Graxx reads the handbill for the rest of CRAP to hear and likes what he sees on the piece of paper. The barbarian seems ready to agree to the job right then and there, but invites the rest of CRAP to share their opinions. Before even that; however, Graxx asks a question of his own. The Doomguide answers: "Well, if I suspected it before, now I can only be certain that these strange masks you are each wearing give you the ability to read minds." He looks surprised but does not delay his next words too long: "Indeed this hunt for foul undead creatures would take you into some of the catacombs underneath Valhingen Graveyard. Is it yet another reason I thought of your group first. If I am not mistaken, the late Brother Keefe once asked some of you to investigate a suspicious mausoleum. You have experience in this kind of work."
Utar agrees with the assessment, but sides with Doozey on the need to prioritize other matters. Neya is not so convinced, and the group suddenly faces an apparent impasse. Doozey weighs both sides of the argument and seems to eventually relent, albeit not without showing his characteristic frown. Doomguide Yovir seems to be a bit uncomfortable with the whole situation, to the point that the old man stutters a bit as he begins to answer Doozey's follow-up question: "I do not know of any such hidden pool, but neither am I a student of history. My fields of expertise are the transitioning from life to death and gardening. That said, I don't doubt many a hidden thing are to be found in Phlan. The city has been razed to and raised from the ground numerous times over the years. Many things may lie hidden in the unaccounted tunnels and ruins of the underground. The catacombs that Graxx asked about are a good example. They expand far and wide. Not even I can tell what may hide beyond the small portion of the catacombs that are still used to this day."
After a pause, the Doomguide raises both hands apologetically and says: "But alas, I did not mean to cause strife among your ranks. If you feel there are more important matters to be addressed first, please go unhindered. You can find me in the Valhingen Graveyard when you are ready, although I cannot promise these undead won't proliferate in the meantime."
Doozey's expression began to at least soften a tad seeing the Doomguide's reaction, and all the more so from the apologetic tone to voice. So, after some grumbling of his own, and plantive growls from Biscuit in the stoutling's direction, he spoke up again. "Ya didn't cause any strike, Mr., uh... Brother Yovir. It's just...." He pauses, furrowing his brows, then shakes his head. "It doesn't matter....So, we'd be heading over to the graveyard then, eh? And doing some diving deeper for this just, right? Well, I suppose its time for you to live up to your title and guide us to our next eventual doom then, isn't? Sooner the undead is dealt with, the sooner we can get back to our other business."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Coming round to agree with the rest of the party, Utar concedes.
"We can accompany you to the graveyard then Brother Yovir, if that's where you are heading now? It would give us a chance to ask a few questions about the catacombs themselves and the nature of the undead within them."
"It sounds as if the catacombs are a veritable labyrinth in and of themselves. That said, the mausoleum you mentioned seemed to be its own isolated set of chambers. I think it stands to reason that some of the other mausoleums are also similarly separate, yes?”
Yovir nods in response to Graxx's comment: "I am glad too."
The Doomguide continues nodding when Doozey asks some mostly-rhetorical questions. He even smiles a bit at the mention of being a guide to CRAP's next doom. Then, when Utar suggests that they should all follow the Doomguide to the graveyard, he nods more rapidly than before and begins to turn so he can lead the way: "Alright then. Thank you. Hmm, well... this way. We are not far from the bridge leading to Valhingen."
Yovir begins to lead the group, making sure to loop around the still present crowd as not to risk getting pelted with rotting food. Neya is the first to ask a question during the walk, and Yovir begins to give her the long version of the answer: "The graveyard, as you know, sits west and a bit north of the city, on the opposite shore of the western arm of the Stojanow River. Most of the city is on what's presumed to be an artificial island. Sometime in the dim past, Phlan's original builders dug a canal to split the Stojanow River into the two channels at its mouth, with the two branches flowing around the city like a moat. A bridge near the gate at Podol Plaza crosses the river a short distance from the graveyard, as you are well aware. That's so the mourners can walk to the cemetery easily; and the cemetery itself is quite mesmerizing. It is a beautiful garden of statues, tended plants, trees, mausoleums, and headstones. The condition of the graveyard is entirely pristine, if I may say so myself, thanks to the tireless work of us Kelemvorites who tend it. Phlan has been the site of a city for over 1,000 years. It's experienced so many cycles of growth and collapse, of prosperity and destruction, that it's impossible to estimate accurately how many people have lived here and subsequently been interred in Valhingen. A conservative estimate puts the number at well over 100,000 but that estimate could easily be two, three, or even five times that many." He catches himself and jest: "I guess I am a bit of a history student after all."
