Cedric is trying to use his staff as best he can to put down a zombie. As the other members disappear inside the cabin Cedric his maniacal laughing and fears for the worst. Cedric will try to keep the zombies from getting to Midge and allow him to cast spells as needed.

Also keeping an eye on the cabin to see if any healing is needed. Muttering a little prayer to Solanis to keep everyone safe.

"Thank you, Solanis for healing this man. Now give me and my friends strength to destroy these abominations." Cedric casts a Bless spell over the party. Then pulls out his staff and moves to attack one of the creatures outside the house.

Cedric will ask the man to show us his house as he does not think that leaving the man alone here would be a good idea. If the man is injured then Cedric will speak a prayer to Solanis and use a cure light wounds spell. And will lead the man back to his house where we will try to save his family.

"When did this start?" Cedric asks the man. "How many creatures did you see?" Cedric is trying to learn as much about this man as possible. "Have you noticed anything strange over the past few days?"

"Come on guys! This man needs our help."

Cedric greets the priestess warmly and gives her a hug.

Then back at the inn Cedric stands to give his two cents.

"I understand how the fighters feel about wanting to fight these creatures. But I think it would be prudent to find where these creatures are hiding and kill them while they are vulnerable and possibly put an end to who or what is creating these things."

"Waiting until morning would be my vote." Cedric says while looking at everyone to see their reactions.

"It makes sense to me. I agree that we should follow this to it source." Cedric tells the group. "It is after noon now. Should we head out today or wait until in the morning. It is possible that we will be attacked again tonight. I am not sure of the best approach."

Cedric continues to eat more slowly thinking as he eats.

"If we encounter these creatures after dark it seems that they only are active at night."

Midge dug through the papers himself, but can glean no more from the fragments than did Kithran. The diminuitve mage kept a special lookout for any sort of arcane texts, but while a mage such as this surely must have owned a spellbook at the least - if not sundry magical scrolls - he can find nothing of the sort to have survived the fire.

Cedric was not there.

Eventually, the search was given up, and the party returned to the Nicked Shill. The road still reeked from the burnt carcasses of the dead; it was a mistake to glance at the pile of burned bodies, for several of those that belonged to the freshy dead were not only blackened outside, but split open, revealing the pink flesh inside, like some awful parody of sausages left too long to grill. The unnatural mist hung heavy and oppressive over the town.

After eating breakfast very late morning, Cedric will help people clean up the bodies and tend to the wounded physically and mentally. It was a grusome night.

Once at the Inn, Gib and Kith moved to check Davena's room, while Ch'dau inquires of Nya. The priest and rogue found literally nothing of interest; it would appear that whatever belongings that the woman might have had were taken with her, save one lone exception - a piece of lacy smallclothing was apparently kicked under the bed at some point in prior evening. There was no other sign of the woman, however.

If anyone asks Cedric has not seen Davena or her friend since he got up.

Nya herself had little to offer. The woman and her bodyguard arrived a half hour or so before the party did the night before; they rented a room, paid in good Ertainian coin, and the serving wench had no idea when they might have left.

Inquiries around the village likewise prove fruitless. The night was dark, and the horror of having the dead crawl from their graves and attempt to drag the living into their own prove to be far too preoccupying of a topic for anyone to give much care to a pair of travelers intent on keeping to themselves. Neithr villager nor watchman can seem to recall seeing either of the pair during the previous night at any point after the blond woman retired to the room with Aranwen.

Soon enough, the weary party finds noon arriving. Regrouping at the Inn, they sit for a meal to rejoin the now rested Cedric.

"What's have you guys been up to this morning? I slept fitfully. Too many images to forget." If anyone tells Cedric of the events of the morning he will reply. "Oh Great Solanis, he was killed? What is going on in this town? We must get to the bottom of it."

If everyone is close lipped then Cedric will relate what he has done since he got up.

[snore] Cedric is having nightmares about zombies and giggling gigglers. Oh so much death and blood. Solanis please help us.

Didn't mean to split the party. Sorry. Is Cedric awake during any of this? Trying to bring the party back together.

Hope I didn't jump the shark with my post.

