"And perhaps you should pay more attention to what is said, Alderly. I clearly remember hearing something like 'an awkward legal situation' in regards to them in the will, and nothing about actual danger."
"Besides... erring on the side of caution is not a bad thing, Alderly, but if we do assume that the books are inherently dangerous, then might it be smarter not to look at them? Otherwise we might unleash something we weren't expecting and aren't prepared, or able, to stop." Raldora maintains the same tone as Alderly did throughout.
"The most important thing is that if anyone is aware that these books are here, there are quite a few dangerous individuals and groups that could target Kendra. We are here to make sure that she is in no more danger than absolutely necessary."
I packed light, so when everyone is ready we can depart.
Aconitus calmly drinks his tea while staring into the fire.
Nodding toward the unusually cunningly crafted knapsack she had set beside the door, along with her bow & sword, Ysmnerelda adds. "I've completed my training & my faith doesn't generally keep things like a standing force. I had considered travelling on to Kenabres after...
But I certainly see no reason to abandon one friend just to go off chasing demons..."
"In a month's time," She shrugs, "who knows?"
"I suspect in either case, they would be unlikely to be too dangerous. Professor Lorrimor was hardly a foolish man & I can't imagine he would risk keeping such items in his home." Ysmerelda adds her thoughts regarding the safety or lack thereof to the conversation. "That said, reasonable caution is always preferable to foolish haste, yes."
"And perhaps you should pay more attention to what is said, Alderly. I clearly remember hearing something like 'an awkward legal situation' in regards to them in the will, and nothing about actual danger."
"Besides... erring on the side of caution is not a bad thing, Alderly, but if we do assume that the books are inherently dangerous, then might it be smarter not to look at them? Otherwise we might unleash something we weren't expecting and aren't prepared, or able, to stop." Raldora maintains the same tone as Alderly did throughout.
"It is Dr. Alderly, if you don't mind. The comment about legal situations could mean anything. I didn't take much stock in that, as that could be for numerous reasons. And besides, things that are dangerous to have are quite frequently dangerous to use as well. In any event, debating here serves no purpose. On to our next steps. I have all I need with me know."
Since I am the only one that needs an errand out of the house; does anyone require anything as I will be out?
Windom's tone insists he he trying to defuse the fire that seems to be igniting between the people in the living room. After he offers to run any errands he will quickly go pick his pack up and two bottles of decent wine at the market. Alcohol usually has a way to make friends (or enemies) after dinner. He should be gone less than an hour barring any mishap while he is out.
I am fine but I appreciate the notion...
Aconitus says never breaking his gaze with the fire. He also seems uninterested in the quarrel between the others.
Raldora sighs to herself, "They never take things at face value..."
She turns to Windom, "I arrived just in time to attend the funeral and was ready to leave directly afterwards without needing to resupply. I have everything I need with me already. Thank you for the offer though."
Bump
I will see your bump and raise you another.
Kendra returns with a tray consisting of a steaming hot pot of tea and 6 cups, which she places on the table before the group.
Once again, the widow excuses herself only to return shortly thereafter bearing a small object of oak and iron which she situates on the table near the tea tray.
Kendra nervously clears her throat as she offers a single key to the group.
The newest tome sits on the top and bears the phrase “Read me now!”, scratched into the leather cover.
In addition to the “Read me now!” book, there are four other tomes as follows:
-An exquisite looking purple covered book rimmed in polished steal and clasped with a small but intricate lock in the shape of a brass scarab set with a single eye in its center.
-A jet black book titled On Verified Madness, and two other books titled, Serving Your Hunger, and The Umbral Leaves
Thank you darling for the Tea. It is much appreciated.
Aconitus takes a long drink of his tea while lost in thought staring at the fire. He barely even notices when she comes back with the key, somewhat startled when she clears her throat.
Thank you again, lets see what we have here.
He inspects the contents and is intrigued by the book that is clearly labeled, read me now.
I am pretty sure the professor meant for us to look at this one. Aconitus says while pulling it out of the box. Shall I read it aloud, or would you all prefer I read it to myself?
Ysmerelda smiles brightly as Kendra brings out the tea, assisting as best she is able but trying not to get in the way.
Once Kendra brings out the chest, Ysmerelda leans in to examine it closely, only moving out of the way as Aconitus opens the lock. Once he has pulled out what seems to be Professor Lorrimor's Journal, she will open one of the others. "Well, he did say they were potentially dangerous to possess. None of them sound particularly wholesome..."
Considering Aconitus' words, she replies. "Seems to me it would be quickest to read it aloud."
