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Brian: Alright then. Ephnyr only has one steed, so you're on foot, but he has enough packs on the mount to carry most of your things, which he kindly offers.
Brian: It's a few days to Glensdale, but you've never been before
Sir Ephnyr: Tell me, ever been to Glensdale before?
Garen: Can't say I have.
Sir Ephnyr: Ever travel out at all? What is your trade, actually? I never asked.
Garen: I'm a hunter, as are my parents. I rarely ever left town for something other than the woods.
Sir Ephnyr: Pity. It's a big world out there. A shame humans get to see so little of it.
Brian: About this time, you hear a rustling in the distance
Garen: What was that?
Sir Ephnyr: I heard it too...
Brian: make a wisdom check
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20 => 3
SyRaX: not very wise
Brian: You hear nothing for a time, then a shout
Shadow: YOU MUST KNOW DEATH!
Brian: Ephnyr draws his sword.
Sir Ephnyr: On me, Garen
Garen: Where is it? I can't see it!
SyRaX: I draw my sword
Shadow: DEFILERS!
Brian: Suddenly, you see a black mist roll out from between the trees, forming a human-like shape
Brian: everyone's init is base 5
SyRaX: shouldn't he get a surprise init?
SyRaX: to be fair
Brian: The mist forming took too long
SyRaX: makes sense
SyRaX: speed contest?
Brian: yup
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20 => 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20+2 => 3 + 2 = 5
Brian: your move
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 16 + 3 = 19
SyRaX: hit?
Brian: You hit, but your blade passes right though the creature
Garen: I can't hit him! It goes right through!
SyRaX: done
Brian: The shadow suddenly changes, forming a more solid-looking man.
Brian: it then strikes
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 13 + 6 = 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 15 + 6 = 21
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 15 + 6 = 21
Brian: all hits?
SyRaX: all hits
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 2 + 4 = 6
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 13 + 4 = 17
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 12 + 4 = 16
SyRaX: no wounds
Brian: then the knight's turn
Brian: he rides in and tries to swing, seemingly ignoring your advice
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 11 + 6 = 17
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 5 + 3 = 8
Brian: His blade seems to actually strike true
* Brian rolls: 1d20-1 => 10 - 1 = 9
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 5 + 6 = 11
Brian: his second swing misses as the beast warps
Brian: you win init for the next round
SyRaX: did I see anything that I might think affected, that his hit struck the thing?
SyRaX: like, how he hit or what part he hit
Brian: it was a hit on the shoulder, but besides that you can't see anything
SyRaX: how much init is talking?
SyRaX: and can both people talk for the cost of the guy whose turn it is?
Brian: 0, unless it's a lot
Brian: and no, you have to wait for the other guy's turn
Garen: How could you hit this thing?!
SyRaX: can I pass my turn until he's done?
Brian: You may burn init if you want, or just save the rest of your init
SyRaX: wait, I saw the shadow being a bit more solid, didn't I?
Brian: yes
SyRaX: well, guess I'll just attack
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 5 + 3 = 8
SyRaX: welp
Brian: miss
SyRaX: done
Brian: ephnyr swings twice
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 14 + 6 = 20
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 11 + 6 = 17
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 20 + 3 = 23
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 14 + 3 = 17
* Brian rolls: 1d6-1 => 3 - 1 = 2
Brian: gotta love it when NPCs steal the player's thunder
* Brian rolls: 1d4 => 4
* Brian rolls: 1d4 => 3
SyRaX: :p
Brian: The first hit outright kills the creature
SyRaX: Did you mention what weapon he uses?
Brian: A fine elven longsword
Garen: Wow, nice hit!
Sir Ephnyr: What was that?
Garen: Wanted to ask you the same.
Sir Ephnyr: Never seen it from the attacks before?
Garen: Nope, those were zombie-like. This looks like ... I have no idea
SyRaX: I want to inspect whatever remains of this creature
Brian: roll int+wis
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20-1 => 1 - 1 = 0
SyRaX: good ol
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d6-1 => 1 - 1 = 0
SyRaX: 0
Brian: there's something on the ground. It seems dead
SyRaX: such insightfulness
Sir Ephnyr: Not safe to dwell here. We ride through the night...I mean walk. We may be going towards the ones who want to kill us, but that's better than death in the woods
Garen: Agreed, I don't want to deal with these things.
Brian: You make haste to Glenswood, during which time Ephnyr has an idea.
Sir Ephnyr: It seems bizzare that I could hit the beast and you couldn't, right?
Garen: It does indeed.
Sir Ephnyr: There was a prophecy a few years ago, one that I never belived. That a great danger was coming to us, and the finest elves would have to rise to face it.
Sir Ephnyr: They formed a new knightly order, the Order of Blood, to face it. I'm not in it, but maybe I should have been.
Sir Ephnyr: Or maybe it's all elves...
Sir Ephnyr: But what I was going to say is: perhaps we shouldn't set you up as a target to these creatures. I want to ride into town alone, and send you in another side of town in secret.
Sir Ephnyr: I will question the priest directly, and you will watch them. What do you think?
Garen: I don't have a better plan, so let's go with that.
Brian: It's another two days before you finally arrive, and you are exausted when you arrive by the southern road (Ephnyr taking the west)
Brian: The first thing you see is the church of Nerul, with a sprawling graveyard out back
SyRaX: did Ephnyr give me any other instructions?
