JJJ's Haunting of Harrowstone

[jjj54]

It is my sad duty to inform you that on Fireday, the seventh day of Calistril, 4711 AR, Professor Petros Lorrimor died. His body will be intrude in the cemetery of Ravengro by Father Vauran Grimburrow. As per the instructions of his will, your presence has been requested at his funeral procession as well as the reading of his will. I’m sure his daughter Kendra will be eager to see you again.


Signed,
Councilman Vashian Hearthmount

Ten days ago this very letter and it’s duplicates found their way into each of your hands, delivering the shocking news that your friend and/or mentor Professor Lorrimor has died. Across the winter locked land of Ustalav you traveled until your journey ended at the farming community of Ravengro. Since your individual arrivals, you’ve had to stay at the Outward Inn, rumor and hearsay circulating about the upswing in the number of the strange visitors the town has seen lately. Meanwhile the doors of the Lorrimor place closed tight as Kendra is apparently too distraught to even entertain visitors.

Still, the appointed day of the professor’s funeral arrives soon enough. As you gather near the Restlands you catch the first glimpse of Kendra Lorrimor as she greats the precious few people who have gathered to see her father off to his final reward. The relief is obvious in her puffy and red eyes as she sees the lot of you approach. She refrains from running your way, upholding the dignity of this event, but as she speaks, you can tell she teeters on the edge of another bout of tears.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. Father would have been so grateful to know that you were here…”

[Leviathan]

Briar

Doctor Briar Zendlebiddle has travelled from Lepidstadt to be here. She does not particularly like small villages - they tend to be superstitious and xenophobic in her eyes - but she had to go. It is not that funerals are an important ritual in her eyes (Mainly an emotional practice: state of body precludes dignity - rigor mortis, early stages of decomposition, pallour. Departed spirit apathetic to fate of corpse. Much more interesting to study moment of death! Relationship between body and soul ambiguous, needs clarification.) but that she owed Lorrimor too much to disregard his final wishes.

Arriving at the Restlands, the gnome stares around, then spots Kendra. She has not seen her in many years, since the girl was but a child living with her father.

The gnome nods emphatically at Kendra's statement, her bright turquoise eyes blinking furiously, watering. "Indeed... He was a great man. My colleagues send their condolences, and I personally wish to say that we will continue his magnificent work in years to come. He remains and inspiration to us all." She says this remarkably slowly; doubtlessly she realizes the importance of dignity here.

[stack]

Augustin Human Oracle

A young, dark haired man stood still and upright, the bottom of his white tabbard blowing softly in the cool breeze, a Pharasman spiral hanging from his neck above the black rose adorning his chest. Below the tabbard were simple, gray clothes, armor having no place on the solemn occasion.

Augustin was no stranger to funerals, feeling rather in his element. he had officiated over the rites many times himself since he received his gift. Everyone in Ustalav knows their importance. Its not just about saying goodbye, but about ensuring that the goodbye is final.

He stands with a group of relative strangers, though a few of the faces are familiar. I will have to greet Ulric and Morcaine after the service, now is no time for pleasantries of that sort.

Discerning the identity of the lady both from her expression and the gnomes address, Augustin steps forward and introduces himself with a bow, "You must be Kendra. I am Augustin of House Dragos. You father mentioned you warmly. My condolences on your loss, he was a good man and faithful friend, though I knew him briefly. He will certainly find a worthy reward." He bows again and steps back returning to his solemn vigil.

[Makleveh]

Wynette

Wynette stays near the outskirts of the crowd, trying her best not to impose herself on any of the locals or guests.

Is that Kendra? I haven't seen her in years. Once the crowd thins a little, I should really go see her and express my condolences.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine brushes her hair over her shoulder and approaches Kendra, noticing Augustin as well.

"Indeed, Augustin. My condolences for your loss Kendra. If it isn't too much trouble, may I place a memorial sword in the casket?"

The religiously-inclined Augustin recognizes that memorial swords are an Iomedean burial tradition. They consider it wasteful to bury the deceased actual weapons with him, as they could still be used by living warriors to continue defending the innocent and weak, and the reward for a just life is an afterlife without conflict. But the soul must be protected all the same. So when someone is buried, an Iomedean will put a small tin or wood replica of a sword in the casket, to defend the deceased from evil on his way to Heaven.

[Sarone]

It's been too long, Mentor, Kaythek thought as he approached from behind the group, his right hand holding staff and, hopefully, giving everyone an impression that he was blind. I've been meaning to ask you about some strange visions lately. But now those questions will have to be answered somewhere else.

Hearing each of his Mentor's friends, allies, or students give their condolences to his daughter, Kaythek thought of what he should say. A decade ago, Mentor, you and Zacharious saved me from a future of slavery and exploited servitude, teaching me the wisdom that the gods of war have seen fit to dispense. For that, I owe you everything.

Up to a few weeks ago he was in Magnimar, working with Zacharious on various blacksmithing and research projects in between his training with a falchion he crafted. My best work to date, he thought, his left hand resting on the pommel of his sheathed falchion. Too bad Mentor didn't make it to see what I made for him, thinking of the sheathed dagger he and Zacharious worked on, a test of Kaythek's blacksmithing skill and an amends to a friendship that was tried and torn from Zacharious.

Dressed in scale mail, with a falchion on his left hip and three mismatched daggers on his belt, Kaythek hoped he looked every bit the warrior he was raised to be, despite being blind. But everything I am, I am more so from my Mentor's teaching, Kaythek thought as he made his way to the Mentor's Daughter, Kendra.

Bowing deep, Kaythek stood straight as he took a deep breath. "Miss Lorrimor, I am Kaythek, one of your father's students," Kaythek said, each word being weighed before spoken. "Over a decade ago, he and Zacharious, one of his friends and allies, saved me from slavery and a future that would only know war. Though the two had a falling out years ago, Zacharious wished to make amends before your father passed."

Taking a breath, Kaythek put his left hand on an ornate dagger that is in his rough leather belt. "He did his best to teach educate me and teach me wisdom. Years ago, when he was in Magnimar, he commented that I shouldn't be training to fight. 'Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary,' quoting some ancient philosopher. Intrigued, I studied some of the sayings of the same philosopher."

Looking at the people arrayed around him, Kaythek tooka continued. "I went back to training, studying at least one hour a day, though I remember little of it at times. On his next trip to Magnimar, he said the quote again. I retorted with a different quote from the same philosopher, 'It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.' He smiled, saying that I have learned to understand wisdom, and to know the differences of my actions."

Kaythek looked back at Kendra, smiled and shrugged. "Not that I follow it all the time, mind you, but your Father did his best to ensure he didn't teach any fools. For that," speaking as as Kaythek pulled out the dagger and the sheath it was in, holding it hilt out towards Kendra, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you had this. A testament to my skill, and an amends to a friendship that shouldn't have been broken. May the gods provide you strength, as your father has sought to teach the strenght of wisdom."

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara is smiling, as usual, when she approaches. Though her hair is clean (she washed it this morning), her chin still has a streak of some soot from the fire she made last night. Wearing her usual studded leather and a sword that looks too large for her, she works her way into the small crowd of people.

Human bottoms are a common sight for halflings at gatherings, so Tamara listens for the familiar sounds of someone she knows. Hearing Kendra's voice, she pushes through the crowd suddenly and rushes at Kendra. Tamara's arms wrap tightly around the much taller woman's thighs. Tamara completely interrupts the young woman's conversation by inquiring about her well-being, "Kendra! I'm so sorry about your father! I'm going to miss talking to him! How are you doing? You look good!" Tamara smiles fondly at her. The halfling really likes Kendra. Although they've only met a few times, it was certainly enough that Kendra is privy to many of Tamara's quirks.

[Makleveh]

Noticing that the crowd around Kendra has thinned considerable, Wynette skirts the small crowd to reach her.
"Kendra, you probably don't know me, but my name is Wynette. I was an acquaintance of your father's some time ago. He spoke highly of you- told me we were around the same age and would get along and that one day he would introduce us- well, I wish it wasn't this way. I'm sorry for our loss- your loss, and the note I recieved about his passing was painfully short. Was he not well before passing? Was there an accident?"

[jjj54]

Kendra, suddenly inundated in old and new friends, greets them all in turn. She starts, naturally, with Briar. The gnome is quite a bit shorter than she remembered. Should would never forget the wild spark of intelligence in those vivid eyes. “Father’s work was very important to him. He will rest easily, I’m sure of it, thanks to you and your colleges.”

Next she fixes her attention on the handsome young noble before her, the sad smile gracing her pretty face as she recognized the name. “Father often spoke fondly of you as well. He said he would have died that night if not for you. I.. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if I had lost him back then.”

As those dark thoughts cross her mind an errant tear makes it’s way past her resolve and slides down her cheek. Her kerchief is in her hand almost instantly as she wipes it away and answers Morcaine, realizing the significance of the act as well. “Yes Morcaine. Just, please don’t take too long. We’ll have to start soon. Father Vauran is waiting for us.”

Then, approached by the odd half-orc, Kendra had to wonder at his arrival here. But as he spoke, she remembered the name Zacharious. Though it came too late, Kendra did accept the dagger on her father’s behalf. “I think father would have wanted this bad blood to be settled as well. Though he never spoke of the details to me, I could tell he had his own regrets about his part in the falling out. Thank you Kaythek.”

It was about then that she noticed shy Wynette at the back of the group. Though she wasn’t sure who she was, Kendra prepared to approach her just before a short bundle of energy latched onto her waist. Taken aback by the sudden contact and flurry of words, meaning that it could only be Tamara. The antics eliciting a small laugh from Kendra, she bends down to hug the Halfling with the same earnest eagerness, “I missed you too Tamara. We’ll have a chance to talk later after the ceremony.”

Before she can free herself from Tamara’s grip and resume seeking out Wynette however, the other young woman takes the initiative. And introduces herself. Her words, especially at the end, only serve to remind Kendra of how sudden all this was. “None of us, at least those of us who were close to Father, could have imagined that father would have been caught by something like falling statuary. Though I suppose it was a vain hope, I wished he could have passed on in a much more peaceful way.”

Her words are backed up at least as Morcaine opens the casket to place the ceremonial sword. The once kind and knowledgeable visage of Petros has been obliterated by what must have been a tremendous impact. Afterwards Kendra addresses those gathered.

“I know it’s a bit of an imposition, but I would like to ask if at least four of you would act as pallbearers?”

[Sarone]

Eyes narrowed, Kaythek couldn't help think back to the times when he and the Professor talked about statues and such. That's strange, but fitting in a way, Kaythek thought as he followed Morcaine to the casket, wishing to witness an Iomedean ritual. Taking a glance, Kaythek said a prayer to the Gods and Goddess of Battle, in a late hope that they wil wtch over the Professor to final resting place.

Turning, Kaythek listened to Kendra's request. "Miss," Kaythek said as he moved to the casket, positioning himself so that his right hand would be able to grab one of the handles, "the legions of the Abyss couldn't stop me from honoring your request and my mentor."

(OOC: Kaythek will be positioning himself so that he will be on the rear left corner of the casket, that way his falchion wshouldn't be catching any one behind him.)

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric "Half-face" Izzorden

Having come all the way from Lastwall in haste, Ulric arrives only minutes before the funeral begins. His grey tabard, adorned with the sun angel of the Dawnflower, is covered in road dust and his high boots still bear traces of mud.

To those we have never met him, Ulric strikes a slightly unsettling impression. His many battle scars are nothing unusual in a warrior, but the black leather mask he wears is. It fully covers the left half of his face and skull, giving a fairly disturbing twist to what might otherwise have been an attractive look.

Upon joining the group of mourners, Ulric gives a friendly nod to Augustin and Morcaine. He walks straight to Kendra and bows to her.

"Miss Kendra, I have never been a man of many words. Let me just say how deeply sorry I am that your father has left us. You know how he came to me in my weakness and how hard he tried to make me whole. But for him, I would not stand before you today.

I have pronounced my vows a few days ago. Please let me place myself at your service. It will be only fitting that my first task as one of the Dawnflower's warriors be to serve Professor Lorrimor's daughter."

[stack]

Augustin

Augustin, hearing Kendra's heartfelt request, is deeply moved. He bows again, "It would be an honor."

He returns the nod of the tardy paladin, then waits for others to head toward the casket.

Will follow the others, especially if its more than 30' away.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

The newcomer hesitates for a second, looking slightly embarrassed, saying nothing. Should I ? I didn't have time for tidying up after the road. Would I look out of place ? Not that I look all that good even in my finest.... He positions himself next to the casket, but one step back, while glancing at the others, obviously prepared to leave the role to anyone else who would want to step in.

[Makleveh]

Wynette, now a little pale, positions herself across from Kaythek at the rear of the casket, mentally still reeling from Kendra's revelation.
Falling statuary! What a violent way to go, not like him at all. Was he with anyone? Did he push someone out of the way and save their life at the expense of his? A statue! Iomedae, what a tragedy! I need to calm down, don't want to make a scene here with all these people while holding his casket. Ok, a deep breath, now.

The diminutive woman inhales deeply, the leather straps on her breastplate creaking slightly, then going slack again as she lets it all out. Her color returns slightly as she repeats this a few times.

I wonder who all these people are. That man is wearing the livery of Sarenrae- was Petros religious? I never thought to ask. And that man has some orc blood in him. There is a halfling and a gnome as well- I knew the Professor traveled far and wide, but I never paid attention to where. I wonder how many of them knew him as well as me. I wonder how many of them knew him better than me. Okay, they're all coming over, we're going to move the casket now, focus. Focus.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine replies, "Serving as your father's pallbearer would be an honor. I owe him that much at least."

With that, she goes over to the casket and (assuming it's open), quietly places the tiny replica sword in the late Professor's hands, though she winces a bit at the damage done to him.

"Almighty Iomedae, eternal Goddess, hear our prayers for Your son Petros Lorrimor whom You have called from this life to Yourself. Grant him light, happiness, and peace. Let him pass in safety through the gates of death, and live forever with all Your saints in the light You promised to Aroden's orphaned children and to all his descendants in faith. Guard him from all harm and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise him up with all Your saints. Pardon his sins and give him eternal life in Your kingdom. We ask this through You, Inheritor. So let it be."

She then takes a place at the side of the casket, near the front, ready to bear it to the Restlands.

[SanguinePenguin]

"I'll help!" Tamara says rushing past Ulric to the side of the coffin. Then, noting the heights of the three others standing there, she steps back and says to the man standing behind her, "hmm, maybe you should carry Petros... hey! I like your mask!" Tamara then darts out of his way and over to Kendra's side.

[Sarone]

Good person, willing to help, thought Kaythek when the Halfling made an attempt to help be a pallbearer. Unfortunately, the fact that the three already there are taller dissuades her of the thought. I'd say next time, little one, but I hope it doesn't happen.

Waiting for the Priest to come by, Kaythek turned to the others. Hmm, a scarred paladin, a female paladin, and another priest, Kaythek. "Greetings, I am Kaythek, a student of the Mentor. I hoped that the circumstances that brought us here were better, but it happens. Who are you and how do you know of the Mentor?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Morcaine of Grayce, Knight of Ozem and Inquisitor of the Inheritor, at your service."

She extends her hand.

[Sarone]

Kaythek raised an eyebrow when she mentioned inquisitor, then smiled, taking her hand in his for a firm handshake. "Ah, the Inheritor, Iomedea. The Goddess of the Aggressive Battle and warriors. It is good to meet you, Lady Morcaine. Were you a student of The Mentor or did you worked with him?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I suppose you could say I worked with him. He and my own mentor, Sir Able, saved my life when I was younger."

[stack]

Augustin clasps the half-orcs hand, "Augustin Drago, the professor mentioned you in a letter. I will be glad to speak with you about the matter afterward."

Seeing as introductions where being made, he also greets Morcaine and Ulric, "It is good to see you both again, though I would that the occasion were different."

He smiles at the halfling's eagerness. Funerals are not all tears and sorrow, there is good to be had in well made goodbyes and joy in celebrating the lost. This one's spirit is certainly not dimmed.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Likewise, Augustin. You have my sympathy for what happened to your village. It can't have been easy leaving it behind."

[stack]

Augustin

"The darkness was too strong. It will take more than hopeful farmers to retake that land. You know this too well yourself. Perhaps someday..." he shakes his head, pain and regret marring his features. "Let us speak of other things."

[Makleveh]

The sound of conversation snaps Wynette out of her reverie.

"Wynette Arderne. I was a traveling companion of the Professor's, some years ago."

[Sarone]

Kaythek stares at the two humans saddened faces. Wow, these people are depressing, Kaythek thought as he looked around. I KNOW WHAT TO DO!

"Bah, come here you two," Kaythek half yelled, grabbing Augustin and Morcaine by the shoulders and giving them a firm hug. Getting their attention, Kaythek looked at the rest of group, doing his best to throw off a happier demeanor. "Look, I know were all here becausse The Mentor passed on and we're sad. I'm sad too, but by the Gods and Goddess, be thankful you're not part of an orc clan. If we were, ole Mentor here would be main course at a buffet."

He looks over at Kendra, then gazes back at the others. "But we're are not, and I am not, because the Professor here saved me from that fate. He saved us all from death or a fate worse than death." Looking at the two people under his arms, Kaythek gave them a reassuring squeeze. "For that, would the Professor want us to be just hanging around, crying about our lot in life, or would he want us to embrace each other, tell the stories and adventures that you were part of, in hope to shine some more knowledge on the Professor? To celebrate a life that was lived and how he tried to get some knowledge imparted through our thick skulls? Proving that we are not some fools and we learn from the past, to make today better?"

Releasing the two from his grasp, Kaythek took a step back, a giant smirk on his face, and crossed his arms, both to indicate that he was done, and to throw down the figurative gauntlet for people to challenge him otherwise.

(OOC: I know that this is a funeral and all, but come on. This is starting to be depressing. And again, I'm sorry for the longwinded posts. Befor eyou ask, yes, he bathed this morning.)

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara stands nearby as Kaythek, Morcaine, Wynette and Augustin exchange pleasantries, her eyes flit back and forth between them, a broad grin on his face. After Kaythek tries to lighten the mood, the halfling seizes the moment and proclaims enthusiastically, "I am Tamara Whittlecrop Brockhouse! Petros and I go waaay back! He was the best. He tracked me down because I ran into a really neat monster - a gibbering mouther! So, I told him all about it! It gave me this incredible scar!" The halfling holds up her hand to reveal the purple chemical burn on the back of her hand, her enthusiasm is palpable and rather out of place at a funeral precession, "it was just... awesome!!! Petros always had the best stories! I'm," her smile fades and a streak of sorrow crosses her face, "gonna miss him," an instant later a big grin returns an she continues, "so... some of you went out with Petros, a lot? I bet you also have some great stories."

[stack]

Augustin

Slightly flummoxed, he gathers himself and says, "You are both right. We should all gather after. There are many tales to tell."

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

Ulric lets a little smile appear on his lips at Tamara's and Kaythek's antics.

"Ulric Izzorden, servant of Sarenrae. I am glad to meet friends of the Professor. Maybe we can save the tales for after we have... buried him, though ?" he says, stumbling a bit on the words.

Seeing that no one else stepped in, he overcomes his earlier reluctance and takes the fourth position to carry the casket.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine is obviously startled by Kaythek's sudden hug, and at this close range it's easy for him to see that her eyes are different colors, one purple and the other blue-green.

"I'm not crying about anything, messere. But this IS Ustalav, after all. Decorum's a bit different here than in Belkzen. Of course it's a good thing to celebrate the Professor's life, but that's perhaps best once the interment is finished, as Ulric suggested."

[Leviathan]

Briar

Dr. Zendlebiddle coughs, watching the proceedings and fidgeting awkwardly. She is inwardly thankful that the large orc has not chosen her as the target of his affections.

