Utar closes the crypt's doors, noticing that the hinges are working well. They are heavy, but move easily once the cleric puts his back into it. The doors are not locked or sealed.
The party moves on to the temple, led by Graxx and Neya, but Asley is the first one in. The inside is quieter than the graveyard, but you've come to expect so from Kelemvor followers. Three acolytes pray silently at the center of the room, heads bowed toward the large statue of a skeletal hand balancing scales within its grasp. As he turns, you recognize one of them to be Brother Keefe, who then signals you to follow him once again to his personal chamber.
Once you are all situated within the tight room, he breaks his silence: "By my Lord Lyonsbane! You are all alright! I feared for the worst when mid-afternoon arrived and not a soul surfaced from the crypt's underbelly." He sighs in relief: "So, what have you uncovered?"
Graxx does not say a word but studies Keefe intensely. Does he seem genuine when he asks, "So, what have you uncovered" that he indeed did not know what was down there?
"Sorry to worry you... We wanted to do an as thorough investigation as we could. Nevertheless, we did find out the true nature of the crypt. Whomever made that place were performing experiments regarding necromancy and dragons - which evidently included corpses and skeletons with draconic parts.
However, while there was nothing alive down there, we weren’t exactly alone, either."
"Necromancy? Right under Kelemvor's domain?! I was afraid that was going to be the case. That is as much an affront to our believes as there can be! Disgraceful." Brother Keefe lets out, clearly offended by such experiments happening right under his nose. "Dragon parts and and bodies, you said? Whoever did this sounds like no amateur. I would advise you proceed with caution. If they realize you disturbed their work.... Bah, they can eat a bag of soiled linens for all I care, but you should be careful nonetheless." He wavers between worry for you and satisfaction that the experiments were disturbed.
"My... sources... say the Welcomers, the thieves’ guild of Phlan, have been investigating various dragon-themed leads in the last month. They may be involved in this as well. I mentioned this before when we first met, but it bears repeating, and reinforces my plea for increased caution from this point forward." He then looks like he suddenly remembers something "Did you bring any proof with you, perchance? I have my description of what I found in Xandria Welltran's sarcophagus but my report would be better if we could provide hard evidence."
Drazzim will produce the broken rod. "I'm no mage, but this were in a magic circle with bad stuff about it." He says. "Bet it's what those necrowhatchamacallits were using for an evil ritual of some sort."
While listening to Brother Keefe, Utar makes an insight check to see if The Welcomers would be behind any necromancy, in earlier dealings with them The Welcomers seem more interested in the value of dragon artifacts rather than anything else. He wonders if Keefe is trying to shift attention away from another group.
Insight - 12
Utar gives Rag a sideways glance as he speaks "Thieves normally go in for robbing tombs, rather than raising their inhabitants from their slumber. Still, you should reseal that tomb, a number of former residents were more mobile than any of us are comfortable with."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
In response to Utar: "Aye, they don't. But I've learned over the years that organized factions like that are quick to crave more power, influence, alliances and resources. Don't underestimate them." Brothe Keefe sounds sincere, and if he is hiding something, it isn't something concerning the potential group behind it.
In response to Drazzim: "A rune-covered rod? Yes, no doubt this was part of some foul ritual. This will serve just fine, if I may keep it."he requests.
"Now, to the matter of payment... here":
Randomly chosen character, depending on alphabetical order: 1
Brother Keefe removes his belt pouch and hands it over to Utar. "As promised, the contents of my personal pouch." Utar finds 133gp inside.
Nods in gratitude as he received the pouch in both his hands. "My thanks Brother." Opening his body, the coin pouch is transferred to one hand, the other extends towards Keefe. "If ever you need further aid, you'll find some here."
Asley approaches Brother Keefe and shakes his hand. "We may do some of our own looking into this, but for now we are just happy to have been able to help you. Is there anything else you require at this time?"
Brother Keefe shakes your hands with a smile. “Thank you, Utar, Asley, everyone. Now that your job has finished, it is up to me to escalate this up my chain of command. If they decide they’d like to pursue this further, I’ll be sure to reach out to you. Likely through Neya here, but perhaps I’ll stop by Madame Freona’s Tea Kettle for another mug of ale instead” he maintains his smirk. “Farewell friends”
(OOC: if there is anything else you want from Brother Keefe, now is the time to post it, otherwise this is farewell).
The party leaves the the Temple of the .Silent Shroud with both heavier purse and worries, as there is much that seems to be happening in the background. From here, each member finds comfort in their own way...
Below you'll find my notes on the loot found and gathered by the party during this episode. These records exclude mundane items/weapons you might have collected along the way. Please note that this is also your last chance to divide/share/bargain/request/trade the spoils of war, if so desired.
