Shrugging, Auron grins before speaking.
Good thin' I met 'em good folk 'ere, or I woulda been stuck down 'ere longer than I woulda liked. I dunno 'bout wha' other man yer talking but 'e must be sumthing for yer to recall 'im so.
A few of the Pharasmin priests have quite a start as your troop of adventurers and canines walk through the Ossuary several hallways away from your point of entry. With Detressa's guidance, you shortly find the exit through the Godsmouth and back up the cliff to the Cathedral. The dry wind from the Storval Rise is a welcome change of pace from the musty Thassilonian catacombs where you've spent the last few days, even warm and dry as it is. Judging from the sun's position, it is late in the afternoon that you've emerged.
Just as quickly, you are back under the dark vaulted ceiling of the Bottoms district, entering the Cathedral through one of the main entrances. Once more crowding into the chapel to St. Feodric, Detressa returns to you shortly with Cryptsmistress Nerissia.
"I am glad to see you have all returned!", she says- only a wisp of a smile touching her icy demeanor. "I trust you were successful in discovering our body thief and.... excuse me, who are you?", she says, looking at Auron. "Didn't a different man enter with you?"
"We have killed the one called Tripe. There are other things down there, though, which we will remove as well." Yang wheezes a bit as he talks; the long walk back up the stairs not helping.
"And yes, we met Auron in the tunnels. Badang met his end down there, I am afraid."
"He died a warrior's death," Uwais says, bowing his head reverently, "defending the rest of us. His battlegods would be proud."
"Tripe, you say? Svilennius Tripe? That's a name I had never thought to hear again... but it makes perfect sense, now. How was he carrying all of this out?"
"Alchemical means," Uwais says simply, trusting the more knowledgeable party members to speak up if he misspeaks. "It appears that he had developed a means of necromancy that did not require any of the rites or spells of... more traditional forms. He was accomplishing it with his chemicals." The halfling's nose wrinkles at the memory of the pungent concoctions.
"Simply loathsome.", says the Cryptsmistress, her icy demeanor remaining almost unchanged. She doesn't seem the slightest bit surprised by your answer. "You are certain that he acted alone?"
From the folds of her robe, she pulls out a small iron key and walks to where St. Feodric stands with his mace held aloft. Crouching, she fits the key into a small lock in the stand and opens a safe hidden beneath the statue. She pulls out six small pouches of coin, handing one to each of you.
"Here is your payment for dealing with the matter. The offer remains if you wish to clear the rest of the Ossuary's catacombs. And for your benefit, sir...", she says to Auron before handing him the payment set aside originally for Badang,"this matter must remain private. My superiors and I will be quite upset if news of this event should spread beyond these walls."
"Thank you Mistress. Tripe did have a.. consort, though she fled the ossuary. Should we find the route of her escape, I'll mark it on my map so that it may be sealed."
"Alchemical means," Uwais says simply, trusting the more knowledgeable party members to speak up if he misspeaks. "It appears that he had developed a means of necromancy that did not require any of the rites or spells of... more traditional forms. He was accomplishing it with his chemicals." The halfling's nose wrinkles at the memory of the pungent concoctions.
"The ... ah, consort was not in truth a conspirator. And I will study how he did this, to ensure it can be countered in the future. I thank you for your payment, and I believe we intend to finish the job below."
"The conspirator was an undead creature of a type that I am not familiar with Cryptmistress," says Detressa. "It was free willed by all appearances, however I saw no indication that it could create spawn. I beleive that with Tripe's death - and it was certainly him - the plundering of bodies from the Ossuary will cease."
The young priestess seems about to add more, but falls silent instead, her eyes downcast.
The Cryptsmistress' expression remains unchanged but her eyes flash with a turbulent anger.
"Tripe's accomplice escaped? Into the city? I believe I stressed at your entrance that this was a discrete matter. Now you tell me that one of those that desecrated the dead have fled- what's more, a free-willed undead creature- with all of their knowledge of what happened? And are you aware that there is but one law- one true, unbroken law in Kaer Maga? No free-willed undead amongst the populace. Even the degenerates of Ankar-Te maintain this law. Whether or not you see an 'indication', as you put it Sister, does not mean that this monster cannot create more of its kind."
