Andrzej continues with levering up the second tub quickly. hopefully with Eliva's help they can break that one too. The magus finds the effort hard and beads of sweat begin to pop out as he strains to break the mountings of the legs.
Andrzej breaks the other tub and the chill continues to dissipate as the room reaches a more ordinary temperature. The chilling presence of the hypothermic man is gone.
Leandro and Res pull open the trapdoor. Beneath the door is a small cell, roughly 5 feet to a side. An assortment of human bones lies within, arranged haphazardly and no longer forming a full skeleton. A few of the bones are still connected, but most are merely heaped.
"How horrible. This person deserves a decent burial in sacred ground. Wouldn't you say so, Sir Thanq?"
"You are correct Sir Leandro," answers Res. "Let's gather those bones and put this poor soul to rest. It may rid this room of the evil doctor's presence. We should be careful and hurry. I fear the doctor's spirit is tied these remains. It may reappear at any time while the bones are with us. Let's move with haste. Is there a way to get into the cell to retrieve the remains?"
Res searches for a door.
"I can get the bones if that is your wish." Andrzej is not the least bit bothered by the grisly drop.
Eliva helps Andrzej overturn the second tub, and breathes a sigh of relief as the atmosphere in the room lightens. "I hope that blue man is gone, it's extremely dangerous! What's this?" she asks and turns as Res and Leandro open the trap door in the floor. "That poor man! Was he imprisoned there?" She shudders. "We should definitely bury the remains. We lost our prisoner, " her eyes flicker over toward the crispy wererat, "but I would like to have all of us make it out of here alive, still."
Leandro drops into the pit and, after a brief prayer over the bones, begins gathering them together.
"Does anybody have a bag or a cloak we can use to secure these so they can be carried from this place safely?"
Andrzej shrugs off his charred red jacket. "This will do."
Leandro lays the bones carefully in the jacket, then wraps them and ties the arms to secure the bundle before handing it up to the scimitar-wielding Vistani. He hauls himself up and out, kicking the trapdoor shut.
"Shall we go, for now? I am not certain how to tell if the spirits in this room are truly appeased without returning. But for now, we can offer this one honorable interment and return the remains of 'Sister Jacinthe' to the others. How they will take the news of her treachery, I cannot imagine."
No, these were body parts thrown in a heap that have since rotted. All the bones are present for a complete skeleton. It is as if a person was savagely dismembered and the remains were heaped beneath this trapdoor to rot.
Eliva watches carefully as the bones are loaded into the jacket.
Andrzej casts detect magic on the bathroom and concentrates to see if and when any faint auras start growing stronger. He focuses on the jacket and its contents when the party leaves.
Res also examines the remains.
As happened previously, the doors to the bath chamber open easily, despite having been slammed shut when the haunt appeared. You are able to return the way you came without incident.
"We need to acquire holy water before we return here, the better to cleanse the taint from this place," Leandro murmurs, "And to give the tortured spirits rest."
"Let's start moving before the spirits return." urges Res.
You make your way back up the stairs the way you came and down the dusty corridor. It feels as if the air is unsettled by your presence and you are no doubt eager to leave this place behind you. As you pass through the double door that leaves the East Wing and head onward down the corridor, you hear a shrill, panicked scream ahead of you, coming from the main patient wing. There is a commotion as you hear many of the staff rushing about in a panic.
You can see nothing from where you are, but the corridor bends up ahead.
Leandro instantly sprints to the bend in the corridor, glaive in hand.
It had been a confusing morning, people running about the building. There were rumours of weird occurrences, strangers returning to the hospice with some of Sisters. Still feeling slightly weak from his escapade, Tybalt knew it would take some time to physically recover - else he would not trouble the kindness of the Sisters of Charity.
To stave of despair he had gone to the cell across the hall; Jenny a small emaciated youth was recovering from her neglect.
Tybalt had spent most of the morning telling her tales, ".... and so the Princess worn her soft ivory gown to the ball..."
A scream cuts through his story, Jenny's eyes go wide and she starts to shake. Tybalt stems the shiver up his spine, trying to comfort the girl.
"It's alright, there's no monsters here." he strokes her head gently, pushing her long locks from frightened eyes. "I'll check it out, it'll be fine." walking to the door he gives her a little wink. Jenny's wane face lights up and she bites her lip.
Outside of the room he looks down the corridor and starts moving towards the sound of the shriek. 'Oh, by the stars, that's coming from the direction of the east-wing. I really don't want to go there...' Still with a quick gait he moves towards the scream, knowing the folly in his actions.
