DM Are's "Wild Child" Carrion Crown

Game Master Are

Waking from an unsettling dream, after a few moments of confusion you realize that this is the morning of Professor Petros Lorrimor's burial. Having made your way towards Ravengro, the farming town where the Professor lived his final years, ever since you heard of his death and the date set for his burial, now only the final trek along the road between Lake Lias and Redwool River remains.

Just before noon, a bend in the road finally reveals your destination ahead. The idyllic town rests on both sides of the river, with numerous fertile fields and orchards liberally sprinkled within and nearby, while on a hill south of the town stands a looming building surrounded by stone walls.

Before reaching the town proper, the road passes by a large, well-tended cemetery. A few hundred feet ahead, at the corner of the cemetery closest to the town, a small group of people has gathered around a coffin; a woman in her mid-twenties, a teenaged boy standing close to a middle-aged man, two older men, and a middle-aged woman. While all are somber and mournful, the youngest woman seems the most distraught.

Those who spent a decent amount of time with the Professor may recall him speaking of his daughter Kendra, who would now be close to the youngest woman's age.

I'm assuming you're all arriving at mostly the same time; some of you may have travelled parts of the way together, or noticed eachother travelling in the same direction.

Bran will have traveled to the destination alone, he is a barbarian from the wilds of Varisia, not keeping a lot of company. Also, he will arrive last if no one protests that their character arrives last.

Bran pauses in place as he sees the gathering in the distance, a small, somber looking crowd gathered around a simple coffin at the corner of the cemetery.

"Gotta be on my best behavior..", he says as though talking to someone, "..gotta be strong for Kendra."

After the brief self-motivator he wrings his hands in anxiety, pulls out a small flask of Pharasman brew, and takes a gulp. Bran swallows, looks resolutely in the direction of the crowd, puts the flask away, and continues walking toward the gathering.

Narah feels delight when the town eventually comes in sight. Even though wearing armor to assist troops in-fields belonged to the training of every cleric, even that of a Calistrian, she has only relatively recently started to see the necessity and the weight of her equipment was insanely tiring.

Consequently, after the first few hours of the travel, during which she made all kinds innuendos and jokes regarding that lively night in the tavern, she became more and more silent. And during the last two or three miles her thoughts were exclusively with Professor Lorrimor.

Nevertheless she tries to come to some resemblance of posture as she approaches the group. “A good day, I wish you, despite the sad occasion. Is this the gathering for Professor Lorrimor's funeral? I am Narah an'Aras of the clergy of Calistria and my fellow travellers are Morthos, paladin of Iomedae and the Mendev Crusade, Maia Silndra Rose of the elven folk and – in large parts thanks to the late professor – wizardess, the remarkably far traveled Daniel Chelas.” She adjusts the fit of her backpack slightly. “If it is so I would like to express my deepest condolences for the loss of this great man who made all our lives safer and richer...” Hopefully she hasn't picked the wrong funeral party now, that would be quite embarressing. Still the wealth of the participants and their dignity does about fit – it is a farewell to a more than ordinary person all those people gathered for.

And she hopes she can drop her gear and change to the funeral dress she brought all the long way, before it commences. The cool wind over the graveyard plays remarkably intensely with her strange translucent hair as though it wished to express its sadness as well.

I don't think that Narah will know Kendra personally - the professor wouldn't have introduced an acquaint priestess of Calistria to his own daughter, but he might have talked about her and her case. Narah would definitely have asked him about his wife, or even offered counsel regarding his love life, though. Sorry, didn't see Bran's post when I wrote this.

Bowing as Narah introduced him, Morthos straightened his golden hair from the road.

"My lady, blessings of the inheritor upon you and your family in this time of grieving." He says with heart felt sadness.

Morthos adjusts his armor, making sure it is all in order for the funeral. "Your father was a great man and a friend."

Bran, seeing the familiar faces of Narah, Morthos, Maia, and Daniel, quickens his pace as he realizes he may get to the ceremony late.

Upon arriving he exchanges quiet hellos, then addresses Kendra.

"You must be the lovely Kendra. Your father spoke highly of you. He was a great man; knowledgeable, quick witted, and kind. He will be missed by many. My condolences and strength to you and your family in this time."

