AWRR2 Chapter 7.5

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Summary

Session date: 2025-11-05

Still at the bog, some of the party decide to go for a walk. Fritz stumbles and finds a stone under water, which turns out to be part of a mausoleum. The group decide to head back so that Mol can consult Lady Paiza, and Raveni and Norn volunteer to stay behind in case there's any issues. On the way back to the manor, Trev falls into the bog and needs to be rescued. Meanwhile, Macen and Galatea have a nice talk.

Mol takes Paiza out to see the graves, and she attempts a ritual, which fails. The dead begin to stir! The pair collect Raveni and Norn and race back to the house, where they try to rally everyone and retreat to the upper levels, getting Macen to help barricade the stairs. Most people make it upstairs, but Firrin and Trev get trapped in the kitchen, and hide in the pantry. Paiza is later able to contact them with a message spell.

Session date: 2025-11-26

When a zombie climbs in the window where they'd been hiding Norn and raveni take refuge in a wardrbe. Their moment of intimacy is interrupted when fritz presses a button that drops the bottom out of the laundry chute, dumping the pair into the basement. Upstairs, Everette swings into action, angry at having hie leisure time disturbed. Wirh this distraction, the party is able to recover Firrin and trev from the pantry, and meet up together in the basement, where Kelio has been keeping the zombies out. There they find that Mhireen was enthralled by the Vecna shrine after bleeding on it accidentally. Norn breaks the statue's eye and Mhireen is freed. When everyone is safe, they head back to the top floor for a corpse-free picnic, since Firrin had the presence of mine ( or else the irrational panic response) to save the stew.

Session

Session Start: Wed Nov 05 19:11:24 2025

Some of the party take a walk

* Molgrin has invited anyone who wants to join him to go out walking/perhaps looking for bugs/perhaps hunting :)
* Paiza is now known as Norn
* Norn will have come along, bringing his bow just in case anything presents itself.
* Raveni has foregone their usual standard of dress and is wearing some battered leathers for this outing that his grandfather definitely thinks he had destroyed
* Molgrin has a sketchbook and a walking stick for pokin' things with
* Trev is accessorizing with a stylish walking stick of dubious toughness
<Molgrin> That seems like a very practical outfit :)
* Molgrin says to Raveni
<Molgrin> Most of the rest of us are quite overdressed for the occasion.
<Raveni> And here I was feeling a little under-dressed
* Raveni laughs
<Raveni> I've had these for years, they're great for when you might accidentally sink into a bog
<Trev> ... right. Bogs.
<Norn> Are there many bogs where you're from?
<Molgrin> If any of us fall into the swamp, we shall depend on you to help us out :)
<Raveni> Not many, but there was a stretch of moorland that had some hidden ones. One moment you'd be stepping onto what looked like solid ground, the next you were sinking into horrible, wet mud.
* Raveni says to Norn
* Lan-home is now known as Fritz
<Raveni> If you fall in one, shout for help and freeze as best you can. If you struggle you'll just sink faster.
* Fritz is dressed for outdoor activity, at least, and though as always his clothes are clearly very expensive, they are also practical
* Molgrin is just wearing one of his plainer (perhaps hand-me-down) outfits, not one of his nice new ones
<Molgrin> Good advice!
* Norn nods.
<Raveni> I have some rope in my pack, just in case.
* Molgrin picks a direction somewhat at random and will lead the way into the bog
<Fritz> I have a few things but I don't know much about bogs really
<Norn> There's a way to get yourself out, but if done improperly it can cause you to sink more quickly.
<Raveni> Hence the rope
* Raveni winks.
* Norn smiles.
<Norn> Rope *is* easier. :)
<Fritz> well now I'm curious though!
<Fritz> is it like falling through ice?
<Trev> If I fall in I shall scream like an infant, as I have significantly less to sink before drowning
<Fritz> well you aren't as heavy though!
<Raveni> If we find a patch, you're welcome to jump in, Fritz!
<Fritz> you shouldn't sink so fast
<Fritz> but I think I will try *not
* to go in the bog on purpose ;^-^
<Raveni> (to Trev) He's right, being smaller is actually to your benefit should you fall in.
<Raveni> Just wait long enough for us to get a rope around you first.
<Norn> Remaining calm is really the important thing, but, yes, in general, you would fare better than most of us, Marceador.
* Raveni laughs
<Norn> Just spread your weight out as much as possible, and you have less...to...spread. >.>
<Norn> (That didn't come out right :P )
* Raveni snorts
<Trev> ... while I can honestly say it's not a complaint I've received in the past, I shall do my best ;)
<Fritz> so it *is* like falling though ice....
<Norn> I'll admit, I don't have much experience with ice.
* Fritz contemplates, oblivious
<Norn> I'd imagine the shock is difficult to overcome.
<Raveni> That's what I've heard, though I don't have much practical experience with it.
* Molgrin is more of a meandering walker, stopping often to look at some interesting plant or bug or other creature
<Fritz> ugh you would *think* that
<Fritz> but the people in Stillmarch are a little winter crazy
<Molgrin> In what way?
<Norn> Oh? How so?
* Raveni is subtly stalking a dragonfly that just fluttered past
<Fritz> they have these rituals areounf winter bathing
<Fritz> where they jump into the frozen lake *on purpose*
<Fritz> mad
<Norn> That sounds...intense.
<Trev> ... why. why would anyone do that to themselves.
<Fritz> I let my brothers convince me to try it once and it was awful, no matter how much fire and hot cocoa there was after!
<Fritz> Monty loves it but he *is* mad.
<Fritz> He says its very invigotating and good for the blood or something
<Molgrin> hm... I would try it at least once, I suppose.
<Trev> there's so much suffering in the world already
<Norn> That sounds like a trial my teachers would have us endure, if we had any convenient iced over pools.
<Raveni> I think the only way I'd participate would be if my only other option was to jump into a pool of lava
<Norn> I suppose that *would* be more extreme. :)
<Fritz> I like the sauna part
<Trev> See the trick is to put the ice pool *near* the lava pool, to make a *pleasant fucking bath*
* Norn chuckles.
<Raveni> Now that appeals! I got to bathe in a hot spring once, it was a delightful experience.
<Norn> Fritz, you brother-in-law's family has a whole retreat full of pools, don't they?
<Fritz> oh yes at Therma Alba! I've only been a few times but they have alll kinds of pools and it is quite pleasant
<Molgrin> There's all kinds of pools here too but perhaps not the kind that are good for bathing...
<Fritz> no..
* Molgrin pokes at a marshy bit of ground with his stick
* Fritz looks dubiously at some slimy looking water just off the path
<Euphrastus> I've always wanted to visit Therma Alba.
<Euphrastus> A little hot steam works wonders for sensitive skin, I've heard.
<Trev> The pools here are more of the leeches-gathering variety, I imagine
<Molgrin> Perhaps Fritz can arrange an invitation :)
<Euphrastus> Not to criticize these lovely swamp pools, of course.
* Raveni pounces and then straightens up, cupping his hands around a large blue dragonfly.
<Raveni> Got a friend for you, Mol!
<Molgrin> Ooh, let's have a look :)
<Molgrin> Very impressive!
<Fritz> oh what a lovely colour!
* Molgrin does a quick sketch of the dragonfly
<Raveni> Insects aren’t normally much of an interest to me, but I do love the colour of this little fellow
* Norn mentally files that away.
<Molgrin> It takes skill to catch one, they're very quick.
<Fritz> what is more of interest?
* Raveni does a little bow, still holding the bug
<Raveni> Oh, things like art, music, travelling. I’ve always wanted to travel the world, actually. Never thought I’d get a chance to do it though.
<Raveni> And I’ll admit, I’ve discovered an appreciation for fine fabrics and fashion that I didn’t realize I had until recently.
<Norn> Oh, I should think Firrin would be able to help with that, if you asked.
<Trev> Well, you wear them well, my dear
<Norn> Indeed.
<Fritz> oh yes he is very fashionable isn't he?
<Molgrin> Oh yes, Firrin is very good with clothing! He is so clever at picking out things that look well together :)
<Raveni> I’ll have to ask him!
<Molgrin> He'd be pleased to go shopping I'm sure :) or even simply make some suggestions of things to look for.
<Fritz> have you been to any of the Highmark galleries?
<Raveni> I haven’t yet, no. I’m hoping to visit at some point soon, I’ve just been too busy of since I arrived to get around to it.
<Euphrastus> Those shops are more dangerous than a pool of rancid swamp water ... for my pocketbook!
* Molgrin nods
<Molgrin> Definitely!

