Chapter 4.2: The Dim Journey to Orlane

Jul 22, 2026 4:00 am

spaceseeker19 Inactive for 1 months

Kazzak sheathes his sword and lifts Antonius under his arms. He grumbles, "Our work is not done, my friend." The dwarf walks backward with Antonius into the farmhouse, marking their path with a trail of dirt and blood beneath their feet.

He sees Dell, Berthold, and Sora close in and says, "We need to stop the bleeding. Fast."

Jul 22, 2026 5:01 am

mathias0077 says:

Dell as he stumbles out of the dim looks to the house and see Antonius go down from the zombie and then the zombie go down. He will rush to Antonious's side and pull out his healers kit to try and get the man who he has become closer with stable and the blood stooped.

OOC:

Note that Dell (on the west edge of the farm) is on the other side of the yard, the barn, and the house from where Kazzak and Antonius are by the well out back (East). A Move will get Dell across the yard toward the house and around the corner of the barn, where he could then see Antonius' shield and hammer lying abandoned on the ground after Kazzak has dragged him out of sight (to the back door). The shield is still glowing with Light, so he can see back there, not just the front yard. If he Dashes, Dell could move in back of the house to go pick up the dropped items, or he could just enter the house through the front door (presumably along with the bandits and the stranger). It sounds like Kazzak has said (in a post after yours, though his turn comes first) that he's bringing Antonius into the house.

Jul 22, 2026 7:05 am

spaceseeker19 Inactive for 1 months

OOC:

Yes, Kazzak dragged Antonius into the house, hoping someone has a spell or other "quick fix" for him.

Jul 24, 2026 12:33 am

Dead Man's Party: Round Thirteen

Round Thirteen
(this is preceded by round twelve)

"Our work is not done, my friend." Kazzak hefts Antonius under his armpits and drags the larger man backwards toward Berthold and the farmhouse, marking their path with a trail of dirt and blood. Passing the knight, the dwarf tell him, "We need to stop the bleeding. Fast." as he Dashes to get the death cleric just over the threshold.

Somewhere nearby in the darkness of the Dim Forest, the zombies Dvan and Dina go silent, having lost any sense of where Dell has gone.

Seeing the fighter enter with the broken cleric, Sora gets wearily to her feet and moves to help the other dwarf by clearing a space on the dining table to set Antonius down.

Amnestria blinks and sways, coming back to herself, and gets unsteadily to her feet. She closes the shutters on the open window and tells Olyena and Reynald: "See what's going on downstairs."

Laid out on the table, Antonius struggles to stay conscious, whispering "Not... until... You will it... my Lady..."
Antonius succeeds a death save.

Morton enters the farmhouse as soon as Guilbert opens the door, announcing to the room: "You know that we need to burn those zombie bodies before the Dim Forest brings them back." Then, remembering his courtesies, he expresses his appreciation: "My thanks for letting us in." He gestures to himself and inclines his head. "Sir Morton."
Upon spying the Antonius's body, Morton draws out his well-used roll of bandages and herbs. "No fear. I shall take care of him."
Stepping up to the table, Morton uses an application of his Healer's Kit.
Antonius is Stable at 0 HP and is no longer Dying.
Making a guess as to the identity of the unconscious man based on the yells from moments ago, Morton announces, "Antonius will live." He looks around for the other injured party he heard mentioned, though he didn't hear her name clearly. "Is Sara okay?" As he surveys the other occupants, Morton begins to feel the exhaustion of running all day catching up to him, and thinks ::Oh, this has been a bad night::

Dell rushes to the corner of the barn, then looks left and sees the cleric's dropped equipment glowing by the well. Dashing to get there, the rogue scoops up Antonius' hammer and shield.

Grallaria perches on the Jarls' roof, head swiveling back and forth, listening and watching for any other Unknown or Wrong Persons.

OOC:

@matmaisan - Berthold's turn will go here. Please post it now.

Olyena and Reynald come rattling down the stairs, alarmed at the sight of the dying man on the table (they are slightly relieved to see that it's not their master).

Ene and Fern rush in at Guilbert's invitation. Fern keeps her hand on the hilt of the dagger tucked into her belt.

19 - Kazzak (12/12)
18 - The dead Dave (Dead), Dean (Dead), Dina (-62), Don (Dead), Duke (Dead), Dvan
16 - Sora (1/12) Prone
7 - Amnestria (9/9)
7 - Antonius (0/10) Stable
7 - Morton (1/15, 5 temp HP)
6 - Dell (6/9)
4 - Grallaria (1/1)
3 - Berthold (1/11)
0 - Reynald (4/4), Guilbert (4/4), Olyena (4/4)
0 - Bandit Ene Prone, Fern

Jul 24, 2026 2:04 am

Mathfuric Inactive for 1 months

https://imgcdn.stablediffusionweb.com/2024/4/6/9578e689-a663-4e1e-ab8d-eab77de8b341.jpg

... Hells Caster ...Demonic Morton pauses till Guilbert's invitation & rushes in with bandits Ene and Fern. He says disappointingly after coming in, "You know that we need to burn those zombie bodies before the Dim Forest brings them back."