One of the "proper" things that Bran never lost during his transformation, from learned wealthy boy to middle-lower class adult barbarian, was his speaking. Although he may not be the brightest crayon in the box, his words defy his barbarian look.

Daniel nods at Kendra as a polite greeting.
"Hello miss Kendra. I'm sorry for your loss. Your father was a good man to be around. A man you'd be happy to call dad."

Subject of study, i changed it to undead instead of devil.
Also, opposed to my thin background connection the other time, i'd say this is a tweak. Daniel, after his "escape", met the late professor on his travels. Being a city grown who's never set foot outside of the city prior to his family incident, the countryside and the wilds can be a confusing and dangerous, if unaccustomed, place to be. The professor shared stories about things he'd seen and done prior to that current "expedition".

"Welcome to you all," Kendra begins her greeting to the new arrivals, her emotions - near equal parts curiosity, sadness, and relief - clear as day in her red, puffy eyes. "Thank you so much for coming, and for your kind words. With the way things are in town these days, I was worried that the few of us here would be the only ones paying their respects to my father."

She comes to each of you in turn, shaking your hands while introducing those present. "I recognize your names from my father's will and his stories, but unless I was very young at the time, I don't believe I've met any of you. I'm Kendra Lorrimor, the Professor's daughter." She indicates the two older men, "This is Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, and Councilman Gharen Muricar beside him." The middle-aged man and teenaged boy are introduced as "Tavernkeeper Zokar Elkarid and his son, Pevrin," leaving the middle-aged woman for last, "and this is Jominda Fallenbridge, Ravengro's apothecary." Each of the five murmur greetings, but none among them seem inclined to speak much at such an occasion.

"I would like to hear your stories of my father, but that will have to wait. Father Grimburrow already waits at the grave.." Her voice breaks, and she takes a deep breath to compose herself before continuing. "If any of you wish to change before the procession, you can use the small chapel there." She indicates a small building close to the cemetery, then hesitates for a few moments. "Do any of you wish to join in carrying his coffin to the grave?"

Narah nods to the individuals as they are introduced. This is indeed a company much smaller than what she would have expected for a man of such renown as the professor. She also wonders why a woman like Kendra – young, in full blossom and thus gifted by Calistria – would have to come alone, without a partner. But then, Narah wouldn't be surprised if Kendra was too much like her father to even consider having children and starting a family.

Narah looks in concern at the young woman, touches her shoulder softly. “I'll join you again as soon as can.” She makes as much haste as she can without sacrificing her dignity as she rushes for the little chapel.
–
The sun may have travelled only a few fingers wide by the time she comes back, wearing a simple, yet elegant long dress made of black velvet. The heavy black cloth makes her almost white skin stand out oven more. She seems to have left most of her equipment in the chapel and her steps are considerably lighter now, and even though the cloth may be thick it sways around her as she moves.

Silently she joins the others – she would prefer carrying the coffin to the men and steps, as a stranger, to the end of the little procession.

Just in case it should ever matter - she still carries her whip under the skirt.

Bran lifts his chin in acknowledgement, "I will certainly help carry the coffin." Bran moves into position about the middle on one side of the coffin, assigning himself to take on the bulk of the weight for one side.

"I'll help as well. The professor helped me when i needed it most."
Daniel takes the position on the opposite side of Bran.

Morthos nodded to Kendra and followed Narah to the chapel, where he changed from his armor and weapon into a high collared longsleeved silk shirt with silver filigree, black breeches and black leather boots. He then took up the coffin behind Daniel.

Maia bounces up to kendra.

hello. Your father was a lovely man ken, I think we will all miss him. Surely my raven will miss his visits and long talks into the night. I would like to but I fear I would be no help

Narah's touch seems to almost lift a burden off the other woman's shoulders, and she gratefully accepts the men's aid. The three other grown men present take up the remaining three spots around the coffin, and Kendra assumes her position in front of the procession. As a final preparation before crossing the threshold into the cemetery and beginning the slow walk of the funeral procession, all the townsfolk draw a spiral sign above their hearts with one finger.

***

The funeral procession slowly winds its way along a gravel pathway, when suddenly about a dozen surly looking fellows, several of them carrying some type of farm tool displayed in a threatening fashion, step out of hiding behind a mausoleum to block the procession's path. An elderly man, tallest among them, steps forward to confront Kendra.

"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!"

