Grum's words of humour fall flat as he too swings with a blow that would have connected with flesh but misses bones completely.
The good natured humour between the brothers seems to calm Romund's panic giving him hope. He focus on the nearest target hacking it with his great axe.
Damm dead never rest in this place.
Get back dead, fool!
Romund neatly smashes a skeleton into a number of pieces, leaving just two standing.
When he goes again, Grob tries another sling attack, trying to hit a skull
Grum looks to Romund, a wild grin on his face, as the skeleton falls to pieces, "Well done! Let's finish them off!" but his elation interferes with his ability to swing straight.
Ok. The half orc agrees while moving to the next skeleton.
There is a flurry of blows and misses that leaves the remaining two skeletons a mere pile of bones and Romund sporting a bruise and growing lump on his forehead.
As you survey the room, you see that Kassen's sarcophagus is open, and the lid is lying next to it. His body is intact, save for the broken links of a chain that lie around his neck—the medallion it once held is missing. Kassen is dressed in resplendent full plate with a flaming longsword resting on his chest.
The young woman is clearly asleep with exhaustion but appears otherwise unharmed.
Asar (the dead skeleton) also has a chain around his knock that clearly held a medallion too. Otherwise he has a beautiful longsword and in his open sarcophagus is some intricate chain mail.
"Good work, guys," Grob says raggedly. "I don't know who violated Kassen's crypt, but if I get my hands on them, I'm going to squeeze them until they pop."
Grum lets his heavy weapon lower to the ground, feeling a tad faint with sudden exhaustion. "And then I'll shoot out their teeth, one by one."
Examining the sarcophagi Grum looks askance at the others, "Anyone object to me getting these out?" he asks, not feeling any immense reverence for the dead. He also keeps an eye out for some evidence of the everflame, and a way to light it! He moves to the woman, frowning as he inspects her for visible wounds, and sighs when he finds non. "Well that's no small miracle, but I'll take it."
"Well, I don't think we should touch Kassen. He's our founder, but the guy who attacked us? Oh hell, I'm tempted to relieve myself on his bones..."
Noticing Grum's ruling that the woman is okay, he looks relieved, "Good. We should get her to safety, if we can find some."
And he looks around as well, wondering just where the flame is kept.
As you look around the room again, you can't help but notice a torch mounted above the crypt. It flickers with a pale golden light. As it logically can't have been lit by the skeletons, you presume this is the everflame. It's light is unnatural and it appears from the torch, to be a magical flame - with no obvious source of fuel.
You also notice a nondescript door in the room, there is no obvious lock so presumably it is open.
As you ponder your next move the young woman stirs and starts to open her eyes.
Grum nods in grim acceptance of not touching Kessan, but he does move to get the chainmail out of the other coffin. "Looks like that's our flame right up there." he says as he removes the lantern and tosses it to Grob, before turning back to the coffin. As he's about to reach inside a thought occurs to him, and he turns to Romund, "Good Romund, this place seems to have a fair number of traps, would you mind giving these coffins a thorough inspection before I go sticking my hand inside?"
He notices the woman waking, "Easy, we're rescuing you. My name is Grobradon, I'm a member of the local town watch and militia, this is my brother Grumadon, and and that there's Romund."
Grum lifts a hand in greeting to the woman, grinning out the side of his mouth, "Dimira?"
Dimira stares at you in turn, her face pale. She almost seems beyond fear as she shows no reaction to the situation she finds herself in. Her voice is week and she talks without prompting, moving from one subject to another.
"Voices, lot of voices...They said someone's been here before...Roldare, is he alright?.."
Grum looks over her head at the others, "He's... well. He'll be relieved to see you're alive. Are you hurt? Can you tell us what happened?"
Romund watches both sarcophagus greedily. He feels Kassan, being dead an all, would not mind being relieved of some goods but it was not worth to enrage the village over it.
He checks both sarcophagus and the new door for traps.
After finishing his inspection Romund helps Grum take the itens from Asar. While the ranger moves to talk to the girl the yong half orc picks up the lantern and light it at the everflame. Better get this done quick, the sooner we leave this cursed place the better!
Grob nods as Romund gets the everflame and waits for Dimira's answer
Dimira recounts a story identical to Roldare's. Then she explains how a group of raiders grabbed her and brought her here, but they were attacked by the skeletons and were killed. She points to the closed door. " The leader of the bandits and a few others went in there but I heard terrible screams and suppose they died too.". With that her voice tails off and she drifts back into exhausted sleep.
As Romund lots the lantern, the spirit of Kassen stirs from its rest.
