The next morning dawns fresh from the rainstorm, and after a rather fantastic night for the Dragonborn in our party... Atriox and his charge eat and make ready for their trip, meeting outside afterward near the edge of the street.
Dahlia greets Atriox with a toothy smile. "Hiya, hero." She's wearing the new dress again, but has a light leather jacket on as well as some hardier boots and a satchel. Around her neck is a golden pendant in the shape of a cradling hand.
Atriox looks her over approvingly before greeting her with a smile. "Hiya yourself princess. You ready to go on a small adventure ?"
"Yeah! I think so! At least," she continues as they start walking, "I assume the dead stay... Dead... While it's daylight? Right?"
Atriox chuckles at her enthusiasm. " that's usually the gist of it my dear. Even if we stumble into one they will probably be weakened from the daytime."
As they continue walking he holds her hand reassuringly.
"I was trained to hunt things like the undead my princess,trust me they wont get the surprise on us."
"You were, too?" She raises an eyebrow. "Is that something princes are often trained in?"
Atriox gives her another chuckle "From what you know of me do you think I'm a normal prince ? Its something I learned a few years after I lost everything."
"Oh..." she trails off, feeling a little embarrassed having asked that so tactlessly. She gives his hand an apologetic squeeze.
He leans her into him a little bit as they walk "it's alright lol I hide it well and you've only known me a few days technically. You have nothing to apologize about. Come let's go find the old man and check in with him."
She appears to feel a bit better after hearing that. The two of you walk to the edge of town toward the scholars cottage. Olohand is smoking on his porch looking at hills beyond, and seems extremely excited when he spots you.
"Hello again! You are both doing a great service to our fair town, really and truly." He shakes each of your hands with extreme enthusiasm.
He then pushes a small bag into your hand. "Here are some extra supplies for you, just in case--vial of holy water, some candles and a bit of spare charcoal."
Atriox shakes the mans hand one last time happily saying "we both care about Dragonshore deeply. Though I haven't been here long I have a deep and personal stake in its future. If these undead are a problem then they must be dealt with and we will see to it personally. Who better ?" Atriox says the last bit with a chuckle
"Thank you, thank you!" He keeps shaking your hand, almost in tears. "Some people in town think I'm a bit of a crackpot. No one else has really seen what I've seen out on the hills, just thinking they're the delusions of some old man..."
He grumbles. "The mayor refused to waste guards chasing shadows, as he put it. Granted the docks need patrolling too, but..." he shakes his head as if putting the thoughts aside, patting your hand. "No matter. You're here now, and can help me prove it! At least, help save lives, beyond anything else."
Atriox says "indeed we will sir indeed. Noe I think we better get under way my dear we better take advantage of any daylight we have. Thank you Olohand we will report our findings to you afterwards."
Atriox heads of to the fields. He crouches down and uses his high senses plus his blood hunter training to get the trail.
( roll a survival check for me with advantage. Any special perks that you get with a Blood Hunter?
You notice muddy tracks leading through the wet grass. As you glance around, you can tell.... that there are dozens.
Although trodden down amongst one another, they look very skeletal in nature. You know without a doubt undead have come this way, and made it rather close to the cottage the previous night. Scarily close.
You realize this morning's errand couldn't have come any later, for within a day... the town may have become overrun.
Dahlia looks at you warily, but gives you a reassuring nod. The two of you make your way toward the entrance of the crypt.
You arrive after about an hour of walking, following the tracks the entire way there. The entrance is carved into the side of a mountain, thick with ivy. Broken stones litter the ground, covered in a sheen of moss. But nothing can hide The tell-tale tracks of the skeleton beasts coming and going from the entrance.
A slight wind blows up from the entrance. As you peer inside, you see stairs descending to a lower landing, slick with rain water. There is a rusted, flimsy gate at the bottom, swinging ever so slightly in the breeze.
Atriox looks at Dahlia and gives her a encouraging nod then draws his sword and descends the steps.
Cobwebs form around the corners of the roof... The floor stones in this small room are mossy and slightly damp. Grass grows from between the cobblestones.
(You came in through the rusty gates at 1). In the middle of the hallway is a broken crate, the wood rotting away. At the end is another wooden door, closed.
Sunlight streams in through the ivy covering the rusty metal gate, and dim light reaches the door at the end.
Atriox proceeds down the hallway only turning his head once to make sure Dahlia is fine and to look at the broken crate. He then moves on to the door
The crate, from a glance, just seems to contain old and rusted weapons. Passing it by, you see the wooden door is locked with a rusty iron padlock. The door itself is rotten and brittle, and could likely be smashed.
Dahlia follows after, stepping carefully around the crate. She peers at the walls, clutching her pendant and holding a small dagger in hand.
Atriox moves to the door. He looks at Dahlia a d signals for her to br ready for what may be on the other side. Atriox prepares, and then kicks the center of the door as hard as he can
(Make a str check for me :3
(18)
The old rotting door collapses into the next room with a BANG, a shower of splinters flying. As the sunlight streams in through the dust, red, beady eyes turn to look at you with a loud hissing!
(A and B ) You see the hulking bodies of two dire rats, picking through some old bones on the floor. About 3 feet long each, they scramble in the sudden light, foaming at the mouths.
The rest of the room is filled with scattered planks of wood and half assembled, rotting coffins. In the corner is a pedestal with an urn atop it.
Atriox gestures with his sword so that Dahlia knows they are there. He reads his weapon and heads towards the pedestal with an urn.
You can hear the paws of the large rats patter loudly against the stones and echo in the room. They're hissing grows louder as you pass by the pile of bones. One leaps for your leg with razor sharp teeth. (15 against ac)
It bites into your leg with needle-like teeth, and the other leaps for your sword arm, clawing wildly. (1st does 4 damage, 2nd misses with 11 attack)
Atriox staggers a second at the initial shock and pain of the rodent biting into his leg, but he quickly recovers and then swings his sword in a downward ark attempting to decapitate the rodent
(Niice.. Roll attack and damage for me)
(17 18)
Your shortsword slams into the neck of the monster, slicing through it's flesh. With a piercing shriek it's voice is cut off as you loose it's head from it's body. You kick the severed head free of your bleeding leg.
