I once badmouthed Baphomet hard enough that a cultist, we didnt know he was one, got mad enough that he complained, and we thus managed to unveil him and his cell. Like, what can I do that the goaty boi is strictly speaking the demonlord of motherf+$%ing, intellectual property theft and fraudulent real estate transactions? Not responsible for his weird life choices!
Ragnar chuckles back, showing he has absolutely no issue with Maevus snickering.
I have intimidated or trashtalked demons, a lesser vampire spawn, a ghoul, cultists and mendevian tax collectors. Only one of these I would not trashtalk again. Yikes. Effing indirect taxes on crusade related loot gains.
The large man says in a friendly way before stopping as he notices Maevus attachment to the book.
You were close yes?
Imrik will pick up the smith's hammer and examine it.
Valiard scratched at his chin a moment before responding. "Well, yes, we are talking to her ghost. She perished in the fire and has remained there in the prison ever since, and now works to finish her husband's work and restrain the prisoner's spirits.""The professor's skull was caved in by a large chunk of rock...it seems a bit more than improbable that the gargoyle statue decided to jump off the roof right at that moment when the professor was leaning over just so...but beyond that, no we don't have any hard evidence. Honestly I am not sure if we ever will, beyond a confession of the murderer, a ghost-eyed witness may be the best we will ever get."
"As for the necromancers, I haven't the faintest beyond what Visayn has said. At the moment though, it doesn't much matter. We have far more pressing concerns as the town is imperiled by these ghosts as well as the soul of an innocent woman."
...
"Thank you for the clarifications. I didn't want to assume the warden's wife was a ghost. Assumptions kill, as I often say. And yes, hard evidence can be hard to come by, unfortunately."
Calin perks up noticeably when Visayn mentions the Whispering Way. "I had hoped to leave the Way behind in Lastwall, but that was always unlikely to be true. Have you had direct run-ins with members of the Way so far?"
As Calin listens to the group discussion and pages through the book, his face goes slack and his pale skin somehow get even more pale. He rapidly turns the pages, as though he is looking for something in particular. Then, he quickly closes the book and drops it on the table with an audible thud. "Who carried this book before? Did they ever mention finding their name in it?"
"You saw your name in it? Interesting. I wonder if its a prophecy or some kind of illusion put there by the power of the haunt." Imrik says.
You look over at Doctor Ramada and see his vacant look as he sits with a lean against the wall. Looking closer you notice there is blood all over him.
I spent a significant time with him. I have not seen much of the world, this is the furthest from home I've ever been. But talking with Petros... It felt like I had explored the world as he had. She smiles bittersweet at the memories.
Thank you for the book do- She stares agape at Ramada's bloodied form. Doctor Ramada- Doctor Ramada... He's dead. A mixture of confusion and shock crosses her face as she looks around for an explanation.
Hmmm, interesting. Lets us head to the prison and slay whatever is there. Before it claims more non combatants. I do not know of his allegiances, but mayhaps one who does may speak his rites?
Ragnar as seen a lot of death, and is hard to shake.
Imrik will stow the hammer and then looks over at the group that just came from the hospital and says, "Do you guys need to rest or are you ready to go back to the hospital?"
Visayn thanks Rai for healing and then turns to discussion between Calin and Maevus. "It could have been Ramada who had that book. Having your name inexplicably written on it is like totally plausible when you remember where it was found, isn't it? Hey Doc, did you read.. wait he's dead?" Visayn's face turns to grief and sadness
"Maybe we should get to know each other better before we head to such dangerous place. You never know whats going to happen. We should totally rest here for now."
"Ramada?" Valiard said a he glanced over at his old friend, "Not a very good joke."
Valiard got to his feet and moved closer to the Doctor. "Hey Ramada, why do you have so much..."
Doctor Ramada- Doctor Ramada... He's dead.
Valiard looked back at Maevus, mouth agape for a moment before turning his gaze back to the corpse of the Doctor, when he realized that his friend drew breath no longer.
