Wraith Inn
A group of farmers on the furthest edge of Alexandria has complained of an unusual problem. It seems that an elf has been spotted in the homes of several of those that call the area home. People wake up in the middle of the night - so it's claimed - and find this elf sitting on their chest drinking the souls out of their bodies. The victim sits helpless during the attack until the sun rises at which point the elf vanishes and the villager is left drained of their energy all through the day.
An unusual problem to say the least. In fact it's strange enough that the guild isn't sure they believe it, but strange is also par for the course for adventurers so to be on the safe side they've sent you. Which is how you've ended up in a small farming area looking at one ramshackle inn surrounded by various farms on every side. Any one of which could be attacked next.
Walery yawwwwwns, and says, "Sounds like an undead thing going on here. How do we want to do this? It almost seems like we should wait for dark and then just go from house to house looking for elves sitting on people."
Iskandar pans his gaze across the horizon. One hand is raised, finger outstretched to point at the building one after another. He murmurs under his breath, counting.
Murder peers at the Inn dubiously, and then glances at the farmland. She turns to look at the group. "Do you want to stay here... or should we try one of the farms that haven't been hit yet, and see if the... elf? pays a visit?" She looks to Walery and nods. "That might work too."
GAME: Merek casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 1 DC: 14
Merek has taken his time to take the mission from the postings of the Guild with an additional request from the faith, to find if this is a work of someone aligned to another deity. He has on his black attire with his cloak adjusted about it, and a ring which he has placed upon his finger. He makes his way to meet up with the others, waving a hand to weave a shield about himself while he nods to them also. "I'm a Cleric of Eluna, so if we are managing things such as that, I can be of some use."
There are four farms, and the inn. One to each corner of the inn, but the houses themselves are far enough from the inn that they're barely visible from it. People out here like their privacy after all. The inn itself is open and welcoming if weather-worn and in ill-repair. Thus, since you are alone with one another, it is up to you how to proceed.
Walery uhms. "I can see four houses. Just barely. If we rule out the ones that were hit from a return visit, we can lay in wait at the one not hit. Otherwise, we can patrol from one to the next. If the vampire spends all night feeding, then we can come by any time."
The Gobbo peers at Merek a moment and nods. "If it is a vampire, we'll need all the help we can get, probably." Murder glances to Walery and nods. "Alright, let's get moving then." She pauses. "Uuhhhmmm. Which one are we going to, then? Which one hasn't been hit?"
"It's just turning to night, I would recommend we travel to the Inn and ask questions before we patrol or just look around, it might give us clues which one is often the main target," Merek mentions to the others, while he places a hand upon the black and golden hilt of his sword.
Walery nods about going to the inn. "That sounds like a good place to start," he agrees, and will walk over in that direction.
Murder shrugs and follows along in Walery's wake. "I wonder if the Inn itself has been attacked?"
Merek nods a bit, while he takes a moment to make his way to the Inn with the others, pulling his cloak about him, and hood up while he takes a moment to scribe notes on some scrolls while he does also.
The inn is brightly lit with a crackling fire and several lanterns hanging from the rafters where they hover over tables. There's not a dark corner in the place. There's a heavy-set woman behind the counter, scrubbing the polished wood with her cloth with a tired expression and all the energy of someone who hasn't slept in six days. Even so she musters a smile for you as you come in. "Greetings, greetings! You must be the adventurers that my Dan sent away for. Happy 'ta see ya." She offers her hand around. "What can I do for ya?"
Walery smiles to the woman and asks for a mug of ale, and says, "Indeed, that's who we are and why we're here. It looks like things are pretty rough here," he goes on. "Can you tell us a little more about what happened, and who it's already happened to?"
Merek looks to the other two, then he nods a bit to the woman, while he offers a wave and a bow, "I am Merek, of the Elunans," he introduces, while he motions to the two with him, "These are fellow explorers of mine on business here. We have come to request your assistance in learning more about rumors of this... Elf, we also would like to request your best alcohol, a round which is on me for everyone here."
The Gobbo moves about the inn's main room, looking at everything. Under tables and chairs. Behind curtains and bookshelves. She even ascends into the rafters. "Nothing here.", she quips after some time.
The woman's smile widens and she starts pouring the finest alcohol that she has on hand out for the adventurers, and slides it on over. "There ya are. Best that you'll find anywhere in Alexandria I can promise ya that." She scrubs then tiredly at the bar. There's no one else but you at the inn. No other customers, just a cat laying in a corner until Murder startles it awake so that it scurries away into the kitchen. "I think the same's happened to everyone around here. My husband, me. The Crofter's, the Milligan's, the Barrell's, and even Hamilton's. Nobody'd believed it if it were just the Crofter's, but everyone's complained about it. Everyone's seen the elf. Pointy-eared bastard."