And adds on, "My thanx for letting us in. Sir Morton." indicating who he is as he is sure no one here knows him. Gotta love that silky green hair.

Upon spying the Antonius's body, Sir Morton draws out his lifesaving Healer's Kit and quickly goes to work on dying Antonius. "No fear. I shall take care of him." Lucky for downed Antonius, Demonic Morton is rather skilled with a Healer's Kit. Not the first time has used his kit. At least Antonious will fare better than Ayra did as she was just shot too many times to save.

As he is finishing up on him, "Antonius will live. Is Sara okay?" as Half Wood Elf Morton believes that he is the one that a caller said the zombie dropped. All the while he is taking inventory of all present.

(Mark a use off my healer's kit. 7 more uses left now.)

Tired him thinks, "Man. This has been a bad night."

Last edited July 24, 2026 3:03 am

Rolls

Medicine check if needed. - (1d20+2)

(15) + 2 = 17

Antonius Block

Jul 24, 2026 5:13 am

Darkness presses in around Antonius, swallowing sound and light alike. The cold floorboards beneath him replace the earth of the yard, though he is scarcely aware of the change. Somewhere nearby comes the muffled crash of battle beyond walls and doors, the sounds seeming distant, as though heard from beneath deep water.

Somewhere within that silence, a single bell tolls.
Not loud. Not mournful. Merely patient.

The cleric's fingers twitch against the worn kitchen floor. His chest rises in a shallow, ragged breath before stilling once more. Blood still traces a line from the scar reopened across his face, but the bleeding begins to slow.

His lips part with the faintest whisper, barely audible even to those standing over him.
"Not... until... You will it... my Lady..."

Though insensible, Antonius clings stubbornly to the narrow path between life and death. His faith, forged through years in the City Watch and strengthened in the service of Wee Jas, refuses to surrender him before the appointed hour. Beyond the farmhouse walls, the struggle continues, but within the quiet of the kitchen the Ruby Bell waits, its measured toll neither calling him onward nor sending him back.

Not yet.

For now, the cleric endures.

Last edited July 24, 2026 5:17 am

Rolls

Death saving roll - (1d20)

(18) = 18

Jul 24, 2026 5:12 pm

Kazzak's right hand grips his his sword hilt. "Sir Morton, you say? I am unfamiliar with your name. I thank you for your efforts with the healing kit and prisoners, but we were warned of trusting strangers too quickly. How do you know our names? Who are you and what are you doing here?"

Last edited July 24, 2026 5:13 pm

Jul 24, 2026 10:13 pm

mathias0077 Inactive for 1 months

... Hells Caster ...Sir Morton stifles a smirk and replies back, "Names. You could say that you practically yell them out."

He goes on to say, "I see that you're not familiar with the evil Dim Forest. Let me fill you in. You should expect Zombie attacks every night & you burn all your dead so as not to face them again. You leave anyone unguard at night here then you have given them a death sentence." as he glances over to bandits Ede & Fern who appears to have been left in the barn.

He states "Now that we are going to be here a night and probably should muscle enough effort to go out, pile up those zombies and burn them before tomorrow when you can face them again."

He smiles and continues with a fast story, "I'm just a chance encounter. I heard the combat and came to aid. I did manage to hit two of the zombies coming in through the field, but I can't say my aim was the best firing through the field and running at the same time, but I left a mark of needed aid. Well, on that account, rather noble dwarven warrior was facing them could relate. I heard Dell's call to save Sara, but by the time I arrived at the barn, I had only enough time to corral both these lucky to be alive bandits to safety. The rest you have already witnessed. Perhaps you have a story to tell as well."

He adds on "Would be nice if I knew all of your names at least." as he glances about.

Last edited July 24, 2026 11:08 pm

Dell Brandstone

Jul 25, 2026 12:06 am

Dell will enter the house with Antonius's shield and war hammer. He will note Morton without letting the other see it and address Kazzak"How are Antonius and Sora. I found his shield and hammer in the yard." He will then look to Fern and Ene"I will have my dagger back which ever one of that has it. I left it so you could get loose and head to the loft to be safe." Looking back to the others"Don't worry about those other two deadheads I led them into the dim then doubled back."

