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"Phon has gone home for the night," says Father Fabitor. "Your work has been impressive and I very much appreciate your help. I'm sorry you weren't able to trace this to the snake's head, as you say, but you've done far more than anyone else would have at considerable risk to yourselves. I expect you've taught a few bullies a lesson."
"With that said," Fabitor continues, "I'm going to impose upon your kindness once more. The lady in the pew over there, speaking with Brother Edward, is from a neighborhood in Rivergate. There is an abandoned house in the neighborhood that has been empty for some time. The neighbors believe the place to be haunted. The church has not yet investigated. If you are willing to investigate, determine the nature of this haunting, and report back to us so that we may exorcise the spirit, the church will be most appreciative. I am authorized to offer each of you 100 gold. I can also provide you with holy water."
The majority of the conversation consists of Adderwood insisting he is too important to be sent to jail and that these guards will pay for this humiliation. The guards are entirely uninterested in his claims, but Adderwood sticks to his story. During the conversation though, Adderwood mentions the name "Merthul" as the original client.
Disappointed that the guards weren't able to get more out of him, Miasshirra heads over to St. Gustav's. Removing her hood before she enters so that they might remember her distinctive ears, Miasshirra attracts the attention of the nearest acolyte.
"I apologize for barging in so late at night, but I've just overheard a most disturbing thing about one of your parishioners - a woman by the name of Phon Quartermain. I know you'll find this hard to believe, but there was a group of rough-looking men asking about her, and one of them even said that someone wants to kill her! I've only met her once, but I was so shocked by this that I hurried here at once to tell someone."
"Well, my friends," Cadwyn finally speaks up after the priest's offer, "if you can use the extra sword arm I can certainly use the diversion." He casts his eyes down slightly and says much softer,
"And the coin."
Gallows nods to Rynia and Cadwyn.
"You are welcome to join us, if it please you madam, sir."
To Father Fabitor, he replies:
"I'm willing to aid your parishioner. But I have an unrelated question: do you know anything of children born with strange runes on their bodies?"
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Gallows nods to Rynia and Cadwyn.
"You are welcome to join us, if it please you madam, sir."To Father Fabitor, he replies:
"I'm willing to aid your parishioner. But I have an unrelated question: do you know anything of children born with strange runes on their bodies?"
"I've heard of such things brother," says Fabitor. "There are legends of children born with birthmarks shaped like arcane runes. Legend says these individuals are harbingers of great change. Whether that change be good or bad is hotly debated by some scholars. Why do you ask?"
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Disappointed that the guards weren't able to get more out of him, Miasshirra heads over to St. Gustav's. Removing her hood before she enters so that they might remember her distinctive ears, Miasshirra attracts the attention of the nearest acolyte.
"I apologize for barging in so late at night, but I've just overheard a most disturbing thing about one of your parishioners - a woman by the name of Phon Quartermain. I know you'll find this hard to believe, but there was a group of rough-looking men asking about her, and one of them even said that someone wants to kill her! I've only met her once, but I was so shocked by this that I hurried here at once to tell someone."
Brother Edward looks up as Miasshirra speaks, "Err...do you mean those men?" He points to Gallows, Yarag, Tusker, and Zilroy. The four men are in conversation with Cadwyn, Rynia, and Father Fabitor.
"I've heard of such things brother," says Fabitor. "There are legends of children born with birthmarks shaped like arcane runes. Legend says these individuals are harbingers of great change. Whether that change be good or bad is hotly debated by some scholars. Why do you ask?"Gallows nods to Rynia and Cadwyn.
"You are welcome to join us, if it please you madam, sir."To Father Fabitor, he replies:
"I'm willing to aid your parishioner. But I have an unrelated question: do you know anything of children born with strange runes on their bodies?"
"A friend of mine is doing some research on the subject. I'm an awful research assistant under most circumstances, but I'm helping out a little since he doesn't get out too much."
