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So to try and keep this moving along, it seem that some of the group is heading into town to gather information and shop while the rest wait at Kendra's manor and make preparations to head to the prison. I am guessing there is little that those staying home need to role play, those that are heading out will have some though. Since he hasn't replied and initially indicated he planned to stay behind I think Burlee is probably staying at the house, I know Heto is. I would say as long as the others are back by mid-day it is still worth it to head to the prison, but I am not sure how far away the ruins are because we do wish to be back before dark. Do any of the casters have a magical way to communicate with Kendra while we are at the prison, in case something happens. And I will ask Kendra if she has any magical communications while I am there during the day.
Noticing that not everyone was jumping to listen to Eldon's tale as they headed towards a store, Heto settles into his chair. I will stay here I think. Ensure that things run smoothly for Miss Kendra. He nods towards Burlee, although he was really beginning to like the predictability of the man. We will be sure things are prepared for a trip to the prison if you think you will be back soon enough to go today as well.
The storm didn't bother Heto, nor did it help him. He knew storms meant change and there was enough change nearby for him already. Rising early, he does his morning prayers, and stretches. He even strolls around the outside perimeter of the estate before the others wake, wanting both to feel the storm fresh air in his lungs and to see if anything happened to the estate. Today we should explore the ruined prison. While it seems that our added presence has helped the town deal with an arrival of violent insects, I can't help but fear that it is our presence is bring that same danger. Also, if we do not head out it would be easy enough to spend 30 days here without investigating anything. At least the storm should have prevented further vandalism... Heto's thoughts trail off as he enters the house once more looking for the others and a light morning meal... Better grab some extra food for the dwarf to snack on for the day while eating again.
Heto draws his temple sword with both hands and attempts to plunge it into the beast attached to his neck. What did these insects have that drew them so to his throat he did not know; however he made a note to cover it better in the future.
Heto knew he had to deal with this beast fast to be able to aid the old woman who was also a victim.
Heto surveys the situation. He is distant, barely seeming present. Truth be told he was reciting morning mantras in his head and simply focused internally. However, to those not used to temple life he likely seemed dim at best and aloof and uncaring at worst. Luckily the training from the temple was supposed to allow him to recall even these events that did not have his full focus. Also luckily the sheriff and the halflings held most peoples' attention. If you need help cleaning this up when your investigation is finished I will gladly lend a hand sir. Heto bows slightly, then waits to be dismissed.
Heto follows along somberly. Not for any particular reason, he just rarely saw the need for any other emotion, unlike the shorter members of the entourage. He remains so at the various gruesome sights presented to them, and takes particular effort to not cast suspicious glances at the agitated halflings. He does know they were with him last night after all.... right? It is unlikely that the could have slipped out and back in without his notice. But the one called Nora was up later then everyone else, and the halflings did insist on having possession of copies of the house keys and the one for the books. He will ask to check on the books once they are returned to the manor. This was why a simple life was so much better, always less chance for trouble. Heto decides to not join in the distrustful habits of the villagers and wait for some substantial evidence before casting blame. He takes a spare hunk of bread and meat from a pocket that he grabbed as they left and hands it to the dwarf just as the first helping the dwarf had is finished. Hopefully an effective effort to continue the non-incriminating quiet that has been enjoyed from him so far....
It took Heto a few minutes to figure out the rest were focused on a lost cat and a potential sighting. I think we have more important matters, however, far be it from me to ignore the least of creatures among us. At the least among us thought, Heto represses a smile and thoughts of Eldon and his "stories".
Heto carefully takes the holy water, potion of healing, and sunrod handed to him. These will be beneficial. Thank you. Heto gives a slight bow. Then he begins to stow the new items about his person. I am glad this should be quick, as the acolytes are correct that we should report this back to Father Grimburrow as soon as able.
Heto take a moment before moving, breathing deep and calming himself from the combat. Switching between mental states wasn't hard and could be done quickly, but Heto prefered the regimen, prefered the process of it all. He walks towards the sarcophagus and takes a spot opposite Burlee ready to help. There is still blood trickling down Heto's neck from the bite but there is work to be done he moves on paying it no mind. Besides, all the more excuse to keep quiet...
Heto knows he must act quickly to protect the Acolytes. Thankfully Burley dispatched the beast in front of him, and with the grotesque display he was sure between Genesis and the dwarf the other would not last long. Returning to the father with his acolytes dead would not bode well for our time in town...
While the story is making me want to hurt things more, I don't think that is the best way to inform Eldon that his storytelling helps the situation; I will just keep quiet about it.
Heto, using the simple hand gestures learned at the temple, directs the larger more combat ready folks to fan out and the casters to stay protected by them. While his companions had not been trained as he was, the gestures were simple enough and everyone already seemed to take to this plan; he thought no one would have trouble understanding. He himself moves forward towards the obvious sarcophagus, but scans the room for movement and threats in any direction as he goes. In hushed tones Keep your eyes out, watch for potential traps, make sure the casters are near by before we open that thing. and the acolytes too, incase it really is just a body...
Following the footprints towards the door Heto steps lightly and with grace; yet there is a sense about him as if ready to spring.
