Sera strains to read over the Devion's shoulder.
After his own turn at reading the entry, Hotrek frowns as he sets the book down.
"It looks like we may need to think up plans on how to go about accomplishing the late professor's wishes. It is almost certain that now those forces that is mentioned would certainly attempt to make their move." he states calmly.
_HRF.jpg)
Sirsi can't recall anything useful...
"If we're staying here for a while to ensure nothing happens to our host, we could at least spend some time reading..."
Answers for the Whispering Way have been posted under the campaign tab.
The Lorrimor's have an extensive, slightly grim, library.
Considering the other's words, Ysmerelda remains silent, obviously pensive at the revelations regarding her late friend & mentor's last days.
The dwarf sits down rather heavily.
"I see little recourse except the following. We ensure that the professor's last wishes are kept. We should see if any of the townsfolk here hold unfriendly designs on Kendra. In this We should fortify the house lest we have unpleasant visitors."
Taking a deep breath as he looks at the rest.
"We should also make ourselves known to the other townsfolk and at least strike up decent conversation with them and see if any one of them could tell us interesting things about this town like its history and notable news. It may also reveal other places for us to do research. We have about a month to find out more information and I'm guessing then that maybe the Professor's death has hidden more than what we can see."
Tapping his armor, leaning back and fingering his own journal.
"What do the rest of you think?"
"Aye, seems fair."
We should of course make certain that the family is safe, but I think that these books are what's going to put them at risk; the townsfolk probably won't actually try anything, but these Whispering Way creatures might if these books contain any information they don't want outsiders having. Or that they want for themselves. I think we should have a look through the books at the very least so we know more about them.
Sandalero will start reading "On Verified Madness"
Really?! My one knowledge skill & I effectively botch...
** spoiler omitted **Considering the other's words, Ysmerelda remains silent, obviously pensive at the revelations regarding her late friend & mentor's last days.
[dice=Know(religion)]1d20+7
[dice=Know(arcana)]1d20+5+2We should of course make certain that the family is safe, but I think that these books are what's going to put them at risk; the townsfolk probably won't actually try anything, but these Whispering Way creatures might if these books contain any information they don't want outsiders having. Or that they want for themselves. I think we should have a look through the books at the very least so we know more about them.
Sandalero will start reading "On Verified Madness"
The book seems to be an extensive treaties on aberrations, The Dark Tapestry, and the creatures from said dread place.
Firmly but cautiously grasping the razor-paged tome, Ysmerelda looks to the others. "This does not need to be out where simply anyone might...
peruse it."
Carefully wrapping it up, she places it within her own pack, which she then slings back over her shoulder. "If this...
Whispering Way, wants access to this tome, they can have it,
after I'm dead." Her previously smiling demeanor is now a dead-measured, implacable calm.
Deivon nods. "It would be best to find a place to... protect people from it. Just looking at it should make most people shy away, but some folks..."[./b] His hand goes to his holy symbol. [b]"Well, sometimes curiosity is a really bad thing. And I agree, we should meet with some of the locals, inform them we'll be staying. Not too much detail, but enough to keep them from asking questions they shouldn't."
He scratches his chin. "And if miss Lorrimor has been left in our charge, it is our duty to make sure these locals don't do anything they would soon regret, yes?"
Hotrek smacks his axe haft in his hands in response.
"They can try...oh they can try."
Considering the arrogance of her words, Ysmerelda's expression takes a sheepish cast. "Perhaps it would be better if I-
if we were to prepare ourselves, to be more certain of the actual threat, or possible lack." Having said so, Ysmerelda begins perusing the late professor's library in hopes of locating another tome which might aid in investigating Professor Lorrimor's concerns.
Sirsi will have flick through the book "Serving your Hunger".
Considering the arrogance of her words, Ysmerelda's expression takes a sheepish cast. "Perhaps it would be better if I-
if we were to prepare ourselves, to be more certain of the actual threat, or possible lack." Having said so, Ysmerelda begins perusing the late professor's library in hopes of locating another tome which might aid in investigating Professor Lorrimor's concerns.
You can take 10 after about a minutes thought. Researching in the Professors library will take several hours but may grant a bonus depending on the information sought.
Sirsi will have flick through the book "Serving your Hunger".
Notations in what look like the Professors writing adorn the side of the pages.