Brian: not unless you asked for them
SyRaX: dammit
SyRaX: okay
SyRaX: So I just stand here and wait?
Brian: what would you be waiting for?
SyRaX: good question
SyRaX: I'm supposed to watch someone, right?
Brian: The nerulians
SyRaX: So can I just waltz into the church?
Brian: you can. I might knock first though
SyRaX: that sounds like a phenomenal idea
Garen: *knock*
Garen: Hello?
human 36: Hello?
human 36: *cracks door*
human 36: A little late for service, ehh?
Garen: Am I? I'm sorry.
human 36: Ohh, it's alright. Look at me, trying to step out and take a wizz while the priest goes on. Just get in.
Brian: he ushers you towards the pews
Brian: Almost nobody looks back at you as you enter and take a back seat
Father Parson: And for what? How long will your pleasures and sins last? Hmm?
Father Parson: The pleasures are short. Wine will dull your mind a few hours.
Father Parson: But the sins? Wine will dull your soul for death.
Father Parson: I was speaking to a man, who asked me why we might plow all these new fields for the king's men? What good does it do, do make food for those who are not our own?
Father Parson: Do you know what I told him?
Father Parson: I told the man, it does great things. To the king perhaps, but you don't need to worry about the king. For you do a great thing to yourself. To plow a field does not only make a plowed field, but a field plower, you see.
Father Parson: And our father death teaches us that it is this that is the greatest gift. To be is the greatest thing in this world. Not to feel, not even to do. To be.
Father Parson: As you pray tonight, I want you to think on that. Night's blessings.
Brian: The congretation, in unison, repeats "night's blessings"
Brian: And the crowd starts to slowly rise like they are going to get around to leave
Brian: Do you just sit around?
SyRaX: I guess?
SyRaX: by the way, how harsh are the conflicts between religions in general
SyRaX: and is it normal that you can just go to another religion's church?
SyRaX: or is that frowned upon
Brian: Before your lifetime, there was the brink of civil war. But since then, any faith that does not try to upset the religion of Correlon Lorathien, god of elves, is perfectly tolerated. Walking into another church, while likely asking for a preaching and a conversion attempt, is not frowned upon at all.
Brian: Many will show up to a different temple than their own to be with family on a holy day, for example
SyRaX: alright
Brian: Eventually, you notice one young man shifting his way through the crowd in your general direction
Lerem: You new to Glensdale?
Garen: Yeah.
Lerem: I'm Lerem, what's your name?
Garen: Hello, Lerem. My name's Garen, nice to meet you.
Lerem: Hmm. Need a place to stay tonight? I'm happy to aid another member of the faith.
Garen: Well, I'm not *exactly* that.
Garen: So thank you for the offer, but I will have to decline.
Lerem: I understand. I assume I'll see you in church tomorrow evening then?
Garen: Is there a particular event tomorrow?
Lerem: Nope
Garen: Oh, okay. I can't promise anything, but maybe I'll show up again, who knows.
Lerem: Ohh, alright then. See you whenever I do. Nice to see you're here.
Brian: He saunters off.
SyRaX: I'll just sit and wait for now
SyRaX: maybe something happens
Brian: soon, everyone leaves the church saves for you or the priest. Are you looking at him, praying, staring at the wall...
SyRaX: ehh
SyRaX: I'll go talk to him
SyRaX: is that normal? or are priests super special and no one can touch them
Brian: not rural priests. Maybe in the city
Brian: You certainly never had an issue talkng to Maryon
SyRaX: does he react in any way when I approach him?
Brian: He looks at you with curiosity
Father Parson: Yes, my son?
Garen: Greetings.
Garen: I wondered if you could tell me about Nerul. You see, I'm a curious village boy, and your speech left me impressed.
Father Parson: Well, what do you already know?
Garen: That is a good question. I think Nerul is the god of death?
Father Parson: Aye, he is. Are you afraid of death?
Garen: Hmm, another good question ...
Garen: I think death is a part of life. The end, to be specific. I don't think you need to fear it. I would just be sad to not be able to see the world, were I to die.
Father Parson: What is so great in this world to see? There's famine, wars, suffering. And why do you think death is the end?
Garen: Yes, but there is also beautiful landscapes, animals you've never seen before, and other things I want to see.
Garen: And ... maybe death isn't the end, but it's the end of our life on this world, atleast.
Father Parson: And tell me, what lasts longer, death, or life?
Garen: Well, as I see it, death is only a moment long. But if there is something after death, then that is probably longer than life.
Father Parson: And how long will you see some strange animal? A moment? Perhaps you will spend a whole day with the beast.
Father Parson: But our father takes us all upon death, and we will be the souls we learned to be in life.
Father Parson: Fit or ill of body, young or old, it does not matter. The flesh stays behind in this world, as our father brings us to the next. Forever.
Father Parson: The goals you seek here are meaningless, my child. They are far more brief in length and scope than either of us imagine. But the man you build out of yourself while you are here, the soul you forge and present to death? That is for eternity.
Garen: But wouldn't you say that exploring the world forges my soul aswell?
