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"Murder, Lies and Civic Duty."
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<blockquote data-quote="Kidjake" data-source="post: 6748894" data-attributes="member: 6776876"><p>It's now the next morning, Gandil has warned Kavos about the migrating ghouls and the two of them know that they must prepare the town immediately. Kavos heals a teenage boy and a young girl of their afflictions before drawing Deputy Horace off to the side.</p><p></p><p>Kavos indicates the rest of the infected, particularly a pair of elderly women, an older man wrapped in bloody bandages and a former guard with half of his face missing. "I've healed all that I can at the moment and have to go prepare the town. I don't think there's much else we can do for these people, they're just too far gone. If they go unconscious, don't wait for them to get back up. End them."</p><p></p><p>Horace nods, these people aren't his and it's no sweat off his brow if a few Eastbankers have to be put down to save the town.</p><p></p><p>Kavos returns to town and finds Gandil in Rambalt's lab assisting with brewing potions, the stench is unpleasant. Rambalt corks a flask full of the stuff and tosses it to Kavos. </p><p></p><p>"It's not a cure, but a decent preventative measure." the mage explains. "It will help burn the disease out of a healthy body, but won't do anything for those already gone. Give it to those who have been, or will be, exposed and it will decrease their chances of succumbing to infection."</p><p></p><p>Kavos asks how many people he can save with this flask and Rambalt says that it should hold enough for about five people. Rambalt points out that he could inoculate a few gaurds, but he's not got anywhere near enough for the whole town.</p><p></p><p>Kavos gathers up the few flasks that Rambalt has filled and heads out without another word to find Father Adrian, he instructs the priest to deliver the potion to the quarantine zone and then hand out the remainder as he sees fit. Adrian leaves at once.</p><p></p><p>Kavos starts spreading the word that the infected have been saved to raise morale but then tells them about the roving packs of ghouls on the way. He calls for everyone to leave their homes and seal themselves into the Eastbank ships until further notice. The people are upset that they should be expected to leave their homes, but aren't so bullheaded as to stand in the path of the cannibalistic tide on the way.</p><p></p><p>Kavos repeats his spiel for every sizable group he can find to make sure that the word gets out and then goes to find his partner. Gandil is anxious to go look for the ingredients that Rambalt needs to make more potion, but Kavos passes it off on the ranger Lark since he knows the area better. Lark is happy to help and disappears without another word.</p><p></p><p>Finally, Kavos calls for a meeting between himself and Gandil, the deputies of the town and Bryce Haverston. Since Father Adrian is busy elsewhere, Kavos gathers everybody into the temple of Pelor to discuss their situation. He explains about the ghoul that found its way into town and asks if everyone here will join him in an attack on the ghouls, stressing that all mighty Pelor won't allow them to fail.</p><p></p><p>The Westbank deputies are all willing and even a little anxious to get out there and save the day, but Haverston and his men are more resistant.</p><p></p><p>"I've seen what these things are capable of." the dwarf says gruffly. "I'm all for tossing the bastards on the pure, but I'm not convinced that it wouldn't be US doing the roasting. I vote we leave them alone until they run out of bodies. So long as at the end of the day, the eatern are more numerous than the eaters the probem will eventually solve itself."</p><p></p><p>"I'm not asking for you to lead a charge against the horde in Eastbank Mr Haverston, just lend us some men for a small scouting trip. Once you see the glory of Pelor in action you will know we are destined to win!" Kavos exclaims excitedly.</p><p></p><p>Bryce strokes his beard and nods. "I'll send two of my dwarves. If Pelor is truly on your side we'll discuss a more notable contribution. In the meantime, I have far too much cargo to leave my ship unguarded for a faint chance at glory."</p><p></p><p>"I understand." Kavos says with a smile. "I shall send for them at daybreak, when Pelor's power is at its strongest."</p><p></p><p>"Which reminds me." Bryce says, ignoring Kavos's statement altogether. "Your people are petitioning mine for passage. Our ships are already full of refugees and merchandise. Three hundred farmers are a bit much."</p><p></p><p>"Surely you can make a little room for the time being." Kavos says, ignoring the inflated numbers. "After all, surely a little space is a fair payment for saving the lives of your citizens."</p><p></p><p>Bryce grumbles and crosses his arms. "We will take on those that can fit." the dwarf concedes, "But I don't deal in lives, I deal in gold and should something happen to the merchandise we leave on your docks, I expect payment in full. After all, there's little point in the merchants surviving if they've nothing to sell once this is through."</p><p></p><p>"There's an even smaller point in merchants surviving if they've noone to sell TO my friend." Kavos points out.</p><p></p><p>"There's always SOMEONE to sell to." Bryce replies with a miserly smile. "My men will be dressed and waiting by sunup. Should you survive, we will see to outfitting a more invasive expedition."</p><p></p><p>"Marvelous, Mr Haverston. We'll see them at sunup." Kavos says cheerfully.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Come morning Kavos has reconsidered using the deputies. They were mostly brought in to show Bryce that they were committing all of their resources, but now that they've actually got Bryce's dwarves they no longer have to risk their men. For their part, the dwarves don't seem to care that they're going in alone; they're carrying armor and weapons worth more than some of the docked ships and don't see the lack of under-armed and under-trained humans as being a point worth arguing about.