Seraphine has been quietly reading the journal, thinking intently.
Finally, she speaks.
"The Whispering Way is a cult, an organization. Dealing in necromancy. And the Whispering Tyrant was one of them." she says solemnly. "If they are after the books and this family, we can expect the undead. Frequently."
Kendra sits on the bed wrapping her arms around her stomach.
Her face a clearly showing a mixture of fear and uncertainty.
Kendra: What should I do? This has been my home for as long as a can remember. Juniors other grand father lives here. So I know will help protect us.
Sighs deeply and put her hands over her eyes.
"If it is your will that you stay here, we will certainly stay at least the month as well. Such a span of time will tell us more of what there is to be dealt with." Ysmerelad consoles.
"Don't worry, we'll get on it, I'm sure we can face whatever comes.
There are six of us, two should keep watch here, make sure nothing happens while the others can run errands. I suggest the first duty is to get the more sociable of us out and asking questions in town, see if we can uncover any plots against the professor's family."
Hotrek examines the doors, windows and hinges.
"Me thinks, some tinkering may be needed. Making the doors and windows stronger might serve to keep unwanted vistors away and we may want to stock up on slashing and blunt weapons." Hotrek suggests.
"Making friends with the townsfolk maybe a good bet and also gain us more information though I not be the most social of people."
Her expressive features compressed as she considers Sirsi's words & Hotrek's observations, Ysmerelda turns once more to Kendra. "Gibs? A friend of the family? Or?.."
Kendra:Gibs is my late husbands Father, we often meet at church and he is often over for dinner and such.
"Will we meet him tonight?"
She pauses for a moment to think No, he should be at Zokar`s tavern, The Laughing Demon. He normally has a few pints and plays several games of chess or Risen against the Living. He will be at the gazibo in the morning. He is the barber for our village.
"Perhaps I will meet him tonight then. I was thinking a walk might do me some good. It was a very long carriage ride & I still feel a few twinges." Though Ysmerelda's statement is definitive, her demeanor implies that she would not hold it against Kendra if her hostess were to request that Ysmerelda stay.
Kendra smiles widely, We have an open tab there, feel free to make use of it if you wish. Father was fond of the Pharasman Penance, he cooked up with Zokar a few years back. Sadly, we with littles must go to bed a bit earlier. Juinor takes after his father and wakes the moment sunlight enters the room.
Smiling nervously at Kendra's obvious amusement, Ysmerelda makes her goodbyes for the evening. Looking about at the others, she pauses long enough for any who wish to accompany her before proceeding out the door, giving an appropriate farewell to the other members of the household as she does so.
Granny waves on the way out, Careful not to break any boy's hearts down there little one!
"Aye, I'll come with you, probably best if we don't travel alone anyway."
Sirsi rises to accompany Ysmerelda.
Hotrek waves them away as he watches those who wishes to leave, leave.
Taking out his journal, his quill and finding ink, he begins writing once more. Starting from the funeral, the interruption, finding of the late professor's will, requests and the locked chest. The need to protect Kendra for a month and to find out more about this rather sinister cult.
"I'll come too!"
She goes to grab something out of her bag, then joins the others.
Smiling, Ysmerelda answers Granny's jibe, "Én nem megtörni szíveket. Már ismert, hogy csalódást a fiatalember, vagy húsz, de nem megtörni szíveket. " At the door, she nods to the two other young women before making her way North.
She will nod & smile at the young watchmen in acknowledgement as they pass. At the Laughing Demon, she will hail Zokar, and look for a space she & the others can sit, stand or however they are appropriately occupied. While there, she will look around for anyone who looks like he might be related to 'Junior'.
Granny cackles hearty as you leave.
Granny Same for you little red head!
The Tavern is full, but quite large finding seats is easy.
Zokar waves as you enter and his son heads for you to see to your needs.
Gibbs is sitting in a corner with an older women, both have their heads down over a chess board. About a dozen people surround them, loudly placing bets and drinking.
The mood of the persons around you is cool, they seem to go out of their way to give you extra space and few greet you.
As the younger Elkarid approaches, "What do you recommend?" Ysmerelda inquires.
Sirsi will sense motive on crowd as well, try and get a feel for the place.
if the Sense Motive doesn't lead me to believe it's an really bad idea, Sirsi will buy a beer, and head over the chess board, betting on Gibbs.
