Mara found a couple of references to obscure cults, but was having difficulty with the filing system. If only she could locate the right volumes...
The group manages to find very little information that's useful in the current situation. Mostly tomes pertaining too various mental illnesses and physical abnormalities.
The light begins to fade as the group conducts their search for information, near the end of the day you discover that the island was once inhabited by a trio of witches who made constant contact with the dream world.
When the information about the witches was discovered, Mara said, "Contacting the dream world? Do you think that means interacting with other people's dreams? Or is the dream world an actual place that you go when you're dreaming?" The idea was intriguing.
She yawned; her eyes were heavy after hours of reading old books on obscure topics. "I think I need to visit the dream world soon; I'm exhausted! Shall we return to the chapel?"
"Dream world... maybe the witches formed an alliance with the Shredman? Or maybe he took control of this place through them?
Let's each bring some of these books back to the chapel. Maybe some of the people there can help us look through them."
Theo helps gather the books. He looks slightly nervous.
People? In the chapel? Nobody that I would know, surely!
Mara looked around at the numerous bookcases, filled with books. "I think we should pick the most interesting volumes to bring to the chapel for now. Moving them all now is too big a job."
Taking the books back to the chapel is an easy affair, as their are few with any relevant information that you can discern.
Upon arriving back at the chapel you hear muffled sobbing once you reach the double doors to the chapel proper. Before you can open the door, a familiar face steps through it, closing and leaning against it with a sigh before noticing you. "Good, your back. I'm certain you've discovered something useful but... The altar to Desna was destroyed... The chapel may not be safe much longer."
"How did this happen?" growls Dervak. "Who is responsible?"
Mara was alarmed. "How long ago was this?", she asked. She hurried over to have a look at the alter.
Stepping up to this person blocking their egress, the top hatted gentleman smiles over the pile of books that he is carrying.
Excuse me madam, but these books do begin to pull on the shoulders a bit.
Taking the books back to the chapel is an easy affair, as their are few with any relevant information that you can discern.
Upon arriving back at the chapel you hear muffled sobbing once you reach the double doors to the chapel proper. Before you can open the door, a familiar face steps through it, closing and leaning against it with a sigh before noticing you. "Good, your back. I'm certain you've discovered something useful but... The altar to Desna was destroyed... The chapel may not be safe much longer."
You arrive back at the chapel area. The survivors have set up another crude barricade at the entryway. You see a crossbow pointed in your direction and a voice rings out, "Halt!" After a pause the figure lowers the weapon and says relieved, "Sorry, didn't recognize you at first. We were starting to get worried about you folks." You recognize the man as Vaustin York, the de facto leader of the survivor's guards and Winter's right hand man.
He eyes Theo for a second, "Ahh... hmm..." then shakes his head and continues, "I'm sure Winter would like an update, assumin o'course you have some news. Tolman take over here." He helps you carry the books into the chapel and sits in on the meeting. Also joining is a new face.
"Who are you?" growls the bestial half-orc, looking at the new face. Then he begins filling Winter in.
"We explored some more. There was a room with some bodies in strange yellow robes, wearing an amulet like this." He shows the Amulet of Natural Armor.
"Didn't look like doctors or patients. We cleared some more rooms, found a little rat-man wizard. He told us there were ghouls. Didn't see any. Also said there were some things like little humans that made slime trails. Didn't see them either.
But the rat-man also knew about the rag-man in our dreams. Called him the Shredman, the Everyall, the Final Dream. The Shredman served the witches on this island long ago. Used to be three witches on this island who walked in the dream world. But the Shredman truly serves the King In Yellow, whoever that is. The rat-man thinks he can kill people in their dreams and kill them for real. We thought maybe there was more to find in these books.
Oh, and DO NOT go down the stairs to the morgue. It isn't there anymore. Something huge and horrible sleeps there, that would destroy us all were it to wake. We will need to find a way out of here before that happens."
The top-hatted gentleman gratefully relinquished the heavy books.
Why thank you. I don't feel as strong as I thought I once was.
Theo gently claps Dervak on his shoulder.
My dear, Dervak, where hence art thou proper manners?
Smiling widely, bowing low, and tipping his top hat smartly, the flamboyantly dressed gentleman greets each individual that is present, as if, he is meeting them for the first time.
