When Rasmus excuses himself, Erik says, "No worries, Mr. Rasmus. You go on and dance enough for both of us! I don't know this one, and I'd be liable to get stampeded, anyways, with all the big folk around.". Leaning back in his chair, Erik pets Shep as he listens to the music and observes the crowd and the band—especially the flute player.
After dancing, Rasmus sees Erik's attention drift towards the flute player. He elbows Erik in the ribs and grins conspiratorially.
"Hey lad, if ye want me advice, here it is; if ye don't, that's fine too, but let this sack of old bones give ye what advice he can."
"If ye want to ask that flutist fer drinks, I don't see why ye shouldn't. If that young magician Klaus' generosity extends that far, it'd be a great thing fer ye to do. If it doesn't, well, I'll cover the bill meself. After that maybe take some strolls through nature, take her fishin' at the river, that sorta thing? Life is like a boat on a fast river. Wait too long at the shore, and ye ain't gonna get a second chance, but step on the boat, and you'll never know what adventures the stream might dredge up."
He shrugs and returns to his drink,
"It probably ain't my place to tell ya what or what not to do, but do what ye think is best, lad. I missed me boat once in me life, and I ain't gotten a second chance. Lucky too, since once the boat moved on, the other passengers started kickin' holes in the hull."
He grins sadly,
"Ah, don't listen to me ramblin's, ye've got a better chance than I ever did, lad. Oh, and don't worry,"
He laughs again, regaining some mirth,
"I ain't gonna tell yer father, though I'm sure he'd be proud of ye fer livin' yer life. Do what ye think's best."
No one would outright disregard Rasmus for his age, but as his youthful vitality shows itself on the dance floor he quickly finds himself with several potential dance partners. One by one a new one appears, seemly pushing the previous girl out of the way. Even a few of the of the serving girls squeeze their way on when Nurlon isn’t watching too closely, Dargys even sees Gyra out on the floor from time to time. But, as he returns to the table for business the girls all find new partners to dance.
Plans for the next day begin to unfold. Who is involved, what is needed, where they need to go, and wondering how long it might take Klaus to be ready in the morning without a splitting headache.
The music continues to be upbeat through the night with a few epics being told that includes the troop dramatically acting out battles with streamers as blood. These land well with Nurlon as they help him relive “the glory years.” The halfling catches Erik’s eyes as his linger on her longer than the rest.
Time rolls on and as the rain lightens up to a sprinkle and quits altogether, the crowd slowly begins to thin out. People begin to head home while others find their way to a room above.
Nurlon makes his way over to the table and places a hand on Klaus’ shoulder. "This one here seems to be in rough shape. Who’s seeing him home or does he need a bed here tonight?"
The evening fades as tired heads find their pillows. As the morning comes everyone can run any morning errands before meeting up with the rest of the group.
Slowly, everyone starts to arrive at the rendezvous point.
Dargys chuckles as Rasmus shows the younger folks how it is done. Almost regretting his own inactivity. A watchful eye goes over the fellows who dance with his sister. He didn't drink too much, nursing what he had. A level head might be needed later. A glass of well water might be taken now and then to ease the liquor he did have. He's not afraid to enjoy a drink, mind, but all this talk of a possible job.. has him thinking he best remember it all.
Nurlon makes his way over to the table and places a hand on Klaus’ shoulder. "This one here seems to be in rough shape. Who’s seeing him home or does he need a bed here tonight?"
Dargys is glad he didn't drink much and says "I'll take him home. His family has a nice home now and I don't doubt won't be more comfortable to him. Sides, even if he could make it on his own, someone might try to take advantage." He carefully does NOT Look at Alister at this The man has changed, and I'll not be making him feel he's stuck in his past.
He looks at Gyra "Be safe on the way home, eh?"
It shouldn't be trouble, his sister knows the safer paths and it is possible another girl and she will share one. He adds "Looks like I maybe going on an errand soon. Let's hope it's not a fool's one."
To the rest "Good night, all." And he directs Klaus to the door, if need be, once out of view, fireman carrying the fellow. While there are stronger men in the city, Dargys IS strong, and it seems almost no effort to him. More likely though Klaus will be awake enough to guide as long as someone keeps him from swaying.
Dargys does talk to Klaus while he escorts him "Your family gives you grief, I know, and may do so again when you get home. So if you're awake enough, let me know if you want to go through the front door or some servant thing in the back eh?"
The city after a rain feels cleaner, save for the still gurgling gutters. Everything shines in the moonlight, and it's not too crowded. It's almost relaxing.
"I think," He goes on to his friend... is Klaus a friend? Gods know that if the man were in HIS family, Dargys would be one of those lecturing him instead of supporting him, but well, Dargys doesn't have many friends so.. yes, perhaps they are. "I think I envy you despite your troubles, friend. I DO wish Grandmother would stop her gob about how the Sudwark are actually some grand old noble line that was forgotten and fallen on old times. I might handle being poor better if she didn't go on and on about how what we have is so little compared to what we had. Never good enough with her. Maybe we're more alike than I thought, you and I."
The Reiser estate just looks fancy to Dargys. He doesn't have the knowledge to appraise it as nouveau riche. He imagines it has a lot of bedrooms, and who wouldn't envy that? The fountain with the statue is gurgling extra hard thanks to the excess from the rain.
He'll drop Klaus off which door he wants as delicately as he can, before heading back.
When he gets home, he makes sure his sister made it safely back, does a quiet head count and if all is well, sleeps.
In the morning he gathers his gear listens to his grandmother prattle on about the glories of the Red Unicorn etc, and makes sure the fire is on.
When he explains he maybe gone longer than usual, others are surprised, but they know the routine, and should be fine with out him for a bit at least. He leaves a bit of coin for emergency.
And.. he goes to meet at the rendezvous point, prompt and early. Armed and armored and looking no nonsense.
