Southern Seas - Act 24 - Ramatha - Summer 51, 57
Clouds and potentially stormy weather greets you as you wake up in the morning and prepare to return to the city gates of Ramathia. As promised, ten elves stand in a group, armed with bows, spears and short swords, and packs with a week's worth of rations. A sergeant by the name of Indrian, who is a Foamfollower, leads them, and she looks to be a capable fighter of her own right.
A pack with 4 coils of ropes and four grappling hooks is also ready for you. Angon and Almanin stand ready.
Shaiman is waiting as well, to see you off. "Good luck! We will be packing and moving the camp northwards to that cleared area you described earlier, as a closer base of operations. That will take a few days, but look for us there when you need to."
The first day's march is fairly quiet, although several of the elven scouts report that there are humans who are paralleling the party in the woods. They make no overt signals and are taking pains to stay out of sight, so Indrian doesn't order them to make contact. The clouds continue to build. The evening is quiet, with the elves singing sailors songs as they cook dinner and enjoy pipes and relaxing on the beach. The sky and stars is hidden by the thick overcast.
The next day, the threatening storm lets loose and the march northwards is wet and miserable, with wind and rain lashing at you.
"It's like needles!" several of the elves exclaim. Even Jellish is unhappy, crawling into BELLESH's pack to keep out of the weather. The rain is still pouring as you sight the approach to the gatehouse and the great walls. Indrian nods in appreciation of the bulwarks and bastion.
What will you do?
BELLESH looks up at the gate and walls up ahead, his face mostly hidden behind his drenched hood. He calls out to the others, "Do you think we'll be able to use the rope and hooks to climb up what with the rain and all?"
CALLIN will look up at the wall. "I have faith in the LIGHT and our Little one to make it to the top. From there climbing a rope should be no different than when we were children playing in the barn." CALLIN says smiling.
GRAIAN has a wry smile on his face, "This is nothing, at least the walls will not be rolling with the swell of the sea, I am sure our nimble friend will make it to the top. I worry more about what he will find when he gets there."
TAKASHI: "Hopefully there will be a way for us to unlock the gate once ATACIUS makes his way over the wall."
ATACIUS will ask the sailors carying the ropes to tie knots to make the climb a bit easier in the rain. "TAKASHI my friend, could you throw the hook over the battlements?" Once the rope is secured he will start climbing.
TAKASHI will take a rope with a grappling hook securely tied to the end, and attempt to loft it up and over the wall. Once over the wall, he'll attempt to set the hook and ensure it is secure before signaling ATACIUS that it is ready.
It takes a few attempts, in the driving rain and wind, but TAKASHI is able to get the grappling hook to catch on something up above. Unfortunately, ATACIUS will be climbing just on the rope, swinging in front of the portcullis, until he reaches the top.
Using the knots that the sailors tied into the rope, ATACIUS clambers up to the top! The view is fairly nice, thirty feet up. Beyond the gatehouse lies a courtyard and some buildings that look in fairly good shape, although vine/moss covered in many places.
Of more immediate notice are that the two towers on either side of the battlement/gatehouse have open doors and darkness beyond...
ATACIUS will motion the rest to climb up while keeping an eye on both doorways.
BELLESH calls out, "Hang on, Jellish!" to the cat still in his pack. He grabs the rope and tries to climb up to ATACIUS, using the knots as he did. Unfortunately, he doesn't really have the strength to climb very well and will struggle to reach the top.
GRAIAN looks at Callin and Takashi, "Do one of you want to go up next, add some protection to our friends?"
CALLIN nods and steps forward. "Best if TAKASHI stays here with a bow should someone come upon us on the ledge. I can do nothing more than watch from a far"
TAKASHI: "I'll go up last to protect our rear. I'm going to throw up the other 3 ropes and grappling hooks for rapid egress, if needed. Coil the extra ropes up there once firmly attached to prevent others from following us as we move onwards."
GRAIAN: "I will follow Callin up."
It takes some time for all of you to get up the rain-slicked ropes to the top, even with the knots helpfully supplied by the elves. They make their way up quickly, used to wet ropes and climbing from a life on the seas. Once there, they spread out across the ramparts, bows at ready, staying away from the tower openings. Indrian looks at them and then at you all.
"Do you think there are more of the unliving in there?" he asks in a hushed voice.
CALLIN, as you look at the openings, you feel a chill on the inside.
CALLIN nods. "Yes I can feel their presence. We must proceed with caution." Callin wipes the bits of rain from his Holy Symbol. Then looks to the rest of the group. "Shall we spread the LIGHT upon the Darkness?" As a somewhat forced smile crosses his face.
ATACIUS will talk to Indrian, the elven sergeant. "Please keep an eye on that doorway while we explore this one, will ya?" Then he will approach the open doorway and take a peek inside, silver dagger in hand.
Indrian nods brusquely and points to three elves and makes a hand motion. They range out before the doorway, but not within it, bows drawn.
ATACIUS, the inside is dimly lit. It's a small interior, with an obvious stairwell leading down. Huddled in the corner are two skeletons, clutching bows, their quivers full of dark arrows. The burning aura is not surrounding them anymore. They don't move while you're looking at them, but the poses they are in seem to be crouching and waiting, versus inanimate.
ATACIUS will approach them cautiously and attempt to cut the bowstrings.
GRAIAN will follow Atacius to the doorway.
BELLESH gently pulls Jellish out of his backpack and lowers him on to the ramparts. He bends down to try and look him in the eye. "Keep a good eye out, and run to safety if anything dangerous comes, ok?" he says to the cat.
CALLIN: will follow a distance away from ATACIUS letting him sneak but knowing what darkness lies in wait, be prepared to turn the darkness back if needed.
BELLESH will bring up the rear.
As ATACIUS reaches forward and cuts the first bowstring, the two skeletons turn at him, reaching out bony hands curled into claws and attack him! Caught by the suddenness of the attack, perhaps in a vulnerable position as he was cutting, ATACIUS suffers at their claws! (ATACIUS takes 5hp of damage, now at 11).
ROUND 1
DECLARATIONS:
ATACIUS: The littleling cries in pain and surprise as he backpedals away from them.
BELLESH: says, "here we go!" excitedly while heading over to Takashi and tries to cast the strength spell on him.
CALLIN: Rushes Forward Holy Symbol held high "May the LIGHT Shine down upon those cursed by the darkness, may it strip you of your curse, or destory those that do not turn!" Callin casts Turn Undead.
GRAIAN: Seeing Callin, Takashi and Claudia rushing forward, Graian will wait and then attempt to pull Atacius out of the grasp of the skeletons.
TAKASHI: TAKASHI will advance with shield and sword ready, and attempt to strike down the undead with righteous fury. "Courage, Claudia! Advance with me and let's make short work of these bone-men!"
(Four of you are attempting to rush into a doorway. You might want to give me an idea of order that you'd like to do this, or I'll determine randomly [using dex bonuses on the roll]) [I'd suggest TAKASHI, CALLIN, Claudia - BELLESH and GRAIAN are hanging back a bit...] {BELLESH doesn't need to go into the doorway, just tap Takashi on the shoulder with the spell when he has a chance. If there's no chance this round, he'll wait till the next. -D} @Chris - are you OK with not grabbing ATACIUS?
)
Yes, if there is no oppportunity Graian will hold off
I agree with the order proposed.
Claudia
Angon:
Almanin:
Indrian and scouts: They let out shouts of alarm! "There's something moving in here and coming towards us! It looks like the unliving!" "Let fly!" Indrian commands to the front row who have arrows nocked.
TAKASHI will advance with shield and sword ready, and attempt to strike down the undead with righteous fury.
"Courage, Claudia!" TAKASHI calls out as he readies his sword and shield. "Advance with me and let's make short work of these bone-men!" Claudia nods and pulls out her axe and grips her shield tightly.
Then... it hits TAKASHI. A wave of cold as he stares at the living dead. He feels the burning sensation of the wight's fingers as they had dug into his skin and he felt his life-force leave his body. He is driven to his knee for a moment as his entire insides burns from the cold.
"Master?!" Claudia asks as she realizes that TAKASHI is not next to her!
As CALLIN passes by the kneeling warrior, his holy symbol out, he calls "May the LIGHT Shine down upon those cursed by the darkness, may it strip you of your curse, or destory those that do not turn!" TAKASHI feels the cold chill leave, replaced by a warmth from his friend and fellow warrior. He stands and continues his advance!
The unliving do not give ground before CALLIN's faith, but rather they continue to press their attack on the retreating ATACIUS, following him!
BELLESH, you are forced to move to stay behind TAKASHI, preventing you from casting your spell this round. However, the party has the initiative, so TAKASHI's and Claudia's weapons swing almost in unison, smashing at the skeletons as they try to chase ATACIUS. As the two attack the figures, breaking bones, the skeletons turn to face the new threat, clawing back but unable to get past shields and weapons!
Bowstrings hum as the elves let their arrows fly at the skeletons in the other tower. One skeleton's form cannot withstand the impacts and it falls apart, bones falling in a rattle to the ground. The other skeleton dashes forward, pulling its rusty longsword and swinging at an elf! The sailor stands and steps back nimbly, avoiding the blows.
ROUND 2
DECLARATIONS
ATACIUS: If there's room, he will try to take advantage the skeletons are focused on CLAUDIA and TAKASHI to attack them with his silver dagger.
BELLESH: "Are you ok Takashi? I'm casting the strength spell on you..." (Casts the spell)
CALLIN: "Cursed creatures of Darkness, should you not heed the LIGHT, then you shall be Smote!" CALLIN draws his warhammer and proceeds to beat the darkness out of the remaining skeleton.
GRAIAN: will cast Magic Missile
TAKASHI: "I am well now, BELLESH, after bathing in the warm light of brother CALLIN's faith! Let the strength you lend me rid us of these rattling bone-men. Well done, Claudia!" TAKASHI will again engage the nearest skeleton, taking care to watch Claudia as well.
The party keeps the initiative and presses the attack!
BELLESH reaches out and touches TAKASHI, who feels his body shift and change as he increases in strength and solidity. GRAIAN's Magic Missiles smash into one of the skeletons and it explodes into disconnected bones that rattle to the ground with a clatter.
CALLIN, TAKASHI and Claudia attack the remaining unliving, hammer, sword and axe all smashing at it. The skeleton's bones chip and fly, but it remains whole enough to defend itself, especially against CALLIN who is scratched and clawed by the thing. (CALLIN takes 3hp of damage). ATACIUS swings several times with his silver dagger, but is unable to land a blow.
The elves and skeleton face off against each other in the other tower, and they quickly render the unliving back to dead.
ROUND 3
DECLARATIONS
ATACIUS: Will stab again at the skeleton with his silver dagger.
BELLESH: Backs out of the way, confident that the others will be able to destroy the last skeleton.
CALLIN: will attempt to crush this thing with his hammer yet again!
GRAIAN: Will reach over Atacius and try to hit the skeleton with his staff (does it give hime reach, I can't remember)
TAKASHI: TAKASHI will continue his attack vs the lone remaining skeleton.
The party presses the attack with initiative! However, with the small space and many people leaping forward to press the attack, the only one to land a blow is TAKASHI and it doesn't do very much, merely breaking off some of the ribs and hip bone on the animated skeleton. It returns the favor, clawing at the warrior, but failing to penetrate TAKASHI's armor.
"I'm getting out of the way!" exclaims Claudia and she backs up. This allows CALLIN and TAKASHI both to crush and chop at the unliving, finally rendering it unmoving!
END OF COMBAT!
Silence descends suddenly within the tower, broken only by the panting breaths of the combatants.
What will you do now?
CALLIN will attempt to bind the wounds of those injured. ATACIUS and TAKASHI, and anyone else that may have been wounded (the elves perhaps?)
BELLESH takes a deep breath and holds it, then bends over the pieces of what's left of the skeletons to look them over and see what can be learned, moving things around and using his magnifying glass as necessary.
GRAIAN looks into the tower to see if there is anything of interest or suprise.
CALLIN, you can bind one or the other, and that allows someone else to bind wounds. ATACIUS is now at 12 and CALLIN (bound by Angon) is at 21.
ATACIUS: "Thanks CALLIN, those piles of bones did surprise me!" trying to remain cherfull but wincing as the cleric treats the gash left by the skeleton's claw.
The guard chamber that you are in shows signs of long exposure to the elements, with grime, moss and growth in the corners and walls/ceiling. Glancing down the stairs shows that the growth continues downward. It is dark down those stairs, with some of the gray light from outside giving a bit of visibility, but not much.
"Shall we continue downwards?" calls out Indrian. "We see nothing that appears moving down the stairs. It appears these were the only guardians, if that is what they were."
Claudia touches TAKASHI's arm. "Master... what happened to you? Are you OK?" Almanin is close by, with a concerned look on his face as well.
TAKASHI: "I am still affected by the touch of the undead, and I am not sure if I will ever be the same again. If we can make it back to the temple in Skalfier, perhaps they might know more. I would not wish this upon anyone. But while I still draw breath, I will forge ahead with our mission. That is what I have learned in this life, Claudia - no matter how many times you are knocked down, you are only truly defeated if you do not stand back up."
(Are there any remains of banners or flags in the towers/battlements? Maybe the elves would want to raise their own as a sign of reclaiming their lost lands.)
ATACIUS will lead the way down the stairs, silver dagger in hand, ahead of the torchlight (if any) moving carefully and as quiet as possible.
Claudia listens and responds by bowing to TAKASHI, similar to how they would start their practice matches. Her face shows great concentration and thought on the warrior's words.
Indrian reacts with surprise to ATACIUS's inquiry, but a huge smile crosses his face. "Indeed, long ago, elves lived in Ramathia and then turned it over to the humans. It would please me much to show that civilization has returned!" With that, he removes the top of his armor and the tunic underneath, which bears blue and green colors on it and has a symbol over the area of the heart. He lashes it to the rampart so that the tunic hangs to the outside, visible to any who might approach the gatehouse.
"We have returned!" he intones. "May we never be forced to leave again!"
The other elves clap and nod in approval, big smiles on their faces.
It is with a light mood that you make your way down the steep tower stairs and to the floor, which has corroded wheels and chains that look to be the way the portcullis is raised. There is more debris and signs of decay from the nearly 60 years that the city has been uninhabited. The doors are shut that lead to the courtyard, and they look to be swollen and hard to open.
CALLIN will continue behind ATACIUS, shield and hammer at the ready.
ATACIUS will go and try to open the door that leads to the courtyard.
CALLIN: does the door open inward or outward?
CALLIN, it looks like it would open outward, but it appears to be swollen in the frame, a fact that is confirmed when ATACIUS tries to open the door - it doesn't budge!
ATACIUS: "Humpf! This thing's been stuck for ages..." He the moves to the side and make way for his stronger companions.
BELLESH: "My spell is still affecting TAKASHI... I'll bet he could bust down that door!"
CALLIN looks to TAKASHI, "Shall we try and kick the door down?"
TAKASHI: "With the help of BELLESH's spell, I think we may have a good chance at it, brother!"
TAKASHI will attempt to bash in the door with CALLIN's help.
TAKASHI puts his body into - and THROUGH - the door! It bursts out of its frame with a loud, splintering noise that seems to echo among the silent and enigmatic buildings beyond. The chunks arc across the courtyard and fall on the mossy cobbles and stones with a clatter.
"Well, we've returned - a bit noisily." Angon says with a wry grin and Almanin nods with glee. Indrian chuckles behind you all.
Claudia, ever faithful, follows TAKASHI into the courtyard and looks around, her eyes wide.
The beauty of Ramathia still shows through the grime and vegetation of decades of neglect. The courtyard is surrounded by several towers and then an opening that leads into a street. Indrian points to the large opening and several elves sprint forward, bows nocked. They crouch at the corners and peer through. To one side is an open area with stalls, appearing to have been stable one. The other side has several doorways and windows, looking like offices or hall entrances. Once the echoes of TAKASHI's entry have died down, silence again reigns above the low sound of the ocean and breath itself seems too loud.
What will you do?
BELLESH heads out into the courtyard, looking behind to see if Jellish is following. Once in the center, he turns in place in a complete circle, trying to take it all in. Then he looks to his companions to see which direction they'd like to go.
Jellish appears happy and curious, investigating corners, hopping up to perches and looking around. He stretches his wings a few times as if wanting to fly.
Once it appears as if we are temporarily safe, TAKASHI will take a look at the chains and winch used to raise and lower the portcullis, and will check to see if they still function.
TAKASHI: "Just in case we need a quick exit, I'll take a look at the portcullis mechanism."
GRAIAN will walk over with Takashi
The chains and gears are corroded, covered in rust and grime. It looks like systems you've seen before. There are large wooden wheels in either side of the portcullis. When the wheels are turned, the portcullis would raise. These wheels look like they could still turn, but it's anyone's guess if the chains and gears would move.
To test them, you would have to turn them. Do you want to do that?
TAKASHI: "GRAIAN, do you think we should try and open them and shake loose the rust of ages past?"
GRAIAN: "Yes, I think it would be good to know if we use this as a way out before we really need to!"
CALLIN will do a shallow walk of the courtyard ( staying away from dark corners and such ) and attempt feel for more of that "dread" feeling he had when encountering the undead. Perhaps this aura of Darkness can help guide the Light!
(GRAIAN and TAKASHI, please make a minor strength check (1d6) and let me know what you get).
[* TAKASHI rolled 1d6 for a total of 5 *] [GRAIAN rolled 1d6 for a total of 6 ]
TAKASHI, the door to the other tower is just as swollen, but a few yanks and pulls and you have that door off its hinges as well. The other tower's ground floor looks similar, although there are six chairs seated against the wall. They are looking the worse for wear.
CALLIN, although there is nothing of note in the courtyard, you feel a general unease as you contemplate entering the city itself beyond the courtyard. It's similar in effect to how a gentle wind feels when you face it.
CALLIN will join the rest of the group. "I can feel the Darkness deeper into the city beyond the courtyard. I think we have retained this location for now, but as we venture down, we will find more of such creatures. Perhaps we should fortify what we can here to have a fall back point should we need it before pressing on."
ATACIUS will carefully look into the stable and offices. He'll try to look for anything that might have been left behind. Look for loose flagstones of bricks...
BELLESH will join ATACIUS over there by the opening and will see if he can get a peek out onto the street, as well.
TAKASHI is able to move the handle and hear the chains and gears groan and shift a bit, but GRAIAN nearly pulls a muscle trying to move the wheel in the other tower. The portcullis doesn't raise. (TAKASHI, if you want to try again with someone else, you don't have to recheck. Multiple people can help GRAIAN... or do it themselves.)
CALLIN will come help GRAIAN with a 2 :(
GRAIAN will thank Callin for his assistance a pained smile crossing his face, "I think this is going to be harder than we would like."
With CALLIN's help, GRAIAN and the cleric feel the wheel move. TAKASHI begins to turn on his side and the portcullis starts to raise! The elves watching the gate let out a cheer!
Then, a groan and snapping sound is heard from within the wall and the gate comes to a creaking halt! TAKASHI feels his great strength ebbing, but now his wheel is turning far too freely. He can see the end of the chain fall down around the cogs and gears and it looks as if it failed from corrosion.
The elves groan. One of them lies down his back and gingerly crawls underneath the portcullis bottom. She grunts as the metal bars scrape her skin. She comes back under, stands and shakes her head.
"We could get through if needs be, but I would not want to depend on it." she says in a doubtful voice.
BELLESH and ATACIUS, in the meantime, your search of the offices and stables reveals a mess of abandoned tools, everyday items, papers and debris. The heavier stable tools are where the people dropped them. For the offices, papers and such have faded and become weather stained. There are small personal effects, a few coins here and there, but nothing of great value.
(ATACIUS, if you want to do a search for secrets, by your trained eye, it would take hours of thorough searching. Your thief's eye doesn't see anything that would lend itself to a hidden treasure.)
What will you do now?
ATACIUS will go and grab the coins. He will spit on them to clean them, and try see the minting. A coin from Ramathia has to have some historical value!
To BELLESH: "Maybe there are more of these hidden somewhere..." he says toying with the newfound coins.
(He will thoroughly search only the room where the coins were.)
6cp and 2sp later...
These appear to be coins minted within the decades before the Doom - common Kingdom/Duchy coins.
CALLIN: Can we repair the damaged chain? Or perhaps replace it with heavy rope? CALLIN looks down at the grid in the portculus, I am not sure I'd be able to fit through those grates! And I would not want to have that between me and our allies, should we encounter more of the darkness.
TAKASHI: "It looks as if for the time being, when we want to leave we'll be doing it the same way we came in - over the wall. When we return to the camp, we can talk it over with the rest of the elven party there. Of course, after exploring the area, we may be better serve with the gate closed when we leave!"
What will you all do now? Where do you want to go?
CALLIN: "Very true indeed TAKASHI" CALLIN looks to the rest of the group. "Shall we continue to explore deeper into the city?"
TAKASHI: "I think we should. Let's keep our eyes open and proceed carefully."
BELLESH makes sure that Jellish is still with them, then he follows the others up towards the entrance on to the street.
ATACIUS will speak to Angon and Almanin before we leave to explore the city. "It's probable we will have to spend the night here, so we might better have that entrance (he points the archway towards the city) barricaded and guarded. There's some furniture in the offices and stables. Also the doors to those places could be unhinged and used."
CALLIN will prep himself for the darkness, and make his way next to TAKASHI, ready to move into the city.
The ten elves and Indrian form up in a skirmish line, about 3 to 5 feet separating each of them. Their bows are out and arrows nocked, but held down and loose. The rain continues to fall in sheets and drizzles, providing a wet welcome to you as you enter into Ramathia.
The street beyond the gatehouse runs straight and forking diagonal to the left and right. Indrian sends three elves down each to go about three hundred feet or so and then return. All three return and report it's quiet.
From the looks of it, the left and right streets are shops and warehouses. The central street seems to be residential areas. There is evidence of fire and damage from the volcano most obvious to the left. All three have overgrowth and debris from disuse. The scouts saw no signs of life ... or unlife ... in their brief forays.
"Choices aplenty!" Angon comments. Indrian nods. "What would you like to do?" the sergeant asks you.
It is probably about midday.
"Maybe there were magic shops!" Bellesh exclaims. "Why don't we take a look down there?" he asks, pointing towards the street to the left. He starts walking in that direction.
CALLIN will scan the city for the Temple, assuming it would be large and stand out amount the rest.
ATACIUS will pay atention to the surroundings* but specially the sounds (birds, rodents, etc), or lack of them, in the area.
(* How are the streets, packed soil or paved? Are there any manholes? What are the buildings in this area made of, wood or stone?)
CALLIN, from your ground level, most of the buildings are tall and cut off most of the skyline. You catch glimpses of white towers in all direction. It's hard to tell which direction a temple might be from your position. (You might want to ask ATACIUS what he did with the map from the Guild...)
