Irlena nods, and turns to leave as well. As you proceed back towards the steps out of the crypt, Baer and Kwoon hear the sound of skittering from the left, but are unprepared when a form lunges forward unsuspected from a crack in the wall to the right, biting at Baer!
However, the mandibles emerging from this chitinous mess of legs cannot compensate for sheer overeagerness at such a substantive meal.
Hung Hei Kwoon jumps twirls doing a spinning back kick to the head of the large centipede, followed by an uppercut to the mandible of the creature.
Round 1, Init 18
Baer recoils as the bug stings happy that the crazed critter missed. She lashes out with her staff, then 5' steps back. It's clear that she doesn't like bugs.
to hit;
damage.
"Gah!"
Griar stands watch as Baer and Kwoon open the casket and retrieve its contents. Seeing all the arrows, Griar wishes he owned a better bow. Arrows of such fine quality deserve a strong bow to to send them flying true.
With the items packed up it is time to leave...
Then the skittering mandibled creature attacks Baer. Griar reacts quickly, though not as quickly as Kwoon.
The paladin attacks with the club he already has in hand.
Kwoon's kick and uppercut hit hard chitin, and the recoiling Baer's staff swipe goes wide.
Griar has better luck crushing into one of the two centipedes with his club, and the vermin withdraws back into the crack from which it emerged.
The other continues to press its attack, biting now at the lightly armored Kwoon.
It's attack falls short of Kwoon's mobility, leaving it open to attack.
Hung Hei Kwoon decides for a more direct approach, straightening his fingers into little daggers and tries to smash through the centipede's chitin.
Baer stands with her staff ready; her tusks flaring as she waits to see if Kwoon's fast fingers finish the flat, footed foe.
"These bugs are annoying!"
Marckus moves into flanking with Kwoon while offering him verbal encouragement.
"Stand up straighter, and focus your blows."
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Griar keeps his eye on the crack that the nasty bug came out of, in case it wants to try again.
Kwoon's blows crack through the centipede's head, spreading ichor down his arms. It convulses a moment, then collapses.
Irlena runs back, screams a bit at the sight of the centipede, then asks, "Are you all right? Is anyone hurt?" Seeing no obvious injuries, she sighs in relief, does her best to calm herself, then collects Vasku at the entrance and leads you back towards the temple of Pharasma.
Baer indicates she is not injured and returns to see Father Grimburrow.
"Let us return."
"Yes, fine thanks." Griar says in answer to Irlena. He follows her back to the temple, wondering how long it will take Baer to identify the properties of the items.
When you return, most of the acolytes are taking lunch, but Father Grimburrow is in his office and "invites" you in with an arch of an eyebrow. He listens to Irlena's report and gives a small grunt. "Well, what did you find? I'd appreciate a full account of the items, as they rightfully belong to the temple, though perhaps we can come to an arrangement regarding their use in your... investigation."
Baer offers the bag to Father Grimburrow without comment.
Take a look human, I know not the full measure of what is within. The Void and I have yet to decide on that.
"That's everything we found. There were a couple of massive centipedes living down there. Master Kwoon killed one, the other got away. "
Grimburrow grunts again, casts an eye over the contents, and takes out the this darkwood case with the scarab-eye. He undoes the clasp and opens it, and looking inside you see on one side a brass planchette and a small board, and on the other there are ten velvet-lined indentations for vials, five of which are occupied by iron and glass vials containing tiny, churning clouds of vapor. He draws out one vial, clicks the case shut, and returns it to the pile. "A curious thing," he mutters. Casting a divination, he inspects the vial for a time and his eyes light a bit. "Yes, definitely ours."
He eyes you all carefully, as though weighing something, nods as though to himself, and tersely comments, "Use them wisely. Bring back what you don't need for the church to use." He gives you a nod as though to dismiss you, pulls out a different book, and begins making notes while more thoroughly examining the iron and glass vial.
