Bronin, seeing that there's some action happening with the gargoyle actually moves closer.
She never likes being first to get exploded or attacked.
In direct opposition to Wren's philosophy! He's new to traveling with this group and not used to the high level of events where " things explode".
Hey, what does this button do?
As Bronin is about to ruin everything and probably kill you all, Elena finishes lining up the symbols on the medallion. She feels a sudden sense of deep satisfaction, like a presence a part of her, but yet separate has been pleased by this act.
She knows what to do next, and places the medallion around the gargoyle's neck. Abraun moves in close, peering at the scene through his glasses.
The eyes of the gargoyle light up, and an image appears in front of in the air, some form of powerful illusion.
The illusion depicts an aerial representation of ancient Caliphas with a single building highlighted by an unearthly green glow.
Abraun sputters. "That's... that's the archives!"
However as he speaks, the faces of four liches appear at the cardinal points of the projection of the city. They all speak at once in a harsh whisper.
SPEAK THE FIFTH CATECHISM OF THE WHISPERING WAY
Undying form, undying opportunity.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Know (Religion or Arcana)
Wren, preening her feathered armor in a corner, instantly says "Undying form, undying opportunity, *obviously*," and then returns to her preening as if her old looks are more important to her than the infinitely lucky words that she just uttered.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Whiskeyjack wracked his brains for the answer, but came up with nothing. Unlike Wren, who apparently knew the answer at the tip of her tongue. Which was odd.
"Wha' th' elf said, obviously."
Where in the nine hells did she learn that? Weren't we trying to get more information on these Whispering Way folks, and she knows the secret incantation? Does she know where they keep the sacred underwear too?
Bronin is stupified that the old batty lady knows the answer to Lich Foursome question. He even says so, What? How on Golorian did you know such an answer? How did you ever get so much information on those bastard Whispering Way people that you could pull that slogan out of your feathers?
Bronin thinks that it must have been in one of the dusty old tomes. It was a catchy phrase, and it made sense, so maybe it was just one of those things that a whack-a-doo lady might retain.
Then he hears WhiskeyJack mention that he knew the answer too.
Well then I am traveling with the right party. A bunch of professionals. Thank you for letting me join you as I search to gain revenge on those Whispering Way Troglidites.
Elena is confused as Wren says a small reply back. "What is going on?" She shakes in front of the hologram hovering in the air.
Adders leans over to Elena.
"Secret code word. Must have for secret societies. Very mysterious usually, but Baba Wren knows all."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
What? How on Golorian did you know such an answer? How did you ever get so much information on those bastard Whispering Way people that you could pull that slogan out of your feathers?
Wren looks up surprised for a moment, then realizes that Bronin is serious. She smiles her yellow, cracked teeth smile.
”Oh dearie, I’ve been around a bit,” Wren explains, still preening her feathered armor. ”I’ve seen somethings...don’t you listen when I talk? You really should listen to my stories.” She smiles because she’s seen some s@!~ in her life.
”Like this one time, down in the sex...blahblahblah...not really a dungeon...blahblahblah...nymphs, as many as you wanted...blahblahblah...slathered in peaches, mind you, *NOT* pears...blahblahblah...ridiculous to think that would be enjoyable, but it was...blahblahblah...and then we slid up and down until...blahblahblah...caverous explosion of...blahblahblah...and then I couldn’t find my shoes! It was a delightful time.”
Wren recites the correct password to the astonishment of everyone in the room and the bone devils simply vanish with the archives remaining highlighted with the light narrowing. Abraun claps Wren on the shoulder heavily, sending a puff of feathers everywhere.
"You're the strangest woman I've ever met but by the Gods that was brilliant! BRILLIANT! And their headquarters are in my archives?! I... if that map is accurate, it may be in the Grodlych section of the museum. We must go there immediately. This is incredible! I can show you the way. With all due respect, I must revise my opinion of you lot. Come come, follow me!"
Abraun grabs a cane and begins getting out as quickly as he can, the old scholar is clearly extremely excited about what's going on.
Adder draws his sword as the group continues.