Galatea and Macen chat while the others are out on their bog walk

* Galatea will look for Macen sometime in the afternoon of the second day at Simmerwater.
* Macen (~Lan-homelns5-pool7-088.adsl.user.start.ca) has joined #awrr2
* Macen has found a sunny, warm corner and is curled up o a cozy cusion reading
* Galatea will pause a little bit away from him, now unsure whether to bother him while he's reading.
* Galatea takes a breath.
<Galatea> Hello Macen. :)
* Macen looks up, perhaps a litte disoriented
<Macen> oh, hello...
<Galatea> Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt. What are you reading?
<Macen> oh, this was just anovel I founf on the airship. yarr said I could borrow it
<Galatea> How is it?
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Firrin> not really my usual thing, but its compelling I guess?
* Firrin shows her the cover, which is a well battered copy of Nik's book
<Firrin> (fuck)
<Macen> not really my usual thing, but its compelling I guess?
* Macen shows her the cover, which is a well battered copy of Nik's book
<Galatea> Oh, I liked it well enough. I understand it was very popular last season.
<Galatea> If you'd prefer to be otherwise occupied, I was wondering if you might like to take a walk?
<Macen> I could do that...
* Lan-home is now known as Fritz
<Galatea> I mean, if you are engrossed in your book, I completely understand.
<Macen> Oh, it's not *that
* compelling...
* Macen sets it down
* Macen stands up and smooths out his clothes
<Macen> where do you want to walk?
<Galatea> I was thinking around the grounds a little. I know a lot of people went out together, but I wasn't sure I wanted to go so far.
<Macen> Sure! I wasn't feeling up ot all the bugs, and I get enough exotic plants form my grandfather
<Galatea> I found the gardens at the Arbor fascinating, but I suppose that was one evening, not a lifetime of them.
<Macen> I mean they are interesting
<Macen> but... well.
<Galatea> Not *your* interest?
<Macen> yeah.
* Galatea will lead the way outside as they talk.
<Galatea> What does interest you, then?
* Macen doesn't quiet sigh
<Macen> great question
<Macen> magic I guess?
<Macen> maybe artifice?
<Galatea> *Maybe* artifice? Magic *you guess*? They don't *sound* like they truly capture your interest.
* Macen is quiet
* Galatea 's face falls.
<Galatea> I truly didn't mean to offend you. I apologize if I have.
<Macen> do you Like doing artifice? or is it just something that popele assume you should like? Or that you do because.... its practical?
<Galatea> Oh! Hmm.
<Galatea> I *do* enjoy it. It's complicated, but I enjoy puzzles. And it *is* practical, for myself of course, but also for others.
<Galatea> That's my hope, down the line. To help make it more available to all people who need it.
<Galatea> Is there...a lot of pressure for you to pursue it?
<Macen> good
<Macen> and... well.
<Macen> You've seen what I can do.
<Macen> right?
* Galatea nods.
<Macen> It feels like... I don't know
<Macen> It feels like tis the closest thing that epopel can understand
<Macen> it's pretty *weird* for a life mark
<Galatea> But it *is* a Life mark, yes?
<Macen> yeah.
<Galatea> Which would make me think that although it may *look* similar, it's an altogether different thing.
<Macen> right
* Galatea holds up her hand, one of her less-decorated metal ones that she brought for the trip.
<Galatea> This is my hand, and it works as it should, but it's not *alive*.
<Galatea> What you do seems almost closer to Lady Paiza's study than artifice.
<Macen> right.
<Macen> but people want it to be, I think. Some of them. Or that there's something therer that ~explain~ it, or explain other things, like the warforged, and... I don't know
<Galatea> Explains it how?
* Macen shrugs
<Macen> I think it makes them uncomfortable, and so they want to tie it.... and me.... to something that makes more sense.
<Galatea> I'm sorry, Macen. That sounds like a lot to deal with.
<Macen> It's fine. It's just how things are.
<Macen> It just means.... its harder to decide if I like something, and if I do like it, if I get to like it how I like without people.... thinking they know things they don't know.
* Galatea nods, silent for a moment.
<Galatea> You've said "they" and "people"...would it be too intrusive to inquire who you mean?
<Macen> well. School people, mostly. recently.
<Galatea> Fritz told me school might not have been the best experience for either of you. :/
<Galatea> I hope the season is proving more promising.
<Macen> It's like everything - parts of it are nice
<Galatea> I'm...liking this part.
* Galatea says with a shy, fragile hope.
* Macen had been about to say something else, but then just smiles
<Macen> yeah.
<Macen> me too.
<Macen> it's nice to be away from everything for a little bit
* Galatea nods.
<Galatea> I take it you don't get much chance?
<Macen> not like this, anyway
<Galatea> Maybe you could come visit in Mythragal sometime. It's not exactly "away" like this, but it is a beautiful city.
<Macen> I'd like to see more of it
* Galatea smiles.
<Galatea> You should see the residuum spires in a thunderstorm. It's really quite spectacular.
<Macen> oooh, yeah, I never had a chance to get under the city
<Galatea> I haven't been too often, but my father has done work down there and I've gotten to go along. It lights up the whole sky, the lightning's like a living thing.
<Macen> what kind of work does he do?
* Galatea looks a little embarrassed.
<Galatea> Artifice. >.>
<Macen> ahhh - so it runs in the family, then?
<Macen> the interest I mean
<Galatea> He's part of the church, but mostly works with warforged and their components.
* Galatea nods.
<Galatea> My mother is a professor of arcane studies.
<Galatea> I get it from both sides. :)
<Macen> I know :)
<Macen> your mom, I mean
<Galatea> Oh, right, of course.
<Macen> She's nice
* Galatea smiles.
<Galatea> I'm glad to hear that.
<Galatea> I'm sure she would be as well.
<Macen> I only had one class with her, but I liked it
<Galatea> Had you considered following any of your parents' footsteps? Adventuring, or politics?
<Macen> well... My mother would be unhappy if I took up adventuring
<Macen> and politics.... I feel like I live that enough.
* Galatea nods.
<Macen> I'm always surprised my father got into it. I don't think he ever meant to
<Galatea> Oh?
<Macen> but people listen to him.
<Macen> he is a bard
<Macen> he gets really passionate about this stuff
<Galatea> What gets you passionate?
* Galatea blushes fiercely realizing how that sounded.
<Macen> really?
<Macen> ...
* Macen looks away
<Macen> Stories.
<Galatea> What kind of stories?
<Macen> like.... if adventure stories weren't all about Adventurers, maybe?
<Galatea> I'm not entirely sure I understand what you mean?
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Macen> yeah. I've never been really ab;e to explain it. And I'm not good at writing them either but I can *imagine* them
<Macen> when I was a kid, I would spend a lot of tiem playing with my toys - like, that sounds normal
<Galatea> Well, imagination is the part you can't really learn, right? If you don't like your writing so far, *that* you can always keep working on.
<Galatea> What sorts of things are you imagining?
<Macen> Oh, all kinds of things.
<Macen> like - what if people coud walk from start to star, and at every star there were different poeple who had different kinds of magic, or no magic at all?
<Macen> or what if the starts thermselves were creatures and had their own societies and that's what the constellations were
<Galatea> Wow, that sounds *fascinating*.
* Macen shrugs shyly
<Galatea> Have you written any of that idea?
<Macen> No.
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Galatea> If you do, I should be very excited to read it.
<Galatea> Or to hear any of your other ideas.
<Macen> They always seem so dull when I write them, compared to how they are in my head.
<Macen> I thought, maybe I could find a way to use magic to share them. Which sounds like bardic magic but ha ha. no.
* Galatea chuckles a little at that.
<Galatea> Illusion? Or perhaps write them for the stage? Then it's not just you bringing them to life.
<Macen> yeah, maybe something like that, or like both of those things
* Paiza is now known as Norn
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Galatea> Something to consider, at least. :)
<Macen> yeah
<Macen> I'll figure something out. I have lots of time.
* Galatea smiles encouragingly.
* Paiza is now known as Norn
* Galatea will put her arm through Macen's.
<Galatea> So, these star creatures...
* Galatea will proceed to ask him about his world-building. :)
* Macen can go on at length once he gets started

