Chapter 12: Shadows in the Dark

[Dave B.]

Shorak notices that the rain has finally stopped. He lowers the hood of his cloak, shaking the excess water from it. He looks around as they progress deeper into the graveyard, always watching for potential danger.

[Ken]

Sept 26, 2014 17:37:44 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The path you're on runs right up to the open stone threshold. The moment you peer in, you can see the path you're on goes straight up to some sort of statue, where there seems to be a junction. Trees, mausoleums, and the hilliness of this place keep you from gauging the full size of the place.

"This will be a maze," Starg says, and you hear something like enthusiasm in the minotaur's voice.

"Yes, indeed," says Belarin with equal enthusiasm. The sing-song aspect of his voice has vanished. "And I hate to dampen your fun, Starg, but I was given directions. So... Quolish said that, once we're on the path and reach intersections, go left, then right, then right, and then down. 'Down' should be interesting." He begins moving forward.

Larest pauses. His voice is quiet, but easy to hear in this place. Even the rain has fully stopped. "When I first...observed you," he says, looking first to Kal and Streko, then Belarin, Adamant, Condign, and Syrdan. "It was Histra who controlled the undead that tested you. I feel very safe in your company. I just...wished to say this now. Though I have earned your resentment, I also know that I chose well."

"I also talk out loud when I'm nervous," says Belarin, chuckling. "But then again, I talk out loud all the time. HAHAHAHAHA!"

[Brian]

Condign glares at Larest as he speaks but says nothing in response. Instead, he draws his sword in preparation of heading deeper into the necropolis and, according to Belarin, down into the earth below it. Before they proceed, he reaches down an runs his thumb gently over the lock of hair woven onto his belt. "Someday," he says under his breath, "but perhaps not today."

[Jeff]

Starg lowers his head, clearly disappointed.

As you move forward, the gravelly path leads you to a cracked, stone platform (20 ft. by 20 ft.) that forms a junction. To the left, a narrow, gravelly path winds quickly out of sight between mausoleum doors on either side. To the right, the path goes straight between traditional headstones before out of sight behind a large tree. Looming above you at the opposite end of the platform is a marble pedestal and marble statue. The figure, standing easily eight feet tall, depicts a robed and muscular human grasping in his left hand a glaive whose slightly curved blade is nearly as long as the haft, making it somehow resemble a scythe. The right hand is reaching out as if to grasp. The man's left half is skeletal and gaping, while the right is fleshy and even handsome, though the flowing robe conceals most of the skeletal half. His face is looking straight down at you. There is a broad shelf built into the pedestal at the statue's feet, and you can see remnants of candles there, several copper, silver, and gold coins, and even a bright blue jewel sitting there.

You think this might just be a depiction of the Keeper himself.

The white stone beneath your feet is stained somewhat pink but also appears scorched. Just behind the statue and pedestal is a mausoleum half buried in the steep hill behind it. It looks like there was once a door there, but now there is only a dark stairwell.

Starg gives the statue only a brief look, then looks longingly down the left and right paths. He turns to Larest. "Lord ir'Zathyran, with your permission I would like to separate from your company, for a time. I wish to explore. I do not fear the dead or the undead." He produces his shining black orb and raises it as if to support his claim.

Larest sighs deeply. "I wish that you would not, Starg. But, I understand. You have been shipbound for much too long and unable to explore even this city. This necropolis is only so big, I suppose. Your expertise will be greatly missed. If you do not find us again on your own, please return to this spot in five hours."

Starg nods. "Thank you, I shall." He regards the rest of you, waiting for you before going his own way."


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When you post, also go ahead and roll an Intelligence (Religion) check. Which means just a d20 + Intelligence modifier check, and if you've got Religion as a skill you can also add your proficiency bonus.

[Dave W.]

Sept 27, 2014 11:16:36 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[Larest lets Starg go explore]"If you do not find us again on your own, please return to this spot in five hours."]

"Or you know where we will rest later. I've never travelled into dangerous planes of the evil dead so I'm not sure how to judge how long it will take."

"Since the question arises, we are a large force here. Now I appreciate bringing unstoppable force to bear, but are we all really going to Dolurrh? It would seem if some are splitting off, it would be prudent to split our force only once?" Adamant's gaze turns to capture Kal's eye and then he turns his eye gems on Rinti in a way he hopes is subtle; not his usual forte.

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As requested, a Religion check! I didn't promise it would be impressive...
Religion Check (1d20+2=11)

[Joe]

Sept 27, 2014 19:04:29 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Sept 27, 2014 11:16:36 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[Larest lets Starg go explore]"If you do not find us again on your own, please return to this spot in five hours."]