Kendra's somber sadness swiftly transforms into anger as she responds, and you can tell that the group of farmers grows increasingly agitated as the conversation continues. "What are you talking about? I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He's waiting for us! The grave's already been.."

The man cuts her off mid-sentence. "You don't get it, woman! We won't have a necromancer buried in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still can. Folks are pretty upset about this right now."

"Necromancy!? Are you really that ignorant?"

***

Anyone can step in at any point during the conversation; the increasing agitation makes it likely that the confrontation could easily transform into a physical one.

Setting the coffin down safely requires full-round actions from the bearers; the three other men don't seem strong enough to carry it on their own if Bran, Daniel, and Morthos all let go without doing so.

"Gentlemen, please!" Narah steps forward towards the men, half covering Kendra, without blocking her sight. "Professor Lorrimor was an educated man, and I know he did many things that must occur strange to you. But I can assure that he spent his life fighting the evils of this world. Not with a sword but with his mind! There are many people who had to face evil whom he helped getting rid of the curses they were struck with. He was not a cleric, but the gods were with him and whatever he did, he brought knowledge and understanding for the cause of good! Let this mourning woman bury her father in these grounds and I swear by Calistria and in the light of Sarenrae" Narah makes some great gestures showing her devotion to the gods above and looks for a moment into the sky.

"I will listen to the concerns that leads to this misunderstanding. Your ancestors may be honored to rest besides a man who fought for those around him, even if his actions were at times difficult to understand, with such compassion and devotion and he will be good company to them! And if you don't want to take my word..." she nods to Morthos "this man here is a paladin of Iomedae, a man who fought the demons of the World Wound tirelessly and as a sworn enemy of all evil, with his sword his soul an his life. He won't tolerate undead let alone their creation in his wake, and neither would any of us. Why don't you ask him why he carries the good professor's coffin?"

That is about the longest impromptu speech Narah has ever made. She can only hope it works and her strange appearance in the eyes of those superstitious backwater pawns didn't even make it worse. But to accuse Lorrimor of necromancy was the most unjust and ridiculous thing she ever heard, and she didn't have to fake the passion with which she spoke.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

To Kendra she adds half loud, but not whispered: "Address them with their names and try to remind them of things that bind your families, please."

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 (Is the gesture the men make a religious one that looks familiar to me?)

***

Narah's words quickly calm the farmers, several among them looking away in shame as she speaks of the Professor's deeds. None among them are able to meet Morthos's eyes when she suggests that they ask him, and when Narah suggests to Kendra that she speak of things the Professor did for their families, the leader holds out his hands defensively.

"No, no, miss Kendra, that won't be necessary. A mistake, that's all. You go on, now. The lady is right. It's.. Well.. We won't bother you no more."

Dispersing as swiftly as they appeared, the path ahead is once again clear, although a few of the prospective thugs shoot venomous glances in the procession's direction as they leave.

Kendra lets out a deep breath, touching Narah's arm gratefully. "Thank you. I.. I don't have your skill with words. Ever since my father's death, the mood in town has grown worse, but I didn't think anyone would go this far." She sighs, then continues leading the procession the final stretch towards the grave.

***

Awaiting the procession is an old, stern-faced priest standing at the head of the open grave, while a pair of young, strong-looking men stand close by. Once the coffin has been lowered to the ground beside the grave, the priest smiles encouragingly to Kendra, then begins his sermon.

"We are gathered here today, to deliver Professor Petros Lorrimor into our Lady's hands, as she delivered him from his mother's womb so many years ago. Though he was taken from us suddenly, the life he lived was long and rich of experiences, which will provide our Lady with all she needs to judge his soul and determine his final destination." He begins a ritualistic chant and pulls out a ceremonial dagger, using it to draw shapes in the air and periodically touching it to the coffin's lid. Once the ritual is complete, he looks up and steps aside. "The Professor was succeeded in life by his daughter Kendra, who I now invite to speak a few words."

A teary-eyed Kendra walks forward. "Thank you all once again for coming. I know my father would appreciate it. His travels took him far and wide in the world, and when he returned he would have many exciting stories to tell of the people he had met. While it always made me sad to see him leave, at the same time I knew that he would be helping someone wherever he went." She smiles, despite her tears. "Many of my happiest memories are of him coming home, never without bringing something wonderful for me that he had come across. Now, he has left again, but this time he won't bring back stories or wondrous artifacts. Only one adventure remains, and from this one there's no return. I love you, Papa."

