Standing before the Wall of Light (hand covering his eyes a bit), Uhe shakes his head in disbelief.
So, tell us about this again? There is something imprisoned behind it and that particular dust...
The dwarf turns to Reveka.
What is it again, my dear?
He turns back to the three who have these answers.
...allows for it to be freed? Is that it? Seems like something is missing from this particular story.
The dwarf looks at the 3 expectantly.....
Taking her cue from the halfling Liam, Reveka respectfully inclined her head to Lady Origena before taking her leave and silently retreating from the mansion.
===
As they were lead to the basement below Hunclay Manor and to the brilliantly lit wall - which shimmered in crisp, cool white to Reveka's impaired vision she curiously looked around, wondering if there was any threat laying in wait for trespassers.
The dwarf turns to Reveka.
"What is it again, my dear?" ....He turns back to the three who have these answers.
Reveka was not certain what her dwarf companion was asking, yet waited for someone to share the story of the magical dust with them.
Once she had looked around the basement, the young oracle politely asked, "May I see the magical dust before you use it? I wish to try to identify its particular magic...It would make sense to know what it is before doing anything with it."
Before she attempted the task at hand, Reveka began to softly cast Guidance on herself. Upon sight of the magical dust, Reveka cast Detect Magic on it and then keenly studied it.
Brandor hands over the dust. "Here ya go. If you can tell me what it is, might make this go easier."
While Reveka is trying to puzzle out the dust's properties, Brandor shouts back into the light. "You still there? What shall we do with this dust?
Brandor hands over the dust. "Here ya go. If you can tell me what it is, might make this go easier."
While Reveka is trying to puzzle out the dust's properties, Brandor shouts back into the light. "You still there? What shall we do with this dust?
"Yes! Yes, I'm here," says a female voice, sounding tired. "I don't know. Hunclay spent his time gloating, not giving me instructions on how to escape. But I guess, put the dust on the wall?"
As it dawned on her what the dust was, Reveka turned to the others and explained, "This is Dust of Duskness. Its shimmering black dust is magical and will coat anything it touches in darkness."
"Yes! Yes, I'm here," says a female voice, sounding tired. "I don't know. Hunclay spent his time gloating, not giving me instructions on how to escape. But I guess, put the dust on the wall?"
Looking to Brandor and the others in the original party, she asked quietly, "Do you trust this voice? Has anyone discerned what magic is here, holding her?
And, as she waited for them to answer, Reveka addressed the voice, steadily and directly, trying to gauge the truthfulness of her answer, "Hello. I would like to know how will this Dust of Darkness aid you in escaping, if you'd be so kind as to answer?"
"Trust may be a strong word. In fact, based on the rest of Hunclay's life, we could be dealing with an angry demon or other spirit. But she has been held against her will, and so I am inclined to give her some benefit of doubt. Also, without dousing the light, we can't really report back that the place is clear, so it seems the only logic next step. Unless you have some better idea? Maybe we need some fresh eyes on the problem."
And, as she waited for them to answer, Reveka addressed the voice, steadily and directly, trying to gauge the truthfulness of her answer, "Hello. I would like to know how will this Dust of Darkness aid you in escaping, if you'd be so kind as to answer?"
The voice comes back, sounding a bit exasperated. "How would I know? I'm no sorcerer! Please! Get me out of here!"
Uhe (still standing in front of the Wall of Light) considers the words that have been floating about his ears.
Excuse us, Madam, if we seem a bit suspicious of these proceedings. My companion, and I, have just be inserted into this little quest, so we are quite naïve as to your position in it?
The Dwarf awaits her response.
Jayla sighs. "She can't stand the light. That means she might be from the dark places. That doesn't mean she's evil. We did return a demon baby to its realm, and killed another demon. I say we free her and deal with the consequences. We can't leave her like she is. That would be cruel."
"Someone please throw this on the shining area, and stand back." Then she steps to the side not looking at the light with her kukris drawn. "Just in case. I want her free, but I don't trust."
Upon Brandor's and Jayla's words, and not having dealt with, nor personally promised to release, the voice, Reveka would do as she was bidden by Jayla, knowing the elf slayer was ready in case of trouble.