Sensing himself going on too long a tangent, Yovir tries to correct his path somewhat: "Valhingen is large, but so many bodies couldn't possibly be buried there in individual graves and family mausoleums. As you suspect, these are indeed separate form the catacombs. Most of the departed are interred in catacombs beneath the graveyard, nonetheless. The catacombs are nearly as old as the city, and their full extent is unknown even to the most senior of Kelemvorites... Well, I guess that would be me these days. Anyhow, they extend well beyond the boundary of the graveyard in every direction, including under the city. Several of the major temples and fortifications in Phlan were known to have entrances of their own, but most of these were sealed during times when undead were a larger and ever present threat in these parts. If any but one of them remain open, I'd wager no one living in Phlan today knows of them. The only entrance that's known to still be open is the Cloister of Kelemvor in Valhingen Graveyard, and only those galleries directly connected to it are still used for burials."
By the time he finishes his answer, the group is already crossing the bridge he was talking about. "We'll talk about the details of the quest once we are inside the cemetery. Is there any other question I can answer before we arrive there?"
While not exactly enthused initially by the idea of a "side quest", Doozey never let his attention really waver from the story along the way to their destination. Even as it bled into a tangent, the hunter had his eyes forward, but brows almost ever furrowed as if in deep consideration or plannning.
"You... mentioned the undead having been a fair bit of a problem in the past, and were why other entrances -- as far as you are aware at least -- have been closed. I heard that right, yes?" He pauses, sideyeing Yovir. "Any relevant tales about those instances? As in, particular families or people having had a vested interest in raising the dead once? Or perhaps noteable outside force among the many disasters having had a knack for mucking about with the undead?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I found out recently there used to be a decent amount of Tempus followers in town long ago. By any chance did one of these old Temples be a Temple to Tempus? If so, do you have any idea what direction the Tempus Temple was?"
Yovir notices that Doozey's attention clung to the mention of past undead risings. He doesn't seem to think that's too relevant to his current situation: "I meant long ago, over the last century. Yes, within the last 100 years Valhingen Graveyard has gone from being overrun with undead to the statuesque place of rest it is today. In fact, it is some of the reason Kelemvorites have such a large presence in Phlan now. We moved in partially to deal with the undead threat back them, but it seems much of our might dwindled once the undead were dealt with. But I am afraid that's all I know of those times. Just broad strokes, I fear. I have no details such as the ones you ask."
Turning next to Graxx, the Doomguide says: "Yes, I believe you are right in saying Tempus used to have a temple in town, but I do not know where it was located. It must be many years, and perhaps even further away in the past than the arrival of the Kelemvorites, since Tempus' presence in this town has become just a footnote in history... no offense meant."
When Neya brings the conversation back to more recent times, Yovir shares the first bit of the information he meant to share only once within the cemetery (you are close now anyway): "A novice Kelemvorite disappeared about a month ago. I was initially unconcerned, as the life of a Kelemvorite is known to be difficult. Giving away all temptations in life and dedicating oneself to the rest of those who have passed is not a career for many, even for some who initially believe so. Many an acolyte have changed their minds and left Valhingen. Those who cannot accommodate this selfless life simply leave, or perhaps look for other ways to aim their ambition, much like Brother Keefe and his secretive involvement with the Lords' Alliance."
It looks like Doomguide Yovir has more to share, but he pauses his tale upon arrival at the Valhingen Graveyard. He leads the group inside and walks across the cemetery while greeting many of the faithful, who are tending the many gardens. Valhingen looks more like a park than a cemetery and stands in stark contrast to the ramshackle, half-built portions of Phlan. Gravel walkways wend between tall trees, well-tended beds of shrubs and flowers, sturdy mausoleums, and rows of headstones, monuments, and commemorative statues. The path that Yovir walks takes the party near a man and a woman dressed in simple, home-spun gray robes. They are trimming shrubs and pulling weeds from between gravestones. He turns to CRAP and says: "I kindly ask for your patience. I feel dreadfully uncomfortable in these ceremonial robes and would prefer to change into my usual attire before delving into more details. These here are Brother Drolo and Sister Fedya. They will keep you company in the meantime and lead you to meet me again in a few minutes."
