"Right. Lead the way," Kirk says, shouldering his shield by the strap and checking to make sure his weapons were accounted for.
"The sooner the better"
Victoria rolls up the map and joins the others...
"Well Harl, I am not sure which of our searches yielded the greater source of information. The stains on the painting appear to be from a dimension door spell. This would certainly explain why there was no evidence of a break in at any of the houses. However, I must tell you, I am anxious to find these kidnappers as soon as possible, and I am not pleased with the delays this investigation has caused. If you all think the guest houses are our best lead, then let's make haste and press onward!"
A question from my side: does the mean the priorities have changed? I am indifferent, as I want to help the kids. Should I join the group and find the kidnappers or should I use the time in order to identify the next riddle out of the heptagon?
Johenric takes a small break.
I have studied the last two days; it appears to me that I accompany you. Who knows maybe Desna shines on me and a small yellow fledgling huddles called oppotunity.
"Maybe a break from the study will open you up to new discoveries later? and if there is a link, perhaps you are best placed to notice it... so best you come with us".
A question from my side: does the mean the priorities have changed? I am indifferent, as I want to help the kids. Should I join the group and find the kidnappers or should I use the time in order to identify the next riddle out of the heptagon?
"The heptagon is always on my mind and we cannot underestimate the urgency of finding the next shard, but I am starting to believe that these kidnappings are somehow all tied with with the same quest, my friend. I think it would be best if you joined us on the next portion of our task. Let us push onward, for every moment we tarry about keeps those children in danger. Let us proceed to Victory, to the Heart!"
As the shadows begin to grow longer you begin your walk towards the lakeshore and the dilapidated guest houses.
Located close to the southern city wall and the murkier parts of the lake, the dozen deteriorated guesthouses remind you of ruined teeth from the distance. Built around a hilltop, they poke out of the muddy ground, their once white painting stained and now rather a light brown.
The place is deserted and in a radius of 200m there is no other building.
A whispering light breeze sweeps over the lake and together with the chopping of the waves forms a monotonous soundscape as you come closer.
Solaric raises his hand to halt his companions. "We are close now. Let us dismount and proceed the rest of the way on foot. Kirk, would you be kind enough to scout ahead and see if we have some enemies to dispatch."
Johenric nods and keeps himself out of the practical and stalwart leadings.
Kirk nods to Solaric, "My pleasure," he says, dismounting his horse and tying it up nearby before making his way toward the derelict building.
Stealth
Perception
Kirk makes his way as quietly as possible toward the nearest window or other opening to the building that would allow him to peer inside, or at least listen for anything moving about indoors.
Victoria drifts back with johenric, this is work for Paladins and fighting men...
As you peer through a large crack between the boards, you can make out that the interior is shabby and dirty. Most probably stray dogs and cats call this place their new home and you don't think the other houses look better from inside. They consist of a large single room and a very small attic above it.
Smiling at Solaric, Harl says,"Only if we are lucky, elf."
"Yes, I am sure luck has some factor to play, my friend, but the Inheritor guides me and she will see to it that we strike true to the heart and bring down this wretched villainy!"
Stealth
Stealth
Stealth
Kirk returns after about 20 minutes and reports that all of the guest houses look the same:
They consist of a single empty and dirty room. Most of the houses have become habitats for stray dogs and cats by now and the floor is littered with their excrements. Furthermore he couldn't find any clues in any of them. Yet they all have a small attic which he couldn't observe from the outside.
"Well we won't be disturbing any residents... In we go gentlemen"
"I have no doubt, Spearborn, that they all look the same, but I fear the children's lives are slipping through our fingers as we all wait! Let's start with this first house and search for any evidence. Perhaps a few of us can search the next one as well! Be sure to check the attic and look for any hidden compartments as well. We will find them yet! Let us listen to the Countess' words and press onward, my friends!"
Solaric enters the first of the houses and begins a search for any indication that the cult or the children may have come here.
Perception
"I think it'd be wise for us to split into two groups for this search, friends. I'll go with one of ya frailer types an' the elf can go wit' the others. Ya never know ifin' somethin' might want a piece of ya."
"More eyes is a better idea. I don't think we're in a hurry and we don't want to miss anything."
