[dice=Perception]1d20 + 10
Frantino checks the door with the spike in the lock. "My guess is that someone really didn't want whatever is inside this closet getting out! We can leave the back door until we're on our way out, but we should still be thorough if we want to find any more clues."
Frantino hears the churning of water, sloshing and lapping.
Ayita will listen at the door too... Perhaps the water level is up above the floor here? She'll tap on it after that to see if it sounds hollow or dull...
[dice=perception]1d20+4+2
You can hear water, but the door sounds like a door. Not hollow, but also not 100ft thick.
"Ayita, can you figure out a way to remove this spike? I'd rather not break down the door if we don't have to."
Roscoe also looks at Ayita. "If you know how to unlock this, be my guest. Otherwise, I say we bash it down."
Ayita works at the spike, moving it around a bit, pulling it free. She works the door, slightly stuck, until it -- and a flood of water pours forth! From the ceiling to the floor, water cascades out into the hallway! Just as the door opens Ayita sees a ghostly scene. The two small children from the living room upstairs, underwater, reaching up towards the figure of Sir Roderic, who reaches for them frantically...
and Ayita and the ghostly children are blasted backwards by the onrushing water! The water fills the entire hallway to the ceiling, washing around Ayita, Walf, Roscoe and Frantino!
Ayita's torch is immediately doused and lost in the rushing water.
Roscoe's everburning torch goes out, as well, and the hallway is plunged into darkness!
"Ahhh!!!!" Roscoe exclaims as a near wall of water comes toward him. He rushes toward the stairs, looking for refuge.
[dice=Perception]1d20+1
Noticing that it went dark, Hatfield retrieves the pebble with light and goes to see what happened. "Uh, hello?"
Water comes RUSHING out of the hallway, sluicing past Hatfield's feet. Out comes Ayita, as if surfing a wave in Varisian Gulf. She grabs the doorway as she goes by and levers herself to safety.
[dice=Ayita reflex]1d20+6
Ayita manages to get to the stairs; where is this water coming from, she thinks... more hauntlike magic?!?
She tries to see if she can hear anyone, and assist them with a hand, too. (She's hoping she won't be grabbing any undead hands... could be bad...)
[Dice=Reflex Save]1d20+0
Walf wades out of into the hallway.
If possible, he hurls a flask of holy water at the door, thinking this water might might be another manifestation.
[Dice=Throw]1d20+3
[Dice=Holy Water Damage]2d4
The holy water plops into the roiling water, but the bottle/flask doesn’t break!
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[dice=Ayita reflex]1d20+6
Ayita manages to get to the stairs; where is this water coming from, she thinks... more hauntlike magic?!?
She tries to see if she can hear anyone, and assist them with a hand, too. (She's hoping she won't be grabbing any undead hands... could be bad...)
Surfing sounds more fun!!!
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[Dice=Holy Water Damage]2d4The holy water plops into the roiling water, but the bottle/flask doesn’t break!
If he can, Walf retrieves the holy water.
Once again, he casts prestidigitation to dry everyone off, to the extent possible, given all the water around.
"Do you think it's worth trying to search that closet, or should we head upstairs?"
Ouch! The water knocks over Frantino.
And it appears he's been knocked unconscious as he pinballs around, slamming into walls and doorways.
Roscoe tries to make sure Frantino doesn't slide away with the water. Once it is safe, he tries to drag the occultist to safety.
"Hey, Doc! Help this guy--he's really hurt!"
The water BURSTS the external door with a loud and explodes outwards, pouring down a set of stairs towards a dilapidated dock and the water of the Varisian Gulf below.
Frantino gets carried along with some debris from the closet out the door slightly, before coming to a halt. The water sluices away, leaving an unconscious, waterlogged Frantino lying face down on the stairs.
Whatever is going on downstairs, it sounds like it has exploded now. It seems it is time to face it and end it, inshallah! I must get to the staircase quickly to secure the high ground to hold the advantage.
Nasir jams his sunrod into his waist sash, readies his shield, draws his scimitar and moves with purpose and resolve to the hallway.
He steps into a grounded defensive stance as he reaches the top of the staircase ready for what he is sure must be a terrible monster barreling up the stairs.
He is astonished to see the torrent of water rushing partway up the stairs and through the hallway below.
