Quivering Corruption (DM Lerus)

Graxx takes the potions and walks around.  He takes the 60 GP and distributes it evenly.  Handing out 12 gold to each person.

"Few coins to share here." says Graxx.

Graxx waves the new potions around.

"I"m trying to hold off myself as it seems like the danger has passed but if anyone wants to take guzzle one these bad boys just say the word." says Graxx

If no takers Graxx will enter the secret passage opening.

Utar has a refreshment and the group walks back into Mama's room. The smell is quite awful: a mixture of smokiness and burned meat and fur. Some react better than others, and the cleric in particular quickly decides he'd better leave the looking around to the others. Before heading in to help the others, Moneus smiles and says to his old friend: "I'm supposed to bring you to Litta afterwards. I can't just show up empty-handed, right? Torm wouldn't look kindly at me if I did, and Litta might send me to pay him a visit." (Utar heals for 9 HP.)

Dozzey focuses first on the bodies. Much like those outside the room, he finds little of interest besides a few blades and a burned hand crossbow. It seems the shapeshifters favored keeping light in terms of gear.

Neya takes a broader look around the room and spots a bowl full of coins in the northwestern corner. A quick look reveals another pile of 60gp in it.

Graxx makes sure everyone receives an equal share of the coins he found previously and Moneus gladly takes his share. The barbarian also saves the 3 new potions he found for a future fight.

The group then walks through the secret passage... 

(OOC: Don't forget to add the gold to your inventories.)

Inside, the adventures find what can only be described as a treasure hoard. There are coins of every denomination in this storage chamber, as well as gems and gear of particular quality. It looks like this band has been quite successful in filling the Welcomers' big shoes.

Assuming the group spends the time to go through the hoard, estimate values, and hand pick gear, this is what you find (If you open the spoiler up, you are agreeing to take a short rest right here and then, so you can examine everything):

THE SECRET ROOM:

Short Rest:  41

 Graxx walks over looking at the various items.

"Blood and Ashes... Look at all this... It's so much..."

Graxx picks up the Vicious Pike.

"Now this... I've gotten kinda used to these long weapons.  I wouldn't mind adding this to my collection if ya'll don't mind.

Graxx picks up the Bracers of Defense and hands them to Neya.

"As tempting as these are to me I feel like we would benefit more from you having them."

Graxx takes the sending stones and gives one to Doozey and one to Utar.

"I'd feel better if both of ya'll had one of these.  Doozey, you like to go running off by yourself.  Utar, you might have a target on your back.  If we ever get separated I'd like for us to be able to get messages "

Graxx looks over the rest.

"I don't know much about scrolls so I'll leave those to ya'll.  What else do you all want?  See anything you like Moneus?"

For two mundane items Graxx will take one Healer's Kit and one Climber's Kit.

(Ki points replenished)

Neya contributes to the inventorying of the werethieves's hoard.

"Wow, that wererat on Thorn Island certainly abused his authority."

Picking up the bag of holding.

"This certainly can help with moving much of this out of here. Other than that, I do not have need for a lot."

She then inspects the wand of web.

"This... Is interesting..." she says while turning it, looking all of its sides.

Then, she takes a look at the seeker darts and gives a short laugh.

"Maybe I'll have more luck with these. Maybe..."

"And this..." She swirls the potion of invisibility to confirm something was in the vial, "Oh, yes... I like this..."

She sets aside the bag and the wand for anyone who wants them.

Among the mundane items, she picks up a shovel and a bag of ball bearings.

"I should remember to pick up my caltrops back at the entrance, now that I think about it. I put them down, but as far as I know, nothing went over them."

Even after everything Doozey has gone through, the sheer momentum of goods and treasure stored away left him speechless. For a few moments at least, he all but even forgot the recent turmoils of the past few hours. Then, the awe gives way to a small frown seeing the others pick through the items. After the second attempt to speak up fails, Doozey looks away ashamed for a moment. But in doing so, he catches sight of the remainder of his things cast off to the side.

"So, that's where they've been keeping me things." He mutters softly, prior to waltzing over to begin gathering it all up. As soon as he had the healer's kit in hand, nimble fingers set to work patching up the worst of the wounds as others chose some choice items. A soft offer to the same for others once Graxx came by with one of the stones. Albeit, one preceded by his faintly scowling at Graxx for the comment.

"Wait. That does remind me..." He looks over to Neya and Utar in particular. "What did you do with Gravy? And.... Biscuit... Did-... Did they leave anything to recover?" He asked, softening his voice towards the end. Once he had the information there, Doozey nods faintly, but would say no more or ask any further questions on the subject. Rather, he found his attention drawn to a set of kits nearby, and after a short once over, he bags the two.

