K
S
G
Arjun takes 20 on a Perception check to search the crypt. Total check 25.
You move slowly and carefully into the room. It is silent except for the occasional crunch of boot on bone. Fortunately, the dead remain still.
You spread out, searching the room carefully. You confirm that the skeletons near the north junction are different to the remains in the rest of the room. They seem much more recent, a few decades old, and show signs of struggle. Most seem to lie where they first fell, their torsos and skulls crushed and marked by what seem to be weapon blows.
Your search takes only slightly less than the hour you estimated but it turns up a number of interesting finds :
- A well-crafted scimitar made of cold iron. While the hilt is tattered and needs re-wrapping, the blade itself is beautifully preserved and must have been protected by some minor enchantment (masterwork cold iron scimitar).
- A body midway down the north-south passage wears still fine if yellowing leather armour (masterwork leather armour) and lying under it you find a fine silver dagger, still protected even in a very worn leather sheath (masterwork silver dagger).
- Buried under a jumble of bones at the end of one of the east-west passages is a small teak box emblazoned with the sun symbol of Sarenrae. The box contains a beautiful wooden holy symbol of the Goddess suspended from a silver chain (normal) and a thin gold brooch in the shape of a beetle (this radiates minor abjuration magic).
You also confirm that the north stairs links up with the staircase in the shrine room.
Sajan picks up the gold brooch, smiling and laughing like a small child.
Golden beetle! he exclaims, holding it up to Sabeen so she can tell him about it, a sense of wonder in his eyes.
"These died well," Nuveril grunts approvingly of the recent skeletons in the north junction. "No doubt their spirits guard this place." She lays one palm against the stone wall and touches her chest with two fingers, a gesture of respect to the resident spirits.
"I'm guessing our cleric of Sarenrae would be most interested in this holy symbol. If no one minds, I would like to claim the silver dagger. It will be of great use to me in my alchemy. Can anyone use the scimitar?"
Grall follows just in front of Linah. He says several prayers to Sarenrae for the dead but otherwise hangs a little back from the front feeling quite tired and hurt.
The treasure is not his and he says little to the others as they rob the graves of potentially holy priests looking to Khalid or Linah to determine if it is right or wrong to use these items and objects. He knows nothing about the right or wrong of these things.
|
"Can anyone use the scimitar?"
"Both Linah and I use the weapon of the Dawnflower."
Grall follows just in front of Linah. He says several prayers to Sarenrae for the dead but otherwise hangs a little back from the front feeling quite tired and hurt.
The treasure is not his and he says little to the others as they rob the graves of potentially holy priests looking to Khalid or Linah to determine if it is right or wrong to use these items and objects. He knows nothing about the right or wrong of these things.
"These people died in battle and were never properly laid to rest, this is not grave-robbing, but reclaiming items from a old battle-field."
It is nearly eleven am by the time you regroup upstairs. When you check on the baboons you find them escaped. Pieces of the rope you used to tie them adorn the ground, apparently cut with someting sharp. A quick search of the upper level confirms they, and whoever freed them, are gone.
Outside, the sun has nearly fully risen and it pounds mercilessly down on the rocky hills.
Unless I note otherwise the hottest period of each day runs from 11am to 2pm.
A Character exerting themselves during this period must make a Fortitude saving throw each hour (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a –4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (as per the skill description). Characters reduced to unconsciousness begin taking lethal damage (1d4 points per hour).
It is about a half an hour walk back to the make-shift camp. For the ooze covered, the heat bakes the slime into a hard crust against your skin but you manage the protection of the wagons before you feel any other ill effects.
Almah and Garavel are clearly relieved to see you and the Father, Arjun. Almah purses her lips while you repeat your encounter with the pugawampis and the cause of the fire but apparently either believes it was unavoidable or simply that there is nothing to be done about it now. She thanks all of you (even Grall) for your efforts, favouring you with a stunning smile.
The wagons and animals are soon ready to go and while they are much slower than going on foot in the difficult terrain you make it back to the monaster in about an hour.
Sajan bows politely as the group makes its report.
Sajan picks up the gold brooch, smiling and laughing like a small child.
Golden beetle! he exclaims, holding it up to Sabeen so she can tell him about it, a sense of wonder in his eyes.
