DM Frightmare's Carrion Crown

Game Master CyberMephit


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This is the kind of material you're not going to be able to call on personal knowledge from, one being a secret society and the other being an entire local matter to a city you're not from; hope you like the Research rules because you're going to have to go digging.


Female Human Fighter (Lore Warden) 9 I HP 64/76 I AC 23 [T 14 FF 20] I Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7(9) I Init +2 I Percep +1 I Conditions:

Oooh, I love the Intrigue rules! Research ahoy!

Ellie nods her head absently at Elisa's suggestion. "Good idea... someone should look into that..."

She's already half-lost in the Professor's book collection, her head tilted to one side to better read the spines; it's a look that those who know her well will recognise. Where to start... where to start...?

It'll be a while before she resurfaces. You can go days without food, but the body will eventually insist on water.

What are the stats for the library? I'm ready to have at it!


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

Mihaela feels a sense of disbelief as Kendra reads the circled journal entries. Petros was murdered? It can't be true! But, what if it is true? Out loud she says, to Elisa and the rest of the group: "I will join you in this search. If those blackguards of the Whispering Way really did murder the Professor, I too want to see them pay for their crimes. For the sake of Kendra and for Petros' memory." As she's speaking, tears slowly slide down her cheeks and she doesn't try to wipe them away, feeling as if they give her a chance to focus her mind.

Rubbing her arms, Mihaela turning to Ellie, "I don't know where I would be of the most use, but I'm willing to do whatever needs doing. I am used to sorting through and finding information in written sources. As you no doubt noticed at the inn, tact and social grace are not amongst my better qualities."


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia's heart wept for Kendra. After everything that had happened, it had to be horrifying to find her father's death was not an accident... Whoever the 'Whispering Way', and whoever or whatever they were after, it didn't bode well at all.

"I think we should collect our things from the inn," she said. "Then a few of us ought to pay a visit to the temple. I imagine if anything significant was found on him they likely gave it to Kendra already, but it wouldn't hurt to inquire. And ask about whoever found Petros...not to mention what they were doing in Harrowstone when they found him."


Female Dhampir Rogue (Unchained) 1 | Ammo: Arrows 60, Daggers 3 | HP 10/10 | AC 18 (22), T 15 (19), FF 13 | CMD 15 (17 vs Disarm/Trip) | F +1, R +6, W +1 | Init +4 | Per +7, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft | Sense Motive +5, Know (Local) +6

Elisa nods along at what Mihaela and Sofia have added, "Excellent ideas!", then turns to the group as a whole. "So it seems like the best idea here is to split the group in two, one half here performing research on the Professor's notes and library and the other going around town trying to gather information from the locals as well as getting the remaining supplies from the crypt."

She pauses, thinking, then says "The group going to town should probably be able to persuade or intimidate the locals, especially when they're so suspicious and untrusting of outsiders. While the group staying here should be good at researching and have a good enough knowledge to understand what's described in the Professor's books. I don't think I have enough knowledge to be useful here but, fortunately, I've some small skill at getting information from folks and may be able to convince the less... savoury... sorts in town to provide some information."

She turns to Mihaela, "You said you met the Professor at a lecture? And he kept in contact with you afterwards? Your knowledge must have impressed him if that's the case. It seems like you'd be well suited to help Ellie study his notes and research... if you're interested?." she says with a smile, seeing Ellie already starting to look through the books. Same old Ellie, I'm glad to see that hasn't changed.

Next, she turns to Sofia, "Sofia, you were great with that mob earlier. I could use your help in town if you're willing?", then Christoph. "Christoph, seeing as we're going to the temple as well, a fellow devotee of the Lady of Graves might make them more willing to open up to us... and I know you capable with that Morningstar of yours. An extra fighter in case the locals get rowdy wouldn't go astray. Would you accompany myself and Sofia, if she's amenable?"

Finally, she turns to Freija, "Forgive me Freija, but I'm not sure where your talents lie. You mentioned that you helped defeat the undead chasing the Professor when you met him. Does that mean you have knowledge of the undead? That might be useful for the research, especially since this Whispering Way are apparently necromancers. I'd also feel better having a capable fighter here at the house, just in case Gibs and his friends decide to come back to trouble Kendra. You look like you've had some martial training and I think you'd be on par with Christoph in a fight."

She stops for a moment and then begins speaking Dwarven to Freija, "חוץ מזה, עדיין לא פגשתי גמד שלא יכול להתמודד עם עצמם במאבק." finishing with a smile and a wink.

Dwarven Translation:

"Besides, I've yet to meet a dwarf that can't handle themselves in a fight."

She speaks to the group as a whole afterwards saying, "This is all just a suggestion, by the way, you all know yourselves much better than I do and can suggest where you'd think your skills would be most useful." with a friendly smile.