Cedric is ready around noon. He will have finished his prayers and had something to eat. He will look around to see if anyone is about. If he finds anyone he asks whether anything has happened.

"What is our plan for the rest of the day? Have we met with Atharis' contacts, yet? What did we find out?"

If nothing else is going on Cedric will check on the wounded and help where he can.

Cedric is still bothered by the attack last night. What is the source of these abominations?

As morning arrives, Cedric finds quiet place and performs his morning ritual to Solanis. Afterward he looks around to see if anyone needs first aid or last rites. Then he goes back to the inn and requests a bath to remove the filth from his body. Also ask if someone can wash his robes. Then afterward he sleep, exhausted.

Cedris will awake in the afternoon and come down to eat before finding the rest of the group to plan the day. If there is time he will visit the guards to boost their spirits.

Cedric wants to contact Aratharis's group here in town and see what they know about all that is happening.

Well Cedric didn't want to mention it but maybe we should somehow prevent Atharis from rising again. Seems harsh but better to have your body desecrated than to return as the living dead. At least that is how Solanis would look at it.

Cedric prays for Solanis' favor, and the sun god answers, causing the priest's staff to glow brightly. The light is cheerful, though it does not seem to penetrate far into the mist...

The town watch fights on, but the look in their eyes shows desperation more than bravery. These are men fighting to the death not because of choice, but because they have none. Three scattered men lie dead farther down the road where they were cut down in an attempt to flee, and a fourth lies among the bodies where he fell to his knees and begged for mercy that would not come. These remaining know that their doom has arrived, but they fight on, refusing to accept D'hurgen's dark embrace.

The day may come where some question the wisdom of the cidal wizard known as Midge... but not so where his bravery is questioned. Heedless of the danger, the diminutive caster invokes a fan of flames as he rushes directly at one of the giggling abominations. The little mage catches the undead off guard, and the flames billow into the giggling creature, setting his rotting clothing afire and causing serious harm to him, while also sizzling the zombies that flank it on either side.

Naturally, that bold move comes at great risk, as the giggling monster spins and slashes Minto with its corrupted claws for his trouble. The wizard stumbles back, feeling the icy cold of the grave grip at his heart... but he is able to shrug it off, and reaches for a sling bullet, even as he backpedals from melee.

Ch'dau leaps into the fray, roaring his battle cry. The giggler advances too far, and the kazari is able to plunge one of his blades deeply into its chest while the second removes its arm just below the elbow. This one, at least, will giggle no more.

Gib and Cedric call out to their gods, and quite a few of the zombies are turned away - though more approach from the mist. Still, it offers the watch a brief respite, and a ragged cheer rises from them as they redouble the fight.

Aranwen advances on the second giggler, moving gracefully, deftly, with purpose. His gleaming blade strikes once, twice, opening gaping wounds on the creature, though it somehow remains standing.

Kithran moves to support Gib and Cedric, and as zombies approach from the flank, she is able to avoid their attacks and plunge her blades into them, causing one to fall.

The fighting continues. Another guardsman falls, but multiple zombies soon join him.

In the din and confusion of the battle, Atharis is slow to close the ground. The mage's head is still fuzzy from the alcohol he has consumed and the sleep from which he was disturbed from. Screwing his eyes closed, he tries to banish the bleariness from his mind and begins an incantation. "Ast amroth es garna tu matra..."

From his crouched position in the mist, the figure wearing filthy robes that were once sky blue watches for his opening. One of the newcomers is isolated, alone as he chants. Somehow, it manages to refrain from giggling as it pads, silently, behind the man in dark blue vestment.

As the mage's incantation ends in a choking gurgle, the ghoulish remains of the Lysoran pilgrim gives in to the urge and giggles maniacally. It withdraws claws from its victim's back as it slides around the motionless form of the wizard, whose eyes are locked open in terror. The undead abomination grins in fiendish joy as it drives its claws into the belly of the mage, stares deeply into his terror stricken eyes as it leans forward and rips the man's throat open with its fangs.

The mist and the mayhem hide the end of the dream of Atharis the Great as the mage slumps to the ground. No one bears witness to his final breaths as the monster rips his belly open while the mage lies motionless in the mud.

