Carrion Crown: The Haunting of Harrowstone [IC]

[lostsole31]

Your host - Kendra Lorrimor - feels awkward about the whole breaking into a crypt concept, regardless of her father's mention, because for the time being she still lives here and doesn't want trouble with Father Grimburrow.

Is there anyone who is going to force the issue and go out by themselves regardless tonight? or are you tabling this for the respectful approach? This is mainly for Abrax, and the waffling Razvan, I think.

[Kvard51]

”I would not want to cause you trouble or distress, lady. I will abide.”. Abrax says, sheepishly. He had not considered the possible repercussions the Professor’s daughter might face for his rashness.

[Moriar]

Razvan nods to Abrax and hearing no arguments from anyone else, "then we shall wait until tomorrow to visit the temple."

[lostsole31]

After dinner, while Kendra shows the others how to play "Whist" with cards, Mr. Evans taps Marius to come with him.

Mr. Evans will show Marius his private area, complete with fully stocked alchemical laboratory. He makes it clear that this is his private sanctum, and Marius (or anyone else for that matter) is not to intrude unless escorted (such as now).

Mr. Evans will show Marius a variety of means of testing blood, though admittedly the blood taken was limited in amount, dried out, and exposed to the elements for > 12 hours. Unfortunately, though Marius proves an able apprentice to someone who appears to have master-level alchemical skill ... as a majordomo in a bumpkin town, at that ... the sample is too small and deteriorated to provide what was needed and the results are inconclusive.

---

Wealday, 23 Calistril 4711 AR
(Temp: 60/40F; Precipitation: up to 1/2" rain; Dry)

A new day! Any changes to lineups? (I already have Zauberei's.)

[BuckGodot]

Since there has been mention of possibly venturing out as a group, Othello will alter his lineup to bring his party aids online.

Spoiler: Don't crush that dwarf. Hand me the pliers...

Show

Exchange Primal Wrath with Encouraging Roar

[Moriar]

After breakfast, Razvan readies himself and then announces:

"This may be overly cautious but we should travel as a group. Situations may escalate quickly, though hopefully not with the locals. Let us head over to the temple and see what we can find out."

Spoiler: town trip

Show

Leaving behind his backpack and it's contents for now

[BuckGodot]

After breakfast, Razvan readies himself and then announces:

"This may be overly cautious but we should travel as a group. Situations may escalate quickly, though hopefully not with the locals. Let us head over to the temple and see what we can find out."

Spoiler: town trip

Show

Leaving behind his backpack and it's contents for now

"But would a band of armed strangers marching through town not be seen as provocative?"

[Ason]

Marius broods quietly during dinner, wondering what danger the blood graffiti so soon after their arrival portends. At the discussion of breaking into the temple, however, the young man does nod his head at Othello's words and the group's eventual conclusion to politely ask the priests in the morning.

His face perks up as Kendra offers to teach her guests Whist, but the invitation to accompany Mr. Evans at work quickly entices him away. When their efforts fail, Marius glumly notes in his report to the group, "It was a longshot: failure was almost assured from the outset. Still, it was disappointing."

As the group debates while preparing to leave for the temple, Marius interjects, "Pardon me, but could we not simply leave the larger weapons and gear here until after we're done at the temple and pick it up en route to Harrowstone? That seems the most practical solution, considering their skittishness yesterday."

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Same extracts prepared as the day before: Cure Wounds, Ant Haul, 3 open slots

Maneuvers are changed: no longer preparing Minute Hand or Spilled Salt; now preparing Ghost-Hunting Blow and Strike the Hourglass

[Kvard51]

Abrax enjoys learning Whist, as he does anything that tests his mind. He laughs along with the others, but part of his mind continues to mull the reception he received at the Pharasman temple. His brutish face is hard to read, though. So it's unlikely anyone would notice his frustration. Towards midnight he stands and stretches, looking at Kendra, "The hour is growing late, Lady, so I will turn in. Thank you for a peaceful evening. If it pleases you, might I have the use of paper and pen? I would like to put some thoughts down and did not bring any with me on this journey.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Assuming Kendra provides the paper and pen, Abrax will use his Automatic Writing Skill Unlock before he goes to sleep. He will ask three questions.

1. Was the Professor's death murder?
2. Is something nefarious taking place at the Pharasman Temple?
3. Are the Catacombs the place to seek answers?

[lostsole31]

Kendra doesn't provide pen and paper, but she does provide ink, "inkpen" (quill and nib), and parchment.