The gnome feels a flash of annoyance as one of the many grim and sober figures assembled dashes the idea of tale-telling. Vehemently, she replies: "Nonsense! The distinction between the funeral-as-veneration and tale-telling is arbitrary and whimsical; it is tradition, not logic. Professor Lorrimor was only ever a sum total of actions, reactions, functions, and equilibriums existing within any given or particular moment. Description of these temporal events are fitting tribute; they describe the man!"

She calms herself, fanning her reddening face rapidly with a small, pale hand. She holds up a small vial from her belt proudly. "Example: The professor's work enabled us to reach a breakthrough in the creation of a reagent with the capacity to serve as a catalyst for the rapid oxidization of this..." Briar continues to ramble, then pauses, snapping back to her original train of thought. "Marvellous!" she blurts out. "Worthy of celebration. Not diminished by death."

She blinks, her large eyes surveying the assembled guests. She takes a deep breath. "Shall we proceed?"

[Sarone]

Kaythek

Nodding from where he was, Kaythek was happy that there was something to look forward besides a burial. It'll be good to talk of his life, instead of just talking the Mentor's death, Kaythek thought as he was corrected by the various guests after the halflings tale. Shrugging, Kaythek was about to say something when the gnome spoke.

In the minute the gnome spoke, Kaythek felt his mouth opening. When she stopped speaking, Kaythek felt that the schooling he just recieved was more than retribution for his earlier antics. Uh, what just happened? Kaythek closed his mouth and looked at the others, then looked back at the gnome. "Does it count that you break peoples' brain, little one?"

Turning to the others, Kaythek hoped he wasn't the only whose brain hurts now, and took stock of the situation. "So, uh, what's next," he inquired, not sure what he should do next. I think the gods and goddess decided that now would be a good time for me to shut up.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

As it was, the situation wouldn't have been the most comfortable for the gruff warrior, one more at ease on a battlefield than a social gathering, whether joyous or sad. To make things worse on that grim day, he had showed up tired, dusty, and late to boot. And now this ! It made him want to fade into the background. These people mean well, I am sure of that... But... What do I say or do now ? He cast a glance in the direction of Kendra, hoping for a clue on where the ceremony was supposed to go from there.

[jjj54]

As the pallbearers take their positions and talk amongst themselves, Kendra pales slightly as she hears Kaythek mention “that” particular orc custom. Once the positions are settled however, the long walk down the gravel path into the Restlands, known as the Dreamwake, begins. Kendra leads the procession followed closely by the pallbearers and the casket. As they carry it however, the pallbearers quickly learn that the caskets heavy wooden frame requires them to hold onto the braces with both hands lest it pitch dangerously close to tipping. Not more than a few steps behind them Augustin, Tamara, and Briar travel with the rest of the townsfolk that showed up. From the scant few days since you’ve arrived you know enough to recognize them by sight.

Councilman Vashian Hearthmount is more familiar to you in word only from the short letter he sent you concerning the death of the professor. Councilman Gharen Muricar, the town’s unofficial historian, proprietor of the “Wealday Parchment,” a local paper, and resident harmless lecher, who seems quite content to be trailing behind so many comely young women. The next pair are the infamous tavern keeper of the Laughing Demon, Zokar Elkarid, and his 13-year old son Pevrin. Bringing up the rear is the town’s apothecary Jominda Fallenbridge, who, if the rumors are true, is a purveyor of some less than legal substances.

As the path joins another called the Eversleep, Kendra halts, a look of confusion spreading across her face. Thirty or forty paces ahead on the path, a dozen surly men appear to have been waiting for the procession to arrive, each brandishing a tool of some sort. The tallest of them, a retired soldier named Gibs Hephenus, speaks for the rabble as he calls out to the procession.

“That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l512/jjj54/Round1.png?t=1312623190

This is a preliminary round, no initiative.

Pallbearers: It will take all your effort to set the casket down safely if you choose to do so. Due to the weight and awkwardness of the casket, any action other than speaking and/or moving in unison could cause it to slip from your fingers.

Morcaine, Kaythek: Something about the way these ruffians hover near Gibs tells you that they aren't wholly committed to this fight. There is a chance you can talk them down, and even if they are provoked, they certainly aren't killers.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Surprised by this turn of events, Morcaine cries out, "Why, pray tell? You would be willing to interfere with Pharasma's will, the grief of a member of your own community, and prevent the rightful interment of a noble, heroic man? Explain yourselves."

Diplomacy check: [roll0]

[stack]

Augustin

Augustin steps forward, raising empty hands, "Come, let us pass. You all know the importance of proper burial. Any grievance you may have had with this man is surely past. Any matters that remain un-redressed, I will hear them after. You have the word of Augustin of House Drago, servant of the Lady of Graves, I will work to see matters settled."

"However, I will see this burial through. I will not have my friend disturbed and his daughter harassed, not on this day." He raises the medallion carved with a spiral from his neck, "In Pharasma's name, stand aside!"

I hope I don't regret leaving my armor and shield at the inn. At least I have my dagger, but I hope it won't come to that.

diplomacy [roll0]
intimidate [roll1]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

The scarred paladin calmly reviews the situation, thinking to himself. At least I didn't have time to leave any equipment behind at the inn. Guess there is something to say for being late.

"Mind if we lower the casket down now ?" he whispers to the other pallbearers. "On the count of three... one... two..."

Unless one of the others objects, he will say "three" and start lowering the heavy load on cue.

[SanguinePenguin]

There are few things the halfling will not take with a smile and this is clearly one of them. Tamara steps forward, her voice is full of fury as she berates the rabble, "how could you disgrace Petros like this! With poor Kendra here no less! All of you should be ashamed of yourselves! Stand aside and let the funeral of this great and noble man take place!" Her sword may be almost comically large at her back, but something in her eyes indicates that this slander has crossed a boundary that she will not, can not, abide.

Diplomacy (aid): [roll0]

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome's constantly-large eyes widen further, filled with indignation. She splutters furiously at the assembled ruffians, gesticulating wildly.

"He isn't going in the burial grounds, illiterate... Your graveyard is being honoured with a man of science! He has done no harm! He will certainly do no harm; decomposition is not generally pleasant, but never in recorded history has it been gross effrontery! Superstitious nonsense! You're all superstitious! she shrieks. It is quite possibly the gravest insult she can concoct.

[Makleveh]

Wynette, being shorter and of a much smaller build than the other pallbearers, has been slightly regretting carrying the heavy casket. When she hears the countdown, she is more than willing to lower the casket carefully to the ground for the time being.

[Sarone]

Eyes narrowings, Kaythek looks over in Ulric's direction when the paladin suggested putting the casket down. "We should do that," Kaythek as he waited for everyone start lowering their ends so that the Mentor will be put on the ground safely. So, they wish to derail The Mentor's final wish. Well, let's try talking to them first.


(OOC: My character will try to lower the casket in unison and set the professor down gently before he does anything more.)

[jjj54]

For a moment an angry ripple spreads through the mob as they’re addressed by these “outsiders.” At the same time, however, the words of Augustin, Tamara, and Morcaine seem to be having a positive effect. Gibs spits on the ground and a few of the men take this cue to start advancing, “You don’t get it. We won’t have a necromancer buried in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still ca...”

A hand on Gib’s shoulder stops him from finishing his sentence. The hand’s owner shakes his head at Gibs before speaking to the rest of his fellows. “Dandy with the scar’s right. Ain’t proper to stop a funeral. Let’s go boys.”

With that he walks off south, giving the procession a wide berth. The others slowly trickle away as well. The last to leave is Gibs, who without his backup, casts a withering glance at Kendra and the others before leaving as well. As they make their exit, a withered old man in the vestments of Pharasma dashes into view from behind a low hill and is followed by two gravediggers with their shovels at the ready.

“Is everyone all right? We heard a commotion at the gravesite and hurried here as fast as we could.”

“It’s nothing these fine young men and women couldn’t handle,” Zokar says as the rest of the congregation nods their heads in agreement, “Just Gibs stirring up trouble.”

“Damned old fool,” the priest, who must be Father Grimburrow, replies, “Somebody should lock him up. No sense in getting people over excited they way things are now.”

“Sheriff Caeller will be paying him a visit,” Hearthmount grumbles loudly as he fixes his tie, settling the matter.

As the procession prepares to start back up again, Kendra turns to you and bows her head in gratitude, “Thank you once more. I shudder to think of how that could have turned out or what those ruffians were capable of.”

It seems I had a little extra time tonight, so I got my next post out ahead of schedule. Hoorah!

Diplomacy will carry the day today. You've each earned 15 XP and managed to gain one trust point for your group in the process. Congrats.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine nods and crouches down to raise the casket once again.

"Sometimes a little reason is all it takes to dispel the darkness. Though I am curious as to this talk of necromancers and overexcited people. We shall discuss it later."

[Sarone]

Kaytheks nods as he hears the conversation between Kendra and the rest of the group. I just hope that will be last of the people who want to disrupt the Mentor's funeral, Kaytheks thinks as he looks around with his limited vision.

Upon hearing Morcaine's statement, Kaytheks nods again. It'll be good to find out why the people here think he is a necromancer, as Kaythek recalls some of the things he saw the Mentor do, which few if any of his actions could be described as evil. Maybe fool hardy, but he knows the risks involved.

[SanguinePenguin]

"Don't worry, Kendra!" Tamara says cheerfully, "I won't let any bad things happen today!" Unbeknownst to the others, Tamara's definitive of a "bad" event does not include a potentially mortal fray with a bunch of ruffians. However, in her eyes, a minor injury to Kendra would certainly have been a bad thing.

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome is still red-faced and fuming, though she lets the men go with only an equally-withering (if somewhat less intimidating) glare at Gibs.

"The corpse should be interred before it is again put at risk." The gnome does not sound at all funereal; she sounds like she is in a laboratory.

"Let us proceed," she adds, gesturing at the coffin and waving her hands imperiously, signalling that it should once again be lifted by its bearers.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

Relieved to see that there will be no further mayhem, Uric lifts his part of the casket back up, so the procession can resume in peace.

Sometime later, it could be interesting to have a chat with this Gibs person. Why does he think Petros worked in black magic ?

[Makleveh]

Wynette, glad the confrontation is over, again helps hoist the casket as they make their way to the grave site.

Necromancy? Did he? He never mentioned that- could it be true? Gibs? Was that the man's name? I need to talk to him. I need to find out if that was the truth.

[jjj54]

The progress towards the gravesite goes off without a hitch for the rest of the short trek. Grimburrow’s presence certainly adds an air of security to the proceedings. As the pallbearers arrive at the grave, they are instructed to lay the casket next to the grave and to find a place with the rest of the crowd at the foot of the grave. As father Grimburrow takes his place next to the coffin and begins to speak, the gravediggers busily winch and lower the coffin into the plot.

“We now commit the soul of our friend, Petros Lorrimor, to the bone yard of the goddess Pharasma to be judged and delivered to his just reward. It is often said amongst our faith that the greater the toil in this life, the greater the reward in the next. I know that Petros dedicated his life to seeking the darkest of evils and rooting them out to protect us all. For this he suffered accusations, such as you have heard today, and wounds of both body and soul. Now, as we are gathered here to pay our respects, I ask those who knew him best to make their case under the watchful eyes of Lady of Graves so that our father, teacher, and friend can be judged accordingly.”

When Vauran finishes, he moves aside to let any who wish to speak to come forward. Kendra quickly moves to take his place. She dabs at her eyes with the kerchief, for a moment, unable to say anything as her resolve escapes her. But taking a look at your faces, she takes a steadying breath and finds he voice again.

“My father was, for me at least, a storyteller. He was away often as I grew up, but every time he returned, he would regale me with the accounts of his exploits and deeds. There are too many to mention. I could spend hours retelling them to you. He lived as much in those words and the lessons he tried to impart to me as he did out in the world. Now with him gone all I have are those words to accompany me.

He knew, with the unique wisdom of a parent, that one day he would be gone from my life. He gave them to me as a gift. A keepsake to hold dear so that, in one fashion at least, he would never be torn from my side. Today we all have a unique opportunity. Those who have traveled with him and shared his adventures are with us today. I invite them to step forward and share their own perspective on my father; one none of us might have known.”

If your character does choose to speak, make a Diplomacy or Perform: Oratory roll.

[Sarone]

Well, sieze the day, Kaythek thought as he took a step forward. "Greetings. To those that d not already know me, my name is Kaythek. I was a student of the Mentor many years ago, when he, a dwarf named Zacharious, and Seer Orthok came to my clan when they were preparing for war. At the time, I just had my vision taken from me, with an already dim future. If they hadn't come along, I would have been enslaved, beaten, tortured, and starved to death. For that, I owe them my life." Kaythek took a deep breath and looked at the others. "When the gods decided that Orthok should be taken, The Mentor and Zacharious took me and ran for civilization. Luckily, the gods were on our side, and made it Magnimar. There, though, Zacharious and the Mentor gotten in to an arguement. Though I remember few details, for niether really spoke of the issue, they refused to speak to each other sincethen."

Kaythek looked to Kendra, taking a deep breath, doing his best to keep his emotions in check. At times your father can be stubborn, especially when it came to problem students, and even gave Zacharious a run for his money at times, with that dwarven pride and bullheadedness his," said, smiling as he recalled a few problems they wouldn't stop working on, no matter how long they took, "But he also knew when to approach it from a different angle. Unfortunately, those times are passed, but it was his highest hope and ream that his students will expand on his knowledge that he taught us. In that, I will hold in my heart, and hopefully I can learn not to hold a grudge that can end a friendship that took too long to build."

Gods and Goddesses of War and Battle,, Kaythek prayed as he took a step back, may you watch over the Mentor. Even though he wasn't a warrior on the battelefield, his knowledge often tiped the scales on it. Let his passing be not in vain.

[roll0]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine steps forward after Kaythek is finished.

"Good afternoon, good people of Ravengro. I am Morcaine of Grayce, a servant of the Inheritor. Though I've lived the past few years in Lastwall, like the Professor I'm Ustalavic to the core. And I owe Petros more than I can possibly say. When I was a little girl in my home village of Grayce, I had begun to hear a voice calling my name, a voice only I could hear. I was frightened of that voice, and when I did not follow it summoned the dead to try and make me follow. It was then that Professor Lorrimor, and my own mentor, Sir Able of Vigil, came. They ended the undead threat, and the Professor told me what it was. It was my mother calling to me, trying to turn me into a terrible monster like her. At the Professor's urging, we sought her out, and with the help of a few other brave adventurers, we tracked her to her lair in Barstoi and managed to subdue her, putting her on trial and then burning her at the stake, as she deserved. These events molded me into the woman I am today, a Knight of Ozem, an Inquisitor and Preacher, and a seeker of good to defend and evil to destroy. While Petros and I were very different people, we both shared an unshakeable desire to do the right thing, no matter the cost, and that memory is what I carry with me always. It's not enough to say he was a good man, for he was that to everyone. So let me say it like this. He was a champion of virtue, right up until the end."

Once she finishes, she steps back to let another forward.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[SanguinePenguin]

Twice now, Tamara has tried to step forward when one of the tall folk beat her to it. So, she stepped back and waited politely for them to finish before trying to take the attention again. Once Morcaine finishes, Tamara leaps forward, the sudden motion pulling the attention of everyone. Even before she lands she begins to speak loudly, "my good friend, Petros Lorrimor, was incredible. Anything that any of us can say about him will be an understatement - a huge understatement." Tamara's voice had in it all the effect and accentuation of actor trying to work a crowd, "his life was full of adventure! He travelled the continent a hundred times over, battling villains and the unknown at every turn. He devoted himself tirelessly to defeating this evil. He was known to most as a scholar, but that was just a cover! See, he needed to know all sorts of things about his enemies to aid him in defeating them! Petros was a great hero who did more amazing things with his life than the sum total of our memories of him relay. You were the best, Petros. You were... are my role model, my hero, my friend. I'm going to miss you dearly!" Tamara smiles, mostly to Kendra, then retreats deftly back into the crowd.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

The dusty paladin takes a while to ponder in his mind what he wants to say, while at the same time listening to the other mourners' stories.

O Sarenrae, please inspire my words, that they be worthy of the good man we are committing to the earth this day.

When he speaks, he does so in a clear, but low voice, without hesitation but with a great deal of humility.

"My name is Ulric Izzorden, from the village of Wissant, a few leagues to the west of Tamrivena. For most of my years, I have helped guard the land against enemies of many sorts, not all of them living.

To me, Professor Petros Lorrimor was a healer. After my comrades and I met our fate in the cursed lands, he was able to heal not my body, for not one of those who tried could, but my spirit. He brought me back from being half a man with just half a face, away from deadly despair, back to the life of the really living. Petros inspired me to start over, to pledge myself to the Dawnflower and take up the fight on behalf of the people of Ustalav once again.

Petros, my friend, my debt to you is not of the kind that one can ever repay. May the light of dawn always shine upon your soul."

Diplomacy [roll0]

[Leviathan]

Briar

Briar sniffs at Tamara's statement that Lorrimor's scholarship was a cover for more daring deeds. She steps forwards after the halfling finishes, clearing her throat.

"Hrmm, hrmm. What more needs to be said of Professor Petros Lorrimor than that he was the author of dozens of books and hundreds of papers? He was a theorist and natural philosopher without peer, and the products of his multifarious studies have been recognized. I applaud his achievement thusly, but further remind you all that even the requisite impartiality of a scholar does not extend to all things. Professor Lorrimor told me once that the goal of the totality of his body of works has been to alter the world for the better. In that sense, he said, libraries and laboratories are occasionally best left alone. By stepping out into the world to achieve goals directly, they may be accomplished more than otherwise possible. Lorrimor did this; for that, he should be an icon for you all."

She steps back, muttering under her breath. Though were this Lepidstadt University, it would be mere uninteresting redundancy to even mention the practical applications of his science."

[Makleveh]

Wynette stands before the assembled mourners when her turn comes, and speaks simply and honestly.

"I have met many of you for the first time here today, and after hearing your stories and tales of Lorrimor, I can certain that I did not know the Professor like any of you did. When I met him, he was a simple traveler, in need of an escort, as many do in troubled times as these. Through our journey, though, he opened up to me as a man of knowledge and of intelligence, who, I believe, found many of the same traits in me. We stayed in touch through the years, and he has confided in me much, and even asked for my opinion and expertise many times. He was able to see past my convictions and past and judge me for what I am. What we have lost was a great man, yes, but also one of the truest judges of character I have ever known."

Diplomacy! [roll0]

[stack]

Augustin

Not used to an audience of strangers. Still it's a funeral, it is my duty to speak. A few words are the least this man deserves.

Augustin steps forward after the young woman finishes,

"What can I add that has not been said? I knew him but briefly, a chance savior encountered in a lifetime spent delving into the worst darkness, bringing light and healing to so many lives. It was my honor to help him to continue his work. My only regret is that I could not follow him and know him better."

"A father, friend, teacher, rescuer, colleague. He lived fully and left his mark on us all. He was a great man, but more importantly, he was a good man. We can rejoice that his cares are over. We can celebrate his life and honor him by following his example and bringing light and healing to those we meet. In doing so we can spread the professor's work ever farther and leave all Avistan better for his having been here."

He bows his head and steps back. It is not his ceremony to complete.

[jjj54]

As all of you take your turn to speak, you can see that those in the crowd nod sagely as they recognize a name or event mentioned, or just have an inkling of the man confirmed. Notably out of all of them, Pevrin Elkarid seems to be enraptured as visions of adventure with a touch of selfless kindness dance in his eyes. If nothing else you have certainly instilled a profound sense of respect for Petros in this boy, and perhaps even inspired a new generation to take up the fight against the evils of this land. Through it all, Kendra simply smiles as you reaffirm her faith in you.

