Both Neya and Doozey react to Sister Bethel's answers to the first four questions as Utar looks around for suggestions regarding a fifth. The Tormite repeats the question he heard last:
"Did you see any symbols or insignia on the armored one?"
No....
With that, Sister Bethel slowly lays back down on the stone table and all incense smoke in the room disperses suddenly.
"Well, that was something to watch." Doomguide Yovir says. "If you are done here, I believe it is high time we prepare the Sister's body for proper interment rituals. She has earned her eternal rest."
"I'll get someone to cover for me. I need to prepare for catacomb-delving. Meet you at the entrance in a few minutes?" Cassyt does not wait for a response. She zooms out of the room.
"Also-?" Doozey chimed in once Casseyt was well on her way. "Is it normal for most Kelemvorites to be so, uh.. excitable about these sort of things? Just curious, of course, and... I don't mean any offense. But-..." The stoutling pauses for a moment, and looks off to the side with furrowed brows. But then added on to Yovir, "Actually... This probably a dumb question to, but... they are at least aware of what happened to Brother Keefe, right?"
"I have to admit, it is quite refreshing seeing someone so eager. I just hope that whatever we find down there doesn't scar her too much, physically or mentally." Neya says. "Reading is one thing experiencing is a whole other."
"Aside from that, I don't think I have anything to do to get ready."
The group reacts to Cassyt's excitement after she leaves the room. Graxx and Neya welcome it, but Doozey has his suspicions. Yovir responds: "Acolytes are more excitable in general. I find it comes with youth. Cassyt joined our order despite her fears. A chance like this to explore the catacombs while accompanied by strong folk capable of keeping her safe is quite an opportunity from where she stands, I now understand. Trust me, dear Doozey, the girl has the best of intentions. Keep her safe, I beg you."
Doozey then changes the topic of conversation back to Brother Keefe. Yovir nods as to confirm what he is about to say: "The news of Brother Keefe's death hit all of us, but we all understood that it was his time to make the transition, so we did not interfere. Many still wonder what it was he was doing adventuring in the woods, accompanying a host of nobles and their men, but most of us simply chalk it off to him seeking some adventure, much like the acolytes that desert us every now and then. However, I always had my suspicions about him being faithful to a second cause, or at least ever since I found out he hired your group, or some of you, to clean out a mausoleum in the past. He himself let the tale of that little adventure of yours slip in different occasions, so many of us are aware of it, though not many Kelemvorites have connected the dots concerning you being the hired adventurers."
Noticing the group is in the mood to talk about past events a bit, Utar utters a question of his own. Yovir fields it next: "I was wondering when you'd ask about that. Yip has found peace in our gardens to some extent. Acolyte Elden Mymn has grown fond of him and helped him recover somewhat. Yip has managed to free himself from all but the rarest of panic attacks and nightmares, but I am afraid he is now effectively mute. He spends most of the day gardening outside. We might make a Kelemvorite of him yet." Yovir then pauses and sighs before continuing: "But that is not all there is to tell about this tale. You had also entrusted me with some wicked statuette in case it was possible to use it in Yip's recovery. I'm afraid I found naught but evil within that artifact. As I had vowed in your presence back then if that was to be the case, I have since destroyed the statuette after performing a hallow ritual on it for many days, or at least a lesser version of such a complex spell. It worked and the statuette crumbled."
After a moment of pause, Graxx and Neya express their readiness to move onward. The Doomguide leads the group back outside and then to a different building. The entrance to the catacombs is through a stone structure that resembles the many mausoleums in the graveyard, except this building has no door, just an open archway. Inside is a small paved floor that opens into a wide stone staircase. The building is little more than a covering over the stairs. Doozey (passive history and dwarven blood in his veins) notices that the stone building is much newer than the steps. The walls and roof have stood for no more than two centuries, he gathers, but the steps are at least four times that old, and possibly even older.
The Doomguide stops and turns: "Can I answer any more questions you might have at this point? Or perhaps you'd like to say something else before Acolyte Cassyt rejoins us?"In the background, the group can see Cassyt waving and making her way to the party.
"My thanks, Yovir. It is heartening to know that Yip has some serenity in his life now. His position sounds entirely different to when we first met him and I am glad that the statue is now no more."
