Pahleg nods as Ulrich moves to unlock the doors. Normally he is more of the front-liner kind of guy, but he has learned it's actually better for the group as a whole if he acts a little more cowardly since nobody else has any healing abilities.
Araden keeps pace behind Ulrich, his axe still at the ready in his hands. A strange place, this is. Best we leave sooner than later.
Randy follows mindlessly after the party.
Elyna stands ready at each door to fling a bolt of fire inside should something try and lunge out.
Tannan watches as the lone skeleton gets quickly dismantled. He continues on, always turning his head to every sight or sound in the creepy sanatorium. He is too focused on trying to be focuses, that he cannot hear anything that his senses haven't picked up on.
This place gives me the creeps, lets hurry up and get the hell outta here
One door at a time, Ulrich unlocks the cells under the watch of his comrades. Starting from door 16, in a descending order...
Rooms 7, 6, 5, 4 and 2 still had one skeleton inside each. One of these skeletons - the resident of room 4 - is completely inanimate, and seemingly un-lifeless. The other four skeletons do not display hostile tendencies, and are rather docile. So docile in fact that they do not seem to realize they are being freed: none step outside their respective cells.
Opening door number 1 reveals a skeleton inside, unsurprisingly. What is surprising is that the skeleton is holding its skull in its hands, and appears quite gloomy. It is producing sound which resembles sobbing, further indicating emotions of sorrow. Still, the sorrowful skeleton is non-responsive to conversation, and like the others does not voluntarily leave its room.
Well this is creepy as all hell. Where do we go now? Wasn't there another section of room off the "dining" room area?
Tannan watches on as none of the unlucky inhabitants move from their holding cell.
Ulrich stares at the skeleton holding its head and sobbing. He shakes his head solemnly.
"Think we got the dining room covered. And we know that 'mind flayer' is in the north cell block. Let's go upstairs and see what other terrible things await us."
"What a strange fate for these souls. I wonder if they even realize--no. I'm sure they don't even see us." Araden shakes his head, his voice sad. "Let's away from this place. Upstairs sounds fine."
"It makes me wonder what has been going on in this place. Should we leave the cells open? It doesn't look like they are going to come out if they'll stay in this state, but if they decide to snap out of it like that dinner party, I'd rather not have them at our backs..."
Leaving the skeletons to their own misery, the group heads back towards the entrance and climbs one of the two stairs, ascending to the floor above. The wooden stairs creak, but hold together.
There isn't much to explore on the second floor of the Sanatorium. At the end of a hallway is a pair of large wooden doors. Light grey fog oozes from behind these double doors which, judging from previous experiences, indicates a powerful foe on the other side.
However, there is a bulky metal contraption attached to the door, and a large iron beam attached to it. A quick examination reveals the contraption to be a lock of some kind: a lock that keeps the beam in place, effectively locking the doors.
A sign hangs next to the doors. "Librarium".
Two emblems are inscribed on the wooden floor a few steps away from the door. These emblems emit light as the group approaches them.
The first emblem shines in blue-ish purple. Three circles, intertwined, make up the emblem. There are words written in an unknown language around these circles.
The second emblem is a familiar one. It shines in bright green light and resembles a sheep, surrounded by strange runes in a language that Pahleg recognizes as Celestial. The runes read "order of sheep", "sheep protects" and "altruistic Phila".
Unlike the time near the scorpion's chamber, the shades of these emblems do not manifest. At least not yet.
Ulrich surveys the area, scratching his chin.
"I see. We have to unlock the door in order for these summoning sigils to work."
He tries the key to the cellblock on the door, but finds it doesn't work.
"Can any of you pick a lock? Or perhaps we should take a look at the other staircase- it seems to go to a different floor."
"My skills lean more toward combat than such finesse. But it seems this is more a mechanism than a simple lock." Araden turns to look around. "Perhaps we may find some release for it, that we might open this path."
"Maybe I can break it?"
"No skills with locks either. I'd rather not break it, that might just lock the door bar into place irreparably."
"Hmm. No sneaks among us?" Pahleg teases with a chuckle. "In that case I say we search for another solution first and, failing that, break it down."
Randy's claws seem ineffective against the metal lock.
Tannan is quite happy to have not met the "octopus thing that sucks brains". The looks around, keeping an eye out as they go up the stairs.
Tannan looks at the strange emblems on the ground, trying to make sense of it.
Sheep, okay, I know that a few people here have pledged to the sheep. What could the other one be? Maybe a mercenary group, doubt it.
Tannan will gently touch the strange blue-purple glowing glyph. If nothing happens, he will turn his attention to the lock on the door.
So, I see fog. Any clue how strong the potential enemy or enemies may be behind said door?
