Antoni is oblivious to what is happening below, thankful that his luck held. He ascends the top step to see what the door was so determined to hide.
Rattus being about midway in between both Antoni and the bear is confused as to what's happening below and what awaits upstairs in the darkened silence.
He feels his skin crawl, he catches a shiver and thinks, My skin... Mine?, he shakes his head and continues upwards to try and catch Antoni.
*179*
Rattus and Antoni find themselves in the belfrey. This is a wooden plank floor suspended at the top of the tower with a precarious wooden truss ceiling structure overhead. A large silver bell hangs here. This radiates goodness, even for those who are not spiritually atuned. An engraving on the bell is completely dusted over. There are also two large wooden chests up here, each locked with a rusty iron lock which are falling apart. There is also an array of ropes and pulleys up here which perhaps operate some kind of mechanism although it would take more investigation to discover their purpose. The last thing you see is the goldbraided rope hanging down from the linkage which, pulled, would sound the silver bell...
What's in the box?! Could it be that that door was being honest with us!?
Rattus turns to Antoni and thenBack to face both chest.
What do you thinks in them!? Something fantastic I hope!
Rattus' eyes glaze over with a scheming and daydreaming look.
He rubs his hands together turning to each chest and then To the bell and its handle. It's all so tempting!
The black bear, still leaning on the front paws against the door, calls a temporary truce, but remains ready to resume the gore.
The spirits are enraged, so I, too, am enraged. What to do you offer to appease them? I am a being of the forest, I am calm when I am calm, and I am agitated when I am agitated. Nothing you offer can change what I am. Plead to the spirits, and I will spare you if they spare you.
the wood fibers within the door resonate as the bear's spirit, and the guardian spirits that surround the bear, speak to the very ether within the door. It remembers the time centuries ago when it was a tree in the bear's very forest. And eons before that. A time when it would protect such creatures as the bear...in the natural with its shade, and in the spirit with it's unchanging druidic healing powers. And the bear, and such creatures would protect it. From marauders, from destroyers, from the most ghastly of fates...from becoming chopped campfire wood or worse: fashioned into nothing more than a gateway between two stair cases in a castle of some human noble family.
The door, bleeding, looks deep into the sea brown(?) eyes of the great bear.
up there in the loft is where the Count keeps trapped the spirit of his brother Seigfried. I will say no more. You are a great beast. This castle will not quench your spirit. I have decided to go with you. From now on, this portal will be nothing more than a common door. I, the spirit of doorways, the nightmare door, am at your service.
the bear gains a new ability:
spirit of the oaken door
once in a combat the bear may summon the oaken doorway. The bear, and any others he allows, may enter the door to escape combat. All who enter recover full skill, stamina and luck. When they return back through the doorway they may resume combat.
The bat flock finally leaves out the top of the belfrey. The bear may approach the tower's top. If he wishes. Bears do what bears do.
The bear and the Oaken Spirit commune in a deep level in which no words are needed. The Oaken Spirit knows that its time as a spirit of woods has passed, and that it is free as the wind, to seek the touch of its former kin, or to dwell in the company of the bear.
Listen, ye, undead, primate, cursed ratfolk, the loft is where the Count keeps trapped the spirit of his brother, Siegfried. We will say no more, echoes the black bear's voice up the tower, then no more sound is heard of the bear.
The spirits are still displeased. The elder Spirit of the Wooden Oak heeded their call, and joined the bear in defense of those woods against evil. Whether it was by the spirits' will, or not, this was unclear: that the bear could not know the location of the source of evil, neither could it vanquish the shadow by the crypt.
As a result of the communion with the Spirit of the Oaken Door, the bear started to develop wooden traits; it was as if dry twigs and splinters were stuck to its hide, but in fact they were sprouting from it.
The bear's rage carries on, nevertheless, and it runs downstairs, as much as the narrow stairway allows it to. The animal then charges across the courtyard, through the brass doors and into the room whence the growling came before, trampling over the closed door.
There, too, might be evil to be destroyed and a spirit to be called back to its land.
YES...I LOVE SPLIT GROUPS AND FREAKIN SIDEQUESTS!!!!
*221 Bear's Quest*
Racing down the steps, out into the courtyard, back through the brass doors, and into the room where an hour ago the bear had roar-frightened the sound of a growling animal way...You open the door into a large and plushly decorated dining-room. A huge, centrally placed mahogany table is flanked by chairs; it groans under a weight of silver cutlery, utensils and crystalware, laid out on lace cloths. Heavy drapes are drawn across the windows to the west, and there is a large tigerskin rug stretched out by the north wall; just past this is a half-open door.
Antoni's eyes remain transfixed on the bell. "Do what you like, Rattus, and do it quick. The bell is my concern."
I stand with Rattus we need all the help we can get to defeat the monsters here. Let us open these boxes. And then Grim does just that.
This was the good presence we sensed outside of the castle. We must find a way to release this poor spirit.
Isodraela's Ring
This ring belonged to the Angel Isodraela, a famous captain of a squadron of female angelic beings who stormed the hellforge at Listria during the second demon invasion of Tartarus. When you make a hit while wearing this ring, instead of dealing the normal -2 STAMINA to your enemy, you may choose to sacrifice from your own STAMINA and deal that much damage to your enemy. You may use this ability one time per combat encounter.
