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DM Mothman:
Spoiler:
Kajetan nods with a smile, "Yes, if you would not mind. High Hill sounds like a place I may want to visit. If I am lucky enough to meet up with Deacon Terin, are you aware of his favorite subjects? Well, besides Artonism, of course," Kajetan smiles. "I am hoping to ease into a conversation with him. It might be possible that he knows more about this monastery." DM Mothman:
Spoiler:
Through jittery hands and legs, Kajetan listens to his fellow scholars. At the appropriate moment, he asks about Deacon Terin. "Is he a reasonable man like Padre Stefan? What are his interests outside the church? How would one gain an audience with him? Are there places he likes to frequent in town?" DM Mothman:
Spoiler:
Thanks. Wasn't sure if you wanted extra dialogue, so I figured I would keep it simple to ease your burden.
Kajetan's eyes open even wider at the mention of the monastery. "Another haven of knowledge you say. My my, I truly love this land," Kajetan says with excitement. "Please tell me more. Where is it located? Would I be welcome to visit? How can I get there? Have you all been there before?" Kajetan rattles off question after question in a fast series. Apparently, his thirst for knowledge mixed with his new found love for coffee has him quite perky. DM Mothman:
Spoiler:
Kajetan breathes in the aromatic fare as he enters the shop. The nutty-sweet scent opens his eyes as he greets the shop owner with a smile. He samples the first offered cup. At first the drink is bitter to his virgin lips, and he flinches but gives a polite smile in explanation that it is hot. After some experimentation and watching other patrons, Kajetan realizes that by slurping the dark liquid the drinker agitates the oils in the beverage, providing a richer taste.
Holding the knowledge that he may be here awhile, the scholar orders a large pot and two pastries. He quickly catches on that the fruity and sugary delights complement the coffee quite well. Within moments of his second cup, he easily perks up, his eyes open wide, and his hands and legs get a little jittery. The shop owner just nods his head and turns in an attempt to hide a smirk. As more patrons arrive and Kajetan makes acquaintances, the young scholar starts to feel more in his element. Sharing knowledge and ideas and offering quips only the learned would understand, Kajetan smiles and laughs. Not since back in Lorin, could Kajetan remember being so joyful. For a brief moment, he thinks back to why he ever left. The afternoon wanes and early evening presents itself. Quite cheery and still a bit jittery, Kajetan says his farewell and makes his way back to the Grumpy Hogfish with information to share with his companions. spent 1sp and 4 cp Cathedral District works. Basically once/if Kajetan learns of the fire, he will attempt to discern what really happened and hopefully get any inside scoops on the perpetrators and what the church is doing to track them down. Who did it? Why the library? ... special documents? Anything confirmed missing? Possible locations to start looking. Also, if it appears he might be recognized by someone at the cathedral from earlier, Kajetan may cast Disquise Self Kajetan's plan is to go off on his own. He will stay in his homeland clothing and ask the innkeeper where scholars and the learned would go. The only items he will have on his person is a concealed dagger, parchment and writer, coin, and spell component pouch. This should take him to a light load. If there is such a place, he will act like he is unaware of the fire. He will inquire of places to study and libraries. He will explain that he is from Lorin, hoping that a scholar might be interested in his homeland. He will try to impress any scholars with his knowledge to gain acceptance. If/when the fire in mentioned, Kajetan will feign surprise and throw Stephan's name out there as if he had a meeting with him. Kajetan is hopeing that these scholars have some type of 'library card' to gain access to the church and might have information or might gain him access. Gather Information Check (Roll 18+3=21), Bluff Check (Roll 10+7=17) As a thought, gold gets bonuses in a bar, do good Knowledge Checks that may impress scholars give similar bonuses? If so, Kajetan does speak on his strongest subjects, but can also speak of other things as well. A few rolls, (just in case): Knowledge: Arcana Check (Roll 8+11=19), Knowledge: Planes Check (Roll 13+8=21), Knowledge: History Check (Roll 5+11=16), Knowledge: Geography Check (Roll 14+8=22), Knowledge: Nobility Check (Roll 14+8=22), Knowledge Religion Check (Roll 13+6=19) Kajetan informs his companions of his plan. "So, what do you all think?" Keildrithe Oldsun wrote:
After finally swallowing his food, Kajetan stares directly at Keildrithe in a difficult attempt to keep Pharris out of his peripheral vision, “Si..since it seems that Stonty is a good friend of the Innkeeper, we may just need to ask Stonty to put in a good word for us.” Finishing his meal, Kajetan excuses himself and disappears upstairs to clean up. Pharris Cophalis wrote:
After swallowing his latest mouthful, Kajetan says, "My parents never really paid me any mind. My father was occupied with the business and my mother was occupied with herself. This suited our relationship well since the only company I chose to keep was of dusty tombs holding precious knowledge." Kajetan leaves it at that and turns to listen to Nicolai. "Nicolai, I hope that I can speak for all of us when I say that you have proven yourself an ally. At this point, your help is just not wanted, it is also needed." Kajetan quickly looks to his longer-term companions trying to gage their reactions to his statement. Shortly after, he continues, "Might I suggest that tonight we spend some time at the Minstrel and find if we can learn more of the happenings at the cathedral?" Kajetan squirms under the woman’s grasp. ’Ahh, that hurts. She’s strong. I think she’s going to break my arm,’ Kajetan attempts to hide his thoughts through a straight face. “Well a .. Pharris,” Kajetan stumbles, “I grew up on the Island Nation of Lorin. My father was a merchant. He sent me to study in our libraries. I spent almost every waking moment with books. That is until I arrived here. A … A… Are you sure you wouldn’t want your own room for privacy?” Kajetan’s flustered state impedes his awareness and it is difficult for him to notice the details around the common room. “Is .. Is there anything else you would like to know?” Kajetan follows, looking intently around for danger, while listening in on the conversation. His eyes widen in alarm at Pharris's initial outburst. His face then creases in confusion as her anger fades to sadness. ’Very curious about this. Not a good time to ask though,’ Kajetan thinks to himself. Spot Check (Roll 8+1=9) Kajetan, with owl mask on, follows Nicolai. Under his cloak, he grips his loaded crossbow. 'Well Kajetan, you are really in deep now. You come here in search of knowledge. You try to help someone in need. Then look what happens. Now your wearing an owl mask, holding a crossbow, working with Kobolds, chasing down Demons, and running from Artonites. With how things are going, you'll be married with children in a month', Kajetan shakes his head as he admonishes himself. Kajetan nods, waiting for Nicolai to lead, "On to Stonty's recommendation to settle in and get the cart? Then tonight, to the Minstrel to loosen some lips? My guess is, is that Pharris could use her charms on some of the guards and other patrons, and if need be," Kajetan gives a shy but smiling grin, "I could become her twin sister for a time. Maybe Keildrithe could offer a song to aid our endeavors." "We should move off this alley. The Kobold mentioned possible cult involvement with the demon. We could seek out more information regarding this. My other thoughts are to ask bystanders if anything was seen flying from the cathedral. I understand that after a few drinks, lips loosen a bit. We could use this same approach on any guards that were in the cathedral. Sometimes rumors spread after an occurrence of this sort. If we find out anything, we would just have to pick apart the falsehoods and exaggerations to get to the truth. What do you all think our next move should be?" "Strong we are as a group, my friend Keildrithe. We have now proven this many times. If Atrek is here, let us be on watch for him. He will show himself eventually. As you said, he wants revenge. It is personal. Logically, he will not bring the Artonites here in Lichford against us. By letting our paranoia get to us though, we are spending less time tracking this demon. The longer we tarry, the stronger it grows. We must assume that the creatures are near, and that it was it who attacked the cathedral. Let us worry about the demon for I believe that it is the bigger threat." Kajetan listens to Pharris’s description of the wounds. Through all of his studies, he now finds it ironic that he never spent much time learning of anatomy. He did read a few papers on the subject, though. Heal Check (Roll 20+1=21) This came at a nice time. “Pharris, did this messenger expect these scholars or acolytes to be amongst the dead? What did he look like? Was he wearing new boots?" Pharris Cophalis wrote:
Kajetan’s eyes go wide in surprise at this statement. Somewhat exasperated, he asks, “Did you mention Laithe by name? What else did you tell them? This could be very important,” the scholar finishes and starts pacing. "We only speculate that we saw Atrek. The man we saw wore a mask but seemed very interested in us. In addition, he was wearing new boots. Possibly to replace the pair Keilidrithe took. This could also be our own paranoia playing mind games with us. I have read books on the subject. Our psyche can easily tell us things we want to see and hear just as easily as displaying things we never want to see and hear. The mind is complicated like that." Our Group: Spoiler:
Kajetan takes his ear from the door, “Probably just somebody’s home,” he mutters. “Where to from here?,” he asks his companions. “The square? Outside the city? Maybe we can try and find the Inn Nicolai mentioned. Maybe he will show up there with Phar …,” Kajetan pauses in mid statement, realizing what his statement may have insinuated. Somewhat flustered, he continues, “What I mean is, if they need a safe place, they might go there.” Kajetan pauses again in thought, “Let us think this through logically,” the scholar begins to slightly pace. “They were headed to the mortuary. This we know. They were taken by a member of the clergy. This we know.” He pauses again. His head tilts slightly left, then slightly right. He lifts up a finger, “It is logical that the Artonites have their own entrance. Shall we circle the building? Bearing in mind of course that Atrek may be about.” Kajetan‘s shoulders slump slightly at his last thought. Alton: Spoiler:
Whispering back, “We took a side street for cover. What is going on in the street? Have you been seen? Any sign of Pharris or Nicolai? Come to us.”
Kajetan will give Alton directions to the side street. If need be, he will cast Ghost Sound of a man coughing or something similar to give Alton a clue of the proper street, or cast Light to show him the way. Laithe and Keildrithe: Spoiler:
Kajetan looks at the man walking away curiously. ’No time for him right now. Must wait for Alton. I wonder where the door leads to though,’ Kajetan thinks to himself.
Kajetan moves back towards Laithe and Keildrithe, “I am still in contact with Alton. He is back out on the street and hopefully headed towards us. I say we wait for him to join us, then we move down the alley. Maybe Pharris will be acting dramatic, and we will hear her. She can be quite loud when she wants to be. Either way, I believe we need to move soon.” Laithe and Keildrithe: Spoiler:
"Before we decide to enter the wolf's den, let us see about other avenues of escape," Kajetan chimes in. "If Atrek is about, and I suspect that he is from the signs in the sky, then our tricks may already be known. Should we first see if this alley has a way out. I told Alton to meet us in the square. We must have confidence in our fierce little friend that he will make it out and meet us. Then we will be four and away from the 'Den Mother' so to speak. Wait here and keep an eye out for the coming commotion. I will briefly inspect the back of this alley." Kajetan turns to walk down the alley. He quickly dons his owl mask, while under his cloak, he loads his crossbow. Feining drunk, he starts stumbling down the alleyway.
Bluff Check, if needed (Roll 7+7=14) Laithe & Keildrithe: Spoiler:
Ash, you have one heck of a memory!
Kajetan makes his way into the alley and readies himself to make the climb to the roof. At Laithe's warning, the scholar looks to the sky and any surrounding mountainous regions, judging possible migratory routes that would normally give large raptors updrafts of wind to allow smoother flight. Knowledge: Geography Check (Roll 3+8=11), Spot Check (Roll 19+1=20) Keildrithe and Laithe: Spoiler:
Kajetan’s eyes widen at Laithe’s deduction that Artrek has found them. “You are wise. Yes, let us flee,” looking directly at the Druid, he says, “it seems that we are truly in the wolf’s den now.” His gaze moves to fall on the cathedral that is forcing itself against the skyline. The scholar moves to follow and turns to Keildrithe, “If needed, my spell will be complete, clothing and all.” Before moving to far, he reaches out to Alton.