Up ahead of him, he sees a group of armoured figures...
Fortunately for Tybalt, the scream was not from the East Wing - merely from a patient room in that direction. The source is evident: Sister Nadine stands in a patient's doorway, her eyes wide with shock and her shoulders heaving. Sister Cecile arrives a moment ahead of the rest of you, who converge onto this chamber.
A patient, known to most of you as the madman Sevren, lies on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Gashes in his forearms make his fate clear. A tangle of words and symbols is scrawled wildly upon the wall in blood.
"I came to check on him and found him like this, locked within his room," Sister Nadine says weakly.
In one hand, the body of Sevren holds a bloody shard of plaster pried from the wall.
Andrzej follows carefully keeping the jacket tight so that no bones fall as he runs towards the source of fear or terror. After all the sight of them could make matters worse.
Rats. It has started already. And I have used up most of my magical memories. This could be dangerous.
A man, half a decade of out his teens, but with a haunted cast behind dark eyes arrives upon the scene in a rush. Wearing a coarse but well laundered cream shirt that has obviously seen better days, open at the neck giving just a glimpse of a toned physique.
Looking on mouth slightly agape, "Sister Nadine. You should come away from there." He holds out a hand for her to take. His sharp eyes glimpse beyond her into the room, stomach turning at the sight of the dead man. However curiosity tugs at his mind; 'What does the wall say?'
Res follows Leandro and Andrzej to the source of the scream. When he arrives, he surveys the scene and the checks Severn's corpse for any external cause that may have compelled Severn to do this to himself. After his examination, he studies the writing on the wall for clues.
Eliva blanches at the scream echoing through the halls she thought a refuge from the dangers below. "What now?" After split second of surprise she takes off in the direction of the cry.
Upon seeing Sevren, she moves to check him, knowing she'll find him dead, but Res beats her to the body, so instead she looks at the gruesome writing on the walls of poor Sevren's cell.
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With a soft flick of his head, Tybalt looks to the newcomers. Quickly assessing their finery, albeit slightly soiled with the days' horrors. Running a hand through his lustrous hair in an attempt to smarten himself, the man stands up straight.
With a small cough, "My Lords, Lady. May I introduce myself? I am Tybalt Scorzia, a humble jester and story-teller." His voice rings out like a bell; there's a concerned note to his words at that which has transpired. The man bows gracefully to group, keeping his eyes upon them even with a bowed head.
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Res can see nothing that would have caused Sevren to do this, but his injuries all point to the conclusion that he inflicted them upon himself.
The largest and most conspicuous depiction on the wall is a giant diagram made up of a large circle with other smaller circles inscribed within it in an interlocking pattern. Strange symbols are marked where circles intersect. Around it is written the words:
The Grey Gate answers to none that live
Other phrases are noted around it:
Harrag's Skull
The Bleak Rose
Saran's Fang
The Yellow Jade
The Blightstaff
The Eternal Shroud
None of these have any significance to you.
There is also a small message written in a corner:
my blood is spent but those that fed command me still. there is no peace
Res looks away from the wall and turns to the newcomer when he introduces himself. He has a slight look of dismay on his face. "A jester, in this land? What humor can you possibly find in this gods forsaken land?" asks Res. Then Res quickly shakes his head and regains his composure. "I'm sorry, my manners are bit frayed at the moment. I am Res Thannq, cleric of Gorum, former defender of Lastwall. You say your name is Tybalt? Do you hale from this world or were you pulled in by the mist as well?"
Crinkling his brow at Res' view-point; "I find humour where I can. To brighten the spirits and soothe the soul."
Biting his lip at the strange names and places; "I am of Falkovnia, I haven't heard of the Last Wall, Sir Thannq. You are a holy man like the Sisters?" The country-born youth puzzles over the mists, but doesn't reveal his ignorance.
Leandro kneels by Severn's body, tracing a spiral in the air and murmuring to the dead man. "You fell facing something far more powerful than you. There is no shame in it. Pharasma guide you to a better place."
He sighs heavily and rises, then turns to Tybalt and bows in response to the man's introduction. "I am Leandro Grelo of Taldor, a place far from here, servant of the divine Shelyn, goddess of beauty and the arts. It is an honor to meet one so courteous. It was well done to remove Sister Nadine from this place so she need not look upon such horrors."