ATACIUS, in the rain, you hear no birds and see no rodents. Most everything probably wants to stay dry! The roads were at one time paved with a type of concrete, but they've since cracked and crumbled, though it's hard to tell if it's due to age or the volcano, or both. The buildings are a combination of stone and wood. Several buildings look damaged, with walls and roofs collapsed.
BELLESH walks past the elves and starts to head down the street. Signs that at one time were painted hang above doors or on walls, but some have fallen. A few are caved, several for the "RAMATHIA TRADING COMPANY." Windows are broken in some buildings, intact in others. Peeking into them reveals chaos within, chairs overturned, papers scattered, drawers, cabinets and cupboards opened.
Almanin follows behind. "I'm curious about these 'magic shops' you speak of? What are they? Do humans make such things available for sale?' he asks in a curious voice. "I've never heard of such things!"
"Well, of course they do!" BELLESH calls out in the rain to answer Almanin, "Well, at least I've read that they did..." he continues in a softer voice, considering. "...and there was a strange place in the city by my home that sold some things... but this city is so old and so big, they must've had shops with all sorts of magical stuff, right?" He frowns at the buildings and adds, "I hope they weren't around here though... this place is a mess!"
TAKASHI will walk with Cladia, bows drawn and scanning the roof line and down the street.
TAKASHI: "Keep your eyes open, Claudia. There is too many places to hide here, and we don't know the layout of the city at all. Still, for it's age, it is a remarkably well built city!"
Almanin shoots a puzzled look to BELLESH. "I don't know, my friend, I've never seen such things. Only the odd shop rarely, in some human settlements or when I've visited homes and libraries of my mentors. Still, you're right, there must have been some sort of similar here. I don't know if using the art to find those who practiced the arts would work, especially in such a big place. We should keep our eye open!" and now he sounds enthused by the idea.
Claudia gulps and starts studying the rooftops carefully. "It's so hard to see, Master, with all the rain. Is this what adventuring is supposed to be like?"
TAKASHI: "At times, though one would usually have a good idea of the people and surroundings. This place has been left to fester for so long, none of us knows what may lie ahead. Stay focused and trust your training - that is what is most important in times such as these."
Indrian details a couple of elves to run up and be close to the two mages while the remainder of her elven scouts remain to the rear.
After a half hour or so, you start noticing more fire damage to the buildings. Small bits of rock crunch under your feet and an occassional larger rock can be seen, looking out of place as if they were scattered about. The buildings are still craftsman's shops, warehouses or industrial in nature. No sense of any place being a shop of the type BELLESH is looking for, though.
One of the scout elves in front raises her hand in warning. At the same time, both TAKASHI and CALLIN feel a chill - for TAKASHI, this is a physical feeling, for CALLIN, it's a mental one - but it feels very familiar to what you felt back at the gatehouse!
CALLIN: "The darkness is coming. Brace yourselfs and embrace the LIGHT so it may shed away this Darkness!" Callin will ready himself and make sure the water drops have been wiped off of his holy symbol, preparing to turn the dead once again.
GRAIAN looks around, "Do you sense where it is comng from?"
ATACIUS: "Should we go back to the gatehouse or find a house to make a stand?" He asks looking around for such a place or maybe he remembers one we past on our way.
CALLIN: "I don't think it is coming, I think it is waiting" CALLIN gestures as best he can toward the feeling.
BELLESH stops and looks back at CALLIN and then, scanning in the direction Callin's indicating for anything that might be moving, he draws out one of his daggers.
BELLESH, the scout is gesturing towards a distant intersection. You see figures standing in it. They are currently still, unmoving. It's hard to tell who or what they are, but they number close to the same as your group. The elf cannot see much more either, save that there is some sort of "flickering" in the air about these figures.
What will you all do? Do you want to go to a house, as ATACIUS suggested? There are buildings close together all around you, on the street that you are on. Some are single story, most are 2 to 3 stories tall.
ATACIUS: "We need to get off the street now. The ones in the gatehouse had bows remember? They also had flames around them..."
Indrian nods at ATACIUS's warning and snaps her fingers, pointing to the various buildings around you. "Find one that has an intact upper floor or roof that can see that group!" and the elves dash off. Several minutes later, to the right of the group, one of the elves is on a roof, raising his hand.
"Over there." Indrian points and the elves, Angon, Almanin make their way there.
There are three floors to this once-warehouse, whose interior is fairly empty, bones of shelves and some hand carts inside. There is a rickety iron ladder on the third floor that leads up to the roof. Once there, you can see over the other buildings to the intersection and the figures standing there. To the sharp eyed, these do look similar to the figures that you saw at the gatehouse, but there are two distinct groups gathered around a central figure. There is the flickering around them.
They are not moving.
"It's like they're set up to guard something," BELLESH says to no one in particular, "but it's just an intersection; it made more sense when it was the way in at the gate. Maybe someone doesn't want people to go that direction? What do you want to do?"
ATACIUS: "If they are guarding, maybe we could map their presence, I assume there are more of these creatures, throughout the city before engaging them..." he says to BELLESH. "Perhaps they are the former City Watch that got turned into that..."
Angon frowns. "I was under the impression that the city was evacuated when the mountain burned and spewed fire. If they are the city watch, were they abandoned here?"
ATACIUS: "I didn't mean to disturb you, just wondering where these creatures might have came from..." he says to Angon.
He will mark on the map of the city where the flaming skeletons are.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Angon apologizes. "It's not you that disturbs me, it's the thought that these poor souls were left after the evacuation and came to some horrible end. The unliving disturb me greatly! Unnatural and not the way a person should end their lives."
ATACIUS: "If they were the Watch let's think of them fighting off whatever was here giving time for the rest to abandon the city..."
Angon nods, a mixture of worry and hope playing across her face.
ATACIUS: "If they're not moving I say be backtrack our step and take the other street at the bifurcation..."
GRAIAN: "That central figure is key to this group here, but I like the idea of leaving them and seeing what else we find. Of course there is the danger they all converge on us at the same time!"
Almanin shudders at GRAIAN's thought. "Preserve us from that fate!" he exclaims. "One was... sufficient!"
"Do you think shooting arrows at them would work?" BELLESH asks. "Last time we didn't beat them until we were face-to-face, but maybe with all of the bows firing at once..."
Indrian thinks for a moment. "It is possible that we could reduce their numbers with a sustained volley, but there seem to be two groups centered around central figures. If those are the leaders and are like the one we fought at the gatehouse, I don't know that we would be able to shoot it. We can only try."
CALLIN: I can shine the light upon them hopefully casting them away. Should that fail, then we can rain arrows upon them.
GRAIAN: "That could work, worst that can happen is we provoke them, better now than later I suppose."
CALLIN nods. When everyone is in position he will move forward and ready his holy symbol and prepare to turn the dead once again.
TAKASHI, BELLESH and ATACIUS - any starting positions/actions before Indrian launches her arrows?
ATACIUS (with whoever want to help) will use the carts to block the street before the warehouse entrance and drop caltrops to delay the possible advance of the creatures.
BELLESH will help as best he can and then he'll try to find a good place to stand where there's some cover... he doesn't have a long range weapons and wants to stay away from any stray arrows from skeletons! He'll try to coax Jellish into staying somewhere safe, too.
GRAIAN will also help and then take cover with Bellesh, "If we do need to take these creatures on then I have magic missiles which should cause some harm to that central one, unfortunately only a few of them."
TAKASHI will draw bow and arrow, slightly shivering at th thought of being struck by one of the death creatures again.
TAKASHI: "If they move towards us, be ready to rain down arrows upon them!"
Combat with the Guardians of the Intersection
The preparations complete, Indrian nods. "It will have to do. May fortune favor us!" she says. The elves assemble on the rooftop and prepare to loose their arrows.
"Draw and nock!" Indrian calls out and in unison, the elves' bows creak as arrows are nocked and drawstrings pulled back.
Jellish looks at the sound with interest and curiousity, wriggling in BELLESH's arms to see what is about to happen.
Claudia, having drawn her own bow to join in the launch, looks at TAKASHI with some anticipation and dread. "Is this wise, Master? I feel like we're about to poke a hornets' nest..."
"... and LOOSE!" Indrian calls out and the bows THRUMMMMM.... the arrows whistling in the wind as they fly to their targets! TAKASHI's and Claudia's arrows join with the rest.
The arrows arc slightly as they sail towards the ground and hit! As many as ten figures fall among the guardians of the intersection, and high pitched wails echo among the buildings. The groups of unliving begin moving down the street in your direction!
"Draw and nock!" Indrian calls out and the elves take aim once again, as do TAKASHI and Claudia. "And... loose!" comes the command and again, the bows thrum as arrows take flight. The travel is much quicker as the undead have moved closer. The aim is off, or the arrows do not seem to trouble the bony skeletons as much as only one or two fall.
"Damn! Arrows are not as effective against these!" Indrian curses. "Draw and nock! Make these count, they are almost here!" she calls out. All gather at the edge of the building and aim down at the approaching group of skeletons and the two black-fire-rimmed figures at the center.
"Loose!" Indrian commands and the elves shoot. Unfortunately, these shots are just as ineffective against the approaching creatures, only one or two fall again.
The skeletons draw corroded swords and hack at the carts in front of the warehouse. They don't appear to be affected by ATACIUS's caltrops. The archers on the roof shoot again at the skeletons attempting to clear the wagons twice more, their shots as ineffective on the bony unliving bodies as before. Then... the skeletons are through the carts and smashing into the doors.
"Brace the door to the roof!" Indrian calls. She turns to you all. "Now what? The damn bone walkers don't fall to arrows as easily as they do to more blunt weapons. We're here on the roof. What do we do now?"
ROUND 1
Declarations:
ATACIUS: Will get ready with his silver dagger.
BELLESH: "They have to come through that door... can we set a trap for them?" - Bellesh gets out of the way of anyone heading up close to the door, and takes up a position flanking the door from the direction it opens, about 20 feet away from it if there's room.
CALLIN: will hold aloft his holy symbol and chant. "May the light shine upon us, may it spread across this place of darkness so it may be clensed!" Calling once again to turn the Dead.
GRAIAN: Will fire Magic Missiles at one of the two central figures, "Can we concentrate on the other two, see if we can do some damage there."
TAKASHI: "Claudia, the door is a natural chokepoint, and we will have the higher ground as well. Let's surround it and be ready to strike whatever decides to come up through the door!"
Claudia:
Angon:
Almanin:
Indrian and scouts:
The unliving seem to have the initiative! Some of the skeletons have missile weapons - bows and spears - and throw them at the folks on the roof. Wounds are minor or you were well protected enough to not be hit!
Angon calls out. "Remember that the wraith at the gate had the ability to fly, somehow!"
GRAIAN's hands are a blur, harsh words of magic coming from his lips. Two more azure bolts of power leap from his fingers and smash into one of the central figures, who howls in a horrid high-pitched shriek! TAKASHI feels his blood run cold and a wave of dizziness passes over him as he stands guard by the trap door leading into the building.
CALLIN holds aloft his holy symbol and chants "May the Light shine upon us, may it spread across this place of darkness so it may be cleansed!" A few of the skeletons stumble back and spin away, dashing in the direction that they came!
Both of the central figures, robed in tattered cloaks and remnants of armor and uniforms, raise their swords above their heads and the fiery black aura around them coalesces into swirling nimbus as they rise up towards the rooftop! The cloaks' hoods fall back, revealing twisted skulls with tatters of flesh and a hellish orange glow coming from their eye sockets.
(I'm going to pause here - GRAIAN/@Chris, how many Magic Missile spells do you have? You used two in the battle at the gate house. I am asking to make sure in case you want to burn more at this point. Once you let me know, I'll finish the results of the round.)
@Michael SGraian has a total of 3 MM spells memorized, I thought there was one set at the skeletons at the gate and then this one, which would leave one left. If this is the case he will fire the 3rd at the same central figure.
@ChrisThat's why I wanted to ask how many you had, because as 4th level, you have 3 first level and 2 2nd level. I saw you had 3 memorized on your char sheet. I remembered that you used only 1 at the gatehouse, but you also cast sleep at the gatehouse on the figures. (Act 23). That's what I meant by "you used two" at the gatehouse.
So by my count, you will have used all your first level spells with this MM. If you're OK with that, I'll leave this stand and press on.
@Michael SYes, that works :)
The air cools and a thin frost forms on the rooftop around the two creatures.
TAKASHI, you feel a conflict within you - the air seems to thicken and turn extremely cold - and the wound that the wraith from the gatehouse scratched on your face burns with a chill that seeps into your bones. Still, the hilt of Sir Flinigan's sword seems to radiate warmth, making that arm not feel quite as leaden as the rest of your body.
ATACIUS/@Gabriel Perez Gallardi, do you wish to attack with your silver dagger or back away from melee with these two?
ATACIUS would try to sneak upon the one GRAIAN just hit with his arcane arrows.
TAKASHI will turn towards the undead interlopers, sword and shield at the ready.
TAKASHI: "Be careful, Claudia. These things show no mercy, and their wounds run quick to the soul." With that, TAKASHI will attack the undead.
Crouching down like he's seen ATACIUS do many times, BELLESH tries to sneak behind the two cloaked figures so that he'll be in a position to cast a spell on them from nearby. He won't get too close though, until he thinks that others have their attention.
To finish round 1:
ATACIUS, there's not really a good place on the roof to sneak about in shadows, but in the ensuing moving about done by the combatants, you are successful in getting behind the creature that GRAIAN wounded. Lashing out several times, your dagger slices through the nimbus surrounding the creature, but you are never able to land a blow in an area that causes a wound. However, your luck holds because the creatures do not notice you!
END OF ROUND!
ROUND 2
DECLARATIONS:
ATACIUS - Taking advantage of haven't been detected he will try to sneak again upon the same skeleton.
BELLESH - (based on previous round) BELLESH tries to sneak behind the two cloaked figures so that he'll be in a position to cast a spell on them from nearby.
CALLIN - will draw his hammer and sling it in the air! "The darkness consumes you foul creatures, may this beacon of light show you to salvation!" Calling cast spirit weapon and sends his magical construct of a hammer to attack the undead creatures!
GRAIAN - will fire his last set of Magic Missiles at the injured one, hoping to dispatch it from this world
TAKASHI - (based on previous round) TAKASHI will turn towards the undead interlopers, sword and shield at the ready. TAKASHI will attack the undead.
Angon -
Almanin -
Claudia -
Indrian and elves -
The party seizes the initiative with sure actions! While TAKASHI and CLAUDIA maneuver to face to the horrible creatures, BELLESH tries to sneak behind the two cloaked figures so that he'll be in a position to cast a spell on them from nearby. He believes that they are aware of him, however.
CALLIN draws his hammer and slings it into the air! "The darkness consumes you foul creatures, may this beacon of light show you to salvation!" he calls out in prayer and the hammer glows a shining white light as it transforms! It smashes into the creature that GRAIAN had previously wounded, beating on it relentlessly. The creature flinches from the bright light and screams from the blows. At the same time, two more bolts of arcane energy leap from GRAIAN's outstretched fingers and impale the creature!
It turns to flee! At that, ATACIUS slashes at it again with his silver dagger, but despite the position, he's unable to land a telling blow. The wailing creature flings itself over the edge of the building and floats down to the street, at which point it dashes in the direction of the intersection and the turned skeletons.
Meanwhile, Angon has been digging in her back and pulls out a torch and her flint and steel. With shaking hands, she strikes the box, trying to light her torch. Almanin chants a spell in a flat tone, the words twisting out of his mouth. Two arcane bolts fly from his fingers and hit the other creature that is advancing towards you. It wails from the blows and starts to raise its hand. TAKASHI braces himself, his sword and shield at the ready.
Then, with a triumphant yell, Angon's torch lights and she bravely steps between the warrior and the creature, waving her torch at it! It flinches away from the bright light! TAKASHI's attack is disrupted, he lands no blows. ATACIUS, having taken an opportunistic attack on the fleeing unliving, turns to stab at the back of the unaware remaining creature, but is still frustratingly unable to land a blow that causes a wound (it seems more to be you just are not able to penetrate it's armor, versus anything wrong with the dagger... you must be rushing your attacks and not being careful! [OOC: just barely missed rolls!])
END OF ROUND!
ROUND 3
DECLARATIONS:
ATACIUS: Will take a deep breath and stready his pulse. Just one stab. Don't rush. Be patient. He'll bide his time to strike the remaining flaming skeleton.
@Gabriel Perez Gallardi - does that mean you'll attack this round, or hold action?
Oh no, I'm just being descriptive. Many things happens in a round, attacks, ripostes, backs and forths. Atacius will make just one attack.
BELLESH: turns to look down at the wounded creature that fled and floated back down to the street. Can't let it get away, he thinks, or it'll come back after us later! Drawing on his arcane abilities, he casts the spell to send 2 missiles of his own streaking down at the wounded creature.
CALLIN: will send his spiritual hammer upon the other creature "may the light cleanse you of your vile darkness! May it sear away that which is rotten to the core!"
GRAIAN: Will keep out of the way of those who can attack, moving to the trap door readying his staff in case any creatures come through.
TAKASHI: "Attack with ferocity now! We outnumber it and it shan't last long if we can land a few telling blows!" TAKASHI renews his attack, swinging mightilly to separate the creature's head from its body.
Angon:
Almanin:
Claudia:
Indrian/Scouts:
The party keeps the initiative and the pressure on!
BELLESH turns to look down at the wounded creature that fled and floated back down to the street. 'Can't let it get away,' he thinks, 'or it'll come back after us later!' Drawing on his arcane abilities, he casts the spell to send 2 missiles of his own streaking down at the wounded creature. They pierce the creature and its high-pitched shriek is cut off as it disappears into a whirlwind of black flame that disappears!
As GRAIAN approaches the elves around the trapdoor, something crunches into the door as if to chop their way through!
Indrian calls out "The skeletons have reached the door!"
Angon continues to stand in front of the creature, waving her torch to distract it! Succeeding for a moment, the creature lets down its guard long enough for CALLIN's spiritual weapon to smash several times into it, forcing it back! Unfortunately, this shift in its stance prevents TAKASHI from landing any telling blows, BUT...
ATACIUS takes a deep breath and steadies his pulse. 'Just one stab. Don't rush. Be patient.' He bides his time to strike the remaining flaming creature. As TAKASHI beats at it and it dodges the warrior's blows, ATACIUS sees an opening and takes it! His silver dagger carves into the back of the creature and seems to cause wounds.
The creature shrieks and wails, but seems to steady itself. Facing its tormentor, the creature claws at the brave elven mage. Angon lets out her own shriek and collapses in pain and shock, dropping the torch!
END OF ROUND
ROUND 4
DECLARATIONS:
ATACIUS: Will roll and grab the torch, standing to face the undead creature swinging the flame in front of him and hiding the dagger behind his back.
BELLESH: Will look for an opportunity to cast burning hands on the creature. (He has to be in range, and able to cast it so that his friends don't catch fire too.)
CALLIN: "the LIGHT shu es upon you foul creature! Abandon the darkness and let in the LIGHT!" continuing the attack with his spiritual weapon!
GRAIAN: Will rush to pull Angon clear of the fray if possible and try to administer whatever basic aid he can.
TAKASHI: will attempt to strike down the creature before the Skeletons arrive. To Claudia, he says, "Cover the roof entrance Claudia!"
Angon - has fallen down
Almanin -
Claudia - holding steady behind TAKASHI
Indrian/Scouts - holding at the door
The creature seems to grab the initiative, as Angon falls back and the others try to press the attack! It looks at TAKASHI and the air seems to chill around him - he can feel the place where the wraith of the gatehouse dug its fingers into his flesh and he can hear a roaring in his ears!
As the creature starts to reach out towards you all, Almanin speaks the words of arcane power and bolts of energy fly from his fingers and smash into the creature! It detonates with a stutters of small explosions and leaves silence in its wake.
The sound of more wood fragmenting interrupts the sudden quiet.
"They are breaking through! Priest, if you can channel your power to turn them, now is the time to do it!" Indrian calls out urgently. Claudia dashes over to stand next to him, gripping her axe.
Angon moans as GRAIAN drags her to a corner of the roof. The claw marks are a series of red rents in her now icy-white skin and she shivers uncontrollably. "So... cold... " she gasps.
END OF ROUND
ROUND 5
DECLARATIONS
ATACIUS: Looks like the elves got the trap door covered. He will help GRAIAN assist Angon.
BELLESH: Draws his dagger and goes to stand near Angon, GRAIAN and ATACIUS, his head swiveling back and forth as he watches for any other dangers.
CALLIN: will turn toward the door and hold his symbol of the LIGHT high. " Creatures of darkness, your wardons have been vanquished by the LIGHt as it shone upon them. Bath in that LIGHT so that you may be clensed of the darkness within you!" Callin will attend to turn the Dead, and if that doesn't work, send in the spirit hammer!
GRAIAN: Graian removes his cloak and wraps it around Angon, "I fear this is not going to help, but perhaps will provide you come comfort. Callin is a little busy, but I will bring him over as soon as possible, he may be able to help you." He will then move betwen Angon and the door, ready to defend her if any of the undead break through.
TAKASHI: Will move to the entrance to the roof to attack any creatures that get through.
Claudia: Standing by the trap door, waiting to attack
Angon: Down
Almanin:
Indrian/Scouts: Surrounding door, waiting for skeletons to come through
The battle of the rooftop turns cruel for the party. It is just as difficult for the scouts and those around the rooftop to battle the skeletons as it is for the unliving to climb, but they are far more relentless. Although CALLIN's faith is strong enough to turn three of the attackers, the swords and arrows of the elves, TAKASHI, Claudia and Indrian are largely ineffective. The unliving's blades are not, and quickly, 2 elves are dead and two reel back with serious wounds.
The rooftop fighters regroup and show their mettle. The part of the trap door on the roof is turned into crude clubs, shields are used to bash at the skeletons and CALLIN's faith pushes more of them away, allowing the party to finally be victorious and clear a path for escape!
END OF COMBAT!
Almanin's face screws with the anguish he feels over Angon's wounds. The stricken elf lies weeping for minutes, then starts to take deep breaths and calm herself. After a bit of time, while the elves bind their wounds and wrap up their two dead companions, she shakily stands. The continued rain drips off her hair and face.
"No, there are those far more seriously wounded than I..." she says in an unsteady voice, in answer to GRAIAN and BELLESH's concern. She glaces towards TAKASHI. "I fear that even the strange powers that your cleric has will do little for this wound that the lesser wraith left me with. I feel cold and as if part of my life has been stolen from me!"
Indrian looks at CALLIN. "Can you help those who are wounded?" she asks in a flat voice.
She then turns to the rest of the party. "A high price to pay for this battle. Too high. I believe we should avoid these groups in the future, unless we are left with little choice. I should have paid better heed to your story of the gatehouse. I won't make that mistake again."
"She is angry." Claudia whispers to TAKASHI. "Did we do something wrong, Master?"
TAKASHI: "Sometimes, the best battle fought is the one avoided, Claudia. These undead are not like us, and we should try to avoid them in the future, unless there is no other way around them."
