"I doubt it will be enough to fill up Daurros and Ardantos thurst..." the warforged says blunt, winking Whisper omniously, then bursting out in laughter.
Something must have changed him down here... be it the unworthly experience he had in the water, or the 'near death'-situations in the fight with the evil undead, or even a combination of both, but he seems way more human now.
Whisper happily joins in Guard's laughter, not sure what has come over the warforged but liking him all the more for it. Smiling to herself she can't help but be amused that she can feel herself starting to look up to Guard, almost as a big brother.
As the group makes it toward the docks, they seem alite with news and gossip. It seems the harbormaster Keltar ISLARAN has been murdered. Forzakhad suggests placing the treasure in his ship while they talk to Lady Vanderborn. Ithaniar long silent simple says " I am done with this place and all its weakness, do what you will" and simply walks away. The group is left stunned as he walks into the crowed
Whisper stands in shock, simply staring at the point where Ithaniar disappeared into the crowd, a pained expression on her face. Shivering slightly she wraps her arms around herself and leaves it up to the others to decide what to do.
Thoven will help with carrying the chests to the best of his abilities.
"I have little interest in the plunder, being I came only after this amulet" he says, motioning to the tarnished thing about his neck.
"It is for my trial to acheve the rank of Pilgrim within the church. Soon, once i return to the temple,I shall become that which I have quested for, and it will be my charge to travel abroad. Slaying evil, righting wrongs and spreading the light to wherever there is darkness as I see fit."
He pauses, for a moment unsure of his words."I do not fancy myself as much of an adventurer. But i will say that i see the Light of the Flame in all of you, far more than I could ever see it in all the holy texts."
He pauses...a bit longer this time."The Flame dictates that I am to Right Wrongs and Extinguish Evil in all of it's forms."
Again he stops, seeming to lose his words mometarily before they come leaping back."What i'm saying, you see, is that this man, Vanthus Vanderboren, seems like a good place to start."
Shaken from her thoughts Whisper shyly looks at Lord Thoven "Your help would be more then appreciated I'm sure.. besides I believe Ardanto voiced wishing to take you as a husband" She manages to joke before losing her nerve and quickly looking away and back to where Ithaniar disappeared.
"Don't you worry about Ithaniar. Bigger man have lost faith, Thoven will assure you of that. At least we helped him getting out of there alive. Best we could do. Let him find his way and place." Guard says soothing to the girl.
Turning to the cleric the warforged adds: "I agree. You helped us a large bit down there. And since Ithaniar just turned us down, we are short one man that can deal with wounds, should we get attacked in the future (again). We all gladly welcome you. And I think Lady Vanderboren will do so as well."
Thoven chuckles at Whisper's Remark"Thank you for your kindness Whisper, The Light of the Flame is bright in you, even if you havent realized it. It even shines through your timidness."
Silently and sadly Whisper leans against Guard, finding some comfort in his presence. "You'd think I'd have gotten used to people leaving without properly saying goodbye by now.." She evebtually utters, mostly to herself.
At Thoven's words she starts a little and blushes deeply. "..thank you.."
"Yes, Gaurd is correct." Thoven states "Perhaps I should have directed him towards my Temple, but somehow i think now would not have been the right time."
As if it would happen regularly, Guard hugs Whisper gently as she leans against his adamant plating.
"Now what? Report to Lady Vanderboren?"
"Thoven, I would also welcome your help finding and punishing Vanthus. You proved a great help down there, and I don't think we showed much weakness at all, despite what Ithaniar said."
Finn frowns slightly. "I can't say that I approve of some of your church's actions against the shifting folk, but I will judge you by your own actions, not those of your brethren."
" Those weak in faith enough to fall from grace often blame those around them for weakening their resolve. It's a shame, Finn, he could not accept his own shortcomings in his faith, and Therin was his downfall." Thoven states, shaking his head slightly.
Whisper gives a tiny nod at Guard's suggestion. "I think we should report to Lady Vanderboren, then take some time to rest and heal and then go investigate the Lotus Dragons" She suggests meekly.
"Lady Vanderboren?" He inquires." I thought we were after a Mr. Vanthus Vanderboren, not a lady." He glances down at the amulet." I believe i'm a little behind in what has happened. If someone could bring me up to speed, it would be greatly appreciated."
"That rest and heal thing has a nice sound to it, for now. And I think I need to restock on those Repair-Potions..." Guard speaks.
"We work for Lady Lavinia Vanderboren, Vanthus' sister.. but I'm sure someone else can explain more clearly than me" The little rogue pipes up quietly as she keeps close to the warforged.
Thoven smiles"I'm sure that's the jist of it Whisper, and that's certainly all I asked for." He can't help but be kind to the young girl. " Well seeing as you are under her employ, perhaps i should tag along, and make my case to the lady to work for her. I am determined to bring down this evil." His expression slightly overzealous.