With that, Doomguide Yovir excuses himself and Drolo and Fedya step forward. They clean their earth-stained hands in their gray robes and extend them in greeting. Drolo speaks first: "It shouldn't be long before we can lead you back to the Doomsguide again." Fedya follows: "We are happy to talk about our work in the cemetery if that will help pass the time?"
Doozey nods in greeting to the pair, but stood back and let the others converse, seeing not much need to question them. Not yet, at least. Though, while idly feeding Biscuit and Gravy some treats for their good behavior, the stoutling ever kept an eye on the pair, searching for any signs of deception or mischief.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Drolo and Fedya are delighted to see that your group is interested in their craft, with the slight exception being Doozey. The pair spends a few minutes showing you some of their nearby floral arrangements and specific earthen mixtures that supposedly do wonders for plants with fibrous roots. Fedya takes special notice of the attention that Neya is giving them, and presents her with a strange-looking piece of root (1 dose). She spends some time explaining how to use it and its digestive properties.
Drolo also gives out some excellent advice on how to treat plants and grow your own garden. Graxx and Utar both feel they can put part of that lesson to use (@Grx & @MB: You each have advantage on your next nature check that pertains to plants.)
Doozey passes the time by handing out snacks to his furry and feathery companions. Keeping an eye on the Kelemvorites (passive insight) only confirms that these are simple folk dedicated to their craft.
Eventually, they let you know that it's probably time to lead you back to the Doomguide. As the group walks toward a small chapel, Drolo feels like he can share some non-gardening specific knowledge too: "Doomguide is the title adopted by heads of clerical chapters among the faithful of Kelemvor, Faerûn's deity of death and the dead. "Doom" refers not to a bleak destiny but simply to the fact that all mortals face an end to life. Kelemvor's servants like Fedya and I ensure that the dead are properly interred and respected, and we see to the needs of the bereaved as well." Fedya adds a piece of information of her own, guessing why the party is in the cemetery: "To the Most Solemn Order of the Silent Shroud, raising a dead person as an undead creature is the most horrific sacrilege imaginable and an unforgivable violation of human sanctity."
With that, CRAP is delivered to the small chapel. Doomguide Yovir is indeed within, now wearing much plainer robes and balancing his own gardening tools on his head, similarly to when you last met him within Valhingen. His thin physique and white-streaked hair and beard are even more noticeable now that he is back in his grass-stained gray robe with twigs and leaves tangled around the frayed hem. It seems he had arrived here and had some time to spare, judging by the fact that he is sweeping leaves out of the simple stone chapel with a worn-out broom as you enter. He stops sweeping and turns his deep-set blue eyes in your direction: "I hope you don't mind me doing this small chore while we speak. I have toiled in the gardens of Valhingen for nearly 40 years now. Despite my dirty, calloused hands and my grass-stained robes, I do not plan to stop now." He nods toward Drolo and Fedya and the duo leaves CRAP with their leader. They share gracious farewells with CRAP before leaving.
Once alone with CRAP, Yovir picks up his tale from where he had left off: "Where was I? The novice that had disappeared, yes? Well, they were not the only one. Suspicions were aroused when Brother Rasoran, another Kelemvorite, vanished." He begins sweeping again "Unlike the novice, it was not possible that he would leave. Rasoran has been dedicated to the faith and to the people of Phlan for nearly 10 years. Then, Sister Bethel disappeared and was subsequently located some days ago. She was partly eaten..."He takes a deep, sorrowful breath before continuing: "That convinced me that the undead are now active once more within Valhingen. It is the duty of Kelemvorites to deal with such threats, so I recruited a few devouts and investigated the oldest section of the known catacombs. But alas, we found no undead, and were truly ill-prepared for such venture. We then temporarily sealed it until we could recruit braver folk to look deeper, I have to admit, and to prevent the foul ones from spreading inside."
He pauses for a moment and then asks: "What do you make of it?"