He takes out a small cloth, and unfolds it. Inside are various tools, and instruments. Curved hooks, flat blades, and other such items to assist in opening locks or the occasional locking of them. He begins to work on the lock, hoping his skills can prove useful.
He feels he manages to open it, but is unsure. He again tries to pry the lock open. He takes a deep breath, and focuses intently on the lock, trying to block out all distractions, including whatever the hell may be on the other side of the door, and hears the telltale *click* of the lock giving way.
Initially, the lock proves very complex and secure, offering hefty resistance for Tannan. He then realizes something about the mechanism, and he continues with diligence. Eventually, the mechanism unlocks.
With the mechanism unlocked, the large iron bar can be moved to unlock the door. The party slides the bar out of the way, and the light grey fog becomes thicker than it was before.
The path to the powerful foe is now clear. As a reaction to that, the shade emblems begin to project two visions, shades. The one appearing above the emblem of circles is an elven lady in noble dress while the other is the familiar-looking female gnome from the encounter with the scorpion.
"I leave this message in hopes someone would eventually find a way to the Sanatorium library." a telepathic voice resonates in the minds of the party. "I know something useful. In exchange for this knowledge, I demand two artifacts, one from the room, one from the enemy."
Shade contract of Baroness Yuelia: Boss soul, and one specific item from the boss room.
Similiarly, Phila's voice echoes: "O roamers, we meet once more. Sheep bless. A great force awaits thee in the library, but do not frighten! Join the Shepherd's herd, and He will reveal the way to avoid the fight completely."
Shade contract of Altruistic Phila: At least one party member joins the covenant "Order of Sheep". No other shade rewards asked.
The shades stand still, awaiting for a reply.
"Good work, Tannan. Well, we have this thing opened but these shade contracts sound a bit expensive to me. And there's no way of knowing just how powerful whatever lies beyond the fog might be. While my estus flask regenerates, what do you say we follow the other staircase up? Mayhap there shall be a clue to whatever fearsome opponent lies beyond. The staircase here creaked an awful lot- perhaps those of you in lighter armor should proceed first while Pahleg, Araden and myself take up the rear?"
"Guess I'm taking point then. We should come back here the next time we are freshly rested."
Ulrich nods.
"At least until we're sure the damned thing won't collapse under us..."
Araden agrees with Ulrich and Elyna. "A little more exploration might serve us well--or at least a short rest, that I might recover from the foul stench of the ram's breath, and our friend scarecrow might return to us."
The group carefully descends the creaking stairs back to the floor below and, to avoid the brain-eating aberration, exits through the front door and into the yard where they wave goodbyes to Randy the skeleton. Taking a few steps in the yard, they soon find themselves surrounded by the maze, appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
With the twine and marks in the walls, the party effortlessly navigates its way back to the entrance. From there, they head back to the Hellfire outpost. There they are greeted by Corporal Matt and, who else but Kekkle.
"Ah, hello. You're back from your trip, I presume? Don't forget, you folks: I'm counting on you to help the general. Kekkle here awoke a few moments earlier, he's all fine. I hope you're ready to go to the Throne now?"
"Of course, Corporal. You can count on us- but we must ask, do you know anything about this Undead Sanitarium beyond the maze? Our comrade was slain by one of the guards and I should like to avenge his honor one day."
Araden stands behind the others, waiting to introduce himself to this new face. It seems there are more friends in this place than I expected. Glad news, this.
"You're all back! You'll have to tell me all about it."
Kekkle struggles to stand for a moment but goes back to sitting instead. "You'll have to forgive me for not standing, I'm a bit out of sorts at the moment."
"Undead what now?" Matt asks confused. "Sorry, I know little of the Labyrinth, outside of this outpost and the path to the Throne. Wish I could help, private."
He then flinches a little. "Ah, I'm sorry I didn't notice- your company has changed. That sketchy person, Usher, was his name? He was killed in this Undead place? I'm sorry for your loss, private. Some day..." he pauses, and directs his face towards Araden and Tannan.
"But I see you've found fine company. I never knew there were this many good people in these parts."
The Corporal is a middle-aged, legless human man. He has bloody stumps where his knees should be and his eyes reflect genuine kindness as much as grief.
"I'm Matt, a Hellfire Corporal. Me and my men were tasked to guard this area, but now they've gone with no trace nor reason. Some corporal I am, right? ..."
"I wouldn't dwell on it, sir. This maddening place confounds the best of us."
"This is Tannan, here, and the armored warrior is Araden."
"Corporal Matt, this is Araden and Tannan. Araden, Tannan, this is Hell Corporal Matt. In this circle we are all friends and work together." Pahleg says with a smile.
