Week of Remembrance

The city is a bustle just after first light. The second day of the week of remembrance looks to be quite busy. Guardsmen shoo off urchins from main fairways. Vendors prep their stalls to peddle the goods they have brought. Quite a few people are happily sharing spirits with strangers on the cobblestone roads. During the week of remembrance the city celebrates the great cleric Makalic that died to save the holy empire. Chanters march in the street reciting the tale as an entourage of young maidens follow along bestowing gifts to onlookers, usually floral wreaths and even a kiss if you're lucky.

Nornin you wake up with a gruff dwarven sailor not too gently shaking you. Oi, wake up yeh can get off our bloody ship now. The dwarves were obviously not thrilled with your odd, albeit innocent antics. The "bed", more like a metal sheet, you slept on did not give you a restful experience. Many of the merchant dwarves are hustling about to get their wares to market. You have arrived in the city of Thanos.

Ink you were given the name of a gnome Tixhin Stabrix from a fellow artist in Zigan. He is a scholar who has been trying to study lost arts from Masriedor. Your information has led you to Thanos where he is partaking in the festivities of the week of remembrance.

Marcus your position with the Preceptor Grand Paladin Cetus you have been granted the honor to bear witness to the ancient prayer involving the three divine relics that helped found the holy empire. This ritual is performed during the week of remembrance. Lysander, your longtime friend and paladin guard has come to escort both you and the relics. You have known this tall blond haired man to be the most devout and honorable paladin and friend. As with all of his order he has a drake, Preta, that follows him around. She only stands about shoulder high with small wings. She has yet to mature fully and be able to carry her companion, though is still a formidable force. During the ritual both you and Lysander will stand in the great hall in Thanos's cathedral. You have just arrived in the city with your entourage, a day late due to some unforeseeable troubles, and should make all haste to the cathedral.

Marcus - I know just the thing. Lysander looks back at the gharry and gives it a short but sharp whistle. Preta, who was napping on the crate carrying your precious cargo, leaps to the ground her deep blue scales glittering in the morning light. With the appearance of the drake the street quickly opens for you to pass. Preta prancing to the front of the group, she is obviously showing off to the crowd. Lysander gives a warm smile and a wave to several ladies on the side of the road whom are giving both of you favorable looks. It is amazing, my friend, all the things the All Father has given us. Now let us make all haste. With that he marches off plate armor clanking with each step from the quickened pace.
(Perception check)

Ink many of them talk about the empire's relics that they saw on the first day. The relics seem to be located in the city square just in front of the cathedral. You eventually stumble on a conversation that draws your attention. I heard it from a holy cleric emself. If you complete the challenge of faith ya get a free trip to Damae, would ya really want to pass up meetin the Archprelate himself?

Nornin only one of the dwarves even takes the time to give you a curt scoff as you skip away. It doesn't take you long to find a man pedaling hare furs. Overhearing him barter with his current customer. Five copper, I assure you sir you will find no better this side of the empire. The man handling one of the pelts Eh, these aint worth more than two copper each.

Nornin you begin counting pelts. The peddler quickly eyes you and your patched robes, as you can see my good fellow these pelts are of the utmost quality. This good man here is back to purchase more pelts for his mistress. Sold half my stock yestereve at one silver a pelt to her. with a sigh of resignation the customer gives in. The All Father is with you this day three pelts at 5 copper each. The peddler smiles, Take your pick good sir. Down the street a chanter and his entourage turn the corner quickly drawing a crowd. The peddler looking flustered ducks back into his shabby stall. Soon he returns with a small pouch and a dozen floral wreaths. Dumping them into your arms he gives you a worried look. yer mistress did say first light, though who am I to second guess her if she be changen her mind. he lowers his voice to a whisper, As agreed the flowers for the girls and some greasing money should ya need it. He nods to the chanters procession.
The bag has 10 gold pieces and 12 floral wreaths.
(Arcana check)

Ink- Tixhin looks up from a simple device he has been tinkering with and casually speaks loquaciously, oh, it would be quite an experience, I would surmise that they are from the Thessalonians' doctrine. Most likely to recount verses from memory. One would assume that at the end all the versus would paint an overall picture. The contestant would then have to interpret the message and deliver an adequate response as the final challenge. He lowers his voice, though not being the most devout I fear I would miss the connotations. Tixhin's eyes widen at the mention of the ink pieces. the problem with that my inquisitive friend is solving the mystery on runic tattoos would most likely involve my death. I failed to find evidence of a single expedition to Masriedor that didn't end in disaster. Tis a shame though that the dwarves have lost so much of their ancestral knowledge. sighing with regret his shoulders slump under the weight of his task. Moments later his eyes light up obviously his mind switching to a new topic, I would much like to see these "artifacts" that they have for viewing. Would you care to join me?

Marcus after you utter those ambivalent words you get an unsettling feeling in your back. Curious enough, from your years of combat, you have only felt this way when someone was shadowing you usually with ill intent. When you quickly survey the crowd you don't notice anyone out of the ordinary, or even remotely threatening. Lysander turns to you with his usual smile, As many of my order would find those words bordering on heresy. I feel as it is evidence that we each must walk our own path to find the All Father's light. his smile wanes slightly, though, as the Archprelate is the only one who can directly hear his words we are left to utilize the words we are deemed privileged enough to hear.

i'm not noe to say no to a good deal, ill take three of them, that was 15 copper if my math is correct. Normin counts out the coins and rolls up the leather.

(GM edit) arcana check - (1D20+5)
[20]+5 = 25

Marcus - Just ahead of you the west archway to the city square is a welcome sight. Lysander breaths a sigh of relief, and we must have faith that he will guide even the most fallible of us to our destined paths. he pauses glancing back at the cart for a moment then lowers his voice, I have not, only Venetores are usually permitted to observe these proceedings. lucky for me you were selected to be a special case. Giving you friendly smile and a gentle nudge with his elbow. We can expect a score of clerics and a few clergymen. As for what happens, all I have heard is that the experience is humbling.

Venetores are elite Paladins with matured dragons as companions.

Ink - Tixhin begins to make his way east toward the city square. oh, this? A dwarf was in possession of an ancient blueprint for it. From what I could translate of the old tongue it's called a drone. I was able to recreate it. Jiggling it, the three legs flop around lifelessly, though, I have not figured out the power source, or even where it could possibly go. He pokes at it a few more times. You can see the archway for the city square looming over you. A large crowd, tents, and stalls lie in the space just beyond.

