Note: the following dialogue took place while we were eating lunch in response to Reiko's question. The largest library in Lakeroot is Manton's. This room we are eating lunch in is that library. The largest library in the area is located in Wild Roc Roost, the small city on the other side of the mountains. I know of no other places in the area that we could study the runes. I do have contacts in Wild Roc Roost as that is the city where I served my wizard apprenticeship.
So, instead of working on my scroll, Aya will be researching local history. She will look for, or ask Manton if he is available, for books on the old keep/ruins, religions in the area, as well as the northern forest. Or anything else that jumps out at her in this small library, :)
Reiko will browse Manton's library and see if there is anything that can help with the rune research while he waits.
Manton knows just the book, when you mention the monastery... he goes to the shelves...looks for a few moments...selects a tome...blows dust off...and hands it to the group.
Please, do be careful...it's simply not replaceable.
The book is titled: "The Silver Shield: A History of the Order".
Researchers, roll Int rolls (1d20+bonus).
Cauis helps with the grave-digging, feeling more useful that way than pouring through books. Before the services, he washes up again and during the service pays his respects in silent meditation. Inside, he seethes at the senselessness of it all.
Intelligence Check d20+6 = 8+6 = 14
|
Doran leaves with Cauis to help dig the graves assuming the free labor is permitted. He keeps his distance from the Farmer and his family during the service. He is uncharacteristically burdened by these strangers deaths. Doran views death as a normal part of life regardless of how it comes, but seeing the heartbroken Gotson and his weeping daughter slightly breaks his heart.
|
|
Reiko: There is mention of the stones in the book, and even a picture of one. You also run across a passage that states: The runes are strange, of the same type found on the scroll the madness sorcerer had. He swore it was writing of powerful, ancient beings that would come to free him, but he died in the dungeons, and refused to translate the scroll during his life. The scroll was left in its niche.
Aya: The book has four sections... one that tells of the founding, one that speaks about its corruption and the sinking, one that lists the leaders, in order; the notable members under them, and the special achievements of them...and lastly, one that describes the monastery itself.
Present year is 12,682 mk. It was founded in 9,538 mk, and fell in 10,085 mk. There are three main connected sections: the tower, the chapel, and the main. The ground floor and any dungeons would be underwater.
Reiko finishes his reading, and if he has time before the funeral, he'll explain what he read, if not he'll wait till the funeral is over.
The runes were mentioned in this book. There was a mad sorcerer imprisoned there, who claimed they were writing of ancient gods, and he possessed a scroll with them on it. He claimed those ancient gods would save him, but he died in the cell. The last mention says the scroll was left in its niche in what are now the ruins. It looks like that's where we need to go. If the scroll still exists, it will be invaluable as far as helping us decipher what is going on. If it doesn't, perhaps there is something else there that can be of aid.
During the funeral he is quiet, and respectful, and when it is over he speaks with Farmer Gotson.
We found a lead on the stone and those runes. I know it's not much, but we may very we'll be able to exact revenge for you. At the very least, we have a chance to keep this from ever happening again.
|
|
The funeral is simple.
Miriam nods to everyone, but can't speak for crying. The priest is wearing his ceremonial robes, and speaks as most expect a priest of Selian, goddess of nature and agriculture might:
Edie, Henk, and Daron, you were good and worthy in life, and now our goddess Selian takes you into her loving embrace, for such is the cycle of life...
After a while, farmer Gotson comes forward to say a few words...My family...you were all...I love ya all so...gon' miss.... Gotson breaks down into sobs...Edie... I'll watch over Miriam...I'll do my best...she's all I got. Miriam rushes to her father's side, declining her chance to speak, and they hold each other as the funeral is completed.
She does keep looking over the party...especially Antonio... but looks away quickly when noticed.
The ritual complete, some stay long enough to offer condolences as the group slowly moves downslope.
Farmer Gotson listens to Reiko solemnly, nods, and then remarks... You make sure you're ready when you go, son. There have already been too many deaths of those that could've done good with their lives. That place is half underwater, you know, and nobody even gets close to it, anymore.
Aya has time to scan the book.
"The Silver Shield: A History of the Order" was written in four sections. The first that tells of the founding of the order. One that speaks about its corruption and the sinking of the monastery. Another that lists the leaders, in order; the notable members under them, and their special achievements. And lastly, one that describes the monastery itself.
The order was founded in 9,538 mk, and fell in 10,085 mk. There are three main connected sections in the monastery: the tower, the chapel, and the main. The ground floor and any dungeons are probably underwater.
