Great Caeser's Ghost! (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 19th, 2002 5:43:56 PM
Just as you start to set out, at the edge of the property, your way is blocked! A misty white figure rises and screams!
"Aaaaiiiiiii! Return the Claw of Axios! It is not for you! Return what you have stolen!"
The figure is transparent, but even so you recognize the dead witch! Her hair and clothes are on fire, and she is gripping her amputated hand in her unamputated hand!
Mell flees and hides behind the party member closest to the back! That's probably Brontinas.
Thram Thursday December 19th, 2002 5:49:42 PM
Thram takes a few quick steps back from the ghost, but has the presence of mind to offer a quick suggestion, "Dulcet sent us to retrieve the claw before those with more sinister purpose could find it."
Elerinn Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:01:06 PM
Elerinn is too shocked first to be really afraid. He even seems to be amused, at first. There is some irony in this, after all, for it seems that his story has become reality.
After this first thought, there is still no fear, only excitement. Maybe it's because Elerinn doesn't really believe the thing in front of him is real. After all, the thought that he wanted to fake some ghost sounds himself just some time ago hasn't left his mind yet.
He whispers to the others, as if not to offend the ghost in front of them: "I don't believe this is happening, people. We gave her an honorfull burial after all. Is there anybody who posseses some knowledge on Gargul's outcasts, the undead?"
Garrard d20+5=20 Thursday December 19th, 2002 7:28:19 PM
Without moving from his position guarding Cadmar, Garrard whispers, "This is somewhat too convenient. A bargain meant to weaken one of our warriors and then a distraction to hold us in place whilst reinforcements are summoned, perhaps. While this may be the spirit of the departed, it may also be illusion."
With that, Garrard compares his recent memories of Lalliote's corpse with the image before him now. Doubtless there is some flaw that would prove it a deception...
(Disbelief saving throw, which I assume is a Will save.)
Ooooohhhh! (DM Cayzle) Friday December 20th, 2002 11:06:47 PM
Doubting, Elerinn and Garrardtry to disbelieve, but the spirit seems genuine to them.
She answers Thram, "Dulcet! Dulcet?"
"Prooove what you say!"
[Guys, please try to post every day! -- Cayzle]
Garrard Saturday December 21st, 2002 1:04:17 PM
Garrard quietly holds up, and opens his writ from Dulcet, and takes a step or two forward so that the ghost can read it without advancing on the boxcarrier.
Cadmar Sunday December 22nd, 2002 3:28:53 AM
Cadmar, who was standing for a moment in shocked silence, regains his composure. It seems as if he was about to say something, but has changed his mind when Garrard stepped forward. Instead, he just waits for the ghost to react.
Elerinn Sunday December 22nd, 2002 5:36:52 PM
Elerinn, a little less sure about the ghost being real or not, is glad that Garrard keeps calm and shows the ghost the letter. He silently waits to see how she will react.
Andrath Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:09:34 AM
Surprised by the appearance of the ghost, Andrath steps back, and leaves this part of the discussion to the magical ones in the party. He turns and looks for the cat. "Here, kitty kitty kitty! We might need you and your voice." He goes looking for the cat that seems to have momentarily disappeared.
Lorth Monday December 23rd, 2002 7:18:31 AM
Lorth stares in shock, "Begone foul apparition, we have given you a proper burial, be on your way to the island of the dead."
The Sceptical Ghost (DM Cayzle) Monday December 23rd, 2002 9:42:26 AM
"Read me your writ!" moans the ghost. "I will try to hear the truth in your voice! But how can I know it is not a forgery!"
Mell walks over to Andrath from behind Brontinas, although fearfully.
Lorth Monday December 23rd, 2002 12:34:06 PM
"Leave foul apparition, you despoil the old witches memory, by not resting in death. Begin your journey and let the living tend the claw, it has passed beyond you. Rest, it is not your concern any longer.", Lorth growls.
Garrard d20=1 d20+4=10 Monday December 23rd, 2002 1:35:55 PM
Garrard tries, almost successfully, to read the writ calmly.
It begins with a description of himself, from the style and length of his hair peppered with grey, to the worn leather jerkin under his woolen cloak, to the scimitar with a deerhide-wrapped handle.
In continues with, "The bearer of this note, the person described above, named Garrard, has been sent by me and acts on my behalf. This note is good only until the fifth meeting of the Pitchfork Council. Signed, Dulcet."
(Charisma check [1}, and Concentration check [10], if needed)
With this, Garrard steps back to the group.
Cadmar Monday December 23rd, 2002 2:17:27 PM
Once Garrard is done, Cadmar adds: "We are suspicious, too. Prove to us that you are not a figment or sorcery. What were the names of the two servants who lived with you in this cottage?"
Elerinn Monday December 23rd, 2002 5:40:58 PM
Elerinn remains quiet as the others talk to the ghost. He looks around a bit, to see if he can see anything unusual. He still doubts the ghost is real, and perhaps a spellcaster is hidden someplace near.