"My deepest gratitude for putting an end to Asar. It seems hard to believe but we were once adventuring companions, and that we went our separate ways after acquiring a great deal of treasure. I believe he felt cheated after our last quest and that is why he came to attack my town and the rest you probably know. Is there anything I can help you with before I rest again?"
Not sure where to look and doing so in all directions Romund looks scared. Damn undead, there is no end to them! But that is Kassan, he is supposed to be THE good guy.
Hmmm...sir....eerrr... Could you heal us? Our priest kind of fled. And what is on the oher side of that door?
By the way your village sucks.
Kassen considers Romund for a second before responding. "To answer your direct question, that's where the rest of Assar's men were buried all those years ago. As to your wounds..." he pauses a moment and although nothi happens outwardly, you all feel as good as you've ever felt.
As if nothing had happened, Kassen continues. "My amulet appears to have gone. Curious."
"Thank you,"Grobradon says, only now recovering from his awe of meeting the spirit of their town hero, My wounds are healed. This is...SO real."Did your amulet have some power, or some other reason folks would want it?"
Grum finally comes out of his shock at seeing Kassen's spirit, and appreciating the healing energy. "Thank you, honorable Kassen. We also seek to gird ourselves for adventures to come, have you any objection to our taking what treasures we find in this place? Also, do you know if more undead stir here, like Assar's men buried beyond that door?" figuring the spirit would help him make his decision to loot or not.
Kassen smiles as you ask him questions, and when he's sure no more are coming he replies.
These amulets are part of a key that opens up a great treasure vault Assar and I plundered long, long ago. I remember little about the vault itself - death has that sort of effect on the memory you know - but I do remember that the amulet points the way to the vault if it is reassembled from its three component parts. There was a third amulet that we gave to Iramine, she was an elven sorceress that was part of our group.
A dead man is fair game for looting I guess but I would object to helping yourself to any contents of a grave itself. I for one would take revenge if you tried it with me.". He chuckles kindly at the thought of it.
Through there, he points to the next room as if he's looking through the closed door. You are welcome to anything you find. These vile grave robbers deserve no respect. But now I grow weary. Thank you for all of your help and for being so resourceful in your defence of my honour.. With that, his image fades until he is no more.
Grum turns to the others, amazement still in his eyes, "...Well, that was unexpected." He thinks for a moment, organizing his thoughts, "First we should check beyond the door, then return these two to the village along with the Flame. I'd not touch Kassen, but the other grave seems fair game! I for one would like to get my hands on those amulet pieces and see what's in that vault!"
"I'm all for gold , but... that elf sorceress, I wonder if she's somehow still alive? Don't they live for...well, darn near ever?" The fighter seems thoughtful despite their victory and the wealth that awaits them, "Whoever took these amulets can't be up to any good."
Grum frowns at his brothers point, "Yeah I think they do... she's probably still alive somewhere isn't she, and probably not all that old either. Well, it's worth keeping an eye out at least, maybe she'll want to go with us or we can buy the amulet. We'll just wait and see."
With that he moves over to the door, readying his bow, "Romund, would you mind checking this out?" Grum asks plaintively.
Sure the half orc mumbles
You carefully enter the room to see this is another crypt, a message carved into each sarcophagus states these were raiders that tried to attack the tomb many years before. All of the sarcophagi are disturbed and their contents are strewn around the floor.
Lying on the flagstones is the corpse of a masked man. The dead man is wearing gray robes and an peculiar iron mask that covers his face. The stench of rot hangs heavy around him. You would estimate he’s been dead for a few months and was strangled.
The dead man has a few items of interest on him, namely a map leading to the crypt (along with a note that reads, “The amulets are entombed with Kassen and Asar”), a wand, some bracers that are clearly masterwork, a horn which may be , 5000gp in newly minted coins and a spellbook. Amongst the items on the floor, those of value include what appears to be a bag of holding, a shield that is clearly magical in some way and a precious stone.
What is not here is either amulet.
Grum gapes at the items they find, his elation tempered by the distinct lack of amulets. "Either of you ever seen a fellow like this before?" he asks as he's securing the items in his pack. He regards the spellbook and wand sadly, remembering those who entered this place with them, but are no longer around.
Grob also sighs, thinking how useful some of these things would have been to the others, "I'm not sure...hey, maybe one of the elders at the village or priests will recognize this mask?" Cautiously, he removes the mask from the corpse to take as evidence, and tries not to breath as he's pretty sure it's about to stink worse.
Grob wonders if there's anything remotely military about the mask but doubts it.
Wizard of some sort by the looks. Looking around. I dont see any amulets....
