Maurice slides the noted to Duncan to sign off on.
After a few ackward moments Andrea will lead the group to see Alister McHuffin a high Priest of Calistria. He is surprsed to see the group at his office. He leads everyone to the back and asked what he can do for you.
"That kind of magic is expensive and the soul must want to come back to succeed. Material component for raise dead is 5000 gp diamond plus my fee 450 gp, or 10,000 plus 450 GP, I won't charge extra for the harder spell since Andrea is proving to be a good source of business."
"I assume you have the resources for the job. Where are the bodies. Ghouls can be nasty, sounds like you ran into a civilized on....they can pass themselves off as guantly plae alive humans. Probably just looking for a free meal, could have played dead to get himself checked into the morgue. Once inside the morgue it would have been a buffet for him."
He goes to loced safe and pulls out a small pounch, and grabs a scroll case. "Lead away."
Andrea is in quite the quandary, they have only 1 spell and two bodies.
Yes,the bodies are still at the morgue. This way.
Andrea hurries down the street towards the morgue. Even though it is still far from midnight, she keeps looking up at the sky.
Alister McHuffin looks at the two fresh corpses and his face remains expressionless. "So do you want me to raise the dead or resurrect the dead." His face still deadpan. "And are you absolutely sure the souls want to come back...the spell will fail otherwise and it is very costly.
Without hesitating Maurice and Kenswick each emphatically state, "yes." Maurice continues "Swift is married with children...his family was everything to him."
Alister nods his head, "Very well."
I cannae speak for me allies here but given we cannae raise em both, I be guessin Kenji woulda chosen the Guard. The lad had a hero's heart and wouldna left a da to leave kids behind. Raise him from the dead.
Duncan is sober. Despite thier differences, he did like the naive boy...
I do not know Kenji's will, but as Duncan has said, Kenji put others before himself.
Andrea, who is angry with you? I have potion to help you.
I do agree with Duncan that Kenji would most likely give the guard another chance at life. If we need to confirm, we could speak with him if Alister has that miracle. As for me, I will respect Kenji's wishes or raise the guard.
Shinon stands shocked and stares at the collapsed human's body. "No...what in blazes? I..."
He drops to his knees, his precious bow falling from his hand to the floor as he slams both hands onto the ground to keep himself up. "What the hell! Why him? Why did Kenji have to...damnit!" He slams one fist against the pavement, and a bit of a sickening crunch echoes through the morgue as Shinon feels some of the bones in his finger snap.
Looking up at the young woman, Shinon has a bit of a pleading look in his eye. "Wait...Andrea...you can fix this, right? You can save him! You're a servant of a divine being! You can..you can save him can't you?! Can't you? ARGH!"
Shinon bites his lip, looking down at the floor, tears dripping from his eyes. He knows her answer before she even speaks, if she had the skill to bring someone back from the dead she would already have dropped everything and rushed to the boy's side. Shinon feels genuinely sick to his stomach. That poor guy...his accent was annoying but he was a good person!
After a few minutes and several more tears, Shinon stands up, picking up his bow. His eyes are red, and empty. Shinon shakes his head and nods to himself. This is not a game. People are fighting for their lives. There is always a risk of death. Gripping his bow tightly, Shinon walks closer to the group, his eyes and ears peeled for any other threats. He had to keep his head in the game, and do his best to protect the rest of the group. He wasn't going to let anyone else die, especially not Andrea.
Perception:
May ye find peace in yer afterlife lad.
May Calistria bless you. Andrea opens her prayer book for a prayer to the dead and recites it over Kenji.
Alister McHuffin bows his head during Andrea's prayer and when it is completed he adds his blessing. The soberly states, "His body must be burned before Midnight or he will rise as ghoul. We can handle that once the guard is raised." With that he begins his incantations as he the diamond begins to turn into dust. An emerald color bathes the fallen dottari's body and then disappears inside him.
The pale faced dottari's chest begins to expand and his eyes open, as color flushes his face.
Andrea nods. Yes. Since we still have some time, we can inform any family or..loved ones Kenji might have. Nathanial, please get the crematorium ready.
Duncan looks at the newly risen guard.
Ye live. Do not take yer second chance lightly lad. Yer fellows AND us taken on a great debt fer ye. Make yer new life count? Aye!
Swift sits there shaking his head clear of cobwebs, he finally extends his hand out to Duncan. "Plenty of thanks to everyone." He looks around to everyone there, his eyes finally coming to Kenji's mauled body. "Why did you choose me and not your friend to bring back? I mean no disrespect, I'm appreciative and my family is to but he was you comrade."
Andrea pauses, unsure of what to say. Was there any excuse for not taking on an even greater debt to bring both of them back?
She had no answer.
I don't really know Swift. I could say that we couldn't take on a greater debt for both you and Kenji, or that this is what Kenji would want. We just agreed to bring you back so you could continue to provide for your family and thought that is what Kenji would want.
