Backtracking to the chapel, the door is barricaded. A quick telling who you are gets you inside and you notice what remains of the staff has gathered there. A bit more than a dozen survivors between sisters and orderlies. A handful of injured guards from east wing as well, heavily bandaged. The smith Gurin Copperbeard, Jenny & Lynnen are there as well.
Jenny: "H-how are you? I-i-it's b-been h-hec-hectic h-here.
It s-seems out of 50 pr-pre-present s-staff it's just th-them. "
Gurin: "Ah, the Forge-father be thanked, you made it."
The familiar faces of the mage-keeper and the warden are in the back, talking to the guards and the chapel's sisters.
"Weren't easy, it's true... but we stopped whatever evil they were plotting."
Burdock then moves to the warden and mage-keeper. "I'm glad to see you two both safe as well. What do you plan to do now?"
The mage-keeper and warden turn to Father Burdock's addressing;
Warden: "Che.....we took a little check while we went up here. Seems a small part of the patients in east wing are still alive. Totally withdrawn into fetal position, but alive."
Mage-keeper: "Yes, unfortunately, we don't yet know the fate of the patients in west wing. But whatever we find of their fate, this place no longer should serve as a rehabilitation institution."
Warden: "I take it the director was involved, did you find out how or why?"
"This amulet is the only clue; one of Yog-Sothoth, an outer god of calamity and madness.", showing the directer's unholy symbol.
"What should we do with this place; do you think we can cleanse of it the taint of this cult?"
Warden: "It would take a little time to relocate any surviving patients to another location. On the grim fortunate side, east wing's patients are now meeker than the west wing's harmless."
The mage-keeper turns a shade paler;
"By Sarenrae, how did she get out of her restraints?", pointing at Lilly, whose face seemed to shift between her shy self and confident self, as she flashed a triumphant smile of mockery and joy of relief.
To the mage-keeper, Burdock shakes his head. "No idea. But honestly, since we freed her, she seems to want to stay with us for lack of guidance. And she was helpful a couple of our battles, too."
Upon the suggestion of looking for survivors, Burdock volunteers. "It would be poor of me to leave anyone here against their will. Plus, the director's office may have more clues as to what his motives were."
With the combined effort of the warden, mage-keeper, some orderlies and yourselves, you find a dozen survivors in West Wing. Hammilton's nephew is fortunately among them. Sadly that makes only a third of what is admitted. One of them is apparently named 'Emily'. She seems the most sane of all and unharmed.
The one who wrote a letter to her 'big bro', the robber, was named Emily.
The last person on the crazy nurse's operation schedule was also named Emily.
Sabel opted to have a look at the halfling's garden and making a checkup there, revealed her having dealt with a handful of cultists.
Sabel, with the help from Lynnen, are able to persuade the halfling to come out and the three of them seem good conversational partners.
When you find your way to the director's office, past the reception, you notice the door locked. With some force applied by Grint and Father Burdock, it breaks. Within a locked desk you find a ledger.
I have been assigned to Fashtu Asylum, an old Korvosan manor that was refitted into an asylum. My work into the subconscious and psyche will make leaps, compared to consultation and therapy for those pompous nobles back in Absalom......
...prior to my assignment here, 'he' made it very clear sacrifices had to be made, if i was willing to do so. Sacrifices are made in this world, in the name of science i'd say. Cruel as it sounds, the promised knowledge will help me to solve phobia and other mental conditions for the public. For a greater good....
[i]'He' sent me a nurse, a real surreal one. They said she was a talented woman. She requested i give her access to Thomas Harcke, who's kept in The Vault for his powers to frighten even the bravest people. I hear she did something to him that made him appear as the beholder's worst fears. Somehow, i pity the young man, but it is apparently for 'a greater cause'.
'He' brought in an ulfen, where they picked him up, the gods know.
I went to visit her lab in east wing one day. She completely overhauled him, to downright mutilation. No body-hair, eyes gauged, flesh pierced by barbed wire. By the gods, what have i gotten myself into......
