Adventure 9.4: Ghosts, Ghouls, and Priests...oh my?

[Dracos]

[09:16] <Kotono> Pembleton Monastery. So the word comes, Gavin lent a horse to ride to it. It's a day's trip north from Paxburg - a long day's ride, from dawn and ending at the first fall of dusk. It lies atop a windswept cape jutting out into the ocean - a walled fortress, solemn and graven. Pembleton Monastary - as sunset pains it's gray stones dedicated to the knights and honored to Orial and Zebenm. (More)
[09:19] <Kotono> As Gavin's steed trots up the rock strewn path to the temple, chanting is heard. Hymns to the God of light and protection, followed by paeans of respect and fear to the all consuming God of the sea.  The waves far below whip at the high cliffs, the gate open to the monastary. A line of of brown robe clad monks walk the inner perimeter, chanting as they go about their worship.
[09:21] <SirGavin> It is a euphoric Gavin that slows his mount respectfully as he approaches, calmly moving towards the Monastery.  When near, he dismounts and looks for a place to tie the horse to.
[09:25] * Kotono is now known as Dungeon_Kotono
[09:25] <Dungeon_Kotono> Inside the gates you can see there is a small stable inside it's walls. The monks do not stop as you approach, walking around the rocky perimeter. Only a few plots of roughly tilled land and a stable disturb this large courtyard - but one waits. A broad, fat man in robes, with only a ring of gray hair around his outer head. His look is almost jovial, save for a great gravity that permeats his demeanor. "Sir Gavin. Rest your horse in here, and we shall
[09:26] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Sir Gavin. Rest your horse in here, and we shall proceed."
[09:27] <SirGavin> "Thank you." Gavin politely responds, leading the horse into the stable and tying it up, returning to wait before the monk.
[09:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> On return, the robed men are doing a nother long loop of the outside. They sing of the glories of the warrior Orial, smiting aside even the Tyrant King, the human that now rules the Abyss. "The High Clerist spoke of your need to purify your soul before rising in the Order. We shall do just that. Follow."
[09:31] * SirGavin follows silently behind the man, falling into step.
[09:33] <Dungeon_Kotono> The gates to the monastary are vast - they open as you approach with a great, smooth squeak of metal. Inside is a vast reflectory - pews are lined about, a great altar to Orial at center. While plain and barren of wealth, the simple wood glows with it's own polish. But this is not where he takes you - to a side corridor right inside instead, to a windowless, seatless plain room. Lying on the floor is a brown robe and a plate - bread, a little soft whi
[09:33] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[09:34] <Dungeon_Kotono> a little soft white cheese, and a glass o water. "Put aside all but this robe and refresh yourself. Once you are ready we can begin."
[09:37] <SirGavin> "I understand."  He nodded, waiting for the man to step out before changing into the robes, taking a moment to kneel in prayer to Orial before taking the slight breakfast offered.  Once done, he stepped out.
[09:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> On exiting and viewing Gavin in the robe, "Have you set aside your arms and armor fully," Looking over the knight carefully, "This is not a place of war."
[09:40] <SirGavin> "Yes.  They remain in that room and shall for the length of my time here."
[09:46] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Then follow." Taking the walk, Gavin is lead to the altar. Monks bow and kneel in silent prayer, manys eemingly as immoble and attached as the floorstones.
[09:46] * SirGavin waits a moment, listening to the guidance of the elder monk.
[09:48] <Dungeon_Kotono> Coming to right in front of the altar, a helmeted warrior stands proud. An old statue of Orial - predating the death of Diala, carved of wood. "Kneel and pray to Orial, Sir Gavin. Cleanse your soul in front of him. Begin with this."
[09:49] * SirGavin nods, kneeling in supplication before the alter and praying to Orial for his blessing upon the proceedings, for purity, and for gudiance upon the path of the knighthood.
[09:49] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Do you want to make a line ruminating on this, or shall I move you ahead?
[09:51] <SirGavin> OOC - ahead. =p
[09:52] <Dungeon_Kotono> So Gavin loses himself in absolutions. Time flows by long and heavy - but not noted by Sir Gavin. Instead his awareness dulls. Ahead of him is a man - a great bear of a man. Tall and vast, a rugged mountain of might barely contained by gold plated armor with a rose on the breastplate. His beadless face bristles, but yet he looks so fara way. As he appears farther, that body begins to dim, melting away into a slender shadow.
[09:57] * SirGavin eyes widen as he briefly glances around, his eyes following the mans, seeking to see where he is going...
[09:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> In this field...it is odd. He passes outside into the courtyard, walking through the gate as if it is nothing. A dark shadow passing through easily.
[10:00] * SirGavin stands...following the man curiously...wondering at his presence.
[10:01] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20
[10:01] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Dungeon_Kotono : [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
[10:01] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d6
[10:01] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Dungeon_Kotono : [ 1d6=1 ]{1}
[10:01] <Dungeon_Kotono> As Gavin passes to the gate, ready to open it: A scream of agony echos out from the courtyard! It carries all too easily, pain unlike Gavin has ever heard staying and ringing in his ears!
[10:04] * SirGavin hurries out there, no thought of his lack of equipment as he hurries towards the sounds of suffering.
[10:07] <Dungeon_Kotono> Throwing the gate open, Gavin finds the monk who brought him here lying in the rocky courtyard! His formerly fleshly body is now withered, his robe almost a burial shroud as he twitches on the ground. For a split second you see a dark, thin shadow hovering over him, looming before it fades away.