</p><p></p><p>But then dwarves aren't exactly known for their small-talk and these have the rigid look of lifelong soldiers.</p><p></p><p>The PCs and their dwarven escorts set out into the countryside, heading towards Eastbank and making no attempt to be stealthy; hoping to draw out any ghouls in the area with the promise of a free meal. Gandil sidles up to Kavos as they walk and fall a little behind the dwarves.</p><p></p><p>"Instead of trying to kill these things, why don't you use your powers to send them after the Duke?" Gandil whispers.</p><p></p><p>"That might work." Kavos replies thoughtfully. "But there would be considerable civilian casualties and if Lone Gate fell to the ghouls then there would be a literal starving army of the creatures unleashed on the rest of the world."</p><p></p><p>"I don't care, so long as the people of Westbank are safe." Gandil states flatly. "The duke is going to raze our town to the ground if we do nothing!" Gandil says, forgetting to lower his voice for a moment and buying into his own lies.</p><p></p><p>At this point Gandil runs down his masterful plan to Kavos:</p><p>Step One: Put magic hats on ghouls to hide their identity and mail them to the Duke.</p><p>Step Two: End civilization.</p><p>Step Three: Don't get eaten.</p><p>Step Four: ???</p><p>Step Five: Profit.</p><p></p><p>They start to debate the finer points of this plan when one of the dwarves holds up a hand and points out a trio of ghouls who seem to be feeding in the middle of the road. Kavos tells everyone to stand back and approaches the feeding monsters. As he gets closer however he hears a commotion in the bushes to the north and motions for the dwarves to check it out; they discover four more of the creatures who seem to be gorging themselves on another slain refugee and a large, bloated creature with the uniform of an Eastbank guard.</p><p></p><p>The ghast and its followers see the dwarves and let out a roar as they charge them, the dwarves nearly trip over themselves to return to the road and stable footing in order to do battle. The three ghouls near Kavos look up in surprise and find the elderly priest standing over them; before any of them can react Kavos uses Command Undead and seizes control of two of them, which he then instructs to murder the third.</p><p></p><p>Gandil and the dwarves form a semi-circle on the road and Kavos retreats behind them before the ghast and its followers reach them, however the uproar has drawn the attention of three more ghouls who were apparently lounging in a ditch to the east.</p><p></p><p>The dwarves stand firm as the ghouls charge them, using their shields to keep the monsters at bay while they hack off limbs with their mighty axes. Gandil doesn't want to reveal his own monstrous nature and draws his enchanted Falchion, cleaving a ghoul of his own nearly in half. Kavos summons a giant ant to help protect him and sends his controlled ghouls to slow down the advance to the east.</p><p></p><p>The battle rages on and rages loud, by the time our heroes have slain half of their foes they hear the clamor of more rushing out of the brush. The dwarves push the fight to the north and Gandil charges at the group to the east, hurling his falchion into the chest of one of them and pouncing on another with nothing but teeth and claws. Kavos loses his ghouls to their hungry brethren and takes control of two more, directing them and his ant to assist the dwarves in holding the line.</p><p></p><p>The dwarves' armor appears nearly impenetrable, but one of them takes a bite to the side of the face. The man is a consummate professional and doesn't let it slow him down. Gandil spits out a chunk of ghoul and calls to Kavos that they need to retreat.</p><p></p><p>Kavos summons a spectral weapon which severs the head of another ghoul and simply shouts "PELOR WILL PROTECT US!"</p><p></p><p>His foes slain, Gandil forgets himself and leaps barehanded into the tide of ghouls trying to press through the dwarves and Kavos's minions, if the dwarves even notice they don't seem to care. </p><p></p><p>Kavos casts Sound Burst into the crowd and stuns several of the creatures, cripples several others and kills a couple outright. The dwarves take this opportunity to redouble their efforts and suddenly they realize that they can count their foes on one hand.</p><p></p><p>Gandil and the Ghast lock up in a wrestling match while the dwarves and Kavos mop up the remaining ghouls and finally Gandil gives a victory shout, wrenching the ghast's head to the side and snapping its neck.</p><p></p><p>When its all said and done, Kavos has one of his ghouls murder his other one and then casts Searing Light onto the winner before taking stock of his team. Gandil's hat of disguise makes it difficult to determine how injured he really is, but Kavos figures that he's good to go and it's not like he can get infected with his own virus. The dwarves are both pretty well battered and one is obviously bitten, but they're hardy bastards and still appear fighting fit.</p><p></p><p>Kavos expends most of his spells healing everyone back up and comments that it felt like they just fought half of Eastbank. One of the dwarves humorlessly points out that Eastbank had a population of 3,678 last census and that as a trading post it most likely had considerably more than that in it at the time of infection.</p><p></p><p>Kavos's eyes widen for a moment and then he suggests returning to town and tending to the dwarves wounds before the infection can take hold. There's nothing more they can accomplish on this trip.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> The trip back is uneventful and the town is nearly deserted by the time they arrive. There's still a few people milling about on the docks, trying to get onto a ship; but they seem lost in their own world. Nobody seems to care that they've returned.