Romund considers the mask as he knows it's familiar to him. Then he remembers...there is a cult that has sprung up recently around Lake Encarthan. It's a cult of a living god called Razmir. You've definitely heard of a branch of the cult starting up in Tamran, the capital.
Wounds mended and treasure amassed, you decide to journey back to Kassen. Roldare is thrilled to see Dimira again and seems to regain most (but not all) of his sanity.
When you finally reach Kassen, you find a celebration underway in your honour. Mayor Uptal is there to greet you at the gates, but his joy at your return quickly turns to horror when he finds out what has happened.
The news quickly spreads throughout town and the harvest celebration turns melancholy. The folk do not blame you for what happened, and most are rather grateful that this new menace is ended. The grand feast is still held in your honour, but it is not the same as it was in previous years. This year, many are drinking to help forget that they have lost friends and loved ones. Plans are made to return to the crypt and bury the slain townsfolk.
During this celebration, Cygar stops to talk with you for a few moments. He formally introduces himself to you as a Pathfinder and mentions he might have some work for you if you are interested.
"Razmir? Well, he's an evil god if he's sending his followers out to do this..." Is all Grob has to say on the subject when Romund fills them in.
Of more concern to him is Roldare, who seems steadier, but could still get worse and isn't what he was. He makes a note to inform the local priesthoods that the fellow might need help when they get home.
When you finally reach Kassen, you find a celebration underway in your honour. Mayor Uptal is there to greet you at the gates, but his joy at your return quickly turns to horror when he finds out what has happened.
...vandalized, sir... and worse. As you can see, we brought the flame back, but we lost a lot of good folks, and you should alert their families. We found this mask, a cult of Razmir mask according to Romund. I'll alert the watch to keep an eye out for any cultists opening wearing the same." Grobradon gives reports in a precise manner.
The news quickly spreads throughout town and the harvest celebration turns melancholy. The folk do not blame you for what happened, and most are rather grateful that this new menace is ended. The grand feast is still held in your honour, but it is not the same as it was in previous years. This year, many are drinking to help forget that they have lost friends and loved ones. Plans are made to return to the crypt and bury the slain townsfolk.
As he planned, Grob will go to the local priesthood to warn about Roldare's uncertain state of mind, and also to ask for more details of Razmir. he's a Gorumite himself, but he stays respectful at all times.
And he does alert the watch that the most likely suspects for the robbery and defilement of the crypt is the Cult of Razmir.And yes, he makes sure mother is well.
When he does settle in for the 'celebration', he finds it a mixed bag. No one blames him, true, but it is not quite the homecoming he wanted either. Instead of Jubulient praise of the three half orcs as heroes, there is mourning the lost... the latter IS understandable, but some part of him, a small part, wonders if there wouldn't be more back patting and cheers if the humans had made it home instead.
He buries the thought less it makes him bitter.
Should any ask for details, he tells them, and he does not neglect his brother and Romund's part in this.
"Brother kind of took lead of the party, if not for him, we'd probably gotten lost more than once. Romund is tougher than he looks, and both held up with amazing fortitude. Took care of some traps too."
During this celebration, Cygar stops to talk with you for a few moments. He formally introduces himself to you as a Pathfinder and mentions he might have some work for you if you are interested
A few moments are granted.
As is disbelief, "A pathfinder? here in our little town? Why?" Clearly he's interested enough to hear answers.
You all recognise Cygar. As a town wary of outsiders as a rule, he epitomises the reasons you are cautious. He dresses in dark colours and keeps to himself, having rented a room in the Seven Silvers for the past 4 months.
He can sometimes be seen wandering around town, watching the townsfolk, but otherwise he keeps mostly to his room and the taproom at the Silvers.
This is, however, the first anyone has heard of him being a Pathfinder. You know they are a vast group of international treasure hunters and adventurers.
He continues to speak…”I’ve been on the lookout for anyone in town I might get to join my cause, but they needed to prove themselves competent first. I’d say you fit the bill.”
”I have some work for you, if you’re interested,” he holds up a hand to stop any questions at this stage and continues. ”I’ve taken an interest in the recent events, and I am sure my organisation would like to see the tomb robbers that caused this mess called to account for their actions. Are you interested in getting to the bottom of this puzzle? If so, I’ve identified a few newcomers to Kassen who can swell your numbers as I reckon you’re little thin on the ground.”
With that he gestures for Heledar, Rumha and Ryanthus to join you at the table. He’s spoken to each of you over the last week or so – innocuous questions you thought but he was clearly finding out about you. He repeats the offer and awaits your responses.
Rythan had been surprised to learn that the heroes of Kassen were half-orcs, but he showed no sign of that surprise now. A lean, serious-looking man with sharp eyes and the bearing of a soldier, he reached across the table, offering his hand to his potential new comrades, human and non-humans alike.