SPOILS OF WAR (EPISODE 3)
Each character earned 7gp from treasure found in the under-crypt, plus 19gp as payment from Brother Keefe (total of 26gp per PC). Additionally:
Getting a (partial) conclusion for your characters:
If it strikes your fancy, I'll ask that each of you post at least one more time detailing what your characters do after you leave the Temple of Kelemvor -- a conclusion of sorts. Feel free to keep the dialog going for a bit too if you'd like. For example, is your character going back into the Kettle to hang out, finding another spot in Phlan or the Moonsea region, getting a bath, inquiring about the Welcomers, going to hunt Dragons, riding into the sunset, etc? Make it interesting and you might just start the next episode with extra information.
This is also the time to let me know if you are going out shopping for any items. Any mundane items you have can be sold for 50% value (rounded down) and purchased for the price listed in the PHB. If you want to buy or sell non-mundane and magical items, we'll roll for it taking the DMG as a guide. Make your decision part of your concluding post and we can then continue separately on 1-on-1s.
OOC: First time shopping. I've tried to read up on it but if I make a mistake I apologize. I do not believe I can afford magic bracers based on what I have seen so I will stick to mundane times. Also, Graxx isn't keeping what he is doing a secret so if others play on it, that is fine.
"That was right good fun! I hope to see y'all back at the Tea Kettle. I've got some stuff to take care of before the killin can happen. I feel like I need a proper welcome from these "Welcomer's".
Graxx will painfully sell his Greataxe at 50% for 15gp.
Then he would like to rent a room back at the Tea Kettle(please let me know cost) to get HP back.
Graxx would then like to inquire if there is a tavern with a more devious folk. If so, he will go to that tavern and look to start a fight with anyone who even slightly provokes him. Or if he see's the Drow from the prior episode, no provoking will be needed. This is in hopes of drawing the attention of the Welcomer's guild.
(OOC: The Tea Kettle counts as modest lodging, so food for an entire day will run you 3sp, and a room will cost 5sp per night (Table on Meals and Lodging (per day) can be found in Chapter 5 of the PHB). Anyone going this route should deduct expenses for a single day for now. I'll follow up with further cost per PC as needed).
(OOC: Anyone doing a bit of side adventuring or downtime activities will receive a separate message from me. Keep in mind these will be kept short, like a movie montage, if you will),
Utar closes the crypt's doors, noticing that the hinges are working well. They are heavy, but move easily once the cleric puts his back into it. The doors are not locked or sealed.
The party moves on to the temple, led by Graxx and Neya, but Asley is the first one in. The inside is quieter than the graveyard, but you've come to expect so from Kelemvor followers. Three acolytes pray silently at the center of the room, heads bowed toward the large statue of a skeletal hand balancing scales within its grasp. As he turns, you recognize one of them to be Brother Keefe, who then signals you to follow him once again to his personal chamber.
Once you are all situated within the tight room, he breaks his silence: "By my Lord Lyonsbane! You are all alright! I feared for the worst when mid-afternoon arrived and not a soul surfaced from the crypt's underbelly." He sighs in relief: "So, what have you uncovered?"
Graxx does not say a word but studies Keefe intensely. Does he seem genuine when he asks, "So, what have you uncovered" that he indeed did not know what was down there?
Insight: 8
He seems legitimately curious to you.
Graxx relaxes now that he is growing more trusting of Brother Keefe.
"Sorry to worry you... We wanted to do an as thorough investigation as we could. Nevertheless, we did find out the true nature of the crypt. Whomever made that place were performing experiments regarding necromancy and dragons - which evidently included corpses and skeletons with draconic parts.
However, while there was nothing alive down there, we weren’t exactly alone, either."
Extended Signature
"Necromancy? Right under Kelemvor's domain?! I was afraid that was going to be the case. That is as much an affront to our believes as there can be! Disgraceful." Brother Keefe lets out, clearly offended by such experiments happening right under his nose. "Dragon parts and and bodies, you said? Whoever did this sounds like no amateur. I would advise you proceed with caution. If they realize you disturbed their work.... Bah, they can eat a bag of soiled linens for all I care, but you should be careful nonetheless." He wavers between worry for you and satisfaction that the experiments were disturbed.
"My... sources... say the Welcomers, the thieves’ guild of Phlan, have been investigating various dragon-themed leads in the last month. They may be involved in this as well. I mentioned this before when we first met, but it bears repeating, and reinforces my plea for increased caution from this point forward." He then looks like he suddenly remembers something "Did you bring any proof with you, perchance? I have my description of what I found in Xandria Welltran's sarcophagus but my report would be better if we could provide hard evidence."
Drazzim will produce the broken rod. "I'm no mage, but this were in a magic circle with bad stuff about it." He says. "Bet it's what those necrowhatchamacallits were using for an evil ritual of some sort."
While listening to Brother Keefe, Utar makes an insight check to see if The Welcomers would be behind any necromancy, in earlier dealings with them The Welcomers seem more interested in the value of dragon artifacts rather than anything else. He wonders if Keefe is trying to shift attention away from another group.