"Alright. I shall use the black dust. Please be on the ready in case this does not go well," Reveka cast an uneasy look at Uhe before retrieving her weapon (light mace) and holding it in her off hand. Then grabbing a full handful (s?) of the magical dust, Reveka threw it upon the Wall of Light before cautiously stepping back away from it (10 ft back) to see what would happen.
Brandor says "Give me a few minutes..." as he pulls out a prayer book and prayes for a bit. Then he grabs his weapon and prepares to cast a spell.
"Ready!"
As the dust settles over the wall of light, the spell sputters, pops and dies. All is dark, your torches illuminating merely a bank of shadow when out of the shadow coalesces a vaguely humanoid figure seemingly made of wispy smoke and shadow.
As the figure emerges, it remains vaguely humanoid, vaguely feminine, tall and slender. "Thank you," it says.
"I know you all fear the dark and what you cannot see. But you have nothing to fear from me. I am in your debt, for you have saved me not only from prison but from forced union with Hunclay, that loathesome creature. What I can do to repay you, I will."
"You didn't happen to see my clothes and gear anywhere, did you?"
Uhe just nods to Reveka. The Bard stands on her side (cleaning his glasses).
This actually reminds me of a time back in college. Me and some of my fellow students were attempting to open a keg. Not a single one of us knew what we were doing. Oh, the courage and doings of youth...
The Dwarf just seems to go off in his own head; reminiscing about his freshman year....
As the Wall of Light dims, dims, darkens; Uhe smiles at the last memory, turning his attention to the matter at hand.
Simply marvelous! How splendid! Madame, Uhe Stonethorn; this is my dear friend, Reveka. These others are recent acquaintances: Miss Jayla, Edo, and Little Liam.
The Dwarven Bard retrieves the named items. He then bows to the naked, wispy smoke and shadow lady.
We are please to meet you. Ah, yes; seems these garments may be yours?
In any case, she appears to be a shae, a humanoid creature of the deep shadow plane. You know that they're supposed to be generally human in outlook but are said to consider themselves to be superior to beings of the material plane. So confident are the shae said to be that sometimes mortals form cliques or harems about them, hoping to learn their shadow magic or attract their affections. The unions of shae and human are known as fetchlings.
"Thank you." She pulls on the snug white clothing which outlines an athletic female shape. She ignores the slightly disconcerting mask and so her face, head and hair remain indistinct and wispy. She points to her weapons. "By your leave I will reclaim these."
If no one objects, she buckles on her sword belt and looks at you... or turns her head towards you, anyway. It's hard to tell precisely where she is looking. "Now, then. My name is Maffei. I am pleased to find that not every denizen of this plane is an evil bastard. Hunclay did you no credit. Like many fools he seemed to think that shadow and evil are the same thing. And that we who dwell in it delight in having human children. I assure you that is not the case."
"It is clear to us that this Hunclay was an evil man... not someone any of us knew before his demise. In any case, I am happy we could help you out, and I am certainly glad to hear you don't want to eat children. "
"Now that you are free, what will you do?"
"I would like to join you,if you will have me. It will be some time before I can find a way to return to my world, and at least you understand me somewhat. I expect that the common people of your world would not."
"However, I am injured. The wall of light hurt me in a way I cannot explain, save to say that I am wearied and do not heal. I would be a better companion if I were healed."
"I am afraid what you need is beyond my own abilities right now, but maybe we can find someone in town that can help. At the very least, stick with us while you can, and we will keep you safe. Do you know what was behind you through that door?"
"Be my guest, if you're interested in squalid jail cells," says Maffei, gesturing.
Reveka simply stared, fixing her black and white vision on the female humanoid named Maffei. When Uhe introduced her, the young oracle courteously inclined her head, and waited as Maffei dressed and secured her weapons.
As she mentioned wishing to join the party, Reveka found her voice and answered, "Uhe and I have only recently joined the party, so I am uncertain how much influence we have. Yet, I am open to you joining our ranks until you return to your world." As she waited for the others to make a decision regarding Maffei's inclusion into their group, Reveka contemplated how she could help to heal Maffei's deep injury.
"If you would allow me, I can try to give you some relief, although I am uncertain if this will heal you in the manner you require. I must lay my hand on you to perform the spell."
