Korum chuckles, a low, throaty noise coming from the back of his throat. "There will be no further news of the Pugwampi, as it is dead now. Thank our friend, Chakam, for that. The creature was devious, and hid on the far side of a cactus field. What news from the camp since our departure?"And what was that creature's aim?
Rafyyk bowed to the Princess and Garavel. In the interest of his employment, he gave a more full report. "The creature stole a goat, apparently, and lead it away from camp. It tethered the goat in a cactus field to, I can only suspect, lure in someone to get hurt or worse. We managed to put the creature down and have returned with the goat."
Then he shut up and waited to see if there was an answer to Korum's question.
"What news from the camp since our departure?"
"Nothing really to report on our end. Most set up to sleep for the evening after a light meal. The guards were just getting ready to set watches for the evening," Almah replies.
Korum sighs audibly in relief. Why, then? he muses, his brow furrowed as he contemplates the situation. "Well then, we must be thankful that all are accounted for and unharmed, less the unfortunate incident from earlier."
The mention of a meal roused Nishv's hunger as his stomach gave an audible rumble. He ignored the sound, ”Has any arrangements for Eloais’ rites been made?”
”Has any arrangements for Eloais’ rites been made?”
"We have prepared the body and dug a hole. We thought it best to regroup and let things settle, to see what we were dealing with. We will look have a ceremony once everyone has eaten," Almah replies.
Rafyyk gave a nod, looking thoughtful. "I am glad to hear of both no bad news in camp as well that things being ready for the burial."
He paused, "It IS curious, however, what the pugwampi hoped to accomplish. Maybe it thought only one person would come after the good and be easy prey - assuming they have more than animal cunning."
He didn't sound entirely convinced that they didn't, and that something else wasn't going on, but he let the matter drop for the moment.
He bowed to the Princess and Garavel, ready to take his leave unless there was something else.
Loran bows as well, having nothing to say that had not already been said, and prepares to take his leave. As he does so, he thinks, If it had animal levels of intelligence, why didn't it just kill the goat? If it was intelligent, why did it seemingly try to lure people to the goat? Did it have friends that decided not to intervene?
"It IS curious, however, what the pugwampi hoped to accomplish."
"Indeed," the lady Almah replies. "I guess as we haven't any answers, we will proceed as intended for now. If any new information arises, we can alter our course if need be. In the morning, I have a task for you lot. For now, make sure you've had enough to eat, and then we'll see to the burial of Eloais and then get some much needed rest."
”Sometimes, one cannot tell that the portrait of Desna was a mural of all the Gods until one backs away,” Nishv pulled a final, hidden cactus thorn from his side. He moved to toss it to the ground bit remembered where he was and, instead, held it awkwardly between thumb and forefinger.
”Plainly: I think the Princess is correct. We should eat and rest for the night. Tomorrow we may see the mural.”
Nishv bowed then backed out of the tent and with a flick tossed the thorn into the sand.
A meal will do us all much good.
Rafyyk frowned slightly as he thought it over and then finally he gave a shrug. He bowed again and took his leave. It had been a long day, and a good meal actually sounded really good. So he headed to find if the food was ready, and sniffing the air for good culinary scents.
He was looking forward to putting the fortune-teller to rest - he just hoped they could figure out for certain that her death was accidental! Perhaps talk at dinner would help with the strange things going on.
Korum nods his head in agreement. "No use boxing shadows. We will prepare for whatever may come, and if nothing comes, we will be prepared regardless. Now, I am hungry. Let us eat."
You all have your fill of food, and then the rites and burial are observed for Eloais. Father Zastoran adds a few words about the All-Seeing-Eye, and praises Eloais for her service for Princess Almah. He then gives opportunity for Almah to speak, who declines, and then any others who wish. After that, everyone dismisses to their respective beddings, and the guards start their evening watches. Garavel reminds you to see the Lady Almah in the morning.
The meal was a welcome comfort, the setting sun even moreso. Nishv found himself listening in to the gossip as he ate and did his best to not to intervene when he heard a false statement, Let them alone. Today was a hard day and if this helps the people cope, so be it.
Nishv was mildly stunned when the Princess chose not to speak on behalf of the departed, but again, held his tongue.
Before turning in Nishv looked over his simple map and attempted to pinpoint the caravan’s location but gave up after several waisted minutes.
As the sun began making its threats to scorch the travelers, Nishv packed his belongings and headed for the center of camp to await his companions before meeting with the Princess.
Korum sits by the fire, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he hums softly to himself. He draws a fine sheet of parchment from his satchel, and lays out a set of quills and a block of dark ink. He begins his evening ritual of grinding ink, mixing it with water, adding a pinch of the powder in his belt pouch to infuse it with power enough to hold a spell.