One of the scouts looks with a respectful interest to ATACIUS. "I saw you attack the rear of that wraith with only a dagger. Well done! That took some guts and may have helped keep it at bay."
What do you want to do now?
CALLIN will attend to the elves that are wounded. attempting to bind wounds where necessary, and cure light wounds on those that need it more. "Of course Indrian, I will do all within my power to aid them." he kneels by them and prays. "May the LIGHT cast away this darkness, may it bind and comfort you. May it shine upon you bright and whole" He wll continue his prayers among those fallin.
ATACIUS, not used to praise, thanks the elf. "Well, I just took advantege its atention was somewhere else..." he answers humbly. "Besides I think silver affects them somehow. Let that be known to your kin..."
BELLESH goes to sit down by the young panther and will pet and comfort him if he shows any signs of being shaken by what's just happened. "Well, I guess we won, but it doesn't feel like it..." he says softly to Jellish. "I need to get more powerful, so I can keep people from getting hurt... "
CALLIN (@Joseph Schnurr) - how many CLWs do you have left? There are two elves with serious enough wounds to need the miracles that you bring. The prayers have them looking a bit uncomfortable, but once they feel their wounds stitch (somewhat) together on their own, the discomfort turns to a wondering. I still have 3 since I prayed, so I will use 2 and leave 1 left.
ATACIUS (@Gabriel Perez Gallardi), the elf slaps you on the back and laughs a deep laugh. "Indeed, and when my kin hear of a littleling jumping into the fray with a wraith, far more courageous than any of us, they'll think us drunk, and that littlelings have been hiding a great store of strength unknown to us!" He winks and offers you a wineskin that has a rather lovely potent brew inside that gives you a momentary spin of your head.
"My friend, you carry a strong beverage there..." says the littleing trying not to cough, his cheeks flushing with the effort. "...but a taste I'm willing to aquire!" he adds taking another swing.
The elf laughs an appreciative laugh, but then notices how much you're consuming!
"Heigh-ho, friend, you keep that up and we'll be carrying you back, which will not be fun for either of us!" he exclaims.
"Sorry, I just needed to refill my courage!" he says handling back the wineskin.
"If you gain more courage from the grog, we'll have to put you at the front of all battles!" the elf grins, shaking the wineskin.
BELLESH @Derek Daniels) - Jellish nuzzles your face and makes a "mrowr" noise at you, then wanders off to sniff at the edge of the roof and look around. The winged panther cub doesn't seem concerned at this point, more curious, but it looks back with you with such a look that it almst seems to be talking to you, perhaps? Or maybe it's just looking to see if you will bring more food to it...
BELLESH walks over and bends down to kneel besides the young panther, petting the back of his neck and looking where he was looking. "Did you find something interesting over here?", he asks the cub.
The view is of Ramathia stretching out, you can see a good distance. In the direction of the brightest light (from the overcast/rainy sky) is west, and there is the wall that faces the forest. On to the northwest of that, beyond the city is the destroyed face of the volcano and the area of the city that appears to be the most ruined. Also in that direction are a good number of the towers and spires, some of which seem intact, but all have vegetation and signs of damage to some degree.
To the center, you can make out what appears to be a walled central portion of the city, although there are enough buildings in the way to make it hard to make out exact details. To your right, the northeast and east, you see more buildings and areas similar to the one you are in now, plus larger towers and the great sea wall.
BELLESH smiles at Jellish and gives him a bit more food, saying "I think I know what we should do now" before walking back to the rest of the group.
Indrian watches the bandaging going on and nods. "The sooner we get off this roof and into a place more secure, the better." she says. "Those unliving might return..."
Indrian fidgets... waiting to see what you all want to do.
"I saw the inner city out there", BELLESH says, pointing. "Inside another wall. Maybe if we can make it in there, we can find out more about what happened in the city, and also find a more secure spot to rest."
ATACIUS: "I share the curiousity of further explore the city, but we must take the fallen elves back, regain strength and rest, before another incursion."
TAKASHI: "Agreed. We can not let fallen lie here to rot. We may want to speak of what we've seen so far, and see if there are other ways of dealing with these dangerous foes. I don't know how many times we can survive getting preyed upon by these soul draining creatures."
KARL says "Mayhap we should avail ourselves of some blunt weapons should we get a chance. Think you that club-headed arrows would do better against these boney spirits?"
TAKASHI: "I know that my blade seems to be ineffective against these fleshless undead. However, I've never seen a club-headed arrow before - is this some Elvish inovation?"
Nor have I. 'T'was just a fleeting thought of mine. Mayhap put a sphere of lead upon the end of the clothyard shaft in the place of a good point.
GRAIAN: "Something we can discuss later, all ideas are welcome, these creatures are dangerous. I agree we should not leave the fallen here, who knows what may become of them. Perhaps we should move the camp a little closer, we would not waste so much time going back and forth."
CALLIN: "For the stongest foes we have faced it seems only the arcane, blades of silver and the power of the LIGHT has stuck true. All other attacks have seemed to be nothing more than a bother to these creatures of Darkness. The lesser of these creatures do fall quite easily with the swing of a hammer though..."
"Well, of course we're not going to leave the dead elfs here," BELLESH says, rolling his eyes. "I'm just saying that our goal should probably be to get into that inner city. Wherever we go, we should move now, we're losing time."
After hearing the discussion about weapons, BELLESH also decides to keep his eyes open for anything he could use as a club or staff in case he winds up next to one of those skeletons.
CALLIN heads to BELLESH after he finishes mending wounds and healing others and speaks quietly to the young man. "Those that have fallin, are friends and family to those with us. It is a tragedy, and while inconvenient to our current goal, does not change the fact that they must be accounted for by whatever rituals they deem fit. Faith either to the LIGHT, or the arcane arts, or the old God's deserve to respect their dead. We can take that time. Let us see what we can do to help them along that path." Callin makes sure to emphasize the word RESPECT.
BELLESH flinches a bit at the word "respect", but shrugs at CALLIN as he finishes his admonitions. He mimics the priest's soft tone as he answers: "Sure, but let's get 'em going along that path quick." He emphasizes QUICK.
"I don't plan on staying up here until all my hair grows back," he says, rubbing at the fuzz that has started to grow out of his bald head.
CALLIN: "I agree the sooner we can move the better" with that CALLIN heads over to INDRIAN "how can we help you with your fallen."
ATACIUS will scout ahead on our way back to the gatehouse, making sure nothing awaits lurking in the abandoned alleys and doorways.
Indrian nods, her face reflecting both sorrow and sadness or disappointment.
"I had hoped our venture would be far more fruitful, it seems that the words of that Wild Man you met are coming true, this is a place of Death." she sighs.
The trip back to the gatehouse is quiet, with nothing revealing itself or harassing the party. The ropes and grappling hooks are carefully used to lower the bodies of the slain first, then the rest follow. A short while later, camp is made, and the storm blows itself out, with only light showers and the lull of the oceans to put you all to sleep.
In the morning, it is the winged panther, Jellish, that is restless and troubled, sniffing towards the jungle and making "mrowr" noises. He stands on BELLESH's head as the highest perch, to keep watch carefully. Indrian sends out patrols, who go a short distance into the woods. They feel as if they're being watched, as well, but they cannot find any explanation for the cat's mood, or their own feeling.
It is a long walk on a hot day back to the elven camp. It is nearly middle of the night before you make it back, and there is much sadness in the camp upon your arrival.
Shaiman, the elven expedition leader, leads the other elves in songs of mourning and regret, with flutes and stringed instruments lifting sad notes over the ocean waves. The bodies are carefully loaded onto the small skiffs in preparation for being taken to sea in the morning to be given to the waves.
Summer 52, 57AD
Angon comes over to take TAKASHI to see Eraiel about their experiences with the wraith and lesser wraith. She also asks CALLIN to come with.
Eraiel frowns as Angon shares the story of how both her and TAKASHI suffered at the touch of the wraiths.
"It is said that the unliving are a reflection, in some ways a mirror, of the life we live, that somehow Etherius has been reversed or turned inside out. Such is the perversion of either their deaths or the summoning of their life force back from death." he says gently, touching TAKASHI on the arm with fingers that seem as light as feathers.
CALLIN: "indeed these creatures of darkness are consumed by things that all living creatures strive to avoid. The detest the LIGHT and all that is good in this world. These creatures seem to devour what we are with their meer touch. Only weapons blessed by the LIGHT, arcane magics and blades of silver seem to affect such beings, although the lesser creatures have been brought down with bow and blade."
TAKASHI: "It is almost as if the most dangerous of these feed on our very life force itself." Looking at Angon for confirmation, he continues. "I feel as if it has somehow stolen a part of me, and I do not know that it will ever return. I also do not know how many more times I could suffer that deathly touch before there would be nothing left of me here. How do you fight such a creature?"
Angon nods in agreement to what TAKASHI says.
"The nature of the unliving explains why you feel as if your life was stolen from you, and that you feel a chill when you come near them now." Eraiel answers. "You have been touched by something alien and not of this that we live in. I have seen in before and it seems that only by continuing to live Life do you grow from it. You have, though, been altered permanently, that much seems to be always true in these cases."
The elder elf shakes his head and says "I told the Council that this would be a foolish journey and would lead to sorrow..." and then he stops, blinks and sighs.
He looks at CALLIN and considers for awhile before answering. "There has never been an easy answer to the unliving, especially the more powerful. It is similar with creatures summon from Chaosius and, in some cases, Lexius. For many, to defeat them requires something of arcane power. In your case, human priest, I have no real answer as to why you can affect them. I have long believed that your faith somehow taps into Etherius in a different way than those who practice the magickal arts, but I say this not to mock you or your faith, but to simply say that I have no answers beyond what I've experienced, and what you experience."
"How do we fight them?" Eraiel answers TAKASHI. "We attempt to not fight them, or we try to use the arcane abilities when forced. Pick and choose your battles wisely. This is a place of death, of lost dreams, and you have too little life to spend its coin on battles that you may not need to fight."
CALLIN nods at Eraiel "I do not see trying to understand my Faith as mocking, only the pursuit of knowledge. I do not know of Etherius, but if it is whole and good, then perhaps it is just another name for the LIGHT. I only know of the protection, healing and love that the LIGHT provides, how it may clense that which has been corrupted by the darkness." CALLIN pauses thinking... "While I would like nothing more than to purge this place of all the darkness infested, we do not have the strength or numbers to do so. Proceeding with caution to gather what we can and come back in stronger force would be wise, and a better step to vanquishing the darkness once and for all."
TAKASHI and Claudia will see if the elves have any blunt weapons for better handling of the skeltons.
TAKASHI: "Our edged weapons seem to merely nick the bones of the dead, whereas something blunt with more mass might be able to knock them clear off!"
"That which is around us, the rock, the seas, the sky, your flesh -- it all comes from Etherius. Those learned in the craft know that it is from the bending of Etherius and it's aspects - Lexius and Chaosius - that we can perform our arcane skills. Indeed, I suspect that there is something similar to what you humans call "the Divine" or "the Light" or any number of the odd beliefs that you practice as a species. Many books are written on these things, if you're interested."
Eraiel sighs. "I have told Shaiman that I believe this to be a fools' quest, and I stick to that. Your battles in the city tell me that this place is not yet ready to let go of its secrets, and perhaps they should remain so. There's enough darkness and danger in our own lands without meddling here in things that we don't fully understand. Indeed, it seems that the ones who do know these lands - the Wild Men - warned us of the city. And I'm not sure it's where we would need to go anyway. How would you find what the Searcher seeks in such a large place?"
Eraiel looks at TAKASHI. "You would have to ask the arms sergeant about that."
TAKASHI will try and find the arms sergeant with Claudia, to see if they have any blunt weapons that might affect the flesh-impaired.
The arms sergeant shakes his head sadly. "No, and Indrian was already by to ask, as well. I've been thinking about it since, though. Best I can do is to grab some of this wood around here and add grips to the ends, making some clubs. I know it's crude, but that's the best I can do. I'm not even sure we have much on the ship - mostly we have swords and the like. Will that do, human?"
TAKASHI: "It will have to do, friend. My preference is for the blade that bites as well (patts the hilt of Flinnigan's Bequest), but their bones don't yield like the flesh. Thank you."
The arms sergeant enlists yours and Claudia's help in creating the clubs, and by the evening, there are a dozen shaped cudgels with leather grips. Several of the elves look unconvinced at the new weapons, but Indrian nods approvingly.
"Good. At least our chances against the bone-walkers improves, but I don't know how we can continue against the wraiths. I believe Shaiman has called for council tonight to discuss what to do next."
CALLIN responds almost automatically to Eraiel's question. "Faith, Faith is what drives us forward knowing that there is something we seek, and that we can find it. It is what drives us, when the world is bleak, and what warms our hearts when we are numb. I can't tell you how we will find what the Searcher seeks, I only know that we can have Faith that we will find what we need. This is indeed a land of darkness, and we do not have the arms to cleanse such a place, but that does not mean we cannot tread lightly, and shine our LIGHT upon pockets of this great place."
Eraiel listens to the earnestly speaking CALLIN and seems as if he's about to say something, but you two are interrupted by a runner.
"Pardon me, Elder, but Shaiman has called for council and inquires if you are feeling well to join us."
Eraiel sighs and nods. "Yes, I will be there." and he reaches out a hand to CALLIN to help him up.
CALLIN immediatly stands and helps Eraiel to his feet, and offers to talk the wise elf to his council. And he will of course excuse himself after Eraiel is comfortable.
As you stand, Sinyr, the elven woman associated with the Sea Dreamers, walks into Eraiel's tent. She looks surprised to see you, but quickly takes the elder elf by his other arm. He smiles at her and nods courteously to CALLIN.
"Thank you, young priest. We will see you at council." he says. Sinyr doesn't say anything to you, but it's obvious that she is hurrying the elder along as fast as he'll allow himself to be hurried.
"Always a pleasure Eraiel" CALLIN says bowing to the Elf. He will excuse himself and after mending his friends wounds ( and his own ) will retire to thought and prayer until council.
Indrian, thoughtful of KARL's suggestion, gets the elven mage and ATACIUS to come with her to try an experiment.
Once outside the camp, Indrian turns to ATACIUS.
"This elf, one of my better archers, has a good idea, but I don't think he, or the others will like my idea. ATACIUS, will you bring out your sling and demonstrate how it works?"
She watches the littleling carefully.
ATACIUS nods in approval at the elf's idea. He swiftly unrolls his sling and digs one of his bullets from a pouch. "These are made of baked clay and shatter upon hitting, but against the skeletons a simple rock would be better I guess." He picks a rock from the beach and load the sling. Then looks for a suitable target, a tree or a barrel, and swings it several times before letting the rock fly. "In great numbers a barrage of bullets is as deadly as arrows, and if you use holed bullets... the whooshing sound they make is frightening!"
Indrian asks to try to use the sling. It's obvious that she is untrained in it, but with ATACIUS's example, she manages to launch a few rocks in the direction of the tree. She seeks out the littleling's help in learning how to use it better, what she is doing wrong, and by the time the sun is at its zenith, she is launching rocks a bit more accurately. She nods.
"Most elfs would turn up their noses at such crude weapons, but I see the beauty in its simplicity and its utility. Tell me, do you have more of these? If not, we will construct our own. Would you be willing to demonstrate this to other serjents so that we can start to train the others?"
"Slings are light and concealable, not cumbersome like bows or crossbows, and you don't have to worry if it gets wet, unlike the strings. I may have another that you can use as reference to build more, and will gladly show your people how to use it." says the halfling not making any effort to hide how proud he is about the task.
Indrian agrees to take your spare sling and promises to return it. Quickly, you see several elves move towards the camp and soon return with leather, canvas and sewing tools. As well, others gather some sand and lead and start to cast bullets.
By the afternoon, there are many crude slings created and the elven scouts are busy training with them. Much good natured competition arises as they try to outdo each other in target practice. When ATACIUS demonstrates, though, his innate littleling ability with the sling puts him far ahead of the scouts. This leads to a half dozen wineskins of good, strong drink now being in your possession, both from wagers won and from appreciative sailors who now feel better about being armed with something that will work.
ATACIUS graciously collects the bets and thanks the gifts from the elves. "I promise to go easy on this beverage!"
You'll see that as evening approaches, tables are being brought together and more food than the usual daily amount is being prepared. Apparently there will be a council tonight.
Almanin comes to see GRAIAN and BELLESH to discuss something on his mind.
"BELLESH, I see how you are with Jellish, and you are a thoughtful and kind young human to take care of it. If you are interested, I might have an idea of how you could enhance that connection. I have heard of mages who've adopted familiars, whether conjured or somehow linked. As it is, I have a long kept, but never used, scroll of a spell that creates familiars. I believe that it is such a spell that you could use it on the panther to make it such a creature for you. Would that interest you?"
BELLESH, who had been in a sour mood and also feeling a bit paranoid, brightens up quickly at Almanin's proposal. "You mean like in that story with the old wizard and his owl? And we would be able to really talk to each other? That sounds fantastic!" He picks up Jellish, holding him in his arms as he looks down to try and see the cat's face as he asks, "What do you think, boy?"
Almanin seems to echo the young man's excitement, as his smile grows.
"I don't know any human wizard tales, most humans don't like those who practice the craft. Yes, I do think it would work!" the elf says excitedly. "I do! If you have the ability to READ MAGIC, then I would cast it and copy this scroll into your book, in case it doesn't work for you the first time. You'll have to gather some herbs, perhaps see what the panther likes, burn them in a brazier filled with coals from the camp fires and then cast the spell. It might take awhile, but you have to keep concentrating on it until you know for sure it's not working, or that it works. I would keep the panther near you and concentrate on it, otherwise you might summon something you don't want!"
Jellesh appears interested in if BELLESH might have a morsel of food, but he also seems to react in a pleased manner to the positive energy and warmth coming from the mage.
BELLESH starts digging through his pack for writing materials, but he makes sure to pull out more fish for Jellish as well.
"GRAIAN, what do you think?" Almanin asks. "I don't want to step in, if you have been mentoring BELLESH and had plans of your own..."
GRAIAN smiles, "Almanin, I am not Bellesh's mentor, merely helping him as I can. Any teaching or help you can provide is welcome and I am sure Bellesh will appreciate it. As for this, I can think of nothing that would make him happier at this time."
BELLESH: "Yes, yes! Almanin, I'll be ready to read magic as soon as I'm done preparing...." He'll go off to a quiet spot where he can sit comfortably with his spell book.
The read magic spell now memorized, Almanin gives you the scroll.
You'll need to now attempt to understand it, if you want to copy it into your book. Otherwise, you can simply cast it from the scroll as-is. (which you can do without the read magic, you just needed that spell to copy it.)
Which do you want to do? I will rule that you can copy it to your book, whether you understand it or not. (and you'll spend 100 gold for the items, as usual).
(If I understand it, I'd love to copy it to my book, I wouldn't want to waste Almanin's scroll! But I'd need to borrow some gold from the assembled wizards there for materials, I don't think I have 100 gold! Bellesh would be happy to have it take from his share of whatever we might find in the future. If he doesn't understand it, he'll just use the scroll to cast it when everything is ready, with Almanin's permission)
It's an either/or thing - possibly. The scroll will get used up either way - if you copy it into your book, or if you use it.
Three possible outcomes:
1. You read the scroll as-is and use it - the spell goes off with however you're doing things to try and make it work on Jellish.
2. You copy the scroll into your book, and you understand it. You can use the spell now, and again in the future, trying to make it work on Jellish.
3. You copy the scroll into your book, but you don't understand it. You'll have to wait a year (RAW) OR you attempt to do steps (and make it a part of what you do, how you do) to try and shorten that time.
What would you like to do?
I see, so I wouldn't know if I understand it until after I copy it. In that case, I'll just use the scroll to make sure that the spell is cast, at least. That'll avoid having to scrounge around/borrow the 100 gp in copy materials. See below.
OK, sounds good!
BELLESH frowns as he looks through his pack, not finding enough arcane materials for copying a spell into his book. He goes to Almanin and says, "On second thought, I'll just get things ready and cast the spell from the scroll if that's ok. I might not be able to understand the spell anyway, but I can definitely cast it from the scroll. I'll be back!"
He looks over to Jellish and calls out, "C'mon, Jellish! Let's go find some herbs!"
GRAIAN: "Wait Bellesh, I may be able to help you a little if you would rather copy it." He digs through his packpack, "Hmmm, I thought I might have had a bit more of what you needed but this is what I have." Holding out his hands he shows the materials (24GP worth).
BELLESH smiles up at the elf a and says, "Thanks GRAIAN, but that's ok. I sometimes can't understand spells the first time I see them, and the scroll's a sure thing. Besides, I don't want to wait!" He heads out to search for herbs with Jellish.
GRAIAN shrugs, "Ah yes, youth is always in a hurry." Smiling at Bellesh's eagerness and excitement he puts the materials back into his pack.
After some preparation (and Jellish making a mess of the piles of herbs and small pile of charcoal that the young mage prepared), all is ready. With lighting of the brazier and burning of the herbs, BELLESH begins reading from the scroll. As he casts the spell, the words seem to disappear from the vellum, as if leaping up into the air. The harsh, flat words echo around him.
Concentrating on Jellish, BELLESH finishes his spell - the young cat remains crouched, at ready, looking at him and then...
(The spell is successful. How does it feel to be linked to the cat? What do you see? What happens?)
The world seems a bit brighter to BELLESH, and the sounds of the forest more crisp and clear. His eyes go wide as the new sensations hit him, and he looks around slowly, taking it in. "Wow...." Those watching closely might spot his irises become thinner momentarily, like those of a cat. Then, smiling brightly, he kneels down and opens his arms wide in the direction of Jellish, so as to embrace him in a hug. Just as with his arms, he reaches out with his mind to the young panther.
It's a blizzard of confusing sights, smells and sounds and a strange weird "mirror" of you seeing yourself reach out to hug yourself, but then an overhwhelming feeling of safety, of curiosity, of appetite and of being overwhelmed itself. It takes several minutes to adjust, which for you feels like a long time and yet no time at all.
After trying to assure Jellish that everything is alright, BELLESH tries to see if he can use the bond to communicate more effectively; for instance, he'll get some more fish for Jellish to eat and see if he can "feel" when he's full and had enough.
You quickly learn that with animals, "enough" is never enough, although at some point, he becomes less interested in fish and more in what is around your feet, the now empty brazier, was that something moving on the tree, I need to lick that spot right there ...
It seems at this point, you can get the gist of emotions, but not like communicating with someone else. When you mention this to Almanin, he shares with that it seems to take time for that bond to strengthen.
KARL goes off to do some work on arrows.
Some of his fellow scouts come to watch the elf try to make arrows that are blunt headed in nature. After some experiments, the best design seems to be one that is either rounded - a bit like a sling bullet - or a cylinder that is slightly bigger than the shaft. They are not as well balanced as other arrows, but it could be that they might work. Indrian comes over to observe what KARL is doing and nods. "That might work. Between these and the slings, we might have an answer to those bony unliving."
