Genevive's eyes narrow at the treatment of her goblin companion. He does not smell so...ok well he does smell something awful...but they have no right to talk to him that way!
Anyone closely watching Genevive sees that though her smile remains in place a dangerous light enters her eyes at the guards treatment of Euwag. Corporal, we are looking to meet Sir Sylvath. He is expecting us and I am sure would not be pleased to know that one of the members of the S.I.D. was detained for no other reason than that he is a goblin. I understand that you are doing your jobs in asking for our papers but if you make one more remark about the great Euwag Bloorat, the council would not be pleased. Councilman Rowan went to great lengths to secure his services and would not be happy if he was insulted on his first investigation with our unit.
The corporal seems quite pleased, and a bit relieved by your paperwork.
"Ah - thank you! In that case - I shall get our commander right away."
The corporal signals to one of him men who salutes sharply - all of them seeming to now equate your badges with this document - and the value of each.
In moments their commander - Sir Sylvath - has returned.
He strides forward with a quick efficient manner - glances over the paperwork quickly - and then dismisses his men briskly.
Then - leading you into the barracks you are brought into a small spartan office which has enough room for a desk and two chairs across from him.
Two of you must stand...
"Apologies for the precautions - but with the difficulties we've had - I presumed it would be wisest to be safer then take risks."
He looks at you all.
"There are - of course - many avenues with which we can pursue, naturally - but, as thou art the true expert and in this I am the novice - I defer to thy collective suggestions. What would thou have me do to assist thee best first?" he asks politely of you all.
First, it is a pleasure to meet you Sir Sylvath and thank you for your time. I suppose there are several things that could assist us. One, we would like to see any of the bodies of those who were under the influence of these bugs. Second, we need to know who in this town is the most expert in the realm of physiology and anatomy. Third, I would like to try and find out as much as I can about the history of these people. Who they are and where they came from. Perhaps in that way I may be able to retrace their contacts and find out if there are any more people using these in the area, as well as to sniff out any of their accomplices. In so doing, I suppose there must be some sort of paperwork on these men and their activities. Tax and business receipts and the like. Those would be most helpful.
Genevive finishes and looks expectantly at Sylvath.
Somewhat confused, Euwag takes a moment to take in his surroundings again, and he innocently looks at his own wrists, but makes no attempt to make them bare. Before he can speak, the human woman speaks in his defense, and he seems somewhat suprized at this, but stays silent, thinking it better to do so. After the gnome further makes this clear, and the Sir Sylvath fellows shows up, he grins to himself and mumbles happily under his breath yeah. me part of teams now.
"In Mister Rowan's dossier there is a notation pertaining to Selendria Grear. It is said she is book learned and an alchemist, therefore I feel it is necessary we include her in our investigations. Are you able to arrange an introduction, Sir Sylvath?" looking up quizzically at the silver kobold, a polite smile on her face.
And then further inquires,
"Has she been made aware of this parasitic situation in the capital?"
First, it is a pleasure to meet you Sir Sylvath and thank you for your time. I suppose there are several things that could assist us. One, we would like to see any of the bodies of those who were under the influence of these bugs. Second, we need to know who in this town is the most expert in the realm of physiology and anatomy. Third, I would like to try and find out as much as I can about the history of these people. Who they are and where they came from. Perhaps in that way I may be able to retrace their contacts and find out if there are any more people using these in the area, as well as to sniff out any of their accomplices. In so doing, I suppose there must be some sort of paperwork on these men and their activities. Tax and business receipts and the like. Those would be most helpful.
Genevive finishes and looks expectantly at Sylvath.
Sylvath steeples his fingers, nodding.
”Naturally we shall allow thee full access to the bodies; they are currently in the morgue near by. I shall send a man to guide thee to them soon.”
”As for most expert in these fields? I cannot say who is most expert – for I do not know all to make those qualifications. But I do believe that the lady Grear would be best suited for the task.”
”As for business receipts? There are none. To keep such records requires a tremendous amount of… paperwork? Yet scribes are not plentiful – nor paper. For those who could provide such documents – we do not have many folk or citizens skilled in those tasks. Further – even those who do keep such records do so for their own businesses. I confess that it strikes me as an oddity that Master Rowan is so efficient with his document – even so; we certainly do not have records of which business owner does what with his coin. Our tax methods are – as of yet – unrefined. This would explain the… financial difficulties our nation has had recently,” Sylvath adds uncomfortably.
