** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
"The investigation has taken a rather unexpected turn and Dr. Habe and his sanitarium are part of the crimes. We might want to discuss the rest of this more privately while we're on the way."
The sheriff's eyes suddenly widen. He hushes the two into the garrison while looking around, then into his office. On the way in, he barks at one of the guards that is bored out of his mind "Jake, coffee, now."
Alicia is making use of Gurnak to fortify the place, have him board up windows upstairs, make sure the ceiling is intact, she is also rearranging the furniture in the lobby area to create additional chokepoints and barricades. I added what she plans to be doing to the map. Lets show them ghouls why urban warfare against prepared opposition is really really unfun, especially if they have more artillery equivalents then you do.
She does not want board up everything, but leave one way, occupied by a heavily armored Paladin, in. Any static fortification will be eventually destroyed, and she much prefers the ghouls having a way in they will attempt, rather then getting through somewhere else she cant predict.
Either Ethan or gurnak could probably stay behind her, Ethan with healing and channels or Gurnak with a polearm. She kind of wants him to fight because actively fighting against evil is active redemption and builds character.
Alicia directs Gurnak to board up windows in the upper floors, while she does the same in the ground level area. She does not fully board up the 2 windows indicated by arrows, as she deems them nice firing positions for Juriya and Dominah. Once Gurnak returns from his tasks, she, together with him, moves 2 of the heavy wooden I think objects from the main area into the antechamber, creating a significant chokepoint which she intends to occupy.
Let me explain Gurnak, how my faith guides in what I am doing.
She uses the opportunity for a bit of religious instruction
My gut feeling tells me that we will be attacked, this *Ghoul Lord* can communicate through Grayst, which means Grayst can probably communicate back, which means the Ghoul Lord knows we are here, and not in sandpoint, and likely cannot stomach running as this means to abandon several helpless people.
As such, our resource is time, which should be well used. We have a few pairs of able hands, including 2 very strong hands in my case, and any furniture can be a fortress.
In military terms, Ghouls are light infantry, not very tough, but deal a fair bit of damage and are mobile, meanwhile, I am a Paladin, and, although some like, Oreads or Dwarfs may contest that, the heaviest infantry there is. I can be a frontline, and slug it out until kingdom come. They want to harry me, to react to a crisis, to get me confused and tired, if they cant do that, they will want to swarm me, flank me and get lucky. While I want them to come at me single file, with a polearm user behind me and with sword and shield in hand, as my allies are channeling positive energy and casting spells and throwing bombs at their clustered up asses. Doing some renovation is how I am most likely to get what I want, and deny them what they want.
If you have some spare breath, try to familiarize yourself with my Lucerne Hammer. As you can see it can also be used as a piercing weapon.
She hands her military polearm to him
Here, you stand behind me like this, and strike over my shield arm,
ideally do so when I do this
She taps him with her tail
The more prepared and coordinated, the better our chances of victory.
Him taking up arms against the ghouls also counts for a lot in terms of getting him off the hook legally. And I can get him a pretty good lawyer in Magnimar if it even comes to that. Also, people who are actively prepareing for combat panick less, the psychological pressure of knowing you will soon fight for you live is pretty daunting otherwise.
Out of idle curiousity, biting ghouls is a really bad idea and should categorically not be done yes?
Alicia says with a toothy smile that shows her fangs
"If it comes to a battle, I will do everything in my power to keep you both on your feet, with your blood inside your skin," Ethan replies to Alicia. "In the meantime, I will keep an eye on Grayst, lest his condition worsen suddenly."
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"Are you SURE you're not related to me somehow? That sounds like one of my intrusive thoughts. It will probably infect you, or should at least be treated as an action that would do so because NO ONE HAS DONE IT BEFORE," she says.
We had a Kellid veteran from Sarkoris giving a guest lecture on "the f&&~ing worldwound and you" once. He had an uncle who died because he bit some type of demon called *Ghibrileth* to death. Apparently they look like flying meatballs? And are very very very much things you should never bite. But damn did he tell insane stories. I have a soft spot for Kellids since then, the sheer battlefield crazy they pulled was awe inspiring, but few people know since the Sarkorian Kellids dont write on paper.