[10:08] * SirGavin rushes to his side, looking about a touch nervously and kneeling by the monk, seeing if there was anything he could do for the man.
[10:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> There is no wound on him - only that he is now flesh and bone. He cries out in utter torment, body locked in seizure!
[10:17] <Dungeon_Kotono> As all this happens, monks begin to rush out - silently looking on.
[10:18] * SirGavin prays to Orial to protect this trusted servant, gently lifting him and carrying him towards the monks, looking out for the shadow.
[10:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> As you do, monks surround Gavin. "By Orial...what is this?" One states, then another, "Have mercy! Brother John!" Then a third, "What has blighted our monastary?!"
[10:25] <SirGavin> "I saw a shadow hovering over him." Gavin explained gently passing him to the monks and looking for any signs of the darkness.
[10:26] <Dungeon_Kotono> There is no sign of it now. As he is taken, "Summon Brother Paul!" So the monks are moving quickly, scrambling.
[10:27] * SirGavin stays outside, heading back towards where he saw the man fall, his eyes looking carefully.
[10:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> roll 1d20
[10:27] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Dungeon_Kotono : [ 1d20=11 ]{11}
[10:27] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Erk, I mean you roll 1d20.
[10:27] <SirGavin> roll 1d20
[10:27] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=10 ]{10}
[10:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> As you search, out of the corner of your eye, you see it. Far away - on the far right side of the temple. Fading into the wall there, to places unknown. That's well past the main altar room, and into a part of the monastary you aren't familiar with.
[10:31] * SirGavin heads into the monastary with hurried steps, seeking not to lose it as he goes to where that is in the monastary.
[10:31] <Dungeon_Kotono> This requires you using a little side corridor. When you come to where you think it went, it's gone. It's a dim hallway - a few rooms here and there. It's rather dusty here - it doesn't look too well used. Each door is solid wood, though you don't see any visible locks.
[10:31] <Dungeon_Kotono> There are four doors in total, each looking undisturbed.
[10:32] * SirGavin prays briefly for Orial to guide his eyes and hand in purging this darkness from his temple then starts with the left most door.
[10:33] <Dungeon_Kotono> The door creaks and opens! It's an old bedroom - it looks like it was a solo room. A bed without bedding, a half broken wood chair and a lot of dust. It's very unremarkable, almost pitch black and making it difficult for Gavin to see.
[10:36] * SirGavin grabs the nearby torch and lights it, stepping into the room once lit.
[10:38] <Dungeon_Kotono> It is indeed plain. This room is clealry not be used in a long time. The desk is almost barren save for an old metal insignia - a half broken and long forgotten rose pin. It's designed like the rose of a Knight of the Rose. Past that, this room is utterly unnotable.
[10:39] * SirGavin blink, wondering at such negligance in the monastary and takes it for now, checking the next room.
[10:40] <Dungeon_Kotono> The next room is a small, personal library - or what is left of one. Shelves are built into the walls, but no books remain. Only dust, gloom and a shattered table. There is a faint sense of sadness here, longing forgotten. It looks like something you'd have found in the keep where Demetrious was hunting long forgotten magics, not a monastery.
[10:40] <Dungeon_Kotono> *Demetrius
[10:43] <SirGavin> "By Orial...what has occured here."  Making a mental note to help fix this place later, he checks the next door.
[10:44] <Dungeon_Kotono> The next? This room has a grand fireplace. It is oddly barren besides it - the fireplace takes the entire wall, the pit massive yet with no ash in it. Only a black colored stone heath, large enough to stand in.  Shreds of tapestrise hang on the wall.
[10:44] * SirGavin examines the tapestries, looking over the room as he checks for the shadow..or any sense of it.
[10:45] <Dungeon_Kotono> You don't see any sign of him. Just a feeling of anger that seeps into your body. It's pervasive - it's as if the room itself is angry. The tapestry bits are too torn and old to see what they once were. The fireplace is large - if one wished, you could stand inside and get a good look.
[10:47] * SirGavin steps inside the fireplace.
[10:47] * SirGavin looks up!
[10:47] <Dungeon_Kotono> It's cool here. Very cool. There is no smokeshaft or stack, strangely. Just walled over stone. OOC - Save vs spell, +2 bonus.
[10:49] <SirGavin> roll 1d20-2
[10:49] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=11 ]{9}
[10:49] <SirGavin> OOC: Bonus right, not penalty?
[10:49] <SirGavin> OOC: No wait, it's rolling high for that.  sorry, shall I roll again or just use 13?
[10:49] <SirGavin> OOC: Which fails.  as usual =)
[10:50] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - You can't pass a save to save your life, I swear.
[10:52] <Dungeon_Kotono> As Gavin stands there, he feels anger permeat him. Unreasoning, hostile anger. So angry at THEM. THEM! It makes his head feel fuzzy, seeping up from the very stones he stands on.
[10:53] * SirGavin shakes with anger...fury....what have they done...By Orial...they must be punished.
[10:54] <Dungeon_Kotono> Faint, hazy images - a man in brown robes. A...monk? Youa ren't sure. It just makes you so...huh? The feeling passes away, the anger fading.
[10:56] <SirGavin> "What...was that?" Gavin paused in confusion, stepping back from the fireplace and giving a moments prayer to guide away from such foolish rage.