Andrath Tuesday December 24th, 2002 12:04:52 AM
Andrath picks up the cat, and carries it a little closer to the rest of the party. "Does anyone remember how we are supposed to use this cat to contact Dulcet?" he asks. "It might make sense if Dulcet talks directly to this apparition."
Kedarn Tuesday December 24th, 2002 4:42:43 AM
Kedarn looks at the appatition and the casts deathwatch (domian spell) upon it.
ooc - sorry about not posting, have been with out phone or internet access due to a major accident in area took out the phonelines for the area I live in.
Thram Tuesday December 24th, 2002 10:16:06 AM
Thram looks about at his companions in disbelief, and he hisses, "Don't antagonize her."
A Real Ghost! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 24th, 2002 11:33:44 AM
The ghost ignores Lorth and Cadmar. She appears unconvinced by Garrard. "Retuurrnn the Claawww!" she moans.
Note that no one has tried to continue walking off her property yet.
Kedarn's spell reveals that she is an undead being.
In Andrath's arms, Mell looks at him and says, "Meow?"
Garrard d20+4=18 Tuesday December 24th, 2002 1:10:33 PM
Speaking to the group in a low whisper, Garrard says, "Do any of you have a document from Dulcet that states your objective more clearly? If the... ghost... can hear truth in our voices as she claims, perhaps we should try each speaking the truth of our mission to her."
With that, he scans the surrounding area, still cautious someone might be lurking.
(Spot check - 18)
(OOC: is that Bless spell still running?)
Elerinn Tuesday December 24th, 2002 6:19:08 PM
Elerinn backs up somewhat when he hears the ghost's horrific moan. He looks at his companions, who seem to remain calm, so he decides that he must be able to fight his terror too. He then hears Mell 'answering' Andrath, and he knows what see tries to tell him.
"Yes Andrath, one of us should try to contact Dulcet. If you release little Mell from your arms, I'll try to do it..."
Cadmar Wednesday December 25th, 2002 6:26:00 AM
Cadmar's face tenses. Then he says quietly: "I agree that talking to Dulcet seems to be the best option right now. I would prefer to leave the ghost of Lalliote resting in peace, not in pieces. Let's just describe the situation to her - the Red Hands, Green Coven, what we found, and whom we just met. Maybe she will have some suggestions on how to convince her."
Kedarn Wednesday December 25th, 2002 6:50:50 AM
Kedarn looks at the ghost of Lalliote and then at Elerinn and Andrath. Kedarn then starts to explains to the ghost how the group was asked by Dulcet to come and recover the claw so that it would not fall into the hands of those that can not controll it or those that want to unleash the evil it is upon the world.
Brontinas Wednesday December 25th, 2002 9:08:23 AM
Brontinas stands fast, at the appearance of the ghost, he drops his bow and puts his hand on the hilt of his sword. Protective of those behind him, he remains in that stance, but he looks worriedly to the holy types of the party.
"Is there anyway to contact this spirit reasonably?"
He will remain as his is unless the ghost takes a swing at any of his friends, at which point he is ready to use his sword to take the ghost down.
(OOC: Sorry I haven't been able to post everyday, hopefully I'll have access to the internet again soon, probably by the 1st or 2nd of Jan, but definetely by the 12th. Merry Christmas!)
Ready to Act? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 25th, 2002 10:53:59 AM
Garrard and Cadmar talk about trying to level with the ghost. Kedarn also thinks this is a good idea. (OOC: If you do so, please make a Diplomacy check.)
Garrard doesn't see anyone around. The Bless spell is *almost* over.
Elerinn talks with Andrath about talking through Mell to Dulcet. (OOC: If you decide to, just go right ahead!)
Brontinas stands ready, on guard, seeing what happens.
(OOC: During the holiday season, if you can't post every day, don't worry. But after the first week in January, PLEASE do try to post every day!)
Elerinn Wednesday December 25th, 2002 6:13:51 PM
Elerinn whistles softly, and Mell jumps out of Andrath's hands in a gracefull leap. He says, while looking at Andrath: "Perhaps some of you can help me, I don't want to forget anything important to tell Dulcet"
He then looks into the cat's eyes and speaks: "My dear Mell, I'd like to speak to your master, the Witch Dulcet"
As soon as he can contact Dulcet, he speaks to her softly, in a respectfull voice: "Greetings, Lady Dulcet. We have some little problems here. When we arrived at the old woman's house, there was also another group of people, which we learned were members of the Red Hand Gang. They told us that they were to bring the Claw to the Green Coven and then sold us the Claw, but it is a fake, most likely. We found what seems to be the real Claw ourselves, and gave the old woman a proper burial. But we seem to be having just a little problem here, I fear..."