”The method of integration into the nation of Praxis has been fairly liberal. A citizen arrives, seeks a piece of land, and – should they be able to find land to build on, they create a home or a place to live. There have been no serious methods to create a census – nor a count of citizens – nor much interest from the public to be counted. Many consider such action bordering on tyranny, inasmuch as they prefer to be allowed to conduct their affairs without the control of the government – or interference.”
”This does – regrettably – make tracking potential criminals difficult – but the Council has not create a method of ruling that is contrary to this – and it is not my place to suggest one – but obey.”
”For now – I can show thee to Lady Grear – if thou would desire it – or the bodies – or the… specimen… of the living creature? As well as the seven living “hosts” we have captured. In this – I defer to your expertise. What is thy pleasure?” he asks the group.
"In Mister Rowan's dossier there is a notation pertaining to Selendria Grear. It is said she is book learned and an alchemist, therefore I feel it is necessary we include her in our investigations. Are you able to arrange an introduction, Sir Sylvath?" looking up quizzically at the silver kobold, a polite smile on her face.
And then further inquires,
"Has she been made aware of this parasitic situation in the capital?"
"Indeed! The Lady Grear has been made aware - and can be brought to thee at a moments notice, should thee wish it..." he adds.
"Thou need only tell me what thy desire is - and we can proceed from there," he adds courteously.
Sir Sylvath clears his throat...
"Indeed - at any time - should thou make thy request clear - we can act... whenever thou art ready?" he adds.
"I believe we should divide the duties between us. Two working on the parasite and two interviewing and examining the hosts. And, Sir Sylvath, please send message directly to Mistress Grear and invite her to join us. I believe I am best suited to interviewing and examining the hosts at this present time. What about you others?", directing her peridot gaze upon the female and two males in her unit.
Sylvath nods and calls out behind you. A man ducks his head into the room -
"Dominick - send a runner to Lady Great - she should be near the bodies at this time, examining the bodies that are dead and were "infected"."
"For the interviewing the hosts? That can be arranged - do thou desire to seek the only live specimen we have captured? That is - the vermin itself? If so - please let me know - I shall send thou to it... If not - tell me what thy would wish to see next? I shall arrange it post haste - the hosts, or the vermin?"
If you desire the hosts - his man will direct you there right away - if you desire to see the vermin - he will do that instead. Also - do you wish to see the cadavers or the living hosts of the vermin?
When I know more - you'll know more...
"I believe an autopsy of one of the deceased is prudent. Perhaps we could remove the brain, examine the brainstem and see how the vermin attach themselves and it will aid in discovering how to safely remove them, if it is possible. Lead us to the deceased, infected bodies, if you would Sir Sylvath. I would hear what the Lady Grear has discovered from her preliminary examinations."
I agree with Sorassa and would like to be a member of one of the groups interviewing as my knowledge of anatomy is...limited.
Those of you who are interested are brought to the body.
You see that the corpse is laid on the table.
It is human.
It is laying face down - the back right side of the skull has been removed - and you can see that the slug-scorpion like creature is likely to have entered through the right ear cavity.
It has burrowed into the brain - and a thin membrane was extended from what looks like it's mouth - like a tongue.
It is currently pressed against the right-rear lobe of the brain.
What exactly are you looking for - based on this information?
I agree with Sorassa and would like to be a member of one of the groups interviewing as my knowledge of anatomy is...limited.
"Apologies Councilman in'Fayad - I thought you were on assignment!" Sir Sylvath cries out.
"Oh - apologies - I thought you were someone else - very clever! Even so - my man here shall direct thee to living folk - though I should add - they do not respond to any questions that we have seen so far... Though perhaps thou may be more fortunate then our company in thy search," he adds politely and a guard takes you from the room and down the hall to a small prison like area.
There are the seven men; they are under guard, sitting on the ground - not moving, just sitting there - awake - but their eyes are distant and seem unfocused - as if they are in a daze or drugged.
What - then - is your move Agent Lorien?