Wiping away the freely-flowing tears, she returns to the others. The priest speaks up again. "Are there any others who wish to share their memory of the Professor?"

Narah nods to Kendra and steps forward to the edge of the open grave.

"When I met you, professor, I was wounded, in more ways than I even realized. The marks of evil were still on my body and ran deep through my flesh and my mind. And for all that I felt a feeling I had hardly known in my life, I felt shame. You were fascinated by me, you wanted to learn from me and you asked all your questions. But no one ever truly understood like you did. No one ever saw me as clearly as the person I truly am. You didn't just record what happened to me, you learned it, understood and helped me understand as well - and leave my shame behind as well as the marks on my body.

So, I shall conclude with the tenet of a different goddess, because the Shelynites are right about that: True beauty does come from the inside. And you were all beautiful. Goodbye professor. You may have found the next world, but in this world you will live on in your works, our hearts and memory and your daughter."

She kisses her fingertips lushly almost like she was kissing a lover and then blows over them into the open grave. Somehow the little blow appears stronger as it should, as the a warm breeze seems all around her and her hair and dress flutters in it. Then she steps back from the grave.

Of the guys, Daniel is the first to step forward.
Here goes...i've not been very good at this. I..should maybe refrain from mentioning i was in hell, so i won't startle his daughter.

"Professor, i've met you when i got out of the worst years of my life. Being a city grown, i had no experience of life yet outside the walls. I wasn't in the best condition either. You took the time to help a total stranger, like Narah here, with a taint caused by evil.

You may not have been able to remove mine, but your tales and friendly attitude during the travels with you meant alot to me.
Frankly speaking, you were more a father figure to me than my biological father ever was. Rest in peace old man, thank you."

Daniel makes a salute placing his fist on his chest before stepping back.

After Daniel, Morthos steps to the podium. Clearing his throat, "Ahem! Lorrimor, I met you first when you visited the Cathedral of Iomedae in Mendev, you were studying the anatomy of the demons that the paladins had killed. You were a man unafraid to get his hands dirty, and an ally to good in this world as well as a thorn in the side of evil." he looks around,

"You've left us behind now, along with your beautiful daughter. I hope that the lady of Graves, turns you over to the inheritor's light so I may see you again in the next life, lo though save a violent end, I have many years left upon my journey, but I look forward that it may end with a reunion with a friend such as you." Morthos wipes a tear away from his face, replacing it with a stern look.

"Find peace, brave soul. Inheritor guide your spirit." he steps down and returns to his seat.

Bran hesitates, watching to see if anyone else makes a move to speak. Seeing that he is free to do so, Bran walks slowly to the casket's side, gently placing one hand on top. He looks down for a moment. Then, as though trying to look into each soul of each person present, he speaks.

"Petros Lorrimor..." Bran looks as though he may break and release tears just as many at the funeral have done already, but just as the emotion wells up, teeming and ready to flow out of his body, he sets his jaw resolutely and continues speaking, extinguishing the sorrow and turning to anger. "..was a man of integrity. What he lacked in stature and build, he made up for in character. He was a Giant among Halflings, if you will. I do not believe that it was without help that he passed. I saved his life once, but he saves my life day in and day out with the knowledge he imparted to me in our journey throughout the wilds of Varisia." Bran pats the casket lightly, looks up, and utters a silent prayer to Cayden Cailean, and returns to his seat.

I apologize for not posting yesterday; it was a pretty hectic day for me.

***

After the heartfelt eulogies, including a few words of thanks for the Professor's worth to the town from one of the councilmen, and recountings of friendship from the tavernkeeper and apothecary, the priest performs the final rites while the two young men begin the laborious task of lowering the coffin into the grave. Once their task is done and Kendra has thrown the first shovelful of soil onto it, the townsfolk begin making their way back home.

Kendra spends several more moments in quiet reflection beside the grave, then turns to you. "I'm sure you're all weary from your travels. Please, come with me to my father's.." She pauses, hesitating. "To my home. Councilman Hearthmount will join us there in an hour to read my father's will, but until then you can rest and have something to eat and drink."

Daniel nods. "Thank you for the hospitality miss Kendra, i'm sure we can all use it."

sorry about that, im back home from holiday now and should be able to post regularly once again.

