PrP: Dead Rising: Return

Log Info

• Title: Dead Rising: Return
• Emitter: Benthus
• Characters: Autumn (lvl5), Lyrana (lvl4), Lilyth (lvl2), Zledvog (lvl3), Kidda (lvl2)
• Place: Alexandria - Haunted district
• Time: Oct 23, 2011
• Summary: A child went missing after a game of hide and seek near a restricted and abandoned district within the city said to be haunted by the undead.
• APL: 4
• Encounter 1: 5 Ghasts, CR 6
• Encounter 2: 5 Huecuva, CR 6

(Kidda's point of view)

It was mid afternoon when you heard of the news while you were in a pub drinking. You heard that the child, Bethany, a young girl just shy of her 6th birthday, went missing after she and her friends were playing out near an abandoned area of the city. Word has it that the parents of the child sought help from everyone they know of, but none would help them, and those who could are held back by others close to them. The reason is that the child may have entered the restricted area, a place that is said to be haunted by the undead. Going to that place is suicide. Few ever ventured inside. Fewer still manage to come out alive. And fewer still come out sane. And worse, dusk is coming.

You leave the pub and as you walk the street, you discover the parents of the child begging for anyone who would listen to them to save their daughter. They see you and rush towards you, falling on their hands and knees. They beg for your aid to save their daughter. If there is anyone who would be able to bring their daughter back alive, it would be you.

But you know that you would not be able to do this task alone. People's faith in your skill and reputation can not save you when the cold touch of death is sneaking up behind you. You need allies to make it through this fearsome undertaking.

(end of cut-scene)

Kidda's expression as the couple beg for aid goes to sympathetic, then concerned. Finally, she holds up a hand, "peace," she tells them in a gentle contralto. "Of course I will help. Of course," and she turns the hand to offer it to help them to their feet. "I must seek others to accompany me, but I will be swift..." she glances at the sky, breathes a quick prayer to Serriel for guidance. "Wait here... I will return, as swiftly as I may..."

On seeing the child's parents safely ensconced in the pub she just left, Kidda shoulders her lance, checks her longsword at her hip, and sets off down the street at a pretty good clip, for a woman - half-elven - who barely tops five feet in height. Her expression is determined, and she mutters to herself, "now where was that guildhall?" as she looks around. Shortly, she recalls where it was, and straightens, moving faster until she reaches the door, which she pulls open and steps through, looking about for whoever might be present in the guildhall. "Oi, anyone?" she calls out as she steps inside.

Lyrana is in the adventurer's guild at the moment, checking the board where jobs can often be found. She turns at the voice that calls and the war golem focuses on Kidda for a moment, "Hello, how might one be of service?" asks the golem, her tabard quite plainly bears the symbol of Daeus on the front.

The guild hall is a big warehouse with a lot of military stuff inside, as well as many bolted crates and other stuff that adventurer's would use in their adventure. There is a waiting room where some of the adventurers gather to either look at the bulletin board for jobs or just lounging around...

Lilyth is just about to head into the guild building to check on some jobs herself, having returned from Rune recently and needing a bit of work. She is right behind Kidda and looks at her. "Yes? What is it? Is something wrong?" she spots the woman's expression.

Zlegvog was in the guildhall himself, as well. He hung out there from time to time, picking up the occasional oddjob. He looks up as Kidda comes in, the giantborn shifting his weight a bit in the massive oak chair he was seated upon. As he shifts, the chair creaks painfully, almost as if it were struggling to maintain his nearly 1000 pound weight. He remains quiet as Lyrana addresses Kidda, and just listens for the moment.

Kidda looks the war golem up and down, eyes slightly wide, but nods as she sees the symbol of Daeus the Father emblazoned on her chest. "I've just come from the Rose and Unicorn pub," she explains, "where a young couple were seeking aid in the search for their daughter. She went off to play this morn, and may have wandered somewhere she should not have gone," the half-elf bites her lower lip. "I would go after the child - she is not yet six years old - but I dare not go alone," she explains. "Not to the restricted area... I must go, and I pray I am not too late, but - I need help," she finishes, both hands held out in entreaty. "I came here seeking adventurers of a like mind to come with me where the dead walk, in hopes of bringing the child to safety and her parents' arms."

Lilyth listens to Kidda and the problems that she has come across. "I don't really know that part of the city, but I will come with you. Hopefully we can get a few others that have their gear as well, and that should be easy here..." She looks around to see who else is around that might be free to help.

Zlegvog stands up slowly. "Well then - a child has gone and tread somewhere's dangerous, and the city guard hasn't made an effort to go find her and get her home safely? Huh." The gigantic Giantborn plods forward, towards the others. "I will do what them guards are not capable of then. I will go with you and make sure the child comes home safe and sound."