Those of you who are interested are brought to the body.
You see that the corpse is laid on the table.
It is human.
It is laying face down - the back right side of the skull has been removed - and you can see that the slug-scorpion like creature is likely to have entered through the right ear cavity.
It has burrowed into the brain - and a thin membrane was extended from what looks like it's mouth - like a tongue.
It is currently pressed against the right-rear lobe of the brain.
What exactly are you looking for - based on this information?
Sorassa examines how the parasite attaches itself to the brain, how deep the attachment goes and if surgical removal would be feasible on a living host or would extraction outrightly kill the host (depending on how deeply it is attached to/inside the brain and if the vermin releases any fatal toxins if pulled away from the host).
Euwag looks down at the corpse curiously. He paces around the slap to get a view from all angles, and then looks closely at the parasite itself, trying to guess how much it may have grown after entering the head by the size of the ear canal and the size of the creature itself. Also, he examines the brain tissue to see how badly it is damaged by the little beastie, and if the damage was likely permanent.
Heal
If Selendria Grear is still in the room examining the bodies, Sorassa will introduce herself.
"Good day, Mistress Grear. I am Sorassa Longread, it is good to meet you", extending her hand to the elven female and professional colleague. "I am a member of the Supernatural Investigation Division headed up by Councilman Rowan. We're here to examine the bodies and parasite. Have you discovered anything during your preliminary examinations?"
Your knowledge and healing check reveals the following information:
1. You could remove it from the brain - if it was pried from the brain itself with a surgical tool. However - you would need to cut into the skull and remove the creature from the brain itself to do that.
You feel that the surgery would be both difficult and dangerous - assuming a "brain surgeon" could cut into skull with proficiency - there is the high probability of infection. There is no known way of preventing infection without magic - as no one has bothered to do much research into "mundane antibiotics" when magic is so available.
2. The creature has an unusual quality about it - the membrane, and the body itself - it seems that it's very structure is almost identical to the biological elements that make up a brain itself.
You wonder - but are not sure - if the creature died while attached to the brain - it seems likely that it would become reduced and break down into the brain itself.
In other words - you do not think that the creature; if it were to die - other then an infection that it may have brought with it initially - that (basically) a dead "Bug on the brain" would not cause any damage to the host subject - with the possible exception of infection from the bug that it may have picked up while crawling around. And that could probably be cured (if it occurs at all) with a simple remove disease spell.
-
In other words - if you could kill the bug while it was attached to the living subject - you would probably not have to perform surgery on the host subject...
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I'd assume that those interested in talking to living subjects would have gone and been about their business before Euwag and Sorassa would have finished their study of the bugs. I'm guessing that the saucy minx, Agent Lorien would be in the interviewing group...
Agent Mallik accompanies agent Lorien to see the survivors. "Well, Miss Lorien, I believe we had best try talking to these folk, then see what charms do to them first and foremost. Try to figure out what they are capable of doing as they are..." Knowing that these people are only steps away form catatonic, accorging to the files, Jerall wants to know the full extant of what acts they are able to perform under their current state.
"Greetings sir!" he says to one of the men casually, "How are you liking your accommodations at the moment? Not exactly your previous digs, huh? My name's Jerall, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a word? Miss Lorien?" He invites the ovely lady over to speak with his mark, to see if she has any noticeable effect of the man.
Diplomacy
Jerall wants to know what sorts of answers he can give, if he can chat, and what happens when he is pressed about the Osirons etc...
I'd assume that those interested in talking to living subjects would have gone and been about their business before Euwag and Sorassa would have finished their study of the bugs. I'm guessing that the saucy minx, Agent Lorien would be in the interviewing group...
Agent Mallik accompanies agent Lorien to see the survivors. "Well, Miss Lorien, I believe we had best try talking to these folk, then see what charms do to them first and foremost. Try to figure out what they are capable of doing as they are..." Knowing that these people are only steps away form catatonic, accorging to the files, Jerall wants to know the full extant of what acts they are able to perform under their current state.
"Greetings sir!" he says to one of the men casually, "How are you liking your accommodations at the moment? Not exactly your previous digs, huh? My name's Jerall, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a word? Miss Lorien?" He invites the ovely lady over to speak with his mark, to see if she has any noticeable effect of the man.
