"Much appreciated." Guillaume says, accepting a glass from Jallia. Once finished, he nods to an open area and says "Shall we begin?"
Zaine laughs and shakes his head, "You explain it so well, it's as plain as the nose on your face. I can't believe I didn't see it before." He eyes Sercrutio speculatively for a moment and then gives nod. "You should come by the manor next time. Bring your fellows, I'll give you the full tour this time, not just the breakfast nook." He adds with a wink.
***
Jalila is pleased to get physical but Guillaume finds her solidly built and about as easy to move as a brick wall.
"Oh come now, you musn't take it easy on me!" She complains with a hint of disappointment.
She seems to regain some good humor as she struggles to grapple onto bloodrager and only just manages to hold on.
"I have gained influence enough with that fool Zaine that he will give a full tour of the manor. We should set up a time."
"Go for the back of her knee! She will be helpless!" Fellzir encourages somewhat sarcastically.
+1 possibly
It takes all of Guillaume's strength to move to counter Jalila's tactics.
With the business with halflings dealt with, The Shrike removes his mask and cloak, and return to society just as Giuliano. With the spare time, he might as well check how Linton Demeer, the alchemist, is doing.
Sercrutio sets up an appointment to talk with the governor.
Sercrutio strolls in with a relaxed look about him. "Good day Governor. I came on behalf of myself and Madame Viorica. As you may remember, I am aiding Madame Viorica with the logistical aspects of her expansion. Part of that is to ensure that all of the different parts of the expansion is within ordinance and code." Sercrutio shrugs, "Look Governor, I'll be honest with you. I don't like the change that the Glorious Reclaimation is causing. I am familiar with standard Cheliaxian ordinance and code. The changes add extra work for me. That said, it is what it is, so here I am. I see no reason that we could not work together, even if we have differences of thought. "
Guillaume struggles to free himself from the monk's grasp but can't find a gap in her stance from which to leverage his freedom. Instead, she increases the pressure and shifts her weight, achieving a pin against him. She holds the pin for a count of five and then releases, returning to her starting place.
"You're enamored of those weapons of yours. Not so used to the unarmed martial arts, eh?" She says with a satisfied smile.
*******
Guiliano finds the usually jolly alchemist looking a bit harried. "Sorry, bit busy at the moment. Was there something you needed?"
*******
Governor Oppian Nevilindor frowns slightly but motions Sercrutio to take a chair opposite his desk. "I'm always happy to hear out a citizen's concerns. What difficulties do you speak of? Lor... *ahem* Madame Viorica has not mentioned any troubles to me."
"Is that a way to talk to a prospective customer!? I thought we were friends, and now you talk to me like I'm some commoner pest!" Well, the friend part was exaggeration, of course. But Giuliano certainly didn't appreciate the dismissive way of the alchemist spoke. And he let his feeling burst out.
"What is wrong with you, man?"
Sercrutio gives Nevilindor a smile as he sits.
"Well, I do not know if I count as a citizen, as I have not been living here for long," he adds with the same smile. "But, let us get to the point. We are looking to expand in every direction, three dimensionally. Has there been any changes to the ordinances and codes from the previous government?"
[dice=CMB to maintain Grapple]1d20+11+5
[dice=CMB to Pin]1d20+11
Guillaume struggles to free himself from the monk's grasp but can't find a gap in her stance from which to leverage his freedom. Instead, she increases the pressure and shifts her weight, achieving a pin against him. She holds the pin for a count of five and then releases, returning to her starting place."You're enamored of those weapons of yours. Not so used to the unarmed martial arts, eh?" She says with a satisfied smile.
"Yes, I'm afraid you've got the better of me today. I'll have to work on my unarmed technique."
"Does that mean you're finished?" Fellzir seems disappointed.
"Well, keep at it. Practice makes perfect, or so they say. Would you like to sit down to tea before you go? I don't get many visitors out here. Suppose that's due to the rather unruly "guests" we host here at Hardship's Hearth." As if on cue, there is a distant clanging and voices raised in shouts.