Unable to speak due to the tears in her eyes maia only nods her head when kendra makes the suggestion, then clamps her in a tight hug lasting a severely long time before Val speaks up.

Maia, your going to drench her if you keep this up, Dear Kendra, we are both greatly appreciative of your kindness and sorry for the passing of the prof. He was a great man, by any measure of the word.

When he finishes maia sniffles back more tears and nods again.

Yes, he was a friend to me when others would not be.

Bran looks on as the casket is lowered into the ground. After Kendra puts forth the first shovel-full of soil, Bran picks up a large handful of soil and slowly lets it flow onto the casket, squeezing so that the particles take a moderate amount of time to empty from his hand as an hour glass. Bran watches the last bit of dirt fall from his fist, takes a deep breath, and steps aside so others may pay any final respects.

"Of course." Narah makes a little detour to the chapel to pick up her equipment and catches up with the group again. On her way back she sees Maia crying, gives Daniel an intent look to make sure he catches it, looks to Maia and then back to Daniel, even though her face remains solemn and serious.

She addresses Father Grimburrow and keeps her voice low not to bother Kendra as she speaks: "You have in a way, a very faithful community, father, even though their faith seems to be a bit misplaced at times. I envy you, I doubt there is a lot of fertile ground for my faith here, even though travelling varisians in their caravans usually hold Calistria in high esteem." She grimaces. "Especially scorned women, when it comes to the aspect of revenge. Tell me, did anything happen to stir people up so much? How did the Professor Lorrimor die?"

The old man smiles awkwardly as Narah approaches, as if his face is more accustomed to a grim scowl. "Ah, yes. Respect for the dead is ingrained in most of us, I believe, and many flock to the Lady of Graves even outside circumstances such as these. You might wonder if it's simply because our temple is the only one in town, but I choose to believe most would choose her path regardless." He studies the woman at his side more closely, noting the sincerity in her eyes. "Although I'm sure there are those here who would appreciate the opportunity to learn of Calistria's teachings, as well."

He walks beside her in silence for a few heartbeats. "I'm not sure if any one thing has stirred people's emotions. Some may still see him and his daughter as outsiders, despite all the years they've lived here, and now that he's gone they feel strong enough to act up against her. Not to mention the rumormongers would be quick to tell you of the vile subjects in the books the Professor studied, and some might take this to reflect upon the man himself. I don't think it's just one thing, that's all, but superstition is surely part of it, considering where he died."

The priest casts his gaze upon the large building atop the hill south of the town. "That there is Harrowstone. It was a prison once, but it has stood a ruin for half a century. Ever since the fire." He pauses, glances in Kendra's direction, and lowers his voice a tad further before continuing. "The Professor's body being found there, crushed by one of the gargoyles perched on its roof, likely sparked the fire in their hearts. Many believe the place haunted, you see, and noone ever goes near it. So why would he, they might think, if not to perform some unholy deed? And when strong drink is added to such speculations.. Well, they might seem more true with each mouthful."

Daniel caught Narah's hinting look and nodded. He took a few steps to the right, ending up next to Maia. Placing his right hand on her shoulder briefly, he tried to find words of comfort.
Hoping it would have some effect, he opened with a harmless jest.

"Maia, if you keep up you'll dehydrate. No shame in showing tears for someone you've lost, but yourAssuming there's something like it in pf..eye color will make your cheeks run dark as well.

We'll have plenty of time to remember the professor."

Narah considered the word's of Father Grimburrow. "Maybe the Professor did find something there then... if there were such rumors he might have wanted to investigate them." She shakes as the thought of Lorrimor's violent end gives her a shiver. "We might see about this later, after the funeral feast and hearing his will..."

Kendra leads the way from the cemetery, choosing a route taking the group past a number of fields and orchards while avoiding the most bustling areas of town. After crossing the river, and then a smaller stream, she stops in front of a modest, yet fairly spacious house. Opening the door, she waits for everyone to enter before following. It's quickly apparent that this home belonged to a well-read man, as crowded bookshelves fill every room.

"Make yourselves at home, please. The living room is through there, and the bathroom is right here." She indicates the two rooms, then points down a hall. "The guest bedrooms are down at the end. You can leave your travel gear there, if you like."

