"I think it is important that we take the threat of danger seriously. If we are to investigate this crypt, we should do so together. Gadoongo, Kavakii, I understand your desire to stay and protect Kendra, but understand our investigation of the crypt shouldn't take long. And if we go now, during the daylight hours, there is less threat posed to Kendra in our absence. Consider the potential implications and importance of the Professor's findings. If true, the entire village could be in danger. What say you?"
Very well. - says the hybrid - You have a point. If Cael is staying behind with her, then even better, and I guess the rest of us should investigate it. However, it concerns me about the church too, like Lucetta pointed out.
He shook his head in agreement, trying to see if Kavakii would agree with going as well.
I'm not particularly any stealthy. - he knocks his armor, before continuing - And this town doesn't look too welcoming to strangers.
I should think that's decided then, I thought Kendra had taken a liking to Cael anyway, so this can serve our purpose by ensuring she has someone with her to look out for her whilst we protect her by protecting the town, if that makes sense...
She stands and puts her empty tumbler down on the desk.
Let's gather our gear and meet outside in five minutes, then we can proceed into town and go and look at the church
If no-one else has anything to add, Lucetta is outside in a couple of minutes and waiting for everyone else.
Brevon gathers his equipment, bids Kendra a good visit, makes excuses about wanting to study the local architecture, and meets Lucetta outside.
Likewise, Kavakii disappears to his room for a moment, then makes his was to the bottom of the stairs leading up to the front door. "Do either of you have any idea what to expect once we arrive?"
Not a clue Kavakii replies Lucetta, shaking her head.
I'm not really the religious type...
she eyes Brevon as if expecting him to fill in the blanks.
"The worst." Brevon says with a grim smile. "Then, at least we can't be disappointed."
Gadoongo finally arrives with his equipment.
I say we take the road, then. No time to waste. - he replies, hearing the end of the conversation. The hybrid was concerned with what he has been hearing - and it was quite obvious his hate for the necromancers.
"Well now, I suggest we stop by the church itself to introduce ourselves. If necessary, we can explain our interest in the tomb as an academic venture. I am interested in learning the death rites and practices of rural Ustalavans. This much is true. And you can pose as my assistants , bodyguards , and, er, companions . Yes?"
"Quite an elaborate rouse you've concocted Brevon. A bit odd for a man of the cloth. I would expect such manipulation from the likes of a more rogue-ish persona." Kavakii turns and addresses the rest of the party, "Brevon has a fine scheme thought up. Personally, as outsiders, I feel pleading ignorance an easier approach. Should we be denied permission, I believe trying to explain our actions will be met with harsher consequences."
"I feel speaking with them will be a waste of valuable time and result in forfeiting our advantage... the element of surprise. I of course defer to the ruling of our fellowship and will support whatever course of action be decided on."
'Companion' Brevon? Really!? she laughs, reaching up a hand and twirling one finger through the priest's beard.
Soft and not scratchy, you might do in a pinch after all...
As Kavakii adds his comment she nods
I've often thought it is easier to gain forgiveness than permission, and as I've said, I'm used to simply acquiring what I want without bothering the current owners overly.
she taps a finger on her lips
How about... Brevon, we don't have to say what we're looking for *exactly*... so if the church refuses us access we can still try the shadow way later without raising suspicion. We could ask for access to something inside, something they're bound to approve of. Then I could slip away and see what I can see?
she shrugs
It's either that or wait till nightfall and try then, let's go with whatever the highest morals and ethics of our collected spirits can cope with, otherwise we'll be here all day. So Brevon, I'd say you are the most principled, so i this case, it must be you who decides on the final plan
she winks and crosses her arms, ready to leave the moment he decides.
We might be overcomplicating things. My vote is that we ask for forgiveness, not for permission. - says an excessively practical and not too worried about social implications Gadoongo.
"Quite an elaborate rouse you've concocted Brevon. A bit odd for a man of the cloth. I would expect such manipulation from the likes of a more rogue-ish persona."