She looks at you and says "Will you be traveling with those humans now?"
You can make about a dozen total, with several elves helping, in the day.
"I shall observe them and, if fate wills it, I will report back on what I have done and what I have seen. This is my task which I have assigned myself." Karl sets to making arrows with the rounded heads. He feels that these will fly more true.
Indrian nods. "I think those humans mean well, and they have an impressive set of arms and abilities. It will be good to have another set of eyes. I don't know if the frontal approach will work on this accursed place."
Towards the evening, after making the arrows, you'll be told that a council is to be held to discuss what to do next.
Summer 52 - evening, Elven camp
The tables and chairs have been arranged in a rough circle so that all can see each other, and that the various leaders and elders can speak. The various clans form their groups, with the Sea Dreamers on one side, the Foamfollowers on the other and two other smaller ship clans represented - Wave Striders and Golden Fish. Shaiman, captains of the two remaining ships (Celestia and Amarisa) and Eraiel sit at one table, representing the Search (that they would be above clan politics, and representing the search itself).
You all are seated at a table between the Searchers and Foamfollwers.
The council begins with a dirge for the fallen of the Search so far. Then Shaiman stands and gives an overview of what has happened so far. Most of this, you know, but there are two new facts:
* The Amarisa and Celesta did another, more careful, circuit of the island. Several other harbors, or evidence of former harbors, have been found to the north and northwest of the island, although the closer that they get to the west of the island, the fewer there are. The volcano's wrath did a great deal of damage to that side of the island.
* There is no evidence of any other villages or structures that can be seen from the coast. Elven scouting parties have encountered ruins and remains of buildings here and there, and evidence of the Wild Men, but they have not approached those sites out of respect of the initial contact that was made with Orinu, the Wild Man elder.
Angon and Indrian then rise to speak of the adventures in city, and they get your input on certain points as well. There is some murmuring and appreciative looks when BELLESH is asked about Jellish, and the young cat seems a bit shy as it realizes everyone is staring at it!
There is a great deal of muttering and consternation at the news of the undead that were guarding the gatehouse and intersection in the city, and looks of sympathy to TAKASHI and Angon when they describe their cold, burning wounds when the wraiths touched them.
"So. What we have learned is that the Wild Man's warnings have some truth to them. The city is a place of great danger and death, which we've found to our sorrow with the loss of the Lustrina at the harbor, and the deaths of the scouts. We still do not know where any libraries might be, or if we'd be able to enter them. We haven't found any signs of other places that might be Elven in nature, that might give clues to the first landings on this island. In short, we know little more than when we first landed. The question is, what do we do next?"
At that, a hububb of noise erupts as elves all start talking amongst themselves and across the table to each other. At some points, there speeches made by the various clan leaders, to be part of the formal discussion, mainly of their uncertainty over what to do next. Sinyr and the Sea Dreamers snipe at Shaiman's leadership and insinuate that he should be removed as Searcher, but the mood of the other clans doesn't seem to support that.
The torches burn low and late into the night. Shaiman, frustrated at the lack of progress, looks at you all. "Any ideas? Do we dare the city again? Do we try one of the other harbors? What do you think?"
KARL says: "The watchers at the intersection: has anyone looked to see if they are still there? Some were destroyed. Have their numbers been replaced? Be their numbers restored, we may never get into the city proper. If not, there is still a good chance. I could take a patrol out to see. I am in truth anxious to essay my blunt clothyards upon those boney spectres."
BELLESH looks thoughtful for a time, staring out at nothing, then turns to the others and says, "Maybe we can find another way to go through the town without passing the intersections? Like over the rooftops? Then we wouldn't have to face the skeletons at all."
CALLIN rises "We have seen darkness is this city. None like I have ever encountered before. This makes moving through the city difficult and dangerous. However I feel attempting to look for another entrance will lead to more of the same. Our current path at least allows us a choke point to fall back too should we encounter more of these creatures, and with our Faith, Arcane powers, and proper weapons for dealing with such creatures, we should be able the press on. There will be those that fall, but the question is, how important is the search? Is it worth those who have already sacraficed? For those that would sacrafice for it now? For me it is simple. These are creatures of Darkness, these are creatures that destroy all that I hold dear and value. That is enough for me to go back. If nothing else, but to send these creatures back to whence they came. LIGHT deserves to shine upon this place." CALLIN will then take his seat again.
GRAIAN nods at Callin's words and stands and addresses the meetin., "My friend has his own reasons for returning to the city regardless of what the rest of us decide and I would not see him do that alone. Therefore I propose we do return and continue the search for the libraries, we know they did exist. The dark, evil creartures can be defeated, but we must be organized, co-ordinate our spells and plan for when we come across them. I suspect any other way into the city will have similar dangers, so rather than waste time let us continue in what we know." He retuns to his seat deep in thought.
ATACIUS ponders on BELLESH idea for a moment. "The most powerful of the skeletons can fly, but what if instead of going above the buildings we go through them? Secure windows and doors on the inside, and tear holes on the walls as we go..."
CALLIN "Seems like it could work ATACIUS, but I would fear that tearing through the walls might be loud enough to draw more creatures upon us. What about sewers? Did we see if the city had such a thing?" //CALLIN tries to recall himself.
TAKASHI squirms at the thought of entering the sewers, if any.
TAKASH: "If the dead freely roam around the upper reaches of the city, what might lurk beneath?" *shudder* "If we decide to return to the city, and I do think we must for the expedition's sake, I think we need to focus on avoiding the soul draining leaders, and avoid them when possible."
CALLIN "I agree TAKASHI, i'd much prefer to be out in the Sunlight verses down below ground. Seems like a place darkness would fester. Perhaps moving building by building makes more sense?"
ATACIUS: "If we are patient we can make the holes with little noise. Besides it's an abandoned city and things crumble down all the time! I don't think whoever is in there will invstigate every noise." says the littleling optimistically.
CALLIN: It is worth a try ATACIUS.
Shaiman and the captains listen to you all debate with each other after CALLIN's speech. The other clans are still discussing loudly and after awhile, Shaiman strikes a small bell that is on the table in front of him. The hub-ubb gradually dies down.
"We have heard little suggestions from the clans on how to proceed, but the humans (and littleling!) have come up with a proposal to re-enter the city with a different, more cautious approach, to avoid engagement. However, the captains and I are still uncertain as to if all are clear on what we are looking for. Our priorities remain the same- maps that would give us more information about the state of the city when it was abandoned, and any places of learning, libraries, temples and things of that nature. We seek knowledge on the First Landings."
Indrian nods and stands. "Searcher, I have enough volunteers still willing to go. I think a cautious, stealthy approach that they suggest is sound. I would rather avoid contact with the unliving in the future, if possible, and retreat if they attempt to engage."
Shaiman looks out at everyone. "Are we agreed then?" and after some additional discussion, it's clear that there is no real solid opposition, but not a great deal of enthusiam to this approach. Eraiel shakes his head sadly, but it is a quick reaction and nothing that is made note of.
The council concludes and you are joined by Angon, Almanin and Indrian. Angon still has a haunted look on her face.
"I do not want to go back to that accursed place, but I will trust in your plan and the bravery of all of us to keep us safe." She shivers despite her brave words.
Indrian looks at you all. "Anything in particular you want us to prepare or gather?"
Almanin looks at BELLESH and GRAIAN. "And what spells should we prepare for our sneaky as thieves approach?" He seems eager to go.
BELLESH: "If you know the sleep spell, that might help us avoid a noisy fight with something in the city... if it's alive, that is..."
Both of the elven mages frown. Neither have that spell, but they are more than willing to share with you, if you'll share that spell with them.
Bellesh has it in his travelling spell book; he's happy to share what's in there with them, especially for a chance to learn more spells himself!
"Do you have a spell of slumber that works on the unliving?" Alamanin asks excitedly. "I'd never heard of such an incantation!"
"No, just the living, that's why I said 'if it's alive'" Bellesh answers. "That's a great idea for a spell though," he continues, looking thoughtful, "I wonder how I could do that..."
Almanin looks disappointed, then slightly horrified. "That would delve far too close to necromancy for me to consider!" he blurts out. "I hope that you'll never walk that path, far too obscene!"
Angon puts her hand on his arm. "You are just a bit too frightened of those bone walkers, cousin..." she smiles.
GRAIAN looks at Bellesh, "Indeed that would be a most usefull spell, the undead do prove to be a challenge as they usuall come in groups. Now as for spells, the Wraiths can be defeated with Magic Missiles, this just becomes a question of quantity, we have a limited number between us. We may help against a large group of undead, if we are in an appropriate place."
Both mages share their spell books with you both.
Angon:
1: Charm Person, Detect Magic, Feather Fall, Light, Read Magic
2: Rope Trick
Almanin:
1: Burning Hands, Find Familiar, Hold Portal, Magic Missile, Read Magic
2: Forget
(Note: KARL/@Gerald Upton - if you wish to copy these spells into your book, I require 100gp per level of spell for components, inks, etc and, of course, the roll to see if you understand the spell. If you wish to just memorize the spell from the book, it's just a roll to understand).
TAKASHI: "We have a few clubs that we worked on today, which we will hopefully not need to use if our stealth approach succeeds. Still, Claudia and I will carry one along with our standard weapon array."
Indrian nods. "We have them as well, and I agree, we should be the example of caution! But should we need them, I trust that we'll be able to put those clubs to good use. As long as we don't encounter any more wraiths." She shivers at the thought of the prospect and gives TAKASHI a look that says 'I'm here for you'.
Indrian looks at KARL. "And you, cousin... are you all set with your ... arrows of smashing? Anything else?"
@Joseph Schnurr/CALLIN - not leaving you out! If there's anything you want to do in particular, in preparation for a return trip to the city, let me know. Anything in your prayers, or your faith -- what would CALLIN be likely to do?
I have noted that Callin has mostly focused on ensuring that his peers are healing and in the right mindset. Through his speeches and general chatting, he has tried to push some optimism into the party as we are definatly on a downbeat. Outside of that CALLIN will most likely wrap himself in prayer, hoping to gather the strength needed to push through this darkness. Gear wise CALLIN doesn't need much, his spell list he will keep the same as their last outing, as that seemed to be a good set list :D Ironically I think CALLIN finds a weird sense of peace in these times as this is really what his calling to the LIGHT is, to stamp out Darkness, and even when it is hard, it is always right and just, and that purpose helps him have a sense of calm.
By and large, you're left alone, but after observing you quietly sitting in peace, you find that several elves are joining you ... not in prayer, rather in their form of meditation and centering. They smile and seem to accept you praying and doing those weird human religion things, but their tolerance is genuine.
CALLIN Smiles during his prayer at the tolerance and joining. He thinks to himself. "This is the LIGHT. Shining upon us all with a good heart, and just mind. This is why the Darkness will never consume us. For we stand above it, shining down like a beacon with our love for not only ourselves, but those which are different, yet share our same cause."
Summer 53 - Coast of Ramathia - between Elven camp and city
It is a cloudy, with some clouds threatening rain, and others simply scudding by. The ocean seems "angry" with waves that lash out to the beach. The air feels full of energy, wild and ready to pounce.
Jellesh seems somewhat cautious, and BELLESH, you pick up impressions of him that he doesn't like the weather.
BELLESH makes sure to pack enough dried fish and extra water for the cat to consume later.
The trek up the beach is quiet, without incident or encounter. You get to the place approximately where you believe you had to turn into the jungle to get to the stone tower of the Wild Man elder, Orinu. After a short while, you realize that this jungle is extremely thick and difficult to navigate in, but you push on, heading as due west as you can.
Luckily, you start seeing bits of debris that mark the location of the stone tower and you soon come to it, as well as to the point of spears and arrows pointed at you! The number of Wild Men looks to be equal to your own, and they have hard, set looks on their faces as they stand in your way.
One of the Wild Men, a woman, steps forward and says something in their sing-song language, clearly a question and she expects an answer!
CALLIN spreads his hands slowley and an non-threatening as possible. "We come in peice we have come to speak to your Elder Orinu" CALLIN does his best to pronounce Orinu they way the wild men did last we met.
The woman cocks her head curiously at hearing the word "Orinu" and calls back in a loud voice. A response comes and it's clearly not one she's happy with! She lowers her spear, slightly and barks something at you all, indicating you can move forward. As you do, you're herded into a single file line, with guards next to each of you. The elve scouts are kept back, however, only the PCs, Angon, Almanin and Claudia are allowed forward.
Indrian starts to protest, but Angon holds her hand up. "Tah avatha, Indrian. We'll be OK."
Do any of you do otherwise, or will you go with the guards in such fashion?
BELLESH scoops up Jellesh into his arms, afraid that the guards will try to separate them, before allowing himself to be escorted in by the guards, still carrying his familiar.
ATACIUS will follow the line and pay attention to how his guard moves. He's still fascinated on how quietly these Wild People move on the jungle.
GRAIAN will fall in line and follow alongside his guard
CALLIN will follow as requested
TAKASHI will smile and bow to the wild people, and act as non-threatening as possible.
TAKASHI (to Claudia): "We are in their land, and will obey their ways."
ATACIUS, they seem attuned to how to best walk quietly - stepping lightly and easing their feet down. It's almost as if they're moving in harmony to their surroundings, blending and adapting, versus trodding and stepping over. It seems instinctual to them, like watching a cat or rodent that is moving.
The woman repeats the actions that you saw the last time you were taken into the ancient, square tower. She stops short of the door, raises her hands and sing-songs some sort of phrase, then lowers her hands and enters into the door. The same musky/burnt odor is present in the dark structure, but there is also a sweet smell that tickles the nose.
The brazier on the floor is burning a mass of green leaves and several men and woman are seated around it, slowly wafting the smoke over their faces. Orinu is seated again behind the brazier and is waiting for you all to enter, smiling patiently. The woman speaks to Orinu, and you catch enough odd words to figure out that she's telling the elder that you all have returned and more elves are outside. He nods and waves his hands for you all to sit, as the ring of seated humans shifts to allow several of you to come close.
Angon and Almanin seems slightly unnerved by all of this, and by the sight of some of more primitive elements - small dead creatures hanging from the walls and ceiling, the sight of dried blood around the floor and the dirty nature of the humans.
Orinu waits till you all are seated, then turning to GRAIAN (and also speaking towards the two elven mages who've elected to stay outside of the circle) he speaks to them.
(I'm going to put the speech here, only to avoid copy/pasting to two separate private chats. Consider that all four who speak Elven would be giving a fairly good translation together)
Orinu says "So you have returned. What did you find in the place of the dead?"
As the elder speaks, BELLESH, you notice a couple of the humans are looking curiously at Jellesh. The young kit seems very curious and is looking about, taking it all in.
BELLESH keeps an eye on the ones looking at Jellish, in case they're up to no good.
GRAIAN nods his head in respect, "We found great evil in the place, many undead and creatures that suck the life out of you, Wraiths. They seemed organized to some extent, guards at the entrance, groups at street corners. We were wondering if you coould help us get our bearings using the Atacius has, it would be useful in helping us navigate through the city." Heasks Atacius to come forward and show the map.
"Where are we relative to this building?" (OOC: he points to the large church like building to the West)
ATACIUS will spread his annotated map of Ramathia before Orinu as GRAIAN speaks.
Orinu looks at the map curiously and takes it into his hands. He shows it to some of those in the circle and they stand, looking at it. They all start talking to each other in their odd mish-mash of ancient human tongue, elven and other words. It is quite an animated discussion, and the jist of it seems to be that they don't like this map, that it really doesn't seem to show much, that there is nothing to (sing?) to.
After awhile, the conversation dies down and they all sit. Orinu places the map on the ground again and looks at GRAIAN and ATACIUS.
"Thank you for sharing this with us, travelers. It is a strange thing, these pictures that show something and yet nothing. What you call a map, to tell where you are and where you want to go, we do not use such things. For us, our maps are the stories and songs that we sing to know where the best fishing can be found, the places of water, the safe spots to step and the forbidden places that are full of danger and death - like the place of white towers and fire!
I grieve to hear that you have found the ones whose touch brings death. They live only their outrage over their deaths, serving only their hate for life which they miss so much. Their release can only come when that which lives within the city frees them, for through its anger at those who tried to control it, it killed many and their deaths from its hate bound them to it. Only when it no longer hates can they find peace and release from their unliving service!"
Orinu shakes his head. "I had feared that you would find such within, but I am glad that you have not ventured deep and woken the Great Fire!"
"What is it that you seek within that place of death? What drives you to risk so much?"
After a pause, BELLESH speaks up.
"Well, knowledge, I guess... the elves want to know about the history of their people here and what happened to the city, GRAIAN and I want to know about what the library is like, ATACIUS wants to know about the old guild hall, CALLIN the temples, and so on... but really, we all want to know about all of those things. We don't have any songs, and anyone that could sing them from the city is long dead, anyway. We only have the maps and books that may be left, or what we can see for ourselves in there. So I guess, as you would see it, we want to find out all we can about this place so we can bring back the songs to the rest of the world."
CALLIN adds, hoping GRAIAN can translate. "For my path, it is about ridding the world of Darkness. Finding the lost history is good for the world and is needed. But my heart knows that standing in the way of impending darkness is my calling. It is why I have chosen what I do, why I believe. This power has grown strong over the years, and could spread like a plague across these lands, should no one stand against it. We have shown them that we can stand against them. It is not easy, but nothing that is meaningful really ever is. So that is to say I risk so much, so others in the world need not have too."
GRAIAN translates for Bellesh and Calling and then continues, "I understand the use fo the spoken word for spreading knowledge and keeping history alive, all races have doen that over time. However, much can get lost and it becomes hard to spread the knowledge widely, this island is an great example for our nations. Maps are another way we can teach others after us who wwe may not meet. In this case the map is crude, but if we could get some understanding of it we will be able to procees more quickly. Can you tell us anything about where these things are relative to here or the gatehouse further up the beach? With the jungle so thick it is difficult for us to see anything."
Orinu listens to each of you with an impassive look on his face. The silence stretches as he thinks for awhile, his fingers in his lap mindlessly twirling around each other.
He speaks to the other Wild People gathered around him, and from the jist of the few words you can understand, he tells them that they will sing the songs of finding their path through the city, but slowly and he will attempt to translate.
What transpires is almost two hours of singing, chanting and dancing.
The first few songs are of a cautious nature, low, slow chants with the folks slowly stepping around the ruined tower and those within, pantomiming hiding and staring. What Orinu tells you is this:
- Those who have braved the city have gone over the walls, as the gates are barred shut by the unliving watchers.
- They've cautiously made their way through buildings and down paths that lead through the buildings (which sound like alleys and closes).
- The unliving seem to cluster at intersections and in front of certain areas that seem important in the past.
- Most buildings have things in them as the citizens fled in haste. Every so often, a group of Wild Men will go, if the need is great, to get an "old tool". It's matter of searching in the right place.
- They've sailed to some of the harbors which are choked with ruined ships and unliving that come out of the water, rotted and yet whole.
- They've avoided the main harbor with the whirlpool, although some of the young have said to have made it past with small boats and have said there is a ship laden with gold in the harbor.
- At one point of the city, crabmen have taken over an area and are living there.
- The areas closest to the gate and running along the wall closest to the volcano, and to the ocean wall, those are where the most tools and living spaces are found.
Then the songs change and become more dreamlike and ethereal. Whispers and long drawn out notes, and the dances are twirls with outstretched hands.
Orinu translates:
- There was once an area of beautiful buildings and towers, but the explosion of the mountain and "fire rock that flowed" destroyed most of them.
- The center of town, where most of the towers stood, once housed the places of learning and power, as well as living spaces for the elves who had remained in Ramathia when it was given to the humans.
- They've avoided the center of the city, as there is a great pit there - an area that is "of the Great Fire Beast."
- A place of warriors and great leaders connected to the center of town. The "Great Fire Beast" lay siege to it and killed almost everyone who came out to fight it, including great kings and wizards.
Several songs are given as chants. There are no dances, but rather everyone echos what is said.
Orinu tranlates these as the knowledge of how to navigate to some places:
- A place that seems to be like a market, where a great many items ("old tools") can be found.
- A path that seems to lead around the center of the city, avoiding the "Beast"
- A trip that a great warrior once took to return to the battle place of his father to find his bones and sword - it seems to translate to the "place of warriors and great leaders"
After these songs are done, Orinu looks at you all. "Perhaps this does not help you, but it is the best we can give you. It is rare that one will go to the place of death. Only in great need and sometimes with great cost."
BELLESH, as you've been carefully watching the crowd in protection of Jellesh, you notice a young man who gets a proud look on his face when he hears Orinu speak of people going to the city.
BELLESH nudges GRAIAN to get his attention and, nodding towards the young man, says "I think that he's been in the city before. Maybe he could go with us if we go back in, to tell us what he's seen there before as we go?"
GRAIAN looks at the young man, "Indeed, he do look like he may be able to help us, but out of respect we should ask Orinu first." Turning to Orinu, with a small bow of respect. "Thank you, your people's knowledge has helped fill in some of the gaps we have, there is clearly still much to learn about this great place. There are some who have been into the city, would they be willing to come with us as we return?"
Orinu's face tightens into a stern look at the question.
"No!" he says sharply. "That is a place of death and I do not wish to spend the lives of my people freely there."
A couple of the other Wild Men and Women look at him in surprise at his sharp tone and query him. What follows is a very animated discussion, and from the words you can figure out, there's a spirited debate on going into the city. The young man that BELLESH had picked out earlier seems to speak the most forcefully, at one point pounding his chest and standing forward.
After awhile, Orinu sighs in a resigned fashion and nods to the young man and then addresses you.
"The folly of youth. Apinro has been to the city both to find old tools as well as on his own. He is a brash and bold young man and I fear that he has much wisdom to learn. I cannot stop him, as he is of the mind to go with you and I fear that he would go even if forbidden. Such is the draw of glory and one's lore!"
"I beg of you, though, do not let him spend his life foolishly! I think your quest is folly, but I will not stop you from going and I will aid you as I have done with stories and song. However, you have stepped into here, have stirred up the guardians and now have attracted one of ours to journey with. It troubles me and I see doom in your steps. Be watchful and wary!"
Orinu nds to Apinro who smiles hugely and runs out of the tower.
"He has gone to gather some things. He will be back shortly." Orinu says, still with a sad voice.
GRAIAN has a forlorn look on his face, humbly he looks at Orinu, "Our intention was never to cause harm or bring disruption, Apinro will be looked after like any one of us," looking at Bellesh and Claudia "We too have youth among us, they have much to learn, but then sometimes that carefree, untainted wisdom is needed."
Standing tall he bows formally, "Once again we are in your debt for your openess and help, thank you."
Orinu nods to GRAIAN. "I thank you for your words. The fire of youth often burns along branches that we do not wish, but that is the way of things. Arpo will see him and measure him in all things, and perhaps he will find wisdom in being away from his People and among Strangers."