He clasps Res' shoulder with a mailed hand but speaks first to Tybalt. "Forgive our demeanor, young Sir Scorzia, but this is only the latest of many horrors we have seen this day." He regards Res somberly. "It is difficult, brother, but even as we must remember beauty in the midst of desolation, so we must be reminded of laughter in the midst of sorrow. I'm certain this young man's calling is especially valuable in this place."
Turning back to the room, he regards the wall diagram with distaste. "We should copy this down, so poor Savern did not die in vain. I am certain he was trying to warn us of something. Sirs Plamen and Scorzia, do you recognize any of the names inscribed here? We foreigners are not likely to do so."
Angalia's blood runs cold when she hears the screams. She dashes to the source and feels a flood of guilty relief that it is Severn who has fallen. Seeing that a young man has drawn Sister Nadine aside, she gave the newcomer a courteous nod and a brief 'Angalia', then draws the sister farther aside.
"Is Nat well, Sister? Is everyone else besides poor Severn all right?"
Andrzej concentrates on teh writings and puts the full jacket down for a moment, underneath his once pristine white shirt shows burnt holes and red welts in many places. The damage extends down his ramrod trousers.
"I am Vistani. Andrzej Plamen, magus or blade dancer when the spells run out. Like now. We have faced wererats and ghosts. Now this requires more attention. Res can you use this healing wand on me?" Andrzej holds out a whitewood wand marked with the infirmary sigils.
Correct and upright, Andrzej performs a tight bow and clicks his heels together at Tybalt.
Tybalt gives a florid bow before Andrzejs' militaristic greeting. Using the movement to conceal some of the shock upon his features. 'They fight the spirits? They come from the east wing. And Gods, what are they but some tale to tell the infirm & hopeless.'
Leandro's demeanour bring a returning quirk to his lips, whilst Tybalt thinks to see if amongst his masters dusty bookshelves he read of these before. "Certainly Noble sir, I am quite studious. However these are obscure words, seemingly esoteric items. Maybe someone is seeking them, thus enbling completion of a ritual?"
The corpse upon the floor disturbs him and he realises why, towards the final line upon the wall Tybalt gives a brief nod; "Do you think we should do something about him, before he rises again." his voice barely above a whisper. The man's eyes dart to the sisters not wishing to cause them any distress.
Sister Nadine and Sister Cecile reassure Angalia that they have no concerns about the other patients at this time. They do not know what came over Sevren to make him act so.
Sister Cecile then steps forward. "If you are preparing to cross paths with the creatures of the night," (she clearly hesitates to refer to the creatures by name), "there is someone you should speak with. A doctor here in Mortigny has devoted himself to their destruction and knows more about their ways than anybody. I could write to him to introduce you.”
She looks back upon the grisly scene. “How one could endure such a thing I cannot imagine.”
Some orderlies arrive, but Sister Cecile instructs them to wait while you document what you see before entering the room.
She turns back to all of you, “But what of Sister Jacinthe? Where is she? Was she saved? And what of the patient, Sergei? You look as if you have been through a dreadful ordeal.”
Res moves to Sister Cecile, "I have unfortunate news.
Sister Jacinthe was not what she appeared to be. She was a wear rat. She had infiltrated your order in order to procure candidates to be turned. Sergei unfortunately, was identified as such. He has been taken away, we do not know where.
As far as Sister Jacinthe, we tried to bring her back but she was killed by a fireball when we confronted the ghost of the doctor that had conducted the heinous crimes so many years before. Her body was burned beyond recognition.
We have some remains of one of the victims whose spirit remained bound to the bath room. We hope to give it a proper burial and bring it peace.
I am sorry on top of what has happened to Sevren to bring you such bad tidings. When we confronted Sister Jacinthe, she claimed to be part of a large army of wear rats led by the 'darkness'. She claims this darkness is now hunting us. I do think we should meet with this doctor. We will take you up on your offer of a letter of introduction."
He takes Andrezj' wand, reflects for a moment and turns again to Sister Jacinthe, "A wand such as this will be very helpful. Do you know where we could procure one or two more of these curing wands? Also, several of our party are quite injured. Do you have some of your healing energy available to spare to help us?"
Tybalt listens agape at all the horrors that have befallen the gallant nobles and the betrayal of the Sister. A shiver goes up his spine at the mention of lycanthropes and his face slightly blanches.
Flicking his hair across his face in slight embarrassment; "I do have some minor healing arts."