Nornin - you feel the floral wreaths have a simple detection spell on them
The peddler happily makes the trade. When the chanter's entourage is behind you the man glances between the flowers your holding and the girls bestowing gifts near you. One luscious maiden glides up to you. Her blue eyes sparkle with joy, and her shoulder high blond hair hugs her face gently. Bright red lips give you a waned smile, may the all father watch over you. She hesitates for a moment then gives you a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Marcus - Lysander with a serine look recites church rhetoric, All will know the truth of his light in the end. Seeing your hurried pace Lysander gives two sharp whistles and Preta starts to trot. You notice she is having a difficult time getting through the crowd, and begins to nudge her way through. The reason for the loss of interest in Preta soon becomes apparent. On a stage near the center of all the tents two venetores stand watch behind several clerics. Just off stage behind their riders the fifteen foot high dragons draw eyes from all around the square in awe. Even with the crowd you are able to reach the cathedral shortly. A nun rushes you three through the twists and turns of the building. Four monks in tow carry the precious crate from your cart. Reaching the main hall three venetores without a word reverently open the crate and haul out an ornate chest. The nun turns to you with a wrinkled nose from your stench, this will not do. Please, the sisters have robes prepared for you. her hand points to two nuns standing near a door to an antechamber. Take your time it will be a little while till we are ready to proceed.

Ink - Tixhin grins at your request. yes, yes he begins to reassemble the construct as you walk. Generally, you are aware of normal folk around you to avoid being caught underfoot, but the two cloaked figures walking right beside you draw your attention. Even on this warm sunny day both have their cloaks wrapped tight and hoods shadowing their faces. The shorter figure walks with a smooth gate, but the second figure should be drawing attention standing near seven feet tall with shoulders broad enough to match. Being taller in stature than you they soon outpace you and your companion. Ah finished, here you are. I will be right back. Tixhin drops the metal construct in your hands and shuffles off to the nearby stage. The drone is made of iron and just larger than your fist. Three segments for each leg. From appearance the legs would be able to rotate, flip, and reach any location on or around the drone. You notice that each piece has a ruin etched into it they appear dwarven, but you can't make any of them out.

Nornin - The Girl accepts the wreaths. While your packing away your furs another girl runs up to your assistant. After a few words they both giggle and skip off.

Bacta - Fortunately, all of the festivities have covered your movements through the city. From the crowd two girls slip out toward you. One has bright blue eyes, full red lips, shoulder length blond hair, and an arm full of floral wreaths. The other has brownish hair, green eyes that twinkle of innocence, and red lips as bright as her companion. They both give you an alluring look and recite in unison, may the all father bless you. the blond places a wreath over your hooded head, and they both give you a overtly long kiss on each side of your face. Giggling to themselves they both turn to find their next victim.

Thinking to himself "Another time ladies". Bacta removes the wreath as swiftly as it was placed on him and places it on a passerby and continues on his way. Attempting to draw as little attention as possible.

"What am I doing here?" He continues to think to himself, giving the bone dagger under his cloak a firm squeeze. Bacta looks around, searching, attempting to find some clue or lead as to why he has taken himself out of the Forest jungles of Arbelladon's and the peaceful seclusion that it provided to bring himself into the middle of this...celebration.

Bacta - After awhile of your pondering, a strange old man with a long white beard wearing a patch strewn robe oddly walks past you whistling a horrendous tune. In the midst of watching the elderly man avoid cracks in the stone you hear a scream followed by several cries of alarm. People begin running past you toward the city square. More screams can be heard from the direction they fled.

Nornin - You successfully navigate the treacherous cracks in the stones. Suddenly, you feel an immense amount of magic welling up over the city. Screams an cries of alarm ring out from streets nearby. People begin frantically running through the crowd to the square.

Ink - You attempt to find Tixhin. Unfortunately with the crowd and your smaller stature. The further you go the harder it gets to see much beyond the people directly around you. To your surprise you feel a light tap on your shoulder. Tixhin is standing behind you looking perturbed, To think they would be fakes. I mean, the most infantile gnome would be able to tell you those are only a few hundred years old. Pah, not even close to a millennium. he stops his rant staring wide eyed at your hands. Then you notice the symbols from the drone are glowing an angry red. With an alarmed squeak from Tixhin it jumps up out of your hands and scurries off toward the cathedral.

Marcus - The antechamber is exquisitely furnished, though the two of you don't have time to admire it. The nuns are brutally efficient at getting you cleaned and out the door. From Lysander's face you would assume he was being tortured. You yourself feel as if they scrubbed your skin off. As your adorning your quite comfortable white robes Lysander whispers to you, if that was taking our time I'd hate to see them in a hurry. One of the nuns gives a dark look in your direction Lysander pasts on his most innocent crooked smile he can.
Entering back into the main hall the room is just over 200ft by 100ft the ceiling sits about 50ft high. Opposite of the massive oak double doors, at the far end of the hall, A large dais with a flat alter and the ornate chest near its center. Above mounted to the wall sits the churches holy symbol in all gold and silver, A vertical sword overlaid by a heater shield sprouting from behind the shield are two golden angel wings. Three dragons stand in front of the dais their red, green, and silver scales gleam in the light from the windows. Three venetores and five clerics pray around the chest on the altar. A score of monks line the walls chanting. One of the nuns leads you to the side of the dais next to Preta and silently leaves. One of the clerics stands and approaches the chest, may the All Father's light guide and watch over the faithful. With that he reaches forth the latch clicks and the lid creeks open power emanating into the room. The dragons all bow their heads to the floor, you can see in Preta's eyes she seems to be in some kind of trance. The cleric individually and reverently removes three items all made from the same strange pitch black metal. A long sword, A heater shield, and a ring, they all look in spectacular condition for being over a millennia old. Stories say Eligos, the first Archprelate and Preceptor Grand Paladin, Used these holy relics to tame the dragons and unite the church after the cataclysm. The cleric raises his hands to the symbol on the wall, All Father we pray to you, cleanse this place so we may continue to do your work. the words that follow are not in common you have heard several of these prayers in your time with the church. As he continues, shadows swirl out of the holy symbol on the wall into the three relics. Mid prayer, he stops, you hear him gasp for air. Shocked looks from everyone in the room focus on him. The hair on your neck stands on end and a chill slithers down your spine. The heavy double doors blast off their hinges, and shattered fragments bounce on the floor sliding to a stop just in front of the dragons. Two figures stand in the doorway one is an average sized striking woman the other is a mountain of a man a red glow fading from under his cloak.
Roll 2D20