Aconitus opens the book with the phrase “Read me now” written upon its cover. A skim through the book reveals that it is obviously a journal.
The majority entries are relatively bland, accounting for day-to-day activities in a small town.
Several entries in the book, however, are circled with red ink. The final entry, dated 17 days ago, was written on the same day the professor’s body was found.
Ten Years Ago:
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their
fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might.
Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.Two Months Ago:
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?One Month Ago:
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect,
I suppose it all makes sense—the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling
enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked
up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity—there’s plenty of folks
hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.Twenty Days Ago:
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone who was
held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died
the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.Eighteen Days Ago:
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky
to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to
investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the
foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to
defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro.I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the BlackPath. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down
below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.Seventeen Days Ago:
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution
has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my
theory is right, the entire town could be at risk.
I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll leave this in the chest where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.
Ysmerelda, you find that Umbral Leaves is indeed written in common, or is at least a translation thereof. Much of what is written in the Umbral Leavesis indigestible for your mind at present. You can read the text, however you cannot hope to understand what you have consumed with a brief thumb through. Further research and investigation will be required.
Anyone attempting to skim through the other three books On Verified Madness, and Serving Your Hunger will come to the same conclusion as Ysmeralda.
You realize that this lexicon is a translation into Common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.
This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa..
The fourth book, the purple one rimmed in polished steel, contains a clasp with an intricate lock, the keyhole of which appears to be for a key with a strange triangular shaft.
As the purple books clasp is inspected, Kendra shrugs, "No key."
Raldora shakes her head in amazement as the last line is read. "That is quite the impressive foresight, in several respects. Makes me wonder if he picked us in particular for some other reason..."
She frowned as she continued, "It sounds like whatever was happening was already reaching its conclusion when he wrote that though, and that was what, over a fortnight ago? Either whatever was going to happen didn't, he managed to delay them before... well. Or it had some other effect. I'm not sure which worries me more."
.
What fire does he speak of? As for this false crypt, maybe we can look into that, see what the professor borrowed.
Looking to Kendra.
Would you allow me access to your farther's study? I wish to read some more common tomes he may have.
Back to the group.
I wish to read more on ghosts. I plan on investigating this place myself, and the added knowledge of my enemy will be helpful. As for this Whispering Way, if they are to blame for the death of the professor then they are in for a health dose of revenge. Does anyone know if the ruins he speaks of are truly a prison?
Alderly says little, enamored with the tomes. He listens intently to the words of the journal. Once that is done, he walks over and selects the tome entitled, On Verified Madness and thumbs through it. "Most intriguing. Yes, Raldora, it does seem we were selected for more than just convenience. I believe the dear Professor knew we would be the most appropriate ones to ... take care of these books."
Completely ignoring the tea, he gradually wanders to a nearby chair and starts reading the book, totally enraptured and oblivious to Windom's desire to research spirits.
knowledge arcana
I think it is wise that we should read up on ghosts before we go. The undead are not to be taken lightly.
"You'll want to be careful of that, Doctor." Ysmerelda cautions as Dr. Alderly picks up the Tome. "The Dark Tap'stry has been known to drive a God mad..." Turning once more to miss Lorrimor, "Kendra, did your father say anything about this...
Harrowstone place? Or what might be found there?"
"And one of these texts is sacred to Ugathoa the goddess of undeath," Rhia says quietly, "There were definitely dangerous forces whose attention was on the Professor "
"What, that one?" Ysmerelda inquires, pointing to the tome titled 'Serving Your Hunger'. "It certainly isn't this," as she holds up 'Umbral Leaves', "this concerns the rites & observances."
"I suppose it makes sense, if this whispering Way is as obsessed with Undeath as the professor's notes implied."
Alderly grunts and waves his hand dismissively at Ysmerelda's warning, totally absorbed in the tome. "I thought the professor had some tomes like this. He must have included it knowing I'd see it!" he mutters, not to anyone in particular.
His voice went louder as he reached a passage that particularly interested him. "There had been aeons when other Things ruled on Golarion, and They had had great cities. Remains of Them, can still be found as Cyclopean stones on islands in the oceans. They all died vast epochs of time before men came, but there were arts which could revive Them when the stars had come round again to the right positions in the cycle of eternity. They had, indeed, come themselves from the stars, and brought Their images with Them.
These Great Old Ones were not composed altogether of flesh and blood. They had shape, but that shape was not made of matter. When the stars were right, They could plunge from world to world through the sky; but when the stars were wrong, They could not live. But although They no longer lived, They would never really die..."