She seems embarrassed by her own words. "Excuse me."
Walery hrms. '-Everyone's- been attacked, then? We were hoping that there was a place that hadn't been attacked but might be next," he explains. "But if everyone's been attacked, we can just patrol after dark and check each home in turn in case it's come back. Has anyone been attacked more than once?"
Murder stares after the cat and is halfway to the kitchen before the woman starts talking. She wanders over and listens in, and nods. After Walery speaks, she pipes up. "Is everyone being attacked every night? If we stay here, are we likely to see the Elf? Does he only appear to people who're alone?" The Gobbo rubs at her cheek.
GAME: Merek rolls bluff: (11)+3: 14
Merek manages to put on a face when the comment about elves is made, while he looks a bit thoughtful, though it is obvious he doesn't like racist thoughts. "Do you know a bit more about this elf?" he asks, "Features, what he or she is like?" he asks.
GAME: Walery rolls fortitude: (7)+7: 14 GAME: Merek rolls fortitude: (20)+6: 26 (CRITICAL SUCCESS) GAME: Murder rolls fortitude: (3)+7: 10
"I don't know as that /everyone/ has been attacked. I think most the kids haven't been as yet. I know me and my husband have been hit twice each, I don't know about everyone else. We don't all get together every day, but I see most folks pretty often and every time I see them they're all complaining about not getting any sleep thanks to that b- AHEM." She coughs and frowns. "That is he's a nicely dressed type, like most elves seem to be. A bit pale around the edges, but that's what I've seen of the elves that've come through too. I wouldn't say there's anything that unusual about 'em save his white hair. And those eyes. His eyes were like black, black pits."
Murder lets out a loud belch, and blinks in surprise. "Goshthatseemsslikegoodschtuff." She wobbles slightly. "What is it?" Another belch followed by hiccoughs. "Oh he zoundsschlikegood company.", she says, of the Elf.
GAME: Merek rolls knowledge/religion: (7)+6: 13
Walery looks a bit woozy as he looks around, hoping not to let on he's getting hammered on duty. "That -was- some good stuff," he agrees. He hrms about the elf, and looks to his companions. "Do any of you know about tracking?" he wonders. "We could maybe find footprints that don't match the residents. Or else just peek into each house after dark." He nods about places being hit twice. "That at least means the perpetrator may not be done with this town."
The owner of the inn seems to cheer up slightly at the complement to the alcohol. "My husband makes it. He calls it Oruchgut." She smiles fondly and looks a bit distant. It's an expression that fades to sadness. "Would ya like another round? On the house as my thanks."
She doesn't really wait for a yes or no, pouring out another round and passing them out. "We'd appreciate anything you can do. Since you're here you're free to have a look-see about. See if you can't find anything."
Iskandar comes into the inn belatedly. Almost as if summoned, by the words 'on the house'. Odd. He accepts a mug with a smile and a nod, then moved over to a window to peer at the nearest farm while he drinks. "I'm most worried about this elven vampire being scared off," he says loudly. "If he's crafty he can wait until we're no longer here to protect these good folk and then begin his villainy again."
Murder drinks down the second glassful of Oruchgut. Belches noisily once more. Then promptly sits down upon the ground. "Lethimjushtryangetush!", she murmurs woozily.
Walery will sip the second cup more slowly, but he's had a bit more than he really planned on as it is. Much more slowly. "Good stuff," he tells the barkeep. "Does your husband sell it by the barrel? I think taking some home sounds like a wonderful idea." And he's getting sidetracked. "Let's get rooms here for the night," he suggests. "Then we can /sneak/ out and check out each house in turn."
GAME: Iskandar rolls fort: (2)+7: 9
Iskandar rubs his beard in thought. "Yes, a room sounds like a fine idea." As he drinks more he begins to slur. It grows worse with every sip. "But how long before he strikes? This vampire must be lairing somewhere nearby we can spend the time searching for some sign of him." He shifts his gaze slowly towards the innkeeper. "Are there any graveyards nearby? Or dark foreboding ruins," he adds a moment later.
GAME: Merek casts Summon Monster II. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
"Ya'll are welcome to spend the night here if you like. On the house too." She seems to be helpful in a way that suggests that she's hopeful that you'll find something. Though her eyes do flicker around a bit as though not certain exactly /how/ effective the group is. She watches with interest as Merek sets up and then startles at the sudden appearance of the wolf. "Holy Daeus' right foot!"
It doesn't take long for the wolf to come back. A matter of minutes really, but it doesn't seem to have any news for Merek.
