Our heroes finish up the initial check of the Kaer's magic only to stumble onto a fight!
Score: 309 | 10/17/18 |
21st Strassa 1517, around 1 AM
Having finished up their investigations of the Ungada Liferock, the newest Stalwart Stones make the long trek to the Pool of Shemara. Vyktor Wyvernjack used both the pink crystal and his Astral Sense spell to check astral space. Finding nothing wrong with the protection magic, and in fact getting a sense of safety, he again checked without the crystal. He was unable to sense the Pool's astral signature, but could still tell that the area was fairly safe. In the physical realm, Sean Shamshara waded into the Pool itself and checked on the Orichalcum Doors of Kaer Ungada, though he, too, found nothing wrong.
They then began the walk back to the Hall of Elders to make their report. As they passed through the market, all but Boris Hillmens heard sounds of fighting. Rushing off to see what was happening, they stumbled onto a battle between two guards and a ghoul and another undead creature later identified as a cadaverman.
An intense battle followed as the people traded blows with the undead. Boris attracteed the cadaverman's focus, cutting deeply with the first blow of his ax, causing it to enter into a frenzy, lashing out four times every few seconds. The guards, sensing that the cadaverman was the greater threat, left the ghoul and helped surround the cadaverman.
The ghoul followed and gave one guard a deep gash, poison seeping into the wound. Sean let loose an arrow, hitting the ghoul hard enough to knock it down. As the guard attempted to finish it off, he fell dead from the poison coursing through his veins. At this time, though, two more guards rushed onto the scene.
Which was fortunate as the cadaverman struck out, raking its claws across Valteri Tomser, wounding him. The second guard avenged his partner and slew the ghoul when the cadaverman broke out of the group and eviscerated one of the new guards. Finally, the group was able to bring it down.
His blood still pumping from the fight, Boris activated his Fireblood Talent causing the blood seeping from his wounds to burn and heal him. Sean spent the next hour tending to Tomser's wounds, sewing him up with his physician's kit. Meanwhile, the group also questioned the remaining guard originally on the scene finding out that the undead pair came from a house not far.
Investigating, the group found a house in shambles with claw marks on the inside of broken doors. The neighbors spoke well of the Berrick brothers who lived there and greatly saddened by their death. They were farmhands, and the younger brother always had treats for their kids. The husband went with the heroes and positively identified the pair.
Returning to the Hall of Elders, the group found Kergnon Hurlgak finishing up his report and delivering something. He nodded to Tomser on his way out. Ghehennis Jakreen is there as well, having finished his initial research into the maggoty Horror construct from earlier. He called it a Maggot Mask, and he also spoke of another Horror construct called a Toxic Blight.
A Maggot Mask will form inside someone who has ingested poisoned food or drink. The person will appear to be sick just like everyone else also consuming the tainted items, but only some will actually have a Maggot Mask form inside them. Once they vomit up the Maggot Mask, then the victim feels better. However, the Maggot Mask will immediately search for someone else and implant a Toxic Blight. This process kills that person, and the Toxic Blight will go in search of farmland or water to absorb into and poison. Ghehennis urges the Stalwart Stones to attempt to capture a Toxic Blight or find whomever initially poisoned the Kaer in order to create an antidote.
Sheyloon tells Ygdrask to remain behind, help protect the elders in the Hall, and coordinate the continued defenses. She and Ghehennis will search the Kaer for undead and other Horror constructs while the newest members rest and heal. At this time, she also reveals the Blade of Kamdoon that Kergnon brought her. It is a Thread item capable of helping anyone with a thread tied to it sense nearby Horror constructs.
She explains that Thread items are special magical items that have powers unlocked by learning their secrets and then using Threadweaving to tie a thread to them. The Blade of Kamdoon was wielded by a simple farmer named Kamdoon whose village was attacked by a Horror. Armed with only his handaxe, he helped drive off the Horror and its minions. He then began his adventures, always with his trusty blade, eventually finding the same Horror and felling it with the handaxe. With this act, it became imbued with magic.
At this, Sheyloon and Ghehennis leave while Boris, Valteri, Sean, and Vyktor sleep for eight hours.
Legend Points Awards:
- Undead slaying - 250
- Total: 250