Shayne begins singing a reassuring song.
"These are creepy, but half are down.
We are not hard pressed.
Smash them, crush them, watch them fall.
Gratefully they rest."
"The past is cleared and death negated,
Just as golden words read.
We bring peace and a new start for life
Removing the curse on these dead."
Though Aak's attack misses, Silx easily destroys another skeleton.
The orc follows Silx's que and moves to flank the skeleton near Grishnodnok and swings his blade (, Dmg: ). The last skeleton goes down.
Rema heads over to attend to Aak's wounds (Healed for ). Looking around at everyone. "How are the rest of you feeling? I can attend to one more person before I need to rest."
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We need to rest. Caylen, let alone all of us have been going non-stop since our arrival. We need to recuperate, and regain our energy. I suggest we sleep up top, so as not to warrant any other intrusion while in the temple. Besides, the fresh our will do us good. Unless anyone else has their opinions on the sleeping conditions
"We should consult Durra and Peter. They probably want to return home rather than spend the night, to allow people to pay respects to Wuther and properly bury him. They might feel safer if some of us went with them in case there are cultists or creatures on the road."
Upon exiting the temple you see Durra tending several of the orcs. As you approach she turns to quickly explain, "Some of the orcs were exploring the temple grounds. One of them was investigating the silo and made a mess of some rotten grain. It has sickened him and the few that went to help. She turns to help one of the orcs who is struggling through a coughing fit. It doesn't seem contagious, but I would stay away from the silo until we have a chance to burn the remaining grain." As she continues to tend to the trio of orcs Peter approaches.
"I wish to thank you on behalf of my grandfather.. for.. for clearing the temple. The young man seems hesitant to confirm if the temple has indeed been cleared. He wished to be buried here, close to the temple. Pointing toward some brush and shrubs that look to have been cleared. I have begun clearing out the small cemetery. If any of you can help before resting it would be greatly appreciated." With a slight bow Peter heads back toward the brush.
As he moves a small pile of limbs, you can make out worn grave markers and the rotten remains of small wooden fence posts that once marked the perimeter of the burial area.
The couple of orcs that had been patrolling the area are calmly reporting to Grishnodnok, who turns to relay their report. "The road is clear. They say there is activity at the village, but seems to only be a gathering of some kind. They did not get close enough to learn more."
1) Small chest containing old robes and a holy symbol of the Valiant (a small figurine representing a golden eye on a blue and white diamond pattern)
2) Several more robes, hanging (one has a silver key in the inner pocket).
3) A badly damaged copy of “To Serve” (the holy book of the faithful), a set of scrolls describing the canon of the faith for the Halls of the Valiant.
4) 35 cp and a pair of 6-sided dice carved from bone.
5) Several rooms of scrolls, at least 80 lbs worth over 200 gp (Rema's best estimate).
6) Several usable containers in the infirmary, that are in dire need of cleaning.
When the decision is made to leave the temple, Caylen hangs behind and walks alongside Rema on the way out. There's a modesty and faintness behind Caylen's expression, one that comes with a measure of humility and appreciation for the samsaran's service to the group. "I hope this has been what you wished to find when you came here... I know it has-- it's-- it's exceeded both my expectations and imagination."
Later on, Caylen is quiet while discussion of Wuther's burial is made, though when she finds out that the orcs have fallen ill, Caylen exhales a sigh and reaches behind herself, unfastening the cloth-wrapped box that she keeps at the small of her back. "I will tend to their illness. That, at least, is something I can still do as weary as I may be." Unwrapping the box, she reveals it to be a fully stocked kit of healing essentials, from antibiotic ointments to gauze and other remedies useful for tending to all manner of maladies.
"Durra, if you'd like to assist I would be appreciative." Caylen notes, though she doesn't move immediately to where the orcs are being kept. Instead she stops by Peter and offers him a thoughtful, thankful look.
Caylen then says in a quiet voice to him, "Given what I have seen in this temple, burial may be irresponsible of us. The dead are disquieted here. Perhaps a funeral pyre would be more suitable? His ashes could be housed in the temple once all is well there..."
________
"It is better.. and worse than I hoped or feared. Looking both curiously and fearfully back down the stairway after the group has made it to the main level of the temple. I knew something horrible had happened here, but its worse than I'd imagined. There's more below. I just know it, but I'm afraid of what we'll encounter. Smiling at the light of the sunset as everyone exits the temple. I also know that we must find whatever else awaits us. Light must shine in this place once again."
Durra gladly accepts Caylen's help. ()
A look of confusion flashes briefly over the young man's face, but then something occurs to him, "The temple is not yet cleansed is it?
Seeing now the exhaustion upon everyone's faces the young man makes a desperate attempt at encouraging everyone. Worry not! Victory will be ours.
Quietly to Caylen, His body will keep. Retrieving a flask. I have anointed his body as he requested. We will burry him once the temple has been cleansed."
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Upon reaching the outside of the temple, Aak will take a deep breath of fresh air. Even though he was only in the temple for an hour or so, it still doesn't bet fresh air.
