We are indeed out of initiative as Kisaiya slides in and smashes the remaining skeleton, already wobbly.
The battle ends as quickly as it began.
- - -
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Kisaiya picks up one of the weapons. ”Wakizashi, part of a samurai’s weapons. Most are more daggers than swords. It is used as a back-up weapon, for fights too close to justify a longer sword, to decapitate slain opponents, and for ritual suicide by disemboweling oneself.” Her face is grave as she looks over the fallen skeletons. ”This many people with wakizashi in hand and lingering on as undead…I suspect they were used for the last purpose.”
As they enter the large cave, Rory finds the skeletons just lying about curious. As he looks at the scene he wonders if they died in combat here in the cave. About to ask Kisaiya if there were any difference in the skeletons or their gear, he hears Durgan offer to call upon the power of Abadar. Assuming the dwarf was going to do funeral rights, he nudged Storm to start moving across the cave. Too late he realizes that the skeletons are standing to fight. As Durgan says another prayer, Rory realizes the dwarfs prayers destroyed all but one undead, but there is another cave ahead. Shifting his knees to get Storm to move towards the other cave entrance, he calls out, "I'll cover the far cave." As Storm nears the entrance Rory keep his sling at the ready to attack any undead coming from that direction.
As he watches the far cave, he hears Kisaiya say they probably killed themselves. Shaking his head he whispers. "No wonder their restless spirits."
hero points 2/2
Rory HP: 17/17; AC: 21, T 14, FF 15 CMB 0/CMD16, Fort: + 4, Ref: + 7, Will: + 3
Perception: +9/11
Storm HP: 19/19 AC: 18, T 13, FF 16 CMB 3/ CMD 15 (19 vs trip) Fort: + 5, Ref: + 5, Will: + 2
Perception + 6/8
Rory Conditions = Focus:
Storm Conditions = Focus: Tiger + 2 dex
Weapon equiped sling staff: Att + 6(+ 4 dex, + 1 size + 1 BAB) 1d6, x3, 80 ft. B
Storms’s Bite: Att: + 3 (BAB +2, Str +1) Dam: 1d6 Str +1 Crit: 20/x2 + trip (CMD +2)
Spells Known (Caster Level 1, Concentration +, DC 12+lvl)
. . Orisions known@5: know direction, light, mending, spark, purify food and water
. . 1st (3/3) Obscuring Mist, Entangle, magic fang
Mukluk picks up one of the swords, holding it inexpertly.
”A whacky-slashy? Ah, a name that meets its intended purpose I see,” Mukluk tests the blade but finds he will not do much whacking or slashing with it. ”What are the whacky-slashy weapons doing here?”
Mukluk takes a moment to cast Detect Magic and see if there are any lingering effects in the cave.
Perception
Kisaiya smiles at Mukluk’s mispronunciation but shakes her head at Mukluk’s question. ”I do not know. They are a weapon of the samurai caste, part of the set of two weapons—the daishō—that represents a samurai’s status. So all of these were likely samurai. The other weapon is usually a longer sword with a curve worn blade up called a katana. Older daishō are instead a more curved sword worn blade down called a tachi and a less curved dagger called a tanto.” She holds up Saya. ”My family’s was the latter. It was lost, which is why I do not use any sword.”
Mukluk finds no magic in the large chamber, other than the odd potion or two carried by the party.
Mukluk moves up, lantern in hand and pot a-clankin', to support Rory.
"Well, them there was the skeletons. And Durgan handled them nicely with the Vaultkeeper's touch, he did. Did you see that? Mighty fine handy work, I do say," Mukluk offers a very good opinion about things.
Relieved that the only undead were those already returned to the 'Boneyard' Rory chuckles at Mukluks interpretation of the weapons names. Letting Storm sniff around a bit he turns in the saddle, listening as Kisaiya explained the small curved blades.
Hearing the 'samurai caste used a set of weapons, Rory wondered if he could learn to use two weapons at the same time. Looking at his saddle he considered his own weapons, the rope-shot and the gladius, could he swing one while he was stabbing with the other?
Realizing that Mukluk was nearing with the lantern, Rory nods, "Yes Durgan did very well." As he looked from Mukluk to Durgan then Kisaiya he nods towards the tunnel, "Shall we?" Using his knees, he turns Storm towards the cave, "Come on Storm let's go see what we can find." Storm heads into the cave, moving slow enough that Mukluk could keep up with his lantern.