Kendra herself enters a kitchen, from where she emerges a short while later carrying a tray with cups and wine. Vanishing again, she returns a second time with a tray filled with various foods and fruits, setting it down on the table beside the other before taking a seat in one of the comfortable chairs.

"It's fortunate that you could all make it here today.. My father's will was quite specific in that it could only be read if the five of you were all present." The young woman smiles, leaning forward and letting her gaze linger for a moment on each of you. "You must have made quite an impression on him. I would like to hear more of how you met him, before the Councilman arrives."

"He wanted us to be present? Hmmm..." Narah ponders for a moment and picks up a slice of bread with lard from the plate, but doesn't actually bite into it yet. "Well, I had had an... encounter with a devil that had shaken me and marked me. I just couldn't stay in Nidal anymore and a friend who helped me a lot at that time, Karon Golding, a cleric of Desna, suggested to meet the professor. I was brought over the mountains to Nirmathas, traveled to Tamran and took a ship to Caliphas from there. Your father was teaching at the schools and advising the nobles there at that time. It took me a while to muster the courage and present my case, and the letter I had from Golding, but eventually I met him."

Narah takes a deep breath. "He was in a little office with books all around him, but when I entered he seemed to forget everything else. First he just listened to the few words I could come up with. Then he asked a few polite questions and talking became ever easier for me. He took me on a trip here, since he needed his full laboratory, as he said, but I suppose the more cosy atmosphere had something to do with it as well. On the travel we talked a lot about all kinds of things and by the time we reached here I had no reservations whatsovever anymore, he even listened to my counsel as priestess if Calistria. We talked about his travels, my travels, my experience with men - I could trust him to remain confident about it - and... well, other things that were not meant for anyone else's ears." She smirks. "He did talk a lot about you, though, Kendra. I let him gladly study the influence of the devil on me when we arrived here and he helped me get rid of the marks on body and mind."

"Now... would you mind a personal question in turn, Kendra? You're a charming, intelligent woman gifted by the Unquenchable Flame. How comes you're without a man in your company? Especially in times of grief it's good to have a man to lean to..." She gives Kendra a slightly roguish, but still friendly grin.

If Daniel's vacant yellow eyes were normal, one could see if he'd focus sight on someone. Which now was Narah.
Oh, this line of inquiery reminds me of the guys at Magnimar's scouts. I wasn't in the same sad position, bu nonetheless.

Bran lights up, a much needed break from his somber, quiet, trance he had been in since sprinkling the soil on the professor's casket, and looks to Kendra, "The way I met the professor was odd. I awoke one night, just as a horse chopper swung and all but scalped the middle of my head. I battled fiercely and fought off the three Goblins that had hoped to bring my demise. I was able to instead send them to their graves. The next morning, while I was packing up camp, I was startled by his [the professor's] voice. My defenses were heightened and I would have attacked him if it were not for what he told me. He had been watching me, studying me. I knew that if the professor wanted to harm me, it would have surely happened long before this encounter. He instructed and instilled in me that, to make it in this world, I had to be more aware of my surroundings and strike first."

Bran smiles widely. "Seeing that he was strong in mind, but not so strong in body, I decided to be his guide and body guard throughout Varisia for several months as he traveled and soaked in as much knowledge as he could. One day they came across a couple of Stone Giants that were not looking to talk. I had an extremely hard fought battle with one, finally removing it's head. The other had pummeled the professor to unconsciousness and grabbed him, running for the Stony Mountains. I was able to catch up to him and, after an exhausting battle, I was able to best the second Stone Giant. If it hadn't been for the professor's guidance, we both may have perished that day."

After retrieving his gear on the trip to the house, Morthos enjoys the quiet walk through the countryside to Kendra's home.

Sitting on a couch and pouring himself a glass of wine, he listens to the others recount their tales of the professor.

"I met him in Mendev. He visited many of the high clerics and grandmasters of the paladin orders their. Studying the world wound, it energy and anomaly, the creatures that came through it. A studious man he was and a good sort to have a discussion with fireside over a pipe. I would see him at the end of a day of fighting, when the soldiers were leaving the field he would venture out and pick through the corpses, taking samples." Morthos snorts out a chuckle.

"Never occurred to me to do anything other than destroy them."

