Post by Head Moderator on Nov 13, 2012 5:58:23 GMT -5
a merciful edge: Well! Kyle had thought perhaps they'd better get more
undead samples for their client, since the first time had gone well (mummy
rot notwithstanding), so after he'd recovered from their last expedition, he
got himself all ready to go on another one! Clothes, cloak of armor, amulet, all
that good stuff. Sword was on his back, and he limbered up a bit so hopefully
he wouldn't pull something. That done, he was ready! "So, where do you think we'll be finding more undead?" Hopefully Elle was in the room to chat with or else he just talked to himself.
a vision bereft: Elle was there! She was ready to go already, and was
sitting at the desk looking over some paperwork she'd gotten. She glanced
over to him and pursed her lips. "Well, according to the local paper, there's
been some issues in a kirk out in the country about an hour's ride from here. We'll get you a horse out of the stables, and I've got Padric, and we should go
check it out. Sounds like zombies, but they are being rather... mum about it
here. They've called in
a vision bereft: the Threnody Guild though, which really only comes around when they think someone's gonna rise up again." She nodded and pushed the chair back and stood up, and grabbed her dark cloak and secured it. "Shall we?"
a merciful edge: He nodded a little. It'd been a while since he'd ridden a
horse, hopefully he hadn't forgotten anything important. "Alright, sounds
like a plan." He took one more check to make sure he was ready, sent her a
smile and nodded. "We
a merciful edge: shall." He got the door for her, but then let her lead the
way down to the stables. He had to check the horses himself, however, to find
one that seemed nice and calm. He didn't want a crazy ride, he'd probably
snap in half if he
a merciful edge: fell off! Sooner or later he'd find one compatible, and
then got all mounted up and whatnot, a bit unsteady due to being so out of
practice. "If I fall, I'm going to do nothing but complain that we should've
just walked." He winked
a merciful edge: to her. "Doubly so if the fall kills me, you'll be haunted
forever."
a vision bereft: While he checked out the horses that Maria had available,
she headed for her own golden palomino and rubbed along his neck. "Well hello
there Padric, I bet you didn't think you'd be seeing me today." She got the
saddle and bit and
a vision bereft: bridle and all on, and soon she was mounted as well with
reins in hand. She decided she would not put the saddlebags on, this was to
be a short journey. The stablehands led the horses out for them and then they
were ready to head
a vision bereft: out of town. She grinned over at him and offered a wink. "I
am haunted already, my friend, one more will not bother me." She laughed
softly, then dug her heels in and clicked her tongue, and Padric took off
along the road heading
a vision bereft: for the city gates.
a merciful edge: "Oh I'd make it bother you. You've no idea how very
annoying I can be if I set my mind to it." He flashed her his best grin, blew
her a kiss, and then off they went! He still hadn't familiarized himself too
well with the area, so
a merciful edge: once again he was letting her lead the way. His time
passing through had been a haze of near-death anyway. At least he definitely
seemed to be doing better.
a vision bereft: She just laughed hearing him and gave a little shrug, then
reached to her hip to make sure that her seax was where it was supposed to
be. She was very glad he was doing better, and he certainly seemed in better
spirits than she
a vision bereft: when she* found him. She glanced around when they reached
the crossroads out of town, looking for the village name. Dunsany, that was
the name. She pointed in the direction the sign pointed, and gave a tug of
her reins and began to
a vision bereft: move in that direction. It took just about an hour exactly
for them to ride their horses until they saw the little village, and the
graveyard by a small chapel. There was a rickey fence around it, looked like
it was broken in a few
a vision bereft: places, and a woman dressed in all black, with a long black
veil was kneeling on one of the graves - a new grave it looked like. She
looked like a grieving widow, but there was the flicker of something wicked
at her side - a large
a vision bereft: blade that she held within black gloved fingers. She pulled
the horse to a stop and slid off, then waited for her companion to get down
too.
a merciful edge: And luckily, he managed not to fall! His horse was a bit
slower so it probably took them a little longer than expected to get there,
but better late than not in one piece, right? He followed, keeping an eye out
for anything
a merciful edge: potentially dangerous along the way, and then they were
there! He dismounted as soon as possible, and looked over towards the woman
in black, furrowing his brow a bit. He didn't draw his sword just yet, since
the lady might well
a merciful edge: have that thing for defense, rather than nefarious
purposes, but he was ready to if need be. And well..he started towards the
graveyard, figuring perhaps the lady might be able to help them find what
they were looking for!
a vision bereft: "It's the third day she's been here.... family hired one of
'em professional mourners. She ain't stirred since I saw her kneel by that
grave two days ago. Not even when it rained last night. I don't even think
she's blinked." The
a vision bereft: sound came from right behind them, where had that
gravedigger come from?! Well he was here now, leaning on his shovel. A
well-muscled middle-aged man, who must have been hiding somewhere!
a vision bereft: She was just about ready to lean into to speak to Kyle
when, she heard the voice behind her. As much as she could tell the future,
she certainly hadn't expected that, plus she was a little jumpy. Her hand
flew to her heart and her
a vision bereft: eyes got wide as she turned around and looked up at the
man. "You frightened me." She took a deep breath and released the grip she'd
taken to Kyle's arm with her other hand . "So she's a Mourner from the Guild?