Gib is the first to realize that something is wrong. He spots the undead creature bent over the form of the mage, and calls out a warning. "Atharis!"

Ch'dau and Aranwen can do nothing, as they are surrounded by a press of undead foes. Midge fires a sling bullet into the creature's back, and it spins around and to its feet, with the mage's lifeblood dripping from its mouth and fingers. Kithran cries out, closes the distance with Cedric right behind her. She cuts the loathsome creature, but it rakes claws along her arm in response, and her own heart is grasped tightly by the icy grip of the grave. The rogue cannot move, can only stare in the direction that gives her a clear view of the body of her companion.

Cedric bashes the creature with his stave, pushing it back and away from Kithran - for the moment.

After chasing away the creature Cedric kneels down to see if there is anything he can do for Atharis. Discovering that he is too late he prays to Solanis to speed his soul to his god.

Soon enough, Gib is freed from the clumsy undead he is fighting, and he is able to step in and run his blade through the hateful creature's chest, felling it in revenge.

The tide turns in the battle, as sylvari and kazari lay about with ferocity. Somehow, no more watchmen fall; soon the battle ends as the last of the undead is struck to the ground.

The guard are incredibly grateful for the aid. Amazingly, the gate guard is among the half dozen survivors; the man bears a huge gash across his arm, but he lives. One of the hateful guards from the Inn is present, as well; his companion is also here, but lies among the dead.

"Gods be praised," the gate guard speaks. "Ye saved our lives, ye did. One 'o those laughers cut me at tha gate, I couldn'a move, an' they all came in. By tha time I could do summat, they were movin' in tha town. We fought them, but they just kep comin'! If na fer tha lot 'o ya, tha whole town'd be lost!"

He looks around, confusion evident on his face. "Cap'n Stran 's dead. So's Les an' Ben. Mother protec' us, I don' think tha any o' tha officers are still alive!"

Cedric looks around to make sure there are no abominations still around. As Ch'dau carries Atharis' body Cedric pokes the dead giggler to make sure he is dead. Then Cedric will follow everyone else into the inn to help with the clean up and tend to any wounded as he is out of heal spells bandages will have to do.

"Where are these creatures coming from? Obviously the gigglers are intelligent and I recognized at least one of them as one of the pilgrims we met on the road."

[OOC] Was the pilgrim giggler one of the ones we left alive or did he die in our battle with the pilgrims and the creatures.

"What is creating these creatures? And I assume the fog is related some how. I think we should finish Atharis' quest to meet his contacts here. Maybe we will learn something."

I plan to post a response tonight.

I tried in my latest post.

The mist is thick and sticky, but the stable is the next structure over from the inn, and the party is able to make their way to it with no trouble. Inside, they spot three bodies crumpled on and at the bottom of the stairs. Two are rotted, missing chunks of flesh - and each have their skulls staved in. The third is that of the big innkeeper, Mort.

Cedric rushes forward to see if Mort is alive and in need of help.

Nya sobs at the sight, whcih causes the prone form to start and sit up. "Aye now, wha's all this?" be grumbles.

But is shocked when he sits up. "Mort, let me check you over to make sure you have no bites or anything."

[OOC: If Mort is ok then Cedric will move out with the rest of the party to help the guards.]

The serving wench rushes up the stair to embrace him as the Innkeper groans and grimaces while trying to take his feet. "Damned walkers came shamblin' up tha stairs," he explains. "I 'ad 'eight on 'em, bashed their damned 'eads in right proper, but one 'o tha bastards caught me bad knee an' I fell like a sack 'o taters. Musta clipped me 'head on tha way down," he adds with a sheepish grin. "It looks like ye're all well, then?"

Nya recounts the attack on the Inn and the bravery of the party, and Mort shakes his head. "I cannae thank ye lot enough. So much fer me repayin' me debt, eh?"

He gives the group a critical once over. "I expect tha watch will nae object to tha lack 'o peace knots now," he states with a chuckle. "Ye'll be seein' to the trouble, I'd wager?" He tries to fall in with the group, but his limp is extremely pronoucned.