"Or you know where we will rest later. I've never travelled into dangerous planes of the evil dead so I'm not sure how to judge how long it will take."

"Since the question arises, we are a large force here. Now I appreciate bringing unstoppable force to bear, but are we all really going to Dolurrh? It would seem if some are splitting off, it would be prudent to split our force only once?" Adamant's gaze turns to capture Kal's eye and then he turns his eye gems on Rinti in a way he hopes is subtle; not his usual forte.

Streko nods, seemingly catching the Warforged's concern for their young female companion. "It is, indeed, a good idea to, perhaps, consider everyone on our group and where we intend to go. Between Adamant and myself, I would say we can handle a great deal of undeath. That isn't taking into account the rest of you, my friends. But, truly, Rinti will be a grave peril...of dear, pardon me...my point is, should we place our young charge in such danger?"

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Religion Check - oh for goodness sake...this couldn't have been much worse of a roll...
<a href="http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4659266/">1d20+5=7</a>

[Joe]

[Not having a great day, electronically speaking...

[Jeff]

Sem looks up at Adamant, and smirks. "You talk like entering the Realm of the Dead is a sure thing."

[Brian]

Something about the statue disturbs Condign, but he cannot tell why. And now the minotaur wants to leave the company....

"Be careful," he says to Starg. "Though I suspect you will be safer where you are going than where we plan to travel."

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Religion Check: (1d20+7=9)

[Dave B.]

Shorak waits patiently for the party to continue. This is an area of Stormreach he has yet to explore and he wants to mentally retain as much as possible of the sights, sounds, smells and general feel of it all.

Intellegence/Relligion Check (1d20+2=11)

[Dave W.]

Sept 27, 2014 21:41:35 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Sem looks up at Adamant, and smirks. "You talk like entering the Realm of the Dead is a sure thing."

"That is our goal, I believe. I, perhaps naively, suggested happy forests and friendly sprites but this was the direction we choose."

"I've heard that you must envision success to achieve it."

[Ken]

"Really?" says Belarin with surprise. "Success seems more often a fortunate happenstance than a planned objective. But perhaps that's just MY experience!" Something in his tone makes you wonder if Belarin himself believes that to be true, though.

He looks with great interest at the intimidating and slightly unsettling statue. "That's a very powerful depiction, I must say," he says with utter solemnity. "Well... 'left' was our first direction, so to the winding path of gravel we must go."

Once everyone is done inspecting the area, Belarin will lead them to the left.

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Belarin's Religion check: 1d20 (18) + 2 = 20. It somehow figures that HE'D roll great here. ;-) Unless there's some big information he gets as a result, he'll keep moving.

[Darren]

"I thought we were just looking for Histra right now? Let's wait until we know what our plan is before we begin to alter it..."

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1d20+2=13

[Ken]

"I'm altering nothing, Kal, except my estimation of your wits, which changes on a daily basis, anyway," says Belarin with a smirk. "Histra's sister, Thestra, wants to meet me - and us - to discuss a pooling of our resources, and perhaps a pooling of my blood, too. It'll be a fascinating discussion."

[Mike]

"Agreed," Syrdan says. "Nothing's changed. We find Thestra, hopefully to gather information and collect resources. I expect violence as well."

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Religion check: (1d20=18)

[Jeff]

Sept 26, 2014 17:37:44 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[Pike] eyes the group as Belarin and the rest of your party start to file after him. "See you're heading in to Delera's place proper. Be respectful, and keep your eyes open. And may the Keeper overlook you today, eh?"

Looking up at the macabre statue, Belarin is reminded of a superstition among Vassals (followers of the Sovereign Host) that Histra told him about once. Among servants of the Dark Six, it's more than that, it's a sold religious practice. Whenever one passes before the gaze of the Keeper for the first time—whether on a manuscript page, idol, or perhaps a carved stone statue—it's practice to speak or whisper someone else's name. Preferably an enemy's.

It's a way of saying, "If I die, take this other soul instead. Not mine." Vassals tend to follow this superstition to placate the Keeper, while followers of the Dark Six see as an offering.

Belarin and Syrdan both recalls from their respective studies that religious statues mounted at the entrance of a burial ground cemetery usually represents the influence, perhaps even the curation, of the represented religion. This one might suggest that clerics of the Keeper do, in fact, act as caretakers here. Likely even as guardians. Statues of this sort are even known to be enchanted as scrying eyes.

[Dave W.]