I thought as much. If
a vision bereft: this is her third day, means it's her last day at The
Watch. I doubt she'll even talk to us. We'll just have to watch with her."
a merciful edge: Well, hell. He got surprised as well, and her jumpiness
made his even worse, to the point where he actually drew his sword at that
voice. He flipped it around in his hand as if ready to stab behind him, and
of course his fingers
a merciful edge: didn't quite work right, and down the sword went, point
sticking into the ground. He scowled down at it, then turned around to face
the man and tugged the sword out of the ground with his right hand, sending
the gravedigger a smile.
a merciful edge: "Sorry about that, good sir. Bit jumpy I suppose." He
passed the sword into his other hand and sheathed it, then glanced back over
his shoulder to the woman. "I apparently don't know much about this guild."
a vision bereft: He shrugged at them, then wagged a finger towards the woman
all in black. "What's it called... Thready Guild or somethin'. She's
a-waitin' for the dead to rise so I've been told. Well, I got a grave to
dig." He moved around them and
a vision bereft: went through the rickety gate over to another section of
the kirk where he'd start digging and humming, paying no mind to anything
else.
a vision bereft: She listened to the gravedigger, though she moved aside as
he moved so that he would not touch her. She was not a fan of the dead, or
the undead, or those that worked with either. She tied Kyle's horse to her
own so they'd stay
a vision bereft: together, and slipped her arm around his as she began to
walk through the gate and over towards the Mourner. Her voice was low, "It's
called the Threnody Guild. I've heard that they undergo intensive training on
how to hunt and kill
a vision bereft: undead. As well as endurance so they can kneel by graves or
coffins for three days straight without moving, eating, drinking or anything.
Rarely does an undead escape if a Mourner is there, but it's happened and
they hunt them
a vision bereft: down. They don't just watch for The Risen, though, they
actually know a great deal about funerals and help the families get their
things in order. It's a lonely life though, I'd gather." She shrugged and
then took a stand a
a vision bereft: respectful distance from the lady and leaned against the
side of a crypt. "We are going to just have to wait."
a merciful edge: He eyed his sword due to habit to make sure it didn't have
any dirt on the blade before sheathing it again..but of course, it kept
itself clean all the time, always looking pristine, if otherwise
unremarkable. Back into the sheath
a merciful edge: went the weapon, and he nodded as he listened to the
information about the guild. "Hm, I see. I'd imagine it probably is, and not
a very happy one either." He spoke quietly so as to not disturb the lady,
nodded once more, then gave
a merciful edge: Elle a good side hug, leaving his arm around her as they
waited.
a vision bereft: She leaned against him as he gave her a hug, and just
watched. Apparently the Mourners had determined that it would be within 3
days that zombies or vampires or such would rise. It was chilly, and she
pulled her cloak around her a
a vision bereft: little tighter and gazed over across the graveyard of
crooked crosses, and old crypts, and tombstones of stone and wood towards the
gravedigger who seemed to be having just a fine old time digging his grave,
he'd started to sing
a vision bereft: a drinking song in tune to the shoveling he was doing.
"Someone enjoys their work."
a merciful edge: "I considered helping him out to pass the time, but he
seems to have things under control rather well." He looked over towards the
gravedigger and chuckled a little at the singing, then glanced back to the
Mourner. "I wonder if
a merciful edge: she's pretty." Just an idle thought, really! He'd never
seen an undead hunter before. Well, unless the two of them counted, with
their whole one undead hunt under their belts.
a vision bereft: "Yes, he certainly does." She snickered softly and watched
the woman. She tried to see through that long veil but really couldn't make
out much except the contours of her face. "Who knows, maybe she is. You
should flirt with her
a vision bereft: once we get our zombie part and see if she'll lift that
veil." She nudged him gently and then leaned her cold cheek against his arm,
and watched. For what seemed like hours (though in reality it was only about
45 minutes) they stood
a vision bereft: there in the cold, listening to the gravedigger and
watching the stone-like Mourner. Elle found her eyes growing heavy and she
closed them, as she stood there. It was only a moment after closing her eyes
when there was movement at
a vision bereft: the grave! The dirt.... was shifting. For the first time
since they'd arrived, the Mourner moved. She rose, drawing her blade,
watching the ground.
a merciful edge: He was wide awake, mostly because he'd been doing nothing
but sleeping, eating, and the occasional mummy fight lately, he actually felt
well rested. "I might just." He chuckled at the thought and brushed his
fingers through her
a merciful edge: hair, watching for that long bit of time. And then there
was movement! He didn't notice it until after he'd known the woman moved, and
he gave Elle a nudge in the side. "She's not a statue, after all."
a vision bereft: "I see." She pushed off the crypt's wall and drew her
weapon, though by the glint on the Mourner's weapon it must have been dipped
in silver or something as it had a silvery sheen unlike most weapons. For a
moment, she made eye
a vision bereft: contact with the both of them through the black veil, then
turned her gaze to the grave again as more dirt began to move and one hand,
then another shot up from the ground. The Mourner moved back, readying to lop
the head off soon
a vision bereft: as it was seen, as was their tradition, when there was a
yell from the gravedigger!
a vision bereft: State your hit points and defense DC for me?
a vision bereft: 31, DC15
a merciful edge: 22, dc14
a vision bereft: Ok! Proceed!
a merciful edge: He frowned when he heard the yell from the gravedigger and
drew his sword, then looked in that way. "I think she can handle that one."