"I am curious, has Yip been able to tell you anything about himself? To me, it still feels odd to continue referring him as such." Neya says. "We only called him that because that was the most prevalent sound he made."
"Unless you happen to have an at least partial map of the catacombs below on hand, or some spare holy water on hand, I.. think we should be get here as well. Anything we could ask or do at this point, uhm, we'd have to worry about once we reach the ambush point." Doozey said plainly, and with Biscuit barking an affirmation and Gravy "yes, yes!" in agreement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Given a chance to say their mind, Utar and Neya go back to the topic of Yip. Yovir nods in agreement with Utar first, before turning to Neya: "I am afraid not. As I mentioned earlier, the man has effectively become mute. However, I can tell you this if it brings calm to your heart. Acolyte Elden has spent much time with him and has tried to communicate in many ways. The only moniker we can use has lost all of its sting, if there was ever any. He responds to 'Yip' now with a certain spark in his eyes and we have even seen him smile on occasion when Acolyte Elden is the one uttering that name."
A moment of reflection passes. Doozey then refocuses the group on the task at hand by requesting some last minutes supplies. Yovir responds: "We do not go far into the catacombs these days, so there has not been a need for map. I have none to offer you. As for holy water, I am sure you'll find Acolyte Cassyt to be quite prepared. Here she comes now."
Cassyt finally reaches the group. As expected, she is clearly juggling some excitement and anxiety. She carries a backpack of her own now, and a pair of goggles rests on her head. "I am ready," she says, which is promptly followed by Graxx's verbal agreement. The Doomsguide leads the group down the steps until he reaches a simple but sturdy looking iron grate. He asks for help moving several heavy boxes and sacks of dirt out of the way (their simple barricade) and then unlocks the door with a black iron key. Once the group is on the other side of the gate, he closes it and locks it up again. "Would you rather me re-barricade the door or simply leave it locked as is?" he asks from the other side of the gate now.
Before the group goes down, Cassyt puts on her goggles and also lights up a lantern that hangs from her backpack. After lighting it, she points at it and says: "Unless you prefer to travel in total darkness? I don't like that idea but the goggles will help me see at least." She explains further: "The catacombs are, for the most part, completely dark. Niches are carved in most walls we visit for the placement of oil lamps like the one attached to my pack, but we Kelemvorites don't leave lamps burning down there. Instead the Brothers and Sisters that come down here bring an oil lamp with them, like I am doing." She then pulls a journal out of her backpack, flips a few pages, and reads a passage silently. She then reports: "There are apparently open shafts in some places which have been dug from the catacombs to the surface to let air and some light in. So, not complete and utter darkness after all."
To clarify, the group is still at the stairs at this point. Yovir is on the other side of the gate. CRAP and Cassyt have passed the gate and are now on lower steps than the one Yovir stands on.
Utar looks at the locked gate and at the pile of stuff likely to be used as a barricade.
"I suppose that depends on how quickly the barricade can be cleared if we need to make a quick exit? I imagine it would be ok if it were kept locked and we held the key...for emergency use?"
Securing his shield on his forearm, Utar takes Lightbringer in his other hand, just to be ready.
Doozey nodded at the answer, having figured as much. But while absently curious about the building above, seeing Cassyt approach lead to him quickly dismissing the thought in favor of a more observer's mindset once more. So with such in mind, he atop of Biscuit followed along quietly after the group.
At the question later from Yovir, Doozey immediately opens his mouth for a reply, but then seems to catch himself and look down with a grimace. Before the resolve can be gathered to perhaps continue where the stoutling left off, the question from others has him furrowing his brows for new seeming reasons. "... Best I and Biscuit here takes point for a bit. Gravy. Stick with Mr. Utar, if you would." As it flutters off to land atop Utar's pauldron, Doozey uses that time to pull out from its casing his mask fragment and set it into place.
"There. Now, unless Ms. Neya can't use that one trick of hers to grant herself darkvision, I believe that covers us well enough, Mr. Graxx, in terms of being able to see each other. But while I don't recommend a light source, least we attract unwanted attention to soon... well..." He glances over to Utar and easy to light mace in hand, and then turns back to Graxx and shrugs. "Some things are not best for us. Now, if you're all ready...?"
