Dues for the Dead (DM Lerus)

It becomes immediately obvious that CRAP feels betrayed by the acolyte. Doozey remains silent, though his eyes speak volumes. Biscuit can't help but show that he is hurt. Utar makes sure to add much needed detail to Cassyt's short version of accounts, while Graxx loses his poise and becomes confrontational. It is only after much of this has passed that the calm and wise voice of Doomguide Yovir takes over the discussion.

"It is clear that much has happened in the catacombs. Much evil must have been found inside, and much has been done to correct that. I am especially thankful to the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party for returning Brother Rasoran's remains. This means more than you can know to us Kelemvorites." The old man and his long beard turn to Cassyt: "You have surely played your part in this quest, and evidently learned plenty. That said, it sounds there is much left for you to learn. There will be no chains or unwelcome rituals performed here. Emotions are surfacing effervescently at the moment and no wise decisions can come of it. We should all remember we are on the same side here." He never strays away from his calm tone and respectful demeanor: "Please go treat your wounds and find some rest in your abode, young Cassyt. I'll speak with you soon."

He then turns to face CRAP again: "As for you, please accept my invitation to follow me inside. You could use some cleaning and changing of bandages yourselves, and I would very much like to hear of your adventure below in more detail over a simple but ample dinner. The sun will be coming down soon, and you are welcome to stay the night as well."

Cassyt's facial expressions change several times during this discussion. She had remained mostly silent while the other were talking, but her face clearly traveled the gamut of human emotions in just a few minutes, including fear, pride, disappointment, guilt, righteousness, anger, and more. She does as asked and leaves for her own abode. Drolo and Fedya, the two other gardening acolytes CRAP had met earlier today, accompany Cassyt upon Yovir's request.

(OOC: Should the group accept the invitation we can skip to dinner, which would take place after the group cleans themselves and changes their bandages -> i.e. the equivalent of a short rest if you'd like. Feel free to let me know if you want to do or say anything else now, or during the rest.)

 There were  few moments following Utar's standing up for him and Graxx' outburst that even made Doozey's devil-may-care attitude falter, if but in subtle ways. A mix of confusion, surprise, appreciation, and a few less understood feelings having arose in short order. Yet with Brother Yovir speaking up and directing things in favorably neutral route, any cracks in the stoutling's demeanor is shortly sealed behind an again more passive veneer.

Biscuit, despite having achieved a state of enlightenment, hardly built up any such a resilence, and wore his heart on his sleeves. Which is why when it became clear the mastiff remain torn between following along and or going after Cassyt, Doozey sighed and ruffled Biscuit's furry head. "Go on then, but be discrete about it. Doubt she's much of mood to see any member of the team right now." He whispered to the beast. At that point, unless Yovir or the rest opted to interfere, the mastiff "boofed" in approval, before padding off to go track down and keep an eye on Cassyt.

Biscuit Stealth: 18.

As for Doozey, he kept on with the rest, enjoying the offering of respite, if only get his head back in order. If any wished to go further into the tale of their venture, he is also sure to help fill in the gaps... and in his own way, remind the party to perhaps seek Brother Yovir's advise about the items acquired along the way. "Sorry to ask this as well, but... when you have a chance to as well, could you passed along everything that's been going on so far to the right ears, Brother Yovir? Just in case, we uh... don't quite make it back after our next dive down."

Neya accepts Doomguide Yovir's invitation, more than willing to give him a more complete picture of what had happened in the catacombs.

(OOC: Again, I'm assuming some of the details discussed in the OOC Chat are receiving the group's green light here in the in-game thread.)

Biscuit's preference to go reconcile with Cassyt in some shape earns a smile from Yovir: "A wiser beast than us, it seems."

Yovir than leads CRAP to a small but cozy area where they can wash themselves, treat their wounds further if need be, and rest a bit while supper is prepared. The Doomguide then excuses himself for the duration of the rest.

A smaller windowless room is prepared for the still unconscious kobold. Acolytes make sure to remove any sort of item in the room that could be potentially used to aid in the creature's escape. Only a bed and a chamber pot are left in there, as well as some food. The door is locked and the simple key is given to CRAP so they can best decide when to approach the prisoner again.