[10:58] * SirGavin steps further back, glancing about the room for any sign.
[11:01] <Dungeon_Kotono> There isn't any sign of anything. The anger had faded for the moment, the feeling gone.
[11:03] * SirGavin checks the one remaining room, considering what he has seen.
[11:05] <Dungeon_Kotono> The last looks to be empty. There are a few flecks of wooden splinters on the floor and a half melted candle lying besides those. Past that it is utterly barren, as if something was ripped out of it.
[11:05] * Merc-away (Merc@cpe-70-116-156-7.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[11:06] <Dungeon_Kotono> There is a feeling of mourning in the air, faint and painful.
[11:06] * SirGavin stops a moment, kneeling in prayer for Orias to guide the spirits that remain here on to their proper resting places.
[11:06] * Merc-away is now known as Elaine
[11:06] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Elaine Elaine
[11:16] <Dungeon_Kotono> To this, Gavin feels a wail about him! A wail of utmost resentment and anger, ruffling his robe! It is audible, an angry cry out!
[11:17] <SirGavin> "What is it you seek, spirits?" Gavin frowned.   "The realm of the living is not for the dead."
[11:20] <Dungeon_Kotono> You feel rage, anger, despair, hatred, fury! So much of it intermigling around you! It overflows! OOC - Make  save vs paralysis. (Death magic category.)
[11:20] <SirGavin> roll 1d20
[11:20] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=1 ]{1}
[11:20] <SirGavin> OOC: Criticall fail!
[11:21] <SirGavin> OOC: Or just fail.  Should I roll crit or just take it that I'm paralyzed?
[11:22] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and see if you roll another one. Also, you're so gettign the dice bitch award this game, yes?
[11:22] <SirGavin> roll 1d20
[11:22] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=9 ]{9}
[11:22] <SirGavin> OOC: Normal failure
[11:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> Gavin's body locks up! He cannot move, only feel the wailing fury of those spirits around him! But as they do - something in his hand goes warm. The fragment of rose pin, the howling slowing a moment. The cresendo pauses, the outraged cries ceased for a second.
[11:24] * SirGavin mentally prays to the gods of good, the overseers of the knightly order to bring peace to these fell spirits.
[11:25] <Dungeon_Kotono> Suddenly Gavin's body responds! He staggers to his knees, movement restored! The howls are around him again, but they pass away into silence, leaving only a heavy feeling of foreboding - and a warmth still held in Gavin's hadn.
[11:26] * SirGavin does not stop his prayers, kneeling.
[11:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> rolll 1d100
[11:29] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Dungeon_Kotono : [ 1d100=70 ]{70}
[11:30] <SirGavin> OOC: *assumes he shouldn't mimic that and waits*
[11:31] * Usagi (WinNT@user-3574.l3.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[11:31] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Usagi Usagi
[11:31] <Dungeon_Kotono> The warmth in his hand continues - there is silence here. Yet these horrid feelings linger in the air, like poison.
[11:33] * SirGavin opens his hand gently, looking at the pin.
[11:35] <Dungeon_Kotono> It's a half broken rose pin. It's rather unremarkable, but it radiates a gentle warmth in your hand. It stills your heart when you hold it.
[11:35] * SirGavin holds it gently, standing and looking over the room, seeing if there's anything he could do here to calm the spirits.
[11:39] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Do you have the religion proficency, Drac?
[11:40] <SirGavin> OOC: Heraldry and lore yes, religion no.  Didn't envision quite this religious backed knights =)
[11:42] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC: Mmm. I'll give you a check. Int check.
[11:43] <SirGavin> roll 1d20
[11:43] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=1 ]{1}
[11:44] <SirGavin> roll 1d20 crit check
[11:45] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=16 ]{16}
[11:48] <Dungeon_Kotono> Gavin remembers some useful tidbits - praying to help ease the dead is useful, yes. But potent or attached ghosts often need a cleric or some sort of resolution.
[11:49] * SirGavin steps out, seeking the monks.
[11:52] <Dungeon_Kotono> The monks are gathering in the main temple, panic and discussion going. A few turn to Gavin as he approaches, but many are discussing things amongst themselves.
[11:52] <SirGavin> "I believe I've found the source of the turmoil, if some of you could assist in claming angry spirits?"
[11:54] <Dungeon_Kotono> A few turn, a slender elder man in robes slowly walkign to Gavin. "Spirits in turmoil? Here? What in the name of Orial do you mean?" His voice is kindly and easy on the ears, wringling his hands as he talks.
[11:55] <SirGavin> "In the back rooms, if you would follow me, I will show you."
[11:57] * Elaine is now known as Ami-chan
[11:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> "Back...there?" ANother priests asks, as the elder one shakes his head. "Those rooms are forbidden! You went back there to the quarters of Gregori?"
[12:01] <SirGavin> "I followed the darkness that had struck down your fellow brother."
[12:01] <SirGavin> "It lead back there."
[12:04] <Dungeon_Kotono> "That area is forbidden!" The elder priest repeats, "By holy edict, it is to be left to rot and let time wash the stain of heresy away!"
[12:05] * Saul is now known as Carthrat
[12:05] <SirGavin> "Heresy?  You would let the darkness fester in your own monestary?  This is not the way of Orial....evil is to be driven out, our swords and prayers as a lantern before the darkness."