I was entrusted with a book, to be held until asked for. Being in such a remote location was beneficial, 'he' said. It had a lock, but the two keys were in devided locations. I guess nothing short of divine guidance would locate them for strangers.
..odd, i'm starting to hear the strange whispers myself. Vision sometimes becomes blurry for a few seconds.
i]'He' entrusted me with a 'special task'..hehe.
The schizophrenic 'Lilly', he and his brethren believe, has some connection to their goal. He wouldn't share what, but i'm to keep her properly restrained until they'd come for her.[/i]
The masters....my personal goals are insignificant to theirs.
The return of the great one, i must obey....obey....
A secret door revealed a heavy wooden chest.
'Research contribution' 3600 GP.
Potions: Shield of Faith x2
Scrolls: Compassionate Ally x2, Defending Bone, Investigative Mind, Spontaneous immolation.
Wand of Magic Missile, 15 charges.
Two of you, however, announce they are leaving the group.
Lyssa: "I've come to realize i still have more training to do, the fighting down here proves that much. I will take the first coach from Kharum to the monastery i came from. It's been an interesting ride, to say the least."
Sabel: "I'm leaving with Lynnen and Suzy here." She makes an open hand gesture at the halfling. "Lynnen has business in Greengold, in Kyonin. We'll take the first ship heading there. I'm sure dockmaster Hammilton can find us a ship."
Kyonin is the homeland of the elves.
Greengold is a great port city where the racial mixture is greatest in Kyonin.
An additional set of notes is found elsewhere in the office.
It has the names of Jenny, Lynnen and the half-orcs.
4 half-orcs, 3 brothers and a female.
Rumored to be raiders, they are brutal and sadistic.
Purpose: provided they be 'conditioned', they would prove a valuable team of enforcers.
A mathematical young genius.
She was sent here in a drugged state.
Purpose: after 'conditioning' she could be a useful inventor and solver of puzzles and or traps in tombs or other security buildings.
A by elven terms, young woman of minor nobility, so i'm told.
She keeps to herself and upholds a haughty air.
Having a member of nobility in the ranks could prove useful, should we ever need something in the elven homelands.
House Nytheren is a house of minor nobility, they are said to keep some business in trade in the port city of Greengold, as well as being in the city council. They are, however, said to be sympathizers to traditionalist and conservative ways despite that.
Meanwhile, exiting a boat in kharum, Tessa and Thorn continue their investigations
And I don't see why it's bad luck to find a sea elf on a ship. There was no reason to throw his bucket of water at me. That captain was extremely rude.
Tessa finishes squeezing her hair.
That's the best it'll be without a shower. Are you still laughing? Well, if the captain won't cooperate we'll just have to canvas it and observe the crews ourselves. I doubt it will take too long, there's only a few dozen ships in port, and they can't all have similar names. What dock did that urchin say again?
She stops at the end of the dock and digs in her belt pouch. Eventually she pulls out the note.
Dock seven, right. Thorn, are you listening to any of this? Which dock are we on, and which way to seven?
She looks around, eventually spotting the large sign.
Dock 47, ok. So dock seven should be this way. Come along thorn, and remind me which temple you'll need to visit?
While thorn and tessa continue their search, our heroes continue their efforts away from town.
While thorn and tessa continue their search, our heroes continue their efforts away from town.
Pier 7 has a slender ship on its west side. An apparent mercantile ship, the crew are quite busy checking their cargo on deck, before off-loading. A few crates are down on the pier already, likely already prepared for delivery to one of Kharum's districts.
Thorn was cowed by the somewhat demanding nature Tessa had seemed to produce. It was, however, not unheard of. The lat encounter had grown increasingly volatile, the signs all but clear to him. To Tessa? Not so much and to his disappointment he could not react fast enough to avoid the eventual outcome. That was a failure of his own. The laugh she thought due to the bucket was actually a nervous bellow trying to soften his own ineptitude.
They had traveled together so far and he had noted her rather brash mindset. During the beginning of this venture Thorn found their information broker at the tavern, he explained he was from a far land much like himself.. a hefty amount of drinks were bought but eventually the lead was given.
