"Hi Starlen! Are you named after the bird? What's you favorite animal? Color? I'm Fiora!"
Uh oh, Fiora likes her. Also, I looked up Paladins in IWD2, I get an aura of courage, not protect evil. So I'm immune to fear and allies get +4 to saves against fear. I am also immune to all forms of disease. I can Smite evil once a day to add my charisma to my attack. Neato.
Without missing a beat, Starlen says “Possibly, puppies, blue, and hello, Fiora!”
After exchanging some brief words, you all head out towards the tomb. Kaiser and Starlen lead the way, while Erica stays in the back. The journey doesn’t take long. Night is still fallen when you arrive at the tomb’s entrance. Erica dismounts and looks the entrance up and down, searching for a way to open the tomb. Eventually, she finds a small indentation in the stone, and she presses it. The entrance opens before you, and Erica says “Alright, remember what I said about being careful. Stay together and don’t touch anything you don’t know anything about. Places like this tend to have traps.”
With that, she nods to the siblings, who enter first. She follows after them.
“Aaah!” screams Guston the moment the gnome steps out of the shadows.
“Oh... hehe... sorry... um... hehe... nice Gnome,” he mumbles to himself. “I really got to get a hold of myself...”
As everyone is looking at him like he’s out of his mind, now that he has center stage he figure he may as well speak up.
“We’re here on Chauntea’s behalf,” says Guston. “She has tasked us with investigating this tomb and finding out if there is any link between it and the fallowness that has fallen on the land nearby.
“Also, I want to get rid of these boils,” he mutters awkwardly as one explodes during his explanation.
Vaga moves up behind Guston and takes a defensive stance, ready to defend his friend if the gnome proves to be aggressive. Considering the recent encounter with a rather weird gnome, he is on high alert and tries to see if this is indeed the same gnome as the one impersonating Erica, or another one.
Dunno if this gnome is obviously intended to be the same one or not, but perhaps a spot check is needed here as well. You decide @Nimran. I've never played IWD2 as said, so not sure if that game has skills in the same manner as NVN1/2. I'm pretty sure Monk has both stealth and search/spot as class skills in 3E, but I'm not 100% sure. Considering my high WIS I will play this character as being quite attentive and with high perception, scanning, searching whenever we dungeon crawl.
...Hail and well met. Can I enquire as to your purpose at my families tomb?
They really don't appreciate visitors as much as they should...
Ignatius says:
"A proper tomb houses the dead, Who have neither thoughts nor any sense. So contrary to what you've said, They should not mind our brief presence.
Little gnome, good gnome, now you go From whence you came, maybe homewards? For the only thing we are here to do Is, to your deceased, paying our regards."
*The gnome, is cloaked in modest, brown, yet it is pinned together with a golden clasp. Beneath, is a deep red tunic, with yellow detailing, that could well be gold. Vaga notes however he seems to dress like the older members of the community of his youth. To the rest of the party, he appears old fashioned... Guston is reminded of a woodcut drawing from an old book of fairy tales he read as a child, with the other neophytes at the temple. The gnome bows with a flourish, revealing a large sack on his back. He then pulls back the hood of his cloak.*
*The face revealed is ancient. As crinkled as the bark of an old oak, and just as weatherbeaten. His head is a shock of fine white, that moves easily in the wind, with a life of its own. His white beard hair hangs in tufts, like moss, from his chin. Underneath eyebrows, his milky cataract eyes look at all the individuals present. He smiles. The last rays of the setting sun fall upon him the group and bathes everyone in gold*
Children. I have family buried in this plot. Do you really wish to disturb them? Diligently did the followers of Chauntea worked the fields and tended the crops. Harvested the fruit and stored the grain. Yet like all things, they bud, blossom, bloom and ripen... before going to seed. Haha!
*Cough, the gnome slaps his side and cackles in his own mirth... Recovering he wheezes and continues*
They were taken here... Chauntea is one of the oldest gods, one of the most productive, forgive your ears for me young maiden, and yours too young man.
*The gnome nods and smiles at Starlen and Guston*
Once, in ages passed there was time when, Chauntea was still a maiden, a nymph. Jannath was her name then. Sweet, sweet Jannath. Untouched, wild and beautiful. She still remembers her freedom, untied to the yoke of the passing seasons. She played here. Chauntea revisited here as a mother and could not bear to have a part of her childhood tilled and ploughed over. So she kept it. A place to escape too. Even a busy mother needs a little time to play. Ha!