Lyrana cocks her head to the side, "The restricted area?" she asks a bit curiously. She doesn't recognize the sound, "But a child is in need and the walking dead do not cause me fear." she says and bows.

"Thank you - all of you," Kidda offers a grim smile. "I have been here but three days myself," she confesses, "and so pray Serriel's light will guide us where we must go, and bring us out again in safety - with the child - before the sun sets and the danger grows tenfold. The walking dead are no jest, I fear... they may grow stronger with the dark," she looks up at her companions, meeting each of their eyes in turn, "we have a few hours, I think, at best, before the sun sets... we should be off..."

"I am Kidda," she adds, pronouncing the name /Kee/-da, and adding a half-grin. "The guards and everyone else call the area suicide to enter... if we're going to die, I prefer to know who I'm dying with by name... though I do not mean to die this day."

One of the adventurer's look at Zlegvog and blinks, "Have you heard of the place? Many months ago, during the time when the Azure queen was terrorizing the city, an explosion occured in a district said to have the largest cemetery here. Soon after the explosion, undead creatures like zombies, skeletons and ghouls were attacking all the residents in that area. The place was barricaded with runes and spell barriers to keep the restless dead from going out the quarantined zone. Sadly, not all of the people were able to go out. No one was alone to go in, as patrols after patrols sent in never come out. Or only a few do, but they have become so traumatized by what they have seen inside that they have not been normal ever since. I would not go to that place even if someone were to give me a lot of money to last me a life time."

Lyrana nods her head, "Daeus has granted me strengthened ability when fighting the dead that walk." she says and then turns and to the others, "The child must be saved, I Lyrana, servant of Daeus shall go." she dips her head and then the golem steps closer.

Kidda bares her teeth at the adventurer who addressed Zlegvog, "and a child is in there, afraid and alone," she snaps out, her voice showing some of the heat that a redhead can display, "If you haven't the balls to help, then stay here and cower in safety, and pray that we have no need of your skills, whatever they may be," she nods to Lyrana, "/your/ skills will be most useful, to be certain," she agrees.

The adventurer just shrugs, "Can I have your stored gears if you don't come back? No? Suit yourself." The man goes off to some other part of the guild hall...

Time is at the essence. You and your companions race through the streets until you reach the city limits of where the haunted district is located. There appears to be an invisible wall that has been erected between normal side of the city and the deathly-quiet area ahead. You and your group spot many magical wards being set up on the ground and the walls surrounding the district, most likely to keep the undead menace within it until a solution could be made to eliminate this threat. The place is mostly patrolled by clerics of Vardama who make sure that the wards and runes set around the perimeter of the district are kept intact.

Lyrana nods as they get there and she looks out over the district and shakes her head, "It should have been taken care of long before this." she mutters and then she nods and looks at the others, "Shall we?"

Zlegvog looks quietly around at the gathered priests as they do their duties. He then looks to his fellow group mates. "Aye. It's time. I hope the child is okay. If not someone will answer for any harm that's fell upon her." He quietly steps forward, head ducked down as he barrels forward, apparenty undisturbed by the fact that there is likely a swarm of undead waiting for them.

The deserted area ahead looks cold and gloomy. A lone, stray wind circles around the empty streets of the area ahead, carrying with it rustling leaves. The sun is shifting closer to the horizon. Everything is quiet.

Kidda nods agreement, "We stay together. Nobody wanders off alone," she tells her companions. "Eyes and ears open, and weapons out." Looking like a weapons factory herself, she unslings her lance from over her shoulder, its weighted haft as long as she is tall, and breathes, "Serriel guide my hand," as she steps forward through the wall that keeps the undead in. (OOC: Detect Evil is up and running)

You paged Kidda with 'You are stunned for one roung by the lingering evil that is all around the place, in almost all the buildings. It is like a malevolent blight has crept all throughout the district and is only kept in check by the wards that the Vardamians have erected... (There is lingering evil here that is more than twice your level)'

Zlegvog grins, dipping his hands beneath his tunic and pulling them back out. His fingers were tucked neatly into a pair of brass knuckles, large and monstrous looking. They certainly didn't appear to be made out of brass, but solid steel that would catch a bit of sunlight and reflect it off its surface. His hands clench into hamhocked fists. "Oy. It's too quiet here. Mean's somethin' is amiss." He pauses, his deep voice bellowing. "Come out, come out, wherever ya are...."

"Holy star of Serriel," Kidda breathes, her voice trembling as the full weight of sheer /evil/ in this place hits her full on. Her step falters only for a moment, a few seconds, perhaps, then she visibly steels herself, clenching her jaw, "this place is evil... it's in the very walls of it, in the very air..." Tightening her grip on her lance, she deliberately steps forward. "Ware... be very ware..."

Lyrana nods and smiles and then is ready to go, and she moves forward as well, sticking with the others.