Theophilus Carter, hatter. Glad to make your acquaintance!
Theo winks at Dervak.
Winter looks at Theo puzzled for a moment, "But I could have sworn we've met already. You are right though. I'm Winter, you've met York, and this is Rowan. He came from the north and had a story similar to yours." Winter introduces the rest of the party to Rowan before getting down to business.
Winter considers Dervak's words, "The ghouls while disturbing are not an immediate concern. The Chapel is hollowed ground and so long as I remain I should be able to repel them. If we could get enough silver together I could even bless some holy water for you to use."
Thoughtfully, "The bodies in yellow robes that sounds like the Apostles in Orpiment, Zandalus' cult. If I had to guess they were former patients, a part of the revolt."
She continues considering the weighty tomes, "I take it you found the library? I passed through there when I met Administrator Losandro shortly before this madness started. It would be a good idea to investigate her office, if you are able to reach it still. I can try and see what I can dig up here when I have a spare moment or two."
Rowan twitches a bit and stiffens up. Trying not to look on edge, he runs his hand through his very disgusting hair.
”Is there a place I can freshen up a bit?”
Winter nods, "Of course how thoughtless of me. After besting a doppelganger with your bear hands of course you'd want to clean up. I can create some water for you. There must be a bucket here somewhere. I'm afraid we are running low on soap so you'll have to make do."
She turns to the rest of the party, "If there is nothing else, I'll let you rest. Naysa has made an onion soup that passes for real food, so please help yourself."
Looking to Dervak, "You're wounded. If you want I should be able to spare a spell to heal you."
Dervak isn't sure what to make of this. Theophilus is talking about manners, and the new human is talking about freshening up.
At Winter's comment about Rowan killing a doppelganger, Dervak looks both skeptical and intrigued.
Then, when Winter offers to heal him, a brief flash of anger crosses his face, though it doesn't seem directed at her.
No! I can be better than that! I can choose my own fate. No matter how much you try to ruin it. You sent me here, didn't you? Somehow. Made things happen. But it is not too late for me. I will be the better man that Mulgar thought I could be.
He shakes his head, softens his expression, and as politely as he can manage he says to Winter "Yes. Thank you. And then I will have soup."
Theo smiles widely. He begins helping himself to some soup.
Absolutely marvellous!
Pointing his spoon at Rowan, the Hatter says between mouthfuls.
I happen to have a bit of skill at sewing. If I may, I will work something up for you! Right after I have a bit more of this wondrous soup!
He looks at everyone present; his frosty blue eyes seemingly turning your blood cold.
I think that I shall recommend this fine establishment to the Queen's Court!
”Well, my good man, I’d be thrilled to let you patch up these old clothes.”
Rowan is already taking off his shirt and starting to remove his pants, leaving only under clothes.
He withdraws a bar of soap from his pack and heads to the wash bucket.
”I never get to be the first to wash up.”
Rowan’s back is decorated in fading bruises, but they don’t seem to be bothering him.
The party eats, washes, and rests. The survivors give the party a healthy berth for a variety of reasons. The night brings an intermittent storm, squelching rain, and crashing thunder. Halfway through the night a large peal of thunder shakes the chapel waking nearly everyone.
Despite the disturbances from without and within you wake up refreshed . You dreams are fleeting but you distinctly remember a butterfly.
Sitting up startled and shaking, Theophilus' face drenched in free flowing perspiration, the gentleman glances around nervously.
Perhaps, another hour just to make certain.
He pulls his coat over his face; blinking blue eyes peeking out from under...
After a restful nights rest, the witch is seen playing cards with a white rabbit for an hour.
Stop cheating! Serious2, you would think to at least trying something different!
A young boy clinging to a shadow lantern sees Theo playing cards. "M-m-mister can you teach me to play? I like your rabbit."
Smiling widely; white teeth sparkling brightly, the top-hatted and smartly dressed gentleman waves the boy to a spot by them on the floor.
But most certainly, my good boy. Just be ware that he cheats.
Theo winks at the white rabbit (who doesn't seem to mind).
Dervak wakes, probably a bit less disturbed than usual. The butterfly was soothing.
He watches Theophilus and the rabbit play cards. Am I imagining this? At least it's a more pleasant mad vision than the usual.