[12:05] * Darius is now known as Iddy
[12:06] * Seryf is now known as Hotaru-chan
[12:06] <Dungeon_Kotono> There is some discussion as this goes on, murmurs, "But Father Jamesan ruled that the quarters of the heretic knight Grigori are off limits! I...we..." There is some fevered discussion to Gavin's words, the preists off balance.
[11:00] <SirGavin> "Is he the one that fell, struckk down by this darkness earlier?"
[11:02] <Kotono> "Father Jamesan is with the Gods now." Respectful murmurs follow, heads bowed, "But as the Father of his temple, his word is respected and revered."
[11:02] <Kotono> OOC - Lemme clarify.
[11:02] <Kotono> "Father Jamesan is with the Gods now. The one attacked is Hajime." Respectful murmurs follow, heads bowed, "But as the Father of his temple, his word is respected and revered."
[11:04] <SirGavin> "It is regrettable...but to allow the darkness to fester is to give it strength.  It is not in ignorance that we kindle the light."
[11:05] <Kotono> "He is right." A young, fresh faced priest steps up at this, "There is a soul in torment here. If no one else will, I will go to help this noble knight."
[11:08] <SirGavin> "Thank you," Gavin waited a moment to see if any others will join them.
[11:08] <SirGavin> If not, he turns and leads back to their quarters.
[11:09] <Kotono> The other monks talk amongst themselves, but finally, "...I won't stop you, Richard." The eldery monk looks on, "But we our bound by our orders and tradition."
[11:11] <SirGavin> "Tradition is important, but not standing by and watching others suffer." Gavin lead back to the quarters, heading first to the room where the spirits had been most strong.
[11:11] <Kotono> "Then let us go...Gavin, was it?" The monk named Richard begins to move - a young, spry man. Slender and with short trimmed black hair, his eyes burn with intensity.
[11:11] <Kotono> OOC - You mean the fireplace room?
[11:13] <SirGavin> OOC - Yes.
[11:15] <Kotono> So you enter back in! The room is silent for now, a peaceful if uneasy lull. "Dust...no one truly has entered in here in ages." Richard observes, trying not to sneeze.
[11:16] <SirGavin> "Indeed... The rooms show no sign of being cleaned or cared for in the least.  The spirit attacked directly when I tried to enter the fireplace."
[11:21] <Kotono> A short nod as the priest begins to chant. His words call out for the protection of Orial, a soft chant.
[11:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[11:21] <Ami_no_Yuki> Ami smiles politely and rolls for Kotono who gets: 1d20 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
[11:21] <Kotono> OOC - Ack, strike that, mistkae.
[11:22] <SirGavin> OOC: *nods*
[11:22] * SirGavin looks around for anything that catches his eye, staying near the priest as he chanted.
[11:25] <Kotono> "There is evil afoot." Finishing his chat after about a minute, Richard's gaze is on the fireplace. "It radiates from there."
[11:25] <SirGavin> "Yes."  Gavin moved near it.  "Any way we can calm it?  Is there some source?"
[11:28] <Kotono> "I do not believe thef ireplace is it - it reaches deeper." Richard cautiously steps forward, fists balled up bravely as he advances.
[11:30] * SirGavin heads, pace by pace, next to him. "A hidden entrance?"
[11:30] * SirGavin scans the fireplace for any signs.
[11:36] <Kotono> OOC - Mmm. Do you wanna just roll for it flatly or get in there and really look? Latter is probably more effective, but the former is safer.
[11:38] <SirGavin> OOC - Looking outside first, then inside if I don't see anything.
[11:38] <SirGavin> OOC: Possibly roll with penalty then scan? *shrugs*
[11:39] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, roll first. 1d20, remember, and high=gooooood.
[11:42] <SirGavin> roll 1d20 for high!
[11:42] <Ami_no_Yuki> Ami smiles politely and rolls for SirGavin who gets: 1d20 for high! --> [ 1d20=2 ]{2}
[11:44] <Kotono> Gavin's look from outside the fire place fails to find anything of ntoe at all.
[11:17] * SirGavin frowns and heads closer, searching about the fireplace while mentally reviewing a verse to Orial.
[11:18] * Ko-work is now known as Kotono
[11:19] <Kotono> Richard follows as you do. "I see it. Orial's beard, what has happened ni our fair monastary?"
[11:20] <Kotono> It's a smooth stone/metal firepit. It reaches high enough to set into. There is a small grate at the bottom for ash to fall through to placed unknown, perhaps, and a few small little recesses in the wall.
[11:23] * SirGavin tries the recesses with a gauntleted hand.
[11:23] <SirGavin> OOC: Not gauntleeted
[11:23] <Kotono> OOC - Yeah, you left your armor behind, remembeR? <_< Just poking in with hand au naturale?
[11:24] <SirGavin> OOC: Yeah.
[11:24] <Kotono> There are four recesses - smooth little circular indentations.  Very smooth, except for tiny bumps on each. Every recess has a little tiny bump in the center. Odd.
[11:25] * SirGavin attempts tapping said bumps.
[11:29] <Kotono> "Careful - I detect a malicious intent!" Richard warns, as Gavn feels the bumps. They retract in a little at the tap, but it feels like they could go in deeper if one wished.
[11:29] <SirGavin> "There's been such all around...it could well be a trap...do we have anything to push them in?"
[11:33] * SirGavin glances about the room for anything, a stick or candle or something.