</p><p></p><p>Kavos takes the dwarves to Rambalt's house, but has them wait outside to avoid introducing them to Rambalt's more controversial experiments. Rambalt is dozing in his living room, however he's a light sleeper and bolts up as soon as Kavos and Gandil come in. </p><p></p><p>"Did you find them?" Rambalt asks groggily.</p><p></p><p>Kavos simply nods.</p><p></p><p>"Were...were there many?" the mage asks nervously, sitting up seeming a little more alert.</p><p></p><p>"I didn't count, but if there were a scant handful more we would not be here." Kavos says. "I need some more of that potion."</p><p></p><p>Rambalt nods and asks Gandil how he fared against others like him as he shuffles through a drawer and brings out a small flask of the requested potion. Gandil cracks a smile, indicating the black blood that covers him, not to mention his mouth, as he removes his Hat of Disguise. "Tore 'em apart, as you can tell."</p><p></p><p>Replacing the hat and bidding farewell to Rambalt, the pair go outside and hand the dwarves the flask. Kavos instructs both of them to drink since they're not sure if scratches alone can spread the infection. The dwarves drink deep and the PCs ask if they can arrange a meeting with Mr Haverston, they agree and lead our heroes to the docks wearily.</p><p></p><p>Less than halfway there they're greeted with a powerful stench and just before anyone can say anything a pair of undead guards rush from abandoned houses. Kavos is bitten in the neck by one of the creatures and the mostly untouched guard loses an eye to his attacker.</p><p></p><p>Gandil kicks the ghast off of the dwarf and draws his Falchion, shouting "Your kind aren't welcome here!"</p><p></p><p>Kavos gags on the overpowering stench of the creature on top of him but manages to keep his act together and use Command Undead to seize control of it. In short order Gandil hacks both of them to death and Kavos bandages himself as best he can. Kavos strips one of the former guards of a boot, casts Light on it and tosses it into the abandoned house; Gandil searches the place but finds it empty so they repeat the process a few times until they're confident that these creatures were working alone.</p><p></p><p>Gandil points out that it appears they were waiting for them in particular.</p><p></p><p>Kavos scowls at the thought of dodging undead assassins from here on in, but insists they push on to the docks to talk with Bryce.</p><p></p><p>They find Mr Haverston hanging around the dock with his entourage, directing the captains as they take on Westbank farmers for protection. "Your dwarves are marvelous fighters," Kavos says as they approach. "We were flanked and bitten, but we've made short work of the infection and their host.</p><p></p><p>Bryce asks what sort of resistance they ran into and Kavos is fairly honest, he mentions that they made short work of the first wave but were continuously flanked by more groups until they were heavily outnumbered. He points out that they made it out relatively unscathed.</p><p></p><p>"The more we whittle away, the weaker they become." Kavos points out. "If we were to have groups of fighters who struck and run this foul undead incursion would be history in a few weeks."</p><p></p><p>The dwarves don't contradict Kavos's version of events so Haverston nods his head thoughtfully. "If we had the manpower it would be a simple thing, but we barely have two dozen men and Eastbank was a city of....many." Bryce says with a sigh. "There were likely more than 5,000 there when we fled; who knows how many have turned?"</p><p></p><p>"Who knows how many have not?" Kavos insists. "If we combat them on the borders of town we can weaken them and have at least some chance of rescuing survivors...or your precious merchandise. On the other hand, if we do nothing we are allowing them to form a horde which we have no chance to defend against."</p><p></p><p>"If the city was salvageable it would have been salvaged." Bryce says bitterly. "We weren't alone when this pestilence struck."</p><p></p><p>"But you were unaware and unprepared." Kavos points out. "How can you be so sure that the town fell? Maybe your guards are handling things better than-"</p><p></p><p>Bryce cuts him off abruptly. "The day before the outbreak, a full company of the Duke's men arrived by barge. If they still lived they would be here for you. THAT'S how I know the town is lost." the dwarf explains.</p><p></p><p>Kavos simply stands there in shock, realizing how close to destruction they'd truly been.</p><p></p><p>"I agree that something must be done to turn the tide, but do you suggest we send away what few men we have?" Bryce demands. "If you're serious about this, then you're going to have to step up. I know of people who can help us, but they aren't cheap."</p><p></p><p>"Money is no object!" Gandil insists.</p><p></p><p>"You're right." Bryce says with a sneer. "They don't care for gold, they'll expect to be paid in flesh. I know of a dwarven outpost in the mountains, a mining camp though not one associated with my kin."</p><p></p><p>"What sort of flesh?" Kavos asks.</p><p></p><p>"Young, able-bodied men to work their mines." Bryce explains, "But believe me, it's a death sentence for those you send, men simply aren't built for the work they'll demand.</p><p></p><p>"How many?" Kavos asks quietly, despite the fact that nobody is paying attention to them.</p><p></p><p>"I'd expect five per dwarf you call from his duty, though perhaps a shrewd negotiator could talk them down to as low as three." Bryce says.</p><p></p><p>"My citizens will have no part of this." Kavos says flatly, "Though I won't object if someone from your town 'volunteered'."</p><p></p><p>Bryce grins. "What incentive would my people have to sell themselves to the mines? What is the going rate for a man's life?"