He looks at the ghost, cannot surpress some vague smile and then continues: "The ghost of the lady, not an illusion, or a very clever one indeed, is here, telling us we must leave the Claw here...What do you suggest we do, my Lady?"
Andrath Thursday December 26th, 2002 12:43:43 AM
Andrath knows his limitations, and lets the more charismatic party members try to talk the apparition into letting them go. He waits to see how Dulcet responds to the cat. "Ask Dulcet if she knows how we can assure this ghost that we are doing this on her behalf."
Garrard Thursday December 26th, 2002 12:48:48 AM
Garrard nods quietly to Andrath, and waits quietly, maintaining his watch.
Cadmar d20+2=3 Thursday December 26th, 2002 6:15:54 AM
Cadmar decides to try to persuade the ghost to let them pass. "Isn't that obvious that we are the ones sent by Dulcet? If we were not, how would we... eh... how would we know that... I mean, with you dead and all... you surely must realize - oh no." He goes silent, red on his face. "I just hate thinking myself into corners" he mumbles. [Diplomacy 3]
Lorth Thursday December 26th, 2002 7:53:46 AM
Having no power to affect a ghost, Lorth turns from it, "Perhaps we should return to town for some holy water and other instruments, so that we can put this ghost to rest."
Brontinas Thursday December 26th, 2002 9:36:31 AM
Brontinas's knuckles begin to whiten on the hilt of his blade.
"Whatever we do, I suggest we do it quickly, this Ghost looks none to pleased with us at all."
Brontinas forms a very defensive stance so that the clerics may do whatever they need to do to get rid of the ghost.
Kedarn d20+2=18 Friday December 27th, 2002 6:56:32 AM
Kedarn quietly says prayers to Gargul as he watches the ghost as Elerinn contacts Dulcet via Mell. (diplomacy 18) Kedarn keeps hold of his holy symbol while saying his prayers.
The Cat Talks (DM Cayzle) Friday December 27th, 2002 11:10:59 AM
Cadmar's mumblings fail to move the ghost-witch, but Kedarn's prayers seem to sooth her, and she quiets while he prays.
Garrard and Brontinas prepare for trouble.
Lorth mentions tried-and-true anti-ghost tactics, but the point is moot once the group begins to talk through Mell.
Elerinn and Andrath focus on Mell, and invoke the witch who sent the group on this mission.
After pleading their case, the voice of Dulcet emerges from Mell's mouth. "You have the Claw -- excellent! Now, set me down. Set down the cat."
Assuming that they do, the cat then walks over to the ghost. The words that she says sound like common, but they are strange and warped, and you cannot remember them after they are spoken.
The ghost is transfixed by the speech, and bows when it is over. The panic and wildness in her visage eases, and she looks at you as if for the first time. She nods to you and fades away.
If you roll a spot check vs. DC 16, you might catch a glimmer that suggests she is still present, maybe.
Mell looks at you, shakes as if he had been soaked in water, and then looks back at you.
"Meow!"
The cat starts walking, looking back at you expectantly.
[OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday's post -- even DM's don't post every day during the holidays!]
Thram Friday December 27th, 2002 11:30:52 AM
Thram appears satisfied with the result of speaking through Mell, "Good cat. Now let's get going before something else happens."
[I'm back after the holiday. I shouldn't miss any more posts. -jkf]
Garrard d20+4=24 d20+4=24 d20+4=19 Friday December 27th, 2002 1:01:41 PM
With a smile for Mell, Garrard falls back in to position beside the box-carrier, eyes open and a hand near his weaponry.
(Spot check for the ghost [24], Spot for travel [24], listen [19])
Elerinn Friday December 27th, 2002 3:42:33 PM
Elerinn is glad that the old woman is laid to rest, and follows Mell, somewhere in the middle of the group.
OOC: I hope you all had a great Christmas...
Andrath d20+9=19 d20+9=21 d20+8=25 Friday December 27th, 2002 11:22:08 PM
Once Andrath discovers the direction the cat expects to travel, Andrath ranges 100-200 feet in front of the party, keeping his eyes open for trouble. [OOC: Move silent 19, Hide 21, Spot 25.]
Cadmar d20+5=12 Saturday December 28th, 2002 4:24:20 AM
"She is gone, isn't she?"
Cadmar voice trails off. Looking back just once, he resumes his position in the middle of the party. "Let us leave this place, too." [Take Ten on Spot and Listen while we travel - both 15]
Kedarn d20+5=25 Saturday December 28th, 2002 5:17:27 AM
Kedarn says one last prayer to Gargul for the departed witch then takes up his place towards the middle of the party as it travels down the road. (spot 25)
Lorth Monday December 30th, 2002 10:43:20 AM
"Seek rest with Gargul", Lorth mumbles. He then follows along with the rest of the party, walking in front of all, except Andrath, who is scouting. Shield and Warhammer at the ready.
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