Castle Caldwell and Beyond: (A 5e Campaign) - The Wrecking Crew (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Victor heads to the fountain to begin inspecting it.

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The courtyard is eerily quiet.

Forming a line, not being too close to one another, the group approaches the statue in the center of the courtyard.

It is, or was, a fountain, but it is now dry, and the base of the fountain, which sets a foot below ground level, is chocked with plants growing up in the spaces between the stones set in place there.

It is a round fountain, about twenty feet in diameter, and in the center of the pool there is a stone platform, almost ten feet in diameter. On this platform stand four statues. Each statue appears to be of the same woman, in a flowing dress. She has a slender build, and flowing hair. The sculpture appears to be made from a single piece of stone, and the dress of each figure blends into the dress of the figure standing to each side. Though the statues appear to be of the same woman, each has a slightly different look. The woman facing east appears to be the youngest, and her head is tipped downward, a sensual playful smile is on her carved lips. The statue facing south appears older, and has a serious expression, and she holds her arms out as if she where spinning, or perhaps weaving. The statue facing west appears older still, and her face shows she is wise, her eyes gaze up toward the sky, and her palms are turned upward as if in thanksgiving. The statue facing north is the oldest looking of the four, but she does not look like a crone, more like a woman in the twilight years of her life. Her eyes are closed, she is neither smiling nor frowning, and her appearance is mysterious and a little detached. In the center of the platform, in the small space between the statues (their backs do not touch) there is a column of stone, and it looks as if water once came out of the top of the column, splashed onto the heads of the statues, and then fell into the pool, judging by the stains of hard water that you can see on the marble of the column and the backs of the heads of the statues.

Ayita gently eases Lijan down to sit on the lip of the fountain. She sits next to him and casually looks around.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Are we sure we want to do this? What is there left in this world for Amber to come back to except for revenge? Why not pass on peacefully to the afterlife? Perhaps instead we should see if the fountain can restore the years unjustly stolen from Lijan?"

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

"Hey look, I think there are coins in there. Amber, was this a wishing well? Do we need to make an offering or something?"

"Are we sure we want to do this? What is there left in this world for Amber to come back to except for revenge? Why not pass on peacefully to the afterlife? Perhaps instead we should see if the fountain can restore the years unjustly stolen from Lijan?"

"She does not seem vengeful to me, everyone deserves a first chance. This is not even a second chance for her, she never had hers... A lot of people never do", Victor replies a bit more vehemently than he intended to.

"Perhaps the fountain can help Lijan, as well. I have heard nothing to suggest this goddess reserves her favor for only one creature at a time - perhaps he can ask his own boon," Magnus says.

"Now, we must decide which face to ask. I know only a little of the four-faced goddess. It is said she governs fate, change, beauty, renewal, and time. She is associated with the changes inherent in the passing of a day, and takes four names: Oena for the Dawn, Phalle the Day, Lomela the Dusk and Ollona the Night."

"The spirit suggested that Ollona, the dark of night, might be appropriate as that is the face connected to death and the passing of all good people. But I wonder if Oena, the Dawn persona, might hear a prayer for rebirth. What do you think?"

Ayita stretches her arms above her head. "Well its seems I can't dissuade you so I agree with Magnus' deduction, Oena sounds like the face we need. It's probably the youngest looking statue."

While Magnus and Ayita discuss the mysteries of a faith they only know in passing,Perry is momentarily distracted by the shine of a few coins in the bottom of the now dry fountain, and as such, he goes about asking questions to the ghost he had been talking to only a few moments ago.

There is no reply

While the party is moving about, taking in the fine craftsmanship of the fountain and its statues, a woman appears from the northeast part of the inner courtyard. She is walking toward your group.

She is a beautiful young, human woman, with features that are clearly of Baravkovia ancestry, her face is oval shaped, her chin prominent and strong, and her cheek bones well defined. She has a straight and small nose, and large bright eyes. Her hair is strawberry-blonde, long, and thick, parted in the middle of her head, and braided into one thick braid on her back. She wears a suit of half-plate armor* with an emblem of a black wolfhound, rampant, dexter, affronter on the chest plate. She carries an opened face helmet under her left arm, and a plain wooden shield on her right. From her belt, on her left side, hangs a heavy mace on a leather strap hooked on a small metal tang on her belt.

She is smiling, walking slowly, and when she is close to your group she raises her right hand, and in a thick accent, she says,

Hello, I am Valarie Gordaue. I saw your group come through the main gate earlier but I wasn’t sure what you were looking for. I have never seen such a large group of well armed travelers comes here before. I just moved into the temple in the northeast corner of the castle a few weeks ago. One of my ancestors was a priestess who served the family that was last to live here, and after learning of her deeds and devotion I left my home in Baravkovia and dedicated myself to keeping the temple here protected as well as I can. I’ve learned a little about this place, and I would be glad to help you if you are searching for something or someone, but,

She places her helmet on her head and then rest her left hand on the handle of her mace

If you intend to defile this place, in any way, we are going to be at odds, and that will not be a good for anyone, yes?