It is unclear who Lady Beladonna was, but this black cape emits a powerful aura. Indeed, according to the journals, he who wears it receives life from it's potent magic. Every time your roll a double, either in a skill check or in combat, you immediatly gain back 4 STAMINA points.
Lord Vespasian's Crown
This crown is part of a set, Lord Vespasian's Armor. Vespasian was the king of Listria who reigned nearly 500 years ago, the first to bring the clans together in cooperation against Tartarus, according to the journals. It is unclear what power the full set would impart, but one who wears the crown only gains the following ability: At the beginning of each of your turns every enemy within a 30 ft radius takes 1d6 fire damange. Burn baby burn...
This leaves only the bell and it's dusty label, and the mechanism of ropes and pulleys.
Rattus quickly shoots his dirty mitts into the second chest reaching for the crown. It's sheen is too much for his greedy eyes, he snatches it and places it on his head.
The crown is so big it is held on Rattus' head by his forehead and ears and rests on the nape of his neck.
Rattus smiles... Now I'm the rat king...
Grim will try to dust off and read the label.
Grim will kneel before Rattus who now wears the crown. Is he making a joke or is he serious?
It suits you well Lord Rattus. Long Live the King! It seems Grim is attempting humor. A welcome change from his melancholy moods.
Rattus bows, a crooked yellow smile emerges too.
This belfry has a strange mood about it, if only more places felt this way!
Rattus turns to look at Antoni.
Yes it is like standing in the Light after years of darkness... There he goes again...
Grim's gauntlet scrapes away the dust. The metal on metal gives off a very soft resonance, like a large wind chime. The label reads 'Siegfried von Heydrick'
Should we ring the bell?
Would that I could reach, perhaps you can assist me in ringing it, Grim!?
Grim rings the bell.
*280*
The clapper strikes the silver bell soundlessly and a sudden shock runs through your body. You feel lighheaded and half swooning; a majestic figure stands radiant in the airbefore you. Clad in shining chainmail, bearing a shield of the purest white with a great red cross and holding a magnificent longsword stands the shade of Siegfried Heydrich, former Count of the Castle in happier times. He stands just under seven feet tall, and his flowing blond locks frame his noble, smooth-complexioned and flawless face. The apparition speals. 'Cleanse this place of shame and horror, brave warrior. My brother slew me by treachery, and I call on you to restore our good name and free the people from Reiner's thrall. In this place he has hidden my armour, and my shield, and my great sword, Nightstar. I know not where they are; but I do know that a lesser magical blade, that of my faithful vassal Mikhail, is hidden in the darkness below at the base of this tower; it is to be found in a secret chamber below a hidden trapdoor at the bottom. Go now, my friend, and destroy the dread evil of this Castle!' The ghost begins to fade. It may be possible to ask a question or two, but you get the impression this is a tormented spirit and his answers may not be very coherent.
This leaves only the mechanism of ropes and pulleys to explore. Unless you want to ignore that and do something else.
One question before you rest please. What kind of creature has Reiner become? Will will cleanse this castle or die trying you have my word as a former Knight of the Rose!
At grim's word the ghost's eyes grow brighter. It appears to struggle somewhat, perhaps struggling to stay on this material plane...
Having stabilized himself the ghost regards Grim for a long moment. Then speaks:
Gandrik? It cannot be...No, you cannot be the one.
The ghost appears lost in thought. Then steels himself and looks deeply into Grim's visor.
who are you?
Grim kneels before the ghost and takes of his helmet to reveal his skeletal face for the first time in 1000 Years. If he had tear ducts he would cry.
Yes it is I Sir Gandrik the Gold. I disgraced my noble order long ago. I was rightfully punished to a near eternity of agony as the walking dead. Until such time as I can redeem my soul with deed I will walk this earth my head hung low in shame.
The ghost appears thoughtful. Then speaks again:
I have heard stories of you. Banished by the Council of Thorns for heresy. They say the prophecy you gave at the third meeting of the Council nearly split the order in two. Though I never read in the histories of the mages what the prophecy was...
Thoughtful again. The ghost is not nearly as old as the events surrounding The Gold Knight and the Sundering of the Order of Roses. But he has heard the stories.
And I always wondered...if your prophecy tore the order apart and you were banished, why is it that directly following those events did the Order of the Knights of the Roses turn to the dark ways, Aligning themselves with Tartarus himself? The histories written by the Mages of Thorns claim you were responsible.
The ghost looks at Grim intently again.
Where you?
Grim nearly falls over in shock! He stands up quickly.
I was not responsible! I have only now heard this for the first time! How could I not know! Once my body was destroyed and animated I was sent to guard the graves of all the knights of the Sword, Crown, and Rose. There I stayed for 1000 years until the all marking of our order crumbled before my eyes and we were all but forgotten. It was then that the second part of my punishment could begin. I was tasked with wandering this world seeking to help humankind. As an undead you can imagine the response I receive. No my prophecy was a gift from the gods! A warning I did my holy duty in bringing it to the counsel. Grim wanders off and looks thoughtful himself for a moment. My banishment was completely unrelated to the prophecy! No I am sure of it....that is not what happened.....my brothers....they would never..... Grim slumps to the floor and looks as if he may never move again.
