"As my associate, Hung Hei Kwoon says. We are working for sheriff Caeller. We have reason to believe that foul play was involved in Professor Lorrimor's death. Griar gives the ancient priest a level gaze.
"The Professor's journal alluded to the presence of important artifacts in one of your tombs. We are not grave robbers, but we need to have a look within the crypt. The Professor was investigating a group dedicated to raising undead. He seemed to think the artifacts would be located there, in the crypt."
Taking a breath, Griar continues.
"The incident with the monument to Hawkran may or may not be connected, but we do intend to investigate the old prison.'
Griar looks the man straight in the eye.
"There is something going on in this town. Without doubt it concerns the Church of Pharasma. If you help us investigate it, we will let you know whatever we find out."
Baer nods at Griar's words, agreeing with the man.
Diplomacy to aid Griar
"Yeah, you should let us do what we want, human."
Grimburrow looks to Marckus for a final word.
Marckus considers the demeanor of this uncouth trio, noting their blunt but determined manner. He decides to take a chance on their behalf, a gamble in hopes to win their trust and aid the cause that they seem to genuinely believe in.
"Father, if you please, this rough lot is wearied by the strange customs and cold suspicion of the people in this town. They mean well, and I think this church will avoid much trouble and strife by allowing these good-hearted few to assist the town in helping the fine sheriff. As Abadar teaches, the law is the cornerstone of order, prosperity, and peace, and they have expressed they are now deputies; surely you can find it within yourself to accommodate them, even such as they are."
Grimburrow grunts, turns and begins to walk away, waving for you to follow. He approaches a large tome, and opens it carefully. When you describe the location of the tomb, he pages quickly through the records, running a finger down a page until tapping three times on an entry. "Hmph. One of our oldest tombs. It says there are faithful interred there. You are certain this is the place indicated by Petros?" His eyes give each of you the same hard look.
"On my vow of truth, I swear that I believe it is the one he spoke of."
Father Grimburrow grunts, and as if in response a young acolyte appears at his elbow. "Get Vasku and Irlena." The young man scurries away, and Grimburrow turns back to you. "They'll go with you to look at this crypt. If it is sealed, it stays sealed. If it is not, they'll go in with you to look. If the faithful are interred there, as this record declares, you will leave immediately. If not, you may investigate. Are we quite clear?"
Baer looks at Marckus with a mixed face (one tusk up and one lip droopy).
Who asked you to butt in, human?
"Thanks, you. Your help is appreciated...but we got this," Baer grumbles with a graceful nod.
She turns to Father Grimburrow.
"Of course, we will be respectful. I'm sure it's nothing, but we shall see to be sure."
"Quite clear, Father. we will respect your wishes."
Once Vasku and Irlena arrive Griar introduces himself to them. Including Kwoon, and Baer in the introductions. Marckus is left out of the introductions, of course. Griar doesn't know his name after all.
Giving the lead priest a short bow, Griar says: "We'll be on our way now. If you don't mind."
"If you like, Father, I will accompany to ensure the deed is done, and see to the blessing of the tomb should it be unsealed but the faithful rest therein." Marckus offers, eyeing the half-orc with a look of smug spite.
"Seems to me that if this, human, was in the professor's will, then he has as much right to accompany us on our quest as anyone. Or do you have some kind of wise counter-argument to offer, half-orc?"
Baer nods, conceding the point to Kwoon and turning to address Marckus.
"Indeed, human. Do you have a invitation to the funeral and the will reading? And do you have a name that we might recall from the reading? We were all there, you see." Baer asks. "My colleague makes a good point...maybe you are welcome amongst us."
Grimburrow gives Marckus a dismissive I-don't-care-what-you-do-with-your-time wave of his hand, then widens it marginally to encompass all of you. He does add, "This upstart represents some of Petros' interests in a fiduciary capacity, and was here to settle the account on the funeral expenses from the Lorrimor account. Kendra knows him, I believe." With that, he returns to his office, and Vasku and Irlena arrive shortly thereafter.