And off he went to go see what was up with poor gravedigger!
a vision bereft: A zombie had the gravediggers ankle and was pulling the big
man down into the grave he was digging! It was a rather well rotted zombie,
and was trying to pull the man into the dirt!
a vision bereft: Kyle-
a merciful edge: He cursed under his breath, but hey...disabling was
something he used to be rather good at, even if it involved cutting parts
off. Hopefully he hadn't lost his touch entirely. He darted over and tried to
lop off that hand that was
a merciful edge: pulling on the poor guy!
OnlineHost: a merciful edge rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a merciful edge scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a merciful edge: And promptly dropped his sword. Thankfully before he cut
off the guy's foot instead.
a merciful edge: "Son of a bitch."
a vision bereft: Miss.
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 0/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 0/35 [16] || Zombie 2 0/?? [10]
a vision bereft: Elle -
a vision bereft: She followed Kyle over towards the gravedigger, and frowned
as he dropped his sword. She wasted no time and used her knife to chop down
at the zombie's wrist to make him let go of the gravedigger!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 3
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: 8
a vision bereft: Miss
a vision bereft: Chantrea-
a merciful edge: Well at least they both thoroughly got to embarass
themselves in front of the professional.
a merciful edge: theirselves*
a vision bereft: The Mourner waited until the head and shoulders of the
zombie poked out of the dirt, and she attempted a quick, and fast strike that
would take the head right off of the zombie!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 60-sided dice: 55 13
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 9 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +5 = 15
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 0/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 0/35 [16] || Zombie 2 15/?? [10]
a vision bereft: Zombie 2-
a vision bereft: That was a good strike, a good strike indeed! It nearly
lopped the head off of the zombie in one fell blow, but ...not quite. It was
not destroyed yet, and it continued to rise up out of the grave and reached
it's arms around her
a vision bereft: knees and tried, very awkwardly, to tug her down with it.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 17
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 50-sided dice: 18 14
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 0/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 15/?? [10]
a vision bereft: Zombie 1 -
a vision bereft: Zombie one somehow had managed to not get hit, but now he
was crawling with his disgustingly rotted corpse body out of the dirt all the
way to his hips and reached out, grabbing Elle around the ankle and scratched
and tugged her.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 50-sided dice: 4 33
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 4 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +2 DEF = 2
a vision bereft: Kyle-
a merciful edge: Kyle cursed a bit more when that zombie started coming out
of the ground and was half tempted to kick it in the head when it lunged at
Elle, but he'd need his sword sooner or later, so he leaned down to snatch it
back up.
a merciful edge: And would totally incite anger on zombie 1 if he could, but
has a feeling picking up his sword is supposed to take his entire action.
a vision bereft: Elle-
a vision bereft: Grabbed, scratched a little, still she didn't like it. She
jerked her foot away and then gave the zombie a kick in the head, even as she
brought down her blade on it's head. The gravedigger had scurried away, and
was watching from
a vision bereft: behind a big tombstone, jerking and moving side to side as
if he were watching a boxing match and taking the hits too.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 52-sided dice: 8 32
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 4 poynts damage ~*~
a merciful edge: He really did like this gravedigger.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 4-sided die: 4
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +5 = 13
a vision bereft: Zombie's head crushed in, and he ceased moving. The
gravedigger punched the air, then ducked behind the gravestone again to peer
out the other side towards the Mourner.
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 28/25 [10]
a vision bereft: Pardon me, wrong zombie. No zombie is dead yet!
a vision bereft: Zombie 13/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 15/25 [10]
a vision bereft: Chantrea-
a vision bereft: She was, for now, paying full attention only to her own
zombie. It was now fully out of the ground, and they were locked in battle.
She moved swiftly, even gracefully and attempted to take the zombie's head
off again.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: 14
a vision bereft: Hit
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 60-sided dice: 39 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 5 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +5 = 11
a vision bereft: NOW a zombie is gone, that head lopped right off by the
Mourner.
a vision bereft: Zombie 13/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 26/25 [10]
a merciful edge: New Round! Using Defense Maneuver, DC to hit is 16.
a vision bereft: Zombie 1 -
a vision bereft: Zombie crawled his rotted self up out of the ground and
launched himself at Kyle!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 16
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
a merciful edge: Son of a bitch.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 50-sided dice: 13 8
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: But didn't do any damage, just... ran into him.
a merciful edge: Riposte due to zombie idiocy?
a vision bereft: Sure.
a vision bereft: Well, it ran into him, it just didn't hurt him not one
little bit. Was gross though.
a merciful edge: Yay! Well when the zombie ran right into him he cringed,
but managed to shove it back, hopefully at perfect distance for that sweet
spot on his blade to slice right through its neck.
OnlineHost: a merciful edge rolled 2 40-sided dice: 15 40
a vision bereft: ~*~ a merciful edge scored 7 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: a merciful edge rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
a vision bereft: ~*~ a merciful edge scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a merciful edge: (+3 weapon, +4 dexterous fighter = 16)
a vision bereft: That was one headless zombie.
a vision bereft: Zombie 29/25 [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 26/25 [10]
a vision bereft: Combat Over
a merciful edge: "Everybody alright?" Said as he gave his sword a shake to
get corpse juices off of it, not that they wouldn't just fall off from the
enchantment...and he sheathed the weapon again, looking at Elle, then the
gravedigger, then the
a merciful edge: Mourner.
a vision bereft: The gravedigger stomped his foot into the ground and beat
at the air again, all happy to see both of them taken down. "THATSA WAY TO DO
IT, YEAH!" He grabbed his shovel and hefted it like a spear and stalked over
towards Elle and
a vision bereft: Kyle, then gave a sniff and looked down at the zombie.