"Bone devils and an evil lair, we must be ready."
Whiskeyjack lifted his already readied shield an inch and rolled his eyes. As if he hadn't been ready the moment they started mucking about with unknown magics. He looked to the others for confirmation, then followed Abraun. At this point he wasn't sure if the scholar was going to turn out to be a friendly ally, or one of the Whispering Way leaders. Either way, he wanted to be prepared to save or to smash. He wasn't too picky about either.
Wren follows along with Abraun, her face getting more filled with seriousness and magickery.
”This reminds me of that one time I entered a haunted laboratory castle looking for my good friend, Feathers,” Wren continues to babble. ”I was with this dwarf and I couldn’t understand half the words he was saying...blahblahblah....”
Wren will begin to set up her usual magic protections as they get closer, laying spell upon spell upon herself.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Abraun locks the archives behind him, and beams at Edjerus who looks upon all of you snooty. "These adventurers aren't as simple as they look, Edjerus. They may have a significant breakthrough in our work against the Whispering Way and have some scholarly mettle themselves."
Edjerus stares witheringly at all of you. "Abraun, nobody is as simple as they look."
---
You step out into the cool night of Caliphas. Abraun makes his way down the street to a carriage with a sleeping driver. Abraun jabs the dwarf with his cane. "Damn your eyes Theodore, wake up!" A dwarf with a ludicrously curled moustache lets out a yelp.
"Ah... where to master?"
Abraun gestures to you all to pile into the carriage. "The Archives."
Your carriage ride through the foggy Caliphas night is quiet and extremely cramped, with Lena and Elena forced to perch on people's laps while Pot Pie and Wren smell up the joint. You'd enjoy the scenery, but there is naught but fog to see.
---
The Archives are on the opposite end of the city, and it's late at night by the time you finally arrive. The Archives are an enormous, beautiful building with armed guard standing outside. Abraun extracts himself painfully from the carriage and you all pile out with him.
He winks to you as the guards let him through, and inside for the viewing public is a spectacular museum. Abraun's own interest as an Orisionologist is on display as many items from the distant south are on display in their own section.
"Now if that map was right, we want the museum of Grodlych. You see in the age before Ustalav was overtaken by the Whispering Tyrant ...blahblahblah... Grodlych was split into what is now Vyrlich and much of Lastwall ...blahblahblah... ceded after Whispering Tyrant's defeat ...blahblahblah... paladins can't hold their drink."
You move into a dusty, underused part of the archives. Here, most of the artifacts on display are dedicated to the formation of Lastwall and the fallen county of Grodlych that preceded it. There are dozens of different displays showing various artifacts and books, as well as an ancient fresco depicting the first Count.
Whiskeyjack peered about, trying to find the area that he recalled seeing in the Key's dying image.
"Th' place we be lookin' fer's gotta be aroun' 'ere somewhere!"
Anything that is overly "Whispering Tyrant" in it's origins should be something that might open a door.
Bronin looks around too, just like Whiskey.
Wren casts Detect Magic and looks about, taking her time to examine everything...much like she was in a museum. She floats 10’ above the ground as she does, noting magic auras and trying to find one that might give clue to what the party seeks.
”Oh, they can’t hide from us, these tricksters, no my Dearies, you just stick with me...”
Perception
"What counts as overly Whispering Tyrant Bronin? I am not sure what I should be looking for but I can help." Elena inspects PotPie's necklace and looks around for similar items.
to answer Elena's question, Bronin shrugs his shoulders. He was just saying those things to "lead" and be a "leader". He fully expected the smarter ones in the group to pick up what he was saying and run to the finish line.
But, there he was - floundering around like a fish on land.
Well, it should look "Whispery" and for certain dead. Something like a shrunken head.
You start scouring the main floor for Whispering Way iconography, knowing that the cult predated the Whispering Tyrant so must have been active during the height of Grodlych. The answer comes simply enough as Elena is drawn to the gorgeous ancient fresco of the first count of Grodlych.
