Thursday, November 16th, 2017
—
Eager to uncover more answers, the party heads south to Habe’s Sanatorium to interview the only survivor from the first series of attacks in the murder spree – Grayst Sevilla. When they arrive at the asylum, they find the place meticulously clean and well-kept. Upon entering, the reception area is empty save a rope instructing visitors to ‘Pull for Service’, which they do. Minutes later, a lanky man in layered robes greets them coldly. The man, Erin Habe, regrets to inform the party that the Sanatorium is simply too busy for visitors at the moment, and asks them to return at a later time.
Krask mentions that Sheriff Hemlock had given them information about Grayst and they wished to ask him a few questions. At the mention of the Sheriff, Habe appears uneasy and insists that nothing can be done. A pair of tiefling twins in simple garb appear to stand behind Habe, exerting their presence in an imposing manner. Barnaby takes over the diplomacy, convincing Habe that he is a well-trained, certified psychiatrist who trained under the famous Magnimarian doctor, Wilbur Retford. Habe and Barnaby exchange their thoughts on medical terminology such as agoraphobia and dementia, while Theo secretly casts Message to assist Barnaby in his persuasion. Gradually, Habe’s disposition towards the group turns from indifferent to friendly and he agrees to bring the patient downstairs.
Grayst is knocking on death’s door; his gaunt face, gangrenous complexion, and wild hair serve as a horrific accompaniment to his mindless groans. Even in a straightjacket, this ex-bodyguard is a formidable sight. He mutters incoherent thoughts about razors, teeth, and the Skinsaw Man. When his unfocused eyes finally settle on Barnaby, Grayst’s eyes bulge and he says:
“He said. He said you would visit me. His Lordship. The one that unmade me said so. He has a place for you. A precious place. I’m so jealous. He has a message for you. He made me remember it. I hope I haven’t forgotten. The master wouldn’t approve if I forgot. Let me see… let… me… see… He said you should come to the Misgivings soon, to meet the Pack, for they have something wonderful to show you.”
With that, Grayst’s head collapses to the tabletop and he begins to groan. While Habe looks on in confusion at this outburst, Grayst suddenly breaks free of his straightjacket and lunges at Barnaby. Fobias steps in and eliminates the threat, leaving Gortus to mop up the bloody mess on the floor. Habe apologizes for the party’s troubles, and implores them to keep the incident between them; no need to get the authorities involved with the Sanatorium’s affairs.
As the party begins to leave, however, they find their way blocked by one of the orderlies – Habe wants their word that nothing will be spoken of what happened. Barnaby is unconvincing, and Habe refuses to let them leave without giving them a mental examination. Krask fires his crossbow and kills the orderly. While Habe reels in surprise, he is struck down by the rest of the group. Fobias chases after the other brother, who runs downstairs and out of sight, preparing his blade for when the tiefling returns. But when the orderly returns from the basement, he is followed by four zombies and a hooded man who instructs the party to leave the Sanatorium grounds.
They stay.
Fobias is quickly swarmed by the moaning zombies and his strength is sapped by the hooded man. The rest of the party focuses their attention on the zombies, but before they can give Fobias a clear exit, the hooded man raises a gnarled finger and relieves Fobias of his sight. Through a series of wild falchion swings, crossbow bolts from Krask, calculated strikes from Barnaby, and complex hexes by Theo, the party is able to turn the tables and kill the remaining zombies. The hooded man drops to his needs and begs for mercy, but he is granted no quarter. Barnaby strikes him down.
Fobias remains blinded.
What secrets lie within the stark white walls of the Sanatorium? Why would an asylum have undead humans living in the basement? Can we get a Keynote presentation from Dr. Barnaby Daryngton?