Kyzen, intrigued that we didn't find anything of interest so far as to why so many kobolds in this tower... walking towards the big room with all the rubbles...
"Nothing of interest here... Hummm why were they here... Why so many... What were they digging up here..."
Kyzen start using his kinetic ability to move as much dust and rocks as possible as to clear the area so we have a better look at what the kobolds were trying to find...
Kakrish strolls into the larger area with Kyzen. "You have a good point Kyz. Just what were they digging for here?" Kakrish aims to slaps the hobgoblin on the back when he replies but due to the height difference he ends up patting his rump.
He starts looking around at the structure of the tunneling and digging. "Considering that I'm an expert at this stuff I can guarantee that if there's something to find here, I'll find it." To emphasize his point he pokes the ground with his finger then licks the dust off his finger. "Hmm. A bit of lime, some quartz. Yep. Someone was digging here."
Might be that they were undermining something...
Astute observations, guys. I guess we should get some rest here.
Tamora sees if she can still detect any evil that lingers after the kobolds are no more. She will also takes her time inspecting the room with detect magic and her natural senses (Perception (Take 20) - 30)
The group starts looking at the big cavern. While part of it was of a natural occurrence, the big section covered in rubbles along the western wall was recently dug out. Kyras is able to estimate that this was the reason for the tower collapsing. Kyzen, using his geokineticism, moves some of the rubble aside. After a few minutes, you spot a human hand. Pushing a few more stone and dirt, you find the body of an old human, dressed in what used to be nice clothes. A quick search, result in finding a key ring with two keys attached. While it might look that he was killed by the stone falling, a closer inspection, Tamora is able to see that he was stabbed by a slim blade. Most, likely someone was able get within striking distance without alarming the old wizard and pierce his chest with a downward motion straight through the chest.
Well, this is not good news. How long as he been dead? Kyras looks around to see if he has others with him or has more gear. I really think we should take this body out, report in to the person who hired us, rest and restock and continue here tomorrow.
Kakrish walks over to examine the body. "Yep. Dead." He pokes at the body with his boot covered foot. "Just a sec. I can tell you how long he's been dead."
Kakrish continues to look like he knows what he's doing then he states, "Looks like the body has been down here for at least a couple months." He takes a closer look at the wizard's face and some of the dried blood around the knife wound. "Or maybe it's only been a couple hours." Kakrish stands up authoritatively from examining the body. "Yep. I'm certain. More than a couple hours, less than a couple months."
At Kyras's suggestion Kakrish nods in agreement. "Kyras, you are wise beyond years. That is a good plan." Kakrish pounds his fist on his chest a couple times then points to Kyras and winks.
Looking at Kakrish with doubt about the old man's death, Kyzen also nods at Kyras's plan...
But...
"Ok so kobolds did this, but why hasn't been answered yet."
Turning his head toward the direction of the small tunnel...
"Ok now we know what appended here, but I'm still curious about how the kobolds got here in the first place without being noticed."
Kyzen turns and go take another look at the small tunnel...
Kyras looks deep in through for a moment and you can almost see him mentally connecting some dots. Then he adds Remember that the tower was sound from above, and not at all threatening to fall down. These kobolds came through those tunnels and underminded the tower. Not sure why. And this body could be that Hunclay fellow we were told to look for. The Baroness said he should have been around. So we do need to go and report in to her and get our reward. But first I think we better check out these two tunnels just to see where they go.
"We have confirmation that the wizard is a rich man. The clothes defines a person. I am certain that this body is Hunclay.
Tamora's kneels, her hand sweep through the body of the deceased wizard.
"To be fell by just a simple blade wielded by a bunch of tunnel dwellers or an unseen assassin, they must be well-trained. What an untimely and ironic death for such a powerful person."
Tossing the keys into the party's inventory, she then searches the wizard for his spellbook. Her actions afterwards is to examine the tunnels thorough and through (detect spells; alignment & magic + Perception check (Take 20) - 31) before turning to the party.
"I think we accomplished what we came for. Let's report back to the baroness and get a well-deserved rest on the surface unless you want to use the scattered remains of this tower as your bed. We can resume our investigation of this tower at the dawn of the next day."
But first I think we better check out these two tunnels just to see where they go.