After his friends in the Dancing Bear Inn leave for the night, Rasmus jots down the address of the merchant on the letter, bids a good night to Nurlon, tidies up the table, and tramps out into the rain.
The icy sheets fall in a blinding torrent down on Dulwich, turning the cobbles into islands of stone swimming in rivers of cold black water. Rasmus tosses a coin onto the street, whispering,
"Serat, guard me from yer torrents if ye can."
He steps into the protection of a doorway for a moment to light his hooded lantern, and pulls his cloak high around him before trudging back into the storm. His lantern casts an ethereal beam before him, like the eye of some great creature in the mists of the mountains. His footfalls splash through the currents of water in the street, and he makes his way back through the streets to the edge of the city.
He reaches the gates, and salutes the watchman on duty,
"Hail, Georg. It's Rasmus, just passin' through."
He trudges through the gate and out into the swirling darkness, protected somewhat by the trees he passes under. His boots send up tendrils of mist, clutching at his cloak as he sweeps through the undergrowth.
After around half an hour of walking, he reaches a small cave formed by large stone slabs laid haphazardly on top of one another. He ducks in, pulls back the "door," a bear's skin stretched along the front of the top slab, and gathers up the firewood stored there. He makes a small pyramid out of the wood, pulls out his sword, and cuts a small incision on his hand, just enough for a few drops of blood to fall on the wood. He mutters,
"Kalron, god of the clashin' blades, grant me strength to protect these lads. Give me the power behind me sword-arm to battle whatever we may find, and let the battles we must wage be glorious!"
He lights the fire with a spill from his lantern, and stretches out on his fur mat in the corner. As he sleeps, he dreams.
He is in the great forests of the north, snow blanketing the ground like a soft fur cloak. Massive pine trees rise up around him, seeming to quiver in the cold, sending needles of rime showering down on Rasmus as he stands there. A great rumbling begins, however, and torrents of flame shoot up through crevices opening in the rock. He shouts in alarm and begins backing away from the gouts of fire, but trips over a rock and lays prone as the forest immolates before him, revealing a great barren plateau of red rock. Hot winds blow past his face in a flaying rush, and the smell of camphor, sand, and spices surrounds him. He can see nothing, save for a great pillar of stone rising like a bloody-maroon monolith. Candles surround it, untouched by the winds. Rasmus lies there, powerless to move. As he watches, a great segmented centipede-like creature crawls from a fissure and ascends the obelisk, reaching with its mandibles for the glowing sun above it. As the mandibles surround the sun, it glows blood red for a moment before fading into blackness. Rasmus screams as all light leaves the world, and small creatures begin crawling along his body and piercing into his flesh.
He wakes in a shudder of sweat early in the morning, before the full sunrise. He collects his equipment, shaking off the shudders wracking his body, and makes his way back towards the town.
There, he visits the equipment shops to purchase the items for the group to use during the expedition, and he goes to the address of the shopkeeper, leaning on a post and playing a game with a tin cup and a coin.
Sethiel leaves the others to their dancing and merriment. A few glasses of wine can be overlooked, but he surely would hear about it the next morning if he made a spectacle of himself. [I[At least these men know how to have a good time.[/I] No doubt such companions will make whatever their job entails on the morrow a bit more interesting. When the rain lets up, Sethiel pays for his drinks and heads-- somewhat reluctantly-- back to the temple.
The next morning, he manages to convince his superiors he needs to go to the market. "I'm not sure it's a good idea to let the new acolytes out on such an errand just yet. Their self-discipline is... a work in progress." He has no armor to prepare for he owns none, but as he straps on his sword-- as much a symbol of the church as the sunrise on his white fine-- he takes a long look at the small shield leaning in the corner. After a moment he grabs it and attaches it to his wrist. If I were in the paladin order I would not think twice about a little extra protection, he tells himself in an effort to stop feeling just a bit foolish.
At the meeting point he recognizes a few of the tavern-goers from the previous night and hails them. He notices Dargys seems armed for battle, and Sethiel can't help but feel relieved. Perhaps he wasn't wrong to grab his shield after all; in fact the human makes him look, if anything, under-prepared. "I see we had the same idea: luck favors the prepared."
Erik listens to Rasmus' advice and nods. Looking over at the flute player again, he notices that she seems to be paying attention to him too. He turns to Rasmus, smiles, and takes a deep breath. He whistles for Shep to follow him, and then heads over to the stage and engages the flute player in conversation, trying to determine whether she will be around town for awhile and, if so, whether she would be amenable to a hike when the weather is better.
After excusing himself, he makes his way home to the Sarkinen homestead. As he comes through the door, bedraggled, his parents are sitting at the table. "What took you so long, Erik? We were worried sick, and get those wet clothes off. You're going to catch a cold!" his mother says. "I holed up in town, hoping that the weather would pass. Doesn't look like it's going to, though, so eventually I just had to tough it out and come home anyway,"Erik replied. Turning to his father, he says, "Dad, I ran into Mr. Rasmus while I was in town, and he needs me to help with something tomorrow. I can do my morning chores before I leave, but you'll need to get one of the younger ones to watch the sheep tomorrow, and don't count on me for supper." The elder Sarkinen frowns. "Well, I reckon we owe Rasmus that much at least, but don't go makin' a habit of it, youngster, unless you want to spend your free time training your brothers," he says. "Yes, sir," Erik replies as he heads down the hall to his room, changes clothes, hangs his wet clothes up to dry, and then heads to sleep.
Erik begins the next morning, praying for the blessings of the old gods, but asking for blessings suitable for combat, rather than farm work. Next, he heads out to the sheepfold and makes sure the sheep have food and water. Finally, he saddles up Shep and heads into town. His first stop is a store to pick up a sling and some bullets. Then he heads to the rendezvous point. "Is everybody ready?," he asks.