Histoff climbs to the pool and sees the coins and thinks about what the others said.

investigation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"You've been here alone for weeks and have not been harassed by bandits or goblins? There are many foes lurking within these walls. You must be very powerful to have lasted this long."

Insight (Sense Motive): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Ayita whispers to the party.

"I sense deception here."

The girl stands tall, and addresses the elven female, I have had many close calls, yes, but the truth be told this place isn’t as dangerous as some make it out to be, why right now there are merchants and other travelers, resting in the rooms on the second floor of the manor house, there she points toward the large house in the center of the north wall, You simply need to be careful, why there are bugs, spiders, occasionally goblins, who are always dangerous, or even Kobolds who are usually more annoying than dangerous, and a wolf or two, but if you learn where the solid doors are, and don’t wander around at night, you can do just fine here. Bit, then there is my secret. I’ll tell you, if you promise not to damage the statues here, and the one in that meditation room, there she points to a small stone building on the east wall just north of the east Round tower, which is just east of the barracks room you explored and where the goblins were defeated. My ancestors made these statues possible, and I have sworn my life to protect them, and the small temple shrine in the northeast corner.

Ayita’s Insight into the young woman’s situation is keen, but she detects no malice, nor any intention to deceive. The young woman’s body language, strong eye contact, and cheerful face, seem to imply she is stout worth, honest, and brave

Ayita hears Valarie and believes her. She now begins to have some doubts about Clifton Caldwell. She certain was not expecting the castle to be occupied by some many different groups. And she wonders what these travelers will think when Mr. Caldwell comes to claim the castle once we clear it out.

"Are you aware that this castle is owned by a Mr. Clifton Caldwell? He's tasked us with clearing the castle out to make it safe. We certainly are not here to defile it."

Perry raises a placating hand, which just happens to be the one bearing his signet ring. "Perivius of House Lalomaundriale, but you may call me Perry," the noble bard says amiably. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. As my friend here has mentioned, our task is not to defile, but to cleanse. I don't anticipate we would get in each other's way here. In fact, if you were to help us, I imagine I could put in a word toward turning your devotion into a living once this place is properly restored. What would you say to that?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Wow. That plus Position of Privilege ought to move things in our favor, I imagine. :)

Magnus watches, somewhat bemused, as Perry puts on the charm.

"That one could sell manure to a donkey," he says to no one in particular.

When an opportunity presents itself, he hails the priestess.

"Whose prayers do you speak in temple, lady? We seek to gain the statues' blessing for one of the old lord's servants who haunts this place after being left to rot a cell. I only know a little of the dawn goddess - the Crow God I follow deals death, he doesn't reverse it - and I would arm myself with any knowledge I can before making the attempt."

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Perception

"I see something glittering over there as well". p Klodd tells Lijan, who is traipsing around the well".

He turns at the entrance of the new arrival, and peers at her for moment. Seems strange that someone would travel here on there own, and confront a large group alone as well. He would follow along with the groups decision, but keep a careful eye on this one.

Indeed Klodd,indeed
Histoff says and searches for a gold coin in one of his pockets ignoring the surprise for now

Victor fingers his sword in his sheathe waiting to see the woman's response.

He adds nothing regarding the spirit of the creature and the well knowing that he is out of his depth in the matter.

Day 1, Wednesday approximate time of day, 3:50 pm (turn 96). Location: Caldwell Castle, Harrispania. The party is investigating the fountain in the courtyard, a stranger has approached them….

Ayita’s declaration brings a curious look to the girl’s face, and she tilt’s her head to the side. She opens her mouth, and then shakes her head, and removes her helmet.

I’m sorry, I don’t think I’ve met anyone named Caldwell. If you are tasked with sorting out the squatters, good luck to you. Many people have come to think this castle belongs to anyone who wanders by.

She places her shield on the ground and then rest her helmet on the shield. Valerie extends her hand to Ayita just as Perry begins adding more details to the situation, and when he mentions that there could be an opportunity to make her stay here permanent she miles.