She shakes her head, a frown dropping the corners of her mouth and a furrow appearing in her brow.
"But I suppose now it is too late. I thank you for your efforts, but I cannot say that I am satisfied with this news. And I would certainly expect more from a priestess of Pharasma, much less one accompanied by a servant of the Dawnflower. Whatever this abomination told you, whatever you witnessed, it remains a threat to both the church and the city- if not now, then in the future."
Detressa bows her head still further. “I am sorry Cryptmistress, I beg and pray for the goddess’s forgiveness. I had exhausted the Lady’s gifts in the battle with Tripe and was unable to prevent the thing’s escape on my own ... and not one of my companions was willing to help. I will do my best to track the thing down if it remains in the city, should I be allowed.”
"I thank you for your efforts, but I cannot say that I am satisfied with this news. And I would certainly expect more from a priestess of Pharasma, much less one accompanied by a servant of the Dawnflower. Whatever this abomination told you, whatever you witnessed, it remains a threat to both the church and the city- if not now, then in the future."
"That is why I cannot accept your payment, Cryptmistress," Sister Mara says, having pointedly not taken the pouch of coins when offered to her. "As Detressa said, I also allowed the creature to depart freely, despite my own feelings with respect to the undead. But the creature chose not to attack us when we were weakened from our battle with Tripe, and I sensed that it - she - spoke truthfully when she expressed her desire to continue her existence in peace without causing harm to innocents. The Dawnflower teaches us to offer compassion and peace to those who truly do not wish harm to others, and to show no mercy only to those who revel in slaughter. I know that does not agree with your doctrine in this matter, but I must hold true to my Goddess' tenets. However, I will hunt her down without mercy if I hear word that she lied to us and is causing harm to others."
"Now, if you still desire my assistance, I will help the others clear the remainder of the Ossuary's catacombs of its remaining dangers - at no cost to the Church of Pharasma. However, I will understand if you wish for me to leave your employment at this time."
Ah, it'chs where's the money comin'.
Auron rubs his hand eagerly as he pockets the 10 platinum's in his pouch.
Me lips are sealed 'ere, as long as more work and loot be comin'. Ye want to track down the Esme creature up in the street's then I'm ye man. Its not one lesser that do the job good 'en me-self. But 'ere's more work down below an' I 'ould see it finished.
Yang pockets the coins. "And I intend to search for the creature at some future point, also."
Kua tosses the coin purse into his bag and hefts his axe over his shoulder. "Well, it looks like we've got an ossuary to clear out. Unless anyone has other business up here, let's head back in."
"That is why I cannot accept your payment, Cryptmistress," Sister Mara says, having pointedly not taken the pouch of coins when offered to her. "As Detressa said, I also allowed the creature to depart freely, despite my own feelings with respect to the undead. But the creature chose not to attack us when we were weakened from our battle with Tripe, and I sensed that it - she - spoke truthfully when she expressed her desire to continue her existence in peace without causing harm to innocents. The Dawnflower teaches us to offer compassion and peace to those who truly do not wish harm to others, and to show no mercy only to those who revel in slaughter. I know that does not agree with your doctrine in this matter, but I must hold true to my Goddess' tenets. However, I will hunt her down without mercy if I hear word that she lied to us and is causing harm to others."
"Now, if you still desire my assistance, I will help the others clear the remainder of the Ossuary's catacombs of its remaining dangers - at no cost to the Church of Pharasma. However, I will understand if you wish for me to leave your employment at this time."
The priestess inclines her head.
"Very well. I must disagree, but as you have said, that is the fundamental difference between our faiths. If it does not offend your sensibilities, then by all means continue in the task we have hired you for. I did agree at the outset, however, that the sum would be 600 coins divided amongst you- your companions will have to decide who takes your share if you do not wish it."Detressa bows her head still further. “I am sorry Cryptmistress, I beg and pray for the goddess’s forgiveness. I had exhausted the Lady’s gifts in the battle with Tripe and was unable to prevent the thing’s escape on my own ... and not one of my companions was willing to help. I will do my best to track the thing down if it remains in the city, should I be allowed.”
"I will discuss the matter with our superiors as to the best method of moving forward- this is a delicate situation. For now it is best to continue with the task at hand if you still plan to clear the Ossuary."
