Rigor Rictus' Carrion Crown - Game Thread

Game Master LastNameOnEarth


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Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }
Delia Pilachet wrote:
Delia turns to address Valachi, "There was an incident, but I think we should discuss it later when everyone is here. Until then I think Father would be able to give you a brief explanation outside." She points to the door, her intonation clearly showing she doesn't want to talk further at the moment. She glances repeatedly in Kendra's direction when the woman isn't looking. Her eyes trying to stress that the woman's presence is significant.

Val nods and steps outside with Father.


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

Zhan returns to the Lorimore home and sees the accumulation of people outside. He joins Father, Agnar, and Valachi outside and asks what happened. He crouches down over the corpse examining it as the others explain what happened. He quietly takes it all in, with no sign of what he is thinking visible on his face.

He asks, "How is Kendra taking this? Is Delia seeing to her?

Zhan looks over the corpse in detail, from the clothes it is wearing, to state of all the extremities, skin, and state of decomposition.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 to ascertain any physical abnormalities, such as cause of original death, recent wounds, decomposition, and whether the body has been embalmed.

"We will need to check with those who know in order to determine if this was indeed the Professor's body. We will make sure the clothes are consistent, as well as the state of the remains. The pine under the fingernails, as well as the fresh earth, suggest that the body clawed its way out of its casket, and burrowed its way to the surface. We should check his grave. This is the foulest form of desecration. If it is him, and even if it is not, someone will pay, both for the practice of their foul art, and for the trauma they have revisited on our poor mistress.


Once finished with his further examination of the statue, Kirill will head back to Kendra's home. I haven't had him jump in just yet since he took a few hours gathering information at the Outward Inn, so he'll likely be one of the last to arrive. Just give the word when he will arrive back with the others.


Zhan:
You can ascertain the same information that Agnar did. The body has been recently embalmed, and cannot be more than a month old


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }

After he learns what happened, Valachi says nothing but is noticably stricken. Rage boils just beneath the surface of his face, and he clenches his hands in and out of fists. He finds a quiet corner outside the house and fumes.


Just letting you know I'm still here, watching the thread to see what each character is ultimately doing.


Male Half-Elf/Kellid 3 Barbarian Wild Rager/Totem Warrior/1 Fighter Two-Handed Fighter
Zhan wrote:


"We will need to check with those who know in order to determine if this was indeed the Professor's body. We will make sure the clothes are consistent, as well as the state of the remains. The pine under the fingernails, as well as the fresh earth, suggest that the body clawed its way out of its casket, and burrowed its way to the surface. We should check his grave. This is the foulest form of desecration. If it is him, and even if it is not, someone will pay, both for the practice of their foul art, and for the trauma they have revisited on our poor mistress.

Agnar nods before saying "That seems to be the best course for us. Need to find proof it is indeed the Professor's body."


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"I would be surprised if it were not; checking is only being thorough. I doubt anyone would go to such lengths to traumatize his scion and balk at using his real body, when it lies at hand, unprotected in the graveyard. I doubt our foes care much about the ill spirits stirred up by disturbing the dead."

Zhan then goes into the house, taking off his boots, and hanging his cloak by the door. He searches until he finds Kendra, gives her a sad, fatherly smile, and then gives her a silent embrace, holding her until her crying subsides.


Male Human Level 1 Fighter

Sagaar walks outside to talk to Agnar and Zhan as they examine the body. He listens quietly while the two discuss their observations before speaking. "I agree with Zhan, I think we should examine the professors grave to see if we can find more information." Sagaar volunteers himself to go but specifies that Kendra cannot be left alone, but she also should not go to graveyard. "If we do go, Kendra does not need the trauma of seeing her father grave desecrated, but she also cannot stay alone. Someone will need to stay with her. Preferably in a more populated location, so as to help dissuade anything strange from happening."


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }
Sagaar wrote:
"...Preferably in a more populated location, so as to help dissuade anything strange from happening."[/b]

Val overhears and strides over to interject, "I agree that none of us should be alone - its too dangerous. I trust no one in this gods cursed town. But I think Kendra should come with us, even to the graveyard. She will need our protection."