*******
Linton gawps in surprise, his mouth dropping open before he begins to bluster angrily, "Of all the high-handed... Well, m'lord, I've got a big bloody order to fulfill and time's running short. So you have me at a bit of a disadvantage. Not that you'd know anything about that, gentleman of leisure that you are!" He huffs in frustration and turns back to his work.
*******
Nevilindor smiles beneficently, "Of course you count! Every town needs it's Inn to thrive, especially when there's only one. Ordinances, hmmm, let me see. Beyond the abolishment of slavery, I can't think of any that should impede your business expansion. If Madame Viorica is considering rennovation, perhaps it's a good time to take a step back from the Nidalese decor. Such a dour look to the place might drive away custom. With the departure of her most recent guest from Nidal..." His gaze sharpens slightly at this, "Well, I doubt we'll be seeing much more of his sort in Kantaria." He concludes, his tone still friendly and light, but his eyes hard.
Jalila is still susceptible to the other social skills as well, wrestling is her favored way to bond but she's also hard to beat. The social DCs are lower.
Fellzir explains that Guillaume is a master swordsman and has seldom been so much as scratched in battle. We would be fearsome allies if she ever needed our aid.
"I appreciate your information and I will relay your thoughts to Madame Viorica. I can say that the decor of the inn seems to be felt as 'iconic' and/or 'traditional' or another positive expression of preference." Sercrutio shrugs, "It would seem that the Nidalese look appears to be preferred from our guests, but maybe I have not been around for long enough." Sercrutio tilts his head to the side and leans a little closer to the mayor, "Speaking of... Mayor, are you from this town or area?"
"Bah, do you not have people to work for you!?" Giuliano shouts at the merchants back. In his opinion, the man should be busy only shouting orders to others - and thus also confirming Linton's blaming words.
"Who's such an important customer? And what they could be wanting in such volumes?"
Jalila is still susceptible to the other social skills as well, wrestling is her favored way to bond but she's also hard to beat. The social DCs are lower.Fellzir explains that Guillaume is a master swordsman and has seldom been so much as scratched in battle. We would be fearsome allies if she ever needed our aid.
[dice=bluff]1d20+8
"It is a very nice sword, to be fair." Guillaume says, knowing that he isn't great at lying and deciding to go for honest humility instead.
Lady Jalila, shall we try as well?
My grappling may leave something to be desired, but oweing to my ancestry I better get good at it or else I become a snack. You will likel prevail, but I can make it a bit more entertaining by calling Lord Malacodas divine favor upon me, if you agree.
Some CMB checks
+3 if she is ok with divine favor
Aurelius starts strong, while not having the muscles of a bloodraging guillaume, he is physically capable
+3 if she is ok with divine favor
Before faltering for a moment
+3 if she is ok with divine favor
and then becoming merely average, which probably doesnt do it.
Jalila raises an eyebrow at the mention of Malcoda but nods her assent to the ritual. Though his follow-ups are lackluster, his first attempt is impressive enough to earn the monk's respect.
A distant clatter and raised voices again in the distance draw her attention and she shakes her head ruefully before turning an apologetic smile on you. "I don't suppose you have any experience with the Hellknights? We have a member of the Order of the Rack in residence and she is struggling to adjust to her current situation. We do our best to make her stay here comfortable but I'm frankly afraid she will do herself harm despite our efforts. We will, of course, negotiate her release when the political climate has settled. But I begin to doubt she will last that long if she doesn't make peace with the current state of affairs." Jalila explains, looking to you imploringly.
*******
Linton waves a hand dismissively, "You clearly have no understanding of the Alchemical Arts if you think I can trust production to some underling. This is not cookery or housekeeping. Why I don't even have a proper apprentice to assist me! I'm happy to sell you whatever you need, but with this order from the Reclamation pending, I really don't have time for idle chatter. Not even for 'friends'" He announces with no small irony over the tone of your exchange.
*******
Oppian Nevilindor nods amicably, "I was born in Kantaria, yes. Though I was away for some years due to my training and induction into Iomedae's service. I returned about ten years ago. This town is very dear to me." He pauses, considering. "You should really see Valor's Fastness up close for yourself. It as beautiful as it is imposing. Invite Madame Viorica, I'll arrange a tour for your little company. Perhaps you'll see some elements of design you'd like to emulate in your renovations."