Zlegvog looks quietly at Kidda. "Yeah? Well it's the cowardly kind of evil then! Dare not come out and face us, yet it will prey upon the weak..." He growls a bit, his head on a swivel, looking around.

Autumn shows up slightly out of breath and smiles "Greetings everyone. I was at the Guild and heard everyone had gone running off. I got directions and came as soon as I could. What seems to be the emergency?" She pulls a waterskin from her robes and takes a long pull.

"A young girl wandered off to play and came in here - her parents are frantic," Kidda explains to Autumn. "We're looking for her - and praying we have not come too late..." she looks up at Zlegvog, swallows, "I like your style, giant-man," she tells him with a nervous chuckle, eyes darting about to see if she can spot anything or anyone... "The girl's likely to be hiding - I know if I were but a child in this place, I would be..."

The moment the group step unto unholy ground, a cold chill could be felt, and the light of day seems to find it more difficult to pass through the gloom that permeates the area. Making use of the information taken from Bethany's playmate, the child was last seen in the area that you have now entered. Autumn pauses in her preparations to mutter to herself, pasting her hands over herself... GAME: Autumn casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17

GAME: Kidda rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 21 GAME: Lilyth rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 8 GAME: Lyrana rolls initiative: Roll: 18 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 20 GAME: Zlegvog rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 8 GAME: Autumn rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 23

There are a lot of buildings all around you. Most have been boarded shut, but there are some houses that are still open, or have been forced open. There are also buildings with little opening just big enough for a kid to crawl into.

GAME: Zlegvog rolls perception: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Kidda rolls perception: (4)+3: 7 GAME: Autumn rolls Perception: (13)+6: 19 GAME: You roll initiative for Hungry horde: Roll: 13 + Bonus: +4 = Total: 17

Lyrana looks around and then dips her head to Autumn, "If we are fighting undead, more I will be channelling than not." she gestures to the Giantborn and Kidda in answer to the best warrior question.

Kidda looks around, "I don't hear anything..." she looks to Autumn, "go ahead - but I think he's got me beat in the raw strength category," she juts a chin at Zlegvog. "Serriel's might will aid me... some..." the half-elf still looks vaguely nervous, and she swallows again.

GAME: Autumn casts Enlarge Person. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17 GAME: Autumn used a Pearl of Power (1st).

Autumn starts to concentrate and mumble to herself as she gestures, then focuses on Zlegvog who suddenly grows to twice his height! She then fumbles in her robes for a moment, then repeats the process causing Kidda to suddenly grow as well!

Zlegvog looks at Autumn as she mumbles and gestures. Once she finishes, his eyes widen as his body starts to grow even larger than he already is - his massive body now growing until it rivals the size of his Giant-blood ancestors. He looks down at the others, grinning. "Oy... I thought I had done growin' a long time ago!"

As soon as Autumn finishes casting her last spell, something comes out of the corner of a building. At first, it is just one creature that looks like a man that has gone without food for many, many days. As it turns to look at you, you realize that its skin is all drawn out and leathery, and exuding a strange vapoury mist from its exposed skin. When it bares its teeth, it is all sharpened and yellowish. It screeches at you.

And then, more creatures of the same kind come rushing out of the corner. There are five of them now. And they all look hungry upon seeing you all...

     It is now Autumn's turn! Kidda is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Autumn ended. <OOC> Autumn says, "Hold action." GAME: Autumn rolls Knowledge/Religion: (17)+13: 30 (identifies Ghasts) Autumn takes a step back and stares.

     It is now Kidda's turn! Lyrana is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kidda ended. <OOC> Autumn says, "Actually, I'd like to do a Knowledge check to see if I can figure out what's odd about him." <OOC> Benthus says, "Kidda, action please?" <OOC> Kidda will be holding action until they approach within range, then attacking the nearest one with her lance. <OOC> Kidda has reach with the lance. <OOC> Benthus says, "Roll religion."

Autumn screams out "Beware! They're Ghasts! Their touch can paralyze you and their stench can overwhelm you!"

The ravenous horde utter in unison, "Must... Feed..."

     It is now Lyrana's turn! Hungry Horde is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Lyrana ended. <OOC> Lyrana says, "move 30 and channel save is 16 they do not get channel resist if they have it." GAME: Lyrana rolls 2d6+4: (8)+4: 12 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (11)+7: 18 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (12)+7: 19 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (14)+7: 21 Lyrana gestured out with a hand as she moved forward and then a wave of positive energy flows from her to hit the creatures, harming most of them. She does wince a bit as she gets hit a couple times and shrugs off something that they attack her with.

     It is now Hungry horde's turn! Zlegvog is next!