Tessa's words once again broke the darkskinned man from his musing, he gave her his full attention this time.
" I-I have apologized f-for the laugh countless times Lady Tessa. "
Thorn looked at the sign and the paper.. Tessa did not have the best eyes.
" L-Lady Tessa, The note says Pier 7.. T-The sign Says Pier 4 not 47.. I-I think we are looking f-for Dock 13 or 14 "
The well muscled man said Sheepily, " A-As for the temple.. I-I Have to visit my God's e-eventually.. I-Its not a priority right now. "
An overseer on deck notices you standing puzzled with a paper in your hand.
"Ahoy miss, sir, who're you lookin' for? You don't look like one o' the docks' workers."
Elsa takes the Wand and Spell scrolls
Well Father. Should we return with Mistress Lilly so she can translate our document?
Thorn looks to the man.. then looks to Tessa, then back to the man. " W-We may need assistance yes, " He awkwardly adjusted the weight of his axe.
@ the pier:
"Well, what is it, speak up."
Thorn starts to panic, uncharacteristic of someone of his size, but he holds.. or at least tries to. He mumbles a small Hymn to himself. A word or his god. ' Be strong.. Be decisive..Be Just. ' Thorn took a deep breathe and heightened his voice.
" W-WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN ELF.. Er.. WATER.. N-NO.. AQUATIC ELF. HAVE Y-YOU SEEN ANY? "
Another sailor taps the overseer on his shoulder and tells him something, a reminder perhaps. The overseer turns to you again.
"I don't know anythin' about aquatic elves. Dem pointy eared folk live on land. However, our bard is an elf, who has a diehard thin' for swimming. He disembarked little over an hour ago to arrange lodgings. He said somethin' about hearin' a place called 'Mary's to be a nice inn. He said he went east, to The Commons district. This be the first port where someone asked fer him specifically. Why are you lookin' for him?"
Burdock offers 600 gold of the loot to the warden and mage-keeper to help them and the patients relocate.
Reviewing the journal, Burdock shakes his head. "Apparently the director used to be a good man, even with directives that were callous, but the nurse... she seems to have been the seed of evil in this place. Can either of you tell me about her?"
To Thomas, Burdock asks what he plans to do.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Warden: "She didn't show up down here much. She took Thomas from his cell recently, we didn't see him afterwards. We asked the director, but he wouldn't say where he went, he deflected or ignored any questions we had about the nurse."
Mage-keeper:"We aren't down here every minute of the day, that'd be unhealthy. During dinner time, from what we heard from talk between the staff, she had a thing for anatomy. She had been assigned a small laboratory in east wing. What she did there is beyond my knowing."
Warden: "From what the injured guardsmen said, they were beset upon by- and fled from what they called 'an invincible abomination with a very big sword'. If anything, i'd say she'd have a hand in it."
"My plans....intendings of the next course of actions.
Well, it seems my bounding to the hall has vanished...lifted perhaps better a word, in some obscure way. The hallways are pretty bloodied here. I'd like to see the world, it's been a few years...several perhaps even...since last i had the chance to see the outside. There's the obstacle of my 'condition' of course, but obscurity does have its uses for travel."
Thorn motions to Tessa.
We're hoping to find word of a missing family. Nixie folk, but friendly. They were tied to the rivers and streams, but they spoke fairly of the elves. If they'd moved downstream they'd have ended up in the sea. We thought there was a chance they'd have talked with your bard. Faint hope is still hope, thin as it may be.
She nods at the sailor.
Thank you for your help. Would you be willing to offer us your bard's name, or let him know that Tessa of the Tanagaari is looking for him if he returns to the ship? I've been staying at our chapterhouse, but we will certainly seek out this inn.
As they walk away.
Thank you Thorn, I didn't even realize he was talking to me.
The overseer raises a brow, clearly he's never heard of Nixie folk before.
"Hey Ralph, ever heard the elf speak of Nixies?"
>"Not as far as i've heard."
The overseer turns back to you. "The lad's name is Tarlyn, can't miss him, raven black hair and wears a blue-greenish outfit, got himself a sea shell broche fer his cape."