Abrax begins his automatic writing. The first two he knows are "pushed" questions, and he isn't even into them. They are question that weigh on his mind, but are outside of the purview of the "is this good/ bad?" that he has had vague success with in the past. It's on the third question where the nature of his psychic power does lend itself to automatic writing. When Abrax is finished, even though he is sure he phrased the question in his mind very well, there is nothing but gibberish. His automatic writing has failed. Tired, he retires to bed.

Abrax, you "catch up" to the timeline with everyone else. Will you be preparing or doing anything particular, and what will you be leaving at the house?

[SwordChucks]

Not wanting to upset the Pharasmins by seeming belligerent, Hargrimm leaves behind most of his equipment. Knowing it will be difficult to convince the priests, he prepares Eagle's Splendor and casts it on himself just before entering the temple.

"I want to do everything here by the book, but asking Folgrit for help never hurts." he says as to the party as a form of explanation.

Spoiler: Preparations

Show

Leaving behind everything but cleric's vestments, money pouch, spell component pouch, and holy symbol.

During spell preparation: trade out a Burst of Radiance for Eagle's Splendor.

[lostsole31]

The PCs (and just the PCs, as Wren stays behind) leave for the Temple of Pharasma.

So, especially with his eagle's splendor, Hargrimm is hands down your best talker (for honest dealings, at least). After that, his fellow dwarf Othello is the best backup. Anyone else can mention stuff to those two, but if everyone tries to get a word in edgewise, it will hurt you, not help you, as it is just a riot of people talking at that point.

Hargrimm, this is not being RP'd out to the nth degree. I just want you to present your case of ONE request, and ONE request only .... because different requests are separate and MAY NOT BE PIGGYBACKED. Give 2-5 sentences asking for what you want (the one thing, not the many). If you want to make a second request for something different, make sure to keep that in a clearly separate paragraph.

Othello, if you want to aid him, you may. Same thing, but maybe only 2-3 sentences. Remember, you are assisting. All eyes/ ears are not on you, you are just helping out the guy who is the main talker. Also, same thing as above, you may only assist regarding one request at a time.

[Moriar]

On the way to the temple, Razvan will mention: " In this hopefully upcoming dealings I recognize that you too are better with using words nicely. Though if you need to use my position in the church to boost our cause this you are welcome to do so. If you need me to speak up let me know.

It seems like we do want access to their records but it sounds like our short term goal is access to the restlands and anything related to harrowstone perhaps?

Before we get there does anyone have better suggestions or goals?"

Spoiler: watching

Show

During the walk and at the church Razvan will concentrateon his sense and knowledge skills to notice and evaluate.

If possible detect undead in the town and at church but ok if not possible to do as well.

[SwordChucks]

"Thank you Razvan. If you could make sure to display your holy symbol prominently, that might help." Hargrimm says without breaking stride. His spell is short lived and the conversations might be long, so he makes sure not to dally.

"Greetings. My fellows and I have need of some supplies to defend against spirits your temple may not be aware they stored awhile back. It is located in a false crypt in the Restlands, and with your permission we would like to put them to good use in Pharasma's name." Hargrimm says while motioning to Razvan.

"Relatedly, we'd also like to look over the temple's records of those lost in the Harrowstone fire. It would help us a great deal in our investigation of the recent defacement of the monument. We've been looking into that on behalf of Sheriff Caeller."

[BuckGodot]

"My associate is correct. It would be our honour to help the good denizens of your community and these items would be a valuable resource in our quest."

He pauses and waits while Hargrimm adds on and then says, "We would of course respect your rules regarding the records and be quite respectful and expedient. We would be gone before we caused any disruption."

[lostsole31]

Concerning the first part, a Pharasmin clerk will forward the request to Father Grimburrow (who is not to be disturbed at this time), but she will not give you the authority, citing that if it is in the Restlands and it is not part of a proper grave, it belongs to the local rector of the Pharasmin church overseeing that cemetery to disburse or withhold as necessary.

Concerning the second part, after returning from seeing Father Grimburrow in a private chamber, "Ms. Lorrirmor's friends" ARE given the right to conduct research. It seems that after this morning's revelation of vandalism and the fact that you seem to determine to likely show up everyday, hopefully this will be what you need to do look up what you need and be done instead of bothering the proper daily running of the church by taking up various acolytes' time.

Now that the group in its entirety is allowed to conduct research .... what is each person going to research? It will be assumed that if you are researching something you will likely be doing so together if you choose the same topic.

[Tippnick]

Zauberei will look for those who died in the Harrowstone Prison fire.

[SwordChucks]

Hargrimm will look into the cause of the fire and if there was an investigation afterwards.