Alistair feels like Rasmus has the extra gear in hand so he feels settled when they leave the table. After listening to the music for a bit he slips out as soon as the rain lets up. He's not too shy to party all night but he wants to have his wits about him in the morning. He arrives home after his parents have gone to bed so he creeps around stealthily completing his ablutions before laying down for a good rest.
As soon as he wakes the next morning he grabs an old crust of bread and a hunk of cheese from the latest wheel, then heads out. He goes straight to the rendezvous point to find others have beat him to it.
"Good morning all. You fellas ready to start making our fortune?" Alistair says smiling at them.
At the meeting point he recognizes a few of the tavern-goers from the previous night and hails them. He notices Dargys seems armed for battle, and Sethiel can't help but feel relieved. Perhaps he wasn't wrong to grab his shield after all; in fact the human makes him look, if anything, under-prepared. "I see we had the same idea: luck favors the prepared."
A smile at that, "And dropping your guard is a good way to lose teeth," He nods to the elf, "Glad you made it." A healer is always welcome.
Then he heads to the rendezvous point. "Is everybody ready?," he asks.
"Good morning all. You fellas ready to start making our fortune?" Alistair says smiling at them.
"Morning... I'm ready but..." He looks around for Klaus "I don't think everyone is here yet."
Dargys’ care and devotion to his friends and family is a characteristic that all who know him admire. As they approach the estate there is still a lantern lit in the side room window that you take Klaus to. Before you even reach the door, it opens and a plump elderly woman is standing there; “Oh there you are master Klaus, let’s get you to bed without waking up the house.” She gives Dargys a thankful nod; “Do some in for a moment.” She walks Klaus down the hall leaving Dargys in the entry way.
Outside of the temple, this might be one of the most beautiful buildings Dargys has been in. It smells clean, and he can tell that Missy, the plump elderly woman, has been baking while waiting for Klaus. Several minutes pass when she finally returns. She grabs a basket off a side table and begins putting a loaf of bread that is still warm, and several smaller sweat breads. “Here you are now. Get home before your own family gets worried.” Not allowing Dargys to reject the basket, this shorter woman forces him out of the house. The door shuts with a clink of the lock and the lantern leaves the window
~~~~
As Sethiel moves about the Lawgivers Hall gathering his things, he sees Vuokko Laiten and Mikaell Tuntia deep in discussion that is leaving Vuokko looking frustrated. In a non-disrespectful maner she waves the elf on to go about his day.
Before leaving the temple, Sethiel is approached by Marrit Kurikka, a recruit from Languard to the temple that has been faithfully serving for a year. She quietly ask Sethiel; “They have been going round and a round since last night. No one knows what they are going on about.” looking about the room as they walk “Word is that there is a spy among the ranks that works for Wido… I’ll let you know what I discover when you return.” Before Sethiel has a chance, his friend leaves his side.
~~~
With the encouragement from Rasmus beside him, Erik moves forward while the troop is taking a break; “Nemia Silverblossom, of the Ashford Silverblossoms. Well, originally from Underdell.” Erik would know that Ashford and Underdell are neighboring communities to the north west on the Old Road just off the Selka River. “A hike?” Nemia seems surprised, but then smiles; “Most men who approach have other motives, part of the job.” she gives Erik a quick look as if she can judge a book by the cover; “I would love a hike. We are going to be at the Dancing Bear for a week. If things are good for Nurlon we might stay on longer.” She hears the elf’s harp and turns to go back on the stage, with a smile; “I look forward to our hike.”
~~
~~
Antero Kalervo’s house stands on Foundation Way and his family have lived in this same building for generations. They are a well-known wealthy merchant family that have deep ties in Dulwich. It is a surprise that Antero still stays here. Many of the houses on Foundation Way are in imminent danger of collapse, none are as bad off as the Crooked House.
Knocking on the large wooden double doors, the group is greeted by Antero himself. He is a tall, slim middle-aged man wearing fine robes and polished boots. A friendly smiles creases his time-worn face with peppered hair that echo’s his age. Speaking quickly; “Seems the gods thought Dulwich needed a bath last night. I haven’t been out this morning, but she smells beautiful doesn’t she.” he says more as a statement than a question. “What can I help you with this morning?”
.
”Sir, we came into possession of this.” Alistair says handing over the missive. ”We are here to deal with your issue, should you be willing to hire us on.”
Outside of the temple, this might be one of the most beautiful buildings Dargys has been in. It smells clean, and he can tell that Missy, the plump elderly woman, has been baking while waiting for Klaus. Several minutes pass when she finally returns. She grabs a basket off a side table and begins putting a loaf of bread that is still warm, and several smaller sweat breads. “Here you are now. Get home before your own family gets worried.” Not allowing Dargys to reject the basket, this shorter woman forces him out of the house. The door shuts with a clink of the lock and the lantern leaves the window
"Thank you kindly, Missy. I shall. When Klaus wakes remind him of our plans for tomorrow if you would?" And off he goes. He's not one for charity, but food is food and he can't in good consciense turn that down.
His family will feel like it is a holiday........
”Sir, we came into possession of this.” Alistair says handing over the missive. ”We are here to deal with your issue, should you be willing to hire us on.”
Dargys is grateful Alistair is taking the lead in this, the talking part anyway. He simply nods.
"A whole lot of us, dependable folk around town, shouldn't have any trouble." Deshe adds for Fox.
As the others arrive, they find Rasmus deeply engrossed in a peculiar game he calls “Trappings of Wealth.” The game involves him deftly dropping a coin next to a wall and attempting to trap it against the wall with a tin cup as it falls. At his feet lie four small backpacks and several large bundles wrapped in leathery hide, from which the handles and heads of shovels, sledges, and hammers protrude.
Rasmus looks up at the sound of approaching footsteps, his eyes sharp and alert. Upon seeing his friends, however, his gaze softens and he relaxes.
“Hail, friends! I’ve taken the liberty of gatherin' our supplies for the expedition. All that’s left is for you to claim the gear ye’d like to take."