The ghost begins to fade again. I shall make inquiry of my fellow spirits in the underworld for you. Though you may need to ultimately travel there to find me if I am ever going to tell you what I find out, for my ties to this world are rapidly fading. Only 2 more clangs of the bell and I may never return. But take heart, Great Knight. The truth is, Redemption can be yours...though you may find it in the most unlikley place. I can say no more...farewell
With that, the ghost of Seigfried von Heydrick vanishes in a wink of light.
during the ghosts conversation Rattus displays some reverence and respect by taking off the crown, perhaps it was the calm in the belfry or perhaps something about his company or the things that swim in his head is changing him... Seemingly into a better person... Or perhaps it's just the room... Once the shade passes he quickly puts the crown back on...
What is the bear doing in the dining room?
The black bear vocalizes at the entrance of the room, trying to call the attention of whatever was growling before -- it would seem as though that creature not there anymore.
The spirits were still upheaved, the consuming nature of flames would appease them.
The red marks on the bear's pelt looked like dried drawings of blood. They were, in fact, dried sap, the blood of red pine trees, which were a dwelling place for the spirits of fire. The markings on the black bear start to tremble and crackle as though they were igniting ember, and soon little sprites of fire emerge, playful children singing and laughing and dancing around the room; as the dance evolves, so too grow the sprites, and the giggle soon shifts into a distorted laugh mad, uncontainable joy, and soon nothing can be heard, but the fire grows, eating the heavy drapes and the lace cloths, and threatening to do the same to all else, the huge mahogany table, its chairs, the silver cutlery, the utensils, crystalware, cantles, the tiger pelt...
Antoni feels refreshed by the scene, though he said nothing. If anything, it seemed as if he was only here to aid the others. That was fine. In his estimation, a helping hand was as good as being a competent leader. He makes his way to the second chest.
"Have you taken what you wanted, Rattus?"
Grim remains slumped on the floor with no indication that he will get up anytime soon.
"Arise, Grim," Antoni says to the slumped figure. "Laying here will do little to redeem yourself. There is much to do still."
Yes, however what you don't wish to keep ill find a use for!
Again Rattus does something he'd never normally do, his greed seems to be kept in check.
yes.....Yes.....YES you are correct Sir Antoni! I will rise! I will rise and the Flames of my revenge shall burn into the very depths of HELL! I will see this Count Destroyed then I shall travel to the underworld and and have my revenge on those that did this to me! Grim does not don his helmet again. The dower mood has left for righteous anger it seems.
"Then I shall take the cloak," Antoni says to Rattus. "Seems I have a penchant for getting hurt."
Fire slowly consumes the combustibles in the dining room...you are standing during those few moments when the fire begins burning a room, before it's become hot enough to be a terrible blaze, but after it's too late to stop it from becoming one. That's when the tiger skin run stands up. This is no mindless denizen of the count, nore is it a sniveling wood spirit trapped in a door. It is intelligent and remorseless. In it's eyes you see an ageless depth, perhaps born of the experiences of many lifetimes. It gives a low growl and stares at you. Then speaks:
You bring fire into my house, bear. Who are you?
Nay, the spirits set your house ablaze, I am but a black bear. Find yourself a new home, this place is no good. The woods wait for you, if you wish to save yourself. The fire hungers.
A second voice echoes from the bear, a deeper one, much slower in speech, For many years have I felt amongst all the evil in this wicked castle, some distinguished sensations... Now I can distinguish yours: the ill will of many individuals who had chosen to be here, not bred from Reiner's blood, but aligned to the Count's evil agenda; assistants, not slaves... I, too, will impart this bear with what is left of my strength, so that it may it may prepare you as a suitable sacrifice for the fire -- all ye foul beings must become cinder.
tiger: I see. Bear, you have no idea what you are doing. You think these spirits give you strength? They act like they are 'trapped' or 'tormented' or 'misunderstood'. They seem 'helpful' and promise to impart great power to you...Have you stopped to think that maybe this is a trick? Have you considered that These spirits are infinitely older, infinitely more clever, infinitely more seductive and evil than they appear? Yes, they will feign to give you power...but in the end they will enslave you. You will see. Mark the words of a poor old tiger
If you choose to fight him:
SKILL 9 STAMINA 15
Special Ability: Eye of the Tiger the tiger is extremely quick and can see you blows coming. If it rolls a 6 at any time on either of it's dice, whether you win the roll or not, the tiger dodges the blow and does not take -2 stamina.
Since the bear is the only one in this fight he just rolls till it's resolved.
Thank you friends I will carry on with you. Where did the bear go?
The tiger speaks too much. The bear turns its rear to the room and leaves the place to be consumed by the fire, and the evil pelt to do as it may wish.
The Oaken Spirit seemed contradicted that the black bear did not dispose of the tiger.
Unable to linger in the courtyard and wait for the fire to propagate, the black bear runs across the small hallway and rams into the east door.