Just before dawn, as all of Jastrey lays sleeping, a man can be seen limping toward town. His skin is gaunt and pale. His clothes appear to be seafarer's garb, and hang in tatters off of his body. Behind him, he drags a large sword made of blood red steel.
He slows as he reaches an unoccupied cabin near the edge of town, apparently too wearied to continue. He sits to rest with his back against the cabin and his sword propped up in his hand. Just as day breaks over the horizon, he closes his eyes to sleep.
As dawn's light falls on the man, his flesh vanishes to reveal a dessicated yet intact skeleton. The corpse does not move, remaining motionless in the position in which the man was resting. All who approach get an immediate sense of foreboding, as if a restless malice loomed over the body...
"I agree Dreygor. The Healer's Den may have an answer." Kevass looks at Corvax and shakes his head with a grin. "You touch it. I touched it last time, and those tenticles were not pleasant. No, but seriously Corvax don't touch it." Kevass turns back to Dreygor "I fear the only thing to satiate such a creature as thhis is, blood lust. Go to the Healer Den and see what you can find."
As Corvax walks up he says to Kirell " Normally in your stories we don't all end up dead, My tall friend." With that said he nudges Kirell playfully. We have put up with alot of things since we got here, it has been a fight from moment one. I for one am not ready to puss out now Corvax says. Corvax pauses looks at Kevass then says " Hay boss man go hit that thing."
Before Crasist arrives Kirell begins his tale.
"Listen carefully while I tell the tale of the pirates of Orn. The most fearsome of them Atrius Bloodbrand sailed the seas of Orn in his ship The Lucky Dice, and lead the Gold Coast Corsairs on merciless attacks along the costs".
"When none remained to challenge them the Gold Coast Corsairs turned on one another, and in the battle all ships and lives were lost including Atrius Bloodbrand and his ledgendary Lucky Dice. It is said that in the infamous fight Atrius slayed over 100 men staining the water and his menacing sword ?Blood Tide? red with the blood of his victims".
"Neither the sea or death however could quench Bloodbrands sadistic need to kill. Stories are still told of entire towns being wiped out overnight when Atrius Bloodbrand pays them a visit".
Kirell Turns to Crasist. "We found him here this morning".
"I fear if he is still here tonight, we will all be dead by morning".
"To defeat Altrius Bloodbrand will take the strength of the Gods, and will cost many lives. A price we have no option but to pay I fear".
"If all you've got to live for is what you've left behind. Set yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine"
Roajo finds Kevass in his cabin rolling out of bed to face the day. Roajo informs him of yet another odd visitor. Kevass sleepily walks with Roajo to check the skeletal corpse out. Kevass speaks "I thought we had remedied the walking corpse situation with the death of Rizzik." Kevass draws his sword and pokes what appears to be a sleeping skelton in the arm.
As Roajo runs for the hall Kirell can be seen approaching the desicated corps.
'It can't be".
"Atrius Bloodbrand, and the infamous Blood Tide".
"This is not a good thing"!
The Angori begins to slowly back away.
"Dregor, Kevass. Come quickly"!
'Killed a man for bucks and change, ain't that heaven sent"?
"I beleive that is an exceptionaly bad idea Kevass"!
"This is no ordinary skelton with a sword"!
"If my recolition of nautical history serves me it is Atrius Bloodbrand, and the infamous Blood Tide".
"Many will die before the next sunrise".
"FLEE: Flee for your lives"
Denethor Steward of Gondor
LOL
Alec can be walking through the town until he notices a skeleton resting on the steps of the cabin. Then noticing Kevass walking away from it he then approaches his loyal friend to see what the commotion is all about.
"Kevass, do you know anything about this skeleton. And why aren't we beating on it right now." Alec states.
As Kevass unwisely pokes the skeleton, a tendril of black mist coils around his sword, reaching for the hand of its wielder. Kevass withdraws his blade a split second before the tendril touches him, narrowly avoiding a grim fate. The air grows suddenly chill. A palpable aura of malice can be felt emanating from the disturbed skeleton.
Dreygor awakes rather late this morning, and rather soar after his stiff training sessions with the new young warrior in town. He looks down the road at the group already gathered around the skeleton and speaks.