How in the Nine Hells did all that water get into this house? It is a shame that it is wasted. These Westerners never seem to recognize the value of water. Sarenrae is kind, but can be cruel to those that waste such a precious commodity.
That could not just have been all water from nothing. I still need to be careful of whatever is down there.
Nasir sees a halfling clamber up and cling to the stairs as the water rushes by followed by some human woman. He also hears the call for medical attention.
Ya Ibn el Sharmouta! That makes at least 4 of them. Luckily, I have the high ground if it comes to a fight. Perhaps with one of their number injured, they may be more inclined to parlay. Time to be confident and take advantage of this opportunity.
Still holding his shield in front of him and his sword in a light grip for quick movement, Nasir let’s out a hearty laugh. ”Hahahaha…You seem to have brought the river into this house somehow, halfling, and it has nearly washed you all away. You should take more care in this house. There are some strange things going on here.”
Nasir looks over his shield to try to see as many members of the group as he can from his vantage point on the stairs. ”There seem to be quite a few of you. Help your friend who sounds injured and then we shall talk.”
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Ayita is very glad of the healer's skills, as she hasn't gotten to that first aid class yet...
She warily looks up the stairs and gets ready to let Roscoe squeeze by if he needs to quickly exit; the stranger could have attacked in the chaos, but seems to be showing restraint. Her hand is next to a dagger but not on it. She has mapped out footwork in case she needs to protect her injured companion from a new danger...
She speaks somewhat formally... You know nothing of why we needed to risk this place, newcomer; do not judge us, but treat us with favor, and we will return such grace to you.
"Hey, Doc! Help this guy--he's really hurt!"Without hesitation, Hatfield moves over to Frantino:
[dice=Healers Way]1d6+1
The herbalist's applies pressure to strategic points at or near the various abrasions, contusions, and possible breaks on the unconscious occultist.
Nasir laughs again. "I suppose your demeanor would be more impressive if you were not soaked in water."
Father would admonished me with a swift strike of the switch if I would have acted this way in front of potential negotiating partners. I must remember my lessons.
Nasir pauses to comport himself in a more respectful manner and makes a small head nod in deference to the woman he is addressing. "But I have forgotten my manners. It is not polite to jest about the misfortune of new acquittances.
You are correct that I know nothing of your reasons for being here as you know nothing of mine. I heard all of the racket going on downstairs and assumed that some monster had detected my presence. So I am pleasantly surprised that there may be an opportunity to avoid violence. Do not mistake that sentiment to mean that I am not still ready to apply some if the situation warrants. Sarenrae willing, it will not come to that."
Nasir relaxes his stance slightly. “As I hold the high ground and have made jest at your expense, I will introduce myself first. I am Nasir al-Rafik Kamal, First Captain of…well, I guess I am not that any more. I am an adventurer now, I suppose. You can call me Nasir. May you find shade this day."
He gives a more formal, yet shallow bow. He does not put away his shield or sword.
Nasir relaxes his stance slightly. “As I hold the high ground and have made jest at your expense, I will introduce myself first. I am Nasir al-Rafik Kamal, First Captain of…well, I guess I am not that any more. I am an adventurer now, I suppose. You can call me Nasir. May you find shade this day."
He gives a more formal, yet shallow bow. He does not put away his shield or sword.
Frantino wakes up, wondering how hard he hit his head before losing consciousness since he's now hearing voices! He'll get up and look around for his sword, retrieving it before more violence breaks out.
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Walf helps Frantino up and back into the strange house. "Spirits? Geysers from closets? Voices upstairs? This place is truly haunted," he thinks to himself.
Inside, he joins the others. "Hello, First Captain. I am Walfrenden of Axis. We didn't realize anyone lived here. We are very sorry for the mess," he says sheepishly.
He makes a point of leaning his earthbreaker against the wall, so that he is somewhat unarmed.
"Audrahni asked us to come here to find out more about Sir Roderic after his ghost appeared at the market circle this morning," he explains. "We thought the house was abandoned."
Frantino wakes up, wondering how hard he hit his head before losing consciousness since he's now hearing voices! He'll get up and look around for his sword, retrieving it before more violence breaks out.
The last of the water trickles out around the prone Frantino and down the set of outside stairs until it drip drip drips into the water below the deck at the bottom of the stairs.