"How was your experience with the shade orb, Kekkle? Do you suspect that it's typical to feel so out of sorts?"
"While we're here, I wonder if I could persuade you fellows to spend some souls with the skeleton merchant. While this splint mail is a boon for my protection, it leaves something to be desired in mobility... a breastplate may be worth the small sacrifice. Pahleg, I should think a similar suit of armor would benefit you as well."
"Not well, sadly. I was slain partway through the battle. I hope the other two survived but from what I saw they were struggling to land any meaningful blows."
Feeling slightly better Kekkle rises and takes his place against the group once again. He eyes the skeleton warily but doesn't acknowledge it beyond a friendly nod.
Matt nods respectfully to the two. "Well then. Do your best, you two. Now, about the Throne... will you depart immediately?"
Araden had stayed back, wanting to let the others have their say and speak with this man. He didn't know the Corporal, after all, and felt it would be better to let them do the talking. He does speak up now, though. "Pardon, but what exactly is this 'Throne' of which you speak? I don't believe it was explained to me when I was found by these fine companions."
"You haven't heard? Throne is where the general is located. I suppose not many outside of Hellfire's grasp know of the Throne. It's... how should I explain... well, I suppose you have to see it with your own eyes. A dangerous place, though. Especially now, I can imagine, when the general isn't himself..."
Matt signs towards the door at the end of the room. "The fastest way to the Throne that I know of is through there."
Tannan is on edge, irregardless of whether this "Corpral" is friendly. This labyrinth has jaded the already jaded man. To him, everything is out to get him, for that is all he has seemed to encounter outside of those he travels with now.
The name is Tannan as he nods at the Corporal. Who is the general, and what do you mean by "not himself"
"Good to see you more or less intact, Kekkle."
"The general of Hellfire, they're lawkeepers of sorts." Elyna explains to Tannan "But yeah, about that whole 'not himself' business...?" she turns to Corporal Matt looking quizzical.
Matt seems let down. "Don't tell me you've forgotten..." He lets out a short sigh and continues:
"Ever since we lost the Furnace, the general has been obsessed by it. Find the Furnace, he orders, by any means necessary. He needs to find the Furnace or he'll never know peace and Hellfire will be destroyed. He's like a different person now. At least, that's how it seemed the last time we met. It's been a few days since this outpost's troops disappeared. Something must have happened in the Throne."
Ulrich nods.
"Yes, I've been derelict, putting exploration before duty to the covenant."
He turns to the rest.
"Will you all assist me to the Throne, to bring the Corporal's message forth? I know we've made inroads at the Asylum, but I should like this duty to be discharged."
Kekkle shrugs "I suppose I've got business with Hellfire as well, so I don't see the harm in it."
"Yes that. I was just worried it got worse." Elyna responds to Matt.
"Finding the throne is as likely to get us out of this labyrinth as anything else as far as I'm concerned, so why not?" she says to Ulrich.
"I'd wager you know more than I in most things," Araden says, inclining his head slightly toward the others. "I will follow where you will."
"Glad to hear. So, will you depart immediately? Was there anything else you needed?"
Pahleg shakes his head. "No, I think that will be all. Thank you for your assistance, Matt."
Ulrich nods.
"Yes, we should depart shortly. I only wish to visit the merchant skeleton- with your approval, comrades, I should like to purchase a slightly lighter suit of armor to allow for greater freedom of movement. It struck me while we chased that foul rogue through the Dragon cathedral that I need to be lighter on my feet if we should encounter him again."
The party stops by the skeleton merchant. "Morning! Buy something! I own a lot!" the skeleton greets, ever so gleeful, with its unnatural screeching voice.
"Is this first time buying with me?" The skeleton merchant seems to have trouble remembering your meetings in the past. It seems he has some new wares.
"Looking armor? That is 20. That is 3. 23 total! We business?"
"We've been here before. And yes, we have a deal."
Ulrich pulls on his armor, satisfied with the lighter attire. He looks over the new outfits.
"If none of you require the splint mail, perhaps I'll leave it with the Corporal in case he meets some other wayward soul."
The skeleton hands over the two pieces of armor. "Good business. Any more?"
Lost 23 souls.
Breastplate
The front portion of plate armor covering the torso. A military standard.Standard breastplate. Worth 20 souls.
Oftentimes metal armor like this is forged by Lighteyed Nikarch. The plate even has his personal emblem inscribed on it.
Studded Leather (Small)
Leather armor that is reinforced with small metal studs.Standard studded leather armor for small creatures. Worth 3 souls.
Typical hide used is that of cattle's. Seeing as there are very few animals in the Labyrinth... what manner of creature's hide is this made from?