Sercrutio gets up from his seat. "I would love to get a tour, and I'm sure that Madame Viorica would as well," he says ending with a head nod. "Until then Mr. Nevilindor." With that he leaves.
"Of course, Guillaume, Aurelius, and I would be happy to talk to her. Please lead the way."
Jalila flashes a greatful smile and leads you through a room to the west, where a large burgundy couch sits in the northeast corner of this room next to a small end table. A larger circular table and four chairs fill the southern half of the room. She crosses to the southern door, of sturdy construction and unlocks it with a key retrieved from a chain she wears about her waist.
A tidily made bed sits in the southwest corner of this chamber. A small table and wooden chair are bolted to the floor, and a silver tray with bits of half-eaten food sits on the table. Thick iron bars secure the room’s windows. A pallid, dark haired woman with a stern countenance and a fresh scar over left eye has her feet hooked under the bedframe, performing crunches at a rapid pace. At the sound of the door, she turns to sneer at the monk before resuming her calisthenics without a word.
"This is Hellknight Zara Orcelani, shield-maralictor of the Order of the Rack. She won't speak in my presence, so I will excuse myself. Please rap on the door when are ready to leave." And she steps from the room, relocking the door behind her.
Dame Orcelani
Aurelius says as he tips his breastplate with his indexfinger at the words "good" and "day".
We are here to you in your transition, as your current state rather unbecoming for you, certainly, you would prefer to not be
Aurelius keeps tapping his finger at his breastplate, a thing invisible to anyone from outside the cell even if they listen in, and uses this to emphasise the words "help" "is" and "here"
Good Day Help is here
Perhaps if the changes, your such change as well, so that public trust will ? He continues his pitch
Order will be restored
Why would a seasoned law enforcement official not have a role to in the new regime, side other exemplars who have made similiar decisions?
After all, be maintained on various criminal elements, less zeal the forces of disorder cause chaos, and deny those who live here the true of a lawful society, for us, for them, and also for
Surveilliance must slacken before freedom for you
Zara pauses in her exercises to rise and consider Aurelius and his message. "So hurry up and wait, patience is a virtue, blah blah blah. I'm not one for passive resistance but right now it's all I've got. Now if I had my gear I could be downright active. That half-elf wizard took possession of it, from what I've heard." With that little tidbit of information shares, she sits down on her bunk, looking bored.
"Fine, tell the monk I'll meditate on my situation. She'll like that."
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Faydreth Zaine meets your party in the foyer, greeting Sercrutio warmly and the rest of you politely. He makes casual conversation as he guides you through the manor.
A thick hedge surrounds the Narikopolus Manor. The manor house’s exterior doors are strong wooden doors; the interior doors are simple, made of lighter woods from the surrounding Barrowood. All windows are securely shuttered and locked. The ceilings within the manor are 10 feet high. The building is richly furnished; paintings and wooden cabinets filled with display pieces line the walls, and the rooms and corridors feature similarly decorative furnishings. Small torches and hanging chandeliers powered by continual flame spells provide light in the halls and public rooms, while the bedrooms are equipped with traditional oil lamps. The storage areas are unlit.
F1. Entrance:
Two entrances lead into the manor: the front door on the south side of the house, and a side door to the east. Each is accessible by a 5-foot-high flight of steps climbing to a stone landing. Decorative topiaries, sculpted in the form of savage devils stand before each entrance.
F2. Foyer:
A large couch sits to one side of this entry hall. Opposite the couch, a grand stairway climbs to the second floor and area F12. A storage closet under the stairs holds dozens of coats, cloaks, and other outerwear.
F3. Hall Library:
The walls of this hallway are lined with bookshelves filled with treatises on Chelish history, though large gaps exist in the collection. Faydreth cautions you, "Take care near the books, I've not yet finished cataloging them and I have a deterrent in place to prevent them from wandering off."
F4. Storage:
These areas contain barrels of water, foodstuffs, linens, tools, and other mundane items necessary for daily life. There are several such areas throughout the manor.
F5. Servants’ Quarters:
These rooms housed the Narikopolus servants and slaves, all of whom were emancipated by the Glorious Reclamation. They contain basic, worn furniture, but are otherwise empty.
