Keys. Fenra demands.
The monk points to the shrine. A ring of keys lays amidst three small engraved silver dishes containing incense, a carefully layered pile of salt, and 150 gp in Tian coins surrounded by burnt candles. The dishes are of Tian craftsmanship, one for each of Yaezhing's edicts; murder, death, and punishment (worth 50gp each). Set carefully on wooden racks at the back is an eight tipped silver shuriken (masterwork worth 31gp), its points coated in dried blood as well as an ornate blowgun fashioned from jade and lapis lazuli (it is not usable as a weapon but worth 200 gp as an art object). A small wooden box is tucked into the corner of the shrine containing several sticks of incense (10sp)
It was a long shot.
Yet looking for a missing member of the Rimerunners Guild in a reclusive fortress with ties to the Guild seemed like a good idea. And why not? Every previous lead proved fruitless.
Finding out about Ravenscraeg was expensive - costing nearly all the spare coin the two of you had. But eventually your efforts, which you'd decided could be repaid as expenses, led you to the man with the lion's head armband. He claimed to have been to Ravenscraeg, even came across as somewhat trustworthy for a guy with busy hands. Fortunately, he was already half drunk when you found him so keeping his hands busy with pints rather than grabs wasn't all that difficult. When his directions finally brought the sight of Ravenscraeg's tower, you both breathed a sigh of relief.
Despite the unusually large number of ravens circling the place, you took the direct approach, and knocked. After all, you wanted information, not a fight. The Ulfen man who answered was impatient, but rather than turn you away, he led you both through the kitchen to the main hall. As one of the cooks, doubtless he needed to get back to the dough rising on the table.
The eight men in the great hall kept a respectful distance. They looked like guards, acted like guards, but since they didn't move to kick you off the property, might be the helpful kind. The lead guard stepped forward, greeted you in a friendly manner and nodded politely throughout the interview as the other men lounged to the sides. It was looking promising. These men could be the source of your next lead and perhaps this time it would pay off. That is, until the hair on the back your neck rose. Someone had cast a spell...
When you awoke, stripped of your possessions and your dignity, the red face of a 10ft giant woman stood over you. Black greasy hair spilled over armored shoulders and the exposed tops of her large chest beneath a Tian style breast plate. Her ogre teeth sneered at you as she spoke to the others in a foreign tongue. Finally, she pointed a thick finger, the black nail of which was badly in need of a manicure, and the robed men bowed on all fours to her. Shortly after the brute of a woman left, the beating started. A dozen men learning how to use poisoned blow darts, how to punch, kick. Two days of hell follow as the personal punching bags of the Frozen Shadows.
Fenra grabs the keys and begins to try them in the doors.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
It doesn't take long to reveal the iron cages behind the doors. Inside, two identical, bruised covered women stand salaciously clothed in only the bare essentials. Their hands are bound to a one inch slab of wood that has been positioned in front of them as though in prayer by rope. Each has been gaged with a wooden ball the size of a plum threaded by a strip of leather and tied at the back of their head. Chains secure their ankles to a corner of the cage.
In keeping with their identical looks, the bruises which cover their bodies follow similar patterns: various points on the neck, behind the ears, temples, ribs, legs and arms. Pressure points by the looks of them. In addition to the bruising, a rash of needle marks (akin to the blowgun darts the group experienced earlier) litter their bodies. There is no sign of their clothes or equipment.
The sight of the two women brings a cruel smile to the monk's face snickering, Good training.
Other items of note in the training hall include: four training dummies, a collection of well used wooden swords, staffs, spears and several nonmagical scrolls which line shelves to the south (instructional diagrams for weapon forms useful for learning intermediary sparring techniques).
Fenra hurries to unlock one of the cages, Spivey, we may need your help! She throws the keys to ne of the others to unlock the other prisoner while she removes the restraints on the first captive.
Where are their things? She demands of the monk.
Maybe we should put all of the bodies in one of these cells.
In Celestial she suggests, Perhaps we could lock ourselves into one of these rooms for a rest.
Shar stiffens when she hears the door begin to open. Another round, but at least I'll be able to see Anara.
When a beautiful woman in rich blue clothing instead appears, she is taken aback but the distress in her eyes as she looks over her and the fact that she is hurriedly removing her restraints gives her some hope. When she sees one of her torturers in manacles her hope wells up even further. Perhaps this will not be where we die after all.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
A quick check by Spivey reveals the two women look worse for wear but are actually on par with the rest of the group. Nothing a good night's rest in a comfortable bed won't fix. Well, that and a bath. We could all use a nice hot bath. The Calistrians really know how to bathe, but I hear you need to be careful about which package you request.
The monk tuts, rolling his eyes so much he threatens to faint from vertigo. The dramatic performance, probably designed to provoke a love tap, ends in a groaning, The door you not try. The slight jutting of his chin indicates door #1.