He looks at Peter, and when he see he's facial expressions at the thought the the temple still needing to be fully cleaned he gives he a reassuring look that everything will be done.
Let us rest, for we all have had a long day. Caylen, thank you for all your help from today, and that goes for everyone else, Silx, Shayne, Rema, Groshnodnok. What has happened to T'fkr? Will he be okay?
Between Durra, Rema, and Caylen tending the orcs goes well. Though the trio of orcs that were infected by something from the spoiled grain seem better, their skin appears to have been permanently effected. T'fkr on the other hand doesn't seem to be doing very well.
As he gain's consciousness for a few moments, he utters quietly in orcish before passing out.
Perception rolls:
- Aak:
- Caylen:
- Rema:
- Shayne:
- Silx:
- Peter:
- Durra:
Silx scrunches his nose up, and attempts to open the jar with his rapier
Groshnodnok listens intently at T'kfr's mumbling, then looks with caution at Aak. "Something isn't right. I'll be right back." He heads over to summon one of the other orcs.
Walking back with the orc, Groshnodnok introduces him. "This is Kodar. I've asked him to listen to T'kfr's mumbling." The orc sits quietly, listening to the occasional mumbles that slip from the unconscious orc's lips.
Sense Motive rolls:
- Aak:
- Caylen:
- Rema:
- Shayne:
- Silx:
Kodar looks toward Groshnodnok who is talking to some of the other orcs, then back toward Aak. He whispers in orcish, pointing toward T'kfr.
Remaining quiet while Kodar inspects T'kfr, Caylen sits with her legs folded beneath her and hands on her lap. The young oracle watches the interactions between the orcs, looking to understand them as a people better than the stories of her childhood prepared her for. While they, outwardly, appear to be savages their nature is less war-like than the young woman had first imagined, even given these circumstances. She notes the merit in Shayne's observations about actions talking louder than words.
Perhaps that is why she's been so quiet and reflective. Now, Caylen agrees to herself, she needs to work on the whole action part. She can sense discomfort in Kodar, however, and that has her on edge.
The orc responds quietly, in orcish.
Although Kodar is restless, he seems willing to away whatever word Aak or Groshnodnok has form him. The other orcs are quick to make use of the run down stables as a place to rest. A few of the younger orcs manage to hunt down a small boar.
The small fire they make is just enough to roast small strips of meat, which they willingly share. Though the water from the temple isn't safe to drink, Durra does have small stones which she says will make it safe to drink. With a bit of food and drink supplied rations everyone brought aren't needed, but can be used.
As the gathered orcs and group make places to rest, Groshnodnok assures that there are watches posted. Though he invites the group to rest as much as needed, he understands if the group wants to post watches of their own.
Once watches are arranged the following hours past uneventfully. By dusk the make shift camp around the stables has fallen into an easy lull. Though the group is fully rested during the night, Peter advises that any further exploration of the temple wait until sunrise.
As the long night passes the quiet of the surrounding area is only occasionally broken by the sound of small animals. Once the sunrise breaks through the distant treeline, the sound of birds among the trees takes the place of the small animals.
Though the gleaming doom of the temple looks worn, it is easy to see what the place might have been once - what it might be again.
Situated around the glow of the campfire, Caylen watches the flicking tongues of flame and crackling embers with an unfocused stare. So much had happened in the last few days that trying to decompress it all was taking the majority of her focus. What focus she has remaining goes into the ritualistic process of bandaging her hands. They had been burned away during the fight with T'fkr's men, and now the white linen strips needed to be re-applied to cover her blackened flesh.
Listening to the hiss and pop of the firewood, Caylen eventually comes full circle to the last events of the day. Worry paints her expression and the young woman's brows furrow. "T'fkr is still out there..." she murmurs anxiously, looking down to her bandaged hands. "Maybe still in the temple somewhere, maybe..." she can't come up with a worse scenario. Having T'fkr still influencing that old structure was bad enough, but that it stood in defiance of a kind man's final wishes was more difficult to reconcile.
Looking over to where Wuther's body is wrapped in cloth and soaked in the preservative elixir, Caylen exhales a weary sigh. As her attention turns back to the fire, she wonders whether the group will be the flames or the timbers... and she isn't sure which has the better deal in the end.
To burn out and leave only scars to mark your passing, or to endure as little more than ashes.
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Aak will enjoy the fire. It invigorates him and renews his strength. Tat and the wild meat is satisfying. He takes out some rations and splits it with any who want some. He uses his cantrips to conjure up some fresh drinking water, as much as everyone will have.
He stretches out, and stares at the night sky. Even if it goes against his best judgement, he removes his armor to rest his battle ridden body
Upon waking the next morning, he prays to his god to grant him the strength and resolve to finish cleansing and clearing out the temple. .
When the rest of the group is ready. He will lead the way to the last room they were in, then let Silx scout ahead.
Shayne sets up his part of the campsite near Durra and Peter. He plays with the owl if it lets him.
