Quivering Corruption (DM Lerus)

Graxx wakes and warily looks at the sick individuals around them.  Graxx walks to join Utar.

”Good to see you up and going friend.   As much as I am thankful for the hospitality maybe we should stay at the Inn moving forward.  Seems to be a lot of sickness.”

Graxx grabs his throat.

”It’s probably just my mind playing tricks but I feel like I’m coming down with something got a bit of a sore throat.”

Graxx sighs.

”Anyway... We’ve gained a few items.  If we have time today I’d like to visit a shop or two to offload some of these things. Be a lot easier on the ol’ back.  Get rid of that cursed sword while we’re at it.  What do you think?”

 Doozey stares up at Brother Tyree for a long moment. Even half-dead on his feet, as the group grew closer to the Temple, thoughts of his brother's future slipped more and more into the forefront of all others. The old "him" -- knowing he had the means -- would've jumped on the opportunity without a second thought.

But did he even had the right anymore? A promise had been made to do better, or at the very least, have the decency to die alongside his brother if the time ever came again. Instead, once again, he had been the death of a loved one. Perhaps it would happen again before old age ever reached them. Perhaps it was his destiny to be the last of the Redfoots; last of fools to walk a needlessly blood soaked path. Perhaps this was all Urogalan's way to teach him to let go. Then, he thought of Villonah's warning; a jest perhaps, and strangely heartwarming given the context.

He bowed his head and took a shuddering breath, before then finally look up at Brother Tyree. "Make it so. A-and... if you keep him here just long enough for him to recover again. I... h-here..." He motions or calls for Neya, assuming she hadn't walked off elsewhere, and with her assistance, pays in advance for the ritual, as well as however added "donations" might be in order for the Brother to keep and care for Biscuit while he recovered over the next few days.

Even if the man had to refuse, he still at least pays in advance for the ritual before the weight of bodily needs forces him along to the communal room. Before Doozey finds his rest, he sets about the final stage of the bonding ritual. One normally done in private, but for the sake of Tater's recovery, insence or lit, a brew of blood and special herbs(what little remained from the last time) consumed by both, and in the land of dreams, they learn and share with each other, turning two heartbeats into one.

Waking the next morning, both awaken simultaneously, though only Doozey is energized enough to act for a time. Without a second thought, he scoops up taters, if only to make things easier on the rabbit for a little longer. "Mn. I... still owe you anyways for last time -- and I most certainly still do." He gives a stern look to Graxx, prior to passing along a 1,000 gp. "S-so... well, I owe for more than just that, but... here. It's probably not quite enough. But, if you sell that old armor I gave you too, it should just enough get you that belt you were being teased with before, assuming her shop is still open. If not, we still have that sword, assuming of course Mr. Utar there hasn't been granted more miracles to yet purge the blade at last."

He tries to effect a smile at the notion, but it fails to reach his face fully. "I'll have to catch up with the rest of you in a bit, wherever you decide to go before shops start closing on us... For Biscuit, you know."

(@Lerus: Waiting to confirm if Doozey will be paying more than the gp necessary for the ritual before deducting anything from his sheet.)

In the temple, Neya sees Doozey talking with Brother Tyree and his subsequent beckoning. She agrees to help Doozey with Buscuit's recovery and will agree to contribute for half of the ritual.

Shortly before collapsing onto the cot, she takes care to dress the various wounds she had received the night before.

The next thing she knows, a full third of a day has passed. After she gets up, she takes out the bracers of defense and puts them on in order to get used to their feel.

She then goes into the mess hall and joins her companions and arrives to overhear Graxx's plans for some of the items.

(OOC: Going by the OOC Chat, I'll assume Doozey is paying for the whole cost of the ritual. I'll let you guys discuss further if you see it fit.)

Much like Utar and Graxx, Moneus avoids lingering for too long before heading to this cot.  Doozey stays behind to talk to Brother Tyree for a bit, and Neya stays back with him. The halfling hunter has to think about it for some time, but eventually agrees to fund the ritual. The priest receives the 1,250gp from Doozey to cover for the cost of all the necessary materials. The ranger collects the coins from the bag of holding with Neya's help, and Brother Tyree then leaves to begin preparations. 

Neya leaves to dress her wounds while Doozey decides to spend some time with his new furry friend before calling it a night.

Utar wakes up first and engages in some equipment maintenance and self hygiene. Moneus joins him for breakfast, which at the temple is nothing more than bread, lard, and water. Graxx joins next with talk of reconsidering their preferred place of stay in the future. Moneus agrees, though for different reasons: "It is good they have cots to spare for the faithful and their friends, but I am sure those cots are intended for the poor, ill, and needy... They are not exactly running an inn here."