Uwais bites his tongue during the discussion, knowing that his views will not be shared by the clergy, but Waya's hackles raise, sensing her master's displeasure with the conversation. He sets a calming hand upon her back as he pockets his share of the treasure.
"The money is yours, Mara - you've earned your share," Uwais says calmly. "If others wish to tie up this... loose end," the halfling says distastefully, "I will have to beg out of that expedition. For personal reasons, I'd rather not impugn upon another creature's freedom to live, no matter how it came to be."
"It does not live, that's rather the point," says Detressa quietly. "But further argument can wait, the remainder of our task below should be completed."
Crypstmistress Nerissia looks you each of you in the eye once more.
"If there are no other questions, remarks or revelations, I will bring the news of your success to the High Priestesses."
"I will purchase some scrolls," says Detressa, "and take some time to pray. Shall we meet back to continue our exploration in three hours time?"
"The money is yours, Mara - you've earned your share," Uwais says calmly.
"Very well," Sister Mara concurs after a moment's consideration, finally accepting the pouch of coin.
"I will be ready to continue our task below after I make a purchase in the city."
"Very well. In three hours we will meet back here." Yang plops himself down on the ground right in his spot, and begins meditating.
From the Cathedral, those of you that are heading out emerge into the Bottoms district. Enclosed as it is by the vast vaulted expanse of the city's walls and lit by lanterns and torches, it could not be further from the eerie silence of the Ossuary. Laughter and boisterous chatter resound through the streets along with the sounds of smithing, carpentry and other blue-collar crafts. While the residents of the district look fairly typical for Kaer Maga, now and then someone passes by and you notice an odd scar, brand or tattoo. Others occasionally miss eyes or fingers- legacies of previous lives when they were the property of others.
Uwais waves to a few passing acquaintances as he leads the way to a tavern he's familiar with. Marked with a wooden sign depicting a pair of knives crossed over a shield that resembles a plate, it's called the Sword and Board. The warm food and ale is a welcome change from the rations you packed for your expedition and, as per local custom, Kua eats free since he's a Duskwarden.
Sister Mara walks through the streets, occasionally receiving a "Hail, Sister" from passing residents until she comes to a locksmith's shop. Taking a few moments to look over the selection of picks, she finds a set that's to her liking. Exchanging the coin with the shopkeep, he says, "If you plan to liberate more than just treasure with these, Sister, I wish you the best of luck."
Sister Mara walks through the streets, occasionally receiving a "Hail, Sister" from passing residents until she comes to a locksmith's shop. Taking a few moments to look over the selection of picks, she finds a set that's to her liking. Exchanging the coin with the shopkeep, he says, "If you plan to liberate more than just treasure with these, Sister, I wish you the best of luck."
"My thanks, Master Locksmith," Sister Mara replies, bowing her head to the shopkeep. "By the Lady's Grace I will do my best. May the Dawnflower shine upon you and your endeavors," she blesses the man as she leaves the shop to rejoin her friends at the Sword and Board.
Uwais orders a small mug of ale, looking about in a quiet wonder at the noise and bustle of the city after the eerie silence of the tomb. Waya slinks after her companion, clearly less comfortable in the crowds of the overworld.
After a warm, fresh meal and a few moments to collect yourselves and upgrade your gear you find yourselves once more descending the hidden spiral staircase into the Ossuary near Tripe's makeshift laboratory. The acrid scent of the necromancer's chemical concoctions assail your nostrils, undercut with the mustiness of the tomb itself. Your eyes adjust once more to the long grey corridors often illuminated by little more than the magical and mundane lights you've brought with you.
Kua snorts out through his nose in protest of the smell. "Didn't miss getting away from that.. Everyone still up for heading south east?"
His belly filled and a warm meal heating up his innards, Auron shrugs at the Duskwarden's offer and counters. Eh, anywhere's a good spot to go, me thinks. Jus' better to beat it quick. It's a stink rightly 'ere.
Retracing your steps through the Ossuary, you return to the long corridor leading south from the guardposts where you discovered the secret entrance to Tripe's lair. The ten foot wide corridor continues for approximately fifty feet more, before taking a right turn to the east and ending at a pair of stone doors. After a thorough examination by Kua and Sister Mara, the door is deemed safe. With a slow rumble, the Duskwarden pushes the edifice open and steps inside.