He gestures towards the pile of goods at his feet. Upon seeing Dargys and Sethiel so well-armed, a wide grin spreads across his face. sending out a cartographer's map of lines and wrinkles along his face.
“Expectin' trouble, are ye? That’s probably not too far-fetched of an idea. The ruins of an ancient city or crypt are bound to be teemin' with all sorts of creatures. Best to be prepared for anythin'.”
As he begins organizing the equipment, he nods pleasantly to each person as they arrive.
“This reminds me of a time back when I was just a bairn,”
he begins, his tone becoming more reflective.
“We were preparin' fer a grand hunt, and I was in charge of gatherin' the supplies. Me father insisted on bringin' an entire entourage, complete with cooks and musicians. It was more of a festival than a hunt. Of course, we didn’t encounter anythin' more dangerous than a few startled deer. Me father claimed the hunt was a failure, but I just enjoyed the time in the wilds. At least...”
He grins and laughs,
"...Whenever I could get away from the minstrels, that is."
He shakes his head, a wistful smile playing on his lips. He pauses for a moment, and returns to the present.
“But those days are long gone. Now, it’s just us and whatever dangers lie ahead. I have a feelin' we'll be encounterin' quite a bit down there. I trust each of ye to watch my back, as I will yers.”
His eyes meet each of theirs in turn, acknowledging their particular skills. He leans back, continuing to sort through the equipment with practiced ease, his mind already on the challenges that lie ahead.
“Let’s make sure we’re ready for anythin'. We owe it to the city to investigate this sealed chamber, and I don’t intend to let them down.”
When Alistair opens the door, Rasmus salutes the man and puts on his most charming smile.
5 flasks of oil
50 ft. of rope
1 sack
5 torches
1 bag of caltrops
1 flint and steel
1 hammer
2 iron spikes
1 piece of chalk
1 cheese
1 loaf of bread
1 meat ration
5 flasks of oil
50 ft. of rope
1 sack
5 torches
1 bag of caltrops
1 flint and steel
1 hammer
2 iron spikes
1 piece of chalk
1 cheese
1 loaf of bread
1 meat ration
5 flasks of oil
50 ft. of rope
1 sack
5 torches
1 crowbar
1 hammer
3 iron spikes
1 piece of chalk
1 cheese
1 loaf of bread
1 meat ration
5 flasks of oil
50 ft. of rope
1 sack
5 torches
5 whetstones
10 sets of earplugs
1 hammer
3 iron spikes
2 pieces of chalk
1 jar of honey
3 shovels
2 sledges
20 flasks
Alistair arrived with all of his gear. He currently needs nothing additional but will help carry a backpack inside once or if we are so invited.
Antero takes paper from Alistair and opens it up. Reading the letter as if he doesn’t already know what it says; “You all seem well prepared,” eyeing up the extra backpacks and bundles; “how about you all come in and I can show you what is going on and you can decide from there.”
Stepping into his house he motions to an open room just left of the door; “Please, have a seat.” this open room has a large table in the middle with no chairs around it. Around the walls there are padded benches with no backs on them. Once everyone is in the chamber, he closes the door and walks in behind the last person; “Some of you look familiar, but for those I haven’t met officially, I am Antero Kalervo. For some time I’ve noticed a few sagging walls in an older section of my cellar and with word of a basement collapse just down the row I hired Matias Hirvi to do the repairs.”
“As he was removing some of the old stones to better repair the wall, he discovered a sealed-up chamber that had a stone trapdoor. I am not sure what it leads to, my family has lived here for generations and we had no idea that there were subcellars in our property.” Shrugging; “Matias was unsure… or maybe uncomfortable with opening the door and seeing what was beyond.”
Looking over the group; “I, for one, am eager to learn what is below. Could be something, could be nothing. Either way, I will offer each of you 100 gold, which will be received upon the completion of a thorough inspection of what might lay beneath.”
“If you need to discuss amongst yourselves I will head to get us a refreshment to seal the agreement if that is what is chosen.” Antero takes a partial step to head into his house, giving anyone an opportunity to ask a question. If none are asked he heads down the hallway leaving the group in this chamber.
The inside of this chamber might be considered dated, but in the area that it was designed it is beautifully decorated. The craftsmanship of the furniture is exceptional and familiar, locally made and typically only owned by the higher nobles of Dulwich. Possibly pieces that his family has procured over the years.
Nurlon makes his way over to the table and places a hand on Klaus’ shoulder. "This one here seems to be in rough shape. Who’s seeing him home or does he need a bed here tonight?"Dargys is glad he didn't drink much and says "I'll take him home. His family has a nice home now and I don't doubt won't be more comfortable to him. Sides, even if he could make it on his own, someone might try to take advantage." He carefully does NOT Look at Alister at this, The man has changed, and I'll not be making him feel he's stuck in his past.
And he directs Klaus to the door, if need be, once out of view, fireman carrying the fellow. While there are stronger men in the city, Dargys IS strong, and it seems almost no effort to him. More likely though Klaus will be awake enough to guide as long as someone keeps him from swaying.
As Dargys tries to rouse Klaus, the young man mumbles, "Jes won mor..." And when Dargys' response to this is to try and sling him over his shoulder, Klaus feebly pushes him off. "I ken wok, I ken wok!" He clearly cannot.
Klaus stumbles around until Dargys gets a firm grip on him and escorts him out.
Dargys does talk to Klaus while he escorts him "Your family gives you grief, I know, and may do so again when you get home. So if you're awake enough, let me know if you want to go through the front door or some servant thing in the back eh?"
"Nanny Em ...she's wait- *(hic)* -in'..." Klaus gestures off towards who-knows-where, but definitely not the main gate of the Reiser's city estate.
The city after a rain feels cleaner, save for the still gurgling gutters. Everything shines in the moonlight, and it's not too crowded. It's almost relaxing.