Male Varisian Inquisitor 8 (AC 23/15Tch/19FF, 23 CMD/19FF, HP 62/62, Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +10, Init +7, Per +14)
Skills:
Climb +5, Heal +10, Intimidate +11, K(Arcana) +8*, K(Dungeon) +7*, K(Nature) +8*, K(Planes) +5*, K(Religion) + 12*, Perception +14, Ride +7, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +9, Stealth + 14, Survival +10*, Swim +5

Christoph listens to Kendra's recitation in open disbelief. A cabal of necromancers? The Whispering way? Harrowstone? And the Professor was set to stopping them, somehow. Shocked and confused, Christoph can only shake his head as Kendra finishes reading from the ominous letter the Professor had written. Tears, the ones he'd manage to hold back through the funeral, flowed freely at the letter. Damn you, Petros. You should have called for us. Kjell and I would have come. And now... Drawing a shuddering breath, he wipes his eyes and clears his throat as Kendra announces she'll be stepping out, "Of course, Kendra."

Drawing deep breaths, Christoph listens to his companions, nodding slowly as his jaw begins to clench. Elisa is right, the Professor was a victim of this Way cult. His sorrow, still present, fades into the back of his mind as anger makes his voice grow taunt, "Yes, I'll help complete the Professor's work. Both to see justice for him done and to stop whatever atrocity he was fighting against. I owe Petros that much and more, and Miss Kendra as well."

He nods his agreement with Elisa's suggestions, "What you're saying makes good sense to me and I'll join you. If I can explain things to the Priest -with Miss Sofia's help, of course- I'd be surprised if he didn't help us find what we're looking for. The Professor was doubtful that the clergy knew what he was after. If it's hidden in a crypt, even a false one, they're going to be reluctant for us to have a look. It'd be disrespectful of the departed to disturb their rest. We should try to figure out what we're seeking, I think. He said items, I think? Relics, maybe? Something to combat ghosts, in any case. Do we know if he still had them when he was... found? Might want to start from there and work our way back as much as possible." Christoph pauses, looking pensive, "You know, he mentioned that list as well. Of those who died in the fire... which fire? That's a question for Ellie and some reading on history, I suppose, but the Church might have records too. We'll want to check that while we're there."

Galvanized by the revelation's of the journal and the ensuing surge of emotion, Christoph begins to pace (as much as one can in the crowded office). "It's still hard to believe. The professor dying... and then this news about how it happened."

If further prompted, Christoph just needs to stop by the Inn to gather his weapons before going to the Temple (aside from the dagger inscribed with the Pharasmin spiral he always carries with him.)


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

In response to Elisa's suggestion, Mihaela gives a satisfied nod and joins Ellie by the books, a determined look on her face.

"I'll keep a look out for those who died in the fire, Christoph. See if I come across any reference in the books. Also, maybe Kendra has the things Petros carried when he was found? It would be unnecessary to go looking for them if they're already here. I know I've made that mistake many times, hastened across town, looking for things that were in the next room.", Mihaela says with a slight smile.

Turning to Sofia she says with a furrowed brow, "I'm also curious as to what the people who found Petros were doing in Harrowstone, if it's such a taboo place." Her face brightens momentatily as her thoughts turn to the innkeep. "Should we all head over to the inn to settle our tabs and pick up our things, before heading off in our respective directions? That way, we can make this a base of operations, and we would be less spread out, if the Whispering Way comes knocking", Mihaela says with a grim look, before looking out the window at the town outside.


LN Female Dwarf Warpriest 1 [HP: 11/11 | AC: 19 T: 12 F: 17 | CMD: 15 F: 13 | F: +4 (6) R: +2 (4) W: +5 (7) (vs Poison, Spells, SLA) | Init: +4 | Per: +8 SM: +3

Freija is unsurprised that a cabal of necromancers would kill someone looking into them, but surprised one would exist in this wayward backwoods. She remains quiet, though having nothing worth saying about the "Way."

As to Elisa's suggestions, she responds, "I've the talent for either part'a the mission, but I feel I'd be more useful guardin' yer backs. Both o' these lasses seem to have the talent for findin' what we need in the books, but ye could use a strong shield." The dwarf gathers her shield, spear, and pack, heading for the door. "Let's be about it then."


Female Human Fighter (Lore Warden) 9 I HP 64/76 I AC 23 [T 14 FF 20] I Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7(9) I Init +2 I Percep +1 I Conditions:

Her arms already loaded with books, Ellie nods vaguely at Mihaela and passed her several sheafs of parchment. "Hold these scrolls would you please, they're brittle and I don't want to crush them. Also, can you reach those tomes on the top shelf for me?"