This room contains several shelves of personal items. Spare robes, mess kits, a well used healing kit (worth 15gp, 3 uses left) which includes a vial marked in Tian as Deathblade antitoxin, half a bottle of Tian imported sake and over two dozen journals written in Tian. A quick look of any of the journals indicates these contain the training records and progress of a lot of men recording in different hands, some dating back over twenty years. The absence of the jade statuettes suggests these men either don't leave, or don't get to.
Opposite the shelves is an unlocked chest containing the confiscated equipment of the two women, well, everything except their purses that is.
Relieved that her sister is safe Shar turns to her rescuers, Thank you! We are in your debt.
With the discovery of their equipment she quickly gears back up.
Fenra grabs the healing kit and, not knowing Tien, she lets Rennyn and Spivey have a look at the journals.
Rennyn examines the two prisoner's auras out of habit. Seeing no indication of evil intent he helps to free them while inquiring who they are and how they came to be imprisoned here.
Rennyn gives the journals a cursory examination when presented with them.
We must be close now. Every moment we delay may mean more suffering for other prisoners. Besides, what rest would you hope to get in a lair of evil such as this?
Asking of the two recently freed, Are there others held here that you know of? We came looking for a guide by the name of Ulf Gormundir.
What can you tell us of those that imprisoned you?
We came across some jade statues upstairs. Should we retrieve some in case we come across more of those animated statue warriors?
What should we do with this one? Lock him up until we are done down here? Execute him?
Draeven then addresses the freed sisters. Perhaps you would like a little "training exercise". You know, to repay their hospitality?
Freshly freed from her bonds, that godforsaken gag especially, Anara rubs the angry red marks on her wrists before holding up a single finger to Draven. Grabbing her lower jaw in both hands Anara gives a quick forceful movement and the grinding click and low moan that escapes her throat are sure indications of a dislocated jaw being set.
Seeing the look on Dravens face she smirks and says Not to worry, it's happened before, nothing a good night's sleep wont help. They were a little rough in making sure I couldn't cast. Thank you, by the way, all of you. We were about to be in far dier straights than just being practice dummies.
She pauses for a moment and then says to Draven while glaring at the captured monk, I dont ever want to see him again, I'd be just as happy to leave him to starve in one of these cells.
With that she grabs her clothes back, thankfully, and gears up for what ever comes next....
The suggestion of a little training gives the monk's eyes that little sparkle kids get when they know mommy's got cake in that box.
Freshly freed from her bonds, that godforsaken gag especially, Anara rubs the angry red marks on her wrists before holding up a single finger to Draeven. Grabbing her lower jaw in both hands Anara gives a quick forceful movement and the grinding click and low moan that escapes her throat are sure indications of a dislocated jaw being set.
Seeing the look on Draevens face she smirks and says Not to worry, it's happened before, nothing a good night's sleep wont help. They were a little rough in making sure I couldn't cast. Thank you, by the way, all of you. We were about to be in far dier straights than just being practice dummies.
She pauses for a moment and then says to Draeven while glaring at the captured monk, I dont ever want to see him again, I'd be just as happy to leave him to starve in one of these cells.
With that she grabs her clothes back, thankfully, and gears up for what ever comes next....
Introducing herself to the two women Fenra brings them up to speed.
I am Fenra Mvashti, we are here to find Ulf, as Rennyn here mentioned. We would welcome any help you are willing or able to give us. Alternatively, you may be able to get out now if you wish leave this place; I fear we have a much bigger battle yet ahead.
Shar looks questioningly at her sister and sees a returning nod,
We will stay. We were also looking for this Ulf but more importantly, I believe we owe you our lives.
Welcome then, and to business! If you have any preference for this one's fate, She points at the prisoner with her chin, Let us know, otherwise Draeven can decide and we can continue onward.
With flat eyes Shar responds. Kill him, unless you feel he will be of some use, it is not prudent to leave enemies alive behind us.
Knowing, hoping, his death will be left the big guy, the monk's eyes stare into Draeven's and utters, Make it memorable, or I tell Pharasma you little secret. There is an insult in there, an indirect reference to the size of one thing or another.
Draeven wants nothing more than to end the miserable curs life but also does not want to give the man what he so clearly desires.
He drags the monk and tosses him into one of the cells and locks it.
He will face judgement when the time and means is right.
Do we want to retrieve a jade raven statuette from up stairs before we press on?
Sure, let's grab a couple at least.
The twins, now dressed and reassembled, head back to the group of adventurers.
Anara steps forward, addressing the group Thank you all again for the timely aid, we are both in your debt. As such, we would like to accompany your group, offering whatever help we can, in an effort to repay that debt.
