The arcane lock disappears from magical sight. Which still leaves a pretty good mechanical lock.
Spugnoir gets to work on the lock
"You will have to show me how to do that one day Spugnoir. It looks like it could be fun." Stam says over Spugs shoulder
Grergof stands silently on watch as they work on the lock making sure that nothing comes and attacks them. Particulary not summoned monsters.
The door doesn't open on the first try, but it stands no chance against Spugnoir's skill. Behind the door waits a serious disappointment. Because it seems empty.
Searching the cramped, musty confines of the bolt-hole beneath the archives turns up nothing more than discarded, battered furniture, broken alchemical equipment, and a few scraps of paper hinting at the Whispering Way’s activities in gathering components for some elixir or potion, though none of these notes contain any specific information or clues as to the cult’s current whereabouts.
Just as the group is ready to leave a man steps out of the shadows. "Good morning. It seems I’m not the only one searching for the Whispering Way. But alas, it appears that they deserted this place some time ago. My name is Quinley Basdel, and I’m searching for my mother’s killer. Perhaps we might be able to assist each other?"
Stam gives Grergof that look, "I am Stam Truthfinder, you believe that your mother was killed by the Whispering Way? Why is that?" Stam asks
For some strange reason, even though we have just met, I trust this fellow completely
Hmm.really now?
"I have no proof, but it's the best lead I have. The Whispering way has a centuries old grudge against our family and it definitely isn't beyond them to kill people to achieve their goals."
Grergof scans the man who just appeared to step out of the shadows.
I didn't see you come in sir...
Grergof looks closer at him to see if he has signs of being a vampire, given the current events in the city.
"Don't strain your memories. Our family name isn't that famous. Our larger family - that of the vampires - is the one that isn't best friends with the Whispering Way. And I'm sure you've heard of the vampire killings lately."
"My mother was one of those unlucky creatures to find themself in the morning sun, turned to ashes."
Turning to Grergof who looks especially suspicious at Basdel he adds "I'm no vampire myself though." Basdel gives Grergof his widest smile, to show his non-vampiry teeth.
"So they are killing vampires? We just assumed it was regular folks, It does make sense now with bodies not being there." Stam says, taking a minute to really look at Quinley "You're a Dhampir, some of the more interesting vampire traits, none of the blood sucking." Stam says. "So your extended family is at odds with the Whispering Way? How come?"
"I know, that the vampires of Caliphas turned their backs on the Whispering Tyrant after the Shining Crusade over 800 years ago, and are no friends of the Whispering Way. And I know of no one else who would have a motive and the resources to go after vampires. But I have no hard proof yet."
"Do you have any leads that we could help you follow up on?" Stam asks/
Spugnoir lets Stam take the lead questioning
"Well, I would ask the leading vampires in this town. But since the murders started, they have shut themselves in. And even I can't get to them. But if you'd help me to enter, I'd introduce you to the local vampire prince. He knows for sure where to find the Whispering Way here in Caliphas, or wherever they left to."
"And I assume he'd appreciate if someone helps to end the murders to his subjects."
So I take it that we will have to do more than get a letter of introduction to get in.
"Yes." Basdel admits. "More like cutting the way through the defenses of the undercity at one of the secret entrances."
Of course it does.... Grergof shakes his head with a resigned expression...
And what exactly would we be cutting through in the undercity?
Vampires I suspect. Kill a bunch of vampires so we can talk to their leader. Hm...
"That seems counter intuitive to me, we could try to sneak past or if you can give me a pretty accurate description I could try to teleport in." Stam says almost hesitantly "There has to be more to this."
I can't see how cutting through the vampires would in any way make the leader make interested in talking to us. Particulary given their concern is that someone is doing just that.
"There is a strict hierarchy with vampires. You won't find any of the real vampires at those entrances. It's some thralls, that got turned for just this purpose and who are expendable."
"And they would come back the next day anyway."
"But if you got the means to get past that without fighting, it's even better." Basdel answers.
I can turn us invisible to at least get in close.
Grergof racks his brain to determine what he remembers about Vampire Senses.
"How smart at the Thralls? I could easily summon some creatures to distract them and we could push in." Stam says
"We could go by day, to not meet most of the vampire like guardians."
"How smart would you be when you're turned into a thrall? It depends on what you start with. And there are some powerful persons among them."
I will tell you that legends state that any vampire or thrall does gain great vision and hearing. So sneaking past them might not be easy. Better we go when they are sleeping...
And if I happen to find some in their coffins, I might have a better chance to stake them.
If we are going into the Vampire area, we may want to stock up on Stakes and Holy Water, just in case.
"I see you are a knowledgeable man." Basdel tells.
"A day to prepare and head out tomororw at sunrise hoping to catch most unawares? Or a quick trip to the shop, get some supplies and head out now?" Stam says. "I should be ok either way, although I did not prepare spells as appropriate for combating vampires."
I can prepare some extracts that can help restore our life energy if we are attacked. Plus perhaps Darius can pray for something.
Grergof nods at Basdel
If I had my choice Sir, I would be back teaching students... Not contemplating heading into a den of Vampires.
Then when Stam starts talking tactics Grergof contributes:
After we make sure there's nothing magically hidden here, I say we plan our approach and head out at sunrise.
I am agreeable to that
"Quinley can you tell us more about this enterace?"
"It's hidden in a greenhouse in a park. The main guardian is some druid who got turned into a vampire." Basdel tells. "Where shall we meet tomorrow morning?"
"Well that will complicate things more than would be necessary, so we will be fighting against nature and this druid to get to the main door?" Stam says, "I guess lot of fire to burn the plants?"
Or you know we could try to talk or sneak our way in... There's no reason to kill plants just because they are controled by some undead thing.
I got plenty of fire with my bombs
I can try to find a formula for protecting our life force. by checking out any apothecaries.
Darius, who seems to either be suffering from some senility or just lost in his thoughts for the past few days goes...
"huh, wait what? Did...did I just hear we're going to be walking into a den of Vampires?!"
"How long was I out this time??" He adds in surprise.
"A month, you were rambling about this and that but performing as per usual, I think we are just about having ot take you into the Church of Iomedae for a check up." Stam smiles
Daruis blushes "Heh, yes, yes... probably not a bad idea. Seems like this old warriors days are numbered. Once we bring the Whispering Way to pay for their crimes and stop their machinations, this old boy will go out to pasture. It'll be time I retire from the adventurers life."
Yup, vampires. Looks like you and Varsk are going to be in your element. Spugnoir will check out any wizard shops for formulas. I wonder if Lini has set up shop here
"Ah, a loyal customer. Welcome to our new branch in Caliphas. How can I help you?"
Are you Lini, or her twin sister Lini? Sorry, I am looking for an alchemy forumula for Death Ward. Help keep our souls in our bodies. Perhaps something good against undead?
"Yes I am." Lini replies.
"Death ward I have somewhere in a spell book. You can copy that for a fee. As for stuff against undead, what kind do you mean? I got some holy water. Or if you got a serious undead infestation I have some scrolls of Undeath to Death. Depends on your funds, and on what level you want to start here."
"I also have some heal scrolls. If you prefer dual use items. I might even have a stave somewhere, but I'm not sure if that was pro or con undead."
Darius, you want some heal scrolls? I'll take Death Ward please, how much?