So for the sake of confirmation, who is going to the graveyard? Kendra will voice no objection to accompanying you, though she is rather distant.


Male Half-Elf/Kellid 3 Barbarian Wild Rager/Totem Warrior/1 Fighter Two-Handed Fighter

Agnar shakes his head at the events that happened while some of the group was out. "Might as well go. Should make sure on if this is his body or not."


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }

I'm in for the graveyard, and as mentioned before, we should ALL go to stick together.


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

I'll presume you brought the conversation inside, since several of us are there.

"I agree we should check it out. We could send a runner to look, but anyone going alone is probably a bad idea. Chances are we will just find the empty grave and then be returning here, so it may be a boring trip. However their may be clues to how he was ensorcelled (actually a word, I looked it up). Second, since who ever sent the body would expect us to investigate, it would also be the perfect time and place to ambush us. I suggest we go prepared for that eventuality. We should also bring one of the brothers of Pharasma. They will want to know this has occurred in their own lich-yard. And besides, if an ambush is forthcoming, having the clerics present will help. My lady, you would appear to be in danger, so I would ask that you escort us, and remain close by my side."


Female Human Unchained Master Summoner 1 (AC: 15 [T: 12 /F: 13]; CMD 13; HP: 9/9; F+1, R+2, W+1; Init: +2; Perc: -1)

Delia scowls lightly, in the manner that everyone has become used to meaning she disagrees. "Zhan, I know you would prefer to maintain keeping the Pharasmans in the know, but if this is indeeed what we presume, then they may neither want it reinterred in their restlands nor be able to quell anymore rumors about the dearly departed's affiliations." She is obvously talkin about the Professor, but you can tell she doesn't want to confirm it by putting a name to it in front of Kendra. "In this instance, both at this time of night and the parties involved, we may be better off NOT involving the Pharasmans, or possibly letting anyone else in on our suspicions."


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"A valid point. You should remember that I have no particular attachment or connection to the clerics of Pharasma, however, I think it prudent to involve them in these matters, particularly where their own lands are concerned. They know a great deal about the states of Undeath, and they may be able to tell more from the remains that we ourselves can discern. They hate the practitioners of these dark arts with a passion, and could be a powerful ally; though not if we estrange them by invading their graveyard on our own secretive missions. If they begin to believe that we are involved or responsible, we will have earned ourselves a powerful and tenacious enemy."

"What you have said about the body is also true, though we should consider whether we intend to simply return it to its prior resting place. Its rest has already been disturbed once; should we return it to such an easily accessible place to be molested again at these practitioner's whim?"

"What this does to our dear friend's reputation is another matter. You are right that this incident may add fuel to the fire in regards to what the common men here think of him. However, I'm afraid that ship may have sailed. And, like others have said, I find myself caring less what the small minded folk who would make such assumptions will think. However, that is not a decision for you or I to make. Kendra, if the local folk assume the worst of your father, it may mean the end of your life here. They would pester and mistreat you until you had no choice to leave, if they do not grow violent. How would you like us to proceed?"

"I believe that attempting to keep this secret risks inflaming rumors more than an open approach. There is no need to make this issue public, but consulting the Pharasman's may allow us to have his body resanctified and interred. Since their resting ground has been disturbed, they may be convinced to post a watch over the yard until such time as this trouble is resolved. If they will not take him, we can carry him with us to the university, and have him laid to rest in a less superstitious place. Sneaking into the graveyard and burying him ourselves may allow us to preserve his reputation, and by extension yours. However, if we are discovered while about our business, the reputation will be lost anyway and we may face the suspicion of practicing the dark arts ourselves. All cooperation, such as we have it, could be lost."

"I believe we should act openly; the truth will win out. Either option presents risks, but I think this to be the safer course."


Male Half-Elf/Kellid 3 Barbarian Wild Rager/Totem Warrior/1 Fighter Two-Handed Fighter

Agnar nods after Zhan speaks "I am with Zhan. If you wish to sneak about than it would be best if I stayed here. I would be of no use while trying to sneak in and out. I would prefer we just tell them so we have no risk of being blamed for disturbing the graveyard. I am getting very tried of this small town views on things."