Before you decide, let me better introduce ourselves. Her name Anara continues, gesturing toward her sister is Sharadei and my name is Anara. We are sisters and have been contracted to find a missing person. That search is what brought is here and saw us, subsequently, put into those holding cells you found us in.
Now I dont believe we have met any of you but I am certain one of you is the man we are looking for. She turns and looks directly at Lute. Our employer is a family, missing a member, and with the description they supplied for the man we are to find, you would be Lute. She raises one eyebrow, expecting confirmation.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
Lute's mouth opens to say something, closes, then realizing he's the best suited to answer opens his mouth again, Yeah, yes! I am Lute. Lute's expression changes with a mixture of emotions as he puts the pieces together, Although you did not have the same success as Rennyn and the others, I shall see that my family honors your efforts in tracking me this far. Whatever reward they vowed to pay, shall be paid. For a moment, the dignity of one of Kalsgard's upper class shines through the vagrant filth. Clearly, you are not seeing him at his best.
It doesn't take long for the group to retrace their steps and retrieve a sufficient number of statuettes for everyone to carry. They don't weigh much and are about the size of a children's toy . They lack the means to wear, as you would a necklace, designed instead to be held in one hand so as to be presented.
Three doors remained. The last of the north facing doors is a small, simple meeting room set in Tian fashion with tatami mats and a single polished oak kotatsu table standing one and a half feet. The table is large enough to sit at comfortably on the floor using a cushion in place of a chair.
The next door is a private room. Three tatami mats line a portion the floor with a futon and bedding folded neatly in one corner. Shelving holds the personal items of a woman including the robes, walking stick and wig of an elder washer woman - key articles to a disguise. A lacquered box (5gp) contains velum, ink and a fine brush suitable for drawing Tian characters sits next to a small empty wooden weapon's stand at the top of the shelf. The absence of anything of real value suggests this may be Omoyani's room.
The last of the doors stores three more book shelves each containing more instructional scrolls and journals written in Tian. Rennyn notices subtle markings along the floor and wall next to the south. Although random scratches, they match the width and height of the bookshelf.
| |
Rennyn pulls at the bookshelf, fully expecting it to move and reveal a hidden passageway.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
Sliding the bookcase along the wall, the expected portal is revealed. The masonry from this point, compared to the rest of the dungeon explored thus far, differs. Cut lines look cleaner, the timber supports have not yet aged grey and there is an absence of water lines normally expected in a dungeon fortress this old.
To the east, a door hangs slightly ajar its edges outlined by a faint red glow. The door opens easily. Inside the source of the light; a brazier in the corner of the room, glows faintly red. The coals in its bowl vent smoke reminiscent of the stench of scorched flesh. Torn papers, bits of old food, and other debris are scattered about the room, collecting in corners and under spartan furnishings. In the east corner, a short bed with a headboard carved with the image of an open-mouthed demon stands against the north wall. Opposite, a small table is cluttered with books, scrolls, a vial of powdered silver worth 60 gp and a stuffed and mounted stirge. The stirge is stuffed with sawdust and its eyes have been set with four moonstones worth 30 gp each. Upon the floor a magic circle has been scribed in with chalk.
Although the room looks lived in, the current occupant is no where in sight.
One of the books is a manual containing the recipes and instructions to distill/craft the poisons blue whinnis and deathblade.
One of the scrolls outlines an experiment based on the affects of various poison's on insects ending in a rough guide for crafting an insecticide of some sort.
Another scroll details an experiment conducted upon a captured Hellwasp with footnotes referencing the above insecticide.
There are three arcane scrolls of magic circle against evil (caster level 5th) and a book detailing the construction of the golem's encountered earlier.
The corridor continues south for another 65ft before turning east.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
At the end of the corridor is a set of stairs leading down. Less worn than those leading down from the main fortress, the steps terminate in the dim glow of a light source somewhere nearby. The landing at the bottom turns into a northward hallway, widening into a small antechamber in the center. A lit brazier illuminates the area highlighting a tapestry of an Ulfen raiding party (north) and six stone Tian statues set on three sides. The 'guards' stand at attention, each holding a long pole with a curved single-edged blade on the end at their sides. Like the guards, the weapons appear to be made of hardened clay or stone, but the weapons look every bit as sharp as a sword's edge. A door banded with wide straps of iron exits to the south of the chamber. The door is secured by a large, heavy lock and an equally heavy bolt.
Looks like someone is dabbling in foul and dangerous magic here,Jeryn remarks upon spying the circle upon the floor.
Jeryn pokes about, using detect magic to aid in his efforts...
...and slips the books into his satchel...
...along with another book and some scrolls.
These scrolls provide protection against evil, more so should the evil be summoned. We might think about using one.
Spying the statue warriors, Jeryn holds his statuette in his hand and presents it, urging everyone to follow his lead.
Nodding at the heavily secured and banded door he asks, Prison cell or valuables?