Father Parson: But what does it make you? There are noble scouts, who seek new lands for game, and return with tales of new mines to enrich the people, and foolish wanderers, who do nothing but that which amuses them. We call these fools adventurers because they do more impressive things in this world than a dog who jumps a fence to eat pie, but on the inside, they are both the same beast.
Father Parson: May I be honest with you? I feel something with you. I intend to pray on it later. It's as though Nerul sent you to me for a reason.
Father Parson: Tell me, what drove you here?
Garen: I wanted to see the world and Glenwood was the next big city. And I went here into church to learn some new things.
Father Parson: Interesting.
Father Parson: Do you know what you plan to do after? Do you plan to travel all the way to Shavore? Never go home again?
Father Parson: Or come back to the village, and take up your father's trade?
Garen: For now my plan is the first option.
Father Parson: May I ask you stay here for a time? Your journey to the capital will take a few months at most, but figureing out your purpose here will last you beyond a lifetime.
Garen: I have a travelling companion, I have to consult him. But I will try to come here again tomorrow evening and inform you of our choice.
Father Parson: That is good to hear. Did you have more questions?
Garen: Not exactly, but I would like to know important things about Nerul and his followers.
Father Parson: Such as?
Garen: You tell me.
Father Parson: Well, he values good souls, I suppose that's really the most important part.
Father Parson: Our founding dates back to the Exaulted one, who saved the kingdom during the second goblin war at the end of the reign of king Veric, and was once the main faith of the kingdom, before Glistar took the throne.
Father Parson: But from then we continued to serve the people, up until today.
Brian: do you say anything else?
Garen: Okay ...
Garen: I was wondering ... Does Nerul command the undead? Bodies of hosts, whose souls have been forged well?
Father Parson: The undead have not been seen in a long time. I don't belive the rumors that have been circling of late.
Garen: Rumours?
Father Parson: Must have started years ago now. They say the dead have walked, in lands far from the churches. Armies of undead destroying towns.
Father Parson: There's word that Damrieli knights who traveled to Gorwood were beset by the undead, and none returned.
Father Parson: But that is something honorable men never report having seen. What they do report is that death is scary, and scared folks will make up tall tales to mock those they fear. I get it, I really do. Who would worship death itself? All children don't want to die, and I doubt many adults want to hear their neighbors praising it.
Father Parson: So they imagine us monsters. But it's nothing more: imagination.
Garen: Hmm, okay. It is sad that people always make up stories, when they don't know about things ...
Father Parson: At least in this world they do...
SyRaX: do you call priests "father"?
Brian: usually
Garen: Alright, father, thank you for sparing some time for me. I will try to come back tomorrow. Have a nice day!
Brian: He nods, and says a prayer
Brian: so now what do you do?
SyRaX: ehhh
SyRaX: try to search for Ephnyr?
Brian: alright, anywhere in particular you look?
SyRaX: I have no idea
SyRaX: is there a church for the elven god?
SyRaX: Correlon?
Brian: there is
SyRaX: btw is that just his first name and Lorethian his last name or do you always have to say Correlon Lorethian
Brian: There is no strict rule, but normally if people are bothering to say the name and not just "the elf god", they say the whole thing
SyRaX: alrighty
SyRaX: I wanna go to that church too
Brian: The priest is alone, doing some kind of ritual
Garen: *knock* Hello?
SyRaX: did Ephnyr mention where he's from?
Elven priest: A moment, please.
Brian: he has not, so far.
SyRaX: alright
Brian: Some time later, after the sun is set, he comes to the door
Elven priest: What is it?
SyRaX: Ephnyr was wearing armour, right?
Brian: yes
Garen: Have you seen an elf about this high *gestures Ephnyr's size*, clad in armour, wearing a longsword?
Elven priest: No.
Garen: Okay. Nevermind that question, could you tell me a few things about Correlon Lorethian? I don't know much about him.
Elven priest: You were not educated?
Garen: Just by my parents and townfolk, and they didn't know much either.
Elven priest: I hope you're not from here then, or else I have failed.
Garen: No, I come from a small village a few hours (?) from here.
Garen: a week*
Elven priest: *sighs* our lord forged the elves as an example of how life should exist. It is why we live so long.
Elven priest: We elves follow our lord in order to get as close to elven perfection as we can.
Garen: What is "elven perfection"?
Elven priest: It's what holds this realm together. What manages the crops and maintains the safety of the commoners.
Elven priest: Look about you. Do you think this exists in the savage lands of the orcs? Or the goblin tribes?
Elven priest: There is no law in those places. But there is here, because of the guidance of our lord.
SyRaX: I really love the things people come up with when there is no/limited science
Garen: Hmm, makes sense ...
Elven priest: I'm sorry I couldn't find your knight friend, but there are dutys I must attend to before morning. Elves rise earlier than humans.
Garen: I understand. Rest well, father.
SyRaX: I'm out of ideas
SyRaX: Inn?
Brian: I'll go ahead and tell you that's where he is.
SyRaX: boom
SyRaX: I'll go there
Brian: Ephnyr is having a few drinks, chatting with some other elves at the table.
Garen: Sir?
* Brian rolls: 1d3 => 2
Sir Ephnyr: Well hello there. Your name, boy?
Garen: Garen.
Sir Ephnyr: A fine name. Need an ale? I'm feeling charitable.
