Rennyn cleans his blade and returns it to its scabbard in one motion as he turns to greet the small figure. Desna indeed smiles, he says with a bow. I was wondering when you might reveal yourself, care-taker of the temple. How can we be of service?
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
In the motion of cleaning his blade, Rennyn notices it smoldering ever so slightly, Could it be reacting to the oni's blood?
Her apparent station recognized, the tiny woman blushes, This is embarrassing, you see, it is I who'd hoped to be of some service. But I can see you have managed fine on your own. The tiny woman's eyes peer around at the dead oni on the ballroom floor then quickly spring up in surprise, Goodness! Where are my manners? With a quick curtsy she introduces herself, Name's Spivey. It's the cemetery I care for these days. I did try to repair my Lady's temple as well, but it attracted too much trouble. Spivey shrugs sadly then flies over the dead oni, This! was Kikonu, a very crafty fellow. She folds her arms reproachfully, Hmph! Not so crafty now though! Looking up she notices the crowd of companions gathered at the railings and waves cheerfully, Oh, hello! Turning back to Rennyn Spivey's face scrunches in puzzlement, Why did you take his head off?
Pleased to meet you. My name is Rennyn and these are my companions, Ameiko, Draeven, Kenan, Jeryn, Fenra and Shalelu. A few others are back at the wagons. And to answer your question, I was instructed to... by the spirit apparently tied to this sword, Rennyn replies as he draws the sword a few inches from the scabbard as he mentions it, So far its advice has been sound so I did as it wished, before sliding it home again.
You being a resident of these parts, I'm sure you can answer a lot of questions we might have. For example, when did the long ship arrive and what happened to those that arrived in it? Are there any others here besides us and these evil creatures?
Draeven begins back tracking and searching the bodies strewn about, starting with the Oni...
Jeryn draws a torch from his pack and sets it alight. As soon as you are done searching the oni let us put the flame to him. Draeven I will search with you and look for magical auras..
Kenan inclines his head slightly at the introduction. He then proceeds to help Draeven search the bodies starting with the courtyard area.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
Pleased to meet you all! Spivey waves enthusiastically again as she hovers easily along side the paladin. Wow! You have a talking sword!? That's super rare! As to Rennyn's question, Spivey begins speaking faster than normal. Like a school girl trying to relay as much information as possible in a relatively short period of time she recants the day the long ship arrived, Oh! Now that was a heck of a day. I didn't see everything that happened, but the ship hadn't been docked for more than a few minutes before it was attacked by something big. I mean titanic! If I had to guess it was a full sized dragon; roaring, snarling, there were explosions and shouting. Just Chaos. With a capital C! Spivey's gestures come fast and spirited as she tries to re-enact the events, rapidly ducking and weaving this way and that. By the time I got over there, which wasn't easy, the tiny woman pauses mid-flight to emphasis, I mean I like to keep a low profile around here. Kikonu's tried numerous times capture me. Say, did you know he can shape change? I mean even his voice. Her expression turns to exasperation showing her troubles, But I can be tricky to! I've given him and his crownies the slip numerous times. But I mean look at me! I don't have a talking sword or fancy weapons, what am I gonna do?? Anyways, it was all over by the time I got there. The creature or whatever it was, had submerged itself in the lagoon and everyone was dead. Or at least I think everyone. Spivey shrugs her shoulders in disappointment. With a hint of revulsion Spivey shifts topics and asks, So you gonna keep that? A tiny finger points to the oni's head. (A note regarding Samurai) A search of the oni's body turns up Kikonu's kusarigama which radiates with a moderate conjuration magical aura. Covered in a black lacquer the weapon is certainly well made and sports an intricate engraving depicting a flying wasp on the handle. In addition, the oni carried a composite long bow , leather armor, a small leather pouch containing several vials of ink, and five shiny pearls worth 100 gp each.
