"No, no, no. Nothing like that. Do you trust me? We both have ties to the same plane. I just want to help you, nothing more."
|
Very reluctantly the elemental seems to be persuaded that it can leave.
"There are no rituals binding me here, just the stone and iron of the walls here. And if my old master is dead, than my duty no longer serves any purpose. If you can truly show me how to reach the sky, than I will leave this place and never return, the lever be damned!"
The party walks the elemental past the closed cell doors and to the chamber when they entered the dungeon. Even down here a little sunlight can be seen and the elemental grows excited. "Yes! That is sunlight! I am finally free!" Flying up at amazing speed, the lightning elemental zooms towards the hole and rockets out of the dungeon.
|
|
The machine has no magical auras but there is a faint aura coming from a beat up foot locker along the wall.
Inside there are a few useless looking tools, four tin cans of alchemical grease, and a strange looking iron bar that is the source of the emanation. The object is about two feet long, three inches wide but flat; only about a half inch thick. It has several small hooks and notches on the sides of it of unclear purpose.
Suizal waves goodbye to the air elemental. "Adieu, my friend. I hope to see you in another life, perhaps."
She wipes a fake tear, then goes back to being semi-serious. "And why do you think that's a good idea, Sir Falcon?". She backs out of the room as Sir Falcon pulls the lever.
|
|
Sir Falcon pulls the lever down and the machine groans to life as he pushes it down. There is a loud groaning that comes from the ceiling which sounds like metal scrapping on stone. Sir Falcon has to muscle the lever all the way down and when it clicks the party hears the sound of a loud slamming noise coming from the western end of the dungeon.
The noise was loud enough that someone would probably hear it from the treasure room but not as loud as it would be if it had triggered a collapse.
Not really focusing on the task at hand, Suizal daydreams about the air elemental. What it would've been like to be here for years. Bored out of your mind.
Then Ilvaria asks a question. "Oh those iron bars? Lemme take a closer look..."
|
|
Suizal examines the bar and identifies it as the supremely useful Travelers Any Tool. This handy object can be turned into any basic hand tool that the user can envision. Because it's always exactly the right size and shape for the job at hand, it always acts as a masterwork tool for the job. Its only limitations are that it can only be a hand tool with no more than 1 or two moving parts. For example, it can't be turned into a catapult or a clock or telescope but it could become a block and tackle or a pair of scissors, along with obvious tools such as crow bars, shovels or hammers.
|
|
Andwise and Ilvaria both express their interest in the strange but useful magic tool that they found. How are they going to decide who gets it?
After checking this area one more time and collecting the four tins of alchemical grease that were also in the utility chest they begin to look at the other cells. Unlike the open cells they encountered in the beginning of the dungeon, every one of these locked cells contains the skeleton of a humanoid creature; usually curled up against the door itself. These skeletons paint a grim picture; it is clear that when the dungeon was liberated that this secret wing of the dungeon was left undiscovered. Without a jailer to bring them their crust of bread and dirty cup of water each one of these prisoners died alone, slowly starving to death in complete darkness.
|
Irlana glances at the tool but just shrugs. "I've never been very good with my hands. Would need a miracle tool for me!"
"These poor souls died a terrible death! I can understand why one or more might stay around to haunt the place. At the very least we should bring their remains out to a proper burial. Has anyone seen a logbook or such that might give the names of these?"
The idea of burying one's body in the ground seems a bit strange to the sylph. "I agree that we need to do something with these bodies. Do any of you know any prayers or rites? I can ask Gozreh, but he doesn't always listen to me. Plus she can be fickle."
|
|
|
“Oh, now I remember!!! Humans in this region usually perform a ceremony with a cleric of Pharasma if available but any cleric can do this and then bury the body in consecrated ground, but some communities prefer cremation. As the specific rituals can vary depending on what local gods are preferred and other customs, it would be best to bring these bones to a local clergy member!! So let’s do this and get back to town!! I really want to see if Melenthe feels better!“ the Drow says concerned.
|
|
The party makes their way out of the dungeon, grabbing they can for now. The sun is now just starting to set, casting an orange glow over the hill. The Baroness had her servants bring out chairs and a small table and is now sipping tea while sitting across from with a sickly looking young man who is restlessly thumbing through a book.
"Have you found Hunclay yet?" she calls out when she sees the adventurers emerge from the ruins of the tower. "It's going to be dark soon!"
|
|
“Oh Baroness! You are still waiting!?“ Ilvaria says impressed.
“Unfortunately, Hunclay is dead! He was killed by fallen rocks but we can show you his body. We also found a secret compound and have the bones of unknown prisoners here with us … they starved in their cells and are now haunting the place. We need a cleric to bring peace to the dead! Except of that we found lots of items!“
She then looks concerned.