"Mr. Brand, I am no master. Please, if you must, you may call me Kwoon, that would be my first name in this culture."
Looking at the stuff brought back, he replies to Brimburrow. "Use what wisely? Are there things in there that might need special instructions for someone like me who is unfamiliar with these lands and items?"
"What have you found there, father?" Marckus inquires curiously.
Baer snorts as Father Grimburrow performs his examinations.
She nods and packs the gear back up when he finishes with them, trying to keep her feelings in check by feeding them to the Void within.
"Thank you for your time, Father. You and yours have been helpful," Baer says as graciously as he can before turning to Marckus. "I shall now take you to Kendra, Human."
With the gear back in her back, she returns to Kendra's.
* * *
Deep in her thoughts, Baer forgets to introduce Marckus to Kendra.
When at the mansion, she will find a large table and organize the items there on.
She will take her time to identify each item, studying the arcane aura and feeding parts of their familiar essences to her Void.
I will learn as the Professor wished. No magics will not be fed within.
Take 20 Spellcraft:= 27
12 arrows, standard fletching, tipped with silvered arrowheads
4 alchemical items that you recognize as Sunrods
6 flasks, each bearing the holy symbol of Pharasma in white paint
10 arrows of superior craftsmanship, with black shafts and silver fletching
5 arrows of exquisite craftsmanship, each appearing to give off a very slight vapor trail from the arrowhead
2 arrows of exquisite craftsmanship, each shaft seemingly carved from incredibly thin bone and fletched with black feathers
5 vials, each marked with the holy symbol of Pharasma in blue paint
2 vials, each marked with the holy symbol of Pharasma in yellow paint
1 scroll of bone-white parchment
2 scrolls of light grey parchment
1 scroll of regular make
1 thin darkwood case decorated with an image of a scarab with a single eye glaring from its back
Father Grimburrow gives Marckus an arched eyebrow, but holds up the vial for clearer view. "It is called a haunt siphon. It counters negative energy with positive energy when opened, much like the servant of a deity might to quiet the restless dead."
He sets it down again, and turns to Kwoon. "Your assimilation to Ustalav is not my concern, but yes, I encourage you to use all you have found this day with caution, and your... companions? They can tell you more of their use."
He turns back to his book and quill, and clearly expects you to depart and stop disturbing him.
-----
Back at the house, Helena welcomes you inside and lets you know that she will prepare a lunch now and dinner to be served in several hours.
Kendra comes out from the study to greet you all, and welcomes Marckus politely. "I recall my father saying describing his correspondence with you regarding the settling of his burial affairs, and am glad that you are able to be present now. I am sure that he would appreciate your assisting me in settling his estate and our finances. Perhaps we can discuss this further soon."
For the next four hours, Hung Hei Kwoon asks Kendra if he can have some firewood and basic tools to build a human-shaped wooden dummy. While Hung Hei Kwoon isn't a carpenter, he's just looking for something to beat on outside.
Kendra indicates to Kwoon that he can find any tools he needs in the shed out back to begin his work. You find a the tools to knock together your dummy, and after an hour and a half of work, you can assemble one for sparring practice.
"I hope we don't have to use it then." Griar comments when Father Grimburrow explanes the Haunt siphon.
Griar watches as Kendra greets the Abadar cleric. It seems she does not know his name either. Perhaps the fellow will introduce himself at last.
