All Hallow's Cometh

[DM Betelgeuse]

//This is an open, ongoing thread in relation to the events of All Hallows. Please use this to detail any actions PC's are taking. It is important that you do so that I can respond to everyone, even those outside of my GMT time zone.

[DM Betelgeuse]

A thick miasmic fog has been seen appearing at random intervals all over Cormyr. It is ice cold and the sense of evil is so thick it rests on the tongue. As the fog grows to its thickest, eerie blue lights can be seen appearing within it. They do not exist on the prime... they exist only on the moving form of the fog. To look on them would be like looking through a body of moving water. As the lights grow stronger a spectral figure appears, also refracting through the fog. It always gives the same message.

"The hallowsworn has been chosen. Lazarus has risen again. The Rising has begun... On the 'eve of all hallows... Lazarus will rip the souls from the fugue to the prime. The unclaimed spirits will be 'leashed upon the prime. Until Lazarus and the Hallowsworn have battled again. The cycle always repeats. Which side will you choose? The dead... or the living? 'ware the fog. It heralds his arrival."

After the message is spoken the spectral form, lights and fog all vanish again. Leaving no sign of their presences.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    A hooded figure makes the journey to Skullcrag. They take a few moments to enjoy the crisp air before making their way over to the Kelemvor Shrine. They caught the attention of the priest and could be seen talking with them quietly.

    After a short while they departed.

[Script Wrecked]

A few so-called adventuring types, perhaps unnerved by the other worldly phenomenon in Greatgaunt and the chilling message of its spectral herald, take it upon themselves to dish out some retribution on the restless dead. Led by a somewhat deranged gravedigger, they raid a dusty crypt west of Valkur's Roar, sending its unquiet denizens back to their rest, if only for a brief while.

[DM Grizwald]

*After his visit in Skull Crag, a hooded figure makes for Eveningstar through the Stormhorn mountains. Upon arrival, he visits the Temple of Lathender, offering the cleric there the same warning he did after his stop at the temple of Kelevmor in Skull Crag, this time however he shares all he knows with the priest. After the discussion, he tithes the Morninglord, offers prayer and makes for the inn.*

[ShadowCatJen]

*in Shallybrook a conversation happens ...*



*... and over the next tenday posters go up in the major cities -- Arabel, Immersea, Marsember, Suzail, Valkur's Roar -- by caravan spots, markets, and nearby temples and inns*

Ware The Icy Fog!

A warning to all this rolling Leaffall
There have been witnesses of a fog
Freezing and chilling to the bone
Do not be lured in by the visions
Do not be lured in by the lights
Turn away!
Go and speak of it to your local temple

People of Cormyr
Turn in early, before the sun sets
shutter windows, bar and block them
lock and gird your doors
spread holy water upon your threshold

Those of Faith
Help the citizens
Bless the homes and streets
consecrate grounds and bless the gates
Help in the farmlands to shore their homes

Adventurers!
protect yourselves, carry holy water
have ready weapons that burn, slash, and bludgeon
Do not fret, do not panic, stay calm
Protect your minds, report to temples

Spread this word to those outside the cities

*at the very bottom of the postings in very fine and tiny writing*

Courtesy of the R.T.T.A.

[Script Wrecked]

Another appearance of Lazarus' spectral host in Greatgaunt! This time, no message, they attacked! (Or did they? Did Waric Fetter, local carpenter, actually attack them first? Who knows? Who can say who hit who first? It was a messy fracas...) The ghosts were defeated by an unlikely trio of those adventurer people. A lady gnome arrived shortly thereafter and examined various artifacts left in the wake of the unnatural disturbance.

[Fiddlesticks]

After spotting the poster in Suzail; the tall figure of Henrik is seen around the poorer parts of the city and where he is invited, the doors of the vulnerable are blessed with holy water. He calls upon the protection of Ilmater and the rest of the Triad to aid in defending against undead where less wealthy or protected residences have no wards. Where he walks, he spreads as many blessings as he can.



Rough sleepers are encouraged to remain close to the House of Healing and come inside if they feel in danger no matter what the threat might be, the priest knows some of the poor cannot be convinced to stay but does his best to persuade them to make good use of the spiritual protections of temples and shrines.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    Terrified rumours begin to circulate throughout Cormyr. Travelling merchants, adventurers and wandering individuals are all reporting sightings of feral, uncontrolled undead appearing at random on the roads. Unlike the previous appearances, these spectres attack on sight and they attack indiscriminantly. Man, woman child or dog. They do not care. They just rage against the living.