After night falls he uses his Silent Image to help recreate what he was taught was an old, dramatic Orc story: a ten-minute excerpt involving war and unrequited love from one of many old Orc epic sagas. "I have been awaiting a chance to perform before Orcs who would finally tell me how badly my Varisian tutors muddled the story!" he explains.
In the morning he notices Aak pray, and sits by himself for half an hour with his kapenia on his lap. If anyone asks why, he quietly answers, "It has been months since I have tried to pray to Aroden for guidance. If death is not the end for us, perhaps it still makes sense to pray to a dead god?" But during that time his lips formed the words my Lady more often than Aroden.
Rema rises after a fitful rest, turning to the group she speaks hurriedly at first, then calming herself.
"My rest has been a fitful one. What still lies within the temple disturbs these very grounds. Looking around. I hope you all have found some rest. Each of you is needed more now than ever. Thank you for standing with me."
With this word Rema heads toward the temple. Groshnodnok speaks quickly to the orcs, pointing toward the perimeter around the temple. Several of them head toward the edge of the grounds.
Come morning Caylen is sitting by the embers of the fire, staring into their glowing depths with her cloak thrown over her shoulders, hiding much of her small frame. As the camp starts to come to life, it's difficult to say whether the young oracle slept or not as that is exactly where she was most of the night. Though she does not seem fatigued physically, Caylen looks fatigued mentally, and when her stare does divert from the flame it is to the direction of Wuther's wrapped body.
As the camp more fully rouses, Caylen struggles to get herself to her feet, tugging her cloak up with her as she fastens it into a more appropriate placement around her shoulders. She exhales a huffed sigh, one that causes the embers in the fire to immediately turn to cold coals, before she walks over to Shayne and the others.
"What's the plan?" Caylen asks, wearily, looking back over her shoulder to the temple. The notion that T'fkr is still out there has been weighing on her heavily since the discovery of his survival was made.
Rema gives the group a quick glance as she walks into the temple, moving quickly she returns to the underground portion of the temple. When she returns she speaks quickly.
"The areas we have explored are empty. There are other rooms we haven't entered, but I didn't think it wise to investigate them on my own. I'd suggest we return to the room we were in last night."
With that she waits for the others to show signs of approaching the temple.
The quiet of the temple quickly insulates the group from the sounds of the temple grounds. Though the heavy feeling of the passage ways seems to have lifted, as the group passes through the hidden door a feeling of foreboding is palpable.
Rema is clearly disturbed as she looks toward the rooms nearest where the skeletal figures were encountered.
The door to the room (23) further down the hall is closed.
"This is where the last of the cleric's fell. Evil had overtaken one of the paladins appointed a guardian of these grounds. Several others were corrupted to fight along his side. They nearly slew his brother, the very paladin that made his way to the monastery."
Rema stands still, held firm by the horrific memory of a battle long since lost.
Silx jumps down from his perch and casts a glance at Caylen She's still upset about this then looks at Rema Takes a lot to get her to stop
"So, what do we still need to get done?"
"We need to search for signs of T'fkr, if nothing else..." Caylen quietly offers from behind those in the lead. "Ensure that any errant spirits have been put to rest, check the last of the chambers we haven't been in, and then..." the young woman trails off, brows furrowed. "Take an inventory of what we've discovered, I suppose. We've passed by a lot of things."
Perception
Silx moves forward and checks the door for traps
Rema holds up a hand, signally as Aak makes his suggestion.
"There is no need to check. I know what lies beyond that door. Closing her eyes, a single tear rolls down Rema's face. Speaking calmly as she opens her eyes, We must go together."
Rema slowly begins walking down the hallway (toward room 23).
To the left of the short hallway is a closed door.
Seeing the expression on Rema's face, Caylen tenses up and looks anxious. Lifting one bandaged hand onto the Samsaran's shoulder, she gives a gentle squeeze and follows along beside her. In their walk, caylen offers a worried look to Shayne before settling her attention ahead on the chamber approaching.
Silx arcs his brow, but says nothing and moves forward with a dagger out
"Together then." With a nod Rema opens the door.
These chambers once belonged to the warriors, possibly paladins, of the temple. There are six beds with rotten sheets and pillows, some woodworm eaten tables and chairs, and a wooden chest. Standing on armor racks are four suits of chainmail, now rusted beyond repair. Three rusted longswords remain in a weapon stand. There are also two bodies on beds, both wearing chain armor.
As the group stands near the entry way of the door, the two bodies begin to rise.
Initiative rolls:
- Aak:
- Caylen:
- Rema:
- Shayne:
- Silx:
Round One: Aak, Rema, Silx, Grishnodnok, Shayne, & Caylen.
Silx doesn't hesitate and flings a dagger at the left one
Att
Damage
Missing badly
As the bodies rise from the beds, it is clear to all that they are much like the zombies faced the day before. Aak, who had approached to investigate quickly works to dispatch the creatures. The close quarters between the beds and the table prove to make it difficult for him to attack with is full force.
Silx, who had approached the chest in the corner to get a closer look at its lock reacts by throwing a dagger across the room.
Round One: Aak (action complete), Rema, Silx (action complete), Grishnodnok, Shayne, & Caylen.