Spellcraft 12 arrows, standard fletching, tipped with silvered arrowheads
4 alchemical items that you recognize as Sunrods
Spellcraft 6 flasks, each bearing the holy symbol of Pharasma in white paint
Spellcraft 10 arrows of superior craftsmanship, with black shafts and silver fletching
Spellcraft 5 arrows of exquisite craftsmanship, each appearing to give off a very slight vapor trail from the arrowhead
Spellcraft 2 arrows of exquisite craftsmanship, each shaft seemingly carved from incredibly thin bone and fletched with black feathers
Spellcraft 5 vials, each marked with the holy symbol of Pharasma in blue paint
Spellcraft 2 vials, each marked with the holy symbol of Pharasma in yellow paint
READ MAGIC 1 scroll of bone-white parchment
READ MAGIC 2 scrolls of light grey parchment
READ MAGIC 1 scroll of regular make
Spellcraft 1 thin darkwood case decorated with an image of a scarab with a single eye glaring from its back
Hung Hei Kwoon continues to smash the wooden dummy with his shins, which slightly damages his bone. When he returns with a bit of blood on his leg (I'll take 1HP non-lethal damage), he asks Kendra if he may have some milk. "I hear it does a body good." After drinking the milk, he cleans himself up and is all presentable-like.
** spoiler omitted **
Baer makes a number of interesting discoveries from the pile of goods.
The dozen arrows are not magical, but after a few moments intense study, she realizes that they are crafted with silver infused in the arrowheads.
Similarly, the flasks with Pharasma's holy symbol in white paint are not magical, but the flecks of silver inside belie their nature as holy water.
The ten black-shafted arrows have a basic enchantment on them.
She is uncertain of the full nature of the remaining seven arrows, beyond their obvious enchantment.
The potions with blue paint are restorative draughts.
She is uncertain of the full potential of the potion with yellow paint.
The three scrolls contain spells to detect the presence of undead, to conceal oneself from undead, and to protect oneself from evil.
The darkwood case itself is not magical, but the brass planchette inside is a curious item known as a brass spirit planchette. A board of letters and numbers accompanies it.
After lunch, Marckus is shown into the room left vacant by Cassandra's departure. It is tidy and neat, with a bed, chair, and small desk. There are a few books on a stand next to the bed, mostly casual reading.
Kendra walks in behind you and says, "I've found something in my father's study, and curiously enough, it has your name on it. I believe he meant it for you." She hands you a small case, and when you open it you see a pair of copper-rimmed circular spectacles. "They seem to have an enchantment on them that improves one's ability to discern the divine energies inherent to items and creatures. Perhaps you'll find them of good use."
Baer will explain what the items do, happy to dole them out (even to the unnamed human).
When she if finished, she rubs her eyes wearily, trying to feed her fatigue to the Void.
"I have done what I can do today. I shall try again tomorrow. The Void has taken much of my strength, but return space where I can store and keep knowledge."
Baer looks around for things to eat.
Knowns:
12 silver arrows
4 Sunrods
6 holly water flasks
10 +1 arrows
5 Potion of CLW
1 scroll of Detect Undead
2 scrolls of Hide from Undead
1 scroll Protection from Evil
1 Spirit Planchette
Unknowns:
2 vials yellow paint
5 +1 arrows of exquisite craftsmanship, w/vapor trail
2 +1 arrows of exquisite craftsmanship, bone w/black feathers
Baer finds that Helena has set out spring greens, chicken, fresh bread, and well water for her meal.
"I seem to be the only one with a bow." Says Griar, looking at the arrows. "If any of you can use them, I don't mind splitting them up, though."
Looking at the other items, Griar muses. "Scrolls are really not my style, we probably should devide the holy water and healing potions up as evenly as we can. My preferred weapons require two hands to wield, so I'd rather not carry a sunrod. And that planchette thing is not for me."
"Thank you. I will put this to good use on the professor's behalf." Marckus responds to Kendra.
"I am competent enough to use these scrolls. I will also take a single potion, if no one minds." Marckus proposes, raising an eyebrow at Baer.
"May I have two of the silver arrows? Some superstitions believe that only certain things in the night can be affected by silver. Those would prove useful daggers to me should the need arise."
"Yes, good thinking Kwoon. Everyone should have at least one of the silver arrows, just in case."
Griar looks apologetic.
"I was thinking only in terms of ammunition for my bow, but arrows may be used as improvised weapons, in a pinch."