"Aaaayooooooooo!!". The Gobbo takes up wolf-howling as the wolf appears. And then runs off. "Didchuseedat?", she says, pointing out the wolf as it leaves. She stands up and wobbles a moment, then runs full tilt at the doorway. Misses by a country mile. WHAM! She falls over with a muffled groan. Murder doesn't see when the wolf returns, she's busy staring at the floor. "Schtupidwall."
Walery eyes Murder, then looks to the others. "I'd rather not split up unless we have a quick way to summon each other if we do find it. My plan is to spent the night sneaking from house to house and seeing what we can find at each one. But moving together so we can act together if something does happen."
Iskandar nods in agreement with Walery. He flings back his cloak over one shoulder, to reveal a well-made shortbow. He probably shouldn't be firing that thing in his condition. "As good a plan as any. To the first house!"
"Aye..." The woman lifts her hand slowly. "Would ya mind checking on my husband first? I'm worried, but I also don't want to you know... Walk in on..." She looks a little pale.
Walery nods to the woman, and says, "It's early for bed in any event, so let's go around and introduce ourselves to everyone so they know who we are and why we're here. And that we'll be checking on them through the night, so they won't go to bed expecting no one around."
The Gobbo sits up suddenly and looks to the woman at the bar. "Okay! Where ish yer hushband?" She poses dramatically, facing away from everyone. "We'll keep 'im shafe!"
The woman points up the stairs. "First door on the right. Ya can't miss it." You really can't. It really is the first door on the right. Unless you're drunk. Which... half of you are. So maybe it'll take two tries to make it up the stairs to that obvious door.
Merek stands up, while he takes a moment to adjust his cloak while he nods to the wolf, waving it away as he looks to the others also, "Ah, alright," he says, while he makes his way to the place mentioned also.
Walery will climb the steps ... very carefully.
Iskandar leaves his bow where it is and starts up the stairs with exaggerated care. "What a good wife," he remarks, probably not meant to be overheard but he's not exactly quiet even when sober and the Oruchgut didn't help matters. "So hospitable, and concerned for her husband." He gives Merek a comradery pat on the shoulder. "When we grow old and retire from adventuring, why, we'd be lucky to have..." even as loud as he is his voice finally mercifully grows inaudible as he goes up the stairs.
Murder valiantly charges up the stairs, and nearly takes Walery out on her way back down, rolling head over heels. She lays down at the bottom of the stairs, and climbs her way back up. The husband's fate will probably already be determined by the time she gets there.
The door isn't locked, so you can all make your way inside, or at least peek inside to catch a glimpse. Though Murder is politely waited for. Opening the door opens the way for a brilliantly loud snoring. In the room is a huge oruch asleep sprawled out on his bed. He should be rocking the inn with his snores, but thankfully the door is thick. Nothing untoward is inside so feeling a bit disappointed you all head (carefully) back downstairs.
Which is when you realize almost immediately that the innkeeper is no longer standing behind the counter. In fact, she's nowhere in sight.
GAME: Murder rolls perception: (15)+13: 28 GAME: Walery rolls perception: (3)+10: 13 GAME: Iskandar rolls perception: (10)+8: 18 GAME: Merek rolls perception: (9)+9: 18
Walery winds up tumbling ass over teakettle down the stairs as Murder runs past, and the miracle is only his ego is more than bruised. "Ow," he complains.
The Gobbo manages to fall down the stairs once more, landing with a particularly nasty -THUD-. She grunts, and belches again. "Ooohwhatthehell ISH thish schtuff? My eyeballsh are schwimming." Murder wanders over to the countertop that the woman was working behind. "Hey lady, it'sh okay. Yer hushband ish schleeping like a log." She bangs on the countertop. "Do you have any schtew?"
Iskandar follows the gobber to the counter. He squints at he place he last saw the inkeeper. He eyes Murder out of the corner of his eye. Does she see something that he doesn't? The tall giantborn leans over the counter to look behind it.
Merek follows the others up also.
There /is/ something behind the counter. Or someone. First Iskandar catches sight of the top of their head. Then leaning over the rest of the person. It's someone /kneeling/ over the body of the innkeeper. She's flat on her back, her terrified eyes looking upwards at the person looking down at her. The person is clearly an elf, but blue light is being pulled from the woman into the elfs mouth. As Iskandar leans down the person looks up with eyes that are pure black. No seclara, no iris, no distinct pupil. Just dark eyes peering at Iskandar.
GAME: Iskandar rolls 12-6: (20)+12+-6: 26 GAME: Iskandar rolls 12-6-5: (8)+12+-6+-5: 9 GAME: Iskandar rolls 12-6: (13)+12+-6: 19 GAME: Iskandar rolls 2d6+14: (7)+14: 21 GAME: Iskandar rolls intimidate: (16)+8: 24
Iskandar flinches back at the sight. More from surprise than fear. For he quickly clenches a fist and brings it smashing down at the elf-like monster. He doesn't feel the satisfying impact of knuckles on back of the neck. He doesn't in fact feel anything at all. Iskandar blinks and then tries again. Again nothing. "What sorcery is this?!"