Dahlia lets out a small cry in surprise, grabbing her pendant. Closing her eyes, she raises her free hand toward the second hissing rodent. Golden sparks of fire whistle from her claws like a firework. It misses the rat by inches, smashing into the wall behind it and lighting up the room for a brief moment.
The last rat hisses, hungry for fresh flesh in this tomb of decay. It rushes past Atriox heading for Dahlia. (You can make an attack as it's passing by you)
Atriox turns quickly filled with the adrenaline of combat and lifts his sword high. He brings it down as hard as he can right in the middle of the rat.
Your sword pierces the beast through the spine and the heart, killing it instantly. The room grows silent, save for the sounds of you and Dahlia breathing.
Dahlia's breathing calms a bit and she gives you an encouraging smile. "Are you okay...?" She motions at your leg where you were bit.
Grabbing an old bit of wood from the ground, she produces a vial and pours it on the outside, running her hand along the surface. It lights up with a pale white glow, brightening the room significantly.
Atriox looks down at his leg in the new light though theres some pain it's not to bad.
He looks to Dahlia " I'll be ok it's just a scratch. Let's us continue shall we my dear ?"
He heads continues to head for the pedestal with an urn.
Atoo the pedistal sits a small, bronze memorial urn full of ashes. A plaque reads, "Here lie the ashes of Beldak Ironhouse". (Make a perception check)
(19 niceeee)
As you look closely at the urn, you notice tiny arcane letters have been carved around the front, over the lid and down the back again. This writing looks... Out of place.
Atriox looks at Dahlia "I suppose you wouldn't know what this writing is or what it means do you ?
She brings the light closer and peers at the runes. (10 arcana....) "It's definitely... Magical? The runes aren't at all familiar to me."
Atriox thinks it over. "What should we do with it ? It could be dangerous."
Dahlia stares at it. "I'm not sure... Do you think it's what's making the skeletons come alive?" (Make an arcana check with advantage)
(15 hmmm)
You turn, gazing around the rest of the room, taking it in. The humanoid pile of bones has a rusted sword and tattered leather armor placed on top, almost purposefully. You can see a faint glowing aura around them, even... The same glow of the runes. They are undoubtedly linked, magically.
(So there are two other wooden doors leading out, and then this debacle going on xD)
Atriox grunts clearly unsure of what to do. Finally he says to Dahlia " get back my dear"
He steps back himself and picks up the severed rat head. He then throws it at the urn.
The severed head hits the urn, smashing it up against the corner of the room and sending the ashes flying. The runes float away like ghosts, and a creaking moan issues from the bones behind you.... The armor and rusted sword meld with the skeleton in a blue glow as it lets out a deafening screech.
Atriox swings around to face the skeleton. Before the skeleton can attack Atriox makes a move for its legs.
Atrioxs sword easily passes through the skeletons legs severing them. As it hits the ground he makes a fist and slams it down into the back of the skull with all his strength smashing it to pieces on the ground.
Dahlia jumps back in surprise, horrified at the undead beast but amazed at your quick execution. She seems a bit calmer now, comforted by your strength. "You... think that did it? Was it just the urn?"
He looks at Dahlia "aye I believe its destroyed and the urn caused its appearance. But I didn't want to leave potential enemies at our back. It is done let us press on." He reaches for her hand and guides her.
Atriox does not know what door to go through (19 Investigation)
The two of you walk to the door on your right. It's a plain door, the wood old and pitted. You can't hear anything behind it.
The other door on the left has a rusted metal brace across it. Behind it... you hear the scraping of skeletal footsteps.
Atrioxs turns to Dahlia. "Two doors two possibilities what do you think dear ?"
Dahlia considers the two. "Maybe we should try the... Quiet one first. Not that I think you can't handle these beasts." She smirks.
Atriox nodes with a smirk. " the quiet room it is. Shall we ?" They head torwards the door that they didn't hear anything behind
As you approach the door, you notice little holes along the sides. Something seems... Odd.
(Realized belated this door is trapped.. But your perception roll did see that so
Atriox stops Dahlia before they reach the door. He looks again to make sure he's right and then points them out to Dahlia. "This door is trapped my dear. We must figure out how to disarm it if we can."
She steps back, cocking her head to the side as she thinks. After a moment she walks over to the severed rat head. Picking up the bloody thing, Dahlia smirks at Atriox and chucks it at the door with all her might. (19)
It smashes against it, sending blood and bone flying. A whistling sound can be heard as small arrows are shot from the slits in the wall. They all skewer the rodent and ping harmlessly off the floor. Then the trap goes silent.
Dahlia kisses Atriox on the cheek and gives him a pat on the shoulder. "We'll clear this place out in no time."
You open the door and find a small storage room, perhaps 15 feet long. Along one wall is a row of eight coffins. At the far end is a closed wooden crate. The air feels stale and musty. (Your turn)
Atriox enters the room slowly and cautiously.
He looks at all the coffins in turn and then to the closed wooden crate. (Investigation 16)
The coffins are open and empty, save for a few cobwebs. The box however is old, the hinges rusted. It looks in such bad shape that it could easily be smashed.
Atriox wonders torwards the box. He slashes the rusted hinges breaking them easily. He careful lifts the lid up and looks inside
Inside you see a smattering of coins, 300 silver in total. You also find a glittering vial, a healing potion, buried beneath them.
Atriox looks from Dahlia to the treasure. "Well that's certainly a nice bonus dont you think ? But we cant cary this all right now. We will have to come back for it after we finish our job here."
Dahlia stares at the coins in surprise. "Surely so, I think. I don't wish to carry it all the way through this place." She chuckles, but then her voice falters a little. "What should we do about the noises coming from the other closed door?"
