In reply to Aethul (msg # 561):

The first thing Aethul notices are footprints in the dust.  A moment later, a spark can be seen as a light is struck.

Aethul steps sideways to use the door jamb as protection if needed

In reply to Aethul (msg # 563):

A pale figure in the murky dark finishes lighting a lantern, which doesn't quite give off the amount it should, as if the lantern glass was coated with dust on both sides.

I say, Who resides here? We seek knowledge about this place and the baronyas part of a mission we were assigned.

In reply to Tower servant (msg # 564):

"We see so few guests. Let me inform the master of your arrival. I apologise that we have no refreshments ready."

Balir takes all of this in.  The pale figure was not what he had expected to see.  In response to his comment, Balir asked "And who is the master of this keep?  Who will you inform of our arrival?  And what nature of being is he?"

OOC How is the figure dressed?  Size and build?  Does he (she?) look like a threat to Balir?

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 567):

The lantern bearer is thin and pale, with deep set eyes. Their padded doublet hangs a little loosely on their spare and bony frame.

"Wait here, I will rouse the Master, the Siegnior du Couver."

A Ghost or worse methinks, but perhaps not opposed to us.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 569):

The servant places the lantern on a small table, and exits through a side door.
The room is octogonal and had several doorways. The corners feature pilasters which rise to form an arched vault in the center of the room.

There are a few benches, and the remains of tapestries, Which seem to be coated with enough dust as to obscure details.

In reply to Tower servant (msg # 570):

"I am beginning to think you needed an exorcist, not a priest."

This whole situation starts to give Balir some discomfort.  He wasn't really equipped for supernatural foes.  His axe could handle just about anything mundane, but if it couldn't be hit with dwarven steel, he didn't know how he could protect the rest of the group.  Balir had a great deal of confidence in his skill and ability.  He wasn't afraid of anything that could be hit. Unfortunately, this might be something new, that he had not seen before.  Balir hadn't expected what looked like a ghost or apparition.  He wasn't sure how he would do against something incorporeal.  Even though it was just a glimmer of uncertainty, Balir wasn't so sure of himself for just a moment.  Not that anyone would know that through his stoic expression.

[Private to GM: Balir is overconfident, so he's sure he can handle this.  But, I thought it would be reasonable to put a little apprehension in his thoughts.]

The servant did leave footprints.

Someone is approaching from where the servant went...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 573):

Kirpich will ready himself, but wishes to hear out whoever is coming...assuming they are coming to talk.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 574):

Silently, a gaunt form in fine but faded velvet approaches through the door the servant exited through, a smallsword at its side. Its eyes are completely black.

Our Greeting sir, Your tower seemed derelict, but now we see you here.

Balir examines the man closely, guaging how he moves and how much of a threat he might be.

OOC Axe will be looped at his belt, but Balir is prepared to draw it should he need to.  Shield is on his other arm.  He's watching the interaction closely to see how it goes. 

[Private to GM: Evaluate, just in case.]

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 577):

The slender nobleman's dark, empty eyes scan the party.

"You were not invited to this place. Nonetheless, you are welcome. We will see as to your disposition when the Master comes."

There seems little joy here, can we enliven things with light?

In reply to Aethul (msg # 579):

"The light from the lantern is sufficient. Lower your weapons, if you come not as invaders."

Not invaders at all, we were more concerned about animals or beings out to hurt us.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 581):

"This place is our redoubt against the plague that rages outside. How do we know that you do not bring it with you?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:34, Sat 16 Nov 2019.

We are unaware of any plague around here, and there was certainly none from where we came ... not in several hundred years since the last plague. That one was virulent though.

Balir asks with a quizzical look "A plague of vhat...?"

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 584):

"and why are you not effected? Walls are notoriously poor against plagues."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 585):

The last plague was about 40 years ago. Isolated areas tended to survive, depending on the proximity of rats and infected people. Much was abandoned then, like this tower was believed to be.