The half-orc's face is serene and focused as he works by firelight, meticulously trimming the nib of a fresh quill and dipping the tip into the small reservoir of dark, shimmering liquid. Finally, after nearly an hour of work, he sets pen to parchment and begins to write, chanting slowly, suffusing his quill, and ultimately, the wet ink on the parchment, with magic.
After nearly an hour of work by the fire, Korum holds the newly-composed sheet near the fire, drying the ink before wrapping the scroll, tying it closed with a thin piece of twine and a simple knot.
Finally, after his work is done, the Scratcher retires to his tent.
Rafyyk is social during the meal, sitting with people and talking, though subdued more than normal in light of the circumstances and the ceremony that is to come.
He is respectful and lets those who wish to pay their respects to do so. The only thing he says, since he didn't actually know the deceased, is, "May Desna watch over your spirit and guide you on your last journey in this life."
Then he will pray and go to sleep.
In the morning, Pricess Almah tells you that she knows that a monastery to Sarenrae stood near the village of Kelmarane, and that the ruined building would make a much better base of operations for the coming battle for the gnoll-held village—yet chances are good that the monastery is far from abandoned.
The merchant princess also informs you that she desires that you scout ahead and deal with any potential threats, as you've already proven yourself capable assets of the caravan. She does expect to pay you of course, to the measure of 200gp upon completion, and hands Uzma a map of the local environs.
Korum frowns at Almah's request. "This monastery - is it occupied by gnolls? Or some other inhabitant? What information do you have about this place?
He packs his bedroll and tent as he contemplates the answers Almah gives, eating a sparse handful of dried meat as he hefts his pack onto his shoulder and prepares to depart.
Uzma is a fine guide, and he's sparse with his words, which I appreciate. We'll get there safely, and then the real work will begin.
"The monastery is what I was sent here for. I was told to clear out gnolls and other threats to make it safe for restoration.
Rafyyk perked up immediately when the Princess began to talk to them. A monastery dedicated to Sarenrae? Not his deity, but a good deity nonetheless. So he was definitely interested in checking out, and clearing it out.
"I'm in. Let's go check out this monastery."
Two hundred gold to scout ahead seemed like a nice deal to Nishv, All the training in the world means nothing if one cannot eat. And the chance to explore the not-abandoned monastery was just as, if not more, alluring.
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"Of course. Sarenrae has no quarrel with Gozreh, and neither do I. I see no reason why the other deities cannot have shrines as well, save the Rough Beast." Loran smiles as he says this, but it fades and he shudders as he speaks the final words.
Korum sighs, the certainty that he'll have to take another life weighing heavily on his shoulders. "It is settled, then. If Loran needs to complete this task, we will go."
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"This monastery - is it occupied by gnolls? Or some other inhabitant? What information do you have about this place?"
Almah answers Korum's question. "In truth, I only know that the monastery was once holy to Sarenrae, and has been abandoned for well on 10 years now. Chances are good that something has decided to live there in the intervening years."
Korum nods in agreement, shifting his axe onto his shoulder again and grunting softly to himself. "I only hope it isn't the same cultists as attacked some years ago. 'Twas a bloody incident, and not one that needs a reprisal at our hands. Friends Loran, Nishv, and Quiet Uzma, and brother Rafyyk, we should depart before the heat of the sun becomes too much. There will be bloodshed before nightfall, I'm sure."
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Uzma advises that the group delay their departure from camp until after mid-day, given that the old monastery lies to the east. He further estimates that the journey will take just under an hour.
As you are preparing for your journey during the day, Father Zastoran approaches you - either individually, or as a group. He enquires about your preparations, making certain that you are well aware of the dangers of the desert, noting your obvious need to carry water and food.
"The Badawi people have a saying: 'Think not of the desert as a wasteland, but as a new bride. Listen to her wishes and whims, and receive the glory she promises. Listen not, and you risk the wrath of a scorned woman.' Ah-ha-ha-ha!" Some of you have heard this trite adage before.
"Here," he says in earnest after his laughter trails off to a high-pitched giggle, pressing a warm-to-the-touch glass vial into your palm and covering it with both of his hands. "This will help to stave off whatever tongue-lashing the Bride of the Desert gives you!" And with that, the old man scurries off.
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Just as you're about to head off, Garavel approaches you from Almah's tent.
"Hold!" he calls out to you in his no-nonsense fashion. The gruff major-domo strides up to your group, looking you over. "We will await news of your success from here. Princess Almah wishes you good fortune, and bids you be wary. The enemy stronghold of Kelmarane lies close to the monastery - out of direct sight and sound, but not out range of detection. Avoid drawing attention to your mission."
Garavel spins on his heel and leaves you pondering his words as you set off on foot.