"What is going on?! How is he dead? Ramada! Ramada, if this is some sort of sick joke you need to knock it off. Playing with death is not an experiment a sane person makes..." Valiard said, looking more and more distraught by the moment.
"Perhaps he is just poisoned...or mimicking death? Some sort of magical potion?"
Valiard glanced around at the assembly.
"Someone do something!! This must have just happened! We can still save him!" he said, his voice rising with desperation.
"You saw your name in it? Interesting. I wonder if its a prophecy or some kind of illusion put there by the power of the haunt." Imrik says.
"Yes, my name was written on blood on several pages. I don't understand what it could mean. It seems I'm tied to this book somehow. I'll carry it with me unless there's objection." He put the book in his backpack in a pouch with nothing else in it.
Upon hearing the commotion about Ramada, Calin springs into action. He attempts to rouse him by shaking him with some force. "Ramada, wake up. Come back to us!" When that's no use, he checks for his vitals and any injuries.
Calin doesn't see anything immediately wrong with him, but doesn't feel certain.
Rai is instantly concerned, moving over to Ramada, to see what he can found out and if there is anything he could do. In a panic, unable to assess the situation clearly, he says
"Stay with us!" gesturing and putting his hand on Ramada's shoulder.
Imrik watches Rai and waits to see what he can do.
The cure spell doesn't seem to help him, he still does not move and his skin remains pale.
"Perhaps handing over the book took something from him. Do we know if the connection to the ghosts cursed these items?" Imrik asks.
Plausible Ragnar nods to Imrik
He draws the axe
For the record Hopper, you little rabbit are locked in with me.
He adresses the handaxe, eyes flaring blackly.
Seeing the cure spell having no effect, Calin grasps Ramada by the shoulders, asks for Iomedae's blessing, and casts Lay on Hands. "Iomedae, grant me a measure of your power. Help me heal this man." With much concern on his face, Calin stands up and hopes against hope that Ramada comes back to them.
I have nought to contribute but vengeance and steel.
If I part with this axe, could this be used to summon this hopper in a futile attempt to slay me? So that I can fight him away from his base? It seems to be that Ramada passing this book triggered a curse upon him... Nay, this I must not do. I have offered challenge in Lord Gorrums name, I must not endanger another by giving the axe to another, and thus to transfer my burden upon this other. Tis would be cowardice, to risk such dishonor for a tactical advantadge... Tis be a violation of what I stand for. I shall seek out this rabbit named Hopper or something like that in his lair, I shall laugh in his face, and he will part with the part of his body that his ears are attached to. Which may well be his arse rather then his head, but I shall care little.
Calin's lay on hands does not affect the body either.
Valiard tore his eyes away from the body of his friend and glanced around the room. "He was fine moments ago! Where did the blood come from?" he asked, confused.
"Is there an assassin among us? How was he injured?"
"If he saw his name in the cursed book before, he may have suffered from giving it up." Imrik says with a dark scowl.
(From the kitchen) "What's all the noise? Is Ramada rambling again? He'll stop soon enough..."
Realizing that any further efforts to revive Ramada would prove fruitless, Calin's face turns somber and sad. He slowly makes his way to each of his new acquaintances, firmly places a hand on their shoulder, and nods. "You should have some time alone with your friend. I will be outside."
As Calin exits the room, he glances at the group with which he traveled here, gesturing for them to follow him. Then he continues he way outside the manor.
Visayn holds back tears as Calin leaves and looks at his fellows "At this point, its best to accept that Ramada has entered River of Souls and arrange for his burial. I think it would be beautiful to bury him next to Professor Lorrimor, if possible."
Imrik nods and says, "We will be ready to go as soon as you are." He will then follow Calin out of the room.
Over the next few hours Valiard and the other close companions of Dr. Ramada work to organize a small burial for the prolific scientist with the assistance of Kendra Lorrimor. All too soon they stood around the grave, Father Grimburrow having made his blessing.