(OOC: Feel free to take another short rest if needed. We know that Graxx purposefully does not study or practice with the new axe.)

FAST-FORWARDING TO SUPPER

A simple but ample meal is served for CRAP and Doomguide Yovir, with a sixth spot at the table left unoccupied.The served food includes boiled eggs, dried beetroot, an assortment of buckwheat and rye biscuits, and some soft cheese. Mead from a barrel is the only option for drink, unless someone prefers water from one of the garden wells. 

Yovir is the last one to enter the room. After some prayers of gratitude for the meal about to be had and the mostly successful expedition into the catacombs, the Doomguide invites CRAP to dig in. After all have served themselves as they wish and had the opportunity to at least begin eating a bit, Yovir brings up the topic of the underground quest once more: "I would like to kindly ask you to share your versions of the account. Know that I am not here to pass judgement on your actions, but I would like to know the details of the quest. You should also know that I have spent the last several minutes listening to Cassyt's account. Please, share what you will."

Biscuit has not returned yet.

(OOC: At this point, it might be easier to just highlight what you don't want to share with Yovir, if anything. We can certainly RP this as well, and he'll certainly have some questions for you, but if you rather not have to type all the initial recounting that is fine too.)

Utar has no reason not to trust Yovir. He therefore has no reason to omit any detail from their to into the catacombs, especially as Cassyt has already given her version of events, painting CRAP as black hearted, craven mercenaries intent on grave robbing and using the darkest of magics to achieve their ends.

He is also sure to pass the ersatz eye he received from the half of Welcomer back to Yovir.

OOC: Graxx also tells the truth of all accounts.

Graxx reaches into his backpack and retrieves Sedair's Dagger.

"This here dagger was not won in battle.  It was taken for safe keeping in case the thieves came back."

Graxx flips the dagger so he is holding it by the blade as he lays it on the table handle first to Yovir.

"I now pass it's safekeeping onto you Doomguide."

Graxx shakes his head.

"Don't worry about the wizard getting away.  We will hunt down this cult and stop their evil from spreading."

Neya will also not hide anything, honesty is the best policy.

Neya takes out the evidence she had collected from Zaralda's hideout, "Here's what I was able to collect from the necromancer's hiding place. She had taken quite a few before we were able to break through the enemy's ranks, and some of it I am unable to understand."

Though a touch regretfully in hindsight for not having bound his senses to the Mastiff, Doozey quickly brushed aside the idle thought to better focus on the present. Which namely involved enjoying a half-decent meal, if only due to the lack of meat. He understood the reasoning of course, and only after sniffing at what finds his table in a token gesture searching for toxins while also simply enjoying the scents, soon the food would disappear down his gullet. As for the mead, well... his dwarven blood might've urged him to partake of some, but it is the well water option the stoutling went for in the end.

Regarding the recap, it was something largely left to the others to dispense. He would of course add his two copper pieces in the story if asked as necessary, but otherwise trust the others to dispense the 'truth'. Of his own history, and the nature of his Order, that is something Doozey saved towards the end. While he wouldn't go into unnecessary extra details regarding any special concotions of the order, the rest he'd furbish if inquired to the best of his ability. Though with his primary experiences being somewhat limited to the Grey Hunters(Lycan) and the Phantom Guard(GhostSlayers), there would only be so much to be told.... again, if asked about it.

Over the course of supper, CRAP relates all of the details of their adventure to Doomguide Yovir. From the hesitant initial descent to the exploration of the area where Sister Bethel was attacked, from the discovery of the Jergal statue to the encounter with Welcomers, from the oddly cruel posthumous displays to the realization concerning how large the necropolis may be, from Sedrair's tomb to ancient slivers of necromantic magic in the form of talking skulls, from all the encounters with undead to the fight against the Devil in Red, from the items collected while exploring to the involvement of Thayan mages and Dragon cultists and kobolds. Yovir absorbs all of the information, asking a few questions here and there for clarification.