"What goes on down there my fellow friends?"
Dreygor walks down the road to where the skeleton sits.
"Hmm, a skeleton alongside the road, is there ever a dull moment here? Anyone have any Idea who, or what it may be?"
As Kevass awaits Dreygor's return he turns to Alec and Kirell "This looks to be fellows one of our greatest challenges yet. I am not sure where to begin with this thing. Kirell weave us a tale about this treacherous Atrius so we may better understand how to best it."
(So as not to disrupt the other thread, which is presumably on a different timeline.)
Crasist arrives with Dreygor in tow. "My word...," he says as he sees the skeleton. He kneels before it, taking special care not to touch it, and holds his hand up toward the skeleton, palm outward, while concentrating.
After a few moments, he speaks. "I'm sure you've already figured this out, but this is no ordinary skeleton. There is a strong evil here. Among the strongest I've ever felt. It is best that no one disturbs the body or the sword. I couldn't say what might happen, but I'm sure it wouldn't be good..."
"Does anyone know how this corpse came to be here? Was it left by someone, or did it move of its own accord?"
*Sir Stiers * Walkin down the road counting gold out and see the skeleton,I wonder who left this here ? Sir Stiers walks up to the the skeleton and pokes it with his sword, What is this thing doing here guys ? * also says hey there is this guy walking around buy grave dust paying pretty well for it to*
The moment Stiers' sword touches the corpse, the tendrils of black smoke lash out from the skeleton's skull, darting through the air and grasping Stiers about the throat. He stands motionless for the briefest of moments, then his neck jerks to the side with a sickening snap and he drops dead at the skeleton's feet before anyone has time to react.
(Slay)
Crasist leaps to his feet and draws his sword in a flash, taking a parting slice at the tendrils as they retract into the skeleton. "Like I said," he says grimly, looking down at the corpse of Stiers. "Don't touch it..."
"Well; I think that went well don't you Kevass" Kirell says jokingly, as he bends down and pulls Stiers limp body a safe distance from the skelton.
"I'll give you this, but no more acting stupid" the Angori whispers to Stiers as he pours a vile of liquid into his mouth.(Potion of Revivify)
Enemies come and go, but friends are for wasting all of your good potions on!
Garith can be seen sweeping out of the tavern. He stands motionless listening to Kirell?s story of the fiend. After Kirell has finished he quickly begins to run off to the Healer?s Den to aid in sifting through the ancient tomes. He calls for Sir Matthias to accompany him. As he walks into the Healer?s Den he look around the room trying to spy the tomes.
Sir Matthias rouses from his meditation with a deep breath. Standing up, he sweeps the loose grass from his pants legs and steps lightly after Garith. Upon entering the library, he inquires, "What exactly is it that we are looking for?" and begins thumbing absentmindedly through the nearest book in the hopes of finding something of interest.
Corvax loses his jovial temperament after seeing a member of town killed by this pile of bones, reaching in to his pocket he pulls out a small vile of MINOR SACRED WATER and starts to shake it. "Please everyone move back lets see how this thing likes this." While waiting for everyone to move he keeps shaking the vile.
"Wait Corvax that might be as bad as poking it". Kirell backs away from the skelton as he speeks.
"Lets give the mages a chance to find out if there is anything of use in the library".
"I agree something has to be done, but if a poke pissed it off, I shutter to think how it will react to that".
"Get ready little lady, hell is coming to breakfast"
At Kirell's assessment of the situation, Kevass grabs Corvax's wrist to still his hand, "Corvax. Corvax!" After Kevass shouts to get Corvax's attention, he begins to talk in a soothing tone to calm him, "look at me. Calm yourself friend. I know to see Jastrians fall hurts your soul, but don't be rash. I would hate to see you fall unnecessarily. Shhhh Corvax. Shh Corvax." Kevass reaches with his other hand and gently takes the vial from Corvax's hand. "That was close I thought you were going to bear out on us all. You don't get angry often, but when you do... whew... watch out. Be calm. We will take care of that thing soon enough."
Dreygor returns back from the healers den with a somber look on his face.
"Well guys seems there is no more information to be had about this Atrius, or his sword. Kevass, I'll leave it up to you, but I think the town proper should be evacuated before nightfall. Also I think we all should stay here and see what becomes of this thing when the sun fades. If it does come to life then we must lead it away from town."
