After a deep sigh, Neya tells Doozey, "Utar was murdered not too long ago. Graxx had heard a struggle coming from his room. Evidently, Utar wasn't too far asleep before the attack happened."
"Neither of us were able to see who did it. After Graxx rushed out the door I tried to find some clues. From what I saw, the only trace of whoever did it was a bloody boot print. Most of his stuff was still there, which leads me to believe he was assassinated."
"Only one thing doesn't fit with what I saw, or rather, didn't see. I will need to ask Graxx, -or even Utar, himself - whether Utar's mace is still in his possession."
"I had just arrived so we could be able to give the clerics payment for reviving him."
Doozey goes wide-eyed for a moment, lowered his gaze as shoulders sag in defeat in the next, and then after a longer moment, the brows furrowed at a thought. "Yalek..." He whispered softly, before finally looking up and approaching Neya with a look of intense purpose in his eyes. "When we parted last did Yalek stay with you all? Did you see him leave? And if so, did he say or do anything odd before he went?" He asked heatedly. "Please, think back. I... I...." He started rubbing his temple in possible frustration.
Then, he freezes up as another thought occurs to him for just a moment, only to shake his head dismissing it. Still, he seemed both frustrated and saddened all at once. "... I messed up. I should've warned you all before I left... I should've told you that I... I sensed them off about his wanting to come along. It sounded almost reasonable, but.... there were some many things off about it. And even before then. I thought.. I thought given your history with Chaab, and his whole business as a spy of sorts was the source of some distrust. But then, I... I was too tried to think about why he still came with us anyways? Why not return to that Drow fellow? And come to think of it... why did Senetir-..." He catches himself, shook his head once more curtly, and then huffed before looking up to Neya for answers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yes, he went with us to the Laughing Goblin," Neya folds her arms, thinking back. "He even paid for a room for the night. I recall him sway himself into his room."
"Come to think of it, I hadn't seen him since the attack. Not even after Graxx yelled twice around discovering the scene of the crime - I heard his usual war cry, follow closely by him yelling through the wall about what he discovered - and considering I did not leave immediately."
"Now, I wonder if that drunken stumbling was an act."
She tries to recall around how much Yalek had drunk in the evening.
History(?): 10
Regardless of the result, Neya continues, "As for Chaab, until the meeting at the Tea Kettle, I had never even met him. From what I saw, Graxx was much more familiar with him."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Ah, right.. I noticed as much as well. Mr. Graxx has quite a few complicated relationships." Doozey gives a fleeting grin, before then turning in the rough direction the ritual is expected to take place. He then looks between his lute and Taters next, before then sighing. "I should... Without Mr. Utar, it will be a might difficult get in contact with the others. And I dare not use Gravy on the off chance Yalek or whoever the assassin was is paying attention to this place."
With that, he looks again to Taters, and following a solemn nod in return, the newly winged beast flies off to stand vigil atop the roof of the Temple. "We should get in there as well... uh... But before then, there is something else I should... I need to say as well. Just in case." Doozey starts off by finally confirming Seranolla's investigations into Caah, followed by his dream and suspicions regarding the trio back on the island. "It's... we got a full plate. But for now, we focus on what's most pressing, yah?" Doozey lingers long enough for a response prior to making his way towards the expected ritual chamber to help out however he might.
----> Tater's Perception: 21.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Despite not being very experienced in this type of work, Graxx follows the instructions given to him by Sister Ahkt and Brother Manas to the letter. This treatment chamber is no Lyceum, but it is equipped with basic medical supplies and tools. He is nervous at first, but as he continuously pleads to Tempus, Graxx begins cleaning wounds and passing medical tools almost without noticing.
Although the procedure is well thought out by Sister Ahkt, her next command to pick Utar back up seems sudden to Graxx. He does as ordered as the Tormite affirms: "The wounds are closed and antidotes have been applied in case the blades were poisoned. We should take him to the ritual chamber." Brother Manas nods and turns to the other Tormite in the room: "Brother Tyree, lead the way."
Back in the main worship hall, Doozey and Neya catch up on the news. They briefly discuss the murder and the clues, noting that, in hindsight, Yalek's behavior seemed a bit odd. Doozey shares his previous suspicious and, in an attempt to not hold back information anymore, also briefly describes his recent nightmare, a certain trio, and the curious discovery concerning Buhrell Caah. Other familiar names come up in the conversation, such as Chaab and Senetir.
@Neya: You weren't specifically keeping count of how many drinks each of you were having before going to sleep. You remember that Graxx made a big deal of only having one mug of ale but the others, including you, had more. As for Yalek, all you can say with certainty is that he had at least two servings.
Taters flies off and the pair go deeper into the temple. Doozey trusts his companion will come find him should he spot anything suspicious.
(@Ori: Please correct me if I am wrong but since you didn't cast Beast Sense, Doozey can't see/feel whatever Taters perceives, right?)
Everyone reconvenes at the ritual chamber. This room is becoming more familiar to CRAP than they would probably like to admit. The tall stained glass windows and permanently hung censers are still as handsomely decorated and shiningly clean as the group remembers.
They also remember the steps involved in the ritual: the mixture of different incenses, the many candles and their reflections on the colorful glass, the spirit-regenerating chants led by Sister Ahkt, the grave humming produced in Brother Manas' throat, the small set of drums played by Brother Tyree, and the many acolytes accompanying their senior Tormites in each of these tasks.
There is one more thing the group recalls: the participation in the ritual from those who have developed bonds with the deceased is a powerful spiritual fuel.