*The gnome smiles before slowly sitting on a rock*
She used to visit often.
*His smile turns into a frown, just as the last rays of sunlight fade*
"Our intentions are respectful indeed, elder." Vaga respects age and wisdom and therefore adress the gnome with respectful tone.
"We are on a quest to help cleanse this tomb from the taint that has invaded it. We do not know what it is yet, but rest assured we will not disturb anything.. or anyone.. more than needed. We have two servants of the Earth mother here with us" Vaga nods at Erica and then at Guston "... well, almost two.. " His voice trails of as he realizes that Guston has fallen out of favor and perhaps cannot be considered as one.
"Regarding the unripe fruit, do you mean our little gem here? " Vaga nods at Ignatius. "Rest assured, his puerile looks hides an old, mature soul and he has proven our equal, if not more."
off to bed. if you continue during the next 10ish hours, Vaga will remain with the group, scanning, searching and walking as stealthy as he can. If danger comes upon the group, Vaga will urge for caution and any non-aggressive act until there's no other option left, then he will throw himself upon any enemies with a aggressiveness like a crazed barbarian. Nighty-night!
Starlen cocks her head to the side and smiles, saying nothing. Kaiser and Erica eye Anduin warily, not expecting the company. They all listen to the gnome’s words silently.
Yes. Regarding the unripe fruit. My eyes may not see so good, but young human lad with his milk teeth, telling me to go away and go back to bed, to pay respect to my family, in rhyme no less, ain't natural. Plus why allow him to come adventuring of all things.
*Anduin, steps forward using his staff to support him and hobbles over to Ignatius and takes a deep breath through his large gnome gnose.*
You smell like magic. Old magic. Magic of the heavens... Be careful underground.
*Anduin continues through the group towards the tomb entrance. Suddenly he stops, straightens, and comes to a decision.*
Okay. You can come in to pay respects to my ancestors. If there is a taint, I have not found it. I only find silence. You can find it too if your quiet.
*Anduin walks up to Starlen and Guston*
But you two stay outside. A tomb is no place for a young un!
*Anduin stabs his staff into Starlens chest, pushing her back and wiping away her smile, he then swings his staff back at Guston, who ducks and cowers away*
Scoo! Scat! Go away! Read books, get educated, fall in love, learn to dance, pick up a trade, DO ANYTHING before deciding what you really want to do with your life is throwing it down some dark forgotten hole!
Kaiser looks down at the gnome, who is really not even up to his knee in height, then looks over at Starlen, who offers him a placating smile. “We should respect the wishes of the departed’s family,” she says. She eyes Guston and adds “I don’t think I’d be very comfortable around him, though.” She shrugs and sits down near the entrance. Kaiser gives Anduin another look before walking inside.
Erica stares at Anduin for a while, muttering something under her breath. Once she is finished, she frowns and follows Kaiser inside.
Ignatius says to the gnome who has introduced himself as Anduin:
"Little gnome, good gnome, worry not of me, For things aren't always what they seem to be. And unless with your inner eye you see, Many a thing shall remain a mystery.
If taint invades your ancestors' abode, That surely cannot mean anything good. And worried if you are of us, then would You come with us, and help us as you could?"
After the gnome stops trying to hit him with a stick, Guston stands up straight, trying to recover his small amount of dignity.
“I suppose someone has to keep watch,” he says. “You guys go on ahead.” On one hand, he seems fairly relieved to have a legitimate excuse to not tangle with potential undead. On the other, he looks around nervously at the settling darkness and realizes he may not be that much safer.
Ahhh! Splitting the party! Noooooo!
Taking a deep breath, he settles himself down. Looking at Starlen curiously, he says, “I know why I might not be welcome in there in a formerly hallowed tomb. I have a pretty visible mark and curse from Chauntea on me. Clearly the gnome family descendent could see that.
“But why does he say you can’t enter? You appear to be free from the just disfavor and retribution of the gods. Do you have any ideas?”
Puss drips down his chin and starts pooling on his tunic’s neckline.
Vaga throws a long look at first the gnome and then Guston. Why did he call him, and Starlen, "younglings" and forbid only them to not enter? 'Tis strange.. Vaga cares naught for Starlen, she's but a colorful butterfly fluttering in his peripheral vision, but he's growing fond of the weasle-like rake Guston and don't like the idea of splitting up the core group; Kaled, Fi, Guston and himself. He shakes his head. No.