"Guess I'll be burying it again."
a vision bereft: She reached down and lifted her long skirt to look at the
scratch on her ankle, then dropped the skirt when Kyle asked. "I'm fine." She
nodded to the Gravedigger, and stepped away so he could get to doing that,
but not before
a merciful edge: He grinned, and offered a bow to their audience, then
glanced to zombie as well. "I'd offer to help, but you seemed to be having a
grand old time digging the grave earlier." He eyed the man again. "But, if
you'd like the help, I
a merciful edge: suppose it won't hurt."
a vision bereft: grabbing the head and stuffing it in a canvas bag she'd
brought with her. They had their zombie parts.
a vision bereft: "Nah I got it." He whistled and began digging. No doubt,
he'd be spreading in the taverns sometime tonight all about the battle in
their own little graveyard!
a vision bereft: The Mourner wiped her blade and sheathed it, then glanced
over towards Kyle and Elle, then down to the body of the zombie that was just
4 days ago someone's beloved son, and husband. She spoke for the first time
since
a vision bereft: they'd arrived, a dulcet tone that would have sounded quite
lovely engaged in song. "This one should be buried quickly as well, I will
inform the family that he rests in peace now." She paused, and stepped over
towards the two of
a vision bereft: them. "Thank you for your help. I did not expect to fight
more than one."
a merciful edge: He looked over towards the Mourner when she spoke and
smiled to her, nodding. "Thank you, as I wouldn't know who to inform. As for
the help, you're quite welcome, although I daresay even if we were not here,
you would've been more
a merciful edge: than proficient enough to handle the both of them."
Particularly with their complete failure to do much of anything right at the
beginning there, his more than Elle's!
a vision bereft: "Perhaps. But we are not so proud that we do not consider
other's help at times." She said softly, then reached out her black gloved
hand towards Kyle first. "I'm Chantrea." Now that they were close enough,
they could make out
a vision bereft: blonde hair behind that veil, though only a little bit as
it seemed to be braided down her back.
a vision bereft: Elle smiled towards the Mourner, and gave a respectful bow
of her head. She had to at least respect someone that did what the Mourners
did, she certainly would not be fit for it. "Joelle."
a merciful edge: He took the offered hand and lifted it, then made to kiss
it, but he wasn't silly, she'd just been fighting a zombie in melee combat!
So he gave the sort of kiss that was considered proper when meeting in one of
the places he'd
a merciful edge: visited and kissed his thumb where it rested over her hand,
before releasing it. "Pleasure to meet you, Chantrea. My name is Kyle." And
no, there was no risk of getting muck from their zombie on his hand, since he
sworded with his
a merciful edge: left and greeted with the right!
a merciful edge: On his lips*
a vision bereft: She smiled beneath her veil at the kiss, even if he didn't
actually kiss her hand, and gave a little nod towards Elle before she reached
up to push that long veil, nearly to her waist, up and over her head
revealing her face.
a vision bereft: "Perhaps we will meet again, Kyle and Joelle. For now, I
must complete the task I was assigned and report back to the family. Travel
safely." She turned and headed for the exit of the kirk. The horses seemed to
shirk away from her
a vision bereft: as she passed, but she did not look their way and continued
to walk past the church towards the village.
a merciful edge: Was she pretty??
a vision bereft: I suppose to some they might say yes, and others would say
kinda creepy?
a merciful edge: Seemed so. He sent her a nice friendly smile and a wink. "A
face as lovely as your voice, and grace in battle would lead me to believe. I
do hope we will meet again." Polite bow was offered to her then. "Safe
travels, Chantrea." And
a merciful edge: then off she went! He looked back to Joelle then. "Well I'd
say that wasn't quite as bad as the mummy encounter. When we get back I'll
see to your ankle."
a vision bereft: Chantrea smiled back at him of course, though the wink and
his words didn't seem to do anything as far as blush or even a thanks. She
just headed away! And Elle gave a nod. "No, no it wasn't but we certainly got
dirty again." She
a vision bereft: said her goodbyes to the gravedigger, and then headed with
her bag to the horses. Tying the bag onto the saddle, she eased up onto her
horse with only a slight wince at her ankle. She untied the reins and held
them out for him. "If
a vision bereft: you don't mind, that would be lovely, Kyle. I've got some
poultice I can put on it."
a merciful edge: "True, and yet my sword remains ever pristine. I do believe
it's mocking me, sometimes." And he didn't need a blush or a thanks! He moved
over to their horses and then mounted his, taking the reins, then flashed his
best grin to his
a merciful edge: favorite lady! The real best one, not the best one he gave
people when he was just trying to be charming and attractive. "I believe you
mean to say you've got some poultice I can put on it. You've been taking care
of me this whole
a merciful edge: time, I do believe it's time I returned the favor at least
a bit."
a vision bereft: Aww, she liked that smile a lot! He didn't need a blush
from Chantrea but he certainly got one from Elle. She grinned at him, then
tugged at the reins and Padric began moving towards the road again. "Yes. I
mean some you can put on
a vision bereft: it. Though, you must know I don't mind taking care of you.
