Heroica RPG - Quest #115: The Tale of One Bleach Too Many

[Asphalt]

I am Vindsval, I was sent by the Hall to assist you in your house cleaning. My companion and I have been awaiting your arrival.

[Yzalirk]

"I am the one called Salt-Upon-Wounds, glad to meet you acquaintance, Mr. Gryphinn."

[Endgame]

I am Vindsval, I was sent by the Hall to assist you in your house cleaning. My companion and I have been awaiting your arrival.

"Hmph. I hope you weren't intending on walking out on the job early."

"I am the one called Salt-Upon-Wounds, glad to meet you acquaintance, Mr. Gryphinn."

"Hmm, an interesting name. I'm afraid chitchat will have to wait until afte rthe deed is done, however."

"You haven't changed a bit, Jonathan, as much as I'd like you to."

"Hmph. Pay no mind to that man. He gave up all of his bligations a while back."

"You ever graft the missing arm back on, Gryphinn?"

[Asphalt]

"Hmph. I hope you weren't intending on walking out on the job early."

I was told that patrons tend to see this place differently upon their second visit. I was attempted to educate myself. I have no intention of breaking the contract early. If in fact we are able to begin. Your notice mentioned a "mansion" yet we were instructed to travel here to this Inn. When will you be leading us to our destination?

[Endgame]

"I have my purposes for sending you here.

But, yes, if your friend is done drinking his ale, we may proceed."

[Asphalt]

Vindsval glares at the Hobgoblin nursing a drink like a youngling. His irritation beginning to show. There is something about the night and this inn putting him on edge.

Whether he has completed his drink or not is irrelevant. You are the one who hired us and summoned us here. If you deem it time to leave, we leave. The Earthbound can drink on his own time. We have been delayed enough for one night.

[Yzalirk]

"I have finished my wine, continue on!"

[Endgame]

Vindsval glares at the Hobgoblin nursing a drink like a youngling. His irritation beginning to show. There is something about the night and this inn putting him on edge.

Whether he has completed his drink or not is irrelevant. You are the one who hired us and summoned us here. If you deem it time to leave, we leave. The Earthbound can drink on his own time. We have been delayed enough for one night.

"If there is one thing that Pegarm Gryphinn and I agree on, it's that a glass of wine should never be wasted."

"Don't listen to that white clad clown."

"I have finished my wine, continue on!"

"Excellent, that let us proceed."

"Farewell, friends!"

With that, the barkeeper still giving a cheshirer smile to the heroes, the duo and their employer leave the Inn of the Wayward Angel. They weave through Eubric onc emore, until they find themselves at another odd location: A decaying manor. One half was made of solid reinforced stone, maintained to perfection... The other was in shambles, windowless and rotting away. Jonthan opens the door, and they step into an odd foyer.

To the left is a pristine steel door, while to the right is a decrepit wooden one. Mold festers in every corner of the foyer, a horrid stench rising from the grid in the floor.

"I'm afraid my home has no sort of living room, or kitchen, of the sort. My work is far too important.

Now, I'm sure you have questions, so ask what you will."

[Asphalt]

As he steps into the "home" he looks around the strange entryway. The stench of decay and mold assail his senses, he stifles a cough.

Quite a lovely place you have here sir. You said that we are here to help you "clean up" after your work. Perhaps we should begin with what is your work?

[Yzalirk]

[salt-Upon-Wounds enters the manor. He looks around in amazement to see such an elegant house but losing it's extravagance.]

"This is quite the home you have here, Mr. Gryphinn. I never lived nor seen anything of this "magnitude". But I do agree with Vindsval, what is your work?"

[Endgame]

"I suppose you could say I'm a... Tinkerer, an inventor, an alchemist. I work in the medical field, mostly. But my failed creations, the ones I've stuck in the wing to your right... They're doing something. They're stirring, they're... I can't describe it. I've heard them while I toil away, seen their shadows when I dare venture into the junk heap. My work cannot be interrupted. It cannot, under, any circumstances. Just going to fetch you has cost me too much precious time, and I will not tolerate more interruptions."

Edited October 24, 2014 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

The man's refusal to give a straightforward answer makes Vindsval less than willing to take his statements at face value. He can't tell if the man is hiding something, or if he is simply indirect in his speech and thoughts.

I mean no disrespect, but re you trying to NOT tell us that you dabble with the undead?

And what is it exactly that you wish us to do on your behalf?

Edited October 24, 2014 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

"Not a drop of ether runs through these veins. I have no idea what is cuasing it..."

[Asphalt]

Then sir speak plainly. Would you have our employment be a mission of investigation into the cause, or of elimination of the effect?

Edited October 24, 2014 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

"To be brutally honest, both. I need you to find, identity, and destroy the disturbance, at all costs."