'Companion' Brevon? Really!? she laughs, reaching up a hand and twirling one finger through the priest's beard.
Soft and not scratchy, you might do in a pinch after all...
Brevon's face suddenly burns brighter than the sun of his goddess. "Oh! I only meant...well, to gain access, you see...not to imply..." His scimitar falls loose of his belt, falling with a heavy thud into the dead grass. He clumsily retrieves it, fumbling to secure it once more.
"Well, as long as we aren't hurting anyone, I don't see a problem with simply attempting to visit the tomb. The harm that might result from not investigating is greater, after all. And as long as we are respectful of the dead, I'm sure no harm will come to us. I don't know if you should go alone, though, Mlle. De Leon. Perhaps..." he makes a steeple with his fingers, tapping the tips together as he thinks, "we should just attempt to walk right in, together."
I guess we found our way in. - says Gadoongo, looking at the doors of the mausoleum.
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That's it, smile and nod, keep moving like you know where you're going and you have every right to be walking there
Lucetta deftly maneuvers the others through the graveyard, for all the world looking like they are there to visit the professor's grave.
So... if we get asked about this, we're here to pay our respects to the professor which for those of you not used to bending the truth, we kind of are because we're carrying out his wishes...
After pausing at the grave for a respectful while, Lucetta points off deeper in to the graveyard
and now, I your companion, who you want to keep happy, has just expressed her desire to take more of a look around, because I love old graveyards, and like to look at all the headstones and mausoleums etcetera etcetera.
as the group nears the mausoleum with the gargoyles, Lucetta runs off ahead making excited noises, for all the world looking like she's just found something amazing. She breaks out some parchment and starts sketching even as the others catch up.
...and so this is a good reason for us to hang about here for a while, and I'm going to give this place the once over and make sure there's nothing nasty waiting for us when we try to open the door
She circles the mausoleum looking at the walls, roof, door and lock, practiced eyes searching for needles, triggers, markings, anything that could signify a trap or alarm.
Of course, back to the graveyard. . Brevon tarries along behind Lucetta and the others with ill-concealed reluctance.
Graveyards call forth unwelcome thoughts and memories.
Breathe, you fool, he reminds himself, as the mausoleum comes into view. Perhaps you needn't even go inside.
"Yes, an excellent example of neo-Gothic styling, even for this region, " he mumbles, making up facts. "And not very secure, from the looks of things."
"Well. We made it this far with no trouble. Shall we see if our fortune holds?" Kavakii peers skeptically down the stairs, looks back at the rest of the group, "Here goes." Kavakii cautiously start the decent down the stairs. Partway down he retrieves a torch from his pack and lights it.
Lucetta watches as Kavakii just walks right in
Well there goes our plausible deniability, might be awkward to explain... let's hope that no-one is actually watching us. Maybe we can say that our companion doesn't understand the rules of civilised society and simply wanted to examine the crypt from inside?
she sighs
I'm not buying it either, but we're committed now...
she follows the others inside, drawing a dagger once she's out of sight of the graveyard at large.
Well I can see for a while, but we'll need a light if we want to do much else than just stand here by the shut door...
Brevon exhales in dread as the crypt opens before them, its dark maw gaping ominously. It is pitch black. His hands begin to quake.
He is about to suggest that they return to the main church when Kavakii and Lucetta effortlessly wade into the inky darkness. No fear in them.
His heart begins to race and a cool sweaty sheen forms on his palms. He rubs them nervously on his robes. Anywhere but here, anything but this..
He reaches first for his scimitar, doubting that his crossbow will be of much use, and hoping against hope it won't be needed. With his other hand he finds his wooden ankh. It is cool to the touch and trembles in his hand. "B...b...by all that his holy and merciful," he whispers urgently, "guide our s...s...steps within the dark. Illuminate our path. Show us the sun. Guide us with your light."