Durgan moves up behind Rory.
Shield having expired, he dons his buckler.
Kisaiya stows Saya and takes out the warhammer again.
The skeletons vanquished the party moves to the deepest part of the cave. Even with your lights, the cave seems dark and cold as you enter.
There are three more skeletons - two that stand at attention, with blades bared - much like the skeletons in the other room. A third, with clearly better gear (though badly rotted as the others) sits motionless atop a large jade and cherry wood chest (yellow). He does not immediately rise to meet you, though for no apparent reason, we will begin initiative.
Kisaiya strides forward to the front, but does not yet enter the chamber.
”Greetings. This poor creature who stands before you is Shiraishi Kisaiya, granddaughter of the samurai Shiraishi Reiko. Please pray tell, do you know this name? What honorable business keeps you here?”
Those who do not speak Minkaian pick out the words “Shiraishi Kisaiya,” “samurai,” and “Shiraishi Reiko.”
She holds up a holy symbol of a sword in front of a sun.
”This poor creature before you is a servant of the Empress of Heaven and is bound by Her edicts to not suffer undead to linger. But before doing so, please say what you know, if you are still capable of speech.”
No proper nouns stick out this time to non-Minkaian speakers.
Kisaiya tries for diplomacy before combat ensues. Surprisingly, she gets some!
Though his eyes are bone dry, his head cocks slightly as if remembering, and if a tear could form - it would. He speaks in Minkaian.
”We failed them with the green things, took the treasures. But we took them back. And you shall not have them!”
- - -
However, the skeletal warrior rises up! (link) and moves to attack - along with his skeletal allies. He swings his short blade at Kisaiya.
Unlike the cracked blades of his allies, this blade does not crack, or shatter, from a badly angled blow. In fact, it rings true - it must be a magical blade indeed!
The two skeletons move up as well, but only one can reach Kisaiya for its own attack in the narrow hall.
Kisaiya is missed by both as their attacks rattle her armor but cause no injury.
"Master of the Vaults, guide our hands."
Durgan casts Bless.
Raising an eyebrow as Kisaiya starts to speak to the undead, Rory's jaw drops as the seated on answers. Blinking wondering what they are saying, it quickly becomes irrelevant as the undead charge his friend. Firing his sling staff at the rear Skeleton. "Get 'em!" He urges Storm forwards, the wolf moves up beside the tall cook and attacks the skeleton in front of him; biting at it's ankles and trying to drag it to the ground.
hero points 2/2
Rory HP: 17/17; AC: 21, T 14, FF 15 CMB 0/CMD16, Fort: + 4, Ref: + 7, Will: + 3
Perception: +9/11
Storm HP: 19/19 AC: 18, T 13, FF 16 CMB 3/ CMD 15 (19 vs trip) Fort: + 5, Ref: + 5, Will: + 2
Perception + 6/8
Rory Conditions = Focus:
Storm Conditions = Focus: Tiger + 2 dex
Weapon equiped sling staff: Att + 6(+ 4 dex, + 1 size + 1 BAB) 1d6, x3, 80 ft. B
Storms’s Bite: Att: + 3 (BAB +2, Str +1) Dam: 1d6 Str +1 Crit: 20/x2 + trip (CMD +2)
Spells Known (Caster Level 1, Concentration +, DC 12+lvl)
. . Orisions known@5: know direction, light, mending, spark, purify food and water
. . 1st (3/3) Obscuring Mist, Entangle, magic fang
Round 1
Mukluk thinks about running up and flipping himself into flank, but who was he fooling? He was no battle mule or ninja donkey, he was only Mukluk. Instead, he remembers the joke that Moose sometimes plays on him...
...and casts a nice little grease puddle under the 3 skeletons (10x10 square).
"HAW! HAW! HAW! I can't wait to tell Moose about this."
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice=]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
AC: 12/12/10 + 1 w/shield
Fort/Ref/Will: +1/+2/+7
HP: 12/12
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
Mule bites: 0/7 used
Kisaiya nods gravely. ”They have been here too long. We must free them. There is no other way.”
She accepts the challenge of the skeleton that spoke. Calling upon the powers of the Empress of Heaven, she attempts to swiftly release him.