Taking his turn after Morthos, giving first a short pause between the stories, he shares his.
"I've....escaped hell's clutches, but was afflicted doing so. Hence my voice and eyes. I was unaccustomed to life outside ofthe city and well, i got lost. I happened upon the professor by chance and we invited me to come along on his travel that day. He shared alot of fascinating stories, ranging from far away countries to societies i hadn't even heard of. He got me to a town, where i kind of got a job and a small house to live. That is, until the news came of his passing."

at work will post around 9

The professor was simply a good friend to me when I had very few. He even gave me the viel I wear even now. He was a dear friend to my mentor as well, and taught me many things my mentor did not when he visited. I had been on my way to see him and due to ill fortunes, sadly those fortunes seem to have become worse...

Kendra listens closely to each of your stories, soaking in all she can of how her father was remembered in the eyes of others. She seems a bit taken aback by the mentions of devils, demons, and giants, as if her father's tales have become even more real to her when told from another's point of view.

She leans back, pouring herself some wine and taking a sip, before answering Narah's question. "A man.. I could say I simply haven't found the right one to settle down with yet. That would be true, in a way, but truly it's because I haven't really looked for one." Wanderlust shines in her eyes, competing with the grief that's still there. "I yearn to travel, to see the world as my father did, and experience adventures like his." She looks away. "If I married, and had a child.. I couldn't bring that child with me on such travels, and I wouldn't want to leave the child behind without its mother."

Narah watches Kendra for a moment and rocks her head slowly from one side to the other. Then she leans forward touches the back of Kendra's wrist carefully with her fingertips and speaks to her with considerably lowered voice.

"I am the last to encourage you to settle down and have a family before you're ready for it... I am just saying, of all creation, I believe there is nothing as pleasurable as men. There is nothing as true, beautiful and fulfilling as becoming the beast we truly are and let the men hunt us and catch us. If you take care that you won't get pregnant you can use that to get you whatever you want from men; just be honest about it. I can tell you, especially when you travel a lot that can help a girl getting what she wants and leaving nothing but a smile and warm feelings behind; it's an act of balance of course. In the end we're creatures meant to mate and become one with the respective other. And it would be a shame to waste the gift of sexual attraction Calistria has given to you. I am just saying: Enjoy what you are, be honest with the beast inside."

Kendra stares wide-eyed and speechless at Narah, almost like a fish out of water. Several moments later, just as she seems about to finally respond, the young woman is rescued by a knock on the front door. "I.. Oh, that must be the Councilman! We'll have to talk more later. Excuse me, please." Rising from her seat, she almost forgets to set down her cup before walking to the front door. She steps back to do so, her hand trembling slightly, then vanishes into the hall.

She returns a few moments later, accompanied by one of the two older men who were present at the funeral. "First, let me tell you how shocked I was at the.. incident. I've informed Sheriff Caeller, and I'm sure he'll give those involved a stern talking-to." Despite these words, it's pretty clear that the man doesn't completely approve of the involvement of so many strangers in what would normally be a local matter, but he remains fully professional as he begins the task at hand. While Kendra returns to her seat, the Councilman produces a scroll case from one coat pocket, shows everyone present that the professor's seal is unbroken, then breaks the wax and opens the case. As he does, a small iron key falls out of the tube, clattering noisily onto the table. Undaunted by the key, he begins to read.

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 first day of Calistril, in the year 4714.

The reading complete, the Councilman returns the parchment to the scroll tube and places it on the table. Nodding to Kendra, he then turns and leaves, closing the front door behind him.

100 platinum? Oh my. That could found my research for a year not to mention Amy knowledge from the professor's tome collection.... the non evil ones of course though! I do hope the platimum stays safe…… anyway! No need to fret kendra, maia is he, anything tries to bugger with you I'll burn it to a crisp! I'll see to it that his final wish is carried out to a T! Its the least I can do.

Momentarily stunned by her father's desire to keep her safe even after his own death, Kendra smiles as she addresses Maia. "Thank you, Maia. You can stay here for free, of course, for the month my father requested. That goes for all of you, if you choose to stay. Unless you'd rather get rooms at The Outward Inn." She stops talking and looks down at the key on the table. "I'll go and find the chest."

She returns a few minutes later, carrying a relatively small chest of oak and iron. Placing it on the table, she gestures towards the key. "It belongs to you, now, so one of you should open it."