His heart skips a beat as the ankh begins to glow, casting a pale light down the steps toward the ossuary below. Ahead, he can now make out the forms of Kavakii and Lucetta. "Do not be afraid," he offers, his own teeth chattering. "Sarenrae's light shines even in the darkest of places." He squints his eyes shut tight, straining to remember a holy prayer, as he takes the first step, then the next, preparing to face the dark.
As soon as trey enter the crypt, Gadoongo lets go of the masks. A big set of tusks grow in his face, followed by some gore, and the legs move turning themselves into what resembled hooves.
No reason for masks anymore - and not while we can be walking in imminent danger. Please don't be alarmed by my appearance. I trust you as the professor did, and I just ask for the same.
That said, he draws his shield and slowly start walking behind the rogue.
...come down...miss you...with me...
Brevon shakes his head to clear it. Surely, the voices are a consequence of the insomnia. Not sleeping can mess with a man's mind, he knows. She couldn't be down here. Surely...
Brevon holds his ankh up to examine the empty chamber. "Strange that there are no remains..." he murmurs, just as his light reaches the northern door.
He might have moved to examine it, but he is jumps back, startled, by Gadoongo's sudden transformation. "By the Light!" he exclaims. "What...how...you're a shape-shifter? Is this how you knew the professor??"
With a bewildered look Kavakii scans the empty nodes, "Very odd indeed. Why build a crypt if you don't intend to use it? By the looks of it, there doesn't seem to be any sign of tampering."
Kavakii is startled at Gadoongo's metamorphosis and clinches empty hand into a fist, ready to strike the ally, until the "boar man" speaks calmly as if nothing is wrong. "What in the name of...!" Kavakii holds back his reflex to strike, "Gadoongo? Is that still you?"
Lucetta places her hand on Brevon's.
Faith priest, if we run in to anything we don't like, we will retreat. Stay behind me. her voice is sure, soothing.
I've done this before, with endings both good and bad, and I'm still stood here before you.
She moves to follow Kavakii, when Gadoongo abruptly reveals his true self. The light of Brevon's holy symbol casts shadows upwards against Lucetta's face, no fear is present despite the sudden and fearsome appearance of Gadoongo's bestial side, her eyes simply go wider in surprise.
You sneaky devil Lorrimor, you never told me there were more... I wonder why? she whispers.
Shaking her head to clear it she brings herself back to the present.
Well Gadoongo, you are brave to show yourself so to relative strangers, did you not fear our response?
She seems to absolutely hang on the waiting for the answer to her question, as if the mausoleum itself has ceased to be.
The warmth of Lucetta's skin on Brevon's as she touches his hand sends an electric charge through him, and the light from his ankh pulses brighter, if only for an instant. He stops clenching his teeth, tries to breathe, and nods his head slowly. His eyes remain fixed on Gadoongo.
Fear, right now, would be unproductive. I preferred to trust the professor's judgment, and hoped for the best. The fact some of you are unsettled and some are not tells me a lot about what kind of band we have going on here...
He interrupted himself when he heard the noises.
Skittering noises guys. Be ready. There! - he pointed North in the general direction of the noises and started moving towards it.
I don't doubt what you say is true Gadoongo, fear has a place and it isn't being on control of our actions, I guess I just wasn't prepared for any of us to reveal something I consider such a secret...
she's about to say more when Gadoongo's warning sends her spinning in place with dagger held ready. She ghosts ahead of the party, disappearing in to the shadows and moving ahead.
"Just stay calm," Brevon whispered, his voice shaking. "I'm sure it's nothing to fear..."
"We've come this far. Can't let a little noise defeat our resolve." Kavakii cautiously traverses the stairs toward the coffin.
"I must remember to notify the monastery that when my time comes, I expect to have my ashes spread freely as opposed to an eternity confined in such a confined space."
Lucetta reappears from the shadows, her eyes with just a hint of fading red, her legs looking oddly shaped for just a moment...