Seeing Sajan smile brings one from Sabeen and she takes the brooch and concentrates on it intently.
Identify
She hands it back. It protects the wearer from magical force attacks. They get all sucked up into the middle of the brooch here. She points to the beetle's carapace. It has just over half its strength remaining.
You are sore all over from your beating at the hands of the ooze but don't seem to have suffered any other ill effects. However, the back of your right hand feels quite itchy for some reason and you find yourself scratching it as you make your way back upstairs and trek back to the wagons.
|
|
Khalid keeps looking at the back of his right hand, and occasionally scratching it on the way back to the wagons.
"Hmmm...I'm a bit sore from the battle, but that's to be expected. I don't see anything wrong, but just can't seem to rid myself of this damned itch on my hand."
Heal Check:
"I still don't see anything wrong. Linah, would mind having a look at my hand, I imagine you are more skilled at the healing arts than I am."
You do know that it is quite rare for worshippers of the faith to be buried with weapons. Sarenrae is a practical Goddess and would prefer for weapons blessed in her name to be used rather than lying in dusty tombs.
"You need not to worry, Grall. Khalid is right. It is very rare that we bury our own with our weapons. The Dawnflower prefers that weapons are used to strifle evil, rather than to lie in dust. Also when our warriors have seen much battle in life, they deserve a rest in peace. These items are not apart of this burial ground."
"Let me see", Linah says and takes Khalid's hand.
"Lady Almah, i suggest that we travel to the monastary and set up camp there as soon as possible"
There are a few things going on of which the characters are unaware (DUN DUN) but technically you failed your initial save (from punching the ooze or being engulfed by it take your pick) but won't make the second check until tomorrow morning.
Wanted to give you a heads up both so you could work it into your posts today and give you the opportunity to get Linah to treat you before the second roll. For something with an onset of a day I think its reasonable for you to be aware that your sick before you actually start taking attribute damage.
Linah examines Khalid carefully but following his magical healing he appears to be perfectly healthy.
"I can not find anything wrong, Khalid. Would you like me to take a closer look?"
"I can not find anything wrong, Khalid. Would you like me to take a closer look?"
** spoiler omitted **
Was going to give you the chance to get Linah to assist before you made the next save but I'll let you keep that roll for tomorrow's check.
.
"I can not find anything wrong, Khalid. Would you like me to take a closer look?"
I'm good to move on. Sajan is too stupid to correlate the Ooze and feeling a bit rough.
After you arrive, most of the group takes a short break for food and to wait out the worst of the heat.
Almah on the other hand seems unwilling to wait even a minute and rushes to investigate the monastery, striding down the ruined nave like a queen in her throne room and flanked by her pact-master guards in their red-chitin armour. They seem far from convinced that the building is safe and follow her closely, weapons in hand, much to her annoyance.
So far you've found little common ground with them and they keep themselves apart from the rest of the group. Their leader, a grizzled Keleshite veteran named Fixx, seems to regard you as nothing other than a potential threat to Almah. In particular, their hands move to their sword hilts whenever Grall comes within twenty feet of her. You gather that their orders come from the pact-masters themselves and they seem to feel free to disregard her instructions where they feel they conflict with her personal safety.
After the break there is a whirlwind of activity as the group moves quickly to occupy the monastery and set up inside.
Almah’s six servants busy themselves initially with unloading the wagons under Garavel's watchful eye.
The camel driver, Hadrod and Hadrah and their two assistants soon have the wagons in a half circle around one of the entrances to the nave, using them and rope to create a makeshift enclosure for the camels.
But not all of the group seems as appreciative as Almah and Garavel of your efforts in clearing the monastery of threats.
Regarding the many pugawampi bodies, Dashki puffs out his chest as if he dealt with them himself. Yes. Pugawampis. Didn't I tell everyone so? When no one seems inclined to praise his intelligence he soon stalks off, walking stick thumping on the stone floor, to search the rooms.
Similarly, one of the mercenaries, a black bearded Keleshite giant (well a giant in company other than Grall and Sajan) is openly dismissive. Feh! Look at the size of them. It must have been like fighting small children! He nudges one of the corpses with his boot.
While Elia shoots him a hard look, several of the other mercenaries laugh at his jibe.