Brother Edward looks up as Miasshirra speaks, "Err...do you mean those men?" He points to Gallows, Yarag, Tusker, and Zilroy. The four men are in conversation with Cadwyn, Rynia, and Father Fabitor.
Taken aback at seeing the same group here, Miasshirra quickly apologizes to Brother Edward. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to call one of your brothers rough-looking... well, I didn't mean it in a bad way. I didn't know you had any paladins here..." Miasshirra trails off, thinking that maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to take a little "donation" for herself last time she'd come here.
"Is Phon okay? She seemed so nice, I'd hate to hear that anything bad happened to her."
Gallows nods to Rynia and Cadwyn.
"You are welcome to join us, if it please you madam, sir."
"Well, it probably beats whatever else I had planned for tonight. And honestly, I could probably use the work, too. My purse'll be empty soon enough, otherwise."
After Miasshira comes in, Rynia is a little curious as she notices the odd-looking woman. Speaking to the group, she points to the new arrival and says, "This sure is a busy place in the evening. I think most taverns would call this a good crowd!"
"Exorcising a haunted house? That is something it would be my pleasure to do. The Specterbane name shall live on again!" Zilroy seems almost cheery at the thought of tackling malign spirits.
Tusker nods. "Ghosts are a disturbance in the natural order. What lives should die; what refuses to die must be... encouraged... to complete its journey."
Rynia now really hears the task before her for the first time. Ghosts?! Wow, what did I get myself into?
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Father Fabitor looks pleased. "Lothian has been kind in introducing me to all of you. I see you are anxious to get started, but perhaps it is best if you rest fully. The spirits are generally more powerful in darkness. Investigate the house in full light first. Come back in the morning after a good nights sleep and I'll have holy water ready for you."
After Miasshirra comes in, Rynia is a little curious as she notices the odd-looking woman. Speaking to the group, she points to the new arrival and says, "This sure is a busy place in the evening. I think most taverns would call this a good crowd!"
Whispering to Brother Edwards, Miasshirra asks, "Who are those other people? Are they Delvers?" Her ears involuntarily perk up at the thought, as she tries to figure out how to get close to them if they are.
Father Fabitor looks pleased. "Lothian has been kind in introducing me to all of you. I see you are anxious to get started, but perhaps it is best if you rest fully. The spirits are generally more powerful in darkness. Investigate the house in full light first. Come back in the morning after a good nights sleep and I'll have holy water ready for you."
"Yeah, morning. That's a good idea," Rynia whispers quietly, just loud enough for whoever stands next to her to hear.
"I'll meet you here on the morrow, then." Zilroy takes his leave and returns to the shabby dormitory for acolytes. His dreams are surprisingly quiet; perhaps his great-grandfather knows he will need his rest in order to face the undead...
Cadwyn bids everyone a pleasant evening and makes the long walk back to the inn where he has been staying. After a quick meal, he makes his way to bed, and passes an uneventful night.
He is back at the temple by dawn, his purse lighter than it has been his entire life.
Gallows nods to the others, taking a quizzical look with his good eye at the elf with the tail speaking to an acolyte, but he says nothing. He'll return to the boarding house near the orphanage where he stays and offer up his nightly prayers (and penance for whatever real or imagined sins he had committed) before going to bed.
Rynia watches the others file out without much fanfare. Hmphh. Friendly bunch I've attached myself to. She starts to walk out herself, intending on heading to the Ghostly Minstrel after all, but as she passes the unusual elf-cat, something makes her stop.
"Sorry to interupt, and I don't mean to be rude, but I've never seen anyone quite like you. Mind if I ask your name and where you're from? I'm Rynia," she says to Miasshirra, extending her hand.
"Sorry to interupt, and I don't mean to be rude, but I've never seen anyone quite like you. Mind if I ask your name and where you're from? I'm Rynia," she says to Miasshirra, extending her hand.