[Moriar]

"Othello, perhaps we could directly seek an audience with the Father. Either through your use of niceties or my less subtle path we need to talk with him. Agreed?"

[Tippnick]

Zauberei also will surreptitiously check on what info the Pharasmans have about Professor Lorrimor and his death.

[BuckGodot]

"Othello, perhaps we could directly seek an audience with the Father. Either through your use of niceties or my less subtle path we need to talk with him. Agreed?"

Othello nods his agreement.

[Ason]

Marius will attempt to aid Hargrimm in his research into the fire's origins and aftermath.

[Kvard51]

"I guess I'll try to find out if that "V" in blood means something." Abrax says, looking meaningfully at the clerk, "Unless we think my time would be better spent looking into the next letter?"

[lostsole31]

Razvan and Othello will try to seek an audience with Father Grimburrow, but they will be rebuffed because Father Grimburrow is not at the Temple right now, out doing errands for today. They add nothing to today's research (but see below).

Abrax has an impossible task, by trying to look into the whole "V" thing, as he will meet with whatever his imagination leads him on that might have a letter "V," lacking anything actionable to work on. He spends the morning just reading randomly. He adds to nothing for today's research.

Okay, so Zauberei and Hargrimm are looking into Harrowstone and the prison fire, the cause of the fire, and any after-investigation.

And Zauberei will be by himself to check what the temple has regarding Professor Lorrimor and his death, if the first investigation bears fruit but no further research.

---

Zauberei, Hargrimm proves an able assistant, passably competent in the realm of history. Marius, on the other hand, ends up just taking the lead from Zauberei, having insights that exceed Zauberei's more steady research. And the Temple of Pharasma's library is as Kendra mentioned, and incredible resource. You learn everything that Othello was able to recall regarding Harrowstone yesterday...

• 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 AR. 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.

... but you also learn more!

At the time Harrowstone burned, five particularly notorious criminals had recently arrived at the prison. While the commonly held belief is that the tragic fire began accidentally after the riot began, in fact the prisoners had already seized control of the dungeon and had been in command of the lower level for several hours before the fire. Warden Hawkran triggered a deadfall to seal the rioting prisoners in the lower level, but in so doing trapped himself and nearly two dozen guards. The prisoners were in the process of escaping when the panicked guards accidentally started the fire in a desperate attempt to end the riot.

Marius, Zauberei and Hargrimm are pretty convinced that they have found as much as they are going to find regarding Harrowstone itself.

Meanwhile, Razvan and Othello are "delegated" to search for the other bit Zauberei was going to seek out ... and basically have nothing special regarding Lorrimor's death other than publicly listed means of death, date, and then subsequent burial. They are pretty sure there is nothing else to find. No "church secret" ... and if there was, it wouldn't likely be here.

This day of research is done, and the party is shooed from the Temple so the acolytes can all go do their various cleanup and get ready for evening meal. Note, the party is shooed, not "in process of being shooed," and there is no further thing any protestations can give them, unless they actually try to start a fight with the power of "PC glow."

Does the party return to Lorrimor Place for dinner?

[Moriar]

Razvan would like to leave a message asking for the Father to come by Kendras home where we are staying or to let him know when he would be available.

Then he is fine going back to the house for dinner.

[BuckGodot]

Othello is always ready to eat so is keen to return to the Lorrimor Place.

[Tippnick]

Zauberei always welcomes a meal after a bit of study. He will head home and will thank the clerks for their help.

[SwordChucks]

Hargrimm uses the walk to Lorrimor Manor to let his eyes adjust to something other than cramped script. His rumbling stomach helps guide his feet to the dinner table.

[Kvard51]

Abrax follows the others, a look of disgust on his face. He perks up when he walks in and smells dinner.

[Ason]

While walking home for dinner with the rest of the party or perhaps over dinner itself, Marius discretely shares once they have some privacy once again, "An idea came to me while browsing the Lady of Graves' libraries: Razvan, you said Professor Lorrimor's journal mentioned a 'Whispering Way' cult, no? Does that name ring any bells for anyone? I'm unsure how or why, but the Professor believed the cabal were linked to Harrowstone. I would have asked the priests myself today, but I knew my mentioning necromancy to stalwart foes of undeath would not end well. At best, our two resident Pharasmans might broach the subject with Father Grimburrow, but given the locals' ongoing mistrust and our own lack of contextual knowledge on the cult's link to the town and prison, even that would likely backfire horribly."

Having proposed but then immediately put down his own idea, Marius bites his lip in frustration while thinking through his new question in addition to all the other things they learned today.