Sept 28, 2014 23:54:41 GMT -4 Ken said:

"I'm altering nothing, Kal, except my estimation of your wits, which changes on a daily basis, anyway," says Belarin with a smirk. "Histra's sister, Thestra, wants to meet me - and us - to discuss a pooling of our resources, and perhaps a pooling of my blood, too. It'll be a fascinating discussion."

"I stand corrected," Adamant says lightly, "that doesn't sound dangerous at all."

"Very well, Starg will explore and find us when he finds us. We will go meet Histra's family. Lead on."

[Dave B.]

Sept 29, 2014 16:21:31 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Sept 28, 2014 23:54:41 GMT -4 Ken said:

"I'm altering nothing, Kal, except my estimation of your wits, which changes on a daily basis, anyway," says Belarin with a smirk. "Histra's sister, Thestra, wants to meet me - and us - to discuss a pooling of our resources, and perhaps a pooling of my blood, too. It'll be a fascinating discussion."

"I stand corrected," Adamant says lightly, "that doesn't sound dangerous at all."

"Very well, Starg will explore and find us when he finds us. We will go meet Histra's family. Lead on."

Shorak perks up at Adamant's last statement. "Lead on! How nice to hear those two words and not have them directed towards me for a change." He says smiling.

[Ken]

"Very well," says Belarin, now suddenly lost in thought. He glances at the statue of the Keeper, as though remembering a story, and then he whispers something in the statue's direction. Only Syrdan is in a position to hear it. "Lamara d'Medani." He glances at Syrdan, seeming to sense that he, too, knows of the superstition. He shrugs. "It doesn't hurt," he says quietly, "but ohhh, I was tempted to say another name."

Seeing that everyone is ready, he proceeds to the left.

[Joe]

Streko quietly follows, feeling very much ill-at-ease. He looks up to Kal. "Are you sure this is the wisest course of action? I mean, Belarin has been acting more strangely than usual since we've been here, don't you think? Then again, I have no better suggestions at this time and this does seem to be a place necromancers would have fun, as it were."

[Darren]

"I don't know how to get to the realm of death without dying, Streko," Kal says. "We need to talk to these people and see if they know a way. I'm not keen on the first option..."

[Brian]

Condign glances up at the cloudy sky, gray and uninviting, and pulls his cloak tighter around his body. A journey underground seems no less appealing than a trudging exploration of the graveyard grounds. But underground we must go, according to Belarin, and he hopes his episodic friend can talk his way into the ir'Serrill's good graces. That last thought makes him wince: death-dealers with good graces. How strange his life has become.

When the company moves, Condign follows.

[Mike]

Sept 29, 2014 22:27:19 GMT -4 Ken said:

"It doesn't hurt," [Belarin] says quietly, "but ohhh, I was tempted to say another name."

"There's always a name to be said," Syrdan murmurs. "Say one, and another will say yours in turn. The scales of our ancestors all balance in the end."

Syrdan continues to walk alongside Belarin further into Delara's Watch.

[Jeff]

Starg waits for you to set off down the left-hand path before he moves off down the right. “At least it smells better now,” Sem remarks quietly.”

“Minotaurs have an excellent sense not only of space but of time,” Larest says. “He will know when five hours have passed exactly.”

The path you’re on now continues to bend to the right as you pass mausoleum door after door (sort of like this). Some are ajar, others broken—victims of tomb robbery, vandalism, or worse—but most are sealed tight. One prominent mausoleum has a pair of stone doors that have clearly been violently thrust open from the inside.

When you reach the next junction, Belarin steers you to the right, per his instructions, and you have the sense that it’s leading you directly toward the heart of the necropolis. A shrunken, clearly-looted corpse lies discarded along the side of the path; whether this was a visitor or an improperly buried loved one, you have no idea.

A short while later, after passing between a pair of tall, cracked white pillars that look like they once supported something interesting, you reach an intersection with a less obvious choice. The weed-choked, cracked flagstones you’ve been walking on forks into a left-hand and a right-hand paths. But there’s also, just before the fork, a gaping, two-story mausoleum without any doors on the right side of the path, and you can see the flagstones at your feet also turn sharply into it as if it’s just another place for the path to go. Like an alternative "right."

As Belarin pauses to consider which one would be the correct “right,” you all make out the figures of two people walking your way from the left-hand path. A man and a woman, both cloaked, armed. The woman is limping, is slick with sweat, and appears to be older than her companion. The man’s chain shirt is of fine make and the red and silver tabard he wears bears the crest of House Medani. In fact, you can see he’s half-elven, possibly a blood member of the house. Under his arm is an object wrapped in a cloak. The two look a bit hurried. When they see your group, they slow down, wary. You are numerous, they are two.