You may enjoy Kelinahat temple in Magnimar Juriya, it is a repository of knowledge, and has some very interesting guest lectures.
"The thing is, Grayst was attacked by the murderer, and...the murderer seems to be a ghoul. Because Grayst was turning into one before our eyes. I don't want to imagine what would happen to Arrian if..."
The amurrun took a sigh and resumed, "That's not all. Habe knew Grayst contracted ghoul fever...and he was on talking terms with a necromancer. Habe knew the whole time-Grayst having the fever, meeting the murderer, the murderer being a ghoul. But kept quiet. Until we showed up."
Arrian nods, "When we investigated at the Sawmill we tracked the killer back to the Turandarok. We learned the killer had a powerful stench, wore no shoes, and used the river to attempt to reach the Sawmill without being noticed or tracked. The killer climbed up the outside of the Sawmill to gain entrance instead of using the door. So the physical evidence suggested undead."
Hoping the Sheriff hasn't fainted he continues, "Things got worse at the Sanitarium. Habe unleashed Grayst on us but we subdued him. He was babbling about someone he called 'The Skinsaw Man'; does that mean anything to you? Grayst had a moment of clarity when he heard my voice and said 'The Lordship' had a message for me. Grayst said I 'should come to the Misgivings soon, to meet the Pack, for they have something wonderful to show you.' Habe has been working with a necromancer named Caizarlu. Caizarlu made at least four zombies probably from patients. For the sake of the patients hoping they had died beforehand. We dispatched the four zombies but the necromancer was killed during the battle. One of the tiefling workers ran off, the other was subdued, and Habe surrendered."
Giving the Sheriff some time to drink another cup of coffee Arrian plows forward, "Ano remembered the 'Misgivings' is what the locals call Foxglove Manor. Alden Foxglove is the guy we apparently saved during the goblin attacks on Sandpoint. He took us on a hunt, bought each of us a horse, but there was something 'off' about the guy that made me suspicious. He's definitely involved in this situation. Ghouls are known to travel in packs so that makes sense. Grayst is turning into a ghoul which goes towards that point. Grayst is in bad shape; I don't know if Ethan and I can help him. Maybe Father Zantus could? If we can't stop the progression of the disease we'll have to end his existence as ghouls can make more ghouls, making this situation even worse."
Hoping the Sheriff hasn't fainted or fled Sandpoint, Arrian says, "That's why we need you to come with us to the Sanitarium so you can see what we're talking about, secure the crime scene, make sure the remaining patients are secured, and to look out for the one tiefling worker who fled. Also...I don't know what to do Sheriff."
Catching his breath Arrian slumps in his chair, "Why is this happening? I'm not special. I'm nobody. All this pain, suffering, and death, for what? It doesn't make sense."
"There's debates about where to class healing magic, I think? But not all of either necromancy is the other, is the point. I've got no opinions on the debate. Alchemists don't have schools of magic even if our entire raison d'etre is linked pretty heavily to transmutation. We're basically just weird transmuters in all honesty, hence worrying of a Runewell of Greed presumably having one third of this group acting up. Lead to gold being the holy grail... even though if it's discovered, gold will lose value for anything other than being a reagent unless the process is ccostly enough to not be worth it. EHEHEHE, that'd be the biggest letdown of modern alchemy. The process for creating gold from lead costing more gold than it produces, but being something everyone knows about!" Juriya says as she lets the mask slip for a bit, showing someone who jumps from concept to concept as easy as she breathes... for better or worse. With a bit of stretching, you could see why enchantment magic is something that'd work on her without much issue.
Donimah listens to Juriya patiently and nods a bit.
"I've always wondered why alchemists pursue a purely mundane way of replicating what transmuters can do with magic if in practice it requires the same amount of study and resources, if not more. Transmuting lead to gold...at least permanently...may be beyond my current level of skill, but I imagine I will reach that with enough practice and study, especially if we rediscover any of Thassilon's arcane techniques and shortcuts along the way. But it seems like the time and resources spent figuring out the formula to the legendary "Philosopher's Stone" could be channeled into more mundane alchemicals and selling those for profit would basically get you the same amount of gold in the long run. In a way, your parents are wiser alchemists than most, mastering the fundamentals and combining it with good business sense."