Marcus - You feel a cold energy wrap around your body immobilizing you. Lysander, all the monks, and three clerics slump to the floor in a clatter. The Three towering dragons remain motionless bowing to the floor. The woman eagerly glides forward declaring to everyone, thank you for delivering these to us. One cleric still in control of himself turns to face the two, halt, you shall not defile this place witch. The man draws his mace ready to meet them. Petra growls from beyond your peripheral. She bounds across the floor leaping at the woman. The large man intercepts her, intricate lines on his arm flash red as he strikes with a fist. With a loud crack, blue scales raining down, she flies across the room slamming into the wall. The woman, black hair whipping about her delicate face, glares at the man and holds up three slender fingers, you said there would be three dragons. The man's stoic features unchanging and with a calm but powerful voice rebuttals, mistress, she was a whelp not of any concern. Scowling for a second her features turn to overwhelming joy, Father she breaths. Gracefully she strides up the dais, passing the readied cleric without a thought. Her hand reaches out, with trepidation, seizing the ring. Raising his mace the cleric readies to strike her down. The man following plucks the mace from his grip like a father would take a toy from a babe. With a casual back hand he strikes the cleric, another flash, the breastplate crumples under the force, the cleric lands in a heap on the floor blood pooling from the twisted metal. The woman slides the ring over her right middle finger her hands trembling in anticipation. Once on, the black ring twists and contorts, three serpents sprout from it winding down her finger. Her inane giggle sends a shiver down your spine, It is so good to hear your voice after all these years. her voice on the verge of ecstasy. The man without a word collects the sword and shield following the woman, still talking, back the way they came. Minutes? hours? you are unsure of how long you are frozen for. Relief comes as you feel the grip loosening. Two of the venetore burst into action, They shake their dragon from their stupor and sprint out of the hall. The remaining venetore helps the head cleric to his feet. Lysander seeing Petra on the floor rushes to her side. You overhear the venetore's and the head cleric's escalating argument. The venetore strokes his forehead in frustration, clearly dragons are not going to be effective against these people, but HE is adept at dealing with "their" type.
The cleric stands like stone, I will not release him. His fate is to be decided by the Archprelate himself.
The venetore growls in response, this is a military matter now I will not hear any more of it. If you stand in my way I will execute you myself for betraying the church in her hour of need.
The clerics eyes widen in surprise, The Archprelate will hear about this, and .. and then you'll be the one to get excommunicated.
His shoulders slump slightly with the weight of this, even giving the cleric a dark smile. If it would save the church I would gladly face his judgment, turning to Lysander and the now unsteady Petra, brother, I would beseech you, take up this task. You and Marcus, the monks will help you release our "asset" giving the cleric a dark look, and let nothing stop you. I fear five venetores will only slow our thieves down. I must follow our brothers the cleric will help, if he wishes to keep his head. Address any questions to him. with that he takes hold of his silver dragons reigns, you hear claws against stone as they race out of the cathedral.

Ink - Your small size allows you to slip through the thick crowds legs. As your nearing the cathedral you hear shouts from the platform. The two dragons, riders perched on their backs, take to the air. When you turn back to the drone you see it peaking around the buildings corner. Catching up with it you see the same two cloaked figures from before walk out of the wall in the side of the building and down a narrow street. Minutes later two dragons burst from the main doors, and take to the air with all haste. A third takes to the air mere moments later. Tixhin looks around nervously as he tries to catch the drone, well, this can't be good. tired of the chase the drone scurries down the same street the two figures took.

Bacta - As you near a small intersection, another sickening scream rings out from the street ahead and to your left. Carefully you peak around the corner, you spot around twenty figures shambling about, and a dozen others ripping corpses apart gnawing on the flesh. Fortunately, for you, they don't seem to notice your presence. One of the shambling figures draws your attention. Her blond hair sits about her shoulders, a floral wreath sits crooked on her head, and face ashen save for her bright red lipstick. With a chill creeping over you, she is one of the girls whom gave you such a warm welcome. You hear footsteps not far behind you.

Nornin - You, with some difficulty, trace your way back with only a few bumps and close calls on the cracks. Hearing a horrid scream from up a head you notice a cloaked figure carefully peak around the intersection. You are sure that the two shades, dancing and making obscene gestures, on his shoulders shouldn't be there. They look at you, one flips you off and the other shakes its spectral rear at you, then wisp away.

zombies?!? Bacta wonders to himself.

Upon hearing the footsteps Bacta unsheathes his short sword and spins around ready to face whatever is closing in on him.

Nornin - As you approach the cloaked figure he spins around short sword at the ready.
Bacta - as you turn to face the footsteps you see an old man in a patched robe, the same one who was walking funny avoiding the cracks whistling a horrid tune from before, the man's finger is outstretched toward you.

Both Nornin and Bacta make a perception check

Ink - The ruins etched into the drone flash in a particular pattern and it vanishes. A few feet away from behind a pile of rubbish, on the side of the road, the drone darts out and proceeds after the pair. Tixhin squeals, almost too loud for liking, Fascinating! teleportation. He proceeds after it attempting to write in a notebook as he shuffles.

Marcus - Lysander barely acknowledges you deep in concentration with Petra. As the Venetore is leaving he declares to you, Save for the All Father himself. After he is safely out of ear shot the head cleric turns to his broken brother on the floor, this is insanity. one of the monks approaches you. Brother Peleus at your service. If you so desire I can take you to the chambers of repentance. you know these rooms as glorified dungeons.

Bacta - as you point out the zombies you spot two cloaked figures walking through the shambling undead. They find a narrow alley about halfway from your road to the next and duck down it. From the next road down, the same the pair came from, you spot the city guard turn the corner and engage the undead.

Nornin - you spot the undead that the cloaked man points out to you. The aimless meandering is of little notice as you see shadowy mirror images of the zombies floating just over each one's head silently weeping.

Eldobik - Tixhin replies regurgitating one of the Zigan codes of Knowledge, fifty four dash thirteen, record any scientific observations promptly. As you reach the next corner the drone has stopped once again. Down the crossroad you see around thirty ashen faced bloody figures aimlessly wondering the street. A score of city guard come rushing down the street turn and engage the figures.

Marcus - The cleric covers his face and sighs, I give brother Peleus leave to take you to the heretic. Mark my words, setting that monster free is a mistake. turning away from you he lowers his head in silence over the fallen cleric. Two monks come out of the antechamber with your gear. Lysander gently stroking the bare area on Preta's side, Thank you for your concern, luckily her scales absorbed most of the blow. Rest here Preta, we will be back. Peleus leads you to the other side of the cathedral. Opening the door the stairs down are less polished and look fitting for a dungeon. Leading the way with a torch Peleus hesitates for a moment, Malphas isn't as bad as he sounds... pausing again unsure of how to proceed. He always accomplished the churches demands. Just, never would fall sway to acknowledging the All Father. you have passed several doors the musty smell of feces emanating from each room. You then remember the cells have no place to relieve oneself. Stopping at one of the doors he whispers, milord you are being released. You hear movement behind you. Peleus turns as a man in black steps into the dim torch light the monk giving him a disapproving look, you shouldn't break out of your cell. It matters not, the church wishes you to hunt down thieves with these two servants of the church. quickly he shoes you back up into the main cathedral. You get the impression he is uncomfortable in the dark confined area suddenly. Standing at the doors of the cathedral Lysander looks around absently, so, which way you think everyone went? Just to your side you see Malphas point west down a side street off to the side of the Cathedral.