(OOC: If you'd like to participate in this Raise Dead ritual, please go ahead and describe how you are doing it and roll a skill check of your choice. If you feel like you are helping the action of another person, PC or NPC, you can roll with advantage.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
???(DC 12): 7.
Ignore this roll.
As most are getting into position to aid in the ceremony, Doozey can only stare at the body of Utar, knowing -- believing in one truth. That once again it was /his/ fault an ally, or dare it even be said, a friend had fallen because of him. Hands began to tremble as a flood of curses and self doubt began to flood to the surface, threatening to overwhelm the stoutling.
After a few tense moments, Doozey expression hardened into one weak resolve. A debt was owed, and he would sooner be damned than pay it back. So, he broke out Lute, waited short while to try and catch beat, and began adding his own heart and accompanying tune to the beat.
Graxx, Neya, and Doozey all join the more musical aspects of the ritual. Brother Tyree offers a small set of hand drums to Graxx, and the barbarian uses his experience playing during tribe celebrations to perfectly match the Brother's beat. Neya, who has picked up on some of the lyrics from previous rituals, joins the acolytes in the hymn being led by Sister Ahkt. As he did before, Doozey plays his lute adding chords to the song; his musical timing is much better this time around.
The ritual takes hours to complete. The chamber fills up with so much incense that it becomes hard to see individuals standing on the opposite side of the room. At some point, Brother Manas opens an intricately carved wooden box and removes a small but perfectly cut diamond. He places it on Utar's chest and waits. Colored by all the light being reflected on the stained glass, the incense smoke suddenly swirls and penetrates Utar's body while passing through the diamond. The choir stops singing and Brother Tyree signals for the instruments to stop as well. Once the room is cleared of all smoke and sound, Brother Manas places a hand on Utar chest and releases a final, gentle burst of light into it.
The half-orc's chest puffs up and then gradually falls a moment later. Although unconscious, Utar lives.
Sister Ahkt turns to face the other members of CRAP: "He'll rest here for the night and the three of you will be given cots. Tomorrow morning, we'll have a conversation. This is not a request."
She exits, clearly exhausted but still determined to end her vigil at the Temple's entrance. The many acolytes also begin to leave. Brothers Manas and Tyree are still in the room.
Graxx comes over and put his hand gently on Utar’s chest. He feels the chest move up and down. A final tear flows down his face as he smile.
”Thank you...” Graxx says lightly while looking up.
Graxx covers himself best he can with his hands and turns to Brother Manas and Tyree.
”Thank you all so much for giving our friend back to us. I do not know what I would do if I lost him. It’s one thing to fall in battle but another to be slain in your sleep. Would y’all mind if I had the sheets for my cot? I’d like to cover myself the best I can now that the emergency is over.”
Graxx turns to Neya and Doozey.
”Now... We need to find who did this. They will be slain outright.... I don’t care if they are Sky Pony or not. Although I doubt it as being sneaky isn’t a skill we’re really taught. It could have been one of the Drow... This way is certainly something they would do. Do you think it could have been any of your folks Neya?”
"At first, I did suspect them," Neya begins, "But Doozey and I were speaking before we joined up with you. We've come to the conclusion that it may have been Yalek."
It isn't just one thing, either; Doozey had picked up on some subtle oddities in his behavior and I had not seen him since the attack."
"Further, when the Silent Wood accept an assassination job, typically research is done to get a sense of the target's habits. Something that has become almost impossible since our adventures have been anything but predictable. Tonight's attacker knew for certain where he was tonight, and Yalek was right there, with us before we went to bed."
A small frown touches the edges of Doozey's expression at Sister Ahkt's last statement. But even if he had the heart to be crass about wanting answers then and there, her obvious exhaustion and prompt movement elsewhere to presumably rest seals the deal. So, he crossed his arms, watched her go, and mumbled, "Something tells me we won't be getting any more 'second chances'."
With that grim thought in mind, the stoutling eventually returned his attention to Graxx and the others, and by extension Brother Manas and Tyree while they were yet there. Though after a few moments he seems antsy about something, this did not preclude him from perking to attention upon being addressed more directly. However, just as he's opening his mouth to speak, Graxx poorly timed head palming graces the halfing with a glimpse of something that left him shocked for a moment, before then looking away saying, "Holy--! Now I see why Mama used to call Auntie Daisel a professional python wrestler!" Turning back after and with his eyes FIRMLY sealed shut, Doozey awkardly clears his throat for attention before adding, "Either way, we won't be able to hunt down answers tonight. But, we'll also want to sleep in shifts to be sure. As I have little doubt whoever was responsible might be expect'n us here. And if not them, well, Ms. Neya here can fill you on the rest. I'm gonna go step out a second and check up with Taters." He said, before turning about and keeping his eyes lowered to the ground as he made his way out the front of the temple.
Once out there, unless he notices something alarming or strange there or along the way, he whistles a signal for Taters to return to him and ask in simple terms for an update. And while unable to speak, Taters could still manage to nod or shake his head.
(Just realized I forgot to roll a stealth check for Taters. But, probably won't matter anyhow.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Brother Manas gives Graxx a sympathetic smile after his grateful words. Regarding the sheets, Brother Manas proposes a different solution: "Why don't you go wash yourself before going to sleep? We'll have one of our acolytes look for robes that fit you." If Graxx accepts it, a young and silent acolyte will show him to a washbasin and bring him a large fitting set of robes. Once Graxx is ready, of course.