Trying to add to the conversation and brighten it; "This seems to be sigils, possibly for teleportation or translocation. Perhaps Sevren was trying to get somewhere."
"Sister Jacinthe was one of them?" Sister Cecile says in disbelief. It is telling that she is not surprised to hear that there were wererats, only that Jacinthe was among their number. "Oh this is a terrible blow. You must give an account to Sister Claudette at once. When you have finished copying these symbols, I will have the orderlies take poor Sevren away and give both him and these other remains a proper burial."
When Res mentions the need for healing, Sister Cecile adds quickly, "Yes of course. I am sorry it did not occur to me sooner."
"I will write to Dr. Savarre at once. Shall I tell him to expect you tomorrow?"
"Thank you, Sister," with a small bow. Andrzej looks at the tattered jacket and simply hands the whole mess over to the orderly and raises one eyebrow at the healed skin. "Res keep the wand. Do some good with it. I need a new jacket before meeting this doctor. This is not over for me. I call feud on these ratmen, that Donzago and their precious darkness. But first rest and energy."
"Tomorrow is fine, dear Sister." answers Res. Turning to Andrzej, "Thank you - I will keep us all alive with this."
Res than joins Tybalt. "Forgive me for my initial reaction, humor is the pathway to hope, and this land is in desperate need of hope. So you are from this area. I am in need of some special weapons. Tell me, are you aware of any dealers legal or otherwise, that may have some silver weapons for purchase?"
Eliva seems to be stricken by the day's events and can't seem to draw her wits together as she takes in the scene and introductions.
"'Tis fine, Sir Thannq, mine art is severely under appreciated. The number of times rotten fruit has been hurled at me..." he jokes.
Then smiling he leans into the dwarf; "A word to the wise, silver is scarce. Restricted one might say, the chance of finding someone who will sell or make such a weapon is...tricky."
Looking slightly paranoid down the corridors, he adds "I do own a weapon of such quality... however it's not for sale. It seems someone around here deliberately doesn't want them available. We should also make sure Sevren is buried in hallowed ground..." he pauses as a look of despair crosses his face. "After we take his head."
During this exchange, Tiffana has been looking rather stricken. She has said little, and stares at the markings upon the wall in a daze. She begins to tremble and then shake uncontrollably. Her eyes roll back into her head and she begins to speak in a voice that is not her own.
"I should have killed you all while I had the chance, back within my tower all those nights ago. Those I have allied myself with now will grant me great power and I will remember those who stood in my way. Harrag's Skull is nearly in my possession. When the tasks are complete, all will bow before a new master, and a reign of the unliving shall overtake the land. Death is too kind a punishment for the likes of you. You cannot hide."
She collapses to the ground shaking and says nothing more.
Tybalt backs off looking shocked at the unholy words. Uncomprehendingly, he nearly trips up. 'What is she(?) talking about... I was right they are items, unless the skull refers to knowledge.'
As the beautiful gypsy falls to the floor he half extends his arms, but he's held in check by her terrible words, the improprietary of grasping her and most importantly the distance.
After she lands he takes a tentative step forward looking to her friends; "Is she prone to this? She was talking to you wasn't she?"
Andrzej goes to Tiffana and cradles her neck and head. His face remains as always solid.
Sister Cecile rushes to check on Tiffana. The gypsy sorceress has a listless look about her and seems to stare off into nothingness. "She is catatonic," Sister Cecile says. "This does not bode well."
Res' face hardens at the sound of the voice coming from Tiffana. "Gilbraith," he growls. Talking to no one in particular, Res continues. "You wish you could have killed us that night, you couldn't then and you won't now. We will stop you."
Turning to the newcomers to group, Res explains. "Sparring you the details, we were attempting to rescue the sister of a friend who is in this hospital, Nathaniel, from the evil plans of this monster, Gilbraith, when a mist pulled us from our plane into this one. We believe finding and killing Gilbraith not only will save Nathaniel's sister but free us to return. It appears that this darkness and Gilbraith have aligned. We shall not be deterred."
"Sister Cecile, This vision has been too much for tender Tiffana to bear. I know we keep adding to your burden, but several of our party are not well and cannot take on this darkness in their current state. May we leave them in your care until we can return? We have some meager funds that we can spare to assist in their care.
Turning to Tybalt, "It seems our numbers are down. Are you interested in joining us? I cannot vouch for your safety, however. This land takes a heavy toll on its populace as I am sure you are aware."