Belwick will take some time to study the holy symbol Ozymandius had. What mystery does this thing hold?
The Unholy Symbol is odd. First, it's valuable--over a half pound of pure, solid gold, etched with strange, intertwining geometric designs. You also determine that it is NOT magical.
[dice=Short rest]2d10+5
Caelius joins in the short rest as he grabs the manacles and gets Ogmund secured before doing so. While resting he looks to the hooded elf. "So what exactly were you guys doing here?"
Bayleaf the elf tells you his story:
"I'm a sword-for-hire. The Late Ozymandias over there hired me to train the Warriors of Set. He wasn't in charge of the cult when this occurred though--Ozzy was some sort of accountant or bookkeeper. But when the Pirates attacked and burned the Abbey up above, most of the cult were killed. The handful of survivors made their way into the basement here. Some of the walls here are porous and vent to the surface so we were able to survive.
Ogumnd there... He was the Commander of the warriors here. He never liked having me around. He thought since I wasn't a believer, my teachings would offend Set. Maybe they did. It wasn't a long time after that we were attacked. Gods can be fickle. Ogmund didn't die in battle--he got conked in the head by a lucky blow and was out for most of the fight. Somebody dragged him down here with us. After that, Ozzy put me in charge of the Guards and that really pissed Ogmund off.
We've been getting by. What Ozzy lacked in people skills he made up for as an organized bureaucrat. He was able to ration our food stores and oversaw the expansion of the vegetable garden that thankfully didn't burn with the rest of the island. We've been keeping a low profile since. No trees so we couldn't build a boat. And he refused to abandon the island anyway. He's been sending Animal Messengers daily trying to reach his superiors and ask for backup.
Everyone else who's left are just kids--their heart isn't in it yet for Mighty Set. Nobody else will give you trouble. Odium here hates Ozzy and he just wants out. Ogmund though... You should just slit that monster's throat. Those manacles won't hold him forever and he wants nothing more than to die for Set and take as many people with him on the way out."
During your time in the cellar, you get a look around. Here are the room descriptions. YOU HAVE NOT SEARCHED. If you want to investigate or make skill checks, tell me. I revealed the numbers on the map. The descriptions below tell you what you can see when opening each door.
3. A large cauldron filled with smoldering charcoal burns in the center of the room. Assorted cookware and seasonings rest on the floor and on shelves. There is also an ornate scroll tube on the shelf. The room is fairly clean, but the air is humid and greasy. A large tub of dirty water stands in the corner, surrounded by dirty dishes.
4.OGMUND'S ROOM: This chamber reeks of wine. Small kegs are scattered everywhere. A floor-to-ceiling wine rack filled with bottles dominates the southern wall. A crudely made pallet of rags and sacks covers the center of the room.
5.Three crude pallets lie on the floor, and a large iron kettle stands in the center of the chamber. In the northeast corner is a jumbled pile of broken lumber.
6. This room has been cleared of all debris. Three walls are heavily curtained with draperies of thick black velvet, and the east wall is decorated with a horrible mural depicting a red dragon devouring sheep. Near the west wall is a stone table on which a large iron brazier burns. The table has been scrubbed and scoured, but it has many odd discolorations and scorch marks. A half-melted statue and two badly damaged candlesticks sit beside the brazier.
7. This room is full of kegs, bags, and boxes. There is a rough cot in one corner and a great deal of clutter everywhere. Except for the cot, this appears to be nothing more than a disorganized storage room.
8. BAYLEAF'S QUARTERS Empty weapon racks and several empty bins and shelves line the walls of this room. On the floor is a bedroll of three blankets next to a pair of shiny leather boots.
9. ODIUM HAS BEEN FORCED TO SLEEP IN THIS STORAGE ROOM This room contains small statues and figurines. There are statues of dogs and horses, monks and pilgrims, footmen and knights on horseback, and several garden gnomes. All the statues are between one and three feet tall. Standing against the northern wall are two life-size statues. One is a robed skeleton holding a large scythe, and the other is a medusa. On the floor in front of these statues is a pallet of several blankets.
10. Several large bookcases lean against the walls in this cold room, and a high chair and a scribe’s desk sit to the right of the door. The bookcases are loaded with books and scrolls. Four bedrolls are stacked neatly in the corner.
When Belwick learns that there are bookcases, and that those bookcases hold books and scrolls, he immediately starts there. "I've no doubt that was where Ozymandius laboured. If we're going to learn anything, I suspect it'll be there."
