busy / rubbish posting recently, will up my game!
re looking, need a roll DM to investigate the trail into the ground?)
(Investigation with advantage thanks to Zach)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
(ooc: that's what I thought! But I guess it fits RP-wise as we're still new to each other's strengths and weaknesses? Grell is okay at perceiving things and tracking/survival, but don't rely on him to be the investigative, charismatic, intelligent one :) He's quiet athletic though! ;) )
Vigil watched the two men exchange theories for a moment. It might not be much, but it could help them formulate a plan for the next part of their investigation.
"If your little theory's right, we're probably dealing some sort of mage that's playing a very dangerous game. If that creature is as intelligent as you say, I doubt it appreciates being manipulated this way. Don't know many intelligent creature that willingly do human's bidding."
The tiefling starts noticing that it is getting late in the day. "Sunlight is soon going to run out. If we want to stand guard at the houses in the area, as Zack mentionned, we best be getting a move on." He takes out his scimitar and marks a nearby tree with an X. "If we want to pick up our search tomorrow, we'll be able to know where we stopped."
'Well, there is one way I can think of to see if my theory holds true.'Kalgren dug around in his backpack and pulled out a dagger.
'The things I do for others.'He mumbled as he rolled up his sleeve and used the dagger to make shallow cuts on the back of his left arm. After wiping away a trickle of blood, his arm showed a pattern of red lines: a copy, albeit rudimentary, of the symbol that adorned the houses and trees. Kalgren winced. Not because of the pain but because it felt like he had just carved an arcane sigil into his own flesh, a forbidden symbol and all the same unpleasant to look at. He brought the light emitting pebble up to his sun pendant and uttered a prayer to ward off evil.
'I'll take up post outside one of the marked houses.' Kalgren crossed his arms which showcased the symbol front and center. 'If I'm correct, a marked house and this mark should make me the prime target for the next attack.'
Kalgren stretched as he tried to nonchalantly play off the danger. 'Guess I'll best take a nap once I get there.' He turned to Zack. 'So, which house are we setting up as bait?'
OOC: deleted my original post as that was a reply instead of a quote. PC's acting up a bit with the heat...
Where most people would have been disturbed by the display of mutilation, Vigil was unphased. Kalgren was willing to use himself as bait for the creature, even if he didn’t know what it was or if his ruse was going to work. A single thought went through the tiefling’s head. By any means necessary...
"You’re either braver or more foolish than I thought, kid. I hope you know what you’re doing." He sighed. "Let’s look at the map of the village to determine the house most likely to be hit next."
Zack looks over from his search with Grell and hands the others the map. Seeing the symbol carved into Kalgren's arm he looks a little taken aback at first, "That's brave friend. Or foolish. However we may be more capable of fending of the kidnapping creatures than these common folk." He turns back to his work with Grell but says as he does, "Perhaps we choose a house on the outskirts of town so that whatever these creatures are, they are not traveling further through town and we don't endanger anyone else?"
(ooc: oh boy, Investigation not him strong suit, here goes nothing!)
Investigation: 11
All Grell can tell is yes, in fact, the creatures burrowed away. The tunnels seemed sealed behind them, perhaps by the slime they had left behind.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
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"Kalgren believes they’re were five people living in this house", says Vigil. "We’ve also found the same slime, but still in a much more liquid form. It’s no creature I’ve ever heard about." He ponders the information as he recites it.
"Five people?" Zack ponders this, "Whatever the creature, or creatures are," he says the last part as he indicates the multiple pathways they've found, "They're getting more daring and, well, more hungry it would appear with each attack. Which shouldn't be too far away unfortunately," Zack says as he looks up into the sky.
(DM Question - how long until nightfall?)
(About 3 hours till nightfall.)
While the "Wizards" talk, Grell would notice that not only did the trail split into 5 and disappear separately... but upon further notice... It seems they dug their way into disappearing.
How Grell didn't notice this the first go round is a mystery that totally doesn't rely on the narrator not realizing he made the connotation far too vague, no sir.
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
Zack pulls out his map of the town once more, marked with the spots of the abductions. He examines it, factoring in the trail they have just followed and marking it on the map as well. Every now and then, he looks up and gazes around, then returns his attention once more to the map.
(DM Question - can Zack make any connections or perhaps get an idea of where the next attack might take place, based off the previous abduction sites and information gathered from the trail? Investigation if you want it: 10)
(No investigation check for that one. um... ...basically, it is possible to be just about any of the houses along the southern part of the village at the moment. the sites aren't nice and neat, but whatever happened to be in their path or so it seems. That said, they *did* hit spots more "south west" as if they purposefully loop around from north-west hit the southern part of the village for this specific attack. What you do with that info is up to you.)