With that the ceremony ends as the gravediggers shovel pile after pile of dirt onto the casket. Unnoticed by nearly everyone, save for Morcaine and Wynette, a whippoorwill flies into the air as Petros is buried and wings it’s way towards parts unknown. Then the small crowd disperses making their way back to town, except for Councilman Hearthmount who motions for Kendra to join him. After a moment’s discussion out of earshot, the Councilman takes his leave as well and Kendra returns to your side.

“I would like to invite you all to follow me home and have a drink before the will is read. Since we are all here, Vashian wants to resolve this matter as soon as possible. He did tell me that he has some pressing matters to attend to in town, so it will be about an hour before he arrives. I think that it will give us ample time to catch up… Unless anyone has any objections?”

Due to your heartfelt and inspiring words, you've managed to earn another trust point, bringing your total to 22.

[stack]

Augustin

"I would be honored to attend. As it has been said, many stories remain." He smiles, "Though I would have to beg guidance of you. I am afraid I might be over-late if left to navigate on my own."

He turns back to the grave, clutching his medallion while whispering one last blessing, then joins Kendra. "It means a great deal to me to have been allowed to aid you today." He trails off, wanting to say more, but thinking it better to wait for another time.

[Makleveh]

"I would be honored to share a drink with you all in your father's memory, Kendra."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine smiles as the whippoorwill departs.

"You'll find him worthy, Lady of Graves," she says quietly.

When Kendra offers a drink, Morcaine nods.

"Some refreshment would be welcome."

[Sarone]

Well, at least wasn't too bad, Kaythek as the rest of the group said their parts. Hope we did you proud, Mentor.

Turning with the group, Kaythek nodded and smiled. "It'll be good to exchange what we know of the Mentor." After all, it's what he would want us to do.

When Augustin made his comment, Kaythek smiled and laughed. "The Gods and Goddesses gotten you as well," he said, pointing at his slate gray eyes. "They took mine a long time ago. Gave me a purpose and a way out of the clan, so I can't say it's been an uneven trade. But our fate will tell us if was," shrugging at the end of his comment. "Either way, let's make it back to the house. I would like to know what the Mentor has been doing for these last few years."

(OOC: That's why I didn't comment of your eyes, Morcaine. The only thing he would have seen that they were different shades of grey. That's all. Oh, and he was from Magnimar originally, so it may not have been as weird as you would think, I guess.)

[stack]

To Kaythenk, "Yes, I have been gifted by the Lady of Graves. My sight is a small price to pay. Besides, everything interesting happens within ten paces anyway." He gives a half-smile at his own jest.

[Sarone]

Kaythek smiled when he heard Augustin's reply. "Aye, that's how it goes. Then again, ole Orthok had it worse, between him having some spirits riding his cloak and the tendency to speak in different languages," Kaythek mentions, remembering how the old seer was when he was younger. Not that I remember it all, but it still wasn't that long ago.

"But at least you know that it was one Goddess. Me," pointing at himself, "I have to go through the pantheon. The Gods and Goddesses of War and Battle all have a part to play. Inspiration, tactics, strength, tenacity, ferocity of the assault, and a dozen other aspects, each one an integral part to a fight. Granted, ole Lord in Iron will scoff at it, but he understands that a little thinking goes a long way and the opposite is true for the others, I believe."

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara rushes over to hug Kendra again, "tea would be lovely, Kendra!"

After some exchange between Augustin and Kaythek, Tamara suddenly proclaims with surprise, "wait... you are both blind? How did you guys carry Petros's casket?" Seeming to ignore her own question, she notices Augustin's scars and then asks with more excitement in her voice than seems reasonable, "whoa! How did you guys become blind? Was it during an adventure? What happened?"

[stack]

Augustin looks the halfling directly in the eye so she can clearly see the white cloud were his pupils should be. He frowns.

"I can see well enough over short distances. My family's estate was overrun by foul abominations that we will not speak of here. In the fray I lost my sight, but gained the power to save myself and all my family. I would not change it even if it were in my power.

"I see the world in gray and anything beyond ten or so paces, man paces, not yours, is only a dark blur at night and a light blur in the day. That said, darkness no longer hinders me, though I do sometimes have trouble telling the time of day as a result. Though I would say right now is time for a drink." He again gives a wry smile, though he manages to resist the urge to pat Tamara on the head as if he were speaking to one of the village children. They rarely carried such swords.

[Sarone]

Kaythek raised his eyebrows when he heard Augustin's tale. Damn, that sucks, but then again it happens, thinking to himself. "That sounds about right," Kaythek says in agreement. "The divine don't just take it without granting something in return. For myself, it starts out a lot less entertaining."

Looking around, Kaythek takes in the view. "My story doesn't start out that interesting. Then again, my vision has been reduced for over a decade or so." Trying to keep pace with the group, the oracle takes a second to consider what started this from so long ago. "Like I mentioned back there, I had just lost vision before I was saved by the Professor and Zacharious. At the time, I was undergoing my trials and test for becoming one of a new breed of warriors the clan chief wanted. One of the first tests was a trial by fire. In it, we each had to stare into a fire that the shaman's put various dusts and herbs in. This was to see if the young bloods will recieve a vision, a test of thier fates as it were."

As Kaythek recites his tale, he recalls the day it happened, as though the Gods and Goddesses wanted him to remember it with clarity. "We were young, being told to sit in front of the fire as the shaman chanted to the divine. Unfortunately, I was one of the last to recieve a vision, and when it came, the sheer power of it knocked me on my back and caused me to black. When I came to, my vision was the same, but it quickly went into shades of gray as a deep fog rolled in."

Kaythek nodded to Augustin. "Likwise, I can only see out to a short distance, though time of day is only an issue if the day is dark. Othewise, you can tell a slight difference. Nothing far reaching, mind you," Kaythek says as he lifts his staff up a bit, "which is why I use a staff, to give the impression that I am truly blind."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"The gods do not always feel the need to take something in exchange for power. Service is enough for the Light of the Sword, and that is what I give to her, ferreting out her enemies and bringing them to justice. That said, while my service is to her, I acknowledge the powers of the others. I carry a skane that belonged to an old friend in honor of Pharasma, who is ever close here, and the stave I carry as a tribute to Grandmother Crow, the Empyreal Lord Andoletta. Thanks to my mother, however, I've got a few tricks of my own. I inherited some of her terrible strength, and if I were to be found without my sword (not that that's bloody likely), my fingernails are sharp and strong like iron claws. I said my mother was a monster. That wasn't hyperbole. She was an annis hag that had terrorized entire counties, and who likely killed and ate whoever my true father was."

[Makleveh]

Wynette, straightfaced and deadpan.

"Your mother sounds like she'd get along well with my mother. She can be quite the harpy sometimes."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"As I said, she is dead. Burned at the stake as a witch deserves."

[Sarone]

Wow, Kaythek thought as he pursed his lips, trying very hard not to say something funny and utterly failing. Bah, frack it. Today is a good day to die.

Quickly, Kaythek cleared his voice. "You know, in Magnimar, they always talk about how one parent or another were a pain in the butt. However, I think you are the first to say that your mother was an annis in more ways than one." Kaythek starts chuckling, slowly losing what bearing he had. "Just for the record, though, you shouldn't be saying that out loud in front of people."

"Afterall, any potential mates might have to rethink what would happen in the bedroom, let alone when the kids start coming along," Kaythek said as he slapped Augustin on the back, barely controlling his laughing.

After a few seconds, Kaythek stopped laughing, though he couldn't stop chuckling. But yeah, I don't think you need to be spreading that around," Kaythek said as he looked around for people passing by. "It'll be wierd enough that the proffessor, who is accused of witchcraft, is discovered that his students were among the weirdest beings in the village."

[Leviathan]

Briar

Doctor Zendlebiddle perks up at the mention of Morcaine's parentage. Not unique, but unusual; would make a fascinating case study. Unfortunate that numbers are not sufficient for ethnography in detail.

The gnome looks up at the inquisitor, her eyes peering intensely at Morcaine with undisguised curiosity.

Then she frowns, her brow furrowing - a look that makes her doll's face almost absurd to behold - at Kaythek's comment.

"Peculiar indeed, but outliers are the basis of all enquiry! Besides, it is not unusual that like attracts like; in fact, it is practically natural law!" Her voice rises in pitch, growing excited. "At least, it is subscribed to by all authoritative scholarship on the matter. Mostly."

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara grins throughout the back and forth. Her halfling ears perk up at the mention of "foul abominations," but her enthusiasm fades a bit (back to her baseline energy of "extremely enthusiastic") when he doesn't wish to speak of it here.

When Morcaine tells her tale, Tamara becomes tremendously excited again. She studies her features for a moment, then professes, "wow! Your eyes are beautiful! Those claws are really neat too!"

Tamara suddenly starts speaking rather quickly, "hey, Wynette! You said your mother is harpy sometimes... is she a wereharpy? Was she bitten by one or born that way? Whoa! Are you a wereharpy, too?" Wynette's exceptional deadpan delivery coupled to the original topic at hand apparently has led to a good deal of confusion for the curious halfling.

[Makleveh]

Wynette stares blankly at the halfling for a moment before responding. "No, no. I'm sorry, it's a figure of speech. My mother's normal. Human, I mean. She's a cleric of Iomedae. It's just..."

She heaves a small sigh, and stares at her feet, "She's not the easiest person to get along with, and spent years when I was growing up planning on me being something I never became. She's disappointed in me. Terribly. We barely write anymore, and haven't spoken face to face in almost six years."

[SanguinePenguin]

"Oh... I would have really liked to meet a wereharpy," Tamara says, sounding more than a little disappointed.

She smiles as she talks to (or, perhaps, at) Wynette, "I wouldn't worry your parents too much. I get along well with my parents pretty well and I haven't seen them in..." Tamara pauses and stares off into space for a bit, "about a decade. I haven't seen my brother in five years either. He's in a cult or something, so we don't get along that well. I still write to him sometimes, but I don't think he reads my letters. Definitely doesn't reply. Maybe I should start putting gold coins in with the envelop - he'd probably at least open them then."

With no discernible shift in tone to accompany the change in topic, Tamara continues, "since you were a friend of Petros, then I am certain you are a truly wonderful person. If your wereharpy mum can't see that then that is her failing, not yours. I really like your hair! It's such a pretty color!" As if it flowed completely naturally, Tamara tacks on a non-sequitur directed at Kendra, "what kind of teas do you have?"

[stack]

"Morcaine, your parentage is of no matter to me. Your deeds have proven you true, I will stand for none to gainsay you. Not that you need the help of a blind man." smiling again with self-deprecation.

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome nods heartily in agreement with Augustin's compassionate comment towards Wynette.

"Indeed," she squeaks excitedly. "Parentage is of little relevance! ...Except as it concerns upbringing, status, racial admixture, monetary funds to bring to bear for good of offspring, heritable traits, extended kinship network, psychological outcomes, table manners, sorcerous inheritances, some other aspects." She barrels through the list pell-mell, then takes a deep breath, pausing. "Some relevance," she amends.

"Still, considerable autonomy of action." Briar smiles weakly.

[Sarone]

Hearing others talk of their parents made Kaythek smile more, though on the inside he felt a bit depressed. At least their parents might be proud, he thought as Wynette talked about how her mother was a harpy, but not a were harpy as Tamara was suggesting. Kind of makes me wonder about my birthparents. Are they still alive? Quickly shaking his head, Kaythek's thoughts turned grim as Briar was explaining the virtues of parenting and such. My mother is either still a slave or dead, considering how they treat them, and my father is either dead from fighting or still being a typical orc.

Just as quickly, Kaythek banished the thoughts. It's neither here nor there, though. No reason to try to change the past because of what you want. Hearing Tamara and Augustin try to cheer up Morcaine and Wynette, Kaythek chipped in. "Morcaine, Wynette, right now I don't know you two very well. But you both are making good with your life." Turning to Wynnette, Kaythek hope his meaning is recieved well.

"Wynette, if the old bat can't see it, then by the Inheritor prove her wrong. Prove to her you can stand on your feet, Granted, that doesn't mean going to get yourself killed, but prove to her your strength." Smiling in encouragement, Kaythek turned to Morcaine and just shrugged. "Morcaine, whatcan I say? Your mother was a whore and disagreeable female who couldn't let you go and wanted to drag you down with her. That takes guts to stand up to her."

Kaythek turned to the rest of them. "But we still have the rest of the day and tomorrow. We can talk about how what could be, but at the same time still have to prove to the Gods and Goddesses thatwe are able to stand on our own." Kaythek turned to Kendra as they continued walking. ""What about you, Kendra? I know part of you want to be left alone, but it can stil be good to remember the good times. Afterall, maybe we can discover something that we never knew about the Mentor.

[jjj54]

“Say nothing more of it,” Kendra answers as she shyly takes Augustin’s arm to lead back towards town and her home… Only to be nearly tripped by Tamara’s over exuberant glomp a pace or two later. Still, instead of being angry she laughs at the halfling’s childlike exuberance.

“It seems to be settled then.”

As they make their way back into town, Kendra listens as the two oracles recount their transformation into divine emissaries. Though the cause of Augustin’s blindness seemed clear enough, given his scar, Kaythek is an oddity to her. Given that he admitted to being sanctified by the gods of battle, it would have made more sense to her if he had received his vision in battle rather than some coming of age ritual.

While they walked and chatted, everyone could feel the eyes of the town upon them. If anyone cared to pay attention, they’d notice some of the mob that rose to oppose them milling about haphazardly. It’s clear from their glowering faces that they still haven’t forgiven you for your interference, but alone they’ll hardly act on any lingering resentment. Kendra does take note of them and casts a worried glance at Morcaine as she openly speaks of her heritage.

“Kaythek is right. You should be careful. Towns like Ravengro take a fairly dim view of outsiders. Some people, like Gibs, will use take the slightest excuse to run a stranger out of town.”

But all this talk about mothers brought Kendra’s mind to her own. She’d never really known the woman, considering how young she was when she died. Considering how close she was to her father, it was a little disconcerting to think about drifting away from a parent enough to avoid them or even outright despise them.

“A great deal or relevance I think Briar,” she stated, sensing an intellectual challenge in the officious gnome, “Father was the primarily source of social interaction in my life. I think it’s due to him instilling his love of books into me. As you can imagine, I don’t get out much…”

Before long they were well past the town square and the unwelcome stares that followed them. As the houses thinned out and the became more and more run down, Kendra led them to a lonely steep roofed house. Inside every room was adorned with either a memento from some obscure adventure of the professor’s or a bookshelf dangerously overstuffed with tomes of every sort. After leading them to a sitting room, she reluctantly separated herself from Augustin’s side and decided to answer Tamara’s question by moving to a nearby cabinet and producing a bottle of Galtan wine.

“We could have some of the teas a friend of father’s brought back from a recent expedition to Tian… But I was thinking about something a little stronger tonight.”

[stack]

Augustin glances over the mementos, feeling a pang of regret at not having followed on the many adventures. He looks at the bottle Kendra produces, "Galtan wine, an excellent choice. Always more calming than its growers. I sometimes wonder how anything survives their upheavals."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"My thoughts exactly, Augustin. Though I'm more partial to Qadiran coffee myself."

[Sarone]

As they others took places to sit in the house, Kaythek looked at the various books. It's good to see that you haven't lost his touch after all these years, Kaythek thought as he glances over the various titles. It'll be good to be here. The knowledge alone in one of these rooms will be enought for those who crave such knowledge to try to come and take this.

As Kendra brought in a Galtn wine, the topic of alcohol and drinks was brought up. "Aye, the Galtans might have a good wine," Kaythek says as he goes to the room that the others are in, "but a good Dwarven ale is better. Zacharious always drinks it and does his best to make his own. Takes a while for it to be properly made, but if you have enough, you can live off it for a little while. Another reason why the orcs left us alone for as long as they did."

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara is no stranger to alcohol, but its merits are far from her mind right now. Her memory takes her back to sitting with the professor and Kendra in this very room (during one of Tamara's unannounced visits), listening wide-eyed as he regales her with some of his tales of adventures, clinging to every word and sipping slowly at a cup of his fine tea. After some internal debate, Tamara says, "if it's not too much trouble... I think I'd like some tea. Do you still have any of that stuff from Tian Xia?" Tamara thinks the tea tastes like grass, but, for some reason that she doesn't fully understand, she really wants to have some right now.

[jjj54]

"That is true. I've never had the chance to sample much of it, but I've heard that the wine is the only consistent thing within that land."

She pours you each a glass and passes them out, laughing lightly as she looks into her own.

"This bottle was actually produced before the revolution. Father said that he could always taste the difference between this vintage and the ones that came after. That's why he kept this bottle for truly rare special occasions."

As Tamara makes her request, Kendra gives her an understanding nod and takes the wine glass back. "Of course. I should have asked in the first place. It will only take a moment to prepare."

[Makleveh]

Wynette will, as Tamara busies herself preparing drinks, slowly inspect the mementos she has collected over the years.


OOC: Quick reminder- I will be in northern Maine (and thus away from high technology) from this evening until late Sunday afternoon. However, Wynette is shy enough and polite enough to be quiet, listen, and not ask any terribly embarrassing questions. She'll coast on autopilot, following the group, until I get back. :smallsmile:

[stack]

Augustin examines the wine, holding it up, sniffing it, and swirling it in the glass. I wish I knew anything about wine, then this wouldn't all be for show. Still have to keep up appearances.

After all have been served, he raises his glass, "I can think of no better occasion. Now we celebrate the professor and all that he was. To Professor Petros Lorrimor, father, mentor, friend, colleague, may his work never cease!" He takes a sip.

[Makleveh]

"To the Professor!" Wynette raises her glass and takes a long sip.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"To Petros."

[Sarone]

"To the Mentor, may the wisdom and knowledge he has fostered through the years continue to grow."

[Leviathan]

Briar

Briar holds up her too-large glass. "To intoxication-induced memories of a felicitous nature!"

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara giggles at Briar's comment. Then, holding up both her large glass of wine in one hand and her still steaming cup of tea in the other, she says cheerfully, "to Petros!"

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric silently listens to the conversations, smiling at the attempts at humor, nodding with understanding, but not wanting to intervene. The talk of parents sends him thinking about his own.

Pap, Mam... It's been quite some time... I should have paid a visit for sure...They know what happened, but they never saw me like this...

In the house, he looks curiously at the mementos, wondering what kind of adventures they relate to. He is a bit slower than the rest at shaking off the sadness of the occasion, but tries his best. These folks are right, life must go on and there is no use dwelling in dark thoughts forever. Besides, Petros would have wanted it that way.

He raises his glass high for a heartfelt toast.

"Then this bottle is a gift from him to us, precisely for this occasion... To Petros, who knew so much about so many things, including wine !"

[jjj54]

“To father,” she whispered, finishing their round. While she sipped at her wine and her stove’s fire filled the house warmth, a frown began to tug at the corners of her mouth. Surrounded by her father’s memorabilia and books and the wine to dull some of the pain she still felt upon looking at them, her thoughts, perhaps for the first time in days, truly turned towards what happens next.

It was no secret to herself (and possibly the others) that to look after her father she had sacrificed her freedom. Truth be told, he needed someone to keep him grounded. Now with him gone, there was a gaping void in her life. Though she’d been too upset to realize it she’d buried her life along with Petros’. As she looked around the room, filled with friends new and old, she wondered what would happen next.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” she started, “What are you plans after father’s will is read?”

[stack]

Augustin tried to hide his grimace at the thought of what would come next. I am not overly popular among the nobility in Ardis and my family has little enough to support themselves as it is. Too noble for a trade, too poor too live properly.

"I thought to perhaps travel some, to use my gift. Maybe see the world." He pauses, waiting for a response before allowing himself to smile. Ah, blind jokes, my greatest strength.