F6. Locked Stairwell:
These doors are kept locked, though it's a very simple variety. "Just a servant's stairwell. I don't keep a live-in staff so it's simpler to just keep it locked."
F7. Privy:
Each of these small chambers contains a commode, a lavatory, and an enameled cast iron tub.
F8. Lower Kitchen:
The Narikopolus family’s servants prepared breakfasts and casual lunches for guests in this kitchen, which serves the lower level of the house. With the family gone, Zaine has had little use for this kitchen or the adjacent breakfast room (area F9). A wood-burning stove stands against the western wall, and the cupboards around the walls store crockery, cooking implements, and dry goods.
F9. Breakfast Room:
Guests and family members alike enjoyed breakfast in this chamber, where wide glass windows in the northern wall fill the room with outside light. Elegantly carved chairs encircle the wide wooden table in the center of the room. This is the room where you had your informal brunch meeting with the leading council.
F10. Living Room:
The Narikopolus family received visitors in this chamber, or retired here after breakfast or lunch for casual conversation. Now Zaine uses this room to entertain guests on the rare occasions he leaves his work. A piano stands in one corner, a fireplace occupies another, and a couch stands along the east wall.
F11. Lower Bedroom:
This spacious bedroom belonged to the eldest Narikopolus son. A large bed stands in the southeast corner, and empty bookshelves line the walls; their contents presumably taken to Egorian when the family fled.
F12. Second Floor Landing:
The grand stairway from the manor’s foyer (area F2) ends here, in an open area containing several glass trophy cases. The cases are empty, their contents presumably taken to the Narikopolus’s estate in Egorian.
From the landing, great 15-foot-tall windows look out over the manor’s grounds and front entrance (area F1).
F13. Upper Kitchen:
A close copy of its downstairs counterpart (area F8), this kitchen sees far more use now. Zaine prepares his own meals here when dining alone, but hires cooks to handle the larger dinners he hosts.
F14. Dining Room: Larger than its downstairs counterpart (area F9), this dining room hosted private dinners for the Narikopolus family and privileged guests.
Now, Faydreth entertains guests of all types here, hosting at least one meal per week for Kantaria’s governing council. Wide windows along the north wall illuminate a great table in the center of the room, a cabinet displaying glossy red terra sigillata bowls, and a small table holding liqueurs on the eastern edge of the room.
F15. Sitting Room:
This large room is bereft of any furniture, though a large fireplace fills the northeast corner. The Narikopolus family kept their most ostentatious furniture here, but presumably had it moved to Egorian when they received summons from House Thrune.
F16. Study:
This room was the private study of the House Narikopolus patriarch, but Faydreth Zaine has converted the chamber into a study and storage room for blasphemous texts and tainted magical items. He displays this room only briefly.
F17. Zaine’s Bedroom:
This bedchamber was reserved for the patriarch of House Narikopolus. Faydreth has claimed it now, filling the bookshelves with tomes on arcane lore and celestial scriptures detailing the good-aligned planes. There is a door to another storage closet on the south wall of the room.
Sercrutio notices several valuable treatises about devils and the infernal histories of Cheliax, House Narikopolus, and House Thrune sitting on the desk, apparently in the process of being cataloged. Resting on the desk atop the other tomes is what looks to be a book of extended summoning.
A small figurine in the shape of a bearded devil holding a glaive catches Giuliano's eye. It looks valuable.
Sercrutio makes a mental note of the papers and the special tome.
"That is an academics ideal bedroom, Master Zaine. I can not help but feel a pang of jealousy," Sercrutio delivers with a smile. "Though," he adds jokingly, "with all of those books in your bed chamber, how much sleep do you actually get?"
***********
"Greetings Master Alchemist Giuliano," Sercrutio says with a bow. "I apologize I have not come by sooner to extend my thanks for several days ago. You seem to be a very accomplished and knowledgeable alchemist. Where did you study?"
Sercrutio makes a mental note of the papers and the special tome.
"That is an academics ideal bedroom, Master Zaine. I can not help but feel a pang of jealousy," Sercrutio delivers with a smile. "Though," he adds jokingly, "with all of those books in your bed chamber, how much sleep do you actually get?"