"Eaten you say.... Where was the body of Sister Bethel found? Was it the catacombs itself or did she flee from something and end up bleeding out after she escaped? If it is the latter we may be able to track the blood trail back to where the attack happened and get closer to these Undead."
"Presumably Sister Bethel's body has been dealt with? If not, I would interested to see her wounds, see if we can't get a better idea of what attacked her."
Utar takes a moment and adds another question following a slightly darker thought.
"Is there anyone could provide a description of Brother Rasoran?"
Doozey snaps his fingers and points to Utar. "That right there. A decent way to know the type we'd be dealing with, to say the least. And for that matter, what methods did you use to bar the way? Was it merely brick and mortar, or were some, uh.... miracles of some kind put in place to help ward off the dead in that area?" He asked frankly.
Then a moment later, as if fully just then digesting the tragedy, he awkwardly bows his head and adds, "And uh... sorry for you losses. Even if your in the business... sort of... having to deal with loss, it, uh... I can't imagine it necessarily getting any easier."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Our encounters with the undead have been thin as of late." Neya admits, "Though if memory serves, in the cases we've seen, they did not animate by themselves."
Yovir welcomes CRAP's questions, understanding that the gathering of information is an important first step in such perilous adventures.
Answering Graxx: "It is indeed a case of the latter. She had gone into the catacombs to replace flowers at the behest of some families. She must have been bitten by some foul undead creature when reaching the farthest spots we usually go to. She somehow managed to escape the attack and make her way back outside. When we reached her, it was too late. As for a blood trail, I am afraid we have already cleaned part of it. None would dare go as deeply as she went though, not after the attack, so I expect you'll still find some of blood down there."
Answering Utar:"I surmised whichever adventurers were to take on this request would ask to see the body. I am glad to hear my decision to postpone the burial rituals was well justified. I'll lead you to the corpse right after this conversation. As for Brother Rasoran, I can tell you that he was a thin human male of middle age. He came to us already a grown man, looking for a more meaningful life. He had a shaved head and a well-trimmed beard, streaked with gray. His robes were not very different from the ones I wear now."
Answering Doozey: "Thank you for your condolences. Regarding your question, I'm afraid 'sealed' might have been too strong a word. There is an iron gate at the entrance to the catacombs. Usually, we simply lock it. This time, we additionally moved some heavy objects in front of it."
Answering Neya: "I am of a similar opinion. Although I have heard of curses or desecrated grounds giving rise to undeath, these methods that lack a conduit or foul summoner are usually slow in such unholy rising. Should you find an animator of some sort, I beg you bring them to justice."
With that, Doomguide Yovir rests his broom against the wall and walks the party toward a different building. This one is also made of simple stone, though it is larger. He shows the group to a chamber that has several cold stone tables in it, plenty of tools for delicate work, cleaning agents, and even some alchemical compounds. It reminds the group of a mixture of a simple experimental laboratory and a religious ritual chamber. "This is where we take care of the bodies before interment, and under this piece of cloth, you'll find Sister Bethel."He reveals the corpse, which is incredibly pale and turning purple at the extremities. The body is nude, though the woman's private areas have been covered out of respect. There are large chunks of her hips, sides, upper left arm, and shoulder missing. It is surprising that Sister Bethel survived the initial attack judging by the damage she took.
A young woman is tending the instruments and funny-smelling liquids nearby. She is a plain-looking half-elf who appears to be in her early twenties. Yovir introduces her: "This is Acolyte Cassyt. She is well learned among us Kelemvorites, as she has spent more time in her books than in any mausoleum or garden in Valhingen. She helps mix the compounds used in the cleansing of the bodies. Feel free to ask her any questions you may." Cassyt approaches and bows. Despite the grim situation, she has a sunny disposition and a large smile on her face.
Graxx reads the handbill for the rest of CRAP to hear and likes what he sees on the piece of paper. The barbarian seems ready to agree to the job right then and there, but invites the rest of CRAP to share their opinions. Before even that; however, Graxx asks a question of his own. The Doomguide answers: "Well, if I suspected it before, now I can only be certain that these strange masks you are each wearing give you the ability to read minds." He looks surprised but does not delay his next words too long: "Indeed this hunt for foul undead creatures would take you into some of the catacombs underneath Valhingen Graveyard. Is it yet another reason I thought of your group first. If I am not mistaken, the late Brother Keefe once asked some of you to investigate a suspicious mausoleum. You have experience in this kind of work."