'Damn it, I should never have been so direct.' She liked Kendra... that can be deceiving, makes one rush to soon too far ahead.

She pushes the thought aside as she listens to the hearing of the will. As she hears that they were to protect Kendra for one month she raises an eyebrow. As she hears about 100 platinum coins she opens her mouth in surprise for a moment. She leans back and runs her fingers through her hair thinking.

"This last will is merely a couple of months old. Hmm. It a bit strange; Kendra, you aren't really new to this place, aren't you? Why wouldn't you be safe and sound? And why would he offer us - not that I wasn't grateful - 100 platinum coins as a reward for a simple friendly turn. That's almost enough to erect a small chapel for Calistria."

"As for my lodging... I think I'll rather rent a room in the inn. I would prefer to act as priestess of Calistria while I am in the town and it would seem inappropriate to do so from your father's place. At least as long as I need to find a beautiful place that would serve well as a little sanctuary. Anyway..."

Narah collects the little key, unlocks the chest and opens it. After a quick glance through it she takes the journal and gives it to Maia. "You're the most educated of us, would you like to? I guess we better lock the rest up again." She closes the chest again, turns the key around twice and holds the key up for one of her fellows to take it.

Certainly, I feel I will have ample time in which to read this and note the important pieces.

any knolwedge checks to know what these books might contain/be about? And if I would know any of it/heard of it?

any knolwedge checks to know what these books might contain/be about? And if I would know any of it/heard of it?

Yes, sorry; I should have added this to my previous post:

"This last will is merely a couple of months old. Hmm. It a bit strange; Kendra, you aren't really new to this place, aren't you? Why wouldn't you be safe and sound? And why would he offer us - not that I wasn't grateful - 100 platinum coins as a reward for a simple friendly turn. That's almost enough to erect a small chapel for Calistria."

Kendra looks as bewildered as Narah herself. "I don't know.. Perhaps he thought I would be troubled by people like Gibs Hephenus - the man who accosted us in the Restlands? I must thank you again for diffusing that situation as effortlessly as you did. I could feel my temper flaring, and I fear the outcome if you hadn't been there."

"As for my lodging... I think I'll rather rent a room in the inn. I would prefer to act as priestess of Calistria while I am in the town and it would seem inappropriate to do so from your father's place. At least as long as I need to find a beautiful place that would serve well as a little sanctuary. Anyway..."

"I understand," she begins, smiling. "I think you'll find the inn to your liking; everyone praises Sarianna Vai for how well she runs the place. With your gifts of the tongue, I'm sure you could even cajole a performance out of her! She was a well-reputed singer back in the day, during her time in Caliphas, but she rarely sings nowadays."

Daniel looks at Narah."Well, if you could get her to sing.....i haven't heard any of that in years. Your drink would be on me if you manage."

arcana25dc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
arcana15dc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Relegion15dc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Really? 3 9s in a row? what is this O.o lol.

history25: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

idk if thats legal, but both are trained :P

I know of these books.... Dark works indeed, I fear for any found with these in there personal possession in goodly lands. I also fear for any who have that book with the lock on it in any land.

she pauses a bit. Then looks to Kendra

How many rooms do you have? Do you have any doubles? I feel something like this should be kept somewhere where two sets of eyes may keep watch.

Val-in elvish
Do you have any bird sized rooms? I would rather not have to perch on a bust a pallus you know.

Kendra frowns a moment, thinking. "It would be tight, but there should be room for two beds in one of the guest rooms." She hesitates, then reluctantly offers another suggestion. "My father's bedchamber is large enough for two beds, as well. It's larger, so it would be more comfortable there."

Regarding the raven curiously, she shakes her head. "I'm sorry; I speak many languages, but I'm afraid I've never learned elvish."

You can just ignore Val, he is just trying to be funny she says lightheartedly

As for the rooms, I don't mind a small space, I wouldn't want to impose you or be disrespectful to your father or his room. As an aside, I will want to keep a close watch on these. Before I discuss this any further, is there anyone that would room with me? Maia turns to the group with a smile.

It looks like nobody wants to share a room with Maia.. Bran, Morthos: Do either of you have any input in regards to the will, the books, or Maia's suggestion?

Well, if you're trying to get one of the guys into a room with Maia...usually any1 volunteering would get a weird glance.