Dejah walked purposefully toward the Temple of Brigh with the others. She did not make small talk; checking the pocket of her jacket once to ensure the writ was still there.
Entering the chapel, her mismatched eyes scanned the interior and then settled on the woman scribbling notes on the chalkboard. From her position she could not see all of the notations but noting Cade's eyes on the work, attempted to aid him in determining what it was the red-haired woman was working on.
She cleared her throat softly and steadily spoke, so as to not surprise the woman who seemed caught up in her notes, "Greetings. My name is Dejah Simin. We are here to speak with Father Kyte on the behest of Councilwoman Freddert. Is he here? "
"Greetings. My name is Dejah Simin. We are here to speak with Father Kyte on the behest of Councilwoman Freddert. Is he here?"
The redhead turns as Dejah makes her presence known, halting the scribbling of her notes on the chalkboard.
When she turns to face her, the first thing the party notices about her is the series of blue lines running from her scalp, to her lower eyelids, and down her collarbone and beyond. Her eyes are a piercing blue, regarding Dejah with an odd stillness.
"Greetings, Dejah Simin. I am Acolyte Sarona of the church of Brigh. Artificer Kyte is in the temple today." She says in a flat, even tone.
Sarona blinks and cocks her head to one side. "May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?"
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Tabitha lets out a sigh when they finally get to the street and start heading to the Temple of Brigh. She keeps her eyes open to look at the buildings and such on the way.
When the group makes it to the temple, Tabitha is in wonder of the sight. Different, yet similar to the god of Magic, Nethys. "Amazing! This is amazing! Oh... Tabitha would love to look around when we have the time." And when they walk up to the woman next to the chalkboard, Tabitha examines the equation on it, trying to see what it means.
But after when Dejah introduces herself, the woman turns around to introduce herself as Acolyte Sarona. Tabitha looks on in interest as Acolyte Sarona speaks. Oh wow... She looks interesting, she isn't human. But she looks human. What is she?.... Wait, is she an Android?! Oh my! Tabitha is slightly excited to meet an Android for the first time. "Gr-Greetings, we are here to speak with Artificer Kyte about our expedition below Torch. Though Tabi- I am intriged about this temple. It feels so similar to the temples dedicated to the Nethys. Brigh is a Knowledge deity as well, right?"
"Gr-Greetings, we are here to speak with Artificer Kyte about our expedition below Torch. Though Tabi- I am intrigued about this temple. It feels so similar to the temples dedicated to the Nethys. Brigh is a Knowledge deity as well, right?"
Acolyte Sarona looks at Tabitha and nods stiffly. "Indeed, Knowledge, especially as it relates to technology and invention, falls under Brigh's purview. Knowledge of magic is Nethys' field."
"Admittedly, worship of the Whisper in Bronze is not as widespread as Artificer Kyte has hoped..." Sarona looks down at the altar/desk, the corners of her mouth quirking into a slight frown before returning to their neutral state.
Viorec speaks up from the back of the group. Well you know how it is each person must follow there own heart to decide which god or gods moves strongest within them. We all have our path to follow, I am sure your patron understands. He steps forward smiling offering his hand to the Acolyte. My apologies, I should introduce myself Viorec Kale priest of Cayden Cailean the Lucky Drunk.
Cade's countenance hardens as the "lady" turns around. He grits down on his teeth. He is able to hold his temper, but it is difficult.
"I think you can save your charm Viorec. I doubt the skin job understands your charismatic finesse."
She wondered what mechanical toy Sarona was working on, but did not ask. Then Cade spoke to Viorec.
There was that label, again. Skin job. Dejah's mismatched eyes fixed hard upon the tall Cade to silence him from other such comments, for the time being.
Greetings, Dejah Simin. I am Acolyte Sarona of the church of Brigh. Artificer Kyte is in the temple today." She says in a flat, even tone.
Sarona blinks and cocks her head to one side. "May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?"
Turning her focus back to the Brighian acolyte, she answered simply, "We mean to take an expedition below the Black Hill to rescue Khonnir Blaine and his party. We seek information and guidance from Father Kyte. Where in the temple is Father Kyte at present?"
