(Praxis) Haldren Thul - Part 3
From Black Country Role Playing Society
20th Sypheros 998YK (Probably). Local date unknown
We had no choice but to push on into the village. We made our way deeper into the mists, looking for a defensible building. It was my thinking that if anyone was still alive here it would be in the strongest most defensible buildings in town. Those would most likely be the ones located near the centre of the village, the town hall, church or Inn.
Advancing cautiously through the mists we eventually spied torchlight glowing from ahead. This was a good sign, as zombies are not known for lighting, let alone needing, torches. Hugh advanced quickly but quietly forward to get a better look but soon the moans of the dead preceded his shout about more zombies. I advanced to get a better look at what we were dealing with this time when I froze in shock as a giant maggot took a bite at my leg. The damn critters had been hiding beneath the body that was lying in the middle of the street.
We soon gained composure as Talin burnt away a number of the maggots with a burning hands and Hugh skilfully bounded back to deal with them too. Like a well-organized military unit we dealt with the maggot threat and formed a line against the advancing zombies. It was at this point two screeches were emitted from behind us that paralyzed Hugh and me.
The source of the screech soon showed itself, a pair of varguoilles! Talin dispatched one while Alesia managed to drive back a couple of the zombies. Unfortunately the second vargouille managed to plant a diseased kiss on me before Alesia could turn and crush it.
By the time Hugh and me could move again the remaining zombies had been dealt with but I was left with a problem. It is entirely possible I have been infected with the curse of the vargouille and now destined to become one of them. I have access to the magic’s needed to cure myself, as long as I can hold off the disease long enough. I decided not to elaborate on my predicament to my companions, I’m not sure how they would react considering. I insist we find somewhere safe soon so I can rest up.
While some of us checked out the stability and security of a nearby house I checked the body in the street. It looked like he died of blunt trauma to the back, probably the zombies but shows no sign of rot or decay even though it had probably been here awhile. It is also strange that the maggots didn’t eat him even though they went for me! He only had two possessions; neither of which was magical according to Talin (I must say he was quick to check that!). The two items are a golden ring, most likely a wedding ring and a silver maple leaf amulet. Upon lifting the amulet for a closer examination a green glow enveloped me for a brief second, very strange. I have decided to take the amulet for further study and also take the ring incase it too possess undetectable magic’s.
The house that the others examined appears to be empty but un-securable so we must push on deeper into town.
A little further into the town we heard the sounds of battle. Full of hope Talin rushed onwards while the rest of us take a more careful approach.
The battle sounds were indeed that. A human female clad in half plate had engaged a number of zombies in battle. She was trying to drive them back through a breach in makeshift barricades that had been erected in this part of town. The good news was that we had found another living soul and by the looks of it more were likely in hiding. The bad news was that she was getting overwhelmed.
Talin continued his heedless run forward, oblivious to the two zombies we had previously driven off, who promptly struck at him as he went past while we advanced forward more carefully to assist. The female in half-plate was showing some skill in arms as she prayed to a god by the name of Pelor for divine help. It seems Paladins are the same no matter where you go or who the local deities may be. As I enhanced everyone with magics Alesia summoned her inner faith and managed to destroy many of the zombies where they stood. Talin had gotten pinned down but at least was distracting a few of the remaining zombies.
It was then I noticed the other zombie like creature that was concealed from my view by the fountain in the centre of the square. This was a short and squat zombie with heavily muscled forearms. I have never seen anything like it before. Hugh managed to distract it while Talin finished off the remaining zombie but it seemed immune to his dagger. I enchanted Hughes dagger but that didn’t seem to help either. By this point we had surrounded the shrunken zombie but it was taking the beating without a problem. The only blows that seemed to have affect were the Paladins directly after calling down the might of Pelor. I cast my final spell, which I am glad I had prepared, I cast on Talins sword infusing it with holy energy. This proved to be the correct move as Talin’s next swing cut a deep wound. The shrunken zombie seemed of balance and failed to hit anyone, so I am at a loss to what other abilities it may have. We soon managed to hack it down and we all breathed a sigh of relief.
The paladin thanked us for our help and introduced herself as Ashlyn of the lightbringers and invited us to shelter with her and the survivors in the Inn.
It seems that the name Barovia is the name of this village. The village is also cursed so that any who die will rise again as undead. That is mighty magic worth studying.
Ashlyn told us that she and her companions were here looking for a powerful weapon called a Sun Sword (perhaps similar to the Aundairian or Thrane Sun Blades?). While her companions went to check out the local church she stayed here to protect the remaining villagers but it seems they have yet to return.
While here I also managed to speak to the barkeep about the body we found. It appears he was just the local carpenter. He was trying to get back to his wife but didn’t make it. He was not known for owning any magical items yet the items I picked up were definitely his. I gave the ring to the barkeep to pass back to the widow but decided to keep the amulet for further study. Did it cure me of the varguoille kiss or is it just holding the disease at bay? Ashyln says I am not diseased but best I study to be sure, for everyone’s sake.
Now to get some much needed rest.
(back to (Praxis) Haldren Thul - Journal)