BELLESH winces when he hears "the fire of youth" and turns away, subconsciously reaching a hand up to his head to feel how much hair has grown back.
None.
Sweet! :)
TAKASHI thinks long and hard about what was spoken and sung. "A great fire beast... sounds like something we should probably avoid. However, the place of great warriors and leaders sounds like an important area - perhaps their seat of government. Records may very well be found within."
Was there more you were going to say? It looks like part of your message was cut off.
No, for some reason I was having some Rizzoma editing issues in Firefox. Very odd.
CALLIN "Indeed I would assume the Palace, libraries, and temples would be found near the center of the city. As much as I would wish to avoid a fire beast, it may be required. Perhaps we could use the path that goes around the beast and try and find another way into these buildings? Let us hope we can find a way to communicate with Apinro"
ATACIUS: "So, going through buildings was not a bad idea after all..." says the littleling raising an eyebrow. "We should let this Apinro guy lead us on the paths he uses and see where we end up. If we're lucky we'll reach some of the places we want to investigate."
CALLIN: " agreed ATACIUS!"
Summer 53, con't.
After awhile, Apinro comes back with a small bag hanging from his side, a spear in hand and what looks like a type of dagger strapped to his thigh. He grins at Orinu and then at you all.
Orinu stands, places his hands on the young man's shoulders and begins to chant at him. The boy nods and his face grows serious as Orinu's voice rolls the intonations like a series of waves. It's not a magical incantation, as far as GRAIAN and BELLESH can tell, but the way the Wild Folk act, it is as if Orinu is casting one. He goes on for a time, then ends and touches the boy on the forehead and then heart.
He turns to GRAIAN. "Although Apinro does not speak quite as well as I do, he can talk well enough to hopefully guide you well. Listen to him, as he has traveled to the city several times alone and many more times with his father. He watched his father die in the city, and I would beg you to not let him do the same. May wisdom be your guide."
At that, he nods to Apinro, who points at you all and then beckons. "We go!" he says and bounds out of the tower.
Following him, he doesn't head back towards the coast, but rather sets off through the forest. As far as you can tell from the sunlight filtering through the trees, it is midday or shortly thereafer.
The pace is quick, very quick. Indeed, there are times when Apinro seems to sprint off, his skills at navigating through the thick brush at odds with the more heavily armored party members. Indrian and the elves also are having difficulty navigating the forest.
"Curse these trees and roots!" she snaps at one point, after picking herself up from an undignified fall. "Elves belong on the oceans, not in the forests!"
Apinro starts to adjust his pace, and seems to start guiding you through "easier" areas of the forest, without complaint. He often shoots grins at Claudia, even helping her around some brush at one point that entangles her with sharp thorns and wirey vines.
The light dims as evening approaches. Apinro guides you to a small gentle hollow, saying "Sleep here!"
The elves and Claudia throw themselves to the ground with heavy sighs and groans. Apinro opens his bag and hands out some of the native fruits that he's collected during the trip with a grin. "Eat! Good! Help sleep!" he says with a nod and smile. He makes a point to cut one open for Claudia, but then lets out a laugh as she shows him that she's already done so. He takes the water skins and a few of the elves with him and after a bit, they return with cold, refreshing water for all.
As darkness comes to the foret, no fire is lit. Apinro goes from tree to tree in the area you are camping in, and touches each one, murmuring something under his breath. He then takes out a small leathery pouch, squeezes something out and spreads it on his face and ears. It has a very strong odor.
ATACIUS: Curious about the ointment Apinro has just used, he will approach the Wild Man and call his atention to a drawing on the jungle floor. He draws five circles in a line, then a sole circle blow them, then lines from each of the above circles to the one below. He will point to the unguent and to the circle below and then to each of the above circles as he asks "What is that for? How do you make it?"
Apinro looks puzzled at the circles and lines, then holds out the unguent towards ATACIUS. "No bite!" he proclaims and nods.
ATACIUS erase the drawing and takes the unguent. He then makes the sound of a mosquito "Bzzzzzz!" and moves his hand, index and thumb together, towards the leathery pouch, then quickly away from it. "No bite!"
Apino nods and smiles, but makes a wriggling/worm-like motion with his fingers at ATACIUS and grins.
ATACIUS opens his eyes wide at Apinro and proceeds to smear his face and ears with some of the unguent.
Apinro nods vigorously and points to the others.
ATACIUS will pass the Wild Man unguent around. "Put it on your face and ears. It seem to prevent the bite of some kind of worm."
BELLESH: "But that stuff smells bad, ATACIUS!"
ATACIUS: "I rather endure how it smells than a worm crawling under my skin!"
Apinro grins at BELLESH's complaint and makes the "worm wiggling" motion again, and puts it next to his ears and nose!
TAKASHI applies the paste, and urges Claudia to do likewise.
TAKASHI: "I'd trust his wilderness skills here overmy own - best do what he suggests."
CALLIN: nods thankful to Apinro for this help for us so far, and then has an evening prayer before eating and winding down for the night. "Well seems the pace is a bit faster than what we are used to. I do miss my horse!" CALLIN laughs a big as he rubs his feet.
Several of the elves nod in fervent agreement.
As it gets close to time to turn in for the night, BELLESH will approach Almanin. "I still have the spell to read magic memorized from this morning," he says with a touch of eagerness, "would it be ok if I used it on your spell book and see how many I can understand? I'm hoping someday when we are in a place with all the right materials, we can exchange spells."
Almanin gets a sheepish look on his face.
"My friend, I never, ever take my spell books with me when I travel. If I were to lose those... " and he shudders. "But when we get back, I'd be very happy to share my knowledge with you."
BELLESH regards Almanin with a confused look. "But what if you have to travel a long distance, and you have to re-memorize your spells? Wait a minute..." Bellesh's expression turns to wonder as he exclaims, "... you said, 'books'! How many spells do you know, Almanin?"
Almanin's face lights up. "Well, I have a few, mostly from my mentor who encourages me to try and learn as much as I can. Many of those spells are beyond me right now, but I will learn them someday, as my knowledge and understanding grow. I left those at home, though. My book that I brought with me is safe and sound in the tent, in a chest, locked and hidden!"
"At least I think I hid it..." and he trails off with a worried look on his face.
The elf looks at BELLESH. "Do you carry around copies as well?"
It's BELLESH's turn to look sheepish as he says, "I... don't know that many spells, so they fit into only the one book. But I have this copy that I take travelling, while my other one's safe at home, at least I hope it still is. Some of the people in my home town don't like me all that much..."
Almanin frowns. "I'm sorry to hear that, friend. It seems that many humans don't like mages. I think they blame them for the Doom. Is that the case with you?"
BELLESH frowns in turn. "I don't think they blame me for the Doom, that was way before I was born. I think it's just that, since I can do what I can do, they just don't trust me." He pauses as his frown turns to a faraway look and then he says, softer, "But maybe they were right not to..."
He continues staring into the distance for a while unless Jellesh, Almanin, or someone else breaks his pensive trance.
Almanin reaches out and puts a comforting hand on your shoulder. "It's been my observation that many humans fear what they don't understand. I see nothing to mistrust in you! You were brave to go after those wraiths on the roof to help Angon. That tells me much about your heart."
At the touch on his shoulder, BELLESH snaps out of the scene he was reliving internally, and smiles shyly and nods at Almanin in response to his praise. Still, he can't shake the image in the back of his mind of a fireball exploding in the middle of a group of people, their bodies burning...
TAKASHI will ready his bedroll and sits with Claudia.
TAKASHI: "Let's hope that our day tomorrow goes better than the last time. Whatever happens, make sure you stay beyond the reach of those accursed creatures if we should meet them again. I only hope that we find something that makes this trip worthwhile.
How are you feeling? Do you miss Appleton yet? I have found through hard experience that sometimes we do not miss something until it has passed from our reach, however temporarily. On our return, think of the many stories you'll have to tell your parents!"
Claudia's face changes and she looks relieved, then sad. "I am, Master... I wanted to travel so much and see the world, but I am missing what is normal, you know... the sunrise and smells and the sounds. Everything is SO different here! I'm grateful for you to bring me but... it's just not home!" and her eyes seem to fill a bit. She rubs them and blinks.
CALLIN overhearing the conversation joins in. "Ah I do miss the little congregation we had established in Appleton...and the Pie! An Appleton Apple Pie sounds simply amazing right now." CALLINs tummy rumbles a bit. "I will be happy to rid this place of darkness and get the Elves the knowledge they seek, and journy back home."
GRAIAN wandering around in thought joins them as Callin finishes, "My kin are indeed very appreciative of the help you are providng in this search, well those that are eager to seek knowledge instead war," his face darkens a little. "This journey is full of danger and there is no guarantee that there is anything of use to be found, although I always think you learn something, if not about other then yourself. I think with the help of Apino we have a much better chance, I just hope we do not becaome the cause of a great mishap for him or his people."
Claudia nods and reaches out to CALLIN for a hug, which she squeezes him tight. "Thank you, Priest. I miss those stupid apples too... and I hated them so much!" She sniffles and wipes her face again.
She nods to GRAIAN. "He's... something, alright. GRAIAN, Master, CALLIN.. do you know what we're looking for? What should we be on the look out for?"
CALLIN: Hugs Claudia back. "I beleive there was once a great Library, so a large building with many tombs of information. In addition I was to seek out the Temple that served as the center of Faith for these people. While not the LIGHT, it was a place of Faith on wholeness. I hope to find glimers of the LIGHT within."
Claudia nods. "That sounds like a lot to hope we can find. Do you think they're still there? What did the old temples look like?"
CALLIN smiles: "Claudia, Man has not changed...a temple will be large, ornate, and overly grandious. I have always found it odd that putting your Faith into something, always requires gems and gold..." CALLIN drifts off pondering. "If we find the most lavish large buildings in the city, we will be on the right track I think."
TAKASHI: "I have always thought that those with the most gold are also likely to also need the most forgiveness!" With that, TAKASHI chuckles a bit, then continues. "I think we will know what we're looking for when and if we see it."
Claudia nods, thinking. "I always thought the Temple in Skalfier was the most beautiful thing, with the light coming in and shining on the pool." she says wistfuly. "It felt different in there. But I like your shrine too, Priest Callin!" she rushes to add. "People talk about it with pride and it makes them feel closer to the Light."
CALLIN: "INDEED the Temple of Skalfier is beautiful. And it is a testiment to how much value those that worship put into the LIGHT. But as one that wanders about, I find more and more the true power of the LIGHT is not in fancy shrines or buildings, but inside each and every one of us, and the convictions in which we strive. This is the true beauty of the LIGHT. but the Temple in Skalfier does well to present that for all to see."
Summer 54, 57 AD - Ramathia
The evening is punctuated by two events that make for poor sleeping.
First are the screams of an elven scout who didn't put the unguent on their face and ears. Her shrill cries and thrashing about wake everyone in the camp up and echo throughout the forest, silencing the sounds of insects and small animals. Those close by can see that there are several worm-like creatures, about the size of a small finger, crawling on her face! One has gone up her nose and the other is halfway in her left ear!
Apinro dashes over and spreads the thick, smelly ointment across her nose and ears. The one in her nose drops off, but the one in her ear is too far in and soon enough, it has disappeared. She lapses into a fevered sleep and sporadically thrashes about, moaning. Apinro shakes his head and makes motions, pointing to the sky in the east, waving his hand in a semicircle, then pantomiming searching through the grasses. His few understandable words lead you to believe that he's going to find something. He points to the suffering elf.
Shortly thereafter, a series of storms roll in, lightning flashes and loud thunder keep almost everyone awake, although Indrian sleeps the rest of a soldier. Those with tents find themselves much beloved as the group tries to stay dry in the soaking showers.
The day dawns a gray, dull light that filters through the dripping canopy, the rain continuing. Apinro takes any who wish to come with him and he points to a broad leafed plant that is green and blue. After some searching, a large pile of leaves is collected. Apinro makes a small hallow in the ground and begins to smash the leaves with his feet, grinding them down until they are a sticky, astringent mess. He opens the mouth of the stricken elf and forces some of the mash into her mouth. She tries to involuntarily spit it out, but he keeps her mouth shut and she swallows it. He makes a motion for the rest to be picked up and saved.
Several elves help to carry the injured elf and the pace is much slower today. It is midday, and the rain has continued. Every so often, roughly hourly, Apinro stops and forces more of the mashed leaves into the elf's mouth. After awhile, she vomits, but there is little change. Apinro shakes his head, clucks his tongue, but continues to stop periodically and administer the mash to her.
The terrain begins to change. The floor of the forest is covered with small, hard rocks that are brittle. The vegetation isn't as dense here and you catch glimpses of the large volcano to your left. As the day wanes, the vegetation thins out even more and you can see that you have gained a bit of height and are looking down towards the city of Ramathia! It still lies some distance away, but even from here, you can see that the wall facing the volcano has been destroyed. The hardened lava flow had pushed its way into the city.
The party makes camp that evening and Apinro is a popular fellow as everyone makes sure to spread the ointment on their faces and ears!
(I'll pause for a moment to see if there's anything you wish to do before entering the city.)
BELLESH is very happy that he bought that cloak before starting this trip, with all the rain pouring down. He's anxious to get on into the city, not just because of his curiosity but so that they can hopefully get out of the weather a bit, and away from the worms and ointment!
CALLIN: will do his standard prayers including a prayer for the rain to pass after it has cleaned away the filth. CALLIN will apply more of the ointment, and attempting to embrace the environment, opt to move to a slighly secluded location and bathe in the rainfall, removing the grime of the day. but ensureing to put the ointment on as soon as the shower is complete.
Summer 55
The night passes without incident and the storms that had been following one after another taper off.
In the morning, Apinro checks on the stricken elf, who is still moaning in pain, although less. He checks her over, feeling at the ear that the worm entered. He nods and then does something very odd. He turns the elf on her side, leans over and puts his lips over her ear and starts to suck in. The other elves gather, muttering in puzzlement over the strange action.
Then, suddenly, Apinro stands up and spits a worm onto the ground! It is covered in blood, but is still moving! The native steps forward and grinds his heel into it, killing it. He takes some water and washes out his mouth, and then makes a motion to the elf and nods. He says some words, and from the gist of it, you think he's saying that she will be OK.
"Primitive, but effective." Angon says. "I guess the mash must have had some effect on the worm to draw it back out of Eshna. I hope she recovers."
Apinro finishes his morning preparations and then stands at the end of camp, facing the city. In the day light, you can see that the lava flow reaches into the city, having breached the wall around it. Some vegetation has grown in the area of the volcanic rock, but it is mostly bare.
Once ready, he leads you carefully down the lava flow and into the city proper. As the sun rises during your descent, the heat grows, it appears this will be a hot day, and the rock seems to radiate the heat.
The area you are in is ruins, with buildings collapsed from the lava. He guides you through the ruins, picking his way surely towards the center. After awhile, you move into areas where the damage is less, with buildings more intact. Here, he begins to grow more cautious, moving towards the buildings and walking carefully along them. Similar to the areas you were in before, these seem to be more of warehouses, common residential buildings and shops. Windows are broken, doors gaping open. Apinro peers into some and once in awhile, he picks up an odd item - a fork out of one, what appears to be a round piece of glass from another.
He then reaches a large intersection, with large streets leading in three directions - roughly to the north, south and east (towards the center). There are no undead guards at this intersection.
Which direction do you want to go?
BELLESH seems to be trying to look in all directions at once as the party makes it way through the ruined city, trying to take in all the strange sights of a once-splenderous, now-ruined city while also trying to keep a look out for danger, and to watch for interesting items to pick up much as Apinro does - not to mention trying to keep an eye on Jellesh to see that he doesn't get into something dangerous! In short order he begins to look a bit overwhelmed.
When the party reaches the intersection and is trying to decide which direction to go, he thinks a moment and says, "Well, the library, the merchant guild's hall and the temples are all places we want to go, and they're all supposed to be pretty big... maybe we should just head towards the tallest buildings we can find? Maybe Apinro knows which way they are."
He looks around at the others in anticipation of their responses and ideas.
CALLIN will look down the streets attempting to look for the most ornate looking buildings. Usually things like chruches and great libraries have very detailed architecture that would stand out against the other buildings.
TAKASHI, not being as familiar with larger cities as his fellow travelers, will also look to see what the largest buildings in the city are.
(Is there any building at the intersection that's high enough to maybe get to the roof and peer further into the city, so we can locate the general direction to the buildings we're looking for?)
In this area, there aren't really any ornate buildings that would stand out. It did seem that some of the rubble to your north (and now a bit behind you, as you moved forward) looked like they were larger, more discrete buildings than the residential/craft/light industrial area you're in now.
ATACIUS, there are larger buildings that you can climb up to get the lay of the land, yes.
ATACIUS: "I'll get to the roof of that (points to the tallest one nearby) building and see I can spot any distinctive building in the distance..." (Get inside the building and use the stairs, not climbing on the outside)
CALLIN: "It seems the larger builings were back behind us. Do you think we may have passed teh Library and Church"
After climbing to the top of the roof, ATACIUS sees a great deal, thanks to the placement of the building with the street layout! Perhaps littleling luck, always something of a legend, came into play...
Overall, the city is laid out as a rough circle, judging from how the buildings seem to be laid out. There are clusters of buildings that break up any symmetry.
Behind them and to the northwest, in the direction of the volcano, the destruction caused by the lava flow is clear. A huge swath of the wall and buildings near it were destroyed, although an occasional building is left standing, perhaps from the same luck? There are several buildings clustered together at the northmost edge of the destruction, nearly out of sight from ATACIUS, that have damage, but seem to have more architectural features. One even has several intact spires!
To the northeast, ATACIUS catches a glimpse of a walled area with a cluster of buildings inside that look like a keep of some sort.
To the south and southeast, the littleling sees more of the residential and common style buildings that you all saw when you entered from the gate. He does see the gate area and catches glimpses of the wall to the south that leads to the harbor, but buildings get in the way.
To the center, through buildings, ATACIUS sees the towers and spires of Ramathia, and wisps of what appears to be steam or white/gray smoke.
ATACIUS makes a rough sketch of the city while on top of the roof and then shows it to his companions.
"Maybe we can skirt the lava damaged area and check those spires to the north?" he suggests after climbing down.
The lava stretches down to your x, you would be a bit closer to the center.
Got it.
CALLIN: "The spires sound promissing. Lead the way ATACIUS!"
BELLESH nods, agreeing with CALLIN. "Ok, but watch out for that lava... and for falling parts of buildings, they don't look like they're in very good shape around there!"
ATACIUS will show the sketch to Apinro and point at the spires.
GRAIAN looking at the map, "Yes this seems to match what we had before, the walled section is the Keep an the impressive building is probably that one with spires, good that helpful. We should be careful not only of falling buildings but those hidoous creatures!."
TAKASHI: "Churches seem to love Spires, and it is also close to the keep, so I think that is our best bet as well. Let's hope we can stat clear of those flying undead!"
Once the decision is made, and you make it clear to Apinro where you want to go, he shrugs and nods. Indrian sends out several of his fastest scouts to check ahead for a good route, while you all make your way slowly, skirting the lava damaged areas. There are some signs of death, especially one building that appears to have collapsed with inhabitants, judging by the number of (inanimate) skeletons lying around. At some of the buildings, Apinro peers in and in a couple of cases, darts inside and rummages around. He appears interested in tools and odd bits, especially shiny objects.
Indrian's scouts return with very good news - there are no major obstacles nor any of the unliving patrols along the way towards where the spires are. The mood of the groups lifts considerably and everyone peers about, remarking on how it appears that danger was so total in some places and yet in others, very little sign of the mountain exploding aside from a coating of ash that covers everything.
As you get closer, and you can see more of the spires, they gleam in some parts, but others are corroded dull, or damaged. The buildings are beginning to look more stately and important.
One of the scouts returns and reports that the damage has changed - that rather than being damaged from the lava - "buildings for several blocks look as if fire was used against them, and it's not a natural looking sort of attack, like you might see from burning arrows. This was magic."
Angon and Almanin both look wary at this news. They and Indrian look at you all to see what you want to do.
ATACIUS: "Does the damage looks recent or it's old like the one done by the lava?" the littleling asks the scout. "We need to know if whatever did that is throwing magical fire to the buildings just for fun, as target practice.If it's not old we can proceed, more carefully, with some distance between each other just in case. We wouldn't want one of those blasts to catch us together... "
BELLESH frowns, flashing back to a ball of fire, then shakes his head to clear it. "If it goes on for blocks," he says, slightly hoarsely, "then it must've been many wizards... or one very, very powerful one..."
The scout thinks for a moment, then replies to ATACIUS "It looked old, like part of the wounds of the city, but very different from the lava damage."
Indrian and Angon confer for a moment, then Angon looks at BELLESH. "Do you think this has anything to do with what the old druid was saying about a great fire beast or creature or... whatever he was worried about? Would our guide here have any idea?"
"That's right!", BELLESH exclaims, "he said there was a great fire spirit or something, and he said that it was asleep... and we shouldn't wake it. That could've been what done it, but a long time ago, sounds like."
GRAIAN: "I don't remember there being any description of this beast being mentioned, I though it was just talk of the volcano, but this now seems like there is something else after all. We should ask Apinro about it."
"We should tread lightly, but we should still see what we can find in these buildings." Is there any writing that can be seen on the buildings? Anything that anyone can translate?
Indrian nods and directs out scouts. "We're moving towards the spires. Fan out and report if you see any opposition. Be careful and stealthy." The scouts dash off and Indrian motions for everyone to move forward.
As you move towards the spires, Apinro looks more and more curiously about him, peering at the buildings with great interest. Angon remarks that he seems to have not been in this area before, and queries Apinro on that. From the difficult conversation, Apinro shares that he's not been here, and to Angon, it seems that the young man wasn't very interested in what was here.
When Angon is able to get across to Apinro what he wants to know about the great fire beast that Orinu had mentioned, the lad makes several signs with his fingers and shivers and shakes his head vigorously. He points to the center of the city and says very clearly in common "No!"
ATACIUS and CALLIN, the building that you are looking at right now has a sign that reads "Horishna's Medicaments - Fine Apothecary Wares". The door is shut and one of the windows are broken.
BELLESH looks at ATACIUS and CALLIN. "Are you thinking about taking a look in there? I'm thinking there might be something what we wizards could use for spells in there..."
ATACIUS grins back at BELLESH. "Have you acquired mind reading abilities?"
TAKASHI: "Yes, I also recall talk of a fire spirit of some sort. Best we let that one lie quietly, as we have our hands full as it stands now."
Apinro catches wind of your interest in the building and grins. He peers through the broken window, looks around and then nimbly hops onto the window sill, ready to step through! He looks back at you, as if to say "Do you want me to go in?"
BELLESH nods vigorously.
ATACIUS motions Apinro to go in and then will follow him.