Thorn makes a flustered face and squirms a bit before shaking his head in a humble fashion, " N-No, I did nothing. It is something developed by those who.. s-speak less and l-listen more. A-A gift and a c-curse. You l-learn to hear e-everything around you.. a-as a Sentinel. "
Walking alongside Tessa warily, " I a-appreciate the c-compliment. "
As you enter the Commons district, it's already busy. The stalls with general goods are being advertized, their keepers yelling their special prices.
A bunch of kids roam past you. It's not too hard to find buildings, as the Commons' main street make an upward arc, eventually you see a board hanging above a door.
"Mary's
As the two of you enter, the sound of laughter and music welcomes you.
A small stage in the back has some musicians playing and the guests are raising their tankards.
A young pretty woman with red'ish-brown hair is walking around with a tray. Seeing two new arrivals standing about, she calls out to you.
"Have a seat, i'll be right with you."
Thorn looks around for a moment before pointing to himself as it seems he was noticed. It was not his first time but it was not common anyone deemed it needed to invite him closer.. The divine warrior accompanied his partner to the nearby table.. he pulls out the seat for Tessa.
Thank you. There's our elf, busy though. We'll probably have to ask him for some time in the morning. If he's anything like most bards I've met he'll be at this all night.
She looks around for a moment, then settles in the chair a bit gingerly, armor creaking. When it doesn't collapse she relaxes.
Well at least the chair is built well enough, too much to hope it would be the right height but the burden of being tall is ducking through doorways and minding your knees and feet when you sit. This will do, nicely. We should probably order something to pay for the use of the table. They might even have lamb. If they do, you should try some. It's delicious.
but the burden of being tall is ducking through doorways and minding your knees and feet when you sit.
Mary returns with a tray underneath her right arm.
"Welcome to my inn, what can i get you?"
-------------------------------------------------
Elsa wanted to have the copied text translated. It was shown earlier to Lilly and she translated it by reading its contents, it turned out to be an empowering text of devotion to 'the one', after which she got the episode that showed you a vision of Yog-Sothoth.
You do however, now have a book (albeit locked) from the director-turned resident cultist leader.
Further inquiries, or are you set to go back to Kharum and relieve yourself of the stress of the situation?
Thorn nods the whole tirade, " You have similar i-issue that my b-brother had. I l-luckily was not b-blessed with much height. I-I will try the l-lamb "
Thorn sat down expertly on the complete opposite side and awaited the server with patience. When Mary eventually comes forth Thorn stutters out , " L-Lamb.. Please.."
Thorn's Axe laid upon the back of the chair like a crook, cradled by the curvature of its blade.
"Sorry hun, lamb isn't on our menu. For that you'd want to visit 'The eager Patron' up in the upper district. Place is fancier, but less atmospheric. All who've compared it say so. ;) "
Looking at a disappointed Thorn and likely Tessa, she resumes.
"We have bread, roast chicken, stew, cheese, sausages, salted pork and a small variety of meads and non-alcoholic drinks. The mead is home brewed."
"O-Oh.. I didn't mean and d-disrespect. "
Thorn indeed looked disheartened, he seemed to perk up at mead. " M-Mead? I-I would like t-three of your variety of m-meads. Umm.. and Stew with B-bread... if you have l-loaves.. "
"Sure thing."
She turns to Tessa, "How about you?"
Stew and water please. I'm trying to watch my figure.
She grins at Mary's shrewd look.
Ok, don't look at me like that. You wouldn't believe how unfortunate being tipsy in armor is. I'll have to try the mead another time, alright? Say. I was wondering, have you seen an elf today? His captain claimed he was a bard, if that helps.
Thorn looks at both the women converse with a watchful eye and laced fingers. He seems to hum to himself and look around at the other patrons.. somewhat less fidgety.
Mary smiles.
"Mead's got nothing to do with a bad figure, unless you're a big-time consumer."
She thinks for a moment about your other question.
"Elf...yes actually, rather surprising to see one with black hair.