"Though of course that is all after matters are duly settled here. I would not have you see any trouble from the locals. Do you think the rabble-rouser will cause further concerns?" If so, I will have to speak with him at greater length. Properly armed. Interrupting a funeral, has he no decency!

[Sarone]

Kaythek nodded as Kendra finished the toast, draining the wine glass and contemplating what little is sticking to the glass. Not bad, Kaythek thinks to himself as he gazes at. A little sweet, but not too bad.

When Kendra spoke about what every one's plan is after the reading and Augustin gave his answer, Kaythek thought about what his plans are. Or destiny, for that matter.

"I haven't gave much thought to it," Kaythek says. "I've lived in Magnimar for a while, so I am half contemplating going back there someday. Though i've lived there for the last nine years or so and I can use a change of view."

Kaythek looks around at the various books and such. "Of course, I could stay in Ravengro, checking out the ruins if that was where the Mentor was doing before he passed, finishing what he started." Kaythek shrugged as he looked back at his glass.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I have plans to remain in Ustalav for a time. I'm sure my brother knights would like me to return to Lastwall as soon as possible, as I've only just been knighted myself, but I feel that I've more important things to do here. Forgive me for saying this, but with the ongoing conflict between Lastwall and the orcs of Belkzen, they have precious few knights to spare for the task of monitoring Virlych, as Augustin can personally attest. Had the Knights of Ozem been more proactive and attentive, his estates might not have been abandoned."

[Makleveh]

Wynette savored the wine- she was brought up well enough to know a good vintage when she tasted it. She was also brought up well enough to know not to drink up a host's expensive cache.

"A few of my brothers-in-faith and I were chaperoning some volunteers- until this came up, at least. They are capable enough, and I am not required back home until the harvest, at least. There was much said today that intruiges me, and if you would have me, I wish to remain in Ravengro for the time being."


I should have known that whenever I see the Professor, no matter his state, he always provides me with an interesting mystery. What was it he was studying at his end? And why did he invite me here, now of all times?

[Sarone]

Kaythek looked at Morcaine and Wynette as the two Iomedeans talk about recent troubles. Mayb it is good to be here.

"Sounds like you and your fellow warriors can use a hand, then," Kaythek says when the two ladies finished, then looks over at Kendra. "But that's down the line, I guess. What about you, Kendra, any plans once you're done with the reading of your father's will?"

[Gwynfrid]

Ulrich was not accustomed to drinking this good a wine. House ale at inns of sometimes poor repute, or, more commonly, water from whichever stream was near a camp site, that was more standard fare for him. He enjoyed it, though, even as he realized it was probably due to its link to Petros' memory, more than any actual appreciation of its taste.

Ah, Petros, there were quite a few things left for you to teach me...

He turned to Kendra as her straight question jolted him from his reverie.

"Miss Kendra, I meant it when I said I wished to place myself at your service. I took my vows as a Knight of Dawn just days ago, you see - on the very day the news of Professor Lorrimor's death reached us in Lastwall. The Order Master let me free to find suitable duties to begin my new life serving the Dawnflower. I feel that helping you for whatever task you may have in mind should allow me to repay, in a small way, my debt to the Professor - to Petros."

He paused, reflecting on the day's events. "In fact, after the incident during the ceremony, don't you think you might need some kind of protection ? Some of these folks appeared to be rather resentful."

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome enthusiastically chirps up. "My own interest - once the will is read, of course - lies in discovering the exact manner of Professor Lorrimor's research before his death. I am certain that it will prove a scintillating topic. Though possibly dangerous. At least, empirical evidence suggests a certain risk of bodily harm."

She pauses to take a drink from her glass. Invention of wine quite remarkable: fermentation alone seems unproductive. Evidently the result of vast stupidity.

[Makleveh]

"I would be happy to assist you with that, friend gnome."

[jjj54]

“I don’t think I’ll have to worry about them,” she answered looking to both scarred men, “At least I hope so. Gibs can be an ignorant fear monger, but considering his actions I’m sure the sheriff will keep him in line from now on.”

“I honestly don’t know Kaythek,” she continued, “There was a time when I thought about going out and making a name for myself… Yes he was a powerful and daring man, but the years took their toll and he needed me here as much as I needed him. Perhaps it is time for me to move on and start my own journey…”

When Briar, Wynette, and Kaythek bring up Harrowstone, however, Kendra’s mood shifts distinctly towards unease. “Though there is nothing I’d like more than to never hear mention of that wretched place ever again, I would ask that if to do go wandering down there to please be very careful. It already claimed father’s life. I would be devastated if something were to happen to any of y…”

A few sharp knocks sounded at the front door, interrupting her, “That must be Vashian now. If you’ll excuse me.”

Stepping around a stray stack of books, she made her way to the door. A moment later muffled voices could heard, but nothing distinct. After they ceased Kendra reappeared with Councilman Hearth mount a step behind her. Though he is familiar to you all from the funeral and you to him, there is a hint of distaste in his face as he wonders to himself how in the world the presence of each of you could have been so important as to potentially put off putting Lorrimor’s affairs to rest.

With the barest nod of greeting, Hearthmount begins without delay. He produces a scroll case for all to see, with Petros’ waxen seal untouched. Hearthmount breaks the seal and opens the case, allowing an iron key to fall from it and onto a nearby table. Undaunted, Vashian begins to read the letter within…

“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this
parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with
the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and
personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or
sell them as you see fit, my child.

“Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this
document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading
of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in
attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I
have two final favors to ask.

“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are
few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of
what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many
of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and
inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge
of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.

“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire
a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one
of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward
legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under
lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have
borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable
for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my
daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the
danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting
my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver
the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who
will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.

“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of
another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend
that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is
safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone,
and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she
desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal
gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum
of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these
funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in
Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon
the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month
after the date of the reading of this will.

“I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this
twenty eighth day of Abadius, in the year 4711.”

[stack]

Augustin sits in calm silence as the will is read, nodding subtly to himself as the request is made.

He furrows his brow at the mention of the sum. 100 platinum? A princely sum. Surely he knows we would have followed his wishes without such incentive. Well, Morcaine, Ulric, and I certainly, likely the others, if their words today are true.

He look at Kendra to see her reaction. A month helping her settle is certainly no hardship.

When it is clear that the reading is finished, he stands, turning to the others, head held high, in is best official tone. "Money or no, I will surely see these tomes delivered safely. I will also aid the lady of the house for as long as she wishes against any discomfort or injustice."

He sits back down, yielding the floor to any others that would speak. I ought inspect the storage of these tomes when we finish. Wouldn't do to have them stolen before we even leave.

[Sarone]

Hearing the key drop on the table, Kaythek looked over at it. What is that? thought Kaythek as the councilman started reading the will.

Nodding as he listened to the reading of the will, Kaythek's face was impassive as he contmplated some of the words. Intriguing how he mentioned knowledge of the enemy's plan. Thought Kaythek, even as he put the thought behind, focusing on the rest of the reading of the will.

Once the councilman was done reading, Kaythek looked at at the rest of group. Well, I don't know about the rest of you all, but the Mentor wants us here for a month to help," Kaythek states, before looking at Kendra. "If you'll have us, that is. Even if he didn't offer the money, I'd still stay if he asked us to look after you for a little while." Kaythek says, trying to give Kendra a reassuring smile.

Heading over to the table and picking up the key, Kaythek hands it over to Kendra. "This fell out of the scroll. Do you want to get the books after a little while or wait until morning?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I say we examine the books as soon as possible. I'd like to verify if these books are "safe." Petros was a noble-minded individual, but he was always a bit too eager to research knowledge gods-fearing people would find dangerous."

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric listened to the reading with a frown of concentration.

"Miss Kendra, it would appear that your father agreed with me about the need to protect you." He paused, half a smile lingering on his lips in reminiscence.

Petros, Petros... Always you were able to anticipate my thoughts. But even in death, my friend ? Now that's a feat.

He turned to Morcaine. "Yes indeed, these books are certainly a danger, Petros was fairly clear about that. These folk at the cemetery were accusing him of necromancy, as it was. We must not let the books' existence known, lest we confirm their fears... Especially as we need to remain here one month before taking the trunk to Lepidstat."

Addressing the official in respectful tones, he added: "Councilman Hearthmount, would it be possible to keep that part of the will a secret from all beyond this room ?"

"Also... Did you say, twenty eight of Abadius ? Less than two weeks before he died... It's like he knew..."

[Makleveh]

Wynette absently nods to herself. I can spare a month in Petros' memory.

However, Ulric's question draws a frown, That was only quite recently. If he updated his will so specifically, he must have anticipated something like this. But statuary? Petros, you were always so careful, why now? I would very much like to see where this was. And the books. I'll want to look at those.

She casts a sideways glance across the group gathered around Kendra and Councilman Heartmount. Doesn't seem a too studious bunch. The gnome, yes, but she seems more concerned with facts than analysis. Isn't that why we write things down, so we don't have to remember? But yes, I'll have to take a look at the books. Compare notes with the others if they wish to look as well.

She clears her throat, "I don't think I was as close to Petros as many of you were, and I've spent much of the last week wondering why I would be invited to his funeral. Don't get me wrong, I grieve for him, and know that we've lost a great man, but my relationship with Petros was mainly professional."

She takes a deep breath and looks around, trying to make eye contact with everyone. "However, during my travels with him, Petros and I scoured libraries and private collections for works such as the ones he is describing. We liberated many profane texts, both to collect their contents for our own use, and to keep them safely away from those who would misuse them. This might be why I'm here. I do not know any of you well, nor any of you me, but knowing the Professor as I do, he would want these books looked after properly. I would volunteer myself for that duty, though I would appreciate any help you care to offer."

[Leviathan]

Briar

"Probabilistically, coincidence is unlikely in Professor Lorrimor's publishing of a will shortly prior to his death, but one must always be wary of implying causality from correlation. Still, the matter demands further inquiry with all haste!"

When Wynette offers to look at the books, Briar enthusiastically agrees. "I would be keenly interested in examining the contents of these 'profane' books. With due caution, of course. But it is dizzying to imagine the sort of knowledge that even Professor Lorrimor might think dangerous! Extraordinary opportunities abound!"

[jjj54]

Kendra can feel her face burning with a touch of embarrassment as her father goads these fine people into looking after her for a month. Though they had offered as much before the will had even been read, that had been of their own volition. The sound of Vashian harrumphing as Wynette asked for his discretion broke her reverie and returned her to the matter at hand.

“Miss,” he stated flatly, “It is my duty as solicitor, informal as it might be, to keep these matters private.”

“Thank you Councilman Hearthmount. Is there anything else?”

“No, this was the last bit of unfinished business. I’m sure you still have much to discuss with these fine people Ms. Lorrimor. I’ll see myself out.”

After he’d left, Kendra turned to the rest of them, “Since father has made such a request of you, I would like to formally invite you all to stay here until you can leave for Lepidstadt. There’s plenty of room and it would save you the cost of nightly rooms at the Outward Inn… Truth be told, it has been quite lonely here without him. In the mean time I’ll go find this chest he spoke of.”

A few minutes later, she returned carrying a small, but sturdy chest. As she set it upon the table, she eyed Kaythek and the key. She was about to ask for it, but a tiny bit of apprehension kept into her as she instead backed away from the chest. “Father might be right, the knowledge within might not be meant for me. Since you hold the key Kaythek, I would like you to do the honors.”

Inside there are several tomes stacked one on top of another. The first, and most startling of them is a finely crafted leather tome, marred by the words “READ ME NOW!” which seems to have been roughly scratched into it’s cover. Any who peruse it’s pages will find it is actually Petros’ journal. Inside several entries are circled in red ink.

Below it are three books with notes tucked into them named On Verified Madness, Serving Your Hunger, and The Umbral Leaves. The notes plainly state that these are the dangerous tomes Lorrimor spoke of. The notes also indicate that they are to be taken to one Montagnie Crowl, a professor of antiquities at Lepidstadt University.

The fifth and final book is titled Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye. This book, however, is actually locked, it’s rich purple cover set with a brass scarab with a jade eye at it’s center. The note below it indicates it should be brought to Embreth Daramid, the person named as the holder of your portion of the will. It also indicates that such a transaction should be handled quietly and lists her address to aid in such an endeavor.

Petros' entries:


Ten Years Ago:
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their
fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might.
Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.

Two Months Ago:
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?

One Month Ago:
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect,
I suppose it all makes sense—the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling
enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked
up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity—there’s plenty of folks
hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.

Twenty Days Ago:
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone who was
held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died
the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.

Eighteen Days Ago:
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky
to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to
investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the
foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to
defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to
store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black
Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down
below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.

Seventeen Days Ago:
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution
has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my
theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll
leave this in the chest where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.

From each of you, I'll need 3 knowledge rolls pertaining to any innate knowledge you might have about the topics Petros brought up in his journal, perhaps even subjects he discussed with you at one time or another. For the first and second, use either local or history, for the third use either arcane or religion.

[stack]

After reading the notes, Augustin is troubled. "It seems matters more pressing than the contents of the will have forced themselves upon us. I see truly now why we were called."

local [roll0] untrained
history[roll1] untrained
religion[roll2] trained

[SanguinePenguin]

The halfling was ecstatic. "Wait! Kendra," she shouted, "you mean Petros wants me to live you with you for a month!!! This is great! This will be the best! I'm so happy!"

She had little interest in the books... after all, she was just commanded by the professor to do something she mostly wanted to do anyway. The sheer joy of it is hard to push aside.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine glowers when she sees the books needing to be delivered to the University.

"I have no idea why Petros would have us hand these books off to a university. He should have burned them! No wonder they accused him of necromancy, what was he thinking?!"

She calms down as the entries from Petros' journal are read, however, her look of shock at what the professor was dabbling in replaced with grim determination.

"The Whispering Way..."

Knowledge (religion) check: [roll0]

[Sarone]

Kaythek nods to Kendra when she asks him to open the chest. Don't know what the Mentor gotten himself into, but it would better be me than her if it is evil. Raising the lid, Kaythek notices the five books. The first, with Read Me Now scratched into the cover, catches his eye. That's interesting, Kaythek thinks as he pulls it out first, then the others and place them in order of being pulled out.

After the notes were outloud, Kaythek's anger rises, as he realizes what has happened. "The Mentor didn't die by no accident," Kaythek says through clenched teeth. When Wynette makes her inquiry, Kaythek glares at her. "Lady, the Mentor knew the risks, like he knew over ten years ago. If he kept them, he kept them because, to qoute him, 'For knowledge
of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans'."

Barely restraining his fury, Kaythek heads out the back of the house. Seething with anger, Kaythek looks around, noting a log that is meant to be chopped. That will do.

Drawing his falchion, Kaythek let's out a bestial cry, part anger, part rage, and part sorrow as he brings the heavy blade down on the log.



Intimidate Check[roll0] on the log

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric raised one eyebrow at Briar's enthusiasm.

"Petros was not a man to use words lightly," he said, flatly. "He wrote that these books are dangerous. If they were dangerous for him, they surely could be dangerous for anyone."

He turned to Wynette, bowing slightly. "With your depth of experience in the matter, we should trust your judgment. Do you think these are safe for us to read ?"

untrained Knowledge(local) [roll0]
untrained Knowledge(history) [roll1]
Knowledge(religion) [roll2]
On hearing Kaytheck's cry of rage outside, Ulric just looked puzzled, not quite knowing how to react. That one sure has energy to spare. I just hope it gets directed at the right enemies.

[stack]

Augustin shakes his head, brow furrowed. "The will is moot. This journal tells us more, and more recently. While I was happy to stay here and then conduct the books, I will not let necromancers practice their craft unhindered. I must investigate as soon as possible."

He stands in concentration, trying to recollect where he has heard that name before. The whispering way...

[Sarone]

(OOC: Forgotten about the knowledge rolls.)

As time goes by, Kaytheks starts taking deep breaths, trying to control his rage at what had learn. As a minute goes by, Kaythek looks around, then at the log as it laid on the ground. That feels better, now, Kaythek thinks as he puts the falchion away and walks back into the house. Probably left a sour taste in everyone's mouth, but if I'm correct then that wasn't no accident that killed the mentor.

As Kaythek walks back into the room, he looks over at Kendra. My apologies for the outburst, Miss Kendra, but your father and Zacharious raised me better than my clan. If your father felt that Harrowstone was being used for something evil, then it wasn't an accident that killed him."

As the others talked about Harrowstone, Kaythek thinks about what he knows. That might be why he was in Belkzen.


1st Subject: Knowldge Local [roll0]
2nd Subject: Knowldge Local [roll1]
3rd Subject: Knowldge Religion [roll2]

[Makleveh]

Wynette sucks in a deep breath when the chest is opened and she can see the contents. Slowly moving to the front of the crowd to get a better look, she reaches into the chest and slowly traces her hand just above the cover of each book, careful not to make contact.

"Books aren't dangerous, friend," she starts slowly, "understanding what's within could be dangerous, however."

She silently mouths the title of each book in turn, to herself.

"Two of these I have never heard of before. One, I know by title alone. The final one, however, I was with the Professor as we sought it. I was younger then, and more eager. He would not let me look within. Given my years and respect for the man, I am hesitant to now."

She finally makes contact with the covers, slowly running her fingers across each one.

"If you are asking my advice, I would encourage us not to delve into them at all, but being associates of Petros, and knowing the company he liked to keep, I know asking that of you is impossible. I would ask you all to let me assess them first, and you would all be more than welcome to pour over them after. These subjects are not for the faint or weak of will."

History! [roll0]
Religion! [roll1]

Wynette would love to settle down with these, perhaps taking 20 after this is discussed, and get deeper into them

[Makleveh]

Third knowledge roll.
Religion! [roll0]

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome's brain churns as she takes in the host of new information. Fascinating! Veil is lifting! Curious that Professor could take time to annotate, draw attention to articles of interest, but no direct explanation of circumstances... Even brilliant minds irrational on occasion.

Briar thinks hard, her lips pursed as her large eyes zip across the pages before her. Then she practically jumps up off her seat, brandishing before her a peculiar blue vial. Without pausing for thought, she unstoppers it. She tilts her head back and drinks it, her cheeks expanding. She closes her eyes, plugs her nose, and swallows.

Head spinning, Briar babbles. "Apologies. Taste not yet rectified. Methodology of imbibing crude by social norms. Perhaps a pinch of lemon. No! No! Never mind!"

She shakes her head, blinking rapidly. "Matter at hand. Grave concern. In many senses. Joke; ha ha! Whispering Way: name suggests inclination towards melodrama. What else?"

Briar is consuming her cognatogen for a +4 bonus to Int. She also takes a Str penalty, but I'm assuming that won't matter right now. I'll take it into account if somehow it does.

First check: Knowledge (history) [roll0]
Second check: Knowledge (history) [roll1]
Third check: Knowledge (arcana) [roll2]

[jjj54]

Results: The information each of you can manage to group together is summed up below to share and divide as you wish.

Harrowstone: Harrowstone is a ruined prison— partially destroyed by a fire in 4661, the building has stood vacant ever since. The locals suspect that it’s haunted, and don’t enjoy speaking of the place. Harrowstone was built in 4594. Ravengro was founded at the same time as a place where guards and their families could live and that would produce food and other supplies used by the prison. The fire that killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards destroyed a large portion of the prison’s underground eastern wing, but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. The prison’s warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred. A statue commemorating the warden and the guards who lost their lives was built in the months after the tragedy—that statue still stands on the riverbank just outside of town.

Most of the hardened criminals sent to Harrowstone spent only a few months imprisoned, for it was here that most of Ustalav’s executions during that era were carried out. The fire that caused the tragedy was, in fact, a blessing in disguise, for the prisoners had rioted and gained control of the prison’s dungeons immediately prior to the conflagration. It was only through the self sacrifice of Warden Hawkran and 23 of his guards that the prisoners were prevented from escaping—the guards gave their lives to save the town of Ravengro.