She shrugs.
"Out of idle curiousity, biting ghouls is a really bad idea and should categorically not be done yes?"
Alicia says with a toothy smile that shows her fangs
Donimah gives Alicia an annoyed look that says "PLEASE tell me you're joking."
"Are you SURE you're not related to me somehow? That sounds like one of my intrusive thoughts. It will probably infect you, or should at least be treated as an action that would do so because NO ONE HAS DONE IT BEFORE," she says.
"Exactly," Donimah adds with a nod.
Ah yes, the limitations of natural weaponry Alicia says merrily, clearly hoping to brighten the mood after speaking about military tactics, possible death and ghouls.
You know, as a corrolarry I just realized that being a Succubus basically sucks
Like, you kiss people to drain and kill them? While living in the Abyss? Meaning most of your possible enemies will be other demons, and only few of them look nice, or these... Qlippoths, who make a Dretch look like a pinup boy by comparison
She offers, mostly for laugh
Now, is the desire for company that isnt demons/Qlippoths a reason why the horned freaks are invading Golarion, and could be thus possibly be solved by providing such company in other ways? Maybe with like, alchemical automatons? That spout heroic monologes at them before they get crushed?
Almost certainly not, but making the attempt is a subtle way of humiliating them in the eyes of their peers, and that can have quite the effect.
Ah yes, the limitations of natural weaponry Alicia says merrily, clearly hoping to brighten the mood after speaking about military tactics, possible death and ghouls.
You know, as a corollary I just realized that being a Succubus basically sucks
Like, you kiss people to drain and kill them? While living in the Abyss? Meaning most of your possible enemies will be other demons, and only few of them look nice, or these... Qlippoths, who make a Dretch look like a pinup boy by comparison
She offers, mostly for laugh
Now, is the desire for company that isn't demons/Qlippoths a reason why the horned freaks are invading Golarion, and could be thus possibly be solved by providing such company in other ways? Maybe with like, alchemical automatons? That spout heroic monologues at them before they get crushed?
Almost certainly not, but making the attempt is a subtle way of humiliating them in the eyes of their peers, and that can have quite the effect.
Donimah blinks in confusion.
"Considering demons are the products of mortal sin and a construct, whether magical or alchemical, lack the intelligence to make moral choices and choose to sin as well as a soul that could be corrupted by such sin, a succubus would likely receive nothing from such a substitution. It would just be an elaborate toy to them. Besides, you're more likely to find succubi acting alone where some fool has summoned one and been careless with their wards. They aren't conquerors, they're opportunistic predators."
Ah yes, the limitations of natural weaponry Alicia says merrily, clearly hoping to brighten the mood after speaking about military tactics, possible death and ghouls.
You know, as a corollary I just realized that being a Succubus basically sucks
Like, you kiss people to drain and kill them? While living in the Abyss? Meaning most of your possible enemies will be other demons, and only few of them look nice, or these... Qlippoths, who make a Dretch look like a pinup boy by comparison
She offers, mostly for laugh
Now, is the desire for company that isn't demons/Qlippoths a reason why the horned freaks are invading Golarion, and could be thus possibly be solved by providing such company in other ways? Maybe with like, alchemical automatons? That spout heroic monologues at them before they get crushed?
Almost certainly not, but making the attempt is a subtle way of humiliating them in the eyes of their peers, and that can have quite the effect.
Donimah blinks in confusion.
"Considering demons are the products of mortal sin and a construct, whether magical or alchemical, lack the intelligence to make moral choices and choose to sin as well as a soul that could be corrupted by such sin, a succubus would likely receive nothing from such a substitution. It would just be an elaborate toy to them. Besides, you're more likely to find succubi acting alone where some fool has summoned one and been careless with their wards. They aren't conquerors, they're opportunistic predators."