Reveka gently reached out and lay her hand on the female's arm and began to quietly cast .
The oracle then politely examined the female to evaluate her condition and attempt to provide her with some further relief.
"Very kind," says Maffei, clearly not comfortable with Reveka's proximity, yet also clearly trying to be polite.
The spell is ineffectual in changing her status.
"The light cursed me," she explains. "It stole part of my soul and I don't know if I'll ever get it back." Her voice wavers towards tears at this, but she manages to control herself.
"I am sorry my spell was ineffectual. No one should suffer a severing of part of themselves - their soul. There are more experienced healers than I in town and I am certain we can find you some relief in a discreet manner. We, all, shall endeavour to protect you in your current condition. You are no longer alone in this world," attempting to provide some emotional/mental verbal comfort to Maffei even though Reveka felt frustrated that she could not help the female.
Maffei nods. "Thank you. Now, what exactly is our situation, and what are you doing that I could help with?"
Not wishing to speak out of turn being she was newly settled in the party, but not wishing for Maffei's question to go unanswered for longer than necessary, Reveka answered as best as she could - allowing Little Liam or one of the others to elaborate where necessary.
"Hunclay has an heir who wishes all of his possessions and property to be auctioned off and the proceeds sent to her. The baroness of the town, Lady Origena Devy, was left with the daunting task of cataloguing the contents in his manor home. She has tasked this group with the work. My companions, other than Uhe and myself, have already started; but have not completed the task. The baroness wishes it to be done and so we have returned at her behest. I cannot tell you which rooms have yet to be explored for I was not part of the original party. I will leave that to Little Liam or one of the others, as I would like to know where we are to start, as well."
"I am very pleased to meet you, Maffei. I am Liam." Liam puffs up slightly and pipes in authoritatively, "As near as we could tell from our original party, and this one, all the manor itself has now been explored, cataloged and cleared of any danger."
He considers for a moment and then sheepishly backtracks a bit, "Of course, our earlier party, before their demise, and this one now are not perfect in our estimation. Hunclay was very powerful, and his ability to secret things away may be beyond our previous efforts to detect, so there will always be the off chance something might have been missed..." He glances around for input from the party.
"May be wise to do one last go-over of the grounds with all here who might be more capable than the previous? Fresh eyes, so-to-speak? I'd hate to claim the job done, and then someone who comes in having won the auction, meet their end due to my... (ahem) OUR lack of being thorough."
Reveka cast a perplexed look at Little Liam, "As near as you could tell? Did you not tell the baroness there was still an unexplored and unsafe area of the estate to clear? So, you pretended we needed to come back in order to give the estate a second look to make sure something had not been missed? You're a little wily aren't you, Liam..." Reveka tapped her long, elegant fingers against her lips as she silently pondered something.
"From what I've gauged of the baroness, she is kind enough, yet expects prompt and efficient service and doesn't suffer fools. Show us where we need to start and we best begin... I will repeat this, so all know of my shortcoming, I cannot see past thirty feet for my vision has been veiled for some years. I can see well enough in the dark, but, again, only to thirty feet. I will do my best as we move through the manor house. Who will lead us forward?", looking around the group.
Brandor doesn't stick around for the full conversation, heading down the hall to make sure the cells mentioned are clear.
Uhe loudly clears his throat, the dwarf having been day dreaming...again. He nods in agreement to Reveka, as she explains the situation to Maffei.
Uhe slaps Little Liam on the back.
Yup; told ye, mysterious.
The Bard then turns to look at Brandor, heading out of the room.
I believe our Brandor may know something?
Uhe then bows to each of the Ladies, following along behind the other dwarf.
There is only one cell, a bare stone room with no amenities or comforts.
You have cleared the entirety of Hunclay Manor and would be right to go and claim your reward!
So far as you know, the adventure is over...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So it seems that your job here is done," says the shadowy Maffei. "I am not needed perhaps. Yet I sense that what Hunclay has set in motion is not yet at rest. I will not remain in the village you describe, for I do not wish to interact with the locals, yourselves excepted. I will find a place to retreat...perhaps the cave if you will show me the way, though it sounds little less pleasant than this cell, and await some message that you are moving on or have heard aught else about this matter."