GRAIAN: "Once more...." and follows
Apinro reaches into the broken window and releases the latch. He pulls on it gently, then a bit harder and finally is able to work it open. He nimbly jumps inside.
ATACIUS, when you follow him, you are looking to what appears to be a work area whose walls are covered in all manner of bottles and jars. The area appears very untidy, with some of the shelves' contents on the floor, many broken and the contents lying around. Papers are scattered around the room as well.
Apinro goes through a door in the work area and for those standing outside, a few minutes later after the lad entered the building, he opens the door with a big grin. He immediately turns around and heads upstairs to investigate the second floor.
As you enter the building and start to peek around, Indrian details half of the remaining scout team to stand guard and she enters as well, along with Angon and Almanin. Both of the elves start looking at the shelves and smiling, poking about and commenting on the contents.
The main floor appears to be the shop, a kitchen, an eating/entertaining area and a privy. It looks as if its undisturbed from the moment when "Horishna" fled, and it's quite apparent that this person did indeed flee their home. The main floor looks as if things were gone through in haste. The kitchen looks as if there was meal being prepared, with pots on a stove and plates on the sideboard, but the contents have long dried up or been eaten by creatures.
What will you do?
CALLIN will stay outside while the others search, and instead spend his time looking at some of the other nearby buildings attempting to find something closer to a Temple or Library. Magical potions and powders have no interest to CALLIN :)
CALLIN/@Joseph Schnurr a few steps away, there is a small alleyway that leads into a close filled with dozens of alcoves that contain small shrines or statues. There are empty bowls in front of many, some have fallen over, some are corroded to the point of being unidentifiable, but all seem to depict some sort of deity, or object of worship. It's unlike anything you've ever seen before. Strange figures, some grotesque, some lecherous, some violent looking. Flecks of paint cling to some of them, despite having been open to the elements, and you get the feeling that at one time, this was a cacophony of colors among all of the various gods and goddesses depicted here.
CALLIN will go deeper into the alley and look to see if there are any doors or entrances to something like a temple. Or if this was simply an outdoor alter to various gods...
This appears to be just an outdoor area of worship, although the close connects to other alleys that lead off. There are several doors down those other alleys. Several of them already look ajar.
@Joseph Schnurr - what do you want to do?
@Joseph Schnurr - did we lose you, my friend? :)
CALLIN will head down the alleys and take quick looks inside the doors looking for an actual Temple or library
BELLESH goes over the shelves and starts looking through things like the elves are doing.
Many strange ingredients, tinctures, chemicals and substances. Many of the labels are intact, and the names are just as bizarre as you can imagine.
What is BELLESH looking for?
Anything that could be useful in the ritual casting of spells, or in copying spells into a book. And if he sees something that might be more... combustible... in nature, that might be useful to hang onto, too. Carefully, of course.
Of course! We'll say that you've found 100gp worth of spell components, easily. If you want to find more, it will take time and you might not be successful.
Give me a d6 roll and tell me what you get, for finding flammables.
That's a 3 on the d6 roll. BELLESH would stay here trying to find more all night, if they let him!
You don't find anything particularly flammable, after some time of searching. (we'll say 3 turns, there were a lot of bottles and jars.)
ATACIUS will go upstairs and see if there's anything of interest. If there are living quarters look for loose floorboards that might hide something. Also check the fireplace if any for loose bricks.
Give me a d6 roll as well and tell me what you get, please.
Gabriel Perez Gallardi rolled 1d6 for a total of 2
In the room of what appears to have been a young adult (judging by the size clothes and some of the books, which seem to be student texts on magic and history), there is a loose floorboard! Upon pulling it up, you find a small, dry, brittle, bundled sheaf of papers and envelopes.
They all appear to be related to love interests and student activities, but one has a map! "Learn the TRUTH!" it screams in big, bright, red letters that are still vibrant. "Join the QUEST for KNOWLEDGE that THEY don't want you to KNOW!" The map seems to wind through the town to the NE side, close to the ocean. Written on the back is a note "Marlin found some sort of book on hidden caves and secrets. He's always got something going on, but this seems to be real."
ATACIUS will grab the books and the sheaf of papers, and head back downstairs, a mischievous grin on his face...
... and you hear Claudia saying "Maybe ATACIUS would be able to help? He seems to like to get into things like this."
TAKASHI will enter the establishment warily, keeping an eye out for any surprises. Seeing no threats, he'll move upstairs to try and get a better view of the surroundings, and look out for any dangers.
TAKASHI: "Claudia, let's go upstairs and see if we can see anything better from higher up."
The rooms upstairs are living quarters. It appears that "Horishna" and their spouse slept in separate rooms, and that they may have had an older child or young adult living with them, judging by the 3 rooms and their contents. Most of those contents are on the floor, as if things were being dumped out and gone through. There is alot of dust and some damage from the elements, as a window to the rear of the house was left open.
The view must have been nice at one time, but now it overlooks a great deal of the lava damage from the volcano, as well as a glimpse of two of the spires from one of the partially damaged buildings that resemble a temple of some sort. To the rear, it overlooks a narrow alley and buildings close by. There doesn't seem to be another living soul nearby and the emptiness is full of echoes and quiet winds.
Claudia appears very taken and emotional, in looking around. "What do you think happened here, Master?" she asks. "Did they leave or were they robbed?"
TAKASHI: "It looks to me as if disaster struck here quickly. Look at all of these things left behind at our feet... People don't leave behind what they have worked for unless fleeing for their life. Did they make it? WHat were they fleeing from - a natural disaster or something worse? Maybe we will find out as we continue to look, or maybe we're not meant to know."
TAKASHI pauses a second, then says with a smile, "What do you see, Claudia? Anything that these tired old eyes have missed"?
Claudia looks at TAKASHI and laughts. "You're not that old!" She does look around as asked and thinks for awhile.
"There are a lot of clothes here, but not many things that are personal. You know... jewelry, pictures. Maybe they thought they were never coming back?"
TAKASHI: "Well done. I think that they realized that whatever was happening here would make this land uninhabitable for quite some time. Let's head back dwnstairs."
Claudia nods, and you both start to leave, but then she stops short and her face goes pale. She walks over to a pile of clothes and picks up a dress. It is a simple dress, with a pattern of flowers on white cloth. She sighs.
"Mother has something like this."
She puts it down quietly and follows you down the stairs, deep in thought.
On the first floor, you can hear Indrian speaking to some of the elves, while Angon, Almanin, BELLESH and GRAIAN are in the shop area, discussing things and poking through bottles.
Claudia peers into the store and walks over to one of the displays, looking at the bottom of the cabinets. She goes to open one of them and it is locked. Claudia looks at TAKASHI and says "Maybe ATACIUS would be able to help? He seems to like to get into things like this."
TAKASHI: "Indeed he does, Claudia. Quite the inquisitive one, our ATACIUS."
Claudia giggles, but watches intently as ATACIUS goes to work on the cabinet.
"Do I hear someone is requiring the services of Atacius Lightfoot, unveiler of secrets and discoverer of maps?" he says dropping his findings on a table and waving the parchment around. "Master BELLESH, I believe you will find this books and parchments of your interest..." he adds as he trots to CLAUDIA.
"Let's see what you've got here..." he mumbles while inspecting the lock on the cabinet.
ATACIUS will try Open Locks on the cabinet lock.
The lock is surprisingly difficult! You manage to deftly extricate your tools without breaking them, but this person apparently did not want this cabinet door to be opened by just anyone.
Claudia peers over your shoulder to see how it's going.
TAKASHI looks over the cabinet door to see what it is made of, and if it would be simpler to pry the door open or remove the hinges, if accessible.
TAKASHI: "If you can't open it with your delicate tools, perhaps we could convince it to open with a bit of physical persuasion?"
If no one objects, he will ask for the axe he gave Claudi and see if he can't get the blade between the cabinet door and its frame. He'll gently tap it in until he has enough bite from the blade, and use the axe's handle for leverage and try to pry the door off the cabinet.
It looks like you can get the axe blade in there. Roll a d20 and tell me what you get!
TAKASHI rolled 1d20 for a total of 15
The axe pushes against the cabinet door and frame. The hinges creak and groan and there is the sound of snapping wood and crunching.
"Careful..." says Angon, joining Almanin and Claudia who are all watching you to see what happens.
The screws holding the hinges to the cabinet give way first and the door bursts off the frame. There is the rattle of glass being bumped and thumps as something within falls over.
You can see the shapes of sealed and labeled flasks and bottles within! There are about a dozen there.
TAKASHI: "Looks as if we may have found something of use. Are any of you familiar with potions and unguents?"
ATACIUS: "It's a miracle you didn't brake any!"
Angon and Almanin shake their heads. "Only with those created by mages. Some potions required spells to create, but there are a great many that don't." Angon says. "What do the labels say?" She starts taking the bottles and jars and putting them on the counter top.
She then frowns. "I've never seen quite anything like this."
There are odd symbols, perhaps flowers or squiggles, along with numbers.
Three of them have the same number (23) and a round squiggle.
The rest (9) are unique numbers and unique symbols.
Apinro, who had appeared bored, looks with interest into the cabinet and smiles. He makes a "drinking" motion and laughs.
In the books ATACIUS found are there any of these unique symbols?
After a few minutes of flipping through, you don't see anything that jumps out. It would take an hour or two to flip through all pages of all books.
ATACIUS: "There's nothing here about those symbols. Better store everything we want to take and do it at the camp with more time." he says after flipping through the books. "These are good findings, who knows what else is hidden in the city!"
TAKASHI: "Ok, let's distribute the potions between all of us, as 12 would be a bit much for a person to carry. We can try and figure out what they are at a later time, or perhaps we'll find something along the way that helps us decipher the meaning of the labels."
Angon and Almanin volunteer to take 1 or 2 each.
TAKASHI will take 2, and will give 2 to Claudia for safe keeping. He'll offer 2 to BELLESH and ATACIUS, as they are close by as well.
ATACIUS will store two in on of his satchels.
BELLESH takes 2 bottles, gives them a quick look-over and puts one in each of his coat pockets.
ATACIUS has two of the sealed bottles that have the similar symbol, and TAKASHI has the remaining third with the same symbol. Noted and done!
BELLESH (upon walking over to the table and discovering the books and papers):
WHAT!? WOW!!!
GRAIAN walks over to the table to see what Atacius has found. " I wonder what else this book contained?" he says as he looks at the map. He begins to look through the papers.
The papers appear to be related to love interests and student activities - it's just a sheaf of papers, no book. The young adult living here was apparently involved in studies of natural medicines and reagents, as well as history and philosophy. (the description of the flyer/map is above).
BELLESH is excited about the books on history and magic (I believe ATACIUS said he was grabbing some), but he's REALLY excited about the map. "Look, GRAIAN!" he says, pointing at it, "who knows what we might find there, or what we could learn about! The Truth, it says!"
He's just about to call Claudia over to see when he hears the crunching noises from the cabinet behind him...
ATACIUS just took the map, which he shares with the rest. He brought the books for GRAIAN and BELLESH, and the elves if they're interested.
(Gotcha! I see where I said that now.)
BELLESH, the texts are interesting and may serve to add a bit of knowledge here and there, but for the most part, they are of topics you already know from your own studies (with other books and with GRAIAN) or they seem to be things that you just understand.
The history books appear to be general history topics on the Kingdom of Men and the Duchies. There is one on the Dark Times before, but it looks to be general in nature.
What else would you like to do in the apothecary?
BELLESH would like to talk about the map.
"If we head to the northeast sometime, could we try to follow the map? Look - 'hidden caves and secrets' it says - who knows what might be there!"
Are there in the cabinet any papers that might show who was/were the destinatarie(s) of these potions? Maybe a book where the transactions of these items was logged? If not, we can go to the N of the city where the spires are and then turn E towards the Keep. That will follow the path suggested in the map and we also get to explore two main places of the city, while avoiding the center where the pit with the Beast of Fire is said to be.
ATACIUS, there doesn't appear to be any ledger or journal - most of the papers here are orders or bits of recipes or notes on various things. It would take some time to organize them all and go through them.
A rattle and crash happens near the cabinets and Apinro leaps away from a tangle of measures and scales that he'd dropped on the floor. He grins embarassed and mumbles something in his native tongue.
Indrian returns to you all to let you know that CALLIN went down the street a few doors down and has entered into a close. One of the elves is keeping an eye on him to make sure he's not alone, he seems interested in some doors down a branching alley off of the close.
The area, so far, appears quiet with no movement.
GRAIAN looks up with a worried look on his face "None of us should be going off on our own, Indrian gather the group."
Indrian nods curtly. She goes out to gather up the nearby scouts and go find CALLIN.
The other elves, Claudia and Apinro gather by the front door. Claudia looks a little sad.
"It's seems like we're leaving this place again to silence. It's sad that these buildings are so empty now..."
TAKASHI: "Perhaps, someday we'll know what happened here and what could be done to make it safe again. Until that time, it is probably best that the city remains empty."
Indrian leads you all to a close filled with dozens of alcoves that contain small shrines or statues. There are empty bowls in front of many, some have fallen over, some are corroded to the point of being unidentifiable, but all seem to depict some sort of deity, or object of worship. It's unlike anything you've ever seen before. Strange figures, some grotesque, some lecherous, some violent looking. Flecks of paint cling to some of them, telling a story of long-gone days when the colors ran riotously through here.
Further on, there is a door that is wide open and CALLIN is standing in it looking around.
CALLIN, the door you have opened has led into a small temple that looks ransacked. The remains of statues and figures like broken on the floor among smashed furniture. Lurid red paint, still visible, screams out the words "PAGAN" "FAITHLESS BRING THE DOOM" and "DIE IN DARKNESS" and various other epiteths.
More ominously are skeletons dressed in scraps of what were once bright cloth, their skulls lying away from their bodies.
What will you all do?
CALLIN "seems like even here they had to contend with lightbringers" an obvious distaste put in the last word. "It looks like this was a hidden place of worship, not the main Temple. " CALLIN will search through the temple to see if anything worthwhile is about. Perhaps a journal? To see how long this Temple was actually worshipped in. Might help to establish a timeline.
CALLIN (@Joseph Schnurr), after examining the statues, it looks to be of several poses of 2 male gods and one female goddess, but there are no identifying names on them, or at least that you can see, perhaps they were too smashed if they were present?
You find several leaflets, faded, that invite people to "learn about the blessings of Aman and Alaya in these troubled times!" The rest of the papers that you find are too faded, or were perhaps burned, as you find several piles of charcoal and burned bits that seem to signal that things were burned here.
Claudia and Almanin are poking around the statues. "What are Lightbringers?" Claudia asks.
CALLIN will take one of the leaflets to review later. He looks to the rest of the group to state he is ready to move toward the spires, as they travel he responds to Claudia. "Lightbringers are a corrupt lot. A group of thugs that mean force people toward the LIGHT. That is not the way. You can't make someone have faith. You can't force them to believe, to trust. But they think different. They are a corrupt lot that I will be dealing with when I return."
ATACIUS "Do you think they might have had something to do with what befell to Ramathia?"
Summer 55, Midday
Once CALLIN is ready, the group moves out, taking an alleyway that, according to Indrian, will lead them close to the spires. There are signs of struggle - buildings whose doors have been smashed open, inanimate skeletons fallen in ways that suggest they were fighting, broken windows. The mood grows quiet and somber as more and more skeletons lie akimbo in the alley. Then, Indrian holds a hand up and crouches. An elf scout slips their way into the alley and whispers hurriedly to the sergeant and she shakes her head.
"The spires lie up ahead... but the elf scout says... it's worse than what we find here." she says in a low, quiet voice. Angon and Almanin look grim and Claudia's face pales slightly, a nervous look crosses her face. She glances briefly at BELLESH and moves a bit closer to him.
Indrian stands and the group proceeds forward. The alleyway turns a bit and you can see the end of it, opening into a plaza. Several stately buildings border the plaza, with soaring spires. Even from here, you can see damage to one of the spires - it looks as if the rock and structure melted away.
Nearing the alley's opening, you see thousands of skeletons lying in the plaza. Clusters of them lying near or on each other. Two of the buildings look as if they had been on fire from the inside, with black soot and damage around the doors and windows, the ribs of the roof open to the sky. Three buildings, clustered together, have the melt damage, and the areas in front of them have pits that were melted into the plaza surface. There are far fewer skeletons here than there are in front of the other buildings.
The skeletons nearest you are arranged in chaotic fashion - a couple of piles, as if the bodies just fell where they were, others that have corroded weapons and limbs entangled in each other. A few have scraps of rusted armor.
Angon looks at you all in shock and distress. "What happened here? This is madness!" she exclaims.
What will you do?
TAKASHI quitely): "What in the name of all that is under the stars could do this? I haven't seen such destruction and death, not at this scale."
BELLESH pulls back his hood and rubs at his bald head as he looks over the remains of the carnage, frowning. "Something very powerful," he says very quietly, matching Takashi's tone. "You see there?" he asks, pointing to the buildings burned from the inside, "It could have come from there, maybe we should look. But wherever we go, we need to be quiet in case it's still around, so we don't wake it."
At TAKASHI's words, Claudia suddenly bursts into tears and puts her head on BELLESH's shoulder.
BELLESH tries to comfort Claudia but his words seem hollow to him in the face of so much death: "it'll be okay Claudia, it'll be okay..."
Claudia sniffles and pulls back a bit, embarassed and still upset. "So sad... so much death..."
Almanin nods at BELLESH. "Why weren't they fleeing? They seem to be ... fighting among each other. Madness indeed."
BELLESH: "Maybe a spell put on the people, or some kind of sickness... it's hard to tell with so much... burned..."
Almanin examines some of the skeletons closest too you, ignoring the gasp and warning from Angon.
"They don't appear burned here... simply dead and left to rot where they fell." he says in a puzzled voice.
Indrian thinks for a moment then speaks. "Shall I send scouts or do you wish to go as a group?"
CALLIN: "By the LIGHT....darkness has fallin accross this land in heavy layers..." Callin trails off. The then attempts to scan the buildings looking for something that would look the most like a Temple.
CALLIN, all of the buildings resemble temples, but not Temples of the Light that you would be familiar with. These seem to be pre-Light structures.
ATACIUS gapes at the sight of the plaza. "Well, this was not what I expected..." He looks at Apinro to see his reaction. He then turns to Indrian and say "We're all in this together, let's go as a group."
Apinro is in the back of the party, his eyes wide with some fear. He won't come near any of the skeletons in the alley and seems extremely reluctant to move on.
ATACIUS will stay close to him.
Apinro nods tensely to the littleling, his eyes roving about. His left hand is close to a sling strapped to his belt and his right hand is close to a small dagger.
TAKASHI: "Let's get a look into each building, then decide where to go next."
CALLIN: "I Agree with TAKASHI. Let us head to the closest one and go from there."
There is a major thoroughfare going from left to right directly in front of you, and then across that is the plaza itself. The alleyway has come out closer to the left (south) side of the plaza, where the buildings that seem to have burned from the inside are at.
At TAKASHI and CALLIN's words, Indrian snaps her fingers and directs several scouts to move up, she follows cautiously with the remaining scouts and then motions to you all.
It's a macabre sight as you move out of the alley and into the plaza. Ramathia is a large city, much larger than Skalfier, and it looks like a good portion of Skalfier's population could have fit into this plaza. The ground is choked with skeletons and it is hard to move between the piles without disturbing them. There is a deep silence here, with only the wind whispering mournfully. When you do accidentally kick a bone pile, the bones rattle loudly, seeming to echo among the ruined structures, whose spires soar up into the sky.
After a long turn or two, you reach the first building. It looks as if it was a temple, but chaos has visited it. The alcoves in the front wall are empty, the statues fallen over and broken among the bones of the dead. Red and green paint is splashed on the columns and facade, epiteths and warnings scrawled in a hurry. The great doors are closed, but there is smoke damage around the door frames. The handles themselves are chained from the outside! There is a group of several armored skeletons lying in front of the doors, facing out, and a large surrounding ring of skeletons whose limbs have been hacked at.
The scouts come back from a quick recon around the building and shake their heads. "Nothing lives or moves." one whispers. "There is smoke damage all around. The entrances from the sides and back are barred much like this. The windows are higher up, not barred, but slitted, although there are skeletons in most, choking them. It's as if many were trying to get out of the building."
What will you do
TAKASHI looks to the group. "Let's move to the next building and get an overview of them all before deciding which to investigate further."
GRAIAN stops to look at the red and green paint markings more closely to see if they will help make more sense of this chaos.
CALLIN: Should we send ourselves so deep TAKASHI? Or perhaps ATAICUS could simply let us through the locked door to investigate? Whatever they were protected, should still be in there, and isn't that why we came?
TAKASHI: "It is up to you all. I worry that they may have been trying to keep something INSIDE the building. Perhaps it has died with all of the rest by now..."
GRAIAN - the writing is similar to the epiteths scrawled in the alley temple you encountered earlier. Slurs, curses and even a "The World Ends Now" message.
The scouts who've cautiously made their way a building or two ahead of the bulk of the party return, and report "Nothing moves or lives." to Indrian, but the insanity of the scene seems to be affecting them, as they are very somber and whisper in low tones.
What will you do?
TAKASHI: "If there is nothing to fear at the moment, perhaps it is best if we try and enter the temple. ATACIUS?"
ATACIUS will put a hand on Apinro's arm. "We are all shocked but we will be alright friend." He will then trot forward to where TAKASHI and CALLIN are. "So, I guess we're going in there now?" he asks nodding at the temple with chained doors. "Let's check those chains..." He will climb the steps and approach the doors.
The chain and padlock look corroded from exposure to the sea-salty wind and temperature, leading you to think that a physical effort is probably the easiest way to get in - break the lock and/or chain! You see nothing to suspect that there are any traps or malicious devices that would come into play.
Between TAKASHI, CALLIN and several elves, the chains are soon in pieces and the doors, though swollen with age and lack of maintenance, grumble their way open.
A cascade of bones falls over those who are pulling the doors open! Once the noise subsides, the bedlam inside becomes obvious. A huge pile of burnt bones are against the door, along with gouges and scratches at the door which tell the tale of a frantic attempt to escape the flames within. The walls and floor are blackened in places where the soot and char have not been washed away and the roof above is charred and mostly open to the elements. A few places along the edge of the walls and ceiling look golden, green and blue.
There is very little left within, aside from a huge statue at the other end of the temple. The pedestal, legs and bottom half of the torso are blackened, but the upper half is streaked with soot where it has washed off some from rains. One arm holds a trident but the arm is cocked at a strange angle. Determining further features will require you to go forward into the temple to examine it.
What will you do now?
TAKASHI: "It appears as if it was set aflame, then locked from the outside to kill those trapped within. A most evil act... Tread carefully!"
ATACIUS gasps at the scene and will look back towards the plaza and surrounding buildings, to see if our disturbance have alerted anyone or anything, and to avert his eyes from the inside of the church.
Claudia seems in shock and has not left BELLESH's side. Angon and Almanin are gaping in utter astonishment and horror.