HP: 22/22
AC: 18/12/16 (+4 to all vs target of smite)
Saves: F6/R3/W6
Hero Points: 1
Smite Evil Used: 1/1
Lay on Hands Used: 0/3
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: Shield Gauntlet Style, Trait Save Bonus, Smite Evil
[ dice]1d20+6[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+3[/dice] damage.
Rory would have hit red but for the cover which deflects his shot. Durgan casts bless to aid the fight! Mukluk creates a little grease to hamper the enemy. Kisaiya smites and hits for an additional +2 damage (undead bonus for first hit).
vs DC 16 or fall
vs DC 16 or fall
vs DC 16 or fall
Red miraculously remains standing though the other two clatter to the ground like so much flailing bone and steel.
The samurai attacks Kisaiya from the ground.
But for the smite, he'd have landed a blow! He crawls away, provoking from Storm, Rory, and Kisaiya, for he will not remain lying down.
Blue crawls in front to block the passage (provoking again for those with the feat), stands, and attacks Rory!
Red steps out of the grease as well - clearly the dumber skeletons are being directed by the samurai.
Glowing with sunlit radiance of the Empress of Heaven, Kisaiya swings again at the retreating samurai.
She then turns her hammer on the skeleton now blocking her way.
HP: 22/22
AC: 18/12/16 (+4 to all vs target of smite)
Saves: F6/R3/W6
Hero Points: 1
Smite Evil Used: 1/1
Lay on Hands Used: 0/3
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: Shield Gauntlet Style, Trait Save Bonus, Smite Evil
[ dice]1d20+6[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+3[/dice] damage.
Durgan steps up and casts Guidance on Kisaiya.
"May the Master of the Vault aid you."
Suprised by the grease appearing on the ground, Rory looks over his shoulder at Mukluk in surprise, then returns his attention to the skeletons in just enough time to swing his sling-staff club style at the crawling skeleton. Meanwhile, Storm, happy to be playing with bones snaps at the same creature.
Happy that Storm was having a good time, Rory realized that he was not as effective as his pet wolf. Using the magic his mother had taught him, he calls on the strength of the bull to be stronger. As his features change slightly he lifts the now club again and swings it at the new skeleton while Storm happily snaps at it and tries to drag it to the ground.
Init: + 4,
hero points 2/2
Rory HP: 17/17; AC: 21, T 14, FF 15 CMB 0/CMD16, Fort: + 4, Ref: + 7, Will: + 3
Perception: +9/11
Storm HP: 19/19 AC: 18, T 13, FF 16 CMB 3/ CMD 15 (19 vs trip) Fort: + 5, Ref: + 5, Will: + 2
Perception + 6/8
Rory Conditions = Focus: Bull + 2 str
Storm Conditions = Focus: Tiger + 2 dex
Weapon equiped sling staff: Att + 6(+ 4 dex, + 1 size + 1 BAB) 1d6, x3, 80 ft. B
Weapon equiped sling staff as a club: Att + 2(+ 1 size + 1 BAB) 1d4, x3, B
Storms’s Bite: Att: + 3 (BAB +2, Str +1) Dam: 1d6 Str +1 Crit: 20/x2 + trip (CMD +2)
Spells Known (Caster Level 1, Concentration +, DC 12+lvl)
. . Orisions known@5: know direction, light, mending, spark, purify food and water
. . 1st (3/3) Obscuring Mist, Entangle, magic fang
Round 2
"HAW! HAW! HAW! That Moose trick learnt them a lesson good," Mukluk cheers on the fight. He moves up and shoots a wild beam through the outlines of his comrades. He aims at red.
touch to hit.
Disrupt Undead
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice=]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
AC: 12/12/10 + 1 w/shield
Fort/Ref/Will: +1/+2/+7
HP: 12/12
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
Mule bites: 0/7 used
Rory misses though Storm confirms, gnawing on a bone before the samurai makes it out. Durgan gives a little boost to Kisaiya. Mukluk beams the skeleton - and just misses due to the jostling of forces in front of him. Kisaiya misses with her AoO - though Storm was able to conform with a similar blow. It seems more focused on her. She also just misses the skeleton in front of her.
Blue lashes out at Storm for the attack on its master.
Blue flails about, but cannot control its limbs well enough to fight effectively.
The samurai shakes his head, ”Truly your mongrel is ferocious.” He stands and seems to consider pulling something from the chest he guards. But it would not do to use the master’s things.
So he turns and waits.
Round 3
"HAW! HAW! HAW! Stay right there! Perfect," Mukluk cheers on the fight. He fires at yellow.
touch to hit.