Being shorter than average has its drawbacks, although (as she used to point out to the Professor) she is never going to hit her head on a low ceiling - well, OK, there was the time she almost knocked herself out in that halfling tavern, but she's always maintained that didn't count.

As the others mention returning to the tavern to pick up their belongings, she waves one hand airily: "If one of you could bring my stuff over, that'd be great..." She's travelled with Christoph and Elisa before, they at least should be able to recognise her backpack.

(She doesn't mean to be obnoxious - it's just that the Professor's expeditions always had porters and packherders, and she's just kind of got used to it.)


Female Dhampir Rogue (Unchained) 1 | Ammo: Arrows 60, Daggers 3 | HP 10/10 | AC 18 (22), T 15 (19), FF 13 | CMD 15 (17 vs Disarm/Trip) | F +1, R +6, W +1 | Init +4 | Per +7, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft | Sense Motive +5, Know (Local) +6

Elisa nods at what Freija and the others have said, "Great, now that that's sorted, we can get started."

Knowing that Ellie didn't mean anything by her request, Elisa smiles, "Ellie, I'd be happy to grab your stuff when we go to the tavern. Mihaela, would you like me to grab your things as well or do you want to get them yourself before you start researching? Good point about asking Kendra first, by the way. It could help speed up things!"


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia nodded in assent to Elisa's plans, and the points made by the others as well. "The innkeeper may know more about that fire, as well," she said, with a touch of dread in her tone. "I'm sure the people of Ravengro would know even more, but I think they would be far less likely to help us investigate."

Sofie hesitated for a long moment on the edge of saying something more, but reconsidering it. "...and, about the townsfolk. What should we tell them?" She eventually said, with notes of both worry and sympathy in her voice. "They're going to take notice of us poking around, and you know they're not going to like it. If we lie or obfuscate they'll just get more suspicious, and rightly so. But would they even believe us if we told them the truth..? This is their home, and they deserve to know they're in danger."


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

Mihaela is taken aback by Ellie seemingly treating her as a clerk, but takes the sheafs of parchment anyway. As long as it doesn't happen all the time, it's fine, she thinks. I'm not that much taller than you, Ellie, but I will try. Otherwise, perhaps one of our taller friends might help us before they leave?"

She smiles at Elisa, "Thank you, Elisa. That would be nice. Here's the key to my room. There shouldn't be much in there, just a backpack and a crossbow, really." Mihaela tries to remember if there is anything she left lying around in the inn, but nothing comes to mind. "I hadn't even thought of what we should say to the townfolk. Maybe we could tell them that we're tying up loose ends for the professor before we leave?" Even as she's saying it, Mihaela knows that it'd probably be futile, just like Sofia said. "Gibs is going to cause trouble, whatever we do. Of that I am certain", she finishes with a sigh, before looking down at the parchments Ellie gave her.


So the teams are Ellie and Mihaela, and everyone the hell else?


Male Varisian Inquisitor 8 (AC 23/15Tch/19FF, 23 CMD/19FF, HP 62/62, Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +10, Init +7, Per +14)
Skills:
Climb +5, Heal +10, Intimidate +11, K(Arcana) +8*, K(Dungeon) +7*, K(Nature) +8*, K(Planes) +5*, K(Religion) + 12*, Perception +14, Ride +7, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +9, Stealth + 14, Survival +10*, Swim +5

"Moving here makes sense to me. If this Whispering Way knew who the Professor is, they may want to guarantee whatever he knew doesn't pass on." Christoph opines, thinking over what the others have been saying, "I think Sofia brings up a good point. Do we just tell the townsfolk the truth? If these Way people have some way of listening to the town gossip, or even news from travelers, it might tip our hand. They'll know we... or at least someone... is still looking into the same things the Professor was. Might be Mihaela's suggestion could work. Just need to make sure the townfolk don't interpret that as raising the dead or such. I doubt my tongue is honeyed enough to sell that."

@DM Frightmare: That seems to be my read of things. The others can correct me if I'm wrong


Female Dhampir Rogue (Unchained) 1 | Ammo: Arrows 60, Daggers 3 | HP 10/10 | AC 18 (22), T 15 (19), FF 13 | CMD 15 (17 vs Disarm/Trip) | F +1, R +6, W +1 | Init +4 | Per +7, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft | Sense Motive +5, Know (Local) +6

@DM Yeah, I think so.

"Hmmm...it's going to be difficult dealing with the villagers for this. I don't think we should tell them the truth, at least, not straight away. Like Christoph says, these secret societies usually have spies where they operate, otherwise, they wouldn't remain secret for very long. Maybe we should just pretend to be curious about the place the Professor was at when he died, that seems like a normal thing a person who just lost a loved one would want to know. Technically, we're not actually lying that way and it shouldn't make the Way too suspicious. Even if they'll still be wary of us looking around, they won't actually know for sure that we're on to them."