The two acolytes lead you out to the intersection of the Eversleep and the Black Path in the Restlands, each make a swirling hand gesture as they enter the grounds of the graveyard.
After a moment's search, the six of you are able to locate the crypt in question. Irlena speaks up, "We are here to observe your actions, but are only to interfere if you are about to disturb those resting. You may proceed with your investigation."
Hung Hei Kwoon will walk around the crypt, looking for a way in. He pulls a crowbar out of his backpack, just in case.
Baer will search the front of the crypt and the entrance for signs of recent entry.
Take 20 for 24 Perception.
Survival (untrained) - Tracks
Baer sniffs the air as well, as if her mighty snout might pick up lingering odors.
When her initial look is complete, she will try the crypt door to see if it is unlocked.
Marckus waits for the others to act, curious as to what surprises the professor may have left behind.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Griar has a look around the crypt, looking for evidence that the chamber has been opened.
A cursory examination of the area reveals to Kwoon that while there is a lock on the door, it has clearly had its clasp melted by acid, and later returned to it's current location so that to casual observation the lock
appears intact.
Baer does indeed see a set of footprints as she looks around the area - footprints more matching the style of shoe and gait of the professor than any of her current companions.
When you show these things to the two acolytes, Vasku waves you forward. "Clearly, it has already been disturbed. Please proceed - we will follow and observe."
Within, a flight of stone steps leads down into the cold earth to a large crypt lined with empty niches — no dead are interred here.
"Do any of you have magical light sources? If not, would one of you acolytes mind holding my lantern?"
After Marckus slides on a heavy gauntlet with wicked-looking spikes, he casts a spell upon it so that it shines like a torch. He then prays to Abadar for protection.
"Shall we?"
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Baer shakes her head 'no' at Kwoon.
"I have no such magics. One of the meager gifts from my mother was good eyesight in the dark," Baer replies and readies to enter.
"I could carry your lantern, but I need my hands to fight," she says holding up her staff. She follows Kwoon, Griar, or Marckus into the crypt.
Hung Hei Kwoon will go first into the crypt area now that he has an effective light source from Marckus' gauntlet. He bows respectfully before he enters, but once inside he's on his toes, ready for danger.
Griar regards the cleric of Abadar with some surprise. "You coming inside with us, Pavement Priest? There may be danger."
Griar decides that the tomb may be too tight a space for him to use his greatsword. Instead he draws his club from its belt loop.
Griar follows close behind Kwoon examining the area as he goes.
"I don't wear this for show." Marckus responds, indicating his spiked gauntlet. "Nevertheless, you are welcome to go first."
Marckus' light flares as cold comfort in the darkened tomb. In the outer area, two statues stand to the left and right, as empty niches in the wall gape open, covered with a layer of dust. A circular pattern, stylized after the swirl favored by Pharasma, is etched into the floor. Two doors are set into the back wall. This room is perhaps 25' square.
Griar and Kwoon easily see a set of footprints that mar the dust-covered floor, heading for the left of the two doors, then back again.
Hung Hei Kwoon will point out the footprints to the others, then try to step on them as they descend down the steps.
Baer looks at the footprint that Kwoon points out, stoppping to sniff and think what made the print.
Perception - sniff
"Good eyes, Kwoon. Shall we go to the left doors as well?" Baer follows those that go that way, pausing only to cast Detect Magic to see if there are any auras around. "This place is very old, there might be old magics within."
There are no magical auras emanating from the immediate room, but you sense a source deeper into the crypt, on the far side of the doors ahead.
As you sift through the auras a moment longer, you sense that there are appears to be a cache of items, perhaps 60 feet ahead, all emanating magical auras, the most potent being a moderate one.
Further observation reveals the following:
10 items with a faint aura of transmutation
5 items with a moderate aura of conjuration
7 items with a faint aura of conjuration
1 item with a faint aura of divination
3 items with a faint aura of abjuration
1 item with a moderate aura of divination
4 items with a faint aura of necromancy
Baer holds up her hand.