Spivey follows the group as they retrace their steps, talking nearly non-stop and moving from one (PC) to the next as your attentions wane. Yet despite her nattering, somehow she never becomes annoying. Always managing to stop her chatter before anyone opens doors or approaching unknown corners, she never gets in the way and her company makes the task of searching the castle seem rather enjoyable. You learn she's been here for nearly ten years, taking care of the cemetery grounds. Originally, she'd tried rebuilding the town's temple of Desna but Kikonu and his denizens took note and started to hunt for her. She's played a game of cat and mouse with them ever since learning to be suspicious of anyone who ventured to Brinewall as Kikonu would often disguise himself. This suspicion has kept her from greeting every living soul to venture into Brinewall but she has helped other adventurers with healing since taking up residence. Unfortunately, non ever returning once venturing into the castle. She was impressed with the offers left at Desna's statue, yet sill cautious that it may have been another of Kikonu's tricks. However the next day upon your return, she drummed up the courage for follow the group further than she'd ever dared to in the past.
Around the corner from the ballroom, a door leading to the ogrekin's chamber is easily opened. Reviewing the bodies left there you find leather armor, a flail radiating a faint evocation aura , a spiked gauntlet and 77 gp.
On the upper level you find several rooms which once served as servants’ quarters. A few of these rooms contain the bones of some of Brinewall's slaughtered and an investigation of them (once the mold’s cleared away) reveals limbs and spinal columns severed by sharp slashing weapons, but there are no sign of skulls. In one room several bunk beds lean precariously against the walls. To the east a cleverly hidden niche lays behind a loose brick, where a servant long ago had stashed several stolen pieces of fine silverware. The silverware hidden here is are worth 100 gp in all. The remaining halls around the dining rooms lead to largely empty rooms save for the odd corby nest. The troglodytes showed more civility by keeping beds in relatively good repair and have stashed their greatest treasure, a bejeweled silk gown set with pearls worth 450 gp that is in remarkably clean condition, under their almost-as-precious mattresses.
Down the hall from the stairs and located over the ogrekin's chamber, dozens of paintings of a towering humanoid figure with four wings, a bird’s head, and a scorpion’s tail decorate its walls. Seemingly painted in blood the filth and debris scattered throughout marks this room as the old witch's. Old pews sit in a line facing the eastern wall, where a hideously defaced statue of a winged woman stands. A thorough search turns up a small cell once used by the priest who tended the shrine. The corby witch didn’t bother to defile this small room and as a result, she never found the footlocker tucked under the cramped room’s bed. The locker contains a small stash of magic that has lain here forgotten for 24 years, including four arrows radiating moderate auras of evocation , a scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of remove disease, a scroll of restoration, and a phylactery, or a tiny box containing religious scripture, radiating a faint aura of divination . As for the dirty old witch herself, the inner folds of her robes reveal scrolls of cure moderate wounds (2) and dispel magic, a wand of inflict moderate wounds (12 charges), studded leather, a masterwork longsword, and a silver unholy symbol of Pazuzu worth 100 gp.
Zaiobe, the mute harpy, carried with her a five arrows with moderate evocation , two potions of cure moderate wounds, a chain shirt, a composite longbow radiating a minor aura and 20 arrows. The stacks of papers scattered around her body, when read, turn out to be scripts for various scenes of a complicated play Kikonu has been working on. Crazed and incoherent the scenes all shared themes of torture, sexual exploitation and the notion of paying the oni some sort of homage in recognition of his greatness.
Where the haunt had earlier emerged to shower the guard chamber in blood, now lays a room devoid of any evidence of the cruel slaughter that had taken place there so many years ago. The blood stains wiped clean by the force of the oni's death, the chamber lays still. Two rooms adjacent to this were used as storerooms during Brinewall’s heyday. The northern storeroom is unremarkable, but while searching the southern storeroom shows evidence of having once been ransacked. Over turned chests and racks clutter just about every inch but Kenan's eye is drawn to a piece of red fabric. Covered in dust and partially obscured by an overturned shelf the dwarf's investigation turns up a bundle of red silk. Wrapped within is a case of 20 masterwork cold iron arrows and a single arrow of similar craftsmanship to those found on Zaiobe .