Is Kajetan still in contact with Alton? For Alton (at DM’s discretion), Laithe & Keildrithe: Spoiler:
“Alton, we are on the move,” Kajetan whispers. “We are being watched and we suspect Atrek is about. We also hear something coming. Danger. Get out and meet us at the square by the statue. If that fails, we meet back with Lumbie and the others. Make sure you are not followed. Stay safe and use your mask.” Laithe and Keildrithe: Spoiler:
"Something is not right," Kajetan says to his companions, "and I fear we will soon find out what. Someone is coming. Most likely trouble for us. That mist may be needed soon. If we get split up, let us meet back at that small square by the statue. If you start the mist, I can change myself and hopefully blend in. My suggestion to you two is to have Laithe change and Keildrithe, ride him fast during the confusion. Unless you have another idea. Should we make our move now or wait and see what is coming first?" Kajetan tenses, peers around, then faces his companions. Our Group: Spoiler:
Kajetan pauses in mid-discussion as if listening to something. He quickly whispers, "Alton, be careful. Find Nicolai and Pharris if you can." Laithe & Keildrithe (possibly Alton): Spoiler:
Refocusing on Laithe and Keildrithe, the scholar says, "I may be losing contact with Alton shortly as he moves deeper into the compound. The trick I used is time sensitive also, so either way, we will be on our own shortyly." Looking at their surroundings, Kajetan states, "I guess it is time for action. Since we should not technically be in this area, if we are seen, questions will be asked. We should move. I do have an idea though. A trick I learned from Gosia was to change my form. I could take on the identity of an Artonite priest and possibly gain access to the facility with the both of you as my guests. Any other thoughts?" "My reservation would be the possiblity of drawing more attention to the area," the scholar states plainly. "It is reasonable that the church is on guard. A strange mist after the burning of part of the cathedral might turn a tense priest or guard into a zealot looking to place blame." Kajetan attempts to keep his gaze away from Laithe and the Druid's easily confirmed heritage, but the scholar's words stare for him. "I suggest we give Alton some time, and as long as I can communicate with him, we wait." Kajetan watches the wagons roll through the doors and into the courtyard, while also taking note of the appearance of a guard. He turns to his remaining companions, "Now we are three. As long as Alton stays close, I should be able to communicate with him for a time. Any thoughts on action or do we wait?" Before Alton is in the building, Kajetan makes every effort to stay unnoticed but within reasonable distance of the building. He pulls out a thin copper wire and mouths something quietly. He points to the Halfling and whispers, "Alton, do not be alarmed. It is Kajetan. For a short while, we should be able to communicate with each other while you are in the building. You can whisper a reply, and I should be able to hear you. Let me know what you see and hear, and above all else, tell us if Pharris and Nicolai are in the building. Try not to wonder to far from the building wall so I can remain in contact with you." Kajetan casts Message With the likelyhood that Alton will also be separated from the group, Kajetan looks around at his surroundings taking in the detail of the land. Remembering back to his studies on city design, the scholar pictures in his mind's eye the probable lay-out of Lichford and the most logical alternate route in which Pharris and Nicolai would take to reach this building, if it would be their final destination. Not really sure if this will tell me anything, but I just love to use my Knowledge Skills, Knowledge Geography (Roll 13+8=21), Knowledge Architecture and Engineering (Roll 18+6=24) Kajetan will follow everybody with the wagons. If possible though, at appropriate moments to distract the guards, hopefully with nobody watching also, Kajetan will cast Ghost Sound to distract the Guards' and have them look in the opposite direction. Whether it be a woman screaming for help saying something about 'devils & demons', or a priest inside yelling fire. Whichever would make more sense. Something that would surely catch the Guards' attention and have them react. Maybe a Knowledge Local or Religion Check to help Kajetan decide? Knowledge Check Roll (13) +3 for Local or +6 for Religion Tomorrow, I will be away again until Monday. I have a wedding in Connecticut to attend. Might be around later tonight, but not sure. Kajetan, seeing the guards coming, attempts to stay out of their line of sight so as not to be 'moved along'. Maybe a Hide Check, if needed (Roll 15-2=13) If he makes it passed the guards. Spoiler:
Kajetan sidesteps the guards' removal of onlookers and moves towards the gathering of high ranking church officials. "Excuse me good sirs. Please tell me nothing was ruined. I am a scholar from the Island Nation of Lorin. I have traveled far to study in your grand library. What has happened?"