He maintains his concentration on his spell, deciding that Ogmund can stay asleep for now. Though he knows it will become a problem at some point, right now he wants to see what this small library contains.
The book cases contain mostly accounting ledgers and book-keeping documents. But Belwick finds something much more sinister...
There is a set of five books, each bound in blue leather and trimmed in copper. They are ancient. The pages are very delicate and describe...
A lump appears in Belwick's throat as he takes a cursory glance. These pages describe rites and ceremonies that are Harrowing! There are formulae that involve complex channeling of Evil threads, and most seem to involve the sacrifice of sentient beings or blasphemies against all that is good and decent.
More study is required to garner additional information, but you'll need to put in the time. And that would likely have some sort of... Spiritual... Cost.
The scribes desk is locked.
Baghotir watches over the prisoners and contemplates the nature of good and evil.
Is it evil to kill a defenseless man? he shrugs to his internal monologue. If 'he' were an 'it', a demon maybe, I wouldn't hesitate.
He glances at the slumbering figure, remembering their hesitation, even in the face of powerful magics. Hesitation brought on by the strength of beliefs in Set.
Still, Bayleaf could have a personal grudge. Or vice versa. Could be b!+~#&#&.
He'll spend a little time questioning the prisoners, the simple guards now lashed together by stout rope. "Don't squirm and we'll see you out of this and back to town. Perhaps, if things go your way, you can find a better employer - huh? Someone who'll feed you steak and won't ask you to do... questionable things."
He wonders. He takes the guards aside and asks them a few questions.
"Anyway, I want you to tell me what you think of your hirers. Talk about the hooded man, Bayleaf, and Ogmund. Please feel free to tell the truth - for any lies will surely damn you when you're brought before the city council. Truth and honest opinion may sway us to speak on your behalf - no small thing!"
He questions them about their superiors and watches their responses carefully.
"Captain Roberts? A moment of your time, please?" Belwick calls out to the resident rogue as he stows the five tomes into his backpack. "We've a lock requiring your attention."
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The lock is childs play for Embers. Everybody earns 125 Experience Points.
In the desk are two vials of exceptionally fine ink, both smell faintly of copper.
There are also two spell scrolls. Light, and, Bless.
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Baghotir watches over the prisoners and contemplates the nature of good and evil.
Is it evil to kill a defenseless man? he shrugs to his internal monologue. If 'he' were an 'it', a demon maybe, I wouldn't hesitate.
He glances at the slumbering figure, remembering their hesitation, even in the face of powerful magics. Hesitation brought on by the strength of beliefs in Set.
Still, Bayleaf could have a personal grudge. Or vice versa. Could be b*%!%&%&.
He'll spend a little time questioning the prisoners, the simple guards now lashed together by stout rope. "Don't squirm and we'll see you out of this and back to town. Perhaps, if things go your way, you can find a better employer - huh? Someone who'll feed you steak and won't ask you to do... questionable things."
He wonders. He takes the guards aside and asks them a few questions.
"Anyway, I want you to tell me what you think of your hirers. Talk about the hooded man, Bayleaf, and Ogmund. Please feel free to tell the truth - for any lies will surely damn you when you're brought before the city council. Truth and honest opinion may sway us to speak on your behalf - no small thing!"
He questions them about their superiors and watches their responses carefully.
[dice=Persuasion]1d20+4[dice=Insight]1d20+6
They are tired and broken. But the conversation you have with them reveals that they prefer Ogmund to Bayleaf, because Bayleaf is hired, he can be bought. Ogmund is a Believer. All three simply have no more purpose because the last Cleric--Ozymandias--is dead. They surrendered not because they wanted to, but because they had failed.
Baghotir will share what he learned privately with the party members. If no one disagrees, he'll do what is needful.
After a little further hesitation, he'll kill the evil Set worshipper in his sleep - sending him on to his god as is his wont. He's not so sure Ogmund is going to like what he's going though. Then again, maybe he will.
With Baghotir watching over the prisoners Caelius sheates his blade to have a look around. "He should not see our justice unless he makes another attempt on our lives. Take him in and let's have the law deal with him."
Setting his shield down Caelius begins to poke around Ogmunds room. "Now let's see what is in here."
"I have to agree with Caelius here. And I say that as someone that Ogmund hit," Belwick says as they discuss what to do with Ogmund. "He is very clearly a murderous lunatic, but I can tell you that I am not. I will defend myself until I no longer need to. And right now he's disarmed, sleeping, and bound in manacles. We are better than this."
"The good news is that I've a bit of magic that I can call upon that will allow us to cart his sleeping form back with us. So let's hurry up with our search and get out of here."