Between Maria and I, you'll be at your best in no time."
a vision bereft: Log Off
undead samples for their client, since the first time had gone well (mummy
rot notwithstanding), so after he'd recovered from their last expedition, he
got himself all ready to go on another one! Clothes, cloak of armor, amulet, all
that good stuff. Sword was on his back, and he limbered up a bit so hopefully
he wouldn't pull something. That done, he was ready! "So, where do you think we'll be finding more undead?" Hopefully Elle was in the room to chat with or else he just talked to himself.
a vision bereft: Elle was there! She was ready to go already, and was
sitting at the desk looking over some paperwork she'd gotten. She glanced
over to him and pursed her lips. "Well, according to the local paper, there's
been some issues in a kirk out in the country about an hour's ride from here. We'll get you a horse out of the stables, and I've got Padric, and we should go
check it out. Sounds like zombies, but they are being rather... mum about it
here. They've called in
a vision bereft: the Threnody Guild though, which really only comes around when they think someone's gonna rise up again." She nodded and pushed the chair back and stood up, and grabbed her dark cloak and secured it. "Shall we?"
a merciful edge: He nodded a little. It'd been a while since he'd ridden a
horse, hopefully he hadn't forgotten anything important. "Alright, sounds
like a plan." He took one more check to make sure he was ready, sent her a
smile and nodded. "We
a merciful edge: shall." He got the door for her, but then let her lead the
way down to the stables. He had to check the horses himself, however, to find
one that seemed nice and calm. He didn't want a crazy ride, he'd probably
snap in half if he
a merciful edge: fell off! Sooner or later he'd find one compatible, and
then got all mounted up and whatnot, a bit unsteady due to being so out of
practice. "If I fall, I'm going to do nothing but complain that we should've
just walked." He winked
a merciful edge: to her. "Doubly so if the fall kills me, you'll be haunted
forever."
a vision bereft: While he checked out the horses that Maria had available,
she headed for her own golden palomino and rubbed along his neck. "Well hello
there Padric, I bet you didn't think you'd be seeing me today." She got the
saddle and bit and
a vision bereft: bridle and all on, and soon she was mounted as well with
reins in hand. She decided she would not put the saddlebags on, this was to
be a short journey. The stablehands led the horses out for them and then they
were ready to head
a vision bereft: out of town. She grinned over at him and offered a wink. "I
am haunted already, my friend, one more will not bother me." She laughed
softly, then dug her heels in and clicked her tongue, and Padric took off
along the road heading
a vision bereft: for the city gates.
a merciful edge: "Oh I'd make it bother you. You've no idea how very
annoying I can be if I set my mind to it." He flashed her his best grin, blew
her a kiss, and then off they went! He still hadn't familiarized himself too
well with the area, so
a merciful edge: once again he was letting her lead the way. His time
passing through had been a haze of near-death anyway. At least he definitely
seemed to be doing better.
a vision bereft: She just laughed hearing him and gave a little shrug, then
reached to her hip to make sure that her seax was where it was supposed to
be. She was very glad he was doing better, and he certainly seemed in better
spirits than she
a vision bereft: when she* found him. She glanced around when they reached
the crossroads out of town, looking for the village name. Dunsany, that was
the name. She pointed in the direction the sign pointed, and gave a tug of
her reins and began to
a vision bereft: move in that direction. It took just about an hour exactly
for them to ride their horses until they saw the little village, and the
graveyard by a small chapel. There was a rickey fence around it, looked like
it was broken in a few
a vision bereft: places, and a woman dressed in all black, with a long black
veil was kneeling on one of the graves - a new grave it looked like. She
looked like a grieving widow, but there was the flicker of something wicked
at her side - a large
a vision bereft: blade that she held within black gloved fingers. She pulled
the horse to a stop and slid off, then waited for her companion to get down
too.
a merciful edge: And luckily, he managed not to fall! His horse was a bit
slower so it probably took them a little longer than expected to get there,
but better late than not in one piece, right? He followed, keeping an eye out
for anything
a merciful edge: potentially dangerous along the way, and then they were
there! He dismounted as soon as possible, and looked over towards the woman
in black, furrowing his brow a bit. He didn't draw his sword just yet, since
the lady might well
a merciful edge: have that thing for defense, rather than nefarious
purposes, but he was ready to if need be. And well..he started towards the
graveyard, figuring perhaps the lady might be able to help them find what
they were looking for!
a vision bereft: "It's the third day she's been here.... family hired one of
'em professional mourners. She ain't stirred since I saw her kneel by that
grave two days ago. Not even when it rained last night. I don't even think
she's blinked." The
a vision bereft: sound came from right behind them, where had that
gravedigger come from?! Well he was here now, leaning on his shovel. A
well-muscled middle-aged man, who must have been hiding somewhere!
a vision bereft: She was just about ready to lean into to speak to Kyle
when, she heard the voice behind her. As much as she could tell the future,
she certainly hadn't expected that, plus she was a little jumpy. Her hand
flew to her heart and her
a vision bereft: eyes got wide as she turned around and looked up at the
man. "You frightened me." She took a deep breath and released the grip she'd
taken to Kyle's arm with her other hand . "So she's a Mourner from the Guild?