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }

Val grimaces, shaking his head, "We stick together. If it means we cannot be stealthy, than so be it."

To Zhan's suggestion, "As I've said, I don't trust anyone in this town, including the Pharasmites. If we find anything of value at the gravesite, then we can bring them in later, but I believe we should play our cards close until we know more."


Female Human Unchained Master Summoner 1 (AC: 15 [T: 12 /F: 13]; CMD 13; HP: 9/9; F+1, R+2, W+1; Init: +2; Perc: -1)

Delia listens openly before adding, "I agree with Val, in that I do not know who can be trusted here in town. The Whispering Way is a secret organization hidden in a small town, there's every reason to believe that it has secret members. If we evoke suspicion by creeping around in the dark, then I say we rise early and enter the restlands when they are open to all. If we find disturbing information there, we can bring it to their attention, and purely under the guise of having been there purely to visit the grave of a loved one." at this last she puts on her biggest wide-eyed innocent look.


Male Human Level 1 Fighter

"I agree with Delia, doing it in broad daylight will arouse less suspicion than if somebody sees the light of persons investigating in the dark of the night. If anyone ask we can be on our way to pay our respects to Lorrimar." Sagaar interjects.


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }

"That sounds good. We camp up here in the house and leave at dawn. Keeping watch may be wise. I will take a middle or last shift, if it makes sense."


Alright, it looks like we're waiting for morning to go check out the grave.

Tension hangs heavily in the evening air as you wait out the remainder of the night in the drawing room. Kendra doesn't speak much, though she does busy herself with fetching a decanter of brandy before commenting on her nerves and retiring to bed (this is an obscure but common excuse in Ustalav for politely excusing oneself from present company). Sheriff Caeller stops by later to inform you that no one in town is missing, as as nothing more than a cruel prank is expected, you are free to leave town as you will. Before taking his leaf, he offers a casual apology for any inconvenience, and amidst strained conversation and candle-cast shadows playing on the walls, you slip off to bed one by one, ready for the burdens of the following morning.

Day 2. -1 Trust Point (now occurs daily, due to unrest in the town). Current Trust Points: 24.

You wake to the scent of bacon wafting into your rooms, though between the events of the previous evening and the burnt smell of the meat, you find it difficult to work up much of an appetite. You find Kendra in the kitchen, stoically waving away the smoke rising from a sizzling stove, and hurrying about the room with an almost comical resolve. "I'm so sorry about last night," she explains with a forced smile as she bats some flower from her hair. "I was a bit rattled, but that was no excuse for me to be such a poor hostess. In any case, that, uh... thing," she fumbles for a moment as she dances around what to call it. "Well, it wasn't really, you know. So I've put behind me - no sense in worrying over it when we need to get to the bottom of what caused it, eh?" She manages a chuckle as she shoos you out of the kitchen, with an ominous promise that breakfast will be served shortly.

Sense Motive DC 16:
Kendra is over the initial shock of last night's events, and even though she appears to have rationally accepted the reality, the fact that she's rushing past the subject means that she's still emotionally troubled by it. She should be able to function for now, but internalizing the issue for too long will not be good for her in the long-run, and the wrong reminder could lead to a breakdown at a critical moment.

As you wait for breakfast, you here a knock at the door, followed by Kendra's request for Delia to answer. You don't have time to reach the door before the knock is repeated with greater vigor, and when you open the portal, you are greeted by the sullen faces of Sheriff Caeller and Father Grimburrow. The sheriff stutters nervously for a moment before stepping back. "Not my forte. You'd better take this one, Father."

Giving a nod, the ancient priest steps forward, and when he speaks, his raspy old voice takes on a gentler tone than you would have thought him capable. "I'm afraid there's been an incident at the graveyard. Is Ms. Lorrimer at home?"


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

Last Night:
"If that is the consensus, I will abide by it, but I do not think waiting will act in our favour. I believe this decision should belong to Kendra as it is her and her father's reputations that will suffer for the consequences of any actions, or inaction."

Zhan will ask Father's help in securing the body, and transporting it into the house. He wraps it in cloth and then transports it down to the house's cold room. He'll then lock the door, and bar it from the outside.