Atriox gets a serious face " I suppose we are just going to have to deal with whatever may behind that door my dear." He heads back into the other room and he goes to the skeleton he killed and picks up its sword with his free hand. " two Is better than one after all" he gives Dahlia a smile and heads torwards the other door
You listen at the banded door, and you can clearly hear the footsteps moving around on the stone inside. There are times it gets quieter, like it is further away, and then louder as it gets closer. You try the handle when the sounds are at their quietest....
You are standing at the end of a corridor that branches off to the left and the right. At the intersection up ahead stands a gravehound... Pacing back to another door, unaware of your presence. It resembles a large dog, rotting flesh hanging from it's body and bile dripping from its teeth.
Atriox decides that hiding or sneaking around is not an option. He grunts and raises his sword to get its attention. He charges the hound preparing to stab it.
(Go ahead and roll attack and damage)
(14 and 10 lol)
(Miss) You lunge at the beast and miss as it jumps unnervingly high in the air, landing on your back. It attempts to bite your neck, but tumbles away roughly into the nearby wall. (Rolled a nat 1 XD)
Dahlia shoots a blast of flame at it, the golden fire sparking along the floor and engulfing the creature in radiant light. (6 damage)
Atriox gets up with an effort, his injured leg giving him grief. Once up he sees that the hound Is on fire and distracted. He jumps on it's back attempting to drive the blades all the way down into it
(18 and 12)
(Niiiiice) The beast howls with rage as you crush its spine. Both blades spiral with radiant fire as they skewer it clean through. The fire flickers away and the beast is still.
Dahlia comes over and kicks at its jaw with her boot. "You're good at this, aren't you?"
Atriox looks uat her. "Me ??? Your the one who set it on fire. I missed the first time and now I'm on the ground.......again."
He grunts as he gets up the leg clearly giving him some grief.
"Your doing very good princess and in a lot better shape than me." He gives her a wink "let's find what we came for."
She shakes her head, walking over and pushing him back down. "Not until I look at that leg." She smirks a little as she does it, kneeling by his calf.
"You might end up with bone rot or something... Those rats weren't healthy, eating on these... Things." She scoots away from the dead gravehound and pulls up his pantleg. Dahlia then pulls out some alcohol and gauze.
"Hey, hold tight for me." She pours some of it over the wound, cleaning it as it burns. When she's done, Dahlia hands the bottle to you so she can bandage it.
(Doesn't heal but stablizes it and cleans it... I will give you guys diseases if you aren't careful 🤣
Atriox watches her as she works. Appreciating how committed she is to the task on how cute her face looks when shes concentrating.
After she's done he gets up "thank you my dear. At least I'll have a leg in the morning. Let's finish this and save the town shall we ?" He gives her a deep kiss and then continues on swords at the ready
Dahlia smiles and the two of you explore the rest of the room. Off to the left, the roof has collapsed in on itself. A beam is sawn in two, making it look like it has been sabotaged on purpose.
To the right is a hallway being held up by more rickety beams, and a wooden door at the end. It looks to be unlocked.
You both cautiously approach the door and step inside. You find yourselves in a large crematorium. At the far end is a huge fireplace, a pile of bones and ash beside it, and one other door leading further in.
In the middle of the room (2) is a workbench made of severely blackened sheet metal. There are two long handles in the sides, a burial rite carved into it, and two sunrods on top.
Nearby (4) is a barrel filled with instruments to tend the fire. You see an old glaive amongst the pokers and chimney brooms. Lastly there is a large, old coffin. Something plain, likely to bury a commoner with.
Atriox smiles wide he and Dahlia head over to were the glaive is. He throws the worst of the swords away. The other he holds out to Dahlia. "I think you can handle this princess besides itll do more than your knife"
He moves to the glaive and picks it up "it's not quite my glaive but it feels more natural than those swords." He picks it up and starts doing fancy twirl and spin moves with it.
"Now let's see what else is in this odd room shall we."
Dahlia takes the sword and gives it a few swings to get used to it. "It's definitely heavier than I'm used to, but I do feel safer with it. Even if it was Zeeds..." She approaches the items on the table, picking one up.
"What is this?" She taps the iron rod on the table, and it immediately lights up the room. Looking at it in awe, she sets down the glowing stick she had before. "Now this is more like it..."
(She'll take the 2nd...they're basically like glowsticks and stay lit for 6 hours. They're quite bright.)
Atriox nods appreciatively at the glow sticks.
Atriox curiously goes over to the coffin and looks at. He cautiously opens it up.
You manage to force the lid of the coffin closed, severing the skeletons arm from its body. Grabbing the entire coffin, you heave with all your might and flip it over onto the floor, lid side down. The skeleton's muffled scratches can be heard from inside.
A dusty groan issues from the furnace. Turning, you and Dalhia see another blackened skeleton step free from the ashes, wielding a poker for a weapon. It rushes at her first, being illuminated, and swings the blackened iron. It cuts across her arm as she tries to deflect it, knocking her sword to the side. (12 hit, 5 damage)
Dahlia swings the sword back around but too wide, and it hits only open air. (8, miss)
Atriox panics. Dahlia is in trouble. He roars and prepares himself. He opens up his Maw and spews out frost at the skeleton attacking Dahlia. (17)
A jet of icy shrapnel flies through the air, peppering the skeleton against the wall. It smashes holes in his skull and covers him with a sheen of frost. (6 damage)
It turns to face the onslaught of cold and lunges through the breath to reach you. (12 against ac, miss).
Dahlia turns and calls out to Atriox, "Watch out!" Holding her pendant, she concentrates on your form. A warm tingling fills your body, and you are reinvigorated. (You've been blessed so you can use this if you want)
Atriox roars and moves forward towards the skeleton. He attempts to impale the skeleton on his glaive. (26 critical and 16)
Your voice shakes the room with power, causing dust to fall from the stone roof. Eyes darkening at the edges, a shadowy energy flows from your body up the glaive.
It pierces the skeleton, up through the ribs and into the wretched skull. The entire thing splinters and explodes with the powerful attack, hitting the ceiling.
Dahlia steps back in surprise, watching you. She clutches her arm to stem the bleeding, but can't take her eyes off of your own. "A...Atriox? Are you alright?"