GAME: Walery activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13
Walery acks as we find what we're looking for a little sooner than planned. He fumbles out his death ray and fires a shot at the creature, but his aim is wild and he merely scortches the back wall.
GAME: Merek casts Searing Light. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16 GAME: Merek rolls ranged: (17)+5: 22 GAME: Merek rolls 3d8: (7): 7
Merek looks to the creature, then he holds up a hand while he calls upon the divine power from Eluna with his amulet, as light comes from the hand which has his amulet and it actually manages to do something, that pure divine magic which he uses also.
GAME: Murder rolls strength: (13)+2: 15
The Gobbo looks surprised at the arrival and appearance of the Elf, but she takes a step back as the others pile on in a flash. Instead, she goes around, coming up behind the Elf. Where she grabs the woman by the feet and gives a mighty pull... pulling the woman clear and landing on her behind. "Go. Go upschtairsh and hide with your hushband!", Murder commands, pointing up the stairs.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: Iskandar rolls 12-6: (3)+12+-6: 9 GAME: Iskandar rolls 12-6-5: (13)+12+-6+-5: 14 GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+11: (18)+11: 29 GAME: Walery rolls 3d6+5: (11)+5: 16
Iskandar clenches his teeth at the creature's strength-sapping touch. "Don't let him touch you!" he belows belatedly, and probably completely unnecessarily. Iskandar punches fruitlessly a few times. Then he begins shifting his weight from foot to foot. Be raises both hands, palms open, and moves them slightly, watching for signs the enemy is going to try touching him again.
Walery racks back a lever on his death ray, puts a new brass charge cylinder in, rams it home with the lever. He shoulders his death ray and fires again with a bit more preparation this time. He's apparently used to firing into close quarters fighting, but his first shot was a panic shot on being surprised. Another bolt of fire emerges from the death ray and this time strikes the enemy, leaving a scorch mark where it strikes.
GAME: Merek rolls diplomacy: (3)+12: 15 GAME: Merek casts Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14
"It's a wraith, but something is the matter, try to capture it, not kill," Merek voices to the others, "If you can hear me, please answer!" He isn't elegant as he usually is while he weaves a shield of faith on Iskandar while he shifts his stance.
GAME: Murder casts Burning Hands. Caster Level: 7 DC: 14 GAME: Murder rolls 5d4: (13): 13 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
The wraith of an elf - for that's what it is - does not seem swayed by any of Merek's words, chasing after Iskandar with the sort of single-mindedness that only the undead possess.
Meanwhile, the bar itself catches fire. There's a twinkle, a click, and then... an explosion. Seems that the fire caught on the Oruchgut.
GAME: Murder rolls reflex: (18)+4: 22 GAME: Merek rolls reflex: (5)+4: 9 GAME: Iskandar rolls reflex: (8)+8: 16 GAME: Iskandar spends ONE use of CHARMED LIFE. GAME: Aftershock rolls 3d6: (13): 13
The fire clings to the wraith and it explodes too in a hail of white flame that itself vanishes into the roaring flames that are quickly consuming the bar.
The Gobbo squeaks at the sudden gout of flame, and throws up her arms to protect her face and hair. She scrambles out of the bar area just in time to see the wraith go poof. "We need water!", she yells, "And get everyone out!"
GAME: Merek casts Create Water. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13
Merek is hit by the flames that throw him back, then he winces a bit as his attire is tattred a bit. He then takes a moment to lift up his amulet with a hand while his other shifts to call the waves. "Got you on this one!" You know, what cleric actually has create water? This one does! He creates ten to twelve gallons that rain in a torrent upon the flames at the bar also.
Murder squeaks again at the deluge of water that knocks her over, and she stands up sputtering. "Oh. Well. Guess we don't need to abandon the inn." She gives herself a shake, much like a wet dog, with water going everywhere. "Hey INNKEEP!", she hollers. "We've killed it!"
The bar is saved! However as you start to think about celebrating, the proprietor of the in comes down again. "I just saw another one of those things making its way out to the Crofters! If you hurry you can probably catch it before it gets anyone." She hurries all this out in a rush and then stares at her bar. "What... what /happened/?"
Iskandar gives Murder a sideways glance. Then he faces the proprietor. "It put up quite a fight," he assures. "Still, if we hadn't dealt with it, why, who's to say what it would have done to the people in this inn..." He's already headed for the door though. "Quickly now - the Crofters!!"
-End