"No, it's okay. Actually," Miasshirra giggles a little as she takes your hand, "I've never seen anyone quite like me either. My name's Miasshirra. Um, are you people Delvers? I came to this city because I heard you could make a lot of money, but I don't know anyone here. I know I don't look like it right now," Miasshirra indicates her brightly-colored dress, "but I'm pretty reliable."
Tusker steps outside to dismiss his dog, giving the animal a good scratch behind his ears and then sending him on his way. He watches the animal vanish into the streets of the city, then re-enters the temple to speak briefly to the priest. "We didn't learn much," he tells Fabitor quietly, "and I can't see how we will now, but if there's still someone out there who wants to hurt Phon, you might want to keep an extra eye or two around the place. I know a guy, a fellow named Mikki Machete, who fights in the arena sometimes. He does guard work and bouncer jobs too, though, and I could put you in touch with him if you'd like another strong arm around."
After his talk with the priest, the half-orc turns toward the new arrivals. "Forgive me, ladies," he says, "I didn't introduce myself earlier. You can call me Tusker, Tusker Tall. I tend to... stay in the background when the authorities arrive. It's too easy for them to see someone like me and make assumptions. I appreciated your help with the fire, Miss...?" he trails off.
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Tusker steps outside to dismiss his dog, giving the animal a good scratch behind his ears and then sending him on his way. He watches the animal vanish into the streets of the city, then re-enters the temple to speak briefly to the priest. "We didn't learn much," he tells Fabitor quietly, "and I can't see how we will now, but if there's still someone out there who wants to hurt Phon, you might want to keep an extra eye or two around the place. I know a guy, a fellow named Mikki Machete, who fights in the arena sometimes. He does guard work and bouncer jobs too, though, and I could put you in touch with him if you'd like another strong arm around."
"If I see anything suspicious over the next couple of days, I may take you up on that," says Fabitor.
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"Sorry to interupt, and I don't mean to be rude, but I've never seen anyone quite like you. Mind if I ask your name and where you're from? I'm Rynia," she says to Miasshirra, extending her hand."No, it's okay. Actually," Miasshirra giggles a little as she takes your hand, "I've never seen anyone quite like me either. My name's Miasshirra. Um, are you people Delvers? I came to this city because I heard you could make a lot of money, but I don't know anyone here. I know I don't look like it right now," Miasshirra indicates her brightly-colored dress, "but I'm pretty reliable."
Brother Edward watches the exchange with some interest. However, a frown appears on his lips at the mention of "Delvers". He shakes his head, but continues listening.
"Sorry to interupt, and I don't mean to be rude, but I've never seen anyone quite like you. Mind if I ask your name and where you're from? I'm Rynia," she says to Miasshirra, extending her hand."No, it's okay. Actually," Miasshirra giggles a little as she takes your hand, "I've never seen anyone quite like me either. My name's Miasshirra. Um, are you people Delvers? I came to this city because I heard you could make a lot of money, but I don't know anyone here. I know I don't look like it right now," Miasshirra indicates her brightly-colored dress, "but I'm pretty reliable."
"Delvers? I think 'Ghost Hunters' seems to be the more likely. I've been in town since this morning, actually. I saw the fire these guys were trying to put out, and ... I dunno, just decided to help. After that, I kinda tagged along since I didn't really have anything better planned. 'Course, now they're looking to go after some ghosts that Father Fabitor asked 'em to. Guess I'll go along again, but they aren't meeting until tomorrow morning. Spirits being stronger at night, and all that. What are you doing now? I was gonna head to the Minstrel for a room and a drink or three; a friend would certainly be welcome."
After his talk with the priest, the half-orc turns toward the new arrivals. "Forgive me, ladies," he says, "I didn't introduce myself earlier. You can call me Tusker, Tusker Tall. I tend to... stay in the background when the authorities arrive. It's too easy for them to see someone like me and make assumptions. I appreciated your help with the fire, Miss...?" he trails off.
Rynia appraises the half-orc, then shakes his hand. "Rynia. Can't say I've known any half-orcs before, either. You seem to have a way with dogs, Tusker."