The prisoners of Harrowstone: Originally, Harrowstone housed only local criminals, but as the prison’s fame spread, other counties and distant lands began paying to have more dangerous criminals housed within this prison’s walls. At the time of the great Harrowstone Fire, the number of particularly violent or dangerous criminals imprisoned within the dungeons below was at an all-time high. The five most notorious prisoners in Harrowstone at the time of the great fire were Father Charlatan, the Lopper, the Mosswater Marauder, the Piper of Illlmarsh, and the Splatter Man.

Whispering Way: The Whispering Way is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years. Agents of the Whispering Way often seek alliances with undead creatures, or are themselves undead. The Whispering Way’s most notorious member was Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, although the society itself has existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer. The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers— the philosophies are never written or spoken of loudly, making the exact goals and nature of the secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about.

Exact details on the society are difficult to discern, but chief among the Whispering Way’s goals are discovering formulae for creating liches and engineering the release of the Whispering Tyrant. Agents often travel to remote sites or areas plagued by notorious haunts or undead menaces to perform field research or even to capture unique monsters. Their symbol is a gagged skull, and those who learn too many of the Way’s secrets are often murdered, and their mouths mutilated to prevent their bodies from divulging secrets via speak with dead.

Nice rolls everyone, you really surprised me there. 200 XP for everyone.

As far as the other books go, well, you’ll just have to peruse them if you want to know what’s in there. Sorry it’s not a more in depth post tonight (or today rather. It’s my night now. Blasted night shift). Starting to get a little tired. But this should give you enough to discuss amongst yourselves.

[stack]

Augustin shares all he knows, primarily of the undead and the Whispering way.

"I have some power to keep away the haunts and other spirits. I would that the professor had called me sooner, I may have been able to aid him." Rather than sitting around an impoverished estate making a nuisance of myself.

"I wish to investigate this prison, as do many of you, no doubt. However I am loathe to leave Kendra. I am sure you are capable, my lady, but it would violate your fathers wishes. There is also the matter of guarding these wicked tomes." He sits down, leaning back in his chair, ready for what he expects to be a lengthy debate.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I agree. If the Whispering Way is involved, as a Knight of Ozem it's my duty to stop them. And if Petros was in as much danger as I think he was at the time of writing this journal, it is our duty to avenge him. When do we leave for Harrowstone?"

[Sarone]

Taking in what the group knows, especially this Whispering Way, and adding what he knows (is mostly on the local stuff), Kaythek nods as the group discuss their plans. Bah, undead. A dishonorable action when you are using slaves to fight your battles instead of facing them on your own when, Kaythek thinks as he grabs a mug of water. A terrible way to conduct battle, and even worse when you have to rely on trickery and deciet to do so.

As Augustin mentions haunts and his wish to have been here when the Mentor was alive, Kaythek nods, taking a minute to stare into his water. Aye, I wish I was here as well. It might have been different then. When Morcaine brings up going to Harrowstone, Kaythek looks up and tightens his lips. I'm beginning to like these people.

"I agree we need to investigate Harrowstone. But, if this Whispering Way is as dangerous as the Mentor believed, then we will need to be 'careful'." Kaythek looks over at Augustin. Unless I'm mistaken, but if the Whispering Way is an enemy of the Lady of the Graves, do you want to bring the local church in? Maybe the Professor has talked to them about this? If not, maybe we can impress upon them that this situation might be more dangerous than just an accident."

Glancing at Morcaine, Kaythek nods to the paladins and Doctor Briar. "We should also find out more about these prisoners, like the five notable ones," Kaythek says as he held up his hand and counted off the names. "Father Charlatan, the Lopper, the Mosswater Marauder, the Piper of Illlmarsh, and the Splatter Man.

"My guess, the Father either is or was a priest and a liar, maybe conman, as well as the Piper.," says Kaythek as tilts his head, trying to remember something, then goes on when he recalls it. "Ah, that's it. Magnimar had a problem with rats in a few neighborhoods and hired a 'musician' to take care of it. Turns out, he was controlling the rats, guiding them to infect certain areas and he'll come by and 'rid the area' for a price. Gotten caught after the stories started to be too convenient." Kaythek says, smiling as he remembers the stories, even though it happened years ago. "The Marauder could just be a raider that gotten caught, while the last two sounds like murderers. Unless it's a high crime to throw rotten fruit at people," Kaythek says with a smile as he leans back, then shrugs.

"At least, that's my thinking. Any one else got any ideas or a plans?"

[stack]

Augustin steeples his fingers. "Perhaps we ought look into this 'false crypt in the Restlands' that the professor mentioned when we inquire at the church. If the professor was unable to obtain the items, they may be there, even if we do not yet know what they are. If not, perhaps something else useful can be begged from the priest, who certainly will wish to help us. We must be as prepared as possible. haste is needed, but too much haste with too little knowledge..."

"Kendra, did your father speak of any of this to you? Are there any locals we can ask for more information regarding the rumors and the stories of the inmates? If we must face down their ghosts, which seems possible, it would be good to know more of them. Knowledge is often the key to unraveling such matters." He nods to the academics.

[Makleveh]

Wynette fills everyone in on what she knows about the Whispering Way and the necromancers.

"I will accompany you all where you decide we should go- I don't know this area well at all. I would, though, recommend that while we are away we keep these books under lock and key. These are not tomes we want people stumbling upon."

She reaches out to Kaythek, perhaps unconsciously, for the key.

"Kendra, would you consent to these books remaining in your home, knowing what you know now? I will understand if you decline, and in that case, I will find other lodgings for a month and guard this chest with my life."

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome nods, her face more pinched than normal, as if more serious. Still, she twitches, her eyes shining. "Indeed. Preparation, research, investigation necessary prior to traipsing. Professor traipsed too early. Bad end. Still, own success more probable. Weapons. Armour. Strength in numbers." She eyes some of her newfound comrades. "Burlier." She adds with a mutter: "Uses for muscle mass surprisingly few, yet sometimes necessary for endeavours. Cerebral muscles notwithstanding. Unfortunate but true."

She snaps out of her rambling. "Research aside, effective armaments increases probability of success... Backwater town insufficient for enchantments on conventional weaponry. Also, problem of funds. Doctor, not thief!" She takes a breath. "Abandoned crypt may prove useful." She sighs theatrically. "Graverobber, not doctor."

[Sarone]

Kaythek smiles as he hears the Doctor mumble about what they had and the sudden dawning of what she's actually considering draws an uproar from him. Oh, yeah, this is about to get interesting, Kaythek thinks as he looks at the rest of the group.

"Actually, Doctor, we're not graverobbing since in order to rob a grave we will need to be stealing a corpse." Kaytheks looks at the paladins and inquisitor before continuing. "We are reaquirring a lost cache of equipment that the current church may or may not know about, with the Mentor not mentioning whether or not he has told them. So we are not so much graverobbing as we are acquiring equipment to investigate what killed the Mentor with or without asking permission from the various groups in charge here."

Kaythek proceeds to go for the widest grin he can go for as he puts his right fist into his left hand. Wonder if any one else has a better idea?

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric contributes a few bits of history to the all-around sharing of information, but mostly he listens to the swirl of conversation, generally nodding in approval with what is being said. Fast, yet sound thinking. And impressive knowledge. I understand why the Professor wanted these people around when his will was opened.

He steps into the discussion of finding items to protect against spirits: "I agree with you, Kaythek, this would not be graverobbing. Besides, if this place is really a false crypt, as Petros described it, then it would not even be a grave at all. On the other hand, the church of Pharasma might well label it treasure robbing. Augustin, I take it you would prefer asking the local priest for permission ?"

"Another thing I agree with you about, by the way, is Petros's death - not accidental in any sense of the word. Miss Kendra, I understand how painful the question may be to you, but could you please share some details of the circumstances ? When exactly did it happen ? Who found him ? Who saw him alive last ? It may shed some light on what we need to do next."

[stack]

Nodding at Ulric, Augustin replies, "I would ask first. If they know anything, they can help. If they don't, then they ought be told. This is a grave matter (no pun intended) and concerns them regardless of lost items. I will speak to them after morning prayers, if someone will lead me." Though most commoners just shake their heads at the nobleman wandering randomly.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Even if the church would allow us to use the cache, we should still ensure we have permission. We're already strangers here in Ravengro. We don't need to give people like Gibbs more ammunition against us."

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara doesn't bother to read the books. The more "bookish" types are having far too much fun for her to interrupt them. She enjoys reading, but it is certainly the least interesting thing to do right now, with all the talk of ghosts and graverobbers and splatter men and crypts... Until she spies the book with the lock. Things are only locked up when they are really good, Tamara thinks as she studies the locking mechanism from afar. At least the one with the really neat eyes seems to have a stick in her bum, she'd have a fit if I took a peek...

"Permission? Why would we do that? They might say no! We can just borrow the items, then return them later. If Petros had no qualms borrowing them, then I don't think we should either," Tamara seems to think this idea infallible, because she immediately continues, "we should head to the crypt right now!" The prospect of going on an adventure with her new friends is the new highlight of her existence.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Because if we try and open the crypt without permission, Doctor, we may be caught in the act, and the townsfolk would definitely have the wrong impression. While we're obligated to stay here dues to Petros' wishes, it's clear that the townsfolk aren't likely to respect those wishes if they think we're causing trouble for them. I'd rather not be driven out of Ravengro by a mob before we complete our investigation of Harrowstone."

[SanguinePenguin]

"Oh, that's a really good point, Morcaine!" Tamara agrees, "we should go at night, that way, no one will see us. That is a much better idea!"

[stack]

Augustin sighs and the small one's eagerness, "As I said before, I will speak to the priests and see what they know. We will be more effective if we have an idea what we are looking for. The professor did not think they knew about the things he sought, but he may have been wrong, or he may have spoken to them, so they would know now.

"If it is not too late, I can go yet today, though I would ask Kendra to accompany me, both to show me the way and to make introductions. I would welcome all your company, but I must ask the words 'grave robbing' not be spoken, or even thought loudly." He gives a significant glance at Tamara, then Kaythek.

"Though that leaves the matter of the books. They ought be safe enough under lock and key for the evening, though I am loath to leave them untended for longer, especially as time passes."

[Sarone]

She's certainly gung ho, thought Kaythek as Tamara speaks about going to the crypt right now. "We'll get to it eventually, Tam," Kaythek says as he looks over to Wynette, "but we should try to get permission first. It'll help us in the end and if the local church doesn't know what's going on, they'll be happy we at least filled them in."

Kaythek smiles and nods in Augustin's direction when he looks at him. "If we go today, then I would like to accompany you as well. Between at least three of us," Kaythek says, looking at Kendra, then back at Augustin, "we should be able to present a strong case to explore the Crypt and the prison."

Examining the books, Kaythek looks at them trying to remember if he has even heard of them. "As for these books, I too would like to lock them up. Preferably in a vault somewhere that's been sanctified," grinned Kaythek as he looks to Morcaine. "But as long as we aren't gone too long, then they should be good. As long as we hide them, of course."



Since no one has done it yet, I'm checking to see if I know what these books are. Since he said they are for a dark purpose, I'm going for Knowledge Religion rolls. Let's how they go!


On Verified Madness Knowledge Religion roll [roll0]

Serving Your Hunger Knowledge Religion roll [roll1]

The Umbral Leaves Knowledge Religion roll [roll2]

Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye Knowledge Religion roll [roll3]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine facepalms with Tamara's leap of logic.

"Did you consider the fact that they may have night watchmen guarding the cemetery? In a land like Ustalav where the dead can and often do rise from their graves for one reason or another, it pays to have someone on hand, preferably from the clergy, to protect the graves from defilement and put uppity corpses back in the ground."

Then she turns to Kaythek.

"The books aren't dangerous in THAT sense, Ser Kaythek. They're the "sacred" texts of several vile cults. Urgathoa, Zon-Kuthon, gods of darkness and evil. They're just words, but those words have the potential to lead even good people astray. Just the presence of Urgathoan texts in your home would be enough for the town to brand you a necromancer. I fear if these books were to be seen by the townsfolk, they might not only believe their fears about the Professor were correct, but innocent minds may be corrupted by their words. When the desperate seek meaning, even the most perverse faiths can bring comfort. THAT is why they are dangerous. If Petros' will did not stipulate their safe delivery, I'd burn them immediately."

[Makleveh]

"I would prefer not to steal from a church. I understand that sometimes, there are circumstances that would allow it, but we've been here less than a week. That would be a new record for me."

[Leviathan]

Briar

Briar scowls, her lips pursed. "Counterpoint: failed attempt to convince priests to access crypt produces worse effect. Then certain to be security. Could jeopardize the entire effort."

The gnome's speech has begun to slow, and her disjointed talk is approaching normalcy - for her, that is - once again.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

"A valid point, Doctor. However, I'm afraid I must side with Augustin, Morcaine and Kaytheck here. For one thing, I am uncomfortable helping myself to other people's property without valid reason. And we don't have a valid reason.

The other point : We don't want to alienate the townsfolk toward Miss Kendra. Contrary to us, she lives here and doesn't have the option to go to the next town in the morning if things turn sour."

[jjj54]

Though she would have returned Tamara’s joy any other time, at that moment her hands were wrapped around the cover of her father’s journal. She read and reread the entries and the only thing she could think of was that she should have known. She repeated as much to herself as Kaythek stormed out. His terrific shout tore her out of her own world of self recrimination and back to the matter at hand with a growing air of grim determination.

“Father never mentioned any of this to me. I think, perhaps, he was trying to protect me. The same as with these books. Speaking of… I think Wynette is right. They should remain here under lock and key.”

“The council needs to know about this. If it is indeed the Whispering Way, then whatever they were doing at Harrowstone must be discovered. Tomorrow I’ll contact Sheriff Caeller and show him my father’s entries. Hopefully he’ll believe me. Meanwhile, I’d suggest looking into whatever might have drawn the Way here. The town hall or the temple might have the records we need. It’s too late tonight, so I’d suggest starting tomorrow for those tasks as well. While you’re at the temple you could look into the hidden cache as Augustin suggested…”

She paused as the gnomes erratic behavior seemed to be slowing to an acceptable lull, but she had to ask, “Briar are you alright?”

Ran out of time, but I'll get you the details of the death in the next one Gwynfryid

[stack]

"I suppose I lost track of the time. First thing tomorrow then. If I understand correctly, we are to stay here instead of the inn, so I will collect my things and settle accounts. Does anyone else need to go?" After this today, I will stay better prepared. We may encounter things more dangerous that riled villagers. He stands, then waits to see who wishes to accompany him.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Augustin? Kendra's giving us free lodging here for the month."

[Sarone]

Kaythek laughs, his grin on his face. "That may be true, Morcaine," Kaythek says as he stands up and moves his head and neck around, stretching the muscles a bit, before going over to Augustin. However, i have my gear at Outward Inn. It shouldn't ake long for myself, since I only have a back pack and such. Any one else stayed there over the last few days and need to get thier gear?"

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome laughs, flashing a wide grin at Kendra. "Yes, yes, quite alright! The potion I consumed has many wondrous properties, chief among them the enhancement of mental prowess. Linguistic skills are not in point of fact decreasing - the cause of concern, I believe. Rather an expanded mental capacity renders atypical speech patterns necessary to convey thoughts in a timely manner." Her grin continues. "Your father worried too. Like father, like daughter. Of course, my assurances did not convince him, so ideally not identical!"

[Makleveh]

"I traveled light, everything I brough, I have on my person." Wynette frowns, "this might sound rude, but would you mind if I held onto the key, for the time being?"

[Sarone]

Frowning, Kaythek squinted as he held the key to his chest. "Why, don't think I can handle the secrets that are in it?"

Kaythek let the words before let out a loud laugh and tossed the key to Wynette in a low arc. "Bah, you're worried about me," Kaythek says, a smirk crossing his face. "Isn't few of the big tales start with a know it all paladin who says they can handle the truth and wind up being proven otherwise?"

Shaking his head, Kaythek thumbs to the door. So, besides Wynette, any one else need to grab their gear?"

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

"I was running late for the funeral, so I did not take the time to check out any inns in town, and I have everything I need with me. Miss Kendra, it will be an honor to stay in this home.

With the revelations we have just witnessed, I believe your father's concern for your protection might well prove warranted. It would be wise to take turns standing watch. And, come to think of it... Would you mind giving us a tour of the premises ? I would like to assess the ways through which an intruder might try to enter, and see if there's any way we can make the house more secure against such events."

[jjj54]

From before:

“It’s quite alright Ulric,” she says bravely, “We must be informed if we are to get to the bottom of all this. As you know from the journal, father died seventeen days ago. I was the last to see him before then. After he didn’t return home the following day, I asked Sheriff Caeller to go to Harrowstone to check up on him and that‘s when he found the body. There was no sign of the Way or any hint of foul play. I had my suspicions that my father was too careful to die in such a way, but until now I’d managed to convince myself that it was all just a flight of paranoid fancy…”

Now:

“So the solution brings forth an increased mental capacity which in turn causes primary functions like speech to reflect a new found multifaceted sense of existence,” Kendra mused as once again the good Doctor piqued her interest, “But would such an experience prove overwhelming to the senses and a terrible strain on the mind used to working at a lower capacity?”

“There are just as many stories of paladins who save the day thanks to their resolve in the face of the duties they take on. I trust you Wynette,“ Kendra smiled. She paused for a second as she listened to the plans to settle business at the Outward Inn. Deftly removing her coin purse, she handed it and it’s contents to Augustin.

“This should cover everyone’s expenses at the Inn. Once you return we can go over the layout of the house and you can select which rooms you’d like to stay in.”

[stack]

"A gracious gesture, I was ready to pay my own way, but it would be rude to refuse such grace." He takes the purse from Kendra.

"Well then, the sooner we are off, the sooner we shall return. Let us go so we can be back before our friends have claimed the best rooms." He smiles and begins to head in the direction of the door he recalled having entered.

[Sarone]

Knowing when he's out matched, even among friends and compatriots, Kaythek smiles and bows his head to Kendra. So, why hasn't she found some guy yet, Kaythek half wonders. Oh, well, it's her choice either way.

"That is true, Kendra," Kaythek says when she says she trusts Wynette. But that doesn't mean it can't happen.

As the two oracles get ready to leave, Kaythek is surprised by Kendra's offer. While appreciated, part of Kaythek cringed at it and he does his best to hide. "Um, I... uh," is all Kaythek could get out before shutting his mouth and straightening out his thoughts. "Thank you, Kendra. Your hospitality and offer is most gracious."

Looking at the others, Kaythek straightens his thoughts. "Well, unless any one else is going, Augustin and I should head out before it gets too late, then."

[stack]

"Yes, we have much getting lost to do. Are any sighted people coming?"

[Makleveh]

"If you would like an escort, I will accompany you," Wynette says, tucking the key into her pack.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I will as well. It'd be useful to become more acquainted with Ravengro."

[SanguinePenguin]

Largely disinterested in the discussions of finances, Tamara says, "I'll stay with Kendra... unless she is going, then I'll go too. I'll go where she goes." Tamara smiles wider than usual and adds, "should I put a kettle on the stove?"

[jjj54]

“That would be lovely Tamara. Thank you.”

The rest of the night passes without a hitch. The town seems to have turned in to those who leave for the inn. There’s no late night mirth or music, just a cool, wet night trying to shake off the grip of winter. When the ones that do leave arrive at the Outward Inn, the proprietor, Sarianna Vai, has even turned in early. Waking her, however, is easy enough and she graciously accepts your payment for your stay.