Spivey do you know what is in these other rooms? Keenan saks pointing to the doors that have yet to be opened?
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
Spivey neatly flies over to archer dwarf and blushes, Sorry Kenan, I don't know. This is the furthest I've ever dared to go. Her reply is simple and honest. Looking beyond the smoldering remains of Kikonu in the ballroom, the tiny woman unconsciously crosses her arms, rubbing her own elbows for reassurance. Her vibrant green eyes scan the other's faces, I could try and take a peek if you like? She may not be the bravest sort however, based on her claims of successfully evading Kikonu's past attempts to capture her and by the way she was able to keep tabs on the group unseen, it is reasonable to conclude Spivey's got talent in the stealth department.
Spivey looks expectantly at Kenan and then at the others, her offer to help hanging in the air.
No Spivey. I would not want to put you in danger. Have you ever seen anything come in or out of the room?. Kenan will listen at the large double doors. Assuming he likely hears nothing he will gingerly open them.
Rennyn picks up the Oni's bow and tests the draw. Finding it fairly easy, and an improvement over his own he says, I'd like to carry this for the time being if that is ok with everyone.
Looking at Kikonu's head he replies, What would I do with that exactly?
Fine with me Rennyn.
Picking up the kusarigama, Draeven gives it a good looking over. What do you think of this Jeryn? What sort of magic do you think it has?
He then proceeds to bag up most of the other items.
He offers the flail to Fenra, You might be able to split skulls even better with this, while also passing her the divine scrolls. Do you want this wand or the phylactery?
He gives Jeryn the arcane scroll.
To Kenan he gives the magical bow and splits up the arrows and potions, while keeping the rest of the arrows and potions for himself.
I think we should clear the castle, room by room, from the top down. Top floors, then main, then the dungeon.
You are most welcome to accompany us Spivey. Good friends are always appreaciated in places like these.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
What would I do with that exactly?
Spivey shrugs her shoulders, Its your sword. My knives don't talk to me Master Rennyn but if they told me to do something... Spivey leaves the thought unfinished. Her green eyes uncomfortably darting quickly to the oni's head sprawled on the floor.
The tiny woman beams at having been readily included into the group's exploration, bowing with some finesse to show her gratitude. As the others gather in the ballroom there are only a few areas of the castle which remain unexplored.Nodding her approval of Spivey's inclusion, Shalelu eyes the tiny woman carefully, Faerie?
Spivey giggles and shakes her head no.
Atomie. Ameiko throws Spivey a wide confident smile in greeting, Sorry! Spivey grins enjoying the little game, Azatian!
Shifting her weight to one leg puts the tian rolls her eyes in defeat, Azatian! Right. Returning Spivey's bravado with an aristocratic bow of her own Ameiko straightens returning to her favored leg. Hands on her hips the Tian reflects upon all the items gathered thus far, So, that's it so far, huh? There is a hint of disappointment but her voice but as she looks around the ballroom she mentally recalls what remains and her expression turns hopeful. Where to next?
Spivey shrugs her shoulders, Its your sword. My knives don't talk to me Master Rennyn but if they told me to do something... Spivey leaves the thought unfinished. Her green eyes uncomfortably darting quickly to the oni's head sprawled on the floor.
It didn't specifically tell me to keep the head. Under the circumstances "take its head!" to me meant remove his head to kill him. He had some sort of unnatural healing ability. And I repeat, what would I do with his head?
Atomie. Ameiko throws Spivey a wide confident smile in greeting, Sorry! Spivey grins enjoying the little game, Azatian!
Shifting her weight to one leg puts the tian rolls her eyes in defeat, Azatian! Right.
Lyrakien Azata to be specific I believe.
Where to next?
I believe Draeven already suggested a plan. Start at the top and work our way down...
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
Disturbed by the dismembered oni, Spivey shrugs her shoulders sheepishly adding, I don't know.
The tiny woman's emotional roll coaster continues, quickly turning to thrilled when the paladin accurately determines her heritage. Clapping her hands gleefully, the Lyrakein's butterfly wings carry her in a quick loop-de-loop, Yes! Her rejoice quickly followed by a playful question, Have you met one of my cousins before?