Fritz finds Something in the bog

<Norn> Perhaps a trip to one of the galleries could be organized.
<Fritz> oooh, yes!
<Raveni> Do you have any particular favourites, Norn?
<Fritz> That would be quite a change from - ahh!
<Molgrin> are you all right?
<Euphrastus> What is it?
* Fritz wobbles on a bit of unexpectedly unstable ground
<Trev> Oh no, are you falling?
* Fritz flails for balance, but winds up takign a step back into the water
<Trev> Ohhhhh, your shoes!
<Norn> Do you need some help there, Fritz?
* Fritz is wearing boots at least, and the water doesn't come up all the way to their knee height
<Fritz> I think I'm alright...
* Fritz sats once he has stabilized
* Raveni stops pulling out the rope, disappointed
<Fritz> it's actually quite solid here, like I'm standing on a stone!
<Molgrin> that's unusual!
<Norn> Hmm. Not a lot of large stones around here...
<Raveni> Maybe something solid sank into the bog at some point?
<Fritz> maybe....
* Molgrin comes over to poke it with his stick
* Euphrastus peers over with interest.
* Fritz will see if he can find the edge without getting deeper
<Fritz> its not very large..... and... rectangular?
<Molgrin> like a box?
<Raveni> Careful, Fritz. Do you want the rope just in case?
<Trev> Is it buried treasure?
<Trev> did you FREE HOUSE come with BURIED TREASURE?
<Fritz> it's shame Macen didn't come along...
* Fritz will take one end of the rope though
* Molgrin will try to figure out the general dimensions of the item by the very scientific method of poking it with a stick
<Raveni> I rather got the impression that bog-walks aren't really Macen's thing
* Raveni passes Fritz one end of the rope
* Fritz will tie it somewwhat competently around his waist, just in case
<Fritz> the edge is over here..
* Fritz points it out to mol
<Fritz> Oh!
<Euphrastus> If there is treasure in it, make sure to keep the box in good condition.
<Fritz> Look in that little rise there - there's more stone!
<Euphrastus> Can I be of assistance?
<Fritz> its much too large to lift, I think
* Norn will head in the direction Fritz indicated.
<Raveni> Careful, Euphrastus. You may not be as stable on the edges of this hole as Fritz was
<Trev> Who would bury a treaure chest that large?
<Raveni> Who would bury treasure in a bog to begin with? It's not exactly easy to retrieve...
<Molgrin> ..... are we quite sure it's not, uh, not a grave?
<Euphrastus> It may not have been a bog when it was buried.
<Raveni> That's a good point.
<Trev> but it's FAR too b--- right. Right. Bigfolk grave.
<Molgrin> hmm.
<Norn> Perhaps Euphrastus might examine it?
<Fritz> I think I could get over to look at the other one if I'm careful....
<Molgrin> I wonder why someone would be buried all the way out here. it's rather isolated.
<Norn> I wonder...
* Norn will kneel down and place both hands on the ground, closing his eyes.
<Fritz> well.... did anyone look at that Shrine more closely yet?
<Trev> Maybe they lived out here
<Raveni> There is the village nearby. We could ask them if they're familiar with any stories of a graveyard nearby.
<Trev> ooh, maybe they were MURDERED out here
<Fritz> I don't know if anyone would make a stone grave for anyone they murdered?
<Molgrin> I was going to ask Lady Paiza to take a look at the shrine, if she was willing. I thought she might have some insight.
<Raveni> Could be a sacrificial altar, I suppose.
<Fritz> alright, I'm going to try and get over there - please hold that rope tight!
<Raveni> Got it. Go slow.
<Norn> I think there's more of whatever they are.
<Molgrin> be careful...
<Trev> perhaps it's a truly terrible accident from home renovation
<Trev> you know, poisonous spores and what have you
<Norn> Its difficult to tell, exactly. Something in the land doesn't seem to like my inquiry.
<Molgrin> D:
<Trev> and they had to hide the body where it would never be found, to avoid the victim's mad spouse
* Euphrastus looks at Trev with a mixture of confusion or admiration or bafflement
<Raveni> Thanks Trev, that's very comforting.
<Raveni> Norn, what do you mean?
* Fritz makes his way to the edge of the first stone, and then makes a calculated jump to the other little hillock and *mostly* makes it, but winds up slipping so that his toususer get pretty soaked up to his thights befre he scrambles up onto the dry area
* Euphrastus frowns.
<Euphrastus> Perhaps it's trying to tell us to leave it alone.
* Trev nods sagely.
<Trev> Mad spouse
* Raveni follows along the bank, staying as level with Fritz as they can.
<Norn> I'm not sure. Could just be a recalcitrant *eala*.
<Norn> Swamps tend not to like to give things up.
<Fritz> oh....
* Fritz crouches down
<Fritz> this *is* a tomb :o
<Raveni> How can you tell?
* Trev makes a discreet gesture of victory
<Fritz> well, it is quite overgrown but [launches into a description of different archtectucal mausoleum stules]
<Fritz> So I would guess that what I was standing on before was one of the entrance seals that must have collapsed!
<Norn> That would explain the strange spots in the soil.
<Norn> I think this whole immediate area may be a graveyard.
<Trev> Think we'll be beset by spirits wandering the moor?
<Trev> ... what's the difference between a bog and a moor, anyhow
<Raveni> Should we perhaps send someone to get Paiza? I'm reluctant to mess around with someone's grave.
<Molgrin> Perhaps we should. OR, simply go back and let her know what we found?
<Norn> That might be the better option here.
<Raveni> (To Trev) a moor can contain a bog but is generally considered flat heathland. A bog is a wet lowland that collects water and dead vegetation.
<Trev> (to Raveni) so a bog is wetter and lower
* Norn nods appreciatively towards Raveni for their definition.
<Raveni> (To Fritz) are you able to get back onto solid ground?
<Fritz> I think so - honestly I may as well just wade at this point!
<Fritz> and I would not be adverse to turning back, so I can change into somethign drier...
* Molgrin nods
<Raveni> Don't trust that it's all on the same level. There can be deep holes hidden underneath.
* Fritz nods to Raveni
<Molgrin> Perhaps that's best, then. We can mark this spot so we can find it again if Lady Paiza thinks it's significant.
* Molgrin considers how to do that and eventually settles on taking the bright blue ribbon that is holding his hair back and tying it to a nearby tree
* Raveni helps Fritz get safely back onto dry land and collects his rope.
<Trev> Yes, let's get safely out of range of the ravening spectres, if you please
<Raveni> Heh. "Ravening."
* Norn chuckles.

Trev falls in

* Molgrin will lead the way back to the house, then, a bit unsettled, and once he's cleaned up, will go find Paiza if possible.
<Trev> ope, that's a bit of a puddle, just gonna give a hop--
* Trev lands neck-deep in a second, larger puddle
<Raveni> Actually, I was thinking I might stay here for a whi-- are you alright there, Trev?
<Trev> No! Rather not!!!
<Trev> Roooooope!
* Raveni lies on his belly and scoots closer to Trev to had him the rope.
<Raveni> (hand)
<Euphrastus> Trev!
<Trev> oh god oh god oh god this is how I dieeeeee
* Trev grabs the rope for dear life and winds it around his hands
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Euphrastus> No one is dying today.
* Raveni is actively pulling Trev out of the water as he cries
<Norn> Remember Trev, just try to stay calm. We're here for you.
* Norn will help with that, though it's likely unnecessary.
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Raveni> Stay low and flat as we get away from the edge
<Raveni> and *breathe*, Trev. You're alright.
* Trev inhales only to begin screaming again
* Fritz stays back out of the way
<Trev> (lest we think he has anything approaching dignity)
<Raveni> ...Trev, you're out of the water. Relax, you can stand up now.
<Euphrastus> Let him take a moment.
<Euphrastus> Breathe for a second, like Raveni says.
* Raveni 's ears have flattened back because of the screaming
<Trev> I need to get a ring of feather-breathing, or water-falling, or something
<Trev> this is why I'm not an adventurer, I'm not built for danger
<Euphrastus> Definitely not your calling.
<Euphrastus> Are you ready to get up, or do you need another minute?
<Raveni> I don't know, you *did
* survive! You might do better as an adventurer than you think.
<Trev> I think.... I can try
<Fritz> Well at least I'm not the only one who is soggy!
<Trev> I'm choosing to blame this on the spectres
<Raveni> Perfectly reasonable.
* Paiza is now known as Norn
* Norn chuckles, and will offer Trev a hand up.
* Norn is now known as Paiza
* Trev will miss Raveni's hand and fall down one final time, this time face-first into some muck
<Euphrastus> Oh dear.
<Trev> Perfect. Of course. The rest of you go on ahead, I'll wait here for my dignity to catch up.
<Euphrastus> No, I think given the environment, none of us should be out here alone.
<Raveni> I'd rather not leave you alone in case you meet with any more holes
<Raveni> On that note, I think I'd rather stay here and wait for Molgrin and Paiza to return in case they have trouble finding the gravestones again. Would anyone care to wait with me? I can give whoever is going back to the house my rope in case of more incidents.
<Fritz> yes, it seems a bit perilous...
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Norn> I'd be happy to wait.
<Euphrastus> Of course, I can wait.
* Fritz looks over
<Fritz> Oh, Euphrastus, you should come back with us
* Fritz looks over
<Fritz> Oh, Euphrastus, you should come back with us
<Fritz> in case... I fall in again too, and Mol can't get me out by himself!
* Molgrin nods
<Euphrastus> All right.
<Raveni> We’ll be safe enough here, don’t worry.
<Trev> If it's not too much trouble, I would prefer not to wait. I don't want to catch my death out here!
<Raveni> There’s nothing around but marsh deer and bugs
<Fritz> no, we'll be on our way - stay safe :)
* Fritz will heard the others off back towards the house
<Fritz> ...I thought they might like a chance to be alone ;3
* Fritz will say once we are much further away
<Trev> Sure, alone with a thousand unkind bog ghosts
<Fritz> I think they may not notice!
<Euphrastus> What a strange landscape this is. What a strange and fascinating place. I have half a mind to go around touching things to get visions of what it might have felt like, when it was in its heyday.
<Euphrastus> There are so few places like this in Highmark, which is constantly rebuilding and reinventing itself.
<Fritz> you should go out to visit Stillmarch sometime, it is very old and very stable
* Euphrastus nods.
<Euphrastus> I may take you up on that.
<Fritz> some truly interersting things sometimes come up out of the lake
<Trev> well let me know how it goes, old chap, I'll be drowning my sorrows in tits and liquor until you get back
* Euphrastus laughs.
<Euphrastus> A fine decision as well.
<Fritz> there is a town there, you know. And if if you don't care for the winter bathing - it *is* done in the nude :V
* Euphrastus chuckles.
<Euphrastus> But no bogs.
<Fritz> no, no bogs.
<Fritz> just a VERY big lake, and mountains
<Euphrastus> Well, it can't have everything, I suppose.