"It almost sounds as if you were talking of shadows, Dr. Alderly. If you wanted more information about me and my kind, you need only have asked. No need to delve into oh-so-dangerous tomes." While her words might sound sarcastic, the tone and a slight smile show that she's merely poking fun at Alderly.
Her mouth drops as she returns to seriousness. "I think we're in agreement that we're going to do something about this, yes? The question is, do we, or rather you, ask for help from the townsfolk, or do we do this ourselves?"
He always had a plan, the professor, a contingency plan for his contingency plan. Well my new friends he would not of grouped us together if he did not trust in our abilities. As for undead, I have a special hatred for them. Ghosts will be a new quarry for me.
" we make certain-sure of just what it is we face & how we hope to face it." Ysmerelda interjects. "From Professor Lorrimor's own words we know these cultists planned long & planned deep, they too will have contingencies, contingencies for such as we."
"Contingencies we may fare no better 'gainst than he if we simply hare after them." With these words, Ysmerelda's features grow serious, the girl submerged beneath the Holy warrior.
Ghosts will be a new quarry for me.
"Ghosts happen to be my area of expertise, along with a deep familiarity with Ustalav's supernatural predators." Rhia says quietly.
Rhia's left hand supports her teacup while she holds it in her right. The spoon seems to be stirring honey in by itself.
Windom casually looks and notices the tea cup, without drawing attention to it he calmly speaks.
Rhia, could you please, enlighten us about ghosts later tonight? It would be most helpful.
I think that is a splendid idea. We should take tonight to get to know each other, and discuss our knowledge of what lies ahead. I fear that our mission will not be trivial, and that it require a bit of preparation on our part.
Aconitus finishes his tea and pours himself another.
"Wonderful! You first."
Of course, as you all know, my name is Dr. Aconitus. I grew up in a small village not far from here, and graduated top of my class. I met the professor while on an... expedition... him not me. He managed to save my life, and I, having nowhere else to go, followed him and learned as much as I could. He taught me a great deal about the undead that plague this region, and we fought side by side for several years.
Aconitus pauses for a moment thinking about how much he wishes to divulge and chooses he next words extremely carefully.
It was from, the professor, that I learned my ability for alchemy. He taught me some of the more powerful recipes I know, and ever since then my interest has been much more than passive.
He goes over his words in his head and continues.
He taught me to fight with my mace, and to use my alchemical skills as an aid when strength or will alone is not enough. I honor the professor for everything he provided me. I would go so far as to say I owed him my life. A debt I don't take lightly and, should the need arise, gladly repay.
Aconitus takes his seat facing the fire and looks lost once again.
Now you know about me. By all means, please continue.
What fire does he speak of? As for this false crypt, maybe we can look into that, see what the professor borrowed.
Kendra shakes her head worriedly and says, You will want to be careful if you do that. The temple of Phrasma will not take kindly to anyone digging up graves in the Restlands. I don’t have to tell you that citizens of Ravingro are very suspicious of and intolerable of outsiders, you’ve already witnessed this firsthand at the Restlands.
Looking to Kendra.
Would you allow me access to your farther's study? I wish to read some more common tomes he may have.
Yes, of course.
On the way to the study, Kendra says somberly to those who follow, You are free to use my fathers study for as long as you like. There are also of course other places around town that might aid in your research. Ravengro Town Hall, The Unfurling Scroll, and The Temple of Phrasma may help.
Raldora, You find some notes in professor Lormiors study about Harrowstone, the ruined prison overlooking the town from the south and the location of Larimore’s death. Harrowstone was partially destroyed by a fire in 4661, the building has stood vacant ever since.
Aconitus, you know that Harrowstone housed only local criminals, buts as the prion’s fame spread, other counties and distant lands began paying to have more dangerous criminals housed within this prison’s walls.
At the time of the great Harrowstone Fire, the number of particularly violent or dangerous criminals imprisoned
within the dungeons below was at an all-time high.
Yesmeralda, Your research of Lorimors study yields that it is widely suspected around town and within the region that Harrowstone is haunted.
Rhia, you find a brief note regarding the Whispering Way, the sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years.
Dr. Alderly, with a skim through the tome, On Verified Madness you realize that this a formal and systematic exposition in writing of the principles of a place between the stars where true madness lies, a place called the Dark Tapestry, it is almost an alien concept to those who inhabit Golarion. And the things you see in the tome are almost mind breaking. Such things as four legged creatures with brains for heads. You realize that you have come across this creature previously in your studies and you recognize it as an intellect devourers. One such image of the an intellect devourer in the tome depicts such a creature partially wearing an ill-fitting suit of human skin.