(Niceeeee)
Atriox stumbles backwards a little. He puts a hand to his head trying to clear his vision and calm down. He feels so angry.......so lost for a moment
"Atriox..?" Her voice feels far away. It's like there's a ringing in your ears.... But it slowly passes, and your vision clears.
"Dahlia.........." he shakes his head a little "I don't know what happened. One moment I was trying to stop a skeleton from killing you.....the next my vision blackened and I heard a ringing in my head....."
He looks at the skeleton and then to her "no matter it's gone now and your alright that's what matters. Hows your arm ?" He goes to here eyes furrowed with worry
The priestess stammers a bit as he approaches, unsure if her ally is really okay or not. "I- I'm fine, it's just a cut..." She tries to pull her hand away, but blood pumps out again. "Damn, that's... Well..."
She sits, a bit light headed. Dahlia fumbles for a moment, trying to focus on a prayer. After a moment a soft, golden glow emanates around the wound, slowly closing it. (Heals 9)
Atriox looks pained. He looks away. "I am sorry I scarred you.....im sorry I even dragged you into this mess. Let's just finish this so I can get you to safety......." he turns to continue on
Dahlia stands and grabs his arm, her injury sealing up magically as she talks. "Wait! Atriox, I..." She quiets a bit. "I know this is scary. And dangerous... But it's nice helping the town."
Her mouth feels dry. "I've been at the Fang for a long time. This is a nice breath of fresh air. Well... Musty... Old... Decrepit air." She chuckles a bit, "but I am glad to be of some help."
"Please, I don't want you to regret this. I'm okay, Atriox. We'll fix this, and we'll go back together."
Atriox looks at her still a bit stung but he gives her a smile anyway he grabs her and gives her a kiss.
"I dont regret it for one moment. I'm just sorry I scared you is all. Let's continue looking around."
Seeing nothing more of particular interest Atriox waves Dahlia over to the door
Slowly opening the door, you find yourself peering into a dark burial chamber. The air feels colder, deeper, and musty. You can distinctly see a sharp outline of everything in the room from the light of Dahlia's sunrod. There are two rows of coffins and two rows of memorial urns positioned up the east and west sides of the room. Part of the ceiling has collapsed into this room. At the far end stands a double reinforced wooden door. You notice on the wall, on either side of the door, there are two small recesses in the stone. Both are the same size.
Atriox looks around unsure. He decides to be extra careful not wanting to risk unnecessary injury. (Investigation 18)
You pass by each of the coffins in turn, analyzing them. Some look simple complete with stone lids. Others are more intricately carved, like those of a military background. One or two have their lids askew, showing the decaying, mummified bodies, and another stands empty with a lid to the side. Of those that are closed... you can faintly make out a light scratching sound. It unnerves you.
One coffin catches your eye though, near the back wall where the ceiling has collapsed. A wooden support beam had snapped. One end of it apparently landed on top of the sarcophagus, crushing the stone lid under its weight.
Pushing away some of the rubble at the front, you find a name plaque. It reads "Corella Dryadson". From what you can see through the pieces that have broken off from the sides of the sarcophagus, you see a layer of old decomposed roses. They are grey and crumble in your hands. You also find an old letter which you reach in and retrieve.
This old letter is tattered and falling apart. The words, "Without you, my heart withers" are written across the front of it. The seal that once closed this letter is no longer in place, having long dried out. You carefully remove the letter from inside the envelope. Although the ink has faded severely you can still manage to read it. The letter is written by a Corella Dryadson.
She talks about how she can not live without her partner, Adodak Swordhand, and how they had to keep their love a secret, as he was a nobleman and could not be seen with a peasant girl. She says that he has been buried here, and she has placed within his casket, the first gift she received from him: a magic ring wrapped in silk. She explains how she used to stare at the sparkling blue diamond set into a silver ring for hours, as it reminded her of him. You believe from the sound of the letter that she committed suicide shortly after he died.
Dahlia looks contemplative, as if she's trying to remember something she'd heard before about the name Dryadson.
"Well..." She begins, fiddling with her pendant. "I remember hearing about her from Miss Ramshuckle, er, Willow. You saw how old she is--she knows all the stories and gossip from the past 80 years. We passed the time talking about history. Dragonshore has always been a small town. Rumors tend to spread quickly amongst townsfolk. I remember hearing that when Corella was found... hanging in her farm barn, the shock rippled through the whole community."
Dahlia turns the letter over in her hands, her short claws tracing the writing. "Some speculated whether foul play might have been involved. I don't think anyone knew about her relationship with Adodak... Some of her ancestors still live in Dragonshore I think. They would find this information extremely important, I'm sure, to finally lay the questions surrounding her death to rest. We could probably bring this back to Olohand."
Atriox takes the letter "fine idea my dear we shall do that. Now we just need to find her man,the ring, and whatever has disrupted the dead."
He shakes his head a little. "Let us press on I am anxious to leave these catacombs behind.....not that company I've had isn't exquisite." He gives her a big smile and winks
She chuckles and pats your arm. You look around more. The urns, situated in small alcoves, are decorated like the one in the first room was--but they are thankfully void of any strange runes. All of the plaques have been removed from the urns for some reason. Peeking into each one, you see some are empty. Others, already pilfered by grave robbers. Strangely... in two, you find silver runic keys buried in the ashes. Arcane characters are scattered across their surfaces.
Among the bits of bone and ash in the corner, likely remains that were dumped uncerimoniously from their urns... a glimmer catches your eye. Bending down, you find a very small, rilliant cut blue diamond. It looks like it may have fallen out of a ring. This precious stone has a dull blue color.
Atriox looks at the stone closely. "A blue diamond.....probably from the ring we are looking for no doubt."
He grunts creating smoke out his nostrils.
"Nothing can ever be easy can it ? We must find the ring. But I wonder what these keys go to. Any ideas my dear ? Maybe a door ?"
"Maybe? I don't see handles on this set of double doors here." (Roll perception or arcana check)
(15)
You look into the holes on either side. With a spark of inspiration, you take and place both of the silver rune keys into the two sockets in the wall. They glow brightly, and a hissing sound can be heard as light runs up along both sides of the door.