"Anduin." Vaga's often booming voice is slightly hushed due to the presence of ancient spirits and holy tombs. "Guston has his whole life ahead of him to read, dance and to fall in love, but he may only tonight have the change to find the grace of Earth Mother. Allow him passage into the tomb with us so that Chauntea may see he's again worthy of her fickle love. Besides, we might need his special.. talents."
Touched by Vaga’s inclusion of him, Guston tears up. One of his boils pops as he wipes away a tear.
“Ow!!” he screams as the puss gets in his eye. “Ow ow ow ow ow!”
Finally, with a bunch of jumping and batting at his face, which doesn’t seeem to actually accomplish anything but nevertheless seems to make him feel better, he stops and shakes his hands off. The puss flies from his fingertips onto Vaga and Starlen.
“There!” he proclaims in victory. “Oh... sorry, guys...” he adds, looking at both Starlen and Vaga as they react to the puss getting on them and their clothes.
“Anyways... uh... what was I going to say...?
“Right! We should be respectful of Chauntea’s wishes, but who’s to say she doesn’t want me in the tomb? For all I know, she probably really wants me in the tomb!
And does this gnome here, Anduin, lovely gnome you are, really has family claim? What proof can the gnome provide? And, even if he is somehow connected to this tomb, I’m not sure why we should listen to him!
“Maybe I should go down there anyway! I can do this! Yes! I can do this! I’m not scared of...”
Suddenly he stops as his eyes settle on the gaping hole of the tomb’s entrance.
He gives an audible *gulp!* and starts to tremble.
“... of... of... I’m not scared of... of a little undead... gnome undead... not scared at all...”
He stands up and moves over by Vaga, practically hugging the naked dwarf to him like a parent.
Scoo! Scat! Go away! Read books, get educated, fall in love, learn to dance, pick up a trade, DO ANYTHING before deciding what you really want to do with your life is throwing it down some dark forgotten hole!
“Maybe I... gulp!... do want to throw my life down some dark forgotten hole... may I have your leave to do so?” Guston says uncertainly to Anduin.
Comments
After exchanging some brief words, you all head out towards the tomb. Kaiser and Starlen lead the way, while Erica stays in the back. The journey doesn’t take long. Night is still fallen when you arrive at the tomb’s entrance. Erica dismounts and looks the entrance up and down, searching for a way to open the tomb. Eventually, she finds a small indentation in the stone, and she presses it. The entrance opens before you, and Erica says “Alright, remember what I said about being careful. Stay together and don’t touch anything you don’t know anything about. Places like this tend to have traps.”
With that, she nods to the siblings, who enter first. She follows after them.
As the group is about to enter, Ignatius catches sight of a fleeting shadow that should not be there.
"In the darkness just over there,
Lurks a strange, shadowy figure.
It would be best to seek this being,
Lest we be harmed by his doing."
*A small gnome steps out of the shadows and into the light a hand raised in peace*
Hail and well met. Can I enquire as to your purpose at my families tomb?
They really don't appreciate visitors as much as they should...
“Oh... hehe... sorry... um... hehe... nice Gnome,” he mumbles to himself. “I really got to get a hold of myself...”
As everyone is looking at him like he’s out of his mind, now that he has center stage he figure he may as well speak up.
“We’re here on Chauntea’s behalf,” says Guston. “She has tasked us with investigating this tomb and finding out if there is any link between it and the fallowness that has fallen on the land nearby.
“Also, I want to get rid of these boils,” he mutters awkwardly as one explodes during his explanation.
This gnome doesn’t seem familiar to you, but @Anduin must now describe what he looks like.
"A proper tomb houses the dead,
Who have neither thoughts nor any sense.
So contrary to what you've said,
They should not mind our brief presence.
Little gnome, good gnome, now you go
From whence you came, maybe homewards?
For the only thing we are here to do
Is, to your deceased, paying our regards."
*Cough, the gnome slaps his side and cackles in his own mirth... Recovering he wheezes and continues*
They were taken here... Chauntea is one of the oldest gods, one of the most productive, forgive your ears for me young maiden, and yours too young man.
*The gnome nods and smiles at Starlen and Guston*
Once, in ages passed there was time when, Chauntea was still a maiden, a nymph. Jannath was her name then. Sweet, sweet Jannath. Untouched, wild and beautiful. She still remembers her freedom, untied to the yoke of the passing seasons. She played here. Chauntea revisited here as a mother and could not bear to have a part of her childhood tilled and ploughed over. So she kept it. A place to escape too. Even a busy mother needs a little time to play. Ha!