The hungry undead burn from the radiant energy brought about by the cleric of Daeus. But it is not enough to destroy them utterly. As a group, they rush in on the closest target, which at this time, is Lyrana... GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (11)+7: 18 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (18)+7: 25 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (8)+7: 15 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (12)+7: 19 GAME: Lyrana rolls fortitude+4: (9)+6+4: 19 GAME: Lyrana rolls fortitude+4: (9)+6+4: 19 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8 GAME: You damaged Lyrana for 16 points. 12 remaining.

     It is now Zlegvog's turn! Lilyth is next!

GAME: Zlegvog rolls fort: (10)+6: 16 GAME: Zlegvog rolls melee+1 (Weapon Focus): (2)+8+1 (Weapon Focus): 11 The made-giant Giantborn bounds forward as Lyrana is attacked by the undead. He comes to a stop near her and brings up one of his massive fists, aiming to punch downward and clobber one of the undead monsters, but his fist misses terribly, hitting the ground instead. He growls, his cavernous voice echoing out. "'ey, now! Stand still so I can smite you!"

     It is now Lilyth's turn! Autumn is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Lilyth ended. <OOC> Lilyth says, "Magic missile on one attacking Lyrana" GAME: Lilyth casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Lilyth rolls mm: (2)+1: 3 Lilyth just stares for a moment at all the things that just came storming out and started to swarm on Lyrana. Not wanting to hit her, she shakes her head. "Turry Sha!" She shouts the words as a golden light burtst from her hand and flies at one of the creatures, managing to fly among all the people to hit it straight on.

     It is now Autumn's turn! Kidda is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "Autumn? Action please?" <OOC> Autumn says, "How are they scattered and what's the terrain like?"

<OOC> Benthus says, "They are all on the street. And they have surrounded Lyrana. One at the front of her, one on each side. And one on each adjacent front."

One of the severely burned undead hisses in pain as a magic projectile hits it on the side of the head...

GAME: Autumn casts Web. Caster Level: 5 DC: 18 Autumn starts chanting and concentrating, focusing ahead of her as the air fills with thick webbing. The line of webs catches all five of the Ghasts as well as Lyrana... GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (5)+4: 9 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (19)+4: 23 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (1)+4: 5 GAME: Lyrana rolls reflex: (3)+3: 6 Autumn finishes her spell and calls out "That will slow them down so we can focus on them one at a time as they come out of the webbing... Zlegvog, help Lyrana out of the webbing! Everyone else, focus on the ones who get out first..."

     It is now Kidda's turn! Lyrana is next!

GAME: Kidda rolls 1d20+2+2+4+2: (13)+2+2+4+2: 23 GAME: Kidda rolls 2d6+2+4+4: (9)+2+4+4: 19 Kidda swears mightily and in multiple languages, turning the air around her quite blue, "dammit, I said 'stay together!' she finishes with, then, with an enraged cry of "FOR SERRIEL!" she lowers her lance and charges, running hard and slamming into the ghast on Lyrana's left side, burying her lance in its chest.

     It is now Lyrana's turn! Hungry Horde is next!

You paged Autumn with 'Does entangled condition affect special abilities like channeling?' GAME: Lyrana rolls 2d6+4: (10)+4: 14

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (4)+7: 11 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (8)+7: 15

     It is now Hungry horde's turn! Zlegvog is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18 Lyrana has been hurt and then webbed but it doesn't stop her from calling out to Daeus and sending another wave of positive energy to swarm over the ghasts. three of them burst with divine energy and crumple to the ground. misses badly.

     It is now Zlegvog's turn! Lilyth is next!

GAME: Zlegvog rolls melee+1 (weapon focus)+1 (masterwork knuckles): (13)+8+1 (weapon focus)+1 (masterwork knuckles): 23 GAME: Zlegvog rolls fort: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Zlegvog rolls 1d4+6: (2)+6: 8

GAME: Benthus has cleared initiatives. After the last of the undead creatures are dealt with, silence returns to your area. But you know that it will not last for long and who knows what would be lurking around each corner. Or inside each homes...

The webbing fades away quickly, letting the ghast bodies drop suddenly as their support disappears and freeing Lyrana...

As magic webs shoot out and ensnare the group of undead AND Lyrana, Zlegvog snarls a bit. "I am startin' to lose my patience!" He shifts his weight a bit and hurls a haymaker left hand around his body and aimed downwards on top of one of the creatures, easily dispatching it beneath the weight and force of his massive fist. "Huurrrrahhhh! That's more like it."

There is a scowl on the five - no, ten-foot - half-syl's face, and she plants the butt of her lance firmly on the ground. "Next time, when I say 'stay together,' I /mean/ stay together," she growls. "You could've been killed, rushing in like that." She looks around, and adds, "we need to start going through these places. It's getting dark, and they'll be out in greater numbers, as soon as the sun goes down."

Autumn pulls a small gem from her pocket that is on fire. She tosses it into the air where it lazily floats around her head in a slow orbit, illuminating the area and keeping her hands free. She helps looking for through the houses for any signs and clues.