This ruined deck clings to the side of the house and hangs at an angle four feet above the ground. Boards are missing, and though the deck once led to a place to dock a boat, now nothing but pilings and scattered boards remain.
Frantino looks around, wondering how hard he was hit. Around him is detritus from the house and the closet. A bottle that he swears he saw on Walf earlier rests near him. As do broken pieces of door, a curtain rod (?) and a pair of fine silken slippers.
”Adirah, Walfrenden of Axis. Please do not call me First Captain. That is no longer my title. I am simply Nasir.”
Seeing Walfrenden rest his weapon against the wall, Nasir lowers his blade.
If they are willing to lower their guard a bit, then they must be willing to talk.
”However, you are mistaken. I do not live in this house. I know nothing of this Audrahni of which you speak or this ghost. However, the little I have seen of this house so far seems quite haunted.
I have a different goal than you here. I found a lead from the town library for something I’m looking into. It seemed that a missing piece of the puzzle might be found in this house as I understand it originated from Sir Roderic.
Have you happened to find a map or a piece of a map in any of your searches of the house so far? If you have, that is something I would be interested in striking a bargain for.”
Roscoe, initially surprised the the appearance of the newcomer, lowers his weapon as he sizes him up.
A foreigner--I haven't seen someone like him around here before.
"I'm Roscoe," he says. "We've been looking around the house. It's possible we've found what you are looking for, but I think before we just hand it over to you, you tell us what you're looking for and what you're all about. Because it may or may not lead to a Secret Horde, and I'm not sure I'm inclined to share it yet."
Frantino looks around, wondering how hard he was hit. Around him is detritus from the house and the closet. A bottle that he swears he saw on Walf earlier rests near him. As do broken pieces of door, a curtain rod (?) and a pair of fine silken slippers.
Frantino will grab Walf's bottle to return it to him, as well as the silk slippers. A curtain rod? He'll grab that, too, as well as his sword before going back in with the group.
First he holds out the bottle to Walf, saying, "Isn't this yours?"
After listening to the conversation, he'll chime in. "Simply Nasir, is it? I'm Frantino Kaddren, student of history, especially of Thassilon or the occult. Can you please describe to us any haunted events that you have witnessed? Especially if they give you any insights into Sir Roderic. We have already had a few visions of him that you may want to be aware of."
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The herbalist nods his head in an informal greeting. "Ma name is Gregory C. Hatfield. Pleased ta meet ya! If our paths bring us together, I'll be happy ta make ye a mint julep back in town."
Naively, in response to Roscoe's admission that we have a map, Hatfield reacts: "Oh! Ye mean that map to someplace in the Churlwood?"
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Hearing her companions already discussing the map, Ayita adds,
The spirit seems to particularly haunt one room down the hall, and it indicated to us that the spot in the Churlwood might be associated with what causes danger to the town. Danger to the town is what upsets the spirit of Sir Roderick, it seems; he had such a deep love of it perhaps.
So the spot on the map might not be treasure, but rather something of danger to many people near here; including children and the elders.
Newcomer, you follow Sarenrae, it seems, a Goddess who does great good. Would you follow the map if the only reward is protecting innocents from some danger to the Town so bad as to rouse a spirit from its rest?
She has a somewhat challenging, somewhat hopeful expression.
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First he holds out the bottle to Walf, saying, "Isn't this yours?"
Walf takes the holy water from Frantino, "Thank you."
As the others talk, Walf goes over to look into the closet to try to figure out how so much water came out if it wasn't another apparition, and to determine whether it should be sealed back up.
Frantino will grab Walf's bottle to return it to him, as well as the silk slippers. A curtain rod? He'll grab that, too, as well as his sword before going back in with the group.
The rod of wood is old and decrepit. It nearly falls apart in Frantino's hand.
Frantino notices, as he picks up the slippers, they don't seem too wet. When he picks them up, it's like they aren't resting IN the water, so much as atop the water. Odd.
First he holds out the bottle to Walf, saying, "Isn't this yours?"Walf takes the holy water from Frantino, "Thank you."
As the others talk, Walf goes over to look into the closet to try to figure out how so much water came out if it wasn't another apparition, and to determine whether it should be sealed back up.