“How is my elven friend doing?!“
|
|
Baroness Devy stands up to look at the body, leaning in to examine its smashed in face. "Yes, that is definitely Hunclay. Did you happen to find out what he was doing in the tower to begin with and how the kobolds were involved? And if he happened to have his keys on him, I would appreciate you handing them to my valet here," she says, gesturing to one of her servants.
"You can bring the remains to the Sunset House. Calladastina Honas is the undertaker and she would know what to do with them. And I suppose you should let one of the clerics in town know about your discovery. I believe you have already met Eupaphenia Targas, who is in charge of the House of Abadar. We also have Nilos Genser at the Shelyn temple. Either one would be able to perform a burial ritual."
"Yes...speaking of your friend. Both of the clerics have examined her and unfortunately neither of them have the power to heal diseases. Nilos recommended that we have someone escort her to Wispil to find a more powerful healer."
|
|
Ilvaria is clearly shaken by the news.
”If … if I continue to support your goals, will you be able to help Melenthe?! I … I know nothing of healing!! But she must live!!“
To show her usefulness, she explains how the team fought the Kobolds and relays everything that they said.
”We defeated them and we can again but we are not cold blooded murderers and needed to show good faith to learn the whole truth about their cooperation with Hunclay!“
Suizal stands back, letting the others do the talking. She helps Sir Falcon take the body to Eupaphenia Targas at the Temple of Abadar, but is otherwise silent.
In fact, she keeps thinking of the elemental. Trapped underground for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Pure torture. She knows she did the right thing by freeing the creature. It's what Gozreh would have wanted.
|
|
The Baroness listens to Ilvaria's story and exclaims, "I knew the old codger would be behind this! But seeking out kobolds to help him knock down that tower was particularly reckless and it cost him his life in the end." The woman stiffens her back up straight and sets her tea cup down on the table. "I shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but Hunclay was an eccentric misanthrope and I doubt that anyone in town is going to miss him. He does deserve a proper burial like anyone else, though. You should take him to the undertaker as well."
Irlana suggests looking in Hunclay's manor for notes, the Baroness turns her head towards the shaman with a look of alarm on her face. "For the love of the gods, do not go into that man's house! You don't know what kinds of traps or guardians that wizard has in his manor. I don't want to see you killed, nor do I want you to accidently unleash some sort of terror on this town. For now, I intend on keeping that manor locked up tight. If you did find a key on his body, I would also appreciate it if you could turn it over to me for the time being, as I may have to send somebody in there at some point."
"Ah yes, there is also the manner of your reward." One of her guards goes to the saddle bag on her horse and takes two heavy looking pouches, then hands them to the party. "Five hundred gold pieces, as promised. And if you're interested in earning a bit more than that, I have another job for you."
"The kobolds in the Old Quarry have been a nuisance for quite some time. They have been coming at night to steal livestock and other goods from the townsfolk. I also suspect that they may be the source of some other problems as well. Helping Hunclay knock that tower down was the last straw! I want them out of here! And I would be willing to pay quite well. I have a nice little sack of amethysts that I'd be willing to pay as a bounty for dealing with them. Its over a dozen stones, worth about 1500 gold pieces. What do you say?"
|
|
The Baroness responds, "It sounds like you may be interested, I can let you good folks have a good night's rest before making a final decision."
Sir Falcon brings the body to the House of Abadar, which is a small but immaculately maintained white chapel. Inside he finds Eupaphenia sitting behind a desk worriedly scribbling away in an open ledger. She glances up briefly then goes back to working away at the book. "I'm a pretty busy right now. If you need healing; there are other people in town that could surely accommodate you."
When she sees the body of Hunclay and the bags of bones, she sighs and takes a deep breath to compose herself before answering. "Sorry if I was rude, but I am rather busy. But thank you for bringing these remains to me. I will take care of them. Just do me a favor and stop by the Sunset House on your way back to the inn. I'll need Calladastina's help preparing the bodies for burial."
When Sir Falcon knocks on the door of the Undertaker, a grim looking woman answers the door. With a lifeless tone the undertaker says "Okay. I'll get my bag," then shuffles slowly back into her house. With the bodies handed over to the proper people and the sun finally setting, Sir Falcon makes his way back to the inn.
The party makes its way back to the Wise Piper, where they find dinner waiting for them. Talia the innkeeper has laid out tankards of cider and the familiar bread and cheese but there is now a vegetable soup and a platter of small roasted river fish accompanying it. Best of all one of Talia's children pulls a buttery brown pie filled with seasoned apples out of the oven.
"I prayed that you folk would make it back safely and it looks like Shelyn was listening!" Talia says enthusiastically. "Supper is ready! I hope you're hungry!"
"Take a break, Myla. I'm going to talk to this customer here." When the halfling tells him what she's looking for, he goes into his shop and emerges with a small chain hauberk and a matching steel skull cap. The chain links of the brand new armored shirt sparkle in the morning sun. It is a masterwork suit of armor.
