Zarain is leading Oban and Kefra west-northwest across the plain to her village. Within 100 yards of the forest edge, however, they are attacked by three skeletons, which they are able to defeat handily. More skeletons appear but fortunately so do the barbarian tribesman who had seen the conflict and raised the alarm to recruit some fighters. This afforded Zarain to leave combat and bring aid to her sister, Sariah, whose illness had worsened in Zarain’s absence.
The trio reach the village and Oban is able to cure Sariah. They meet Maria – a druidic priestess and spiritual leader of the tribe. After introductions are made, however, the fighters return having fended off the small skeleton band. But not without casualties of their own: Kallerd, a tribesman, was killed and is carried back to the village. Maria excuses herself to make funeral preparations.
There is a mixture of sorrow and joy at the fire that evening. Sorrow at the loss of Kallerd, joy at the return of Sariah, and a comraderie and bravado relating stories of defeating undead skeletons. While most of the tribesmen are content to win battles against any kind of antagonist (and talk about their feats), the adventurers turn aside to discuss privately. These skeletons had to come from somewhere. And for some reason. Oban knows of the Monument Tower south of here that housed the bodies from a great battle long ago. Could that be the source? Also discussed is the nature of Sariah’s disease. You are unable to perceive what it could be but according to Zarain it happened during a hunting trip in the forest. Perhaps when she is well rested she will be able to speak of it.
Their discussion is interrupted by the start of Kallerd’s ceremony. Maria leads and speaks specifically of Kallerd’s heroism and generally of nature, balance, and the inherent wrongness of the undead. She also mentions the restoration of Sariah and our three adventurers get a cheer.
Immediately following the ceremony, our adventurers decide to speak with Maria privately. She too is troubled at what could cause such a thing as undead skeletons and she too knows the importance of understanding what is going on. She has been sensing a change, or unbalancing, in nature – particularly in the magic interwoven in nature. She (very awkwardly) likens it roiling bubbles just beginning to disturb the tranquil surface of a once calm lake. Could the undead be part of this? She tasks the adventurers to leave at first light with Ardan, a barbarian fighter
Kefra says:
Traveling through the plains was uncomfortable. All that open space with no place to hide? :shudder:
Living skeletons? Mules bum! The first thing I did was scream. Then I pulled my bow and shot at them while Zarain and Oban attacked up close. I was surprised, but happy, that my arrows seemed to hurt them, rather than just passing through their ribs.
Zarain’s tribe was nice. I feel so bad that one of her people died fighting the other skeletons. But I’m so glad Oban was able to heal her sister.
Oh! Did I forget to mention that Cinder is travelling with us? She’s an ordinary street cat that keeps me company. She keeps out of the way, I promise.
Tomorrow we head for the tower that may be the source of the skeletons. I fear that may not be the only foe we’ll find.
I wonder if I can get an arrow or two from someone here before we leave?