Disrupt Undead
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice=]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
AC: 12/12/10 + 1 w/shield
Fort/Ref/Will: +1/+2/+7
HP: 12/12
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
Mule bites: 0/7 used
Durgan has no intention of wading through the Grease.
He notices what Mukluk does.
A cantrip. Excellent. Then we have won.
He moves back to guard the rear.
Surprised that the undead are speaking to them, Rory lifts his sling-staff club, "He does his job and he's a wolf not a mongrel." Swinging the sling staff at the skeleton as Storm tries to bite it and drag it to the ground.
Init: + 4,
hero points 2/2
Rory HP: 17/17; AC: 21, T 14, FF 15 CMB 0/CMD16, Fort: + 4, Ref: + 7, Will: + 3
Perception: +9/11
Storm HP: 19/19 AC: 18, T 13, FF 16 CMB 3/ CMD 15 (19 vs trip) Fort: + 5, Ref: + 5, Will: + 2
Perception + 6/8
Rory Conditions = Focus: Bull + 2 str
Storm Conditions = Focus: Tiger + 2 dex
Weapon equiped sling staff: Att + 6(+ 4 dex, + 1 size + 1 BAB) 1d6, x3, 80 ft. B
Weapon equiped sling staff as a club: Att + 3(+ 1 size + 1 BAB + 1 str) 1d4, x3, B
Storms’s Bite: Att: + 3 (BAB +2, Str +1) Dam: 1d6 Str +1 Crit: 20/x2 + trip (CMD +2)
Spells Known (Caster Level 1, Concentration +, DC 12+lvl)
. . Orisions known@5: know direction, light, mending, spark, purify food and water
. . 1st (3/3) Obscuring Mist, Entangle, magic fang
Kisaiya takes a breath and swings her warhammer in an overhead arc at the skeleton blocking the way.
HP: 22/22
AC: 18/12/16 (+4 to all vs target of smite)
Saves: F6/R3/W6
Hero Points: 1
Smite Evil Used: 1/1
Lay on Hands Used: 0/3
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: Shield Gauntlet Style, Trait Save Bonus, Smite Evil vs Yellow
[ dice]1d20+6[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+3[/dice] damage.
Rory continues to struggle against these undead. Durgan moves back to guard the rear and protect Mukluk, who misses again with his finger puppetry. Kisaiya smashes blue and steps forth into a readied attack by yellow which missed wildly!
Red attacks Kisaiya
Yellow does the same, though he’s rather better at it.
He grins wider, as if that's possible on a skeleton, and shakes Kisaiya's blood off his blade.
Smiling as Kisaiya drops the skeleton, Rory realizes she's crossing the grease to get to the undead. Not like the two against one odds, he urges Storm forwards through the grease, into the water to attack the skeleton. As Storm snaps at the skeleton trying to drag it to the ground, Rory swings his sling-staff club trying to knock it about.
Init: + 4,
hero points 2/2
Rory HP: 17/17; AC: 21, T 14, FF 15 CMB 0/CMD16, Fort: + 4, Ref: + 7, Will: + 3
Perception: +9/11
Storm HP: 19/19 AC: 18, T 13, FF 16 CMB 3/ CMD 15 (19 vs trip) Fort: + 5, Ref: + 5, Will: + 2
Perception + 6/8
Rory Conditions = Focus: Bull + 2 str
Storm Conditions = Focus: Tiger + 2 dex
Weapon equiped sling staff: Att + 6(+ 4 dex, + 1 size + 1 BAB) 1d6, x3, 80 ft. B
Weapon equiped sling staff as a club: Att + 3(+ 1 size + 1 BAB + 1 str) 1d4, x3, B
Storms’s Bite: Att: + 3 (BAB +2, Str +1) Dam: 1d6 Str +1 Crit: 20/x2 + trip (CMD +2)
Spells Known (Caster Level 1, Concentration +, DC 12+lvl)
. . Orisions known@5: know direction, light, mending, spark, purify food and water
. . 1st (3/3) Obscuring Mist, Entangle, magic fang
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Kisaiya spits the blood out of her mouth. ”Not bad.
She places her hand on her heart and with a sunlit glow closes up some of her wounds.
She spins the warhammer in her hand as she settles into her stance again. ”You have been a loyal servant. But you have lost your way. The Way of the Samurai is found in death. Not in undeath.” With an upward arc, she swings it up towards the jaw of the fallen samurai.