Griar smiles. "And before I forget, Kwoon. Master is used as an honorific that is suitable to use in reference to low ranking citizens. It also can have the same meaning that you are used to. I won't use it, if we are among your brothers, but people need to know that you are not a serf, so you can expect to be called by that title sometimes, in the future."
Hung Hei Kwoon ponders this strange information. "Oh, well, thank you for the explanation. These are strange lands indeed. A man should be known by his actions, not his title. If I die, I want to be known as a helpful, honorable man. My title and name will disappear, but my actions will endure."
Hung Hei Kwoon ponders the groups next move. "Do you believe we should go to the prison and take a look around where the professor is reported to have died? It would seem the obvious starting point."
"I think so. As you say Kwoon. The obvious starting point."
"I think so. As you say Kwoon. The obvious starting point."
Baer is quick to agree with Griar and Kwoon, even as she stuffs her face with chicken and bread. Some might note that she served herself and only herself.
"We shall leave in the morning, then? It is late and I could use a rest," Baer adds, trying to suck the marrow out of a snapped chicken bone.
Assuming a watch, Baer will rest. When she wakes she spend an hour pondering the Void and her spellbook.
2 vials yellow paint
5 +1 arrows w/vapor trail
2 +1 arrows bone w/black feathers
After breakfast, she will be ready to go.
"That was my thought as well."
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"So you intend to continue to work with us then cleric?" You are welcome to, you seem pretty resourceful. You do need to tell us your name, though. It will save us from having to come up with clever nicknames for you."
"Marckus. I didn't realize we had skipped introductions. I may need to hear all of your names again though, regardless."
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"Kwoon told you our names, back at the cathedral of Pharasma. You did not do us the same courtesy. Anyway, I am Griar Brand and I am pledged to the service of Erastil."
Baer grunts as Griar snarks the newcomer.
"And I am Baer Mytr, Marckus," Baer says while using a chicken bone to pluck spring greens from where is it stuck within her teeth. A chunk of leaf remains between her front teeth.
Some humans have very bad manners. We should know his name already.
Baer looks Marckus up and down.
"I am glad you will be coming with us to the prison tomorrow. An extra set of eyes is always appreciated."
In the morning, Baer notes that the two vials with yellow paint are potions of lesser restoration. The arrows are yet unknown to Baer, though Kendra notes your study with interest. "Perhaps I may be of assistance," she offers. She goes to the study for a moment, comes back with a vial of red liquid the consistency of wine, drinks it, utters an arcane phrase, and takes a look at both sets of arrows.
"These are able to strike true against incorporeal creatures, such as ghosts or spirits. The others," indicating the black fletched arrows, "Are designed to cause significant damage against the restless dead. I hope you won't need them, but with this Whispering Way involved, who knows what might happen?"
----------
The Prison is located on a barren hill south of the town. The stark, sagging roof of its central structure is visible through a large gap in the crumbling stone wall that surrounds the property. A partially overgrown track leads there from the southern edge of town, winding around the base of the hill and then back up along its northern slope to the prison itself. The eastern portion of the surrounding wall appears to have fallen away into a sort of sinkhole, which has in turn filled with water to become a murky pond.
There appear to be a few points of entry:
- Through a main gate (currently closed) that is part of the southwestern wall
- By scaling the wall itself
- By climbing over a crumbled portion of the wall
- By swimming through the pond
Hung Hei Kwoon examines the outside of the prison grounds, first looking for signs of where the professor might have met his untimely end.
"I prefer the straight forward approach through the front doors."
From your current location outside te walls, you cannot make out a particular spot where Petros may have perished.
"The gate is closed. I don't suppose you'd be able to manage a crow's-eye view?" Marckus asks of Kwoon, indicating the wall.
"Closed is just a temporary state of being, good sir." Hung Hei Kwoon pulls out his crowbar, handing it to Griar. "I believe it can be opened, with some effort, as most things in life. I believe Griar is strong enough to open it, but I shall assist him."
If Griar is willing to try to open the front gate, Hung Hei Kwoon will profide assistance.