GM WhtKnt's Warriors & Warlocks (Inactive)

Game Master WhtKnt

"I am a dealer in antiquities, and word has recently come to me of a certain piece in which I would be very interested in acquiring. The item is a book the subject of which is of particular interest to me. The problem is that the book is in the library of a particular manor that has a reputation for being haunted. Now, I'm not the adventurous type, myself, and frankly, I don't want to find out whether the place is haunted or not, but if it is, then that's a good incentive for me to stay as far from there as possible. But you... this seems right for your particular skill set.

"So my offer is simple, fetch the book. That's all that I am interested in. The manor is long abandoned, so I'm certain that no one will care if you claim it or claim salvage rights on anything found within. Anything else you find is yours to keep, including the manor itself, should that be your desire. It has stood deserted for not less than 10 years and the owner disappeared under mysterious circumstances while away on business.

"The book is titled 'Mastery of the Self'. It is an old tome, so handle it carefully. It is one of the last remaining works by Franklin Baur, not in and of itself valuable, but of keen interest to me. If you would be so kind as to fetch it, I could see my way to giving 500 pieces of silver for each of you, as well as ownership of anything else of interest that you may find.

"Ah, there is one other niggling detail. A rival of mine has also hired a group to locate the book. Hence my desire for secrecy. The less he knows about my intent, the less he can turn against me. I'm sure that whatever band of thugs he has assembled will be little match for the likes of you three, who have bested not only an ankheg, but a bulette as well!

"So what say you? Are you up for a little jaunt?"

"Hmmm...dangerous job involving supernatural danger and physical...no time really to think it over I assume."

Devon looked at the man concerned his common sense tingling that there was something the man was not telling them despite all this reveal. Perhaps a few questions before agreeing would help ease any concerns.

"Fighting some magical beasts in the woods is a lot different then fighting a ghost or other people, what made you think of hiring us? Also what is the history of this manor and why is it haunted? What happened over 10 years ago that caused it to be abandoned?"

Kal considers it for a few moments, "An antiquities dealer, you say? I don't suppose you have a private library of some sort. I would consider access to such a place as compensation for such a task, in lieu of the silver, should you be open to that." he says, "But I believe I am willing to go on this treasure hunt."

Once again Grith's thrill-seeking behavior wins out and he is easily convinced. "I'm up for it. Don't know how to fight a ghost but I know how to run. Sounds like fun!"

The man looks at Devon. "You're a shrewd one, aren't you?" He grins. "Yes, there is more to the story. It actually begins about 100 years ago. The manor was built by Hans Krebor for him and his bride. Initially, they were quite happy, but the love between them gradually soured until one night, Amanda Krebor left for parts unknown. Poor Hans was never the same. He became a recluse and let go of all the staff save his faithful valet, Charles.

"Hans spent the last 30 years of his life as a recluse in the family home. When he died of natural causes, he was buried in the crypts beneath the manor. Charles, faithful to the end, died shortly after his master. The manor passed to Hans and Amanda's only son.

"Gregor Krebor, it is said, was a demon-worshipper and it was through him that the manor acquired its evil reputation. Like his father, he was something of a hermit and lived alone except for his wife. One night, horrifying screams were heard from the manor. His wife was never seen again, and it is generally accepted that he killed her as a sacrifice to his dark masters. He was arrested and hanged for the practice of demon-worship and murder within the week.

"After his demise, the manor was purchased by a Frederick Shultz, but he disappeared while on a business trip about a decade ago. It has stood empty since that time."

Turning to Kal, he nods. "I would be willing to let you peruse my library in exchange for this task."

Devon was amazed by the history of the place, 100 years was a long time by human life for a manor to have been around. "Thank you for sharing the history. It may be important to understand the nature of the haunting and demon worship..." He shuddered a bit hoping that wouldn't factor into their job.

"I will help...I am not sure if this is wise but I am curious to see the book and what other legacies lie under the dust of history."

"Is there anything more that I can share with you? If not, then let us enjoy the benefits of the bath." He settles into the warm waters and leans back, closing his eyes.

Devon did have a few more questions.

"I take it urgency is required due to your rival hiring an opposing crew to retrieve the book, do you know if they are already at the Manor or when they plan to go? Do we have time to equip ourselves? I know magic is a very flexible tool but I need to equip myself if we are to face this haunted manor."

"I expect that they are still gathering themselves, and only a fool would enter the place by darkness, so I'd say that it's probably safe to wait until morning."

"I confess I don't know this city well...are there any shops that stay open late or open very early in the morning that would have the supplies I need?"

"What supplies would you need?"

Grith considers silently, deciding he may try to make a temporary rune to help him fight ghosts if needed. He's not totally sure what such a rune will look like or how long it will take, but it's worth a shot.
"I'm not in any hurry. We'll get to it soon enough."

Hoping I can use Ritual Caster to give myself ghost sight.