HP: 8/22
AC: 18/12/16 (+4 to all vs target of smite)
Saves: F6/R3/W6
Hero Points: 1
Smite Evil Used: 1/1
Lay on Hands Used: 1/3
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: Shield Gauntlet Style, Trait Save Bonus, Smite Evil vs Yellow
[ dice]1d20+6[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+3[/dice] damage.
Round 4
Mukluk watches as Kisaiya gets smashed after moving directly into the claws and sword of multiple foes.
Oof. Moose coulda seen that coming.
Mukluk fires wildly at yellow.
touch to hit.
Disrupt Undead
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice=]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+2[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
AC: 12/12/10 + 1 w/shield
Fort/Ref/Will: +1/+2/+7
HP: 12/12
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
Mule bites: 0/7 used
Rory doesn’t manage to avoid the AoO on Storm, though Storm does get a bit of a bone gnaw in there for the trouble. Durgan GMPC watches the back. Mukluk tries another shot, but continues to do little but light up the room a little with the beam. Kisaiya splinters the jaw with her strike, and buries the hammer deep in what would be the brain of the samurai if it still had one.
The samurai falls, and with him the other skeleton collapses as well having only been extensions of his will. The samurai’s blade falls to the ground beside him.
Kisaiya’s bravado dissipates as it becomes clear the skeletons are at their final rest. She leans up against the wall, exhausted. She has not been this torn up since the ill-fated caravan attack those years ago. Thinking back on that day, she checks her hands and begins patting herself all over to make sure she has not lost any more of her body parts. Confirming she has not, she is almost surprised. There was a time not long ago, she is sure the undead samurai would have laid her out with those blows, and yet here she is.
”Could one of you hit me with that wand one or two times?” She raises a hand to wave the others over, then winces at the movement. ”Maybe three.”
Once she is healed, she leaves the wall to look over the released dead and the hoard they watched over.
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Durgan shakes his head.
"No. I will not use the wand at this time. Unless you all want to buy me out of my share. As it is, every charge is 3 gold out of my pocket, whereas there is no incremental cost to my channeling the power of Abadar, nor to using my remaining prepared spells, nor to my attempting conventional healing. Why would I spend money I don't have to?
Sit still."
First he channels the power of Abadar.
Then he calls upon the power of his god again.
"Tell me why you charged in there, Kisaiya. Was it for your honor? The respect due to your foe?
Mukluk has magic that could have destroyed the enemy from a distance, at no risk to any of us. I was content to let him do it. Perhaps you did not recognize the magic he was using - that is understandable. Or perhaps you would see defeating a foe in that way as dishonorable. I wish to understand."
The dwarf's tone is direct, but not discourteous. He genuinely wishes to understand the motivations of his new comrades.
Not wanting Storm to relish the taste of sentient flesh, Rory, using his knees, turns the wolf away from the bones and towards the box the 'boss skeleton' had been setting on. As Kisaiya asked about using the wand, Rory realizes she was right, her health was a higher priority. Knowing he could use the wand; he turns Storm and starts to extend a hand when Durgan spoke up. Blinking, he listened to Durgan's logic. Confused he wondered why the dwarf would waste his magic in something so mundane as healing. If he'd used his spells in the fight maybe Kisaiya wouldn't have been wounded. Rory's mom was able to teach him how to learn spells, only a few, but still. It made sense to Rory to use the spells in dire need such as combat, not afterwards when he could leisurely use a wand.
About to ask Durgan why, the dwarf commented about the 'Power of Abadar.' Sighing Rory realized the dwarf had answered the unspoken question; his god was the god of money. So, wasting money would be one of the greatest of evils. As the dwarf continued asking Kisaiya about her bravery, Rory, not wanting to offend either of his new friends, listens to the conversation but keeps his two-coppers out of it. Realizing Storm had gotten bored and was sniffing at the bones again, Rory returned his slingstaff to its saddle scabbard and dismounts. "Storm come." Taking hold of the leash on Storm's harness he heads towards the chest.; pausing, he carefully inspects it, hoping it's not locked or trapped.
Mukluk waits for his own grease to disperse before moving over to the other side to look around.
"Haw! Haw! That was a good scruff, wasn't it?" He looks around at the skeletons, and casts Detect Magic as he looks around.
Perception
"Why would I spend money I don't have to?