"That is strange...there is magic coming from beyond. In the crypt, but beyond. Maybe that is what the Professor was doing here? Let us continue," Baer says, looking at the left doors.
Baer waits for someone to move to open the left doors.
Marckus holds up his hand for light, looking over his shoulder for watching eyes or shuffling feet.
"I wonder if these tracks truly belong to the Professor. If he came here and got the artifacts, wouldn't they be in his home or workshop?"
Griar shrugs. The only way to find out is to continue.
"Stay sharp everyone."
Griar takes his cue from Kwoon, trying to step only in the monk's footprints.
He keeps his eyes peeled for danger.
Neither Griar nor Brand notice any additional movement, and Kwoon expertly follows the Professor's tracks to the door on the right. When he opens it, and Marckus' light shines through, he sees a short set of steps descending several feet into a lower crypt.
As Baer passes the doorway, the magical essences are clearly emanating from a stone sarcophagus that is in the center of this far room.
Vasku remains near the entrance to the mausoleum ("To let any passers-by know that this is an official inquiry to this tomb,") and Irlena accompanies you deeper into the crypt.
Griar moves cautiously down the stairs, then steps to the right to make room for the others. The light carried by Abadar's cleric casts fitful dark shadows, but Griar does his best to spot any trigger plates on the steps as well as listen for noises. Though he and his companions make plenty of their own noise.
Baer moves up, intrigued by the magic, and keeping her concentration.
"This is smaller than I expected. And remember it is old. Very old."
She signals to Griar to approach the sarcophagus.
Hung Hei Kwoon moves down the stairs, looking around carefully.
Marckus attempts to follow in the same footsteps, keeping the light available to Kwoon.
Your steps echo in the crypt as the light creates odd shadow patterns on the walls, but you perceive no traps. As Briar and Kwoon approach the sarcophagus, Kwoon notices that its lid appears to be on a track of sorts, rather than simply resting on top as you might expect.
Hung Hei Kwoon will step forward and try to push it open.
Irlena nods for you to proceed, and the lid slides open easily on its track. Inside, there is no body, but rather an assortment of items that look well organized and prepared for easy retrieval in need. Inside, you find:
"The professor certainly did his share of dealings in the strange." Marckus comments.
Baer nods as Kwoon opens the sarcophagus. She steps forward to help, letting go of her concentration. Noting the man's puny human arms, Baer gently nudges Kwoon aside so that she can put her sheep herding muscles to use.
"Void! GIVE ME STRENGTH!!" She unleashes her anger out at the scarcophagus for 30 seconds.
Strength
Strength
Strength
Strength
Strength
Baer smiles as Kwoon opens the sarcophagus.
"Nice work," Baer says, looking at the man's supple yet strangely strong arms. Reaching into her backpack for a bag, she begins to gather the goods, all of them.
"I'll look at these later, let us leave this crypt and let the priests to back to whatever they do."
Marckus calls out as Baer begins collecting items.
You (likely) jump with surprise at Marckus' exclamation...
...but after a tense moment, nothing happens. Irlena coughs conspicuously by the door leading out of the crypt, and says to Baer, "You'll tell Fr. Grimburrow what you've found, yes?"
"...Sorry, I was expecting the professor to have warded his treasures a bit more thoroughly." Marckus explains, slightly embarrassed.
Baer gives the unnamed human (Marckus) a look.
"I detected the auras of the items, but nothing that might have suggested an explosive effect. Of course, I am still learning, but I do understand the various schools of magic," Baer says with a sniff. "If you wish to learn the difference, we can practice on the items we have collected. They are a motley array...perfect for practicing." Baer packs up her bag and puts it in her backpack (unless someone else wants it). She moves more slowly than before.
"We should get back to Father Groanmarrow and report."
Baer prepares to leave.
"Indeed. Perhaps afterwards we can convene at the late professor's residence. Kendra will be expecting me soon."
"Tis a strange custom you have in this country, burying tools in a tomb like people. You must value tools as much as people." Hung Hei Kwoon shakes his head at these strange customs, and leaves as he entered.