He adjusts his armor, checks his weapons, sees what there is for breakfast, and is ready to head out again.
The boy giggles "Beware the hare!" He seems genuinely happy for the first time in a long time as he plays cards, making up rules as he goes. Soon a bookishly handsome young man in a nurses cloths comes up to the game saying somewhat sternly, "Brenton, please don't bother the man and his pet." You recognize this man as Tolman, frequently manning the barricades and when he isn't looking after the children.
Theophilus happily shuffles the cards. The gentleman uses a variety of tricks and stunts; all the while telling tales to be told to his two tenants!
The child whines at Tolam "Buuut he said I could play with him. I asked I swear." Tolman relents "Ok Brenton, its good that you asked," he sticks around watching them play.
Mara awoke with a start. She sat up. heart pounding, and looked around; Everything seemed peaceful. Another bad dream. She lay awake for a while, and eventually fell into a fitful slumber.
She got up in the morning and freshened up. Theophilus Carter seemed to be playing cards with a white rabbit. I'm still asleep; this is another crazy dream. She looked around, and then pinched herself. This is an unusually realistic dream! Eventually, she gave up trying to wake up, and decided to continue as if she were already awake.
"I had a disturbing dream last night," she told Dervak and Theophilus. The sky was screaming my name! I wonder if I'll ever have good dreams again."
Looking up at Mara, Theo smiles.
I am afraid that our nightmares seem to be manifesting in this place.
The gentleman reshuffled the cards.
May as well enjoy it!
Rowan wakes up feeling well rested. He doesn’t seem particularly disturbed by the events of the previous night. He stretches, and then takes a long pull from his wine skin.
He gets up and joins his new friends.
”Good morning gents! Does anyone know where I can get a bite to eat and something strong to drink?”
I haven't got the hang of enjoying my nightmares yet! Mara left the hatter to his card game, and meditated with her dolls. She recounting her experiences of the previous day to each of them, and asked for their advice.
1st lvl spells: 1x Bless, 2x Cure Light Wounds
2nd lvl Spells: 2x Barkskin
"I don't think there's a tavern nearby," Mara replied to Rowan. She hadn't talked much to the man before, but then she hadn't had a lot of time for socializing. "But then, I don't suppose you were asking me, were you?"
"I heard a voice calling my name too, Mara. I think it was Fate calling me to action. To confront and defeat the Shredman. It didn't say anything other than my name. I have bad dreams a lot. This one was just startling."
To Rowan he says, "Maybe there's some stale bread you can dip in leftover onion soup. As to drink, I don't touch the hard stuff. If we find any rum in our exploration you can have my share."
Rowan looks to Mara and smiles.
I was asking anyone who would listen.
To Dervak:
I appreciate the gesture, and may take you up on it. I’ve seen quite a bit, so a strong drink helps me sleep, and smooths off the rough edges. I’ll leave the food for those struggling more. I think I still have some rations.
Mara replied, "Perhaps it's a cultural thing. Where I grew up, 'gents' refers to men specifically, not men and women. If you want a male point of view, I can ask daddy." She grasped one of the two small dolls hanging around her neck, which looked like a man in Quadiran dress.
Julius approaches Winter, his voice hoarse. It seems like he hasn't used his voice in ages. "Do you have anything alcoholic here? Seems like we could jury-rig it to make some crude medical tools. I also found a surgical kit in the basement, as well-I'd be happy to lend it to you or someone you think could be capable."
Mara was glad the Julius was doing better; he'd been rather ill for a couple of days. "Good to see you up and about, Julius!", she said to the half-elf.
She turned back to Rowan, "Breakfast should be ready soon, but you'll have to settle for modest fare. We're all tightening our belts here." In better times this might have been a figure of speech, but now it was not.
After the morning meal was finished, Mara said to her comrades, "Let's get going. Be ready to fight ghouls; we might be able to reason with them, but let's not count on it!"
Dervak laughs at Julius's inquiry. "No, Julius, I don't think Rowan wants rum for making medicine. Medicine for the soul, maybe. But he just wants to drink at the end of the day. Me, bad things can happen if I lose control. So I only drink the beer."
He grabs his falchion. "Ready to fight ghouls! Or Shredman."
