Doom and Gloom
(Official report as presented to the authorities)
My companions:
- Greentop Minor - goblin ranger of Meilikki
- Gabriel Denning - human cleric of Tyr
- Keran Windsorn - elven rogue
- Race - human various
- Ethiel - human rogue/sailor
- Damien Sureshot - elven archer
- Tanya Adelsa - fighter
Greentop Minor, Gabriel Denning, Keran Windsorn, Tanya Adelsa, Damien Sureshot, Ethiel, Race and myself, Natasha Riverdale, were tasked to investigate the unfortunate happenings around the city of late. We were sent to the north west of the city, towards Burrowbluff. As we were setting out of the city we were offered food by Simple Simon. We accepted his generous offer, however we soon wished we hadn't. Although the meat in his pies had been fully cooked, it was strangely alive, writhing and twisting in our gullets as we swallowed.
This incident came back to mind when we were travelling along the High Trail a while later, when we came upon three dire wolves seemingly whimpering and confused over the half-eaten carcass of a deer. Thanks to the scouting ability of Keran, Race and Greentop we had plenty of notice before the wolves turned their attention from the carcass to us. They were dispatched with due expediency. Race then noticed a strange movement in the carcass of the deer - a twitching movement - surely not natural...the carcass was examined by those with skill in the arcane arts, and was found to have a faint aura of necromancy- almost as if the carcass was being brought back to life, or being animated by some evil force...
We travelled on for the rest of the day, and nearing dust met with some elves from the Brynwood forest. They were friendly yet understandably caution. They invited us to join their camp for the night, which we did, and they told us about a trail off the main road further north, which they had reason for believe undead were travelling. We spent a quiet night, our rest only partially disturbed be an unusual number of flies and bugs. The elves were also unaware of the skulls on heads that have been rumoured to ring parts of the forest.
The
next day we took our leave of the elves and travelled on. Investigating
a strange scratching noise issuing from an area of scrub, we found something
like a skeletal hand, disembodied, venturing out from cover and then disappearing
again. Greentop set the scrub alight – a wise precaution given the
warnings of the elves about the possibility of undead in the area. When
the flames died down we discovered the rest of the body, and it had on
its person a doom marker.
Throughout the day the clouds had been gathering, low, grey and ominous above the mountains, such that our heads began to ache and throb, Yet we travelled on, and found the trail the elves had told us about, and evidence of humanoid and other footprints going to and from the mountain. We camped a little distance on, with Race taking care to set tripwires should we be disturbed in the night. A wise, thought, as was shown later...
Partway through first watch, a group of red pinpricks was observed some way off in the direction we had come. Gabriel ensured that our scouts would not be observed by any undead, and they went to investigate. They found four skulls on posts, that when they came near began chittering and screaming. This warding unfortunately alerted the enemy to our presence - 6 giant skeletal figures, towering over the landscape, came lumbering towards our camp. Evil was given short shrift - the first hapless creature tripped over and fell to the ground. Then Gabriel, our valiant priest of Tyr, held his holy symbol up to rebuke them and they were all instantly destroyed!
The next day we retraced our steps, and followed the river's tributary up the mountain. Again, the skills of advance scouts served us well, as they located and identified 5 human sized skeletons and a priest of Cyric moving downstream. Once again, Gabriel sent the undead to their rest with dispatch, whilst the combined archery skills of the party in general made short work of the evil priest. On investigation he was found to have a staff that we believed capable of producing the warding skulls. He also carried a doom marker.
Whilst
we were preparing a litter to take back the body of the Cyric priest to
Sarbreenar for interrogation, Race carried on up the mountain, and saw
Nemeni's plans for our fair city's doom. In a valley below, 4 large marquees
and a staging ground for many humans and undead of all sizes. Also Nemeni
himself was seen, in converse with a group of about 12 Cyric priests,
pondering over what appeared to be a map, presumably of our city.
Prudence won the day over reckless valour, and we retired to warn the city as soon as possible. However, partway down the mountain - more undead- 3 horribly mummified lions. Valient work from our fighters, and of course the holy offices of Gabriel, dispatched the fiends back to their abyss.
As much as we wished to speed back to the city, yet we had to rest for part of the night. On third watch, a shambling humanoid figure was seen approaching the camp, intent on our doom. Arrows could not slay it, nor mundane weapons harm it! This creature appeared to be made of many thousands of insects, swarming and reforming after our blows. But, thank the gods, we had some magics amongst us, in weaponry and blessings, and we were victorious in the fight. As the creature dispersed and fell, dawn broke over the mountains. We travelled back to the city with all haste, and have handed over the dead Cyric priest to the authorities.
Some mention has been made of Gabriel's efforts in dealing with the undead - they were indeed impressive. I would also highlight the efforts of Tanya, Damien and Ethiel, being as they are newcomers to the city and relatively unbloodied in its service. But all contributed equally to this mission.
The small sum of money found on the Cyric priest has been given to the orphanage.
This ends our report.
1373DR (MBH 2001)
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