Strife in Sokara - A solo game for Brother Shatterstone

[Jarval]

"We were only told to come here an hour ago." Corporal Brigstock looks a little startled by the darkening of Brystasia’s mood. "We got here as quick as we could, but the traffic's been murder."

"Now then miss, go easy on Brigstock." The other guard calls, his tone cold. "We got here as soon as we could, and we've not seen anyone go in or out, so I'd say we've done our job. Maybe you should have got some of your lot to watch this place if you don't think we're up to it."

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Bryastasia Purelove: Half-Nymph/Female (Gestalt:Holy Warrior/Rogue)

Brystasia continues to look displeased as she walks between the guards and back into the building, her reply is tart and unpleasant, “No, stay here the damage has already been done.”

Inside she address the others, “Brother Velimir is correct, I doubt we will find anyone.” She gives a small smile, obviously forced, as she address the short dwarf, “Shall we look at this door?”

 

[Jarval]

"I'm all in favour of taking a gander at it, if you folks are ready." Aster replies cheerfully.

"And if we may, myself and Brother Ryat would like to examine the creature that attacked Brother Ged." Velimir reminds Bryastasia.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Bryastasia Purelove: Half-Nymph/Female (Gestalt:Holy Warrior/Rogue)

Brystasia nods her head while her faces flushes red and an embarrassed smile forms on her face, “Of course, how forgetful of me. We shall go to it first my brothers.”

 

[Jarval]

"Thank you." Ryat says as Bryastasia starts to lead the way.

Through the side door, and back along the passageway. The number of footprints leading up and down the passage is obviously more than when Bryastasia first saw it. The corpse still lies where it fell, and Velimir and Ryat move to examine it.

Ryat pulls a small vial of liquid from his belt pouch and drinks its contents. He stares intently at the sprawled body for almost a minute, before looking up at Velimir.

"Necromancy, and a small amount of transmutation. I think this was a zombie enhanced by some other form of magic." He says. Velimir nods.

"Well that is some small reassurance, at least. A new breed of undead would have been a most worrying development." He turns back to the rest of the group. "We can continue when you're ready. I think we have learnt all we can for now."

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Bryastasia Purelove: Half-Nymph/Female (Gestalt:Holy Warrior/Rogue)

Brystasia’s smile shares there relief as she nods her head in agreement, “Of course, lets go and investigate that door.”

With everyone in tow Brystasia starts back towards the stairs, but instead of sneaking she moves at her usual graceful walk as her keen eyes continue to look for anything out of place.

 

[Jarval]

As Brystasia again leads the way, she notes that the footprints continue along the passageway, down the steps, and (apparently) through the locked door. Ryat holds up a hand, cautioning the others not to approach, then examines the door.

"A lingering trace of abjuration, which I suspect is from the trap Brother Ged found, and a strong aura of necromancy from the room beyond." He says after a moment's pause. "Proceed, Master Aster."

Aster nods, pulling a roll of lockpicks and various other tools from his pockets. He kneels in front of the door, and proceeds to first study, then jig the lock. After two minutes or so, there's a click from the door, and Aster steps back.

"Done. A tricky one you found me there. Not often you see locks that well made." He smiles, appreciative of another craftsman's work.

Velimir unsheathes his sword, a large and well crafted hand-and-a-half bastard sword with a small piece of charred wood affixed to the hilt. Ryat follows suit, readying his warhammer. Ged draws his sword, and Hestia takes hold of her holy symbol, praying quietly under her breath. Aster notes the sudden proliferation of weaponry, and pulls a small folding hand crossbow from a pocket.

"If you'd open the door Brystasia, we'll see what lies on the other side." Ged says, moving to stand beside her as he speaks. He hefts his shield, moving himself in between Brystasia and whatever might lie on the other side...

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Bryastasia Purelove: Half-Nymph/Female (Gestalt:Holy Warrior/Rogue)

Brystasia nods her head quietly and moves towards the door, as she starts to open them she expects to encounter a struggle from the heavy door…

OOC: As soon as the doors are open, I suspect they swing toward the group; Brystasia will draw her own weapons from the safety of presented from being behind the others. She takes the lead if it’s offered but she’ll simply try to remain quite and alert.

 

[Jarval]

Brystasia pushes cautiously on the door. Aster's assessment of the lock proves to hold true for the door as a whole, as it swings open surprisingly easily for the weight of wood and metal it must contain. Hestia's torch light extends a short distance into the room, but no further, coming to an unnatural stop less than five feet into the chamber beyond.

"Darkness... Someone must have been busy while we were away..." Hestia murmurs as she waves the torch closer to the sharp line at which the light stops.

"And there's death." Velimir adds, sniffing the air. Ryat nods in agreement.

"There's undead in there, I'd be willing to bet. So be it..." He steps up to the doorway, and through into the shadowy dark beyond. Velimir follows, and Ged a moment after. Hestia hesitates, giving Brystasia a nervous and worried look.

"I don't like this one bit..."

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Bryastasia Purelove: Half-Nymph/Female (Gestalt:Holy Warrior/Rogue)

The eeriness and the gloom from the room is oppressive to Brystasia, though she’s has know way of knowing she has no doubts that the two Obedient Brothers are right…. Death and undeath lingered near.

Taking strength from Velimir and the other Brystasia slides the door stopping only long enough to kiss Hestia gentle on the forehead, “Be strong, we are all here to protect you just like your faith in Morwyn will protect us.”

Giving one last smile Brystasia steps completely through as she joins the men in the omnipresent darkness…