(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown

Grugga can't help crack a grin at his first "real" fancy suit. Not bad for a peasant from Raven's Hill, even if he thinks it does look a bit silly compared to the much more understated Pentwater fashion.

"A steal to make a fine first impression upon the Duke. Is this your first time meeting the Duke as well, Aubrey? I suppose your family is well known among the elites here, so you probably know him quite well already."

When gathered back up with the group, Grugga butts in before Leelan can answer and gives it his uneducated guess. "You have to exorcise them, right Leelan? Like by burning herbs and praying to Alcona or Helios or Kryptos. That's how we did it in Raven's Hill, anyway. Course... I don't know what the herbs were... I wonder what's in the herbs that repels spirits; maybe I can make something that releases just that scent - it would be way more effective than herbs I'd just have to separate..." Grugga starts blathering about what kind of experimentation it'd take to figure out exactly what chemical released by the burning herbs was responsible for exorcising ghosts, and how he could isolate that and concentrate into a Ghost-Be-Gone sprayer. Poor Leelan has to wait for the artificer to finish before he can provide an answer for the group with his boundless knowledge on monsters.

Leelan listens intently at the half-orc’s hypotheses about undead being repelled by incense. He seems to enjoy discussing with Grugga, who he sees as an intellectual kindred spirit. Once he’s done, he’ll begin his own expose.

"My encounters with creatures of the undead have been scarce, and my research, somewhat limited. I know of some creatures that can be summoned through the questionable practice of necromancy, namely skeletons and zombies. I did however, learn some magical tricks that could help ward us from the evil of such creatures. And while Grugga’s assumption of burning herbs, or incense rather, is correct, it is not the only way. I’ve procured a decent stock of powdered silver and iron, which is said to have a similar warding effect."

He then begins rambling on about the alchemical properties of both metal and the theories as to why it is that spirits are repelled by them. He continues on and on, even mentioning some of his collegues’ theories from back in the Northern Trade Federation, until someone shuts him up, one way or another.

Aubrey will not stop Leelan's formidable exposition regarding the undead, but will order in another bottle of wine to help him endure the lecture. ;-)

Grugga is keen to listen to this walking bestiary, and soak up what information he can for future use. He asks questions about the theories, which no doubt leads to more theories and explanations. Grugga, for his part, chirps in when one theory is similar to some fundamental law of arcana, and the young Orc laughs at how the intellectual world overlaps in the strangest places and how much he still has to learn.

He ponders the creation of a new invention for getting rid of ghosts. Either by expelling concentrated incense or by perhaps exposing the ghosts to a bunch of iron and silver filings.

Guilim, Jonny Nevers is looking for additional security at the Robust Hound.  If you are interested in moonlighting as a bouncer on your off-nights, he will pay you 1gp per shift.

Once the group is ready to proceed to investigate the allegedly haunted house, the posting said to contact the Bonnaducci family in Umbridge.

Rohuzar isn't one to rest on his butt when there's money to be made. He'll lead them to the Bonnaducci place ASAP

Aubrey quickly finishes his glass of wine and readies himself to follow Rohuzar and the other's to the Bonnaducci's estate, likely being able to show the way if directions is needed.

Guilim will do just that and earn a bit more coin. Before they set off he will do one more look through the shops for anything of interest.

Grugga is also ready to take on the ghost job. He gets all his things together and follows their leader.

Guilim:

Guilim:

The party departs the Robust Hound and makes the long walk across the South Branch of the Breitvasser, out of the city proper and into the neighborhood of Umbridge.  There, along the same stretch of road where Aubrey's townhouse overlooks the river, you find the home residence of Master Arvin Bonnaducci and his ladywife, Carmella.  