Diplomacy
1d20+8Jerall wants to know what sorts of answers he can give, if he can chat, and what happens when he is pressed about the Osirons etc...
The man seems nearly catatonic - he does not respond. He simply stands there and does nothing...
On close inspection his eyes are vacant and his expression dull.
It is almost like someone wiped his mind - or "pulled the plug" as it were...
You wonder what is causing this - if the person giving the commands is dead - then why doesn't this free the person...
Hmmm... while diplomacy is not the way to go here - you have a sense that, perhaps - there may be a bit more here then you know.
How can this problem be solved - perhaps a general knowledge on how such things work would be good - are you learned in mental commands, charm spells or compulsionary effects?
If so Agent Mallik - now is the time to act on this knowledge - and perhaps question Agent Lorien on similar subjects.
You wonder - but are not sure - if the creature died while attached to the brain - it seems likely that it would become reduced and break down into the brain itself.
In other words - you do not think that the creature; if it were to die - other then an infection that it may have brought with it initially - that (basically) a dead "Bug on the brain" would not cause any damage to the host subject - with the possible exception of infection from the bug that it may have picked up while crawling around. And that could probably be cured (if it occurs at all) with a simple remove disease spell.
In other words - if you could kill the bug while it was attached to the living subject - you would probably not have to perform surgery on the host subject...
"There is a live specimen of the parasite readily available to us. Perhaps we could produce an anti-toxin from the parasite itself to kill off any bacterial infection inside the host." Sorassa bends closer to the brain and attached parasite, formulating feasible solutions in her head.
"A mild electrical current directed at the parasite itself may aid in detaching it and I have read that some parasites are susceptible to harmonics -- we will need to figure out the right frequency but we do have 7 live hosts we can work on." She looks up expectantly at Euwag who is standing on the other side of the deceased host.
Sorassa sits cross-legged on the floor of the room and closes her eyes. She begins a deep meditation, communing with the divine energies of the gods she is spiritually connected with. She casts on herself and visualizes the parasite and the information regarding its existence and function. She is hoping to gain assistance from the gods in locating knowledge into its weaknesses and ways of getting them to detach from the host/brain without damage or death to the host.
As she meditates, she sends a prayer to any good gods listening,
"Enlightened gods, lend me your sight into these enslaving creatures so we may eradicate their power and influence over the hosts. Aid me in releasing good people from this enslavement and disease. They erred in their trust of the cultists but please give them opportunity to redeem themselves and make amends. Let Light reveal and cleanse the deceit and corruption of the Dark."
Casting Time 1 minute
Range personal
Target you
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
DESCRIPTION
You commune with the divine, reflecting on one type of creature you encountered in the last day. You may make a Knowledge check regarding that creature type with a +10 insight bonus.
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Jerall looks closely at the man, and hits him across the face, then takes a quick step back. THe blow is not severe enough to send a normal person falling to the ground, just to slightly off-balance them. This is just a test to see if the man attempts to remain standing, defends himself in any way, or respond in any way.
Not sure what would apply.
Knowledge (Arcana)
Knowledge (Local)
Sorassa sits cross-legged on the floor of the room and closes her eyes. She begins a deep meditation, communing with the divine energies of the gods she is spiritually connected with. She casts on herself and visualizes the parasite and the information regarding its existence and function. She is hoping to gain assistance from the gods in locating knowledge into its weaknesses and ways of getting them to detach from the host/brain without damage or death to the host.
As she meditates, she sends a prayer to any good gods listening,
"Enlightened gods, lend me your sight into these enslaving creatures so we may eradicate their power and influence over the hosts. Aid me in releasing good people from this enslavement and disease. They erred in their trust of the cultists but please give them opportunity to redeem themselves and make amends. Let Light reveal and cleanse the deceit and corruption of the Dark."
** spoiler omitted **
Thou! If thy would call this “enemy” then thy must cleave to thy assertion! An enemy must therefore be destroyed – therefore: destroy it!
Thou art wise in the ways of beasts inasmuch that thee know that if this thing were slain, its death inside the skull would not kill the host outright, but only sicken it. How then could thy slay the beast? Such a question – the answer is quite easy – seek the ways of magic – and the spell is readily accessible to thee! Never forget – also – the value of the gods!