A large cauldron filled with smoldering charcoal burns in the center of the room. Assorted cookware and seasonings rest on the floor and on shelves. There is also an ornate scroll tube on the shelf. The room is fairly clean, but the air is humid and greasy. A large tub of dirty water stands in the corner, surrounded by dirty dishes.
Belwick then gives the room their in a cursory glance before taking the ornate scroll tube and examining its contents.
If Belwick's spell had failed, we'd have killed him anyway in the fight. He wouldn't have surrendered and, if everyone can be believed, he'll do his damnedest to try again when he wakes. If not us, then whatever poor fool we hand him over to. I have no problem making him not our problem anymore, or anyone elses.
She looks over to Bayleaf.
Is this it? Everyone accounted for? No secret sub-basements or underground caverns or whatever?
Baghotir shrugs as the others shy away from doing what must be done. Still, some part of him is relieved.
"I'll keep an eye on him." Baghotir will be close at hand when the big man awakens.
If Belwick's spell had failed, we'd have killed him anyway in the fight. He wouldn't have surrendered and, if everyone can be believed, he'll do his damnedest to try again when he wakes. If not us, then whatever poor fool we hand him over to. I have no problem making him not our problem anymore, or anyone elses.
She looks over to Bayleaf.
Is this it? Everyone accounted for? No secret sub-basements or underground caverns or whatever?
Bayleaf smiles and shakes his head.
"Treasure. Lots of it. Well guarded though."
"I have to agree with Caelius here. And I say that as someone that Ogmund hit," Belwick says as they discuss what to do with Ogmund. "He is very clearly a murderous lunatic, but I can tell you that I am not. I will defend myself until I no longer need to. And right now he's disarmed, sleeping, and bound in manacles. We are better than this."
"The good news is that I've a bit of magic that I can call upon that will allow us to cart his sleeping form back with us. So let's hurry up with our search and get out of here."
A large cauldron filled with smoldering charcoal burns in the center of the room. Assorted cookware and seasonings rest on the floor and on shelves. There is also an ornate scroll tube on the shelf. The room is fairly clean, but the air is humid and greasy. A large tub of dirty water stands in the corner, surrounded by dirty dishes.Belwick then gives the room their in a cursory glance before taking the ornate scroll tube and examining its contents.
The scroll tube contains... A few simple recipes. Flatbread. Fish Stew. Seagull Loaf.
With Baghotir watching over the prisoners Caelius sheates his blade to have a look around. "He should not see our justice unless he makes another attempt on our lives. Take him in and let's have the law deal with him."
Setting his shield down Caelius begins to poke around Ogmunds room. "Now let's see what is in here."
Ogmund's room contains: In one of the kegs, you find a pouch containing 25 gp, and a very very nice dagger with a whalebone hilt and matching scabbard. Looks valuable. There's also his backup suit of studded leather armor and a pair of leather boots.
Nothing is magical, but all are of excellent quality.
Roberts walks the rooms, inventorying anything of potential value. Her mind may be scattered a bit at times, but right now she she's totally motivated.
Flitting about the rooms, Roberts notices abrasions in the stone floor in front of the curtains in room 6, in the Southwest Corner.
Baghotir keeps an eye on the prisoners while the others search about. He wonders if they can be left in the care of Bayleaf. He's not so sure about the big man, but he is manacled at least. That should make it an even fight, right?
He chuckles aloud at the thought and waits for the others.
Flitting about the rooms, Roberts notices abrasions in the stone floor in front of the curtains in room 6, in the Southwest Corner.
Belwick stows the scroll tube of recipes in his bag, and then goes over to where Roberts is and begins looking around. "There must be something to this. A secret passage, maybe?"
Belwick's investigative prowess is tested to the limit... By gently pulling back the black velvet curtain.
Behind the curtain is a door. It has the same black, intertwined geometric shapes as on the Ozymandias' amulet.
Baghotir keeps an eye on the prisoners while the others search about. He wonders if they can be left in the care of Bayleaf. He's not so sure about the big man, but he is manacled at least. That should make it an even fight, right?
He chuckles aloud at the thought and waits for the others.
Bayleaf is a chatty Cathy. And he keeps making quips about Dwarves that you're not... Quite... Sure... Are compliments or gentle insults.
"Bayleaf," Baghotir cuts him off from one of his uncertain comments, "You know we're your best chance of getting off this island. I'd like you to guard the prisoners."