Garen: No, I'm good.
SyRaX: is he drunk?
Brian: He seems alright.
SyRaX: can I make some insight or investigation check to see wtf is going on?
Brian: umm, roll int + empathy
SyRaX: oh boy
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20-2 => 13 - 2 = 11
SyRaX: no wait, that's a 10
Brian: He seems to just be socializing, but you aren't sure.
SyRaX: do I notice anything about the elves? do they seem like normal elves or not? and do I think they are bothered by me?
Brian: They seem normal, and un-bothered.
SyRaX: alright, then I'll just sit down next to them
elf noble 14: Didn't know you were so famous as to attract new fans by sitting around.
Sir Ephnyr: Well, you said you never met a knight before!
Brian: They continue to chat, occasionally one looks at you for a moment as you sit there.
Brian: Eventually, Ephnyr excuses himself and steps outside
Brian: do you do anything?
SyRaX: I also go outside
Sir Ephnyr: *looks around* What?
Garen: What do you mean "what"?
Sir Ephnyr: ...what do you need?
Sir Ephnyr: Why are you staring at me?
Garen: What should I do now?
Sir Ephnyr: Keep an eye on the Nerulians. Maybe get a place to sleep for the night. Are you out of coin or something?
Garen: Depends on how much a bed is.
Sir Ephnyr: I think it's only a silver here.
Garen: Then I have enough.
Sir Ephnyr: Good to hear. Have you learned anything yet?
Garen: I can tell you some stuff about Nerul and his faith, if you want that. ... Oh, and the priest said that they aren't responsible for the undead.
Sir Ephnyr: Well, I guess I don't have to ask him in the morning again!
Garen: How long do you plan to stay here, by the way?
Sir Ephnyr: For the night. That's what inns are for.
Garen: No, I mean in Glenwood.
Sir Ephnyr: Ohh.
Sir Ephnyr: Not too long. I need to report what happened at Ensiph sooner rather than later.
Garen: Okay. I assume we stay here for atleast another day? I wanted to investigate the church tomorrow again.
Sir Ephnyr: You're here as long as you need to be. I want to leave you behind, to keep an eye on things while the king's justice isn't watching.
Sir Ephnyr: That's more useful than having a bodyguard the whole way home.
Garen: That makes sense.
Garen: With your fighting prowess, I believe you're your own bodyguard.
Sir Ephnyr: Thanks!
Sir Ephnyr: Sure you don't want me to buy you an ale?
Garen: Nah, I'm not the drinking type.
Sir Ephnyr: What type are ya?
Garen: No idea ...
Sir Ephnyr: Well, life is short. You might want to find out what type you are before it's all over.
Sir Ephnyr: Ever tried drinking?
SyRaX: is 18 also adult age in this world for humans?
Brian: 16 is normally considered "coming of age". As far as alcohol, Nerulians would never approve, but anyone else won't think twice if a 12 year old is drinking a little beer.
SyRaX: alright
Garen: When I turned 16, my parents gave me some homebrew beer. Smelled awful, tasted awful.
Garen: Didn't really take any other chance to taste awfully smelling stuff.
Sir Ephnyr: Did you join the church while you were there too?
Garen: No. Should I?
Sir Ephnyr: No, it's just...just that you know, you hate liquor so much.
Sir Ephnyr: Ohh nevermind, pretending to join the church is probably not a bad idea. Just don't forget who's side your on.
Garen: I'll think about it.
Sir Ephnyr: It will help you make sure that priest isn't hiding anything.
Sir Ephnyr: Ohh, also, there is one more thing you want to look out for. How much do you know about the lands of the Orcs, Gorewood?
SyRaX: gore or gor?
Brian: gor
Brian: I messed it up
Garen: Just that Nerul is supposedly the only faith there. And that Torg is from that place.
Sir Ephnyr: Ohh, you know of Torg?
Garen: Yeah ...
Sir Ephnyr: Funny. Anyway, the real point is that the rest of the death priests live there. This might just be their doing.
Sir Ephnyr: It would be hard to figure out though. Gorwood spies come in all shapes, and you never know what kind of evidence they might leave behind. You need to suspect everything.
Garen: So I should even suspect you?
Sir Ephnyr: *chuckles* Maybe you should.
Sir Ephnyr: Need any more instructions? I should be getting back to my new friends soon, before they start to wonder what's going on.
Garen: I think I'm fine for now. I'll just go to sleep and walk around town tomorrow.
Sir Ephnyr: Good night, my man-at-arms. I wish you the best.
Brian: he heads back inside
SyRaX: I guess I also sleep there?
Brian: sure. They have a bed open.
SyRaX: I'll take it
SyRaX: 1g = 10s?
Brian: correct
Brian: up to anything special the next day?
SyRaX: Not really, just explore town a bit and go to the church of Nerul in the evening
Brian: noted
Brian: do you take your same spot in the back pews?
SyRaX: I'll go a bit more in the front
Father Parson: Good evening. I think it's time to address what you've all already been talking about before the gossip spreads more.
Father Parson: Several traders have been spreading the word that Nerul is angry, and is raising the dead to strike out against other faiths.
Father Parson: First off, if any of you have had threats to your safety, please come to me. We are under the king's law, no matter what the villagers say.