A quick discussion follows in which Graxx, Neya, and Doozey agree to narrow their investigations on Yalek as the primary suspect, though Doozey has a competing theory. Perhaps as embarrassed of Graxx's nudity as Brother Tyree was, Doozey excuses himself and goes outside. Eventually reunited with Taters, the halfling notices no special reactions from the winged bunny.
(OOC: I'll speed up this part a bit.)
Once washed and calmed, the still awake members of CRAP find their cots and sleep for the night. Their watches pass without a single reason to cause alarm. Everyone wakes up in the late part of the morning, given the previous night's events. Utar is awaking too, though he feels like, well, crap. The party has the rest of the morning for themselves, though the acolytes insist they don't leave the temple before seeking Sister Ahkt and speaking to her.
(@MB: Please see details of Raise Dead regarding your temporary penalty to all d20 rolls. This current rest already counts as one of the four you need.)
(OOC: Finishing this long rest completes this current act in this episode. Each of you earn 6,000 XP. Please see details in our OOC Chat. Also, you should feel free to study and identify any new items you collected thus far.)
"Easy there friend... You've been through quite the ordeal."
Graxx pats Utar.
"I became careless and left your side. It will not happen again until we are certain the danger has passed. Whoever wanted you dead is not going to be happy when they find out you are still with us."
Graxx sighs.
"Do you remember anything? Who it was that struck you?"
Blinking himself awake, Utar stares at the simple grey stone ceiling of the House of the Hand. At once it is familiar. Known and comforting. It is also distressing, because this is not where he remembers going to sleep last night.
Last night... Last night... He was within a room at the Laughing Goblin. It's ceiling was very different. Board and plaster with timbers streching out across the roof above him... It was a new room. Tidy enough. Pleasant enough. Not like here though. Not home.
But why is he here, not there? He had a few ales, but not enough to get blackout drunk. He had a few drinks. Toasted Keefe. Toasted his memory. Neya was there. Graxx was there. Yalek was there...
Remembering the half-orc, Utar involuntarily presses his hands into his chest, expecting them to come away wet. A thought comes unbidden to the front of his mind, "This feels pretty personal..." It lingers there for the longest time as Utar gingerly sits up in bed. He feels like death warned up and his muscles ache, complaining every with every movement as he wraps a set of robes about himself.
A million more questions flood his mind suddenly. None of which he has answers to. How long had Yalek been aware of him? Looking for him? Did he just suddenly drop into his lap? Was it a bigger set up? Was it even about him? Were Graxx and Neya safe? Where did Doozey go?
Rushing, stumbling his way out of the room, Utar searches the halls of the House of the Hand looking for CRAP or maybe some answers.
Relieved to see Graxx in the corridor, Utar is at least able to answer of some of the questions currently clouding his mind.
"It was Yalek. If know the tattoo even if he had covered his face. Which he didn't. Where's Neya? Where's Doozey? Are we all alright?"
Despite the comforts of knowing one of the others were about and on watch, it took time for Doozey to find rest once more. Thankfully, the comfort pillow that was Taters saw to night mercifully bereft of eyes or serpentine beasts. With the inevitable watch later, and the subsequently inevitable boredom of a peaceful one that came with it, Doozey quiet inevitably found himself sitting in his cot staring at an unsheathed Apostle laid gingerly over his lap. Even if it turned out Yalek had nothing to do with Utar, the fact remained that the stoutling had failed a comrade.
Hot headiness led to the death of the first one. Momentary anger led to another. Selfishness and perhaps a little cockiness assured the doom of a brother. And in the night previously, he cared more about prep work and following strange feelings over passing along potentially important details even in passing to his fellows. Was it his fate to continue to be the death of those closest too him? Had Big Mama Yondalla sought to punish him as retribution of some old wrong done by the Red Foots?
Having experienced much despair, and the hollowness to come with trying to disconnect from all pains, Doozey knew at least two answers to have done little to relieve the burden of such questions in mind. Three, if one counted the many other groups he stayed with for a time, only to abandon out of fear of history repeating itself. So it was that he took in a deep breath, let out a long exhale, and then just let his head drop in defeat. "If that's how it easy, then that's how it is. But, I'm a Redfoot through and through. No matter how painful or bloody the path, we all kept on marching on somehow; learning from our mistakes, but keeping the rhythm." He whispered to himself.
Afterwards, he fished out the flask the group have seen him guzzle down heartily in the mornings, and even during the evenings while on the road. Stared at it a good long time before finding a place to dump its contents where it wouldn't hurt others. That morning, awakening just a little earlier than the others, he'd see about trying commandeering a temporary section of the kitchen to brew up something special to guzzle down; only to minutes later, needing to find the nearest spittoon or closest equivalent to spew up black sludge-like substance that stunk of cherries, ozone, and iron. And it is there he is and there he stayed while the party is awakening, practically attached to whatever receptacle conveniently found in his hurry with Taters watching nearby.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Even though the morning sun beckoned her awake, Neya is still somewhat sleepy from the night before. Understandable, as the events of the late night did not afford much rest. Deciding to go check on Utar before going to eat, she starts making her way to the ritual chamber. As she walks, she gets a strange sense of nearly being able to see around corners moments before getting to them.
This is handy as she detects some uneven footsteps that seemed to be moving to round she was about to take, herself. She moves to the side of her path just as Utar comes rushing by.
"Glad to see you back with us!" Neya calls after him in an effort to grab his attention.
"You gave us quite a scare last night." She sighs, leans against the wall, looks down and continues apologetically, "We were too late... We were lucky a lot of times. But, when it really counted, we weren't there..."