"I think," He goes on to his friend... is Klaus a friend? Gods know that if the man were in HIS family, Dargys would be one of those lecturing him instead of supporting him, but well, Dargys doesn't have many friends so.. yes, perhaps they are. "I think I envy you despite your troubles, friend. I DO wish Grandmother would stop her gob about how the Sudwark are actually some grand old noble line that was forgotten and fallen on old times. I might handle being poor better if she didn't go on and on about how what we have is so little compared to what we had. Never good enough with her. Maybe we're more alike than I thought, you and I."
Klaus is unfortunately too insensible to understand, but some part of him seems to hear Dargys' words.
"Ya shud jes marr' Ulrikke...finly haf a brovver who likes me..." Klaus gibbers.
Klaus was sound asleep, dead to world and drooling, when he was suddenly drowning. After several coughs and sputters, Klaus came to understand he wasn't drowning, but merely had taken a bucket of water to the face as he rolled over onto his elbow panting gasping. Several broken memories of the night before come rushing back to him all at once resulting in a pounding headache and a how-did-I-get-home? confusion.
"Nanny.." he began to whine. "Please...just let me sleep."
"No can do, young master," Missy mother henned. "One of your last remaining friends said you agreed to help him with something so he can keep his family afloat, and you're going to do it."
Missy abruptly pulls open the drapes sending spears of light into Klaus' eyes prompting a pained moan from the wizard.
"You need to get to your daily studies if you're to be worth anything to young Dargys or anyone else. I've got your 'Wake Up and Work!' Tonic right here as well as a hearty meal once you've finished." She gestures to a goblet full of something even Belfer would question the consistency and a plate full of fried eggs, cheeses, potatoes, toast, and a cup of applesauce. "Same as I made your daddy and his brothers and sisters when they also thought they were more powerful than the Undefeated Morning After. You quaff that whole draught, wait a spell, and if you haven't tossed it, clean this whole plate. I'll be back in an hour."
Missy pats Klaus' cheek and whisks out of the room. Klaus manages to sit up and forces down a retch from the sight and smell of the food. He reaches out a shaky hand for the goblet (did it just bubble?) and brings it to his lips. After a deep breath, he begins to chug the whole thing. It is thick and pungent, but surprisingly not terrible. It isn't the first time he'd had it, and possibly not the last. Klaus isn't completely convinced it works, but what he does know is just how much grief Missy would give him if he didn't finish it.
While it doesn't completely remove he sourness of his stomach nor do anything for the headache, Klaus does find the smell of the food more tolerable, and soon he's eating with gusto, a fear of the wrath of Nanny Em playing no small part. As he eats, Klaus vaguely recalls the commission the ragtag table of tavern goers had agreed to take on. He studies his spellbook with that in mind while he spoons the applesauce topped with cinnamon into his mouth.
Soon enough, Missy returns just as Klaus is strapping on his boots. He straightens, just in time for Missy to pop the "official" wizard's hat onto his head. His mother had insisted on purchasing it to celebrate Klaus completing his apprenticeship.
"You know she'd be heartbroken if you didn't wear it on your first official wizarding adventure, Master Klaus," Missy says with a nod. "Now off you go before the Mistress Ulrikke or Master Todd catch wind of your departure. You know you won't be able to get rid of them as soon as they discover you're off to adventure with young Dargys."
"Ah, that's true..." Klaus shoulders the pack he stuffed with some useful things, his spell component pouch, and his scroll box full of fun spells he'd purchased. "I'd best be off then."
He pauses at the door as Missy begins to strip the wet sheets and pillows from his bed. "...thank you, Nanny Em."
Missy sniffs and waves a dismissive hand. "Off with you now. And come back with a good story to tell at the family dinner table."
After Klaus leaves, Missy allows herself a smile and begins to hum a very old tune.
"Ya shud jes marr' Ulrikke...finly haf a brovver who likes me..." Klaus gibbers.
Dargys smiled at that a bit but didn't respond. He might like me less once I was in a position of responsilbity in the family. Lord knows my siblings think I'm a tyrant some days.
But they DO respect him, and that's something poor Klaus doesn't seem to get. Maybe this 'adventure' will have them notice him in a positive way.......
Dargys was stunned to learn Rasmus had set out supplies for them. Indeed, his first reaction is to decline. He has his own gear, but then he realizes he might want to listen to the voice of experience.
“Expectin' trouble, are ye? That’s probably not too far-fetched of an idea. The ruins of an ancient city or crypt are bound to be teemin' with all sorts of creatures. Best to be prepared for anythin'.”
"I thought it would look more professional" He admits.
He decides to let others pick first but when they move in, he grabs randomly and loads up to carry a few in, not that he claims them all, just he's stronger than most so he carries the load at least to a wall inside.
Darygys takes a seat when offered.
Looking over the group; “I, for one, am eager to learn what is below. Could be something, could be nothing. Either way, I will offer each of you 100 gold, which will be received upon the completion of a thorough inspection of what might lay beneath.”
“If you need to discuss amongst yourselves I will head to get us a refreshment to seal the agreement if that is what is chosen.” Antero takes a partial step to head into his house, giving anyone an opportunity to ask a question. If none are asked he heads down the hallway leaving the group in this chamber.
"Most kind of you, Master Kalevro. If we prove to be of use to you, perhaps you'll considering hiring us for any future needs of similar nature? or at least spread good word? I'd like to get out of the fighting rings," He says this with no shame. Either the man doesn't know about his work but could soon learn of it, or he does. But there is more than gold to be gained if they do a good job. Good Word of Mouth for one.
"Good evening Klaus! It looks like you're enjoying yourself. What was all that excitement about?"
"Brambler!" Klaus bursts while lifting his empty hand in excited recognition. "Glad yer here. Eyz wuz thinkin' 'bout tat ooze ratio youz talked 'bout...other day. I tink the slime diffur-eshal cud be adjushed same as mead! Like wif fowers and fuits and stuf!"