Liam takes the words of Reveka and Uhe in stride, pondering, no use protesting, let them think what they may. He turns to Maffei,
"But that cave is such a cold and dismal place... Wouldn't a hot meal and warm bed suit you more after all this time?"
Seeing the resistance, Liam then volunteers the journal. He proudly shows Maffei the crude map he drew and points out notes about the wolf encounter and the hazards of the cave.
About then he notices Brandor coming back from checking the cell, and sheepishly prods him for details to transcribe into the journal, ashamed at his distraction from the job at hand.
"Well, then. A final accounting with our patron is in order I suppose. Off to Lady Origena."
An hour later has you standing before Lady Origena again, this time in her study, surrounded by books and papers. Her son, Sir Arnulf stands beside his mother, looking peeved as usual.
"You have finished your task, I take it? That was a swift resolution. May I now expect your report?"
"So nice to meet you Maffei. We can get you some comforts in town before taking you to the cave. I'm guess that a dark place is best for you. You don't seem like you'd care for the sunshine much." She gives the creature a friendly greeting.
With not a response nor a glance from Little Liam, Reveka waited silently for the return of Brandor and Uhe. Having found naught in the cells, Liam then announced they should return to the baroness and present the report. With Maffei's words still in her mind and Jayla's response, Reveka nodded her head in a comforting fashion, agreeing, "Jayla has a fine idea regarding bringing in some comforts so the cave is less inhospitable. You will not be disturbed there by the locals, I am fairly certain of it."
Then moving on, toward the baroness' residence, Reveka took a position nearest Uhe and Jayla, feeling a tad more at ease in their company.
As they stood before the baroness and her son, Reveka politely clasped her hands before her and quietly stood with the others; once again leaving the talking to Little Liam, for he was the one who had composed the report.
Uhe returns from his quick foray with Brandor to the lonely cell. The Dwarf nods in agreement with Reveka and Jayla about using the Cave as a safe residence for Maffei.
Splendid idea, Ladies! Yes, we can deliver our report to the Baroness; and, also, purchase some comforts for our guest!
Uhe then begins discussing colors, patterns and fabrics with all three ladies.
The elements of interior design include space, line, form, color, and texture. The principles of design relate to how you use these elements. The principles of interior design are balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and scale, and harmony and unity. In interior design, balance creates a feeling of equilibrium.
The excited Dwarf expounds upon the virtues of spring hues al the way back to the Baroness.....
At the Baroness', the barely silent (patient?) Dwarf allowed for Little Liam's presentation without barely a look out a window at what appears to be a fabrics store....
"Ahem. Yes, Lady Origena, we have now completed out task. The house was riddled with traps, which we believe are now all removed. We took a full inventory of the valuables, as documented in the papers we have brought you."
After asking some questions to ensure the safety of the place, Lady Origena smiles warmly. "Well then. It seems that you have fulfilled your contract, and so must I."
She reaches into her desk drawer and sets a small leather bag before you. It clinks heavily with coins. "You would need a rather large sack to and stronger back than I have to carry five thousand gold crowns. So here are five hundred and here is a letter of credit. It is good in any shop in town and you will find that it is also quite good in Oppara, should you need to send away for goods that our little Belhaim does not possess. If you desire the coins at any time, you need only present the letter of credit to my chamberlain or to Mr. Grellen in town and it will be given to you. Is this satisfactory?"
"So much for payment. Now it is my pleasure to offer you gift of sorts. If you wish to attend the auction and bid on some of Hunclay's goods, I will cover half of the price of anything you bid on, up to a value of 7,500 gp. I hope to hold the auction in a month's time, and I hope to see you there."
"Very generous, m'lady. Thank you, and if ever you need some heavy lifting, I think we all would be happy to answer your call."
The dwarf bows deeply, and then grabs the loot.
Uhe nods his gratitude to the Baroness. The eccentric dwarf then goes shopping for sprucing up the Cave a bit.
Seems like we may have a bit of time. Anyone care to go shopping?
Jayla spends time helping Maffei become comfortable in the cave, and driving her crazy with questions about her life before becoming a prisoner.
Brandor tries to recall what items might be listed in the auction before trying to spend his money.