Edited October 25, 2014 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

Vindsvall thinks to himself, Finally a straight answer.

Then let us begin with you telling us all you are able about what we are about to face, and then you can direct us towards our destination.

[Yzalirk]

"How exactly would be know what the disturbances are? Do you mind giving us a brief description as to what, and how many, things you want us to eliminate?"

[Asphalt]

[salt-Upon-Wounds enters the manor. He looks around in amazement to see such an elegant house but losing it's extravagance.]

"This is quite the home you have here, Mr. Gryphinn. I never lived nor seen anything of this "magnitude".

Every step and shift of weight knocks more mold and dust from the molding, the ceiling, and every other surface of the room. Vindsval looks at the Hobgobin looking around in awe at the decrepit moldering ruin. It takes him a moment, but then begins to understand. Compared to the underground warrens and fungus fields the creature was undoubtably born and raised in this is indeed a palace.

Salt-upon-Wounds, you are indeed far from home and kin. If we are to have one another's backs perhaps we should know more of one another. What brings you to these southern climes of man?

Edited October 26, 2014 by Asphalt

[Endgame]

"How exactly would be know what the disturbances are? Do you mind giving us a brief description as to what, and how many, things you want us to eliminate?"

"I've heard... Creaking, shuffling, and... What can only be described as "squelching."

Now, will you allow me to return to my studies, and begin your journey?"

Edited October 26, 2014 by Endgame

[Asphalt]

Vindsvl growls slightly with exasperation. Through clenched fangs he replies.

Yes, by all means, let us begin. Where is my journey to start? Perhaps the wooden door? Or would the steel door lead us where you wish us to investigate?

[Asphalt]

Or am I to decide for all of us? No? Well then let the will of the Wanderer be known.

​Vindsval kneels to the tiles floor and reaches into one of his pouches. He removes five of his divining sticks (rods to normal sized humanoids). He rolls them between his massive hands and drops them on the floor between his knees. He peers at them closely, and ponders their markings.

His will be done.

He scoops the sticks, places them in his pouch, and stands. He points a clawed finger at the wooden door.

That way.

I will return with my findings sir.

With that moves to the wooden door and reaches for the handle.

[Yzalirk]

"My story is long, so, shall I tell it to you another time? Let's continue our investigation first and see what we are dealing with."

[Endgame]

Vindsvl growls slightly with exasperation. Through clenched fangs he replies.

Yes, by all means, let us begin. Where is my journey to start? Perhaps the wooden door? Or would the steel door lead us where you wish us to investigate?

"Listen, and listen very closely. The only time I want you entering that steel door is if you are telling me you are done. Is this understood? Do not ever go in there for anything foolish! You cannot interrupt my work. Is this understood yet?"

He scoops the sticks, places them in his pouch, and stands. He points a clawed finger at the wooden door.

That way.

I will return with my findings sir.

With that moves to the wooden door and reaches for the handle.

Jonathan draws a sharp breath.

"...But I see that you have that figured out. Godspeed."

The party throws oepn the wooden door and enters the decaying wing of Jonathan's manor.

With only small holes in the ceiling providing a lightsource, the room looks even more dim and dreary than it already is...

What will the party do?

[Asphalt]

"My story is long, so, shall I tell it to you another time? Let's continue our investigation first and see what we are dealing with."

A Companion who will not share a story upon the road endears little trust. Do not betray me Earthbound.

"Listen, and listen very closely. The only time I want you entering that steel door is if you are telling me you are done. Is this understood? Do not ever go in there for anything foolish! You cannot interrupt my work. Is this understood yet?"

Jonathan draws a sharp breath.

"...But I see that you have that figured out. Godspeed."

The party throws oepn the wooden door and enters the decaying wing of Jonathan's manor.

With only small holes in the ceiling providing a lightsource, the room looks even more dim and dreary than it already is...

What will the party do?

You are understood Scholar. I will speak with you upon my return.

Vindsval draws the Spark Hammer from his belt and steps into the room. The hammer beins to crackle, tiny arcs of electricity traveling across its head. Vindsval peers into the gloom.

Vindsval begins to speak a soft prayer, barely audible to anyone but himself. As he concludes his hand and arms begin to glow with a glittering gold light, illuminating the room around him.

The Wanderer lights my path, through him all ways are revealed.

With the room more clearly revealed he begins to search for signs of life, or unlife.

[Yzalirk]

A Companion who will not share a story upon the road endears little trust. Do not betray me Earthbound.

"You know nothing of betrayal. Because of betrayal, I slaughtered my tribe - males, females, and children - for selling me out and bringing me into slavery! So how dare you speak of betrayal to me!"

[salt-Upon-Wounds reveals the scars and hardened tar on himself where lashings used to lay, speaking in an angry tone.]

"Now, let's continue on and jet this job done."