Zaine chuckles lightly in reply. "You know me too well, my friend. I fear I do neglect my rest too much of late. I have often lamented not sharing more of the abilities of my elven forebears. What might we accomplish without the need for sleep."
***********
"Greetings Master Alchemist Giuliano," Sercrutio says with a bow. "I apologize I have not come by sooner to extend my thanks for several days ago. You seem to be a very accomplished and knowledgeable alchemist. Where did you study?"
Sercrutio finds Linton Demeer more amicable than Giuliano.
"Oh? Well thank you, it is nice to hear that on occasion. I do sometimes worry that my skills are taken for granted. I studied right here in Kantaria. I apprenticed under my old master and opened up this shop after he took to his retirement."Demeer puts a hand to his temples, rubbing as if trying to soothe a headache. "My apologies, though I would welcome a break, this order from the Reclamation has me wishing I had an apprentice of my own to pitch in. Certainly, they have as much right to potions of healing as anyone, but I simply cannot fathom the urgency with which they have pressed for the order. They must be expecting trouble to warrant such a stockpile." He politely excuses himself to return to his work with your pardon.
"Oh?" Sercrutio responds to the alchemist. "Who was your master? Where did your master study?"
***************
Sercrutio laughs with Zaine, "At some point we are who we are. Well, Master Zaine, if you ever need a study assistant or partner, please let me know."
"Aren't you the inquisitive sort... I was just a lad when I came to be apprentice to Master Albinus, who was trained as an apprentice to a Master Fulvicci. Twas Fulvicci that had a degree from the Alabaster Academy in Kintargo. Though he kept that fact close due to some unfortunate business concerning one of his *ahem* professors."
He raises an eyebrow to see if you understand his reference.
"Alabaster Academy? Interesting. I admit, I am not overly familiar with that institution. I have just heard of it. Well, I will see if I can send you a capable assistant to help you deal with the sheer quantity, if you are interested. "
Charles raises an eyebrow in reply.
"Would you perchance be obliquely referring to Professor Mangvhune? Assorted public unpleasantness aside, I heard that he was interested in subjects connected to maintaining a sense of self beyond death. The view from up on Temple Hill being what it is, and all..."
Charles raises an eyebrow in reply.
"Would you perchance be obliquely referring to Professor Mangvhune? Assorted public unpleasantness aside, I heard that he was interested in subjects connected to maintaining a sense of self beyond death. The view from up on Temple Hill being what it is, and all..."
Linton Demeer nods with a slightly surprised expression. "I heard much the same, though if he solved any great mysteries, he took them to his grave. I thank you for the offer but I fear I must trudge along on my own. I'll manage somehow." He says with a weary but affable smile.
*******
Oppian Nevilindor is disappointed when Loredana does not join you for the tour, but manages to be a congenial guide in spite of this.
Valor’s Fastness is Kantaria’s fortified temple of Iomedae, consecrated to the Inheritor after her ascension to godhood in honor of her defense of the town. The center of Iomedaean faith in Kantaria, Valor’s Fastness is the heart of the Glorious Reclamation’s presence in the region, serving as the order’s base of operations. The map for this area is located on page 46. The walls of Valor’s Fastness are the typical whitewashed stone commonly seen in Iomedaean architecture. The exterior walls are 20 feet high and 10 feet thick. The exterior doors are strong wooden doors and can be barred from within. The ceilings inside the temple are 15 feet high unless otherwise noted. The public areas are accessible via arched entryways, and sound travels easily through these open portals. The private quarters and storage chambers have good wooden doors with simple locks unless otherwise noted. Everburning torches provide light in most interior chambers and hallways, with the exception of living quarters, where inhabitants must provide their own light sources. Numerous rank-and-file members of the Glorious Reclamation and the Church of Iomedae inhabit Valor’s Fastness.
H1. Gate
A sturdy wooden gate stands between two towers in the thick white walls of the fortress, barring entry. The sword-and-sun symbol of Iomedae is painted on the gate in vibrant colors. The wooden gate is 2 feet thick and closed with a high quality locking mechanism. Cranks in the adjacent guard towers (areas H2b and H2c) are used to open the doors.
