Tumal looks pensive as Casmenos speaks. "I, too, must claim ignorance. However, there are powers higher than ours which must realize your plight, for at least two of us have been brought to you from afar."
Marrow stands at the back of the group, listening and following the conversation but happy to let others take the lead. Noting the doomguide's references to the graveyard's past of 'abominations below' and 'house of horrors', he keeps a watchful eye on his surroundings.
The Doomguide fixes you with a stare, but you may have caught a fleteing softening around the eyes. "We have no need for lawyers. When we serve the Judge of All. It is our duty to see to the balance for the liviing, and Kelemvor sees to the balance thereafter. No, I ask what not what you know, but all of you, what you are willing to risk, and why?"
He takes a moment to regard the smallest of your gathering.
"After all, we see many visitors pass the gates of Valhingen, but, hooded or not, this is the first time I have counted a Kobold amongst the pilgrims. What say you, tiny Dragonfriend?"
Keksi answers: "I am here on a quest to commune with the spirits, as part of my training as a shaman of the Rothkik tribe. I am not afraid; the spirits of the dead need release and I hear the call."
Casmenos pleads his answer, "I have two things: my life and my oath. If I ignore or break my oath to protect my life, then I have no purpose to go on living. Risking my life is a necessity in my service to Kelemvor. I have trained and I have abilities to preserve not only my life, but all life as I pursue the reclamation of the souls harbored by the undead."
Marrow looks curiously at Kelvin, then says I seek to use the skills I have learned to protect others and make a difference. I have no special mission against the undead, save that they would do harm to innocents.
The Doomguide nods and claps his hands to shake off the soil.“I spoke of the century of service, and how we eliminated the abominations below.We have reason to believe that they may have returned, and we have been unable to locate the source.”
"About a month ago, a novice disappeared. This was not of great concern, as the life of a Kelemvorite is hard, and requires sacrifice. It seemed likely he was one of the many initiates who left, deciding the life was not for them . Shortly thereafter, Brother Rasoran also vanished. It is not possible he would leave; he has been dedicated to the faith and to the people of Phlan for almost a decade." When he picks up a small blade to trim branches, his speech comes just as clipped.
"Some of the Kelemvorites, including myself, have investigated the oldest catacombs and found no undead. Just in case, we sealed them, to prevent contamination. Then finally, Sister Bethel disappeared. We found her 12 days ago. She had been partially eaten. Clearly, there is something stirring underneath, and, just as clearly, we have been unable to discern the extent of the danger by ourselves. That is the danger those we hire must face, and return."
He looks across the group of you, as if expecting questions or at least replies.
"A fair inquiry," Doomguide Yorvir offers from his gardening perch. "Should you accept the terms of the contract, I assure you that you will see where she was found. Until then, I am afraid I cannot answer that particular question."
Taken aback, Casmenos asks, "What are these terms? And why would that information even be withheld? Anyone that asks should be provided this information, so they may make the choice to approach the location or keep a distance from it."
Yorvir's eyes narrow. "The area is well guarded - quarantined, if you will. Nobody can approach it on accident, or even on purpose without one of the Faithful as an escort. We take our duties to the citizens deadly seriously."
"The terms are simple - find the undead threat, and end it. For this this the Kelemvorites will pay the sum of 100 gold pieces, and what help we can spare."
Bastian pipes in. "It's honest work for a noble cause. And that...should cover costs for the task at hand." The words come forth with only the slightest hint of pained disappointment.
Puzzled, Casmenos agrees, "Doomguide, if you want us to first agree to accept payment, then I will accept on my behalf. That seems like an odd request to demand before answering questions."
"Casmenos, I fear you misunderstand," begins the Doomguide. "I will answer any questions you have, without hesitation - except for the location. Please, ask any questions you have, and we will provide answers or assistance as you inquire. When you are satisfied, I will see you escorted to where the task begins.
I'm sorry for the loss of your colleagues, sir, says Marrow, walking forward and trying to catch the priest's attention. But we do need to ask some questions. You mentioned that one of their bodies was recovered partially eaten. Was the body examined to determine what type of creature may have bitten it?
Tumal looks pensive as Casmenos speaks. "I, too, must claim ignorance. However, there are powers higher than ours which must realize your plight, for at least two of us have been brought to you from afar."
Marrow stands at the back of the group, listening and following the conversation but happy to let others take the lead. Noting the doomguide's references to the graveyard's past of 'abominations below' and 'house of horrors', he keeps a watchful eye on his surroundings.
Kelvin speaks up, "Trials? You don't need me, you need a lawyer!"