Rennyn holds his statuette as encouraged by Jeryn.
In response to the wizard's last question Rennyn shrugs. Keeping his sword in his other hand he approaches the door and pounds on it. Hello? Anyone in there? Ulf?
Draeven, following the lead of the others, holds his statuette in hand while pulling out the keys they found. These didn't work on the last doors but maybe here?
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
At your approach, statuettes in hand, the stone faced guards remain unmoved.
The door is thick. Pounding on it is like hitting a wall yet Rennyn manages to create the low dull tambor of a drum. The elf's call does not initially result in a response, however after a moment of trying keys, Draeven can hear the faint rattle of chains followed by a moan from within. None of the keys fit the lock.
| |
Hello? Ulf is that you?
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Shar remains at the back of the group, watching their rear with bow in hand.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
Maybe it is the thickness of the door, or just the condition of the occupant on the other side of the portal, Draeven's call goes unanswered.
Shar remains at the back of the group, watching their rear with bow in hand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lack of response has Draeven thinking undead rattling a chain vs injured prisoner...
Rennyn steps up right close to the door and uses his ability to detect evil on the other side of the portal.
Anara steps towards the door, between Rennyn and Draeven, and says Let me have a look at this door.
She steps up to the door, pocketing her Idol, and runs her hands over the surface of it, maintaining a one inch space between the palms of her hands and the doors surface. Hmmm.....
Cast detect magic on door
Cast detect poison on door
She stops, bent over at the keyhole, and addresses the group without turning around If I can see through this keyhole or under the door I can bring up an image on the other side, that should clarify whether the sounds are coming from a hostile source or not.
She pauses, turns and looks to her sister Char, wanna see if you can tell if were safe to try opening this?
Looking to the others she says Maybe someone wants to swap places with her as checking this over is hard to do with an idol in hand.
Is this the best place for discussions on character relationships (Anara and Sharadei)? Nothing specific at the moment.
Apologies for calling you "Char" in the last post.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
Crowding the door, the three of you each ply your skills in determining what is on the other side.
The more Dreaven thinks about it, the more his guts tells him this is not your typical wounded guy sound - more like the tormented moan of someone unable to reach a badly needed thing; like a dog wanting an out of reach bone.
Rennyn's gut leans towards that bad feeling he usually gets in the presence of something he's otherwise sworn to destroy - is it a migraine, those butterflies in your stomach? what is it that happens whenever there is evil nearby?
Pocketing the statuette, Anara's impression is a little different. Although the door does not radiate any magical aura's and certainly isn't poisonous, the three holes in the ceiling above the door certainly look suspicious. Suspicious trapped suspicious. Best guess, any attempt to open this door will release something from these holes onto the poor souls trying to get in.
No sooner does Anara come to this conclusion than the statues guarding this antechamber all turn to look at her.
Doesn't sound like a prisoner to me.
Not a good idea to put the statuette away my dear.
You could have looked things over with just yours eyes and a single hand no?
Anaras eyes dart to Jeryn I'm thorough.
She quickly produces the statue and presents it as before If this doesn't work I have another idea. Do these guards respond as quickly as I can produce or pocket this statue? Are the guards restricted to this room? What's their range? Who created......
Anara snaps off the train of thought bringing her attention back to the moment at hand, focussing intently on the statues next move.....
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
With the return of the statuette in her hand, the guards resume their blank stares at the walls; unmoving and barely something more than art.
Shar moves up to her sister, I could try to disable the trap and pick the lock, but do we want to? I would definitely need both hands. Maybe whatever is behind this door can stay here for a while.
She examines the statuette, Do you think we need to hold it or it just needs to be visible? Maybe we could tie them around our waists or or on a string around our necks.
Varisia | Land of the Linnorm Kings | Kalsgard | Ravenscraeg | The Dungeon
(The statuettes) lack the means to wear, as you would a necklace, designed instead to be held in one hand so as to be presented.
The stone guards did not react immediately when Anara pocketed her statuette. This delay could allow for a little experimentation. The lock looks quite complex; it would definitely test Sharadei's skill.
Anara responds to her sister Now that we understand their mechanism, I could climb up high on the wall on the other side of the room, statue pocketed, and likely get you the time you'd need for the door.
She pauses for a moment, thinking, and then adds We can see what the group thinks but the door wasn't warded and clearly, judging by the signs in the last room, the occupant knows how to keep themself safe. She smirks and adds How bad could it be?
Anaras eyes dart to Jeryn I'm thorough.
You need two hands, neither of which actually touching or interacting with the door in any meaningful way, to search a door with your eyes?
Jeryn folds his arms. Do tell, I am rapt with attention to hear about this plan.
As the sister's discuss messing with a trapped door Rennyn steps away and motions for the others to back up as well. No need for everyone to crowd around and get caught by whatever this door has in store.