Abraun wanders over, gesturing to it with his cane. "Laudmeir Vandolmayne, the heretic. He bears the distinction of being one of the few powerful nobles in Ustalav's history excommunicated by the Church of Pharasma." He thinks for a moment. "The fresco itself well predates my taking on the role as Caliphas' curator."
But what Elena notices is that the book in his hand has symbols which neatly match the moribund key in her hand. Carefully, she sets Pot Pie down and dials the runes into place on the powerful amulet.
Abraun lets out a gasp as the amulet begins to glow, and the glow fires from the amulet into the book on the fresco. There is a moment and...
click
The fresco swings open, revealing a dark passage beyond.
Adder peers at the passage beyond.
"This is in no way ominous. Make ready."
He carefully inspects the first part of the passage for traps.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"There be two things I always be ready fer. Drinkin' an' trouble." Whiskeyjack thought for a minute about adding another thing, but no. Two was enough.
He raised his shield and nodded to Bronin and Adder before moving in.
Wren offers a shrill bird whistle as the passage is revealed.
”Oh! Very nice, dearie,” Wren coos at Elena, a proud peacock of her young student (in her mind). She beams with pride.
"This is in no way ominous. Make ready."
”Oh, that’s very right, Jameson! Let us prepare for the worst,” she concurs, casting Extended Heroism on Jameson and one on herself.
She will then cast prying eyes, creating little birdy scouts. She will send all but five to explore through the portal and return in 5 minutes. She will send them in pairs with instructions to return if their pair is kilt.
”If you just give me a moment, I’ll see what my little birdies have to say about what is ahead of us.” Four of her little birdy scouts stay with her for the time being, one she holds in her hand and coos over, waiting for the others to return.
Elena gasps as the passage opens wide and gasps even more as over a dozen birds shoo out of Wren's cloak like some crazed bird lady in the middle of Central Park.
She waits to see what happens with them as she hold PotPie tight, not wanting him to chase the birds.
Bronin almost crows like a rooster when Elena gets the passage-way open. He asked for her to look for Whispery stuff, and she did.
They indeed found an important passageway kept hidden right under the noses of the society created to look for this stuff. .
Those Whispering Way bastard are cunning. They love to do their dirty bird business where you least expect it. That's how they did things in Syradel and that's how they have been doing things here.
Bronin waits for the birds to come back, then he will cast Bears endurance on himself and advance down the hall. Looking for traps.
find traps If needed.
Wren sends out her amazing little birdie scouts into the assuredly fantastic and dangerous dungeon.
And finds.... nothing.
The passage ends at a hole in the ground which opens into a sub-basement below the archives which is a little cramped but obviously once functioned as a lair. It is completely abandoned and looks to have been for a little while now. Below is battered furniture, broken alchemical equipment, and a few scraps of paper that appear to show fragments of components for some elixir or potion.
You approach, checking very carefully for traps but it becomes clear there is just nothing here. Abraun seems a mix of disappointed, relieved, and annoyed.
"Bah! I'm not sure what's better - that a secret cult no longer operates beneath my archives, or that one operated for Gods-knows-how-long without my knowledge. Do your investigation, it's too cramped for me to go in there. I will be in my office. The guards will let you out."
He takes off, his cane clacking on the ground, leaving you in the sub-basement.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nothing?! Seriously Nothing?! I can almost hear those smug bastard laughing right now.
Bronin still goes inside to investigate. He takes the lead. Both swords out.
”...and maybe the true fiends are the friends we made along the way,” Wren finishes a rather long train of thought as she follows the others into the empty space. With Detect Magic, she does a slow and careful exploration of the space.
You spend a little while exploring the space, trying to find anything - ANYTHING to make this exciting discovery worthwhile. However, they've done a fairly good job of clearing the place out and look to have taken off a little while ago.
As you are about to stalk out of the sub-basement, a white-haired man with a statuesque, striking look and a pallid complexion steps into view. There is something not quite natural about how he speaks and moves.
"Good evening. 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?"
Well Good Evening back to you. I was not aware that we had " made so much noise" about our pursuit of The Whispering Way". Alas, I do know that my reputation as a High Lord must have been like a light on a hill.