Still shaking Ayita’s hand she looks at Perry and says

Do you really think so? I would be glad to offer my services to this Caldwell fellow. As to helping you, I believe I can, indeed. You see…

Before she can finish the big man, Magnus steps toward her and asks her a simple question followed by a revelation of his own beliefs.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

She doesn't understand what the Big man is talking about, when he mentions the "Crow God", but she smiles and tries to answer his question

Common Knowledge - Haurruld is part of a set of deities common among the people of Baravkovia. These deities (and heroic saints)often have similar counterparts in the Alodoan traditions, and in the Empire, Haurruld is called Harold, and in the traditions of the Alodoans he has a twin brother, called Harcourt, who is not openly worshipped but is revered in secret by those people who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of earthly pleasures. Though not particularly evil, Harcourt's followers can be excessively greedy and manipulative.

When she finally realizes the big man is talking about the fountain statues, she tilt her head to the side and touches her chin

I don’t know very much about the Alodoan Goddess of the Day, who I believe these statues represent, nor do I know anything about any spirit, at least I’ve not encountered any ghost where I have managed to explore. But I do know these two things that I think will help all of you. Over there, she points directly to the east, to a small stone building against the castle wall, There is another shrine here in the castle, this one is dedicated, I think, to the Alodoan God, Mundorian. Who is the God of obedience in servitude, and I understand he is commonly the patron deity of those who serve, granting them peace and good fortune in the next life. The statue is enchanted and will answer questions. I was told this by a cleric who passed this way just three days ago. However, I have not been blessed with being witness to these phenomena myself, but I believe the old cleric who told me this was telling the truth. Second, the shrine to Lady Isabelle is very special, and if a special spell is cast upon the altar in that shrine, the room becomes protected for a period of one full day, from sunrise to sunrise of the following day. No evil creature can enter the shrine while it is so protected, and because I know the spell, I have been able to sleep there safely these past days. It is a small shrine, and you are all welcome to take refuge there tonight if you want to. It will be crowded, but at least you can all sleep soundly.

"That sounds like a fine plan, Valarie," Perry says with a genuine smile. "We'll wrap up with this fountain, probably poke around a bit more while we still have some daylight, and then meet you in your shrine. Thanks for your help!"

"Well, as no one seems to know how to invoke the blessing of this four-faced goddess, I suppose we must craft our own prayers," Magnus says. "Perhaps Ophallela is lonely enough she will be more forgiving than others. If not, we can take the bones to this god of servants for burial."

Considering the fountain for a moment, he unwraps the otyugh's bones and spreads them out along the edge of the platform where the statue stands, starting near the carving representing Ollona and stretching around to the statue of Oena.

"Four-faced goddess, hear me, as I ask your mercy for the spirit whose bones lie here. This creature may have lacked in fair form but her plea is just and deserving of your blessing," Magnus says, addressing the aged face of Ollona first.

"This creature served her masters well but was forgotten, left to rot in the darkness. The night came upon her before she had spent her allotted time in the light. Release her from her torment."

The big priest moves to stand in front of the fresh face of Oena, the dawn goddess.

"Her spirit free, grant this creature a chance to live the days she had been granted. Quicken these bones and return her youth, so she may spend it according to the natural order, trading strength for weakness and innocence for wisdom and regret."

Glancing at the others to see if they approve of his improvisation, Magnus spies some of the wildflowers stretching out of the shadows near the statue's base into the sun. He reaches down and plucks a few, scattering them among the bones. Then he takes out his knife and draws a shallow cut across his palm. He squeezes it into a fist, allowing the crimson blood to drip out onto the bones and blossoms.

"Let life call to life, and pay the ransom for this soul" Magnus says, before painting a bloody stripe down his forehead with his thumb.

Valarie’s head tips slightly down, and she takes a smalls step toward Perry, and then she looks up at him, and says, That sounds wonderful. Take your time. I’ll be there. And then she picks up her shield and helmet and walks toward the northeast corner of the castle wall

When Magnus finishes his makeshift ritual, something like a miracle occurs. Water begins to gurgle from somewhere below. The sound grows in intensity until a spray erupts from the column in the center of the statues. The water shoots up into the air a few feet above the height of the tops of the statues, and then falls back on itself to splash across the tops of the statues and then it begins to fill the fountain.

The bones laid around the fountain begin to shake and roll and come together as if moved by an unseen hand.

There is a moment when the air all around the bones shimmers and wavers like the sun on a flat stone in the middle of summer, and then the bones transform into the form of a small lumpy brown creature, with three legs, and three tentacles. One of the tentacles ends in a flat, paddle like appendage, with two large brown eyes placed one above the other.

The tentacle with the eyes dips and sways, aligning itself with Magnus’ head

I can’t believe you did it, A voice you recognize as the voice of Amber, the Otyugh, comes out of a wide mouth centered on the body of the creature.

I’m alive again. Oh, glorious and wonderful day. You are my hero, and I owe everything to you. Tell me, stranger called Magnus, how can I serve you.

Ayita is out of her element and just waits for the time being.