"Maybe some potions of healing? Some charms for protection from beings of spirit? Some thin copper wire, salt, silver powder, holy water? I'm sure I could think of more with more time but that should help."

"Hah! You want to visit Ali Sulam bin Kolat. If anyone will have what you want, it's him. His shop is just up the street. He's probably closed by now, but if I know Kolat, he'll be open with the dawn's early light."

"Thank you very much, I greatly appreciate it. Hopefully I'll be able to afford some tools in the morning."

Devon relaxed letting the bath do its work in soothing his muscles from the earlier stress of the day reflecting on everything he and the others accomplished and might accomplish come tomorrow. Somehow he'd found himself tripping into two small adventures but perhaps it was just fate taking an interest in this young half elf who had grown up among humans longing for something more.

I presume that no one else has any RP to do, so I'll move things along.

Morning comes, as it must. The day is grey and dreary, perfect weather for exploring a haunted manor house. Though the gathered clouds hint at rain, it remains dry for the nonce. As promised, Kolat's Emporium of Miracles is open with the dawn, the plump, dark-skinned man standing out front calling passersby to sample his wares.

"Potions, components, scrolls... Kolat has it all, my friends! We have potions of healing, love charms, spell components. Bring good fortune into your life! Avoid the evil eye! We can help you with this."

Devon approached the man and bowed his head slightly. "Hello Kolat, I was told to come to you for some items I'm seeking, some common as healing potions and others a bit more obscure. Charms for protection from beings of spirit if such things you have and thin copper wire, salt, silver powder, holy water and anything else you might think would be useful in a haunted either ghost or demonic place."

"So much you are seeking. Could it be that you are funding an expedition?"

"I don't think it could be called an expedition but I'm leaving today and won't be able to buy supplies after I get there so I wanted to be prepared. I've heard many stories about the dangers of ghosts and spirits made not of flesh and wanted to make sure I had a few tricks that could be used against them. If I'm successful I'm sure it'll be worth it. Can you help me Kolat?"

Kolat smiles broadly. "Of course Kolat can be of service to you, my friend! Come in!" He leads you into the shop, which is crowded with everything you can imagine. "Kolat has healing potions for the low p[rice of 400 silver pieces, and holy water blessed by the priests at the temple just this morning, a mere 250 silver coins. Kolat has copper wire by the yard and salt by the pound, yes! Powdered silver? Yes, we have that as well." How he keeps everything straight, you have no way of knowing, but Kolat easily locates everything that you mentioned, placing it on the table. "Now then," he takes you aside, almost conspiratorially. "Kolat has an amulet that will protect you from the evil eye. A mere trifle at 5,000 pieces of silver. Surely you agree, that is a small price to pay for peace of mind, yes?"

"Let me see that thing." Kal says, overhearing the aside with an eerie ease, "Not that I don't trust you, but.... I don't trust you."

Once he actually sees the talisman, his eyes glow momentarily in an appraising light.

Does the amulet seem legit, or what kind of check would be needed for that?

Kolat smiles as he hands over the amulet. The amulet is magical, that much is clear to Kal. However, you know from experience that these types of talismans are considerably more valuable than what Kolat is offering. His claim of the "evil eye" is rather ambiguous.

Expertise (Magic): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"Care to elaborate on this 'evil eye' that it supposedly provides protection from exactly?" Kal inquires, skeptically peering at what his divination is feeding him.

Devon looks from the small but heavy coin pouch he had to the items frowning. He was no expert with money but he knew he probably didn't have enough to buy the magic amulet outright but at least he could get some of the other useful items.

"I'll take a healing potion, a holy water, a yard of copper wire, pound of salt and the powdered silver. Will this be enough?" He poured out about half his bag's coin for the merchant to count.

"Of course, friend. Kolat swears on the graves of his ancestors. This offers protection from possession or curses. Curses cast upon the wearer will be reflected back upon the curser, and the wearer is completely safe from possession by evil spirits."

Seeing the coinage on the counter, Kolat quickly counts out exactly what he stated and not one copper more. "Excellent, friend. May the gods bless you on your quest. And remember, should you come across something that you do not desire to keep, Kolat buys antiquities and oddities at fair prices."

"Thank you Kolat, I'll definitely come back and maybe I'll have enough coin for the amulet then." He bowed slightly to the man as he took the items he had purchased and stored them in his pockets.

Kolat bows deeply and returns to his hawking passerby.

I'll go ahead and move things along...

Even by daylight, the manor is imposing. The building is a huge, two-storied affair with a broad semi-circle of steps leading up to its front doors, flanked by two statues of a roaring lion and a playful oriental dragon (on the right and left, respectively).

Devon had his bow in hand as they approached the manor looking about nervously. It seemed like the dwarf had vanished during the night leaving just him and the male Kal to make this trip. He was unsure if they should have tried to hire another one or two people but the mage seemed confident in his abilities so they pressed onward. He looked over the manor from the outside to see if the front doors were the only entrance or if there was anything of note outside the manor first.