Jerall looks closely at the man, and hits him across the face, then takes a quick step back. THe blow is not severe enough to send a normal person falling to the ground, just to slightly off-balance them. This is just a test to see if the man attempts to remain standing, defends himself in any way, or respond in any way.
The man’s head reels back – he stumbles a bit… He doesn’t seem to have the wherewithal to catch himself from falling over.
Normally when someone is pushed, they sort of “catch themselves” and prevent themselves from falling over. This person doesn’t – they fall over like a statue – and collapse to the ground and simply lay there.
Very odd… how can these folk continue to live if they cannot even practice a means of self-preservation?
Perhaps, though, that is the point?
You are not certain - you have not had a chance to examine one yet.
However - as Sorrassa has had a chance to examine them - and is examining one now - she may be able to have excellent insight on that very thing - if you were to speak to her and ask this question, as she has specifically studied them recently.
Has no one tried a simple remove disease spell on these people? I know that it works on some parasites.
Has no one tried a simple remove disease spell on these people? I know that it works on some parasites.
The guard who is standing in the area where the men are shrugs.
"Shucks ma'am - Lady Grear wondered on that - but they ain't sicknesses - they just be bugs. They may be causing sickness if they die on the brain - and when they chewed themselves in, like - making the body sick if they get sickness in the blood when they chew in the ear or something - but they be little bugs on the brain that mess up the brains of them they eating on; not sicknesses. Sorry - don't know much more then that," he adds with an embarrassed grin.
Thou! If thy would call this “enemy” then thy must cleave to thy assertion! An enemy must therefore be destroyed – therefore: destroy it!
Thou art wise in the ways of beasts inasmuch that thee know that if this thing were slain, its death inside the skull would not kill the host outright, but only sicken it. How then could thy slay the beast? Such a question – the answer is quite easy – seek the ways of magic – and the spell is readily accessible to thee! Never forget – also – the value of the gods!
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1. Examination of the bug makes you believe that on a standard enemy variable - you recall the standard nature of healing magic RE: Clerics.
Their magic is typically nuanced to a computed variable on a Metamagic equation which translates to (roughly) a 1-8 potential.
This is because (according to most students of the Divine Magics) weak or standard sized creatures typically are divided into sub-types equated to such variables.
In other words - according to most students of Divine Magic all beasts or creatures in the natural world are divided into mathematical variable subtypes - which you recall from your studies.
For example - a mundane creature typically has a variable that is computed with their standard level of health at 1-8. Hence - a novice priest - when using healing magic - is typically granted a healing variable that heals 1-8 +1 (theories suggest this modest increase to health is evidence of divine favor from the gods when healing).
Your suspicion on the creature in front of you is that it is - at best - a fairly weak creature - and that - if computed on the equation above - you would surmise it's health could be demonstrated at 75% of the standard maximum variable for a minor enemy.
Or - in laymen's terms:
2. The theory regarding the natural order of health and stamina for such creatures - especially related to the nuances of healing - tossed your mind to a different tact.
While clerics who follow gods of good intention can cast wide bursts of healing magic (though such magic is normally reduced to a more moderate level - in keeping with the majority of the arcane arts - namely a mathematical variable of 1-6 to refresh health and stamina) - priests who follow evil gods, and some priest who follow gods that have no specific path of good, nor evil - have the ability to give a wide burst of damaging power against their enemies.
You recall the words of the answer to your prayer - If thy would call this "enemy" then thy must cleave to thy assertion! - the answer is quite easy - the spell is readily accessible to thee - never forget the value of the gods!
Of course!
Like all riddles - the answer is always very simple, when someone shows you the way and you are free to look back on it.
Priests who can use Harming, or "Negative" energy from their divine patron can harm everyone in a radius around them - sometimes outright killing their enemy - especially if that enemy is very weak.
Further - some priests have the ability to use a remarkable Feat which allows them the chance to select their ally or enemy in a radius burst for the purpose of healing, while leaving enemies unhealed - and the purpose of harming - while leaving allies untouched.