"The way I figure it, you can untie them and point them in our direction and we'll just best them - and then put you to the axe, or you can keep 'em tied up nice and tidy and we'll get you off this rock in one piece."
"I leave it to you which option you'd prefer, but I think the latter means a lot less bloodshed all the way around."
With that, he'll move up to the door and, when folks say they're ready, he'll open it, warhammer at the ready!
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Bayleaf smiles, gathers his things and returns to guard the prisoners.
"Of course. Dwarven pragmatism. I love it. Though... I offer you more if you're interested. I agree to your terms--it makes the most sense for me. But I do find myself without employment. For a fee... I offer you more than simply, 'guarding the prisoners'. I will be thine sworn sword. And I'll not only guard the prisoners, I'll swear loyalty to you until the contract is fulfilled. I will be much more useful to you with the promise of some gold to fill my pouches. If you're venturing into the passages over there, you'll find more than enough to take home a princely sum for yourselves AND pay my contract. 500 Gold."
"500 gold!" coughs the dwarf mis-believing his own ears. I mean sure, he's accumulated that much in his recent endeavors, but five hundred gold for guarding some prisoners? "Outrageous. We don't even know what you can do. Sure, you lead this rabble, but you also turned when the opportunity presented itself."
"I'm not sure we can trust you with 500 gold." he harrumphs. Still, 100 gold a piece isn't horrible. But less would be better. He waits to see what the others have to say. He knows he's not the best spokesman.
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"500 gold!" coughs the dwarf mis-believing his own ears. I mean sure, he's accumulated that much in his recent endeavors, but five hundred gold for guarding some prisoners? "Outrageous. We don't even know what you can do. Sure, you lead this rabble, but you also turned when the opportunity presented itself."
"I'm not sure we can trust you with 500 gold." he harrumphs. Still, 100 gold a piece isn't horrible. But less would be better. He waits to see what the others have to say. He knows he's not the best spokesman.
He looks offended.
"I did not turn. My contract was fulfilled, and I chose to not die defending an Evil Cult. What I offer is this... It is one thing to watch these prisoners. It is quite another to fight Ogmund if he wakes up and breaks out of those cuffs. His strength and fervor are up to the task, I assure you. 500 is a little thing compared to what's that way, if you survive the delve. And I have no boat. It's in my interest for you to live. As for what I can do? I'm an expert swordsman and enchanter, a toastmaster and highly sought after dinner guest. I sing. I play. And I kill very effectively."
He tunes his lute.
"500 gold is a bit steep and we don't fully trust you yet to leave you alone with some prisoners lives. We will guard them in shifts and return them to the mainland." Caelius sees if the others have any thoughts on the matter.
"Honestly, I think we're all overreacting here. After all, Bayleaf was the one person who showed reason through this whole ordeal. We can quibble about hiring them on a retainer right now, but I think it's perfectly reasonable to leave them with the prisoners. After all, Ogmund stays asleep because of me, and I doubt any of us wants him to wake just yet."
He waves the party onward toward the door. "Let's be quick about our work, my friends. We still have a journey back to make, and I'd like it to be sooner rather than later."
Belwick gets to the door, stops, and turns back around. He walks up to Bayleaf, studies the man, and says, "I have many swords with me, and they are friends. I know enchantments, as you have already seen. I have yet to find a more talented musician than Alisanne. And as Baron I've had the pleasure of dining in some very fine places. I mean no offense, I do not lack for the skills you bring forward."
He strokes his chin and begins to pace as he continues to speak. He seems to only partially be speaking to Bayleaf. "There is always strength in numbers. Any military tactician will agree. And loyalty must be earned. Sometimes, that begins with coin. Still, that loyalty is finite compared to what I've garnered with this crew of adventurers. And still..."
"Four hundred gold orbs, with the first hundred paid up front, and you will be my sworn sword. What say you, Bayleaf?"
Bayleaf does some quick calculations. Then stands and holds his hand to Belwick.
"I accept. Until my feet stand safe on the dock at Saltmarsh, I am your man, and we share fates until such time as you become unable to complete the terms of the contract."
He shakes on it.
"I still suggest we kill Ogmund now, but if you wish him alive, I will ensure he stays unconscious and not permanently damaged."
Odium looks around nervously and asks, "But... I'm getting off this rock, yeah? I have a ride back?"
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Baghotir gets out his purse and counts out 20 gold coins and passes them to the Baron. "My share of the up front cost." Though he doesn't like parting with the cash, he's pleased Belwick managed to get the price reduced at least.
And he knows they need the warrior's loyalty, at least a little. Otherwise, someone has to stay behind to guard the prisoners and others.