He once again glances at the amulet, seeming to remember his place" But then i will need to return to my master at the Temple." These words have a bit of meekness in them, almost rivaling Whisper.
"I'm sure Lady Lavinia will be more than pleased to meet you.. maybe we could wait for you to go to your temple first if you need to.." Whisper offers kindly, not wanting to get the man who'd saved them in any real trouble with his superiors.
As the group climb out of the trap door Ardanto grasp each ones hand to help them out, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Don't forget my crabs," he calls down to the last man out
Ardanto seems to be in a great mood, he smiles brightly and sings the whole way to the docks.
His singing is compromised by the fact that it is a duet and he keeps having to sing the mermaids parts in a high pitched voice.
Once at the dock he helps load the chests into the ship, then has a peek at all the contents. He borrows a sack from the ship to carry the crabs.
Back with the group he is not surprised by the departure of Ithaniar, "He is a brave man, I would fight at his side if our paths crossed in the future, but let us not dwell on his choice, I feel that Master... I mean Lord Thovan is a worthy addition to our circle, let us clean up and then go and introduce him to our employer, I need a new shirt at the least."
"Shall we meet at her manor in two chimes of the bell?" he inquires.
He then heads off in the direction of the nearest tailor to order a new outfit, he will get to the manor early to see if the cook can prepare a feast from the crabs and to make an impression on the Lady.
"I have the feeling that Master Thoven rather wants to know his business with Lady Lavinia before he reports to his temple, as to be able to tell them that he is not available for their service, but rather hunts a special case of evil. Am I right?" Guard guesses.
Whisper gives a tiny frown as Ardanto mentions cleaning up first, immediately suspicious as to the swashbucklers motives with their employer, sure that any of the men attempting to court the Lady has the potential to end in ruin. She keeps her worried thoughts to herself however and once more falls silent and allows the others to discuss and make decisions.
"Yes, let us clean up and report back to Lady Vanderboren that her brother tried to kill us, and we will be returning the favor when we investigate the Taxidermist's Hall."
Daurros looks to Lord Thoven. "I would be glad to have you as a compatriot. Welcome to our group!"
Daurros will head off back to his rooms. He will clean up with a quick bath, an application of prestidigitation, grab a mug of ale, and head towards the manor once he's finished ...
"Your words are kind Whisper, and perhaps you should use them more often. You're tone has a certain quality about it...Soothing." He states, focusing in on the girl for a moment before averting his eyes, lest he make her blush.
"Aye Gaurd you're right, not to mention i've been in that rotten cave for 4 days. It wouldnt be a stretch to assume they thought me dead...Waiting a bit longer wont kill them." He states, smiling at the warforged.
"That seems like plenty of time, Ardanto. I havent ate in 4 days and my only interest at the moment is to get some food in my belly." He states, chuckling ever so slightly.
" Anyone want to come along?...My treat. He offers with a warm smile.
"I'd be glad to come along, but I insist on paying for myself. In fact, I should be treating you as well." Finn joins the fellow in some food, after cleaning up a bit first.
"It's not like I would not need a change of outfit, but as you, I can't get out of my skin. I won't start to repair myself, as those things tend to take longer, so I'm going to join you, Master Thoven."
"If people are going to go clean up then I should get home.." Whisper announces quietly, as though she has something to get back to even though all she has is a tiny empty house.
"What about you Whisper?" inquires Ardanto "Are you going to let me buy you a new dress for our celebration meal?" he smiles.
"Leave room for some crab!" Ardanto calls over his shoulder as he heads off shopping.
Thoven will First go to his homestead and change into His Cleric vestments, leaving his armor behind, then will go with Guard, Fin, and whoever else will attend with him. He buys whoever's food will accept it, and accepts whoever offers to buy him food. He is very hungry after all. He talks very little whilst eating. Focusing himelf on the food at hand. Once everyone with him is finished, he leaves a genourous tip and suggest they make their way to Lady Vanderboren's.
Whisper's eyes fly wide in shock and fear at the notion of wearing a dress, something she's never done before, her fear only mounting more at the idea of someone going to the bother of offering to buy one for her. Quickly she shakes her head even though she's sure he won't pay attention to her objection, Ardanto striking her as the sort that once he got an idea in his head he'd stick to it.
Ardanto watches with amusement as the panicked look spreads over Whispers face, "I suppose I can just pick you one out," he measures how tall she is with his hand, finding that she comes up to his chin, a broad smile on his face as he enjoys making her squirm.
With a whimper Whisper hides herself behind Guard to save on the embaressment of Ardanto looking over her and actually considering getting her a dress. "I don't wear dresses" She manages to squeak out "That's for actual ladies, who are important"
"Then maybe it is time you realised you are an important lady Miss Whisper," he laughs, giving Guard a wink as he speaks.
"Red, I think I will go for red...." he speaks aloud to him self as he turns to leave, his shoulders moving up and down as he chuckles under his breath.