[11:35] <Kotono> There isn't much left, really. Just the torch Gavin's usin-oh wait. There are a few other old, forgotten torches, some which are breaking apart and splintering.
[11:35] * SirGavin takes part of one and breaks a bit off, using it to press them in.
[11:37] <Kotono> This works! There are little clicks with each one pressed in. Each time, the grate on teh floor rises up a little, the last causing it to be a few inches into the air. There's metal rods supporting it, a 3 by 3 square of the floor starting to raise out.
[11:38] * SirGavin looks under it.
[11:44] <Kotono> You can see black depths through the grate. "The floor came up? I feel greater evil down there!" Richard exclaims, stepping back.
[11:54] * SirGavin tries yanking the grate out so they can head down.
[11:55] <Kotono> OOC - Str check -2. It's a little rusty and old.
[11:55] <SirGavin> OOC: *nods*
[11:56] <SirGavin> roll 1d20-2
[11:56] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=9 ]{7}
[11:56] <Ami_no_Yuki> Ami smiles politely and rolls for SirGavin who gets: 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{3}
[11:56] <SirGavin> OOC: By either of t hem I pass.  I'll take Serith from now on as the dice roller.
[11:57] * Kotono sets mode: -v Ami_no_Yuki
[11:57] <Kotono> OOC - Cool.
[11:58] <SirGavin> OOC - *nods*
[11:58] <Kotono> With a mighty effort of his muscles, Gavin yanks out the grate! The entire square of flooring isr emoved with a stony scrape, the sound of earth and metal protesting a long overdue wakeup. There's a little ladder down, the darkness ahead long an dlooming.
[11:59] * SirGavin pushes down with his torch first, taking a good look before he'd climb down the ladder.
[12:00] * Carthrat is now known as Dan
[12:00] * Dan is now known as Carthrat
[12:00] <Kotono> It goes on a fair bit into the ground. You can hear dripping water - to all apperances it looks like it connects into a natural sea cave. These are quite common in the area, as you've seen before.
[12:01] <SirGavin> "I'll lead."  Gavin headed down carefully, keeping an eye out as he waved the priest after him.
[12:05] <Kotono> Down you go! The latter is rusty metal and quite decayed - it groans a few times, threatening to give! But it never does, mercy of the gods. Moisture clings to it, making it a very slow and slippery descent...
[12:05] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[12:06] * SirGavin after waiting for the priest, Gavin leads down the cavern path, looking for anything suspicious.
[12:08] <Kotono> After about thirty feet of this you come to a bottom. Light is shed here for the first time - !!! All around you are coffins! Thew alls have carved niches, each one holding an old metal coffin! There must be dozens in this cavern! Dozens and dozens and dozens!
[12:09] <SirGavin> "A burial chamber under the temple?" Gavin asked of the priest, looking around it, but not disturbing the coffins.
[12:09] <Kotono> Yet each is marked with the same symbol - a wilted rose. Further, each has a little engraving under that - of an ear or a finger or a hand. Those sort of things, a single part listed on each.
[12:10] <Kotono> "I have never heard of it," Richard shivers deeply, voice cracking. "Why is this under Gregori's chambers?"
[12:11] <SirGavin> "I do not know.  I'm going to check one.  Be wary." Gavin moved to the closest to the way they came, carefully examining, then opening the coffin.
[12:13] <Kotono> As you approach, a booming voice roars out! "Do not disturb the penace of the dead! Ye that tempt it, face the tormented soul of this fallen knight! Never let him rest!"
[12:15] <SirGavin> "What a horrific curse...  who would bind even one of evil in such a manner?"
[12:19] <Kotono> Making a holy symbol in front of him, tracing his fingers through the air, "Father Jamesan...?"
[12:19] <Kotono> OOC - Ack Premature enter key.
[12:20] <Kotono> Making a holy symbol in front of him, tracing his fingers through the air, "Father Jamesan...?" This is said ever so softly, "Father Jamesan found out about Gregori's heresy and lead the inquiry himself. He was responsible from the beginning to the end."
[12:22] <SirGavin> "And so rather than bury these men safely and let the gods judge...they were kept here for punishment?  Is there anything we can do?"
[12:23] <Kotono> "Man." Amending, "Sir Gregori's heresy was his alone...but..." Shivering again as he peers at the coffins, "Is this why Fater Jamesan laid out a holy edict that these quarters are not to be disturbed?"
[12:24] <Kotono> Thinking a moment, "I-I- allow me to think." Reaching out to feel the dewy metal, "So cold and forgotten."
[12:24] <SirGavin> "Then ...what is all the...are each of these body parts of his?"
[12:24] * SirGavin examines, checking if there's any repeats on the symbols.
[12:26] <Kotono> There isn't a single illocial repeat. Ten fingers, two hands, ten toes, two feet, one face, two ears...everything adds up. Down to a casket with a heart in it.
[12:27] <SirGavin> "...what kind of ritual of Orial would ever involve such dismemberment of a corpse?"
[12:28] <Kotono> "None. Not even for heresy." Shuddering as the two of you look over the caskets, "I...aaah!" Suddenly Richard stumbles back, as Gavin feels it - a frosty wind, a howling echoing in the chamber!
[12:29] <SirGavin> Gavin shivers.  "We must set this right.  we must open these caskets...and bury this man properly.  Can you purify this land?" Gavin reached forth, steadying Richard with a hand.