After the initial tasks are done, the various groupings spread out to claim various sections of the monastery for quarters. Almah's guards quickly claim the library (which seems like the best preserved room with the most structurally sound roof) for her, as well as the adjacent room (where you encountered the baboons) for themselves. Hadrod and Hadrah start the lengthy task of clearing out the kitchen. Father Zantus hurries off to examine the laboratory.
In the midst of the activity, Garavel finds time to speak to you.
By Sarenrae's grace, this is a good start! None of us were quite sure what we would find here. While she didn't speak it, I know Almah was concerned that the building would be useless as a base or occupied by the gnolls, or perhaps both. Please rest for a bit, you've earned it and there will be greater trials ahead.
Tonight, after dinner, Almah would like to have a counsel of war to share what information we have and make what plans we may. I would like you all to attend.
After lunch, Sabeen approaches Khalid.
The book you found in the library. May I please have a look at it?
** spoiler omitted **
Fine. You won't show any outward signs of disease unless you actually fail your save. We will see if Linah realises that she should check everyone that got oozed for disease :)
Arjun assists Father Zantus in unloading the equipment and supplies and moving it to the basement. He excitedly shows his mentor the laboratory they found. Arjun will then examine the contents of the racks.
Appraise
Craft (alchemy)
Knowledge (arcana)
Knowledge (nature)
With his mission for Garavel of assisting the others complete, he reports back to him and stays by his side unless told otherwise.
If he sees Linah and Khalid helping to fix the Chapel he would look at them wantingly but says nothing.
As a slave, it is not his place to make requests of his master.
|
|
After arriving back at the Shrine, Khalid claims a beds in one of the bunk rooms and then proceeds to help Linah with the chapel, seeing Grall look wantingly at the work being done, Khalid says...
"Grall, there is plenty of work to be done. If you would like to work with us, please feel free to. Honestly, we could use the help."
After lunch, Sabeen approaches Khalid.
The book you found in the library. May I please have a look at it?
"Certainly. When you are done, just lay the book on my bunk."
After arriving back at the Shrine, Khalid claims a beds in one of the bunk rooms and then proceeds to help Linah with the chapel, seeing Grall look wantingly at the work being done, Khalid says...
"Grall, there is plenty of work to be done. If you would like to work with us, please feel free to. Honestly, we could use the help."
"Certainly. When you are done, just lay the book on my bunk."After lunch, Sabeen approaches Khalid.
The book you found in the library. May I please have a look at it?
Grall looks down quickly in shame. He waits for the beating from Garavel to start thinking, presumptuous cur, you know better than to put your own wishes ahead of what your master might want from you...
Linah walks up to Garavel and Grall. "Would you mind if we borrowed Grall to help with restoring the shrine? It pains us to see the Dawnflowers chapel in this state and we would love to restore it as fast as possible. Grall would be an invalueable help", Linah says with a warm smile.
Feh! Look at the size of them. It must have been like fighting small children! He nudges one of the corpses with his boot.
Do not mock our battles. These Pugwampi's had a foul aura about them, magical and dangerous. Would you be so dismissive of halfling warriors for their size? Sajan asked from his seated position nearby, giving Nuveril a wink.
Sajan will spend his time working in the overgrown cloister- taking pleasure in the gardening that reminded him of the labour he did for his parents. Simpler times. Sajan missed gardening; as his father often said, it kept a man in his place. When he was not busy gardening, he took the time to watch over each of his charges; especially Grall. The Gnoll needed enlightenment more than any of the others, except perhaps the small warrioress.
Feh! Look at the size of them. It must have been like fighting small children! He nudges one of the corpses with his boot.Do not mock our battles. These Pugwampi's had a foul aura about them, magical and dangerous. Would you be so dismissive of halfling warriors for their size? Sajan asked from his seated position nearby, giving Nuveril a wink.
Nuveril stalks up to the Keleshite mercenary. "Any time you think you are man enough to fight a 'small child,' I stand ready to give you satisfaction."
She will set up her small camp near the entrance the camel drivers aren't using. She seems claustrophobic inside the structure, as large as it is, and enjoys the vistas even of this barren scrubland to walls and a ceiling.