In the fire light Windom looks cold and expressionless, he has a strong voice and stern gaze.
I met the professor after my wife was taken from me, she is undead vampyre now. I had left the church to marry her. The professor found me helped me get through a rough time and introduced me to some friends. I was able to rejoin the church but without the privilege of cleric, they say my faith had wandered too far when I married Candis. The professor pulled a few strings with the church, played up my value, and want to put restless dead to bed. I am more of a physical holyman, if that makes sense.
My expertise lays also with hunting undead, but my reach spreads to any evil fiends and especially necromancers. I have spent much time in the old tomes of the church, and dusty stacks of books in libraries, I have studied the enemy, have hunted the enemy by thinking like them. However, ghosts I must confess are new to me, but I am ever so eager to learn.
I don’t have to tell you that citizens of Ravingro are very suspicious of and intolerable of outsiders, you’ve already witnessed this firsthand at the Restlands.
"That's putting it mildly." Raldora murmurs as Kendra begins to lead Windom to the study. She follows as well, knowing that she'd have much less luck than the others trying to find information elsewhere. Once there, she began poking around any documents that seemed like they had been disturbed more recently than others.
She wasn't a researcher by any means, but she did manage to find one thing of interest at least...
"Harrowstone was the name of the place Lorrimor's journal mentioned the cultists were, right? Says here that it is a prison... sorry, wait, it was a prison, but there was a fire in 4661 and it hasn't been used since then... must have left it ruined. I imagine the damage was extensive, and the prisoners either fled or dead. Probably the latter, given what Lorrimor was saying about ghosts."
Alderly seems almost startled when it seems the others are watching him and waiting for a more thorough introduction. He grudgingly closes the book, but leaves it within arms' reach. "Hmm? Oh yes, as I mentioned before, I am Dr. Garriton Alderly, physician and surgeon. While my studies have not covered the walking dead, I have significant expertise in biology, zoology, and medicine; I have also done some study with the Great Beyond and the arcane. I met the professor many years ago when I was enrolled at the Sincomakti School of Sciences. His theories on transmutation magic and its effects on biological organisms was quite brilliant, actually."
"Oh, and I also dabble in some magic myself."
"Oh, and I also suppose I could be of some use in researching some of the history of Harrowstone, as I did in fact minor in history as well."
Alderly will also use Lorrimor's study to see what else he can find out about the prison.
knowledge history
The fetchling comes up with a a few pages of research from Lorimors study written about a particular prisoner,Sefick Corvin, aka, Father Charlatan.
Father Charlatan was not technically a murderer, yet his crimes were so blasphemous that several churches demanded he be punished to the full extent of Ustalavic law.
Although he claimed to be an ordained priest of any number of faiths, Father Corvin was in fact a traveling con artist who used faith as a mask and a means to bilk the faithful out of money in payment for false miracles or cures.
He became known as Father Charlatan after his scheme was exposed and his Sczarni accomplices murdered a half-dozen city guards in an attempt to make good the group’s escape.
Rhia also follows Kendra to the study, taking the time to browse the titles of the books on the shelves and scan through the Professor’s research. As she looks through a stack of papers, a chair quietly pulls itself up behind her, and the young woman sits, whispering a quiet thank you , seemingly to nothing.
“Some of you may have heard the name Van der Geist before, given the circles you’ve traveled in. My family has been protecting the people of Ustalav from the undead and all types of supernatural predators for 500 years. From the moment we’re able we are taught and trained to use our skills and talents in the defense of the living, some as holy warriors and hunters, some as priests or exorcists, each in their own way. As a part of our pact with Pharasma past members of my family are allowed to remain, in order to aid those of us who continue to fight, and that is where my….gift….and my connection to the Professor comes in.”
She looks at each of the group as she takes a deep breath, the back of her cloak moving slightly as it would if someone were patting her back supportively.
“I am somewhat of a ….touchstone for the spirits of my family, and for the spirit world in general. The veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is thinner wherever I am, and as a result I’m especially sensitive to their presence. I can sometimes see ghosts, affect malevolent haunting spirits, and call upon the aid of my ancestors in battle, drawing assistance, weapons and even sometimes a physical manifestation of a member of my family to fight against the undead. This is what prompted the Professor to study me, and he is the one that helped me to embrace this legacy.”
As the others process her revelation and Raldora speaks, Rhia nods.