Father Parson: Secondly, why? Why would father Death do this? Cut short impure lives? Why would Nerul work for the deaths of others?
Father Parson: Every one of us is his. Nerulian, Pelorian, Kordite, we all perish. Nerul wishes to see us repaired before our ultimate end, not reaped early before we are ripe. Tell that to the next fool who runs around accusing you.
Father Parson: Are there any questions?
Garen: *raises hand*
Father Parson: Yes?
Garen: When does Nerul decide to take one's life to send his soul to the afterlife?
Father Parson: I wish I could tell you. And our father is not the cause of all deaths, not by any means. If he could, he would let the sinners live forever until they were corrected. But many die before they are ready, and suffer forever as a result.
Father Parson: Were I to fall on my sword right now, I would go to him now, ready or not.
Brian: He seems satisfied with his own answer, and continues.
SyRaX: so he's more like the god of the dead but not the god of death?
Father Parson: But our god would never, NEVER dirty his hands with murder!
Brian: more the god of death but not the god of killing.
SyRaX: yeah but if he can't decide who dies and who doesn't then he's not the god of death, is he
Brian: Well maybe he's just doing his job.
SyRaX: okay
Lerem: *raises hand, and speaks before being called upon* What that what the knight spoke to you about this morning?
Father Parson: Aye, he came to me with concerns. I trust that he's wise enough to see the foolishness of what the villagers belive.
Lerem: I don't think we can be so sure. I think we should start coming to church armed.
Brian: Half of the church gasps, others quietly clap and nod.
Father Parson: Settle down, all of you.
Father Parson: This is a sacred place. To draw swords in the house of death?
Lerem: The other faiths wouldn't see it that way.
Father Parson: I will hear no more of it. Do you understand?
Lerem: Of course.
Brian: Unless you jump in, the services then shift to other matters.
SyRaX: nope
Brian: Alright then. Do you hang around after the service again?
SyRaX: sure
Brian: This time, the priest approaches you before the crowd even finishes leaving.
Father Parson: Did you find out how long you're staying in town?
Garen: Yes, I'll be here for a while. Probably a week or even more.
Father Parson: Good, good. I was praying for that.
Father Parson: I am certain now. He has some purpose for you here.
Father Parson: I want you to come early tomorrow. Help me with some cerimonies.
Garen: Alright, I'll come.
Father Parson: Great to hear
Brian: Unless you say something more, he leaves with a polite nod
Brian: Also, roll wis+disc as you go about the city
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 18 + 3 = 21
Brian: You notice a couple of the folks from church, who seem to be following you around town now...
SyRaX: How many? 1-5 or more like 5-10?
Brian: 2-3
Brian: not sure if they are all actually following you
SyRaX: Alright. I'll try to find a bench or something to sit down on
Brian: As you hang out there, the men start to file off, one by one.
SyRaX: I'll sit there for another 10 minutes and if nothing happens, I just continue walking around
Brian: Alright then, make another wis+disc
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 9 + 3 = 12
Brian: you observe nothing more.
Brian: I assume you return to the church with no further ado?
SyRaX: yup
Brian: He's already got a funny looking urn in his hands, and he immediately passes it to you.
Father Parson: I want some help paying some respects to the dead.
Garen: Okay.
Brian: The ritual consists him saying some words over each grave, and you putting some flower pettles mixed with some powder on them.
Brian: Nothing particularly exciting happens, until you feel somthing at your ankle.
Brian: As you look down, a skeliton hand is grabbing it.
Garen: What the ... ?!
Father Parson: What's wrong?
Garen: Is this normal to you?
Father Parson: Is what?
Brian: the hand retreats
SyRaX: does it leave a hole?
Brian: only a tiny one
Garen: A skeleton hand grabbed me by my ankle! See?! *points toward hole*
Brian: he walks over, and looks down
Father Parson: That looks like a mouse hole or something.
Garen: It does, but it isn't.
Father Parson: You're saying the hand of a dead woman came out of there?
Garen: How did you know it's a woman?
Father Parson: The gravestone has the right wing of the angle, but not the left. The husband is still alive.
Garen: I just know that a skeletal hand grabbed my ankle, okay?
SyRaX: also, angel*
Brian: I know, shut up.
Brian: I type fast
Father Parson: And it just ran away?
Garen: It retreated to the hole.
Father Parson: I've worked here since I was a boy, Garen. I've never seen that happen.
Garen: Maybe the thing you say is special about me is that skeletons want to drag me to them, I don't fucking know!
Father Parson: Okay, you need to calm down.
Father Parson: Nerul isn't trying to hurt you. He just...wants you for something.
Father Parson: You probably just felt a brush with something.
Garen: It ... it might've been my imagination. ...
Father Parson: If you are to perform these duties, you will need to come to a realistic understanding of our father. That means not beliveing in the undead.
Father Parson: Now, do you think you can finish?
Garen: I'll try.
Brian: I assume you carry on?
SyRaX: yeah
Brian: Nothing else of note happens until it's time for service.
Brian: As you come back from the closet having put the urn away though, Lerem approaches you...
Lerem: I saw what happened to you.
Garen: Hm?
Lerem: *leans in and whispers* the hand.
Garen: *whispers* You saw it too?