Meanwhile Kendra gives the ones who stayed a quick tour of her home. It’s two story with a spacious foyer that has stairs leading up to the second floor where Kendra and Petros’ rooms are located as well as four guest bedrooms. The foyer also opens to the rest of the house with a kitchen, bathroom, the sitting room, with which you were all familiar, and three rooms that were mostly used for storage. With some help, Kendra is able to clear some space in the storage rooms and set up cots by the time the others return.

After you all turn in that night, sleep takes you easy enough. But even as you dream, something is decidedly wrong. It touches each of your sleeping minds for a moment, but something awful rolls through the dreamscape of Ravengro. Almost in unison the town shifts in the night before falling back into their proper sleep.

Skip ahead we shall. Everyone make a will save and describe your dream to me. You all also lose one trust point as the growing sense of unease ripples through the town, undoing some of your hard work from the previous day.

[stack]

[roll0]

Augustin slept soundly, until the dark nightmare crept into his mind. He was in his childhood home, his parents estate on the Virlych border. It was night, the dark full of screams of terror and cries for help.

Everything is in color, the color that only comes to his eyes in dreams.

It was the night that the estate was overrun, the night he received his gift. Everything went as it should, until the abominations came for him. When his eyes where struck, there was no holy symbol, there was no brilliant light to drive the evil away. There was only darkness and an evil, whispered laughter, the whisper somehow echoing through the house, bringing all the living to there needs.

He shoots up, suddenly awake, in a cold sweat. Once again the world was gray. It takes what feels like hours to remember where he was, to recognize that it was just a dream.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

After settling into one of the guest bedrooms, Morcaine undoes her armor and polishes it before preparing for bed. She says a few prayers, one to Iomedae to give her strength for the trials to come, one to Pharasma to protect Petros' soul on the way to Heaven, or wherever he was bound, and one to Grandmother Crow, the angel Andoletta, to console Kendra in her hour of need. After this, she climbs into bed and falls asleep.

When her eyes open next, she finds herself on a battlefield, surrounded by the din of war. The cries of soldiers, the clash of steel. Morcaine looks down and notices something. She's not wearing her parade armor, instead wearing tough and ready plate. Instead of the Sword of Valor, a different symbol adorns her shield, a blade pointing upwards, with wings for the hilt. She feels the aches of a soldier who's long known combat, and as she stands, she notices that her hair is much shorter. She doesn't have time to seek a mirror, as a soldier rushes towards her.

"General! Ma'am it's a miracle you survived! Come quickly! We have to retreat! The undead will overrun this position any moment!"

"We have a mission to complete! I will not rest until She is recovered!" Morcaine replies in a voice not her own, trying to figure out how she knew she had a mission and what it was.

"By Aroden, there's no way! You may be favored by him, but you're not immortal! She was, and he killed her!"

"She was my patron, our patron. I won't let him defile her any more than he already has!"

Pushing past the soldier, sword drawn, she strides back into the fray towards the enemy leader, her sword cleaving through hordes of undead, until she sees him. A towering skeleton filled with twisting, worm-like things that extended up its arms and out its mouth. A morgh, but not a morgh, something greater. It lets out an awful cry, and charges at her. The battle is fierce, but soon the creature has her pinned, one of its tendrils snaking down to her, carressing her face disgustingly. The smell makes her want to retch. Then it begins to move to her mouth. As the dream begins to fade, she hears a voice call out.

"GENERAL IOMEDAE!"

Then she wakes up.

Will Save: [roll0]

[Sarone]

Carrying a rugged back pack on his should, Kaythek makes it back to the mansion and quickly grabs a cot in one of the storage areas. Preparing for bed is almost second nature, laying his sheathed falchion next to the wall by his head with his scale armor placed beside in a reasonable pile. Taking a quick bath, Kaythek goes to sleep, breeches being the only thing he is wearing.


Will save [roll0]


THE DREAM



A harsh, cold wind blew into Kaythek's face, waking him.

Where am I, Kaythek thinks to himself as he looks around, before he looks down at his hands and naked body. Wait, I can see...everything. Looking at his hands, he looks up into the sky, dark clouds churning over head. The sky. I have not seen that in...so long. Where...what is this place?

Around him, a desolate wasteland stretched into the horizon, dominanted by mountains, a dark tower the only sign of civilization he saw. As he looks on, an accursed wail from behind him forces Kaythek to duck. Gazing up, a spectre flies by him, heading towards a circling formation. Is that a... are those...

As he took a step forward, Kaythek hears moaning from behind, a sound like the cries of the dead and dying. Or the undead, thought Kaythek as he turns around.

Behind him, marching between to gray hills, a band of undead and monstrous creatures, beings from nightmares that should not, or can not, exist. From ruined mouths and throats came a quiet chant, the beings in the caravan carrying an elaborate coffin.

Paying no heed to the half-orc, the carvan made it's way to the tower. Moments after it vanished into the distance, the wind howled again, as though in rage and pain unseen for ages. As he bent down to cover his naked body, Kaythek looks up, refusing to take his eyes off the far tower.

"I have risen again," roared a shadow growing from the tower. As Kaythek looks on, it grows bigger, into a vaguely shapped humanoid, crimson eyes pearing from what should be it's face. "Tremble in fear, for I shall claim this world and reforge it in my image."

Not while I have something to say about that! Baring his teeth, Kaythek screams with a primal scream as he lounges at the shadow. Hearing the challenge, the monstrous shadow brings it's hand down to smite the half-orc...



What the hell, was all Kaythek could think as he looked around, his eyes taking in the gray color of the storage room as he realized he was sittingup in the cot. What, what was that?

Breathing heavily, Kaythek looks around the room, then down at himself. Sweat poured from his body, covering it in a sheen. At least I still have my breeches on, Kaythek noted with a though.

Laying back down, Kaythek breathed deep as he concentrated. Few more hours, then I need to get up tomorrow will be a long day.

Deciding that he needs to settle his mind a bit, Kaythek reaches over and grabs on his flasks. Twisting the top off, Kaythek takes a drink of the water befor eputting it back. What was that all about?

(OOC: Unless it's too much trouble, Kaythek will be getting up about an hour before dawn. He does this more to get his exercing done, which is mostly just practicing with his falchion, and greet the sun and make his prayers to the Gods and Godesses.)

[Makleveh]

Wynette, given the opportunity, will bathe and wash her clothes before retiring for the night. Once asleep however, her dreams quickly turn fitful.

She has this dream on occasion- the dream where she is leading a battle in order to further the divine will of Iomedae. Only this time, instead of failing, instead of leading her soldier into a rout- her enemies fall before her, and her allies can barely keep at her side as her advance grows faster and more fervent in her zeal. She absolutely delights in the slaughter of battle.

And finally, she finds herself cut off- having advanced to far ahead, or her comrades all cut down. Surrounded by unspeaking monstrosities (in fact, the whole world goes silent when her blade stops slashing) and quickly overwhelmed and disarmed. Forced to her knees, she utters a prayer to Iomedae, begging for help and apologizing for failure.

And Iomedae, in all her terrible glory, descends from above and effortlessly sets to her captors. It's over in a matter of moments, and Wynette can do nothing but prostrate herself before her Lady. And she kneels, and waits, and waits- Iomedae's booted feet and clomping closer and closer, but Wynette can't bring herself to look upon her. Clomp. Clomp. Clomp.

And then nothing.

And then a sharp pain in her back, and as she opens her eyes and screams in agony (and in her sleep), she catches of glimpse of her- not a fair goddess, but a twisted and putrid mockery- ragged flesh hanging off her as white bone peeks out. And her laugh is terrible and inescapable as she stands over her dying body.

Wynette wakes up with tears freely flowing and gagging at her dream and the images she saw.

Will save! [roll0]

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome's gentle snores echo through her sleeping quarters, but they belie the nightmare contained within Briar's sleeping mind...

Briar is standing at a grey door, its handle just high enough for her to reach. To her back is complete darkness; the only light is dimly cast from around the door. Intrigued, the gnome reaches forwards, her small hands grasping the doorknob. It turns with a creak, and the door swings open.

All around now is a massive chamber, revealed as the door opens. Its walls are a dull blackened stone, hewn into bricks. They climb up into a bank of storm-clouds, reaching miles into the sky. Criss-crossing from wall to wall are hundreds - no, hundreds of thousands - of staircases, each without any adornment, and each made from the same uninteresting stone as the walls. Like the branches of some ancient, long-dead tree the stairs ascent the walls, and Briar knows that she must climb.

She sets her foot upon the first stair. Then the second. Then the third. Inexorably, for an eternity that takes but an instant, she climbs. The stairs are slick with moisture such that each movement is perilous. Below her is an inky blackness. Even the peril of death becomes monotony. The act of walking alone becomes a torment; they must all be climbed!

Briar begins to run. It must end, her panicked mind directs. The stairs rush by, and soon the gnome is above the storm-clouds, and racing upwards with the stars around her. Ahead, the stairs end: a lone staircase juts out into space, connected to nothing higher than itself. She must get there; then she would be free!

She is mere moments from the pinnacle. Three stairs. Two stairs. One. And then she is there. Briar lets out a triumphant cry, but nothing comes out of her mouth.

Around her, everything crumbles to ash. The stairs fall out from under her, disintegrating like the strange dominoes of tavern-sailors from bottom to top. Then Briar is falling, falling falling. Into blackness she plunges.

Will Save: [roll0]

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara is rarely, if ever, cautious or concerned. She is certainly not dumb, but thoughts just never come racing through her mind as she tries to sleep. When she sleeps, she sleep soundly and completely. The journey to the land of sleep comes as quickly and normal for her as ever, but the visit...

Tamara's dream:
Tamara smiles and takes a sip of the familiar brew as the Professor begins to tell her and Kendra about one of the her favorite adventures. Pausing but a moment, the kindly man tops off her cup. Listening to the story, she habitually raises the cup to her lips - a full second passes before she notes the difference. The brew is thicker, clotted and foul. She looks down at the reddish-black substance filling her glass. The taste of iron still on her lips. "Petros... is this... blood?"

"Of course it is. I'm dead now, remember?" he speaks calmly as if nothing is strange. ""How do you expect me to tell you stories if I don't subsist? How can one live without life fluid?" He raises his own cup of black, clotted blood to his lips and takes a sip. His skin slowly begins to rot before Tamara's eyes.

Concerned, she looked to Kendra for comfort - but her form is gray. Maggots crawl over her cold, lifeless flesh. "Kendra!" the halfling cries in horror, but Kendra does not move.

A large centipede crawls from Petros's mouth before he speaks, "don't worry about her, Tamara. It was bound to happen. After all, it was you protecting her. Have some more tea." He raises the pot again, as his slowly blackening skin begins to weep off of his brown, putrefying muscles underneath.

"No! This... this is all wrong! Petros, fight it!" Tamara cries out, tears welling in her eyes.

Petros grins shortly before his lips drop to the floor. "Fight what?" he asks calmly as his muscles rupture in several places releasing swarms of beetles. "You'll join me soon. You'll all join me soon." His eye pops from the socket and a dozen centipedes hurry out after it. He raises a skeletal hand and pushes the eye back into the socket. "Why do you think I've called you here at all?"

Will: [roll0] +2 if fear

Tamara wakes in a cold sweat. Out the window she sees the earliest tendrils of dawn creeping up the horizon. Grabbing her greatsword, she moves through the hall, sneaks into Kendra's room and gently places her hand on her skin. Once she confirms she is alive, Tamara spend the rest of the night sitting in front of the door to Kendra's room, clutching her blade and listening nervously for danger.

[Gwynfrid]

Before going to bed, Ulric clears his garments from the mud and dust of the long road, and enjoys the luxury of a quick bath, grateful for Kendra's hospitality. He makes a thorough tour of the house with Kendra, checking every outside door and window, making sure everything is secured, especially the room where Petros' chest is kept.

His sleep is light, the sleep of a seasoned traveler to dangerous lands. Then the dream comes...

Ulric is with his old company again, exploring the long-forgotten keep in the heart of the lands of Vyrlich. Everything is exactly like in his memory, a memory he has never been able to erase from his mind. The same undead horrors attack. One by one, the Seven Lightbearers fall - gentle Elda, clever trickster Zoldilian, faithful and steady Korlan, and the others, all his friends of many years... Again, Ulric is the last one standing, again his sword impales the vampire in a desperate lunge, again, everything goes black.

But this time, Ulric does not wake up in pain, in the cave littered with his companions' bodies. Instead, he is utterly numb, there is no feeling whatsoever anywhere from his toes to the top of his head. He stands up, surrounded by the pale faces of his companions. "What happened ? Did we all make it ?" Hope fills his heart. "Yes", answers Elda, with her usual light, delightful smile and musical voice. "All of us", says Korlan. But just then, Ulric notices the small fangs in his friend's mouth. He sees the gaunt faces, the reddish eyes.

"You... You've all been..." He cries out, despair filling his voice, his tight throat unable to complete the sentence. "We're in this together, as always, pal", replies Zoldilian, in the mischievous smile Ulric knows so well.

"NO ! NO !"

In front of Ulric's horrified eyes, the faces of his old friends begin to dissolve. In their place, he sees new features forming - Morcaine's strange and lovely eyes, Augustin's wide scar, Briar's purple hair and constantly moving face, Tamara's great happy smile, Kaythek's strong stance and clouded eyes, Wynette's superb, fiery hair... and Kendra now enters the room through a door he had not noticed before.

"Did you have a good night ?"

Her smile is tentative, her eyes innocent. Ulric knows, with an awful certainty, that she is not one of them. She is one of the living.

And then the hunger strikes. The terrible, unquenchable hunger. For blood.

Ulric wakes up, drenched in sweat, his whole body shaking. He hesitantly gets up, knowing the night is over for him. Silently, he goes through the entire home, checking all the openings yet again.

On seeing Tamara in front of Kendra's door, he stops, and nods silently. He doesn't need to ask if the night was all right.

Will save [roll0]

[jjj54]

"...Father..." Kendra mumbles, just loud enough to hear out into the hall, "...didn't know... ...gods... ...can't breath... stooOOOP!!"

A moment after her cry ends her feet hit the floor and the sounds of rushing and panic ensue. Before either Ulric or Tamara can even react she throws the door open and rushes out into the hallway with a robe clutched around her trembling frame.

She stops short of barreling you two over as the realization that it was all a dream starts to dawn on her. She looks to both of you as her lips tremble uselessly and tears start to flow from her eyes.

"He was still... alive..." She manages as the sobs start to overtake her and she slides down the wall to the floor, her legs no longer able to support her, "He woke up screaming... Cursing... me..."

Stack and Leviathan, for the next day you take a -1 on all mind-affecting saves. Gwynfrid and Makleveh you get a +1 on those saves.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Kendra's screaming wakes Morcaine up. She puts on a robe and stumbles out, still groggy from the night before.

"Wha? What happened. You have nightmares too?"

[stack]

Augustin rushes out in bedclothes to investigate the screams. Zombies Ghouls...no that was just a dream.

"So, I was not the only one with troubled sleep." He walks over to Kendra and puts his hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort her silently.

[SanguinePenguin]

When Ulric came out, Tamara said nothing, but tried to listen through him for other motion in the house.

It isn't until Kendra charges out that she finally smiles again. Tamara drops her blade to the ground, then rushes over, throwing her arms around the young woman in a comforting embrace, "it's okay, Kendra. I had a nightmare about your father too." In a rare moment of social tact, Tamara neglects to mention Kendra's death within the dream. The horrible memory of the dream brings another tear to her eye, but the warmth of Kendra, who is now at eye level for the little halfling, brings the broad grin to her face. "Don't worry, I'll protect you!" Tamara says defiantly, "I will... and well!"

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric's voice sounds sombre, but calm as he tries to project reassurance to the jarred young woman.

"Some dark force must have been over us this night, to cause these nightmares in us all. But they are just nightmares.

Yes, Miss Kendra, we are here to protect you, as we pledged. We will not fail you."

O Sarenrae, may my words sound more confident than I feel right now.

I guess the most appropriate skill for this is Diplomacy : [roll0]

[Sarone]

Hearing Kendra's scream, Kaythek jumps out of the cot, grabbing his falchion beofre rushing out the door. Running up the stairs, Kaythek get close enough to the group to see them. "What's going on? I heard trouble," Kaythek asks, noting that Morcaine, Ulric, Tamarra, and Augustin were out as well, with Tamra hugging Kendra.

When Ulric starts talking about nightmare and dark forces, Kaythek puts the back side of his falchion on his shoulder. "That might be true, Ulric," Kaythek says, as he mulls. "But that doesn't mean we shouldn't take heed. It could just as well that we are being warned that evil is gathering strength for something that we can't ignore."

Turning his head from side to side, Kaythek looks out the window and notices the lightening of the outside. "Well, I don't know about you, but I need to get into my morning routine again. If you need me, I'll be outside."

With that, Kaythek turns and heads down the stairs, stopping at the bathroom first then heading out side. Once outside, Kaythek puts his falchion next to a post and stretches, easing the kinks of sleeping on a cot out his muscles. What was that all about, Mentor? Kaythek mind still remember his dream, not willing to believe it has happened again. So... vivid, so real. It was like I can see for once in my life. Could it be a warning?

Pushing the questions aside, Kaythek grabs his falchion. Maybe the gods and goddesses will have an answer, was all Kaythek could think as he starts in a guard position with blade being held in both hands at his left hip and point it so the tip cross over right shoulder. Thank you, Gods of Battle and Goddesses of War for seeing me through the night, prayed Kaythek, before twisting his tattooed body around and bring the blade in a low swing designed to disembowel an opponent and continuing his morning practices.

(OOC: Kaythek will be spending about an hour now getting practice in with Falchion. He uses it as time to think as well as pray, giving thanks to the Gods and Goddesses for strength and courage. Also, you'll see that his back has numerous tattoos, mostly of a swirling design with various symbols placed in different locations on his shoulders, sides and arms.)

[jjj54]

Outside: Before Kaythek can even get very far into his morning routine, the boy from the funeral yesterday, Pevrin Elkarid, barrels into view. Spotting the half-orc, he veers away from his intended course towards the door of the Lorrimor Place and comes to a stumbling halt in front of the tattooed oracle.

"Mister..." he pants, his face flushed red as he tries to get his message past gulps of air, "Need your friends... The Memorial... Blood everywhere..."

Inside: Offered the warm embrace of Tamara, Kendra catches her up in a vice-like grip as the sobs wracking her body begin to subside. Offered support from the only people she can rely on now, she finally stops. Wiping her eyes dry she gives Tamara a much less desperate squeeze rises back to her feet.

"You're right of course Ulric. You must all think me a fool for behaving in such a way... It's as if I'm a child all over again. But the dream was so terribly vivid..."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I had a vivid dream as well. I dreamed I was Iomedae at the Battle of Three Sorrows, except where she smote the King of the Ghouls and triumphed, I was beaten and about to be slain. It was disturbing. It's Ustalav, Kendra, nightmares are a fact of life."

[Sarone]

Kaythek brings the blade around as he hears footsteps from behind. What now, he thinks as he turns, noticing the tavern keeper's son standing before him, out of breath.

Hearing the kids, abrupt message, Kaythek nods. "Come on in, kid," Kaythek says as he turns and makes his way into the house. "Kendra will want to hear this."

Jogging to the door, Kaythek motions for the kid to follow. Heading up to his room, Kaythek yells out as he goes into it, grabing his falchion sheath, belt, shoes, and a tan shirt before heading back down. "Hey Kendra, guys and gals, the kid here says something has happen to the memorial. Blood everywhere."

While the rest get down stairs, Kaythek puts on his boots and belts his sheath before heading towards the door, putting on the shirt. "Ok kid, what happened?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"What?!" Morcaine exclaims when Kaythek announces the state of the monument. She rushes back to her room and begins buckling on her armor, finishing as she heads back down to Kaythek with Elkarid's boy.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

"Believe me, Miss Kendra, I had a pretty vivid dream myself."