    It is said that before each groups appears, a portal opens up to a horrific looking existance. It was flat, gray, bland and nondescript, with no notable topographical features. The sky overhead was also gray. There seemed to be a city in the far distance, but that could not be right. Could it? All that is for certain is the amount of souls that are dragged through the portal, whipped into a frenzy and unleashed on the masses.

    A strange individual has been seen entering Cormyr through the border gates. As do many, certainly, but this individual barely speaks. He does not mingle and he carries a strange holy symbol around his neck.

[DM Betelgeuse]

A hushed conversation takes place in the back streets of Valkur's Roar between a strange foreigner and a hooded adventurer.

[The Triadic Order]

The Triadic Order of the Divine Resurrection has increased patrols along the roadway between the Pilgrim's Path, Eveningstar and the surrounding roads.

Additionally, a small group of crusaders was sent to the Western Reaches to investigate and patrols the roads in the surrounding region.

[monarian]

A woman dressed in heavy armor walking with a limp and alternately swearing at the rain and then wincing in pain, patrols around Valkur checking the roads and countryside for any manifestations of the mist or undead creatures.

[gambleor]

Posted at various message boards throughout Cormyr:
To the goodly people of Cormyr and the Adventurers who move among them - greetings and blessings of the Triad. It has come to our attention that there have been encounters with undead materializing throughout the lands. The Triadic Order of the Divine Resurrection is investigating these encounters in an attempt to aid the powers that be in putting a stop to them. Should you have had such an encounter or otherwise have information that would be helpful to this investigation, please flag me down or any other members of the Triadic Order. Your help is much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Ignatius Palamus, Priest of Tyr and Crusader of the Triadic Order of the Divine Resurrection

[Runa Rothgar]

Dabria Deathblade, one of the local Gravediggers  caught Priest Mall discussing things with the hooded figure. 

With shovel across  her back shoulders and arms draped over its ironwood handle, Dabria makes her way to the Kelemvorite Priest.

"Hey boss? What's this all about?  I heard stories about some unliving ghosts calling out for some hallows eve ordeal?"


"Graves... just can't keep em in the graves."  Dabriah huffs with a sigh,


"Guess some of us be out of a job if the undead stopped popping their heads out of the dirt, right boss?! Job Security!"  She grins to Mall,


"Alright, back to work. If you need me to assist with this Hallows eve shindig, let me know!" 


Dabria works her way back to the grave she was diggin, spotting an animal doing business there, "Hey! Shoo you!  That's no outhouse!" Shovel a flailing.

"Gods.. help mee."

[DM Betelgeuse]

    A strange figure is seen walking around the burial points surrounding Immersea. He carries a strange holy symbol and his staff has three strange bells which, when jingled, sound like a distant bell ringing even though they are close by. They glow a strange blue colour.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    Throughout the Western Reaches the light can be seen reflecting off the white tabards of the Triadic Crusaders as they patrol around the borders. Their blades are in hand and they can be seen assisting the locals with random tasks - like collecting wood or helping pick the orchard - the true depiction of "the good guys".

    When a random group of undead do appear, bursting out of their portals, they are quick to act - destroying all of the foul abominations in sight with grim determination. With each destroyed undead, a life is saved from moments of torment and harassment.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    A solitary, hooded individual is perched in a squat position looking out over the graves of the sullen fallen. They are not identifiable and they keep their cloak around them and their hood low. They are unmoving, simply watching.

    Their clothing is generic and dark of tone. The only visible difference is a small harp shaped into the clasp of the cloak.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    An individual wearing strange clothing and a unique turban is seen entering the Eveningstar Tavern. He asks the tavern keeper if he can pass a message to a “Padrin”. After a brief discussion around the messenger fee, a halfling in dark clothing agrees to pay the tab - flicking a Lion from the table to the bar - and the figure hands over a letter before departing.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    A group of plucky adventurers have discovered Lazarus! After a short discussion, Lazarus continued on his way without any obstacle.

    He kindly offered the adventurers a warning that "The Rising" makes the undead more enraged and lively.

    Undead around the realms are seeming to grow in strength, could it be connected?

[TrueBlueOriginal]

Kira begins performing a new song around the countryside, particularly where the commoners can hear it and take warning.  The song is accompanied by a folksy yarting melody. 

=========================================================
Where is the Hallowsworn?
=========================================================

'Ware the mists that creep and crawl; retreat with haste, do not stall;
'Ware the dead that seem to come, no traces left as what crypt they're from;
'Ware the spectral wisps; they dance in the fogs day and night;
          they give off a peculiar light;
          they come to claim sacrificial souls, not merely give a fright.
'Ware to be alone this season; the dead, they have no good reason...
No, no good reason at all. But guard yourself well, and try to survive. Let's all get through Leaffall.