Kal does a quick look around to see if there's any magic nearby.

Magic: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Kal finds no magic in the immediate area. A circuit around the property reveals windows on all sides. There is a double door in the back, flanked by two gated entrances into what appears to be a stable built into the main building. All doors, gates, and windows are securely locked. The windows are elevated enough that you would have to climb up to see into them.

"Well looks like its just us retrieving this book. Do you have any magic to unlock doors or shall we try to go in through a window?" Devon asked his companion. He was probably being over cautious but he didn't have the magic protections and abilities the others had, only his skill and equipment. Perhaps he could find some useful magical items in the future but it definitely would require doing these sort of dangerous jobs. He looked over at Kal trying to get a good judgement of the man's motivation, he didn't seem the sort to need the coin, and his magical talent was one of the most powerful he'd ever seen. "Alternatively if it is haunted we could just knock and see if the ghosts let us in."

"I can give it a try." Kal replies with a shrug, "I cannot say I have tried as much before, but I believe that I know the theory."

He walks up to the door and places a fingertip on the keyhole, trying to use his magic to click the lock open.

Not sure what kind of ability this would fall under, or if Cantrip can manage it. If it can't, Kal will just turn the locking mechanism to sand.

The door is quickly unlocked and swings freely open. The room beyond is a grand affair, even covered as it is, in dust! There are doors to the east and west of the grand hall, and at the far end of the room, a pair of staircases leading up to the east and west. Huge statues flank the room, one to either side. The statue on the left is a well-dressed man, while the statue on the right in a well-dressed woman.

"Well the original owners definitely wanted people to remember them." Devon stated as he stared up at the statues in awe. He left his hands free for the moment reasoning he could draw them at need if any fighting started. Slowly he entered the parlor room and looked about trying to map the outside of the building to this room's dimensions.

"This place is huge...I wonder where the library is and if we should set up some sort of alarm to warn us when the other group arrives so they don't ambush us?"

"They certainly did." Kal agrees, eyeing the figures with significantly less reverence, "And I'll see what I can do."

Any way that I could make some kind of sense that only tells me if someone enters the room? Would that require some kind of check?

"So, together or split up?" he asks, moving towards the first-floor western door and making his way through, unlocking the door as needed.

"We should stick together, one thing I've learned from stories if you always wants at least two people in a group otherwise you might get picked off one by one. I bet the library is on the upper floors but its just a guess. I have no idea honestly where it would be inside a manor." Devon paused at the main entrance they came through closing the door. He then hurried after Kal wondering if the library will just happen to be the first place they check.

My apologies, guys, I got distracted with real-world stuff. I will have a post up tonight or tomorrow morning.

The room beyond is 35-feet deep. For the first 15 feet, it is 15 feet wide. Beyond that, it opens to a sprawling 25-feet wide. On the far wall, there are four rows of shelves, covered with the shattered remains of fine china. In the center of the wider area of the room, there is a small table with six chairs. A moldy tablecloth covers the piece of furniture. Towards the rear of the room, a 10-foot-wide corridor exits the room going north.

Devon looked around the room as they entered looking for anything of note or value before he motioned Kal toward the next doorway north.

With a likewise glance around the room, Kal continues onwards alongside Devon.

The pair continues north out of the room and into a 10-foot wide hallway that runs east and west. To the east, the hallway ends at a pair of double doors. There are also single doors further down the hall to the west, two on the south wall, and one on the west wall where the corridor turns north.

Devon decides to keep exploring west for now in hopes of completing that section of the manor before circling back. He'll go to the first door on the south wall and check it.

The first door on the south wall proves to be unlocked and opens into a room with a long bench on the north wall and six beds neatly arranged along the south wall. An old wooden chest sits near the door. Above the bench are pegs for hanging cloaks and similar accouterments.

Devon heads over to examine the chest in greater details.

Kal stands back a little way, keeping an eye out for anything dangerous and looking for magic.

The chest is unlocked and contains only old tabards, showing the livery of the family that owned the home. There appears to be no danger present, and certainly no magic.

Devon sighs and looks to Kal. "Alright clearly I'm getting my hopes up that there might be some exciting treasure around...lets just find the library."

Devon starts back down the hall checking each door they pass and if not finding a library or something of significance continues after closing the doors.

Kal nods in agreement, sweeping down the halls as they venture onwards, with perhaps a touch more drama than is strictly necessary.

The next door that you come to opens into an antechamber that in turn leads to a spiral staircase in one of the towers, going up. The corridor turns to the east, the next door opening into a small, but neat bedroom, the furnishings of which are all covered a thick layer of dust. Pressing on, the next door (on the north wall) reveals a small chamber with four plain beds. Following this, the corridor turns south and a door on the west wall that into another tower and spiral staircase. You follow the corridor around and a door on the east wall looks in on a storage room full of barrels and boxes. The corridor ends at an ornate pair of double doors on the south wall. (I'll get a map up soon, but I'm swamped today.)