Following Draeven's lead, the group ascends the stairway to the balcony then east to the double wooden doors. The barriers swing open with little complaint revealing north and south access points to the castle's walls. Framed in the middle is another set of double doors. Left open, the chamber beyond may have once had a beautiful roof of glass, but little remains today save for a few precariously leaning wooden timbers hanging above a swath of crumbled stone, ruined furniture and a generous amount of guano. The roof covering the southern half of the room has been crudely repaired with thick sheets of canvas and furs that have been stretched and fastened over the frames, creating a dark, almost cavelike, nesting area.
Clapping her hands gleefully, the Lyrakein's butterfly wings carry her in a quick loop-de-loop, Yes! Her rejoice quickly followed by a playful question, Have you met one of my cousins before?
I encountered some of your kind in the forests of Kyonin where I am from.
Draeven scans the area before poking and picking about to see if anything of value or interest is about.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
Braving the odor, Draeven conducts a cursory search of the nest. The search area is relatively small and it becomes apparent that finding anything of value would require more time than the few coppers that may or may not be there would be worth.
Clearly pleased that Rennyn has met someone of her kind before, Spivey nods enthusiastically, Kyonin! I've heard so much about it but have never had the pleasure. You must tell me of your time there! Hands clasped together in front of her chest the tiny woman is all ears, but she is not completely absent minded. Demonstrating she is well aware that dangers may yet present themselves she adds with a look of repulsion for her surroundings, But perhaps somewhere more pleasant than this.
Yeah Spivey, the big guy needs to concentrate, Ameiko chimes in, her words meant to tease Draeven as he steps over scattered mounds of guano.
The Tian is politely rebuked though as a playful shove from Shalelu sends the hostess's feet skittering dangerously close to a fresh pile, Perhaps you can help him speed things up?
Kenan will watch for any signs of danger while the others search.
Draeven leads the group off to explore the rest of the upper level.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
Stepping out onto the palisade wall the group can see the Steam River to the east as well as an unkempt courtyard to the west just below where you stand. A tangle of weeds surrounding a pool of water choked with thick, slimy green algae this enclosure may have once been a delightful garden, but the castle's former occupants have let it go.
As Draeven leads the group out onto, and along, the rampart, Rennyn's keen eyes spot what looks like a concealed entrance in the stonework at the end of the wall. Looks like a hidden door over there, he says while pointing as the curious bit of wall. Draeven nods and moves to investigate if it can be opened from the outside.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
Although these sorts of doors would typically be much harder to locate upon castle defenses, the elements, and years of neglect have exposed this secret to discerning eyes. Upon closer inspection however, the latching mechanism, or lack of one, securing this portal proves difficult to locate much less manipulate. Obscured by the same mineral deposits and lichen which exposed the door's seams, the haft is practically sealed, but not impossible to manipulate. .
Kenan fiddles with the latching mechanism but seems unable to get it to budge.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
The build up of natural debris proves to be a great hindrance for Kenan's delicate tools from the start. Switching to a file the size of a toothpick, the dwarf begins the long, slow process of etching small grooves around the minuscule opening until his more serviceable instruments can be called into play. Several grueling minutes pass. Finally satisfied with his preparatory work, Kenan selects his snake rake and a short hook then returns to the opening. It is not long before the monk's efforts are rewarded with a satisfactory "click".
Opening the door reveals a tiny closet space likely suitable for only a couple soldiers at a time. The skeletal human remains seated at the northern corner of this claustrophobic space rattle and fall apart as the door's path disturb their remains. Dressed in plain leather armor and leather cap, the rusted blade of a short sword lay atop a small gash in the soldier's abdomen; the wound is all that speaks of his final hours of agony before joining the river of souls. Small in stature, yet not quite as small as a dwarf, this soldier may not have lived far past the age of thirteen. A similar looking door at the other side of the closet opens easily from this side. Another narrow passage leads southwest to stairs down and into an office. Inside, an officer’s desk and the chairs that once decorated this room lie in shambles on the floor. The battered door to this room hangs askew, revealing a short hallway beyond.