With the body completely dug out, Tamora looks for the spellbook that one would expect to have when they travel. She does find one. She does find some sewn in pocket with component inside. Now the group looks around, coming to an understanding that they should probably call it for the night. The only question remains is what exit to use. The group could go back the way they came, or they could see where that small dugout tunnel leads to.
Kakrish nods sagely at Tamora's comment about Hunclay's death. "Yes. Someone down here must be an expert assassin."
Then he walks the perimeter of the area and inspects the dug out tunnel entrance. "If you want my expert opinion, I think we should go ahead and go back out the way we came in. We can come back tomorrow and follow this dug out tunnel, if needed." Kakrish
Tamora nods as she fishes out the spellbook and holds it up for the party's eyes to prove her point. Lowering it to eye level, she flicks through the spellbook find out what spell formula it holds.
Hoga rigs up an impromptu stretcher to carry out the corpse.
I agree Kakrish. I'd like to explore that small tunnel, but I'd prefer to be refreshed and better equipped. As to a skilled assassin, I think all these kobolds are more than they seem. They were skilled and quite tough compared to what I would have expected.
Turning his attention to the raven he asks Well my new friend, it seems we are going topside. I suspect its been quite some time since you have been up above. Would you come with me? Or do you have business of your own to complete? Kyras' tone is inviting and its obviously that he hopes the creature will stay with him.
Kyzen agrees with everyone... Then all of a sudden, his focus switch from battle to relaxe and he starts to feel the need for drinks... He almost looks like he's in a hurry to go back up...
"Agreed, lets go back, report and regain our strength " Feeling very thursty... "I need..." taking a pause... "We all need a couple of drinks!"
As Tamora starts flipping through the spellbook, Hoga gather a few scraps and make an impromptu stretcher. The rest of the group come to an agreement about where to go from here. Kyras also turns to the Raven, inviting him to follow the group topside.
"Business down here? Nah, what business I had down here die with my old human ages ago. I'm curious to see what it looks like up there now, after all these years." He turns to the corpse of the old man that Hoga is laying on the stretcher. "So, who's the old guy? Is that the reason you all came down here? I thought you were after the treasure."
As you flip through the page of the spellbook, you start feeling sick. There is something about this book that just doesn't feel right.
Tamora scans the book for any magic or wickedness at work.
Some drinks sound good right now, Hoga says to Kyzen.
He gets ready to take the unlucky wizard's body to town for a proper burial.
Kyras watches Tamora look through the book and adds When you are done looking at that I'd like to see it. There is a chance that I could translate and copy some of its contents into my formulary.
While it feels like torture, you analyse the spellbook. The first few pages are cantrip and all seem okay. As you continue to look further, you notice that there are some extra inscriptions at the bottom of each page. They glow with a magical aura. Each time you flip a page, you feel the magic affecting you more and more. It seems to be some sort of protection, preventing anyone but the owner to look at the book.
Tamora rubs her head.
"I would advise against it at the moment. The book is well-protected by magic inscriptions that prevents another user other than the owner from perusing its contents. Unless you have more of these scrolls at hand and can use it on the abjurations."
She takes the erase scroll out.
"Nice job on this stretcher," Kakrish says to Hoga. He unburies the body and drags it onto the stretcher. "Yeah, I don't know who this is. But I'm guessing it's Hunclay, just as Tamora said."
Thank you Tamora for your warning. I recommend we pursue this at our leisure above ground. Either way Karkrish I believe the Baroness will want to know about him, and about all we have found. Shall we go?
Yes, Hoga nods, grabbing one end of the stretcher.
The group travels back the way they came to the surface. Once there, they notice that it is now a few hours before dawn. The town looks quiet from where you are. Looking around, you notice that a simple rope fence was set-up around the tower with sign warning to not trespass. No one is in sight.
Wake up the Baroness or go rest a few hours at the Inn first?
Let's get some sleep. No need to bother anyone now.
"Agreed, let us rest before talking to the Baroness, but first I need drinks before going to bed! Anyone joining me, I'm buying!" Turning toward Tamora... "May I ask if you have some healing to spare?"
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"Agree."
Tamora closes the spellbook and moves to Kyzen.
"You're hurt?"
The inquisitor moves around his body until she comes across an ugly singed skin that is half-healed. Nodding, she places her hand on the patch, releasing a greenish hue.