Elisa shrugs, then says "I'd like to tell the villagers the truth, but that would only help the Way with whatever they're doing, which will make it worse for the villagers in the long run." She looks around at the group intently, "If we want to have any sort of drop on the Way, we need to treat everyone outside this house as a potential informant. Paranoia is the word of the day. We have no way of telling who's complicit with them, even the innkeeper could be involved with them."

She pauses for a second thinking, then her eyes widen, "In fact, the innkeeper would be in a perfect position to spy for them and she seems to be the only person so far who was friendly to us. She might be worth investigating later if we get a chance. I also think we should look at the local posting boards, see what's been happening here lately. That might provide some clues that will help in our search."

She sighs, tilting back her head and runs her hand through her hair, "Our thirty days here are not going to be dull, that's for sure! Although I hate to bother her, I think we should start with Kendra, ask her about Harrowstone, who found the Professor, etc., then ask her if there's anyone else here that might be helpful or have more knowledge. Then go on to the inn, get our stuff, ask the innkeeper about the place the Professor was found and if she knows anyone who would know more, being careful not to mention the Way. Next, the temple, ask the priest similar questions, get the supplies from the crypt, quietly if we can. Then just follow the leads from there."

She looks around at the others, "Anyone have any suggestions or anything they'd like to add?"

Sorry for another long post guys. Elisa's gone full tinfoil-hat mode! ;-)


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

@DM: As far as I understand things, yes.

"I agree, Elisa, we must treat everyone as a possible member of or at least an informant for the Way. Who knows how far their influence reaches." Mihaela looks around at the others, trying to impress on them the importance of their situation. "The posting board is an excellent idea, I just looked at it long enough to realise it only concerned things happening in the town, so having a closer look at that could give us some insights."

@Elisa: No worries, the tinfoil-hat-mode posts serve as excellent summaries ;-)


Female Human Fighter (Lore Warden) 9 I HP 64/76 I AC 23 [T 14 FF 20] I Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7(9) I Init +2 I Percep +1 I Conditions:

Ellie takes some valuable time out from reading to roll her eyes as her friend starts spouting conspiracy theories. "Oh, honestly, Elisa." She smiles slightly, to make it clear she's not actually annoyed, and takes the opportunity to poke some fun at her. "You should write novels. My mother made enough to pay my tuition at the Acadamae."

She shakes her head, wearily. Makho's Razor holds that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one: you don't need to imagine any more things to exist than are strictly required to explain the observed phenomenon.

On the other hand... the Professor was clearly aware of the dangers for some time, and he hadn't warned the townsfolk. Given their clearly irrational predispositions, this was probably for the best - they'd not have taken kindly to anything he said.

"I suppose there's no harm in being cautious, though. We don't want to give Gibs any reason to burn us at the stake, after all." In her view, this risk is infinitely more likely than the entirety of the town being in on some vast conspiracy.


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia shook her head slightly. "I think we should be completely honest with these people," she said. "They're going to see us going about, asking questions, and poking around Harrowstone -- if we don't tell them the truth, they're going to use their imaginations to fill in the blanks. And I'm afraid that would be more harmful than anything else.

"Look, I'm not saying we should hold a town meeting or anything. But they will start asking questions, and we need to be in absolute agreement on what to answer. If they get different answers from each of us the rumor mill will go wild... And if nothing else, the truth is the easiest story to keep straight." Sofia shrugged. "We keep getting told that these are good people, and that it just takes a long time to warm up to them. Their home might be in real danger, and if we're going to help them then they need to know that's what we're doing. Even if they don't believe us right away, it will help build trust if we're open with them."


As you discuss matters, a steady knock thuds against the door. "I'll put on some tea," Kendra's voice calls. Not urgent or imposing, simply an offer for tea. No creaking floorboards track her footsteps to or from the door as she takes her leave. Perhaps more urgent though, is the clapping of thunder outside the window, as midday approaches and the day grows even more dour, the sun choked out as it approaches its apex in the sky and ensuring the brightest part of the day is instead a choked out, pallid warning of the darkness to come. Whatever ill weather awaits you, the storm is drawing nearer.


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

Mihaela walks over to the door and opens it, "Would you like some help with the tea?", she asks Kendra. Turning towards the window, "I see we have some properly Ustalavic weather", she says to no one in particular, whilst waiting for Kendra's reply.


As you open the door, you see no sign of Kendra in the somewhat long hallway that the office sits at the end of. Instead, you hear faint sobbing coming from the far other end of the house, possibly the living room, somewhere Kendra would have had no way to get to so quickly, but the voice is also distinctly Kendra's, and she was at the verge of tears when heading off with the letter.


