Chapter 2: Exhumation

PureChance · September 11, 2023

Alban Lord Stuart - Human Shadow Sorcerer

AC: 14 | HP: 32/32 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 11 (Darkvision 120ft) | HD: 3/3 | Inspiration 0/1

A dark frown formed across Alban's face as Dalin made their destination known - he hadn't yet made the connection, but he supposed when one made their living travelling one was more aware of these things. Such a large group of guards was not a simple escort to justice.

He came to a halt outside the circle, his gaze piercing through the loose cordon. Alban gagged as he caught sight of the grotesque butchery, metallic tang flooding his nostrils in the same moment. He closed his eyes as he turned away, muttering behind the back of his hand to his companions. "What kind of demon could have wrought such violence? Do ghouls carry in their arsenal the ability to mold flesh and walk among us?" he cast about for answers. "I know I said I'd seen a hidden darkness within Vadim King, but I had not imagined such brutal monstrousness beneath his veneer of civility," he choked out, mind jumping to conclusions so certain he was of his foe's guilt.

Stat Block

Imperial (variant) Human Sorcerer 4

Languages Common, Elven

Background Noble Background Feature Position of Privilege

StrSave +0
Athletics +0 11 Dex 18 ConSave +5*
No skills associated. 16 Int 12 Wis 12 Cha 20

Proficiency Bonus +2 Saving Throws Con, Cha

Speed 30

Tools Calligrapher's Tools

Spell Attack Bonus +7 | Spell Save DC 15 | Spell Slots L1 4/4 ; L2 3/3

Sorcery Points 4/4

Actions

Dagger +6 to hit for [1d4+4] piercing damage | Light, Finesse, Thrown 20/60
Light Crossbow +6 to hit for [1d8+4] piercing damage | Loading, Two-handed, 80/320
Mind Sliver DC15 INT Sv for [1d6] psychic damage | V, one creature, 60ft | -1d4 next saving throw
Frostbite DC15 CON Sv for [1d6] cold damage | VS, one creature, 60ft | disadvantage next weapon attack roll
Chill Touch +7 to hit for [1d8] necrotic damage | VS, one creature, 120ft | can't regain hitpoints until the start of your next turn, if undead disadvantage on attacks targeting you

Bonus Actions

Reactions

Shield [Hit by an attack / targeted by Magic Missile]

Peacemonger · September 11, 2023

Jozelle - Human (Rogue/Monk)

AC: 16 | HP: 33/33 | Initiative: +8 | Passive Perception: 13

"I cannot say I know much other than they can indeed tear apart men like scythe to wheat. I would look to your wisdom on what magic can and cannot do, but we all know intimately the strength of illusion." She infers the initial illusion, all forced to face some terrible sin in their past recent or old.

Her face betrays little emotion, and if realizing it, slowly shifts to one of concern. It's not because she truly is, just knows that the Jozelle who's arrived at Hethton should appear concerned.

Her real tell is her hand floating near the hilt of her sword. Just because she is accustomed to some level of death does not mean she won't defend herself against it. "Are we to offer our services then? Are we to use the guards to get us closer to the amulet... and to your vengeance Lord Stuart?" To this point, Jozelle sees Alban's anger at Vadim King as a separate matter, as anger at being charmed in more than one way.

She doesn't understand it. She would not take offense to another assassin trying to claim her life, as she has done so to others. Perhaps it is the privilege of nobility? Perhaps something else. She does not know, nor ask.

Mechanics

Main Hand: - (Rapier at hip)
Off Hand: -

Action: -
Bonus Action: -
Move: -
Manipulate: -

HD: 4/4d8

Edited September 11, 2023 by Peacemonger (see edit history)

Karma Kameleon · September 11, 2023

Cordelia Nightshade

Cordelia's expression sank into disappointment as the small glimmer of hope she had held onto about the amulet being somewhere other than twenty feet underground slipped away. She nodded slowly, her hands unconsciously wringing in her lap. "Yes, the timing is indeed unfortunate," she replied with a hint of regret. "I... noticed the Captain wearing what I believed to be the jewel I seek at his burial. My intention was not to trouble Lady Ittia, given all she has endured. That's precisely why I came to see you here. I had hoped that perhaps my eyes had deceived me, that someone else in this town possessed it. But it appears that the jewel is truly lost, with no way of retrieval."

