Hallows Eve The Thinning Veil || Halloween 2024

For the Halloween event

doonaday

happy little vegemite
Staff
Messages
24


EPRESSA

Shadows bend and break under the moonlight, taking shape and form to wander and search. A spell gone wrong, and the shadows come to claim.


proxy.php

Stories of shadowed figures making their way towards Alliria have been surfacing, and it isn't until such whispers and fear reach the small settlement of Tearan, a few hours journey from the large city, that something needed to be done. A plague of darkness that travels quickest in the night, blessed with the clear skies to allow the moons' light cast the heaviest of pits of darkness for the shadows to coax more numbers.

Only six shades reach Tearan, met with a force gathered to fight and defend. Having heard that the number of creatures had been higher, it spreads hope that they could be defeated, but none braced against the oncoming darkness know how it could be achieved, besides the mage that came to warn Tearan of the shadow's approach. Exhausted and wounded, the mage had collapsed, but you only need to hold off the creatures of shadow for a couple of hours before rousing the recovering harbinger.

The gates around Tearan have been barricaded, but the six shades outside prowl the perimeter, looking for ways to get in and feed on more strength before they continue on to Alliria.

Will you stand and fight against creatures born of darkness and shadow?




LIADAIN

A lullaby to keep you from peaceful slumber, a cry to unsettle. Death is close, looming, and the spirits are dwindling in wait.



A trading town between the lands of the Aberrasai Savannah and the Falwood have sent word with travellers and merchants brave enough to take the trade route to spread their pleas for help. Near a week of the incessant wailing and keening of a banshee, the people of Satriya put out a call to help drive away the banshee so that whomever's death nears may know peace.

The presence of a banshee has also scared away business, and now supplies and trade through Satriya has slowed and disrupted the everyday life of those that dwell in the town. Efforts to ignore, to block out the sounds of the banshee, have left them irritable and unsettled.

To help keep their minds off from the omen of death, every night when the wailing grows loudest, music, dancing, and drinking is put on so that they may fill their days with happy memories rather than succumbing to the impending death of someone residing in their community. Those that answer their call must gather their wits and brave the unsettling vision of the banshee. So beautiful, so real, but all strange and feral in her message, many warriors and heroes lose their nerve before crossing the river to chase her away.

Will you be brave and put an end to Satriya's haunting omen, or will you join them and pick up their spirits as one of them nears their death?




MALAKATH

Fester, posion, and parasite. Hunger and hunger, cavernous in their greed.


Restless spirits of departed souls gravitate to carrion, inhabiting and nesting in the flesh and infect predators that feast on these kills. Whether it be fresh or old, it will find a home. Only through the act of digesting the infested, the spirit slowly takes over the predator like a parasite.

It is common for this to happen in the Valley of Decay, and a cautionary tale for those traveling in the area take care to not eat any meat. Such a possession has turned feast into famine, and in some cases the Carrion parasite grows sentient enough to kill living beings and feast on their flesh.

Ravaryn is under threat. An adventurer had hauled back to the desert city a large cut of meat from a kill with the intention of selling it for meat and pelt, but a scent trail leading straight to the city catches the attention of a large bird commonly found in the Valley of Decay. Hunting, the Carrion-infested creature looms above. The city is on lockdown. No one in, and no one out.

Will you be amongst women and men to kill this parasite, or will you succumb to a fate of misfortune?





- Weekly updates to this thread -
Updates will keep the story going ahead. If you miss out on a post, you can rejoin in the next round.

- Story -
Each new DM post will give clues as to how the scene will move, and clues on how to defeat each creature should they be slain.

- Questions -
Field all questions to the LFG Post
HERE

Or to the Discord Channel
HERE
 
  • Gasp
  • Yay
Reactions: Talus and Lorcán
LIADAIN


Gannis set down a heavy mug of ale. In the midst of the celebrations, people kept just a little distance from the Venari.

If it wasn't for the heavy single edged blade he carried, then his ugly mug would put people off. He had a foul air about him.

Gannis was a monster hunter. Among his kind he was something of a runt. One who survived the training, but only just.

This wasn't normal behaviour for a banshee. The wailing sometimes rose above the din of the town. They could not drown it out.

He'd never known a spectre to linger for so long. It was why he wasn't over the river searching for a way to put the spirit to rest. He suspected there was more to this than one banshee.
 
MALAKATH

The life the Vitae Champion was travel and roaming. Vulpesen had seen the world from the wilds of Malkath, all the way to the grandest cities of Liaden and Epressa. It was rare that Vulpesen spent time on the continent of his birth. It was even rarer that he should be called over to an emergency situation when the Vitae city of Veradune spread its webs from that place.