Pitr gives Harl an odd look and accompanies Countess up to the first attic.
assist perception
"Let me check the attic door for traps or other nasty surprises, you never know with murderous kidnappers of children these days."
Perception to find traps
"Uh, guys? Where's the door handle on this thing?"
Johenric waits for the decision of the leaders.
Kirk inspects the attic door before anyone proceeds upward, keeping an eye out for traps.
Perception (searching for traps)
After Kirk opens the door, Solaric follows closely behind up to the attic of the first building. He has his longsword drawn and is looking around carefully for traps and/or evidence of the cultist. If there are many attics and buildings to check, we will proceed just like this for the others. We are searching carefully, but also moving relatively quickly.
Perception
"Watch your every move, my friends. I would not be surprised if they left a dangerous trap for us here!"
Pitr lights a sunrod and follows once the cave dwellers get a look around.
The moment Kirk opens the hatch, you notice a strong aura!
As you poke your head through the hatch, you suddenly feel something touching the back of your head.
As you turn your head, you face a really creepy creature, but you are unable to scream! You have totally lost your voice and even scarier is that that creature now speaks with your voice!
You suddenly hear Kirk's voice from above
Everything's clear here, you can continue to the next house!
"No there's a strong emanation of magic up there! Beware my fellows!"
Kirk:
No, everything's fine, I'll check the attic, you go ahead.
Then suddenly you hear the sobbing of a child from the square which is surrounded by the guest houses.
"No one goes anywhere alone, we are likely chasing a Ghost and a powerfull one at that if it casts such potent magic as dimension doors...wait, was that a child? We will come back for the attic soon, it has a strong aura and is not safe."
"...wait, was that a child? We will come back for the attic soon, it has a strong aura and is not safe."
Pitr is shocked that the Countess appears to be saying to come bakc later. "Kirk's up there with a ghost?! Shouldn't we help him. Solaric, you churchy types can deal with ghosts, right? exorcism or something?"
Kirk:
Oh yeah, no problem, you look after the child, I won't advance further and wait here for you!
"I don't know what is going on up there other than a magical emanation, but that childs cry is outside... but by no means should we split up, so either we all go up with Kirk, or he comes with us... I only implore urgency as that child may be in peril"
"Kirk, the attic can wait. Let's check this out." Pitr heads outside without waiting for Kirk's response.
Seeing Pitr gallantly leading on, Victoria sighs and signals Harl to follow her up and gather Kirk.
"Solaric and Johenric, go with Pitr, we will be right with you"
Casting Resistance on herself, she pokes her way carefully into the attic..
Solaric, ok....
Johenric follows Pitr and Solaric
Attack Dagger
Damage
Attack Shield Bash
Damage
"That ghost can wait to feel the light of Iomedae's diving energy . Let us see to the child's safety first! Outside, everyone!"
As Victoria climbs up into the attic, she can suddenly behold a small skeletal creature speaking with Kirk's voice!
Kirk has already begun to fight it!
The creature moves like quicksilver and tries to bite and touch Victoria with its small arms
If you're hit by a bite:
A creature bit by an attic whisperer must make a DC 16 Will save or become fatigued for 1 hour. A fatigued creature that is bitten is instead exhausted for 1 hour, and an exhausted creature falls asleep for 1 hour if bitten. The sleeper can only be roused by killing the attic whisperer or by using dispel magic, remove curse, or similar effects. The save DC is Charisma-based.
If you're hit by a claw:
Any creature hit by an attic whisperer’s touch must make a DC 16 Will save or lose its ability to speak for 1 hour. During that time, the creature cannot talk, cast spells with verbal components, use auditory bardic performances, or use any other ability that requires speech. Once an attic whisperer has stolen a creature’s voice, it can perfectly mimic that voice at any time, even after its victim’s voice has returned, and while using that voice can speak any languages the victim knew.
You return to the empty square between the guest houses, a cold wind now blows from the lake and the sobbing is still audible, but now it seems to come from the guest house right in front of you. You're unsure whether the sound itself has moved or it just appeared to stem from here, while you were still inside.
Bite save
Claw save
She stabs at the thing with her magical dagger...
Attack
Damage
And misses the nimble creature entirely.