Diplomacy Check (Roll 5+3=8) Kajetan's somber mood turns to anger as he moves through the crowd. Heeding his companions' warnings, the scholar stays alert and scans the area. More or less staying with Nicolai, Kajetan also keeps an ear out for people talking about the fire. If he finds someone suitable to talk to, he will inquire about if the building was definitely the Cathedral Library and what happened. Spot Check (Roll 10+1=11), Listen Check (Roll 10+1=11), Gather Information Check (Roll 2+3=5) Laithe Greycoat wrote: ... Noticing Kajetan's attention also focused that way he says "Let's stay in pairs though - Kajetan, perhaps you should go with Nicolai. ... Kajetan stares until Laithe’s voice brings him back to the present. “Uh .. Yeah ok,” Kajetan stammers still out of it from thinking of the possible lost knowledge. He shakes his head and follows Nicolai. Spot Check (Roll 17+1=18)
Kajetan is hopeful by the sense of community, as many have come to aid in dousing the fire. The bucket line takes his mind back to his studies and proposals that he has read on the manufacturing of contraptions that use air to propel water upwards. ‘Possibly some technology that could have been useful for this situation,’ he thinks to himself. Finally a shout rings out that the fire is extinguished. The scholar quickens his pace as he is moved along with the crowd toward the cathedral. Reaching the top of the hill and realizing that many have removed their festival masks, Kajetan follows suit, understanding that, at least for now, the revelry is postponed. Kajetan frowns at the sight of the covered bodies. He raises his gaze to the group of clergy standing by the open door. “Something important must have been in that building. Those clergymen standing near it are high ranking members of the church. Many senior padres, and if I am not mistaken by his uniform, a Proctor is also there. He would only be outranked by the Prelate, a person I do not see. Curious though, among that group is also a low ranking Deacon. I wonder what that building could have …,” Kajetan’s voice trails off and his eyes go distant. His mouth opens and closes several times in an attempt to speak. Finally, very weakly he says, “The Library.” After a short pause, “I think that building was the Cathedral library.” Kajetan stands there and stares, lost to his environment. Laithe Greycoat wrote:
Kajetan smiles at the compliment and nods, “As I am glad to have you on my side also. Your Lady Ehlonna may gift us with her grace yet again. Increasing Lumbie’s wit, if that be the case, may also strengthen our cause.” The scholar takes a quick glance towards the Devil’s Box and sees Pharris doing something. His brow forms a confused and curious pose for a moment, but he just shakes his head. Women, no book will ever make sense of them,’ he thinks to himself. Nicolai joins in the conversation. Nicolai Auf der Maur wrote:
Kajetan nods at his new companion with wide eyes, “Oh my. A spell like that would be critical. Brilliant idea. If the devil’s controlled their own prison and our main weapon against them, our mission would be in great jeopardy.” Looking back at the copse as they walk toward town, Kajetan speaks further, “Regarding Lumbie, there could be a communication barrier. From what Raspit has said, Lumbie has been away from his kind for quite some time. This desegregation with others along with the intermingling languages of visitors to that freak show could have our heavy Kobold confused and misunderstood. The town is of most import right now, but if I have time, maybe I can work with Lumbie to get a better understanding of him. Time will see, I guess.” As they near Lichford, Kajetan dons his owl mask, positioning it securely but also allowing plenty of room for ventilation and vision. Lichford itself, give Kajetan a comfort that he has not felt in awhile. The feeling of civilization and the possibility of learned folk excites the young scholar. The further they walk, Kajetan is also able to pick out the key differences in architecture and culture. He finds it interesting how the old ways of tradition blend with the new ways of Arton. Entering the square, Kajetan is immediately drawn to the bronze statue and moves to investigate it. If needed, Search Check (Roll 1+2=3) Hey, what happened to the statue. It was here a minute ago. Kajetan nods in agreement regarding entering the town. “Keildrithe, you have some good ideas in regard to a solution to working the Box. I too fear the