"While being able to see normally has its own advantages, my abilities are more suited in the shadows. In short, I'm can quickly move between the front-line and the rear while we're down there." Neya says. She then places her right middle figher on her forehead and the righing and index fingers over her eyes. After her eyes flash green for a moment, she is more easily able tosee in lower-light conditions. Finally, she takes out her mask fragment and puts it on her face.
"I am also capable of sensing my immediate surroundings in magically-induced darkness, including my own."
(@MB: I'll roll a persuasion check for Utar here. When in doubt, it helps if you preemptively roll a check just in case. Here we go: 20)
Doomguide Yovir stares at the iron key for a second or two before looking at Utar again: "I really should keep the key myself and avoid the risk of it forever being lost in the catacombs, but if anyone has a chance to bring it back, then that person is you. Here, take the key with you. The door is already locked. I'll make sure there is always a Kelemvorite watching the entrance so we can see you coming." With that, Utar borrows the key to the catacombs' gate.
Cassyt watches CRAP as Neya, Graxx, and Doozey deliberate on the pros and cons of not having any light sources among them. In the end, hearing no direct request to snuff her oil lamp, the acolyte decides to leave it lit. Se clarifies: "Should you want to have me extinguish the lamp, just say so clearly. These goggles allow me to see in the dark somewhat so I will be no hindrance in that aspect should you want the group to travel under the cover of darkness."
Graxx taps his belt, Neya enacts her spell, and Doozey applies his dragon mask (as does the monk.) In one of many ways, each member of the party (save Gravy) dons a version of darkvision.
(@MB: Utar has not commanded Lightbringer to light up, has he?)
Yovir blesses the group as they descend into the darkness. Doozey leads the way and is the first to arrive at the bottom of the steps. The base of the stairs opens into a large, irregularly-shaped chamber. Stone ledges are carved along most of the walls to serve as tables. The far wall of this room is covered in a huge fresco. The painted tiles portray people from every race and walk of life arranged with no sense of perspective or relative scale. The design has suffered heavy damage from water seepage and mildew over the centuries.
CRAP also notices that, as Cassyt had mentioned, niches are carved into the walls every 20 or so feet for placement of oil lamps, though they are empty. Cassyt points around the room and says: "The recently deceased can be placed in one of several stone biers for viewing by family members and friends before they are carried deeper into the catacombs for interment."
There are two exits leading out of this somewhat L-shaped room apart from the staircase leading back to the surface. The first is a door leading east (the group arrived from the north), and the second is just beyond the bend of the "L", after the wall with the fresco.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before leaving Yovir at the gate:
Not expecting the key to come to him, Utar hands it to Cassyt.
"Best it stay in Kelemvorite hands for now. I hope you're a fast runner, girl. Something goes bump in the catacombs your job is to get back here and get yourself safe, understood?"
Before turning to leave, Utar gives Gravy a little pat hello as the bird settles on his pauldron.
In the catacombs:
Utar stays quiet, or as quiet as a half-orc in full plate can be as they descend away from the light at the gate. Keeping his vision moving, he scans the catacombs for movement although isn't exactly expecting to meet any undead just yet.
Graxx admires his ability to see in the dark thanks to the belt. The Drow's advantage has been taken he thinks.
Graxx approaches Cassyt.
"Since you can see in the dark I want to heed Doozey's words and have you extinguish your light. While it's good for me to see you I don't want you to be a target for anything down here."
Graxx will take up a position behind Cassyt.
Graxx looks to Doozey.
"What do you think about this east door Doozey?" ask Graxx.
"I am curious, Cassyt. What does the term "first families" refer to exactly?" Neya asks the acolyte. ""Considering Phlan's history, that could mean almost anything, without context."
Both Neya and Doozey react to Sister Bethel's answers to the first four questions as Utar looks around for suggestions regarding a fifth. The Tormite repeats the question he heard last:
With that, Sister Bethel slowly lays back down on the stone table and all incense smoke in the room disperses suddenly.
"Well, that was something to watch." Doomguide Yovir says. "If you are done here, I believe it is high time we prepare the Sister's body for proper interment rituals. She has earned her eternal rest."