Beryl follows closely on Dreygor's heels. She stops and stares at the skeleton for a few moments.
"Evacuating the town sounds like a good idea, Dreygor. According to lore, when Atrius Bloodbrand was alive, the citizens of Jastrey would have been mere fodder for his sword."
Beryl tugs on a pigtail in thought and looks at the friends surrounding the skeleton. "I'm afraid I don't know much more than a little of his history. Perhaps someone with knowledge of the undead may have an idea on how to rid us of him?"
Crasist crosses his arms in front of his chest and furrows his brow in thought as the others discuss the skeleton, stirring from his contemplation only when Beryl mentions, "someone with knowledge of the undead."
"Knowledge I have, Ms. Silverstone, but I am at a loss as to what this creature is. It is clearly no form of necromantic undead, as they rarely rest as this one is, and certainly do not have the ability to kill so easily. More than likely, it is a type of spontaneous undead, one formed from a soul that was woefully disturbed in life. At least, that seems to fit Kirell's description."
"If I were to venture a guess, I would say that we're dealing with a ghost, although I've never known one that could stray so far from its haunt. As for how to get rid of it, all I can say is that ghosts are notoriously difficult to exorcise. They may be slain one night only to appear again the next. And for one as old and powerful as this, forcing it to leave may be impossible..."
"I for one, do not plan to be in his way when he awakens".
"The stories I can recall he mercilessly slays anyone that challenges or gets in his way".
"If he decides to slay this town I will protect it as I have sworn to, but I have no intention of picking a fight with this abomination".
"I recommend you all join me in the tavern for a shot of liquid courage".
Kirell turns and heads for the tavern.
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning"
Corvax looks at the brave new knight and comments " I think Sir Stiers might have a point. Kevass, Sir Stiers what do you say to a round of questioning for this merchant?"
Looking at the rest of the townsfolk gathered here Corvax says "Everyone is free to do what they want but after we are done with this merchant I will be coming back here and waiting till night fall." " I do not like undead and I will not suffer them in this town."
Astrum walks out of the Healer's Den, stretching his back with a yawn. Then, after observing the situation offers, "Well, I agree the town should be evacuated. Might I add the we need to save all important documents as well? Knowledge is everything and it would be devastating should we lose it. Isn't that right Garith?" He calls to Garith over his shoulder. He then adds, "As it is, you might be needing some mages if you wish to fight a ghost. However, I'm finding it hard to understand what we might get out of slaying this ghost." Then he adds in a sly undertone, "Perhaps some incentive? This place could use some more books- if you know what I mean"
Sir Stiers says,"a shifty-looking urdek named Ankelios" was asking me if i had any Grave dust for sale! I was why yes i did not thinking of this Skeleton that was sittin here he might behind all this mess*rubs the back of his neck thinking how the skeleton broke it so easyly* we must go try to find him and ask intergate him we must alert the town guards to stop all Urdek's in the area so i can see if i can pont him out!Corvax I shall follow you and i offer my blade at your server to slay this abomation when the sun goes down and night is on us*sir stiers yells* some 1 alert the guards to look for a urdek this ritual must be close to summon this thing! * sir Stires says * I will go cheack the merchent's hall and see if any 1 has sen him or know of him let me know at once if this abomation is awoken again!*Sir stiers Sprints away to the Merchants halls*
Ankelios skulks up to the group behind Stiers. "Hmm. Nice skeleton you have there," he says with a touch of subterfuge in his voice. "And what is it you'd like to ask me? I'm not sure that I know anything about it. Then again, such information has an annoying tendency to slip my mind..."
Sir Crasist curls his lip in disgust at the urdek's presence but does not say anything.
"Unholy arts? Why, I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Sheriff. I'm nothing more than an honest merchant, after all, even if my wares are, shall we say, exotic." He looks over at the skeleton. "As for insight, as I said, I'm having difficulty remembering anything of value. Such a bothersome problem. My memory is always much clearer with some... incentive." He grins broadly and rubs his thumb and forefinger together.