One I will not share the details of with you, child. It would make the day gloomy for both of us, and for what purpose ?

As he is trying to comfort Kendra, he is interrupted by Kaythek's and
Pevrin's entrance. Seeing the alarm on his face, he says nothing, but just beckons the boy to speak.

[stack]

We all had dreams. I'll not trouble the others with mine. Not the first time my sleep was troubled by that not. Shan't be the last either, if I know anything.

When Kaythek goes out, Augustin wonders if he should not show greater devotion to his own physical training. His prayers finished the night before, he sits down to give Kendra company in her distress, then hears Kaythek come in, telling the foul news.

"Yes, please speak. Given recent revelations this could be a matter of grave concern."

[SanguinePenguin]

"Kendra, I had a nightmare too, one which made me sleep outside your door because I was worried about you. Don't be embarrassed! Dreams can be scary! Often a lot scarier than reality." Even though Kendra seems sufficiently comforted, Tamara hugs her hips again. This time, more for her own sake.

After Kaythek's entrance and the boy's explanation, Tamara says simply, "whoa, blood? On the memorial? That's crazy! Let's investigate!" Whatever terrors the dreams had inflicted on her seem to have passed. All that remains now is her smile and a bit too much enthusiasm.

[jjj54]

“Not like this Morcaine. I’ve never had a dream feel so real before…”

She’d say more, but Kaythek’s announcement and Pevrin’s arrival cut her off. Without much ado he bursts into his story.

“I was making my rounds of the posting poles, like I do every morning. After checking the one just north of Councilwoman Straelock's house I started towards the next one across the river. As I got to the bridge I happened to look over towards the Memorial, don’t know why… But the morning light caught it and it looked a lot glossier than normal, so I decided to check it out.”

“When I got there, I could see blood everywhere, like someone had a bucket of the stuff and just sloshed it everywhere. Well, I ran back to town as fast as I could and told Sherriff Caeller about it. Lucky for me he was up at the time, said he’d had a rough night and that this better not be a joke… But I made sure he was on his way before I came here. Most of you said you used to travel with the Proffessor, so I figured you might be able to help to, and that’s about it. So can you?”

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

"Thank you, Pevrin. You are right, we certainly need to investigate. I'll get ready."

With that, Ulric goes straight to his room and starts donning his armor. It has been his normal routine for years, but this morning, the force of habit is reinforced by a looming sense of danger.

Who knows what other surprises this town has in store for us ?

[stack]

"I concur. Let us be prepared for this to be much more than a prank." Something if afoot. I'll not go unarmored this time.

Augustin also goes to don his chain, wasting no time but still ensuring the set of his tabard, belt, and morningstar are proper. Must keep-up appearances.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Child, I am an inquisitor. If I can't find who did this, no one can!"

[Sarone]

Laughing at Morcaine's statement, Kaythek finishes getting his boot on, checks to make sure his sheath falchion was good and his spellcomponent pouch was secure. Might not care for leaving my armor, but we need to get over to that monument as soon as possible. Grabbing his shirt from the chair, Kaythek looks to 'Rin. "While the rest continue getting their gear on, can you guide me to where the monument is? The Sheriff might want some help to keep the peace there."

[Makleveh]

Wynette, having stayed in her quarters until she completely composed herself, barely made it into the room before listening to the account given.

This isn't the first time I've heard of this, I believe. Think!

She will (already fully armored, as she didn't bring a lot else to wear) make her way into the room and join the party as they set out to investigate.

So I don't know how you handle this stuff, but Wynette is going to make a religion check and see if this event is something she's read about before, or is consistent with something she knows.
[roll0]

[Leviathan]

Briar

Dr. Zendlebiddle snorts derisively at Morcaine's comment. "Oh yes, I am very sure that you will find the perpetrator. If there is a perpetrator. Which has not been proven. Logical flaws abound - induction without evidence - and conclusions are drawn before facts are established! Typical religious mindset - omnipotence of the divine does not grant similar status to followers."

She sniffs, tugging her coat into position. "Shall we proceed? I at least am eager to establish the parameters of any possible investigation."

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

"Doctor, with all due respect, I have seen Morcaine at work before. From your words, I take it you have not. I recommend you wait a little until you venture such comments.

I also recommend we go all together. Something in the air is wrong, and that tells me we will need the talents of every one of us."

[jjj54]

As the group seems to give their consent, Pevrin smiles back at them, happy to help. He waits until everyone is ready, however, before leading you all towards the monument. Kendra accompanies the procession as well, having had enough time to make herself presentable and to grab her father’s journal. While it might be a bad time to get the Sheriff’s undivided attention, she believes, and tells you as much, that this is as good a chance as any to get him to listen to her words.

While it is certainly not awash in buckets of blood, as Pevrin said, the tall statue is obviously bloodstained. Near its base a conspicuously clean section of the statue is marred by a jagged “V.” Obviously placed for attention, the message, if it could be called that, eludes you all for now.

Milling about the statue are four people, far fewer than Kaythek was probably expecting, but enough considering how early it is. One, a deputy named Riff, stands guard near the statue. He’s not alone though, next to him is Councilwoman Mirta Straelock watching, with some concern, a heated exchange between a tall man in a leather duster and a sour tempered farmer known to you all as funeral protester Gibs Hephenus.

“I tell you it’s those new folks hangin’ around,” he shouts, fixing the lot of you with a furious glare, “What? Come to add more blood? What’d you dice up to do this anyway?!”

The man in the long coat, who’s had enough of the arguing, plainly says so, “Gibs… Either stand back and shut up or go on home. I warned you about making trouble once already.”

Gibs says nothing, seething, and the man who could only be Sheriff Benjan Caeller switches focus to the Pevrin, his displeasure with the boy even more obvious than his previous argument.

“Pevrin, I thought you agreed to keep this quiet for the time being. What, in the name of any of the gods who care to listen, are you playing at here? Who are these people and why the hell did you bring them here?”

Wynette: Nothing stands out in particular as you try to recall some information.

Briar, Wynette, Tamara: This was most likely the work of one or more humanoids considering the finger prints in and around the “V.” There may still be a chance to track down the party(ies) responsible.

[Sarone]

Raising an eyebrow when he hears Gibs and the locals, Kaythek tries to carefully walk around the memorial. "Gibs, I told you once already," Kaythek says as he walks toward the memorial, making his way to the front of it. "Just because I have a sister doesn't mean I'm going to tell you where to go see her. You're too old, you can't handle the initiation into the clan, and no amount of alcohol is going to get her to sleep with ya." Kaythek says as he breaks out a wide grin in an attempt to lighten the mood. Well, except for Gibs, but he's a pain in the rearend at the moment.

Before any of the locals start asking why he's getting so close, he turns to them and points at his gray eyes. "Yes, I am blind," he says bending low and smelling the blood, then straightening back and looking as best as he can at the blood. Thank the gods there's enough of a difference between the blood and the ground, I hope.

"Anything going on as far as people or animals missing, Sheriff? Seems to be alot of blood here, but not too much."


Diplomacy check to try to light the mood a bit. [roll0]
Survival Check by smell on the blood [roll1]

And since others might try it as well, Perception check as well [roll2]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine approaches the sherriff, a serious look on her face.

"Sheriff Caeller, I don't know if we were formally introduced, but I am Morcaine of Grayce, a Knight of Ozem and Inquisitor of Iomedae. I arrived here in Ravengro yesterday to attend the funeral of my dear friend, the late Professor Lorrimor, a funeral our mutual acquaintance Gibs attempted to disrupt. Young Master Elkarid informed us of this horrendous desecration of a local monument, and I felt it was my duty, as a servant for the goddess of justice, to aid in investigating this event, with your permission, of course. As per the instructions in Professor Lorrimor's will, I will be remaining in Ravengro for the next month, and would be honored to aid you in your work in keeping Ravengro safe, at no charge."

Diplomacy check: [roll0]

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara gets close to the memorial as well. She looks at it for several seconds then sighs a loud exasperated sigh, "humanoids did this... that's for sure. That rules out most of the interesting possible culprits!" Then her eyes perk up and her smile widens, "let's see where this goes!" She clearly doesn't know much about following tracks, but she is looking all the same.

Perception: [roll0] to find tracks

Survival is needed to follow them, but perception may be used to find a single print to get someone started...

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara looks up from the stone she upturned to laugh at Morcaine's overly formal request, "of course, we can investigate! The sheriff wants to know as much as we do! More eyes are better, and he knows we only mean to help. Then after the adventure, we can have a cold one at the pub together and talk about how great everything went!"

Diplomacy: [roll0] . . . Tamara style!!!

[stack]

Augustin detaches Kendra's hand from his arm, whispering to her "Thank you for guiding me." He approaches the sheriff. "Our party, as you have certainly deduced, have all been summoned by the late professor's will and are staying with Lady Kendra for her time of grief. As such, we have absolutely no interest in desecrating this fine monument to the noble sacrifice of your fellow townsmen. We other our services, collectively, to aid you in any way possible to find whomever is responsible. Hopefully bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion may improve the feelings of your citizens toward us."

Having spoken, his hands drop to his sides as he awaits a response, his face remaining calm and reasonable.

diplomacy [roll0]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric stays at the back of the group, listening to the exchange, with just a hint of a smile at Kaythek humor, then Tamara's eagerness.

Better not crowd this poor sheriff anymore than he already is. Rather... O Sarenrae, help me sort out the stupid prank from the foul play.

He looks at the statue intently for a few moments, then looks around the scene and the persons standing in front of the group.

Concentrating to detect evil, first on the V sign, then the statue itself, the blood stains, and finally, if time allows, the people, one by one.

[Sarone]

As Tamara looks at the blood and Morcaine and Augustin try to get the Sheriff to let them help, Kaythek looks down at the blood around the memorial, trying to see if there's anything that catches his eyes that might lead him towards who or what did this.


Survival roll [roll0] to see if I find anything.

[jjj54]

Just a mini update until everyone has posted.

Sarone, Sanguine: Whoever was here, they did a good job of covering their tracks. In about an hour, after everyone has cleared out, you can try again.

Gwynfrid: Whatever did this, any sense of evil from it has long passed. There is a faint throb in the blood, but the way it flickers looks completely wrong. As if it's evil doesn't really exist yet. As you look around, you can tell the only evil person here is Gibs, but he doesn't even have an aura to him.

Benjan's mood does lighten as you go to work on him. He waves his deputy down as the other man starts to get a little antsy when so many people show up to crowd the area. Gibs, as expected, turns a furious beet red before storming off in a huff.

"Alright, look, I'm sure you folks have good intentions, but I'm going to tell you this just as plainly as I did Gibs before. This is a town of laws and traditions that have served us very well. As long as I'm here, you're not going to cause any trouble or I'll toss you into the jail myself, got it?"

With Augustin okay on his own, Kendra approaches both the councilwoman and the sheriff with Petros' journal. "I know it's a bit of an imposition, but I also have news of my father's death that I think you both should know. We discovered his journal last night and it seems that his death might have been more foul than anyone had imagined..."

"We can talk at my home," Mirta offers as the sheriff nods.

"Keep a lid on things until I return," Caeller calls back to Riff as he turns to leave, a little annoyed that the matter of the professor's death just won't stay dead.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Once people clear out, Morcaine sets to work, looking over the statue and surrounding environs for any possible clues. She stubbornly sticks with it, refusing to leave the site until she's found something leading away from the site. Anything. Anything that could lead her to the perpetrators of this foul deed.

Morcaine will be taking 20 on a Perception check to locate any sort of trail or something, indicating her dedication to her detective work.

Also, expect her to be doing this a lot if we're going to see a lot of crime scenes like this. Thoroughness is the only way to make sure you don't burn the wrong person at the stake.

[stack]

Responding to the sheriff, Augustin nods, "As you rightly should."

Then, feeling rather useless regarding the search for evidence, goes to follow Kendra, the sheriff, and the councilwomen.

[Sarone]

As Jibs left in huff, Kaythek let out a laugh and went back to looking at the blood on the ground. As he was doing so, Morcaine walks by him, checking on the memorial as close as she can. Looking up, Kaythek leans his head to the side. "My, what a bloody statue," he says in a humorous tone before takinga step back away from the statue.

"Morcaine, you work with this type of crime before, have," Kaythek asks as he walks around the statue. "See if you're tracking my thinking. Whoever did this thrown the blood onto. Clearly an act to desecrate the memorial. But why put a V on it?" Rotating his head in clockwise a motion a few times before a pop comes from it, Kaythek leans his head again.

"Finger prints. Some one humanoid did this." Kaythek looks closely, then up at the rest of the memorial. "They put the V on it first, then tossed the rest of the blood on it when they were done."

Looking around at the base, Kaythek scane as far as he can see. "Morcaine, if there's isn't a body of an animal or something nearby, then that means the person took what ever they used to carry the blood. Do you see or notice anything that might look like trail or tracks that lead away from the memorial?"

[Makleveh]

Wynette narrows her eyes. "What makes you think they didn't use their own blood? I've seen things of this nature get wuite out of hand."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"If they'd done that, they'd have had to preserve the blood somehow before bringing it here, or else it'd have left an easy-to-follow trail here of blood coming from their wounds. You don't make a wound that produces that much blood unless it's a severe one, and while some cultists are indeed fanatical enough to ritualistically stab themselves in the stomach, they're usually not in a well-enough state to cover their escape."

[jjj54]

stack: I wouldn't say Augustin should feel useless here. In fact he has the best chance to clear up this whole mystery using a little piece of fate he happens to possess.

After nearly an hour of searching Morcaine's persistence does pay off. Near the west side of the space cleared for the monument, a tiny piece of white cloth is found snarled in the branches of a bush. Judging by its quality, wherever it came from what fairly old and torn. Alone it wasn't much to go on, but considering where it was found, its owner had avoided the path in order to get here.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Emboldened by the find, Morcaine shows the cloth to the others, and then looks around the bushes where it was found. If someone had taken the time to avoid the path, they probably had left marks in the grass where they'd trod. Morcaine checks for any sign of a path, showing as much dedication as she had before. She knew how to track. It was what she did best.

Morcaine will be taking 20 on a Survival check to find a trail and follow it. An effective 27, if that means anything for the DC.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

What a strange reading... Nothing like the things Zelitia taught me to look for... It is the first time I call upon this power without her mentoring, after all. Am I focusing in the wrong way ?

Perplexed, Ulric files away the thought, leaves the field to those who know what they are doing, and silently follows Augustin and the sheriff.

[jjj54]

It takes seven hours of exhaustive searching, but you finally catch on to the trail of the culprit. The odd footprint, stray drop of blood, and odd piece of cloth. The circuitous path leads from the small thicket nearby and into a barren field. Following the trail beyond the field is what might be an unexpected surprise, or a welcome one, as its wandering path comes to an end at the humble shack of Gibs Hephenus.

****

In the meantime Augustin and Ulric are allowed to join the small meeting in Mirta’s simply furnished, but comfortable home. Kendra does her best to convince the pair of the words in her father’s journal and uses what she learned from everyone last night to support the theory that her father was in fact murdered by the Whispering Way using their usual Modus operandi of destroying their victim’s mouth. While she talks Mirta nods along sadly, as if she believes that Kendra is still clinging to her father’s death.

The sheriff, on the other hand, simply narrows his gaze at the young woman. When she finishes he doesn’t speak, but merely takes Petros’ journal and begins reading. His face softens none when he’s done. It simply a mask of suspicion as he tries to discern what you all are exactly playing at.

“So let’s assume the Petros’ death was, in fact, a murder. What do you want me to do about it? There was no one there when I recovered the body. Do you want me to just announce that there were necromancers that might or might not exist down at Harrowstone? All of your evidence is circumstantial and isn’t worth presenting without a single piece of solid proof. How long would it take for some damn fool to get it in his head to check out Harrowstone and get themselves killed too? How long before another takes Gib’s advice and starts a witch hunt in town for any other ‘necromancers?’ I say no, I’m not going to help start a panic and neither are you or your friends Kendra.”

“I have to agree with Benjan,” Mirta finally speaks up, “Even if you are right dear, the most we could do is send word to the nearby towns that Whispering Way agents might be about. A warning that I‘m sad to say would most likely be considered the ramblings of a little farming town… And that would be the end of it. They aren’t a threat to the town anymore and Petros is dead… It’s sad, but you have to let this go.”

[stack]

Augustin sighs quietly, disappointed but unsurprised by their response. "If the professor was correct, then the threat is hardly over. Fortunately for you he ensured there would be fools aplenty to finish his investigation." He stands.

He holds his hands out, rhetorically weighing options. "I and my companions are willing to see the matter through. We will keep you informed of our findings. If we find nothing, you have lost nothing. If we perish, then you have your warning. If we stop whatever they may be planning, you may be much happier. I only ask that you allow us to continue unhindered." His hands fall to his sides as he awaits their answer.

diplomacy [roll0]

maybe get an aid another from Ulric and Kendra?

Also posting will be light/nonexistant till late Monday.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

The half-masked warrior quietly listens to the exchange, not really surprised by the town leaders' position.

In their shoes, I likely would say the same thing.

When he finally speaks up, he turns to the sheriff to look at him squarely in the eyes, the blazon with the sun angel of Sarenrae clearly visible on his chest as his does so.

"There is no need to start an official inquiry, or to make anything public. As you correctly assess, there isn't much evidence to justify that. Besides, it wouldn't do much good.

On the other hand, I think all of us Professor Lorrimor's friends will volunteer to investigate the matter of his death. Should you give us permission to do so, I will pledge to you that we will proceed with the best possible discretion, not spread any unseemly rumors with the townsfolk, and report any findings to you. Do you find that reasonable ?"

Diplomacy [roll0]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine races back to the others after she finds where the trail leads, informing them of her findings. After that, she rushes to find Sheriff Caeller.

"Sheriff Caeller! Pardon the interruption, but I believe I have discovered the location of our desecrator. The trail was difficult to follow, but it led me to the home of none other than Gibs Hephenus. Which leads me to believe either he was responsible, or he's harboring who is. Would you please accompany me back to Gibs' residence so we may conduct a proper search together? If I started poking around Gibs' home alone it would likely only give him more ammunition to defame us before the townsfolk. If you are searching with us, he has no means of arguing."

[Sarone]

Great, she's going to be insufferable now, Kaythek thought to himself as Morcaine goes into detail, standing off to her left. When she finished, Kaythek lifted an eye as she stated what she intends to do. Why can't she understand, she doesn't have authority here?

Taking step forward, Kaythek did a fake cough as he gently elbows Morcaine. Leaning forward, Kaythek whispers in her ear. "Tell him about the cloth and foot prints."

Straightening up, Kaythek looks at the Sheriff and Councilwoman. "What my fellow acquantice of the Mentor is asking, Sheriff, is if you're willing to check on Mister Gibs' place. If nothing shows and we are wrong, we'll make apologies to all three of you in one go do to the inquisitor's 'haste'." Kaythek shrugs as hetakes a step back.

(OOC: Diplomacy check, diplomacy check Morcaine.)


Diplomacy Check to get the Sheriff to help. [roll0]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I thought that was implicit in the fact that a trail existed at all," Morcaine hisses at Kaythek.

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome remains in the square by the bloodied monument. As Morcaine investigates the trail, the gnome goes about her own work. She approaches the bloody V, hands on her small hips, her large eyes flickering across the edifice. Let the inquisitor handle who; I would like some more information on other questions...

She peers first at the statue, trying to determine to what it is a monument.

Knowledge history (I hope this is the right one): [roll0]

Then she turns to the blood. She sniffs at it with her petite nose, draws out a lens from her kit and inspects it closely, and tastes a pinch.

She's trying to determine (a) what sort of creature's blood is this, and (b) how old is it. I'm not sure what skill to use, so here are two possibilities: knowledge (nature): [roll1] or craft (alchemy): [roll2]

[jjj54]

Leviathan: The monument relates to those who lost their lives in the fire that claimed Harrowstone prison. The names of the dead are engraved at the base of the statue. The statue itself was made in the image of the prison's warden, Lyvar Hawkran.