Suddenly, Cordelia's posture stiffened upon hearing the sudden sound of loud bell ring a single chime nearby followed by what she could discern was Alban's familiar voice. She seized upon the distraction, eager to divert Notary Troon's probing inquiries about her employer. "What does that bell signify?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.

She sighed in a somewhat dejected manner as she quickly rose from her seat. "Please forgive my abrupt departure. I must locate my colleagues. As you can imagine, we have much to discuss regarding our next steps. I trust that our meeting and our conversation will remain confidential. Thank you for your time, Notary Troon." With these words, Cordelia bowed politely and exited the notary's office with haste.

She had only been inside the notary's office for a brief five minutes, yet her companions had apparently vanished in that short time. The moment she stepped foot outside, another bell rang out, its peal unusually prolonged this time around. Was it some form of alarm? Cordelia took no time to ponder on the thought further and departed with vigor in her step. She quickly headed in the northwest direction, assuming that Alban had intended his message to give her direction so she could find him and the others.

Edited September 12, 2023 by Karma Kameleon (see edit history)

ariel · September 11, 2023

Dalin

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | Rages: 2/3 | Passive Perception: 12

"Verglborthkam..."Dwarven for "Butcher" Dalin was used to the sight of blood. She'd hunted across many wild places and there were even a few telltale bones dangling from her ears.

Somehow though, the sight of the blood, seeking its way through the cracks of the road before her made her hold her breath. The disrespect for the town, for the bodies... for the lives lost and families affected. It was worse than any animal attack she'd ever seen. She swallowed hard.

Disgusted, she wanted to look away, but could not. She pulled her shield off her pack and secured it on her arm. Her staff held high, she lifted it to point at the nearest guard and barked out. "What's happened here?! Where is King?!"

Whitleyrr · September 12, 2023

As if in answer to Dalin’s questioned, the door to the jailhouse was pushed outward from the inside, it’s one remaining hinge protesting loudly. A guardsman emerged, wiping sweat from his brow. He spoke to his sergeant, but all heard his words. “King is gone. The cell is empty and open. Wells and Creighton are dead, sir. They…they…it looks like they…killed each other, sir?” The sergeant received this news somewhat stoically and then began issuing orders. Men flew to his command and action was taken. By fours, two squads of guards jogged off in two different directions. The remaining guards set about the unenviable task of cleaning up.

Death had come to the streets of Hethton for the second day in a row.

PureChance · September 12, 2023

Alban Lord Stuart - Human Shadow Sorcerer

AC: 14 | HP: 32/32 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 11 (Darkvision 120ft) | HD: 3/3 | Inspiration 0/1

As further information came to light, both from Jozelle and then the soldier, Alban's expression turned from merely dark to thunderous. "Yes," he ground out, "yes we are to offer our services Jozelle. For justice of course." He paused for a moment, watching the guardsmen disperse. Regaining some manner of control over his anger he brushed invisible wrinkles from his robe, the routine action serving to centre him. "Though it would not do for one of my station to take orders from a simple town guard," he continued, calmer. He would prepare a special treat for Vadim, he thought. "We should converge on the graveyard," he ordered, "as the rest of this towns strangeness seems to. If you could lead the way Dalin, and you cover our flank Jozelle? Please don't hesitate to bite deep should the chance arise."

He stalked forward with cold anger and knit brow, his boots curt against the cobbles. "I could offer you a similar shroud as before, Jozelle, but it would not hide the flash of steel. Still, if it would be of benefit, let me know. It is not taxing to call upon the shadow in this way, I am merely the instrument of its desire."