Developments such as these are one reason I think that we are waiting around too much. I think we should have headed out last night, as now the decisions are out of our hands.

Sense Motive on Kendra: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 (Missed it, unless we did level up last night as Orlok had intimated.

"The lady is home, but she is indisposed at the moment. May we assist you, gentlemen?"

Zhan trades a look with Delia, as if asking the young lady what she would like to do with this situation; what should we tell them?


Last Night:
At whatever point when Kirill returns, he will inform everyone what he discovered at the statue; that according to rumors the blood on the statue could not be washed away, and in trying as he might, the Varisian was unable to do so, but lacks an understanding of arcane or alchemical knowledge to know what would cause it to stick so tenaciously. I'll assume he'll have been informed as to what happened in his absence, yes?

Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15+1 if we leveled up; I'm in the same boat as Zhan.


Male Psychopomp Lesser Eidolon Biped (AC: 15 [T: 11 /F: 14]; CMD 17; HP: 11/11; F+3, R+1, W+2; Init: +1; Perc: +4 [Darkvision 60'])

Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Father leans over to Delia when they come downstairs and ensures she is aware of his take on the matters at hand. "You know you can't keep the truth from her for long. Think Princess, you know what it's like to lose a father, you would want to know if you were in her shoes."


Female Human Unchained Master Summoner 1 (AC: 15 [T: 12 /F: 13]; CMD 13; HP: 9/9; F+1, R+2, W+1; Init: +2; Perc: -1)

Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Her eyes get misty at his words, as she blinds herself to the truth she herself doesn't want to admit. She hisses back at him, "The truth isn't always easy to swallow. We don't want to see our loved ones as anything but healthy and full of life." She turns from him, upset by his implication. as he watches her go with sadness in his face. Not his own sadness, but for her sake.

She is happy for the knock at the door to try and take her thoughts away from the conversation. Zhan steps up and gives Delia a little time to think, a little worried about what it is they may have to say. "You look as if you bear grim news." she grabs the handle as if to close the door behind her as she steps towards the men "Maybe we should talk outside first, as I don't think Kendra is ready yet for any dark tidings since her father's death." She motions for Zhan to follow her in prompting the two men outside to talk. She is confident in the fact that her and Zhan together can talk their way out of any situation.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 +1 more if leveled


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

Zhan stands outside with Delia and the two men, waiting for their response.


Male Half-Elf/Kellid 3 Barbarian Wild Rager/Totem Warrior/1 Fighter Two-Handed Fighter

Agnar looks at both men as they speak to Zhan and Delia he thinks to himself "The Sheriff seemed not use to anything that has been going on recently while, this Father Grimburrow seemed to understand more." He decides to listen as they speak, making sure they could tell what he was doing.


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }

Valachi will follow the group outside, remaining silent and brooding.


Father Grimmburrow stand tall and stiff, twiddles his thumbs for a moment before glancing towards Caellar, who simply offers a nod. "Very well," he responds, beckoning you all outside. Once everyone has left the house and the door is securely closed, he begins with a heavy sigh. "There has been trouble at Petros Lorrimer's grave. It has been exhumed, with the coffin destroyed and the body missing. We are trying to determine what exactly happened."

"Gibbs, that undertaker, reported it early this morning," Caeller interjects. "Stumbled into the jailhouse sopping drunk. Truth be told, he's my number one suspect after what he tried to pull the other day. Only thing is, there were some heavy tracks around the coffin, and they lead back towards town, though local foot-traffic makes it tough to tell anything more specific." He quickly raises both hands in a calming gesture. "Don't worry, I'm not accusing you of nothing, just thought that Ms. Kendra ought to know."

"How is she doing?" Grimburrow asks gently.


Kirill sighs heavily upon hearing Gibbs' name. It wasn't often that the Varisian went spoiling for a fight, but that man had been a thorn in his side since the graverobber arrived in Ravengro. First his stirring trouble at the funeral, then his babbling nonsense at the Demon, and now being spoken of having involvement in the digging up of Lorrimer's body (the irony was not lost on Kirill).