</p><p></p><p>Kavos stares at him for a moment and then says "Mr Haverston, let's speak plainly so there's no confusion. How much would it cost me for ten good dwarves?"</p><p></p><p>"This town isn't known for much." Bryce says matter of factly. "But perhaps...three hundred spools of spider silk would be an acceptable price."</p><p></p><p>"Agreed." Kavos says, offering his hand to seal the deal.</p><p></p><p>Before Bryce can return the gesture Gandil punches him square in the face, driving the older dwarf back a few steps and bloodying his nose. </p><p></p><p>"I'll not have this in my town!" Gandil shouts.</p><p></p><p>Kavos glances at Gandil and hisses "What are you talking about?"</p><p></p><p>"It wouldn't be fitting for heroes of our stature to deal with the likes of him." Gandil shouts. "Selling his own men into slavery..." Gandil adds with a low growl.</p><p></p><p>"There's no other way to protect the town Gandil," Kavos says under his breath. "Just let it go and we'll with it later!"</p><p></p><p>"I'm dealing with it now!" Gandil says, drawing his falchion and bringing it down on Haverston with everything he's got. It audibly clinks as it strikes what is apparently NOT a standard suit of platemail.</p><p></p><p>Bryce draws what Gandil is now CERTAIN isn't a standard issue battleaxe from his back and buries it in Gandil's side. Bryce's guards move to protect their boss and Kavos casts Calm Emotions on the group.</p><p></p><p>"I won't let you harm the new citizens of Westbank!" Gandil growls, lunging towards Bryce again who calmly allows the attack to bounce off his armor before slicing into Gandil's unprotected stomach. Kavos forces himself between the two feuding men and calls for an end to this insanity.</p><p></p><p>"We need to work this out!" Kavos insists.</p><p></p><p>"I'm willing to work something out that DOESN'T require the blood of innocent Westbankers. I am their heralded sheriff. The slayer of ettercaps, destroyer of bandits and I won't betray their expectations of me."</p><p></p><p>"Fine Gandil!" Kavos says, noticing that their commotion HAS drawn attention to them now. "Just get out of here so I can smooth things over."</p><p></p><p>"I will not leave until I get a guarantee for the safety of these people in my care." Gandil replies.</p><p></p><p>"I'm a businessman!" Bryce says offended. "If you're not interested in my services then I'm not going to force them on you."</p><p></p><p>"Then we're done here Haverton, I DEMAND that you leave my town." Gandil says glowering.</p><p></p><p>Bryce nods and sighs. "Fine. My men and I will leave within the hour we will take our citizens...and as many of yours as would rather sail with me than stay here and die." the dwarf adds, suddenly realizing something he cares more about than profit. Spite.</p><p></p><p>"I never expect to see your face again Haverston!" Gandil shouts.</p><p></p><p>"Oh don't worry," Bryce says coldly "The next time I see you I'll be picking over what's left of your corpse after the cannibals are done with this place."</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> "People!" Gandil shouts, getting the attention of those on the boats. "Citizens of Westbank, both old and new, Bryce Haverston is a fiend and we have ordered him to leave our town. You know me and you know the mayor, you know what we have done for you in our short time as your protectors. Westbank is our home and I believe that we can protect it and reclaim it in all of its glory! Bryce would have you pick up your ties and run away with your tail between your legs, but I IMPLORE YOU, DO NOT GO WITH THAT MAN! We will deal with the ghouls as we dealt with the bandits, as I dealt with the Ettercap. I fear no undead and with my protection, neither should you!"</p><p></p><p>Gandil rolls excellent for Diplomacy and can tell that he really got through to the crowd on the boats.</p><p></p><p>"Dear friends..." Bryce says in a voice that sounds old and fragile. "For nearly two decades I have led Eastbank to an untold plateau of success and prosperity. This man wishes to cast me out when you need my aid the most. This is his home and I have no right to stay if he wishes me gone, however I will not abandon ANY who wish to leave with me. Eastbank, Westbank...we are all brothers. We are all of one heart and one mind and one purpose. I hate to leave my home of so long, but I travel north to seek aid from my kinsmen, so that we may retake our homes. Those who wish to escape the undead pox are welcome to follow."</p><p></p><p>This is where Gandil discovers how someone as horrible as Bryce has kept his position so long, it turns out that Bryce's diplomacy modifier is nearly as large as Gandil's entire roll and the smooth talking dwarf even has the formerly hostile Westbank citizens eating out of the palm of his hands. </p><p></p><p>Gandil looks up pleadingly at his former citizens. "There is a place in Westbank for each and every one of you, please remember where your home is... But for those who believe that Bryce knows best...you have one hour to get your s*** and leave."</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> While the fate of Westbank, or at least the majority of its inhabitants, is decided on the docks Gandil goes to Rambalt for a little moral support. The two had been growing close ever since Rambalt had unwittingly given Gandil a second chance at life and since Gandil still technically owned the place they shared a since of mutual obligation towards each other.</p><p></p><p>"It's bad Rambalt." Gandil says, sitting in their living room. "Everyone's leaving and I'm not sure that I can protect the ones that are left. I need an edge, some sort of advantage over the other ghouls if I'm going to save this town."</p><p></p><p>Rambalt awkwardly comforts the grotesque sheriff and suggests that he already seems to be a cut above the average ghoul. Rambalt points out that Gandil is obviously a skilled warrior and wields a rare magical weapon, not to mention his immunity to the various tricks of the horde.