Stat Block

Imperial (variant) Human Sorcerer 4

Languages Common, Elven

Background Noble Background Feature Position of Privilege

StrSave +0
Athletics +0 11 Dex 18 ConSave +5*
No skills associated. 16 Int 12 Wis 12 Cha 20

Proficiency Bonus +2 Saving Throws Con, Cha

Speed 30

Tools Calligrapher's Tools

Spell Attack Bonus +7 | Spell Save DC 15 | Spell Slots L1 4/4 ; L2 3/3

Sorcery Points 4/4

Actions

Dagger +6 to hit for [1d4+4] piercing damage | Light, Finesse, Thrown 20/60
Light Crossbow +6 to hit for [1d8+4] piercing damage | Loading, Two-handed, 80/320
Mind Sliver DC15 INT Sv for [1d6] psychic damage | V, one creature, 60ft | -1d4 next saving throw
Frostbite DC15 CON Sv for [1d6] cold damage | VS, one creature, 60ft | disadvantage next weapon attack roll
Chill Touch +7 to hit for [1d8] necrotic damage | VS, one creature, 120ft | can't regain hitpoints until the start of your next turn, if undead disadvantage on attacks targeting you

Bonus Actions

Reactions

Shield [Hit by an attack / targeted by Magic Missile]

Karma Kameleon · September 12, 2023

Cordelia Nightshade

Cordelia continued her determined march along the northwest path, but with each step, a growing unease gnawed at her stomach. Her path crossed with a group of four guardsmen, jogging hurriedly through the cobblestone streets. As she rounded a corner, the sight before her confirmed her worst fears. The door to the seemingly impenetrable jail fortress hung precariously on a single hinge, while the lifeless forms of two guards lay on the cobblestones, blood slowly staining the ground beneath them.

Cordelia froze in her tracks, her gaze locked onto the grim tableau before her. A complex swirl of emotions welled up within her. At first, it was terror that gripped her, but it swiftly gave way to a profound sadness as she empathized with the suffering that the people of this town had endured. Then, an unfamiliar emotion, one she seldom experienced, seeped in—rage. Without anyone to direct her anger towards, Cordelia breathed slow deep breaths, attempting to contain it. The information they had gathered pointed to a town already burdened by death and hardship over the past year, and these five deaths in just two days were the final straw. It had all become too much to bear - it needed to come to an end.

Questions swirled in Cordelia's mind. Were the ghouls responsible for this gruesome scene? Had Vadim managed to escape, or was this the result of someone else's actions? Did he have allies on the outside working to liberate him? Cordelia urgently sought out her comrades who appeared to be turning to leave, catching them in the nick of time. She deliberately avoided looking directly at the lifeless bodies, fearful that the sight might cause her lunch to make a sudden reappearance. Instead, she locked eyes with Alban's gaze which seethed with fury, speaking with a hesitant but resolute tone. "What happened here? Is Vadim King still imprisoned within those walls?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with concern and the need for answers.

Edited September 12, 2023 by Karma Kameleon (see edit history)

ariel · September 12, 2023

Dalin

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | Rages: 2/3 | Passive Perception: 12

Dalin was frozen a moment with a confused gaze, as if trying to work through the scene and somehow have it tell the same tale of the guards killing each other. Did Vadim's power over minds extend that far? She looked back at Alban. "Do you have a ward for the mind? He's already cracked this one open... and I don't trust..." Myself. She gestured to her own temple. On her best days, she had to fight for control. And, this was not a "best" day.

Still, she took a step toward the graveyard, not really knowing what else to do. She stopped and yelled to the sergeant. "We think he might be heading for the graveyard... to compound yesterday's offence!"

Before walking away, she looked for any evidence of his passing, for how could he move through that scene of horror without picking up a little blood on his boots. So fierce was her focus on the ground, she did not see Cordelia, coming up behind them.