Sit still."
I'm not one to question the Vaultkeeper, nor his keepers. The dwarf is right.
"Tell me why you charged in there, Kisaiya. Was it for your honor? The respect due to your foe?"
Now *that* is a darn durn good question, that one is.
Mukluk twists an ear to better hear Kisaiya's response.
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Kisaiya bristles as first the wand is talked about as a commodity and then she is chastised. ”I did not recognize the magic, true. I have never studied such things. But moreover, the samurai was loyal beyond the end to his master. He deserved an actual fight, not pot shots.”
She advances on Durgan. ”Since we have decided to start critiquing each other, how is it not more wasteful to channel healing energy to heal one person and to give up a spell that may have other uses for a heal instead of using the wand bought for that purpose? What if we were to all get injured and you were without one of those explosions of healing? Do you value the gifts of your God so cheaply?”
Realizing he doesn't want to get murdert, Mukluk keeps out of the discussion and seems very focused on whatever he doing right now. He wants to hear more, but not be in the middle.
Raising an eyebrow at the tall one-eyed cooks response, Rory quickly turned his attention back to the odd chest.
She advances on Durgan. ”Since we have decided to start critiquing each other, how is it not more wasteful to channel healing energy to heal one person and to give up a spell that may have other uses for a heal instead of using the wand bought for that purpose? What if we were to all get injured and you were without one of those explosions of healing? Do you value the gifts of your God so cheaply?”
Durgan's reply is placid and unperturbed.
"It is not wasteful because such abilities replenish themselves with my prayers. A wand does not.
However, if you wish to reject my healing and rely on wands, then I request you buy out my share. I never wished to purchase it in the first place.
I will no longer offer free healing to any of you, if you consider such to be wasteful. You can purchase scrolls and wands to your heart's content with your share of the gold.
Is that your preference?"
There is not the slightest hint of resentment in his words.
Kisaiya just looks at Durgan with an expression of utter bafflement. She just does not understand how anyone could carry such a thoroughly mercenary attitude to all things. It is not the attitude of a comrade or a friend in any way that she has experienced or been taught. ”This is a conversation for a time when we are not in the middle of a cave that may house further dangers. Let us just continue as we have for now. Behave how you believe best serves your patron, and I will do the same for mine.”
The grease lasts a few minutes (though it is dismissible) while the party discusses the proper ways to heal injuries incurred in your line of work. Eventually, though the discussion is likely to continue, you loot the recently re-deceased.
On the samurai you find a magical Wakizashi, or rather next to him. Around his neck you find a slightly green bronze key.
You also examine the chest he was guarding. It’s a gorgeous jade and cherry wood chest worth 250gp once fixed up and the moss cleaned off of it (Prestidigitation anyone?). It does weigh 50 pounds empty however, so a hassle to haul out I suspect. Further, it is locked, and a complex lock it looks too. Oh if only there was a key!
Durgan's reply is placid and unperturbed.
Mukluk feels that Durgan’s response is neither placid nor unperturbed.
"However, if you wish to reject my healing and rely on wands, then I request you buy out my share…
I will no longer offer free healing to any of you, if you consider such to be wasteful. You can purchase scrolls and wands to your heart's content with your share of the gold."There is not the slightest hint of resentment in his words.
Mukluk feels a lot of resentment in those words…mostly because Mukluk has all sorts of kind words for the Vaultkeeper’s gift. He’s thunk the opposite.
Maybe he was of a mind to argue with Durgan, just a bit. Not so much so he gets murdert.
”Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. I feel like I’m being cast apsertions upon. I didn’t say nothing bad about the Vaultkeeper nor how you use it. You can exclude her if you want, but I had been a-welcomin’ of the Vaultkeeper’s gifts,” Mukluk butts in now that he’s been roped in. ”But like Kiss’ya said, this can wait, but I ain’t said nothing about how you do things.”
Mukluk will take a long look at the magical whacky-slashy.
Spellcraft
Realizing the chest was locked, Rory considers the possibility of a key. Pulling on Storms leash slightly he turned and walk over to where Mukluk was looking at the sword. Turning up to Kisaiya, there was more going on here with these dead guys than he understood, she kept talking like she knew them, or at least knew what they were. Not wanting to offend, he asks. "The chest is locked, you know more about these fellows, do you want to check the bodies for a key, or do you mind if I do?"