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"Ever greater insult being offered to this injury. Our friend falls, before his time, and now his grave is desecrated. Mistress Lorrimor has had a great deal to endure. This news will not likely help to aid her recovery. The wounds of grief are fresh. She is a brave young woman, but this is a deep wound, and it will take a long time to knit. We will tell her about this latest, but I ask that you allow us to break it to her in our own way. We will be very interested to learn anything further that results from your investigation."

"There was a disturbance outside the home here last night; I wonder if whoever desecrated the tomb came here before or after to harass the late Professor's daughter. Unfortunately, we do not know who was behind it. I wonder as well if this is connected somehow to your vandalism in the square yesterday. Someone trying to stir up trouble perhaps? Someone with a grudge or a prejudice against Professor Lorrimor... The lady may wish to see the grave site, and my companions and I surely will; would it be alright if we see the area before the damage is repaired? If you recall, we have our own questions about what is happening here that we are trying to find answers for."

Zhan will wait until a point in the conversation when the attention of the two men is focused on someone else, such as Delia, and then use his new found ability to Detect Evil. He hides the subtle gesture needed to bring about the spell, and mumbles the verbal component as quietly as possible. Bluff to conceal casting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 He focuses the spell upon the two men present, for up to the full three rounds if any evil is detected.


Female Human Unchained Master Summoner 1 (AC: 15 [T: 12 /F: 13]; CMD 13; HP: 9/9; F+1, R+2, W+1; Init: +2; Perc: -1)

"Oh, that is most awful to hear. The atrocity, that someone would do that to the poor remains of someone laid to rest. I feel that my colleague said it best, that it would be better for her to hear of it coming from us. As well as wanting to be able to conduct our own investigations. We will want to make haste. Please excuse us, as we will get ourselves ready to travel to the disturbed grave." She curtsies politely as she excuses herself to enter the house. She stops, and apologizes "Where are my manners, I'm sorry if I do not invite you in, but as we are now most assuredly heading out shortly, we do not intend to entertain company, nor will Kendra be in any state to when we give her the bad news."


Zhan:
You detect no traces of evil on either of the men, or in the area of your spell.

"Very, well," responds the priest, bowing his head graciously. "I leave it to you to break the news to Ms. Kendra."

The sheriff steps forward, flicking a piece of straw from his teeth. "Right. When we've learned more, we'll bring it to you, and if you turn up anything relevant in your own errands - whatever they might be - I'd ask that you let me know." The two of them turn to leave, though Caeller quick stops himself and turns quickly on his heel. "Oh. I hate to sound crass, but if you do want to see the grave for yourself, let me or one of my deputies know. We're keeping it open for a couple of days, and one of use will be out there most times. We'll get this resolved, I promise you that, but it's bad for the village's sensibilities to keep a desecrated grave open for too long. We'll have to fill it back in before week's end, body or no, and I'd ask that you let Ms. Kendra know before then. As next of kin, there are a few legal issues she'll have to wrap up." With that, he turns back towards Father Grimburrow, and the two of them start back towards the temple.


Male Human Level 1 Fighter

Hey guys, sorry im not posting much this week, i have alot of pages to write this week for class, everythings due on friday so i should be back to posting then


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }

After the visitors have left. "This is bad, and not just that some vile cult is working its schemes on the town. We have Lorrimor's corpse - if the sherrif finds it here, we will be the likely suspects... and scapegoats. What should we do?"


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

As the men begin to walk away, Zhan follows them out for a few steps... He switches his spell to a Detect Good casting, and then to a Detect Law.

"Father Grimbarrow? Might I speak with you for a few moments, on a slightly different matter?"


Zhan:
Neither of the men register when you cast Detect Good, and only the sheriff seems to be Lawful. Also, I have a few house rules when it comes to detecting alignment which I will go over soon - sorry I neglected to mention them. You would naturally be aware of this as it is the way magic simply functions in the campaign, but unless you are looking at a creature with an actual aligned subtype, they register as neutral unless they are actively contemplating or engaging in some type of aligned activity. In this case, the sheriff's duty's as a lawkeeper are very much on his mind, thus he registers as lawful.