Walf looks into the closet and sees nothing out of the ordinary. An old closet, soaked in water for years and years. The walls are soft and waterlogged. Water drips from the ceiling upon Walf's head. How it survived decades of water is unfathomable to the aphorite smith.
But Roscoe...
Even from where he stands, away from the closet, Roscoe can FEEL the closet. He can sense it radiating sadness and frustration. Watery despair. HEARTACHE. Deep, soul-crushing heartache. The closer Roscoe stands to the closet, the worse it is.
So.
Much.
Despair.
Roscoe may collapse if he moves closer, it is so terrible.
Nasir looks at the halfling and nods at him. ”Adirah, Roscoe. That is good news that you may have what I am looking for. Assuming we can strike a bargain, that will allow me to leave this unsettling place sooner.
As for what I am “all about”, I am interested in obtaining antiquities for trade. I have an agreement with a trading company to exchange such antiquities for compensation. Many in the Empire would be interested in collecting strange and unique items from the ancient kingdoms of the West.
From my research, this town and the surrounding area are untapped locations for antiquities. I’ve come to be the first in the Empire to this region and establish myself.”
Too much? Do they even know what I’m talking about? Are they just locals that have wandered into this cursed house?
Seeing that they all seem to be very willing to talk and have made their intentions very plain, Nasir sheathes his scimitar, but keeps his shield ready.
Hearing Frantino join the group, Nasir nods his head to him and continues. ”Adirah, Frantino Kraddren. So you study the history of Thassilon? It is antiquities from this kingdom that I search for. I have spent much time researching the archives of the embassy in Magnimar for as much information as I could find about them. I have also managed to pick up the language to assist me with my searches.”
Seeing Gregory join the group at the bottom of the stairs, Nasir acknowledges his greeting. ”Adirah, Gregory C Hatfield. I do not know what a “mint julep” is, but I accept your offer in the spirit in which it was given. I sometimes find that manners in this country are lacking, and it is refreshing to meet those follow the forms.”
Nasir switches his focus to addressing the woman. "More spirits downstairs too? I passed a room up here that had many things start moving on their own as I approached. I decided that it was best avoid that room, if at all possible.”
Nasir cocks his head, considering her proposition. ”Well, as I intend to be in this area for quite some time, it would behoove me to make a good impression with my neighbors. Having chai or caf with them is always good manners, but saving them from danger makes an even better impression. With that said, I would be willing to follow the map even if it did not lead to what I am looking for directly. There may be some other clues there to aid in my search.”
Noticing Roscoe's demeanor change, Nasir inquires. "Did I say something to offend, Roscoe? If I did, that was not my intent."
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Nasir cocks his head, considering her proposition. "Well, as I intend to be in this area for quite some time, it would behoove me to make a good impression with my neighbors. Having chai or caf with them is always good manners, but saving them from danger makes an even better impression. With that said, I would be willing to follow the map even if it did not lead to what I am looking for directly. There may be some other clues there to aid in my search.”
Walf relaxes and gives the stranger from Qadira a wide grin. "Aninnu la reyevem, qaru qelebeiniannu ekhum qidumum, Nasir," ye says, nodding to Nasir.
"It is settled then, he continues in Taldane. "Let us finish exploring this house together. This evening we can share a meal and trade notes. I am afraid there is no decent kaf or chai to be had in Roderic's Cove, but Possum Punch has quite a kick."
"Tomorrow, once we are all rested, we can travel to the Churlwood together and see what the map has to say."
"But before we go up, we should share fully what we know about this place. We found a haunt, a manifestation of Sir Roderic and his family. These worthies are quite talented and were able to communicate with them." Pointing to Frantino, he says, "The local historian was able to speak to the spirt to ask questions." Pointing to Ayita, he continues, "And our shoanti friend had the most splendid idea to draw a map, which the spirit used to confirm we need to travel to the Churlwood to settle it."
"We encountered some slime and vermin and found some household goods. Other than the map, nothing that seems helpful. We believe we have checked all the rooms down here. Did you find anything interesting upstairs? As I said, let's finish up there, then go to Creekside. It is well past lunch, and it has been a long day already."
Noticing Roscoe's demeanor change, Nasir inquires. "Did I say something to offend, Roscoe? If I did, that was not my intent."
Roscoe's knees almost buckle as he contemplates whatever spirit--or thing--he can sense in the closet.