Corvax looks at the merchant and says in a very tight but polite voice " I think we would all sleep better and look to make more purchases in the bazaar if we were not worried about this thing killing us." with that said Corvax crosses his arms over his ample belly and stares at the merchant.
Garith strides from the back of the crowd, after following Sir Matthias out of the unproductive Healer?s Den. He opens his purse and pulls out 5 gold and hands it to the merchant. ?Tell us what you know merchant and hastily it seems there are new arrivals in town.?
Ankelios seems about to express a snide comment about the Sheriff's offer just as Kevass walks away. He turns back and seems about to make a comment to Corvax when Garith deposits the gold pieces in his hand.
A smile plays across his face. "Well, it seems someone here speaks the universal language, at least. Thank you, kind sir."
"Ah yes, I do remember a few things that could be of interest. I can't say for sure who might have sent this pile of bones, but I've heard tell that this vampire you all supposedly slew a few mests ago... Rizzik I think his name was... is not quite as dead as he should be."
"And I've heard whispers of strange men in robes digging around in the old dwarven mine, but not for gold. My sources say they're digging up graves. What they could be looking for is anyone's guess."
"There's also some strange things happening near the old, burnt-down wizard tower. They say you can hear voices that seem to come out of nowhere. Sounds like a haunting, if you ask me."
Ankelios shrugs. "But what would I know of such things. I'm a simple merchant. I leave it to you brave souls to protect us all from such dangers as this."
Ankelios turns back to Garith. "Thank you again for your patronage. I trust it was money well spent, and I hope that you'll come see me again when you're in the market."
With that, he walks back toward the merchant's hall. As he walks past Stiers, he pats him on the shoulder and says, "See? You do catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."
?Thank you Ankelios if you should come across any more ?useful? information contact me so we may speak more.? With this Garith turns to Sir Crasist, ? You seem to be the only one with any knowledge of the undead. What do these tiding or Ankelios mean to you Sir Crasist?? Garith turns to the others and asks if any miners have recently visited this dwarven mine?
?Where is Beryll I seek conference with her. Come Sir Matthias we must find her.?
Sir Crasist raises an eyebrow. "Other than to advise you against taking this 'merchant' at his word, I'd say these rumors warrant further investigation. A risen vampire, grave-robbing men in robes, strange voices near the Tower of Dalgoon... all of these are grim tidings by themselves, and any one could shed light on the sudden appearance of this ghost."
After listening to the tale the Urdek wove Dreygor thinks to himself then states.
"While we still have some daylight we should check out these disturbances. The one about Rizzik disturbs me, however I don't think even he has the power to control an undead like this. As Sir Crasist stated this is not a necromantic undead. However the disturbance at the wizards tower worries me even more. There might be magic there powerful enough to call a spirit from its haunt. As far as the robed figures in the mine......Corvax have you been to the mine recently? Have you seen these figures?"
Dreygor loses himself to thought again.
"We may not have time to check all these places before sundown, and we all agreed that this pile of bones will most likly arise then, so we either must split up or only check one. What say you Corvax? Ofcoarse we need to make sure the town is empty also when this thing wakes."
Dreygor awaits Corvax's answer.
" I don't go to the mines much sense my change I find the forest more appealing, I do go and visit Alec from time to time but not lately." "If this skeleton is some how a ghost then the wizard tower if it is haunted would be the place to start but I have trouble trusting that merchant." "He might be trying to throw us off some trail, he just knew to much for me to be comfortable." "Well lets hurry Dreygor you lead I will follow but I vote the tower."
As they leave Dreygor states matter of factly
"remember this is just to confirm what the urdek told us. If something is infact going on there we should come back for support. If we find nothing then we should continue on to the mines and investigate them also, again just to confirm what the merchant told us. Beryl, Stiers, stay here and make sure noone disturbs this wretched thing."
With that Dreygor leads Corvax and the young wizard off torwards the old tower.
Dreygor gives Corvax a quick look then quickly replies
"No, do not touch it now. To do so would be certain death I fear. If it is as Kirell states, that the arival of this man meens certain doom, then this is something we should think carefully on before acting. Perhaps we could find more on the subject in the healers den. There might be something we could learn from the library kept there. Til then I suggest Kevass stays here and makes sure noone disturbs it. There must be a way to destroy it and put its soul to rest."