"Delvers? I think 'Ghost Hunters' seems to be the more likely. I've been in town since this morning, actually. I saw the fire these guys were trying to put out, and ... I dunno, just decided to help. After that, I kinda tagged along since I didn't really have anything better planned.
"Ghosts? But weren't you asking around about Phon? I heard you," Miasshirra indicates Tusker, "and those other men saying someone wants to kill her."
'Course, now they're looking to go after some ghosts that Father Fabitor asked 'em to. Guess I'll go along again, but they aren't meeting until tomorrow morning. Spirits being stronger at night, and all that. What are you doing now? I was gonna head to the Minstrel for a room and a drink or three; a friend would certainly be welcome."
"Sure! I'm staying nearby, and it's way too early to close up camp."
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Our heroes retire for a good night's rest...or a night of revelry, whatever suits them.
In the morning they return to the chapel. Some refreshed, some with a pounding headache.
Father Fabitor greets you good morning, offers you coffee, and then leads you into a more private chamber. He has assembled 2 vials of holy water and one potion of cure light wounds for each of you.
Cadwyn accepts the holy water and potion with a nod of thanks and a small bow to Father Fabitor. He turns to Tusker and Miasharra and says, "I do apologize, but I believe I neglected to introduce myself properly last night. In all the excitement, I was certainly not the gentleman that I should have been. My Lord, My Lady, I am Cadwyn."
He gives a quick semi-formal bow to the two.
"Now, we are strangers no more, and I hope to call you friends." He turns his attention back to the Father.
"Now Father, is there any other pertinent information we should be aware of? I take it from the gift of the holy water, for which I thank you, that you are expecting some trouble. Have you any idea what we may be facing?"
"Ghosts? But weren't you asking around about Phon? I heard you," Miasshirra indicates Tusker, "and those other men saying someone wants to kill her."
"Yeah, the other guys were talking about that Phon girl. Personally, I hadn't met any of 'em until the fire, and I've never met Phon. I was just trying to piece together what happened. But hey, if you know her, you ought to come back tomorrow morning with me; the others may want to meet you, too! Anyway, we talk more over a few drinks. You're welcome to come, too, if you want, Tusker."
Cadwyn accepts the holy water and potion with a nod of thanks and a small bow to Father Fabitor. He turns to Tusker and Miasharra and says, "I do apologize, but I believe I neglected to introduce myself properly last night. In all the excitement, I was certainly not the gentleman that I should have been. My Lord, My Lady, I am Cadwyn."
He gives a quick semi-formal bow to the two.
"Now, we are strangers no more, and I hope to call you friends." He turns his attention back to the Father.
"Now Father, is there any other pertinent information we should be aware of? I take it from the gift of the holy water, for which I thank you, that you are expecting some trouble. Have you any idea what we may be facing?"
"Hey, don't worry about it Caddy ... hmmm ... 'Caddy' ... maybe I'll stick with Cadwyn. You probably like that better, anyway, am I right? I brought Miashirra back here with me; she knows that Phon Quartermaine the other were talking about. Figured they may wanna meet her, and she could probably help out."
The one-eyed paladin offers a handshake to Miasshirra.
"Greetings to you. Name's Simon. But you should call me Gallows. Everyone else does."
Gallows takes the holy water and potion with a nod to Father Fabitor. With a wry smile he asks:
"What can you tell us about this restless spirit and its trouble with the neighbors? Too many guests? Revelry at all hours? Or just terrible personal hygiene?"
"Yes, now that we are all acquainted, Miss Miashirra is it?, we can learn more about these malign spirits before we put them to rest."
"Hey, don't worry about it Caddy ... hmmm ... 'Caddy' ... maybe I'll stick with Cadwyn. You probably like that better, anyway, am I right? I brought Miashirra back here with me; she knows that Phon Quartermaine the other were talking about. Figured they may wanna meet her, and she could probably help out."