"I'll get someone to cover for me. I need to prepare for catacomb-delving. Meet you at the entrance in a few minutes?" Cassyt does not wait for a response. She zooms out of the room.
"The ritual certainly is unnerving. But Sister Bethel has more than earned her rest. She goes with my thanks."
Utar's face takes on a quizzical note;
"Yovir, are there any updates concerning Yip? I wondered how his recuperation was going? Well, I hope."
"Also-?" Doozey chimed in once Casseyt was well on her way. "Is it normal for most Kelemvorites to be so, uh.. excitable about these sort of things? Just curious, of course, and... I don't mean any offense. But-..." The stoutling pauses for a moment, and looks off to the side with furrowed brows. But then added on to Yovir, "Actually... This probably a dumb question to, but... they are at least aware of what happened to Brother Keefe, right?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx has a hint of a smile as Cassyt hurries off.
"If only we all could have that sense of excitement when setting out on your first adventure."
Graxx looks around at the others.
"Does anyone need to do anything before we leave?"
"I have to admit, it is quite refreshing seeing someone so eager. I just hope that whatever we find down there doesn't scar her too much, physically or mentally." Neya says. "Reading is one thing experiencing is a whole other."
"Aside from that, I don't think I have anything to do to get ready."
Extended Signature
The group reacts to Cassyt's excitement after she leaves the room. Graxx and Neya welcome it, but Doozey has his suspicions. Yovir responds: "Acolytes are more excitable in general. I find it comes with youth. Cassyt joined our order despite her fears. A chance like this to explore the catacombs while accompanied by strong folk capable of keeping her safe is quite an opportunity from where she stands, I now understand. Trust me, dear Doozey, the girl has the best of intentions. Keep her safe, I beg you."
Doozey then changes the topic of conversation back to Brother Keefe. Yovir nods as to confirm what he is about to say: "The news of Brother Keefe's death hit all of us, but we all understood that it was his time to make the transition, so we did not interfere. Many still wonder what it was he was doing adventuring in the woods, accompanying a host of nobles and their men, but most of us simply chalk it off to him seeking some adventure, much like the acolytes that desert us every now and then. However, I always had my suspicions about him being faithful to a second cause, or at least ever since I found out he hired your group, or some of you, to clean out a mausoleum in the past. He himself let the tale of that little adventure of yours slip in different occasions, so many of us are aware of it, though not many Kelemvorites have connected the dots concerning you being the hired adventurers."
Noticing the group is in the mood to talk about past events a bit, Utar utters a question of his own. Yovir fields it next: "I was wondering when you'd ask about that. Yip has found peace in our gardens to some extent. Acolyte Elden Mymn has grown fond of him and helped him recover somewhat. Yip has managed to free himself from all but the rarest of panic attacks and nightmares, but I am afraid he is now effectively mute. He spends most of the day gardening outside. We might make a Kelemvorite of him yet." Yovir then pauses and sighs before continuing: "But that is not all there is to tell about this tale. You had also entrusted me with some wicked statuette in case it was possible to use it in Yip's recovery. I'm afraid I found naught but evil within that artifact. As I had vowed in your presence back then if that was to be the case, I have since destroyed the statuette after performing a hallow ritual on it for many days, or at least a lesser version of such a complex spell. It worked and the statuette crumbled."
After a moment of pause, Graxx and Neya express their readiness to move onward. The Doomguide leads the group back outside and then to a different building. The entrance to the catacombs is through a stone structure that resembles the many mausoleums in the graveyard, except this building has no door, just an open archway. Inside is a small paved floor that opens into a wide stone staircase. The building is little more than a covering over the stairs. Doozey (passive history and dwarven blood in his veins) notices that the stone building is much newer than the steps. The walls and roof have stood for no more than two centuries, he gathers, but the steps are at least four times that old, and possibly even older.
The Doomguide stops and turns: "Can I answer any more questions you might have at this point? Or perhaps you'd like to say something else before Acolyte Cassyt rejoins us?" In the background, the group can see Cassyt waving and making her way to the party.
"My thanks, Yovir. It is heartening to know that Yip has some serenity in his life now. His position sounds entirely different to when we first met him and I am glad that the statue is now no more."
Graxx shakes his head no.