Dejah's mismatched eyes fixed hard upon the tall Cade to silence him from other such comments, for the time being.
Cade's brow tightens at the look from Dejah. He gets the point though and loosens up a bit.
"Well you know how it is each person must follow there own heart to decide which god or gods moves strongest within them. We all have our path to follow, I am sure your patron understands." He steps forward smiling offering his hand to the Acolyte. "My apologies, I should introduce myself Viorec Kale priest of Cayden Cailean the Lucky Drunk."
Sarona holds her hand out and rests it in Viorec's. "Greetings, Viorec Kale."
She blankly looks down at his hand. It looks rather small and graceful compared to his.
"I think you can save your charm Viorec. I doubt the skin job understands your charismatic finesse."
Sarona's eyes look back up into Caedmon's, as blank as ever. "In fact, sir, I appreciate Viorec Kale's sense of tact." Her tone is surprisingly calm (or not so surprisingly, come to think of it).
"We mean to take an expedition below the Black Hill to rescue Khonnir Blaine and his party. We seek information and guidance from Father Kyte. Where in the temple is Father Kyte at present?"
Acolyte Sarona looks at Dejah and blinks. "Artificer Kyte is in the vestibule, working on a project. Would you like me to fetch him?"
Dejah listened as Sarona spoke to Cade of skin grafts and also of a magic to cure his own scars. She wondered if the tall warrior would inquire into the Father's magic. When the acolyte focused on her, Dejah met her gaze and replied, "Yes, please fetch him."
Sarona nods and turns on her heel, walking off to a room on the far left side of the chapel.
Some time passes before she returns, trailing behind an old man clad in a dirty white smock and brown apron. The old man's hair is shining with sweat and grease in equal measure, and he fingers a small white mask with bronze highlights around the mouth and eyes around his neck. He shuffles over to the altar, his apron *jangling* with the sound of workman's tools.
"Ah--Mrs. Freddert got herself a new expedition together, did she? Well and good, I say!" He grins and stands up straight, his grey eyes twinkling in the sunlight. "I'm Father Joram Kyte, or as my protégé would call me, Artificer Kyte."
"It is your official rank, Artificer." The redheaded android says to him, her tone somewhat insistent and reserved.
"Be that as it may, 'Father' is easier for folks to say." Father Kyte shrugs and turns back to the party. "Anyway, how can I help ya get to the bottom of things?"
Cade's scarred face turns red and he crosses his arms. It looks like he is about to come back with a remark, but he looks down at his new friend and remembers her sharp look. He keeps his mouth shut.
When the skin job walks off, Cade moves over to the board. He motions for Dejah to join him. "What do you think? I think if we squared the seven and divided the forty six..." He grins as they complete it. When the Android returns, he smiles again in satisfaction at solving a problem the robot couldn't.
Viorec was shocked by Caedmon's hostility and was thinking of responding when Sarona saved him the trouble. He wasn't certain if she was cross and putting him in his place or was innocently responding to Caedmon. Viorec having heard the phrase twice now assumed it was some kind of slur. Her inflection and manner provided no clue one way or the other if Sarona took it that way. Despite his confusion Viorec still struggled to keep his face placid to keep from offending Caedmon who seemed to take the statement as a rebuke. Viorec was happy that the conflict seemed to resolve itself as Dejah requested Artificer Kyte's presences.
As Artificer Kyte appeared Viorec took a moment to take measure of the good cleric and had to say he certainly appeared to dress the part of someone who worshiped a goddess of technology and invention. Viorec smiles before offering Artificer Kyte his hand unconcerned by the mess. It is good to meet you Father Kyte. I am Viorec Kale wandering priest of Cayden Cailean. My companions and I were directed here by Councilor Freddert as you already guessed. Are you the proverbial gate keeper to the Black Hill then?
"It is good to meet you Father Kyte. I am Viorec Kale wandering priest of Cayden Cailean. My companions and I were directed here by Councilor Freddert as you already guessed. Are you the proverbial gate keeper to the Black Hill then?"
Father Kyte shakes Viorec's hand, prompting a slight widening of the eyes from Sarona.
"Indeed I would be, though you could say that 'plumber' would be a more fitting title." Father Kyte says with a laugh. "The only way folks have found to get under the Black Hill is by swimming under the Weeping Pond at the edge of town."