Lerem: *whispers* yeah. Let's talk about it after
Brian: he sits down for service
Brian: This service has nothing unusual happening during it. Parson doesn't bring up any new, interesting points, mostly talking about appropriate fashion for the faithful.
Brian: You notice Lerem make an effort to get out a little ahead of the crowd as the service ends this time.
SyRaX: I follow him
Brian: without a word, he keeps walking down the street.
SyRaX: i lose him whoops
SyRaX: nvm
Brian: he eventually leads into a hovel, where you assume he lives. Amazing how such big towns have people even poorer than your own tiny village
Lerem: What happened today?
SyRaX: this looks like the alley where the satyr killed the guy who wanted the balls of the statue
Brian: I wanna say it was the alley above this one...
SyRaX: it looks identical anyway ^^'
Garen: As I prepared the ceremony, a skeletal hand grabbed my ankle.
Lerem: ...and?
Garen: And then it disappeared.
Lerem: Well, count yourself lucky. You heard what happened to Ensiph village, right?
Garen: ... I come from there.
Lerem: Really? Are you fleeing the attack or something?
Garen: No, I'm investigating here to find out more about the attack.
Lerem: You don't think it leads back to the Nerulians, do you?
Garen: I would've said no, but after today ...
Lerem: To be honest with you, Garen, I'm scared. I think Parson is out of touch with reality.
SyRaX: did I tell him my name yet?
Brian: uhh, actually, I don't think you did. If you didn't then he didn't use it.
Garen: What do you mean?
Lerem: How could you just not belive all the reports? We've had an entire village attacked!
Garen: No idea ...
Lerem: I want to gather some of my friends around the inn tomorrow night, and I want them to hear from you. A first hand witness. Nobody belives me either, but they need to be warned.
Garen: Well, I won't say that it's the Nerulians' fault, because that's not for certain. But I can say what I experienced back at my home village.
Lerem: That's good enough.
Lerem: If you need a place to crash for the night, it's still on offer. I think I can trust you not to rob me blind.
Garen: Okay then, I'd like to stay.
Brian: He gestures to the nearby bench, which you observe has a sheet next to it, and lays down on his own cot.
Brian: It's actually Lerem's snoring that wakes you up the next day.
Brian: do anything interesting today?
SyRaX: just waiting for Lerem
Brian: Lerem gets up, and informs you that he works at the smith, so he'll be off for work.
Lerem: Need anything?
Garen: Ehh, are there hunters in this city? Perhaps some that search someone to help them out?
Lerem: Northshire inn is the best place to run into them. They are probably just coming back from work about now...
Garen: Alright, thanks.
SyRaX: I'll go there
Brian: alright, what are you up to there?
SyRaX: just asking if they need help and if they do, if I could help them and earn some money
Brian: They tell you that they're happy to have another member of the party, and they'll split the profits of any kills with you, assuming you pull your weight
SyRaX: awesome
Brian: The next hunt starts at midnight
Brian: they hunt in the early morning, as you did back home.
SyRaX: When do I have to tell Lerem's friends about what happened again?
Brian: After church, in the late evening
Brian: You might need to duck out early to make both commitments
SyRaX: alright, I tell the hunters that I might be a liiiiiiittle late, and walk to the church
Brian: The church of death is quite empty in the late morning, as might be expected.
SyRaX: ohhh
SyRaX: No I meant when church "starts"
SyRaX: before that idk, just walk around I guess
Brian: ohh, ok.
Brian: Nothing interesting happens in church.
Brian: Right after, there is a crowd of mostly humans gathered around the inn. Some of these folks were in church, some weren't
Lerem: Hey, everybody! This is what I told you guys about. This man has been to Ensiph. He saw the attack personally.
Lerem: Tell em.
Garen: Okay, I'll make this quick, since I have something to do later:
Garen: Some townspeople and I were trying to gather wood for the new sawmill that should be built, when we were suddenly attacked by living corpses in the night! We slew them, but it scared us to death.
Garen: And a few days later, the town was attacked by a whole army of them! Luckily, we could fend them off.
elf noble 15: An army? How did you fend that many off?
Garen: It was close, and I was knocked down after killing a bunch. But our priest fought the last of them and won. It was a close fight.
Villager: How do we know any of this really happened?
Garen: You can't know it. You can believe me or leave it be.
elf noble 15: I saw this man speaking to sir Ephnyr of Shavorne. What did you say to him?
Garen: I think I told him the same story.
elf noble 15: And what did he think of you?
Garen: Of me? Well, I think he approves of me.
Lerem: So the knight belives you?
Garen: I think so.
Brian: Lerem gives you a disapproving look.
Lerem: And that's it? You have no proof at all?
Garen: Yeah. What do you want me to do, show you the head of one of them? Wouldn't even matter, cause you'd just say it's a normal corpse.
Lerem: There's got to be something!
SyRaX: I don't have anything, do I?
Brian: do you?
Brian: This is up for you to decide.
Garen: I can't give you any evidence of it, I'm afraid.
Brian: Lerem says nothing more.
Villager: Well I didn't come here to hear more wive's tales. Thanks for everything.
Brian: a few folks leave the inn, the rest just turn back to normal conversation.
SyRaX: welp, guess it's time to leave
Brian: you head off to the hunt?