"My name is Rythanus Wintrish. I'd be honored to work with the heroes of Kassen." He seemed serious enough, though there was a twinkle in his blue eyes. "I can lend both my blade and a bit of magic to this enterprise. Tell me, Cygar, is there any clue of where we should begin to look for these tomb robbers, or is this investigation more of a bare-bones affair?"
With his dark skin, foreign looks, and desert burnoose, Rumha's experiences in Kassen mirrored those of the darkly dressed Pathfinder. He was greeted with, at best, a wary disdain. Trying to drum up business with a winning smile had been all but impossible... and creating a need for his services was just too risky among these hawk-eyed and distrustful folk. They were going to be a tough nut to crack - but the priest enjoyed a challenge. A change in tactics was the first order.
From the milling crowd, he watched the newly minted heroes soak up respect and a bit of deference from even the stiffest of the locals. That kind of cachet is what I need... and Cygar offered it to him on a platter. When an opportunity knocks, you answer the door.
Rumha moves smoothly to the offered chair, smiling warmly and offering a raised hand in greeting. "I'm Rumha Varju - itinerant Priest - at your service, gentlemen."
Grum, having drunk quite a bit to celebrate in a rare show of community spirit, is a little more talkative than usual. Dulling the pain of losing so many while he was guide certainly doesn't hurt either. "Glad to meet your acquaintances, but I've gotta warn you... good folks died on our last little venture. And... And there wasn't nothing I could do to stop it. Either of you folks any good at healing? Cause if you come with us you're gonna need it!" his voice is a little slurred and stumbling with intoxication and the half-orc seems to have some trouble getting words formed around his enlarged lower canines. But perhaps most striking of all, is the tears glistening in his eyes, yet to fall but giving the orbs a wet brightness. Clearly he seems to be taking his losses hard.
He turns on Cygar suddenly, reeling just a little as he does, "And we aint generals either, we don't have 'numbers' to swell'! Those were good people back there. PEOPLE! not some footsoldier in a pathfinder army!" and slams his fist onto the table.
He continues to speak…”I’ve been on the lookout for anyone in town I might get to join my cause, but they needed to prove themselves competent first. I’d say you fit the bill.”
”I have some work for you, if you’re interested,” he holds up a hand to stop any questions at this stage and continues. ”I’ve taken an interest in the recent events, and I am sure my organisation would like to see the tomb robbers that caused this mess called to account for their actions. Are you interested in getting to the bottom of this puzzle? If so, I’ve identified a few newcomers to Kassen who can swell your numbers as I reckon you’re little thin on the ground.”With that he gestures for Heledar, Rumha and Ryanthus to join you at the table. He’s spoken to each of you over the last week or so – innocuous questions you thought but he was clearly finding out about you. He repeats the offer and awaits your responses.
"Not to be rude, but from what little I hear about pathfinders, some of you guys might be tempted to rob the crypt yourselves," Grobradon informs Cygar. "You're asking for a lot of trust upfront here."
Still, if this is some sort of trick, it's an overly elaborate one in the warrior's opinion, what kind of ruse brings in this many strangers?
"My name is Rythanus Wintrish. I'd be honored to work with the heroes of Kassen." He seemed serious enough, though there was a twinkle in his blue eyes. "I can lend both my blade and a bit of magic to this enterprise. Tell me, Cygar, is there any clue of where we should begin to look for these tomb robbers, or is this investigation more of a bare-bones affair?"
Rumha moves smoothly to the offered chair, smiling warmly and offering a raised hand in greeting. "I'm Rumha Varju - itinerant Priest - at your service, gentlemen."
Grum, having drunk quite a bit to celebrate in a rare show of community spirit, is a little more talkative than usual. Dulling the pain of losing so many while he was guide certainly doesn't hurt either. "Glad to meet your acquaintances, but I've gotta warn you... good folks died on our last little venture. And... And there wasn't nothing I could do to stop it. Either of you folks any good at healing? Cause if you come with us you're gonna need it!" his voice is a little slurred and stumbling with intoxication and the half-orc seems to have some trouble getting words formed around his enlarged lower canines. But perhaps most striking of all, is the tears glistening in his eyes, yet to fall but giving the orbs a wet brightness. Clearly he seems to be taking his losses hard.
He turns on Cygar suddenly, reeling just a little as he does, "And we aint generals either, we don't have 'numbers' to swell'! Those were good people back there. PEOPLE! not some footsoldier in a pathfinder army!" and slams his fist onto the table.
"They were good folk." Grob agrees patting his brother on the shoulder and nodding.