"Humans would do this for their gods?" finally Almanin speaks in a voice tinged with anger and disbelief.
"Something did... but I'm not sure it was humans," BELLESH says.
He looks at Claudia, trying to give her a reassuring look, then asks, "Do any of you know any magic what could protect people from fire, just in case...?"
Almanin looks puzzled for a moment, and stammers a bit - as if he's trying to get his mind back to the task at hand.
"There are spells that help protect from fire and spells... but I'm not sure we have anything to worry about right now.. unless THAT comes back..." and he points to the buildings that are opposite you, across the plaza, that have their exteriors "melted" in areas.
CALLIN: "What manner of darkness leads a man to lock away his brethern to be burned alive." CALLIN shakes his head. "Is there anything to look for in here? Seems to be simply burnt remains."
The more time stretches on, the more unconcerned BELLESH appears to be with the scene before them. After looking over to make sure that Jellesh hasn't wandered off, he turns to Claudia and gives her a mischievous wink before stepping into the temple! He tries to carefully make his way towards the statue, stepping gingerly to avoid the bones as best he can.
GRAIAN watches Bellesh move through the bones and into the temple, a concerned look coming over his face. Looking at the others "We cannot let him wander in on his own." Those close by catch him muttering, "Wraiths be damned, this young man is likely to be the death of me!" as he follows Bellesh.
TAKASHI: "We are here to investigate what has happened. Let's hope we make it back to tell the tale!"
With that, TAKASHI smiles at Claudia and enters the temple with BELLESH and GRAIAN.
Claudia gapes in surprise at BELLESH's boldness, but as TAKASHI starts to enter the temple, she marches resolutely behind him.
Indrian details the elves to keep an eye on the plaza, and she remains at the door. Angon, Almanin and Apinro follow, although Apinro looks extremely frightened.
BELLESH, the majority of bodies are near the door. As you walk deeper into the temple, there are fewer skeletons to step around. Upon reaching the huge statue, you see that it is part of an altar, though most of it appears to have burned, leaving only charred bits and melted gold and silver decorations behind.
Most interesting is the odd sight of a stone tile that is lifted up out of the floor! There are leg bones sticking out of it at an odd angle, which are keeping the tile propped open. You realize that the arm of the statue that is at an odd angle is pointing the trident at that slab.
What will you do?
CALLIN will follow after BELLESH. taking the opposite side of TAKASHI and CLAUDIA ensuring all sides are protected.
TAKASHI will attempt to gently lift and move the stone tile that appears to be unseated.
While Takashi does that, BELLESH will inspect the statue and altar. Does it look like any gods he's read about? Any markings or anything else left intact that he can make out about it now that we're closer?
TAKASHI, it's heavy enough that it requires you, Claudia and others to help lift it! Or rather, swing it up, as it appears to be connected to some sort of metal hinges. Under is a shaft, with fitted stones as the wall, going down. There are metal pegs in the wall, at regular intervals and looking similar to what you might see if someone wanted to climb down the shaft.
The mechanism GROOOOAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNS as you lift it up, the sound echoing throughout the temple and into the plaza.
As you do this, the arm of the statue holding the trident shifts slightly, pointing towards the shaft.
BELLESH, the statue is of a god whose gender you really can't determine! It could be a man, or woman, it was carved in such a way that it's featureless in that respect and the face appears androgynous. The statue is carved with a crown on its head and a type of robe as the clothing. It's other arm is outstretched towards the door, but appears to be a solid piece, versus the arm holding the trident. There are no markings on the statue itself to indicate a name. It does look rather imposing and prominent though, much moreso than any Temple of the Light.
Does it look like any god that you're aware of - hmmm. Has BELLESH done much reading on Ramathia and its history, aside from what you've read at the Merchant's Guild library? Would religions have been something that he would have been interested in?
---
Indrian comes halfway down the length of the temple. "That sound was very loud. What did you do?" she whispers quietly and urgently.
ATACIUS, that has been hanging outside the temple with the elves, comes with Indrian but follows all the way where his comerads are. He stands next to the shaft looking down. "What an interesting find you've made!" he exclaims. "We can lower a lantern before going down,"
GRAIAN, who had been examining the statue, hurries over to the slab, "Well that was loud enough to wake the dead, what have you found?" After taking his staff and putting it into the hole and tracing the inside, he kneels down and peers throught the opening? (Assuming the staff does not trigger anything!)
BELLESH winces when he hears the sound, then looks around nervously, trying to watch in all directions for any signs for what the groaning might have awakened.
CALLIN looks to GRAIAN "Far to many dead lying around to start speaking like that!" CALLIN says as he scans the room litered with dead bodies. "I agree with the Littleling. We should lower down a lantern and see what we can see before heading down."
(Who has a lantern and rope? Who will lower it?)
GRAIAN, as you get close to the hole and trace it out with your staff, you notice that the bones that are lying there are of the lower half of a humanoid, up to about the waist. The upper half is no longer there!
You also accidentally bump those bones and they fall with a clatter a short distance downwards. With your elven eyes, and now that ATACIUS is there, with his littleling eyes, you both see the bottom, dimly. Something is lying down there! It's hard to make out. The metal pegs do seem to continue down all the way.
It's been a long while since BELLESH carried a lantern with him, but he'll help to prepare and lower one if someone has one available.
If nobody has a lantern ATACIUS will look around the place to see if there are any that can be reused.
Also, does the bones where the upper half is missing. look like broken or cut clean?
Before GRAIAN knocked over the bones, the break at the waist/spine looked clean. As if the block had cut the body in two...
TAKASHI winces as the hatch groans open, loking sheepishly around afterwards. He listens to the others suggestions, then adds the following.
TAKASHI: "I have no rope, unfortunately. ATACIUS and GRAIAN, can you see anything in the dim recesses down there?"
So who has a latern in their inventory...? ATACIUS and GRAIAN can see the bottom, dimly. There is something lying down there (along with the bones that fell).
GRAIAN gets up, "I have some rope and a lantern". Taking off his backpack he retrieves the rope and lantern. Filling the lantern with oil he lights it and then lowers it through the opening about 15 feet.
Before lowering the lantern, ATACIUS will take advantage of the extra illumination and check the rim of the shaft on the inside, looking for traps. After that he will ask for a spear or staff to probe from above the pegs on the wall.
ATACIUS, you see no indication of traps, just the mechanism that must have lifted/lowered the block. It looks bent on one side, the side closest to where the bottom half of the skeleton had been.
After being handed a spear, and poking at the pegs, they seem intact and solidly fitted into the shaft wall.
When you lower the lantern, it goes about ten feet down the shaft and then swings in the open air under the shaft. The ground seems to be a dirt packed floor. The floor/ground is between five to ten feet below where the shaft ends. You can't see the walls of the area.
You can now see an upper half of a skeleton lying on the ground, lying amid tattered robes that glint with gold and silver thread. The bottom half of the skeleton is now strewn across it. There is some sort of book lying on the ground near it!
What will you do now?
ATACIUS suggests to lower the lantern to the ground and tie the rope to the statue, then climb down the rope.
BELLESH's eyes light up at the sight of the book, but he says nothing. He nods to ATACIUS' suggestion.
TAKASHI: "I can go down first if there is light below so I can see. Unless anyone else wishes to go down first?"
If no objections are made, TAKASHI will make sure all of his equipment is in its proper place for the descent, and then head down...
ATACIUS will go after TAKASHI. On his way down the rope he'll take a look at the pegs to see if any of them is different.
Claudia takes the rope end and ties it securly around the base of the statue. She will follow ATACIUS down the pegs once the two begin their descent.
What do the rest of you want to do? (@Chris, @Derek Daniels, @Joseph Schnurr)
BELLESH will head down as well.
GRAIAN will head down
CALLIN will head down as well.
Summer 55, Thrice-quartered day
As you make your way down, Apinro hums and keens in a distressed voice. Isrisu comes over to the hole and watches you all descend. "Do you want us to come, or should we stay here?" she asks.
The chamber you are in is a decent size, with bright, but dusty frescos of some sort of aquatic scene. The floor and walls are a type of sandstone tiles. There is a large exit in one of the corners of the room, and a large hallway leading into darkness.
The body lies in front of you, as does the book.
What do you want to do?
BELLESH can't resist taking a closer look at the book.
ATACIUS will motion Isrisu to wait.
Is the body burned like the ones above? Are there traces of fire here?
BELLESH, the book is very large, with golden edges and an embossed cover. The symbols or script on the cover is not Common or Elven.
ATACIUS, the bones are not burned, just cut in half. There are the remnants of what looks to be a very rich and luxurious robe, and a type of head covering, and blue slippers lying where the bottom half of the bones fell.
TAKASHI: "They may as well come down. Perhaps they will have a better eye for what these frescoes mean - something in their history that we may not be aware of."
TAKASHI will look over the fresco covered walls to see what they portray.
GRAIAN. watching Bellesh, will join him in examing the book. "I do not recognize that script on the cover." OOC: Does this look/feel like a Spell Book, or just a nicely made, expensive book?
BELLESH looks up at Graian and nods and says, "it's weird, I don't even know if it's a language. And after those other weird books with the eyes from the other library... I don't know, maybe we should take this back and try some spells to try and figure out more about this one before we open it up?"
GRAIAN: "Yes, perhaps that is a good idea, certainly wouldn't want anything unfortunate to happen to us here!"
TAKASHI, the frescos are a mix of fancy geometry and of a prominent figure that looks very similar to the statue! These seem to be aquatic scenes and the figure is the center of each one - some are with fish, some are with ships and boats on the water, a couple are of the figure next to a stylized view of a city with a harbor.
CALLIN/@Joseph Schnurr - this script "feels" familiar. You can't understand it, but it somehow reminds you of some of the older books that your mentor/priest of the Light had in the furthest recesses of his bookshelves. It definitely reminds you of some of the fancier prayer books/hymnals that you've seen in your travels.
GRAIAN - it doesn't remind you of an arcane spell book, but it definitely is an important book of some sort.
Isrisu and a couple of the scouts make their way down the ladder and lightly drop to the floor. Isrisu points to the passageway that leads out of this chamber and they move forward a bit, on guard.
CALLIN: "I think it is an ancient prayer book. I cannot read it, but it looks similar to texts I have seen growing up in the Temple."
CALLIN, as you flip through it, you can see that this prayer book was probably for a high priest, as the prayers and hymns become more complex with many illustrations and strange symbols drawn in the finest inks and metallics.
Then, on the last few pages, you find what looks like a journal, written in haste, scrawled over the original writing.
26th day of Summer, Year of Kings 1165
The Days of Calamities, when the skies shuddered and the mountain began spewing the lions of flame, has never ended, and I hear that this city, these people, are truly doomed. The madness grows and I despair, even with the trident of Zorus, we cannot overcome this evil.
The Mages Council has locked themselves away in their towers, convinced that the answer to our travails lies within controlling the Beast of Fire that lives in the mountain of fire.
The Great Duke musters his soldiers to try and keep the peace, but fear, it breeds fear and hate, and now our very own families of faith and gods turn against us. This morning, Zepharus and Skeltos were attacked and beaten nearly to death! A few of the remaining faithful managed to pull them into the temple and the miracles of Zorus has healed their bodies, but they will not leave now. I hear the calls and screams in the streets. So much pain. So much death. Zorus does not answer my prayers, except in muted tones, as if he is looking elsewhere. But where else does he look?!? I know he has not abandoned us, but it is as if he cannot hear us, or perhaps we cannot hear him?
The cultists who claim that our gods have abandoned us, their voices grow louder in the streets. They call themselves "The Light" but I see through them - they are apostates and liars! Their tricks will deceieve some, but if I can pray more, if I can reach across this barrier to Zorus, then I will show the people what true power of the gods is!
29th day...
The burnings. It is horrible! Those damned mages... (the rest of the writing is smeared as if the page had been covered with ink or water that made the ink run)
The last page is scrawled -
30th day - we must flee! The Beast burns the city and most are stricken with a madness of rage and fear! They are fighting in the streets! Zorus protect us, but I fear he has truly abandoned us. I will put this book in the catacombs and flee to the mainland. I hear the riot at the door, I hope it will hold, for we have faithful within, elderly, children and those unable to fight, while the strong faithful fight to keep the temple intact. So much madness and death.
CALLIN reads over the book. "It seems a strange madness happened here. Perhaps caused by the awakening of the FIre beast. It does mention that followers of the LIGHT came to take them as they locked themselves away. I Know that the LIGHT teaches to rely on the power of Man as the gods had abandoned us. Perhaps this is where it began..." CALLIN says trailing off deep in thought. "I think it would be good if I could hold on to this tomb if no one opposes. I would like to spend more time digging into it. It says these are the catacombs. I wonder if we can use them to make our way to other buildings avoiding the streets?"
Angon and Almanin don't object. They are very curious to see what the book looks like, as compared to a spell book, if you're amendable to them looking at it."
TAKASHI: "I wonder if the madness that came is the same that drives the DAMNED today?"
CALLIN: "Of course the more eyes to read over it, the more we stand to understand it" CALLIN says sharing the book with Angon and Almanin.
As you all move into the chamber with the crates and clothes, the two elves thumb through the book, commenting on it in elven to each other. They seem very curious about it, and aren't really paying much attention to where they are at.
ATACIUS will approach Isrisu and the scouts that are guarding the passage and whisper "Anything down there?"
"I see a chamber about 8 or so paces down that way." one of the elves whispers back. "There's things there, stacked, like boxes, or hanging items. It's hard to tell. Nothing move though."
TAKASH will eye the corridor that ATACIUS is looking down with the elves.
TAKASHI: "Shall we investigate, my friend?"
ATACIUS: "You read my mind friend" he replies and motion the elves to start moving forward. He will follow them.
BELLESH will follow behind the others curiously.
GRAIAN will follow "Hmm, it is interesting that the Light was here before the event, I did not realize that, I thought they were a recent part of the religion."
This passageway connects to the corner of a slightly larger chamber, with exits in the wall across and to the right of you, and across/to the left of you. These are open archways, not doors. The walls are covered with plaster and painted in vivid colors of various geometric designs. The chamber itself is full of storage containers - boxes, barrels and crates. Racks are hung with gorgeous, rich looking clothing.
It is very quiet here.
Bellesh and Jellesh both edge a little closer to the front, trying to get a better view into the room.
GRAIAN will listen itently, see if there is anything he can hear.
GRAIAN, you don't hear anything out of the ordinary.
Apinro, having finally come down the ladder, is tracing his fingers over the pictures in the entry room. He says, quite clearly "<elven word for capricious> Meno".
CALLIN "These fine clothes look to be worth their weight in gold. Perhaps if nothing else, we can ensure Appleton continues to stand. I'm sure fancy clothing from the legendary Ramathia would fetch a fair price."
ATACIUS walks around the place casually feeling the hung clothes before checking what's in the boxes and crates.
ATACIUS, these are fine clothes, very rich and luxurious, although a bit stiff with age and disuse. There is a layer of dust on the crates and boxes, but lifting them, you see in the first couple - candles, blank parchments, plates, glassware - all of which look to be top quality. Do you wish to keep looking in more? This initial look took a turn to do.
Yes, ATACIUS will spend some more time looking these boxes and crates in detail.
What do the rest of you wish to do while ATACIUS inventories the crates/boxes?
BELLESH figures it will take forever if only ATACIUS is going through things, so he'll start doing it too... besides, he likes fine clothes, he might find something he'd like to wear... or maybe even something for Jellesh!
As ATACIUS and BELLESH dig through the boxes and crates, Irisu sends two scouts down each hallway to investigate further.
After a short while, the scouts return.
"The hall to the left turns to the left and onto itself, leading into a room that is amply furnished." one scout reports.
"The hall to the right leads to a sharp turn to the right. There is a locked door to the left at that turn, and the passage continues a short way into a large chamber of some sort. It has stools and is brightly painted. I went no further." the other scout reports.
It takes 3 turns to investigate all the crates and boxes, but at the end of it, it seems that this was a storage area for the temple. You've found:
* hymnals
* clothing, not quite as fancy as the ones hanging, but still ornamental and well crafted
* ornamental decorations
* utensils for eating
While looking, JELLESH starts jumping and climbing on the boxes, then jumps on the rack of clothes, which falls over with a loud CLATTER! JELLESH snarls and jumps away, unfolding his wings! He doesn't fly though, and manages to land on all four feet, dashing over to BELLESH and hiding behind his leg.
The clatter echoes down the quiet passageways.
BELLESH, if you want to wear some of the fancy robes, go right ahead... they're a deep, rich blue with gold trim and decorations. The clothing from the crates are not quite as fancy but still serviceable.
GRAIAN chuckels slightly as he see Bellesh examining the clothing, deciding what to wear, but that quickly turns into a frown as Jellesh knocks over the rail.
ATACIUS: "I bet you'd look smart in one of those robes BELLESH. Won't he, Claudia?"
Claudia takes a slow, deliberate look at BELLESH, looking at him up and down, then grinning and with a giggle, says "Yes! He should wear one!"
BELLESH will certainly take one if he can find one with pockets... he likes big pockets so he can grab things quickly (like spell components)
Yes, the fancier robes have pockets on the inside, 4 to be exact.
Nice! If it will fit over his regular clothes he'll throw it on, otherwise he'll fold it and put it in his backpack. He pets Jellesh at his feet, saying, "You shouldn't attack the clothes, you know."
It does indeed fit over your existing clothes.
JELLESH starts to bat at the few fringes that hang off the bottom of the robe.
What will you all do now? (@Alan Krause, @Chris, @Derek Daniels, @Gabriel Perez Gallardi, @Joseph Schnurr)
BELLESH suggests checking out the furnished room.
CALLIN "Yes lets check the furnished room first to ensure it is clear, then move to the locked door and what sounds like the Chapel!"
ATACIUS agrees with the finely dressed young man.
You take the passageway that does a "180" and comes into a well furnished room. From your vantage point (assuming N is in front of you - only for purposes of describing the room), you have come into it at the SW corner on the south wall. There is a closed door in the NE corner on the east wall. The room is appointed with tapestries on the wall, rich rugs on the floor and comfortable chairs and settees in the NW and SE corners. A few books lie on a table in the SE corner as well. There is a layer of dust on everything.
Claudia reaches out to feel BELLESH's robe and smiles at him in a teasing, but happy way.
BELLESH sticks out his tongue at her but then smiles back.
JELLESH successfully ensnares one of the tassels and begins chewing on it, looking very annoyed when you move and drag it away from him.
CALLIN will head toward the books. Does this look like a study perhaps? Callin will examine the books
It looks more like a sitting room, than a study. The books appear to be contemporary (sixty to one hundred years ago) treatises on religions, as well as a small prayerbook dedicated to Zorus. (@Joseph Schnurr)
TAKASHI sees nothing of interest here, not being the bookish type. He'll look at the tapestries, and see what that depict.
BELLESH asks Claudia if she wants to help him pull up some of the rugs, to see if anything is hidden under there!
GRAIAN will also examine the tapestries.
ATACIUS will check behind them. Also, if "there is a layer of dust on everything", are there any footprints on the floor?
TAKASHI and GRAIAN, they are more depictions of aquatic scenes with the same figure, although the detail is extremely well done. These are clearly worth some value!
Claudia agrees with BELLESH. You both pull the rugs aside, but there isn't anything hidden under them.
ATACIUS, there were no footprints in the floor, but now that you all are walking around, there are! :) There is nothing behind the tapestries.
TAKASHI: "If we have the time, we should bring these tapestries home with us. I imagine that they would fetch a good price for those interested in the lore and history of Ramathia."
"Definitely! And it and the other expensive things down here could help the elfs recover the expense of what they've lost on this trip... It would be hard to carry all this stuff all the way back though, we'd probably need to get everybody to help..."
BELLESH looks over at the other door out of the room. "Takashi? Do you think I should cast a Strength enchantment on you now? Just in case..."
GRAIAN: "Well it looks like we are the first down here for a long time, at least ones that walk"
What will you do, or should I assume that time will pass and look for wandering monsters?
ATACIUS will check the door.
A quick check shows that this door is locked, but you don't see any obvious traps on it. (@Gabriel Perez Gallardi)
ATACIUS will then take out his trade tools and start working on the lock. He'll also use the magnifying glass he has.
A master at work and this lock is no challenge - obviously meant more to just keep out the curious than to prevent serious entry. It is quicky unlocked. Will you open the door?
Both Apinro and Indrian seem ... impatient? Not enjoying being belowground? Both seem to not be curious, but rather on guard and nervous, or closely paying attention to what is going on behind you all.
ATACIUS will snap his fingers to get the atention of his companions before opening the door.
Indrian unsheathes her sword in response to ATACIUS's finger-snap and comes up close to him. Apinro moves away, looking like he's ready to bolt. Almanin and Angon move back as well, giving the rest room. Claudia looks to TAKASHI to see what he will do, but readies herself with the axe held in both hands.
TAKASH breaks from his momentary reverie at ATACIUS's snap, readies himselft, then nods at ATACIUS.
ATACIUS will open the door in a quick motion and step to the side.
The door opens, stiffly, and requires a good, hard push to get it full open.
GRIAIN's BELLESH's lantern reveals a sumptuous bedroom, minimally decorated, with bookcases stuffed with papers, scrolls and books. Thick carpet lies near the large bed and chests of drawers and wardrobe gathered together. An overstuffed chair is opposite the bed, with a low table near it.
What catches your eye lies in the center of a room. There is a staff, floating vertically above a small golden pedestal in the ground. The top of the staff is in the form of a trident. The shaft appears to be brightly colored wood, colors similar to the azures and gold that you've seen elsewhere in this temple.
(Editor's note: GRAIAN is the one with the lantern, it's his.)
Corrected! LOL
For once, BELLESH pays no mind to the scrolls and books, gobsmacked as he is by the sight before him.
"That's... amazing! It's a trident, like what the statue was holding!"
CALLIN "I'd say the fact that it is floating is more amazing that it being a very large fork" CALLIN says trying for humor. "it is quite the spectical"
ATACIUS: "Well, that's something..." says the littleling amazed at the view of the floating trident. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he turn to his companions. "What if this thing is related to water, you know, as opposed to fire, and can be used against the volcano beast?"
(Is the trident shown on any of the tapestries in the prevous room?)
ATACIUS, it resembles the same trident, but in terms of scale, it's much smaller than the one on the statue, and the androgynous figure on the various artwork appears to be larger than any other figures on them, so that staff is very large in comparison. This staff is sized for human/elf (and possibly littleling... if they want to have a littleling equivalent to a polearm *chuckle*)
BELLESH furrows his brows, thinking about what Atacius was saying. "It would be a great insult to a water god... all the burning and all. Maybe this was left behind to get revenge on the volcano creature! But would any of us be able to use it? There are no priests of this god left..."
BELLESH casts the Strength spell on Takashi. "Well, if anyone's strong enough and worthy enough to use the trident, it's Takashi!