Insight - 12
Utar gives Rag a sideways glance as he speaks "Thieves normally go in for robbing tombs, rather than raising their inhabitants from their slumber. Still, you should reseal that tomb, a number of former residents were more mobile than any of us are comfortable with."
(OOC: Just making sure, but did Neya notice what the others were doing while she was investigating the last room?)
Extended Signature
In response to Utar: "Aye, they don't. But I've learned over the years that organized factions like that are quick to crave more power, influence, alliances and resources. Don't underestimate them." Brothe Keefe sounds sincere, and if he is hiding something, it isn't something concerning the potential group behind it.
In response to Drazzim: "A rune-covered rod? Yes, no doubt this was part of some foul ritual. This will serve just fine, if I may keep it." he requests.
"Now, to the matter of payment... here":
Randomly chosen character, depending on alphabetical order: 1
Brother Keefe removes his belt pouch and hands it over to Utar. "As promised, the contents of my personal pouch." Utar finds 133gp inside.
Drazzim shrugs. "Nothin' I care for." He says, idly tossing the rod onto the table with a clatter.
Nods in gratitude as he received the pouch in both his hands. "My thanks Brother." Opening his body, the coin pouch is transferred to one hand, the other extends towards Keefe. "If ever you need further aid, you'll find some here."
OOC 19gp each, Utar believes in equal pay.
Asley approaches Brother Keefe and shakes his hand. "We may do some of our own looking into this, but for now we are just happy to have been able to help you. Is there anything else you require at this time?"
Brother Keefe shakes your hands with a smile. “Thank you, Utar, Asley, everyone. Now that your job has finished, it is up to me to escalate this up my chain of command. If they decide they’d like to pursue this further, I’ll be sure to reach out to you. Likely through Neya here, but perhaps I’ll stop by Madame Freona’s Tea Kettle for another mug of ale instead” he maintains his smirk. “Farewell friends”
(OOC: if there is anything else you want from Brother Keefe, now is the time to post it, otherwise this is farewell).
Graxx nods to Brother Keefe and steps out of the temple to await the others.
The party leaves the the Temple of the .Silent Shroud with both heavier purse and worries, as there is much that seems to be happening in the background. From here, each member finds comfort in their own way...
THIS BRINGS US TO THE END OF EPISODE 3
BOOKKEEPING (1/3)
Please go ahead and add 375 XP to each of your characters.
BOOKKEEPING (2/3)
Below you'll find my notes on the loot found and gathered by the party during this episode. These records exclude mundane items/weapons you might have collected along the way. Please note that this is also your last chance to divide/share/bargain/request/trade the spoils of war, if so desired.
Please let me know if you find a mistake or omission in the above list.
BOOKKEEPING (3/3)
Getting a (partial) conclusion for your characters:
If it strikes your fancy, I'll ask that each of you post at least one more time detailing what your characters do after you leave the Temple of Kelemvor -- a conclusion of sorts. Feel free to keep the dialog going for a bit too if you'd like. For example, is your character going back into the Kettle to hang out, finding another spot in Phlan or the Moonsea region, getting a bath, inquiring about the Welcomers, going to hunt Dragons, riding into the sunset, etc? Make it interesting and you might just start the next episode with extra information.
This is also the time to let me know if you are going out shopping for any items. Any mundane items you have can be sold for 50% value (rounded down) and purchased for the price listed in the PHB. If you want to buy or sell non-mundane and magical items, we'll roll for it taking the DMG as a guide. Make your decision part of your concluding post and we can then continue separately on 1-on-1s.
OOC: First time shopping. I've tried to read up on it but if I make a mistake I apologize. I do not believe I can afford magic bracers based on what I have seen so I will stick to mundane times. Also, Graxx isn't keeping what he is doing a secret so if others play on it, that is fine.
"That was right good fun! I hope to see y'all back at the Tea Kettle. I've got some stuff to take care of before the killin can happen. I feel like I need a proper welcome from these "Welcomer's".
Graxx will painfully sell his Greataxe at 50% for 15gp.
Then he would like to buy a Potion of Healing for 50gp.
Then he would like to rent a room back at the Tea Kettle(please let me know cost) to get HP back.
Graxx would then like to inquire if there is a tavern with a more devious folk. If so, he will go to that tavern and look to start a fight with anyone who even slightly provokes him. Or if he see's the Drow from the prior episode, no provoking will be needed. This is in hopes of drawing the attention of the Welcomer's guild.
(OOC: The Tea Kettle counts as modest lodging, so food for an entire day will run you 3sp, and a room will cost 5sp per night (Table on Meals and Lodging (per day) can be found in Chapter 5 of the PHB). Anyone going this route should deduct expenses for a single day for now. I'll follow up with further cost per PC as needed).
(OOC: Anyone doing a bit of side adventuring or downtime activities will receive a separate message from me. Keep in mind these will be kept short, like a movie montage, if you will),