Tural studies the aura and tries to explain the shape and the area covered by magic.
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Casting Detect Magic and moving forward searching the area, K4.
Tural stays with Flemming.
Tural nods. "If we've got a round I'll cast a spell to make all of our weapons good aligned."
Tural watches as the Count approaches in his mist form, proving what he is. Tural is surprised though when the Count mentions that he is not 'an enemy'. While Sarenrae isn't Pharasma, she is definitely against the evil of undead. How is a vampire not an enemy? The Count leads them through a room, warning of the kettle of 'food' that the dwarf is offering, almost getting a chuckle from Tural. As they continue Tural finally decides to speak. "I'm not sure I know of that production Count. 'The Count’s Redemption, Act I'? Is it linked to your statement about not pretending to be something else, but not being an enemy? And requesting that we be kind to the man, your friend. Of course we will be kind. My Lady teaches that Redemption can be earned by most anyone. I'm not sure that would apply to certain purely evil creatures, demons for example. But She considers redemption to be of primary consideration." He keeps a hand over the Icon of Ravenloft, not wanting to display it to the Count.... "Could you enlighten us to the reality of your castle then? Who is our enemy here?"
Tural also moves forward with Flemming. "I'm Tural. As they've said, we're no 'fine folk'. We're looking around to meet the folk of the castle. What name should we call you good Sir?"
Tural touches the matching +1 mithral shirt that he wears. "No point in wearing more than one. But they are light and useful for when we get back to town." He points down. "I don't see any movement. Should we check out below?"
Tural casts his Light orison to light up the area by the staircase in the south wall. If the staircase goes too far he'll look for a small piece of debris to cast it on and toss it down. He watches the skeletons in case they aren't inanimate....
"Have we alerted someone? Something? Is the red light an alarm?" Tural steps back from the platform. "Is there a way to shut it off? Perhaps taking weight off of the platform?" Regardless whether the red light goes off again Tural follows Flemming.
Tural hears the description and nods. "Babau demon. An assassin covered in an acidic slime. Flemming, you won't want to punch or kick that thing. And regular weapons hitting it, even minor magical weapons could be damaged by the slime." "If we can sneak up on it, unlikely, I can cast align weapon on all of our weapons so they are all good and will bypass its resistance. Hold them toward me so I can touch them. Direct attack by spells is unlikely to be effective against its spell resistance. If possible we should all start with missiles. It can teleport at will and will probably teleport behind us to try and get a sneak attack. It might have a weapon that can reach past ours, but it will prefer to bite and slash with its claws."
Tural considers Mimi's question. He remembers the training he had on demons at temple. It had scared him, but that was a while ago. He was far more comfortable with his faith in his deity now. "Demons are a hard topic. They are as varied as all other races combined. They are eternal, and as evil as almost any creature could be. In the Abyss the creatures are constantly fighting each other. If they weren't and if they could be organized I don't think the combined power of the rest of existence could survive. Fortunately that can never happen. For all that they are evil and powerful, they cannot be organized. Their very nature is chaos." "More to the point for us, only a powerful caster can summon and control such a beast. Even then, one must be careful as the beast will turn on the summoner if given any chance. For a mortal summoner a demon looks for any chance to take the person's soul and return to the Abyss. All too many evil Magi choose a quasit as a familiar to their eternal regret if they trust it and turn their back. Even the least of demons, Dretch and Quasits, have resistances to normal weapons. Good aligned or Cold Iron can bypass that. And they all have resistances to all elemental types of attacks, and immunity to electricity and poison. Many of them have at least some magical attacks or poison, and some of them regenerate when they are harmed. Most of them have some teleportation capabilities. If we find it we need to hit it hard and fast, destroy it before it can teleport away and warn the Count."
Tural shakes his head. "We haven't the power of flight, yet. And while I could cast a short range teleportation, I don't think I could reach safe ground and couldn't carry everyone even then." "But we aren't looking to escape yet. If we did we'd just have to figure out some other way to return to finish the task here. I think this castle is the key to the mists that have trapped so many people here. We just need to find more information. Perhaps the history of the castle could provide a clue?" "Cyrus in the larders and Gertruda in the count’s chambers. Can Gertruda be approached without alerting the Count?"
Tural immediately recoils from the vampire, but then listens to her words and the others. "I fear Flemming is right Lady. But I understand not wanting to continue existence cursed as you are. The Dawnflower teaches that all may seek redemption. Perhaps meeting the daylight with the proper prayers in your heart could restore you from your curse. I only know that the curse is beyond the power of mortal magic." "We need more knowledge of this place to determine how to safely depart, as well as any information we can find about the Count and his servants. When we learn such we will gladly take you with us."
Tural smiles at Borracho's statement. If the maid has been here long she couldn't possibly have heard of any of them. But.... "No need young lady. The Count is aware of us. We thank you for your efforts. Are there multiple guest rooms or multiple beds in this room?" He moves in as she holds the door, turning to keep an eye on her as he passes.