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”Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. I feel like I’m being cast apsertions upon. I didn’t say nothing bad about the Vaultkeeper nor how you use it. You can exclude her if you want, but I had been a-welcomin’ of the Vaultkeeper’s gifts,” Mukluk butts in now that he’s been roped in. ”But like Kiss’ya said, this can wait, but I ain’t said nothing about how you do things.”
"I understand. My apologies, Mukluk. I am used to formal contracts and a clear understanding of expectations.
Unspoken or implicit agreements can lead to me being mistaken.Again, I apologize. I simply wish to know what is expected of me."
”I suppose a written contract would not be disagreeable.”
Kisaiya takes the key off the body and hands it to Rory. ”Try this.”
She then picks up the magic wakizashi, though carefully and awkwardly. ”I am not allowed to use the weapons of a samurai, so I make no claim to this.”
Accepting the key from Kisaiya Rory starts to turn towards the chest. Hearing his friend say she was 'not allowed' he turns back and raises an eyebrow. Shaking his head he asks "If not you, who?"
He then moves towards the chest and attempts to unlock and open it.
Yes, there are magics inside the chest. Nothing blinding or anything like that, but the chest is not lead lined, and so the magic bleeds through.
Rory opens the chest. Inside the chest are
Potion Cure Light Wounds (50gp ea, x4)
Potion Cure Moderate Wounds (300gp ea, x2)
Potion Lesser Restoration (300gp 3a, x3)
Ring of climbing
A few pouches of Tien currency (3,820sp, 421gp)
Various pieces of fine jewelry worth 560gp total
Mukluk examines the blade. He discovers it is called the Whispering Shrike (link) and is a blade of some power.
As he is fiddling with the wakizashi, he discovers that the pommel is loose, causing a -2 to attacks. Further examination reveals two things. It’s not an easy fix (requires a weaponsmith) and there is a secret compartment!
Opening the compartment, you discover a letter (image) within!
The letter is written in Tien, but as you have someone who can translate, you’re able to see the text (image).
The next few days will be the most important I have faced in many years. If our family’s enemies have, as I hope, forgotten us, I shall reunite with you and your wife, and your mother and I shall reveal the truth to you. But if they still seek the contents of the warding box, I fear that I may not speak to you again. The box holds our family’s greatest treasure, so I have returned it to Kortun’s care and it shall remain hidden in the secret third vault under Brinewall Castle - obscured from our enemies. I hope and pray. I will not grant our foes the satisfaction of killing me themselves - it if tomes to it, let my death, by my own hand, be my final act to protect you, so that our enemies believe our line ended.
I have instructed Tsutamu to keep this letter from you, delivering it to you only should I fail to return as I hope to. If I can, I will reveal all to you myself. If I cannot, this final missive from a father to a son must suffice as an apology in place of an explanation, and you must destroy this letter, flee to the south, and never return to Brinewall. If our enemies find what I have hidden, there will be nothing here for you. If they do not, they will lie in wait forever for your return.
I hope to see you again soon, my son. But my heart tells me I will not. I am sorry to have failed you. But I am proud of you, and I know you will survive this old man’s shame. You are strong, and you must remain so. For if you are reading this and I am gone, know that our enemies will never stop searching for us, and that is why I cannot reveal the truth to you until I know there is no chance of them finding us again.
Rokuro Kaijitsu
Sunday, 29 Desnus, 4687
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There was some sort of disaster however - one that wiped out the citizenry. No one alive today is sure what happened exactly, but the place has been abandoned to the monsters for nearly 25 years…
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"I understand. My apologies, Mukluk. I am used to formal contracts and a clear understanding of expectations."
Mukluk blinks, surprised and pleased by the apology.
"Oh, yeah, it ain't nothing. I just do appreciate the help. I'm sure Kiss'ya does to," Mukluk waves his hand, sort of pointing in Kisaiya's direction.
"I don't need none contract. I'll do just you right and trust you to do right by me, if that's okay with you?" Mukluk offers a very unformal contract.
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"Hey what's this? This whacky-slashy is more like a hidey-seeky! It has a hidden compartmentalizing spot!" Mukluk hands the note to Kisaiya, hoping she can read it.
Know (Geography)
Know (Local)
"I think I passed by Brinewall a few times. Me and Moose been up and down this here Varisia. If I recall correctly, I think that's where Moose found a very nice patch of ivy, twas rollin' and a-prancin' in it. That was a good day, I'll tell you that."