OOC: assuming some positive response.

Mort nods. "Right, then. Nya and I'll go back inside tha Shill an' 'unker down there. May Shinara watch over the lot 'o ye."

************************************

The party follows the sounds of the fighting to discover the town watch - or what is left of them - locked in a mortal struggle with multiple zombies, as well as at least two of the gigglers; it is difficult to tell due to the heavy mist.

"I think this party needs so light! Solanis, please grant us some light."

A handful of uniformed, armed men are pulled in tight, desperately fighting as they are surrounded. At least as many lie motionless on the ground. The undead press in from all sides; it is obvious that without intervention, they will all perish.

=======================================================================

Minto rushed forward, breaking rank to get a head of the party. Knowing now how the laughing undead were the darker and more dangerous of the shamblers, the Cidal conjurer moved in to get into striking range. His little hands formed together in a fan shape as the ancient words of arcane power formed in his mind were echoed on his lips. "Bjartr Isaltri, eldrvari pömnuria fjandi!"

Cedric is impressed with the bravery and/or foolishness of the wizard. Cedric moves toward the wizard and asks Solanis to banish these undead atrocities. And grabs staff to defend the wizard.

I just wanted to let you guys know that I am impressed by your writing. This is my first foray into pbp I feel so intimidated.

Cedric thanks Solanis for his help. "Sorry that I could not do more. I am but a weak vessel for my god."

Cedric dons his armor makes his way to the front door.

"Do you think a little light would be of help here?"

1) Heal. (Yes, as best I can.)
2) Equip armor (Yes)
3) Check on Nya, Davena, etc. (No)
4) Eol had mentiond dragging undead bodies outside to burn them, Brom has concurred. With sixteen bodies, this will take a little time. Do this before or after pursuing other gigglers/aiding the town watch? (After is my vote.)
5) A comment at one point had asked me about Mort (the Innkeeper). Do you intend to check on him before you leave?
6) Search and destroy giglers/assist town watch. (Yes)
7) Find the mage contact, late hour be damned. (Not sure this is a good time.)

Cedric will use cure light wounds spell on the most damaged character and healing skills on everyone else.

"Who is hurt here? Let Solanis help with that. What the heck is going on here where are all these abominations coming from? Is there someone controlling them?"

Cedric rolls up his sleaves and gets to work.

Cedric acknowleges the changing situations and backs to the stairs and takes out his staff to protect the wizards. "This is getting ridiculous." If he has a moment he will cast barkskin on himself and wearing his amulet of Solanis boldly.

He hopes his last turn undead did something to help.

After blessing everyone Cedric will move down the stairs and ask Soloanis to banish these undead. [turn undead]

Cedric looks around and determines that Gib is hurt the most and will try to cast cure light wounds on him.

Cedric is overwhelmed with the horror and number of these undead. How is the rest of the town coping? And we are stuck here. Argh!

"Where are they coming from?"

Cedric is awakened from a deep wonderful sleep by a blood-curdling scream. Then he hears his friends calling all to arms. Cedric dons his armor, grabs his staff and makes sure his holy symbol is in place.

[If after opening his door there is any of his friends around Cedric will cast bless. If noone is around then he will go downstairs and try to cast bless on as many people as he can.]

Cedric pulls out his holy water and holds his Holy Symbol of Solanis high and chants a prayer to Solanis while sprinking holy water all around him. "May Solanis bless you!"

Cedric is amused at both the discomfort of Aranwen and Ch'dau's reaction. While very interested in this meeting we are to have, it seems nothing is happening tonight.

"Who do we talk to about a room? Anyone want to share a room?"

If accomadations can be made then Cedric will retire and sleep like the proverbial log.

The plan is to get up with the sun and get an early start on his prayers.

Cedric while eating tries to get a better look at that pendant the woman is wearing. "May we ask what business you have in Crandel? I am concerned about this fog and its cause. Especially the creatures we encountered on our way here."

Cedric tells the wench that the food is good and asks for another drink. He wonders if the strangers and Aranwen are of similar backgrounds as she is so drawn to him.

If given a chance Cedric will scan the inn patrons to see if anyone is paying particular attention to us.