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"It doesn't really matter what demons and devils do to one another on their home plane, does it?" Ethan asks. "If they kill and torture one another, or the souls that Pharasma has already judged worthy of damnation, it has no impact on the lives of people here on the mortal plane. I am more concerned with the ones that cross over, either in response to a summoning, or by their own power, as they are the ones that can harm the innocent."
"It does have an effect, somewhat, Ethan. These devils, demons, and daemons gaining powers by machinations in their home plane affect who would WANT to worship them. NO lower plane deity is perfectly content just mulling away doing nothing. Some groups of ideas are... more amenable to mortals than other, and same goes for their consequences. Say, if Laivatiniel or Haagenti gain power, they also gain worshippers. This affects groups of people that previously, might not have worshipped them. You'd have controlling mothers who won't let their kids grow being literal daemon worshippers keen on the end of all life before letting their kids go, or the demon influencing alchemists everywhere since we don't know what research could have horrible potential for horrific abuse.
And as for my parents... I am the only one not that wise out of all of them. Neither of them are clerics, but they're not so woefully deficient they need literal heuristics in their day-to-day lives to FUNCTION. And at its core, alchemy is about combining the mundane with the arcane. Bombs are a mundane mix of chemicals that gets magically enhanced with similar methods that wizards use to empower spells. My parents know this, and try their best to combine them in helpful ways for the community and the wider world... while still at least for a few good years keeping a lip on their secrets.
That, and the god we worship is a goddess of mortal success that's essentially if Abadar, Brigh, and Erastil were all one god."
The tiefling has a hard time following what Alicia tells him, but it is visible he makes the best effort he can. He is much happier when she gives him direct, actionable instructions, and goes on to follow them to the letter. He does ask her "Should I let Pidget out ma'am?"
The sheriff seems to be listening to Ano and Arrian, but he does so thoroughly enjoying his coffee, with his eyes closed and tasting every single drop. When they're done speaking, he opens his eyes and says something, but his voice is rasp. After clearing his throat, he tries again "I believe you. What sort of evidence is there for me to see in the Sanatorium? The murderer has already attacked in Sandpoint once. You're proposing I leave Sandpoint while undead are about to look at a dead wizard and a building with crazy people in them? If the doctor has surrendered, why haven't you brought him here? His admission should be proof enough, no?"
Apart from his reasonable logic that he doesn't want to leave Sandpoint while it could be in danger of undead coming in, the sheriff doesn't seem to want to touch the Grayst subject.
Pardon Gurnak, we are instructed to speak in ways that invite questions, and stimulate the mind, if possible. Given the enormity of the situation, that is perhaps not prudent. Once the crisis is over, I can give you the primers of my religion, but feel genuinely free to refuse, Lady Kelinahat loathes coerced conversions, and would seriously punish me if I were to engage in such acts.
She pauses, treating him as an equal mortal being with rights.
It may well be that another Emperyal lord, Arqueros, dedicated to protecting and bodyguarding others, may be more suitable for you, if you wish to look for a different religion then your current one. You did after all attempted to oppose professional adventurers, who were endowed with magic weapons, military training and outnumbered you 3 to 1, on behalf of your employer, risking life and limb for little more then bread and board. He would look upon the bravery of this act with approval, while obviously questioning your choice of employer... But then, he would understand you perceived yourself as not having one in the first place.
Alicia says to the tiefling, before repeating her current pragmatic instructions in much simpler terms.
I wish to meet Mr. Pidget She says as she leaves her Falchion and Scimitar at the ground level, while still having spiked gauntlets, her armor, and her polearm.
Let me also inspect your work, and if you got any ideas while boarding up, please voice them. You likely have more practice in carpentry then I do. And while I have read about military tactics for defending buildings, I havent repeatedly put it into practice. Someone like you, who knows the building and the area, may likely have ideas that would improve the defense.
--------------At Pidgets door---------------
Alicia would turn on detect evil before knocking and politely asking if she may enter
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"Sorry to interrupt. Mr. Gurnak," Ethans asks. "Is there a cell, preferably equipped with restraints or shackles where we can secure Grayst before the transformation takes him? Ideally, if there is some sort of table with straps to hold him down. At least that way, I can keep trying to delay the onset until Father Zantus arrives."