SyRaX: yup
Brian: roll dex+wisdom for hunting
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 14 + 3 = 17
Brian: you manage two rabbits. Not a proud hunt, but enough to feed a few folks.
Brian: they split the sales with you at market, and you make a silver and two copper.
Brian: You are also now very exausted, as you've been up for more than 24 hours now.
SyRaX: guess I'll go to the inn, eat, and sleep again
Brian: roll a passion check
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 2 + 3 = 5
Brian: you oversleep church pretty bad, and wakeup well past sunset.
SyRaX: I guess I'll go to the church then
Brian: when you enter, only the priest is there, putting things away.
Garen: Hi. Can I help with anything? I overslept pretty badly today, sorry about not being here on time.
Father Parson: Still afraid of evil hands?
Garen: A bit.
Brian: He turned to you with dissapointment, and sighs.
Father Parson: I prayed for you. I asked Nerull what it was he wanted from you.
Father Parson: Do you know what the answer was?
Garen: No, tell me.
Father Parson: He told me, that you have done him a great harm. That it was my duty to see you punished.
Father Parson: But I told myself that I misunderstood.
SyRaX: I lay a hand on the hilt of my sword
Brian: He steps forward
SyRaX: I step backward
Father Parson: this isn't the state I wanted to die in. I'm clearly not worthy of father death. But I would rather you slay me now than become a coward.
Garen: What else did he say?
Father Parson: His will is hard to determine. I don't pretend to understand his plans.
Father Parson: Perhaps I tried to hard to ignore him. I prayed, listened, heard his word, and still I kept inviting you further into the fold.
Brian: He puts down the candlestick he was holding, leaving it in an awkward position on the altar.
Father Parson: I heard the stories you were telling at the inn last night.
Garen: Yes?
Father Parson: Why?
Garen: Why not? I was asked to tell my story and so I did.
Father Parson: So you told the same lies sir Ephnyr told me when he tried to intimidate me?
Garen: It's not a lie. And I didn't mention Nerul, because I still don't know, if it's his doing.
Father Parson: But who else would be to blame, besides me and my church?
Father Parson: Why did you actually come here?
Garen: Ephnyr sent me to investigate this church. I guess he wanted some evidence for his beliefs.
Father Parson: So you admit to working for him?
Garen: Yup.
Father Parson: Then I guess this is my fault. I thought I knew better than a god.
Father Parson: Try to make peace with your sins before you die, child. Death cannot be bested as easily as I can. Until then, don't come back to my church.
Garen: Hmpf. Nice day.
SyRaX: welp
Brian: You walk out into the cold evening, silent and lonely.
SyRaX: just like in real life haha
Brian: The hunt starts in a few hours, and until then you just
Brian: wow, bruh, that's me levels of self-hatred
SyRaX: oh, I can do another one?
Brian: The hunt goes on most nights
SyRaX: Lol, I'm always like that
SyRaX: nice
SyRaX: I guess I go around town and be careful of people sneaking up on me
SyRaX: And when it's time I'll go hunt
Brian: Less folks are sneaking around at night this time.
Brian: roll wis+disc when out hunting, followed by wis+dex
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 8 + 3 = 11
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 5 + 3 = 8
SyRaX: dangit
Brian: awesome.
Brian: So you haven't caught a thing so far, but...
Brian: while squatting trying to investigate a noise, you hear a branch crack behind you
SyRaX: I turn around
Shadow 2: DEFILER!!!!!
Brian: this time, they do get init 10. Also, you have your bow out right now, not your sword. Best of luck :)
SyRaX: huh
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 16 + 6 = 22
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 13 + 6 = 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 14 + 6 = 20
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 8 + 6 = 14
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 19 + 6 = 25
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 4 + 6 = 10
SyRaX: the only thing is
SyRaX: I don't really hunt with a bow
SyRaX: but alright, let's do it that way this once
Brian: You can start unarmed if you want.
Brian: But you definitely don't hunt with your greatsword, and that's what matters
SyRaX: I don't? ^^ That's kinda what I was going for. That I didn't really fit into the village / family, because I hate bows and love swords, but redeem myself by hunting larger and scarier animals like bears
SyRaX: oh well
SyRaX: 6 hits
Brian: ohh right, I had forgotten that you didn't like bows, my bad.
Brian: I almost like the bear-hunter idea, but that wouldn't make sense with the two rabbits you caught the night before.
SyRaX: yeah, guess so
SyRaX: roll 6 wounds
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 9 + 4 = 13
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 4 + 4 = 8
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 19 + 4 = 23
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 1 + 4 = 5
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 8 + 4 = 12
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 1 + 4 = 5
* Brian rolls: 1d6-5 => 3 - 5 = -2
* Brian rolls: 1d6-5 => 5 - 5 = 0
SyRaX: ehh
SyRaX: -1
SyRaX: not 5
Brian: lol
Brian: ok, so those were a 3 and a 0
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 2
Brian: dex, so it doesn't make you easier to wound later down the line
SyRaX: well maybe I hunt rabbits with traps?
SyRaX: 2 is speed
Brian: wow, I keep messing this up. Either way, roll to stay up
SyRaX: PAS+DIS?
Brian: correct
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+6 => 17 + 6 = 23
Brian: ok, still up.
Brian: your turn
SyRaX: okay, do I have a bow or am I unarmed?