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia wasn't distracted by Kendra's knock; but when Mihaela opened the door, the distant sound of Kendra's sobs drew her attention away from the conversation. The disparity in distance, and the lack of footsteps in between, was more than a little odd. Sofia was used to paying close attention to sounds -- something was very wrong.

"What just happened?" she asked, and cautiously approached the doorway.


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

Mihaela looks slightly puzzled as she replies to Sofia, "There's something weird going here. Kendra couldn't have managed to get back to the kitchen before I opened the door, but yet I hear her crying from there." She eyes the others, "We should see if everything is alright in the kitchen and what made that sound if Kendra didn't make it."


Male Varisian Inquisitor 8 (AC 23/15Tch/19FF, 23 CMD/19FF, HP 62/62, Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +10, Init +7, Per +14)
Skills:
Climb +5, Heal +10, Intimidate +11, K(Arcana) +8*, K(Dungeon) +7*, K(Nature) +8*, K(Planes) +5*, K(Religion) + 12*, Perception +14, Ride +7, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +9, Stealth + 14, Survival +10*, Swim +5

"You both noticed it too?" Christoph looks shaken as he walks to the door and looks out at the empty hallway. "I thought I'd just misheard, but if its all of us..." He trails off as he looks out the door.

"I think Mihaela is right. We should go check on Miss Lorrimor before we go about our tasks."

Let's go talk to Kendra.


You find Kendra sitting in the living room, seated firmly on the couch and trying to wipe away her tears and compose herself. She looks up at you slowly, eyes puffy and red. "Is everything okay?" she asks, and her voice is far from composed or controlled, stuffy with the congestion that's come from all of her crying. Not the voice you heard at all.


Female Dhampir Rogue (Unchained) 1 | Ammo: Arrows 60, Daggers 3 | HP 10/10 | AC 18 (22), T 15 (19), FF 13 | CMD 15 (17 vs Disarm/Trip) | F +1, R +6, W +1 | Init +4 | Per +7, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft | Sense Motive +5, Know (Local) +6

She laughs at what Ellie had said, "Haha, I like the sound of that writing intriguing novels about a mystery-solving heroine, that makes me a lot of money at the same time."

Elisa listens intently to what Sofia is saying, "Hmmm.... you have a point, but I'm just afraid that we'll do more harm than good by telling them the full truth straight away. They might not even believe us and all we have to show them is a letter and some journal entries that the Professor wrote, someone most of them thought to be a trouble-maker. Would you believe a group of strangers that came to town, associates of a known trouble-maker, who claim an evil secret society have come to your small village to carry out some evil plan, that they don't know much about, and have basically no proof to back up their claims? I think we should wait until we have some credible proof before telling the villagers anything."

She stops as she hears Kendra ask about the tea and is confused when Mihaela opens the door and Kendra suddenly sounds much farther away. "I agree something strange just happened," she says confusion filling her voice. "Can anyone check for magic?" she asks, then says "Let me scout ahead and see if I can spot anything."

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 to see if she spots anything unusual


LN Female Dwarf Warpriest 1 [HP: 11/11 | AC: 19 T: 12 F: 17 | CMD: 15 F: 13 | F: +4 (6) R: +2 (4) W: +5 (7) (vs Poison, Spells, SLA) | Init: +4 | Per: +8 SM: +3

"That is damned strange." Freija says as she stands and moves to the door, peering about and listening intently. Upon hearing Elisa's suggestion she grasps her holy symbol and intones a phrase in Dwarven, (casting Detect Magic) then continues to peer about, a silver and yellow sheen now visible on her eyes.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23


There doesn't seem to be anything out of place save for a painting by the door that sits more crooked than you remember it being when you walked in, and Freija does not pick up on any odd auras or feelings as she reaches out to feel with her magic. The door looks undisturbed and even as Elisa peers deeper into the house, it turns up little in the way of anything out of place. If something was here, it looks to be done now.


LN Female Dwarf Warpriest 1 [HP: 11/11 | AC: 19 T: 12 F: 17 | CMD: 15 F: 13 | F: +4 (6) R: +2 (4) W: +5 (7) (vs Poison, Spells, SLA) | Init: +4 | Per: +8 SM: +3

"Bah. I see nothing. Let us be abou' our work before this damned storm changes this damned town from a mire to lake." With that, Freija walks down the hall toward the entrance of the domicile.


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia followed the others to the living room and stood just inside the doorway. "Did you hear anything? In the hall?" she asked Kendra. While she wasn't able to check for magic herself, Sofia opened her mind and her senses to psychic activity in the area -- hoping that might help some. Casting Detect Psychic Significance in the area.

Hearing Freija's comment and waning footfalls, Sofia called out. "Wait! Freija? Shouldn't we finish investigating here before we run off?"