With Eldon's yelling surprise may be lost if we needed it. Always good practice though... He moves to the door, and pauses outside it waiting for the others to either catch up or make their part of the plan known.
Bathing Burlee is possibly the most traumatic role playing event I have gone through... and I once played an over sexed, flamboyant, bisexual, male, elf, touch spell/grappling based sorcerer.... Leading a parade through a city using our group's half orc bard as a pole to pole dance on was less disturbing then this.
Heto is alert once shown the tampered lock. All the more proof of the dangers the professor feared. It is good that the small one can create light, I must be sure to thank her once the task is complete. Heto's remaining thoughts though, are focused on action, or preparing for it at least. His breathing slows slightly and becomes deep and deliberate. His muscles tense and relax; coiled and ready to act. He draws his temple sword. Even the statues he views with distrust, moving carefully with the group but constantly scanning around for any movement or sign of danger. He shifts through fighting stances fluidly as they walk forward.
Heto, while thankful that Burlee has been convinced to bathe is nothing short of horrified following Burlee into the bathroom and seeing him climb into the toilet. This man will be the death of us all. There is stubbornness, there is comedic displays, and then there is this, pure distilled ignorance. The Professor's heart must have broken at the effect the accident had on his former colleague. It may have been better to let the man die and honor his memory then disgrace it so in this twisted perversion of the former life. If this task is as dangerous as the professor thinks, this one may still yet die. It may be tragic, but it would be admittedly hard to see it as such. If he proves as helpful in combat as he has already it will prove the task at hand all the harder. Maybe we can just leave him behind somewhere, convince him he is a spy and hide him in a pigpen to wallow away the remaining days in slop, and probably the greatest joy he has ever know...
Heto, does what he can to mop up around Burlee. He barely has time to listen to Eldon's story. He doesn't know if making a cleaning perimeter around the dwarf and apologizing constantly are having much of a positive effect though, maybe buying replacement drinks for the jostling Burlee does will help.
I do hope that master Eldon is being truthful; being dishonest is no way to earn the trust of paranoid strangers Heto keeps in mind that it may be good to lure the dwarf back to the Professor's estate with promise of more drink; if only that could lead him into a bath... or lake.
Heto smacks his hand to his head... to Burlee No no friend, come, I will show you the way. He quickly starts to usher the dwarf out. Giving a quick nod to Eldon as he passes. I hope he knows I will do my best to rein in the dwarf, but am not skilled enough to smooth over issues... one quick drink at the bar next door... the others couldn't be much longer then that... right??
I, too, am not skilled with words; Nodding at Genesis but will accompany anyone anywhere that may help. This dwarf may be the most offensive individual to be in the presence of, however he seems honest to a fault. The straightforward nature of the beast is almost comforting. A boar would be a fitting totem for this man. Not because of the mannerisms although that is similar as well; but because a boar does what it does and you always know what to expect from a boar... strength, determination, and a love of consumption. As to the artifacts in the false crypt, it would be respectful to ask. The issue becomes that the professor's own words state he doubts they know the crypt is false anymore. I doubt it will endear us to the villagers if they perceive us as asking to unearth one body after putting a different one in the ground. I do not wish to behave as a magpie or starling, stealing things from the church; nor do I think it is wise to leave tools of protection behind when the danger is known to be real. It is a dilemma...
I am interested to start exploring this Harrowstone. However, it may do well to learn what we can about it in town before visiting the site as we know very little. Of course given the challenge of simply finding the correct house when we arrived... It would also do well to be more familiar with the town and surroundings as we will be here a month. Ensuring that we are on the townsfolk's good graces is advisable; if it is even possible. I wonder if we should follow Kendra, for her protection... I wonder if that would offend our hostess...
Late post, Pizzmic can attest to that being common for me. Also South New Jersey, 33 with twin 5 year old girls, hence the always late. Probably one of the few nerds that Pizzmic will admit gives him a run for his money in level of nerdiness. Been gaming for 21 years now, I have embraced my role as one of the creepy old guys in the local gaming scene.
The presence of all these unholy books makes Heto nervous. All knowledge is good, especially that of your enemy, the professor taught Heto that. But the care taken with this forbidden knowledge seemed extensive, even for the professor... He knew these would bring danger to those that possessed them, not from curses or the horrid things in the books, but from the desires others have for these books.... The professor said to remain here for one month, visiting his colleagues before then is out of the question. They may be willing to travel here; however, the professor took great pains to hide these tomes, even leaving to chance that we may not have found the last one. I fear the potential dangers from within the tomes themselves pales compared to the threat from those he hid them from. Just knowing it is there likely puts us all in greater danger then before. For that Mistress Kendra; I apologize. As requested by your father I will remain to protect you and this house and then I will take these, and the dangers that follow them, to where the professor instructed; and I will be grateful for the professors other friends who join me in this task. Until then, I feel it may be wisest to not speak of these tomes, pretend we haven't even seen them. After a brief pause and moment of thought Heto adds... I do however agree that we should continue the professor's investigation. It seems dire indeed. We must be subtle though. A storm is coming, the storm changes you; that is the point of the storm. We must change, for all the rage of the storm and the destruction it wrought; a leaf may ride the winds and land unharmed at the end. We all must be leaves in the wind... |