We are open to assisting - let's see if we have similar goals.
"Good evening. 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?"
”We might help each other, but pray to tell...how did you find this place? How did you find us?” Wren coos in response, not trusting anything yet.
Elena screams as the white haired man steps into view. Her hands stifle the scream. "Sorry! I wasn't expecting anyone else." Lowering her hands she looks on sympathetically. "Who killed your Mother?"
Adder squints at this new arrival. His pallor and demeanor suggest vampire to the suspicious half-orc, but of course anything would at this point.
He takes a moment to choose his words as the group responds as one would expect. "My apologies for this rather rude introduction - I had been investigating the Whispering Way as it appears you have as well. You see I am what they call dhampir. Vampires are being slain in Caliphas, and my mother was one of the first. I... do not know who killed her. The only lead I have found is rumours around the city of increased activity from the Whispering Way who have an enmity with vampires. "
He takes a moment. "I am less certain the Way is behind the killings, and believe that the murders are so successful and selective another vampire may be responsible. As for how I can help you - I am confident the Vampire Underground will have information for you on the next moves Whispering Way, and I can facilitate that introduction."
Dhampir are the cursed progeny of vampires and humans with some of the urges and manners of a vampire, but remain very mortal. They are capable of goodness, but like tieflings may succumb to the evil in their blood. They are not blood drinkers, although some may do so for the delight of the act.
Dhampir? I apologize in that I preferred learning horseriding and swordplay when my mother's tutors tried to get me to focus on other "Golorian" type subjects. I have done my best to round out my education since becoming a Lord, but will be honest in areas I have not been able to "shore up" without experience.
Don't take this the wrong way, but you have also thrown out the term "Vampire" a couple times. It also sounds like you may have a double-crosser in your Underground. Someone working on a power-play by using Slayer or Whispering Way puppets.
He is not mentioning how the fact that when he usually hears the words, " Vampires", he's almost always using the swordplay education he has skillfully honed.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Elena quickly pulls her cloak tightly around her neck as she feels slightly uncomfortable. She had heard stories of Dhamphir's from a few of the local travelers, but didn't wish to explain them in front of Quinley. "You want to take us into Vampire den!?" She squeaks.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Know (Religion)
"Oh...a dhampir, I thought you said you had damp ears, and maybe were some sort of aquatic elf!" Wren titters, momentarily confused, but now back on track. "Well, that's completely different."
Wren pauses as if remembering something.
"I think I saw a dhampir work...blahblahblah...service workers for the prostitutes...blahblahblah...under Kaer Maga...blahblahblah...used to suck the blood...blahblahblah...erect phallic parts...blahblahblah...sold as an aphrodisiac to street fey...blahblahblah...where usually get free admission to the hall of mirrors," Wren explains, smiling through her cracked yellow teeth.
"Nothin' wrong wit' dhampirs. Met qui'e a few in th' Rangers. Good lads, most o' 'em. Course, there always be th' bad ones too, bu' ye ge' tha' wit' any race. Th' real question 'ere is why we'd be wantin' t' help vampires? I ge' tha' th' enemy o' me enemy is me friend bi', bu' I think humans ge' tha' wrong. Th' elves have i' better on this one. They be sayin' tha' th' enemy o' my enemy is my enemy's enemy, no more. I be thinkin' tha's more t' th' point here."
Wren nods at what she understands of W’Jack’s words, both of them. But the intent is clear she thinks. He’s agree with her. And she offers a yellow cracked smile to W’Jack as well.
He stares at Whiskeyjack incomprehensibly for a little bit before the dwarf's speech finally penetrates. He smiles endearingly.
"As we all know, vampires are monsters, unrepentant villains. This is true, but they have found a niche in this country. When the Whispering Tyrant fell at Gallowspire, the vampires laid down their weapons and conceded the field in exchange for peace. Since the Shining Crusade, the vampire clans of Caliphas have maintained the status quo. Now Ustalav’s rulers hold court without fear of the Tyrant’s return and the vampires are left alone. But these vampire slayings could create an entirely new war in the city and across the nation. And in a war between humans and vampires, who do you think would win?"