"Dr. Ramada was a complex man. A man of learning and whimsy. A man with the a mind that bordered on the intricacy of a clockwork golem. He was a stalward defender against the Darkness encroaching around us, pushing back with his faith in rational magic and the rightness of the cause. I am proud to have been his friend." Valiard said, then tossed a bit of grave-soil into onto Ramada's corpse.
"You will be missed. Pharasma guide you."
"He was funny too."
May the Lord in Iron look fondly on his battle against ignorance.
Ragnar says solemnly
But the best way to honor him is to uncover the secrets of those who have slain him, and to put his foes back to the graves in which they belong. So that his spirit can rest easy, knowing that he is their last and final victim.
Calin keeps his words brief as he barely knew the doctor.
"Take your rest now, Ramada. We will carry on in the fight. Your fight is over. May your soul have safe passage to the Boneyard."
Bringing the body to Father Grimburrow, he looks over it. He prepares it for burial but comes back to the group stating, "Dr. Ramada still bleeds... I took my time to check and he doesn't breathe as often to be observable by the untrained. Even I had trouble noticing it. I believe he is cursed, likely with some kind of sleeping curse. So I will do what I can to keep him alive, you go take care of those restless spirits."
Our task is clear then, slay the spectre associated with that book, as this is most likely to set him back right.
Ragnar gets ready to head towards the prison.
Bringing the body to Father Grimburrow, he looks over it. [Dice=Heal]1d20+10 He prepares it for burial but comes back to the group stating, "Dr. Ramada still bleeds... I took my time to check and he doesn't breathe as often to be observable by the untrained. Even I had trouble noticing it. I believe he is cursed, likely with some kind of sleeping curse. So I will do what I can to keep him alive, you go take care of those restless spirits."
Relief flooded into Valiard, relief followed by hope and finally a cold sort of anger that focused his mind.
"We need to get back to the jail so we can destroy those vile undead. This needs to end."
"Funeral cancelled after all! Certainly best surprise to date! But are we in a shape to continue the prison exploration right away or do we want to make plans and gather strength? Maybe buy supplies?"
"Perhaps some holy water? I want to see if I can find another potion of invisibility. Actually, do we have anything to sell?" Valiard answered, scratching at his chin.
As Calin considers their options and the best way to proceed, he asks Father Grimburrow if he believes Ramada's condition will worsen quickly.
"Father, my name is Calin Milotti. I met Professor Lorrimor during his travels through Lastwall. Do you believe Ramada's condition will worsen quickly? I believe the best course of action is to rest and gather our full strength before going to the prison. But, if Ramada is likely to deteriorate quickly, rest might be a luxury we don't have."
The father looks grim and upset but that is but his resting face. He then offers in his calm neutral voice, "I don't know but leaving it untended for a week would be an ill choice. Sadly I cannot cast Remove curse. I could send for a priest but that would be expensive. I will inform you of any deterioration."
☆☆☆
The group gets a night's rest... Then spells are prepared before heading out to the prison.
Several new towers surround the prison, most likely spread out evenly. Even in the water.
Maybe the stuff works a bit like a Hags curse? If yes, putting him in a protective ritual circle could help, lined with salt perhaps? Just a wild guess, not my main area of expertize
Helooo, here is chucky the lopper, and I dont like you I hear a voice and am in some type of dungeon? Hah, foolish of the foe to give his position away
Helooo little demonling, you arent a demon anymore! I will lop off your weak little flesh! the voice continues
Interesting, I am indeed as I was before my transformation? But not fully, I can still see in the dark. I adopt a ready position, seeking to charge the foe once it comes around the corner
You are a weak little teenager again, and the lopper will lop off your
A blow of my bardiche stops him mid sentence, I twist it, turn, strike again.
I killed my first cultist when I was 12, at 18 I was a professional mercenary. You dont have blood I can offer to Gorrum, but your destruction will suffice non the less, hopper. Hippity Hoppity hop out of my dreamscaped property. I inform him, casually. He is used to prey, not to foes, and this is his undoing.