H2. Guard Tower
A whitewashed stone tower, its sides pierced with arrow slits, rises above the walls of the temple. Each of these four towers is 30 feet tall and contains three levels, each 10 feet high, connected by wooden ladders. The bottom two levels are used for storage, primarily crates of preserved rations and barrels of water in case of siege, and when necessary, additional barrack space, while the third level serves as a guardroom. The top two levels of each tower are equipped with arrow slits, providing views of the fortress’s surroundings and the temple’s interior courtyard (area H3). Strong wooden doors on the towers’ third levels provide access to the ramparts atop the walls. The second levels of the two towers flanking the main gate (areas H2b and H2c) contain the crank mechanisms for opening and closing the gate. Four Glorious Reclamation sergeants stand on guard in each tower.
H3. Courtyard
Bushes and trees grow in the well-tended grass of this expansive inner courtyard, and a gravel path runs northeast from the fortress’s main gate to the temple proper. The path encircles a magnificent stone fountain, atop which a tall sword stands, its length thrust halfway into the fountain’s spout. Names are engraved all along the sides of the fountain. The courtyard of Valor’s Fastness once housed a cemetery for Iomedaean clergy and Kantaria’s former military leaders. Eventually, the temple’s clergy replaced the individual grave markers with an ornate fountain. The fountain’s sword marks the deceased interred below and commemorates Iomedae’s heroic defense of Kantaria.
”Look there, do you see that shadowy shape patrolling the grounds? During her time in Kantaria as a mortal, Iomedae formed a special bond with a stray dog that she named Exemplar. The dog survived the siege of the town, but when Iomedae departed Kantaria, she was forced to leave him behind. Exemplar passed away around the same time Iomedae completed the Test of the Starstone, but he soon returned to Valor’s Fastness as an incorporeal creature known as a church grim. Now he roams the grounds of the temple, we are greatly blessed to have such a tireless guardian.”
The black, dog shaped apparition turns its red eyes on you and you suddenly feel as if it knows you through and through as if every sin and misdeed were painted on your sleeve. Oppian intercepts the creature and gives him a companionable pat. Though it approaches no closer, you feel its eyes marking your every move. The relief is palpable as you move indoors and away from its penetrating gaze.
H4. Narthex
The walls of this expansive chamber are covered in elaborate frescoes depicting Iomedae’s greatest heroic struggles, including the Shining Crusade, the salvation of Kantaria, and the Test of the Starstone. Sturdy stone pillars etched with intricately carved text are evenly spaced alongside the walls. The murals on the walls show the accomplishments and struggles of the mortal Iomedae, including several scenes not immortalized in the goddess’s Eleven Acts. One prominent image depicts Iomedae wielding a heavy flail against a horde of wights who disarmed her of her blade during the Shining Crusade. The carvings on the pillars are prayers and devotions to the Inheritor.
H5. Antechamber
A red carpet covers the floor of this room. Three wooden chairs rest against one wall, their seats covered with simple red pillows, while a small iron safe stands against the opposite wall. Oppian explains that brides and grooms wait in this chamber before entering the sanctuary proper, as do visitors waiting to meet with the church’s clergy.
H6. Sacristy
This small sits under a flight of stairs that leads to the temple’s second floor. The wooden door to the room is locked with an average lock. Sacred implements and furnishings for the sanctuary are stored here. Some made from silver look quite valuable.
H7. Sanctuary
Two rows of wide pews line this room, facing an elevated stone dais and altar to the southeast. Above the dais, magnificent banners depicting crusading knights and heraldic emblems hang from the edge of a wooden balcony overlooking the space. Befitting the fortified nature of Valor’s Fastness, the sanctuary was constructed with practicality in mind, and lacks the glass-paned windows common in other Iomedaean churches. Priests of Iomedae lead services for the local faithful from the dais. The balcony above the altar is 15 feet above the floor.
About ten people are scattered about the room, sitting together in quiet conversation or engaged in prayer. A few kneel in supplication to a stone statue of Iomedae that stands in the northeast corner.
H8. Vestry
Nearly two dozen sets of Iomedaean cleric’s vestments hang from hooks lining the walls of this chamber. Since the arrival of the Glorious Reclamation, the Iomedaean priests have left these less militant robes here, instead choosing to don their more practical battle armor.