You continue to move on through the streets, checking on houses that have not been locked to see if the lost child could be found within. But your search in the nearby buildings proves fruitless, and time is moving ever close to dusk. Even now, light is becoming dim, and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to check on houses from the doorway or windows.

Zlegvog looks down to the half-Syl, towering over her. Not that he didn't tower over -everyone- already. He sticks a thumb into his own chest. "Oy. Only one that orders ME around, is ME!" He then turns away from her and looks around, squinting his eyes. "Now... where could she be...."

Lilyth takes a deep breath as those are killed and moves to the others. "No wonder they keep this part of the city restricted..." she says as she then moves to try and start looking for the little girl some more. As it gets dark, Lilyth picks up a small stone and whispers to it, causing light to come off of it. "Anyone else want some light?" GAME: Lilyth casts Light. Caster Level: 2 DC: 13

The light seems to push the darkness away, and you swear that you could almost sense it cringing backwards...

You and your band continue to push on deeper into the deathly silent city side, braving the invisible eyes that seem to be staring at you in the shadowy corners of buildings or closed up houses. Just when you were about to lose hope, you hear something. A faint whimper, and then it stopped. There was silence for several heartbeats, which felt like hours, and then you can hear it again. The sound was coming from further ahead, in an alleyway between two tall buildings.

Autumn reaches into her pocket and concentrates on something, then goes back to her searching and helping.

       "I see well enough without," Kidda shakes her head. "The girl is likely terrified senseless, with us crashing around like this," she frowns mildly, "saying nothing of the undead." As Autumn moves to re-cast, she shakes her head again, "we need to find the girl... that can wait until we need it... hist...!" she adds, holding up a hand. "Leave it off... I don't want to frighten her..."

The massive Giantborn plods forward at the sound of the whimpering, his large eyes searching as he does so. He walks quietly, and put on his biggest, happiest, smiley face, in hopes that his presence will not startle the little girl. He looks quietly over to the others. "Better that we get her and leave, soon as possible..."

GAME: Autumn rolls Stealth: (1)+7: 8 GAME: Autumn rolls Perception: (5)+6: 11

Zlegvog heads towards the source of the sound, but before he could reach the corner of the alleyway, the whimpering has stopped again. He stands there before the alleyway and can see that it connects to the squalor area of the district. It looks like a maze of dilapidated homes and make-shift shelters that are of different shapes and sizes, yet so confusingly similar that should anyone venture in it, they would find it hard to get out. And considering that it is very close to dusk, it would be almost impossible to search through all of the houses and huts before full darkness sets in.

GAME: Kidda rolls perception: (16)+3: 19 GAME: Zlegvog rolls perception: (9)+8: 17 GAME: Lilyth rolls perception: (17)+6: 23 You paged (Kidda, Zlegvog, Lilyth) with 'You can hear the whimpering again. It is somewhere within the squalor area...'

You wait painstakingly outside the alleyway for a sign or a sound that would lead you to the missing child. You can almost feel the darkness slowly creeping towards your position, as silent whispering can be heard somewhere around you.

"In there," Lilyth points to a squalor area. "I can hear it coming from in there." Despite that she is not someone that should be in the front, she starts to move in that direction.

"I hear her," Kidda murmurs, "sounds like she's ... somewhere back in this mess," she looks around, "glad I'm back to my normal size," she adds. "Makes getting through doors easier..." she gestures to the others, and starts down the alley, looking high and low for the girl, and softly calling, "Bethany... it's all right, we're friends, here to help you..."

Zlegvog nods quietly after Kidda and Lilyth. Turning his head, as if to hear better and triangulate where the sound is coming from, he bounds forward, moving up to walk alongside Lilyth. "Come on out, kid. We are here to get you out of here!" He calls out softly, too, as softly as a big brute like him can. He speaks under his breath for the others to hear. "Oy... why am I gettin' the feelin' that we are about to walk into somethin' nasty?"

GAME: Lyrana rolls perception: (1)+4: 5

Just as you turn around the corner, you find a closed alley. It is dark, and you can barely see what is ahead of you. And then you realize, there is not just one child at the end of the alley, but several. There are five of them, and they seem to be gathered around something. Or someone.

As you take a step closer, the children turn to look at you. It is then you catch a glimpse of what they are.

Under the dim light of the setting sun, you catch a glimpse of their clothing. It looked dull and gray, similar to the clothing worn by a corpse that has long been laid in its coffin. But your eyes linger to this part of their appearance for just a little while before you took note of its head. It is oversized, bestial in appearance, compared to its limbs which are spindly. As you eyes focus more on the face, you can see that they have no eyes! Only sunken pools of shadow with no trace of life in them. A cloying mist wreathes around its frail, child-sized body. The stench of death and disease assails you not long after realizing that these are not children. Not anymore.