Edited September 12, 2023 by ariel (see edit history)

Peacemonger · September 12, 2023

Jozelle - Human (Rogue/Monk)

AC: 16 | HP: 33/33 | Initiative: +8 | Passive Perception: 13

Jozelle looks to Cordelia as she arrives, confirming Dalin's words directly. "Vadim is indeed no longer in the prison, and the good Lord Stuart is eager to give chase." Jozelle glances around all three members, hesitating to say more, time is of the essence. Still, she can't help but shake one thing.

"Would he... possibly go to Lady Ittia? He was not at the funeral, may not even know where to look at the graves. He also seems... possessive. A collector if you will."

She blinks but once. It's about as much initiative as she's shown as far as guiding the group as a whole, and yet she stays to see what the others make of it. She tries to be vague about what Vadim would even want at the graves in case any other ears are listening. She also tries to get the point across to Cordelia to pay attention to Alban's state.

The graves are indeed an apt choice, if for nothing else than to ensure the amulet isn't lost. Still, the part of her that aspires to be a hero of some sort feels a logical concern if the new widow is safe.

Mechanics

Main Hand: - (Rapier at hip)
Off Hand: -

Action: -
Bonus Action: -
Move: -
Manipulate: -

HD: 4/4d8

Karma Kameleon · September 12, 2023

Cordelia Nightshade

Cordelia's brows furrowed, her lips curling in a snarl that betrayed the rage smoldering within her as she absorbed Jozelle's response to her question. Her demeanor had shifted noticeably, though it was likely unnoticed by the others, who were themselves grappling with their own emotions. In this moment, her fury outweighed her fear, driven by the realization that the situation had taken a turn for the worse. It appeared that even the most secure fortress could not contain such a monstrous threat. Locking Vadim up was no longer an option; they had no choice but to confront him and purge the darkness from the town.

She raised a finger to her temple, rubbing it furiously in frustration. Though she, too, was clearly agitated by the ordeal, Cordelia placed a firm hand on Alban's back, seeking to ground him. "We do not know if Vadim is after the same thing we are, or what his motives may be," she began, her voice laced with frustration. "But we do know that he ended up in jail due to his apparent feelings for Lady Ittia. I agree with you, Jozelle; it's entirely possible that he has headed to see her now that the Captain is out of the way." She sighed in exasperation before continuing.

"Considering your reactions," she looked at each of her companions in turn, "I'm certain I don't need to emphasize that my visit to the notary has confirmed our suspicions." Her gaze settled on Alban, seeking his opinion above all. "So, what do we do now? I know I've been adamant about sticking together, but for the sake of efficiency, perhaps splitting up is warranted in this situation." She turned to look back at the chaotic scene left in Vadim's wake. "However, if he was able to do all this on his own, I doubt Vadim is like any foe we've faced before. We'll need our combined powers if we wish to defeat him... And he must be defeated." Her words dripped with venom as she uttered her finishing statement.

Edited September 12, 2023 by Karma Kameleon (see edit history)

ariel · September 13, 2023

Dalin

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | Rages: 2/3 | Passive Perception: 12

Can he fly too? Dalin looked up from the ground, a look of frustration on her face for not being able to pick up a single trail of blood. "No trace of a direction on the ground... none that I can see anyway. What I can say is that the Lady is uphill and the graveyard is down..."

"Personally, I'm most worried about the guards going off on their own... they're the ones who are going to get torn apart." She glanced with discomfort at the blood-soaked ground. "And, I dunno what kind of foes y'all have been fighting, but there's nothing I could have done to stop this... so don't you even think about us splitting up."

Dalin exhaled hard, a resignedly determined sigh. Keeping her voice low. "Choices." The dwarf raised a finger. "One, we go after the Lady, but she'll be locked in a room with her own guards and he might not want to do her harm anyway... at least not right away. Besides, I don't think he would have killed the Captain like that in public if all he wanted was her." Lifting a second finger. "Or two, we gamble and go to the graveyard... no-one seems to know what was buried with the Captain and that could have been King's plan all... to get it into the ground where he could fetch it.

I vote for the graveyard. And, we bring along as many guards as we can gather on the way... or split them up and send half to the Lady."