Rafyyk accepted the potion from Father Zastoran with a bow of gratitude, though the adage was less well-received he made no show of it. He merely gave a small smile and shook his head. "Thank you, good Father."
As they were about to head on their way, Garavel stopped them and spoke. Rafyyk listened intently and gave a slow nod. "Thank you for the warning. Consider it heeded, and thank the Princess for the good fortune." He nodded to the group and turned to head out.
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The party makes their way in a northeasterly direction across blasted scrub, rocky patches breaking the sand with regularity as the sun dips low into the horizon behind you. Your guide, Uzma, chose the perfect time to depart camp, after the dissipation of the day's maximal heat, and with enough light to spare as you come upon the ruined monastery from the west.
The sun colours the walls of the monastery a deep orange, and though the walls are mainly intact, a few of the towers have collapsed and gaping holes mar most of the wooden roof. Scrub brush and a light, patchy carpet of weeds invade the monastery through two huge fallen sections of the western wall. The exposed nave beyond is a huge hallway littered with bits of debris ranging from tiny rocks to enormous sections of collapsed masonry. The roof above the long promenade
is gone, but several jagged pillars remain.
Nishv slipped the vial into one of the smaller pouches on the side of his pack and nodded in thanks to Zastoran,”And father always worried that no woman would ever have me.”
With Garavel’s words still fresh in his mind, looked over the...monastery. Nishv pulled the fabric of his shemagh from his face and glanced from the monastery to the group. One eyebrow raised as if to say ”Really?”
Rafyyk paused and wiped his brow as he looked over at the monastery. It was a sight. he wished it was night already so he could feel the moon upon him. But such thoughts were unbecoming of him - he should take what is given and make the best of it as he was taught.
"Well. I suppose we should move in and see what is what."
So saying did he slowly make his way to the monastery itself.
As we near the monastery (about 2-3 min. walk away from it) Korum will pause for a moment, his hand drawing a glyph in the air, which shimmers with arcane energy. As he completes the symbol, the shimmering moves and wraps around him, spreading and encasing the tall half-orc in a faintly glowing, translucent sheen. "Your caution is commendable, Brother Uzma. It is a hot day, and we are weary from walking. I fear the dead almost more than the living, as they are impervious to such things. Come, Jobu. We mustn't delay in our duty. The sun will set regardless, and I would prefer four walls around me when it does."
Cast Mage Armor on myself
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The group moves cautiously into the large hallway, picking their way amongst scattered masonry under twilight.
The nave stretches to the north, two darkened alcoves and the start of a wide but short set of stone stairs fading into darkness signifying the persistence of the roof over this section of the monastery.
Korum pulls his axe off of his shoulder, brandishing it as he peers into the darkness, his eyes and ears straining for any sign of life.
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Korum and Rafyyk have no trouble moving through the dim hallway, but the non-half-orc eyes have a more difficult time adjusting, finding their progress hampered. The alcoves off of the northern end of the large nave are visible solely to the wizard and the oracle, sheathed by the remains of the weathered roof.
Korum detects nothing of interest until he peers into the western alcove.
Stepping out out the setting, desert sun and into the ruins of the monastery left Nishv blind for a few moments. When his eyes adjusted to the low-light of the hall he was irritated to find that the hall was mostly shadows and could prove difficult to fight in, should it come to that. Nishv reached for the device he had clipped to his belt and tapped the wayfinder. After a moment light sprung up around him, originating from the wayfinder.
”Dangers may lurk where we cannot see,” Nishv said as he moved in the direction Rafyyk and Korum had gone.
Nishv paused and tried to focus on the sounds in the hall hoping to hear past the footfall of the group.
Rafyyk, seeing Korum acted in a precautionary manner and draw his weapon, gave a nod and did the same, pulling the greataxe off of his back as well. He moved forward to look in to the alcove chamber and frowned. Someone had smashed up the shrine. How despicable and blasphemous - unless it was an evil god, he supposed, but he didn't recognize any of the imagery and symbolism offhand.
He glanced up for a long moment and then looked at Korum with a wince as a light suddenly came on unexpectedly behind them. He didn't say anything about it as he knew they couldn't see, but he did ask Nishv to stay back a bit for a moment so his darkvision could still be useful.
He moved a bit closer to the next chamber while staying in sight of his companions.
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With the light from Nishv's wayfinder, those without darkvision see into the western alcove on the northern end of the nave, closest to the flight of steps.
This debris-laden chamber once held a wooden shrine, but all of that has been smashed to flinders. The ceiling here has remained intact, likely helping to preserve a huge bas-relief carving of a muscular humanoid man with a pointy beard gesturing toward a huge mountain in the background, his face a picture of mortal concern.
Additionally...