Soon after the party has eaten they make their way to Vanderborn manor. Kora greets them at the door and walks them though the manor and to the dinning hall. She tells the party to wait and she'll summon Lavinia. A few moments later Lavinia sweeps into the room, she seems glad to she the group with a smile she says " I am happy to she you all, I was beginning to worry. Where is Ithaniar and who is this?"
"Unfortunately, Ithaniar has left your employ, Lady Vanderboren," Finn states tactfully.
"However, we did find your brother, but he trapped us in a cave and got away. We found a scroll that claims he is hiding out with a group of thieves called the Lotus Dragons."
"It is true lady" Forzakhad says as he hands her the note. Emotions play across her face, pain, loss, disbelief be for she seems to steel herself.She looks at the group with steel in her eyes you can see unshead tears as she speaks. "My brother has fallen lower then I ever thought. He has much to account for. I want you to find him and bring him back-alive. If ,if you cant ...I want you to make his ending quick and merciful"
Without really thinking Whisper gently takes the slightly older woman's hand in her own and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll do everything we can to bring him back to you.. especially now we have the help of Lord Thoven" She offers sweetly as she looks over to the cleric. A brief moment later she realises that holding the Lady's hand may be inappropriate she lets go with a blush.
Thoven nods respectfully and stands as Whisper mentions him." M'Lady my name is Lord Thoven Lorchester of the Silver Flame. I was searching for this amulet as part of my trial of pilgramage for the church. I was overwhelmed by evil forces under Parrot island and I surely would have lost my life if it werent for these brave souls." He says, looking about the room.
"I can promise you that i will do my best to bring your Brother back alive, and if their is some posessing evil, I will do all I can to cleanse his soul, and if there is no other way, trust that his end will be swift and just, but there is no room for mercy upon the wicked."
With that, Thoven takes his seat
Daurros stands a little ways off to the side, not saying much. When the others promise to bring Vanthus back alive, Daurros mutters to himself, "They better hope the decision isn't left to me. Of course, acid can leave folks alive, but wishing they weren't ..."
Ardanto looks resplendent in his new outfit of electric blue loose fitted frilled shirt and tight form fitting tan velvet trousers, his chocolate hide boots comlementing the outfit. Only the dark circle under his eyes betray the ordeal they have returned from.
Daurros stands a little ways off to the side, not saying much. When the others promise to bring Vanthus back alive, Daurros mutters to himself, "They better hope the decision isn't left to me. Of course, acid can leave folks alive, but wishing they weren't ..."
Ardanto is stood close to his friend, his face looks grim as the others talk of mercy and allowing vanBoren to live. Ardanto lets his face slip into a wry smile as Daurros mutters, You speak the truth my old friend, if your acid doesn't finish him he will not wake the night afterwards, no one tries to kill my companions and gets to sleep soundly. I am with you. He raises he glass to clink against Daurros's in a silent agreement.
Daurros nods to his friend, and clinks his glass.
Forzakhad tells the Lady Vanderborn that the group will look into it. After the party leave the manor Forzakhad says "We have much to do, and even we need rest and to buy supply and so forth. I say we do what we need to and meet back at my ship in two days. The we will hunt down and deal with Vanthus.". With that the party dispenses
Whisper leaves quickly, having found the whole ordeal stressful and strange she wants nothing more than to be alone to reflect. Without a word she slips off and towards Shadowshore, a lot on her mind.
We should divvy up the loot first, so we can buy equipment, potions, scrolls, etc. Daurros will Appraise the magic to determine what we have, using identify and taking 20 on the Appraise checks, as needed.
Once we've done that, Daurros would also like to hunt down the following spells and scribe them into his spellbook: grease, repair light damage, and ancient knowledge.
After going though the chest and spending time with magic to identify magic the group has a tally of the haul from the caves
chest 1
7'500 cp,1'500 sp
Chest 2
10 bags[100gp each]
2 bags gems [value 200-250 each]
Chest 3
potions
3 cure light wounds
lesser restoration
Invisibility
unknown
cure serious wounds
swimming
wand of mage armor
gem of earth elemental
coffer worth 250-300gp
Guard will reflect over his experience in the dungeon, sitting still in his workshop, thinking. A full eight hours long. After that he will try to repair his plating as good as he can, letting himself help from the co-worker he has now.
As soon as he gets his share of the treasure, he will go shopping too, buying some equipment ().
He then will probe his mind again, hoping to gain knowledge of what changed him down there, trying to get advantage of that (resulting in the shaping of his first soulmeld, the Soulspark familiar).
7,500 cp/7=1071cp each
1,500 sp/7=214sp each
so theres an option. I think the Potions there shouuld be something of a "party supply", with someone holding onto them and then us using them whenever the need arises.
I'm supposing Duarros would probably be the best to hold onto that wand of mage armor, and i'm not real sure what the gem of earth elemental is.
What do you guys think?
Coffer=250
2 bags of gems = 200ea = 400
10 bags of 100gp =1000
Total=1650
235gp each and 5 gold left over.