"Now, before we get down to bronze tacks, have you all had a chance to get yourself kitted out for the trip?"
Dejah waited until Viorec had made his introduction to the priest before stepping forward and extending her own hand (and being mindful of her nails). "Father Kyte, I am Dejah Simin. An honour to meet you."
She listened as the priest mentioned Weeping Pond and the need to swim. She was not a proficient swimmer by any means. Dejah held her tongue for now.
When he asked about having their gear, Dejah answered promptly, "No, we have not, Father Kyte. We came, here, to you, first."
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Father Kyte shakes Dejah's hand as well. "A pleasure, miss."
"No, we have not, Father Kyte. We came, here, to you, first."
"Good thinking, then." He folds his hands into his apron. "It's always fallen to me to get the folks who want to explore under the town in there without drownin' themselves. Ol' Parda got my help, my fellow clergymen got my help, and Khonnir got my help, both times."
He draws a small rod from his apron and shakes it, causing it to extend to the length of his arm. "This rod right here lets me extend how long some spells I cast last for--in this case, I use it to enhance the water breathing spells I cast on expeditionary parties." He taps the rod against his head. "Now, since there's four of ya, I can make it so that the spell lasts for 6 hours on each of you."
"This rod right here lets me extend how long some spells I cast last for--in this case, I use it to enhance the water breathing spells I cast on expeditionary parties."
"That is very helpful. Thank you Father."
Cade offers his hand to Kyte. "I am Cade. Do you have any information about the previous expeditionary parties that could be helpful?"
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Tabitha eyes widen at the sudden aggression at the Android. She wonders why Caedmon was so upset with Sarona.
When Father Kyle enters, Tabitha remains quiet till after Viorec and Dejah introduce themselves.
Tabitha does the same as the others and greets Father Kyle as well. "It is nice to meet you as well. Tabi-Er... I am Tabitha Flynn. Student of Master Khonnir and a member of the Society."
You think the Society Tabitha is speaking of, might be the Pathfinder Society.
Tabitha cringes slightly after she finishes her sentence.
Tabitha still feels a bit sheepish after what she said, she still listens to Father Kyle's means to get under Torch. "Well, we should wait then to let Val know before we go."
Viorec follows caedmon's question with his own I would be interested to know what supplies previous expeditions took especially the successful ones. I wasn't aware that we would be swimming to our objective. Viorec frowns at the implications. It seems that anything we wish to carry that could be fouled by the dirty water will also need protection. I assume other teams have successfully dealt with this issue?
Viorec files away Tabitha's concerns about her own allegiances for later when they can talk in private.
Tabitha was a member of the Pathfinder Society..., Dejah could not believe it, but the words had come from the girl's own mouth.
Looking to her companions and hearing what the Father said about the rod and it enhancing a water breathing spell, Dejah remembered something about the pond and spoke up, looking to the Brighan Priest for answer, "The Weeping Pond is known for making people sick, if they swim in the tainted waters or drink from it. How can we overcome this if we are to swim under it to enter the Black Hill?"
"I am Cade. Do you have any information about the previous expeditionary parties that could be helpful?"
"Well, Parda just got a bunch of thugs together and swam under Black Hill, thinking they could take on whatever's hiding down there. Since I haven't seen any of them return, and considering they just packed food, weapons and not much else to deal with environmental hazards, I imagine they didn't get far at all."
"Khonnir, on the other hand, was much smarter than them. He made sure to assemble a balanced team of his own, and made sure to get proper supplies. Rope, torches, rations, and even a ten-foot pole, if you can believe that. He managed to bring everyone home alive the first time around." Father Kyte starts pacing, and Sarona folds her hands over her holy symbol.
"The other clergy of Brigh only needed my water breathing spell for the trip in--they were already kitted out as well as they could be before entering. Same as Khonnir's second venture..." The old priest trails off. "...and, well, neither of them have returned."
"It seems that anything we wish to carry that could be fouled by the dirty water will also need protection. I assume other teams have successfully dealt with this issue?"