CALLIN: "I have seen you devour your food with great gusto armed with a fork; Perhaps with a such a large version you can do the same to any such creature we face! " CALLIN says with a bit of a smile on his face.
BELLESH snickers.
ATACIUS approves the use of food and gusto in the same sentence.
TAKASHI peers at the Trident, and laughs as CALLIN pokes at ATACIUS' weak spot (food, any and all of it!).
TAKASHI: "I already wield Flinnigan's revenge, and would not presume to wield this unless there are no other that can do so. ATACIUS? CALLIN? GRAIAN? BELLESH? Claudia? The trident is a particular weapon, ofttimes mated with the net in the gladiatorial games I have seen in different parts."
Angon and Almanin are fascinated with the floating staff.
"GRAIAN and BELLESH... and perhaps you, good priest CALLIN... do you believe there is any harm in determing whether this staff is magickal?" Angon inquires.
CALLIN: "I do not practice the arts as you do, so I cannot say if such a task could have dire consequences. This artifact is from a different Faith than my own. I would fear that attempting to weild it myself would render it useless as I do not belive in it's purpose."
BELLESH: "I think that it would be ok, but I don't know that spell."
Angon smiles. "I am happy to teach you the ability to tell if something is permeated with arcane forces." she says.
She goes to stand by the staff and begins moving her hands and arms in controlled ways, speaking harsh words that seem to dance in your ears and then vanish, with you remembering them once they're spoken.
A glow begins to form around CALLIN's shield, TAKASHI's sword (and any other magical items that you may have that I'm forgetting about at the moment...) ... and around the staff!
"Well." Angon says with a satisfied nod. "At least we know that this has some power to it! Does anyone wish to try to retrieve it?"
BELLESH has been watching and trying to mimic Angon's movements, trying to commit the moves and words to memory. "That's so great Angon, thank you! I see the glow!"
To Angon's question, Bellesh seems eager to reach out towards the staff, but he will wait, looking from side to side to see if any of his elders want to reach for it first.
Angon smiles and nods. "You are a quick study, that was just about it. Once we have some time, and we're back at camp, you may copy the spell and I'll show you the rest."
TAKASHI sees BELLESH eye the staff carefully, and nods at the young man.
TAKASHI: "Try it, BELLESH. It may feel fine in your hands, or it might not. But you won't know until you try."
BELLESH looks unsure but nods at Takashi. He approaches the staff tentatively and slowly reaches out to touch it with his fingertips.
When your hand gets close the staff, probably a handspan or two away, the air seems to thicken, similar to how it would feel if you pushed your hand into water.
What do you want to do?
"There's a... soft resistance, like moving my hand through porridge", he says.
If there's no pain or other ill effects, he'll push his hand closer, still slowly.
TAKASHI watches closely as BELLESH reaches for the staff.
You push in perhaps a finger's width or two more and the air seems to stiffen. Your hand starts to tingle, a similar feeling to the tingling when it falls asleep.
BELLESH withdraws his hand and steps back, shaking his head. "I don't think it wants me to go any farther. It's getting harder to move closer, and my hand is getting a kind of prickly feeling."
TAKASHI looks with interest at the staff.
TAKASHI: "Perhaps I will try it and see what happens..."
With that, TAKASHI advances slowly and attempts to touch the wand.
TAKASHI, even with your magically enhanced strength, you have much the same experience as BELLESH, once you get about a handspan away, the air itself becomes increasingly resistant to you pushing further, and your hand starts to tingle like its fallen asleep.
What do you want to do?
TAKASHI: "Perhaps this is intended for someone with elven blood. GRAIAN, would you give it a try?"
What do you want to do?
BELLESH will start looking through the things on the bookshelf.
CALLIN will check the nightstand, usually the best books or perhaps diaries are kept there! If nothing avails he will join BELLESH checking the bookshelf
ATACIUS will then look under the carpet and inside the drawers.
GRAIAN will join Bellesh and start looking through the books and scrolls (carefully!!). "Bellesh, I will start over here" he says as he walks to one of the bookcases.
BELLESH/GRAIAN - The bookcases are full of untitled books, and when you pull them down and open them, they are all written in the same script that you saw in the skeleton's journal. Some appear to be much older than others. A few other books are written in archaic versions of the Human language and are treatsies on various religions.
The scrolls are written in that script as well, illuminated with gold and other stains and inks. They strike you as being very similar to arcane scrolls in their style! There are 20 to 30 of them.
ATACIUS - There is nothing under the carpets, and the chest of drawers contains luxurious clothing, as well as a jewelry box! It is locked. It's an impressive lock, finely made and intricate.
CALLIN - the night stand has a small bejeweled bracelet on top of it, next to a small candle in a golden holder. Inside the nightstand is a sheaf of letters, carefully stacked. They are addressed to "High Priest Ethelen, from your loving husband Asharan."
Angon waits for your reply to his question.
CALLIN will read through the letters in an attempt to shed more light on what happened here. Also he will examine the bracelet and the candle holder for anything out of the ordinary.
They're of a personal nature, written in the years between the initial Doom and the abandoning of Ramathia. From what you're reading, Ethelen had a home in the city of Dawn (which is also in the Duchy of Occidents, as is Skalfer and as was Ramathia) and that is where their husband lived.
Asharan writes of growing concern over the Afflicted, and writes of the Elves leaving Dawn to return to their islands. There also have apparently been sightings of Orcs and Goblyns in the upper and lower Oreterra Mountains. He writes of deepening concerns over what role the gods might have played in all this, and the social turmoil that all of this has caused.
The bracelet is finely crafted - it is a luxury item. The candle holder looks similar in value.
CALLIN will collect the letters, bracelet and candle holder and put them in his bag. "I have gathered the bracelet and candle holder, as they will fetch a good price if not useful in deducing what happened here. These letters however, while personal I feel shows the true history of what happened here. I feel that historical texts have tendencies to show inaccuracies, vs those experiencing it first hand."
Almanin smiles. "Fascinating! Would you share them when we get back to camp?"
ATACIUS will carefully examine the jewelry box and its lock before trying to open it.
It's going to require a bit of skill to get this one open... give me your %s for picking locks.
Gabriel Perez Gallardi rolled 1d100 for a total of 95
Ah, my friend, I just needed your percentages. I changed the approach in my tabletop game to where I do the thief rolls and tell you what you perceive to have happened. I've found this makes things more interesting for everyone involved! (Look, I'm sneaking silently... while everyone else hears every.single.stick. that you walk on! That sort of thing).
I'll let your roll stand, but due to the high failure, I rolled a saving throw for that pick.It... umm... didn't make it. Good news is that box is ALMOST unlocked...
I'll rule that you can use the rest of your tools and perhaps jury rig the pick, but it's going to give you some troubles and some penalties on future rolls. How does that sound?
Yeah, I'm fine with that. Cool.
After no success in trying to open the jewelry box, ATACIUS stores his trade tools, a glimpse of frustration across his face. "Well, guess I will have to look for the key, something I should've done in the first place!" he mutters to himself and puts away the box into one of his satchels before seeing to it.
The lock resists your efforts, but you slowly start to feel around the inner mechanisms and hear the clicking of tumblers falling in place... then it happens. SNAP! Your favorite pick breaks off at the last tumbler.
You can feel that the lock is just about ready to give...
ATACIUS' shoulders slump as he hears his pick break. "Really!?" he cries. "You better have something worthy inside you!" he snaps at the box. He will then look for another of his trade tools that might be useful and proceed to jury rig the broken one. "Almost there, almost there..." he mumbles as he keeps working on the intrincate lock.
It takes much longer than it should have taken, but then, your favorite pick is broken. (I'll rule 2 turns). Finally, though, the intricate (and apparently hardened) lock finally clicks open and the lid swings open.
Inside is a necklace, with three large, blue gems in an intricately crafted pendant. They may be sapphires. The clasp is a fish grasping onto a conch shell. The chain is a heavy platinum. This is an extremely fine piece, not something you would take to an ordinary fence.
"Hello beautiful..." he says liftong the necklace, a satisfaction grin on his face. ATACIUS will look at it for a moment, then turn towards the trident. Any similarities between them?
The craftsmanship is certainly comparable, and the tint of blue matches the blue that you've seen around the temple complex. There's no fish or conch on the trident to compare directly.
ATACIUS will call the atention o BELLESH, GRAIAN and Angon to the pendant. "I don't know if it has anything to do, but maybe you have to wear it to retrieve the trident...or maybe not, just a thought..."
He will then check the box for any hidden compartment on the lid or the bottom.
Angon comes over and inspects the necklace, showing it to Almanin and Indrian. Even Apinro comes over to look at it, his mouth making a surprised "O" as he is impressed by its beauty.
There doesn't appear to be a hidden compartment or hidden lid to the box.
BELLESH has studied some of the ancient human language (see his character sheet), he'll try to discern if any of the religious writings talk about the aquatic god, or the trident.
His eyes light up when they find the scrolls. "GRAIAN! We have to get these out of here safely!"
Your knowledge of ancient human language doesn't help to discern what is written. It seems to be a specific dialect that you don't understand.
GRAIAN, looking at all the scrolls and tomes, "There may be a lot to carry, but we did come here to find information and I do not understand the writing in these books. The scrolls we may be able to decipher while we are here, perhaps pick up something useful." He looks up as Atacius calls out his name.
@Michael SHow many rounds to read a scroll? Read Magic will last for 8 rounds.... when I have it memorized!
Aha! You mean, once you've cast Read Magic, how long to read a scroll using it. Let me see...
PHB, pg 100 "The time required to cast (read) a scroll spell is exactly that shown for the memorized spell."
So there's no hard and fast "cast read magic and this is how long to read the scroll, without using it", but I'm going to rule to be consistent with the PBH/pg 100, that to read the scroll to just know what the spell is, that takes as long as it would to cast the spell. This means that you would not need to use read magic again to actually cast the spell from the scroll.
So if it's a spell of shocking grasp, it would take 1 segment. If it's a scroll of 3 spells: Unseen Servant (1 segment casting time), Detect Evil (2 segments casting time) and Levitate (2 segments casting time), then you would use up 5 segements of time - and there are 6 segments in a round. Read quickly! LOL.
To see if a scroll is even arcane, you will have to open it up and look at it...
Great, thanks... so 48 segments per casting
@Chris - precisely.
GRAIAN: " What is it Atacius?" as he moves towards him he says to Bellesh, "We need to see which of these scrolls are arcans and collect those."
ATACIUS: "I was wondering if this pendant is more than a piece of jewelry and is related to the trident..."
Almanin, overhearing ATACIUS's question, looks at CALLIN. "Wouldn't the priest be best for determining that?"
"Do you have any of... what do you call them... prayers or songs that can help you discern any relationship?" he asks the young cleric. (@Joseph Schnurr)
CALLIN: I can attempt to decern if they are Magical in nature, but I am not sure if it will show me any relation between the two. But I can try!
CALLIN will begin with a clensing prayer to free his mind of the dredge of this place focusing on the Light, then he will begin spreading Holy water around as instructred by his teacher as he begins the prayer in his prayer book. Similar to performing a Baptism, while it may be something done less often than other prayers, the cadence is familiar from years of practice and after a verse or two, CALLIN falls into step. "May the Light shine upon us all, may it show the truth of that which surrounds us. May the Light pierce through the veil of shadows and darkness. May the Light shine pure for those who belive to see all that there is to see."
CALLIN casts Detect magic
The sound of the water leaving the flask, the feel of the pages of your worn prayerbook, they all comfort you.
As you slip into that meditative state, you can sense the great power that resides in the staff. So much so that it's visible to you as an aura that flows around the object, much like calm ripples on water.
Your shield and TAKASHI's sword also ripple with their own umbra, different in the way it feels to you.
Nothing else shows the effect of magic.
Then... the aura around the staff changes! It seems to react to your spell, and the energy coalesces into a face - similar to the face from the statue and artwork around this temple! A voice, male and feminine at the same time, whispers at you "Who calls? Who has returned?" ... and then the vision is gone! You again are sensing only the magics.
CALLIN takes an uncouncious step back. "....it seems the spirit of this old god is bound to the staff! I would be careful in touching it. A creature that can do such things, may have hte ability to influence you should you willingly grasp it! It radiates immense power!"
Angon and Almanin both move away from the staff and back over to the door. Indrian comes to alert and draws her sword, pointing to a couple of elf scouts to take up a watch.
Apinro, seeing the alertness of the elves, leaves the room.
BELLESH starts looking through the scrolls, and will stuff any with arcane, spell-like writing on them in his backpack.
There are none that have what you would recognize as looking like spell scrolls that a mage would have made.
The scrolls that you have found on the bookshelves are illustrated with bright colors, symbols that you don't recognize and the script that is unreadable to you. How many of these do you want to try to take?
He'll still put as many as he can get to fit ok into his backpack - maybe someone else will be able to read them, or he'll be able to learn!
TAKASHI can help BELLESH with the scrolls, and will ask Claudia to do likewise.
TAKASHI: "Our primary mission here is to acquire as much knowledge as we can, so it seems that these scrolls may be quite useful if we can find anyone that might know how to translate them."
You each can carry 10 scrolls, so forty of them have been collected between GRAIAN, BELLESH, TAKASHI and Claudia.
Jellesh suddenly leaps away from his position near BELLESH's feet. He faces the staff and lets out a kitten growl and snarl, then backs away to put the young mage's body between the cat and the staff.
BELLESH turns to face the staff and keeps his eyes locked on it, watching for signs of anything threatening.
Hearing CALLIN, he says, "If there's a spirit in there maybe it's looking for one of the god's followers, and that's none of us! Maybe we should go..."
GRAIAN looks at the staff and is certainly curious, "So we know who the staff belongs to then! From what we have seen, these were on the side of good, or perhaps more accurately against Chaos. Callin, you think the staff is dangerous?"
CALLIN: "I think that when a being is within an artifact for so long, it may wish to extend it's will upon those it can. My will and my choice are what makes me who I am, No amount of power is worth sacraficing that. I cannot say if the creature inside that artifact is good or evil, but I can say it is not the Light, the will of the collective good of Man. And for that, I would not disturb it."
"But if it was that powerful," BELLESH says, "then why was it left here, with all the dying what was going on? I know that if I had something with enough power to stop it, I wouldn't have left it floating in my bedroom! Maybe it all happened so quick, that the person what could use it didn't make it back here in time? Or maybe no one could use it, or maybe it wasn't powerful back then..."
"It did look like the priest's death was sudden, from where we found their body." Angon comments. "Perhaps this was used only for special things. CALLIN, you read the journal, what do you think?"
@Joseph Schnurr - do you want to answer Angon?
ATACIUS: "CALLIN, this doesn't look like a place where evil was worshipped. Any diety related to this trident, even not being what you call 'the Light', would know there is good in your heart. Don't be afraid to reach out to it..."
CALLIN ponders ATACIUS' words, and those of Angon and BELLESH. He then says a quick prayer. "The LIGHT within me is strong, It will not waiver, I am the LIGHT against the Darkness, know this. Understand this. It is a bedrock, a truth, and cannot be altered." And with that he steps forward and picks up the Trident.
As Callin steps back towards the staff, Bellesh kneels down and puts his hand on Jellesh's back to calm him.
CALLIN, you don't encounter the resistance that TAKASHI and BELLESH felt when reaching towards the staff. Indeed, there's a sense of 'eagerness' and satisfaction when your hand closes around the staff.
Your vision seems to narrow to the point where all is blurred except for the staff, which glows with a blue/green aura. Then, you feel confusion. A voice speaks (in CALLIN's mind only), or perhaps it is multiple voices. You hear a man's voice, a woman's voice, interwoven together.
"This... is different. This is not one of the belivers. This is not she who speaks to me. But one of good heart, all the same. And after so long, without voices lifted to call to me, to bring me forth, to allow me to see and live. Who are you, that touches the staff of Zorus? Why have you now come, after so long?"
The rest of you see CALLIN grasp the staff. For a brief moment, a blue and white nimbus flashes around him. (NOTE: The conversation he will have with Zorus will happen instantaneously from the party's perspective, but it might take awhile for him.)
ATACIUS claps and makes a couple of littleling jig dance steps to celebrate.
CALLIN: Will respond in his thoughts toward the Staff. "I am CALLIN of the LIGHT. We have come to shed the Darkness from this land, and to find the History and the Lands of our friends. I wish only to pierce the Darkness that entangles this land. What is the purpose of the Staff of Zorus?"
"The Light? What is this light, and which God shines it for you? What has happened to my priestess? Why do I no longer hear the voices lift up their praise and prayers?"
"This staff is the instrument of my divine will. It allows my priests and priestesses to act in my name, for I am of the staff and it is of me."
"Are you here to become of one with me? Does the ocean and its depths call to you?"
CALLIN: "The LIGHT is the soul of Mankind's Faith. That part of us which we can no define, but all the while know is there. It is the core of what tells us that which is right and just, and wrong and evil. I have never been called by the Ocean, but I have been called by the LIGHT to stand for that which is pure, good, and just. Your priestess has been slain many years ago, by an evil group of people during a terrible catastrophe in this place. Her notes tell of the turning of the people from that which is good, to that of evil, and they tried to fight it off for as long as they could. From what I have read she was a good soul, and it would have been an honor to meet her. " Callin pauses to think about that second to last question.... "I am not sure what becoming one with you means. I am willing to fight for that which is good, pure and just. And I would be willing to help you do the same. But I am not willing to give up my free will. That is the essance of the LIGHT, our ability to choose right from wrong. That is something I cannot part with."
CALLIN feels a puzzlement at his words.
"All who come to worship and be one with me have free will, within that that which I stand for. My children come to me with their needs, with their desire, with their faith, and that faith is rewarded with my protection and my love."
A pause happens in the words and a feeling of sadness can be felt.
"She was a devout priestess, with much fervor similar to the power that I feel with you. She saw to my children and to the oceans. She fed those, but also protected that which is mine. The trials and tribulations that you speak of were sudden, as if many voices cried out, and then were silenced in a moment. I could not exert my will anymore, for my priests and priestesses were silent, the prayers had ceased and my avatars were vanished."
"I have waited for a long time for a voice, and now here you are... but you do not seek my wisdom or my benefice. You speak of this light, as if it were a god. Is that true?"
CALLIN: "Zorus, the LIGHT is the faith that man has in itself to rise above the darkness of the land. We believe in the collective good of Man, and our abilities to turn a hard days work into more than the sum of it's parts. We believe in the morals that all of Man desiver to be treated with respect and honor, until that privlage is lost. We believe in the Faith that we can rise above the darkness and thrive amost the doom. From what I have read of your Litergy, you stand for much of the same. I feel we can do good work together, and I would be willing to be a beacon of your voice. Should you accept the will of mine."
The voice takes on an amused tone.
"You would bargain with a god? You have courage, I'll give you that. Understand, though, priests of Zorus pledge themselves to me, to be loyal and obedient, to do their works in my name."
It then takes on a wondering tone.
"Your words are strange, it is as if you have decided that the Divine resides in yourself, instead of within the gods. You would promote your race to the status of gods themselves. And you wish me to agree to this?"
There is a long pause.
"I cannot. While you may find a spark within yourself, and you may have found some way to perform small miracles, the power of the divine is for those who have made the sacrifice to ascend, who have joined with the ..."
And then the voice stops.
"I am indeed alone, then. And I will succumb to the same fate as my brothers and sisters..."
CALLIN: listens patiently as the being speaks. "I understand. you can not sacrafice your moral compass any more than I. But as a being of the LIGHT I would not wish you to succumb to the same fate as your brothers and sisters. Perhaps I can carry you as a friend, and should we find someone of your Reglion I can gift this vessle to them. Until then we could have continued talks, and perhaps help us through the difficulties of life. There is much that has changed in this world, perhaps I can guide you through it while we find a proper priest to wield you?
OOC - very nicely said! That's worthy of a reaction roll. Let me check your CHA...
You are now seeing a case of me adapting the roll in some way...
It feels as if Zorus is becoming angry! You feel the frown and furrowed eyebrows as the deity considers your words.
"You will not join with my children and yet you seek to wield my rod?!" the voice booms in your head.
Then... the god's voice is cut off and the staff is released from the force that held it in place, the sudden shift in forces causes you to stumble and nearly drop the item!
"I await..." you hear a faint voice, somewhat same, but different, from Zorus!
CALLIN: " who am I speaking with. This is someone other than Zorus" CALLIN at the same time examines the staff in his hands while he restablishes his balance.
The staff seems diminished, same to you as to the others. With the spell still active, you can see that the power is still there, but it seems less active. It does not respond to your thoughts or voiced inquiry.
.... IF nothing crazy happens, CALLIN will respond to Angon. "The Priest seemed of good faith, and family. A good person. For that I will put my Faith in the LIGHT, that those that follow good, are true of heart and purpose, and that no darkness would be imbuned in an artifact they carry."
Angon and Almanin step forward to help the priest from falling!
They both look in concern at you after you speak. "Are you OK, my friend?" Almanin says. "You went pale for the briefest of moments and then almost fell!"
"The staff has stopped glowing!" Angon says. "I can still sense its power, but it no longer has the same glow." And sure enough, to the rest of you, the staff doesn't appear quite as impressive as it did when it was floating in the middle of the room. Something seems some how diminished.
"Right." Indrian says. "What now?"
CALLIN seems to snap out of the distracted state and gathers himself under his own power. "Thank you my friends. I am ok now. I have as having a discussion with Zorus. As I am still standing and not Ash, I think it went ....well."
Almanin looks a bit puzzled and slightly concerned. "Who is Zorus? There's nobody here... ?"
CALLIN: "Zorus is the god whom was worshipped here. Part of them was imbued into the staff. I do not feel that same strong pressense but perhaps they have slumbered. I have offered to carry the staff until we can find a follower of the god to bestow it upon."
Almanin looks a bit surprised. "You spoke to something or someone? How? Where are they?"
CALLIN: "Almanin, part of the God Zorus has been linked to the Staff. It was meant as a conduit between their high Priests and Priestessess and Zorus. From our discussions, my morals and such align with Zorus and his regligion , but since I was unable to sacrafice my own Faith, it seems most of the power seems to have gone into hybernation. For now I will carry the staff until I can fine one of Zorus' Faith to bestow it upon."
Almanin looks nonplussed at CALLIN's casual mention of speaking to "gods" and he looks at Angon with some confusion. Angon smiles, pats the elf's shoulder comfortingly and says something in Elvish to the young mage.
"We are glad there were no ill effects." she says to CALLIN. "I hope that this item proves beneficial to us."
BELLESH relaxes now that it seems the possible danger has passed. "Maybe we should go down the other direction?" he offers.
ATACIUS:."There's still a door to check back there..."
Indrian, on hearing BELLESH's and ATACIUS's comments, snaps her fingers and two elf scouts spring forward and dash off back the way you've come.
"The area will be secure, whenever you're ready to go." the elf sergeant says.
CALLIN: "I would hate to leave a door unopened and have it turn out to bite us later. Best to see what is behind the door before going back."