Mol consults Paiza on the bog graves - and things go wrong

* Paiza will have been organizing her skeletons to clear away brush and in general spruce up the outside of the manor.
<Molgrin> Oh, good afternoon, Lady Paiza. It's looking quite a bit more tidy out here :)
* Paiza smiles.
<Paiza> I hope I'm not overstepping. I just like to stay busy.
<Molgrin> No, not at all! It's very kind of you.
<Molgrin> Could I talk with you for a moment, if you're not too busy?
<Paiza> Of course. They don't need constant supervision. What's on your mind? How was the walk?
<Molgrin> Well, it was very nice up to a certain point.
* Paiza is now known as Norn
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Paiza> Oh? Is everything all right?
<Molgrin> But then we came across some... burials. Tombs, I guess you could say.
<Paiza> Tombs? All the way out here?
<Molgrin> Yes, sunk into the marsh.
<Paiza> Hmm. That certainly unusual.
<Molgrin> It seemed strange, indeed.
<Paiza> Combined with the shrine below, it's concerning.
<Molgrin> Have you had a look at that?
<Paiza> A little. It's not actually consecrated, I don't think, or isn't any more. But it does have some residual power. I get a sense of the art within, but it's neither Thantopolitan nor any Vecnan style of which I'm familiar. Though of course I'm not an expert on the Maimed One.
<Molgrin> Is it the kind of thing that I should be concerned about? I mean... could it have any risks?
<Paiza> I'm not sure. I'm more a physical necromancer than a spiritual one, so you might want to get a cleric or someone to come take a look.
* Molgrin nods
<Molgrin> Well, I will certainly see what I can do about that. I suppose I can ask Dovah Aelindar if he could recommend anyone.
* Paiza nods.
<Paiza> He'd know people closer, I'd imagine.
<Molgrin> Could you explain a bit more why the graves in conjunction with the shrine are concerning?
<Molgrin> Do you think someone was... doing sacrifices or something? D:
<Paiza> Well, let me ask: you said tombs, not just burials, yes?
<Molgrin> Yes, like stone tombs. Fritz accidentally stepped on one, and then there were some others as well, I'm not sure quite how many, but not just one or two.
* Paiza nods contemplatively.
<Paiza> If it were just sacrifices, I doubt someone would go to the trouble; they'd just chuck the bodies in the bog.
<Paiza> And Vecna has an interest in necromancy, to be sure, but only as a means, not for its own sake usually.
* Molgrin nods
<Paiza> His purview is forbidden, hidden, and forgotten knowledge.
<Molgrin> Someone said it was as if the shrine was here even before the house. I suppose the graves could be old too.
<Paiza> So I would surmise someone was trying to figure something out.
* Paiza nods.
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Molgrin> Well, *I* certainly can't figure it out. But maybe, as you said, a cleric might have some ideas of what should be done.
<Paiza> I know a few basic cleansing rituals I could try, just the stuff they make sure we know as a precaution, but I can give them a try.
<Molgrin> I wonder if the people in the village know any more about it... or if they would even tell me, if it's some big secret.
<Molgrin> Would you? That would be much appreciated.
* Paiza nods and smiles.
<Paiza> Happy to help.
<Paiza> And it can't hurt to ask them, though it's probably too late to hike over before nightfall.
* Molgrin nods
<Molgrin> Perhaps tomorrow, then.
<Paiza> Just let me get the risen in order, and you can show me where the tombs are.
<Molgrin> Thank you.
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Molgrin> (I assume we can do that - do we want to play out anything there? we could have the undead swamp mummies attack and have to run away back to the house or something - or we could just do the ritual, go back, and later they show up at the house to be annoyed ;)
<Norn> (Hmm, good question. I feel like doing the Night of the Living Dead thing, having them pop up in the graveyard and then follow us back to the house is pretty classic?)
<Molgrin> (sure that works - and then people can be kind of spread out/trapped in various areas with whoever they want to be trapped with :)
<Norn> (Sounds good. So then we'll meet up with/pass the others in turn on our way back to the tombs?)
<Norn> (I think I got some time stuff mixed up. We'll just end up meeting up with Raveni and Norn then?)
<Molgrin> (at least we might bump into Raveni and Norn, yeah, they're still out there somewhere)
<Norn> (cool)
* Molgrin will manage to find his way back to the spot where the tombs were, with a bit of wandering in circles until he spots the blue ribbon in the light that is beginning to fade slightly br><Paiza> Hmm, yes, even I can sense something here.
<Molgrin> something?
<Paiza> I'm not entirely certain. A presence. I'll see what I can figure out.
* Paiza will set to work with a cleansing ritual.
<Paiza> It shouldn't take too long, though I can't guarantee it will be entirely effective.
* Molgrin nods
<Paiza> There's, hmm, there's definitely some resistance...
<Paiza> (I imagine there's some rumbling of moving earth, maybe ripples in the water)
* Molgrin looks mildly concerned
<Molgrin> Paiza... it's uh... it's moving.
<Paiza> Yes, it's...not supposed to be doing that.
<Paiza> Molgrin, this may be more than I can entirely...
* Paiza pulls back from where she was kneeling next to her ritual circle as a decaying hand thrusts up out of the ground in front of her.
* Molgrin jumps back, startled, and falls backwards into the marshy ground, having to struggle to get back up
* Paiza scrambles to her feet, making a warding gesture.
<Paiza> They're...they're not responding...
* Paiza looks more and more concerned as figures start rising out of the bog.
* Molgrin manages to get to his feet
<Molgrin> Paiza, come on, let's get out of here
* Molgrin holds his hand out to her
<Paiza> That's...that's a lot of them. I think you may be right.
* Paiza will take his hand and run.
* Molgrin will run for it

Norn and Raveni get more Alone Time in the bog

* Norn watches the others go, then turns to Raveni with a sheepish, shy smile.
<Raveni> …That was a little obvious, wasn’t it?
<Norn> Maybe a little.
<Norn> Is that...a problem?
<Raveni> No!
* Raveni says a little too loudly
<Raveni> Not a problem at all. I… I like spending time with you.
<Norn> Likewise. I didn't think my time in Highmark would be about...personal things, but I find myself looking forward to every event I know you're also attending.
<Raveni> Would you perhaps be interested in going to an event *together*, at some point? As in, perhaps, just the two of us?
<Norn> I think I would like that very much.
* Raveni is blushing profusely and his tail is twitching with excitement.
<Raveni> Me too.
<Norn> It won't cause you any grief, I hope? I know your grandfather can be quite...opinionated.
* Raveni sighs heavily
<Raveni> That’s putting it mildly. I suspect he’d try to beat me into his preferred path if he thought he could get away with it.
* Norn scowls.
<Raveni> But… I got to talking with Mhireen at the party at the club and he opened my eyes to some ways that I might be able to find a bit of happiness for myself, that Grandfather might be willing to accept.
* Norn 's expression softens again.
<Norn> Oh? What did he say?
<Raveni> Um. That it might be possible to… satisfy my grandfather’s demands for legitimate heirs regardless of the gender of a chosen partner.
* Raveni can barely look at Norn as he speaks quickly
<Raveni> The bastard is obsessed with legacy.
<Norn> Oh! Um, yes, I know that such magic exists, though I know little of it.
* Norn chuckles.
<Norn> "Bastard" is quite the term to use in this instance. :)
* Raveni snorts.
<Raveni> I thought it appropriate.
<Norn> Entirely so.
<Norn> And, well...I don't mean to get ahead of myself, but it's good to know I'm not alone in...considering the future.
<Raveni> Oh?
<Norn> Well, I'm the third child of my House, and you're the heir to a major branch of yours...my father can't object overmuch to an Aethrennari match with that in mind. >.>
<Norn> Is that...to presumptuous?
<Norn> (too*)
<Raveni> Not at all, especially considering what I just said
* Raveni smiles shyly at him
* Norn returns the smile. br>* Paiza runs as fast as she can with Molgrin, almost bowling into Raveni and Norn.
<Raveni> Woah! What’s wrong?
<Paiza> Zombies. And they're not responding to my necromancy *at all*.
* Norn frowns.
* Raveni pales.
<Norn> Bow and arrow isn't the best choice of weapon here...
<Norn> Perhaps we should head back to the manor?
<Raveni> Agreed.
* Raveni grabs Norn's hand without thinking and starts running
* Norn will run along with everyone back to the house.

UNDEAD!!!

<Molgrin> (this is probably right around nightfall)
* Molgrin and Paiza and Norn and Raveni will burst in through the main doorway of the house, all clearly running as fast as they can
<Molgrin> Everyone take shelter! Undead!
* Molgrin yells
<Norn> Grab anything heavy. We should barricade the doors.
* Firrin (~Lan-homelns5-pool7-088.adsl.user.start.ca) has joined #awrr
* Norn will begin doing what he just said.
<Firrin> what?
* Raveni trips and goes sprawling, scrabbling at the floor to reverse course and barricade the doors
* Molgrin is panting and out of breath
<Raveni> Undead! It's bad! Paiza can't control them!
* Euphrastus freezes up momentarily, as if reliving some past experience.
* Paiza will make sure her skeletons are inside and helping with the preparations.
* Firrin comes out of the kitchen carrying a hot pot of stew that he'd been just about to set on the table
<Norn> I'm worried about all these ground-floor windows...
* Firrin looks in concern at Mol and Paiza, then down at the stew
<Molgrin> Get upstairs if you can!
<Firrin> I'll just.... be right back
<Raveni> (shouting) MACEN, WE NEED YOUR HELP MOVING FURNITURE
* Firrin hurries back towards the kitchen
<Norn> Okay, new plan. Molgrin's right. We need to head upstairs, make a barricade there.
<Norn> We can hold them from the top floor.
<Raveni> Ok, come on!
<Paiza> Wait, where did Firrin go?
<Raveni> Has anyone seen Mshauri??
* Saiya looks alarmed but will grab her lute and make her way to the stairs, getting slowed down by her bad leg as she climbs them
* Euphrastus finally snaps out of whatever reverie he was in, and makes a beeline for the top floor.
<Macen> What is it, what's going on?
* Macen asks, coming down the stairs in a rush
<Norn> (to Macen) Can you get any of the furniture moving to make a barrier at the stairs?
<Macen> yes....
<Norn> We have undead on their way.
<Molgrin> Come on Paiza, we need to get upstairs - he'll find us
* Molgrin encourages her to not go running after wherever Firrin went
<Paiza> Are-are you sure?
<Molgrin> .... no but .... we have to.
* Paiza 's skeletons are likely holding the door closed at this point.
<Norn> We don't have much time. Everyone upstairs!
* Macen will have the big table that Galatea fixed rear up and come lumbering towards the stairs
<Raveni> Fuck, ok, let's go
<Raveni> Norn, come help me board up some of these windows
* Raveni gestures to a room off the stairs
* Paiza will reluctantly follow Molgrin upstairs.
* Norn will head to the top of the stairs, his bow out to cover people as best he can.
* Macen will have the table stand guard
<Norn> I'll be right there, I just want to-
<Macen> I hear them - they're inside!
<Macen> damn...
* Norn fires at a zombie crawling through a first-floor window.
* Euphrastus is holding his cane as a kind of cudgel, and has backed himself into a corner.
* Macen calls a chair to hop over and jump on one that's now bumbling around the entryway
* Raveni casts a frost cantrip at the zombie being attacked by the chair
<Euphrastus> Aaaaah!
* Euphrastus is not being attacked, but is definitely having a Moment.