Conclusion: If a Divine Caster with the ability to harm enemies in a radius burst were to surround himself with individuals who were suffering under the sway of these bugs - they could either cast a large burst of damaging energy - killing the bugs inside the heads of the infected - and injuring moderately, if not outright severely, their allies (provided they could show no awesome Feat to select who did, or did not, suffer these outrages of negative energy).
Also - though their allies may be injured - and the bug inside the brain may die and infect them with a disease - even if the caster did not have the ability to channel their energy selectively... Well, harming allies and casting a "cure disease" spell on any who suffered an infection from the corpse in the skull - assuming they actually gain such an infection - this a small price to pay to free the mind of an ally from a creature that controls their free will.
And if the caster COULD channel their energy selectively - they could also choose to eliminate their allies from negative energy altogether - killing or destroying the parasite that is inside the skull.
Now - all you need is a caster who can channel negative energy!
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Jerall gasps as the man falls, then immediately helps him to his feet.
Instead of rolling, Jerall takes a 10 on all his checks to determine what sort of ability this mind control would be and work on figuring out how to detect use of it, carefully examining the man for signs of how he was infected trying to locate a way to detect the bug, ranging from use of the cantrip.
Know Arcana = 20
Know Dungeon = 20
Know Engineer = 19
Know Geography = 19
Know History = 19
Know local = 20
Know Nature = 20
Know Nobility = 19
Know Planes = 20
Know Religion = 20
Just to get an idea with his baseline understanding of just about everthing... Need to know where to focus my efforts in the department of detecting infected, in case there are more. hopefully the others have discerned a way to cure them, because these folks aren't much help.
Jerall also lacks any sorts of charms, beyond good fashion sense, so he instead asks, "I wonder what a spell would do, would they behave any differently?"
Turning to Sir Sylvath, Sorassa nods (as if confirming her theory) and smiles at the kobold,
"Sir Sylvath is there a cleric in town with the ability to channel negative energy? I believe that someone with such an ability and who could selectively choose which target to hit with the negative energy could kill the parasites attached to the host brain for they are very small and could not survive such an assault. Unfortunately the hosts would be injured in the process but we could heal them using positive energy or potions. I have the ability to channel positive energy so I will be present during the proceedings."
Jerall gasps as the man falls, then immediately helps him to his feet.
Instead of rolling, Jerall takes a 10 on all his checks to determine what sort of ability this mind control would be and work on figuring out how to detect use of it, carefully examining the man for signs of how he was infected trying to locate a way to detect the bug, ranging from use of the cantrip.
Know Arcana = 20
Know Dungeon = 20
Know Engineer = 19
Know Geography = 19
Know History = 19
Know local = 20
Know Nature = 20
Know Nobility = 19
Know Planes = 20
Know Religion = 20Just to get an idea with his baseline understanding of just about everthing... Need to know where to focus my efforts in the department of detecting infected, in case there are more. hopefully the others have discerned a way to cure them, because these folks aren't much help.
Jerall also lacks any sorts of charms, beyond good fashion sense, so he instead asks, "I wonder what a spell would do, would they behave any differently?"
Waiph - I congratulate you! You are completely correct regarding the sturdy dwarf! However - Mallik wouldn't know that, sadly. As for the rolls...
This is completely beyond your realm of knowledge - because you have no knowledge of deep desert creatures.
But from what you glean from a cursory reading of your notes, you believe that the creature is literally impairing brain functions so that a host - if so infected - literally cannot focus their will on a specific task. Their brain is literally given a command, and they are forced to obey the command, and cannot deviate from it.
You suspect the command may be something akin to "Obey me to death" - but you are not sure.
You also believe it is possible to have complex and multiple commands implanted as well. That seems likely...
Turning to Sir Sylvath, Sorassa nods (as if confirming her theory) and smiles at the kobold,
"Sir Sylvath is there a cleric in town with the ability to channel negative energy? I believe that someone with such an ability and who could selectively choose which target to hit with the negative energy could kill the parasites attached to the host brain for they are very small and could not survive such an assault. Unfortunately the hosts would be injured in the process but we could heal them using positive energy or potions. I have the ability to channel positive energy so I will be present during the proceedings."
Sylvath’s eager face is suddenly darkened.
”Aye – I know of such a one…” he mutters, a bit sourly.