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

Mihaela is struck by a thought that maybe someone wanted them out of the other room, so she abrubtly turns around and runs back towards it. "There's no reason for whoever knocked on the door to make themselves known like that if they didn't have to. What if they want something that's in the room and tried to get us all to leave by creating a distraction?", she shouts as she hurries by the others.


Sofia does not detect any psychic disturbances or activity in the surrounding area, and as Mihaela rushes into the room, she seems it sitting rather undisturbed, save for the rattle of some branches against the windowsill from the wind starting to quicken and press against a tree outside. Everything sits eerily still, no creaking floorboards or rustling pages to indicate anything is moving at all. It's all just as it should be.


Male Varisian Inquisitor 8 (AC 23/15Tch/19FF, 23 CMD/19FF, HP 62/62, Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +10, Init +7, Per +14)
Skills:
Climb +5, Heal +10, Intimidate +11, K(Arcana) +8*, K(Dungeon) +7*, K(Nature) +8*, K(Planes) +5*, K(Religion) + 12*, Perception +14, Ride +7, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +9, Stealth + 14, Survival +10*, Swim +5

Perturbed, Christoph looks from the hall, to Kendra, and back again. He turns back to her and asks, "I'm sorry if this sounds a little strange, Miss Lorrimor, but have you left this room since you entered it?"


Kendra looks up at you looking confused, brow furrowing as she wipes some tears away. "I've been in here since I left you be," she says, voice quivering, but unaware of what's distracted you, she seems quick to want to move on from talk of her to something else. "But if you're out now, I take it you have an idea of where to go from here? Is there any help you need in that? I would be more than happy to help you find what you're looking for around the house, or around town."


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

"What is going on here? This does not make any sense", Mihaela says to herself as she scans the room, feeling a bit paranoid.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 to see if everything really is as it seems.


You don't see any illusions or trickery behind how still everything looks; the room seems to be really just as you left it.


Male Varisian Inquisitor 8 (AC 23/15Tch/19FF, 23 CMD/19FF, HP 62/62, Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +10, Init +7, Per +14)
Skills:
Climb +5, Heal +10, Intimidate +11, K(Arcana) +8*, K(Dungeon) +7*, K(Nature) +8*, K(Planes) +5*, K(Religion) + 12*, Perception +14, Ride +7, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +9, Stealth + 14, Survival +10*, Swim +5

Christoph glances from Kendra to his companions and back. "A moment ago, it sounded like you were saying something about putting on tea from outside the study. If you were here though, Miss Kendra, we don't know who or what was outside the door."

Uncomfortable, Christoph turns to Ellie, "I don't suppose you have any ideas, do you, Ellie? The unusual and unexplainable always seemed like something you knew about."


Female Dhampir Rogue (Unchained) 1 | Ammo: Arrows 60, Daggers 3 | HP 10/10 | AC 18 (22), T 15 (19), FF 13 | CMD 15 (17 vs Disarm/Trip) | F +1, R +6, W +1 | Init +4 | Per +7, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft | Sense Motive +5, Know (Local) +6

"Hmmm... strange. I heard the change in distance of your voice too Kendra. We've looked around and can't seem to find anything to cause it, unless Ellie has discovered something?" she says looking over at Ellie.

Elisa looks back at Kendra, "Sorry to bring this up so soon, but we had a discussion earlier about your father's letter and some of the things he mentioned in there. We've decided to split into two groups for a short while to follow up on them. Ellie and Mihaela are going to stay here and research some of your father's notes to see if we can find out more about this secret society he mentioned and the ruins outside of town. The rest of us are going to head back into town, grab our things and question some of the locals to see if they know anything about the ruins or what happened to your father."

She hesitates for a moment, then continues, "We were hoping you might be able to help us on that front too. I hate to ask this of you, but could you tell us more about the circumstances of your father's death? Who found him outside of Harrowstone and why were they there? Was anyone able to determine what caused his death? He mentioned borrowing some items to fight spirits in his letter. Were there any unusual items on his person or notes he may have written for that matter? Finally, are there any of the townsfolk who you think would be willing to answer some questions about Petros and Harrowstone. Sorry for bombarding you with difficult questions while you're still grieving, but we want to make sure that if this Whispering Way was involved with Petros' death that they will pay for what they have done!" she says with a scowl forming on her face near the end.


Female Human Fighter (Lore Warden) 9 I HP 64/76 I AC 23 [T 14 FF 20] I Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7(9) I Init +2 I Percep +1 I Conditions:

Hm. I was sure I'd posted something. Sorry about that.

Ellie racks her brains, keen to be helpful, to reassure her friends that she isn't going to be dead weight. She hasn't encountered anything like this before, but maybe she's read about it?