Cadwyn smiles warmly at Rynia. "Cadwyn will do just fine, though I've been called much worse than 'Caddy' in my days, I'm sure."
Yarag takes the water and healing vial. "Thanks."
"The sooner we go, the sooner we can return for tea and cakes. Can we go?"
At the tavern, Miasshirra invites Tusker to dance, and proceeds to do so even if he doesn't join her. However, as soon as Rynia invites her over for a drink, it becomes apparent that Miasshirra can't hold her liquor. After just two drinks, she's out like a light. Rynia and Tusker are probably forced to carry her back to the inn where she's staying.
Our heroes retire for a good night's rest...or a night of revelry, whatever suits them.
In the morning they return to the chapel. Some refreshed, some with a pounding headache.
Miasshirra arrives at the chapel in the morning, dressed for business, and with no sign of a hangover. Her lithe form is readily apparent, even under the bulk of explorer's clothing and leather armor. A shortsword and whip hang from her belt, and a dozen small throwing knives are tucked into easily accessible pockets. A small pack carries additional gear. In addition to this functional equipment, she wears several silver bangles on her right wrist. Her head is visually dominated by her large, feline ears, but below that, her golden-brown hair is kept medium-length, interspersed with a dozen small braids, some of which have a small item woven into them. Her tail flicks back and forth as she greets the others.
Father Fabitor greets you good morning, offers you coffee, and then leads you into a more private chamber. He has assembled 2 vials of holy water and one potion of cure light wounds for each of you.
The one-eyed paladin offers a handshake to Miasshirra."Greetings to you. Name's Simon. But you should call me Gallows. Everyone else does."
"Yes, now that we are all acquainted, Miss Miashirra is it?, we can learn more about these malign spirits before we put them to rest."
Miasshirra greets the others, although she looks slightly uncomfortable as she greets Gallows and any others who are obviously clergy. Those who are perceptive may note an accent that is not native to Ptolus. After introductions are concluded, she asks how the party is related to Phon. "Last night, I overheard you say that someone wants to kill Phon. She seemed like such a nice person when I met her, and I thought I should tell Father Fabitor. Oh yes, does the name 'Merthul' mean anything?"
After introductions are concluded, she asks how the party is related to Phon. "Last night, I overheard you say that someone wants to kill Phon. She seemed like such a nice person when I met her, and I thought I should tell Father Fabitor. Oh yes, does the name 'Merthul' mean anything?"
"Phon is a parishioner of Father Fabitor's. Some villains were threatening her life, and we tried to deal with the problem. I'm afraid I don't know what a murthle is, though."
"Phon is a parishioner of Father Fabitor's. Some villains were threatening her life, and we tried to deal with the problem. I'm afraid I don't know what a murthle is, though."
"That man that you turned over the guards... he said that he was hired by someone named 'Merthul'."
Rynia mutters a quiet "thanks" to Father Fabitor and pockets the vials of holy water and the potion. She stands back a bit, listening to Miasshirra's new information.
Yarag takes the water and healing vial. "Thanks."
"The sooner we go, the sooner we can return for tea and cakes. Can we go?"
This guy is really 'Mr. Friendly', all right. Still don't think he ever introduced himself to me ... Rynia thinks.
Gallows raises an eyebrow at the felf's information.
" 'Murthul', hm?"
He repeats the name a few times, turning it over, savoring it.
"Murthul. That's a killer's name if I've heard one and I don't need Lothian to tell me. Hurm. Murthul."
"Now, now, Gallows," Zilroy chides the warrior, "You can't judge an individual by his name alone. The Daykeeper's justice doesn't work that way."'
"So, shall we be off?"
Cadwyn double checks his newly aquired holy water to make sure the small vials are secure in his belt pouch.
"Aye, Master Zilroy," he replies. "I am ready." He looks at his companions. "You all set to go?"
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Our heroes travel to the peaceful Rivergate District.