Utar agrees with the assessment, but sides with Doozey on the need to prioritize other matters. Neya is not so convinced, and the group suddenly faces an apparent impasse. Doozey weighs both sides of the argument and seems to eventually relent, albeit not without showing his characteristic frown. Doomguide Yovir seems to be a bit uncomfortable with the whole situation, to the point that the old man stutters a bit as he begins to answer Doozey's follow-up question: "I do not know of any such hidden pool, but neither am I a student of history. My fields of expertise are the transitioning from life to death and gardening. That said, I don't doubt many a hidden thing are to be found in Phlan. The city has been razed to and raised from the ground numerous times over the years. Many things may lie hidden in the unaccounted tunnels and ruins of the underground. The catacombs that Graxx asked about are a good example. They expand far and wide. Not even I can tell what may hide beyond the small portion of the catacombs that are still used to this day."
After a pause, the Doomguide raises both hands apologetically and says: "But alas, I did not mean to cause strife among your ranks. If you feel there are more important matters to be addressed first, please go unhindered. You can find me in the Valhingen Graveyard when you are ready, although I cannot promise these undead won't proliferate in the meantime."
Doozey's expression began to at least soften a tad seeing the Doomguide's reaction, and all the more so from the apologetic tone to voice. So, after some grumbling of his own, and plantive growls from Biscuit in the stoutling's direction, he spoke up again. "Ya didn't cause any strike, Mr., uh... Brother Yovir. It's just...." He pauses, furrowing his brows, then shakes his head. "It doesn't matter....So, we'd be heading over to the graveyard then, eh? And doing some diving deeper for this just, right? Well, I suppose its time for you to live up to your title and guide us to our next eventual doom then, isn't? Sooner the undead is dealt with, the sooner we can get back to our other business."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Coming round to agree with the rest of the party, Utar concedes.
"We can accompany you to the graveyard then Brother Yovir, if that's where you are heading now? It would give us a chance to ask a few questions about the catacombs themselves and the nature of the undead within them."
Graxx breathes a sigh of relief.
"I cannot read minds but I do believe I have been placed on this path for a reason. I am glad you came to us first."
"It sounds as if the catacombs are a veritable labyrinth in and of themselves. That said, the mausoleum you mentioned seemed to be its own isolated set of chambers. I think it stands to reason that some of the other mausoleums are also similarly separate, yes?”
Extended Signature
Yovir nods in response to Graxx's comment: "I am glad too."
The Doomguide continues nodding when Doozey asks some mostly-rhetorical questions. He even smiles a bit at the mention of being a guide to CRAP's next doom. Then, when Utar suggests that they should all follow the Doomguide to the graveyard, he nods more rapidly than before and begins to turn so he can lead the way: "Alright then. Thank you. Hmm, well... this way. We are not far from the bridge leading to Valhingen."
Yovir begins to lead the group, making sure to loop around the still present crowd as not to risk getting pelted with rotting food. Neya is the first to ask a question during the walk, and Yovir begins to give her the long version of the answer: "The graveyard, as you know, sits west and a bit north of the city, on the opposite shore of the western arm of the Stojanow River. Most of the city is on what's presumed to be an artificial island. Sometime in the dim past, Phlan's original builders dug a canal to split the Stojanow River into the two channels at its mouth, with the two branches flowing around the city like a moat. A bridge near the gate at Podol Plaza crosses the river a short distance from the graveyard, as you are well aware. That's so the mourners can walk to the cemetery easily; and the cemetery itself is quite mesmerizing. It is a beautiful garden of statues, tended plants, trees, mausoleums, and headstones. The condition of the graveyard is entirely pristine, if I may say so myself, thanks to the tireless work of us Kelemvorites who tend it. Phlan has been the site of a city for over 1,000 years. It's experienced so many cycles of growth and collapse, of prosperity and destruction, that it's impossible to estimate accurately how many people have lived here and subsequently been interred in Valhingen. A conservative estimate puts the number at well over 100,000 but that estimate could easily be two, three, or even five times that many." He catches himself and jest: "I guess I am a bit of a history student after all."