[12:32] <Kotono> "I am not a great cleric of the Gods yet - but by them, I can try." Nodding resolutely, Richard braces himself! As this happens, the howling gets louder - screaming out agony! But as it does, there is a warmth. The broken rose pin begins to heat up in time to it.
[12:33] * SirGavin hands Richard the pin. "Perhaps this can help. I suspect it might've been a fragment of Grigori's before he fell."
[12:35] <Kotono> Taking it into his hand, Richard immediately firms up. HIs posture improves, eyes clear. "Thank you." As it goes from Gavin, he feels a deeper chill!
[12:38] <SirGavin> Gavin remains strong, standing and praying silently to Orial as Richard does his work.
[12:42] <Kotono> The winds howl deeper! As Richard begins to chant out to the heavens, his voice competes with the whipping winds and gusting gasps of the dead! Gavin feels his heart quail - fear begins to rear it's head blackly! OOC - Save vs paralysis again, +2 bonus.
[12:43] <SirGavin> roll 1d20+2
[12:43] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for SirGavin : [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
[12:43] <SirGavin> OOC: High wins, so that's another fail! =)
[12:43] * SirGavin shivers his hand chilled about the torch would, frozen before the horror.
[12:46] <Kotono> Gavin feels his body betray him again! Muscles lock and his form refuses to move! Meanwhile Richard keeps on chanting - howling out! Screaming out his verses, trying to remain strong and true!
[12:46] * SirGavin remains still as a statue.
[12:48] <Kotono> His words keep on, finishing! "I-In the name of the Gods, rest! Rest!" His spell finishes, a great white light shedding forth!
[12:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[12:48] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Kotono : [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
[12:54] <Kotono> Gavin feels his body loosen! The howling ceases - there is silence where there was noise before, the dread gone! For the moment at least - peace?
[12:55] <SirGavin> "Is it quieted?  Can we see to it that the man is buried now?"
[12:56] <Kotono> Richard falls, a robed heap resting on his knees. "I hope so - I am not certain, but the dread is gone."
[12:57] <SirGavin> "I'll get a shovel.  Let's see this to the end." Gavin turned to head back, seeking something with which to bury the man.
[12:59] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[13:00] <Kotono> "I will stay here." Richard nods, "Hurry!"
[13:00] * Usagi (WinNT@user-2684.lns4-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[13:00] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Usagi Usagi
[13:02] * SirGavin hurries up the ladder, heading back into the monestary and looking for a shovel, or assistance.
[13:04] <Kotono> Ther former can be found easily enough in a storage room. The latter, however - the monks are generally quite in a tizzy, talking amist themselves. It looks like it would take some work to get through to them if Gavin wishes.
[13:05] * SirGavin simply takes the shovel and heads back down.
[11:43] <Kotono> On returning with the shovel, Gavin finds a sense of howling dread! As he reaches the ladder, ready to climb back down, "AAaaaah! Oriaaaal!" Richard's voice keens out from below, desperate!
[11:45] <SirGavin> "Richard!" He rushed, practically leaping down and running down the tunnel.
[11:45] <Kotono> OOOC - Are you leaping down? It's about 25-30 feet, Drac.
[11:46] <SirGavin> OOC: No.  Not at that height.  Last I checked we weren't using dramatic anime physics.
[11:47] <Kotono> OOC - Well, you could still do something hasty! I needed to be sure.
[11:47] <SirGavin> OOC -  Yeah. *nods*  I would've  if it was tenish.  But yeah.
[11:48] * Serith (iron_drago@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[11:48] <SirGavin> OOC: Note: I have Running as a proficiency =)
[11:48] <SirGavin> OOC: If that helps at all
[11:49] <Kotono> OOC - A a bit, yes.
[11:49] <SirGavin> OOC: No wait, that's in possibles
[11:49] <SirGavin> OOC: Ignore t hat!
[11:49] <SirGavin> OOC: *had that down for 'things might take next cycle; *waits for res*
[11:49] <Kotono> Chill winds batter Gavin as he descends! Torch and shovel are awkwardly carried down with him, the bottom a mess! On the far wall Richard lies in a heap! He shudders weakly, as winds from the abyss gust! The entire room is possessed by wins, as a shadow stands over Richard! It's hand is raised, as if to strike down and rend away his life!
[11:50] * SirGavin swings the shovel at the the shadow, charging. "By Orial, you shall not have another!"
[11:54] <Kotono> OOC - THACO.
[11:55] <Kotono> OOC - I'll consider you proficient here since, really, it's a freaking shovel.
[11:55] <SirGavin> roll 1d20
[11:55] <SirGavin> OOC: Dicebots?
[11:55] * Kotono sets mode: +v Ami_no_Yuki
[11:55] <SirGavin> roll 1d20
[11:56] <Ami_no_Yuki> Ami smiles politely and rolls for SirGavin who gets: 1d20 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{19}
[11:56] <SirGavin> OOC: Hit.
[11:56] <SirGavin> OOC: Thac0 raw is 16, so that hits -3.
[11:56] * Serith (iron_drago@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[11:56] * ChanServ sets mode: +v Serith
[11:56] * SirGavin sets mode: -v Serith
[11:58] <Kotono> Gavin's shovel swings! A very good blow, the metal slamming right into the head of the geist!...and through! It passes through as if the shadow is nothing more than air! But it does stop it - it turns instead! Fiery eyes smoulder, the vague image of armor on it's frame. "Leave...mortal..." This voice is faraway, as if coming from the depths of a great ravine. Below, you can see Richard's hand faintly glow white - the broken rose pin is held in his hand.
