With a small nod and welcoming smile, Elaric gestures to an open chair. "Well met. Please, join us. The fire is warm, the food is delicious, and I think I speak for all when I say you have an attentive audience; we would know more about our newest companion, if you are willing."
Wendell nods in agreement, "After our last business with Lord Van Der Wuulf's estate, we welcome the help. Have you worked for him before? His letter spoke of some longstanding friendship between your houses."
I have not worked for him or with him before; in truth, this is the first contact he and I have had. However, our respective houses have long been allied, and worked together quite closely in the past, before the internal dissension that has torn his family apart. Finding myself in his vicinity, and knowing something of the troubles that have plagued his family in recent times, I offered him my sword in recognition of the long alliance and in hopes of aiding the restoration of his fortunes.
Skoth studies the newcomer intently. Though he is naturally suspicious of strangers he is interested in what new happening will arise from Sir Marius' new problem.
Elaric engages Balasar in small talk about his background (enough to learn the details Kennedy posted on the FB page), but otherwise seeks no specific topic before eventually retiring to ensure his spells are prepared for what adventure may await.
The next evening, the party joins Sir Maurius in the dining hall of his modest manor in the city of Adaern, just three streets away from the public house where they have been boarding. After a refreshing repast by candlelight, the dishes are cleared away, the wine is poured, the minstrels are dismissed, and Sir Maurius rises to address the room.
“Good sirs,” he says. “Please allow me to call upon your courage, ingenuity, and admirable sangfroid in the face of the unknown. Horror has struck once again, not in some remote province, but in the heart of this very city. There has been murder done, and that most gruesome. Two days ago, in the catacomb below the temple of Lathander, the priests discovered the mutilated body of a young acolyte. The corpse was covered with wounds obviously inflicted by the teeth and claws of some beast - or demon - and much of the flesh was missing, indicating that the unfortunate young man had been partially eaten before being discovered.
"The catacomb was immediately sealed, and city guards have been placed at the entrance both of the tomb and of the temple. The populace knows nothing of this - only the priests, the guard, and the ruling council, of which I am the second chair. Nevertheless, the acolyte’s disappearance and the guards’ activity must inevitably lead to rumors. Word has been sent to the hierarchy of Lathander to dispatch a cleric to investigate the possibility of demonic or undead activity, but it is unknown when - or whether - any help will arrive.
"If, prior to clerical intervention, I can offer my own assistance and deliver the city from this terror, my prestige and the good name of Van Der Wuulf will benefit, earning the gratitude of the people and the council. And as my fortunes rise, gentlemen, so shall yours.
If you agree to act in my name in investigating this matter, I will grant you my seal, which will gain you entrance to the catacomb. If you discover and destroy whatever monstrosity committed this butchery, you shall receive twice the reward of your last adventure, as well as the favor of the whole city. What say you?”
[The party may respond in any order. Every party member must accept - or reject - the proffered adventure before the story moves on. Feel free to ask questions.]
Wendell looks around and after a moment's hesitation clears his throat, "Lord Van Der Wuulf, I for one am inclined to investigate. Would it be possible to speak to the Abbot and the guards before we enter the tombs?"
"Of course. I will provide you with a list of temple and guard personnel who know anything about this matter, including the priests who discovered the body. We should be able to arrange meetings with any you wish to speak with prior to entering the catacomb."
I, too, would take this matter in hand, replies Balasar.
Is it quite clear that the acolyte was slain and his body mutilated where it was found, or is there some possibility that the death or desecration occurred somewhere other than where the remains of the unfortunate were discovered? Furthermore, is his corpse still undisturbed where it was found, or has it been moved or otherwise had its condition altered by investigators?
"Aside from the fact that the priests discovered the body in the catacombs, I can tell you little. I believe the young man had been sent into the crypt to perform some minor ritual function, and was discovered dead many hours later. After the proper rites, the corpse was interred in the old graveyard across the road from the temple grounds."
With a quick glance around at his fellow companions, Elaric replies, "I am both intrigued and saddened by this death. I will certainly lend what aid I may to the investigation. While we shall ask the priests for details presently, I would like to know about the acolyte who was slain. What was his name? Also, are you aware of anything unique or unusual about his duties or station?" With a thoughtful pause, he adds in an aside to Balasar, "Perhaps we should take precautions against trouble in the graveyard."
"Off-hand? Perhaps a potection spell. Or if the priests have the ability to consecrate the grave or body, such an act may help - I have to believe Lathander, who abhors undead as well as being a beacon of good, grants his most devout followers such an ability. Failing all else, a spell to detect evil might at least give us notice of any dark happenings."
Any party member may ask questions or make a suggestion.
If at least three party members declare they are satisfied with what they have learned and ready to move on, the story can continue. Non-respondents are assumed to simply be going along with whatever the party decides.
With a quick glance around at his fellow companions, Elaric replies, "I am both intrigued and saddened by this death. I will certainly lend what aid I may to the investigation. While we shall ask the priests for details presently, I would like to know about the acolyte who was slain. What was his name? Also, are you aware of anything unique or unusual about his duties or station?" With a thoughtful pause, he adds in an aside to Balasar, "Perhaps we should take precautions against trouble in the graveyard."
"His name was Tural Neven, seventeen years of age. Third son of a family of freeholding farmers out in the north country. Brought to the city five years ago to be put in care of the temple, apprenticing to the priesthood. From what I know, his duties included keeping the lamps lit and the floors swept in the catacomb, clearing the cobwebs, that sort of thing. I hate to say it, but his having no family and few friends in the city has been a cruel blessing, since we've been able to keep the manner of his death under wraps."
With a small nod and welcoming smile, Elaric gestures to an open chair. "Well met. Please, join us. The fire is warm, the food is delicious, and I think I speak for all when I say you have an attentive audience; we would know more about our newest companion, if you are willing."