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
A prudent concern, I could also stress test these arrangements, you may recall that I was biting myself free of a cage when your party found me under thistletop. I would be unsurprised if what Grayst could turn into could manifest similar capabilties
Alicia wholehartedly supports Ethans request
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The tielfing says "Yes ma'am, I'll do my best to please the lords."
Answering Ethan, he says "There's Grayst's cell. It's right next to Pidget's. It has thick iron bars, it's really safe!"
He also accompanies Alicia, and whoever else wants to come, to the third floor to inspect the cell, and to see Pidget. On the second floor, there are two old patients who scream and shriek as they see people they don't know.
On the third floor, there are three cells, all of which have very sturdy iron bars. Pidget is in one of them. He is a rat lycanthrope in hybrid form, and tries to stay in shadows, unless someone brings into view a slashing weapon. Grayst's cell is one of them. Alicia verifies that it would a very long time for her to bite through the bars.
There is also a work room on the third floor.
The sheriff sighs heavily, seeing they won't go away easily. He says "I understand. I'll send Corporal Redmane." He gets up and goes talk to the guard outside, supposedly to tell him to go to Redmane's bunk.
the wererat would be both a threat and an asset. Alicia thinks
As far as my Paladin code is concerned, keeping someone trapped and partly defenseless in a cell, while a ghoul attack happens, against which he could either defend or flee from where he not trapped is... not a good action. But having him be free is highly risky, and could be a great cruelty upon others.
Information is key, lets talk before making a choice, and I will be guided by truth in this.
Such are her thoughts when she begins to speak.
Mr. Pidget, a moment of your time?
As you may have surmised, there are thing afoot here. An attack on this installation by Ghouls is likely incoming. We are currently fortifiying the compound to protect you and the other patients.
She continues
The question is of course if you wish to assist in the defense, or if you prefer to be under our protection, in this cell.
I also understand that you have a strong revulsion against bladed weaponry... Which I at least would require to effectively combat the ghouls. A question is if we can perhaps overcome this together?
She makes a tactfull and truthfull pitch, addressing him as an equal, and not showing any prejudice against lycanthropes.
Pidget hears Alicia and replies "I'm a raaaaaaat. I don't talk"
** spoiler omitted **
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But maybe you sing? She answers with a chuckle as she breaks into a
Great King rat died today
born quite far away
died ghoul fever on his 40 birthday
every second word he swore
Yes he was the son of a whore
Always wanted by the law
Wouldnt you like to know
to break the ice so to speak
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The tiefling can surprisingly sing, and tries joining Alicia once he learns, first the melody, then the words.
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Meanwhile, Juriya attempts to sing along... but it's not something she studied so this is bound to go horribly wrong. Sure she's got the polymath part of some bards down, but the song and dance?! ... Yet she somehow manages okay.
You have quite the singing voice Gurnak!
As do you Juriya, I love to be surprised in such a fashion
Alicia positively beams at both
If you do not wish to join the defense Mr. Tibbet, will we do our best to keep you safe
Lets continue with our bit of renovation downstairs. Mr. Gurnak, what room is directly above our prepared kill zone in the entry way? Maybe we could make a small hole in the floor there, and then be able to throw down holy water on the ghouls safely.
** spoiler omitted **
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Corporal Redmane appears looking a bit annoyed, but loyally stands at the ready. The sheriff talks to him privately for a few moments. Afterwards, Redmane goes into the dormitories and comes back with a hastily readied guard. He tells the heroes "Please, lead the way."
This guard who everyone calls Jumb is known for not being particularly strong or agile, but he is very methodical and likes to keep things organized. Surely the sheriff told Redmane to take Jumb with him to log everything.
Around midnight, Ano and Arrian and two guards arrive at the main entrance. Inside, it seems there's a singing party going on.
Midnight and the f&~$ing ghouls still havent attacked?
Alicia wonders as she hears footsteps approaching.