Brian: Do you even own a bow?
SyRaX: I don't think so
Brian: then unarmed
SyRaX: okay
SyRaX: wait, if I'm surprised, do I start at 0?
Brian: yes
SyRaX: that's bad
Brian: yeah, you're in a tad of a pickle out here.
SyRaX: okay
SyRaX: step back
SyRaX: are these things bushes or trees?
Brian: trees
SyRaX: so not difficult terrain?
Brian: going just slightly in would be difficult, straight through impossible
SyRaX: oh, I thought you could walk under them
Brian: the canopies go out much further
Brian: that part represents where the branches are too buched together
SyRaX: done
SyRaX: okay
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+3 => 3 + 3 = 6
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 1
Brian: I assume you drew sword?
SyRaX: oh, it's only 2
SyRaX: yeah
SyRaX: actually no
SyRaX: well, I'm pretty much dead
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 12 + 6 = 18
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 12 + 6 = 18
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 3 + 6 = 9
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 18 + 6 = 24
Brian: quite possibly
SyRaX: wait i did this so badly
SyRaX: I could've just
SyRaX: ah dammit
SyRaX: 3 hits
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 11 + 4 = 15
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 18 + 4 = 22
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 5 + 4 = 9
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 4
SyRaX: I draw the sword and quickstep
SyRaX: done
Brian: roll to stay up too
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+6 => 5 + 6 = 11
SyRaX: close
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+1 => 11 + 1 = 12
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 1
Brian: also, we fogot the hunter's turn
SyRaX: didn't know there was one
Brian: northeast
Brian: you are fanned out, but still kind of in a group
Brian: finish your turn, then he'll get two turns
SyRaX: I'm already done
Brian: ohh ok
Brian: then...
hunter: What's going on?!?
Brian: upon seeing the beasts, see if he even sticks around...
* Brian rolls: 1d20 => 18
hunter: Die, foul creatures!
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 14 + 4 = 18
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 15 + 3 = 18
SyRaX: wait, I'm fucking retarded
* Brian rolls: 1d4 => 2
Brian: ?
SyRaX: I could've just used holy judgment
Brian: well you're not dead yet...
* Brian rolls: 1d20-1 => 19 - 1 = 18
SyRaX: we'll get there soon enough
Brian: so two strikes on hunter:
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 4 + 6 = 10
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 15 + 6 = 21
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 4 + 4 = 8
Brian: two strikes on you:
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 9 + 6 = 15
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 10 + 6 = 16
SyRaX: two hits
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 3 + 4 = 7
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 7 + 4 = 11
Brian: forgot, speed damage
Brian: no wounds?
SyRaX: nop
Brian: ok, hunter's turn
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 16 + 4 = 20
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 15 + 3 = 18
* Brian rolls: 1d4 => 3
* Brian rolls: 1d20-1 => 17 - 1 = 16
Brian: as the second arrow hits the creature, it turns back into a shadow and flies off
Brian: your turn
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+1 => 3 + 1 = 4
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 3
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+2 => 4 + 2 = 6
SyRaX: didn't hit I guess
Brian: nope
SyRaX: done
Brian: Let's see if you end up in the lucky half of goblin characters...
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 4 + 6 = 10
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 17 + 6 = 23
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 13 + 6 = 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 15 + 4 = 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 12 + 4 = 16
Brian: two or three hits?
SyRaX: my AC is 8
SyRaX: HAC*
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 8 + 4 = 12
Brian: then a 12, then 19, then 16 to wound
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 2
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+6 => 3 + 6 = 9
SyRaX: and I'm down
Brian: alright then.
Brian: if the hunter doesn't save you the creature will kill, so no need for a log off...
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 14 + 3 = 17
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 10 + 3 = 13
* Brian rolls: 1d4 => 2
* Brian rolls: 1d20-1 => 12 - 1 = 11
SyRaX: tell me when rounds start for the bleeding
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 8 + 6 = 14
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 14 + 6 = 20
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 20 + 4 = 24
* Brian rolls: 1d6-1 => 4 - 1 = 3
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 1 + 4 = 5
* Brian rolls: 1d4 => 3
* Brian rolls: 1d20 => 16
Brian: ok, roll to bleed...
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d20+1 => 8 + 1 = 9
* SyRaX würfelt: 1d4 => 4
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4-8 => 15 + 4 - 8 = 11
* Brian rolls: 1d20+3 => 5 + 3 = 8
* Brian rolls: 1d20-1 => 14 - 1 = 13
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 19 + 6 = 25
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 17 + 6 = 23
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 4 + 6 = 10
* Brian rolls: 1d20+6 => 16 + 6 = 22
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 13 + 4 = 17
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 10 + 4 = 14
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 15 + 4 = 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20+4 => 9 + 4 = 13
* Brian rolls: 1d20 => 19
* Brian rolls: 1d20 => 13
* Brian rolls: 1d20 => 16
Brian: and the hunter is down
SyRaX: cool
Brian: so that's gonna be GG for this character.
SyRaX: hm
Brian: the shadow was actually one poor roll away from going down, but it was not to be.
Brian: If you're interested I'll keep an eye out for you to come back into the game as someone else.
SyRaX: sure
Brian: Well, that's session :)
SyRaX is disconnected.