You hear a loud click as it is unlocked, the doors swinging silently open. In the hall beyond, you see a three-way interection at the far end. In the middle of the floor, directions are etched into the stone:
Right: Nobleman's Burial Chamber
Straight: Royal Burial Chamber
Left: Crypt Exit
You see scuffmarks along the ground. Dust that's been moved. It leads into the Nobleman's Chamber to the right. A light flickers beyond the door.
Atriox looks at Dahlia "our guy was a nobleman correct ?" He points to all the tracks leading that way. "This should be interesting. Let's not keep them waiting"
They head torwards the nobleman chamber
As you enter the Noblemans Burial Chamber, the first thing you notice is the light. A bright glow is being emitted from four large marble statues nested in the four walls of the room, all facing a huge glowing statue of an angel praying in the middle. Near the foot of this angel is a humanoid man wearing strange garb; a dark green cloak that shimmers like scales, and black leather gear banded with snakeskin. He's leering up at the statue, but turns when he sees you enter.
"Oh, hello there... I thought I heard noises earlier, but," he climbs down from the base pedestal of the statue as he talks, "I suppose it was you wasn't it? Were you making a mess of my servants? No matter. I'll use you soon enough." His voice is cold and smooth, and definitely dangerous.
Suddenly another skeleton lurches out from behind the angel, an individual in extremely regal military attire. The spiky scalemail shimmers in the blue green light, and he raises a polished short sword with a raspy hiss. It rushes at you, stabbing the blade down toward your heart. (20 against your AC to hit, 3 damage). It deflects off of your armor, slicing up the top of your shoulder instead.
Dahlia yelps, moving to the side and blasting the undead at close range with her sparking golden fire. (failed safe 2, takes 4 damage). It stumbles back and smacks against the wall, bringing its sword around for another strike. (Your turn, Atriox!)
Atriox clutches his shoulder for a second from the sting. He then looks at the skeleton. Rage filling his eyes.
He raises his glaive and lashes out with it, slashing at where the arm holding the sword meets its shoulder socket,attempting to disarm the powerful undead minion. (24 11)
(Niiiice, targeted attack. It hits! Just got home, I'll post in a minute haha
Your glaive arcs down, catching the light as it slams into the shoulder socket. Just outside of the armor he's wearing, the blade cleanly severs the entire arm from the body. The bones and sword clatter uselessly to the ground.
"Tsk tsk tsk... Not very nice to the hero Adodak..." The necromancer coos, Adodak attempting to tackle you to the ground.
The man raises his hand. A needle-like blast of sickening, green energy shoots from his fingertips, smashing into your chest, Atriox. (18 ranged attack... )
You feel a gut wrenching lurch inside you, and an intense urge to vomit. Arms shaking, green droplets appear on your scales. (6 poison damage. Make a CON save)
(21)
You swallow the sickness back down, shaking the effects away and refocusing your attack. (The poison ends)
Dahlia grabs her holy symbol, thrusting her hand toward the ancient undead warrior. (He got.... A 0 for his save... Rofl.)
A golden light envelops him and he screams a raspy breath at her attempt to turn him. He struggles to disentangle himself from Atriox, fleeing from the woman.
(Your turn, Atriox. :3)
"You ARE strong!" The necromancer cackles. "You're exactly who I need. You and that wild storm mage..." He walks around the angel statue, building up another spell. Two more coffins errupt open in clouds of rock and dust.
"He was a hindrance, but swayed easily to a woman. They always do..." His grin is full of sharp teeth as he eyes Dahlia with desire. "I'm glad I took that other whore over when I stopped here. What pleasurable, delicious luck... You there, girl, you wish to join her?"
Atriox roars loudly, angered by the necromancers attack and now the fact that the filthy man is addressing Dahlia.
Atriox looks inward on himself remembering his training and abilities. He begins the crimson rite. (Sacrifices-1 health)
His glaive hums with energy and crackles with lightning( storm rite)
"You dare address her. You are the scum of the earth ! Hiding in shadows and crypts! You dare attack me a prince! I'll show you where your mouth should be and see what you have to say about it!"
Atriox concentrates using his dragon eyes to focus on the target. Aiming for the necromancers mouth. He winds his arm back and throws his glaive as best as he can,ignoring the pain in his arm.
(25 and 14 +4 rite damage
(Shhhhhhhooot that's bad ass.. Ok one sec)
The necromancer's eyes widen, his smile fading, as he hears you address yourself as the prince. "Could it be...?"
He is so utterly distracted, he almost doesn't see the glaive being launched right for him. Stepping away a little too late, the blade slices across the right side of his face, tearing open his cheek and jaw. The weapon slams against the statue and lodges itself in the marble.
The man breathes heavily, blood pouring from his wound. Exposed flesh, teeth and bone shine wet in the light. He grabs the hand of the angel, an aura traveling from her to him. A slight relief washes over him, the bloodflow slowing a little.
"This isn't over, Prince Atriox." He sneers, his mouth more like a gaping maw now. He holds up a carved stone, white as a bleached bone and emblazoned with a strange symbol: A triangle with a line through the middle. Stepping backward, a swirling gate opens behind him and envelops him in darkness.
Two more undead erupt from nearby coffins at his escape, making four in the room along with the turned noble, Adodak. They all wear fine clothes, turned now to naught but rags and rot.
...The body inside the coffin with Alrik begins to quiver and move, its eyes lighting up a cold, icy blue. Its breath breathes on the storm mage with a derelict hiss.
(So now there's 4 skeletons, 1 turned skeleton, and 1 coffin skeleton... 6 total XD)
Alrik bellows out in rage, his eyes exploding with a storm. Making a fist with his left hand, he crashes it into the only thing he can see... the glowing eyes next to him. A deafening blast eminates from his hand. (Everything within 15 feet needs to make a con save... if they fail, 26 damage, pushed 10 feet and knocked prone)
The boiling fist of electricity smashes through the open mouth of the skeleton, blowing apart its skull and filling the box with a seismic wave of power. The ancient rock cracks and literally blasts apart, taking out two nearby skeletons in a shower of rubble and purple and blue electricity. A third near the angel statue is pelted but protected from partial cover.