There are giant vermin present ahead, centipedes. I am no scholar but they may be poisonous...
she stares at Gadoongo's tusked form once more and seems to weigh something in her head, yet seems frozen to the spot
I...gah! she turns in agitation, pacing on the spot like a cat before thunderstorm.
Gods damn it, I *hate* a situation getting out of my control like this... her eyes flash, near slitted as her hair dances around her head. finally she stands in place in what appears to be an exercise in self-control.
I'm not usually of a mind to share myself with strangers, but this situation is different, and after all I'm following precedent. Perhaps the professor would approve...
she sighs, meeting each of the men's gazes before sheathing her dagger
No use prolonging it further, stay with us here brother, you are still among friends...
It takes but moments for her fingernails to lengthen into inch-long rending claws, her jaw distending as razor sharp fangs slide from their sheaths. Her new appearance, whilst monstrous in some aspects, is almost intoxicating as her very demeanor shifts to that of a predator, the power of her presence making significant impact.
She stares with an unflinching gaze, her voice one step above a growl
You have my trust now, and that is not lightly earned.
her eyes roam over Brevon and Gadoongo
I hope I have made the right choice
the last is a glance at Kavakii as the group proceeds deeper in to the shadows towards the centipedes.
Gadoongo steps back, for a moment, and seems impressed with Lucetta's transformation. He quickly recomposes himself, shaking his head in agreement to her and giving a smile. He looks at the others while stretching his fingers.
I say we proceed and deal with the insects quickly. Unless, obviously, anyone else of you...? - he looks at the others as if expecting them to turn in other different hybrids, but after some seconds he concludes - No? Anyone? Very well.
"Gah!" Brevon is also startled by Lucetta's fangs. Though, this is less attributable to actual fear of the woman and has more to do with his general uneasiness at being in a darkened crypt.
Unless, obviously, anyone else of you...? - he looks at the others as if expecting them to turn in other different hybrids, but after some seconds he concludes - No? Anyone? Very well.
"No," Brevon mumbles nervously. "I'm afraid this form is all I have to offer. Kavakii? Should we expect antlers?"
Kavavii leers at the vermin. He moves up to the closest and tries to squash one under his boot.
"Disgusting things!"
Lucetta moves swiftly after Kavakii, maneuvering to get a better position and flank one of the creatures with the monk. If his blow proved fatal to the creature she could just as easily strike its companion.
"Centipedes! Is that all? I feared the worst."
He stays behind as Lucetta stalks toward the insects, casting the light of his ankh into the chamber ahead. "Surely you don't mean to..gah!" He cringes as she bites at the thing.
Gadoongo goes and gores the first centipede he sees (if possible, the same as Lucetta's; assuming it'd still be alive, otherwise the other one).
Lucetta looks around, and when satisfied that the group are alone she wipes her mouth and shifts back to normal.
We use all the weapons at our disposal Brother, should I use a dagger because it is less distasteful to you despite my bite being more powerful? I am nothing if not a pragmatic woman she smiles reassuringly at him.
And don't worry, if I have the fortune to get close to someone I make sure I brush my teeth before... she tips him a wink before gesturing at the centipede corpses.
They must have taken up residence after the professor visited, or else he set them here. I don't suppose it matters. Now, what have we here?
After checking to ensure there are no traps, the false tomb gives up its secrets. She whistles quietly under her breath.
That seems a lot of gear to have stashed, I think we ought to think seriously about how much resistance we might face from the cult here. Still, I am sure this will all prove useful. Come, let's fill our packs and be gone before we draw undue attention.
She packs the gear away in a swift and practiced manner, evidently experienced in the quick 'redistribution' of items. Leading the others back to the entrance, she cracks the door to check no one is watching then waves everyone out before quickly returning the lock to its previous placement, looking for all the while like the tomb has never been disturbed.
Instantly she has gone back to her previous persona, loudly declaring
I'm bored of all this drawing, and I'm hungry, take me back to the house!
She tugs on Brevon's hand, drawing him back down the path and most importantly away from the tomb.