Then he blinks, "Oh, and yeah, we're..." Klaus waves at the table now full of people surrounding the paper received from the out-of-town adventuring group, "...going ta shumbody's housh to look at a wall. Ya shud *hic* come, too...alsho. Walls er good fer oozhe testing."
Klaus arrives at the rendezvous point looking haggard but alive, his feet dragging slightly. He blanches a bit when looking at all the heavy equipment Rasmus laid out and sighs. He wishes he had managed to convince his father to purchase him a bag of holding, an item he desperately wants to own and possibly learn how to make, but so far his pleas had been denied.
"Ah, Dargys," he says to the fighter a hand raised in greeting. His expression is a bit sheepish. "Thanks for seeing me home after a tad too much mead...again."
"Ah, Dargys," he says to the fighter a hand raised in greeting. His expression is a bit sheepish. "Thanks for seeing me home after a tad too much mead...again."
"You're welcome. Missy was right nice about it. And you offered your sister up in marriage, again."Deadpan, then a bit of a smile "Glad you made it."
"You're welcome. Missy was right nice about it. And you offered your sister up in marriage, again."
"Heh, well, you know. Can't blame a big brother for trying."
Klaus greets the other party members with a wave and a nod and blearily looks around for Belfer. Once the group is ushered inside, Klaus can't help but notice the decorating as it reminds him of often his mother changes out the furniture in her sitting room and other places where guests may be received to keep up with the current trends.
When invited inside, Rasmus waits for the others to enter, then picks up the remaining bags and drops them in the hallway. He follows the others, and when offered a seat, sits down, heavily and gratefully. He nods gravely to Antero,
"Thanks fer yer hospitality, sir. Ye say other basements are collapsin'? Well, that's interestin' news to be sure. I, fer one, would consider it an honor to assist in this worthy endeavor. I ain't sure what we'll find down there, so if ye can, ye might want to lock the door after us, just in case. If we can go down there, surely others can come up by the same way. Just let us in when ye hear our voices, maybe a safeword of 'Yarrow,' just in case."
With the offer of refreshments, he smiles,
"Well, that would be a kindness, sir; greatly appreciated. Thank ye."
When Antero leaves, he turns to the others, speaking softer, so as not to worry Antero.
"If other basements are collapsin' just recently, and there's been this sealed chamber found, I think more's goin' on down below than we thought. Now,"
He settles back in his chair,
"I don't know what's causin' this, or if it's even related, but I aim to find out. What do ye all have prepared fer this venture? I'm bringin' me bow, me sword, and me wits, and, of course, me trackin' skills."
He smiles, and glances around the room, noting the pieces of noble art and furniture.
After looking around the room in thought, he returns to the conversation,
"Oh, and if any of ye can read runes, I'd ask ye to check fer that on the seal, as well as checkin' fer any magic. We don't want any curses comin' down on us. It can't hurt to check, but I don't know runes, maybe ye wizards might be able to give it a glance."
"Rasmus my good man, I bring my charm, my wit, and my blade. One tends to be sharper than the other. And I quite agree, checking for magic by those skilled in such things would be appreciated. I can then check around for more mundane dangers and or see if I can figure out how to disable any magical traps we may find. I do so love to unravel a good puzzle, just hope I don't get frazzled in the process." Alistair replies.
Belfer's eyes light up as Antero mentions the sealed chamber. His mind starts racing at the possibilities.
Barely waiting for Antero to finish his story, Belfer asks, "Antero, what has been the family business for all these years? No ancestor can be linked to something that might explain the chamber? No one with arcane interest? Links to cults? The need for an escape room?"
...
Turning to the group, Belfer asks, "Does anyone know more about the surrounding history? What groups shared this space?"
...
"Oh, and if any of ye can read runes, I'd ask ye to check fer that on the seal, as well as checkin' fer any magic. We don't want any curses comin' down on us. It can't hurt to check, but I don't know runes, maybe ye wizards might be able to give it a glance."
"Don't worry, I'll be happy to take a look when we go down there. Although if there is, then there's a better chance of finding something wonderful, right?"
“Escape room?” Antero ponders over Belfer’s question. “We had no idea this section of the cellar existed. It was buried behind a thick stone wall. You’ll see it, but the stone of this section was much older that the stone near the stairs. The stone closer to the stairs had been replaced when I was a child or before.” He continues on; “It’s not uncommon for cellars of houses in this older part of town to have odd architecture. Every year or so, someone discovers an unknown room, chamber, or dead-end passage beneath their house.”
Antero thinks for a moment; “When Matias showed me what he found I didn’t notice a lock on the stone door, but I could easily lock the door that leads to my cellar… if you think it necessary.” he doesn’t look worried at Rasmus’ request, but it also is clear that he hadn’t thought about the possibility of something behind that sone door that you wouldn’t want up.
Antero moves on giving the group time to discuss the terms at hand.
Rasmus quickly glances over the furniture but doesn’t see any notable marks of nobility that would give him an idea who’s it was before. No family crest or coat of arms embroidered on the fabric or carved into the decorative crown molding.
Time passes and Antero voices that he is coming down the hallway; “I know it’s early.” rounding the corner of the hallway into this chamber; “but I like to always seal an agreement with a toast.” He is holding a tray with small brandy glasses. Not enough in them to make anyone intoxicated, but Klaus’ stomach does turn a little bit upon the sight of the drink.
Antero raises a glass “To the beginning of new ventures, I pray the gods are with you. Suvia bring you luck in the unknown, Kalron offer you strength and protection against anything you may face.” He drinks the brandy within. As each of you take your drink, you realize how smooth it is. The notes of vanilla and maple are present first, but then there is a late hint of orange. It is a treat, not something that would be found at the Dancing Bear.
“If we are ready…” quickly looking to each of those around the table. “just follow me.” He leads you through his house. Each room is just as beautiful as the previous, displaying the merchant’s wealth and taste. You reach a first set of stairs and you descend. “This is our first cellar level. Mostly storage.” Antero lights a lantern.