"That's an awfully fancy crossbow there. Surprised you hadn't snatched it up, Mr. Graxx. As I've learned in my journeys, it always pays to have an exceptionally good back up on hand. And though it's tempting, it is far too hefty for me." He admits as much, before narrowing his eyes at something among the hoard, eventually pulling out the Wand of Secrets. "Hn. Unusual. But perhaps useful." He admits, bagging it as well, assuming none take offense to it. Afterwards, a somewhat restless Doozey again start counting coin and divide it up during the short rest.

[Tooltip Not Found] and Healer's Kit(bring total to 3).

Healer's Healing for Everyone that accepts it(before short rest), expending 5 uses):

Utar's: 14.
Doozey's: 15.
Neya's: 11.
Moneus': 13. (Bonus may slightly vary depending on number of hit die. Roll assumes at least 6)
Graxx's: 16.

(@all: Most likely will need to be held in the bag of holding for some, but baseline division of coin: 240 cp, 1300 sp, 700 ep, 1620 gp, 124 pp)

In the burnt straw room:

Utar claps Moneus on the shoulder, "Litta would send you, and expect you to bring me back too! C'mon, let's see what Mama bear was keeping back there."

In the cave of wonders:

Utar is momentarily speechless upon entering the room, caught short at the sheer amount of money that could be put in one place. Fumbling the sending stone, he nods to Graxx and spends a moment looking over the scrolls. "There's so much of it..."

Picking over the spoils, Utar mumbles to himself continually turning items over and leaving them with the hoard, eventually storing a climbers kit, neatly tied with waxed leather thongs and a slightly battered mess kit into his pack.

Graxx leans over and picks up the heavy crossbow.

"Hmmmm....'

Graxx holds it up aiming it.

"I've never used one Doozey.  But if you think this is better than my handaxe then I trust you.  I will learn how to use it."

As the group takes stock of their new belongings, Doozey goes around patching them up. Graxx and Moneus, in particular, benefits from both the gauze and their own natural healing abilities. (A hit die for Moneus: 4.)

• Graxx heals for 57 HP;
• Doozey heals for 15 HP;
• Neya heals for 11 HP;
• Utar heals for 14 HP;
• Moneus heals for 17 HP.

As the group digs in, they begin to hear small squirming-like noises. In a corner, partially covered by coins, they find a filthy birdcage with a horned bunny inside, who is just as dirty and mistreated. It's rare appendage must have been considered a sort of treasure by the werebeasts.

THE BUNNY:

In all, it takes almost three hours for the group to catalog all of the treasure and partially rest (a longish short rest). Moneus picks a few choice items for himself, focusing on gems, art pieces, and other general valuable articles (as per OOC chat). He also seems particular keen on the rare electrum pieces: "I can find buyers for all of these items given an appropriate amount of time... likely better than any of you could. It seems only fair I take my share in the form of... tradables." He pauses for a moment and then adds: "Speaking of which, feel free to bring similar items to me in the future. I can serve as a fence should you need one." Finally, the resourceful tiefling collects all of the copper pieces and explains: "And these, shall keep the kids on the streets happy for some time. They are the best informants in the business, you know..."

After it is all set and done, the group prepares to leave the cave with their pockets and backpacks full. (And the bag of holding somewhat filled too!)

 (@All: No matter how many times I see that rabbit, I cannot but go "Awwww~ How precious!". Truly, WoTC's artist out doned themselves in its design!)

Animal Handling: 12 (Just for initial impressions sake)

"Handaxes are fine weapons in a true pinch. But that right there? That is an answer for times when one has no choice but to be a bit more precise." The faintest smile touches his lips. "Something you sorely lacking at the moment. Later, perhaps tomorrow even, we might go somewhere to help you practice a bit with it. With me of course there to give you a few pointers of course." Doozey then turned about to focus again on helping sorting the treasure out.

The moment Doozey lays eyes on the Unicorn Rabbit, there was no looking away. His feet are moving even before consciously aware, and soon had the cage held just shy of eye poking range of the creature. Once they locks eyes, even the poor creature cannot help but stare back for at least a few moments, before instincts take over and its huddled on the far side of the cage, eyeing the stoutling warily.