Utar sits up on the "bed" he spent the night and, amid many thoughts, realizes that he has never felt this tired and achy before. Reaching for his chest, he notices a large, curved, stitched-up wound. Letting his hand slide upward he notices a second, similar cut on the left side of his neck. These are sure to become visible scars, and perhaps even grotesque. His touch notices one more detail: only one amulet hangs from his neck. His holy symbol dedicated to Torm is not there. Surely those in the Temple of the Hand would not have deprived him from the comfort the holy amulet brings.
Many questions rush to his head as Utar leaves the ritual room. Already walking towards him down the hallway, Graxx greets the cleric, apologizes, and asks if Utar remembers anything. Utar confirms the group's suspicions and asks for the other CRAPers. As if on cue, Neya avoids bumping on the duo by sensing their approach and giving them space to turn a corner. She also apologizes in her own way.
It is not until the three of them make their way to breakfast that they find Doozey and Taters. By then, the stoutling is already vomiting into a spittoon. The party is taken to a worn wooden table where they are served a simple fast-breaking meal consisting of freshly baked bread and soft white cheese. Orange peel tea is the only choice of beverage.
After the meal and upon request, CRAP is then brought outside to see Sister Ahkt. She invites them to sit on a courtyard bench and begins: "Utar, you have done much for this temple since your arrival in Phlan. Your last donation alone amounted to more coin than we have ever received in a single purse, and that is including donation from noble families during holy dates. I also happen to know you have done a few good deeds about town alongside your friends here. The four of you are a blessing to this city and house of worship. That said, these efforts are clearly accompanied by some heavy costs. Not many outside noble houses can afford to sponsor a revival ritual, so it is natural that we are not asked to perform them with any sort of regularity. Your group alone has now sponsored and requested three such rituals in perhaps just as many months. If you keep this up, there might well be a time we are not able to help. Not only because finding the right materials is a hard task, but also because such rituals take a severe toll on one's existence, as I am sure your body is letting you know at this very moment." She looks at Doozey for a moment and continues: "That mastiff of yours, wherever he is now, may not have what it takes to go through another one of these rituals. If he does, he'd certainly have a difficult time of it at a fourth attempt." Facing the whole group, she adds: "Please be more careful. I would hate to feel powerless at the time I am needed most."
She then raises and asks the group to follow her back inside. As she walks she clarifies: "Speaking of your last donation, it was more than enough to cover the costs of the ritual. Following that gift, Brother Manas had told me that he had promised a ritual of your choice free of charge. Please understand that last night's ritual fulfills that agreement."
She leads the group to a secondary worship shrine, much smaller than the main chamber. The main feature of this shrine is a large, cabinet-like reliquary. She says without turning to face Utar: "I noticed you no longer wear your amulet, and can only assume it was lost during the attack that brought you here." She opens one of the many tiny doors on the reliquary: "This amulet is similar to the one you wore. It used to belong to a fallen paladin of Torm. If you would like it, it is your to keep." The amulet is smaller than the one Utar was used to wearing. It is golden, square-shaped, and Torm's gauntlet is etched on it. She then opens a second tiny door: "This strip of leather is said to have helped fasten one of Torm's very own armor pieces, back when we was still but a man. If you wish to have this instead, we can place it within a pouch for you to strap to your belt as your own portable reliquary." The strip of leather is worn to the point it looks ancient, but it emanates a comforting warmth. There are many more tiny doors in this cabinet-like shrine, but Sister Ahkt opens only one more. "This small inkwell contains paint treated with holy water and hours worth of blessings. If you prefer, we can have Brother Tyree paint an emblem of Torm on your shield or armor. It would serve the same purpose as the other alternatives."
After Utar makes his choice, the group is free to go. You had a pretty late breakfast, but it is just about lunch time in Phlan. You have the afternoon for yourselves, but nobles wait for you around supper time.
(@MB: You may recall that the Black Fist armorer had already etched a symbol of Torm onto one of your pauldrons. If you want, Brother Tyree can simply paint over that with the special inkwell and it becomes your new holy symbol.)
Absently tracing the line of the puckering flesh of his neck, Utar takes a little food and a lot of orange peel tea. His throat always feeling dry no matter how much fluid he takes on.
"First of all. I don't think any of you failed me. We all trusted Yalek. Despite not knowing him for that long. We fought with him. We drank with him. We thought we could trust him. It's a mistake I'm not in any hurry to make again."
Utar tries a smile and little laugh that quickly erupts into a series of coughs. Recovering after a quick sip of tea, Utar extends a hand towards Sister Ahkt, placing it onto of one of hers and giving a squeeze.
"Thank you for giving me another chance. I won't squander it, not least because I've no interest in going through either the ritual or what comes before it."
Moving with the group, Utar muses over the decision presented by Sister Ahkt. The relic is too precious too risk. Something of Torm is beyond priceless. The amulet would be fitting, but the shape of it... Feels wrong in his hand. It should be round. It doesn't feel like it should, like how he remembers. His eyes light up when she suggests the paints.
"Tell Tyree to get his brushes. I've got a canvas he can use back at The Laughing Goblin."
(OOC Going to incorporate the symbol into Utar's pauldron of that's ok. I like the idea of him not having to drop something to use it.)
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After a deep sigh, Neya tells Doozey, "Utar was murdered not too long ago. Graxx had heard a struggle coming from his room. Evidently, Utar wasn't too far asleep before the attack happened."
"Neither of us were able to see who did it. After Graxx rushed out the door I tried to find some clues. From what I saw, the only trace of whoever did it was a bloody boot print. Most of his stuff was still there, which leads me to believe he was assassinated."