</p><p></p><p>Gandil isn't impressed though and tosses his sword across the room. "That's a weapon for a man and I'm...I'm a monster." the sheriff says morosely. "I've changed and my instincts have changed with me, I need a new weapon. Something that takes advantage of my NEW talents. Can you build such a thing?"</p><p></p><p>Rambalt shakes his head sadly. "I'm sure that anything I built would suffer the same shortcomings as your sword. I don't know how I could possibly take advantage of your-" Rambalt stops mid-sentence and then nods thoughtfully.</p><p></p><p>"What?" Gandil asks.</p><p></p><p>"I don't believe a weapon could help...but how do you feel about invasive surgery?" Rambalt asks innocently.</p><p></p><p>Gandil's manic grin returns slowly. He doesn't mind invasive surgery, he decides. He doesn't mind it at all...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Kidjake, post: 6748894, member: 6776876"] It's now the next morning, Gandil has warned Kavos about the migrating ghouls and the two of them know that they must prepare the town immediately. Kavos heals a teenage boy and a young girl of their afflictions before drawing Deputy Horace off to the side. Kavos indicates the rest of the infected, particularly a pair of elderly women, an older man wrapped in bloody bandages and a former guard with half of his face missing. "I've healed all that I can at the moment and have to go prepare the town. I don't think there's much else we can do for these people, they're just too far gone. If they go unconscious, don't wait for them to get back up. End them." Horace nods, these people aren't his and it's no sweat off his brow if a few Eastbankers have to be put down to save the town. Kavos returns to town and finds Gandil in Rambalt's lab assisting with brewing potions, the stench is unpleasant. Rambalt corks a flask full of the stuff and tosses it to Kavos. "It's not a cure, but a decent preventative measure." the mage explains. "It will help burn the disease out of a healthy body, but won't do anything for those already gone. Give it to those who have been, or will be, exposed and it will decrease their chances of succumbing to infection." Kavos asks how many people he can save with this flask and Rambalt says that it should hold enough for about five people. Rambalt points out that he could inoculate a few gaurds, but he's not got anywhere near enough for the whole town. Kavos gathers up the few flasks that Rambalt has filled and heads out without another word to find Father Adrian, he instructs the priest to deliver the potion to the quarantine zone and then hand out the remainder as he sees fit. Adrian leaves at once. Kavos starts spreading the word that the infected have been saved to raise morale but then tells them about the roving packs of ghouls on the way. He calls for everyone to leave their homes and seal themselves into the Eastbank ships until further notice. The people are upset that they should be expected to leave their homes, but aren't so bullheaded as to stand in the path of the cannibalistic tide on the way. Kavos repeats his spiel for every sizable group he can find to make sure that the word gets out and then goes to find his partner. Gandil is anxious to go look for the ingredients that Rambalt needs to make more potion, but Kavos passes it off on the ranger Lark since he knows the area better. Lark is happy to help and disappears without another word. Finally, Kavos calls for a meeting between himself and Gandil, the deputies of the town and Bryce Haverston. Since Father Adrian is busy elsewhere, Kavos gathers everybody into the temple of Pelor to discuss their situation. He explains about the ghoul that found its way into town and asks if everyone here will join him in an attack on the ghouls, stressing that all mighty Pelor won't allow them to fail. The Westbank deputies are all willing and even a little anxious to get out there and save the day, but Haverston and his men are more resistant. "I've seen what these things are capable of." the dwarf says gruffly. "I'm all for tossing the bastards on the pure, but I'm not convinced that it wouldn't be US doing the roasting. I vote we leave them alone until they run out of bodies. So long as at the end of the day, the eatern are more numerous than the eaters the probem will eventually solve itself." "I'm not asking for you to lead a charge against the horde in Eastbank Mr Haverston, just lend us some men for a small scouting trip. Once you see the glory of Pelor in action you will know we are destined to win!" Kavos exclaims excitedly. Bryce strokes his beard and nods. "I'll send two of my dwarves. If Pelor is truly on your side we'll discuss a more notable contribution. In the meantime, I have far too much cargo to leave my ship unguarded for a faint chance at glory." "I understand." Kavos says with a smile. "I shall send for them at daybreak, when Pelor's power is at its strongest." "Which reminds me." Bryce says, ignoring Kavos's statement altogether. "Your people are petitioning mine for passage. Our ships are already full of refugees and merchandise. Three hundred farmers are a bit much." "Surely you can make a little room for the time being." Kavos says, ignoring the inflated numbers. "After all, surely a little space is a fair payment for saving the lives of your citizens." Bryce grumbles and crosses his arms. "We will take on those that can fit." the dwarf concedes, "But I don't deal in lives, I deal in gold and should something happen to the merchandise we leave on your docks, I expect payment in full. After all, there's little point in the merchants surviving if they've nothing to sell once this is through." "There's an even smaller point in merchants surviving if they've noone to sell TO my friend." Kavos points out. "There's always SOMEONE to sell to." Bryce replies with a miserly smile. "My men will be dressed and waiting by sunup. Should you survive, we will see to outfitting a more invasive expedition." "Marvelous, Mr