Seeing that they have been spotted, they step back into the shadows and disappear.

Only one child is left at the end of the alley. A child that has curled up into a ball and is sobbing pitifully. You catch a glimpse of the red, curly hair with a blue bow on the top.

It's Bethany.

Kidda's eyes go wide as she sees the creatures, and she opens her mouth in denial, "Serriel, no..." then the creatures start to back away, leaving a living child alone... a terrified, living and breathing child. Moving up alongside Lilyth and Zlegvog, she crouches down, "Bethany? Sweetie, we're here to get you home to your momma and poppa," she speaks gently to the terrified girl, holding out a hand towards her, approaching slowly as if approaching a wounded animal, lest she frighten the girl worse than she already is

Autumn swallows and watches everything, shaking her head sadly. She takes a deep breath and waits, absorbing everything.

GAME: Autumn rolls Knowledge/Religion: (5)+13: 18 GAME: Lyrana rolls knowledge/religion: (6)+9: 15

Lyrana frowns, "They might have been some kind of ghost." the golem murmurs.

Bethany is sick. Very sick. Her skin is pale, and her eyes are sunken. There's a burning fever that is raging inside her body. She moans in pain, whimpering for her mother and father. Her vital signs are fading... (Roll heal DC12 to determine the disease)

Light is fading from your area. Night is coming.

GAME: Kidda rolls heal: (19)+5: 24 GAME: Autumn rolls Heal: (6)+1: 7

As Kidda approaches, she sees the glassy look in Bethany's eyes, and rushes to her side, "Lyrana!" she calls, "she's deathly ill," she presses a hand to the girl's forehead, "filth fever," as she detects the burning temperature, "we have to get her out of here - is there anything you can do?" she asks, scooping the unresistant child up into her arms.

Lyrana looks at the girl. "we need to make haste and go. Healing her is beyond my ability."

Lilyth frowns at this, "Agreed, let us go, before anything finds us..." Famous last words...

Zlegvog merely stands there, looking around menacingly in an attempt to keep whatever is out there at bay... not even stopping to wonder if it would even WORK on whatever is out there. His fists are brought up to his waist, clenched, as he looks around.

As you move through the squalor, you find it hard to orient yourself. You are beginning to think that you have lost your way. And then all of a sudden, you see people ahead of you. They appear to be looking for something. You note something about them. They are wearing the vestiges of a servant of Vardama. When the spot you, they look surprised, and then happy. Unusually happy.

"Come with us quickly." Says one of the men. "We'll show you the way out of this place..."

Kidda is carrying the girl with one arm, her lance held in her other hand, "Praise Serriel," she murmurs. "This young lady is very, very ill... she needs a healer," she tells the priest, desperation in her golden eyes as she follows the servant of Vardama towards the exit.

GAME: Autumn rolls Sense Motive: (1)+1: 2 GAME: Kidda rolls sense motive: (18)+5: 23

Autumn looks over at the people "Yes, we should go with them. They can lead us out of here..." She continues to be wary, looking for more undead to jump out at them. You paged Kidda with 'There is something about these vardamites that you can't shake. And they smell of death and decay. And as the dying sun fades from view, you dim-light vision allows you to see their faces. In the dark, it is the face of a corpse!'

"NO!" Kidda suddenly springs backwards away from the priest she's waking next to, turning so that she is between the girl and him. "THEY'RE TAKEN!" she shouts to the others, "DESTROY THEM!"

Zlegvog looks up suspiciously at the priests for a moment, squinting his eyes at them. At first he starts to disregard his emotions, starting to head in the direction of the priests, until Kidda shouts out. He then braces himself, bringing his fists up. "Errr, now! You've went and angered me!" His face starts to flush red a bit as he stares the 'priests' down.

The Priest hiss in anger and immediately try to scratch at you and your companions. "Vardama be damned! She is a harlot! May she suffer for all eternity!"

GAME: Zlegvog rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 4 GAME: Kidda rolls initiative: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 2 GAME: Lilyth rolls initiative: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 18 GAME: You roll initiative for Huecuva: Roll: 7 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 13 GAME: Lyrana rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 13 GAME: Autumn rolls initiative: Roll: 12 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 18

GAME: You damaged Lyrana for -100 points. 28 remaining.

     It is now Lilyth's turn! Autumn is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Lilyth ended. <OOC> Lilyth says, "Can I angle a 15' cone to not get any of my allies?" <OOC> Benthus says, "You can get at most 2 of them." GAME: Lilyth casts Burning Hands. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+3: (6)+3: 9 GAME: Lilyth rolls 2d4: (5): 5 Lilyth seems ready to listen until Kidda calls out that these things that are not what they seem. "Lirae sha!" she calls out and blows through her hands. As the breath moves past her hands, it turns into flame and it spreads out, taking two of them, getting one rather well, but doesn't get the other as well.