He looks at Odium, "You're fine. Just sit here and chill."
Belwick pays Bayleak the 100 gold, saying, "I would rather him be alive, so please keep him unconscious. If something occurs while we are away, you can either head towards us or head towards the surface. I have place a magical alarm at the exit from this place, and will know immediately should someone leave."
To Odium he says, "Yes, you are welcome to leave with us when we leave. For now, I suggest you be as helpful as you can to Bayleaf. And otherwise sit tight."
Baghotir will join the others in a more thorough search of the place to make sure nothing else is left behind.
(-1 investigation, +4 perception)
(-1 investigation, +4 perception)
(-1 investigation, +4 perception)
The baron considers the remaining rooms that have been only given a cursory look. "Well, while the big oaf is sleeping I suggest we search his chambers. Baghotir, if you would be so kind as to assist?"
He then heads into the room to poke through the various kegs and see what wines are on the rack.
Baghotir's wisdom and experience reveals the following:
At the base of the Medusa statue, there is hidden compartment:
-a spell scroll of command
-a spell scroll of hold person,
-a gilded tome of dark ritual incantations written in Aquan and Infernal,
-a large silver holy symbol.
Under Ozymandias' cot:
-4 Potions of Healing in exquisite crystal vials. The vials themselves are potentially worth a sum.
-Bayleaf, hired by the party, recovers his cache of treasure and items from his room. He keeps them.
-The candlesticks and half melted silver statue by the brazier are potentially valuable.
I've listed out the contents of Ogmund's kegs in a reply to Caelius above.
Everyone earns 250 Experience Points for discovering the door and hidden treasures.
When we're sure everything's been checked, Baghotir will resume his spot in front of the door. When everyone is ready, he'll open it, hammer in hand.
Belwick stows the tome with all of the rituals written in other languages. "I can explore this for academic purposes later."
He gives the two scrolls to Baghotir. The potions he hands out to Caelius, Embers, Venn, and Alisanne. The valuables he stows in his bag of holding.
He then gestures at the door that leads below, ready to find the new dangers. "After you, Master Nightthane. Lead the way."
A short tunnel widens into an unfurnished and undecorated thirty-foot-square chamber. Standing next to one another in the center of the room are two enormous skeletal guardians; their heads feature prominent horns, and each wields a massive, rusted axe.
A knot of corpse-like figures clusters around a door in the eastern wall. Pain and terror twists each creature's hollow visage.
One of these corpse like figures stands apart.
It is truly horrifying to look upon! You can feel it sapping your very life force from here.
The monsters all notice you and take a hostile stance. What do you do?
Condition: None
- - -
vs DC 15
"Wow, it's a bodak! I didn't think they existed. Avert your eyes to avoid their deadly gaze!"
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"Peace! We mean you no harm! We are adventurers and explorers. I am Belwick Donnamoor. What do you do here?"
Baghotir looks over his shoulder at the Baron. "You're talking to this lot?!"
He can't believe it, but he stays his spell and hammer and waits a brief moment for their reply.
Baghotir certainly means harm.
There is a gasping, yearning moan from behind the Minotaur Skeletons. They part, allowing the creature identified by Baghotir as a Bodak to approach and it gazes long at hard at The Baron.
"Eeeeeesca Magistriiiiiii..."
Baron Belwick Donnamoor. Make a DC13 Constitution Save, as you gaze into the darkness of The Bodak's eyes.
The entire party feels their strength start to leave them, you feel tired, drained. Your life is leaking out of you.
Condition: Spiritual Axe (1/10r)
- - -
"Now that's an attack!" Baghotir cries out as the strength seems to drain from his very blood and he grows cold.
He steps up and swings on the corpse like thing at the door, and as a bonus action, summons his spiritual hammer for the last time today against the bodak. He averts his eyes as he gets closer to the bodak.
ROUND 1
1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers GO
3. Spectres TBD
4. Alisanne TBD
5. Skeleton Minotaurs TBD
6. Belwick TBD
7. Venn TBD
8. Baghotir SPIRITUAL WEAPON and ATTACK
Belwick takes Necrotic Damage
Roberts Go. If you end your turn in the grey aura, you take 5 Necrotic.
At the start of anyone's round, if they have line of sight on the Bodak, they must avert their gaze or be subject to the monster's death attack. If you avert your eyes, you attack The Bodak with disadvantage.
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At the close of the round, Baghotir's attacks will both HIT.
Belwick suffers, but holds onto the spell keeping Ogmund asleep.