Draeven rummages through the rubble of the desk and room while Rennyn covers the door.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
With the others crowding in the narrow passage, Rennyn's eyes scan the hallway outside the door. With little more than a closed door across the hall to see, all remains quiet to the paladin's ears save for the half-orc's careful searching. Scattered throughout the office, Draeven finds several notes of interest among the desk’s shambles. Most of these are hastily written upon now aged parchment...
"Alarms sounded within the castle walls! Reserve guards sent to the ramparts."
"Unconfirmed reports of fire and riots in the village. Commander Kortun dispatched another patrol to restore order an hour ago with no word of their progress."
"Heavy fighting within the compound. No word of who is assaulting the castle, only descriptions of hooded figures in dark robes throwing oddly shaped star knives. The figures are accompanied by frightening bird-headed creatures and lumbering giant ogres wielding axes."
"Monday, 30 Desnus, 4687
A horrific storm front has struck the village. Reports have arrived of flooding in the lower quarter. Commander Kortun sent a patrol at nine this evening to direct the citizen's efforts."
"Fighting in the barracks! All is chaos. Commander Andril Kortun has ordered the men to make a stand at the donjon with (a patch of dried blood has smeared this away). I go to ..." What words had been intended to complete this note were never transcribed. The only clue as to the fate befallen the scribe is a scrawled line of black ink broken by splotches of old blood. Several other pages lay near these, their messages forever blotted away by a pool of long dried ink left there from a knocked over ink well.
Humans are strange. Why take the time during an attack upon the castle to write about it? Maybe if the author had spent more time leading or paeticipating in the defence of the the castle it would not have fallen.
If we are done in here...
Rennyn steps into the hallway and continues the search.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
What? Ameiko steps over to the scribbled notes with a look of wonderment upon her face. Taking up the discarded notes Draeven collected, the Tian scans their contents for herself. Shaking her head she queries, Why would the author refer to himself in the third person? Sounds like a scribe to me, and if the scribe was leading the castle's defenses then there's no need to wonder why it fell so quickly. Nodding in agreement with Draeven's initial assessment the hostess looks to see if anyone else wants to look at the notes before setting them to the side.
Shalelu looks up at the ceiling and blows an errant strand of hair. In the elf's mind, the merits surrounding what could have happened does little to change the outcome. Brinewall fell, period. Who attacked is more important. Ameiko shrugs.
Stepping out in to the hallway, Rennyn and Draeven check the door opposite the office. Unlocked, the dust on the handle suggests this door has not been opened in a very long time. Trying the catch, the portal swings open easily. Inside, trophy displays for armor and weapons, along with a large bed, an ornate writing desk, and a leather chair, lie in shambles in this chamber, smashed to ruins. A thick layer of dust clings to everything in the room. With the others crowding in the office across the hall the duo watch as the dust within the room begins to stir and from out of the corner of the room the skeletal figure of a man comes into view. His flesh is like a walking corpse; rotting and putrid and his eye sockets glow red with an unnatural light. Wearing a dragon helm and the bloodstained remnants of a destroyed suit of half-plate he takes up a defensive stance in the center of the room. A hallow voice wails, What vile servants of the demon dare to attack my castle! I shall smite thee where you stand! An accusatory finger, now more claw than human, points at the party. At the man's waist an undrawn ornate sword clatters from within the scabbard at his belt.
At the sound of his voice Spivey recoils bringing up a star knife in one hand, Whoa! Sounds like those two found something!
Spivey will act if the creature comes out into the hallway, hurling her star knife.
Well that doesn't sound friendly, Draeven deadpans as he peaks the corner, looks for the right spot to target and looses an arrow at the figure...
...the arrow hitting, but not as effectively as the half-orc had hoped.
A wight! Beware its touch! It drains the life out of all it comes in contact with! Rennyn relays in warning before sliding into the room while drawing his sword and striking in one smooth motion...