I thought as much. If
a vision bereft: this is her third day, means it's her last day at The
Watch. I doubt she'll even talk to us. We'll just have to watch with her."
a merciful edge: Well, hell. He got surprised as well, and her jumpiness
made his even worse, to the point where he actually drew his sword at that
voice. He flipped it around in his hand as if ready to stab behind him, and
of course his fingers
a merciful edge: didn't quite work right, and down the sword went, point
sticking into the ground. He scowled down at it, then turned around to face
the man and tugged the sword out of the ground with his right hand, sending
the gravedigger a smile.
a merciful edge: "Sorry about that, good sir. Bit jumpy I suppose." He
passed the sword into his other hand and sheathed it, then glanced back over
his shoulder to the woman. "I apparently don't know much about this guild."
a vision bereft: He shrugged at them, then wagged a finger towards the woman
all in black. "What's it called... Thready Guild or somethin'. She's
a-waitin' for the dead to rise so I've been told. Well, I got a grave to
dig." He moved around them and
a vision bereft: went through the rickety gate over to another section of
the kirk where he'd start digging and humming, paying no mind to anything
else.
a vision bereft: She listened to the gravedigger, though she moved aside as
he moved so that he would not touch her. She was not a fan of the dead, or
the undead, or those that worked with either. She tied Kyle's horse to her
own so they'd stay
a vision bereft: together, and slipped her arm around his as she began to
walk through the gate and over towards the Mourner. Her voice was low, "It's
called the Threnody Guild. I've heard that they undergo intensive training on
how to hunt and kill
a vision bereft: undead. As well as endurance so they can kneel by graves or
coffins for three days straight without moving, eating, drinking or anything.
Rarely does an undead escape if a Mourner is there, but it's happened and
they hunt them
a vision bereft: down. They don't just watch for The Risen, though, they
actually know a great deal about funerals and help the families get their
things in order. It's a lonely life though, I'd gather." She shrugged and
then took a stand a
a vision bereft: respectful distance from the lady and leaned against the
side of a crypt. "We are going to just have to wait."
a merciful edge: He eyed his sword due to habit to make sure it didn't have
any dirt on the blade before sheathing it again..but of course, it kept
itself clean all the time, always looking pristine, if otherwise
unremarkable. Back into the sheath
a merciful edge: went the weapon, and he nodded as he listened to the
information about the guild. "Hm, I see. I'd imagine it probably is, and not
a very happy one either." He spoke quietly so as to not disturb the lady,
nodded once more, then gave
a merciful edge: Elle a good side hug, leaving his arm around her as they
waited.
a vision bereft: She leaned against him as he gave her a hug, and just
watched. Apparently the Mourners had determined that it would be within 3
days that zombies or vampires or such would rise. It was chilly, and she
pulled her cloak around her a
a vision bereft: little tighter and gazed over across the graveyard of
crooked crosses, and old crypts, and tombstones of stone and wood towards the
gravedigger who seemed to be having just a fine old time digging his grave,
he'd started to sing
a vision bereft: a drinking song in tune to the shoveling he was doing.
"Someone enjoys their work."
a merciful edge: "I considered helping him out to pass the time, but he
seems to have things under control rather well." He looked over towards the
gravedigger and chuckled a little at the singing, then glanced back to the
Mourner. "I wonder if
a merciful edge: she's pretty." Just an idle thought, really! He'd never
seen an undead hunter before. Well, unless the two of them counted, with
their whole one undead hunt under their belts.
a vision bereft: "Yes, he certainly does." She snickered softly and watched
the woman. She tried to see through that long veil but really couldn't make
out much except the contours of her face. "Who knows, maybe she is. You
should flirt with her
a vision bereft: once we get our zombie part and see if she'll lift that
veil." She nudged him gently and then leaned her cold cheek against his arm,
and watched. For what seemed like hours (though in reality it was only about
45 minutes) they stood
a vision bereft: there in the cold, listening to the gravedigger and
watching the stone-like Mourner. Elle found her eyes growing heavy and she
closed them, as she stood there. It was only a moment after closing her eyes
when there was movement at
a vision bereft: the grave! The dirt.... was shifting. For the first time
since they'd arrived, the Mourner moved. She rose, drawing her blade,
watching the ground.
a merciful edge: He was wide awake, mostly because he'd been doing nothing
but sleeping, eating, and the occasional mummy fight lately, he actually felt
well rested. "I might just." He chuckled at the thought and brushed his
fingers through her
a merciful edge: hair, watching for that long bit of time. And then there
was movement! He didn't notice it until after he'd known the woman moved, and
he gave Elle a nudge in the side. "She's not a statue, after all."
a vision bereft: "I see." She pushed off the crypt's wall and drew her
weapon, though by the glint on the Mourner's weapon it must have been dipped
in silver or something as it had a silvery sheen unlike most weapons. For a
moment, she made eye
a vision bereft: contact with the both of them through the black veil, then
turned her gaze to the grave again as more dirt began to move and one hand,
then another shot up from the ground. The Mourner moved back, readying to lop
the head off soon
a vision bereft: as it was seen, as was their tradition, when there was a
yell from the gravedigger!
a vision bereft: State your hit points and defense DC for me?
a vision bereft: 31, DC15
a merciful edge: 22, dc14
a vision bereft: Ok! Proceed!
a merciful edge: He frowned when he heard the yell from the gravedigger and
drew his sword, then looked in that way. "I think she can handle that one."
And off he went to go see what was up with poor gravedigger!
a vision bereft: A zombie had the gravediggers ankle and was pulling the big
man down into the grave he was digging! It was a rather well rotted zombie,
and was trying to pull the man into the dirt!
a vision bereft: Kyle-
a merciful edge: He cursed under his breath, but hey...disabling was
something he used to be rather good at, even if it involved cutting parts
off. Hopefully he hadn't lost his touch entirely. He darted over and tried to
lop off that hand that was
a merciful edge: pulling on the poor guy!