He steps forwards with his hands spread. "The killings of these vampires will not lead to better times for anyone and will destroy a careful balance that has been in place for centuries. I want to find my mother's killer, you want to find the Whispering Way. All of these motivations can come together and let you do what you need to."
You have me convinced. My goal is treading The Whispering Way under my high hard magical boots. If the leaders here have an "arrangement" then so be it. I've seen the effects of "unintended consequences" of upsetting a delicate balance. This might actually be for the greater good.
My only word of advise to the clans- If I help them out by helping find the Way - just don't go expanding into the Riverlands.
But, again, what the heck is a Dhampir? I still don't get it.
"To be crude, I am half-human, half vampire. I am a mortal like you but... not quite as mortal, if that makes sense. My mother was turned during her pregnancy with me, which is how I came to be. I require food to live as much as you but my kind may feel... cravings. None that you should be concerned about. I am a gentleman, after all."
”Yes, yes, of course you are,” Wren preens her feathered armor a bit more. ”Now where were you going to take us? And what is taking so long. I’d like to get back to that party with all the delightful conversation.”
I am a gentleman, after all.
to which Bronin answers, And so am I. A Lord and a Gentleman.
Then thinking to himself. I can also be a whirling dervish of death too. Being a gentleman doesn't lessen how dangerous you can be 'bub.
Adder frowns at the assertion that vampires would win a war they lost the first time, but says nothing.
"I would prefer to hunt vampires, but I have a different target for now. I do not trust you, pale stranger, but we have a shared goal."
Elena looks wearily at how calm everyone was getting invited to an actual Vampire den. She seems very nervous that they are being led to a feast. A feast on her blood. But overall if those with her weren't worried then she shouldn't be. "Okay... let's go meet them."
Quinley smiles and spreads his hands. "The entrance is at Restoration Park. I have not been in the Underground in quite a while but I am known to them. One warning. The Vampire Underground is... guarded. I cannot be sure of what guardians and traps we may face as we attempt to make our entrance. Our journey may be arduous, but you seem quite capable of handling yourselves and I will fight at your side. Come, let us make haste. The night is young."
================
================
As you walk through the night air, Quinley chats about Restoration Park, explaining that it was built as a means to seal of an underground section of the city the vampires now inhabit. It is a massive park in the dead centre of the city, one Lena remembers from her youth in Caliphas.
You approach the entrance of the massive gate park. A sign informs that the park is closed after dusk, although the gates are not locked. Quinley just pushes through and steps in, breathing the night air happily. THe strange dhampir is in high spirits since you agreed to help him. He casts an arm around.
"One of the finest sights to see in Caliphas, however we go a less pleasant route. There is a sewer grate somewhere near the glass house. The park is tended by Merrick I believe. I trust she will understand the situation."
Looking around the park you see several points of interest:
- A memorial to Sesasgia Caliphvaso, the countess who refounded the city after the fall of the Whispering Tyrant
- A trio of druidic standing stones
- A reflecting pool lined with tall columns
- A massive statue of Soivida Ustav, the founder of Ustalav
- A small, but quite lovely pool
- A large greenhouse, where Quinley has directed you
Merrick, and who is Merrick and what is his/her disposition?
Bronin asks Quinley.
Wren takes her usual floaty stance, overland flighting 10' above the ground with her wand in hand. Her wand, her favrit wand, has 4 prongs, each has a pointy part. The end looks not unlike a raptor's outstretched claw.
"So Quinley, what kind of blood do you prefer? Something sweet like elven? Or a nice stout?" Wren smiles her yellow cracked-toothed smile.
"I would go visit Merrick, if given the option. I do like to make friends and people do love me so." Wren says without a trace of self-awareness (as if she had orange skin and a ferret on her head).
While Wren flutters off to socialize as Elena wanders around checking out the sights. She wanders towards the reflecting pool. She sits on the side of the stones and looks in, adjusting her hair and cloak in the crisp air. "Quinley? Is it true that Vampires have no reflection?"