He turns to Winter. "Hey Winter. Shapechangers, double-bangers, whatever, they can't copy stuff, can they? Just faces? Mara has her dolls and talks to them. Theophilus has his hat and rabbit and cards. Make sure we have those things when we come back, and that we act right with them. Especially the rabbit. I don't think they can copy that, or make it a friend like Theophilus did."
Julius smiles at his half-orc friends. "Sorry I've been out for a while, I guess this whole situation is just really getting to me. And don't worry, Dervak-the rum isn't just for drinking. Although at this point, I don't think anyone would blame us if we wanted to use it for that." He laughs weakly as he checks his rapier, making sure it's in good order.
"Let's conserve the non-medicinal uses for a good celebration when we get out of here!, Mara suggested.
I meant no offense, Mara. I know you’re as capable as the best of them.
Motions toward the other survivors.
Also, don’t, confuse me for a member of high society, I live a pretty humble life. Pretty sure I was living on the streets recently, judging by the state of my clothes. I’m ready for a fight, whenever.
"None taken, Rowan," Mara replied. She moved a little closer and said in a low voice, "If you ask Theophilus to make you a nice hat, he'd be delighted."
Julius approaches Winter, his voice hoarse. It seems like he hasn't used his voice in ages. "Do you have anything alcoholic here? Seems like we could jury-rig it to make some crude medical tools. I also found a surgical kit in the basement, as well-I'd be happy to lend it to you or someone you think could be capable."
Winter smiles pleased to see that Julius is feeling better, "Naysa or Tolman would know better than me. I was only here a day before the troubles. Keep the tools you may need them out there, we'll manage here." Naysa perhaps listening in too intently coughs and adds, "The nurses station is where we keep the medications. If you head out the door," she points east, "go past reception and admitting, to the left there is a long hallway, at the end of the hallway is the dayroom. Attached is a window to the nurses station. If you can retrieve some of the tonic we give Loic we'd be in your debt."
"Hey Winter. Shapechangers, double-bangers, whatever, they can't copy stuff, can they? Just faces? Mara has her dolls and talks to them. Theophilus has his hat and rabbit and cards. Make sure we have those things when we come back, and that we act right with them. Especially the rabbit. I don't think they can copy that, or make it a friend like Theophilus did."
Winter consider's Dervak's statement, "I think you might be right. Good catch. It's not a perfect system but it's better than nothing."
"We'll make sure to visit the Nursing Station when we can," Mara replied to Naysa. We might just have to fight a monster or two to get there!
She paused, and then brought up another matter, "Winter, I was wondering — I don't suppose anyone here would have a greataxe, would they? Mommy made sure I knew how to use one; she said it was always good to know how to use a big axe! She also showed me how to use a falchion, like Dervak's."
Whispering back to Mara:
Me in a fancy hat would be a bit like putting a dress on a pig, but I would gladly indulge a new friend if If would bring them a bit of normalcy during this dark and strange time.
If Rowan can hear Dervak and Winter talking:
I don’t carry or wear any particularly distinct items... maybe I could tell you all a code word before I leave, and we can plan a response word. That way we will know it it is me. Just a thought. I’m open to other suggestions.
Winter looks distant for a moment when she responds to Mara, "I wish my own mother was as good to me as yours was, is? To you. I apologize we have nothing like that here. Perhaps you will find one as you explore."
"Mara, if you want to trade for the time being, I wouldn't mind taking your longspear. Reach is an advantage. And if something comes in close I have my tusks."
"Rowan, here." Dervak takes a couple of chair legs that he had been splitting for kindling earlier. He breaks them in half, making sure to get a nice jagged break. He gives half of each broken leg to Winter, keeps one, and gives one to Rowan.
"The shapechangers will think these are just improvised weapons, trash. They may not think to take them if they kill us. But really they're keys. See how only these two pieces fit together right? So now you have half a key, and I have half a key, and Winter has our matches. Winter, don't ask for the key, we'll have to know to show it when we come back. Julius, you want one too or do you have a special item?"
"OK, we can trade for now; maybe we'll find more weapons as we explore," Mara replied to Dervak.
Theophilus waves his arms, while pronouncing arcane words.
Ready to go to the Nurses Station! I wonder if they have anything for the current epidemic of recent violence?
Ready to go to the Nurses Station! I wonder if they have anything for the current epidemic of recent violence?