Utar forfeits the Ersatz Eye as proof that the Welcomers were indeed grave-robbing. Graxx hands off Sedrair's golden dagger, golden scale, and the boxed set of accompanying weights for safekeeping by the Kelemvorites. He recognizes their value right away, and the fact CRAP is forfeiting the potential profit these items may bring is not lost on the wise old man. Neya shares the documents she was able to collect from Zaralda's private quarters. Doozey shares some personal information about his order, setting him apart from the better known savage lycanthropes Yovir may be aware of. All items and pieces of information are well received by the wise old Kelemvorite.

Once all is laid out, Yovir shares his thoughts: "Well, that was a much more complex tale I had hoped, but I have to start somewhere. First, thank you once again for bringing back Brother Rasoran's body. We have already started making sure he receives a proper burrial. Second, thank you as well for giving closure to Sister Bethel's tale. Third, thank you for expelling the evil Thayan necromancer from our catacombs. I doubt she will be eager to return swiftly now that her hideout has been exposed. Finally, thank you for protecting Cassyt. She is young and has much to learn still. With these threads followed to their end, at least as Valhingen is concerned, you have fulfilled your duty as we had agreed. Rest assured we will fulfill our end of the bargain and pay you for your services. Dangerous business deserves generous pay."

Regarding the necropolis: "It was no easy decision to ask help from adventurers, as well-intentioned and dignified as you are. We Kelemvorites take vows to strike down the undead. It is our divine duty to do so, just as much as caring for the departed is. You have now expelled the greatest danger we know of in the immediate section of the catacombs. What remains should not be as powerful now that the necromancer has left. Allow us to finish the cleansing of the necropolis and retain some of that sense of duty we Kelemvorites still hold on to. Unlike the portions of the catacombs you explored, we know the layout of the necropolis well and will put that knowledge to good use in the fights to come."

On the Welcomers: "Sedrair's relics will be returned to her tomb when we deem it safe. That shall not occur until we break into the Welcomers' stash and recover all they have stolen from the dead. I ask that you understand and respect my beliefs and do not try do dissuade me from undoing their secret stash. Nonetheless, I want to make it clear that doing so will likely paint a target on your backs, as these Welcomers will know you shared this information with me. They won't retaliate against us lest they want the power of Valhingen to join forces with the Black Fist against them, but they will try to get their revenge on the perceived easier target that is CRAP, at least in terms of number of potential opponents."

On other retrieved items: "I am sure you are aware by now that we do not keep a catalog of all possessions that are interred with the dead here in Valhingen. This will make it hard for us to return the stolen items, as well as other objects such as this magical glass eye, to their proper 'owners'. We can, however, make a separate collective shrine honoring the dead who were disturbed by the Welcomers, the Cult of the Dragon, and the Thayans. These recovered items will be welcomed additions to such shrine, and this splendid axe that you found would, in theory, be no exception. You do have a claim on it as you won it in battle and there is no irrefutable proof that it was dug up from a grave, but you have to admit that there is a fair chance that it was. You also have to understand that my faith does not allow me to simply look away from a possible case of grave disturbance. If you are unbending in your desire to keep the axe on the grounds of plausible deniability, I ask in return that you make a donation of equal value, in your own eyes, to this new shrine I am proposing. This need not be coin, just something you value as much as this axe, so that its alleged previous owner can value it as well through this shrine. Does this seem fair to you?"

On lycanthropy: "Life is a precious gift, as is death. If you have life, in whatever form it is, you should cherish it. When your time comes to transition into death, Kelemvor will make it known. It is not my or anyone else's right or duty to speed up that proceeds. This does not change whether you are human, beast, monster, or somewhere in between. Your secret is safe with me and all other Kelemvorites, including Cassyt, whether she knows this or not. This teaching I will remind her of." He pauses for a moment and adds a caveat with a half-smile: "Unless you happen to be undead too. That we cannot tolerate."

On Zaralda's documents and maps, after he spends some time starring at them: "These are written in Gnomish. It is quite a tricky language which not many non-gnomes see the value in learning. It is a good choice if you want to minimize the chances of other people understanding what you are writing. Thankfully, I know some of the language. For instance, this passage here says something about a search. This other page mentions the Red Wizards of Thay, confirming their involvement in case there was any doubt. This next document is the most damning. It is a set of orders from one named Rath Modar, charging its recipient with creating a host of undead in the catacombs beneath Valhingen Cemetery and to use them to dig their way beneath Phlan in their search. Other pieces seem to be calculations of some sort but those are incomplete. I am sure these are only partial pieces of information as you have said the necromancer escaped with many other documents and journals. It is a pity we didn't get our hands on those as well." Turning back to the last piece of parchment: "Finally, this map that you found has an arrow pointing toward Phlan. Someone with good map-reading skills may be able to derive further information for you. That said, I must admit that these are the most accurate set of maps of this portion of the catacombs that I have ever seen. Would you mind if I keep them?" 