Mol and Paiza take refuge upstairs, and manages to check in with Firrin

* Molgrin half-drags Paiza into one of the empty bedrooms and slams the door shut.
<Paiza> What about Firrin? And everyone else?
* Paiza looks more than a little panicked.
<Molgrin> I saw him going into the kitchen, he can hide in there...
* Molgrin says, trying to sound more confident than he really feels
* Paiza looks like she's trying to let that convince her.
<Paiza> This is all my fault. I just can't imagine what caused this level of response from...whatever it is.
<Molgrin> There must be some other reason.. it can't just be something you did.
<Molgrin> I don't know what, but something else has to have happened....
<Molgrin> I just hope the others can all get to someplace safe...
<Paiza> The...undead weren't responding to my magic. They're acting more as a whole than individually animated creatures.
* Molgrin tries to look out the window as if he could see anything useful from there
<Molgrin> at least these things don't seem too smart, whatever they are...
<Molgrin> Gods, what about the village, too... I hope they can't get that far >.>
<Paiza> I had the same thought. We can outrun them, so if someone could get outside and get to the village...
<Paiza> I really don't want anyone getting hurt because of me.
<Molgrin> but they seem to be sort of.. focused here
<Molgrin> I mean I don't know, but maybe they aren't going to go towards the village?
* Paiza will go to the window to look out.
<Paiza> I don't see any heading in that direction, but that doesn't mean there aren't any. :/
* Molgrin nods
* Molgrin takes Paiza's hand again and squeezes it tightly
<Molgrin> It's not your fault, okay? if anything it's my fault, I was the one who wanted you to come look at things, when I could have just left it alone.
<Paiza> No, it was perfectly reasonable to ask me to look into it. I'm just not...this kind of necromancer.
<Paiza> Which, admittedly, there was no way to know. It's not acting like a traditional haunt, *or
* typical restless dead.
<Paiza> Something with the shrine, perhaps?
* Paiza seems more comfortable viewing the situation through her professional lens.
<Molgrin> maybe.... I can't tell if they're trying to get to the house, or to *us*. I mean... to people.... not us specifically...
<Paiza> Should we...risk a look out the door? I don't *hear
* anything right outside, I don't think.
<Molgrin> okay, but if there's anything at all, we close it again and block it with that chest...
* Molgrin says uncertainly
* Paiza nods equally uncertainly.
* Molgrin will creep carefully up to the door to listen at it first.
* Paiza does the same.
<Molgrin> <w> I don't hear anything.. do you?
* Paiza shakes her head.
* Molgrin will try opening the door just a crack and peeking out.
<Molgrin> <w> I think they're all still downstairs... I can't see any up here
<Paiza> <w> Okay. I want to try to take a look.
* Molgrin will move aside to let you do so
* Paiza squeezes past and looks up and down the hallway before stepping cautiously out.
<Molgrin> be careful...
* Paiza looks both terrified and like she's really concentrating.
* Paiza nods, creeping towards the stairs.
* Molgrin would really prefer to keep hiding but he can't let Paiza go alone, so will cautiously keep watch on her and be ready to grab her if necessary
* Paiza walks up to the edge and looks down at the crowd of zombies largely milling around the ground floor.
<Firrin> (I imaging Macen is still near the stairs, managing the table and other furniture guards)
<Paiza> <w> What are they doing?
<Macen> <w> Milling around? Groaning? trying to get up here when they notice we're here?
* Paiza nods thoughtfully.
<Macen> <w> if one notices, they all will, but then they just go back to millign after a bit
<Paiza> <w> I have an idea or two. One of them might draw some attention, but if so I'll stop immediately.
<Paiza> <w> Are you okay out here?
<Macen> <w> yeah, I'm fine
* Paiza nods, and will creep back to the room she and Molgrin were in.
<Molgrin> what's going on?
<Paiza> They're sticking to the first floor for now.
<Paiza> I don't think they're specifically coming after people, but I'm not sure what it is they *do
* want.
* Molgrin nods, but looks worried.
<Paiza> Do you happen to know which direction the kitchen is from here?
* Molgrin tries to orient himself and will point in what he hopes is the right direction
<Molgrin> I think that way....
<Paiza> Well, let's give it a try.
* Paiza clearly says *something*, but it comes out to Molgrin's ears as an unintelligible, barely audible ghostly whispering.
<Paiza> Oh thank the gods.
* Paiza reaches out to squeeze Molgrin's hand.
* Molgrin clutches it back
<Molgrin> what is it?
<Paiza> Firrin's safe. He's in the pantry with Mr. Marceador right now.
* Paiza says something else ghostly.
* Molgrin lets out a sigh of relief
<Paiza> He says the zombies don't seem interested in them, either, unless they make too much noise.
<Molgrin> oh good
* Paiza speaks ghost one more time.
<Paiza> Did you happen to see Everett in all the confusion?
<Paiza> Firrin asked if he's up here.
<Molgrin> I didn't, sorry.
* Paiza nods.
<Paiza> Mr. Marceador seems to think Everett might fare better against the zombies.
<Molgrin> oh... that's a good idea
<Paiza> It's certainly a possibility.
<Molgrin> if they aren't coming up here, maybe we can try to find him?
* Paiza nods.
<Molgrin> it might be okay to check around the other rooms on the upper floors
<Paiza> I think we can do that, yes.
* Paiza speaks a last message to Firrin.
<Paiza> I suppose there's no sense in wasting time.
* Molgrin nods
* Paiza gives Mol's hand another squeeze and nods.
<Molgrin> okay.... we can manage this
* Molgrin says, trying to sound determined
* Paiza will follow along as quietly as possible.
<Paiza> <w> Thank the gods they're safe.
<Molgrin> <w> thank *you* for being able to talk to them, so we can be.. at least a little less worried _
* Paiza smiles only a little fragiley.

Firrin and Trev get stuck in the pantry!