Something was rising in Revaryn, some ravenous creature from the valley of decay, or rather, a disease that turned creatures ravenous. It was a ways form Veradune, but still, the Brothers Vitae had felt it necessary that their direct representative meet the issue personally. So it was that Vulpesen now sat at a small market stall, a steaming plate of food before him as he kept his ears pricked for trouble. Lock down had paralyzed the city, only a short while ago. In some way this was good. The problem wouldn't spread past an effective cordon sanitaire. On the other hand... that left him woefully short on backup.

doonaday
 
Liadain - The Last Chance Inn

The Last Chance Inn hadn't always been in Satriya, in fact, no one was quite sure when it had opened or how it had popped up, but in these harrowing days the Tavern served as a haven.

Having become a mainstay in the little town, the Last Chance and it's impeccable host had proven to be an absolute comfort within the darkness of the night. Always bright, always filled with joy, and always providing a drink when needed.

"Here ya are, Mary." Ennio said as he placed down one of his drinks decorated with a tiny umbrella.

"I'm sure David is just fine." He said with a quick smile. "Probably just got caught up a little bit too long, not to worry."

Gently the tavern-keeper patted the woman on the shoulder, knowing the words he spoke to her were very likely a lie. He had been around enough in places like this, in situations like this, to know that missing folk wasn't anything good. "Drinks on the House until he gets back, yeah?"

He said, flashing what was now likely a widow a smile before slipping away from her table and heading towards the next.

There were more who needed consoling.
 
EPRESSA


Outsourcing.

Outsourcing was not a new thing, but it may have been a new term. At least, to Arnor. He was a premiere monster, demon, vampire- generally, anything that went bump in the night, didn't particularly like Arnor. And Arnor didn't like them. He wasn't however, a hateful man. Nordenfiir really didn't have the particular brand of... wickedness that the summer lands did.

Perhaps even the ghouls and goblins and the like didn't like the frigid cold of his homeland. Not that he had felt it in a long time. Without Rhi, the King of Horses, Arnor had been put back into the use of a carriage, or perhaps, the use of one of the stones here and there.

Not particularly to his liking.

He missed his horse.

There was a rumor of shades, a mage, and an impending supernatural threat. Arnor was leaned against the carriage, his silver sword laid across his lap. However, he was fast asleep. He didn't snore, he didn't stir. He was- well. Like a hibernating bear.

But something stirred him awake- the carriage coming to a stop. The doors to the city were barricaded, mentioned the driver. But Arnor wasn't happy about it- he leaned out of the carriage, rubbing his eyes, climbing out. He looked up at the city gates, one hand unhappily on his hip, the other laying his sword under his arm, pinching it between his arm and chest. So far, nobody had come to greet him, or his very nice carriage driver.

But something felt off.

He turned his head.

Movement?

But no smell.

No body.

He whispered to himself, a silent prayer.
 
  • Spooky Gasp
Reactions: doonaday
Liadain

Gabriel clapped along with a group of singing towngoers of Satriya. It was easy to see that the actions were forced, but he did not let it bother him. This was their chosen form of defense, and so he would honor it. In fact, Gabriel's voice rose above to help lead the singing trying to urge everyone forward.

The parents might not realize it, but their children could pick up on the descending mood even hidden behind there smiles. Children were far more intuitive than they were given credit.

Even though Gabriel never let his smile drop from his face, in between the songs his eyes would cast around the room of the celebration and his ears would perk up desiring to hear a scream. These people had been through enough, and he intended to set them free.

The Father demanded it.
 
  • Spooky Gasp
Reactions: doonaday

LIADAIN
Shadows bend and break under the moonlight, taking shape and form to wander and search. A spell gone wrong, and the shadows come to claim.

Gannis / Ennio / Gabriel de la Fuego


The music came to a brief end, only intended for a minute while the bard and band took a moment to rest their instruments. The wailing was loud enough that some of the younger folk grimaced at the uncomfortable pitch, stirring in their seats and trying their best to talk above the omen’s call.

To hear the banshee again, the Satriyan locals’ morale began to deflate, and many looked as if they were ready to march over there and scream back into her void.

“Thank you,” an older man cleared his throat before continuing, gathering attention of those gathered beneath the lantern night, “tho those that traveled here to give us some company and strength… It is not easy hearing it night and day is it?” He flashed a saddened smile, an attempt to make light of this situation.

“We should do something about it.” One of the younger men called out. His back was to most of those gathered, but after downing his drink and pushing it forward to be collected, he turned to look at his community. “It has been over a week now and no deaths. Are any of us going to die? Or were we simply going to listen to Death’s song forevermore? We asked for help, and help came. Let us slay the crone and be done with it.”

The same man that spoke just before frowned, looking at the Satriyans and sighed. “We have already tried this… some of those men are still… gone.”

He had to be careful of what he said. Disappearances happened, but if they were suspected dead, their passing did not sate Death’s messenger across the river.
“Then let us send another group. Let us figure out how to cut her throat so that we may know true peace.” the younger called out.