"Only one thing doesn't fit with what I saw, or rather, didn't see. I will need to ask Graxx, -or even Utar, himself - whether Utar's mace is still in his possession."
"I had just arrived so we could be able to give the clerics payment for reviving him."
Extended Signature
Doozey goes wide-eyed for a moment, lowered his gaze as shoulders sag in defeat in the next, and then after a longer moment, the brows furrowed at a thought. "Yalek..." He whispered softly, before finally looking up and approaching Neya with a look of intense purpose in his eyes. "When we parted last did Yalek stay with you all? Did you see him leave? And if so, did he say or do anything odd before he went?" He asked heatedly. "Please, think back. I... I...." He started rubbing his temple in possible frustration.
Then, he freezes up as another thought occurs to him for just a moment, only to shake his head dismissing it. Still, he seemed both frustrated and saddened all at once. "... I messed up. I should've warned you all before I left... I should've told you that I... I sensed them off about his wanting to come along. It sounded almost reasonable, but.... there were some many things off about it. And even before then. I thought.. I thought given your history with Chaab, and his whole business as a spy of sorts was the source of some distrust. But then, I... I was too tried to think about why he still came with us anyways? Why not return to that Drow fellow? And come to think of it... why did Senetir-..." He catches himself, shook his head once more curtly, and then huffed before looking up to Neya for answers.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Yes, he went with us to the Laughing Goblin," Neya folds her arms, thinking back. "He even paid for a room for the night. I recall him sway himself into his room."
"Come to think of it, I hadn't seen him since the attack. Not even after Graxx yelled twice around discovering the scene of the crime - I heard his usual war cry, follow closely by him yelling through the wall about what he discovered - and considering I did not leave immediately."
"Now, I wonder if that drunken stumbling was an act."
She tries to recall around how much Yalek had drunk in the evening.
History(?): 10
Regardless of the result, Neya continues, "As for Chaab, until the meeting at the Tea Kettle, I had never even met him. From what I saw, Graxx was much more familiar with him."
Extended Signature
"Ah, right.. I noticed as much as well. Mr. Graxx has quite a few complicated relationships." Doozey gives a fleeting grin, before then turning in the rough direction the ritual is expected to take place. He then looks between his lute and Taters next, before then sighing. "I should... Without Mr. Utar, it will be a might difficult get in contact with the others. And I dare not use Gravy on the off chance Yalek or whoever the assassin was is paying attention to this place."
With that, he looks again to Taters, and following a solemn nod in return, the newly winged beast flies off to stand vigil atop the roof of the Temple. "We should get in there as well... uh... But before then, there is something else I should... I need to say as well. Just in case." Doozey starts off by finally confirming Seranolla's investigations into Caah, followed by his dream and suspicions regarding the trio back on the island. "It's... we got a full plate. But for now, we focus on what's most pressing, yah?" Doozey lingers long enough for a response prior to making his way towards the expected ritual chamber to help out however he might.
----> Tater's Perception: 21.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Despite not being very experienced in this type of work, Graxx follows the instructions given to him by Sister Ahkt and Brother Manas to the letter. This treatment chamber is no Lyceum, but it is equipped with basic medical supplies and tools. He is nervous at first, but as he continuously pleads to Tempus, Graxx begins cleaning wounds and passing medical tools almost without noticing.
Although the procedure is well thought out by Sister Ahkt, her next command to pick Utar back up seems sudden to Graxx. He does as ordered as the Tormite affirms: "The wounds are closed and antidotes have been applied in case the blades were poisoned. We should take him to the ritual chamber." Brother Manas nods and turns to the other Tormite in the room: "Brother Tyree, lead the way."
Back in the main worship hall, Doozey and Neya catch up on the news. They briefly discuss the murder and the clues, noting that, in hindsight, Yalek's behavior seemed a bit odd. Doozey shares his previous suspicious and, in an attempt to not hold back information anymore, also briefly describes his recent nightmare, a certain trio, and the curious discovery concerning Buhrell Caah. Other familiar names come up in the conversation, such as Chaab and Senetir.
@Neya: You weren't specifically keeping count of how many drinks each of you were having before going to sleep. You remember that Graxx made a big deal of only having one mug of ale but the others, including you, had more. As for Yalek, all you can say with certainty is that he had at least two servings.
Taters flies off and the pair go deeper into the temple. Doozey trusts his companion will come find him should he spot anything suspicious.
(@Ori: Please correct me if I am wrong but since you didn't cast Beast Sense, Doozey can't see/feel whatever Taters perceives, right?)
Everyone reconvenes at the ritual chamber. This room is becoming more familiar to CRAP than they would probably like to admit. The tall stained glass windows and permanently hung censers are still as handsomely decorated and shiningly clean as the group remembers.
They also remember the steps involved in the ritual: the mixture of different incenses, the many candles and their reflections on the colorful glass, the spirit-regenerating chants led by Sister Ahkt, the grave humming produced in Brother Manas' throat, the small set of drums played by Brother Tyree, and the many acolytes accompanying their senior Tormites in each of these tasks.
There is one more thing the group recalls: the participation in the ritual from those who have developed bonds with the deceased is a powerful spiritual fuel.
(OOC: If you'd like to participate in this Raise Dead ritual, please go ahead and describe how you are doing it and roll a skill check of your choice. If you feel like you are helping the action of another person, PC or NPC, you can roll with advantage.)
Graxx will help Brother Tyree play the drums and will make a mental note to pick up a set of drums so that he can once more play on his own.