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Lore (undead): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

She shrugs. "Oh well. We have other things to get on with."


"You heard a what?" Kendra asks, looking around nervously. "I can't say I heard anything of the sort, nor did I see anything come down the hall." She furrows her brow a moment. "Strange. In the past few weeks, it's been said that odd happenings around town have bothered people. It's all been brushed off as nonsense by most. Before the funeral, I heard Jominda Fallenbridge talking about it with one of the councilmen--she runs the apothecary in town. Hearthmount seemed deeply unconvinced of her words, and most of the townsfolk consider it to just be peoples' nerves lighting up."

Kendra listens to Elisa's explanation, which is hardly easy for her to hear, but she accepts it for the sake of what's being said, nodding slowly in understanding. "I see. Well, given father's death, I can hardly blame you for wanting to look into things. Um. I believe Sherriff Caeller found him. Someone told him about it, I think? He was found near the ruins of the old prison, some stone had come lose and fell on his head." It's difficult for her to talk about and she looks every bit of it, but she remains steadfast. "His face certainly looked like it had been crushed, at least. Now I'm second-guessing even that. They didn't find much on him, though. Just some rope and a notebook; he'd take one along sometimes to examine things and take notes or runes down. I looked through it, and all it had in it was the word 'Harrowstone', nothing more. He hadn't even started taking notes when he died. Anything he took to fight spirits was definitely not on his person. Aside from the sherriff, I can't think of anyone right now. So many in this town never wanted to get to know my father anyway. Sarianna Vai may know someone who might know something--she runs the inn that you were going to be staying at and knows everyone in town--but I wouldn't know who to talk to personally for information about the prison."

Ellie:
The situation here does not entirely line up with it, but you're reminded of when you studied Haunts. Unquiet spirits that lack the freedom that a true ghost or wraith would have, Haunts follow more rote sorts of routines, often haunting a specific area and following specific routines or priorities. They are still a form of the undead, but they are more complicated in the means of dismantling them, where after being neutralized through positive energy, some steps specific to the haunt itself most be taken to meet conditions that will unravel the haunting and destroy it. It would, however, be possible for a Haunt to manifest once under certain conditions or as part of a broader and more intelligent Haunt spreading its effect over longer ranges in differing ways. Due to it being the power and games of a spectral undead, any such tricks being played by a malevolent Haunt from afar would not be detectable through means of seeking signs of psychic or arcane magic.


LN Female Dwarf Warpriest 1 [HP: 11/11 | AC: 19 T: 12 F: 17 | CMD: 15 F: 13 | F: +4 (6) R: +2 (4) W: +5 (7) (vs Poison, Spells, SLA) | Init: +4 | Per: +8 SM: +3

"I've a mind ta visit with the innkeep and the Sheriff, but I don't know if that's more important than visiting the priests." Freija scratches her head and looks about obviously somewhat impatient, standing near the door. "Anyhow, I'm just ready to do somethin' other than stand abou' and talk, but I'll wait if need be."


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia hmm-ed in thought, when Kendra mentioned others in town having odd experiences. While it was certainly curious, she had a feeling that solving the more pressing issues would likely tie up that loose end in the process. She knew talking about her father's death was hard on Kendra, particularly with that wound still raw, but there were good leads given.

"Thank you," she said, with solemn politeness. "You've given us a lot to go on."


CN Female Tiefling Alchemist (Grenadier) 1 | HP 10/10 | AC 15 14Tch 11FF | Fort +4 Ref +6 Will +2 | Resist Cold, Electricity, Fire 5 | Init +6 | Per +6 | CMB +4 | CMD 14 10FF | Darkvision 60 ft
Knowledge skills:
Arcana +8 | Local +10 | Nature +8

Mihaela feels confused and rather unsure of herself after the recent events. Could I have been that mistaken? I was sure that someone was trying to lead us away from the room.

She walks back to the others in time to hear Kendra's answers to Elisa's questions. The girl obviously has a good head on her shoulders, especially given the circumstances.

"Thank you", she says to Kendra before turning to Ellie. "Shall we take a look at Petros' books and notes and see if we manage to find anything?"


Female Human Fighter (Lore Warden) 9 I HP 64/76 I AC 23 [T 14 FF 20] I Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7(9) I Init +2 I Percep +1 I Conditions:

Ellie hesitates briefly, caught in two minds as to whether to share what she has remembered. After all, it may not apply to the present situation - it doesn't entirely line up with what she has studied. And she's learned from past experience that mentioning the involvement of the undead makes people twitchy in a way that is frankly irrational.

"I may, uh, know something about this. But I need to study it more before I'm certain." She nods at Mihaela. "Yes, let's get going."