THERE COMES WILD BEASTS KIN
ITS JAWS ARE OPEN WIDE
THE BEAST RISES FROM THE WAVES
THE TARRASQUE TWISTS AND TURNS
MIGHTY IN ITS WROTH
THE EYES ARE FULL OF PRIMAL HATE
GO GORUM'S SON
PROTECTOR OF MANKIND
RIDE TO MEET YOUR FATE
YOUR DESTINY AWAITS
Alica gets into a full blown warsong, believing the ghoul attack to be imminent, and then sheepishly looks around when its Ano, Arrian and the guards.
Hi, we made this place a bit more defensible!
"Grayst is over here, Deputy Redmane," Ethan says, directing him towards the the bound man. "He is in late stage ghoul fever. I am doing what I can to delay onset, but I lack the power to cure him." He looks behind Redmane and sighs in resignation. "I'd hoped that Father Zantus would be with you. Perhaps he could've cured him. I fear we're only delaying the inevitable. Very soon, we may need to put an end to him before he becomes a monster."
To explain to the guards, "We have a really talented singer who is trying to keep the staff and patients calm and entertained."
To Ethan, "I don't know if we have the time to wait. We should press on to Foxglove Manor. We can try to delay it again tomorrow or even remove it but I'm not sure Grayst has that long."
Ano glares at the others in confusion seeing Grayst still alive. "Wait...he's still...what happened to mercy killing him?!" she spits out, her patience running thin tonight.
Donimah sighs a bit at Alicia's singing to attempt to rally them for what turns out to be not an attack at all.
"I think you might have overestimated the Sanitarium's strategic importance to this 'Father Skinsaw.' Without that wizard to check in and report back the wretch probably doesn't even know we're on to him."
At Ano's indignant question, she gives a nonchalant shrug.
"We thought you might have brought Father Zantus and he'd have been able to cure him."
Donimah sighs a bit at Alicia's singing to attempt to rally them for what turns out to be not an attack at all.
"I think you might have overestimated the Sanitarium's strategic importance to this 'Father Skinsaw.' Without that wizard to check in and report back the wretch probably doesn't even know we're on to him."
At Ano's indignant question, she gives a nonchalant shrug.
"We thought you might have brought Father Zantus and he'd have been able to cure him."
"Everyone was going to sleep and we had enough time to catch someone awake and we decided on Sheriff Hemlock. He dispatched help to secure, catalog, and protect the Sanitarium. I think we should move immediately to Foxglove Manor while this Skinsaw person is hopefully unaware of the damage we've done to their operation. Unless we think there's enough time to save Grayst. In which case we should take him with us to Father Zantus and see if he can help."
While he doesn't know, Father Zantus is very grateful that the heroes allowed him to sleep.
Corporal Redmane is well respected among the guards. He is a kind soul, but very big and strong, although his brain is not as big and strong, so to speak. During your time training the guards in the winter, you noticed Redmane grew a little distant. It is easy to guess that he became jealous of the attention and respect that the tiefling paladin received in so little time.
You recognize the guard who came with Redmane. Everyone calls him Jumb and he is known for not being particularly strong or agile, but he is very methodical and likes to keep things organized. He is one of the few who is sort of indifferent to Alicia.
Corporal Redmane assesses the situation and asks Ethan to bring Grayst to a peaceful room, if there is any. Since he's spent a few hours in the sanatorium, he chooses Habe's bedroom, just north of the main reception. Redmane asks for respectful peace and quiet, and to be left alone with Grayst. He closes the door, and it is clear what he wants to do.
Meanwhile, the other guard starts writing down a bunch of stuff. Anyone who peeks into his worksheet sees he's cataloguing everything, from objects, their positions, state of the building, and even some technical details about the type of white paint on the walls and quality of cloth he finds, on clothes and sheets and curtains. He even estimates the thread count on it.
Ano sighs in relief as she sees Redmane taking care of Grayst. She notices Jumb jotting down notes, and...not expecting that, she gave a little chuckle. Not in a demeaning way, it was honestly kind of cute-a little light she needed in these dark times.