Nornin looks the man straight in the eyes. i'm afraid there are only a few things i can promise you in this world. But the fact that all of my friends have a pulse in one way or another is one of them Tired of having this young wippersnapper pointing his butter knife in my face, i take another look over his shoulder. now i told you having a pulse is one requerment of beng my ...... i notice that this time he wasent talking about the undeads, but someone else among them. As the man finaly puts away his kitchen tools Nornin plans on telling the young man that assuming that all robed people know each other is clothesist ant not polite in the slightest, but the man leaves before he get the chance.

Bacta - A few near misses with the zombies slow you down. luckily the noisy guardsmen draw their attention away from you. When you make it to the dark alley the pair are out of sight. Moldy trash and debris cluttering the alley make it difficult to distinguish anyone's comings or goings.

the guardsmen have cut down a third of the zombies

Eldobik - Tixhin grumbles slipping his notepad away. Reaching to scoop up the drone you see the lights begin to flash. Suddenly it freezes, the lights fade and it drops into your hand lifeless. Nornin - As the man slips away in the same direction, just outside the city, you sense three spells being released but you are too far to tell what spells exactly.

Marcus - Malphas gives you a dark look in response to your question. His close proximity you see that his irises are pure black and you can barely distinguish his pupils in them. You get the distinct impression that his relationship with the holy empire is tentative at best. As the four of you rush through the street Preta's head perks up her senses obviously picking up something the three of you can't. Lysander, without looking back informs you, some people are engaged in combat up ahead, she smells copious amounts of blood. She breaks off in a canter the three of you have to sprint to keep pace.

Marcus - Running down the street you spot two gnomes peeking around a corner. Preta ignores them and with a snarl darts around the corner. You hear several cheers from the direction she went.

Eldobik - Tixhin looks down the carnage strewn street blood draining from his face. Going around sounds nice, or even not following the orchestrators of this mess sounds better. The echo of several people running and claws on stone from your flank draw your attention. A blue scaled drake brushes by you and plows into the horde. The guardsmen cheer for their new support pushing the undead with renewed vigor.

Bacta - You spot a guardsman with four zombies around him. Taking aim you lose a bolt it ebbs into the back of one of the zombies. The force knocks it over flailing helplessly it struggles to get back up. Seconds afterward you see a gleaming blue drake make a sharp turn at the corner and plow over a score of zombies. Pouncing on one of the staggered undead she rips it to shreds.

Nornin - Just over the wall a ways away from the city you spot three airships rising. Five dragons and their riders bearing down on the vessels.

Nornin suddenly got the urge to ride an airship. Riding a dragon sounds too dangerous. Now where could one get an airship ride. Time for new quest.

Eldobik - Tixhin gives you a mischievous smile, think bigger, we could create worldwide teleportation. Not even airships can compete with that travel. without thinking he steps out into the street about to pursue the people. A man dressed in black, with raven colored hair, easily leaps over the obstructing gnome charging into the fray. The next contestant, a fully plate clad paladin, in his attempt to avoid the gnome trips himself crashing headlong into Tixhin tumbling to the ground with quite a ruckus.

Marcus - You hack at the grotesque figure, your blades slide easily through the putrid flesh. When finished with your work the head flops around the chest hanging from a fragment of skin. Clearly not done the monster clacks its teeth arms outstretched in an attempt to locate you. Out of the corner of your eye you spot a second undead moving in on you. In a burst of movement Malphas slides two plane looking daggers through the flanking zombie and with a swift knee sends the blind undead sprawling.

Bacta - your bolt is well placed in the back of a zombies head. It collapses to the ground arms still flailing uselessly attempting to continue.

*The guardsmen down five more zombies*Nornin - As the dragons approach the airships you see a slew of ice and fire magic rain from the three vessels at the assaulters. From the spectacle you would estimate that each ship would have at least four mages on board.

Constantly scanning his surroundings to make sure no one, or thing, is getting the drop on him, Bacta reloads his crossbow once again. I see no reason to endanger myself any further with hand to hand combat. I’ll just keep picking off these abominations from back here.. Taking aim at another of the zombies, this time one of the ones harassing the guards. Bacta zeroes in a releases a bolt.

Bacta - The bolt downs a zombie engaged with the guardsmen. Off in the distance, the direction you saw the pair of cloaked figures go, you hear several cracks of thunder.

Marcus - Lopping off the zombies arm you plant a kick at the bobbing head. Just grazing the target you watch the remaining skin tear off and the bloody head plop to the ground. The body standing there baffled for a second crashes to the ground. Melphas moves to the blind zombie jabs his daggers into its neck with a twist the head rolls across the ground.

Eldobik - Tixhin eyes roll around dazed, Metal... hurts. With your support he gets back onto his feet. Staring at the ground he covers one eye with his hand, I didn't think I had six feet.

Nornin - Three of the dragons rip into one of the airships. The other two dragons torment the remaining ships. Lightning bolts arc from a ship striking the green dragon twirling it careens off to the ground.

[ooc] The remaining zombies are eliminated by the guardsmen and Preta. [ooc]
You all take in the gruesome street, nearly two hundred bodies lie scattered around blood pooling in between the stones. Zombie body parts continue to move aimlessly in eerie silence.

All - With a simple thanks the guard captain moves out his unit, they all seem unscathed. Malphas walks by Tixhin nonchalantly dropping a water skin in his lap then stalking up the road. Lysander wobbles to his feet making his way over to the dazed gnome, I... really don't know what happened there. I must have angered the all father in some way, and I will take care of this. The holy symbol around his neck begins to glow followed by his hands placing them on the injured Tixhin, the gnome's eyes brighten instantly.

Bacta - You feel heat coming from your bone dagger as the paladin heals the gnome. His wounds were superficial but now completely healed.

All - You hear another loud crack of thunder then a dreadful roar. Seconds later a red scaled dragon careens into building, hundreds of feet from you toward the cathedral, obliterating the building and collapsing a neighboring one. Scorch marks streak the once bright scales, and the scorched rider is thrown skipping across the stones at you. Both he and the dragon remain motionless, you are quite sure they are both dead. Lysander wide eyed at the scene, All that is holy, what could do this to a venetore. His eyes turn to the direction Malphas is moving. Preta follows her paladin after the dark clothed man.

All - You can now smell the scorched flesh wafting from the former venetore. Also at any close inspection of the dragon, It is covered is burns and broken fragments of building have torn into its belly and through its wings.