"A place like that that held violent souls that died in a traumatic or violent manner would be exactly the type of scenario to give rise to powerful malevolent ghosts."
Harrowstone used to be a pretty high profile prison. If it is haunted, I suspect we will be facing some of the expired inmates, or what is lift of them. Not something to be taken lightly.
He pauses for a brief moment.
Nice to meet all of you. Tomorrow sounds like it will be a long day so I am going to take my rest early. I hope each of you has a good night sleep.
Aconitus bows to everyone and retires to his room.
"I believe you already all know what's interesting about me." Raldora says as she continues to page through Lorrimors last research. "I still need to introduce you to Dux, but that can wait till... huh." She stops as she comes across something interesting.
"It looks like the professor was investigating a 'Father Charlatan.'. According to this, he was a con artist that used false rituals of healing to get people to give him money. Ended up in Harrowstone before it burned down... I wonder if the professor thought he was involved in some way?"
You may have found your beds suitably comfortable so that sleep comes easy enough. In the middle of the night, thunder rumbles in the distance and the tranquil sounds of rain begin to pelt the windows of the Lorimor manor. The thunder and rain continue late into the morning until some semblance of sun starts to creep through the clouds and shines through the windows warming the place, chasing the rain away and ushering in a new day of curiosity and adventure…
Kendra, looking tired and disheveled yawns and stretches. Good morning. Did everyone sleep okay?
Windom wakes early, he has washed, shaved, and you could guess has exercised as he is very awake. He has also cleaned his clothes and did his best to press out the wrinkles during the night.
It was a wonderful much needed sleep, thank you. It has been such a long time since I had rested in a proper bed! I will be out on the town today is there any errand I may do for you? It would be my pleasure.
To Rhia
Let us get an early start, it would be nice to attend a sermon.
Windom leaves all his adventuring gear at home taking only his dagger and money for the day out.
Slept well thank you.
Aconitus quickly eats breakfast and is ready within an hour of waking up. As others depart he says.
For those of you who don't "fit in", do try and take care. I would hate to add more grief to this already painful occasion. If any of you would care to join me, I think I saw a nice tavern for lunch this afternoon. That should do nicely.
With a wave and a smile he departs for the Unfurling Scroll.
"Well enough, thank you." After breakfast, he retreats to the Professor's study to begin researching the prison anew. However, he finds his eyes wandering back to On Verified Madness every so often ...
Raldora had chosen to forgo the heavy cloak and her armor upon waking, now dressed only in a simpler, but still sturdy, shirt and pants. She made sure to avoid staying in view of any street facing windows for obvious reasons.
"I second that notion, Windom." She says as he mentions the beds. Seeing Dr. Alderly move off towards the study, Raldora follows, saying, "I'll continue to help Dr. Alderly search Lorrimor's study. No need to risk me being noticed."
"Kendra, when you & your father needed new paper or notebooks, were they available here in Ravengro or did you need to have them brought in?" Ysmerelda asks, seemingly out of thin air.
At Aconitus' reply, Ysmerelda giggles slightly. "Oh! I think I remember him talking about you!"
At Windom's tale, her expression become pale & drawn, she twitches several times, as though about to speak but remains silent, her eyes liquid at his pain.
Turning to Dr Alderly at his self-description, "Physician Surgeon? I'm afraid I'm unaware of the distinction, they aren't one & the same?"
As Rhia spins the tale of her family's storied history & her own part in it, Ysmerelda's eyes grow great & she sits, rapt as a child at an elder's ghost story.
As Raldora relays the tale of the false, impious priest, Ysmerelda's expression hardens once more.
At mention of bed, Ysmerelda gives the obligatory yawn before making her wayto it, stripping down to little more than a shift before proceeding through several body-limbering calisthenics & finally slipping between the sheets. She has a faint, faintly-sibilant snore.
As it happens, Ysmerelda awakens with the dawn to begin the day with another series of calisthenics & a brisk jog about the house & down the lane, still in little more than the shift she wore to bed. If there was a stream or similar body of water nearby she will likely have taken a brisk plunge to wash the sweat off, so she is likely soaked & slightly shivering at Kendra's query.
"W- W- Wonder- ful- fully, thank you!" She almost sings. The rest of you realize Ysmerelda is one of those truly hateful things, a genuine morning person. As Aconitus prepares to visit the Town Hall, she calls out. "Let me dry off & dress more presentably, I would like to join you if I may."
But of course my dear, I would love company.
Aconitus smiles and as they depart he holds out his arm to escort the lady to their destination.