"No questions here. I am ready to bring justice to these undead." says Graxx.
"I am curious, has Yip been able to tell you anything about himself? To me, it still feels odd to continue referring him as such." Neya says. "We only called him that because that was the most prevalent sound he made."
Extended Signature
"Unless you happen to have an at least partial map of the catacombs below on hand, or some spare holy water on hand, I.. think we should be get here as well. Anything we could ask or do at this point, uhm, we'd have to worry about once we reach the ambush point." Doozey said plainly, and with Biscuit barking an affirmation and Gravy "yes, yes!" in agreement.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Given a chance to say their mind, Utar and Neya go back to the topic of Yip. Yovir nods in agreement with Utar first, before turning to Neya: "I am afraid not. As I mentioned earlier, the man has effectively become mute. However, I can tell you this if it brings calm to your heart. Acolyte Elden has spent much time with him and has tried to communicate in many ways. The only moniker we can use has lost all of its sting, if there was ever any. He responds to 'Yip' now with a certain spark in his eyes and we have even seen him smile on occasion when Acolyte Elden is the one uttering that name."
A moment of reflection passes. Doozey then refocuses the group on the task at hand by requesting some last minutes supplies. Yovir responds: "We do not go far into the catacombs these days, so there has not been a need for map. I have none to offer you. As for holy water, I am sure you'll find Acolyte Cassyt to be quite prepared. Here she comes now."
Cassyt finally reaches the group. As expected, she is clearly juggling some excitement and anxiety. She carries a backpack of her own now, and a pair of goggles rests on her head. "I am ready," she says, which is promptly followed by Graxx's verbal agreement. The Doomsguide leads the group down the steps until he reaches a simple but sturdy looking iron grate. He asks for help moving several heavy boxes and sacks of dirt out of the way (their simple barricade) and then unlocks the door with a black iron key. Once the group is on the other side of the gate, he closes it and locks it up again. "Would you rather me re-barricade the door or simply leave it locked as is?" he asks from the other side of the gate now.
Before the group goes down, Cassyt puts on her goggles and also lights up a lantern that hangs from her backpack. After lighting it, she points at it and says: "Unless you prefer to travel in total darkness? I don't like that idea but the goggles will help me see at least." She explains further: "The catacombs are, for the most part, completely dark. Niches are carved in most walls we visit for the placement of oil lamps like the one attached to my pack, but we Kelemvorites don't leave lamps burning down there. Instead the Brothers and Sisters that come down here bring an oil lamp with them, like I am doing." She then pulls a journal out of her backpack, flips a few pages, and reads a passage silently. She then reports: "There are apparently open shafts in some places which have been dug from the catacombs to the surface to let air and some light in. So, not complete and utter darkness after all."
To clarify, the group is still at the stairs at this point. Yovir is on the other side of the gate. CRAP and Cassyt have passed the gate and are now on lower steps than the one Yovir stands on.
Utar looks at the locked gate and at the pile of stuff likely to be used as a barricade.
"I suppose that depends on how quickly the barricade can be cleared if we need to make a quick exit? I imagine it would be ok if it were kept locked and we held the key...for emergency use?"
Securing his shield on his forearm, Utar takes Lightbringer in his other hand, just to be ready.
Graxx taps his belt as he is finally going to get to use his darkvision.
”I’d rather you keep the light on so I know where you are.”
Graxx looks to Doozey.
”Would you like to lead or would you like me to for this one?” Asks Graxx to Doozey.
Doozey nodded at the answer, having figured as much. But while absently curious about the building above, seeing Cassyt approach lead to him quickly dismissing the thought in favor of a more observer's mindset once more. So with such in mind, he atop of Biscuit followed along quietly after the group.
At the question later from Yovir, Doozey immediately opens his mouth for a reply, but then seems to catch himself and look down with a grimace. Before the resolve can be gathered to perhaps continue where the stoutling left off, the question from others has him furrowing his brows for new seeming reasons. "... Best I and Biscuit here takes point for a bit. Gravy. Stick with Mr. Utar, if you would." As it flutters off to land atop Utar's pauldron, Doozey uses that time to pull out from its casing his mask fragment and set it into place.