Bacta - The dagger looks visually unchanged. roll an insight and a perception check

All - Lysander follows suit with Marcus, I am the paladin Lysander this is my outstanding companion Preta, Preta gives a short bow with her head. As Marcus stated we need your help, and All Father willing, we can stop any more atrocities like this from occurring again.

Eldobik - I am curiously better than before, Tixhin strokes his clean shaven chin as if he had a beard, well this does fall in line with what we would like to do. Though, who knows how far this could take us? I am unsure of how well the logistics of this was planned. He places his hands on his hips you can see his mind race calculating the expenses and financial burden for such a task, we would need an entourage of thirty-seven assistants, one hundred and eighty-six gold pieces, and six wagons with supplies of course. You can see the man in black ahead of you rest his face in his hand and slightly shake his head with a sigh.

All - Another blast of lightning draws your attention to the sky. Far in the distance, and getting further, you spot two airships and three dragons locked in battle. From this range it's difficult to ascertain what is occurring, but you can make out that two of the dragons are focusing on one airship while the third attempts to divert the other.

Nornin steps closer to the dragon and takes a hold of one of its scales with two fingers, carefully giving a slight tug he hopes it just happens to come loose.

Bacta doesn’t seem to take notice of the introductions going on as his attention is now solely on the bone dagger in his hand. He has even stopped moving.

Nornin - You feel the scale wiggle and it remains securely attached.

Eldobik - Tixhin smiles, who knows what they might find that we would have otherwise missed. Soon he is huffing trying to keep up.

Bacta - You feel a driving sensation urging you along with the party. Malphas glances at you right as a shadowy image flashes in your mind. You're unable to retain anything in the image as the sharp pain of a migraine rips through you, from your eyes to the back of your skull. Seconds later the pain diminishes but a resounding throbbing remains.

All - The airship with the dragons engaging it drops below your view. The dragons detach from it turning their attention on the last one. The remaining airship with a resounding explosion on board, catches on fire.

All - Lysander eyes Nornin with a mix of befuddlement and irritation, Elder Favor... Marcus is correct we don't have the time. Do not fret my brothers will retrieve the dragon and paladin, the bodies will be well taken care of. As it stands I have brothers living that need our help. Smiling at Eldobik question and motioning to the flaming ship, the last airship is not going to make it much farther. Though, it saddens me what cost were paid to just stop those two from leaving.
Malphas gently pats the dead dragon as if he was reassuring someone. Turns and continues at a brisk pace. You all are not far from the East city gate.

Eldobik - The drone remains lifeless legs just flopping as you move it.

The last ship is slowly loosing altitude. One could hazard a guess that they are six leagues away.

Left alone with the body of the dragon Nornin throws caution to the wind and wraps the rest of his fingers around the scale. Setting his feet on either side of it an pull with all he's got.

Nornin - The scale refuses to budge.

Marcus - You are sure you see Malphas sniff at the air before responding, No His voice is as dark and deadly as his demeanor.

Eldobik - Tixhin is clearly not fit for fast travel but healthy. Lysander seeing your plight taps Preta on the flank, Be a dear would you? She gracefully slides up to the two of you snatching the protesting Tixhin and setting him on her back. Though not large enough to carry a full grown man gnomes seem just right. Her head darts at you next apparently she lumps you in with your friend. Bacta - From your years of knowledge on humans you can tell that Malphas has not dropped his guard this whole time. Clearly he doesn't trust anyone.

All - The Airship and dragons are now out of sight. You can clearly see the East gate completely devoid of people, including guards. From time to time you were able to see commoners ducking between streets or blocking doors and windows, but now the street is eerily quiet.

Nornin comes walking. with a hand firmly planted on his back huffing and groaning, his face is red as three tomatoes. Bloody wonderful day this is turning out to be. first i get kicked off the boat then some strange girls just run off with my wreaths, dunn why i got them but, they were mine nonetheless. I finaly get a bit of a rest after stuffing away my new hides while im walking down the street, but even that wasent to last, peaople screaming and running around like crazy. then i get a huge knife poking my nose, now my back is killing me. im gonna take a long bath when this is over i can promise you all that. Taking a lower grip on his staff he hunches over and waddles the last few steps. now did we get here to late to catch up to this crazy dragon creatures ?

Eldobik- Preta snatches you in her mouth by your coller and gently places you on her back next to Tixhin. staying on doesn't seem to be a problem. Every motion Preta makes is tailored to keeping her cargo on board.
Tixhin grinning from ear to ear, now this I could get used to.

All- Malphas strides right through the gate. He squats down examining the ground for a moment. When you get to the gateway you can see a pillar of smoke billowing above the trees just a few miles away. The road stretches Eastward, and the pillar of smoke is close to Southeast. Direct travel will lead you through the nearby forest.

BAH, younglings today. Nornin staggers as fast as his aching back allows him. probly gonnna knock my head on every branch, seems to be that kinda day

Eldobik - Given the ride, Tixhin's attention is focused on jotting down everything in his notebook. Lysander watching the smoke, There is a good chance that one of the Venetores cleansed the crash site. Scratching under Preta's chin, one day we will get our breath weapon.

Bacta - The forest is nothing compared to the ones you lived in back in Arbelladon. This makes traversing the the terrain easy for you. Malphas seems to have no trouble keeping up with you.

Marcus - You spot a small stable for housing guard horses between uses, but it is empty.
[ooc] There were 3 horses but are being used by guardsmen.[ooc]

All - Two hours of traversing forest you come upon a area of charred trees. Further in you spot the wreckage of what used to be a ship. Now it appears as a pile of blackened timber, some parts still glow angry red, the stench of burnt flesh assaults your noes. You can see bodies scattered throughout the area.

Anyone who wants to search the area/ship please roll a perception check.

All- You all can clearly tell that the bodies are Elven. There is no sign of the two cloaked figures from before.

Bacta- The equipment carried by the elves is of low quality. You only manage to find A2 sp. You know that these men are not from any great family of the Elven kingdoms.

Eldobik- Preta kneels allowing for easy disembarking. Tixhin huffs pinching his noes, The smell. The bodies you find have low quality items and can only pull A2 sp from them. Your investigation leads you to the conclusion that they are corsairs.

Nornin- You find one of the magi from the ship. Searching the body would yield: A2 gp, A8 sp, and three scrolls.