Note: Present year is 12,682 mk.
Aya joins the others as they attend the funeral.
Aye, and I aim to make sure there aren't anymore deaths of good people. We'll probably leave in the early morning, so we'll have the rest of the day to gather supplies and prepare. Is there anything further I can assist you with while I'm still in town?
Antonio approaches Miriam and farmer Gotson after the funeral and kneels.
"I think I speak for us all when we extend our condolences to you. I should mention that those cultists left some clues behind, and we are going to run them down."
He smiles as he reaches out to take Miriam's hand.
"Until we return, please keep a prayer in your hearts for us." He slowly breathes a kiss to the back of her hand, then turns with a flare of his cape and departs.
Miriam blinks twice, then pulls her hand to her chest...Don't get hurt...so brave...
Reiko chuckles at Miriam and then says
Don't worry, my lady. I'll make sure he comes back to you in one piece.
He gives Farmer Gotson a curt nod and then turns to follow Antonio.
Aya returns to The Giant Mug, gets a glass of their best wine, and starts scribing an Enlarge Person scroll.
At the end of the ceremony, Cauis approaches Gotson, shaking his hand and placing a firm hand on his shoulder. Once we get this business settled, you let me know if you need any help around your place. You're not as alone as you probably feel now... his eyes are grim, reflecting the sorrow he feels. He turns to Miriam Be brave, young lady, and help your pa as best you can. He's strong, but even the strongest of men need support during times like this.
Farmer Gotson clearly appreciates your kind words...he even manages to smile...but only Miriam speaks: I will, sir...I'm learning to be strong.
|
|
The rest of the night is quiet, at the Mug...farmer Gotson and Miriam went back up to stay with his sister, at her insistence...and now, without a word, platters of food come to wherever you sit, and it takes a determined effort to see the bottom of a mug.
You are all being given the best treatment available.
Reiko looks outside and shakes his head grimly.
Well, it seems the elements themselves will stand in our way. Aya, you have a better knowledge of spell work than I; Do you have any spells to help clear this mess? I'm afraid mine are all centered around battle.
No. Sorry. I am an evoker and also battle oriented.
Cauis stretches and cracks his knuckles. Eager to get on with the march to the ruins and get this issue settled, he tries to lighten the mood a bit. Give me a barrel of Manton's famous bean soup and I'll conjure a wind strong enough to blow away all this fog. he winks at Aya. Clearly his mood has shifted with a good night's rest.
Let's see ourselves to these ruins, eh? No more talk of ill summonings or bad omens until we've cleared earshot of those trying to enjoy the festival, alright?
Liandoli wakes, glancing around at the fog with a frown and making her way into town.
"I could clear a small amount of fog but nothing on this scale."
Perception d20+5 = 12+5 = 17
Do you folks hear that chanting? A child's nursery rhyme.
From which direction does it seem to come?
Antonio peers into the fog uneasily.
"Nope, I don't hear anything."
He turns to the others.
"Yesterday, I would have called you nuts. But now..."
|
|
Oh...and it's really hard to get a fix on...but...
Her eyes are dark and dead.
Liandoli will point out the old woman. Her brows furrow in anger. "Begone evil spirit!"
When Reiko hears the voice he draws his sword. When he hears the screams, he runs toward them. When he abruptly exits the fog, and sees the woman, he assumes a fighting stance, sword held high.
I recognize you. I know not who or what you are, but know this: If you have anything to do with the evil this town is suffering from, you will die by my sword. I promise you that.
Antonio cocks his head.
"Wait, I think I can hear her now!"
He turned around and around, but couldn't locate the direction of the screaming.
He reached for his crossbow, but it was all but useless in the fog; he rested his hand on his hilt and loostened his blade in it's scabbard.
Seeing Reiko run by, he calls out; "Reiko! Wait up!" And chases after him.
Aya goes with Reiko and Antonio.
|
|
[I]...then what is left, when the fog is gone,
Is puddles of blood, and gore, and bone.[I]
Of course, the old lady has faded into the fog...
Here and there are more screams.
If you've moved onto the map, decide where...squares are 5'. Screams have come from various places, definitely different people. You have yet to see any opponents...
Perception d20+5 = 3+5 = 8
Initiave d20+3 = 17+3 = 20
Aya, Antonio, follow me! We need to find out what is attacking these people! When we reach the screaming, fan out and try to get to as many people as we can!
When the woman disseapears, Reiko heads for the nearest screaming.
Aya goes with Reiko.