Haverston. We'll see them at sunup." Kavos says cheerfully. Come morning Kavos has reconsidered using the deputies. They were mostly brought in to show Bryce that they were committing all of their resources, but now that they've actually got Bryce's dwarves they no longer have to risk their men. For their part, the dwarves don't seem to care that they're going in alone; they're carrying armor and weapons worth more than some of the docked ships and don't see the lack of under-armed and under-trained humans as being a point worth arguing about. But then dwarves aren't exactly known for their small-talk and these have the rigid look of lifelong soldiers. The PCs and their dwarven escorts set out into the countryside, heading towards Eastbank and making no attempt to be stealthy; hoping to draw out any ghouls in the area with the promise of a free meal. Gandil sidles up to Kavos as they walk and fall a little behind the dwarves. "Instead of trying to kill these things, why don't you use your powers to send them after the Duke?" Gandil whispers. "That might work." Kavos replies thoughtfully. "But there would be considerable civilian casualties and if Lone Gate fell to the ghouls then there would be a literal starving army of the creatures unleashed on the rest of the world." "I don't care, so long as the people of Westbank are safe." Gandil states flatly. "The duke is going to raze our town to the ground if we do nothing!" Gandil says, forgetting to lower his voice for a moment and buying into his own lies. At this point Gandil runs down his masterful plan to Kavos: Step One: Put magic hats on ghouls to hide their identity and mail them to the Duke. Step Two: End civilization. Step Three: Don't get eaten. Step Four: ??? Step Five: Profit. They start to debate the finer points of this plan when one of the dwarves holds up a hand and points out a trio of ghouls who seem to be feeding in the middle of the road. Kavos tells everyone to stand back and approaches the feeding monsters. As he gets closer however he hears a commotion in the bushes to the north and motions for the dwarves to check it out; they discover four more of the creatures who seem to be gorging themselves on another slain refugee and a large, bloated creature with the uniform of an Eastbank guard. The ghast and its followers see the dwarves and let out a roar as they charge them, the dwarves nearly trip over themselves to return to the road and stable footing in order to do battle. The three ghouls near Kavos look up in surprise and find the elderly priest standing over them; before any of them can react Kavos uses Command Undead and seizes control of two of them, which he then instructs to murder the third. Gandil and the dwarves form a semi-circle on the road and Kavos retreats behind them before the ghast and its followers reach them, however the uproar has drawn the attention of three more ghouls who were apparently lounging in a ditch to the east. The dwarves stand firm as the ghouls charge them, using their shields to keep the monsters at bay while they hack off limbs with their mighty axes. Gandil doesn't want to reveal his own monstrous nature and draws his enchanted Falchion, cleaving a ghoul of his own nearly in half. Kavos summons a giant ant to help protect him and sends his controlled ghouls to slow down the advance to the east. The battle rages on and rages loud, by the time our heroes have slain half of their foes they hear the clamor of more rushing out of the brush. The dwarves push the fight to the north and Gandil charges at the group to the east, hurling his falchion into the chest of one of them and pouncing on another with nothing but teeth and claws. Kavos loses his ghouls to their hungry brethren and takes control of two more, directing them and his ant to assist the dwarves in holding the line. The dwarves' armor appears nearly impenetrable, but one of them takes a bite to the side of the face. The man is a consummate professional and doesn't let it slow him down. Gandil spits out a chunk of ghoul and calls to Kavos that they need to retreat. Kavos summons a spectral weapon which severs the head of another ghoul and simply shouts "PELOR WILL PROTECT US!" His foes slain, Gandil forgets himself and leaps barehanded into the tide of ghouls trying to press through the dwarves and Kavos's minions, if the dwarves even notice they don't seem to care. Kavos casts Sound Burst into the crowd and stuns several of the creatures, cripples several others and kills a couple outright. The dwarves take this opportunity to redouble their efforts and suddenly they realize that they can count their foes on one hand. Gandil and the Ghast lock up in a wrestling match while the dwarves and Kavos mop up the remaining ghouls and finally Gandil gives a victory shout, wrenching the ghast's head to the side and snapping its neck. When its all said and done, Kavos has one of his ghouls murder his other one and then casts Searing Light onto the winner before taking stock of his team. Gandil's hat of disguise makes it difficult to determine how injured he really is, but Kavos figures that he's good to go and it's not like he can get infected with his own virus. The dwarves are both pretty well battered and one is obviously bitten, but they're hardy bastards and still appear fighting fit. Kavos expends most of his spells healing everyone back up and comments that it felt like they just fought half of Eastbank. One of the dwarves humorlessly points out that Eastbank had a population of 3,678 last census and that as a trading post it most likely had considerably more than that in it at the time of infection. Kavos's eyes widen for a moment and then he suggests returning to town and tending to the dwarves wounds before the infection can take hold. There's nothing more they can accomplish on this trip. The trip back is uneventful and the town is nearly deserted by the time they arrive. There's still a few people milling about on the