Marcus- Under a pile of splintered wood you find the ships captain. You find A5 gp and a letter. The captains longsword, clearly of Elven design, is still resting is its sheath. The letter specifies two sets of numbers (27.6648, 81.5158), Midday, Two persons. While searching the body you see a faint light looking up all you see is Malphas hands cupped in front of him. Opening his hands a bird darts straight up and out of view the dark mans gaze lingers to the sky a moment longer. In response to your inquiry he points into the trees. From the path you have been taking he appears to be pointing East.

that one seems to have been a mage Nornin points at the man a few arms away from him. all i can tell you from here. I need my lunch before i wander around in this mess

Marcus - Inspecting the sword, engravings fill the sword and has a silvery sheen. Lysander looks grim, They are Elves, clearly this ruse is to break the church by stealing the relics. I doubt we will find any evidence here. Treacherous elves can never be trusted.

Bacta - You recognize the captain as Marcus is searching him. He actually smuggled you into Arbelladon, for a hefty price.

Eldobik - Tixhin glows as you give him the money. Quickly he retrieves an additional pocketbook jotting it down he opens a pouch and drops it in.

Nornin - Your meat is medium rare. You hear in the sizzling meat, I hope I'm Tasty.

Marcus - Inspecting the sword, engravings fill the sword and has a silvery sheen. Lysander looks grim, They are Elves, clearly this ruse is to break the church by stealing the relics. I doubt we will find any evidence here. Treacherous elves can never be trusted.

Bacta - You recognize the captain as Marcus is searching him. He actually smuggled you into Arbelladon, for a hefty price.

Eldobik - Tixhin glows as you give him the money. Quickly he retrieves an additional pocketbook jotting it down he opens a pouch and drops it in.

Nornin - Your meat is medium rare. You hear in the sizzling meat, I hope I'm Tasty.

lets hope you are. i pull the meat out of the fire and put it down on the dry bread then take a solid bite. joo waa iigh i stand up then walk over to the magi.

Nornin - As you inspect the magi's pointed ears one of the flies lands on his forehead. Sanding on its back legs it raises the other four to the sky, all hail the Queen! Undeath for all who oppose her! finished with its squeaky declaration it returns to scuttling around the dead elves head.

Eldobik - Lysander gives you a warm smile, we both appreciate your words. Preta gives you a playful nudge. Lysander seems to ponder the second part of your inquiry. Well, she ate a week ago. I guess you would make a great snack, he gives you a wink, not to worry, she only eats once a month and she prefers live kills. We should get going, we still have some distance to go. Preta extends her head to you, mouth agape, seeking to snatch her cargo back on board.

Bacta - Malphas heads into the woods once more his movement still silent as ever. Traveling with him you begin to observe tension building in his movements the farther you go.
Make a perception check 2D20

Marcus - Lysander holds you back a bit from the group. Leaning over he whispers, I fear we may be too late. Preta can no longer sense the Venetores dragons. This means either they are too far away, unlikely, or they have given their lives to the All Father. As we have yet to see one return I am inclined to believe the latter.

THE QUEEN?!?! Nornin takes a step backwards.
why would the queen of the elves send ships to attack Thessalon? Why is a fly giving the warning and not something big and power full
BAH, never mind that. Wonder if they had any jam on this ship.
Taking a step forward again Nornin keep an eye on this suspicious fly as he starts walkin further into the wreckage.
don't go anywhere guys, i'm just going to look for the jam. Gonna be right back

Nornin - You cant seem to locate a trail through the wreckage that hasn't already been searched.

Marcus - Malphas shrugs shaking his head his expression unchanging from its grim setting. Lysander raising a finger chimes in, If I remember correctly there is a small fishing village on the coast this way. They might be using that as a staging point to leave the continent? He finishes sounding more unsure of his idea than when he started.

Eldobik - Preta gently places you back into position. Some time into travel Tixhin, still nosing around notepads and scrolls, squeaks ecstatically, Eureka! Preta quickly adjusts, jostling you, to keep the excited gnome from meeting the ground. Oblivious of the peril he just avoided, quickly flipping through some more notes eyes wide in anticipation. His broad smile threatens to split his head in two, It's not moving. It... It doesn't move, or better it doesn't have to move. Pointing at your pocket he continues, It actually can bend space and time. It just stops existing in one spot and starts existing in another. Maybe it uses an alternate dimension? How does it pinpoint where it will arrive at? can you reappear inside another object? His endless questions rattle on, many of them ridiculous theories that don't even make sense.

Bacta - After an additional hour of travel, you notice that not only does Malphas not make any sound as he moves, but he leaves no tracks. Living in the forest for so long you are used to people from cities smelling off. He has no discernible sent even when you are directly behind him, or downwind. You feel to learn more would require a close, rather invasive, inspection.

By my beard. This day should be in the history books.
Nornin stomps out of the wreckage.
only missing the queen showing up now

Bacta - His eyes, looking pained, stare off you feel as if they are not observing the forest around you as he responds, A broken shell, alone, without hissra. The final word nags at your mind familiar, but somehow estranged.

Eldobik - Tixhin's face contorts in thought, I would surmise that there is a limit in distance. I am unsure if this is a power limit or a limit on the ability itself. Sadly more testing is needed. Though based on, he fumbles through a bunch of dwarven diagrams and notes, these here and over here. They say change time change space if the symbols were activated correctly. Biased on this I would assume that lack of power was the problem, and supporting that I believe it attempted to teleport again just before it died. Tixhin's eyes widen in shock as Marcus chimes in.

Marcus - The gnomes features turn businesslike, his tone sounding as if he was reciting doctrine, I'm sorry to have to inform you that this is proprietary information that cannot be disclosed at this time.

Nornin - you feel three pulses of magic a pause two more pause and three again.

All - Nearing five in the afternoon, you can all smell the burnt wood wafting your direction. You must be close to the next fallen vessel. everyone perception checks

IT'S THE QUEEN!!!!!!
Nornin balls up on the ground covering his head with his hands.

Nornin hears the tale of this strange contraption.well now, finaly something i might be able to assist you fine gentlefolk with
Walking with confidence in his step he soon stumbles over his own feet. i'm fine. I'm fine
Half crawling the rest of the way, Nornin gets to his feet just steps away from Eldobik. now would there be any chance i could have a glance at this "drone"?

All - You all can make out the next wreckage, more intact then the previous, scarring on the hull shows just how fierce the fighting was. The damage to the forest is minimal with only a few trees still smoldering clearly there was no purge of this crash sight.

Bacta - While everyone is focused on the airship you notice just deeper into the trees a downed green dragon. Not far from the ship leaning against a tree is one of the venetores, though he remains motionless the plate armor making it difficult to discern his condition. You feel the familiar warmth at your side as your dagger gives off a faint glow.

Tixhin - scratching at his chin, It would be good to try and learn more about it. With a shrug he waves is approval.

Marcus - Lysander eyes locked on the wreckage with concern, If they didn't cleans the area they must have been hard pressed. I fear that elves may have escaped.

Nornin - Under your foot you feel something abnormal. Looking down you notice your big toe resting on a bright green dragon scale.