Tural glances to the left and raises a hand to call a halt. "There's something there. I feel a draft that shouldn't be here, unless there's a gap."
Tural turns from the accountant. Greed. Evil. And likely irredeemable. Well, he would pray for the man. Or Pharasma would receive his soul. Tural follows Flemming.
Tural looks at the wounds on the man's throat, immediately concerned. But then his concern is overcome with disgust and anger. "Gold chest? We aren't here seeking treasure. Is that what brought you here, to your doom? Treasures like that, artifacts and such, are guarded heavily and usually cursed. What you mention is likely in the tower with the witches! That may be how the Count was cursed with his undead condition. What we've heard indicates that the Count was a good man before he was cursed with undeath. No amount of gold would matter after that. The Count may be letting you live to see if you might find information in his books. Information on how he may be released from the curse and have his life returned." "But I've never heard of such a thing. Perhaps nothing short of a Deity could do such." He goes with Flemming, not sure if they should keep the man with them.
"We can get you out of the chains. But we've been told that there's no way to leave the castle and survive. That the gargoyles and statues are alive and will kill any trying to leave without the Counts blessing."
Tural moves in to the big room slowly, looking around at what the light would show. "Doesn't look like anyone has been here for a long time." He stays by Flemming as they approach the throne.
Tural moves up and glances at the pressure plate and the scratches on the floor by the statues. "I would guess that the armor is just a trap, not a hiding place for some ghoul or such." "Looks like we can bypass it."
Tural is also interested in the armor. Are the stains blood? "Can you use your detect undead again?"
Tural considers Borracho's question. "With the age of the chapel and the obvious damage I don't think it would still be Hallowed. I don't yet have the power to make it so, but I could pray for the magic to temporarily consecrate an area. The spell would require holy water and silver dust and would cover a 20' radius area for 10 hours. It wouldn't stop undead from entering the area, but would weaken them if they did. A magical circle against evil would also be an effective ward, but also requires powdered silver to draw the circle and only lasts for 50 minutes." "If we find means to depart and return to this castle, remind me to gather the materials and prepare the spell. It could protect us through a night."
Tural agrees at first, turning to return. He pauses, "Actually I wonder if we've actually met the Count. Perhaps that was just one of his minions using the puppet in the mirror room. I'll grant that the organ music was good. But the figure stopped the instant we got in. The meal was already as we got there too." "When he displayed anger and approached me? He seemed to float rather than walk. There was an image of him in the mirror, and as he left.... he glided toward the door, not walking again. And he just disappeared when he went through the door." "I don't think that was the Count, and I don't think we should just wait around for the vampire to wake and attack us. I think we should explore more and possibly find the minion. And possibly go to the lower levels to recover the family."
Tural walks with Flemming, leading the group with the exploration. He nods when Borracho lights up the rather intimidating statues. "Good idea. Get a good look before we approach. We were warned."
Tural watches Borracho's performance and the reaction from the two ghouls. They are definitely strange, but he considers the Everlight's virtue of redemption. Could even creatures cursed with undeath be redeemed? Are there any creatures that are completely beyond redemption? The fiends of the lower planes almost certainly.... But, almost? "We thank you for the information you have provided. Hopefully we can prevail against the witches. Your situation and reaction to us has me thinking more about the virtue of redemption. I thank you for that." "Can you tell us anything more? What do you know of the Count and his minions here in the castle? We had an encounter, and a meal when we first entered. But we also encountered a 'puppet' and some magical mirrors. They make me wonder what we actually encountered. Do you know anything?"
While Borracho entertains the ghouls Tural moves from the alter to the side where a pulpit should be. He holds up the new holy symbol and calls out. "You would have a sermon? How about a prayer instead? He pauses to take a deep breath. "Sarenrae, Beloved Dawnflower, You teach us patience and ask that we offer redemption to our foes. Let your divine radiance lead these undead creatures back to their graves so their souls can move to the afterlife and the rewards they earned in their lives." He smiles at the ghouls, "How is that? Ready to die again now? Or do you have any information to pass along first? Perhaps you could tell us more about the witches?"
Hearing Borracho and seeing his lights shoot up Tural glances up.
Tural is nearly shocked by the find as the knowledge of the item flows into his mind. He grasps it firmly and quietly offers a prayer of thanks. "By the Light of the Everflame, such an artifact doesn't belong in a ruined temple. I will carry this in Your name."
Tural nods at the discussion. "I can't detect evil like a Paladin. And I haven't prepared the spell to do such. But I can try to determine at least the school of magic on the statue."
Tural looks around the chapel, examining it to see if there is any deity recognizable. He also casts detect magic and scans for any residual aura. "Possibly from before he became what he is today."
Tural follows behind Flemming, casting detect magic and scanning the area for any auras. "I'm not sure that a living staff would last long here. They'd likely become.... food."