     It is now Autumn's turn! Lyrana is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Autumn ended. GAME: Autumn casts Haste. Caster Level: 5 DC: 19 Autumn frowns and then starts chanting once more, this time something new. She reaches down to her side, grasping a shaft of metal strapped to her hip as she casts her spell. Her eyes flash as energy fills her and she grins grimly as everyone else with her is filled with that same boundless energy. GAME: Autumn used a Rod of Lesser Extend.

     It is now Lyrana's turn! Huecuva is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Lyrana ended. <OOC> Lyrana says, "will try channel but not sure what they are at least it wont heal..dc 16" GAME: Lyrana rolls 2d6+4: (10)+4: 14 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24 Lyrana tries sending a wave of positive energy out. One falls others burn with holy fire.

     It is now Huecuva's turn! Zlegvog is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "As Kidda has moved to the center of the group upon realizing who the false priest were, she will not be targeted by the attack." <OOC> Benthus says, "each attack twice, with claws." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (4)+4: 8 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (20)+4: 24

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (9)+4: 13 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12 (Crit failed)

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4 GAME: You damaged Lilyth for 5 points. 10 remaining. GAME: You damaged Autumn for 4 points. 24 remaining. GAME: You damaged Zlegvog for 4 points. 32 remaining.

GAME: Autumn rolls Fortitude: (13)+4: 17 GAME: Lilyth rolls fortitude: (11)+2: 13 GAME: Zlegvog rolls fort: (4)+6: 10

The undead disguised as priest of Vardama show their true color and begin to attack the adventurers. With savagery similar to a hungry beast, they swipe their sharpened claws at them, hitting three of them. Their claws seem to be dripping with some kind of fluid, but thankfully, none manage to get on the injured surface (except on Zlegvog)

     It is now Zlegvog's turn! Kidda is next!

GAME: Zlegvog RAGES!, gaining: +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 Will and -2 AC GAME: Zlegvog rolls melee+1+1+1: (4)+10+1+1+1: 17 GAME: Zlegvog rolls melee+1+1+1: (10)+10+1+1+1: 23 GAME: Zlegvog rolls 1d6+7: (6)+7: 13 GAME: Zlegvog rolls 1d6+7: (3)+7: 10

Zlegvog growls furiously as the... things attack. Their claws find purchase on him, causing him to bleed somewhat, his open wounds drawing in some sort of black fluid. He seems to barely notice the flesh wound however. "NOW YOU'VE REALLY PISSED ME OFF!" He brings both of those massive, steel-knuckles fists up and launches a fast one-two combo of hooks into the nearest thing he could determine as an enemy. The creature is brought down swiftly by the power of his blows, and he roars, preparing himself to attack the next target.

     It is now Kidda's turn! Lilyth is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kidda ended. GAME: Kidda rolls 1d20+2+1+2: (12)+2+1+2: 17 GAME: Kidda rolls 1d8+2: (1)+2: 3

With a yelp, Kidda lashes out with her lance, wielding the weapon in one hand. Her strike hits, but weakly, very weakly, as she's trying to use a two-handed weapon with only half the requisite number of hands. Swearing, as she has more than once this evening, she retracts the weapon and takes a step back, as the wound to the creature seals itself. "I can't fight and hold Bethany!" she calls out, "and I don't dare set her down!" Staying out of the way is what she's going to do.

     It is now Lilyth's turn! Autumn is next!

<OOC> Lilyth says, "I'm going to magic missile one of them." GAME: Lilyth rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5 Lilyth cries out when she gets hit by one of the undead, and quickly takes a step back. "Turry Sha!" she shouts at the thing as golden light strikes the creature, and well, causes it's head to explode. "Don't touch me!" she yells, in a fairly girly voice... though to be honest, she is a girl...

     It is now Autumn's turn! Lyrana is next!

GAME: Autumn casts Flaming Sphere. Caster Level: 5 DC: 18 Autumn takes a qucik step back from the thing that charged her and smacked her hard. She reaches for the rod at her hip again, chanting quickly as the space she was just in is filled with a large ball of fire! The ball of fire bonks into the creature that attacked her to burn it... GAME: Autumn used a Rod of Lesser Extend. GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+3: (7)+3: 10 GAME: Autumn rolls 3d6: (10): 10 ...and the creature that dared to attack Autumn is burnt down by the flames washing over it...

     It is now Lyrana's turn! Huecuva is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "Two more remaining."

<OOC> Lyrana says, "will channel again" GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24 GAME: Lyrana rolls 2d6+4: (7)+4: 11 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12 Lyrana never gets tired of harming undead as another wave of energy swarms from her hurting one and destroying the other.