Swift nods thankfully. "I've always tried to live my life correctly and I'm grateful for the second chance." Getting on his uneasy feet. His two friends are there to support him in case he teeters on his feet. The three of them walk over to Kenji and tank him for what he did for them.
"We came here looking for Henri Stoutpour is he here still or did he become a ghoul?
Nathaniel steps up, "He is here but there's less of him. Appears like the ghouls was feeding on him when he was interrupted." Maurice, Kenswick and Swift cautiously walk to see the body. Henri's skull is cracked open and his brain is partially eaten.
Urgh! That dannae look good.
Shinon listens quietly to the group discussing its plans. "Someone has to tell Janiven and Arael about this," he whispers so only Jon, Duncan and Andrea can hear. "...I volunteer."
As Swift rises again, Shinon thinks about his point. "I didnt know Kenji that well, but he always struck me as the type of guy who would take on his problems alone and stubbornly ignored aid. If he had the money for this himself, I wouldnt hesitate, but since we would go deep into debt in order to bring him back, I dont think he would be pleased."
Andrea nods to Shinon. As you wish. No doubt they will want to pay last respects. She says quietly.
She turns to Henri's remains. Plus we have yet another corpse to add to those who have no doubt been murdered and mutilated to make it look like they were the victims of shadow beasts. In Henri's case, I believe we actually have a suspect.
Maurice states, "We certainly have a mystery here that needs solving. I will open the file and we will begin to investigate Henri Stoutpour's death. We will go by his business and speak to his employees and discuss the matter with his wife."
Maurice looks at John then the others, "You ahve my gratitude. As far as tomorrow's goblin hunt...I would honored to have you go along. Sort of need that reward now. I would suggest that Swift stay home and recouperate. He and Kenswick can start to to canvess the area discreetly."
Jus John? Or would ye be welcomin me hammer as well?
Andrea nods. I would be more than willing to lend aid for the hunt.As for Stoutpour's wife, she has been out of town for unknown reasons, leaving his partner in charge. Andrea puts some more stress on the last few words. The employees are very reluctant to talk about the partner and why Stoutpour's wife is absent.
Maurice simply states, "I'll be happy your group to help out. Your axe will be needed, as well as Shinon's bow, Andrea's faith and John's sword and shield."
Kenswick steps in and states, "Thanks for that tip, you all have been great help so far, we need more citizens like you to care for this city. Swift and I will pay an unexpected visit to his business partner and we will go by his residence and canvass the area. We have have a few others in our squad that can help us out."
Shinon bows politely. "You honor me with your invitation. However..."
Shinon trails off. He couldn't let the group go alone. Not after what just happened. But he also needed to return to the Parego Regicona and give House Grulios an update...
"Count me in. In that case, I'm afraid I must bid you all adieu• for the day. I have business to take care of elsewhere."
Shinon sets off for the Grulios Major Vaneos. When he arrives wearing his merchant attire over his armor, he shows the guard the token and asks to speak to Lady Chelsi Longbottom.
•Substitute the Elven word for goodbye here.
"Where did Shinon go Nathaniel asks as he comes back into the room. The crematory is nearly ready for Kenji."
Alister McHuffin nods, "I did not iknow this man but hearing the commentary given, I will be glad to offer the final blessing."
Maurice looks at everyone and states, 'We can meet a Two Fingers Pub two blocks away from the Dottari HQ tomorrow an hour past sunrise. The old ruined north section will be guarded to restrict access and depending on who is working the gate, we may have to go another route."
Andrea turns to Nathaniel. I believe Shinon has gone to bring some other friends of Kenji's here so they can say their farewells.
To ALister. Thank you for your blessings. Your services have been invaluable, hopefully I can take my new lessons to heart.
To Maurice. That might cause me some difficulty since I must work int he mornings. I can however ask my employer time off for the hunt since it can help reduce our debt that we owe him depending on what we find amongst the goblins.
Alister touches Andrea's arm and looks at Duncan, "This is an odd group but I see there is goodness at its core. To put this guard's life before your companions was a difficult decision. I sense that you all will need to work and trust in one another."For the first time his stoic demeanor softens, "Should you need my assistance in the future Andrea and now, Duncan, know where to find me."
He nods at Maurice, Kenswick and Swift getting a final measure of his new friends.
Shinon stealthily moves back to the temple, doing his best to keep an eye out and make sure he was not followed. Once he arrives at the secret base, Shinon slips inside and looks for Arael and Janiven, as well as that one human girl who had enjoyed rubbing up against Kenji.
Once he has gathered them, Shinon solemnly announces, "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you all...our good friend Kenji died in battle today. He defended his friends from a deadly ghoul, and without his noble sacrifice, I myself might be in his place right now. We have to burn his remains to keep him from rising again as an abomination. I came here to get you all so that you might be present to pay your respects."