Tural moves to the spiral staircase to look up and down. "Just a moment. Nothing was said about looking...."
Unless something important is seen he returns to the group. "For now. I agree."
Tural puts a hand on Flemming's shoulder. "Maybe burn the webs?" He looks for a way to ready a torch. Are there any in the rooms? If not he will cast Sun Metal on his scimitar and move in to the room lighting the webs on fire.
Tural wonders about the mirrors and the 'puppet'. "I wonder though. Who did we actually meet? The Count? Or one of his vassals? When he left the room he seemed to glide across the floor rather than walk. And he just disappeared when he went through the door. Vampires usually rest during the day and are active at night. He may be resting and unaware that we are here.... That might also explain the rage when I spoke of his 'condition'." Tural looks around for something that could be used to apply a mark. A bit of ash perhaps. "Lets put a small mark on the puppet, perhaps a tiny smudge of ash on the jawline, close to the neck. Tiny, barely noticeable unless you know to look for it? Then we will know if it is used again." Doing as stated, then following Flemming.
Tural watches and listens as the Count leaves the room. Then Flemming mentions the reflection. "Good point. The Count obviously isn't a normal type of .... what he is. I believe his 'condition' was caused by the witches, not the normal process. I think we need more information." He smiles and follows Flemming into the secret room. He examines the figure hanging in the corridor and then the mirrors, casting detect magic. "Could this figure have anything to do with his reflection?"
Tural stops speaking, but otherwise shows no sign of being intimidated by the Count's approach and voice. Looking at the table he nods. "An impressive meal sir. And I do not intend insult. As you have stated, we are strangers to this land. And perhaps our ways seem bizarre.... I simply stated concern. But, perhaps we could delay that discussion for now." He takes a seat and looks at the food available. He chooses a modest meal rather than piling the plate high. "The food looks and smells exceptional. I thank you for the effort you put in preparing it. I personally have no skill in doing so." He takes a small bite of the food and takes his time chewing and tasting the food. He catches the looks from the others and notices the reflection. Some sort of magic perhaps? Then he hears the question about Ireena. He continues chewing for several more seconds, then swallows. How should they answer? Surely the Count already knows? "Ireena? The lady at the Burgomaster's home afflicted by the attack of the Allip. Yes. We have met with her, and helped her as much as we could for now."
Tural hears the words, sees the feast laid out, and considers what they have heard. All they have heard. What about the witches? "We are agreed that the villagers are of good intentions, as are we. And, yes, we have been told that you are a monster." He pauses, watching the Count. After the moment he continues. "But there seems to be to many missing details for anything that simple. Your words follow others that we were also told. Your, condition? And your severely restricted diet. Sounds more like a curse to me, being trapped in these lands with a limited number of people. And your restricted diet...." "Could you enlighten us. The Healing Flame teaches temperance and patience, and redemption if at all possible. Just as any may turn to the darkness, the same may turn to the light."
Tural steps beside Flemming and smiles. "Indeed. The carriage was greatly appreciated."
Tural listens to the organ music for a short bit and smiles. "Come in to my parlor says the spider to the fly.... It seems that we are invited. Borracho, can you name that tune?" He keeps a hand near his weapon but does not draw it, yet.
Tural checks the door. Can it be opened? "I doubt the Count is waiting for us, so let's see if we can let ourselves in!"
Tural nods and walks with Flemming. "Do you think we should check out the front to see if any of the statues animate? If they are actually golems to keep folk in we might want to seek out an alternate exit, before night fall."
Tural considers. "No. Someone else that can use a dagger better than I. My magic is a better weapon for me against such creatures."
"Excellent choice Flemming. I considered one of my spells that created fire. But we might need them later."
Tural agrees with Flemming and joins him. "I think our host has decided to meet us. He safely to this point. But, I don't think we'd be saved if we caused our own deaths." He takes hold of the rope, just in case....
Tural approaches the carriage, casts detect magic and studies it.
"Obviously he knows we are coming. I don't think this is a threat, or attack. May the Everlight watch over us." He steps in to the carriage.
Tural wakes and does his usual prayers to Sarenrae. He adds a prayer for the Count. Everything that was said about the man indicated that he was pure evil. But Sarenrae's dictates called for redemption if at all possible. Was it possible? "Golems? That could be real trouble. Some of them are immune to magic."
Tural gets the attention of the others. "If we run in to swarms or large groups of weak creatures, Sarenrae has granted me the casting of fireballs. Keep that in mind and maybe delay rushing in before I can burn them...."
Tural nods to Flemming's comment. "If we'd be looking at a climb of several hundred feet I don't think that'd be safe for any of us. Maybe the front door during daylight hours would be best. And depart while there is still enough time to return." "I don't know that facing the witches will be easier than facing the Count though. If they cursed him to what he now is and created the mists.... But, we don't know. And decisions can't be made without information. We should be going and on guard. Let's get the map though, and retrieve the bones of the family if at all possible." |