OnlineHost: a merciful edge rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a merciful edge scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a merciful edge: And promptly dropped his sword. Thankfully before he cut
off the guy's foot instead.
a merciful edge: "Son of a bitch."
a vision bereft: Miss.
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 0/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 0/35 [16] || Zombie 2 0/?? [10]
a vision bereft: Elle -
a vision bereft: She followed Kyle over towards the gravedigger, and frowned
as he dropped his sword. She wasted no time and used her knife to chop down
at the zombie's wrist to make him let go of the gravedigger!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 3
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: 8
a vision bereft: Miss
a vision bereft: Chantrea-
a merciful edge: Well at least they both thoroughly got to embarass
themselves in front of the professional.
a merciful edge: theirselves*
a vision bereft: The Mourner waited until the head and shoulders of the
zombie poked out of the dirt, and she attempted a quick, and fast strike that
would take the head right off of the zombie!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 60-sided dice: 55 13
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 9 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +5 = 15
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 0/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 0/35 [16] || Zombie 2 15/?? [10]
a vision bereft: Zombie 2-
a vision bereft: That was a good strike, a good strike indeed! It nearly
lopped the head off of the zombie in one fell blow, but ...not quite. It was
not destroyed yet, and it continued to rise up out of the grave and reached
it's arms around her
a vision bereft: knees and tried, very awkwardly, to tug her down with it.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 17
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 50-sided dice: 18 14
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 0/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 15/?? [10]
a vision bereft: Zombie 1 -
a vision bereft: Zombie one somehow had managed to not get hit, but now he
was crawling with his disgustingly rotted corpse body out of the dirt all the
way to his hips and reached out, grabbing Elle around the ankle and scratched
and tugged her.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 50-sided dice: 4 33
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 4 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +2 DEF = 2
a vision bereft: Kyle-
a merciful edge: Kyle cursed a bit more when that zombie started coming out
of the ground and was half tempted to kick it in the head when it lunged at
Elle, but he'd need his sword sooner or later, so he leaned down to snatch it
back up.
a merciful edge: And would totally incite anger on zombie 1 if he could, but
has a feeling picking up his sword is supposed to take his entire action.
a vision bereft: Elle-
a vision bereft: Grabbed, scratched a little, still she didn't like it. She
jerked her foot away and then gave the zombie a kick in the head, even as she
brought down her blade on it's head. The gravedigger had scurried away, and
was watching from
a vision bereft: behind a big tombstone, jerking and moving side to side as
if he were watching a boxing match and taking the hits too.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 52-sided dice: 8 32
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 4 poynts damage ~*~
a merciful edge: He really did like this gravedigger.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 4-sided die: 4
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +5 = 13
a vision bereft: Zombie's head crushed in, and he ceased moving. The
gravedigger punched the air, then ducked behind the gravestone again to peer
out the other side towards the Mourner.
a vision bereft: Zombie 0/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 28/25 [10]
a vision bereft: Pardon me, wrong zombie. No zombie is dead yet!
a vision bereft: Zombie 13/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 15/25 [10]
a vision bereft: Chantrea-
a vision bereft: She was, for now, paying full attention only to her own
zombie. It was now fully out of the ground, and they were locked in battle.
She moved swiftly, even gracefully and attempted to take the zombie's head
off again.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: 14
a vision bereft: Hit
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 60-sided dice: 39 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 5 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: +5 = 11
a vision bereft: NOW a zombie is gone, that head lopped right off by the
Mourner.
a vision bereft: Zombie 13/?? [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 26/25 [10]
a merciful edge: New Round! Using Defense Maneuver, DC to hit is 16.
a vision bereft: Zombie 1 -
a vision bereft: Zombie crawled his rotted self up out of the ground and
launched himself at Kyle!
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 1 20-sided die: 16
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: Hit!
a merciful edge: Son of a bitch.
OnlineHost: a vision bereft rolled 2 50-sided dice: 13 8
a vision bereft: ~*~ a vision bereft scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a vision bereft: But didn't do any damage, just... ran into him.
a merciful edge: Riposte due to zombie idiocy?
a vision bereft: Sure.
a vision bereft: Well, it ran into him, it just didn't hurt him not one
little bit. Was gross though.
a merciful edge: Yay! Well when the zombie ran right into him he cringed,
but managed to shove it back, hopefully at perfect distance for that sweet
spot on his blade to slice right through its neck.
OnlineHost: a merciful edge rolled 2 40-sided dice: 15 40
a vision bereft: ~*~ a merciful edge scored 7 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: a merciful edge rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
a vision bereft: ~*~ a merciful edge scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
a merciful edge: (+3 weapon, +4 dexterous fighter = 16)
a vision bereft: That was one headless zombie.
a vision bereft: Zombie 29/25 [10] || Kyle 0/22 [14] || Elle 2/31 [15] ||
Chantrea 1/35 [16] || Zombie 2 26/25 [10]
a vision bereft: Combat Over
a merciful edge: "Everybody alright?" Said as he gave his sword a shake to
get corpse juices off of it, not that they wouldn't just fall off from the
enchantment...and he sheathed the weapon again, looking at Elle, then the
gravedigger, then the
a merciful edge: Mourner.
a vision bereft: The gravedigger stomped his foot into the ground and beat
at the air again, all happy to see both of them taken down. "THATSA WAY TO DO
IT, YEAH!" He grabbed his shovel and hefted it like a spear and stalked over
towards Elle and
a vision bereft: Kyle, then gave a sniff and looked down at the zombie.