The bard and the band hesitated to play again. The wailing grew louder, as if to command their attention or drive them all mad some more.

“Why don’t you speak with the banshee?” A child asked, curiosity painted over their youthful facade.

The young man scoffed, “You think someone that hasn’t stopped screeching will talk?”

When no one else spoke, he continued.

“You sent men out with weapons, and none have returned yet. Why not send those of us with magical understanding? We could have silence in these parts before dawn. Who is with me?”



EPRESSA
A lullaby to keep you from peaceful slumber, a cry to unsettle. Death is close, looming, and the spirits are dwindling in wait.
Arnor Skuldsson


“Fuck.”

“What now?”

“There’s a carriage at the gate.”

“A carri—” The Captain leaned over the parapet of the defensive walls and peered into the night. “OI!”

A near balding head looked over the walls, exhaustion and frustration turning his face to scrunch. “You cannot bring that in here. Our gates are locked down. Night creatures about and whatnot…”

“We have to turn you and your carriage away.” Came the other voice, calling down to those below and vulnerable to the night’s shadows. “Enchantments are afoot.”

Not a second later, on the eastern side of the town, a blood curdling scream pierced through the air. It ended abruptly, and everyone stilled to listen for more.

Three more screams joined in.

“Move! Go! Remember no fires! They strengthen in that fire’s shadow!”

Activity was rampant on the walls, and after a minute of executing orders, the Captain peered down again and swore colourfully. “Can you fight?”


MALAKATH
Fester, posion, and parasite. Hunger and hunger, cavernous in their greed.
Vulpesen


A screech was heard in the distance, the type that came from the Avian types in these parts of the continent. Their bellow so monstrous, it could be heard leagues away. The avian cry echoing across the skies made many Ravarynians cower and flinch, not wishing to be out in the open, but some had to put up a fight. They had to be brave, to show that they were capable of protecting this city in desolate surroundings.

The screech was heard again, closer. There was strangeness to it’s hungering call, and some defenders abandoned their posts and sought for shelter.

“You must be made for these sorts of things if you have an appetite right now.” Commented a young woman in leathers. Her hair seemed to be dipped in silver, braided back and falling over the front of her shoulder. It was rare for their kind to be out this far West of the continent, but a dragon rider was always easy to spot. “The others hear about the carrion parasite and all meat trade comes to a stop for a week or two. Best enjoy it while you can.” Her own meal of stewed vegetables looked almost untouched, save for the carrots missing from the wooden bowl.

“If I was back home in Thanasis, I would be eating meat without a thought… but the Valley is home to more than beastly things.” Death ran rampant in that drought infested plane.

A shadow blocked the sun, and for a moment, all gathered in Ravaryn’s open areas glanced up with a breath of fear, only to see the sun fall behind a cloud.

Contagion was not here yet.

 


EPRESSA
A lullaby to keep you from peaceful slumber, a cry to unsettle. Death is close, looming, and the spirits are dwindling in wait.



Arnor turned his head.

The screams were too infrequent, spaced out. Something was moving, rapidly, attacking. Something that had the entire town barricaded, in fear.

No torches?

Shadows?

"I am Arnor, son of Skuld, the bloody Axe of Knottington."

He reached to his belt, pulling out the namesake Axe. He twirled it in his hands, looking up at the Captain. "So, yes, I can fight. If you'll let my carriage and my driver in, I will fight for you."

He tucked the axe back onto his belt, and hefted his Silver Sword, and began to pace, response or not, to the screams. They were in fear, gripped by it, in a chokehold. By what? By whom?

If it was a shade, a ghost... they feared Silver, and they feared the powers of the Axe, if undead. But if they were.... something else, well. Arnor only had a limited number of resources and knowledge. But, he'd try his damndest.

He waited for the Captain's response. He had good business here. Plus, they'd probably pay him for helping rid the creature, or at the least, feed him.
 
  • Spooky Cheer
Reactions: doonaday
Vulpesen's hand went to one of the daggers at his hip as he heard the screech, but he still didn't rise from his seat, rather he used his other hand to bring a bite of steak to his mouth, his fangs flashing as they dug into the meal. "Its all about keeping appraised of the situation. This stall only serves meat from the local farms. The disease is getting imported."

He took another bite, his tail flicking back and forth as he listened to her musings about her home. "Veradune isn't much different in that regard. We hunt for most of our food and the Veran wilds get dangerous beyond what's been shaped for us." Veradune was well aware of Thanasis, Varos having sent his agents over to do a thorough accounting of Malakath's most well known cities.

Where the home of the Vitae was protected by the fae lords, particularly the Brothers Varos, Wulren, and Rerreno, Thanasis was guarded by a cooperation between humans and dragons. Vulpesen believed in the lords' power and the might granted to them by the ley lines. But a giant fire breathing lizard could certainly be its own deterrent to most threats.

doonaday
 
  • Spooky Gasp
Reactions: doonaday