”This one – he is from the deep southlands – and he has come with those who may have been called kinsman – and, by the gods - they me be born like unto my flesh – but surely I say unto thee – he is not alike to I or my kindred – except by blood and scale alone.”
Seeing your look – he cuts to the point.
”There is a new guest who has come to town – he loiters about the keep – a kobold; silver in color, even as I am. Yet he is not alike to me – for he is bent on dark things – and is convinced, moreover – that he is bonded to this place for great destiny. He claims to be a follower of the “Great Serpent” – yet he is no priest of our lord Apsu.”
”Even so – him I know – he can channel divine power – even as thou would seek it. Yet I would hesitate to seek his aid – and use it sparingly. I do not trust him overmuch, even though he claims to be an ally to our purposes.”
”His name is Orunla Kalfu. You can find him in Cloudwatch Keep – if you think he can aid thee – I shall send outriders for him to bring him here right away. As I said – currently he lingers, waiting for our nation’s general. Yet in this matter – I think he shall come, seeing as it is his duty,” he adds the last with a slight grimace – clearly not eager to do business with this person.
You suspect that it is because he is desperate to help these men at all that Sylvath is willing to do this thing as ask this "priest" of a foreign, and possible dangerous - god or power to aid you in your quest.
But as it is not illegal... you think he will help you all he can.
"These are desperate times, Sir Sylvath. This Orunla Kalfu may not be entirely trustworthy but I believe with your honor and valor and that of your men, in addition to our particular skills, we may keep him inline and have him do what must be done. Please do send for him. The sooner we can cure these good folk, the better we can protect the greater community of Saravale. Thank you, Sir Sylvath."
Turning to Euwag she instructs, "Please find Jerall and Genevive and inform them we require their presence as we will be attempting to kill the parasites and save the hosts. Thank you, Euwag."
Sylvath dispatches riders.
They should be able to bring this "Orunla Kalfu" back soon. You think within the hour...
Then - perhaps - you'll get the answers you need - and diplomacy can be your second weapon... though likely it will bear more fruit.
To Sorassa:
Euwag licks his flat lips with a wide pale tongue, and scratches his buttocks as he nods eagerly - then hurries to find your comrades.
To all -
While you examine the men in front of you in the prison cells, and have the chance to examine the cadavers - aided by Selendria Grear - you are informed that Sir Sylvath has dispatched riders to Cloudwatch Keep to get a cleric that has the ability to "channel" what you believe to be "negative energy" (so deemed because of its ability to harm the flesh, rather then heal it).
You also know Sir Sylvath would prefer to use the skills of a dwarven cleric - but are informed the dwarven cleric has traveled north to Oleg's three days ago to pray, preach and seek for converts for his faith in Oleg's town, and is not in the city right now.
Meanwhile, you are not overly worried about a cleric who can channel negative energy per se, knowing that it is an ability that is often times given to priests of neutral gods, not to do evil, but to harm enemies of the faith. However, you also know that though this priest may be aligned to a fairly neutral god - the commander of this garrison - Sir Sylvath - neither likes, nor trusts, this individual, even though he was the one that recommended him.
Again - you suspect this is because as much as Sir Sylvath dislikes the individual he is getting for you - he dislikes even more vermin which can be used as a "weapon" to eliminate the free will of his allies, and turn normal citizens into slaves and possible assassins or terrorists for an evil cult.
As such - he's willing to swallow his dislike and get this person to help you in this case.
Meanwhile - your hope - as you see it - is that this cleric possesses a great Feat of Channeling such power, in which he can elect to select Ally from Enemy - and thereby use his "Blast" of energy on enemies who surround him - deciding to avoid the "hosts" - as they are designated as "allies".
However - you also feel the following may be true, if this individual cannot perform this Feat of Great Channeling -
These lads you have are tough men - certainly far stronger then the bugs that have infected their brains. If this priest must, at the least - perform Channeling of Negative Energy without such a Feat - then the lads around him will suffer, possibly badly, become hurt or even unconscious from the blast of Negative Energy. However - they can heal with rest, even as the same blast of energy kills the very vermin inside their head.
Also - if the men later grow "diseased" because they are infected by the tiny corpses of the bug inside the brain - this can be taken care of with a "Cure Disease" spell - a spell that could not work when they were attached to the brain, as they were living creatures and not an actual "disease".