"Guess I'll be burying it again."
a vision bereft: She reached down and lifted her long skirt to look at the
scratch on her ankle, then dropped the skirt when Kyle asked. "I'm fine." She
nodded to the Gravedigger, and stepped away so he could get to doing that,
but not before
a merciful edge: He grinned, and offered a bow to their audience, then
glanced to zombie as well. "I'd offer to help, but you seemed to be having a
grand old time digging the grave earlier." He eyed the man again. "But, if
you'd like the help, I
a merciful edge: suppose it won't hurt."
a vision bereft: grabbing the head and stuffing it in a canvas bag she'd
brought with her. They had their zombie parts.
a vision bereft: "Nah I got it." He whistled and began digging. No doubt,
he'd be spreading in the taverns sometime tonight all about the battle in
their own little graveyard!
a vision bereft: The Mourner wiped her blade and sheathed it, then glanced
over towards Kyle and Elle, then down to the body of the zombie that was just
4 days ago someone's beloved son, and husband. She spoke for the first time
since
a vision bereft: they'd arrived, a dulcet tone that would have sounded quite
lovely engaged in song. "This one should be buried quickly as well, I will
inform the family that he rests in peace now." She paused, and stepped over
towards the two of
a vision bereft: them. "Thank you for your help. I did not expect to fight
more than one."
a merciful edge: He looked over towards the Mourner when she spoke and
smiled to her, nodding. "Thank you, as I wouldn't know who to inform. As for
the help, you're quite welcome, although I daresay even if we were not here,
you would've been more
a merciful edge: than proficient enough to handle the both of them."
Particularly with their complete failure to do much of anything right at the
beginning there, his more than Elle's!
a vision bereft: "Perhaps. But we are not so proud that we do not consider
other's help at times." She said softly, then reached out her black gloved
hand towards Kyle first. "I'm Chantrea." Now that they were close enough,
they could make out
a vision bereft: blonde hair behind that veil, though only a little bit as
it seemed to be braided down her back.
a vision bereft: Elle smiled towards the Mourner, and gave a respectful bow
of her head. She had to at least respect someone that did what the Mourners
did, she certainly would not be fit for it. "Joelle."
a merciful edge: He took the offered hand and lifted it, then made to kiss
it, but he wasn't silly, she'd just been fighting a zombie in melee combat!
So he gave the sort of kiss that was considered proper when meeting in one of
the places he'd
a merciful edge: visited and kissed his thumb where it rested over her hand,
before releasing it. "Pleasure to meet you, Chantrea. My name is Kyle." And
no, there was no risk of getting muck from their zombie on his hand, since he
sworded with his
a merciful edge: left and greeted with the right!
a merciful edge: On his lips*
a vision bereft: She smiled beneath her veil at the kiss, even if he didn't
actually kiss her hand, and gave a little nod towards Elle before she reached
up to push that long veil, nearly to her waist, up and over her head
revealing her face.
a vision bereft: "Perhaps we will meet again, Kyle and Joelle. For now, I
must complete the task I was assigned and report back to the family. Travel
safely." She turned and headed for the exit of the kirk. The horses seemed to
shirk away from her
a vision bereft: as she passed, but she did not look their way and continued
to walk past the church towards the village.
a merciful edge: Was she pretty??
a vision bereft: I suppose to some they might say yes, and others would say
kinda creepy?
a merciful edge: Seemed so. He sent her a nice friendly smile and a wink. "A
face as lovely as your voice, and grace in battle would lead me to believe. I
do hope we will meet again." Polite bow was offered to her then. "Safe
travels, Chantrea." And
a merciful edge: then off she went! He looked back to Joelle then. "Well I'd
say that wasn't quite as bad as the mummy encounter. When we get back I'll
see to your ankle."
a vision bereft: Chantrea smiled back at him of course, though the wink and
his words didn't seem to do anything as far as blush or even a thanks. She
just headed away! And Elle gave a nod. "No, no it wasn't but we certainly got
dirty again." She
a vision bereft: said her goodbyes to the gravedigger, and then headed with
her bag to the horses. Tying the bag onto the saddle, she eased up onto her
horse with only a slight wince at her ankle. She untied the reins and held
them out for him. "If
a vision bereft: you don't mind, that would be lovely, Kyle. I've got some
poultice I can put on it."
a merciful edge: "True, and yet my sword remains ever pristine. I do believe
it's mocking me, sometimes." And he didn't need a blush or a thanks! He moved
over to their horses and then mounted his, taking the reins, then flashed his
best grin to his
a merciful edge: favorite lady! The real best one, not the best one he gave
people when he was just trying to be charming and attractive. "I believe you
mean to say you've got some poultice I can put on it. You've been taking care
of me this whole
a merciful edge: time, I do believe it's time I returned the favor at least
a bit."
a vision bereft: Aww, she liked that smile a lot! He didn't need a blush
from Chantrea but he certainly got one from Elle. She grinned at him, then
tugged at the reins and Padric began moving towards the road again. "Yes. I
mean some you can put on
a vision bereft: it. Though, you must know I don't mind taking care of you.
Between Maria and I, you'll be at your best in no time."
a vision bereft: Log Off