Sensing himself going on too long a tangent, Yovir tries to correct his path somewhat: "Valhingen is large, but so many bodies couldn't possibly be buried there in individual graves and family mausoleums. As you suspect, these are indeed separate form the catacombs. Most of the departed are interred in catacombs beneath the graveyard, nonetheless. The catacombs are nearly as old as the city, and their full extent is unknown even to the most senior of Kelemvorites... Well, I guess that would be me these days. Anyhow, they extend well beyond the boundary of the graveyard in every direction, including under the city. Several of the major temples and fortifications in Phlan were known to have entrances of their own, but most of these were sealed during times when undead were a larger and ever present threat in these parts. If any but one of them remain open, I'd wager no one living in Phlan today knows of them. The only entrance that's known to still be open is the Cloister of Kelemvor in Valhingen Graveyard, and only those galleries directly connected to it are still used for burials."
By the time he finishes his answer, the group is already crossing the bridge he was talking about. "We'll talk about the details of the quest once we are inside the cemetery. Is there any other question I can answer before we arrive there?"
While not exactly enthused initially by the idea of a "side quest", Doozey never let his attention really waver from the story along the way to their destination. Even as it bled into a tangent, the hunter had his eyes forward, but brows almost ever furrowed as if in deep consideration or plannning.
"You... mentioned the undead having been a fair bit of a problem in the past, and were why other entrances -- as far as you are aware at least -- have been closed. I heard that right, yes?" He pauses, sideyeing Yovir. "Any relevant tales about those instances? As in, particular families or people having had a vested interest in raising the dead once? Or perhaps noteable outside force among the many disasters having had a knack for mucking about with the undead?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"How did you come to know about this surge of undead activity? Did any Kelemvorites go down there recently?" Neya asks to confirm.
Extended Signature
Graxx ears perk up at the mention of Old Temples.
"I found out recently there used to be a decent amount of Tempus followers in town long ago. By any chance did one of these old Temples be a Temple to Tempus? If so, do you have any idea what direction the Tempus Temple was?"
Yovir notices that Doozey's attention clung to the mention of past undead risings. He doesn't seem to think that's too relevant to his current situation: "I meant long ago, over the last century. Yes, within the last 100 years Valhingen Graveyard has gone from being overrun with undead to the statuesque place of rest it is today. In fact, it is some of the reason Kelemvorites have such a large presence in Phlan now. We moved in partially to deal with the undead threat back them, but it seems much of our might dwindled once the undead were dealt with. But I am afraid that's all I know of those times. Just broad strokes, I fear. I have no details such as the ones you ask."
Turning next to Graxx, the Doomguide says: "Yes, I believe you are right in saying Tempus used to have a temple in town, but I do not know where it was located. It must be many years, and perhaps even further away in the past than the arrival of the Kelemvorites, since Tempus' presence in this town has become just a footnote in history... no offense meant."
When Neya brings the conversation back to more recent times, Yovir shares the first bit of the information he meant to share only once within the cemetery (you are close now anyway): "A novice Kelemvorite disappeared about a month ago. I was initially unconcerned, as the life of a Kelemvorite is known to be difficult. Giving away all temptations in life and dedicating oneself to the rest of those who have passed is not a career for many, even for some who initially believe so. Many an acolyte have changed their minds and left Valhingen. Those who cannot accommodate this selfless life simply leave, or perhaps look for other ways to aim their ambition, much like Brother Keefe and his secretive involvement with the Lords' Alliance."
It looks like Doomguide Yovir has more to share, but he pauses his tale upon arrival at the Valhingen Graveyard. He leads the group inside and walks across the cemetery while greeting many of the faithful, who are tending the many gardens. Valhingen looks more like a park than a cemetery and stands in stark contrast to the ramshackle, half-built portions of Phlan. Gravel walkways wend between tall trees, well-tended beds of shrubs and flowers, sturdy mausoleums, and rows of headstones, monuments, and commemorative statues. The path that Yovir walks takes the party near a man and a woman dressed in simple, home-spun gray robes. They are trimming shrubs and pulling weeds from between gravestones. He turns to CRAP and says: "I kindly ask for your patience. I feel dreadfully uncomfortable in these ceremonial robes and would prefer to change into my usual attire before delving into more details. These here are Brother Drolo and Sister Fedya. They will keep you company in the meantime and lead you to meet me again in a few minutes."