For now - you have the ability to mingle with Sir Sylvath's men for about an hour while his outriders are getting this cleric.
To all:
While you're waiting, Sir Sylvath will be preparing a copy of his notes on the cleric for your examination. They should be ready for your case files soon.
Waiph This cleric is formally one of Kae's Councilmen - but for now I'll be doing his voice and interaction. This will give you a sense of who he is, how he acts, what he is like - and anyway - for the purpose of this case - you don't really know what he knows, only what I tell you he knows. But later, if you go on a quest wit him, he'll be yours to control, as usual - with council members.
Waiph - very important: I gave him MOST of his Feats, not all - and I do not recall giving him "Selective Channeling". If I did not, and you chose it - please let me know. I let you choose some of his Feats, so he may have it, and he may not - that's pretty much up to you. Just let me know.
Somehow I think that "Holy Vindicator" is not in his purview of potential class choices - but we shall see after introductions have been made.
As the company does nothing overt now, they end up waiting until they see a group of outriders riding under the gateway to the compound that makes up the barracks.
From one of the horses you see a smallish figure dismount.
He is walking with a large cane propped under his hand. You assume at first he is wearing robes – but now you are not sure. Instead it looks like a heavy “great coat” – the type which sailors may where, too long for him, and too lose – it billows about him as he strides closer. He moves with a pronounced limp, and doesn’t hurry his steps as he advances, his eyes gleaming brightly from under the folds of a dark hood which hangs low over his face.
Around his neck you see a series of necklaces made of bones and other things you do not recognize – some beads and brightly colored shells. You see no obvious weapons on him at this time, though.
The guards that are prepared to introduce him are dismissed instantly by a cold wave of his hand, and they turn and hurry off – glad to be gone from his presence.
He stairs up at you all with an intent look from under the low hanging hood of a low cloak that hangs over his coat and watches you – clearly waiting for an introduction from someone in your agency.
Who, then, shall speak?
Sorassa steps forward and with a tentative yet polite smile on her face, introducing herself,
"Welcome. My name is Sorassa and I am a priestess employed by Councilman Rowan of the Republic of Praxis as part of his Supernatural Investigation Unit. We have summoned you here to ask for your aid with a particular problem we have with a crafty parasite."
Sorassa steps forward and with a tentative yet polite smile on her face, introducing herself,
"Welcome. My name is Sorassa and I am a priestess employed by Councilman Rowan of the Republic of Praxis as part of his Supernatural Investigation Unit. We have summoned you here to ask for your aid with a particular problem we have with a crafty parasite."
The silver kobold looks at you with a slow movement, and stares hard in your eyes.
”I-ney, mon. So – you be the da one that be summoning me to dis place? No – ye not need to be answering me den – I be seeing it in da eyes there; ye need da charms ye want me to work on dem dat be hurting from the bites dat burn into der skulls, then, eh? Ye need me to be break the obeah that be on dem that ye got in the camp den? Huh! Well - I be doing it – fer now,” he says with a raw, hoarse voice, moving closer to you.
His eyes are darker then the other silver kobolds, and his face is heavily aged. You are not sure how old he is – but something tells you he is much older then the any of the other silver kobolds that you have met (with the exception of the magical aging that has affected your allies).
He shambles up to one of the men and looks him in the eye, his face twisting into a dull scowl.
”Maybe ye to step back den, eh mon? I be doing the charms that hurt dem that be hexing dem here – it be hurting ye too if ye won’t be stepping back,” he adds the last to you all with a shrug and then turns away from you completely, staring at the group of men near him.
You suspect he is presuming that you will do what he suggests – but does not wait to see if you are listening – you think any moment he will cast his spell. If so – those too close to him will suffer.
If you would speak to him – or have anything to say – let me know. You have only moments to spare….
"Stop! Not yet, sir. There will be innocents hurt. Allow us to move people away from the radial burst zone. You must wait on our command."
To her unit members she calls out, "Help me move everyone away from the Priest."
Sorassa moves around the group instructing any of the uninfected in the vicinity to move away for their own safety and wellbeing, ensuring they are out of the distance of the negative channeling.