Bacta already aware of the paladin, you see he begins to shake violently.
Everyone else you hear a ruckus, away from the airship, of metal clanking rapidly.

All - Your attention is drawn to the writhing figure of a venetore on the ground. Ripping plants out of the earth you hear him gasping. His hands tear off his visored helm his face deathly pale eyes bloodshot glow teal in color. Head pushing against the ground he is clasping his neck, back arched, and mouth agape. A woman's lush voice fills the area, Turn back, only death lies ahead. Malphas is at the man in an instant hand covering his eyes. Head bowed, eyes closed, he begins muttering under his breath. Her laugh rings like bells, fool, you cannot hope to stop fath... her voice begins to strain trying to maintain control. Soon the air is saturated with a dark and heavy aura Malphas's eyes snap open with a snarled, Release repeating the command several times again, sweat beading on his brow. With one more strained Release the air breaks with a resounding crack like shattering glass. You hear a howling screech from the woman then silence. Malphas slumps against the nearby tree labored breathing eyes still locked on the deceased venetore his voice sounding hoarse, We.. need to hurry.

Bacta - Searching you find a satchel, inside there is a pouch with 11 black gems, an odd assortment of what appears to be material components, and a folded note with a symbol on it.
you are not familiar with this symbol, but you are sure it is not from any of the elven families.
Symbol on sealed note:


Nornin - you know that the spell Programmed illusion could be used like this, but Malphas did touch the venetore making this less likely as it would have been discovered. Dominate person is also a possible candidate though you have never heard of anything to this degree. Nothing that matches what you saw exactly, but these two are the closest you can guess.

Marcus -Lysander, visibly pale from the spectacle, nods in agreement. You are incapable of getting into the captains chambers as one of the masts blocks your way. Below deck you do find a wooden tube with several detailed maps inside, they will take some time to examine.

Eldobik - You find a gouge in the side of the ship just large enough for you to squeeze through. On the other side you find yourself inside the captains cabin. Many of the contents have been thrown about making it difficult to sort through. A large reinforced wood chest draws your attention. Luck seems to be with you as the crash has broken the lock open, inside you find: a leather bound book(appears to be some kind of coded ledger and log), a pouch of assorted gemstones, and a large drawstring pouch with a 6" sphere stone that is a swirl of black/red/blue.Roll a D20+1

Bacta - You can see a faint light in the depths of each gem, but are unable to discern any special properties from them. Inspection of the note reveals that it is made from an expensive elven paper. The note reads in elven: Brothers and sisters, his return is near. The temple has awakened and the serpent altar awaits. Join us for the rebirth of the Skaamor, you will be greatly rewarded.

Eldobik - You slide the sphere back in the bag and store it with your other gear.

Marcus - Lysander shakes his head showing his empty hands.

Nornin - You have seen similar diagrams, not exactly like this one, in magic books symbolizing hydras.

Bacta - You have never heard of this group before.

Eldobik - Several groups use snakes or serpents as symbols, but none use the particular one on the note. You do know that there are many pre-cataclysm temples in Zigan that have been long forgotten in the great desert.

Marcus - looking the note over the message doesn't strike a cord, but the image does. You distinctly remember a heretical cult that you and Lysander helped purge several months ago.
~Even as they were cut down the heretics cried out that you are all brothers under the same lord. The leader smiled, clutching the same symbol you see now, right before you ran him through, All will understand his truth soon. The paladins all passed off his words as many heretics spewed blasphemy before they died.~
This cult was not large, only 30 followers, and they did not have a temple or even a place of warship. From the information that you were given on them stated that they were a brand new cult, but this note makes it seem that they are older and far spread.

All - Malphas now standing has regained his usual brooding demeanor, We wont make it to the last ship before nightfall.

Preta is only large enough to carry the two gnomes or Nornin. She is incapable of carrying both Tixhin and Nornin while maintaining her speed.

Eldobik - Lysander takes a comforting tone, Little one never underestimate your worth. The All Father guides each to their destined paths.

Marcus - Lysander stares at the symbol, could be, I know they aren't on the orders hunted list. That means they are either wiped out or we don't know they exists.
Malphas waves a hand at your packs, We could probably make it by nightfall without those, or that armor. He finishes gesturing at Lysander in his full plate.
Malphas/Bacta/Marcus you three are capable of reaching the ship by nightfall. Only Marcus would have to drop his pack as this is Bacta's Preferred terrain.

Marcus & Bacta - Malphas, at the ready, waits impatiently, We can't afford any distractions if we wish to make it there by nightfall. Lysander obviously distressed at parting with his duty to Marcus, do be careful and my the All Father watch over you. Malphas begins to head off without looking back.

Nornin & Eldobik - There is a clearing within view that would serve as a good campsite, or you can press on to find another suitable location.

Nornin casts unseen servant
my back will not like this. A big soft pillow would be nice
The servant rolls out his bedroll after Nornin hands it to him and points to a spot in the middle of the clearing.
lets hope they make holes in the sky tonight

Marcus & Bacta - You are able to move at a breakneck pace. The forest around you is unnervingly quiet, but at your current pace you feel you might arrive earlier than expected.

Bacta - You notice that the trees are filled with unusually silent birds watching the party as you travel. Their feathers are blotched with visible bald spots. You recognize several species of bird and are aware that they are supposed to be very talkative and social even near humans.

Eldobik & Nornin - Lysander nods to Ink taking first watch, I can take second going to help Tixhin from Preta he turns just in time to see Nornin's bedroll float through the air and roll itself out, By the All Father what heresy is this? Old man, do you consort with demons? The paladin gives you a dark look twitchy hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Tired from all the huffeling Nornin looks at Lysander with his hand on his sword.
Demons? No, cant say i have seen to many of those, why? You see one somewhere?
Nornin turns to look for demons behind him putting his above his eyes to block out the blinding moonlight.

Marcus & Bacta - As you stalk through the trees Marcus makes more noise trying to be quiet than before. After several minutes a slew of broken trees leads you to a bloody flesh mound, nearby a venetore lies dead.perception checks


Eldobik & Nornin - Lysander refusing to take his eyes of Nornin, The only ones who can use magic are those faithful and those who consort with demons. Tixhin still fussing over his pack without looking up, could be an arcanist or magi of a sort. glancing at Nornin, It'd be great to learn how one uses internal magic to alter reality.

Marcus & Bacta - You both know that this is the remains of the dragon. Whats odd is the bones are missing, and it appears that the body was blown open from the inside out. Malphas glaring at the mess, we're close.

Well, do i look like i have the strenght to mess around with demons? My back hurts just getting out of bed in the morning sunny, no im afraid there havent been demons in my life for years now. Nornin is rather unphased by lysanders scepticism and starts tucking himself into his bedroll. now you you gonna attack a defenceless man for getting some help with his bedroll, i wonder what your god would think of you.