Kobold’s inability. Maybe we can work together. With my small understanding and your abilities, we might form a plan.” The scholar pauses for a moment and raises a finger, “If I may though, another thought has come to mind. I have heard of magic, through possible drink or parchment, which could possibly brighten the dull Lumbie. If this magic would exist, it could give Lumbie the understanding to work the box for a short period of time when we need him to. I only present this as another possible option.” He lowers his finger and shakes his head, “Many things would have to happen for this to come to fruition, though.” Kajetan gathers his belongings and says with a nod, “Well off we go then to gather Stonty and his wagon. I wish we were under different circumstances. I am very interested in seeing a town the size of Lichford. It probably holds so much history and knowledge. Well first things first, let us put a stop to this wickedness. The knowledge will still be there. Unless the damn devils burn it all,” Kajetan’s mouth curves in disappointment and anger. He goes on sternly, “On that thought though, possibly if the cathedral is under attack, our past enemy may become our current ally. Either way, let us finish this.” Grabbing his owl mask, he waits for Nicolai. Finishing his spell and digesting the knowledge gained, Kajetan turns to his companions and translates. The scholar quiets for a moment as if in thought, then says, “Sounds like it was written by Kobolds for Kobolds. Maybe from a certain blood line,” Kajetan surmises. “Is that correct Raspit?” Kajetan asks turning to the translating Kobold. Nicolai Auf der Maur wrote: ... You bunch have been by far the most exciting thing that's happened since I arrived!" Grasping the Artonites arm in greeting, Kajetan listens to his new companion. Thinking to himself, ’A possible traveler of the land. Maybe he can give me insight with my searches after this business with the demon is completed.’ Kajetan releases his arm and smiles and nods once again. “Welcome. Excitement, yes we seem to have excitement surround us at every turn.” Although Kajetan wears a smile, his cynicism is almost palpable. Nicolai Auf der Maur wrote: He's about to continue, but then sees the box Kajetan was examining. "Is that the box?" he asks, stepping towards it. "How does it work? Can you show me? And how exactly is a fat kobold supposed to help?" “Yes this is the box.” Kajetan turns his body to look at the artifact. “A rather curious object I currently have under study. I am not quite sure how it works, and I am doubly skeptical about the Kobold working it. See the writing,” Kajetan points as he walks closer to the box, “I believe that these runes are a form of Draconic. A language I presume the Kobolds speak. That could be part of the puzzle. Why only that Kobold,” nudging his head toward Lumbie and sighing deeply is resignation while shaking his head, “is still a mystery. I was just about to perform another test which may enlighten us further. Care to watch?” Kajetan closes his eyes for a moment and reaches into his pouch. Pulling out some material that resembles dirt and a white crystallized substance, he speaks in an arcane tongue. The words come to him with barely a thought, and he smashes his hands together. The materials he holds form a dust that land on the box, forming a hazy covering. Taking the tips of his fingers, the scholar gently caresses the Draconic Runes, moving the dusty material into phrases that he can understand. Casting Comprehend Languages on the Devil’s Box OK, to finalize some details. Feel free to power this down, if it needs to be. Will adjust everything starting at 1st level. - 6 skill points per level
As an alternate (and this may underpower Kajetan, but I am willing to do it plus it does make sense for the character IMO.) {Same as above except} - 8 skill points per level
Just some thoughts. Let me know what you think. Cheers and have a great weekend Kajetan looks off into the distance towards Lichford, "Something is happening in the city. This cannot be a good thing, but the fire might point us towards our Devil that we chase. We should move quickly. Time is important if I deciphered the Kobold Chief's letter correctly. You were able to rescue the Kobold quite quickly." Taking a look around, his gaze falling on Alton and his wounds, "My guess though is that it was not easy. What happened and what might we be up against?"
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