* Trev wanders towards the kitchen, where he saw a water pump earlier, plaintively calling for Everett
* Trev is a walking muck-beast, half of it having solidified into sludge and the other half distressingly non-newtonian
* Firrin hurries back in, looking concerned
<Firrin> Oh, you
<Trev> Yes, rather
<Trev> *he looks close to tears*
* Firrin sets the stewpot down and turns to say something stern, and then his eyes go wide
<Firrin> ahh!
<Trev> Liralu -- *Firrin* -- I, I can't find Everett, and I'm covered in mud, and I can't
<Trev> I can't get my *buttons*
* Firrin reaches out to grab you, stumbling back from
<Firrin> They're inside!
<Trev> What?
<Firrin> just come ON!
* Firrin drags you back to the pantry, calling out for help
<Trev> But I'm still filthy!
* Trev reaches out towards the pantry door, then remembers the state of his hands, and just kinds of holds all of himself vaguely away from his body
<Firrin> well its better than Dead!
* Firrin pushes you behind him again, and makes a gesture with his hands at the kitchen zombie
<Firrin> (no, I did not make it explicit but there is a zombie in the kitchen :V
* Trev finally turns in the right direction to see the zombie, and screams like a little girl
* The Zombie moans extra loudly, and flails at us, but doesn't seem to be able to advance any further....
<Firrin> Get in!
* Firrin shoves you at the pantry
* Trev tries to hide under the bottomest shelf
* Firrin slams the door shut behind us
* Firrin looks a bit panicked as well, but isn't screaming at least, just wide eyed and trying not to hyperventhilate
<Trev> I'm to young to dieeeee, I don't want to get eaten by zombies, go back to Thantopolis!
<Trev> Lira-- Malassar. You'll protect me, won't you?
<Firrin> I -
<Firrin> well.
* Trev is full on blubbering under the shelf
<Firrin> that one... shouldn't be able to get to us.
<Trev> there's MORE THAN ONE?
<Firrin> I don't know!
<Firrin> do you want me to *open the door
* and look?
* Firrin says, tying not to be overly incredulous and panic again
<Trev> why is this happening? I can't die covered in mud, I'll look like a mud construct and nobody will ever identify my body!
* Trev shrieks and wiggles back towards the wall a bit
<Trev> No, don't open the door!
<Firrin> I'm not going to.
<Trev> They'll get bored eventually, right? and leave?
<Firrin> how should I know? I don't know anythign about undead!
<Firrin> they're not anything like Paiza's sketons
<Firrin> those ones ae... tame. And clean.
<Firrin> ugh!
<Trev> Do we... do you have any way to contact anyone?
<Firrin> no. ther than yelling but - can they hear us? Woudl that attract them?
<Firrin> D:
<Firrin> maybe we shodl be quiet.
* Firrin will crouch down against the door
* Firrin starts when we can hear groaning outside the door, a minute or so later
<Firrin> Oh gods!
* Firrin quickly coveres his mouth and eyes trev
* Trev has full ;_; face
* Trev slaps his hands over his mouth to try and muffle the sounds
<Firrin> {q} it's okay. It's going to be okay.....
* Trev shakes his head to disagree
* Firrin looks around the mostly empty pantry
<Firrin> we can
* Firrin keeps his voice low
<Firrin> we can't even barricade the door with anything, can we?
<Trev> No, there's nothing to do it with
<Trev> um
<Trev> we could
<Trev> if we could take the shelves off?
<Firrin> oh! yes!
<Firrin> if we can get it so that only one could get through.... then we'd probably be safe.....
* Trev scurries over to the end of the shelf and tries to raise it with his back
* Firrin will see if he can pry it up from above
<Trev> whh-- we don't want ANY of them to get through!
<Trev> one is all it takes to eat you!
<Firrin> I can stop one, so that the others coudln't get past.
<Firrin> but. I'd rather them not be able to get in.
<Firrin> ....surely soeone else can fight them, right?
<Firrin> Caprtain Harrowden? Lord Valancirca?
* Trev whimpers
<Trev> I hope so
<Firrin> ugh, what ws I thinking! I should have just dropped the soup and stuck with the others.
* Firrin rubs his face, flinching again when the groaning behind the door gets louder
<Firrin> it is coming up at all?
* Firrin looks back down at the shelf board
<Trev> I don't think so?
* Firrin takes a deep breath
<Firrin> Okay
<Firrin> get out of there
<Trev> is it -- can you see if it's nailed down? we don't have any tools, do we?
* Trev starts wiggling out
<Firrin> we don't, unless there's a hammer hiding in here somewheere that i haven't seen
<Trev> fuck
<Firrin> It doens't *sound
* like they're trying to get throgh the door.... they're just.... milling aroudn out there
<Firrin> so maybe... as long as we stay in here....
<Trev> Maybe if we just... both sit against the door?
<Trev> then if they try to get in we'll feel it
<Firrin> alright.
<Trev> even if one of us falls asleep
<Firrin> I don't know how I could sleep with those things otu there D:
<Firrin> ...
<Firrin> I don't hear any fighting.
* Firrin slumps against the door
<Trev> fear is exhausting, that's one of the things my father's told me
<Firrin> That's true...
<Trev> sometimes the deconstruction crews get stuck in places, and after a couple hours someone always falls asleep
<Firrin> but being exhausted doesn't actually eman you'll be able to sleep even if you wanted to
* Trev chuckles
<Trev> I certainly don't want to
<Firrin> ... what *did
* happen to you?
<Trev> I fell in the bog
<Firrin> ahh.
<Trev> twice
<Trev> I got rescued with rope, it was very embarassing
<Trev> if we get out of here alive, I will swear off bogs for life
<Firrin> I L- I mean, Mol is a very dear friend, and he is welcome to galivant - safely- around his bog as much as he likes.... and i will just stay here and try to make this ruin into something livable.
<Trev> Mmm, maybe with fewer giant skull shrines
<Trev> I suppose that's where the zombies are coming from?
<Firrin> There ween're any down there before.... And its been here a while...
<Firrin> Mol said they found something out in the bog earlier, liek some kind of sunken graveyard....
<Trev> Oh, yes, that was when we turned back
<Trev> It does make sense that zombies would come from graveyards
<Trev> I must say, I understand why this sort of place would change hands frequently
<Paiza>
<in Firrin's head, as a spectral whisper> Firrin? Are you there? It's Paiza. Are you safe?
<Firrin> it did seem like rather a dramatic wager, given the stakes- oh!
<Firrin> Paiza?
<Trev> Where?
* Firrin tries thinking back at her
* Firrin closes his eyes to do so, though, like a nerd
* Trev presses his ear against the door
<Firrin> [Paiza? Yes, I'm safe, for now at least - what's going on?]
<Trev> I don't hear her
<Firrin> I think.... its a spell?
<Paiza>
<ifh (in Firrin's head :P )> Just speak back normally, the spell will carry it back to me.
<Firrin> Yes - I'm safe, I'm in the pantry, wth maceador
<Trev> What, the zombies? They're not an illusion, are they? I swear, I'd feel so foolish if we'd been hiding from false -- what?
<Firrin> where are hyou, and Mol? Are you safe? Where is everyone else?
<Paiza>
<ifh> We're upstairs in one of the bedrooms. Mr. Callais is guarding the staircase; the zombies don't seem to be coming upstairs. I'm not sure where everyone else is at the moment.
<Firrin> Oh... good. They didn't seem to be trying to get in here, unless we're too loud....
<Firrin> Do you know what's happening? Is it the shrine?
<Trev> I say, save us!
<Trev> Send Everett down, man's as big as a horse, and no meat on him!
<Trev> Nothing for the zombies to go after!
<Paiza>
<ifh> I'm not sure. I'm going to try to get more information. If you're sure you're safe for now, please just stay put for the moment. We'll try to figure things out up here.
<Firrin> We'll stay put. Is everett up there?
<Paiza>
<ifh> It's possible, but I don't know at the moment. Why do you ask?
<Firrin> Marceador said the zombies might leave him alone?
<Trev> No meat!
<Paiza>
<ifh> Molgrin and I are going to try to find him if he's upstairs. We'll let you know what we find out. Please be safe. Or as safe as you can for the moment.
<Firrin> We'll be alright - take care, please, both of you!
<Firrin> They're going to look for him
* Firrin says to Trev.
<Firrin> we can just.... sgtay ourt, and wait.
<Firrin> (Stay put)
* Firrin huffs, and then passes trev a handkerchief, so he can maybe at least try and lean his face some :p
* Trev looks down at his hands and wipes them on the ground before reaching for the handkerchief

Session Start: Wed Nov 19 19:05:40 2025

Norn and Raveni hide from an ambitious zombie

* Norn will have ducked into a room near the stairs, making sure Raveni's able to take refuge as well.
<Norn> Are you okay?
* Norn says, catching his breath.
* Raveni is attempting to latch the shutters, unsuccessfully
<Raveni> Yep, just trying to get this...
<growl>
<Raveni> Are you alright?
* Raveni says, cursing as one of the warped shutters slips out of his grasp and bangs loudly on the wall
* Norn nods.
<Norn> Can you see anything outside?
<Raveni> I don't think there's anything-- shit, one of them is directly below the window
* Raveni grabs norn and drags him to the floor
* Norn is startled for a moment, looking up at Raveni.
<Norn> (quietly) Can they climb?
* Raveni is trying to focus on the zombie and not on the position they're in
<Raveni> (quietly) I hope not
* Norn tries to listen for the zombie, and also not think too much about Raveni currently lying on top of him.
<Norn> (q) What should we do?
* Raveni tenses as creaking sounds leak in from outside
<Raveni> (q) That answers that question. Door, quick!
* Norn glances around.
* Raveni rolls off of Norn (sadly) and starts crawling to the door, which is closed and refusing to budge
<Raveni> (q) Oh come on, open open open open
<Norn> (q) There's a closet on the other side of the bed! Come on!
* Raveni turns and climbs over the bed as stealthily as possible to join Norn
* Norn holds the closet door open for Raveni, then closes it quickly behind them to the sound of a zombie just below the window.
* Norn realizes the closet is quite a bit smaller than he had anticipated.
<Raveni> (whispers) I think it's in the room
* Norn nods, bumping his head on the sloping ceiling.
<Norn> (w) Is it just the one?
* Raveni realizes that Norn is standing hunched over him and tries to squish down smaller
<Norn> (w) Here, if I lean against the door...
<Raveni> (w) I only saw the one
* Norn slides down into a sitting position, his back against the door.
* Raveni wriggles as he's now stuck in a similar position as Norn was a moment ago
<Norn> (w) Oh, uh, hmm...
<Raveni> (trying to control their voice so they don't squeak) Um. This is a little...
* Norn turns his head slightly away and tries to give Raveni as much room as possible, but there was clearly a little hesitation there.
<Norn> (w) It is...rather close quarters.
<Raveni> (w) I think I need to get down to the ground there, too. Can you, uh. Shuffle down a little?
* Norn will try to do so, not entirely clear what will be less awkward.
* Raveni slides down the wall awkwardly and nudges Norn so they end up both lying on their sides, facing each other.
<Norn> [monologue] "Oh gods, this is *very* intimate. Focus, Norn. On the threat outside, not on Raveni right there in this dark, tight space. No space at all, really, literally a breath away. Are they uncomfortable? Should I move? Do they want me to? Do they *not* want me to? Should I say something? Certainly not that I've thought of situations not dissimilar to this for...some time now..." [end monologue]
<Raveni> [monologue] I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything so close to a dream coming true. Certainly I didn’t think this particular dream would, if any. Gods, I want to kiss him. Would he let me? Does he feel the same way I do? He agreed to an outing together but I don’t know if that implies that he’s open to courtship… perhaps he sees me as a charming distraction. I’m so afraid to make the first move in case I am wrong in my interpretations of his actions. But then… what if I’m *right*? [end monologue]
<Raveni> (whispering still) So... this is cozy.
<Norn> (w) I'd be very inclined to agree.
<Norn> (w) Not...too crowded?
<Raveni> (w) Not with you.
* Norn smiles in the darkness.
* Raveni hesitantly raises his hand toward Norn and gently lays it on his cheek.
* Norn lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding, putting his free arm around Raveni.
<Norn> (w) I know we're in terrible danger, but I don't think there's a place on Arth I'd rather be right now.
<Raveni> (w) Me neither.
<Raveni> (w) Just in case we all die of zombies tonight, I just want to say... I really like you, Norn.
<Norn> (w) You've never been far from my thoughts since the night we met, Raveni.
* Raveni leans forward to rest his forehead against Norn's.
<Raveni> (w) Nor you from mine.
* Norn tilts his head to go for a kiss, when the entire closet floor tilts as well, more sharply.
<Norn> What the-!
* Raveni shrieks
* Norn will try to wrap his arms around Raveni protectively as they slide downward.
* Raveni grips Norn right back, trying to protect the back of his head with their hands