docks, trying to get onto a ship; but they seem lost in their own world. Nobody seems to care that they've returned. Kavos takes the dwarves to Rambalt's house, but has them wait outside to avoid introducing them to Rambalt's more controversial experiments. Rambalt is dozing in his living room, however he's a light sleeper and bolts up as soon as Kavos and Gandil come in. "Did you find them?" Rambalt asks groggily. Kavos simply nods. "Were...were there many?" the mage asks nervously, sitting up seeming a little more alert. "I didn't count, but if there were a scant handful more we would not be here." Kavos says. "I need some more of that potion." Rambalt nods and asks Gandil how he fared against others like him as he shuffles through a drawer and brings out a small flask of the requested potion. Gandil cracks a smile, indicating the black blood that covers him, not to mention his mouth, as he removes his Hat of Disguise. "Tore 'em apart, as you can tell." Replacing the hat and bidding farewell to Rambalt, the pair go outside and hand the dwarves the flask. Kavos instructs both of them to drink since they're not sure if scratches alone can spread the infection. The dwarves drink deep and the PCs ask if they can arrange a meeting with Mr Haverston, they agree and lead our heroes to the docks wearily. Less than halfway there they're greeted with a powerful stench and just before anyone can say anything a pair of undead guards rush from abandoned houses. Kavos is bitten in the neck by one of the creatures and the mostly untouched guard loses an eye to his attacker. Gandil kicks the ghast off of the dwarf and draws his Falchion, shouting "Your kind aren't welcome here!" Kavos gags on the overpowering stench of the creature on top of him but manages to keep his act together and use Command Undead to seize control of it. In short order Gandil hacks both of them to death and Kavos bandages himself as best he can. Kavos strips one of the former guards of a boot, casts Light on it and tosses it into the abandoned house; Gandil searches the place but finds it empty so they repeat the process a few times until they're confident that these creatures were working alone. Gandil points out that it appears they were waiting for them in particular. Kavos scowls at the thought of dodging undead assassins from here on in, but insists they push on to the docks to talk with Bryce. They find Mr Haverston hanging around the dock with his entourage, directing the captains as they take on Westbank farmers for protection. "Your dwarves are marvelous fighters," Kavos says as they approach. "We were flanked and bitten, but we've made short work of the infection and their host. Bryce asks what sort of resistance they ran into and Kavos is fairly honest, he mentions that they made short work of the first wave but were continuously flanked by more groups until they were heavily outnumbered. He points out that they made it out relatively unscathed. "The more we whittle away, the weaker they become." Kavos points out. "If we were to have groups of fighters who struck and run this foul undead incursion would be history in a few weeks." The dwarves don't contradict Kavos's version of events so Haverston nods his head thoughtfully. "If we had the manpower it would be a simple thing, but we barely have two dozen men and Eastbank was a city of....many." Bryce says with a sigh. "There were likely more than 5,000 there when we fled; who knows how many have turned?" "Who knows how many have not?" Kavos insists. "If we combat them on the borders of town we can weaken them and have at least some chance of rescuing survivors...or your precious merchandise. On the other hand, if we do nothing we are allowing them to form a horde which we have no chance to defend against." "If the city was salvageable it would have been salvaged." Bryce says bitterly. "We weren't alone when this pestilence struck." "But you were unaware and unprepared." Kavos points out. "How can you be so sure that the town fell? Maybe your guards are handling things better than-" Bryce cuts him off abruptly. "The day before the outbreak, a full company of the Duke's men arrived by barge. If they still lived they would be here for you. THAT'S how I know the town is lost." the dwarf explains. Kavos simply stands there in shock, realizing how close to destruction they'd truly been. "I agree that something must be done to turn the tide, but do you suggest we send away what few men we have?" Bryce demands. "If you're serious about this, then you're going to have to step up. I know of people who can help us, but they aren't cheap." "Money is no object!" Gandil insists. "You're right." Bryce says with a sneer. "They don't care for gold, they'll expect to be paid in flesh. I know of a dwarven outpost in the mountains, a mining camp though not one associated with my kin." "What sort of flesh?" Kavos asks. "Young, able-bodied men to work their mines." Bryce explains, "But believe me, it's a death sentence for those you send, men simply aren't built for the work they'll demand. "How many?" Kavos asks quietly, despite the fact that nobody is paying attention to them. "I'd expect five per dwarf you call from his duty, though perhaps a shrewd negotiator could talk them down to as low as three." Bryce says. "My citizens will have no part of this." Kavos says flatly, "Though I won't object if someone from your town 'volunteered'." Bryce grins. "What incentive would my people have to sell themselves to the mines? What is the going rate for a man's life?" Kavos stares at him for a moment and then says "Mr Haverston, let's speak plainly so there's no confusion. How much would it cost me for ten good dwarves?" "This town isn't known for much." Bryce says matter of factly. "But perhaps...three hundred spools of spider silk would be an acceptable price." "Agreed." Kavos says, offering his hand to seal the deal. Before Bryce can return the gesture Gandil punches him square in the face, driving