Something about the way Valarie spoke before leaving sounds like either she's planning to cut our throats in our sleep or is hoping I show up an hour before everyone else, and I honestly can't tell which. So...
Insight...?: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

INT: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Based on those results, it seems Perry is thinking with something other than his brain!

Based on those results, it seems Perry is thinking with something other than his brain!

Says the guy who has a young lady asking for the chance to serve him? ;)

"Well I'll be a dung smeared Snaggle dog". "That worked". "Great Job there mate".

The stout dwarf then slams the cleric on the back.

"If I ever end up a pile of bones, try that with me, and you're set with ale for life".

" Yes that was simply amazing. " Niall says staring at Amber. " you certainly have a way with the gods Magnus. "

If only I could get my
youth too

Histoff says to himself as he throws a gold coin to the well

INT: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Victor's eyes widen in awe, "I have never seen the like before..."

He whispers to Magnus, "Will the Crow God take offense to you calling the name of another power for this miracle?"

Ayita addresses the odd creature.

"So Amber. What will you do now? Do you have anywhere you wish to go?"

Magnus shrugs at Victor's question.

"Vodhan cares only for blood and bared steel. He'd rather we bother some other god with lesser problems," he says.

The big man kneels to address the otyugh, his words unexpectedly kind.

"Go and live your life, little one - do not waste the goddess's blessing following me into dark places," Magnus says. "But promise me this - should my spirit be trapped somehow between this life and the next, say a prayer to the Crow God that he will free me and carry me to the Storm King's hall to fight again."

When Lijan drops a coin into the fountain, there is a loud

*plop*

but nothing happens maybe there is an answer to his dilemma, in the shrine Valarie mentioned...

When Magnus mentions "Dark Places",
Amber seems to quiver

Ohhhh, I like dark places, as long as I'm not left in one to die. I will always remember you Magnus.

When Ayita ask the strange creature is she has anyplace to go, Amber turns her eye stalk toward the woman and says

No, no I don't. I don't know how long I was dead. I don't know if my family forgot me, or if something terrible happened to them. I think I remember our village, but I don't know how to get there. It was in a bog, I remember that, but nothing else. I don't even know if there is anyone around here who remembers me or who can help me get home. What am I to do. Where should i go, what should I do? I suppose I can hang around here, as long as I'm not locked in a hole I can't get out of. I can still serve the castle, and this new owner, this Caldwell man, if he'll have me. Is there a safe place I can go and think about things while I wait for you to talk to mister Caldwell?

Victor considers Amber's question, "I fear leaving you anywhere here may be dangerous. Perhaps for now you should stay near to us. Once this place is secure, you can wait here whilst we go back and speak to this Mr. Caldwell. However, I too have a Keep I wish to recover back in my homeland. If Mr. Caldwell is not interested in your services young one, I may well be".

Victor turns to Perry and comes nearer to him to whisper, "Do you think we can trust this new woman? Her story seems quite different from the stories we have heard about this place".

Perry nods at Victor. "And if anything happens, we have her severely outnumbered. But my gut tells me it'll be alright."

Turning to the group at large, Perry says, "Alright, we've still got work to do, everyone. Back to where we found Amber, to continue our sweep."

"Maybe we should still try to restore Lijan as well before we leave this fountain. If it can restore life, I have faith it can restore youth. Perhaps a prayer to the face of change?"

"Stands to reason," Perry acknowledges. "Magnus, feel like getting ecumenical again?"

When Lijan drops a coin into the fountain, there is a loud

*plop*

but nothing happens maybe there is an answer to his dilemma, in the shrine Valarie mentioned...

"You ask too many miracles of a man in a single day," Magnus says. "Let me kill something first, or Vodhan will think I've become soft among you Alodoans. The blonde woman mentioned a statue that answer questions - perhaps it can offer guidance. Let us continue clearing the gatehouses, then visit these shrines when it is time to take our rest."

Victor nods at Magnus' statement, "And here you thought I had no point. There is a limit to actions your God sees as acceptable before you must revert to making sacrifices that please him".

Can I nominate Magnus for inspiration?

" Yes let's get on with the job. I'm sure we can work out a solution to your problem Lijan.Tell me do you feel the extra years or is it just your outer appearance that's changed? "

"You're right. So many things are going on all of a sudden, I'm getting confused. Lead on."

Victor nods at Magnus' statement, "And here you thought I had no point. There is a limit to actions your God sees as acceptable before you must revert to making sacrifices that please him".

Magnus chuckles.

"I don't presume to know Vodhan's mind. But there is a limit to what I see as acceptable before I must go back to making sacrifices," he says. "After all of this praying, I want to hit something with my sword."

"After all of this praying, I want to hit something with my sword."

Victor chuckles, "I wanted to hit something before the praying so imagine how I feel now..."