You enter a twenty by thirty foot chamber with heavy black curtains draping the walls, a thick layer of dust carpeting the floor. In the middle of the opposite wall, you see another set of double doors- this one featureless except for a strangely shaped depression in its center.
Kua takes a few cautious steps into the room, then uses the tip of his axe to take a peak behind a curtain.
DM Screen:
Pulling back the curtain, Kua only notes the bare stone wall.
It mus' be a rare used room by t' looks of it.
Auron points to the floor, heavily carpeted with dust.
Mebbe there's some writin' on the flo' to 'elp
He brushes the floor off dust with his boot, looking for any inscriptions that may bear a clue.
Clearing the dust draws out a number of sneezes, but doesn't reveal any inscriptions.
Kua skirts around the edge of the room to the door on the other side, trying to avoid Auron's dust cloud. Once in front of the opposite door, Kua kneels and begins to inspect the strange depression.
The depression itself looks like one of those weird runes that decorate the ossuary here and there... Thassilonian or something. The strangest thing is that the depression isn't to a mechanism- the "door" isn't even really a door now that you're looking closely at it. Just a solid block of stone carved to look like a door.
Sister Mara casts a spell to allow herself to see magical auras and studies the rune-depression and the stone block carved to look like a door.
Sister Mara detects a strong aura of transmutation magic on the "door".
Sister Mara studies the door for several moments. "A strong aura of transmutation magic..." she mutters aloud. Then she is struck by a thought.
"Kua, do you still have that oddly-shaped carving that we took from the wall in the Archive?" Sister Mara asks the Duskwarden. "I wonder if the runes on the carving might be related to the one on this wall."
Sneezing profusely from the dust, Yang walks toward the wall/door. He clears his throat, spitting something disgusting on the floor. He investigates the depression on the wall, trying to think about it and Sister Mara's findings.
"Transmutation, you say? Perhaps by putting something in it, it becomes an actual door?"
knowledge arcana
"Oh.. maybe.. "
Kua pulls the stone carving from his pack and slides it into the indentation.
The stone carving slots into the niche. Starting with the carved rune and spreading out through the stone block it begins to transform- from solid rock to a rippling wall of flesh. As you watch, the mass shudders and a bloody wound opens down the center, widening with an unpleasant moist ripping sound to reveal a passage into another chamber.
Sister Mara peers into the chamber beyond without yet passing through the fleshy doorway.
The stone carving slots into the niche. Starting with the carved rune and spreading out through the stone block it begins to transform- from solid rock to a rippling wall of flesh. As you watch, the mass shudders and a bloody wound opens down the center, widening with an unpleasant moist ripping sound to reveal a passage into another chamber.
"Fascinating ... not what was expected." Yang stares intently at the passageway, but does not enter.
From where the Sister stands, there is ten feet of space between the doorway and the wall in the next chamber. Looking left, she can see a dead end where the puckered flesh of the "door" meets the wall to form an alcove of sorts. To the right, the chamber continues ten feet before hitting a corner- it appears to be an "L" shaped room or corridor with the door you're standing in comprising the short leg of the shape.
The corner on the right is dominated by a large statue depicting a tall feather emblazoned with a large open eye. Though aparently carved from stone, it gleams in your light with a gold-green iridescence.
Uwais and Waya cautiously move forward, the two both sniffing the air cautiously. Waya crosses the threshold of the door first, Uwais just a step behind his canine companion. They move towards the statue, looking curiously at it.
DM Screen:
Uwais' keen gaze surveys the strange statue, allowing himself to be absorbed into the details of the carving... until his eye stops on the iris of the eye at the top of the feather. The iris appears to be a separate piece that could be removed.
While inside the room, the druid also notes a heavy set of stone doors at the end of the room opposite the statue and an inscription on the floor.
Though veiled behind the plumage of the soul, the Eye still sees, unblinking, through all the ages, from the beginning to the end of time. When the Three are One and the spirit becomes flesh, the Seal may be opened and the Sleepers awakened. And the glorious apocalypse shall consume us all.