Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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badams30
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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connivingsumo wrote:
Mon May 01, 2023 2:52 pm
Zapolas
Image

Zapolas is frozen with fear; without moving his head, his eyes look to and fro for a large tree or rock to get behind should this beast charge. He has heard that Moose are very territorial.
There are several large trees within 5-10 feet that you could quickly get behind. Thankfully the moose seems intent on being on his way.
( I don't think Albrecht would want to fight the moose, and since the party seems okay with letting it pass, we'll wait to see if Steve has any different actions, but otherwise I'll post again later today.)

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connivingsumo
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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badams30 wrote:
Mon May 01, 2023 3:12 pm
connivingsumo wrote:
Mon May 01, 2023 2:52 pm
Zapolas
Image

Zapolas is frozen with fear; without moving his head, his eyes look to and fro for a large tree or rock to get behind should this beast charge. He has heard that Moose are very territorial.
There are several large trees within 5-10 feet that you could quickly get behind. Thankfully the moose seems intent on being on his way.
( I don't think Albrecht would want to fight the moose, and since the party seems okay with letting it pass, we'll wait to see if Steve has any different actions, but otherwise I'll post again later today.)
Yeah, Zapolas would only dart for a tree/rock if the Moose charged the camp. :thumbup:

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badams30
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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Giving everyone a healthy dose of moose-side eye, Mr Moose goes on his way, heading south along the wildlife trail. With that out of the way, everyone is up, has a quick breakfast and freshening up, campfire is doused, and gear is stowed and everyone moves down the trail, carefully watching their steps to avoid tripping on the ever present tree roots.

As you continue through the thick vegetation, it's clear (to the best of your observations and knowledge) that this path hasn't seen passage in a long time by anything other than animals. Occasionally you do find very faint remnants of ruts that you'd presume are made by something the size of a donkey cart or small wagon, but they're very faint and obviously old. Proceeding generally northwest for about another hour, the terrain is no less tree covered, but you can tell it's slowly rising in elevation, and the hills, while low and rolling, are more noticeable.

You round a low tree covered hill, and the path suddenly opens up somewhat, and while still unused, you can make it out now. Between two low side by side hills, you see a pile of carved stones - some across the path, and some on each side. As you approach you can see remnants of what looks like a decorative low stone wall that tapers off into the hillsides. It's covered in moss and growth, and isn't noticeable unless you are right on top of it. Examining the stone pile across the path, you guess that it was probably a stone arch at one time, finally toppling some time ago. It's covered by moss except where animals have scraped some off as they passed over it.

The path leads over a slight rise, and you can just barely see some rough, jagged stone visible over the crest of the hill. Theo smiles and says "I think this is the place." No sooner does he say this, when Kane notices some movement to the right, just off the trail. Pausing for a moment, expecting another animal, the group is surprised to see a mildew covered skeleton, or rather the upper torso of a skeleton, it seems partially pinned under a tree that looks like it could have fallen a year or two ago. The legs and part of the ribs are crushed, and the arms are missing hands, and the sad looking thing is feebly, slowly flailing about, it's hollow eye sockets staring in your direction. You don't see any other movement, you about about 25 feet from the skeleton, it's partially obscured by brush and ferns that have grown up around and through it.

Actions?

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kipper
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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Kane observes the skeleton coolly. "Some task was unfinished, leaving it in this state," he comments to his allies before directing his attention to the skeleton: "Oh skeleton, what task would you have us complete?", he calls out and then waits, but expects the chances for a response (even mimed) is low.

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tumblingdice
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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You see that? Neither Albrecht nor tumblingdice did anything, and the moose wandered away. Just like you said it would!

In all seriousness, though, sorry for the delay.

Albrecht narrows his eyes at the sight of the skeleton. He stays where he is, waiting to see if it answer's Kane's question. Even so, he begins to pull his holy symbol, ever so slowly, out from beneath his cloak.

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connivingsumo
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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Zapolas
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Zapolas, curious and studious, searches around the skeleton - but staying keenly out of reach - for anything remarkable, different, out of the ordinary, etc.

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badams30
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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The weatherbeaten set of bones has seen better days (obviously) and it seems to be only concerned with freeing itself from it's situation. Oddly, it doesn't seem interested in causing you harm or getting at you.

Examining the area doesn't reveal if the tree fell on a skeleton or a person who turned into a skeleton, and your search turns up some fragments of clothing, a cracked leather belt and the remnants of some soft boots, lastly, a rusty double bladed axe is visible protruding from beneath the tree. Theo removes his helm in respect and says quietly "maybe a woodsman? He's awful far from anywhere that cutting is going on though. Strange." As you search close to the skeleton it slows its flailing, just turning its head to watch what you are doing

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connivingsumo
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

Post by connivingsumo »

badams30 wrote:
Thu May 04, 2023 3:26 pm
As you search close to the skeleton it slows its flailing, just turning its head to watch what you are doing
Zapolas stops and looks back at the skeleton. "Strange." He waves at the skeleton, "Hello." he says to the struggling corpse, unsure what to do next.

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tumblingdice
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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Albrecht approaches the skeletal remains, then crouches down on one knee. Holding up a hand, he says, In the name of our creator above, be at peace.

This isn't really a spell or turning effect, just a prayer and a blessing. I hope it doesn't keep the skeleton from talking if he was supposed to throw down some exposition or background info.

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badams30
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Re: Chapter 1: We're off to see the wizard

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tumblingdice wrote:
Thu May 04, 2023 4:33 pm
Albrecht approaches the skeletal remains, then crouches down on one knee. Holding up a hand, he says, In the name of our creator above, be at peace.

This isn't really a spell or turning effect, just a prayer and a blessing. I hope it doesn't keep the skeleton from talking if he was supposed to throw down some exposition or background info.
The skeleton stops moving altogether as Albrecht approaches, but it fixes it's eyeless gaze on him. As he stares at the skeleton, he is surprised to hear a faint, almost imperceptible voice in his head whispering "free..... me..... please...... release meeeee...." Albrecht is the only one present who can hear the voice, however.

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