Hewligan's Rise of the Runelords: The Skinsaw Murders

Danth sighs heavily as he finishes his examination. "Well, the wound is certainly infected. Likely due to Aldern's dirty claws. I can do little for you today, but I shall pray to Sarenae upon the morrow for the ability to cure this infection. I believe you are hardy and stubborn enough to survive the night, though you may experience some discomfort."
 

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When Jovik returns with the cart he grabs a fistful of his tunic drawing him in close. "I will not wind up like those poor farmers," he growls. "Promise me you will give me a clean death... your blade... the silvered one. If Danth cannot beat this I ask you to finish it. Swear to me Jovik!"

Jovik returns the fierce look with one of detemination. He puts his hand on Jokad's arm reassuringly "Do not worry my friend, if it must happen it will, and it will be quick, clean, silent and unlooked for."
 



A Waste of a Good Night

Well, that pretty much put an end to any hopes for a fun night. Danth took Jokad back to his room and spent the night with him. The big Shoanti slept fitfully, but he did sleep, and so too did Danth, eventually.

Jovik had helped get the barbarian back to his room, and then had found himself surplus to requirements. Not in the mood to 'celebrate' any more, and knowing he was due a very early start, he said his farewells to Kael and went home to sleep at his parents house for the night.

Kael had a couple of pints of cold ale and an amazingly good steak pie with flaky, buttery pastry, and then retired for the night with a full belly and a very happy dog (he too had enjoyed a lightly roasted chicken leg).

OOC: Danth, can you let me know what spell you wanted to learn and cast in the morning and then I will post the update for the funeral, etc.
 

OOC: Danth, can you let me know what spell you wanted to learn and cast in the morning and then I will post the update for the funeral, etc.


The plan was to prepare Cure Disease and give that a try. Now, I'm unsure from the description whether it heals any damage suffered thus far, or simply removes the disease and the character has to heal the ability damage via other means. If it removes all ability damage, no worries. If not, Danth will also prepare a couple of Minor Restore spells to get Jokad's abilities back to where they need to be.

Hopefully we can spend another day resting in town so we won't need those spell slots for combat.
 

OOC: What is Minor Restore? Do you have a link?

The Remove Disease does not restore ability damage, but it will stop further damage from occurring.

IC: Danth awakes the next morning an hour before dawn, and begins his prayers. He washes in some cold water, and then lays hands upon the fitful Shoanti who has clearly spent the majority of the night tossing and turning for his sheets are a twisted and discarded mess. Danth calls down the power of his goddess and sends the disease that has seized Jokad from his body. Danth can feel the cleansing power, and knows the magic has worked its course.

When Jokad awakens he still feels weak and unsteady, but is no longer consumed by the waves of heat and cold that had taken him the day before. The wound on his shoulder has died down somewhat, and while he doesn't feel perfect, he does feel better than the night before. He washes, dresses, and joins Danth in the walk to the temple.

They are met there by Kael, looking refreshed, and Jovik, looking like he wishes he was back in bed again.

The ceremony is short and simple. A small grave had already been prepared, and Zanthus has wrapped the small corpse in perfect white cloth, with a simple wooden toy tucked into the bundle (a carved horse), and a small holy plaque bearing the signs of Desna, Sarenrae, and Pharasma (Goddess of birth and death). He speaks some words, recites a prayer of returning, and anoints the cloth symbolically with a sprinkle of earth. The child is then lowered into the ground and covered.

OOC: Please feel free to add any of your own embellishments

When the ceremony is done, the group move off together to the only open eatery in town, the tiny shack called The Hungry Fisherman that leans precariously at the edge of the dock. It offers simple fare, from fresh bread to clams (yes, clams for breakfast!), to strong local cheese, and even amazingly aromatic black-treacle bacon. You sit down together to reflect on the past few days, and more importantly to discuss how to proceed.

OOC: I want you all to decide what comes next. You can go to Magnimar, take a few days out here, decide to stay here, go back to Thistlepoint to tackle the one place you left untouched, go back to Fort Rannick, etc.... I will make sure things happen whatever option you choose, so please let me know your preference. I am flexible (and adventures are written to be tweaked).
 


Jokad stands stoically throughout the brief ceremony. The big man still looks weak and tired. He is especially quiet but you are unsure if it is from his recent ordeal or because he is lost in his thoughts about the small child.

At the end he kneels down and grabs a handfull of loose earth. He stares silently at the small hole before sprinkling it in and wordlessly walking away.

If his mood was melancholy at the burial, it changes abruptly at the prospect of breakfast. Despite Danth's protests to take it slow and test his weak stomach, Jokad eats like a ravenous beast relishing the various flavors as if he were experiencing them for the first time. His enthusiasm for his meal reassures all of you that he is well on the mend.

Between mouthfuls of food...

"So... besides poor Danth who got saddled as my nursemaid, I trust the rest of you had a good carouse?" he says looking directly at Jovik. "I know we've not stamped this menace out entirely but a few night of drink and good company would be welcome before we venture into Magnimar. We are going to Magnimar, right?"
 

Danth nods at Jokad's words as he finishes chewing and swallowing a bite of breakfast. He washes it down with a drink from his mug before speaking. "I think Magnimar would be a good idea. And I must admit, I'd like to check in on the orphanage and make sure all is well."
 

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