"There. Now, unless Ms. Neya can't use that one trick of hers to grant herself darkvision, I believe that covers us well enough, Mr. Graxx, in terms of being able to see each other. But while I don't recommend a light source, least we attract unwanted attention to soon... well..." He glances over to Utar and easy to light mace in hand, and then turns back to Graxx and shrugs. "Some things are not best for us. Now, if you're all ready...?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"While being able to see normally has its own advantages, my abilities are more suited in the shadows. In short, I'm can quickly move between the front-line and the rear while we're down there." Neya says. She then places her right middle figher on her forehead and the righing and index fingers over her eyes. After her eyes flash green for a moment, she is more easily able tosee in lower-light conditions. Finally, she takes out her mask fragment and puts it on her face.
"I am also capable of sensing my immediate surroundings in magically-induced darkness, including my own."
Extended Signature
(@MB: I'll roll a persuasion check for Utar here. When in doubt, it helps if you preemptively roll a check just in case. Here we go: 20)
Doomguide Yovir stares at the iron key for a second or two before looking at Utar again: "I really should keep the key myself and avoid the risk of it forever being lost in the catacombs, but if anyone has a chance to bring it back, then that person is you. Here, take the key with you. The door is already locked. I'll make sure there is always a Kelemvorite watching the entrance so we can see you coming." With that, Utar borrows the key to the catacombs' gate.
Cassyt watches CRAP as Neya, Graxx, and Doozey deliberate on the pros and cons of not having any light sources among them. In the end, hearing no direct request to snuff her oil lamp, the acolyte decides to leave it lit. Se clarifies: "Should you want to have me extinguish the lamp, just say so clearly. These goggles allow me to see in the dark somewhat so I will be no hindrance in that aspect should you want the group to travel under the cover of darkness."
Graxx taps his belt, Neya enacts her spell, and Doozey applies his dragon mask (as does the monk.) In one of many ways, each member of the party (save Gravy) dons a version of darkvision.
(@MB: Utar has not commanded Lightbringer to light up, has he?)
Yovir blesses the group as they descend into the darkness. Doozey leads the way and is the first to arrive at the bottom of the steps. The base of the stairs opens into a large, irregularly-shaped chamber. Stone ledges are carved along most of the walls to serve as tables. The far wall of this room is covered in a huge fresco. The painted tiles portray people from every race and walk of life arranged with no sense of perspective or relative scale. The design has suffered heavy damage from water seepage and mildew over the centuries.
CRAP also notices that, as Cassyt had mentioned, niches are carved into the walls every 20 or so feet for placement of oil lamps, though they are empty. Cassyt points around the room and says: "The recently deceased can be placed in one of several stone biers for viewing by family members and friends before they are carried deeper into the catacombs for interment."
There are two exits leading out of this somewhat L-shaped room apart from the staircase leading back to the surface. The first is a door leading east (the group arrived from the north), and the second is just beyond the bend of the "L", after the wall with the fresco.
Before leaving Yovir at the gate:
Not expecting the key to come to him, Utar hands it to Cassyt.
"Best it stay in Kelemvorite hands for now. I hope you're a fast runner, girl. Something goes bump in the catacombs your job is to get back here and get yourself safe, understood?"
Before turning to leave, Utar gives Gravy a little pat hello as the bird settles on his pauldron.
In the catacombs:
Utar stays quiet, or as quiet as a half-orc in full plate can be as they descend away from the light at the gate. Keeping his vision moving, he scans the catacombs for movement although isn't exactly expecting to meet any undead just yet.
Perception 27
OOC: Wasn't trying to persuade Yovir if he didn't want to hand over the key, but I'll take it. Lightbringer isn't illuminated just yet.
Graxx admires his ability to see in the dark thanks to the belt. The Drow's advantage has been taken he thinks.
Graxx approaches Cassyt.
"Since you can see in the dark I want to heed Doozey's words and have you extinguish your light. While it's good for me to see you I don't want you to be a target for anything down here."
Graxx will take up a position behind Cassyt.
Graxx looks to Doozey.
"What do you think about this east door Doozey?" ask Graxx.
"I am curious, Cassyt. What does the term "first families" refer to exactly?" Neya asks the acolyte. ""Considering Phlan's history, that could mean almost anything, without context."
Extended Signature