Feh! Look at the size of them. It must have been like fighting small children! He nudges one of the corpses with his boot.Do not mock our battles. These Pugwampi's had a foul aura about them, magical and dangerous. Would you be so dismissive of halfling warriors for their size? Sajan asked from his seated position nearby, giving Nuveril a wink.Nuveril stalks up to the Keleshite mercenary. "Any time you think you are man enough to fight a 'small child,' I stand ready to give you satisfaction."
She will set up her small camp near the entrance the camel drivers aren't using. She seems claustrophobic inside the structure, as large as it is, and enjoys the vistas even of this barren scrubland to walls and a ceiling.
Success even with -4 penalty for size
For a second you think the mercenary, Brotis by name, is going to take you up on your offer right there and then but he stares at Nuveril and then at her hammer and then back at her again and seems to take an involuntary step back. Your crazy! I don't fight crazy people... Crazy! The last as he turns on his heel and walks away.
You can see about half of the mercenaries, including Elia, smile at the exchange while the other half throw hard looks at Nuveril before following their companion.
Later, you are in the middle of setting up your own small camp, when a step-thud, step-thud announces the greasy haired Dashki leaning on his walking stick.
Halfling, I would speak to you about a problem we both share.
Dashki starts to speak then realises he looks ridiculous looking down at you while you sit and sits himself. He keeps his voice low.
Look I can't be the only person in this whole group of people who isn't crazy.
The Gnoll. You know what I'm talking about! Theres never been a gnoll born that could be trusted! Theres never been a gnoll born whose first instinct wasn't to re-join its pack the first chance it got! All of that meekness. All of that crap about worshipping a human god. Its all just an act and we both know it.
What I want to know is what are you gonna do about it. Or are you just gonna wait til it betrays us all?
After arriving back at the Shrine, Khalid claims a beds in one of the bunk rooms and then proceeds to help Linah with the chapel, seeing Grall look wantingly at the work being done, Khalid says...
"Grall, there is plenty of work to be done. If you would like to work with us, please feel free to. Honestly, we could use the help."
"Certainly. When you are done, just lay the book on my bunk."After lunch, Sabeen approaches Khalid.
The book you found in the library. May I please have a look at it?
Sabeen clearly seems excited and goes as far as reaching up to kiss a likely confused Khalid on the cheek before skipping off. She finds a quiet corner to read.
Father Zantus and Arjun spend the afternoon re-organising the laboratory and reviewing the contents of the tubes from the bookshelf. What they find has the Father shaking in excitement, the alchemy equivalent of a treasure horde. At least one of the monastery monks was a master alchemist and the tubes contain numerous treatises on advanced alchemical teachings and formulae. From just the few hours Arjun manages to spend, he realises that the writings will provide the basis for the development of numerous formulae of his own.
You also find sheathes of parchment containing well preserved records about the monastery itself, some dating back to its founding over two centuries ago. You consider though that it will take some time to study these in order to determine whether they contain anything useful.
Khalid and Linah work in the chapel, making slow but steady progress helped immensly by Linah's ability to create clean water. After a few hours of heavy lifting unloading the caravans, Garavel releases Grall into Linah's charge at her request and with the gnoll's entusiastic assistance the trio make even more headway.
Sajan spends the afternoon clearing the cloister courtyard, toiling away under the sun. He makes impressive progress for a man alone although over twenty years of neglect make the task a difficult one and he realises it will take many more hours of labour to complete it. His endeavours do however turn up something of interest. In the north west corner he finds a large hollowed out area shielded on all sides by the thick undergrowth. In the middle of the hollow there is a large nest of sticks and branches. Within rests what looks like a badly decomposed pugawampi corpse from the size, little more than a skeleton, and three large white eggs with irregular bright red speckles. Each egg is as big as a watermelon.
Following her confrontation with Brotis, Nuveril sets up her own camp well away from the others.
As the day wears on and evening approaches the group as a whole has made great strides in making their new home comfortable although everyone realises that there is still much to be done to complete the work and make the monastery defensible.
As the evening approaches, Sajan is mighty pleased with his work. Smiling brightly to those around him and basking in the warm feeling that hard labour brings, he casually carries a massive sack over to whoever is preparing the meals for the evening.
Look, Sajan found food for everyone... he says happily, placing the three watermelon sized eggs gently down upon whatever surface happens to be nearby.