He asked for several rooms tonight, which were available. He's not here now, but he should be back with his friends tonight in that case."
"Well, you'll be safe to leave once everyone departs. Thank you for your aid in stopping this consuming madness."
To Gurin, Burdock smiles. "I have a smithy in Kharum. I'd appreciate some help running the business, especially if I am going to try and see this with the others.
Upon Lyssa and Sabel's departure, Burdock frowns, but nods in acceptance. [b]"You both were different than a dwarf typically associates with, but your hearts were in the right places. I wish you the Forgefather's blessings in your endeavors."
To young Emily, Burdock gives her some comfort. "We ran into your brother on our journey up here. He resorted to banditry, but he seeks redemption and to better himself. I'm sure he'd be happy to know you are safe and will want your help in his progress for atonement.
With that, it seems their business in the complex is done for now. [b]"Let us make preparations to get everyone to Kharum."
"Keke, you are most welcome, your beardness. Perhaps we will run...not not quite run, meet..meet each other in the future. Might want to excorsise this place, there be a restless spirit in the closed room opposite the hall i was bound. An girl missing an eye. Otherwise you keep it, it might work once..i'll find another eye somewhere.
Good luck to you and your lot...keke."
Young Emily's eyes grow big at the mention of her brother, troubled first, but then smiling. "I'll find him, then we can start over, we have a distant aunt somewhere west."
Thorn says rather absentmindedly, " I believe you both have quite alluring and well built bodies, easily enough to slay an opponent but not unattractive. " Lacking his normal shyness as if he as just an observer. It takes a few moments before the realization enters his eyes that he pulls his hood down in shame.
" A-Anyway, you are s-saying we just missed him? D-Did he mention w-what he had t-to do? "
@GM: I still have enough spells to convert to CLW/CMW to exorcise a room. I say, let's do it!
Mary chuckles and turns to Tessa again.
"Hear that? Someone confirms our good looks."
@ Thorn; "Thank you. Well, he mentioned he went to see a relative up in the Specialists district. It's northwest of here. But i can hardly imagine who, since the few elves we get visit by ship and head for the upper markets. They never stay longer than 1 day."
She takes a piece of paper and a piece of coal and writes general directions.
[North Gate]
I
[Specialist Quarter]-[Upper Markets]
I
[Lower Markets]---------[East gate]
I
[The Docks]----------[The Commons]
"So why are you following this particular elf, family, friends?"
Father Burdock, upon directions of Thomas, takes you back to the lightly barricaded room. The room Elsa saw a ghost of a one-eyed girl walk into.
Inside the air is colder, there is an operation slab and in the back are a few bags, large enough to hold a person.
Thomas gave you a hint how to solve this haunt.
Burdock will inspect the bags.
If there is a body missing an eye, the dwarf will bid Thomas farewell, then insert the eye into the socket.
Father Burdock opens the bags, one contains a skeleton, another a body of a young woman, with a missing eye. As Father Burdock inserts Thomas' creepy eye inside her empty socket, a shimmer appears around the woman.
A transparent figure of her appears in the middle of the room. Folding her hands over her heart as a thanks, a faint portal shaped light appears behind her, she waves goodbye and steps through, on to Pharasma's boneyard.
If that's the last bit of evil lingering here, we shall all be lucky., Burdock thinks to himself, pleased that the soul will not remain tortured from the nurse's evil hijinks.
He then goes off to the rest of the party.
"I think our work is done, now."
I'm trying to find a Nixie I knew as a child. The last set of rumors I heard of her was a ballad that described her perfectly. The bard Tamsin claimed it was written by a 'sea elf' and now an elven bard arrives by ship.
She shrugs wryly.
It's not much I'll admit. Still, it's what I have. For now, if he is out on business I'll not interrupt him. Better to introduce ourselves when he returns, and make the better impression I think. Thank you, Mary.
Thorn nods in agreement settling himself down more comfortably, knowing they would stay for a while.
" L-Lady Tessa, I s-suppose we wait? T-the food will b-be good at least... I-I am not good at smalltalk. "