*The gnome smiles before slowly sitting on a rock*
She used to visit often.
*His smile turns into a frown, just as the last rays of sunlight fade*
Not anymore. The earth... It is... Barren.
I am Anduin. I demand to know your intentions. Are they respectful or are they dishonourable?
And why do you bring fruit that has not yet ripened to the compost? Only bad will come of it.
*Anduin waves his staff at Starlen and Guston*
"We are on a quest to help cleanse this tomb from the taint that has invaded it. We do not know what it is yet, but rest assured we will not disturb anything.. or anyone.. more than needed. We have two servants of the Earth mother here with us" Vaga nods at Erica and then at Guston "... well, almost two.. " His voice trails of as he realizes that Guston has fallen out of favor and perhaps cannot be considered as one.
"Regarding the unripe fruit, do you mean our little gem here? " Vaga nods at Ignatius. "Rest assured, his puerile looks hides an old, mature soul and he has proven our equal, if not more."
*Anduin, steps forward using his staff to support him and hobbles over to Ignatius and takes a deep breath through his large gnome gnose.*
You smell like magic. Old magic. Magic of the heavens... Be careful underground.
*Anduin continues through the group towards the tomb entrance. Suddenly he stops, straightens, and comes to a decision.*
Okay. You can come in to pay respects to my ancestors. If there is a taint, I have not found it. I only find silence. You can find it too if your quiet.
*Anduin walks up to Starlen and Guston*
But you two stay outside. A tomb is no place for a young un!
*Anduin stabs his staff into Starlens chest, pushing her back and wiping away her smile, he then swings his staff back at Guston, who ducks and cowers away*
Scoo! Scat! Go away! Read books, get educated, fall in love, learn to dance, pick up a trade, DO ANYTHING before deciding what you really want to do with your life is throwing it down some dark forgotten hole!
Erica stares at Anduin for a while, muttering something under her breath. Once she is finished, she frowns and follows Kaiser inside.
"Little gnome, good gnome, worry not of me,
For things aren't always what they seem to be.
And unless with your inner eye you see,
Many a thing shall remain a mystery.
If taint invades your ancestors' abode,
That surely cannot mean anything good.
And worried if you are of us, then would
You come with us, and help us as you could?"
“I suppose someone has to keep watch,” he says. “You guys go on ahead.” On one hand, he seems fairly relieved to have a legitimate excuse to not tangle with potential undead. On the other, he looks around nervously at the settling darkness and realizes he may not be that much safer.
Taking a deep breath, he settles himself down. Looking at Starlen curiously, he says, “I know why I might not be welcome in there in a formerly hallowed tomb. I have a pretty visible mark and curse from Chauntea on me. Clearly the gnome family descendent could see that.
“But why does he say you can’t enter? You appear to be free from the just disfavor and retribution of the gods. Do you have any ideas?”
Puss drips down his chin and starts pooling on his tunic’s neckline.
"Anduin." Vaga's often booming voice is slightly hushed due to the presence of ancient spirits and holy tombs. "Guston has his whole life ahead of him to read, dance and to fall in love, but he may only tonight have the change to find the grace of Earth Mother. Allow him passage into the tomb with us so that Chauntea may see he's again worthy of her fickle love. Besides, we might need his special.. talents."
“Ow!!” he screams as the puss gets in his eye. “Ow ow ow ow ow!”
Finally, with a bunch of jumping and batting at his face, which doesn’t seeem to actually accomplish anything but nevertheless seems to make him feel better, he stops and shakes his hands off. The puss flies from his fingertips onto Vaga and Starlen.
“There!” he proclaims in victory. “Oh... sorry, guys...” he adds, looking at both Starlen and Vaga as they react to the puss getting on them and their clothes.
“Anyways... uh... what was I going to say...?
“Right! We should be respectful of Chauntea’s wishes, but who’s to say she doesn’t want me in the tomb? For all I know, she probably really wants me in the tomb!
And does this gnome here, Anduin, lovely gnome you are, really has family claim? What proof can the gnome provide? And, even if he is somehow connected to this tomb, I’m not sure why we should listen to him!
“Maybe I should go down there anyway! I can do this! Yes! I can do this! I’m not scared of...”
Suddenly he stops as his eyes settle on the gaping hole of the tomb’s entrance.
He gives an audible *gulp!* and starts to tremble.
“... of... of... I’m not scared of... of a little undead... gnome undead... not scared at all...”
He stands up and moves over by Vaga, practically hugging the
nakeddwarf to him like a parent.