Neya and Doozey join the conversation by the time the group is talking about visiting shops. Moneus makes a request: "If you are planning on purchasing supplies, I ask that you make it quick, especially if we still have a ritual to tend to. Not only are the shops closing soon as Doozey said, but we should still visit Litta before the morrow. I mentioned to her that I'd be meeting Utar last night and she hasn't heard from me since. We wouldn't want her to start thinking he murdered me..."

In terms of the time of the day, it is now about sundown. Everyone, including Mr. Taters, are well enough physically (full/long rest.) Before deciding what to do next, Doozey hands over 1,000gp to Graxx in order to repay for the barbarian's kindness.

(OOC: So, what comes next? Ritual? Shopping? Go meet Litta? Divide and conquer?)

Utar finishes up his porridge and makes a start on some tea. Breakfast is normally the safest meal of the day at the temple it being fairly difficult to screw up, so is safe even from Brother Tyree.

"We try not to make it a habit of overnight stays but hopefully we bring in enough donations and add enough to Torm's lustre to make up for it... But I agree about getting to Litta quickly, so any business in town should be quick. I can message ahead, let her know you're safe and we're on our way?"

Looking around the temple, Utar does notice more faces than he would normally, "There are more needy and sick in here than usual. I'll speak to the Brothers and Sisters before we leave, might be something we can check on, or at least be aware of. No doubt something that be shared with..." Utar points at his left ear and looks at Moneus, "your other friends."

Passing a cup to Graxx, he pours out a little tea "This should soothe a sore throat, but we'll keep an eye on you today."

Graxx stares back at Doozey when he passes him the 1,000 gold pieces.  He knows by the look in those stubborn eyes there will be no arguing.

”Thank you, Friend...”. Graxx takes the 1,000 gold pieces without a fight.

Graxx listens to Moneus.

”The shopping can wait.  No need to put material items before the task at hand.  The shops will be there tomorrow.”

"No real need to do anything else, right now." Neya says, "We were busy all night and sleeping all day. We've kept her waiting for long enough."

(@Lerus: If it hasn't already been noticed, then to make clear, Doozey gave the equivalent of the ritual's cost in gold, silver, and a few platinum. This being just to lower his personal encumbrance, since he'd want to carry his own coin around.)

"The sooner the better than. I need to.. should remain here for Biscuit's sake. But you all should get going." He quickly raises his hands surrender/placating gesture. "I have not forgotten what was said last. About a.. division of company... But, I will be fine. Honest. And there's been enough delays on something so important. I'll-..." The rest catches in his throat.

 After shaking his head, he goes on to say,"If need be, I'm sure your god has made it so you can contact me. And I... In the meantime, once the ritual is seen to, I can meet you guys at that one tavern again. Perhaps I can see to it about reserving rooms for more than one night for all of us, even." Again, he tries to smile, but it... doesn't seem quite right. Fortunately, the attempt is abandoned fairly quickly in favor of just looking expectantly at everyone.

Graxx speaks up. “Seems the stones will come in handy already.”

"Oh right. I forgot about those already." Doozey admits, as Mr. Tater's nods sagely from his arms.

Graxx receives two gifts: gold and tea! To repay them, the barbarian reminds the group that the sending stones will come in handy.

Moneus nods at Neya and stands up from the breakfast table: "Very well then, finish your meal, say your goodbyes, and gather your belongings. I'll be waiting outside the temple once you are ready to go." The tiefling looks at Doozey and adds: "Good luck with your ritual. I never met your furry friend but I am sure he is quite a good boy. Meet us once you are done, would you?" With that, he bows and leaves the room.

Both Brother Tyree and Sister Ahkt come in at this moment. The Brother approaches Doozey and lets him know that preparations are complete. The Sister approaches Utar chiefly to say hello, after missing his arrival earlier in the day.

(OOC: I'll stop here to give @MB a chance to talk to the priests as it was indicated Utar wanted to do that before leaving. @Ori should also feel free to get the ritual started in whichever way he sees appropriate. Doozey would remember from last time that there are a lot of incense, chanting, and praying involved. @Drache and @Grx should feel free to add to either if you so wish. Moneus is waiting outside.)

Utar returns the greeting and pulls out a stool for the Sister before pouring some tea into an empty mug and freshening his own.

"Do you have time for a quick chat, Sister? I wondered how things were at the temple and in Phlan? There's a lot of new faces here and, while they are welcome, sudden influxes don't normally bode well."

(OOC Utar's aim with the conversation is to just gently probe see if Sister Ahkt knows if anything is going on in town or more generally that might be good to know. It can be wrapped up fairly quickly if needs be and we want to move on with the story.)

Graxx reaches in his backpack for his drums before he recalls how he had to discard them.  Graxx decides to lend his voice to the chanting aspect since he has no drums.

Performance?: 9

Neya joins Utar as she is also interested in this sudden surge of illness.

