(036) The Remains of the Day

[waysoftheearth]

sulldawga wrote:
"Back in the warehouse, the undead surrounded us more'n once. I'll take the rear, to make sure there's a sharp axe nearby if'n it happens again!"

Dorgan will wait for the others to enter before he goes in.

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
"Once within, my friend, use those dwarven eyes of yours to see if an opening mechanism for yon door exists on the inside," Josiane says to Dorgan; "We should venture no further until we are sure we can leave at will."

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

"Once within, my friend, use those dwarven eyes of yours to see if an opening mechanism for yon door exists on the inside," Josiane says to Dorgan; "We should venture no further until we are sure we can leave at will."

"That's mighty good thinking!" Olaf says, "I've had my fill of being lost in a maze of tunnels with no known way to get back out."

"Not that it probably won't happen again." he mumbles to himself as he starts down the stairs adding in a louder voice, "Hold that light up so we can see what's down here!"

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
"It would seem that our learned comrade Josiane was quite correct about this crypt," Ulric says after translating the writing. "Watch out for more of this script, it may provide clues inside."

Ulric prepares his own lantern and then looks around briefly for a few stones to have on hand for his sling.

[waysoftheearth]

sulldawga wrote:

"Once within, my friend, use those dwarven eyes of yours to see if an opening mechanism for yon door exists on the inside," Josiane says to Dorgan; "We should venture no further until we are sure we can leave at will."

Dorgan nods solemnly.

"I will, Lady, fer sure."

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
Dieter proceeds into the crypt. If people are going to be ensuring we can get back out, he'll make sure nobody kills them while they're at it.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:

He cranes his stiff neck upwards and scans the treeline/roofline of the cemetery. He is looking for a good lookout spot with a view of the entrance(s) and the approaching avenue.

The steeple of the nearby Temple of Thuul has a commanding view over all of the bone yard; and much of Ket for that matter. Pelenwin is aware that the Deacon has previously stationed a watch in the bell tower by night... but that would be a lonely post indeed.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Very good.

Inside, the tomb is impressive despite its small size. There is but a modest landing inside the door, but from there a wide stair descends deeper into the earth, and that is presided over on all sides by eight tall, round columns of stone.

These are graven elegantly in a gothic style with images of gates, fortresses, shields and sombre knight-guardians. Where the columns meet the roof, crowds of hideous gargoyles have been hewn into the rock so that their bat-wings are sprawled over the ceiling.

There is just enough room for Dieter and Olaf to take the stair side by side, and they press ahead now with Desmond/Mondes behind them, and Highbough with his lantern illuminating the way ahead.

Ulric also has his lantern, which he holds up for Guntram and Dorgan as the pair examine the mechanism by which the gargoyle lever bars the door, from the inside...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Gentlemen, I shall require a proper marching order.

Thus far I have it that Dieter and Olaf have the lead.

Desmond/Mondes is next, then Highbough (with a lantern).

It is unclear whom follows after that, except that Dorgan is taking the rear guard.

The initial passage here is just wide enough for two abreast.


Please illuminate the marching order for me...

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
Josiane will join the rearguard, standing beside Dorgan.