Nornin & Eldobik - Lysander shaking his head, No I wont enough blood has been shed today. We can start the fire and get some food going. Mark my words though, magic outside of the All Father's influence is asking for trouble. Demons wont restrain themselves even if your back hurts, they devour all the same. He sets up his bedding opposite of Nornin. Preta's eyes remain locked observing the old man.

Marcus & Bacta - *Twenty minutes later* Malphas stalks through the trees. Dusk light plays with shadows, you feel they are stretching out toward you. The forest remains abnormally silent as you break into a clearing. One hundred meters away you spot the last airship lying crooked but mostly intact.

Bacta - When you spot the ship you can tell that Malphas is tense. He is constantly looking at your surroundings and sniffing at the air. His steps seem to drag, almost as if he never wants to reach the ship.

Nornin quietly sings.
It’s raining, it’s pouring. The old man is snoring. He went to bed and he bumped his head. And couldn’t get up in the morning.
Seconds later a soft snore can be heard from his bedroll

Eldobik - The forest is as quiet as the moment you entered it save for Nornin's snores.

Marcus & Bacta - As you approach the downed ship you can spot several bodies scattered in the clearing. Bacta you can see that the area has been disturbed by a large number you'll need to get closer to learn more
The last light filters through the trees, night is rapidly descending on you. Out in the open of the feild Malphas freezes mid step, under his breath, you barely make out the word, shit.
A wave of energy cracks through the forest racking trees, leaves rustling in its wake. A moments pause and nothing... then, to your horror, you see one of the bodies just meters from you sit up, then another, and another.
initiative rolls

Marcus & Bacta - Malphas crosses his hands extended, one over the other, in front of him. Rings on each hand begin to glow with a dark light. As he separates his hands two longswords materialize from the light, and moves ten feet ready to receive the zombies.

Eldobik & Nornin - While passing off Lysander dresses in chain mail. Preta stretches claws forward giving a large yawn. The pair do a quick walk around of the grounds before settling it for their watch.

Bacta - Your bolt strikes the zombie in the left eye yellow puss oozes from the wound. The zombie stands there motionless

Bacta & Marcus - The zombies, quicker then the ones you saw in the city, lurch toward you. These zombies appear to all be elves most likely the crew from the ship. Malphas engages several of the creatures from the direction of the ship lopping off an arm of the first to arrive. Then you hear creaking of wood from the airship from below deck spews a hoard of skeletons.

Applying Bacta's attack to Z9 as Marcus moves first. If Z7 is preferred over 9 please let me know.

Marcus - In a single stroke you dismember the zombie right arm and leg. No blood comes from these wounds just a gelatinous yellow ooze as he falls to the ground.

Bacta - The zombie is struck square between the eyes, teeters for a moment, then collapses.

Marcus and Bacta - Malphas in a single spinning flourish decapitates several zombies. Turning to you both he points, go I'll... pausing he looks back toward the ship, but his gaze is up to the sky. Looking back at you with an expression of dread he musters one word, Run!
Perception checks

Marcus - The dark conditions prevent you from seeing too far. You do notice that the armed skeletons are moving faster than any normal man could, and are on Malphas in moments.

Bacta - First, you spot some movement, Flapping over the trees, only catching glimpses of it. Then you realize where the bones from that dragon went; They are flying over the trees, a shadowy specter of the dragon still clinging to the remains.

Bacta - Your bolt misses your intended target, but shatters through a few ribs on a nearby skeleton.

Bacta & Marcus - A darkness radiates out from Malphas, same as the time with the possessed venetore, In a flurry of movements he downs four skeletons, dropping his swords he turns to you both, Damn mensch, I don't have time for this. both hands, enshrouded with black flames, work fast drawing strange symbols. They shimmer in front of you scorching the space around them as if he tore a hole in the air itself. He points back the way you came, Run

Make wisdom saves, Bacta roll 2d20

Marcus & Bacta - Your feet fly through the grass and in moments are back at the treeline. A low rumble quickly becomes an intense roaring hum behind you. The entire field and forest are unimaginably bright. Back in the field you see the area is consumed in a sphere of light that nearly blinds you. The light fades leaving Malphas in the center, streams of steam emanating off of his body. You can see the undead dragon clawing its way back onto its feet, you don't see the other undead just piles of ash. Last glimpse, before the trees obscure your vision, is Malphas with swords in hand charging at the now poised dragon. Your feet continue to move of their own accord drawing you farther and farther away at an impressive speed.

Marcus & Bacta - Your feet carry you, trees whipping buy at an incredible speed. Eventually, with a wave of exhaustion, the spell gives out and you slow to a stop. Your body aches and feet drag when you move them. Bacta you recognize this area, you are only a few minutes away from where you started. Unfortunately, you both are exhausted and it will take longer to find the camp.

Your movement speed is half till you take an eight hour rest.

Marcus & Bacta - After a painfully slow trudge through the forest you hear something rapidly approaching you. A hushed voice breaks the silence, Preta, where you runnin off too? You can now see the dragon trotting toward you. Soon, she is with you nuzzling Marcus in her usual greeting. Lysander, not far behind her, spots you with a puzzled look. I thought we were meeting you guys there? Taking a moment he then realizes something, wait, where is Malphas?

Marcus - Lysander looks saddened by the news of a dragon, and then terrified of news about Malphas, we can't let him run free; he is still wanted by the church. Sleep well in the morning we can go back, this time together. He glances around worried then takes up his watch again.

All - Morning arrives, you awaken warm sunlight on your face, birds chirping in the trees nearby welcoming the new dawn. Preta slips into camp with a freshly killed hare in her clutches.

time for a stretch. 1 and 2, 1 and 2, 1 and 2. Aaaand back. Nornin bends backwards and his back cracks up like a roll off packing peanuts. So what do you young whippersnappers plan today?

young people today always in a hurry. Nornin stops his morning stretching and casts the same spell as he did last night. With the invisible man packing up his stuff, Nornin runs his fingers trought his hair and beard. should have brought a brush, gonna ha e to fix that soon.

yes, his soul might yet be saved. No time to waste Nornin swing his pack over his shoulder and seems to be jogging on the spot.

All - Lysander looks hesitant, I agree with breakfast, but could we eat as we move? Preta, grinding her the hare's skull between her teeth, waiting for the order to move out.

Bacta - Its relieving to hear the sounds of the forest again.

Nornin joggs behind everyone doing his best to keep up.

All - Lysander, still munching on hardtack, looks to Marcus, I'm fine with it as long as you both are careful, but who knows what you might encounter on your way.

Bacta - As you quietly move through the forest you are lost in the music of the birds happily fluttering around the trees above you.