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
Zack relays this hypothesis to the others. He then looks around for a bit, between the environment around him and the map. "These trails lead to here and disappear, unless Grell has some insight into them, I fear we may be at a dead end at this point. With the few hours of light left, what did you all wish to do? I'm tempted to try and decipher these books given to me by Wulfa on the town's history. I'm hoping there might be something in there. However, I am also inclined to join you all in whatever expedition you deem most fortuitous. Perhaps at sundown we could set up a watch of the houses along the southern part of town?"
'Mom and dad and three kids, of which at least one boy.' Kalgren added. He mentally went over all they had found for a moment.
'I don't think we are dealing with mere hungry creatures.' He stroked his beard in that typical "I'm pondering" motion. 'It just seems a bit excessive in terms of victims to justify killing for food. Which brings me to the second point.' He nodded at the slime trail. 'There was a struggle in the house but no sign of blood or other bodily harm and the bodies were taken away. A hungry creature would have most likely eaten then and there but it choose to take the bodies away. That leads me to the following deductions.'
Kalgren closed his left hand into a fist in order to count on his fingers. His thumb went up 'One: the creatures are intelligent enough to understand the correlation between housing and people.' His index finger followed. 'Two: the lack of blood or other traces of injury means that the creatures have no fangs and claws or otherwise choose not to use it. Not behaviour a predator hunting to eat would exhibit.' The middle finger joined. 'Three: the creatures are strong enough to overpower a grown man, evident by the struggle and my assumption that a carpenter would have some strength to him.' The ring finger extended. 'The creatures are also strong enough to carry away the victims, as well as have some method of silencing and restricting them, considering no cries of help or evidence of further struggle shows on the track. Though I will admit the latter can be accomplished by knocking the victims' lights out. But again, not behaviour indicative of a hungry predator. And finally,' the pinky turned the fist into an open hand, 'five: the fact that the victims are transported away means that the creatures have some further use for them, be it as future food or...'
Kalgren's voice trailed off as he did not want to entertain the other notion. His mind, wanting to think of something else, picked up on a sixth point. He lacked any more fingers to count on as his other hand held the pebble. He decide to forgo the fingers. 'Finally, the fact that the attacks have some frequency to them suggest, to me at least but I am most certainly not an expert, that these creatures do not sustain themselves on carrion. Which means,' his voice gained a faint sliver of hope, 'that some of the victims might still be alive.' His voice fell. 'Probably wrapped in a cocoon of slime or something else disgusting...'
He turned to the others. 'Does that information ring any bells?' Kalgren asked those with more experience with monsters, animals and the wild.
OOC: summary of thoughts:
- creatures are above animal instinct and have some intelligence.
- creatures are strong enough to overpower adult males and carry them away.
- lack of blood and gore most likely means a lack of sharp (fighting) instruments.
- carrying away the bodies means the creatures have some future use for the victims.
- live prey > carrion combined with the above might mean (some of) the victims could still be alive.
- slime used for cocooning?
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
"Hmm, some good observations," Zack scratches his head as he ponders these points, looking at the slime trails. Then suddenly he turns to Kalgren, "Do you think perhaps the creatures are..." he gulps, "...ingesting them to transport them?" Zack paces a little as he continues. "The trails seem decidedly different from one movement direction to the next. If, for example, a giant slug we to slither in unencumbered and then leave with a body inside, that would make for some reasoning behind a lack of evidence to the victims exit. With the slime trails here deteriorating quickly in the open, that suggests to me that the creature's habitat is an interior of some sort, whether it be a cave, house or basement. What I can't pinpoint is the significance of the tool marks on the trees and houses..."
Something clicked in Kalgren's mind.
'What if,' he tentatively started, 'the creatures are not the cause of the marks but the consequence of them?'
He looked at Zack a bit more appreciative of helping his train of thought move further along. 'What if someone ELSE marked the houses so the creatures know which house to attack?'
Kalgren grabbed the map out of Zack's hands. 'You said it yourself.' He traced his finger and the light pebble along the map. 'The attacks congregate on the southern part of town and, what was it you said: They purposely looped around the north west to strike at the south west?' He lifted his face and stared at Zack. 'Hungry creatures would not care about such a thing and just attack wherever. This sounds like it was coordinated. Like someone commanded it. And combined with my idea...'