With that, Doomguide Yovir excuses himself and Drolo and Fedya step forward. They clean their earth-stained hands in their gray robes and extend them in greeting. Drolo speaks first: "It shouldn't be long before we can lead you back to the Doomsguide again." Fedya follows: "We are happy to talk about our work in the cemetery if that will help pass the time?"
Graxx frowns at a bit but knew his journey wouldn't be so simple to know where the Tempus Temple was. Graxx gives a smile to Drolo and Fedya
"Sure. Yes, you must take great pride in your work based on how great this place looks."
Utar nods approvingly. "It seems Yovir isn't the only one with green thumbs around here. Got any tips for a bunch of novice gardeners?"
Doozey nods in greeting to the pair, but stood back and let the others converse, seeing not much need to question them. Not yet, at least. Though, while idly feeding Biscuit and Gravy some treats for their good behavior, the stoutling ever kept an eye on the pair, searching for any signs of deception or mischief.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya takes an appreciative look around the immediate area in the cemetery.
Perception (not to look for anything in particular, just to let Drolo’s and Freya’s hard work has not gone unnoticed): 19
Extended Signature
Drolo and Fedya are delighted to see that your group is interested in their craft, with the slight exception being Doozey. The pair spends a few minutes showing you some of their nearby floral arrangements and specific earthen mixtures that supposedly do wonders for plants with fibrous roots. Fedya takes special notice of the attention that Neya is giving them, and presents her with a strange-looking piece of root (1 dose). She spends some time explaining how to use it and its digestive properties.
Drolo also gives out some excellent advice on how to treat plants and grow your own garden. Graxx and Utar both feel they can put part of that lesson to use (@Grx & @MB: You each have advantage on your next nature check that pertains to plants.)
Doozey passes the time by handing out snacks to his furry and feathery companions. Keeping an eye on the Kelemvorites (passive insight) only confirms that these are simple folk dedicated to their craft.
Eventually, they let you know that it's probably time to lead you back to the Doomguide. As the group walks toward a small chapel, Drolo feels like he can share some non-gardening specific knowledge too: "Doomguide is the title adopted by heads of clerical chapters among the faithful of Kelemvor, Faerûn's deity of death and the dead. "Doom" refers not to a bleak destiny but simply to the fact that all mortals face an end to life. Kelemvor's servants like Fedya and I ensure that the dead are properly interred and respected, and we see to the needs of the bereaved as well." Fedya adds a piece of information of her own, guessing why the party is in the cemetery: "To the Most Solemn Order of the Silent Shroud, raising a dead person as an undead creature is the most horrific sacrilege imaginable and an unforgivable violation of human sanctity."
With that, CRAP is delivered to the small chapel. Doomguide Yovir is indeed within, now wearing much plainer robes and balancing his own gardening tools on his head, similarly to when you last met him within Valhingen. His thin physique and white-streaked hair and beard are even more noticeable now that he is back in his grass-stained gray robe with twigs and leaves tangled around the frayed hem. It seems he had arrived here and had some time to spare, judging by the fact that he is sweeping leaves out of the simple stone chapel with a worn-out broom as you enter. He stops sweeping and turns his deep-set blue eyes in your direction: "I hope you don't mind me doing this small chore while we speak. I have toiled in the gardens of Valhingen for nearly 40 years now. Despite my dirty, calloused hands and my grass-stained robes, I do not plan to stop now." He nods toward Drolo and Fedya and the duo leaves CRAP with their leader. They share gracious farewells with CRAP before leaving.
Once alone with CRAP, Yovir picks up his tale from where he had left off: "Where was I? The novice that had disappeared, yes? Well, they were not the only one. Suspicions were aroused when Brother Rasoran, another Kelemvorite, vanished." He begins sweeping again "Unlike the novice, it was not possible that he would leave. Rasoran has been dedicated to the faith and to the people of Phlan for nearly 10 years. Then, Sister Bethel disappeared and was subsequently located some days ago. She was partly eaten..." He takes a deep, sorrowful breath before continuing: "That convinced me that the undead are now active once more within Valhingen. It is the duty of Kelemvorites to deal with such threats, so I recruited a few devouts and investigated the oldest section of the known catacombs. But alas, we found no undead, and were truly ill-prepared for such venture. We then temporarily sealed it until we could recruit braver folk to look deeper, I have to admit, and to prevent the foul ones from spreading inside."