End Elaric's turn.
Wendell nods in agreement, "After our last business with Lord Van Der Wuulf's estate, we welcome the help. Have you worked for him before? His letter spoke of some longstanding friendship between your houses."
I have not worked for him or with him before; in truth, this is the first contact he and I have had. However, our respective houses have long been allied, and worked together quite closely in the past, before the internal dissension that has torn his family apart. Finding myself in his vicinity, and knowing something of the troubles that have plagued his family in recent times, I offered him my sword in recognition of the long alliance and in hopes of aiding the restoration of his fortunes.
Skoth studies the newcomer intently. Though he is naturally suspicious of strangers he is interested in what new happening will arise from Sir Marius' new problem.
End Skoth's Turn
As he answers Wendell's question, Balasar sits down at the table and starts eating his supper.
End Balasar's turn.
Satisfied for the moment, Wendell returns to his meal and begins considering the spells that might be needed for tomorrow's meeting.
End Wendell's turn.
Elaric engages Balasar in small talk about his background (enough to learn the details Kennedy posted on the FB page), but otherwise seeks no specific topic before eventually retiring to ensure his spells are prepared for what adventure may await.
End turn (again).
Unless any of the party have further questions or actions, the narrative will resume with your briefing from Sir Maurius.
The adventure will continue tomorrow, 10/09/18.
The next evening, the party joins Sir Maurius in the dining hall of his modest manor in the city of Adaern, just three streets away from the public house where they have been boarding. After a refreshing repast by candlelight, the dishes are cleared away, the wine is poured, the minstrels are dismissed, and Sir Maurius rises to address the room.
“Good sirs,” he says. “Please allow me to call upon your courage, ingenuity, and admirable sangfroid in the face of the unknown. Horror has struck once again, not in some remote province, but in the heart of this very city. There has been murder done, and that most gruesome. Two days ago, in the catacomb below the temple of Lathander, the priests discovered the mutilated body of a young acolyte. The corpse was covered with wounds obviously inflicted by the teeth and claws of some beast - or demon - and much of the flesh was missing, indicating that the unfortunate young man had been partially eaten before being discovered.
"The catacomb was immediately sealed, and city guards have been placed at the entrance both of the tomb and of the temple. The populace knows nothing of this - only the priests, the guard, and the ruling council, of which I am the second chair. Nevertheless, the acolyte’s disappearance and the guards’ activity must inevitably lead to rumors. Word has been sent to the hierarchy of Lathander to dispatch a cleric to investigate the possibility of demonic or undead activity, but it is unknown when - or whether - any help will arrive.
"If, prior to clerical intervention, I can offer my own assistance and deliver the city from this terror, my prestige and the good name of Van Der Wuulf will benefit, earning the gratitude of the people and the council. And as my fortunes rise, gentlemen, so shall yours.
If you agree to act in my name in investigating this matter, I will grant you my seal, which will gain you entrance to the catacomb. If you discover and destroy whatever monstrosity committed this butchery, you shall receive twice the reward of your last adventure, as well as the favor of the whole city. What say you?”
[The party may respond in any order. Every party member must accept - or reject - the proffered adventure before the story moves on. Feel free to ask questions.]
Wendell looks around and after a moment's hesitation clears his throat, "Lord Van Der Wuulf, I for one am inclined to investigate. Would it be possible to speak to the Abbot and the guards before we enter the tombs?"
Sir Marius gives a sharp nod.
"Of course. I will provide you with a list of temple and guard personnel who know anything about this matter, including the priests who discovered the body. We should be able to arrange meetings with any you wish to speak with prior to entering the catacomb."
I, too, would take this matter in hand, replies Balasar.
Is it quite clear that the acolyte was slain and his body mutilated where it was found, or is there some possibility that the death or desecration occurred somewhere other than where the remains of the unfortunate were discovered? Furthermore, is his corpse still undisturbed where it was found, or has it been moved or otherwise had its condition altered by investigators?
"Aside from the fact that the priests discovered the body in the catacombs, I can tell you little. I believe the young man had been sent into the crypt to perform some minor ritual function, and was discovered dead many hours later. After the proper rites, the corpse was interred in the old graveyard across the road from the temple grounds."
And no unusual activity has been noted in the graveyard since that time?
"None that I have heard of...but the priests will know more."
With a quick glance around at his fellow companions, Elaric replies, "I am both intrigued and saddened by this death. I will certainly lend what aid I may to the investigation. While we shall ask the priests for details presently, I would like to know about the acolyte who was slain. What was his name? Also, are you aware of anything unique or unusual about his duties or station?" With a thoughtful pause, he adds in an aside to Balasar, "Perhaps we should take precautions against trouble in the graveyard."
Wendell looks quizzically at Elaric, "Do you have something particular in mind?"
"Off-hand? Perhaps a potection spell. Or if the priests have the ability to consecrate the grave or body, such an act may help - I have to believe Lathander, who abhors undead as well as being a beacon of good, grants his most devout followers such an ability. Failing all else, a spell to detect evil might at least give us notice of any dark happenings."
Any party member may ask questions or make a suggestion.
If at least three party members declare they are satisfied with what they have learned and ready to move on, the story can continue. Non-respondents are assumed to simply be going along with whatever the party decides.
"His name was Tural Neven, seventeen years of age. Third son of a family of freeholding farmers out in the north country. Brought to the city five years ago to be put in care of the temple, apprenticing to the priesthood. From what I know, his duties included keeping the lamps lit and the floors swept in the catacomb, clearing the cobwebs, that sort of thing. I hate to say it, but his having no family and few friends in the city has been a cruel blessing, since we've been able to keep the manner of his death under wraps."