On the matter of blood, it's clearly hours old rat blood, possibly dire rat, used before it had a chance to coagulate. So the rat in question would have had to have been killed last night

Though Augustin's words are a bit off the mark, Ulric does find some purchase with his. "Perhaps... If you and the others are volunteering to investigate..."

And it's at that moment that Morcaine bursts in with Kaythek hot on her heels. Though Mirta is clearly miffed about people just barging into her house, the news about a possible suspect, and so soon, dispels any sort of reprimand on their part.

"Show me what you've found. If you're wrong though, there's going to be hell to pay."

[Leviathan]

Briar

Dr. Zendlebiddle's brow furrows absurdly. Professor Lorrimor's death occurred at Harrowstone. Hours later, monument to innocents of Harrowstone defaced. Connection? Possibly. Loathsome Hephenus person Morcaine's suspect. Question: what is connection between Hephenus and Harrowstone? Necromancer of Whispering Way so concerning to Professor? Professor's murderer? Wild speculation, all unlikely assuming basic rationality. Would be fool to tip his hand with petty vandalism so shortly after murder. Perplexing. Must discover this link!

Briar decides that nothing more can be gained from the monument, and trots off to find the others.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Follow me, please."

Morcaine leads the sheriff and councilwoman down the trail she discovered, pointing out the clues that led her down it, until they arrive at Gibs' shack.

"This is where the trail ends. I would have conducted a search of the house and its surroundings, but I did not wish to anger Mr. Hephenus with an unannounced intrusion, or without permission from the officers of the law here. May we have your permission to search the premisses?"

And I wanted you here to ensure you couldn't assume I merely planted evidence to implicate Gibs because of his actions yesterday, or that Gibs could make such a claim, she thinks to herself.

Diplomacy Check: [roll0]

[Sarone]

Following the group on the trail, Kaythek kept his thoughts to himself. Morcaine's posturing, trying to be all in the sheriff's business. Not to mentioning bargin into the councilwoman's house without knocking. Kaythek smiled as he realized something funny. Morcaine, watch yourself. Don't go doing dumb stuff. Gibs might be a pain, but he's also old and prideful. Probably been here a long time, come to think of it.

Frowning at the part about Morcaine conducting a search of Gibs' home, Kaythek held up his index finger. "I doubt that Gibs' would do something like desecrating a memorial that has probably been around as long as him. If anything, the trail could just lead to here and culprits tried to hide whatever they were using to desecrate the memorial before running off." Looking to the Sheriff and Councilwoman, Kaythek shrugged as he let the words sink in. As Morcaine shown you, though, the trail leads up to his house. While I doubt Mr. Gibs did it, that doesn't mean someone else is trying to blame him."


Aid Another on Morcaine's Diplomacy roll [roll0]

This way, there shouldn't be as much of a problem. Hopefully.

[SanguinePenguin]

Having had no luck finding the culprit, Tamara puts her brain to good use. Hmm, there is blood on the monument... and a 'V'... I wonder... Clearly a message... of the defacer's identity? Perhaps! A signature... that could make sense... V... Varisian? No, that would be a weird signature, they'd just use the Varisian symbol... Vrocks? Wait, do they even have hands? Hmm, even if they do, that would be weird... Vampires? Uh oh... that could be... 'V' for vampires, blood, disliking the monument - that might be a possibility...

By the time Tamara left her thought trance only Morcaine and Briar were still around. The latter looked lost in thoughts of her own, while the former was very thoroughly combing the grounds. Suddenly Briar begins to trot off. Tamara hurries to her side.

"Hey Briar! You don't think it was," she leans in to whisper, "vampires. Do you?"

[Leviathan]

Briar

The gnome looks from Tamara to the monument. "Interesting query... My initial thought is that this act bears a degree of pointlessness that is too high for vampires. However, possibility. Don't tell Morcaine, though; that one is a bulldog with fangs sunk into a preconceived notion of responsibility. To pursue inquiry further, ask the sheriff about incidents of disappearances recently."

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara giggles merrily at Briar's evaluation of Morcaine. Thrilled to know that she's not the only one who thinks the inquisitor is wound a bit tight, Tamara replies, "yeah, I'd say she has a stick up her bum, but it seems more like the whole tree. Asking the sheriff sounds like a great idea! I'll go there now!"

[Leviathan]

Briar

Briar frowns, her large eyes almost crossing in discomfort as she imagines Tamara's evaluation of Morcaine. "Ouch. Unpleasant. Fibrous nature of bark... nevermind." She winces. "Unpleasant," she repeats. "Let us find the sheriff and Morcaine."

[jjj54]

Taking in the evidence as it’s displayed, Benjan can’t really argue any or Morcaine’s findings. Though he held some suspicions, there was no chance that the trail could have been planted by the inquisitor. Though it’s still somewhat against his better judgment, Sheriff Caeller relents and approaches the shack. Tamara and Briar reach the rest of the group just in time to see Gibs storm out of his house, brandishing a pitchfork, his face flushed a deeper shade of crimson than had been seen any time before.

“I don’t know what lies these outsiders have been feeding you, but you can’t just storm a man’s home. It ain’t right!”

“Don’t do anything stupid now Gibs,” Benjan says carefully, waving the others back to give the frantic man some room, “Something weird is going on here Gibs. I know you… You might be an ass at times, but I know that you’re better than to go around skulking in the night. But the trail ends here, there’s no place left to look for clues.”

“But I love this town…” Gibs sputtered as his grip loosened on the pitchfork, “I… I just want things to be back to normal… No more of those dreams…”

Taking care to avoid the points on the pitchfork, Benjan took the tool from Gibs’ limp grasp and carried it back to the house and closer to the others. “I’ll look after him,” he whispered, “Make it quick but thorough, no telling when he’s going to get some fight in him again.”

After wards he went back to walk with a short distance away with Gibs and wait for the results of their search.

[stack]

Following the others into the cottage, Augustin once again feels of limited use, though less so in the closer confines. He whispers and touches his eyes, enhancing them to do what little he can in a search for clues. I am a priest, not an investigator. But I may be of some use yet.

detect magic, keeping it up till he has scanned the whole house. Aid another perception for the search [roll0]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric steps right behind Augustin. Detailed searching is not his forte, but he scans everything for possible emanations of evil.

O Sarenrae, let me see what others might miss.

Overall scan inside the house with detect evil. Also, aid another on Perception, just in case he gets lucky: [roll0]

[SanguinePenguin]

Tamara bounds into the house and starts touching things. She has been bored for most of the day after the initial excitement wore off. This was better... ACTION! Looking about rather thoroughly, but politely returning everything to, roughly, the proper place, she investigates for anything unusual - paying special note for anything indicative that Gibs may be either a vampire or a thrall to a vampire.

Perception: [roll0]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"I believe you, Gibs. If there's one thing I've seen about Ravengro it's that it's a very close community, like one big family. I want things to get back to normal too, especially since from what's been revealed by Petros. You were partially right. Petros himself wasn't a necromancer. But we believe he may have been murdered by some necromancers. His trips up to Harrowstone were his attempts to stop them, and then they killed him for interfering in whatever they were doing up there."

After saying this, she begins searching the hut and its environs.

Morcaine makes a Diplomacy check on Gibs, despite the fact that it likely won't help much.

[roll0]

Next she'll make a Perception check.

[roll1]

[Sarone]

Kaythek looks at Tamara and Morcaine start searching Gibs' home from the inside first and shakes his head, but doesn't voice his oppinion. I doubt Gibs would just let someone putsomething in his hut without his knowledge. Turning to Augustin and Ulric, Kaythek points in along the outside. "I'll check the outside. If you two sense anything, let the Sheriff know."

Looking to Gibs, Kaythek points towards the house. "Would you be willing to help me search? That way you can say that we aren't planting anything on the premises as well as help identify anything out of the ordinary."

Regardless is Kaythek gets help or not from Gibs, he'll be checking the ouside of the hut, with in arms length of underneath the hut, and any where someone can hid a container or something. He'll also be using his nose as well to smell any blood (even though there isn't any difference in perception roll, the amount of blood that was splashed would/should give off a strong odor).


Diplomacy to see if Gibs is willing to help [roll0]
Perception check [roll1] (1 for Skill Rank+3 for Class Skill+2 for Aid Another from Augustin)

[jjj54]

Stack, Gwynfrid: Your detects turn up nothing. If there was magic or evil here, it's long since passed.

Sarone, Arch: Gibs won't budge. He stays with Benjan.

It almost escapes your notice. Another small piece of white fabric that matches the one you found earlier, trapped under part of the log pile. As you clear them away it becomes apparent that it's connected to an entire nightgown, stained with splotches of crimson. Wrapped inside of it is a gleaming war razor and a wineskin with a tiny amount of blood inside.

[Sarone]

Kaythek took one look at the rolled up gown with the blood stains on it and bolted up right. Great, now Morcaine is going to be taking this to the extreme. But it's too late now. Taking a deep breath, Kaythek bellows out a yell. "SHERIFF! MORCAINE! GUYSL, GET OVER HERE AND BRING GIBS! I FOUND SOMETHING!"

Kaythek takes a step off to the side, ready to show the Sheriff what he had found. When they get into around to him, Kaythek points at the bloody nightgown. "Found this under the logs, Sheriff. Do you recognize it? What about you, Gibs?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine blinks. If that wasn't sufficient evidence, nothing was. She doesn't say anything.

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric says nothing. He just watches Gibs' face intently as he is confronted with the evidence.

Why would he do such a thing ? He said he had been dreaming. Could a nightmare such as the one we've had influence a weak mind this much ?

Another thing Ulric is wholly unqualified for, but anyway: Sense motive [roll0] - Oh well... Better stick to Diplomacy I guess...

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

Morcaine, on the other hand, is an expert at reading people, and looks to see Gibs' reaction.

Sense Motive: [roll0]

[Sarone]

(OOC: Let's see how I do on a Sense Motive check.)


SENSE MOTIVE [roll0]

[stack]

Augustin stands back, not wanting to insult the sheriff or foul his companions attempts to unravel the mystery. Seems unlikely Gibs would be party to this, but dark dreams and darker tiding beset this town. I know not what to expect.

[jjj54]

Gibs, the disbelief clear on his face, hesitates for a time before answering, “They’re mine… They’re all mine…”

“Are you sure?” Benjan asks, reaching for a pair of manacles.

“I am,” Gibs says finally, shrinking in on himself, “Caeller, I think I’m going mad…”

With the confirmation stated, Benjan binds Gibs’ hands behind his back. There is no joy in the resolution for him though. “I don’t know Gibs, I just don’t. I need to take you in now…”

Gibs doesn’t even nod. He just allows himself to be led away. Meanwhile, there is someone who does have something to say.

“I never would have expected this,” Mirta admits, dumbfounded.

“I might have,” Kendra replies, still a little bitter over Gibs’ actions yesterday.

“I would like to personally thank all of you on behalf of the town,” Mirta says, turning to the rest of you. “I think you have proven yourselves to be quite the asset today. I’m sorry for doubting you or your intentions before. If you still wish to investigate Harrowstone, I won’t stop you. But please wait until I can bring the matter up with the council. Something strange is going on here and the council may want to make your status as investigators a little more official.”

Arch, Sarone: He really is telling the truth. Those are his things, and he has no clue as to what is going on.

You’ve all earned 258 XP and gained 2 trust points.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Thank you, Councilwoman. If it's alright, I'd like to request permission to observe Gibs tonight. I have a lingering suspicion that while his hand definitely did this, it was not his will that guided it."

[stack]

Augustin shakes his head. Strange matters. What, or who, compelled him?

"Councilwoman, we, of course, would welcome a more official status. When will your be able to meet to discuss the matter? Also, I presume you would have no objection to us speaking to the priest regarding what we have found. We think he may be able to render some assistance."

[Sarone]

As the Sheriff takes Gibs into custody, Kaythek looks back down at the blood stained items. Something is wrong. Besides the mentor passing recently and the fact he believed the Whispering Way is involved, what else has changed recently? As Kaythek looked at the items, a sudden thought occurred to him, based on what Gibs had said. As improbable as it may be, I wonder...

Looking over to Morcaine and Augustin as they talk to the Councilwoman, Kaythek goes from another side of the debate. "Morcaince, Augustin, Gibs mentioned something about wanting the dreams to stop. That might be connected." Kaythek turns to the Councilwoman, before continuing. ""With what the Mentor suspected before he died and this, there's a chance that something happened at Harrowstone, ma'am. Since Morcaine and Kendra probably mentioned our suspicions, the people responsible aren't just some brigands that aim to steal some minor treasure. Can there be a discreet meeting between the council, Father Grimburrow, and the Sheriff? We might request access to information about Harrowstone as well as some other things."


Diplomacy for requesting a discreet meeting with the Council, the Sheriff, and Father Grimburrow tonight if possible [roll0]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"That seems for the best, Kaythek. We would handle the situation at Harrowstone on Ravengro's behalf. No sense in sending the town guard and causing a panic."

Making an Aid Another check to help Kaythek: [roll0]

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric

"I, too, believe the dreams he mentioned may be important. We all have had very vivid dreams last night. That may explain Gibs' strange behavior. For his sake, and ours, we should talk about this in more depth."

Aid another Diplomacy: [roll0]

[jjj54]

“That’s something you may have to ask Benjan,” Mirta answers about watching Gibs.

“As far as a discrete meeting goes, I’ll do my best. Convincing the rest of the council and Father Grimburrow to meet might not be possible before the end of the day. Also realize that this is a small town and rumor travels fast, so discretion may elude us for the time being.”

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Very well. Thank you. May the Inheritor's grace defend this town from malign influences this night."

[stack]

Augustin nods at the blessing. "Indeed. So, friends, shall we speak to Father Grimburrow regarding the...items...the professor spoke of? I am loathe to lose any time in the matter, not in the least because of the nightmares that I fear may afflict us again. We can present any findings to the council when we meet. Time seems to be of the essence, whatever we face has had some time since the professor wrote that note."

[Sarone]

Kaythek nods as the Councilwoman mentions the amount of time that might happen between then and a meeting with the council. "It's expected. Just the same, we should try to keep the rumors as low as possible. Just the same, would you approve of us going to see Father Grimburrow about what he knows of Harrowstone and the 'brigands'?"

At Augustin's suggestion, Kaythek nodded. "It will probably be for the best. Whether or not he approves of it, we're still going there before the prison. I just like to have his blessing on the matter before instead of after."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"As would I."

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric nods. "I agree. But, if we need discretion, it might not be a good idea to visit Father Grimburrow as such a large group of strangers ? We should maybe send a smaller delegation ?"

[Sarone]

Kaythek considers what Ulric says and thinks about what was going to happen today from last night. "As of last night, Augustin, Morcaine, Kendra, and myself were going to go see Father Grimburrow today before this showed up. Unless I'm mistaken, that is," Kaythek says, counting off each person and looking in thier direction.

[stack]

"I believe that was the case. I feel I should be among those who go regardless. He may be more willing to trust a coreligionist with the sanctity of the crypt, empty though we believe it."

[jjj54]

"I think Mirta might be right," Kendra added as Pevrin and the councilwoman took their leave; Pevrin to continue his tour of the posts and Mirta to set up the meeting. "Considering all that's happened so far, people are probably starting to take notice of you. Divided or together, I think that unless you intend to sneak about town at night the townsfolk will gossip about what you are up to."

"Otherwise, speaking to Father Grimburrow beforehand does sound like the best course of action. That way, if anything should be found in the crypt, we can at least bring what we've found to him to show that my father was correct about their presence."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Then let us not waste any more time. Let us find Father Grimburrow."

[Sarone]

"Likewise, we can see if he is willing to help us find out about the people who had died up at Harrowstone," Kaythek adds. "The Mentor said the brigands were after some one who was there. He believed it might have been someone held there."

[stack]

"Then let us be off. Kendra, would you be kind enough to lead the way?" Augustin holds out his arm once again.

Trying to be good about remembering the whole can't see past 30 ft" thing.

[jjj54]

"Of course Augustin," she says as she takes it.

Using the side path, across the river from the main portion of town, you make it to the elaborate temple with little trouble. If you take the time to look across the waters, you'd find a small crowd forming outside around the Ravengro jail. Not a lynch mob thankfully, but definately a crowd of people who are aghast at the news of Gibs' late night excursion. As you make your way up the church's steps an acolyte rushes out to greet you.

"Father Grimburrow told me that he'd be expecting a visit from you. This way please."

Inside the church is only lit by torches as the afternoon sun has past the stained glass mural of Pharasma's judgement. In the main antechamber Father Grimburrow waits for you along with his two most senior acolytes.

"Mirta told me about your help this morning with the desecration of the statue. I'm heading there myself to see to the proper cleansing of the site. She also mentioned that you might have something to speak with me about..."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"Kendra? Augustin? If you would?"

[Gwynfrid]

Ulric walks into the church along with the rest of the group, expecting to speak only if questioned.

Best to leave this to Augustin. It's a church matter, after all.

[stack]

Augustin steps forward. "Of course." He bows politely to Father Grimburrow.

"I am Augustin, of house Dragos, fellow servant of the Lady of Graves. As you know, my companions and I have been gathered here, as friends of the late Professor Lorrimar. In the reading of his will, dark tidings where uncovered."

<recap of journal>

"So you can understand our coming here, especially in light of this mornings events and the terrors that swept the dreams of the entire town last night. It is regrettable that the professor did not approach you directly in this matter. If there is any light you can shed on this matter, regarding the Whispering Way, Harrowstone, or the false crypt, it is of the utmost importance. With your permission, we would like to investigate this false crypt forthwith. Our findings shall be presented to the council meeting that is now being organized. I will personally insure that we will, of course, exercise all possible respect for the restlands."

diplomacy [roll0] can I get an aid another, possible a situation modifier for religion and being really nice, as well as a noble?

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Morcaine

"We understand if you may be hesitant, Father. If it turns out the Professor was wrong, what we would be doing could be considered desecration. Hence, why we came to you. The last thing any of us wish to do is offend Pharasma's holy will. As an Inquisitor, though not of your faith, I shall do my best to ensure no heresy is committed in this endeavor.

Morcaine will make a Diplomacy check of her own: [roll0]

Even if I get a 1 it'll still be better than Augustin's roll. :smalltongue:

[Sarone]

Kaythek half listened to Augustin's speech and recap of what was happening, taking in the architecture of the cathedral and staring at the stained glass window of a lady and someone kneeling before her. Hmm. Wonder what is the story behind that, wondered Kaythek, taking a moment to look at Father Grimburrow and the two fellow priests, all three of whom looked mildly annoyed at the Oracle's droning. He goes on much longer and the next Father will be buried.

Once Augustin was done, finally, Morcaine went on her spiel. However, unlike the previous times, she kept it short and sweet, which probably won over Father Grimburrow. Nodding at her delivery, Kaythek crossed his arms and leaned against a pillar, careful not to cause anything to fall over. "I believe it should be pointed out, Father, that the Mentor, Professor Lorrimor, already went in there, with or without your permission. By the same token, we are asking your blessing to go in the crypt, not permission, and eventually we'll be going to Harrowstone."

Kaythek looked at Morcaine and Augustin, sticking a thumb and emphasizing their point. "They want you permission to go in there." Kaythek then pointed his thumb to himself.
"Personally, I, myself, would just as well go in there in the middle of the night and get what is in there, if there was anything. But we don't need to make enemies of potential allies. If you'd like, you can have us be accompanied by a few of you fellow priests to ensure we don't desecrate the crypt. Doesn't much matter to me in the end."


Aid to Morcaine's Diplomacy Roll: [roll0]