Performance: 22
Using her knowledge Tormite religion fighting along side Utar and participating in this ritual before, Neya will chant alongside Sister Ahkt.
Religion: 19 (If advantage was not sufficiently justified take first roll)
Extended Signature
???(DC 12): 7.
Ignore this roll.
As most are getting into position to aid in the ceremony, Doozey can only stare at the body of Utar, knowing -- believing in one truth. That once again it was /his/ fault an ally, or dare it even be said, a friend had fallen because of him. Hands began to tremble as a flood of curses and self doubt began to flood to the surface, threatening to overwhelm the stoutling.
After a few tense moments, Doozey expression hardened into one weak resolve. A debt was owed, and he would sooner be damned than pay it back. So, he broke out Lute, waited short while to try and catch beat, and began adding his own heart and accompanying tune to the beat.
Performance(w/ Lute prof.): 7.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Good rolls all around.)
Graxx, Neya, and Doozey all join the more musical aspects of the ritual. Brother Tyree offers a small set of hand drums to Graxx, and the barbarian uses his experience playing during tribe celebrations to perfectly match the Brother's beat. Neya, who has picked up on some of the lyrics from previous rituals, joins the acolytes in the hymn being led by Sister Ahkt. As he did before, Doozey plays his lute adding chords to the song; his musical timing is much better this time around.
The ritual takes hours to complete. The chamber fills up with so much incense that it becomes hard to see individuals standing on the opposite side of the room. At some point, Brother Manas opens an intricately carved wooden box and removes a small but perfectly cut diamond. He places it on Utar's chest and waits. Colored by all the light being reflected on the stained glass, the incense smoke suddenly swirls and penetrates Utar's body while passing through the diamond. The choir stops singing and Brother Tyree signals for the instruments to stop as well. Once the room is cleared of all smoke and sound, Brother Manas places a hand on Utar chest and releases a final, gentle burst of light into it.
The half-orc's chest puffs up and then gradually falls a moment later. Although unconscious, Utar lives.
Sister Ahkt turns to face the other members of CRAP: "He'll rest here for the night and the three of you will be given cots. Tomorrow morning, we'll have a conversation. This is not a request."
She exits, clearly exhausted but still determined to end her vigil at the Temple's entrance. The many acolytes also begin to leave. Brothers Manas and Tyree are still in the room.
Graxx comes over and put his hand gently on Utar’s chest. He feels the chest move up and down. A final tear flows down his face as he smile.
”Thank you...” Graxx says lightly while looking up.
Graxx covers himself best he can with his hands and turns to Brother Manas and Tyree.
”Thank you all so much for giving our friend back to us. I do not know what I would do if I lost him. It’s one thing to fall in battle but another to be slain in your sleep. Would y’all mind if I had the sheets for my cot? I’d like to cover myself the best I can now that the emergency is over.”
Graxx turns to Neya and Doozey.
”Now... We need to find who did this. They will be slain outright.... I don’t care if they are Sky Pony or not. Although I doubt it as being sneaky isn’t a skill we’re really taught. It could have been one of the Drow... This way is certainly something they would do. Do you think it could have been any of your folks Neya?”
"At first, I did suspect them," Neya begins, "But Doozey and I were speaking before we joined up with you. We've come to the conclusion that it may have been Yalek."
It isn't just one thing, either; Doozey had picked up on some subtle oddities in his behavior and I had not seen him since the attack."
"Further, when the Silent Wood accept an assassination job, typically research is done to get a sense of the target's habits. Something that has become almost impossible since our adventures have been anything but predictable. Tonight's attacker knew for certain where he was tonight, and Yalek was right there, with us before we went to bed."
Extended Signature
Graxx looks around the room and puts his hand to his forehead.
"Oh no..."
Graxx sighs.
"You may be right... Yalek's not here... Surely my shouting would have woken him and he would have come to help."
A small frown touches the edges of Doozey's expression at Sister Ahkt's last statement. But even if he had the heart to be crass about wanting answers then and there, her obvious exhaustion and prompt movement elsewhere to presumably rest seals the deal. So, he crossed his arms, watched her go, and mumbled, "Something tells me we won't be getting any more 'second chances'."
With that grim thought in mind, the stoutling eventually returned his attention to Graxx and the others, and by extension Brother Manas and Tyree while they were yet there. Though after a few moments he seems antsy about something, this did not preclude him from perking to attention upon being addressed more directly. However, just as he's opening his mouth to speak, Graxx poorly timed head palming graces the halfing with a glimpse of something that left him shocked for a moment, before then looking away saying, "Holy--! Now I see why Mama used to call Auntie Daisel a professional python wrestler!" Turning back after and with his eyes FIRMLY sealed shut, Doozey awkardly clears his throat for attention before adding, "Either way, we won't be able to hunt down answers tonight. But, we'll also want to sleep in shifts to be sure. As I have little doubt whoever was responsible might be expect'n us here. And if not them, well, Ms. Neya here can fill you on the rest. I'm gonna go step out a second and check up with Taters." He said, before turning about and keeping his eyes lowered to the ground as he made his way out the front of the temple.
Once out there, unless he notices something alarming or strange there or along the way, he whistles a signal for Taters to return to him and ask in simple terms for an update. And while unable to speak, Taters could still manage to nod or shake his head.
(Just realized I forgot to roll a stealth check for Taters. But, probably won't matter anyhow.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Brother Manas gives Graxx a sympathetic smile after his grateful words. Regarding the sheets, Brother Manas proposes a different solution: "Why don't you go wash yourself before going to sleep? We'll have one of our acolytes look for robes that fit you." If Graxx accepts it, a young and silent acolyte will show him to a washbasin and bring him a large fitting set of robes. Once Graxx is ready, of course.