Once she is finished, she withdraws her hand and walks with the party.
"I will take your offer as long as I can select my drink."
We started this quest with a drink/ We might as well finish it up with one. I am in.
Kyzen groan as Tamora finds and touches his deep wound... After a few seconds he feels the pain no more...
"Thank you very much, this wound will bother me no more. It will be my pleasure to invite you for as many drinks as you like."
Kyzen starting to walk in direction of the inn, stops for second wandering if he or they were forgetting something, but the thurst is to strong and he picks up the pace...
"So my treat!"
Tamora stops. She quickly unpack some broken chain shirts and some ropes that she used in the prior adventure when she forgot her bedroll. She tells Hoga to lower the gurney and step away as she works on the body. Before long, the inquisitor looks at the bundled corpse with a proud expression. Tamora gestures for the half-orc to strap it onto his back like a bundled weapon.
With his uncanny strength, Hoga easily hefts the unfortunate corpse.
"Ha ha! Brilliant plan Miss T." Kakrish slaps Tamora on the shoulder. "That should keep everyone from asking us questions."
At the mention of a drink Kakrish perks up even more. "Drinks? Of course! Lead the way."
Kyzen hears Kakrish congratulating Tamora and for a second he doesn't quite understand why... Until he sees one of the corps hand getting loose has Hoga put the bundle on his shoulder...
"I knew I was forgetting something... Just a sec Hoga." Kyzen puts the wizard's hand back and makes sure it is secure... "Can we go now!!!"
Kyzen leads the way to the Inn... And will be buying drinks for his friends...
Kyzen will also take the opportunity to gather information about Hunclay, Belhaim, Local legends and rumors
* (includes buying some drinks to some local folk)
Tamora tells Kyzen the non-alcoholic drink she wants. While waiting for the hobgoblin, she dances with the local folks as the music from the bards flows through the inn before joining them in her companions and several others in their drinking.
The next day, Kyzen will buy some more potions of CLW (5).
After taking some precaution with the corpse, the group heads for the inn. Once there, to the surprise of some of them, the place is open. Getting inside, they notice that the a single person is there. An older woman is slowly preparing the place for the first customers of the day. She looks up at you, surprise to see people walking in that early. "Just a moment please." She walks back to stand behind the bar. "What can I do for you?" After placing your orders, she brings you what food and drinks she has ready.
The group eats, drinks and relax for a few hours. Taking in what they found during the night. Eventually a few patrons start walking in. Mostly caravan merchants and their helpers. Kyzen approaches and starts talking to them to gather what information he can. While they don't know much about local rumors, they have heard of Hunclay. According to them, he worships devils and collects books of evil origin. One merchant also mentions something about a pack of wolves, lead by a very large one, attacking livestock and even some small caravan.
The patrons leave after some time, and looking outside, you notice that the sun is up and that the village is coming to life in the street. You guess that probably by now, the Baroness would be awake and available to receive people.
Hoga is curious about the wolves mentioned by the merchant. He approaches him and asks, Say, sir, how did you hear about these wolves? Where was this?
The merchant looks at Hoga. "You are not from around here, aren't you? Never saw you before." Taking a few more bites from his plate, he starts talking again. "The wolves seem to attack small group that travel along the Devy road. I've seen wolves before, but never that big. I'm pretty sure if the big one is gone, the rest will just scatter back into the woods." He finishes his plate and drink, stand up and grab his stuff. "You know, looking at the size of you, that big wolf pelt would make one heck of a cloak. Anyway, got to hit the road. Got ware to sell to the next village."
Thank you. Safe travels, sir.
Hoga reflects briefly. You know, I would look pretty snazzy with a big old wolf pelt cloak!
Hey, guys. Maybe we could check out that wolf situation after we wrap things up with the Baroness?
Sure Hoga. Maybe the Baroness will even pay us to take care of the wolves. Speaking of the Baroness, I believe its time to go and report in.. He turns to the raven and asks Will you be coming?
Kyzen, after a few hours starts to feel the fatigue kicking in...
"Lets see the Baroness about the Wizard. Then we should get a good night sleep, else we may be the Wolf's diner if we are too tired!"
Agreed. Let's report back and then get some sleep, the hearty half orc says, stifling a yawn.