'I don't think we're dealing with some creature looking for food.' Kalgren addressed the entire group with a grave face. 'I think these are kidnappings, done by someone holding sway over some abnormal creatures.'
OOC: addendum to previous theory:
- tool marks are used to put a target on someone for the creatures to kidnap.
So this was that moment in the detective show when the detective is sitting in his favourite pub relaying the case to the bartender, upon which the bartender says some off hand remark that makes all the puzzle pieces click together and causes the detective to storm off into the third act. XD
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Vigil watched the two men exchange theories for a moment. It might not be much, but it could help them formulate a plan for the next part of their investigation.
"If your little theory's right, we're probably dealing some sort of mage that's playing a very dangerous game. If that creature is as intelligent as you say, I doubt it appreciates being manipulated this way. Don't know many intelligent creature that willingly do human's bidding."
The tiefling starts noticing that it is getting late in the day. "Sunlight is soon going to run out. If we want to stand guard at the houses in the area, as Zack mentionned, we best be getting a move on." He takes out his scimitar and marks a nearby tree with an X. "If we want to pick up our search tomorrow, we'll be able to know where we stopped."
As the others are talking, Grell continues to look for where the trails end, noticing their sudden disappearances. He crouches down to one knee at the end of one, seemingly brushing away dirt, leaves, and other debris.
”Grell fears the trail does not end here...”
(ooc: Been a bit busy / rubbish posting recently, will up my game!
re looking, need a roll DM to investigate the trail into the ground?)
"If what you say is true. The creatures may not need be overly intelligent. Rats can be trained." Zack looks over at Grell as he mentions the trail does not end here. "Do you have a way of following it? One moment, I'll help you look." Zack offers help to Grell for his investigation check.
(Investigation with advantage thanks to Zach)
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"
(ooc: oh boy, Investigation not him strong suit, here goes nothing!)
Investigation: 16
(OOC - if i had of known, I would have rolled haha. 11 isn't too bad though.)
(ooc: that's what I thought! But I guess it fits RP-wise as we're still new to each other's strengths and weaknesses? Grell is okay at perceiving things and tracking/survival, but don't rely on him to be the investigative, charismatic, intelligent one :) He's quiet athletic though! ;) )
'Well, there is one way I can think of to see if my theory holds true.' Kalgren dug around in his backpack and pulled out a dagger.
'The things I do for others.' He mumbled as he rolled up his sleeve and used the dagger to make shallow cuts on the back of his left arm. After wiping away a trickle of blood, his arm showed a pattern of red lines: a copy, albeit rudimentary, of the symbol that adorned the houses and trees. Kalgren winced. Not because of the pain but because it felt like he had just carved an arcane sigil into his own flesh, a forbidden symbol and all the same unpleasant to look at. He brought the light emitting pebble up to his sun pendant and uttered a prayer to ward off evil.
'I'll take up post outside one of the marked houses.' Kalgren crossed his arms which showcased the symbol front and center. 'If I'm correct, a marked house and this mark should make me the prime target for the next attack.'
Kalgren stretched as he tried to nonchalantly play off the danger. 'Guess I'll best take a nap once I get there.' He turned to Zack. 'So, which house are we setting up as bait?'
OOC: deleted my original post as that was a reply instead of a quote. PC's acting up a bit with the heat...
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Where most people would have been disturbed by the display of mutilation, Vigil was unphased. Kalgren was willing to use himself as bait for the creature, even if he didn’t know what it was or if his ruse was going to work. A single thought went through the tiefling’s head. By any means necessary...
"You’re either braver or more foolish than I thought, kid. I hope you know what you’re doing." He sighed. "Let’s look at the map of the village to determine the house most likely to be hit next."
Zack looks over from his search with Grell and hands the others the map. Seeing the symbol carved into Kalgren's arm he looks a little taken aback at first, "That's brave friend. Or foolish. However we may be more capable of fending of the kidnapping creatures than these common folk." He turns back to his work with Grell but says as he does, "Perhaps we choose a house on the outskirts of town so that whatever these creatures are, they are not traveling further through town and we don't endanger anyone else?"
All Grell can tell is yes, in fact, the creatures burrowed away. The tunnels seemed sealed behind them, perhaps by the slime they had left behind.
Formerly Devan Avalon.
Trying to get your physical content on Beyond is like going to Microsoft and saying "I have a physical Playstation disk, give me a digital Xbox version!"