Doozey first instincts are to go for his lute. However, upon realizing it had been donated last, he would ask if they have an equivalent he might yet borrow for the ritual. If not, it is with a great deal of nervousness -- nervousness only eased upon realizing Graxx seemed intending to linger for at least a bit -- that he would settle on joining in on any chants with SONG! In such a case, he brings out a small, rolled up and weathered map out of a water proof case, and clutching it close to his chest throughout the whole ordeal. In both cases, Mr. Taters is either at his feet or sitting on his head, aiding as best as the newly bonded creature can in at least a companionable sense.

Lute Playing: 10. (+0 if straight performance)

(@All: Probably sends the wrong vibe, but figured this would be the closest to an upbeat song Doozey might know. And yes, it is from that Coffin Dance Meme.)

Sister Ahkt politely refuses to sit down, letting Utar know that she must be brief as she plays a central role in the ritual they are about to start for Biscuit. She then says: "Phlan is in its usual lively state; people running left and right, always busy, and ignoring those in need. That's were we come in, as you know well." She then waves her hands as a signal for Utar and Neya not to over-interpret the number of ill visitors within the temple: "A few younger lads thought it was a good idea to go for a dip in a stale pond. Passed some sort of bug around, but we are taking good care of them. Your... expertise... is better focused elsewhere, I'm sure." She finishes with a smile, standing up and saying her farewells.

Doozey and Graxx excuse themselves and follow sister Ahkt out of the room, with Brother Tyree closely behind. They visit the same room as last time, which is already replete with incense smoke and floral scents. Brother Manas is already in position, nodding at the halfling and human men as they arrive. Without delay, all priests and acolytes take their position and begin their slow chanting. Brother Tyree is the last one to do so, taking a few extra seconds to deliver Doozey's old lute back to him, at least temporarily: "We've not sold it yet..." he explains.

For the next 60 or 70 minutes, the priests and acolytes sing and chant rhythmically. Their voices sounding more angelical by the minute. Graxx joins in the best way he can, though all priests politely ignore the lack of harmony the barbarian brought in. Doozey follows the chants effortlessly, strumming his lute with a mix of emotions that include remorse, nostalgia, and serenity. Once it is all over, the expensive diamond that serves as the centerpiece of the ritual is pulverized. All of the incense smoke in the room finds its way inside Biscuit's lungs, which then begin to rise and fall once more. Brother Manas approaches Doozey and says: "The mastiff has gone through this ritual twice in a very short span of time. He is alive, but it will take time for him to be fully recovered. I doubt he'll open his eyes before three sunrises, and then he will need more time still. Brother Tyree will gladly watch over him during this time."

(@MB & @Drache: Are Utar and Neya waiting for the ritual to finish or meeting up with Moneus to begin making your way to Litta?)

I vote we leave in one group after last time. That said, if anyone/a group wants to split off, they take a sending stone with them and we have a time arranged for meet up.

Neya will wait for the ritual to end as well.

Unable to either smile or muster even a small grin, Doozey simply nodded his thanks, and offered the Lute back for Brother Manas or whoever might it go to for its return to Temple hands. Once he leaves the room and sees that both Neya and Utar as well had stayed behind, confusion and frustration plays softly on his face, before the stoutling finally casts his gaze downward and shakes his head. Something in halfling is muttered that Neya and perhaps Utar can see by expression was likely self-demeaning or derisive.

Though before either can address it, he straightens up and simply says, "No more delays. Let's get going." He marches out the temple on that note, refusing meet anyone's gaze.

(OOC: Some of this is based on OCC conversations.)

Though not participating in it this time, Utar and Neya show their support for the ritual by waiting patiently for it to finish instead of leaving their companions behind. Once it is all said and done, Sister Ahkt is the first one to leave the chamber while Doozey hands over the lute back to Brother Manas.

Utar takes this opportunity to pull Sister Ahkt aside for a moment. The half-orc hands over a heavy sack to the priestess, clarifying that there are a few more just like it waiting for her by the main shrine. She peeks inside and gasps in awe. She tries to explain they couldn't possibly accept such a thing but Utar clarifies that though they might not know how to use it at the moment, they can eventually make better use of it than the cleric himself could. Before she can say anything else, Utar hands over a scroll and tell her to put it to good use as well. She nods, still incredulous, and moves on.

The group then follows Doozey outside and finally meet with Moneus again. The tiefling is not exactly happy that he was left waiting for so long after being told the team was ready to split up, but he does not complain out loud. With that, Moneus leads the group into the night with no further delay.

Brother Manas comes running out of the temple after the group. He is fumbling four bulbous glass vials in his hands. He says to Utar: "I just saw what you brought. Please take these with you. We had just restocked, so you are not preventing anyone from getting treatment by accepting our counter-gift." He does not give Utar a chance to reply. With a nod, he runs back into the temple.

(@MB: You know what you need to remove from your inventory, so please do so.)

(A separate post furthering the plot is coming soon.)