Of the thanks given and payment assured, there's not much more than a sagely nod out of the stoutling. While under normal circumstances he might've wanted to deal with the undead anyhow, even his Order weren't so altruistic about such things, least it would've fell apart long ago just due to logistics alone. Yet still, it is with a soft sigh and a nod of both acceptance and defeat that he accepted Yovir's request to leave things to his people. Though, a mental note would be made to bug Utar later about checking up on their progress, just in case they could use the added assistance in the end.

Regarding the Welcomers, Doozey huffed and shook his head. "Well hopefully when they do, they'll be smart about it and talk first. Might do no good. But, considering they got to walk away with their lives that should more than make us square. And if not, well... they'll only have themselves to blame for what follows next..." Doozey admits when a pause in conversation might permit it, before giving dismissive and offhanded wave of the hand.

Moving on to the items, and being of mixed feelings about the axe since its involvement in the fight, the stoutling could only frown in discomfort. A feeling all the more agitating when reflecting on how Utar and Graxx had stood up for him but hours before. But without much to offer anyhow as trade from his own personal acquisitions... he'd just stay quiet and attentive, hoping some inspiration might stir after Graxx and Utar no doubt spoke their piece on that particular subject.

On the matter of lycanthropy again, Doozey tries to effect a smile, but eventually gives up on the notion with a simple nod of understanding. "The feeling is mutual, and I got plenty of reason to never accept being in such a state as an undead, if given the choice." Is all he would add at the moment. When it later came to the maps, the stoutling flinched at the question, but then looked thoughtful for a moment. If in that time noone else spoke the obvious, then he would ask with a peculiar lack of the usual assurdness of self, "Well... we would like a copy of it, if that's alright? Again, that pool business is of particular interest to us, I must confess, seeing that the cult have taken particular interest init, 'n all that." He admits as much.

Picking up on Doozey's point about the Welcomers, Utar adds a point of his own. "An increased Kelemvorite presence in the catacombs will likely help things. However, I doubt that their stash is unprotected, even with the Welcomers in retreat, any acolytes sent to retrieve it should be suitably prepared. I will see what favours I can pull in with a friendly intermediary to let it be known that the catacombs are off limits and that the Kelemvorites will prosecute trespassers."

Graxx is not happy.

Graxx looks into his backpack.  He picks up the alchemy jug no.... No that is not of equal value.

Graxx leans back in his chair and thinks.

He thinks of his Vicious Pike... No... It's powerful but it doesn't truly mean a lot to him.

His places his hand on his chin.  His hand feels his mask.  No... The Kelemvorites have already proven they cannot protect relics.  His most certainly could not risk the mask landing into the cults hands.

What could he possibly give up?

Then he remembers his belt...

He places his hands on his belt and grits his teeth.  NO!  He needs the belt to be equal with the Drow in the darkness and to fight their poisons.

What is he supposed to do?

Graxx runs his handle along the axe and he realizes something... He doesn't know anything about the axe.

"I... Respect your wish.  But, I realized I don't know anything about this axe.  It bears the mark of Tempus but I do not know if it is supposed to be used in battle or is some decorative ceremony piece.  Would you grant me a days time to take this axe to the Shrine of Tempus and commune with Tempus to identify if he intends for this to be my weapon in life or if it should remain in the catacombs...."

"If I find the weapon is meant to be with me I will return and place an item of equal value as requested.  If it is not, then I will at least be able to provide you with some more information on this weapon."

"Would you grant me this request?"

Persuasion:  4

"Well, at the very least we know the name of one of the major players in this conspiracy." Neya says upon hearing the name of the Thayan in charge of their side.