"I can't let this go for less than 250 gold pieces. You're paying for quality and I can tell you, this is some of my finest work."
|
|
Irlana inhales deeply, enjoying the smell of good food! "As hungry as a halfling! For such a great feast you should get a proper tip." She hands Talia a gold coin with a big smile and takes some bread and cheese to start. "And Pie!"
|
|
Talia is really a great host and Ilvaria knows that.
“Talia, your hospitality is really great. But we have to pay you. Here, please take these five gold pieces!“ she says warmly.
~
Ilvaria also wants to buy something from the smith and ran after her Halfling friend.
“Hey Irlana, you … you were so fast!“ she says out of breath.
When she hears the price of the armor she raises an eyebrow.
“Hey, I completely understand that you have high-quality gear. I just wanted to know if you heard who we are? We are the adventurers that helped the baroness. Maybe you could think about a price more for … for locals?!“ she asks calmly with a smile.
|
|
Talia takes the gold and says, "Oh my! That's so generous! Thank you!"
The half orc crosses his arms and says "This is a quality piece and waorth every copper piece I'm asking.". Then after a long pause he sighs and says "But I heard you folks are going after them kobolds living in the old quarry and you're gonna need a good piece of armor to protect against the nasty buggers little stones and arrows. I'll cut 25 gp off the price. Hero discount! How does that sound?"
|
|
Surprised by Ilvaria following, and then negotiating with the smith, Irlana is embarrassed. When she hears the lowered price though she is very happy. She accepts the armor and smiles as she pays. "And I will show off the quality work that you do! And if we come across any special metals or stuff that you can use in your smith, we'll come right here with it."
|
"Your hospitality is unparalleled Talia. You have really outdone yourself on our behalf!"
The Halfling enjoys his meal, and waits to quietly discuss with his companions.
"I think we need to move the coin that we collected. I am not opposed to taking up the offer for additional work, though I am hesitant that the Kobolds are the primary problem here. That said, coin is coin- and we are all a bit short if we plan on getting out of here...
"If we end up staying here, I think that we will need to consider additional means of healing. Its clear that the clerics here leave... something to be desired... and I am afraid what happened to Melethne could happen to any of us. I would contribute some of my share if it means a wand of some sort. You know... just in case."
He takes a few more bites of the remains of some sort of cake.
"I also agree that we need to get into that Wizards house- no matter what the baroness says"
|
|
In the morning Andwise also heads to the market and discovers a number of shops, along with vendors from some of the local farms and a stand selling furs and meat that were brought in by the local hunters guild.
In addition to the two temples to Abadar and Shelyn, there is also an apothecary called Xenne's Tonics that looks like it may sell potions.
There are also a number of other stores that may have items that they could use. There is a well stocked general store, two smithy's that each have a smattering of items. There is also a shop for clothing, a stand selling wool goods, a cobbler, a leather working shop and a furrier. There is also a carpenter selling wooden goods. Another shop that strikes Andwise's interest is a shop called Delbin’s Devices. The store window has a number of strange looking objects displayed, including some strange looking jewelry and an ancient looking short sword in a tarnished bronze sheath. Andwise remembers that the proprietor, Phaedra, was the one who purchased most of the parts from the clockwork servant that they destroyed.
|
|
Ilvaria asks Phaedra about a skeleton key and the timid tinkerer sputters "No, no...I wouldn't have something like that. They might have something like that at Grayhands, b-but decent people don't go there.". She leans in and whispers, "it's a place of vice."
Grayhands is a seedy looking tavern at the edge of town. Sitting outside in a bench playing solitaire is the first woman that Ilvaria has seen in this village wearing make up and she seems to be wearing the entire village's stock on her face right now. She sneers at the drow as she walks past her into the tavern.
A group of rough men are standing by the bar. A toughest looking one is a man with a scar on his face and a pair of short swords hanging off his belt. He looks Ilvaria up and down slowly in an uncomfortably appraising manner before saying, "I ain't never seen a drow before? They all as good looking as you?"
|
|
Awaking early the next morning, Andwise goes about his usual routine- setting the candles and the incense necessary to return Tanssi to his side. After the rest, he puts on his robe and armor- and heads off into the town, seeking out the clerics. Leaving Tanssi outside, he slips in the door
"Greetings, Eupaphenia. My name is Andwise and I am among the foreigners who are now under the employ of the Baroness. As you know, one of our friends and companions met with significant hardship and it has made me concerned for our further explorations. I know that you are very busy- but do you think you may be able to help us acquire a wand of healing?"
After his discussions, he meets back up with Ilvara and the shopkeep. Again, keeping Tanssi outside, he enters.
"I am certain that you aren't judging a person based simply on the color of their skin. Ilvara here is a stand up member of the community, and quite concerned about the health of our friend who was injured in service of the town. That should be enough to speak to her character, I would think"