"I guess we have a third option... ya'll could check out the jail, maybe there's a... I dunno "clue" in there. And while y'all are doing that, I can try to get help to find him." She gestured into the sky and perhaps a passing crow... curious about the carrion littering a section of the street.

Edited September 13, 2023 by ariel (see edit history)

PureChance · September 14, 2023

Alban Lord Stuart - Human Shadow Sorcerer

AC: 14 | HP: 32/32 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 11 (Darkvision 120ft) | HD: 3/3 | Inspiration 0/1

Alban arrested at the questions, fighting back the sense of frustration at perceived challenge. Their anger was as shared as his, he reminded himself - this wasn't like his family, where they had sought to undermine him. "I agree with both Cordelia and Dalin here," Alban spoke quickly, still eager to pursue the chase. "Whatever creature did this - be it Vadim or ghoul - I don't think we can afford to stand divided. Nor can Vadim be allowed to elude justice for any of his crimes." He half turned to the dwarf, continuing, "I have no ward against his power I am afraid, such is rare, but I would hope that even if our own certainty in ourselves fails our companions will see us correct. Perhaps we swear a pact, to anchor us in blood?"

He offered forward his left hand, drawing forth from beneath his robes a knotted silver dagger in his left. "A reminder that whatever hold Vadim gains upon our mind or emotion, duty holds us to our course?"

"As for destination I admit Lady Ittia had not crossed m mind. Given that she still lives, whilst the Captain is dead, I agree that she may be more of a priority. If nothing else to warn her her husbands killer is loose. None of us, I believe, has the intention to let Vadim escape, so if he has gone to the graveyard to retrieve the amulet we will merely be spending our time tracking both our objectives at once. Crime scenes are not my forte, so I believe I have little to add over the guards here, and again it is not changing readily." he stated decisively.

Stat Block

Imperial (variant) Human Sorcerer 4

Languages Common, Elven

Background Noble Background Feature Position of Privilege

StrSave +0
Athletics +0 11 Dex 18 ConSave +5*
No skills associated. 16 Int 12 Wis 12 Cha 20

Proficiency Bonus +2 Saving Throws Con, Cha

Speed 30

Tools Calligrapher's Tools

Spell Attack Bonus +7 | Spell Save DC 15 | Spell Slots L1 4/4 ; L2 3/3

Sorcery Points 4/4

Actions

Dagger +6 to hit for [1d4+4] piercing damage | Light, Finesse, Thrown 20/60
Light Crossbow +6 to hit for [1d8+4] piercing damage | Loading, Two-handed, 80/320
Mind Sliver DC15 INT Sv for [1d6] psychic damage | V, one creature, 60ft | -1d4 next saving throw
Frostbite DC15 CON Sv for [1d6] cold damage | VS, one creature, 60ft | disadvantage next weapon attack roll
Chill Touch +7 to hit for [1d8] necrotic damage | VS, one creature, 120ft | can't regain hitpoints until the start of your next turn, if undead disadvantage on attacks targeting you

Bonus Actions

Reactions

Shield [Hit by an attack / targeted by Magic Missile]

Whitleyrr · September 14, 2023

The companions settled on checking in with Lady Ittia, and along the way up the hill, Dalin tried her luck with the birds. When they crested the hill and ambled down the winding lane which led to the Ittia mansion, the first thing they noticed was the presence of more of the Captain's men. They were heavily armored, armed, and alert. An iron gate barred passage to the house and several soldiers waited for them there. One stepped forward towards the gate and said, "State your business."

Perception ChecksYour characters may each roll a perception check, DC 15.