As you pass through you do see that this is mostly storage. Older furniture, storage trunks, personal effects of the past, and so on. Nothing of real interest here. You reach second set of stairs and at the bottom of it lies an old wooden door, swollen with age. “This one I will be able to lock when I leave you to work.” with a shove using his shoulder the door opens.
Beyond lies a small labyrinthine of rooms. The shadows from Antero’s lantern plays tricks on your eyes. Could be nerves of what is to come, or memories of past explorations. The rooms you pass are empty, and even as you investigate them you see that they aren’t visited much. Dust and grime lie thickly on the floor. The architecture and construction of this lower level are evidently much older than the level above. Here, small drifts of crumbled mortar lie against walls, some stones have come loose, and the floor is of uneven flags.
Matias’ tools are scattered across the floor of a small room. Beyond, a pile of stones lies at the base of a sagging wall. Hidden beyond that wall you see a stone trapdoor fit snuggly into the floor; an iron ring set in the center is thick with rust and dust.
“Here is where I will leave you. Do you have your own lanterns and torches?”
Antero leaves the group and begins to head upstairs.
"Word is that there is a spy among the ranks that works for Wido… I’ll let you know what I discover when you return.”
"A spy? Then we must be cautious. Mind what you say and do, and who might be watching, until we find out who it is." Sethiel wonders just how deeply this spy's cover runs-- it seems unlikely that a true believer of Darlen would work so duplicitously. Should be easy to suss out who it is with a devotion test.
* * * * *
"Here is where I will leave you. Do you have your own lanterns and torches?”
"The best kind, in fact." Sethiel brandishes the small shield strapped to his wrist. Before anyone can question this, he mutters a brief spell. Light shines from the shield, unnaturally white and unwavering. "The kind that, in a pinch, will never run out." He glanced around at the other packs, though, hoping some wooden torches are in tow-- his spell may be renewable but it doesn't last long, so really a common torch is preferable.
”Might as well see what we can find.” with that declaration, Alistair moves toward the trap door to look it over. ”Belfer, can you give me a hand inspecting this thing?”
"Likewise! It's a handy and reassuring thing to have, to know your god walks with you in the darkest of places." Deshe nods along to Sethiel, illuminating his shield with Kalron's light. He had already shouldered an extra pack from Rasmus if there were any left. He was confident of his family's own measures for him, but more didn't hurt.
With one hand in his shield and the other free, Deshe attempts to lift the trapdoor and use his lit shield to get a look at what's below.
Alistair quickly raises a hand to the cleric. ”Wait a moment, let us check it to ensure it is safe before you blow us all up. Patience my good man, patience.”
"Come now, if the trapdoor exploded to the touch, the stonemason what built the next floor'd be a smoking pile of bones right here." Deshe proceeds regardless.
He gives Klaus a reassuring nod, then things get rolling.
Dargys does look around at the furnishings, wondering if there's anything with a Red Unicorn on it. Silly notion but his grandmother's ramblings are hard to escape.
He's glad to have more than one magically versed member of this group along, for runes or otherwise.
Antero raises a glass “To the beginning of new ventures, I pray the gods are with you. Suvia bring you luck in the unknown, Kalron offer you strength and protection against anything you may face.” He drinks the brandy within. As each of you take your drink, you realize how smooth it is. The notes of vanilla and maple are present first, but then there is a late hint of orange. It is a treat, not something that would be found at the Dancing Bear.
"I'll drink to that, and thank you." He downs it smoothly.
When they get to the trapdoor, he says "Blow us up? That might hurt any reward."
I don't know what I'm doing, dealing with these fancy folk. Best let Mr. Rasmus and the others do the talkin', thinks Erik as he absentmindedly pets Shep while the group talks with Mr. Antero.
Erik waits for everyone else to drink the toast to see how he is supposed to respond, and then he takes his place in the parade down to the cellar. After Sethiel and Deshe light up their shields, Erik comments: "Aye, that is a handy blessing for the gods to share. I probably should have asked for that one too. I guess I'll settle for a mundane backup today. Shouldn't get in the way of me helping out if there's something there." Suiting action to words, Erik lights a torch; then, holding it in his right hand, draws his scimitar with his left. He looks around at the environment and tries to listen for whatever sound might come from the other side of the trapdoor.
Rasmus unhooks a beaten, weathered old lantern from his belt. Its tarnished and blackened exterior makes it hard to distinguish details, but faint elegant symbols and markings can be seen on it. Almost as an afterthought, a roughly worked piece of metal serves as the "hood," letting light be cut off from the surrounding area at the user's discretion.
He draws a flask of oil from a pouch at his waist, fills the lantern's well to full capacity, and lights the lantern with his flint and steel. He then holds the lantern in his left hand, high above his head to pierce the darkness, and draws his heavy blade from its sheath. He glances down at the trapdoor,
"Well, lads, this is where it begins. I volunteer to go down first, to scout out what's down there."
He turns his head to Alistair,
"If ye ain't averse to it, I'd like to have ye down there too, fer a second pair of eyes and if there are any locks to work through. I dare say yer a good sight better than I am."
He turns to the two clerics, and asks them,
"Can ye extinguish yer 'god-lights' if necessary? Some things in the dark are drawn to the light, like moths to the flame. We don't want any unpleasant surprises down there. If ye can, start prayin' to yer gods now, I ain't sure what we'll see down there."
Erik and Deshe notice that, for one of the first times since they've known him, Rasmus seems truly uncertain about what is going to happen. His grim determination and iron will are his outward face, but touches of fear show at the corners of his eyes.
Once the trapdoor is open, he is going to climb down with his lantern hooded, listen for a moment to detect any movement around him, and, if there isn't any, unhood his lantern, with his sword at the ready.