A quick discussion follows in which Graxx, Neya, and Doozey agree to narrow their investigations on Yalek as the primary suspect, though Doozey has a competing theory. Perhaps as embarrassed of Graxx's nudity as Brother Tyree was, Doozey excuses himself and goes outside. Eventually reunited with Taters, the halfling notices no special reactions from the winged bunny.
(OOC: I'll speed up this part a bit.)
Once washed and calmed, the still awake members of CRAP find their cots and sleep for the night. Their watches pass without a single reason to cause alarm. Everyone wakes up in the late part of the morning, given the previous night's events. Utar is awaking too, though he feels like, well, crap. The party has the rest of the morning for themselves, though the acolytes insist they don't leave the temple before seeking Sister Ahkt and speaking to her.
(@MB: Please see details of Raise Dead regarding your temporary penalty to all d20 rolls. This current rest already counts as one of the four you need.)
(OOC: Finishing this long rest completes this current act in this episode. Each of you earn 6,000 XP. Please see details in our OOC Chat. Also, you should feel free to study and identify any new items you collected thus far.)
Graxx moves over to Utar.
"Easy there friend... You've been through quite the ordeal."
Graxx pats Utar.
"I became careless and left your side. It will not happen again until we are certain the danger has passed. Whoever wanted you dead is not going to be happy when they find out you are still with us."
Graxx sighs.
"Do you remember anything? Who it was that struck you?"
Blinking himself awake, Utar stares at the simple grey stone ceiling of the House of the Hand. At once it is familiar. Known and comforting. It is also distressing, because this is not where he remembers going to sleep last night.
Last night... Last night... He was within a room at the Laughing Goblin. It's ceiling was very different. Board and plaster with timbers streching out across the roof above him... It was a new room. Tidy enough. Pleasant enough. Not like here though. Not home.
But why is he here, not there? He had a few ales, but not enough to get blackout drunk. He had a few drinks. Toasted Keefe. Toasted his memory. Neya was there. Graxx was there. Yalek was there...
Remembering the half-orc, Utar involuntarily presses his hands into his chest, expecting them to come away wet. A thought comes unbidden to the front of his mind, "This feels pretty personal..." It lingers there for the longest time as Utar gingerly sits up in bed. He feels like death warned up and his muscles ache, complaining every with every movement as he wraps a set of robes about himself.
A million more questions flood his mind suddenly. None of which he has answers to. How long had Yalek been aware of him? Looking for him? Did he just suddenly drop into his lap? Was it a bigger set up? Was it even about him? Were Graxx and Neya safe? Where did Doozey go?
Rushing, stumbling his way out of the room, Utar searches the halls of the House of the Hand looking for CRAP or maybe some answers.
Relieved to see Graxx in the corridor, Utar is at least able to answer of some of the questions currently clouding his mind.
"It was Yalek. If know the tattoo even if he had covered his face. Which he didn't. Where's Neya? Where's Doozey? Are we all alright?"
Despite the comforts of knowing one of the others were about and on watch, it took time for Doozey to find rest once more. Thankfully, the comfort pillow that was Taters saw to night mercifully bereft of eyes or serpentine beasts. With the inevitable watch later, and the subsequently inevitable boredom of a peaceful one that came with it, Doozey quiet inevitably found himself sitting in his cot staring at an unsheathed Apostle laid gingerly over his lap. Even if it turned out Yalek had nothing to do with Utar, the fact remained that the stoutling had failed a comrade.
Hot headiness led to the death of the first one. Momentary anger led to another. Selfishness and perhaps a little cockiness assured the doom of a brother. And in the night previously, he cared more about prep work and following strange feelings over passing along potentially important details even in passing to his fellows. Was it his fate to continue to be the death of those closest too him? Had Big Mama Yondalla sought to punish him as retribution of some old wrong done by the Red Foots?
Having experienced much despair, and the hollowness to come with trying to disconnect from all pains, Doozey knew at least two answers to have done little to relieve the burden of such questions in mind. Three, if one counted the many other groups he stayed with for a time, only to abandon out of fear of history repeating itself. So it was that he took in a deep breath, let out a long exhale, and then just let his head drop in defeat. "If that's how it easy, then that's how it is. But, I'm a Redfoot through and through. No matter how painful or bloody the path, we all kept on marching on somehow; learning from our mistakes, but keeping the rhythm." He whispered to himself.
Afterwards, he fished out the flask the group have seen him guzzle down heartily in the mornings, and even during the evenings while on the road. Stared at it a good long time before finding a place to dump its contents where it wouldn't hurt others. That morning, awakening just a little earlier than the others, he'd see about trying commandeering a temporary section of the kitchen to brew up something special to guzzle down; only to minutes later, needing to find the nearest spittoon or closest equivalent to spew up black sludge-like substance that stunk of cherries, ozone, and iron. And it is there he is and there he stayed while the party is awakening, practically attached to whatever receptacle conveniently found in his hurry with Taters watching nearby.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Even though the morning sun beckoned her awake, Neya is still somewhat sleepy from the night before. Understandable, as the events of the late night did not afford much rest. Deciding to go check on Utar before going to eat, she starts making her way to the ritual chamber. As she walks, she gets a strange sense of nearly being able to see around corners moments before getting to them.
This is handy as she detects some uneven footsteps that seemed to be moving to round she was about to take, herself. She moves to the side of her path just as Utar comes rushing by.