...his blade slicing deeply into the decrepit armor. He yanks his sword back just as quickly, assuming a defensive stance.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level
As the two warriors line up to take their shots, Ameiko slips into the fray. Dagger in hand, the Tian hurls her blade, timing her throw as Rennyn shifts into his defensive stance. Tumbling end over end, the dagger comes to rest solidly in the wight's left eye. Already overwhelmed by the paladin's sword and slayer's missile, Ameiko's dagger rends the unholy light from its eye sockets and sends the ghostly figure running to goddess' spire and the river of souls. Hah! Pleased with herself, Ameiko exclaims as much before sharing a celebratory look with everyone and anyone.
While much has not fared the test of time well, the wight's dragon helm remains as a finely crafted piece. Virtually a work of art, it looks as it could be of some value. The sword that hung at his belt, once freed from its scabbard, reveals itself to also be a fine work of craftsmanship; a fine addition to any collection.
Draeven unceremoniously yanks the helmet from the undead warrior before giving it a looking over. Looks like a nice helmet. Might need a thourough cleaning before some may wear it, he shrugs before slipping it onto his own head to check the fit, obviously the smell not bothering him.
Rennyn draws the wights unused weapon and turns it over in his hand examining it. Seeing Draeven don the smelly helmet he shakes his head softly. Search this room and then down to the dungeon it seems.
SAt NaV | Brinewall - Upper Level | Main Level | Descending the stairs
Slipping the helm over his head, Draeven notices the fit is a bit tight. With a quick adjustment to his glasses, the helmet slips into place and Draeven's outwardly appearance takes on an almost commanding presence; his eyes disappearing completely behind the yellow tint of his enchanted lenses .
A search of the room turns up a few items of value. Old papers documenting personnel, guard rotations, official reports of Castle Brinewall's daily activities and upkeep. A perusal of these documents shows everything leading up to the night of the attack was business as usual. There are notations of merchant activity as well with the Kaijitsu family name appearing frequently within the last week of Brinewall's final days. Rokuro Kaijitsu and an entourage of men and family members had returned to Brinewell aboard three vessels. The merchant is documented as returning to retrieve items stored in the castle's vaults. However, much to Ameiko's disappointment, there is no inventory of what Rokuro had come to collect.
Tossed into one corner on the floor is Brinewall's signet ring. Trodden upon long ago, the ring resembles an oddly shaped gold coin. If repaired it might fetch 20gp, but today is worth no more than the weight of gold used to create it, 1gp.
The short hallway providing access to these rooms leads north to the donjon. The old tapestries of this circular room remain, the picturesque scene of a seaside castle still hanging askew on the walls. Any evidence of blood the half-orc had previously seen has been wiped away. Descending the stairs to the west the party comes to an iron portcullis barring passage into the room beyond. The bars themselves are sunken deep into the floor and ceiling, with no obvious method of passing into the chamber beyond. Beyond the bars, walls of smooth stone surround a funnel shaped room. Spattered with ancient bloodstains and deep, violent gouges, deep drifts of dust lie on the floor, while immense stone doors hang ajar in the background to the southwest.
[spoiler=Detect Magic] The two circular depressions glow with a moderate transmutation aura.
[spoiler=Knowledge Arcana DC 25]Manipulating the images within the two circle in the correct manner may open the portcullis.
Fenra continues following along apparently engrossed in a tune she is humming, not paying attention to anything.
Rennyn grabs the stout metal bars of the portcullis and gives it a quick test. Well this looks like a dead end. Any ideas?
There must be a second way down to this level. Did we miss any other stairs down?
While the party had been searching, Jeryn had been following along with his head down, engrossed in some scrolls he had found along the way.
Realizing that he hadn't really been paying attention, he raises his head and looks about, blinking several times.
Oh let me take a look at that. He says as he looks at Rennyn's blade.
He then turns his attention to the portcullis in front of them.
Spivey do you know if there is any place nearby where we can rest? I would really like an opportunity to study my spellbook.
Draeven looks curiously at Jeryn. Rest?
Jeryn says I do have a wand that I can use to identify these items if you'd rather not wait until we head back to town.