Andrea nods. Thank you. Yes, they have goodness, however harsh it can be at the time. Andrea hesitates before speaking again. Perhaps after this is done you can take my confession, I have a wound that was inflicted upon me when I was rebuked for offending Urgathoa and I remeber things I have done that would offend Calistria. So perhaps penance for them will help me get my head on straight.
He nods, "Of course.' The priest of Calistria departs.
Arael, Janiven and Mathalen stand there shocked, tears in their eyes. "Show where he is being kept," Arael responds.
Duncan looks at the exchange with some relief. Perhaps the girl HAD converted.
'Good. Now I don't have to kill her...
Andrea flails herself again just to make sure.
The Brotherhood trio arrives at the morgue with Shinon. They caustiously enter through the back door.
The three dottari guards look at the new arrivals, their eyes shift a bit to each new face then to one another. Maurice steps forward extending a hand to Arael, "It's pleasure to see you safe."
Kenswick adds, "Be careful the maralictor, Aritil Sevarn, has it out for you. He is the one pushing for your arrest along with the rounding up of dwarves." "He is bad news and has his sources in the dottari. Be careful of the Capt Rowneece Renfroe in the dottari."
Maurice turns and says, "See you all in the morning at Two Fingers Pub."
Andrea nods to the men as they leaves and guides the others where Kenji's body is kept.
Andrea makes sure a simple shroud is over Kenji's body so the worst of his wounds are covered and his face is clean for the others to look upon. She then silently stands to the side as they gather around.
Arael utters a loud prayer to Iomedae asking that Kenji assume a place among the brave and good hearted warriors.
Mathalen is clearly uncomfortable looking at the newly departed, death of an acquaintances is a new concept for her. Tears dripping from her eyes.
While Janiven has a look of revenge in her brown eyes, a hard penetrating look. The silent look of a warrior with a purpose.
Shinon frowns and turns to Janiven. "I'm upset about this too, Janiven, but please, calm down. If you don't control your feelings, you won't be able to fight as well, and your enemies will not hesitate to take advantage of any mistakes you make."
After the dottari leave Duncan waits for the morgue worker to be out of the room and states in his typical blunt fashion, Great! Now we got 3 dottari who know fer sure that Areal is about and that is was us got im out. Shinon, would ye mind catchin up to em and pointin out where the church is jus to save em the trouble o lookin'?
Janiven barely acknowledges Shinon's statement, she has a cool look of determination on her face.
John responds to Duncan's statement, "I think those dottari are trustworthy. They would not have provided the tips regarding whom to beware of."
"Yes, they have put two and two together. But they are allies."
Indeed. Their statements earlier on the street and here made clear they are honest dottari, they will be good allies to have in regards to clearing out the corrupted elements of the dottari.
Andrea thumbs through her prayer book some more. In any event, now is not the time to argue. Let us finish paying our respects and talk later about what our next move will be.
Honest or no, it was stupid. The less people know the better for all o us. Let's keep it a bit quieter. I've said my piece, now we need t'get Kenji ready fer Cremation. We lost a good man t'day lest we can do somethin fer this city so he ain't died fer nothin'
Andrea nods and goes to notify Nathaniel when everyone is ready to allow Kenji to be cremated.
Nathaniel slides Kenji's body into the crematory, the heat of the flame is like a blast furnace. Adding new fuel to the fire, Kenji's body begins to blister and bubble, the smell of acrid charcoaled beef burning clings to your palate. The morgue worker closes the iron door.
Janiven is the first to turn away, "We have lots of work to do." As stern tone to her voice. "Duncan are you taking Ermolos with you on this goblin hunt?" She continues, "He needs the practice and your mentorship has been valuable...teach him well."
"I plan on following up a few leads."
Arael looks at his partner, "We need rational heads right now. I have a few healing potions for you all, don't do anything too crazy."
He turns to Andrea, "I will pray in the morning for the ability to help you recover from your current deficits."
Shinon cracks his neck. "Alright. Well, I've got to head out. It's been a while since I ate anything, and if I don't go hunting now I won't have time to cook before the night falls. I'll see you all in the morning."
Shinon waves and leaves the morgue. He walks through the city streets, eyes closed and listening to the heartbeat and sighing happily. Kenji would never get to hear this sound again, but that just made Shinon more determined. He had to make this city the happy and carefree place that Kenji wanted it to be, free of fear and threats. Shinon nods to himself and then moves to the outskirts of town and begins preying on a few wild animals.
Survival check:
Thank you Areal, you are very generous.
Andrea says a few more prayers before the furnace before arrangign with Nathaniel for an urn to place Kenji in since there were no other instructions for disposel.
Turning to the the others. I will discuss with my employer about allowing me some time to go goblin hunting, the potential for funds to sell through the counting house will be a way to decrease our debt.
After that I will return to my home to do a few things and then return to our shelter for the night. Be well.
After a small prayer Andrea heads back to the exchange house.