Fritz and Saiya look for a(nother) Secret Passage

* Fritz will help Saiya get Euphrastus out of the hall and into a room that seems safe, and hopefully a bit calmed down
* Saiya is still holding onto her lute because she's definitely not going to let some bog zombie drip bog onto it :p
<Saiya> this is VERY awful
* Saiya says with more annoyance than fear
<Fritz> it's not wonderful....
* Fritz sighs
<Saiya> what should we do?
<Saiya> Macen seems to have things sort of managed at the staircase but I don't know where Mhireen is...
* Fritz frowns
<Fritz> do you know where he was? He didn't come on the walk earlier....
<Saiya> No, I'm not sure...
<Fritz> is anyone else missing?
<Fritz> that he could be with, I mean
<Saiya> I haven't seen Mitula in a little while either.... I suppose they could have been together? but I don't know, really.
<Fritz> where's um.... I forget her name.... your.... companion?
<Fritz> the, ummm...
<Fritz> displacer beast?
<Saiya> oh, Kleio! I assume out in the swamp somewhere?
<Fritz> will she be okay?
<Saiya> She can take care of herself. But it would be NICE if she was here.
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> Ugh, there must be *something
* we can do....
* Saiya considers
<Fritz> there's not any secret passages on this level are there?
<Fritz> or, none that we've found?
<Fritz> maybe we could look for some?
<Saiya> We could look! maybe there's something.
<Fritz> then we wouldn't' be trapped up here, and maybe we could sneak out through the shrine...
* Saiya nods
<Saiya> You look and I'll play the 'you can do it' song :)
* Fritz smiles
<Fritz> alright!
<Fritz> the one you found had a button on a mantlepiece, right?
<Saiya> Yes, that's right
* Saiya tries to not get nervous and focus on playing the familiar jaunty tune her father used to play
* Fritz makes a determined face, and the gloves come off
* Fritz will run his hands lightly over the mantlepiece, poking and prodding at various bits
<Fritz> nothing here, I don't think.... we could try some other rooms? Maybe closer to where the other passage was?
* Saiya nods
<Saiya> Okay... let's try it.
* Fritz heads cautiously out into the hall
* Saiya follows, keeping up the jaunty tune
<Fritz> oh there's a mantle here in the hallway as well.... let me try that one
* Saiya takes the chance to glance over at how Macen is doing, if she can see the staircase from here
<Macen> what are you guys doing?
<Saiya> looking for secret passages!
<Macen> good idea - there all swarming around down in the entryway now... its that or maybe see if there any rope or anything that we could climb down? I don't know if there a lot outside...
<Fritz> I'll look through the window in the next room, and keep an eye out
<Saiya> I'll let you know if we can find any rope...
<Fritz> oh...
* Saiya turns back to Fritz
<Saiya> did you find something?
<Fritz> oh, I thought I found something but it was just coming unglued...
* Fritz hold up a little decorative acorn
<Fritz> next room then!
* Fritz will take Saiya into another room to continue the search
* Saiya follows along
<Fritz> I think this must have been a staff room of some kind?
<Fritz> It's much plainer, but look here...
* Fritz runs his fingers over some protrusions on the mantle
<Fritz> they're all switches of some kind...
<Saiya> oooh, maybe!
<Fritz> I'll just press one, and see what happens.
* Saiya nods
<Saiya> It can't hurt!
* Fritz presses it, and we can hear a 'click', but nothing obvious happens!
<Fritz> ...did you hear that scream?
<Saiya> well they must do *something*....
* Saiya looks around
<Fritz> I hope we didn't let something *in*...
* Saiya sticks her head out into the hallway again to look
* Fritz picks up a dusty looking, but heavy, candlestick that somehow missed getting stolen
* Fritz looks out also

Mol and Paiza find the zombie - Fritz tries to help, but its Everett to the rescue!

* Molgrin and Paiza come out of the room they were hiding in, going to look for Everett, just in time for a zombie to burst (or perhaps bumble) its way out of another bedroom.
* Molgrin gives a little scream as he jumps between Paiza and the undead, hoping maybe she can cast a spell or something if he delays it for a few seconds...
* Paiza likewise screams, then raises her hands in a casting gesture, but has trouble concentrating in the moment.
<Fritz> there's one upstairs!
<Fritz> just one though....
<Fritz> maybe...
* Fritz sounds uncertain, but doesn't want to be the family coward :x
* Fritz is feeling amped up by Saiya's song though, and will rush at it, candlestick in hand!
* Fritz gives a cry and will bash the zombie as hard as he can!
* Paiza is now doubly startled to see Fritz rushing towards the zombie with a candlestick
* Macen is busy, as the downstairs zombies are agitated by all the screaming
* Fritz lands the blow solidly in the creature' back! but not hard enough to do it any harm.
<Fritz> ahh!
<Molgrin> Hit it again!
* Fritz tries to do so
* Molgrin tries to kick it, also not really doing any damage
* Fritz wishes either of his brothers were here :(
* Fritz tries to hit it again, but just isn't strong enough to be very effective
* Trev is now known as Everett
* Everett kicks open a door down the hall, a look of bored fury on his face, and stomps angrily towards the zombie
<Fritz> ahh!
* Fritz flails away from it
* Everett reaches out a huge hand and envelops the zombie's head, then crushes it in his fist like an overripe melon.
* Molgrin gives a muffled squeak
<Everett> More upstairs?
<Molgrin> Um... it came from there
* Molgrin points to the door it came out of
* Everett nods, shakes the brain goo off his hand, and heads for the door
* Everett stomps in, looks around, sees no zombies
* Everett sighs and exits again
<Fritz> they're coming form outside - downstairs is swarming with them!
<Paiza> We were...we were just coming to look for you.
* Everett comes back in, nods, and heads for the stairs
<Macen> there's plenty down there....
* Macen says, where his table keeps flinging back the more agitated ones
<Everett> I'll return when it's safe. Please remain here. This room appears to be empty.
<Paiza> Are you sure you'll be all right by yourself?
<Everett> I have no flesh. I cannot become undead.
<Molgrin> Firrin and Trev are downstairs in the kitchen, can you get to them?
<Fritz> If we can get to the room with the passage, we can get out that way
<Paiza> If they're distracted by Mr...Everett, it's possible.
<Fritz> well... let's go, then
* Saiya will hurry after Fritz
* Paiza grabs Molgrin's hand and does the same.
<Molgrin> the kitchen - we can try to get to Firrin
* Molgrin says to her as he's dragged along
* Paiza nods.
<Everett> I was READING. my BOOK.
<Everett> *punch punch crush crush*
* Macen looks on in impressed facination, and will have his Furniture Friends give some more aggressive assistance to help clear the way down
<Everett> *crush crush punch punch*
* Fritz will lead everyone carefully downstairs, following the carnage left in Everett's wake
* Macen will focus his efforts with Furniture Friends on making sure no more are getting in through the main door or any ground floor rooms
<Paiza> They should be in the kitchen, just there.
* Molgrin heads toward the kitchen
<Everett> *punch punch kitchenward crunch*
* Paiza heads to the pantry door, dodging errant zombies as they are occupied by Everett and Macen's animated furniture.

Norn and Raveni find themselves in the basement

* Norn grunts as they slide/fall onto a stone floor.
<Norn> Are you all right?
* Norn checks Raveni as he asks.
<Raveni> Ow. I think so, apart from the slight loss of dignity
<Raveni> You?
* Macen is now known as Mshauri
<Mshauri> wooooooah----err, woof
<Norn> Well enough, I think. And there don't appear to be any of them down here.
* Norn starts at that and puts himself between Raveni and the noise without thinking.
<Mshauri> Oh its just you two >.>
<Raveni> Oh... Hey, Mshauri. We were just. Um.
<Mshauri> where did all the zombies come from? They keep trying to come down, but Kleio's been tearing them to shreds
* Raveni is still clinging to Norn despite the change in position, but he pokes his head up over Norn's shoulder.
<Norn> Lady Nykona believes she accidentally awakened them from a graveyard in the swamp nearby. She was examining it for Molgrin.
<Raveni> We didn't really see, we were talking out near one of the bogs when they came running out of the mist yelling about zombies.
<Norn> We're...in the basement, I assume?
<Mshauri> oh great
<Mshauri> yeah, basement. it *was* a cozy place
<Raveni> I wouldn't call anywhere with a shrine to Vecna "cozy", personally
* Norn frowns.
<Norn> The shrine. Maybe it has something to do with this?
<Raveni> It would be a weird coincidence if it doesn't.
<Mshauri> the shrine isn't in here... its what - through the wine cellar passage?
* Norn nods.
<Mshauri> I think that Drow guy when in there earlier?
<Mshauri> (went)
* Norn looks at Mshauri.
<Norn> Mhireen?
<Mshauri> sure?
<Norn> Where was that passage again...?
* Norn starts to look around.
* Mshauri sniffs
<Mshauri> this way
* Raveni sighs and finally lets Norn go so they can get up and follow Mshauri
* Norn takes Raveni's hand as they follow Mshauri.