"Well, they did as best they could. Parda's gang didn't, but then again they were a bit too eager to get started anyway." He folds his arms behind his back. "Ideally, you shouldn't bring anything gunpowder-based unless it's in a waterproof container. Getting waterproof containers for your sensitive & perishable items would be a good idea."
"The Weeping Pond is known for making people sick, if they swim in the tainted waters or drink from it. How can we overcome this if we are to swim under it to enter the Black Hill?"
"Glad you asked! Sarona?" Father Kyte nods at the android, beckoning her to step forward.
"Father Kyte charged me with determining how to best counteract the tainted water in Weeping Pond." Sarona steps forward and begins pacing. "The contaminants in the water are most similar to a form of toxin instead of a bacteria. I would recommend taking antitoxins before traversing the pond. Failing that, using magic to improve a person's resistance to toxins would be helpful."
Viorec listened and had several immediate questions that came to mind and simply began to blurt them out. If the only way to enter is through this poisoned water. Are we certain the others aren't just stuck at the other side of the entrance unable to make the swim? You mentioned being able to breath under water for 6 hours how far do we need to travel to find a safe chamber? How can we bring people back from the previous expedition if they are too injured to make that kind of trip. Can a fair or even a good swimmer even realistically make the attempt without the enchantment your offering Father Kyte?
"The contaminants in the water are most similar to a form of toxin instead of a bacteria. I would recommend taking antitoxins before traversing the pond. Failing that, using magic to improve a person's resistance to toxins would be helpful."
"I will add anti-toxins to our supplies list for the expedition. Thank you, Sarona."
As Viorec asked his question,
Can a fair or even a good swimmer even realistically make the attempt without the enchantment your offering Father Kyte?
Before the intelligent priest should utter a response, Dejah interceded with, "How deep is the tainted water of the Weeping Pond? I do not worry about the breathing component for the spell will aid with that. I ask because I was never taught to swim. My studies and training were in other areas."
"If the only way to enter is through this poisoned water. Are we certain the others aren't just stuck at the other side of the entrance unable to make the swim? You mentioned being able to breath under water for 6 hours how far do we need to travel to find a safe chamber? How can we bring people back from the previous expedition if they are too injured to make that kind of trip. Can a fair or even a good swimmer even realistically make the attempt without the enchantment your offering Father Kyte?"
"How deep is the tainted water of the Weeping Pond? I do not worry about the breathing component for the spell will aid with that. I ask because I was never taught to swim. My studies and training were in other areas."
Father Kyte purses his hips as he's bombarded with questions. "Well, in order..."
He turns to Viorec first. "The currents leading into the caverns under town are, according to Khonnir, quite tame. The passageway in isn't that long either, from what he told me--only 45 feet long at most. A fair swimmer could make the trip, certainly. Especially if they swim with the currents, but even a normal man could swim against the current without much difficulty."
"With all that in mind, I'm quite certain that the water isn't what's prevented the other expeditions from returning."
He then turns to Dejah. "The water itself in the pond isn't too deep--10 feet, at most. Perhaps your large friend here would be able to carry you through the waters?" He gives Caedmon a pointed glance.
Father Kyte gives Tabitha an odd look and is about to speak before Acolyte Sarona speaks up.
"Such a system may indeed be practical. However, depending on how long your expedition takes to produce results, actually developing such a project may have to wait." The android runs a hand through her short red hair. "It would depend on how complex you want the pulley system to be--do you mean a series of guide ropes for less physically capable persons to move along, or an actual mechanical pulley?"
Sarona listens to Tabitha's answer, then nods. "That sounds feasible."
"So, is there anything else?" Father Kyte asks, taking a workman's hammer out of his apron and idly twirling it.
He then turns to Dejah. "The water itself in the pond isn't too deep--10 feet, at most. Perhaps your large friend here would be able to carry you through the waters?" He gives Caedmon a pointed glance.
At Father Kyte's suggestion, Dejah's mismatched eyes moved to Cade's. "Do you think you could carry me, Cade? I am not heavy."
Viorec eyes Tabitha and Acolyte Sarona exchange for a moment before speaking up. A simple guide rope coated in wax and anchored at either end and maybe a few places in the middle will likely be enough to help those of us who are poor swimmers. Anything more complicated will likely get tangled up without a lot of pulleys and guides for little practical benefit.