Liarin: Against the Cult of the Reptile God
Adewild: Shadows and Light 2
Brother Thaddeus: Rime of the Frostmaiden.
The Doomguide fixes you with a stare, but you may have caught a fleteing softening around the eyes. "We have no need for lawyers. When we serve the Judge of All. It is our duty to see to the balance for the liviing, and Kelemvor sees to the balance thereafter. No, I ask what not what you know, but all of you, what you are willing to risk, and why?"
He takes a moment to regard the smallest of your gathering.
"After all, we see many visitors pass the gates of Valhingen, but, hooded or not, this is the first time I have counted a Kobold amongst the pilgrims. What say you, tiny Dragonfriend?"
Keksi answers: "I am here on a quest to commune with the spirits, as part of my training as a shaman of the Rothkik tribe. I am not afraid; the spirits of the dead need release and I hear the call."
Casmenos pleads his answer, "I have two things: my life and my oath. If I ignore or break my oath to protect my life, then I have no purpose to go on living. Risking my life is a necessity in my service to Kelemvor. I have trained and I have abilities to preserve not only my life, but all life as I pursue the reclamation of the souls harbored by the undead."
Kelvin grows lucid and speaks. "I risk my life and the tenuous hold I have on reality I have come here for a purpose."
Liarin: Against the Cult of the Reptile God
Adewild: Shadows and Light 2
Brother Thaddeus: Rime of the Frostmaiden.
Marrow looks curiously at Kelvin, then says I seek to use the skills I have learned to protect others and make a difference. I have no special mission against the undead, save that they would do harm to innocents.
The Doomguide nods and claps his hands to shake off the soil. “I spoke of the century of service, and how we eliminated the abominations below. We have reason to believe that they may have returned, and we have been unable to locate the source.”
"About a month ago, a novice disappeared. This was not of great concern, as the life of a Kelemvorite is hard, and requires sacrifice. It seemed likely he was one of the many initiates who left, deciding the life was not for them . Shortly thereafter, Brother Rasoran also vanished. It is not possible he would leave; he has been dedicated to the faith and to the people of Phlan for almost a decade." When he picks up a small blade to trim branches, his speech comes just as clipped.
"Some of the Kelemvorites, including myself, have investigated the oldest catacombs and found no undead. Just in case, we sealed them, to prevent contamination. Then finally, Sister Bethel disappeared. We found her 12 days ago. She had been partially eaten. Clearly, there is something stirring underneath, and, just as clearly, we have been unable to discern the extent of the danger by ourselves. That is the danger those we hire must face, and return."
He looks across the group of you, as if expecting questions or at least replies.
Getting directly to the point, Casmenos asks, "Where was Sister Bethel found? Near or in one of these catacombs?"
"A fair inquiry," Doomguide Yorvir offers from his gardening perch. "Should you accept the terms of the contract, I assure you that you will see where she was found. Until then, I am afraid I cannot answer that particular question."
Taken aback, Casmenos asks, "What are these terms? And why would that information even be withheld? Anyone that asks should be provided this information, so they may make the choice to approach the location or keep a distance from it."
Yorvir's eyes narrow. "The area is well guarded - quarantined, if you will. Nobody can approach it on accident, or even on purpose without one of the Faithful as an escort. We take our duties to the citizens deadly seriously."
"The terms are simple - find the undead threat, and end it. For this this the Kelemvorites will pay the sum of 100 gold pieces, and what help we can spare."
Bastian pipes in. "It's honest work for a noble cause. And that...should cover costs for the task at hand." The words come forth with only the slightest hint of pained disappointment.
Puzzled, Casmenos agrees, "Doomguide, if you want us to first agree to accept payment, then I will accept on my behalf. That seems like an odd request to demand before answering questions."
Ralotumal nods once, his hand brushing the white crystal held to his throat by the black band. "I am at your disposal."
"I accept your terms, Doomguide. I will aid you in this endeavor." Bastian glances towards the others in the group.
"Casmenos, I fear you misunderstand," begins the Doomguide. "I will answer any questions you have, without hesitation - except for the location. Please, ask any questions you have, and we will provide answers or assistance as you inquire. When you are satisfied, I will see you escorted to where the task begins.
I'm sorry for the loss of your colleagues, sir, says Marrow, walking forward and trying to catch the priest's attention. But we do need to ask some questions. You mentioned that one of their bodies was recovered partially eaten. Was the body examined to determine what type of creature may have bitten it?
"Also, could you tell if the body was bitten while alive, or after death? Better yet, do you know the cause of death?"