Atriox and Dahlia, you both see this from across the room, startled by the event. Dust chokes the air, now crackling with power. Atriox, you recognize it immediately and see Alrik burst from the coffin.
Alrik, you gasp in the fresh air, having almost suffocated in the stone tomb. Around you, you see the glowing statues, the remaining skeletons, and near the one exit to the room: Atriox and Dahlia.
Dahlia sidesteps Atriox and the shower of rubble, completely terrified of the creature that just burst from the newest coffin. (She has no idea it's Alrik yet.) Holding up her pendant, she produces another golden glow, brighter than before. "LEAVE US, BEASTS OF DARKNESS!" She growls, some of her draconic rumbling merging with her voice. The injured skeleton turns and stumbles away, heading toward Alrik. The other two hiss and stalk forward, ignoring her warning.
Atriox smiles wide. Relived to see his frrind here helping. Atriox roars and charges the skeleton of the lord he chopped the arm off of. Once there he grabs him with his mouth. Once hes clamped down on the lords neck he spins with him and uses the momentum to throw the lords skeleton at the others.
(Niiice! LOL. I'll say that works, he's not very heavy... so...) The skeleton goes flying, smashing against one of the others heading toward Dahlia. The two crash to the floor, prone, their bones cracking against the hard stone.
The remaining skeleton lunges past the two that fell, clawing at Dahlia and cornering her. (8) She ducks under its arm, attempting to dodge away from it.
The other two on the floor stumble, attempting to disentangle from one another. Their bones are clicking together, the ribs stuck in the middle. (14) It takes a full action for them to finally extract themselves.
The last heading for Alrik scrambles over the broken rubble, clutching at a spear. A rumbling can be heard around you all, the ceiling cracking slightly. He reaches the storm mage, aiming his spear for his head. (7)
(Your turns again... have fun!)
Alrik pools energy in his left and and throws it across his right, and as the energy passes across it, he creates a spark and ignites the energy, hurling a bolt of fire at the one that tried to hit him. (19 vs AC, 8 damage if it hits)
(Ugh I love when he does that, it's very creative XD)
The fireball hits the skeleton almost point blank, engulfing and immolating it in hot white and blue flames. It crashes to its knees, howling at the ceiling, before it crumbles into smoldering shards of bone. (Completely killed it this time)
Atriox heads over to the lords skeleton before he can recover. He slams his hand through the rib cage and grabs the spine. With all his strength he tightens his grip and yanks that part of the spine clear off and through the lords body
(LOL Niiiice! Predator move again! Make a strength check!)
(23)
His ancient bones are no match for your claws. Heightened with the blood rite running through your veins, your muscles bulge as you rip the spine out. His remaining arm and legs twitch violently before he is rendered inanimate again.
The 2nd skeleton on the ground takes the opportunity to grab at your legs, attempting to trip you to the ground. It bites your kneecap as it does so, tearing through your pants with its teeth. (14 to grapple against your strength score, 10 against AC... he can't get through your scales either)
Dahlia lifts her sword and stabs down into it, (16) , slicing right through the skull plate and pinning it to the floor. (8 damage) It twitches and convulses, still alive but unable to move.
(pretty sure this is the last one alive now. XD)
Alrik strides over, his left arm engulfed in wreathing lightning. As he approaches, he gently moves Dahlia's hand off her sword with his right hand before snarling at the skeleton and grabbing the sword, the electricity jumping down the blade. (Magic touch attack, nat20)
(Niiiiiice... that's so bamf.)
The electricity rattles the skull violently, sending blinding light pouring from it's sockets and mummified jaw. The body convulses, letting go of Atriox. The lightning skitters from its body in waves along the broken stone floor.
Cracks form in the bone, hairline at first, multiplying a thousand fold within seconds. The fragments shatter in a powdery haze, enveloping you all in a white mist.
You look at the others, and they look at you. For a moment, all of your eyes look... similar. Draconic. Your slitted pupils take in everything with sharp, detailed relief.
(everything in the room is dead. You guys can chat for a little bit and search the room if you'd like!)
(For now.......)
Atriox let's out a small roar. Then smiling "good work team!" He claps Alrik on the back "good timing my freind."
Atriox grunts and then goes to find the lords coffin to find the ring for the stone.
(Investigation 19)
Inside the broken coffin you surmise is his, you find 130 gold and a Silver Band with empty clasp. There is an inscription around the inside of the ring: "my love always, A.S." This silver band shines brightly even after being lost for over a century inside a derelict crypt.
You poke around the other coffins. Some lay empty and dusty, with only decoration around their lid and sides. You find another with an motionless skeleton, that of a halfling. Amongst the deceased belongs inside this casket, you find a silken bag of 60 gold.
Atriox, the armor and weapon on Adodak catches your eye again. It's definitely different than anything you've seen before. The scale mail is immaculate, and the sword from the severed arm, sharpened like a razor. Atriox looks at the armor and sword. This shall certainly come in handy. He grabs them up.
All three of you look around, and as you get close to the angelic statue... you feel her healing aura touch your bodies. The longer you stand there, the more invigorated you feel. (She heals 2 hp every round, so you can fully heal if you're injured at this point).
Alrik grunts and shakes the dust out of his clothes. "I hate undead..."
Dahlia watches him, still getting over the shock of his appearance. "WHY were you even here? How did you get here?"
"No idea. Tak and I returned to the Fang after finding my pants. A dark elf named Magnolia tended to my wounds and gave me a massage to help me sleep. Next thing I know, I'm waking up here!"
At that moment, a shrill, dog-like screech can be heard echoing through the halls outside the room. It sounds very familiar...
(You think the necromancer woulda let two fellows who knew his secrets get away? Nah... he brought you both here... but no use for a kobold undead....)
"Tak! Where are you?!" Alrik throws a sparking orb of light into existence and casts it down the hallway.