Last edited July 25, 2026 12:07 am

Jul 25, 2026 4:45 am

Berthold (Baronet of Dunsdale)

"Antonius and Sora are safe and stable now," Kazzak says to Dell. "

Then he says to the others, "The zombies may return. I will keep watch out the window."

matmaisan Inactive for 1 months

Jul 25, 2026 5:37 am

Seeing that the immediate threat had subsided somewhat, and that this unknown and talkative elf had ministrated to Antonius’ needs Berthold, conferred with Guilbert and Reynald quietly and began donning his coat of mail over his bruised and battered body. His under tunic smeared with blood and dirt began to disappear under the weight of reassuring armour.

"Sir Morton? I am afraid you have us at a disadvantage, I do not know who the Morton’s are vassals to. I am the Baronet of Dunsdale, Berthold, and these are my retinue, Reynald, Guilbert and Olyena. You have my gratitude for your assistance with Antonius."

He then looked at Ene and Ferne. "I am glad you made it back alive."

OOC:

Berthold instruct Reynald to help him into his armor and Guilbert to load and ready the heavy crossbow for future use. He is mostly listening to the exchanges. He is curious about Sir Morton, and does not fail to notice our prisoners are free and armed.

Jul 25, 2026 6:20 am

Berthold (Baronet of Dunsdale)

... Hells Caster ... Tired Morton takes a moment to identify himself better, "I'm Embassy Morton Canith from Niole Dra of Keoland and normally addressed as 'Sir Morton'. Currently in association with Lady Cecily Raptor, a Dungeon Buster. Recently on an effort for Olpert Razorsson which hasn't fared well."

"I am exhausted from extensive traveling and wounded from several recent confrontations." & he looks to bandits Ede & Fern, "My pledge of protection is concluded."

Last edited July 25, 2026 6:35 am

matmaisan Inactive for 1 months

Jul 25, 2026 7:00 am

"What do you mean hasn’t fared well? Master Razorsson asked us to contact another group of Dungeonbusters in Orlane. Would you happen to know them, or have news of them?"

The newcomer now had all of the knight’s attention. As his two servants busied themselves with his armour, the young Baronet scrutinised the elf’s every word and gesture.

OOC:

Sending an insight check, since Berthold is both curious and somewhat guarded, and wants to assess the truthfulness of the newcomer.

Rolls

Berthold (Baronet of Dunsdale): Insight - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Jul 25, 2026 7:13 am

Berthold (Baronet of Dunsdale)

... Hells Caster ...Berthold words bring an eyebrow raised from Sir Morton, "I fear that I may be the only survivor of that intrepid group. And I would caution you not to enter Orlane as Dungeon Busters. There have been very bad comings, and our name is well smeared there."

"This evening isn't a fare time to discuss this matter. I would like to dine on something & rest. As mentioned, I have wounds to attend to. Would upstairs be a fine place to rest?"

"Who's establishment is this?"

Last edited July 25, 2026 7:18 am

matmaisan Inactive for 1 months

Jul 25, 2026 8:08 am

mathias0077 Inactive for 1 months

"What do you mean ‘only survivor’? Your tidings are of the utmost importance to our mission! And as you can see we all need to rest after the day’s toil. But you can explain as you eat, yes?"

He gestures to the feeble Olyena, and once his servant is by his side, he whispers instructions for her to select some of their victuals that might be consumed by the newcomer while he talks about the advance group and their troubles.

OOC:

I believe we are formally still in combat, and these exchanges might be occurring too soon. WanderOne and myself might be in a different time zone from the est of the party, so may ye we should halt until the others have time to chime in.

Dell Brandstone

Jul 25, 2026 11:39 am

CancerMan Inactive for 1 months

Hearing about the plight of the party already in Orlane Dell will ask"What of Chase Brandstone? Do you know him and what has happened to my brother?"

Amnestria Elyphara

Jul 25, 2026 5:16 pm

spaceseeker19 Inactive for 1 months

Amnestria crosses over to the east bedroom to check on the outside area beyond the back door of the farmhouse.

Since it's doubtful anything might still be outside for Grallaria to prey upon, given the frenetic battle, she summons the owl back indoors for a bit of dried meat.

Jul 26, 2026 4:40 am

Mathfuric Inactive for 1 months

matmaisan says:

I believe we are formally still in combat, and these exchanges might be occurring too soon. WanderOne and myself might be in a different time zone from the est of the party, so may ye we should halt until the others have time to chime in.

OOC:

Sorry; I didn't say that we were out of combat because Antonius was still dying and turn order was important for that. But now that he's been Stabilized, we are out of combat. For the time being there are no further zombies to encounter. The two that remained are lost in the Forest for minutes, at least.

Antonius Block

Jul 26, 2026 10:41 am