Belarin, Kal, and Streko all think the male might actually have been one of the guests at the gala last night.

[Dave W.]

Sept 30, 2014 12:37:10 GMT -4 Jeff said:

“Minotaurs have an excellent sense not only of space but of time,” Larest says. “He will know when five hours have passed exactly.”

"I actually hadn't concidered the possibility that he would lose the time. I was more concerned that we might get... hung up on something... and not arrive in time. But we will hope for the best."

Adamant moves along without noting Belarin and Syrdan commenting on names so he offers none.

When you reach the next junction, Belarin steers you to the right, per his instructions, and you have the sense that it’s leading you directly toward the heart of the necropolis. A shrunken, clearly-looted corpse lies discarded along the side of the path; whether this was a visitor or an improperly buried loved one, you have no idea.

Adamant pauses just long enough to touch his holy symbol, again affixed to his broad chest, and quietly say, "May the Light guide your soul to it's rightful rest."

----------------

I'm not sure Adamant would have offered a name had Belarin mentioned it. It's an interesting quandry... praying to let the Dark powers take someone in your place...

Sometimes it's hard writing for Adamant. I keep wanting to use phrases like 'pausing for a single breath' or 'a single heartbeat' or 'muttering under his breath'.

[Dave B.]

Shorak stops when Belarin considers the next turn. Noting the two people heading in their direction he takes a relaxed, defensive stance. "The woman looks to be in some distress. I wonder what they are all about?" Shorak asks casually.

[Ken]

Sept 30, 2014 12:37:10 GMT -4 Jeff said:

A short while later, after passing between a pair of tall, cracked white pillars that look like they once supported something interesting, you reach an intersection with a less obvious choice. The weed-choked, cracked flagstones you’ve been walking on forks into a left-hand and a right-hand paths. But there’s also, just before the fork, a gaping, two-story mausoleum without any doors on the right side of the path, and you can see the flagstones at your feet also turn sharply into it as if it’s just another place for the path to go. Like an alternative "right."

"Hmmm..." mutters Belarin. "Last directions were to the right and down. So..." He stares intently at the mausoleum.

As Belarin pauses to consider which one would be the correct “right,” you all make out the figures of two people walking your way from the left-hand path. A man and a woman, both cloaked, armed. The woman is limping, is slick with sweat, and appears to be older than her companion. The man’s chain shirt is of fine make and the red and silver tabard he wears bears the crest of House Medani. In fact, you can see he’s half-elven, possibly a blood member of the house. Under his arm is an object wrapped in a cloak. The two look a bit hurried. When they see your group, they slow down, wary. You are numerous, they are two.

Belarin, Kal, and Streko all think the male might actually have been one of the guests at the gala last night.

Belarin gives them no more than an irritated glance before he resumes staring at the mausoleum. "Oh, someone be nice to them, would you?" he mumbles, annoyed. Then he focuses his arcane sight on the mausoleum, trying to ensure that it isn't trapped or warded in any way.

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Belarin is using his Eldritch Sight invocation to cast detect magic.

[Darren]

Kalarian holds up a hand, either in greeting to the newcomers or to stop his companions, it's unclear which. "Good day to you," he calls out. "Although, not such a good day for a stroll." Kal turns his hand palm up and looks up at the sky, gray clouds still blowing by overhead despite the rain stopping. Kal jerks a thumb towards the parcel the man carries. "Doing a bit of shopping, then?"

[Brian]

Condign edges slightly away from Shorak and toward the approaching figures, giving him better coverage should a fight prove necessary, and also giving the Drow more room to weild his boomerang. He is careful not to draw his sword and provoke a hostile response. Instead, he listens as Kal addresses them.

[Jeff]

Belarin sees the faint outline of a divination dweomer along the threshold of the mausoleum entrance. Beyond that, nothing else emanates with magic.

The two strangers each the junction and clearly are angled to go the way you came from, provided there’s space. Which, at the moment, your group is mostly occupying. “Indeed, shopping,” the man mutters. Then he looks at Kal more carefully. “Lord d’Deneith.” The half-elf now looks with greater scrutiny around the rest of you. He leans over and whispers something to his companion. By his body language you can tell she’s his servant or bodyguard. She only nods and doesn’t for a moment look away from your group.

“That was quite a spectacle last night, wasn’t it?” the man says. “A real performance, you might say. I trust the sphinx told you something worth looking for?” There is a friendly smile on his face, but a slight narrowing of the eyes as he studies Kal. He stands with his companion, waiting for your group to move out of the way or continue on.

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You do a great job, Dave.