"If you really come to help, nice to meet you. I'm Grobradon. We found a few leads who might be behind this in a crypt but nothing certain."
Nodding at the general agreement to his proposal, Cygar gets up from the table, blending back into the crowd, saying only that he will be in touch.
You suspect he leaves before you have the chance to ask him any more questions - or in Grum's case hit him!
You all recognise Cygar. As a town wary of outsiders as a rule, he epitomises the reasons you are cautious. He dresses in dark colours and keeps to himself, having rented a room in the Seven Silvers for the past 4 months.
He can sometimes be seen wandering around town, watching the townsfolk, but otherwise he keeps mostly to his room and the taproom at the Silvers.
This is, however, the first anyone has heard of him being a Pathfinder. You know they are a vast group of international treasure hunters and adventurers.
He continues to speak…”I’ve been on the lookout for anyone in town I might get to join my cause, but they needed to prove themselves competent first. I’d say you fit the bill.”
”I have some work for you, if you’re interested,” he holds up a hand to stop any questions at this stage and continues. ”I’ve taken an interest in the recent events, and I am sure my organisation would like to see the tomb robbers that caused this mess called to account for their actions. Are you interested in getting to the bottom of this puzzle? If so, I’ve identified a few newcomers to Kassen who can swell your numbers as I reckon you’re little thin on the ground.”With that he gestures for Heledar, Rumha and Ryanthus to join you at the table. He’s spoken to each of you over the last week or so – innocuous questions you thought but he was clearly finding out about you. He repeats the offer and awaits your responses.
With a smile, Heledar approaches the gathered companions - "Well met friends, I am Heledar. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance after having heard of your deeds" - he offers a short bow.
"I have offered, and Cygar has deigned to accept my inclusion in your group, if you would take me. I find it hard to quantify or qualify my capabilities... I have tried to make the best of my life so far, travelling the world, serching for where one can make a difference. I believe this may be such a place for the time being. I... Share in the flow and power of the Life that surround us all, and tap into it to assist those around me in many possible ways, whether in protection, offensive capabilities, or even healing"
Taking a seat, he adds still smiling - "I am not expecting you to accept me at face value, instead expecting you to give me an opportunity to place my money where my mouth is - starting right now" - he raises his hand, signaling for the waiter/waitress - "One more round please - this one is on me!" - then he laughs.
Grum watches Cygar go with some fire in his eyes, "Didn't even buy us a drink!" he mumbles as he accepts his brothers solace, which does seem to help the Ranger. Turning to the new comers he dips his heads, "I'm Grumadon. This Grob is my brother and we share a father! Different mothers though, bet you didn't know that!"
He looks happily at Heledar, "A drink?! This one can stay I say, look at him, buying us drinks and doesn't even know us." He leans closer to Grob, whispering drunkenly, which is to say not at all, "Should we tell him that good folks die around us? Or do you think it'll scare 'im off?"
"Glad to meet your acquaintances, but I've gotta warn you... good folks died on our last little venture. And... And there wasn't nothing I could do to stop it. Either of you folks any good at healing? Cause if you come with us you're gonna need it!" his voice is a little slurred and stumbling with intoxication and the half-orc seems to have some trouble getting words formed around his enlarged lower canines. But perhaps most striking of all, is the tears glistening in his eyes, yet to fall but giving the orbs a wet brightness. Clearly he seems to be taking his losses hard.
Rumha's smile fades. "I'm sorry for your loss. In a small town such as this - any death is keenly felt. But I'm sure it's a relief to your neighbors that at least some of you made it home."
"Not to be rude, but from what little I hear about pathfinders, some of you guys might be tempted to rob the crypt yourselves," Grobradon informs Cygar. "You're asking for a lot of trust upfront here."
Rumha watches Cygar's retreat silently. He regards the drunk brothers and the table for a moment, then sweeps some crumbs up and drops them on the floor. "I can't say what drives Cygar... but I'm a Priest, not a Pathfinder. Tomb-robbing isn't in my pedigree. I know my way around wounds, battlefields, and traveling the wide world."
With his money pouch full Grum goes out around town looking for some goods. He stops by the weaponsmith, armorer, and a few magic shops as well.
- Mwk Agile Breastplate 550gp (or Mwk Breastplate 350gp)
- Someone to cast Masterwork Transformation on his Heavy Flail 300gp
- 100gp in quality dresses, cutlery, furniture, jewelry for dear Mommy
- Possibly some other items but I'll wait to see what's available on his list so far.
Grum looks to Rumha, blinking several times to help focus, "The wide world you say? That sounds... tiring. What brings you to this neck of the tree? I mean the woods?"