As you rush out, the hallway stands empty. But a frantic banging can be heard on the other door leading to the Royal Burial Chamber. It appears locked.
"Back up, Tak!" Alrik yells through the door. Calling on all his reserve power, he focuses on raw power, attempting to create a force that is capable of blowing the door off it's hinges. (17 arcana)
(Nice! That's a success!) The door blasts aside, crashing into the dusty room. The decorative carvings in the roof and floor are intricate and grandeur, and four marble columns leading up to a sarcophagus decorated in gold. But you see a strange scene:
Magnolia crouches with her head covered near the doorway, letting out a little scream at the powerful energy blast. Tak is wrestling with a decrepit skeleton, rotting silk robes hang loosely over its body. A royal shawl draped across its shoulder blades. The little kobold is grappling around it's neck, trying to rip the skull from its body. (advantage with rage mode... 18) His eyes red, the head pops off with a shower of senewy, mummified muscle. Its crown clatters across the floor.
Atriox, you follow after Alrik and Dahlia when you hear the cries from the other room. Heading in, you also see Tak decapitate the ancient king, watching the crown clatter away. You think it might make a good piece for a museum in the town.
Dahlia immediately rushes to Magnolia, helping the woman to her feet. The dark elf is shaking violently, a dark ring on her finger glowing and fizzling with green energy. Dahlia senses the evil magic in it and rips it from her, then chucks it across the room. You can hear it crack against the stone, the green smoke billowing off of it in a cloud.
Tak kicks off from the skeleton, landing on the ground and sending the bones scattering across the room. He's breathing heavily, clutching his side, eyes frantic. The redness finally fades and he sees Alrik first. The little kobold charges at the storm mage, tackling his knees.
He grips you tightly, trembling. "You safe! You all here! Woke up, evil place. Bad place, not good underground, not good caves! Death and decay here, Tak--Tak--" He stammers, starting to sob. You can see the trauma in his eyes, reliving some memories.
Atriox bends down speaking in Draconic
"My little freind we were so worried about you ! Come here let me see you. Its feels like ages since I saw my brave kobold warrior."
Tak scrambles over to Atriox. Still new to the company of both of you, you're the closest he's had to companionship in ages, and he's finally getting used to it. You've shown him more care in just a few days than the other kobolds had in months.
He claws up into your arms, shaking still. "Tak tired of all these dead walking. Horrid, nasty..."
Alrik walks over and nods. "I am tired of them as well, Tak. I hate undead with a burning passion..."
Looking over at Atriox finally, he smirks. "Looks like you've had a hell of a time..."
Atriox grunts "you could say that. But at least you got kidnapped. We walked in here willingly.....whose smarter ?"
He chuckles. Atriox cradles Tak "rest my little one. You've been through a hard time and you fought well. You were very brave. We are proud of you."
He looks to the rest "we found a a crate of silver and a healing potion. Let's go get it and then get out of here. Someone will need to take Tak home, I need to talk to the old man and arrange some things."
Tak's fading rage and terror melts into exhaustion. He had woken with Magnolia in the dark here hours ago. Unable to get out, they waited in the gloom until the undead attacked. Finally giving in, he sinks against Atriok's armor and catches his breath. Allowing himself for the first time to relax completely with the Dragonborn.
As you glance around the royal room, you happen to notice a chest nearby. Kicking it open, you see.... 200 gold pieces, a small bronze key, and a tube of sorts. Inside there is an envelope tucked away, safe from the decay of the crypt. On the back of the envelope is a wax seal you are unfamiliar with. Likely another piece for Olohand.
Atriox grins this place is full of surprises. "Grab all the loot my freinds we celebrate tonight !"
Dahlia comes over, Magnolia hanging back a ways. The half-dragonborn gives Atriox a kiss. "You were brave today. All three of you." She glances at her coworker. "I saw that exit marked outside the hall here. Why don't I take Magnolia and Tak back to the Fang, along with some of the gold. He can rest in your room and guard the treasure... a little hoard for the fella." She smiles at Tak, trying to be kind. He glances at her, mulling that over before nodding. Anything to avoid going through more of the tunnels, although he'd rather be with Atriox and Alrik.
"I think Magnolia will be fine now, but I'll keep an eye on things. Shall I meet you men at Olohands in an hour or two?"
"Sounds good darling" Atriox says with a nod
"Keep two eyes on her. I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt but we cant afford to. That man knew my name and almost destroyed the city. We must know more. Let's move out."
Dahlia gives a curt nod. "Yes sir." She fills her bag with as much loot as she can carry, passing half to Magnolia. The dark elf looks amazed at the amount of gold and silver there is. Gently taking Tak in one arm and her sword in the other, she leads the way out through the crypt exit, seemingly a back door into the place.
You and Alrik head back through the front of the crypt, stopping to get the crate of silver and healing potion. No more movement can be seen, the place finally at rest from the undead. It's definitely been quite the adventure. The two of you catch up a bit, share a drink, and end up at Olohand's cottage a few hours later. Dahlia shows up about the same time.
Olohand sees your group walking up the path back to his house. He opens his door, both worry and excitement etched on his face. Seeing Atriox holding up a bundle with the letters, a crown, and a glimmer of jewelry, the old scholar lets out a huge sigh of relief. "You did it!! You cleared out that horrid tomb! Oh I was so nervous, but you really did it! You're heroes to this town, even if no one knows of it yet. Come in, come in!"
Bustling inside, Olohand admires the ancient crown, setting it aside after a minute. "Truly remarkable... facinating artifact..." He then takes the letters from you. As he reads the first from Corella, you can tell he's rather touched by the story. "What a sad tale... The townsfolk never knew about the relationship between Corella and Ododak. How this letter ended up inside her tomb without being noticed is beyond me."
He paces a little, thinking. "There are some of Dryadson ancestors that would be grateful to finally put the mystery of her suicide behind them. Here," he says, handing the letter to Dahlia. "Take this letter to Dragonshore square. There is a friend of mine there called Markas Dryadson. Well, we used to be friends... he thinks I'm a bit of a crack job now." Olohand grumbles. "He won't see me. But hopefully this will put some of those past tensions at ease. He owns the small book shop, and I'm sure he would find this letter of immense importance."