[11:59] <SirGavin> "I shall not.  It is time for you to rest fell knight.  Torment not that priest."
[12:01] <Kotono> "Fell?!" A roar comes out, head buffeting the room! The caskets begin to glow molten red, sending off waves of heat! "Liar! LIAR! ALL OF HIS CHILDREN ARE LIARS!"
[12:02] <SirGavin> "Let the truth be known then, Knight...  You are..Grigori?"
[12:05] <Kotono> It's getting notably hot in here. It's a small mercy you aren't wearing your armor, perhaps, as the head of your shovel is beginning to glow metallic hot as well! "Jamesan! Jamesan! Betrayer! Murderer! Yes! He cast me down - all of you are LIARS!"
[12:05] <SirGavin> "He cast you down...but a knight stands before you.  Before Orial, let the truth of your death be known."
[12:14] <Kotono> "A knight...A knight!" Howling in the wind, Gregori's voice is in agony. Over the swirling of the stagnant airs in this crypt, "do you have honor?"
[12:14] <SirGavin> "I swear by Orial, my honor is my life."
[12:17] <Kotono> "Give me...your body! Give me your strength!" A twisted, clawed hand reaches out, pained, "I swear...by my unstained honor...I will return what I take from you! The might of these liars is not enough!"
[12:19] <SirGavin> "What...for?  Allow me to know the truth of these things."
[12:21] <Kotono> "I will right this! I will bring justice to them and rest! Knight! Give it to me!" The shade begins to approach, coming closer!
[12:21] <SirGavin> "They are dead, Grigori.  They are long since dead.  Jamesan has been deceased for years."
[12:22] <SirGavin> "Justice, not vengence is the way of the knights, Grigori."
[12:26] <Kotono> "This is justice! I cannot rest until these things are righted!" So the ghost insists, stalking closer - three steps away! If it advanced any more, it could touch you.
[12:28] * SirGavin stands tall. "Then let me know what is left undone. I shall see it done, Grigori."
[12:33] <Kotono> Hestiating, "Yield - I shall do it! I shall bring the long delayed justice to them! Stand aside and yield to me!"
[12:33] <SirGavin> "Tell me, Grigori.  Let another know.  I am a man of honor, but I shall not yield in ignorance."
[12:40] <Kotono> "Tell you of what? How I was betrayed! No! Let me right these wrongs!" AS he howls in the wind, the pin in Richard's hand continues to shed it's light.
[12:41] <SirGavin> "Who alive has wronged you?"
[12:41] <SirGavin> "What wrongs stand?"
[12:46] <Kotono> "Jamesan! No one has come - they let me rot!" Winds gust and howl, dark. "They all let me rot!"
[12:47] <SirGavin> "Jamesan saw to it that none would know of it.  The others bear no crime but ignorance.  We cut the head of the snake, the arm of the maurader, not the peasant that know not where his wheat goes.  The priest you attacked came bravely to see this wrong righted.  Would you stand in his way for vengence?"
[12:52] <Kotono> "But they have to pay!" The voice insists, "I will not rest until that! My soul screams for vengence!"
[12:53] <SirGavin> "Listen to yourself.  Will you let Jamesan's torments deny you your place in Orial's halls?  Will you throw away Justice for Vengence?"
[12:56] * Saul is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[12:58] <Kotono> "...." The words stop now - the eyes of fire flicker. They flicker and wane, the heat from the coffins receding. "Why? Just let me...." A stop in that voice, the spirit stepping back. "It hurts so much! I want to lash out - I have to! H-Honor..."
[13:00] <SirGavin> "Honor is a burden, carried alone.  It means that despite the pain...you do not lash out.  We will see this monstrousity done to you ended...a proper burial and rites."  Gavin walked towards the priest, helping him up.
[13:03] <Kotono> Richard is out cold, his hand open. The broken pin contines to glow, the priest himself dazed. "I...I....remember those words." Gregori falls back, the intensly black shadows of his body dimming. "...hurry. While I remember this...do it..."
[13:04] * SirGavin shakes richard. "Please, waken, young priest."
[13:04] * SirGavin begins working on the crypts, removing the seals and digging a proper place for a grave.
[13:10] <Kotono> Richard takes a little bit to stir. Once he does he views the flickering shade warily. "Alright, Gavin. Let us do this - begin."
[13:11] * SirGavin Gavin mouths verses of the knight's codes as he works, digging a servicible grave and following Richard's instructions in properly burying the knight's body.
[13:17] <Kotono> As each rotted part is put in - sliced up, a body made into a butcher's work - , the shadow lessens. The winds slowly die down, as Richard joins Gavin in chanting.
[13:19] * SirGavin brushes a bit of sweat off his brow, starting to fill the grave in after the entirety of the butchered body is inside.
[13:24] <Kotono> On Gavin works! As he does, the shadow begins to fade. It's words are silent, it's form breakaing apart! "Thank..." Is heard as Gavin scoops shovelfuls of dirt over.
[13:26] <SirGavin> "May you rest in peace."  Gavin turned tiredly, examining the priest.