"Glad to see you back with us!" Neya calls after him in an effort to grab his attention.
"You gave us quite a scare last night." She sighs, leans against the wall, looks down and continues apologetically, "We were too late... We were lucky a lot of times. But, when it really counted, we weren't there..."
Extended Signature
Utar sits up on the "bed" he spent the night and, amid many thoughts, realizes that he has never felt this tired and achy before. Reaching for his chest, he notices a large, curved, stitched-up wound. Letting his hand slide upward he notices a second, similar cut on the left side of his neck. These are sure to become visible scars, and perhaps even grotesque. His touch notices one more detail: only one amulet hangs from his neck. His holy symbol dedicated to Torm is not there. Surely those in the Temple of the Hand would not have deprived him from the comfort the holy amulet brings.
Many questions rush to his head as Utar leaves the ritual room. Already walking towards him down the hallway, Graxx greets the cleric, apologizes, and asks if Utar remembers anything. Utar confirms the group's suspicions and asks for the other CRAPers. As if on cue, Neya avoids bumping on the duo by sensing their approach and giving them space to turn a corner. She also apologizes in her own way.
It is not until the three of them make their way to breakfast that they find Doozey and Taters. By then, the stoutling is already vomiting into a spittoon. The party is taken to a worn wooden table where they are served a simple fast-breaking meal consisting of freshly baked bread and soft white cheese. Orange peel tea is the only choice of beverage.
After the meal and upon request, CRAP is then brought outside to see Sister Ahkt. She invites them to sit on a courtyard bench and begins: "Utar, you have done much for this temple since your arrival in Phlan. Your last donation alone amounted to more coin than we have ever received in a single purse, and that is including donation from noble families during holy dates. I also happen to know you have done a few good deeds about town alongside your friends here. The four of you are a blessing to this city and house of worship. That said, these efforts are clearly accompanied by some heavy costs. Not many outside noble houses can afford to sponsor a revival ritual, so it is natural that we are not asked to perform them with any sort of regularity. Your group alone has now sponsored and requested three such rituals in perhaps just as many months. If you keep this up, there might well be a time we are not able to help. Not only because finding the right materials is a hard task, but also because such rituals take a severe toll on one's existence, as I am sure your body is letting you know at this very moment." She looks at Doozey for a moment and continues: "That mastiff of yours, wherever he is now, may not have what it takes to go through another one of these rituals. If he does, he'd certainly have a difficult time of it at a fourth attempt." Facing the whole group, she adds: "Please be more careful. I would hate to feel powerless at the time I am needed most."
She then raises and asks the group to follow her back inside. As she walks she clarifies: "Speaking of your last donation, it was more than enough to cover the costs of the ritual. Following that gift, Brother Manas had told me that he had promised a ritual of your choice free of charge. Please understand that last night's ritual fulfills that agreement."
She leads the group to a secondary worship shrine, much smaller than the main chamber. The main feature of this shrine is a large, cabinet-like reliquary. She says without turning to face Utar: "I noticed you no longer wear your amulet, and can only assume it was lost during the attack that brought you here." She opens one of the many tiny doors on the reliquary: "This amulet is similar to the one you wore. It used to belong to a fallen paladin of Torm. If you would like it, it is your to keep." The amulet is smaller than the one Utar was used to wearing. It is golden, square-shaped, and Torm's gauntlet is etched on it. She then opens a second tiny door: "This strip of leather is said to have helped fasten one of Torm's very own armor pieces, back when we was still but a man. If you wish to have this instead, we can place it within a pouch for you to strap to your belt as your own portable reliquary." The strip of leather is worn to the point it looks ancient, but it emanates a comforting warmth. There are many more tiny doors in this cabinet-like shrine, but Sister Ahkt opens only one more. "This small inkwell contains paint treated with holy water and hours worth of blessings. If you prefer, we can have Brother Tyree paint an emblem of Torm on your shield or armor. It would serve the same purpose as the other alternatives."
After Utar makes his choice, the group is free to go. You had a pretty late breakfast, but it is just about lunch time in Phlan. You have the afternoon for yourselves, but nobles wait for you around supper time.
(@MB: You may recall that the Black Fist armorer had already etched a symbol of Torm onto one of your pauldrons. If you want, Brother Tyree can simply paint over that with the special inkwell and it becomes your new holy symbol.)
Absently tracing the line of the puckering flesh of his neck, Utar takes a little food and a lot of orange peel tea. His throat always feeling dry no matter how much fluid he takes on.
"First of all. I don't think any of you failed me. We all trusted Yalek. Despite not knowing him for that long. We fought with him. We drank with him. We thought we could trust him. It's a mistake I'm not in any hurry to make again."
Utar tries a smile and little laugh that quickly erupts into a series of coughs. Recovering after a quick sip of tea, Utar extends a hand towards Sister Ahkt, placing it onto of one of hers and giving a squeeze.
"Thank you for giving me another chance. I won't squander it, not least because I've no interest in going through either the ritual or what comes before it."
Moving with the group, Utar muses over the decision presented by Sister Ahkt. The relic is too precious too risk. Something of Torm is beyond priceless. The amulet would be fitting, but the shape of it... Feels wrong in his hand. It should be round. It doesn't feel like it should, like how he remembers. His eyes light up when she suggests the paints.
"Tell Tyree to get his brushes. I've got a canvas he can use back at The Laughing Goblin."
(OOC Going to incorporate the symbol into Utar's pauldron of that's ok. I like the idea of him not having to drop something to use it.)