Edited September 14, 2023 by Whitleyrr (see edit history)

Karma Kameleon · September 14, 2023

Cordelia Nightshade

Cordelia carefully considered Dalin's suggestions, acknowledging the valid points raised that had not occurred to her. She briefly covered her mouth in thoughtful contemplation before responding, "You bring up valid thoughts, Dalin. While the idea of investigating the jail is intriguing, time is of the essence, and it might delay our pursuit. Returning to the topic of Lady Ittia, I frankly doubt that a vile creature like Vadim would be solely motivated by love. His actions against the Lady and Captain appear calculated to me. I've even considered the possibility that this is a power grab, that his intent is to take the Captain's place here in Hethton." She scoffed, a comical thought crossing her mind as she spoke of Vadim's potential conquest. "It's ironic that his surname is King, given the circumstances. Perhaps he sees himself as such," she mused before continuing. "I don't fear for Lady Ittia's life, but I do think he could seek refuge with her and even hold her hostage if the guardsmen try to apprehend him."

Relief washed over Cordelia as Alban agreed not only to stay together as a group, but also to head to Lady Ittia's instead of the graveyard. However, her disdain became evident when he made the barbaric and primitive suggestion for a blood pact, offering his hand and dagger. She visibly disliked the idea of drawing blood deliberately, her thumb rubbing her palm in a soothing manner as she considered the suggestion with furrowed brows. "It is settled then. Given our lack of protection against his powers and the urgency of the situation, I suppose this solution will have to do." she reluctantly admitted before extending her trembling hand towards him to swear the pact.

The presence of guards at the lady's manor didn't surprise Cordelia. As they approached, she stepped forward to greet the guard who approached them. "Cordelia Nightshade," she introduced herself with a brief bow of her head. "Lady Ittia was expecting me. I was invited to discuss matters with her this afternoon. However, we're aware that the situation has changed with Vadim's escape. We witnessed the aftermath at the jail and grew concerned that he might come here. We wanted to ensure Lady Ittia's well-being and offer our assistance should he present himself. We may not be seasoned warriors like yourselves, but we possess a particular skill set that could prove useful in this situation." She made the offer with sincerity, her icy blue eyes focused on the guard.

Edited September 14, 2023 by Karma Kameleon (see edit history)

ariel · September 15, 2023

Dalin

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | Rages: 2/3 | Passive Perception: 12

Dalin lifted and dropped her shoulders expressively. She was uncertain of the choice to go see the Lady, but unwilling to fight for any other option, nor to split the group.

As Alban offered his hand and gestured to the silver dagger, Dalin's eyes widened and she looked up at him, a half-smile slipping on to her face, certain it was an odd jest. Then, as Cordelia offered her hand back to him, Dalin looked from one to the other and back again and the smile fell away. "Cordelia and I already made a promise... to not leave each other alone in King's presence. I will make the same promise to you, Alban. And you, Jozelle. It's just my word... but spilling blood won't make that word any stronger.

The thing is... up til now, his power in my mind has only been a needful lust. If he turns us against each other, if he can... just know, I can't do much hurt to a body, but I can be difficult to bring down..." Dalin's voice trailed off and she flung some thoughts away with a shake of her head.

As they walked toward the Lady's home, Dalin trailed behind. She was slower by nature, but it also seemed as if she wanted some distance between herself and the rest of the group. She held aloft a small handful of seed and whistled into the air. It didn't take long for a dove to respond to her offer.

A lovely bird of grey feather and gentle eyes landed on her arm. Dalin began murmuring to it. After a period, the murmuring turned more beastial. For the first time, Dalin's companions (outside of Drench) could hear the dwarf speaking in a language that was not common, nor dwarven, nor any other tongue spoken by humanoids. It didn't sound like a dove either... more like the chuffing of some kind of bear. If anyone glanced behind to look at her, the dwarf turned her face away from their gaze, awkward.

Halfway to the manor, the bird flew away, down the hill. It returned just as the group reached the iron gate. The dove landed on the ground, near Dalin, and the dwarf stepped away to crouch down beside it. She nodded, once, twice and then carefully laid another small pile of seed next to the bird. With a thoughtful expression, Dalin stood up and took the few steps to join the rest of the group in front of the gate.

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
Warm_1	Warm_2	Warm_3	Bold_2	Accent_2	Mood_2
Cool_1	Cool_2	Cool_3	Bold_3	Accent_3	Mood_3
Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

Chapter 2: Exhumation

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