Seeign this, Doozey tenses, and if not for the cage in hand, might've gripped at his chest as if suffering a heart attack. He still clutched at its side, and spent a few moments just staring looking conflicted with something. Then, there is a slow nod. "Biscuit... I cannot lose him again... I don't.... I.... He... he will need time to recover. Only this time..." He trailed off into silence. Whatever thought he might've had to continue helping flies out the window as Doozey spent the next couple of hours at least gradually coaxing the little beast with gently words in sylvan and food, beginning the process of 'The Bonding'. Eventually, deeming it safe enough, Doozey asked Moneus and Neya about unlocking the cage, and would carry the critter out in his arms.

"Don't worry, Mr. Taters. I'll do better this time... I promise... I'll do better." He whispers, as tears bubbled up but never quite fall from the corners of his eyes.

Graxx leans over looking at the rabbit.

"Mr. Taters huh?  I like it...  Shall we leave this place?"

The creature is barely alive, has been clearly mistreated, and was left to malnutrition. Doozey spends some time with it, offering attention and some food. It nibbles here and there but it is visually lacking strength. Once asked, Moneus approaches and fiddles with the lock.

-> Thieves' Tools check {DC 12}: 22

The simple lock is easily undone by the tiefling's tools and skill. The horned bunny is to weak to refuse being carried by the stoutling. With the second prisoner now rescued, Graxx encourages the group to leave the cave. They make their way back to the entrance where Neya collects her many caltrops. There are no signs indicating anyone ever stepped on them.

Making their way out of the cave proper, the party has to shield their eyes. It is a bright and sunny day outside, a clear indication CRAP spent the whole night fighting within the den. This sudden realization hits the group like a truck mule cart:

-> CON saving throw all around {DC 10}:

• Doozey: 13
• Graxx: 24
• Neya: 2
• Utar: 13
• Moneus: 18

(OOC: Hey! Three of a kind!)

The sore muscles from swing his mace, as well as the hours upon hours of bearing the weight of his armor, finally catch up with Utar. Though she travels much lighter, Neya too looks quite tired. (They are both suffering from exhaustion.)

Noticing the state his companions are in, Moneus asks: "Shall we find beds before I lead you to Litta, or are you well enough to brave the day?"

(@Ori: You can assume that the group told you during the rest that Biscuit's body was taken to the House of the Hand by some of Moneus' friendly Welcomer buddies.) 

"Yes, I believe we shall...We did what we came here to do and so much more." Neya says with a stretch.

Doozey slowly looks up squinting at Moneus, but after a quiet a moment, the eyes return to the charge in hand. "We may need our strength...certainly our full focus for any meeting, for any sort of meeting. If you wish to let them know we'll be seeing them closer to this evening, then by all means. Mn... I... if..." Doozey rubs at his face. "No... rest first."

Squinting in the light, Utar raises a hand to shield his eyes. "We can bed at the House of the Hand till then. I think what I'm bringing in is likely to buy us that much."

“Rest is much needed.” Graxx agrees.

"Indeed. Time flies when fighting for your life." Neya says as the multiple fights and wounds catch up to her.

Moneus agrees and begins leading the group back to the city proper. The bright day makes it so many of the townsfolk are out an about. The streets are lively, and CRAP gets a few looks from passersby. Some seem disgusted by their state, others a bit worried. A few even recognize Utar and Graxx as the duo who put out the fire at the Leadstopper house. 

The Temple of the Hand looks like it always does: solemn. The priests inside welcome the group as they have in previous occasions, and even seem a bit surprised by Moneus' visit. It seems he hasn't been to the temple in quite some time. He shrugs to Neya with an apologetic look before finding some time to make a donation and focus in prayer in a corner, alone.

Brother Tyree makes sure to let Doozey know that Biscuit body has been cared for, and that should he wish for a ritual, they can make sure all preparations are done by evening time. 

After the group achieves whatever pleasantries they aim for at the temple, they each find their way to a increasingly familiar communal room for a well deserved rest. A few of their roommates this time are clearly sick, judging by the heavy coughing going around. Nonetheless, their exhaustion catches up to them and the group sleeps for the next 8 or so hours.

(OOC: Feel free to RP as you wish before taking the rest, but then go ahead and make sure to hit the Long Rest button in your character sheets. Also, go ahead and add 7,100 XP to your characters. Details in the OOC Chat. Welcome to 7th level!)

Leaving the others within the House of the Hand, Utar heads to his cot, dropping his pack, his weapons, his armour beside it and dropping into its embrace.

Knowing you've been this tired before, or pushed your limits further does nothing to ease aching joints and battered bones. Within moments of laying down, he may as well be dead to the world.

Waking, Utar stretches out his joints, washes and dons his armour. Breakfasting he keeps an eye out for Moneus and Sister Ahkt.