Feed not Gorrum, but me I hear a deep growling from within myself
Tharvool I presume? Why the f#&! would I do that? I ask that growling as I stomp on the lopper, I mean, the hopper, who now hops no more because I am breaking his legs.
I can give you power, strength, life the rumbling offers
And then Nocticula kills me because she prefers you dead. No but thanks. I smirk as I answer
A risk yes, she may kill you... But she may also not... You will find things that will kill you, unless you use my strength... the rumbling continues
You are surprisingly coherent for a Balor lord who was supposed to be always angry all the time I chuckle at it
You are suprisingly obnoxious for a mortal.
the rumbling speaks
Surprising being obnoxious is what mortals specialize in? And is this a sense of humor I sense? Tell me a joke Balor.
I dare it
Knock Knock the voice rumbles as I wake up.
After Ragnar wakes up, he finds he apparently punched or kicked through a wall while asleep.
Blyad He says in Abyssal.
Well friends, lets get into that prison and murder some spectres. Which areas are not yet investigated?
"Arrrgggggh!"
Alkaid sleeps well.
"First time waking up refreshed in this house. It feels like good omen for things to come."
"I had some strange dreams, but they were not too terrifying. Do you often have bad dreams while sleeping here Visayn?" Imrik asks.
Nightmares are not uncommon to Calin, especially with all he has seen in Lastwall. He stirs from sleep several times during the night, but is able to fall asleep again relatively easily.
The next morning, he greets the party. "Are nightmares common for residents of this manor? What about the town residents? I often see battles with undead and other abominations when I sleep. But last night's dreams felt ... different."
When the party arrives at the prison, Calin defers to the more tenured members of this group. "Visayn, Valiard, you have been here before and know what to expect. Where do you suggest we start?"
Rai is plagued by nightmares, seeing Ramada dying. He spends the night restlessly, and wakes up drenched in sweat.
Alkaid comments
"I agree, I it is weird number of nightmares, even for those of us used to horrors we defended against in Lastwall."
"Perhaps it is due to the proximity to these accursed artifacts. We should go now and try to end these horrors." Imrik touches the hammer tucked into his belt unconsciously and then gathers his stuff to head out.
Valiard attempts to rest that evening, his mind racing over thoughts of his friend and his curse.
After some time Valiard drifts off to the deepest of sleep.
The next morning, he greets the party. "Are nightmares common for residents of this manor? What about the town residents? I often see battles with undead and other abominations when I sleep. But last night's dreams felt ... different."
When the party arrives at the prison, Calin defers to the more tenured members of this group. "Visayn, Valiard, you have been here before and know what to expect. Where do you suggest we start?"
"I think that everyone in town is being tormented by these nightmares...which is why we need to end this soon. Not only for Ramada's life, but can you imagine the fear and hostility spiraling up into violence if you have nightmares every night?"
"What are those towers? I don't recall them being there before. Perhaps it had something to do with that elven control room we found deep under the prison?" he conjectured.
"I recommend we quickly investigate these new towers before we press on into the prison to try and pillory some poltergeists."
"I recommend we quickly investigate these new towers before we press on into the prison to try and pillory some poltergeists."
"Sure. It's not like they will be haunted or anything." Lectrum is clearly going to be nightmarishly grouchy all day. (Unless he gets a nap, maybe.)
"You found a control room? What did you do there? Maybe there are even more areas that can be accessed through this control room." Imrik suggests.
"Nightmares are about as common as flies. With time you learn to expect them."
"Even before those towers appeared, there were some areas we hadn't explored. But yeah, obviously we will begin from towers first."
Calin nods in agreement to Valiard's suggestion. "I agree with this plan."
Calin ponders the appearance of the new towers. "The control room and the new towers could very well be linked. Did you touch anything in that room. Although, I wonder if there is a different explanation. How much time have you all spent in the prison previously? Was last night the first time you slept outside the prison since you first entered it?"