[Chorus:]
Where is the Hallowsworn? To save us that dark night, a new one chosen every year to take up the ceaseless fight. Where is the Hallowsworn?
Look for the holy chosen, blessed by a psychopomp's wing, he serves this year the Lord... of the End of Everything.
A harbinger of doom walks the land, intent to release the dead. A servant of the Pitiless One carries forth, to stop him in his stead.
Where is the Hallowsworn? Where is the Hallowsworn?

'Ware the night, 'ware the day, 'ware the fog where you play....
'Ware the wisps, I say again, give them not a chance; if they draw close enough, they'll do more with you than dance.
'Ware the undead harbinger who travels this Forest Land; he'd release the dead of the Fugue and his date is soon at-hand.
'Ware the approach of Souls' Harvest, he seeks that for his judgment day. Oppose the undead when you can, and flee when you may...

[Chorus:]
Where is the Hallowsworn? To save us that dark night, a new one chosen every year to take up the ceaseless fight. Where is the Hallowsworn?
Look for the holy chosen, blessed by a psychopomp's wing, he serves this year the Lord... of the End of Everything.
A harbinger of doom walks the land, intent to release the dead. A servant of the Pitiless One carries forth, to stop him in his stead.
Where is the Hallowsworn? Where is the Hallowsworn?

'Ware the nights that grow longer, and and ever shorter days;
'Ware the mists and dancing lights and undead that meet your gaze.
'Ware the dangers of Marpenoth, upon us every year, pray for the days of Uktar as they grow ever near.
Keep to the hearth and family, and those you would hold close; keep to the heat and safety, and security you cherish the most.
'Ware the dancing dots, the spirits in the fog, 'ware the undead creeping; hustle at a jog...
Take my warning not lightly, but garner its true intent;
'Ware of all the seasonal spirits; Please please take the hint.

[Chorus:]
Where is the Hallowsworn? To save us that dark night, a new one chosen every year to take up the ceaseless fight. Where is the Hallowsworn?
Look for the holy chosen, blessed by a psychopomp's wing, he serves this year the Lord... of the End of Everything.
A harbinger of doom walks the land, intent to release the dead. A servant of the Pitiless One carries forth, to stop him in his stead.
Where is the Hallowsworn? Where is the Hallowsworn?

[Chorus again if desired:]
Where is the Hallowsworn? To save us that dark night, a new one chosen every year to take up the ceaseless fight. Where is the Hallowsworn?
Look for the holy chosen, blessed by a psychopomp's wing, he serves this year the Lord... of the End of Everything.
A harbinger of doom walks the land, intent to release the dead. A servant of the Pitiless One carries forth, to stop him in his stead.
Where is the Hallowsworn? Where is the Hallowsworn?

[DM Betelgeuse]

On the persuit of Lazarus, the Hallowsworn leads a group of plucky adventurers into an ancient mausoleum. Nobody is entirely sure as to what happened, save for the ones present. All that is known now is somebody was carried to the House of Healing.

[Script Wrecked]

It seems even a Silver Knight who partook in the raid of the Underdark to save unfortunate slaves of the drow is reliving the epic endeavour. A trio of dwarves were able to comfort the restless spirit and hopefully return it to its rest.

[Script Wrecked]

Another haunting! But this time on a very public stage, and a very public person!

The High Inquisitor of Valkur's Roar, Vera Gudwerks was confronted by a ghost from her long and difficult past in the Great Hall square.

The ghost was about to (re)commit a murder to "make things right for their people". However, it was apparently assuaged from its intent by the recognition of the High Inquisitor.

One grief-spoken name came to Gudwerks' lips, "Saeed..."

[ShadowCatJen]

*a letter is slipped under the door of the High Inquisitor at the Great Hall in Valkur's Roar*

// PM sent DM Hawk DM Betelgeuse

[Script Wrecked]

Word spreads of the appearance of zombies in the orc caves east of Greatgaunt. Reportedly, the zombies were feeling the call of Myrkul, and one of them wanted a harp, if such stories can be believed.

[DM Betelgeuse]

Nakasr is seen leaving the House of Healing. He leans heavily on a walking aid. Once he has exited the east gate he meets with a strange ally. The rumours tell of a half lion, half man. It helped Nakasr onto its back and then carefully cantered away.

[DM Hawk]

SPOILER: Click to show

[DM Betelgeuse]

    The final show down begins, the cycle comes to it's conclusion. A large group of adventurers are seen disspearing from the Graveyards of the Sullen Fallen and reappearing hours later.

    For now... the restless spirits do not seem to be appearing on the prime.