With his piece said on the pulley system Viorec turns back to address the father when he asks if there are any more questions. Yes any idea what we will be facing inside. For instance is there more chambers that are underwater. Also anything dangerous that the previous expedition have come across in the past and now give a wide birth to that you might be aware of.
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"Yes any idea what we will be facing inside? For instance is there more chambers that are underwater? Also anything dangerous that the previous expedition have come across in the past and now give a wide birth to that you might be aware of?"
Father Kyte shakes his head. "Once you get through the water, there aren't any flooded chambers. At least none that Khonnir found."
"As to dangers, there *was* a band of odd-coloured men that Khonnir's expedition clashed with. Their skin seemed to match the colour of the cavern walls. Also, there were some patches of brown mold present--I don't suppose any of you have sources of cold on you, eh?"
At Father Kyte's suggestion, Dejah's mismatched eyes moved to Cade's. "Do you think you could carry me, Cade? I am not heavy."
Cade meets Dejah's gaze. "I will do my best Dejah. As a matter of fact, I will do everything in my power to assure your safety." Though it had been less than twenty four hours, Cade had developed quite a bond with the budding archaeologist. It was something he had not done in over a decade.
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"The odd-coloured men sound like they could be Skulks." Dejah then briefly explained to the group what they were.
"Sources of cold? What do you mean, Father Kyte? Weapons or magic?"
Cade meets Dejah's gaze. "I will do my best Dejah. As a matter of fact, I will do everything in my power to assure your safety."
Dejah listened to Cade's reply and she was somewhat taken aback by the statement that he would do all to ensure her safety. Apart from her late father, no other person had felt compelled to look out for her. She looked up at the tall warrior, her mismatched eyes wide and unblinking and then slowly smiled.
"Thank you, Cade", she gave in quiet response.
"Sources of cold? What do you mean, Father Kyte? Weapons or magic?"
"Ideally, both, if you can get them. However, considering how expensive liquid ice is to create, frost-based magic would be more practical." Father Kyte leans against a pew. "Brown mold is a type of mold that feeds on heat from exothermic sources--torches & other such open flames. If it was subjected to an endothermic form of attack--essentially, if you hit it with an attack that causes cold damage--it will shrivel up and die on the spot."
Hearing the Father's reply and then Tabitha speak of her cantrip, Dejah deliberated the threat and added, "Since Tabitha has a spell, perhaps we can purchase a weapon to aid her. I will add that to our list."
Viorec listens to the dangers nodding as the father offers a few options for fighting off the mold. I would offer my skills in Alchemy but liquid ice is outside my capabilities. Maybe some form of heatless lighting could help if we stumble on the mold? I do know I can help keep a few critical items completely isolated from the poisoned water for a short period about a minute using divine magic. Anything that could be ruined by a dunking in that gunk like papers, books or food. It would be a good temporary protection for the short trip underwater on top of any mundane protections we might find during our shopping. If the majority believe it is worth the effort I can prepare it before the trip.
Viorec turns to Tabitha responding to his name. hmm oh it is a hidden little gem called Air Bubble. The spell creates a bubble of air around an inanimate object or a persons head for a short period. It should be just enough to get us through the underwater tunnel if we are quick.
Cade speaks up. "Should we be on out way then?"
"If the Father or Sarona have no further knowledge to impart, then aye, Cade, let us be on our way to purchase our supplies."
Acolyte Sarona bows. "I believe I have contributed all that I can." Without another word, she walks off to a small desk in a corner of the temple.
"I believe I've answered all your questions as well." Father Kyte nods. "Best of luck to the lot of ya!"
"Thank you both for your assistance. Getting expert advice is certainly a boon. Farewell."
Cade follows Dejah toward the door. "Farewell Father. Thank you for assistance." He ignores the "lady" at the desk.
He opens the door for Dejah and Tabitha. "Where to first? After you Viorec." He winks harmlessly at Dejah as she passes and slaps the Cleric on his back.
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- There's a General Store down the street to the west of the Foundry Tavern.
- For antitoxins & potions, Tempting Tonics is the place to visit. It's two streets down from the market square.