He turns the second letter over in his hands, carefully breaking the seal and reading through it. "This letter is written in a very old language, one that even a scholar of extensive experience like me can bearly read. It appears to be orders of some kind... I think there is more to this then it seems. Thank you for finding this." He taps the papers in his hand. "I will continue to study this letter and work out its message... Oh!" He starts, before he gets too lost in thought about this new mystery. Reaching into his pocket, he withdraws a small pouch. "Here is the reward I promised you! I can't thank you enough." Inside the bag you find 50 gold pieces.
You then hand the old man both pieces of Corella's ring. He gasps, trembling a bit as he takes them from you. "You found the ring! Well done! It appears age has taken its toll on it though." Olohand produces a small eye glass from his pocket and studies the gem closely. "What an interesting gem... While you were inside the crypt I was studying a scroll from the town library. If what the text says is true the stone and the ring are both imbued with protective magic, which will only work when united. Lets see if we can return it to its former beauty. Dear?" He turns to Dahlia, "You know mending magic, if I am not mistaken? I can sense it through your aura."
She glances between you both and Olohand, then nods. "Fantastic. I may need your assistance with this... I will cast a spell of my own, while you mend the physical aspect of the ring. Is that alright?"
"I'll do my best, sir." She smiles, approaching the ring as it sets on his table. The two begin drawing on the weave, her hands emitting a golden glow and his, a bright orange. The gem and ring fuse together almost as if they were magnetically attracted to each other. The diamond comes alive with a show of swirling blue.
"Aha! Just as I thought. A perfect fit. This is a beautiful ring." He picks it up, admiring it. "But an old scholar like me would have little use for it though. And honestly..."
He smirks, glancing at the crown. "You brought a piece of significant importance back. This would do well in a museum, more than a magic trinket such as this. You sir? A magic user, yes?" He smiles at the storm mage, looking into your dark blue eyes. "I can tell you braved the dead too, did you not?" He passes the item to Alrik. "I hope it will serve you well."
(This is referred to as Corella's Protective Ring, and gives you a +1 to AC and Saving Throws).
(So to recap a long post... lol.. You have Corella's letter to take to the library in town, you all got money, and Alrik got to keep the magic ring. XD)
Atriox grunts "I am pleased that we were able to help you and save the town. I wish the mayor would appreciate your counsel more and head it."
He looks to Dahlia "I'll take that letter and the crown my dear. I have absolutely no doubt you'd see the job done but I wish to have some private words with both the book store owner and whoever's in charge of the museum. I hope to benefit us all emencly by it."
He gives her a kiss "I suppose you could come my lady or go back with Alrik and rest as well as take the measure of all the treasure we found."
He turns to Alrik " there are some things I must do that I will explain later my freind." He puts his hand on Alriks shoulder. "I'm glad you appeared when you did tonight. When I return we shall talk."
Atriox heads for the door,once there he turns and addresses Olohand. "As I said my freind it is such a shame the CURRENT mayor chose to ignore you. Hes ignorance could have gotten the whole town killed. Should the time come when a new leader of this town is chosen I trust you will remember me and my freindsand how much we care about this city and its historical artifacts." Atriox smiles at him and gives him a polite half bow and walks out.
Alrik nods at Atriox. "Talk later, indeed... first I need to find out a few things..."
Looking at the ring he was given, he admires the fine details and craftsmanship. "Thank you. I'll make good use of it." He slips it into his pocket for now and stands.
"I'm returning to The Fang. I'll see you all there later, I'm assuming." Alrik throws his hood up and walks out.
***
You and Dahlia head back to the Fang in relative silence, enjoying the fresh air and mild weather. She glances at you after some time, giving you a curious look.
"I'm not sure who that was, the man we faced in the crypt... But, I'm glad you and Tak are alright. I'm sorry for what happened with Magnolia..." she turns to look straight ahead again, watching the road.
"She'd definitely been acting strange, maybe a week before you arrived. I believe that sorcerer came to the Velvet Fang, but he only wished to spend time with her during his visit... She's in much better sorts now. I'm just sorry we've caused you more trouble."
Alrik waves a hand as if to say it isn't a big deal. "Necromancers are powerful people... subtle and conniving, too. They have more than one way to pull people to their side, be it honeyed words, money, or straight up magic..." he stays silent for a time after that, kicking a rock down the road. "I wish to hear Magnolia's side before I make my judgment..."
Dahlia quietly nods. The rest of the walk is passed in silence. Once you arrive back at the Velvet Fang, a few servers greet you as normal and Dahlia is asked to handle some business. Before she leaves, she gives Alrik one last look, wondering what may happen. She departs to change and assist the matron with a few private matters.
Alrik, you're left alone with your thoughts and your choices. What would you like to do?
Alrik goes to his room and sits in one of the chairs, thoroughly exhausted. Taking out the new ring, he begins to examine it in better depth.
Your eyes catch the beautifully carved inscription on the inside of the band.... "My love always. A.S."
You can almost feel the love Adodak had for this poor girl pour from the ring, despite their class differences. And the way the silver shines, and the gemstone catches the light... it's almost as if the intense care taken for the ring carried over from her life into death.
Holding it in your hand, you feel a power, something beyond magic. Stronger than the Weave itself, almost. Love is a miraculous thing, after all. Unexplainable.
Your thoughts drift to Makani. Wondering where she is... How big this world is, and yet, how small.
Alrik wipes a tear from his cheek and slips the ring onto his finger. He unstoppers a bottle next to him on the table, and pours a drink. As he lifts it to his lips, he pauses and pours it back into the bottle and pours himself some water from the pitcher.
As the ring hugs your finger, it resonates with gentle energy. You feel a protective power in your heart.
(Your ac increases to 1 and saving throws increase by 1)
Some time passes. Then there is a soft knock at the door.
**To Be Continued**
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