[13:27] <Kotono> As he does, Gavin's vision flickers. It is a strange feeling - the world goes indistinct, save for a now whole rose pin - it floatsin the air. Gavin's vision is transfixed a moment, before: (More)
[13:30] <Kotono> Gah! Gavin starts, eyes blinking. His body is covered with sweat and clammy! As his eyes refocus, he finds himself kneeling, back to where he was as he meditated in front of the altar to Orial. Kneeling in front of you -...the priest that walked you in is here, intact and whole. "Gavin? Gavin?" he asks, an ever so slight smile showing. "Awaken -d id you fall asleep?"
[13:30] * Hotaru (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Off I go.)
[13:31] <SirGavin> "I...I do not know."
[13:32] <Kotono> "Hm?" Offering a hand to the dazed knight, "Aaah. Perhaps your meditation was too deep and potent?"
[13:33] <SirGavin> "Perhaps..." Gavin took it, standing and looking around.  "I had a strange vision...it was oddly real, as if I was there."
[13:34] <Kotono> As you do, you notice a little pin on the ground, right where you were sitting. A little...rose pin? "A vision? Perhaps Orial granted you sight?"
[13:35] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[13:35] * SirGavin reaches down, picking it up. "Perhaps. Did you drop this?" He held it, examining it with his eyes.
[13:37] <Kotono> It's the rose pin you saw, now a vibrant, pained metal red. "No, it's not mine." Shaking his head past it, "If it was a vision - consider it well. The words of the Gods and the timbre of your spirit speak truly in them." The pin feels ever so slightly warm in your hands - it's nice.
[13:39] * SirGavin nods and closes his hand over it gently. "Is it time?"
[13:39] * Usagi (WinNT@user-2226.l4.c3.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[13:39] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Usagi Usagi
[13:39] <Kotono> "It's time for bed. You'll have tomorrow to rest and reflect, and the High Clerist wants you back the day after."
[10:35] <Kotono> With an ordeal and a trial behind him, Gavin returns to Paxburg. His return is at sunset, horse put aside and the rituals begun. Mental preparation, a talk with his father, fasting, recovery. For at sunrise, Gavin shall enter the chapel of the knights and leave as a Knight of the Sword. (More)
[10:38] <Kotono> So Gavin prepares himself before daybreak, ready to march in to the silent chapel. It is peaceful here - the noise of the morning has not set in, and only a breathy, airy anticipation fills the air. OOC - Gavin, go ahead and set yourself up in spirit and apperance and act?"
[10:39] <SirGavin> OOC: *nods*
[10:41] <SirGavin> Gavin is not in armor today, in preparation for the ceremony, dressed humbly in simple blue robes without decoration.  Having finished morning prayers, he stands steadily, his face calm at this point despite his inner excitement.  Stpping out of his room, he knew his father would likely be waiting at the chapel himself already and made with swift strides towards the chapel.
[10:48] <Kotono> The chapel has a single torch above it's door. It cascades down a pool of light by the entrance, but it is otherwise solemn. The doors are left ajar, waiting for a knight to enter.
[10:50] * SirGavin silently thanks Orial and enters the doors, walking at a measured pace through.
[10:54] <Kotono> There is only one person here for now, as there should be. In full armor the High Clerist awaits Gavin! He stands before the altar, watching Gavin approach. "Hail and well met. I have seen and heard of your victory in your task."
[11:00] <SirGavin> "Hail and well met, Lord." Gavin walks towards him and bowed silently.
[11:07] <Kotono> "You have done all I have laid out in honor, skill and wisdom. I find you worthy to join the ranks of the Knights of the Sword, Gavin." Reaching out to clasp his shoulder and then his other, "Kneel."
[11:08] * SirGavin kneels before the high clerist, his eyes near closed as he bows, having no words to answer such praise.
[11:10] <Kotono> Drawing a heavy, bejewelled sword from his side, the High Clerist taps Gavin's shoulders and then the crown of his head. "Welcome, Sir Gavin of the Sword. Hail..." His voice cuts off, however - for attached to Gavin's lapel is the rose pin he found. It twinkles with a soft light for a long second.
[11:11] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[11:12] * SirGavin doesn't look up yet, not quite trusting his face and unaware of the reason for the pause. "Thank you, my lord. I hope only to continue to bring honor to the knights and justice and mercy to all."
[11:18] <Kotono> "...well spoken." The high clerist nods, "Then...Rise, Sir Gavin."
[11:19] * SirGavin rises to his feet and salutes the high clerist.
[11:22] <Kotono> A salute is returned! "Now step outside and be greeted by your peers, Gavin - and well done."
[11:23] * SirGavin turns briefly and bows before the altar, then walks outside of the church.
[11:23] * Serith (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[11:24] <Kotono> The sun splashes over, the first rays of dawn washing over Gavin's face! A line five deep and three wide awaits him on both sides! Swords are drawn at once, pointing above to the heavens!" "Hail! Hail!"
[11:26] * SirGavin smiles in euphoria as he steps out, his eyes dashing back and forth, some in recognition others not as he walked under the swords.
[11:27] <Kotono> Waiting a bit past this is your father, a joyous grin from ear to ear as he walks out. "Gavin!" Clasping you into a hug as you finish, "Well done - and come."
[11:28] * Serith (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[11:28] * ChanServ sets mode: +v Serith
[11:28] * SirGavin hugs back and nods. "Yes, Father." Gavin moved to follow his father and comrade.