H9. Confessional
A circular wooden table flanked by two sturdy wooden chairs stands in the center of this room. A single candle flickers in a holder in the middle of the table. Iomedaean priests meet with members of their congregation for confessionals or with other clergy members in this chamber. Oppian explains briefly and then warmly greets a trio of fellows seated at the table, one of whom is a fit looking tiefling, apparently named Viktor. They speak like close friends.
H11. Mess Hall
Three large wooden tables surrounded by chairs take up the bulk of the space in this chamber. Plates and eating utensils are stacked neatly on the tables. Weapon racks stand against the southeastern wall. The forces of the Glorious Reclamation and church of Iomedae share food and enjoy some relaxation here in the temple’s communal mess hall. The bustle of activity shows that this room stays busy most of the time. Seems the custom is to stow their weapons on the racks during meal times.
H12. Kitchen
Hired cooks from the town normally prepare meals for the temple’s inhabitants in this kitchen, but with the growing unrest in town, they have been dismissed. Now the soldiers of Valor’s Fastness prepare their own simple meals here. A long shelf runs along the walls of the room, with crates and kegs of preserved foodstuffs tucked underneath.
Giuliano steers clear of the ghost dog, trying to avoid it's burning gaze. "I'm afraid I don't quite like dogs..." he excuses himself. "Bad experiences with aggressive strays, you see."
Otherwise during the tour, he keeps an eye on the locations of food supplies and weapons for future use - and the mess hall and kitchen look interesting in that regards.
Given the opportunity, Giuliano strikes up casual conversion with a guard. "Well hello there, champ. How's the guard duty these days - must be quiet and boring after the Glorious Reclamation cleaned out all the troublemakers." During the chatting, he'll press the face into memory along with with any details about the guards personal life he might slip - again for future use.
Well lit area, with at least one shadowy guard. Difficult to take
Aurelius thinks as he takes teh tour.
No civilian kitchen staff to infiltrate for mass poisoning either.
He makes a mental note at the kitchen
Custom to stow weapon during mealtime could be exploited
He thinks at the mess hall
Ok, about 2 dozen clerics total? Yikes in a direct fight
He thinks at the Vestry
We are not taking this place by force, definitly requires an more oblique approach
"Many apologies Oppian, but Madame Viorica's business activities, unfortunately, leave her very little time. I am sure you understand. She does still thoroughly appreciate the invitation despite her inability to attend," Sercrutio delivers politely.
The rest of the tour he stays mostly quiet. If asked he simply says "Forts and fortresses are not my thing."
Oppian nods his understanding but his disappointment is apparent. "You know, I think I remember Loredana was always a bit leery of Exemplar too. I suppose he is a little worrisome looking." He says with a shrug. "Good as can be though, through and through." He proclaims with a smile, clearly certain this fact is reassuring.
Sercrutio's knowledge of the Arcane suggests Oppian has described the creature he calls 'Exemplar' accurately. A Church Grim is an incorporeal magical beast, typically taking the form of a ghostly black dog with glowing red eyes. They are known to be excellent guardians, most often protecting cemeteries from graverobbers and other such hallowed sites from those who would commit profane acts upon them.
Weakness: DR 10/evil and limited domain
The Church Grim is tied to the grounds it protects. It can go anywhere within it's domain but it cannot move beyond; it must stop at the boundary of consecrated land.
Special: Soul Bite
The incorporeal bite of a church grim deals 1d6 points of holy damage and 1d4 points of Wisdom damage to the target. A successful Fortitude save negates the Wisdom damage. On each successful attack that does Wisdom damage, the church grim gains 5 temporary hit points.
Just for fun: A church grim automatically knows the alignment of any creature that enters its churchyard. ^_~
Sercrutio shares this information after the tour when the group has arrived back at the inn and are alone.
"That is a dangerous creature. We should exercise extreme caution. "
Loredana shudders delicately as she joins in the conversation. "You saw Exemplar then. That beast has always given me the creeps. Valor's Fastness is a very great stronghold. You really should set your sights on lower hanging fruit for now." She advises.