Before she does, she gives Kendra a quick hug, as much seeking comfort and reassurance as trying to provide it. "I'm, uh, sorry we disturbed you. We'll leave you in peace now." With a meaningful glance at the others, she follows Mihaela back to the library.


Male Varisian Inquisitor 8 (AC 23/15Tch/19FF, 23 CMD/19FF, HP 62/62, Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +10, Init +7, Per +14)
Skills:
Climb +5, Heal +10, Intimidate +11, K(Arcana) +8*, K(Dungeon) +7*, K(Nature) +8*, K(Planes) +5*, K(Religion) + 12*, Perception +14, Ride +7, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +9, Stealth + 14, Survival +10*, Swim +5

Perplexed, Christoph mulls over the news that others in town were experiencing 'odd happenings'. With a town as ready to jump at shadows as this one, it'd be easy to dismiss. But that voice in the hall earlier... and heard by a few not so easily scared. Uncertain what to make of the bizarre situation, Christoph shrugs and says, "Well, I suppose we'd best do as Ellie says and go about our business. Thank you for your help, Miss Lorrimor. I'm sorry we had to ask those uncomfortable questions. I suppose let's go to the inn first and talk to the innkeep? We need to gather our gear anyhow."


Female Dhampir Rogue (Unchained) 1 | Ammo: Arrows 60, Daggers 3 | HP 10/10 | AC 18 (22), T 15 (19), FF 13 | CMD 15 (17 vs Disarm/Trip) | F +1, R +6, W +1 | Init +4 | Per +7, Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 60ft | Sense Motive +5, Know (Local) +6

"Thank you for that Kendra, we'll leave you to a bit of peace for a while. If you need us at all, don't hesitate to ask. Ellie and Mihaela will be here and the rest of us will be coming and going from the house regularly as well." Like Ellie, she also gives Kendra a quick hug.

As she releases Kendra, she sees Ellie's meaningful glance. Hmmm, what's that about. I better check with her before leaving.

She turns to others, "I agree with Freija and Christoph. It's about time we get started. I think we should head to the inn first to get our gear and ask the innkeeper, Sarianna is it, a few questions. First, though I think we should head back to the library with Ellie and Mihaela to see if they need anything from town for their studies." As she says this she gives Ellie a wink.

Elisa read that meaning glance as you having something to say to her. ;-)


Female Human Fighter (Lore Warden) 9 I HP 64/76 I AC 23 [T 14 FF 20] I Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +7(9) I Init +2 I Percep +1 I Conditions:

@Elisa - heh, no: the meaningful look was to everyone and was her way of saying we should leave Kendra in peace - but it's the sort of misunderstanding that occurs all the time in RL :-)

Ellie meets Elisa's wink with an utterly perplexed blank stare - Uh... wh- huh? - before deciding that it's time to leave this room full of complex, baffling and utterly irrational people and return to her books. No book has ever winked at her.


As you venture back out into town, the sky continues to rumble and and shudder, the clouds rolling in thicker and darker still, casting a palor over the already washed out and dull colours as you head up the main road north into the town square. The dour sky overhead and the threat of a storm don't seem to bother too many people, who you see off in the distance tending to fields behind their homes. Not as many people stare at you, perhaps if only because the novelty has begun to wear off, though you do see a couple people from the mob that tried to crash the funeral, who look somewhere between bitter and embarrassed as they move past you without a word.

At the Outward Inn, you find the innkeeper leaning over the edge of the counter. "I heard what happened with Gibs. I'm sorry you had to go through that," she sighs. "Can I get you lot a drink?"


LN Female Dwarf Warpriest 1 [HP: 11/11 | AC: 19 T: 12 F: 17 | CMD: 15 F: 13 | F: +4 (6) R: +2 (4) W: +5 (7) (vs Poison, Spells, SLA) | Init: +4 | Per: +8 SM: +3

"That Gibs is a right fool," Freija says her demeanor softening as she responds. "Anyroad, ye have some mead or a stout ale?" The dwarf hesitates at asking any questions herself, knowing that she lacks the sort of finesse required to gain much of value.


Female Human Medium 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 15; T 11; F 14 | F +0; R +1; W +5 | CMB -1; CMD 10 | Per +7 | Spirit: Archmage | Influence 1

Sofia nodded slightly, in agreement with Freija. "Hopefully, with the funeral over, he'll calm down a bit." She said, and took a seat at the counter. "Just some wine, please." She'd had her fill of tea for a while, and though she didn't want to dull her senses any, it felt rude not to order something.

"Sarianna? Could we ask you some odd questions?" She asked, trying to ease into the conversation some. "What happened at Harrowstone? I don't mean with the Professor, I mean before. We've heard it was a prison, and there was a fire, but not much else. The place must have a history of some sort. Or rumors, legends, anything."

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