(OOC: Thanks @Grx for including a persuasion check. I kindly ask others to do the same if trying to convince or negotiate with Yovir.)

On the map: "Fair enough. I can ask one of our clerics to make a copy by hand. Perhaps they can even try to ascertain what that arrow is pointing to, or you can do so yourselves should any of you have an inclination toward cartography or navigation. Else, since you are more interested in the arrow and general directions while we are interested in the detailed layout of the catacombs, I think it would be fair for us to keep the original. Would that be acceptable?"

On the Welcomers: "We'll be careful, and I appreciate that you are willing to speak with this... intermediate. Alas, I will continue to assume they might try to claim their loot, as you should continue to assume they'll retaliate."

On the remaining undead: "We'll be cautious with the task at hand and be sure to include plenty of Kelemvorites. The more of us involved in the fight to come, the safer it'll be for us all. We shall manage it now that the real source of danger has been removed."

On the Cult: "Yes, you do, and you should use that information whichever way you see fit. If you'd rather have me not disclose that name outside this group, I shan't."

On the axe: "Very well. You and your group have earned my trust and I shall show it. Take a few days to figure out what this axe is worth to you and return to me when you are ready."

On next steps: "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" 

Graxx nods his head in agreement.

"Thank you for your trust.  Would you happen to have any incense, censers, and candles I could purchase would you?" asks Graxx.

Doozey at least looked towards the others, before turning back to Yovir and nodding an acceptance about the map. After that, at least for a while, the stoutling had contented himself with enjoying the rest of the meal while the others took the reigns on the conversation again. That said, if the matter of the interrogation is not brought up again, if only to reconfirm the older man's stance on the subject, then Doozey awkwardly clears his throat.

"About the Kobold and the whole interrogation business. Would you like to sit in on it? Perhaps ask it pertinent questions it may have learned about the catacombs in its time down below?" He asked plainly, head tilting just a tad in his curiosity towards the end.

Yovir nods back at Graxx, and then tilts his had at an angle in response to the somewhat unexpected request. Wanting to be a good host he replies quickly, without putting too much thought behind his words (which is quite rare for the wise religious man): "Hmm... sure. We can provide you with a block of incense, a censer, and half a dozen candles. I'll have them delivered to you in the morning, along with your reward for the quest completed."

(@Grx: Let's call it 1gp for the censer, 1sp for the block of incense, and 6cp for half a dozen candles. That's a grand total of 116cp, if you prefer to pay it that way.)

During a separate moment over diner, the Doomguide shakes Doozey's hand in agreement with the decision concerning the maps, also saying he will have CRAP's copy delivered to them in the morning. Regarding the prisoner, Yovir says: "He is your prisoner, not mine. We are only giving him a place to sleep and some food until the morning. I ask that you do not interrogate the kobold within Kelevorite premises, especially if you are planning on hurting or even killing him. Perhaps you can interrogate him after you leave in the morning?" The question sounds more like a request. 

A flash of memory comes unbidden to the forefront of Utar's mind. He is sitting in the remnants of the Brokengulf estate watching a silvery dragonborn walk away from him. Then suddenly he is underneath Sokol Keep, looking at a white haired dwarf standing over two bodies, blood leaking from them into the cold stone floor. Finally, he is in a crowd watching an execution. A small gnome closes his eyes as the blade falls.

"I think we can accommodate that, Doomguide. And for the record I have to say that the torture or killing of the kobold doesn't sit well with Torm or me. Interrogation of the prisoner? Fine. But we must be careful not to become the monsters we seek to fight. There must always be a difference between the two and we must always be able to tell which side of that divide we stand on, lest we become monsters ourselves."

 At the request, Doozey squints initially at Yovir, before then looking to the table and rubbing his chin, seeming to weigh the pros and cons more thoughtful than any "good" aligned folk might have otherwise. Then Utar spoke up, speaking of monsters and a proverbial line in sand by extension. By the end of which, the stoutling's more calculating expression had been subtly flattened out into a more neutral one. "... Right... well, I think I'm quite full now. So, if there's no more to be said, I think I'll go find me brother now, and see about sleeping outside this Kobold's door just in case." Doozey said calmly, before in a more formal tone turned to add to Brother Yovir, "If that is alright with you, of course."