"There's--there's something there. Some malevolent spirit. I have ties to the spirits, and I can sense some great despair in there. I don't think I can get any closer without great pain."
He points weakly at the closet.
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"There's--there's something there. Some malevolent spirit. I have ties to the spirits, and I can sense some great despair in there. I don't think I can get any closer without great pain."
He points weakly at the closet.
Walf frowns, puzzled. "Roscoe, I don't doubt you, but I just looked in there and didn't see anything. And tossing holy water at what I thought was another manifestation did not do anything."
Walf shrugs and looks to Ayita, Doc Hatfield, and Frantino. "Perhaps a more thorough search? Or can someone detect magic or use some supernatural senses?"
Walf prepares to aid one of his companions if anyone searches the closet.
Frantino will take a closer look in the closet.
+2 for Walf's aid
Frantino sees nothing in the closet, now that it has all washed out. But... he feels cold when looks into the closet. Preternaturally cold.
The closet is definitely the remnant of some terrible tragedy from years past.
Nasir is a bit startled to hear his native tongue spoken from this person who is clearly not from the Padishah Empire of Kelesh.
”Inshsarenrae ekhum qidumum, Walfrenden. Min alnnadir 'an 'uqabil min yatahadathun allughat alkelish. Aiqtirahuk lilmusaeadat hu alaintiha' min aistikshaf hdha almanzil hu eadil. Ladayna aitifaq!”
”It is sad that it is difficult to get chai or kaf, but perhaps I will try this Possum Punch. Is it some kind of wine beverage?
I have only looked at two rooms upstairs so far. In the one room I already mentioned, there looked to have some spirit within, for when I looked into the room, many things started to move on their own. Perhaps Roscoe could communicate with them to learn more. The room looked like it had materials for sewing and such.
There is also a map room which I believed to hold what I was looking for, but my search was interrupted by the commotion down here.
There is more to explore before we leave this house I believe. Let us search and be done as quickly as we can. I have no love for disturbing the dead.”
Frantino tries to figure out the origins and meaning of the haunt and how to put it to rest.
"Yes, let us finish exploring this house and go over our findings back in town before heading to the Churlwood."
Once he is done at the closet, he'll go with the group upstairs to greet Nasir and follow him to the room with the next haunt.
"By the way, you spent time in Magnimar, City of Monuments? How did you enjoy my hometown? If you spent time there doing research there's a good chance we know many of the same scholars, but since I left a few years ago I doubt we crossed paths. I think I'd remember if we'd met. And if you also know Thassilonian, that's one more person we can practice with to stay proficient!"
Because he is still feeling sore after the flood threw him around, Frantino will let others take the lead into the next room. He'll also show everyone the slippers and wooden rod.
"When we get the chance, we should analyze these for magic auras, especially the slippers. They washed out of the closet but are in surprisingly good shape for being in water."
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”Inshsarenrae ekhum qidumum, Walfrenden. Min alnnadir 'an 'uqabil min yatahadathun allughat alkelish. Aiqtirahuk lilmusaeadat hu alaintiha' min aistikshaf hdha almanzil hu eadil. Ladayna aitifaq!”
Hearing unfamiliar tongues, Hatfield jokes to nobody in particular: "I jus' listen fer ma name."
__________"Shall we continue our conversation upstairs?"
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Sarenrae willing we are old friends, Walfrenden. It is rare that I encounter those that speak Kelish in these lands. Your proposition to help finish exploring this house is a fair one. We have an agreement!
"It was my pleasure to live in Qadira for a time. However, I am from the Perfect City, or Axis as many know it. When I read the journals of Arustun, who spent some time there, I felt drawn to my own odyssey across Golarion. I started in Qadira."
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Ayita speaks no Kelish, so she grins at Hatfield and says, Smart!
Yes, let's check out the upstairs... Mr. Nasir, my name is Ayita, and this is Ter (referring to a small falcon with very sharp eyes, perched on her shoulder. Nasir might notice Shoanti hawk clan tatoos on Ayita if he knows of those, though Ayita looks almost more Varisian than Shoanti.)
Before we follow the map, perhaps we can finish exploring this house for anything connected to our various purposes. You have been upstairs already; may we ask which rooms you have entered, if you found anything perhaps? We can all go up and finish, if you are willing.