The younger Elkarid quickly rattles off a long list of drinks starting
from easiest to palate to more agressive brews, ending with the Pharasman
Penance, created by a local wizard "wink, wink" and his father.
The group quickly makes space for Sirsi as she moves over.
The two pay the crowd no mind as they deliberately move their pieces, then turn a sand filled timepiece and glare at their opponent in satisfaction.
Multiple coppers change hands at each turn of the glass, punctuated with sighs and laughter, depending on the direction of the exchange.
"I think the Pharama's Penance sounds good, laying the money down on the counter.
She will then go to Sirsi's side.
"I think the Pharama's Penance sounds good, laying the money down on the counter.
She will then go to Sirsi's side.
Zokar raises both eyebrows at your choice of drinks, but quickly serves you the tall mug filled with clear, white and black liquid.
A Scribbling of parchment fills the room as Hotrek slowly but deftly records down the day's events and what they have found. Their suspicions and what they needed to do seem to weigh his quill down more than it should but he finishes it.
Looking at his entry for the day, he looks at the home. It was cosy to be sure but now...especially now. It needed a dwarven touch. Setting off to find some tools to prepare the house to be stronger.
Safety after all had to be made. Who else better to do forifications than a dwarf?
Lord Adrissant seemly materializes in the seat next to Ysmerelda.
He nods his head toward Gibbs.
Interesting man, that one. Earlier today he is part of a mob set to burn Petro's corpse. Now, here he sits, playing a game of chess not more than a few candlemarks later. What think you of this, Light of the Rose?
The game finishes as Gibbs moves his knight into a checkmate position, causing his opponents face to darken to a deep shade of scarlet.
As he crosses his arms across his chest and leans back, chuckling, he seems to notice the three newcomers.
The defeated women huffs off, grumbling loudly as she moves to the bar.
Starting slightly, Ysmerelda inclines her head in response to Lord Adrissant's statement. "I do find it a bit odd...
Particularly as he shares at least a measure of kinship with Professor Lorrimor."
"Had I realized the...
correspondence between the man at the Restlands & the man described to me by Madam Lorrimor...
Well,
I would have had a somewhat different goal in mind in coming here this evening."
Turning now to face the lord directly, she adds. "And yourself? By your words & your actions earlier today this," spreading her hands to indicate the tavern & by extension the town about it, "seems a far cry from how you frequent your evenings."
Adrissant All to true. My Lady Mother and I were in Lepidstadt when the news arrived.
We quickly made Our way here to attend the funeral, but it was delayed until you and yours arrived.
We are saddened by the loss of our friend and teacher, but grateful to move on to other business.
It will prove tremendously challenging to find a man of his caliber and morality to aid us once more in our goals.
Truly a tragic thing to occur. Such a mundane end for the man.
"Allen zijn geboren, allen sterven." Ysmerelda whispers to herself at Lord Adrissant's words.
"Your goals?" She queries, smiling invitingly.
Quite, indeed yes.
He leans back, sipping from his tankard as he looks you in the eye.
Well, bluntly put, we have an interest in the history of this land and its peoples.
We often funded the Professors, occasional ill fated, expeditions within Ustalav.
He located dangerous, but enlightening pieces of our history.
Little bits that bring back a portion of the past, things that shed light or insight into events from long ago.
Some of the darker bits made their way into our possession for our of study.
Someday, we hope to amass enough knowledge to enlighten our homeland of their tremendous past, and learn the secrets to keep the dead at rest.
Maybe even find and end to...him.
"Him?". Ysmerelda answers, her brow arced quizzically.
His returning smile is slight and grim.
Within the City of Adorak rises The Gallowspire.
Adorned with the chained and impaled bodies of hundreds of failed heroes, chanting songs of madness and death.
They praise him, even as they whisper their dark words, defending him with blades and the chains that hold them slave to the tower.
Within his tower..tomb...prison he waits.
Some say sleeping, others plotting.
Banished and battled to it's gates the Shining Crusade locked him within and beneath with great silver seals.
Not destroyed, barely vanquished for now.
The Whispering Tyrant...
Tar-Baphon.
That chill in your spine, in the night...this night.
That is him.
Just south from us. Little more than a few days ride.
The beast that battled Aroden and survives him now. How much grander would our homes be with out him?