Eleric you recognise the item as a Moribund Key. The bearer of a key can cast message at will, and spectral hand and vampiric touch 3 times per day. By matching symbols you can identifies objects of great importance to the cult and can activate stored spell effects in these object such as programmed images or the release of arcane locks. The skulls eyes glow when undead approach within 60 feet.
However, any good creature who carries the key gains one negative level while they carry it.
"Well we have a key to the cult. I can carry it without suffering much would you like me to do so?"
"Yes, we should learn what we can about them. That key could come in very handy."
One last look over the area then we can move on.
As long as you're comfortable enough carrying it,Eleric. We thank you for your consideration.
”Yep. But if that icky thing gets too much for you, some of the rest of us will swap in and out with you,” Tess offers.
You do not find anything else of interest.
After a few more hours travel you arrive at the sprawling city of Caliphas. It is a bustling city full of life. By the time you arrive it is starting to get late.
Eleric you realise that the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye should have a cathedral or meeting hall in a city of this size and it is likely that they would be able to help in researching the clues you have found so far. You also known that their hall in Caliphas contains a well stocked collection of obscure lore known as the Esoteric Vaults. They meet at the Haraday Theatre on Constance Street.
"I'm inclined to go where the information is first. Shall we find the Esoteric Vaults?"
"A library? Not a bad idea."
Creeden is more interested in research than he used to be, considering the type of foes the group has been facing lately.
Tess votes to rest for the night and make sure all the group’s abilities are ready and prepared for the next day.
As keen as I am to press matters, we would be of no use exhausted. Let us take our rest and refresh our faculties before meeting with the Order.
"I'm always ok with a rest. Blinding people takes a lot out of me."
Especially ones that happen to be befret of their heads,
You manage to find a nearby inn to rest in. The following morning you find that the common room of the inn is abuzz with rumours of new murders in the city. Asking around you discover that this is the most recent in a series of murders that have plagued Caliphas of late. Bodies turn up on the city's streets drained of all fluids, only to dissolve into ash by morning. The newest murder was discovered this morning.
"Evil seems to proceed us everywhere we go. If we are hearing of this my instinct says we should follow our noses."
”Well, so far we’ve been able to face the evil successfully. A little more of the same couldn’t hurt, wh?”
"Bodies that crumble to ash? Seems most unnatural. Have any of you heard of something that would cause that?"
Being staunchly agnostic, Ortensia could not recall anything pertaining to the odd remains of the murder victims.
She considered visiting one of the crime scenes to get a psychic reading to get a better grasp of the situation.
Nothing comes to mind, unfortunately. Perhaps if we come across a murder site, I could get a psionic impression to discover more.
Sipping a black cup of coffee, the occultist paused in the writing of her bi monthly missive she sent to her mother back on the Lonely Coast.
Eleric you know that if a vampire is staked and then its remains are touched by sunlight they will turn to ashes.
"Yes a good old fashion vampire hunt! Let's see if we can find the scene of the crime."
It is easy to find the scene of the crime, it is surrounded by several constables, night watchmen, and a crowd of onlookers. They are gathered around a headless body lying on its stomach in an alleyway between an inn and a tavern.
Ortensia quirked a brow, her wry smile reaching her eyes at Eleric'r rather enthused declaration.
When they entered the square with its crowd of onlookers, she hesitated. So many minds in one area concerned her should she experience unpleasant feedback.
This brought another concern to light. How would the mind of an undead creature react to hers?
"Eleric Wrenn, paranormal investigator. Do you all need a hand?"
Ortensia, the images you get seem to flicker and shift, it is more difficult than previous castings. You see a figure in chainmail who seems at first friendly to the victim meeting him on the the roof of the inn, the body fell off the roof on death and you also see two human witches who also seem to be vampires draining the victims blood first.
"Do you have any experience of things such as this, what are your initial thoughts?"
Elric examins the area for clues.
”I can’t say I have any experience with things like this. Perhaps my friends have some thoughts on the matter, however...”
Eleric, you find a strip of black cloth, it looks ancient and old and smells as if it has been buried in earth for several years.
"This here in old ancient even. There is a hint of earth. Buried. Had problems with undead? People sucked dry? People seeing things going bump in the night?"
"Well, if you believe the rumours there are vampires in the city, but I'm afraid I don't believe in children's stories, if you think that's an angle to pursue, be my guest."
Creeden raises an eyebrow as high as it will go.
"After the things I've seen lately, vampires would be well within the realm of possibility."
”Lets hope it isn’t vampires,” Tess whispers.
We should conclude our business with the Order, then investigate these killings. Drop off our cargo so there is one less thing to occupy our minds in the meantime.
”To the theatre, then?”
"Agreed."
"Yes. Let's go."
The aged, stately structure of the Haraday Theatre lies nestled among several shops. The rough, wooden exterior bears the signs of numerous repairs and modifications, though it seemingly has need of many more. The building itself has two entrances one to the west and another to the south, both illuminated by large wall-mounted oil lamps. Well-dressed servants stand outside these doors, welcoming arriving carriages and turning away passers-by who linger next to the glass windows of what appears to be a large meeting hall.
"This place looks more posh than I thought it would. You certainly wouldn't have seen me here during my gutter-sleeping days."
The servants look at you somewhat suspiciously.
"Greetings ladies and gentlemen, can we help you?"
"We are looking for Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye. You have some expertise that may well help us."
"Certainly, sir, if you would all like to follow me"
The servant leads you into a large entry hall and after disappearing for a few moments returns with a large, jolly human wearing glasses. He smiles broadly at you and says,
"Greetings, how may we assist you?"