Assuming the door opens clean and Deshe is not now missing a hand, Alistair follows Rasmus down.
”Might as well see what we can find.” with that declaration, Alistair moves toward the trap door to look it over. ”Belfer, can you give me a hand inspecting this thing?”
"Sure, just give me a minute. I wanted to prepare a few things first."
Belfer reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out what appears to be a small insect. Holding it precariously between his thumb and index finger, he performs a subtle hand movement and chants, "Lumos,". Belfer's dagger responds with a warm glow that brightens the room, highlighting the dust that floats in the air.
"Now to see if there's anything more here," Belfer comments as he starts another weave. "Deprehendere magicae!"
Alistair steps into the small chamber behind the crumbling wall, and doesn’t see anything that is suspicious. It looks like an old stone trapdoor in the floor. What he does see is the rust that is on the iron ring is also on the hinges of the door. The rust makes it difficult to open.
Belfer cast Detect Magic within the small chamber as Alistair is examining the hatch and he does not detect anything as magical.
Alistair has difficulties trying to pull the trap door free from its home for an unknown number of years. Dargys moves forward to lend him a hand. They have difficulties with it but eventually they can pull it free.
Opening with the creaking of aged rusted hinges, stale-smelling air wells from the passage below. The darkness within it cut by the light of spells and lanterns to reveal grimy and dust-covered stairs descending through a half landing. The stairs are crumbling and look to be loosening with age.
Rasmus, Alistair take the lead into the dark chamber beyond the bend of the stairs. Two swollen wooden doors pierce the walls of this long, thin chamber. To the west, a set of rough-hewn steps that descend into a cave.
.
"Belfer, bring that light of yours over and let's check these doors for any surprises." Alistair says to the wizard as he moves toward the closer of the two doors.
Rasmus is going to wave up to the others, telling them in a barely audible whisper,
"It's all right, lads. Ye can come down, just be very quiet and cautious, we don't want to wake anything before we're ready."
He will then move in front of the cave's mouth and peer into the gloom, trying to distinguish anything of note. His sword is raised defensively before him, and his eyelids furrow as he squints to try to pierce the darkness.
"Belfer, bring that light of yours over and let's check these doors for any surprises." Alistair says to the wizard as he moves toward the closer of the two doors.
"Ok, let's take a look at the south one first," responds Belfer.
Deshe follows the others, holding up his shield to look around.
Some things in the dark are drawn to the light, like moths to the flame. We don't want any unpleasant surprises down there.
Erik grimaces as Rasmus indicates the possibility of their lights being a problem. Looking around, and seeing that there are several different sources of light, he decides to extinguish his torch.
Erik and Shep try to remain quiet as they descend the stairs. Coming up behind Rasmus, they examine their surroundings as they await an examination of the doors by Belfer and Alastair.
Sethiel follows the others, though having no training in being quiet or moving unseen, he hangs toward the back.
He took the second pack, and threw it on his stuff.
"Not sure we'll be able to see in the dark."
But readies his shield.
As the party moves into this first chamber and begin to move stealthily you take note of your footing, smooth stone pavers make up this floor. In some spots the seams are flush but at others there is a gap where one paver has sunk or risen just enough that it could cause you to stumble.
Something catches Alistair’s eye in one of the gaps. An old gold coin, octagonal in shape, had been forced in the gap between two paving stones. The carvings on either side are worn and illegible.
Other’s of you notice along the east and west wall that there are two aged and worn in spots, four total, on the ground. They are round and look as if whatever was sitting there were extremely heavy.
The walls are made up of dressed stone. Rusty iron torch sconces hang from the walls spaced to provide bright light in the chamber. Looking at the torches, they are so rotted that if you try to use them the wood crumbles onto the floor.
The southern door is a heavy stone door. There is a rusting iron bar that is keeping it closed, and you can tell from the hinges that it open outward into the room you are standing in. Belfer does not detect any magic on this door, and Alistair does not see any traps but can tell that the rusted bar will make this extremely difficult to open. As Erik & Shep pass by, Shep begins a low rumble growl as she niffs this door.
The northern wooden door does not detect as magic, and from what you can tell is not trapped. But it is clearly not locked as it sits just pulled to but not all the way shut. You could push this door open into the next chamber beyond.
Rasmus moves in front of the cave’s mouth and sees a long, slender natural cavern undulates through the eternal dark of the Under Realm. With his lantern he can only really see roughly 15-feet before the light is consumed. Hacked into the bedrock, the steps before Rasmus are rough and uneven The walls are rough natural stone and the ceiling are rough and uneven that ranges from 5-7 feet above the floor. The walls and ceiling causes tricks to play on Rasmus’ eyes. Possibly seeing something, possibly just the angles. Until he hears an echo from within, laughter. The innocent laughter of a child.
Upon hearing the laughter, Rasmus draws back from the cave entrance, holding out his lantern-arm protectively in front of Erik. His sword-arm traces a slight warding symbol in front of him, and he mutters a clipped rural invocation of protection. His eyebrows raise, and he addresses his friends in a low whisper, his eyes flitting back and forth between them and the shifting dark.
"I coulda sworn I heard somethin' down there. Sounded like a little bairn laughin', and no mistakin'. I don't trust it one bit. In the Salt Mire, I've seen creatures, spirits that mimic the laughter of children to lure ye to a watery grave, becomin' a meal fer the undead that wander there. The cave looks a bit rough, though, movin' along it might prove a bit difficult."
He draws out a torch, lights it from his lantern, and throws it into the gaping maw of the cave entrance as far as he can. He readies his sword and moves to where he can guard the others best from the opening. He flicks his eyes over to the rusty bar, and says,
"That door seems solidly wedged, I'd wager. Let's fortify our open front for now, and we can come back to it later. It don't rest easy with me, the idea of leavin' this cave unexplored while we explore other rooms; somethin' might sneak up on us. I'll go take a look in a second, if any of ye want to come with me."