The master of the house is absent, but his adult son and heir, Christopher, greets you.  He is half dressed in a fine suit of chainmail when he answers the door.  Upon hearing you are interested in the 'haunting', he invites you inside.  "Splendid.  And of course, we have callers when I am least prepared to greet them.  I apologize for my state of undress.  I've only just returned from sparring practice, and our servants are away at market.  Never any help around when you need them, aye?" he says with an eye toward Aubrey, obviously recognizing him.

Aubrey:

 "But of course.  The job.  Are you familiar with the estate known as Flamewatch Hall?"  He goes on to tell the story of this grand residence.  

In the year 2004, a terrible fire raged through the streets of Umbridge.  It began during fighting between the defenders of Bardstown, and invaders from Lordstown who were attempting to sack the city.  Both sides claimed the other started it, but in any case the fire soon raged out of control and decimated both armies.  In the downtown area of Umbridge, only two structures survived the blaze... the Coliseum, and Flamewatch Hall.  It held another name then, but as Umbridge was slowly rebuilt around it, and the structure changed hands several times, the new name was adopted to celebrate its history.

It had once been the seat of the Lords of Umn, though that line had been extinguished centuries before in fights with their rivals, the Schmidts of Bardstown.  It was vacant at the time of the fire, and has spent several long periods abandoned in the century since.

"My father was able to secure the deed at auction, and we began the renovations two years ago.  No sooner did we have the place furnished and he and his young wife planned to move in... the troubles started.  Little things at first... furniture seemed to relocate from room to room on its own.  Doors and drawers opening or closing of their own will.  Then, on the morning my father moved in, his personal bags were thrown out the window from his master suite onto the grounds.  And after that, it worsened.  Objects - thrown across the house, sometimes even at people.  Mirrors breaking.  They endured it for two nights, and then returned here.  A shame, as I was to take this townhouse for mine own use, until such time as Flamewatch becomes mine.  As I have an interest in being the man of my own house, father has entrusted this matter to me."

"So tell me... how do you plan to expel this... ghost?  Why should I hire you?"

Rohuzar nods approvingly to Christopher. "Ring on my hand and stripe on our uniform. Means Ve are professionals from Red Band. Ve have successful jobs already completed. My team are experts in magic, monsters, and martial needs. Our services are not cheap because Ve are not hired by cheap men. Ve are hired by men who vant the job done right." 

Aubrey gives Christopher a nod and a quick smile as he enters, following inside to find a seat, letting Rohuzar do the talking.

Grugga nods along to everything that Rohuzar says and adds, "we have a professional monster researcher-slash-hunter in our ranks. He knows more about any natural or supernatural creature than any other person you'll find in the Greater Bardstown Area." He stands aside so Leelan can explain how to stop a ghost.

Leelan clears his throat before speaking. He’s a little nervous for having been put on the spot by Grugga. He nonetheless tries to sound like he knows more about the undead than he really does.

"Well met, my Lord. My name is Leelan Dapper, scholar, aspiring author and adventurer. At your service. I believe we can establish a course of action once we’ve investigated the townhouse and identified the nature of this ghastly creature."

Christopher Bonnaducci listens attentively to your pitch.  He takes a long hard look at both Grugga and Leelan, but he appears to appreciate Rohuzar's confidence.  "Very well.  The offer is 100gp as a retainer.  Another 500gp once the job is done."

"You'll need this..." he holds out a white stone disc with a bronze key shape stamped into it.  "This will allow you to bypass the alarms and enter the estate."  He holds it just above Rohuzar's hand for a moment.  "We will need this back as soon as your work is complete."  Then he relinquishes the keystone.

"Most of the ghostly activity happens at night.  The den, the bedrooms, and the kitchen are the worst."  He smiles.  "But I am sure you will know what to do about all of that."

"Vhat sort of alarms?" Rohuzar says with concern

"Rest assured that the Red Band will take care of this." Aubrey says with a quick smile as he gets up again, standing by the others, ready to move on to Flamewatch Hall.

Guilim listens roll the story and then pulls the others to the side after they are done talking with the lordling. "So any thoughts on how to best deal with spirits?"