He pauses for a moment and then asks: "What do you make of it?"
Graxx puts his hand to his chin.
"Eaten you say.... Where was the body of Sister Bethel found? Was it the catacombs itself or did she flee from something and end up bleeding out after she escaped? If it is the latter we may be able to track the blood trail back to where the attack happened and get closer to these Undead."
"Presumably Sister Bethel's body has been dealt with? If not, I would interested to see her wounds, see if we can't get a better idea of what attacked her."
Utar takes a moment and adds another question following a slightly darker thought.
"Is there anyone could provide a description of Brother Rasoran?"
Doozey snaps his fingers and points to Utar. "That right there. A decent way to know the type we'd be dealing with, to say the least. And for that matter, what methods did you use to bar the way? Was it merely brick and mortar, or were some, uh.... miracles of some kind put in place to help ward off the dead in that area?" He asked frankly.
Then a moment later, as if fully just then digesting the tragedy, he awkwardly bows his head and adds, "And uh... sorry for you losses. Even if your in the business... sort of... having to deal with loss, it, uh... I can't imagine it necessarily getting any easier."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Our encounters with the undead have been thin as of late." Neya admits, "Though if memory serves, in the cases we've seen, they did not animate by themselves."
Extended Signature
Yovir welcomes CRAP's questions, understanding that the gathering of information is an important first step in such perilous adventures.
Answering Graxx: "It is indeed a case of the latter. She had gone into the catacombs to replace flowers at the behest of some families. She must have been bitten by some foul undead creature when reaching the farthest spots we usually go to. She somehow managed to escape the attack and make her way back outside. When we reached her, it was too late. As for a blood trail, I am afraid we have already cleaned part of it. None would dare go as deeply as she went though, not after the attack, so I expect you'll still find some of blood down there."
Answering Utar: "I surmised whichever adventurers were to take on this request would ask to see the body. I am glad to hear my decision to postpone the burial rituals was well justified. I'll lead you to the corpse right after this conversation. As for Brother Rasoran, I can tell you that he was a thin human male of middle age. He came to us already a grown man, looking for a more meaningful life. He had a shaved head and a well-trimmed beard, streaked with gray. His robes were not very different from the ones I wear now."
Answering Doozey: "Thank you for your condolences. Regarding your question, I'm afraid 'sealed' might have been too strong a word. There is an iron gate at the entrance to the catacombs. Usually, we simply lock it. This time, we additionally moved some heavy objects in front of it."
Answering Neya: "I am of a similar opinion. Although I have heard of curses or desecrated grounds giving rise to undeath, these methods that lack a conduit or foul summoner are usually slow in such unholy rising. Should you find an animator of some sort, I beg you bring them to justice."
With that, Doomguide Yovir rests his broom against the wall and walks the party toward a different building. This one is also made of simple stone, though it is larger. He shows the group to a chamber that has several cold stone tables in it, plenty of tools for delicate work, cleaning agents, and even some alchemical compounds. It reminds the group of a mixture of a simple experimental laboratory and a religious ritual chamber. "This is where we take care of the bodies before interment, and under this piece of cloth, you'll find Sister Bethel." He reveals the corpse, which is incredibly pale and turning purple at the extremities. The body is nude, though the woman's private areas have been covered out of respect. There are large chunks of her hips, sides, upper left arm, and shoulder missing. It is surprising that Sister Bethel survived the initial attack judging by the damage she took.
A young woman is tending the instruments and funny-smelling liquids nearby. She is a plain-looking half-elf who appears to be in her early twenties. Yovir introduces her: "This is Acolyte Cassyt. She is well learned among us Kelemvorites, as she has spent more time in her books than in any mausoleum or garden in Valhingen. She helps mix the compounds used in the cleansing of the bodies. Feel free to ask her any questions you may." Cassyt approaches and bows. Despite the grim situation, she has a sunny disposition and a large smile on her face.