the older dwarf back a few steps and bloodying his nose. "I'll not have this in my town!" Gandil shouts. Kavos glances at Gandil and hisses "What are you talking about?" "It wouldn't be fitting for heroes of our stature to deal with the likes of him." Gandil shouts. "Selling his own men into slavery..." Gandil adds with a low growl. "There's no other way to protect the town Gandil," Kavos says under his breath. "Just let it go and we'll with it later!" "I'm dealing with it now!" Gandil says, drawing his falchion and bringing it down on Haverston with everything he's got. It audibly clinks as it strikes what is apparently NOT a standard suit of platemail. Bryce draws what Gandil is now CERTAIN isn't a standard issue battleaxe from his back and buries it in Gandil's side. Bryce's guards move to protect their boss and Kavos casts Calm Emotions on the group. "I won't let you harm the new citizens of Westbank!" Gandil growls, lunging towards Bryce again who calmly allows the attack to bounce off his armor before slicing into Gandil's unprotected stomach. Kavos forces himself between the two feuding men and calls for an end to this insanity. "We need to work this out!" Kavos insists. "I'm willing to work something out that DOESN'T require the blood of innocent Westbankers. I am their heralded sheriff. The slayer of ettercaps, destroyer of bandits and I won't betray their expectations of me." "Fine Gandil!" Kavos says, noticing that their commotion HAS drawn attention to them now. "Just get out of here so I can smooth things over." "I will not leave until I get a guarantee for the safety of these people in my care." Gandil replies. "I'm a businessman!" Bryce says offended. "If you're not interested in my services then I'm not going to force them on you." "Then we're done here Haverton, I DEMAND that you leave my town." Gandil says glowering. Bryce nods and sighs. "Fine. My men and I will leave within the hour we will take our citizens...and as many of yours as would rather sail with me than stay here and die." the dwarf adds, suddenly realizing something he cares more about than profit. Spite. "I never expect to see your face again Haverston!" Gandil shouts. "Oh don't worry," Bryce says coldly "The next time I see you I'll be picking over what's left of your corpse after the cannibals are done with this place." "People!" Gandil shouts, getting the attention of those on the boats. "Citizens of Westbank, both old and new, Bryce Haverston is a fiend and we have ordered him to leave our town. You know me and you know the mayor, you know what we have done for you in our short time as your protectors. Westbank is our home and I believe that we can protect it and reclaim it in all of its glory! Bryce would have you pick up your ties and run away with your tail between your legs, but I IMPLORE YOU, DO NOT GO WITH THAT MAN! We will deal with the ghouls as we dealt with the bandits, as I dealt with the Ettercap. I fear no undead and with my protection, neither should you!" Gandil rolls excellent for Diplomacy and can tell that he really got through to the crowd on the boats. "Dear friends..." Bryce says in a voice that sounds old and fragile. "For nearly two decades I have led Eastbank to an untold plateau of success and prosperity. This man wishes to cast me out when you need my aid the most. This is his home and I have no right to stay if he wishes me gone, however I will not abandon ANY who wish to leave with me. Eastbank, Westbank...we are all brothers. We are all of one heart and one mind and one purpose. I hate to leave my home of so long, but I travel north to seek aid from my kinsmen, so that we may retake our homes. Those who wish to escape the undead pox are welcome to follow." This is where Gandil discovers how someone as horrible as Bryce has kept his position so long, it turns out that Bryce's diplomacy modifier is nearly as large as Gandil's entire roll and the smooth talking dwarf even has the formerly hostile Westbank citizens eating out of the palm of his hands. Gandil looks up pleadingly at his former citizens. "There is a place in Westbank for each and every one of you, please remember where your home is... But for those who believe that Bryce knows best...you have one hour to get your s*** and leave." While the fate of Westbank, or at least the majority of its inhabitants, is decided on the docks Gandil goes to Rambalt for a little moral support. The two had been growing close ever since Rambalt had unwittingly given Gandil a second chance at life and since Gandil still technically owned the place they shared a since of mutual obligation towards each other. "It's bad Rambalt." Gandil says, sitting in their living room. "Everyone's leaving and I'm not sure that I can protect the ones that are left. I need an edge, some sort of advantage over the other ghouls if I'm going to save this town." Rambalt awkwardly comforts the grotesque sheriff and suggests that he already seems to be a cut above the average ghoul. Rambalt points out that Gandil is obviously a skilled warrior and wields a rare magical weapon, not to mention his immunity to the various tricks of the horde. Gandil isn't impressed though and tosses his sword across the room. "That's a weapon for a man and I'm...I'm a monster." the sheriff says morosely. "I've changed and my instincts have changed with me, I need a new weapon. Something that takes advantage of my NEW talents. Can you build such a thing?" Rambalt shakes his head sadly. "I'm sure that anything I built would suffer the same shortcomings as your sword. I don't know how I could possibly take advantage of your-" Rambalt stops mid-sentence and then nods thoughtfully. "What?" Gandil asks. "I don't believe a weapon could help...but how do you feel about invasive surgery?" Rambalt asks innocently. Gandil's manic grin returns slowly. He doesn't mind invasive surgery, he decides. He doesn't mind it at all... [/QUOTE]
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