The others make it to the kitchen and retrieve Trev and Firrin

<Trev> OH GOD WE'RE GOING TO DIEEEE
* Firrin gives another long suffering sigh
<Firrin> don't give me ideas -_-
<Norn> Firrin!?
<Norn> Are you alright?
<Trev> Can't you hear them? They're coming to get us!
<Norn> (ww)
<Paiza> Firrin!?
<Paiza> Are you alright?
<Firrin> ....Paiza!
<Firrin> I'm.... yes, we're fine
<Firrin> are you alright? Is it safe? What's happening?
<Paiza> I wouldn't call it safe, exactly, but the zombies are occupied at the moment.
<Trev> SAVE MEEEEEEE
<Molgrin> can you open the door?
<Trev> Not if there's still zombies!!!
<Molgrin> Mr. Everett is taking care of them
<Firrin> I can
* Firrin will stand up and get the door to the pantry open
* Trev will shriek and go back under the shelf
<Firrin> Safety in numbers....
<Fritz> Oh good! I'm glad you're both safe. We want to see about getting out through the shrine passage.
<Trev> Everett!!! Save me!!!
* Trev crawls out and puts his arms up in demand
* Trev is now known as Everett
* Paiza was about to go to hug Firrin, but grabs Trev to keep him from getting in Everett's way.
* Everett is now known as Trev
<Paiza> Mr. Marceador, please, control yourself.
<Fritz> Everett is saving everyone!
* Trev flails his arms around in demand of Uppies
<Fritz> let's not undo all his efforts - come on - to the basement!
* Firrin looks so so longsuffering
<Firrin> yes, let's
<Trev> :<
<Paiza> (to Firrin, as they move towards the passage) Thank the Lady you're safe.
<Firrin> please get off my fiancée -_-
* Firrin says to Trev
<Firrin> and yes, I'm glad you're safe.... all of you
* Firrin says, but is really looking at Paiza and Mol
<Trev> I didn't WANT to be on your fiancée, I WANT to be on my valet!
* Molgrin gives a relieved smile to Firrin
* Trev is now known as Everett
<Everett> Soon enough, Sir
* Everett is now known as Trev
<Firrin> If you get on him now, he'll be taking you *towards
* the zombies...
* Paiza will follow along towards the secret passage.

• Macen can, in fact, have a chair scoop Trev up and carry him

<Trev> Eeek!
* Fritz brandishes his candlestick as he bursts open the door to the basement
* Fritz squeak in surprise an Kleio growls at him
<Saiya> oh Kleio, it's you! :D :D
<Saiya> if Kleio's here then it must be okay to keep going this way
* Saiya says confidently
<Fritz> ...good
* Fritz says, a little deflated after the scare
<Fritz> let's go on then....
<Firrin> Where are the others?
<Norn> Hello?
* Mshauri 's ears perk up and he looks back towards the door down to the basement

Everyone reconvenes in the basement, where they find Mhireen enthralled by the shrine

<Norn> (to Raveni) I'm certain I heard voices...
<Mshauri> WOOF!
* Norn heads towards them.
<Mshauri> friendly
<Fritz> Hello!
<Fritz> Oh good!
* Firrin relaxes slighty as well
<Fritz> is Mhireen with you?
<Norn> We were just looking for the shrine. Mshauri said Mhireen went in there earlier.
<Saiya> he did?
* Saiya sounds really concerned for the first time
<Saiya> we have to make sure he's okay!
<Fritz> We'll find him.
* Fritz says reassuringly
<Norn> I didn't come this way before, so...
* Mshauri wags his tail and will do his best imitation of a pointing dog when he has the scent
<Fritz> Oh! what a good dog :)
* Norn almost smiles and heads in that direction.
<Fritz> (also I am going to just.... pretend we remembered Euphrastus *and* Mitula ;p)
<Macen> (Also, GALATEA was with them)
<Norn> (Makes sense)
* Fritz will also, letting Norn take over the lead :x
* Norn is now known as Narrator
<Raveni> Good boy, Mshauri
<Narrator> And also Euphrastus and Mitula were there :P
* Narrator is now known as Norn
* Raveni is still holding Norn's hand tightly.
* Mshauri gives his most dignified woof (its not very dignified, doggy dignity is a myth)
* Firrin falls back closely between Paiza and Mol
* Norn heads down the passageway to the shrine, growing cautious when there is a sickly red glow emanating through the doorway to it. Mhireen is standing frozen, one hand on the altar, the glow surrounding him and the skull idol.
* Mshauri growls
<Fritz> oh no :o
<Saiya> MHIREEN!!
* Raveni tugs Norn's hand to make him stop walking
<Raveni> Be careful
* Saiya will try to go to him
<Fritz> saiya be careful!
<Raveni> Saiya wait!
* Fritz grabs her hand
<Fritz> I have an idea....
<Fritz> Who has the best aim?
* Fritz says, offering up the heavy candlestick
<Norn> Throwing that? Probably me?
* Fritz nods and hands it over
<Fritz> I can't touch it to be sure but.... aim for the eye?
* Norn nods.
* Norn takes a moment to gauge the throw, takes a breath, and hurls the candlestick at the idol, eliciting a loud crack and thud as it tumbles over and, subsequently, so does Mhireen.

Mhireen is rescued, and everyone goes to clean up and have some stew

* Fritz lets go Saiya's hand so she can run to her brother
* Saiya runs over to her brother, terrified
<Saiya> are you okay?
* Firrin quietly takes both Mol and Paiza's hands
* Molgrin holds tightly
<Mhireen> Huh? Saiya? What's, what's going on?
<Saiya> oh thank gods! you idiot! you're okay!
<Fritz> what happened?
<Saiya> There's a bunch of zombies and everything is AWFUL
<Fritz> You seemed to be enthralled :o
<Mhireen> Whoa, um, when did everyone get down-what?
<Mhireen> Zombies?
* Saiya says by way of very brief explanation
<Fritz> yes, they came from the bog....
<Mhireen> I just came down to look at the shrine, and I cut my finger on a jagged bit of the idol...
<Saiya> D:
* Norn is now known as Paiza
* Paiza frowns.
<Paiza> A blood channel, of course.
<Molgrin> What's that mean?
* Mhireen tries to stand, but falters and falls back.
* Raveni is prowling around the various tunnels that lead into the shrine to make sure they're not about to be ambushed again
* Saiya tries to help her brother up
<Paiza> The presence, whatever it is, must be bound to the idol in some manner. When Mr. Harrowden bled on it, it would have drawn on his life force to wake it from its quiescence.
* Mshauri is now known as Macen
<Paiza> He should be all right, with the anchor destroyed.
<Paiza> He'll just be fatigued for a while.
* Macen will have the chair carefully tip Trev off and then go present itself to Mhireen
<Saiya> ew, how GHASTLY :p
<Paiza> Well, no, ghasts would have been much worse.
* Paiza says entirely straight-faced.
* Macen shudders at the thought and will go flick his brother on the forehead
* Mhireen will take the offered seat.
<Macen> bleeding on evil shrines? Come on, you know that's just asking for trouble
<Mhireen> Ow, hey, I'm recovering from ghost shenanigans here.
<Saiya> I'm just glad you're all right. Can you please try not to bleed on any strange idols in the future?
<Mhireen> I didn't *mean* to bleed on it.
<Macen> sure
* Macen says dubiously
* Macen looks at it
<Mhireen> Molgrin, I'm really sorry this messed up your new house.
<Macen> is it... dispersed? Safe to touch? Should we break it more? Toss it in the bog? definitely *not
* toss it in the bog?
<Mhireen> Is everyone okay?
<Macen> That warforged guy seemed pretty mad but I don't think anyone is hurt
<Paiza> I'll put a ward around it for now, and we should probably see about taking it back to Highmark to get it properly disposed of.
<Macen> I'm tired.
<Fritz> I have a *terrible* headache
* Fritz is not wearing his gloves
<Mhireen> You're telling me.
<Fritz> but nothing a rest won't cure... if its safe to go back upstairs....
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Norn> I don't hear anything, but we should be careful just the same.
<Molgrin> Goodness, the house isn't the important part
* Trev is now known as Everett
<Molgrin> I'm just glad no one was badly hurt.
<Molgrin> Everything else can be fixed up.
* Mhireen nods.
<Mhireen> Well, I'll be happy to do my part...after a night's sleep, at least.
<Everett> If anything else needs to be destroyed, please let me know, and I shall be happy to assist
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Everett> I shall also gladly keep watch through the night, as I do not require sleep
<Paiza> Oh! Mr. Everett. Is everything all right upstairs?
<Everett> The rest of the undead fell to bits all at once, I shall have them cleaned up shortly
<Molgrin> Do you think that will have stopped all of them, then? Do we need to send someone to the village to check if they're okay too?
* Firrin looks a bit depressed at that, he'd done so much work
<Firrin> I'll help....
<Everett> That is beyond the scope of my expertise, I am afraid
<Fritz> Oh, I can manage that I think...
* Everett is now known as Trev
<Trev> Ugh, Everett, you're absolutely COATED in gore
* Raveni has returned to Norn’s side after scoping out the tunnels and is just gazing at him, lost in thought and not paying attention to what’s going on
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Fritz> well. Let's get out of here, in any case
* Fritz will lead the way back upstairs'
* Norn will take Raveni's hand again and smile tiredly.
<Mhireen> Here here.
<Mhireen> Uh, Mace, you mind if the chair takes me upstairs?
<Trev> I hope you don't mind it being a bit muddy
<Mhireen> I really couldn't care less at this exact moment. :)
* Trev is now known as Everett
<Molgrin> The upstairs should be relatively all right, I don't think many of them got up there, so let's all try to get some rest and we can see what needs doing in the morning.
<Everett> I shall begin heating some water for washing for those who wish it
<Macen> on it
<Firrin> I'll see if.... the stew is alright, where I stashed it
<Saiya> ooh, stew
<Saiya> I'm starving all of a sudden
<Mhireen> Everett, you are a true gentleman's gentleman.
<Norn> I...also could eat.
<Everett> Thank you, sir
* Norn is now known as Paiza
<Paiza> Why don't we take the stew and bowls upstairs? It'll be like a picnic, and not...surrounded by zombie bodies.
* Molgrin nods
<Molgrin> That sounds like a good idea... much nicer :)
* Firrin can go and retrieve the stew from the cupboard where he had stashed it for safety
<Molgrin> I can't believe you saved the stew. I mean... I'm glad. But I can't believe it.
<Firrin> ...I panicked -_-
<Molgrin> You did amazingly.
* Molgrin assures Firrin.
<Molgrin> Because now we all have something to eat instead of having to go to bed on an empty stomach :)
* Firrin smiles at the reassurance
<Everett> Battle often whets the appetite, in my experience
<Firrin> well then - let's eat!