As you approach the house in question, you see a small crowd of people standing outside. The crowd consists of men, women, and children of all ages. There appear to be about 30 of them. You catch their attention as soon as you round the corner.
"I'll bet that's them," you hear someone say.
You approach a small, two-story home. The first floor walls are made of stone, but, like most buildings in Ptolus, the second floor is made of wood. You have approached the front entrance. The house is on the edge of an alleyway, so unlike most homes, it only abuts one other home instead of two.
The house appears old and rundown. All first story windows are broken. The stone walls are cracked and old, but appear quite sturdy. A quick peek in the windows reveals some broken, wooden furniture and white sheets.
Rynia looks up at the dilapidated building, and uncharacteristically shudders. Why not just let the ghosts have the place? Not like anyone's living here, she thinks.
Rynia looks around for the woman who was in the pew at St. Gustav's, hoping to ask a few questions before barging in to this place.
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Rynia looks up at the dilapidated building, and uncharacteristically shudders. Why not just let the ghosts have the place? Not like anyone's living here, she thinks.
Rynia looks around for the woman who was in the pew at St. Gustav's, hoping to ask a few questions before barging in to this place.
She has no trouble locating her. The old woman is standing in between two younger men who bear some resemblance. "See, I told you Father Fabitor would send someone. He's a good man."
"Hello, sister. Blessings upon you and this house! What can you tell us about the uneasy spirits that you've seen?" Zilroy gives the woman a warm smile.
Cadwyn always found himself to be fleet of tongue at the worst of times, and downright glib at the best, but he knows the value of letting a man of the cloth, or armor as it were, do most of the talking.
He stands near Zilroy ready with a quick, reassuring smile. "Yes, my good Lady, we are here at the request of the kind Father. As my companion stated, we wish to be of service, and any information you can give us on the situation at the house will be both a boon and a blessing to our efforts here."
Rynia decides to let Zilroy and Cadwyn handle the questioning. The woman seemed like the pious type, and she may respond better to the priest and warrior than to herself; Rynia looked a tad younger than even her 18 years, after all.
Our heroes travel to the peaceful Rivergate District.
Miashirra makes small talk with Rynia and Tusker, or the others if they initiate it.
You approach a small, two-story home. The first floor walls are made of stone, but, like most buildings in Ptolus, the second floor is made of wood. You have approached the front entrance. The house is on the edge of an alleyway, so unlike most homes, it only abuts one other home instead of two.
The house appears old and rundown. All first story windows are broken. The stone walls are cracked and old, but appear quite sturdy. A quick peek in the windows reveals some broken, wooden furniture and white sheets.
Miasshirra keeps her ears open while she looks over the house. She checks to see if any other houses have similar window damage, if there appears to be a back way into the house, and if there are any possible entrances on the second floor.
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Our heroes travel to the peaceful Rivergate District.Miashirra makes small talk with Rynia and Tusker, or the others if they initiate it.
Miasshirra keeps her ears open while she looks over the house. She checks to see if any other houses have similar window damage, if there appears to be a back way into the house, and if there are any possible entrances on the second floor.You approach a small, two-story home. The first floor walls are made of stone, but, like most buildings in Ptolus, the second floor is made of wood. You have approached the front entrance. The house is on the edge of an alleyway, so unlike most homes, it only abuts one other home instead of two.
The house appears old and rundown. All first story windows are broken. The stone walls are cracked and old, but appear quite sturdy. A quick peek in the windows reveals some broken, wooden furniture and white sheets.
The nearby homes all seem to be in good condition. This one seems an anomaly. She could probably shimmy up a drain pipe and get to a second floor window with little trouble.
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The old woman looks from Cadwyn to Zilroy and gives them both a grandmotherly smile. "Well, I've just seen those mysterious lights moving through the house."
"I saw a phantom figure looking out the window. It was small, and pure white," says one man.
"I've heard shrieks and cries coming from that house," says another.
"It's been haunted almost a month now. You can smell the foul stench of the undead on some evenings," says another woman in the group.