     It is now Huecuva's turn! Zlegvog is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (19)+4: 23 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5 GAME: You damaged Lyrana for 5 points. 23 remaining. The last undead madly swipes Lyrana with its claws, but only manages to hit her once. It hisses angrily at her...

     It is now Zlegvog's turn! Kidda is next!

GAME: Zlegvog rolls melee+1+1+1: (11)+10+1+1+1: 24 GAME: Zlegvog rolls 1d6+9: (2)+9: 11 Zlegvog's fit of rage doesn't seem to be waning, at all. He plods towards the closest enemy still standing. "PICK ON CHILDREN, WILL YA'?! He drops to a knee and rips a powerful right hook, his fist skidding across the face of the creature and sending it flying to the ground. "GRAHHHHH!"

The last of the undead creatures fall to the ground and as it did so, the last ray of the sun fades from the horizon. Suddenly, darkness covers all around you and things begin to be stirring at all shadowy corners...

The sound of multiple hissings can be heard, as well as the chattering of teeth and moans...

There are several creatures running on hands and feet that are closing in on your position...

"RUN!" Kidda shouts, "There's too many of them!" She fumbles her lance into the sheath on her back, and wraps both arms around Bethany as she prepares to do exactly that.

Something seems to be flying overhead. Something dark...

Zlegvog runs in front of Kidda, acting like a large battering ram, his head tucked down as he barrels forward in front of her, clearing a wide wake so that her and Bethany can safely tread behind him. He swats at baddies as they claw at him, fists swinging wide occasionally to smash into an enemy that gets too close. "GRRRRHHHHGARAG!!!! STAY OUTTA THE WAY!!!!"

Autumn turns and runs with everyone else, moving with the speed of a deer. She keeps an eye out for ambush points, the light bobbing around her head making her a fine target, but also illuminating her way and keeping the darkness at bay. As she runs, she spots a group of undead ready to ambush the others and slows down enough to throw out a web that gums up a large group that could have been a problem. She then goes back to her enhanced sprinting, moving like the wind...

Taking full advantage of the raging barbarian ahead of her, Kidda follows in Zlegvog's wake, Bethany clutched tight to her breast, holding on with both arms. "There - the exit's that way!" she calls, running faster than she has ever run before, with the Haste on her.

Bethany whimpers, "Mommy... Daddy..."

Lilyth slowly starts to back away from the sounds, and then once she is sure SOMEONE has the little girl, she turns and RUNS away from the creatures they are hearing come closer. Hell no she's not staying around for this.

Arrows and other dark projectiles can be seen zipping through your path, some of which bounces off your armour or gets snag on your clothing. Some of the projectiles actually freezes the object it gets lodged on...

A ball of flame hurtles across the sky and nearly hits you and your companions when it detonates on the ground. It was so close that part of your clothing got singed...

But the group manages to get to the road that leads out of the forsaken district. Just as everyone is beginning to think they can get out. The pathway is barred by a swarm of ghasts...

Kidda yelps as the flaming sphere detonates at her heels, and puts on an extra burst of speed, even as she tries to comfort Bethany, "shh, we're going to them now," she breathes, "hold on, little one... you're safe..." then an arrow bounces off the back of her chain mail, and she doesn't say anything further, concentrating on running and blessing her elven mother for the night vision.

And then, multiple detonations can be heard ahead of you and a bright light erupts from somewhere there. You had to shield your eyes at the brightness.

"Hurry! Before they regroup!" Yells someone at the front. And then you can see figures stabbing and smashing the undead in front of you. It's the Vardamians patrol. Your path is made clear.

And so the adventurers run towards their exit, augmented by Autumn's haste spell. As soon as everyone is in the clear, Vardamian casters began unleashing wave after wave of incendiary spells to the fore, blasting everything from walking corpses to buildings until everything is flattened within a hundred meter radius.

When the smoke clears, there is nothing left but ashes.

The heroes make swift their journey towards the Althean temple, where the clerics have already prepared to minister healing to the group return, optimistic that they would survive the search and rescue attempt.

Bethany was a hair-breath from expiring when a priestess of Althea places her hands on her forehead and soothe away the sickness that has raged inside her body. The little girl still very tired after the ordeal and slept even when her parents arrived and hugged her closely.

"Thank you." Said Bethany's father as tears stream out from his eyes. The mother is too lost for words at seeing that her daughter is safe and sound. She just kept crying and rocking back and forth with her sleeping girl close to her chest.

A priest noted the infection that has set upon Zlegvog and immediately applies healing before the sickness could even manifest.

After all has been said and done, the group who have saved the child are approached by a wealthy benefactor and are told that their good deeds will be rewarded.

Tales are being spun in taverns and marketplaces of five brave heroes who risked death and damnation to go where very few people would thread, to save a child lost within an area plagued by the undead. Many listen, and many remember the names of the five brave adventurers who stood at death's door and come back alive and sane.