I want to give everyone a heads up that I'm going to post a few house-rules in the Campaign Information later tonight. I don't think anyone will find them objectionable. So far, it should just be the weapon finesse rule we've discussed, streamlining a few skills into a new Athletics skill (including jumping from Acrobatics), and a change in the way alignment detection works.

Father Grimburrow halts as you approach him, along with the sheriff. "Of course, we might discuss anything you wish. What is this concerning?"

The sheriff waits around for a moment, hoping he will be included, though after several seconds he merely shrugs and moves back towards the jail.


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"I'm not certain if your acolytes told you, but we came seeking your counsel yesterday. They allowed us to use your library for our research, for which we are still grateful. They explained to us how you have been overburdened of late do to the passing of your Father of Birth. You have my condolences."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
"As I explained to them, the Professor left information with his estate that indicated that he was investigating The Whispering Way, and that he believed that they were active here. He believed that they were trying to extract something from the Harrowstone. He wrote that he was attempting to catch them in the act and stop them from achieving their goals. This is what he was doing at Harrowstone when he died. Given this , we believe it is very likely that members of their order encountered him and killed him. Now his grave and his body have been disturbed, and odd, unexplainable things such as this blood that will not fade are occurring within the town. It would seem to me that these things are most likely connected, yes?"

"Professor Lorrimor was our friend. He was a mentor to some of us, and a savior to others; we have a strong interest in discovering the truth of his death, and now this desecration. I am convinced that this cult is involved, and if proven right, I feel we owe it to the professor to stop them. I would ask that you help us in this. Help us to be accepted by the people here, so we might be of assistance, help us with any information we might not have about the Way, the Harrowstone, or about the evil souls that died and might be entombed there. Can you do this?"


The priest's ancient brow furrows with worry when you mention the Whispering Way, and as you finish your story, he grimly traces the symbol of Pharasma over his chest. "Walk with me," he says simply as you finish. He starts slowly towards the Restlands as he glances casually about, though the frantic motions of his eyes betray the easy nature of his gaze.

"I'm glad you brought this to me," he continues in a hushed tone. "When we speak of this, we must do so quietly, and in the open - the Restlands will be sparsely populated at this time in the day, and there Pharasma will shield us. The Way is no light matter, so I hope you are certain of their involvement. I'm afraid I don't know much of the them - they hold secrecy as their greatest weapon - but if what I've heard is to be believed, their agents might be anywhere, and conversing about them in crowded places, or where walls offer places to hide, only invites them to hear us." He takes a quick glance back over his shoulder before he resumes speaking.

"Petros often saw evil in every shadow," he sighs, relaxing just a bit."[/b] And while I agree that something is amiss in Ravengro, he did have a tenancy to assume the worst in a situation. If the Way is truly involved here, you have my full support. For now, I will aid your investigation in whatever way I can personally, but as I said, this is a serious matter, and I will need something more substantial before I can devote resources of the Church to your efforts. Until then, exercise caution. I would urge you to bring anything relevant to the recent happening to both Sheriff Caeller and myself, though you might want to neglect mentioning the Way to the good sheriff. He does a good job of keeping the peace in Harrowstone, but his time in Caliphas has made him a bit paranoid, and mentioning a conspiracy may lead him to rash action."[/b]

He stops before the gates of the Restlands, turning to face you directly. "Again, you have my thanks for bringing this to my attention. I will tell you anything you wish to know of the Way - though my own knowledge of the subject is limited - and of Harrowstone. If there was indeed suspect activity occuring there, it might behoove us to determine why. Beyond that, I can give you free access to our archives, supervised and during regular temple hours. Simply announce your presence and you will be admitted. I will remind the people that not all that is different is wicked, though if you truly wish to endear them to you, it will be your own actions, not mine that will accomplish this. They've warmed to you a little since you've arrived, but many of you have been rather reclusive - they think you hold yourselves above them, or that you're keeping secrets. Especially that young Varisian you travel with. Opening up to the town a little would go a long way in earning their trust."

+1 Trust Point. Current Trust Points: 25


Female Human Unchained Master Summoner 1 (AC: 15 [T: 12 /F: 13]; CMD 13; HP: 9/9; F+1, R+2, W+1; Init: +2; Perc: -1)

Delia turns to the rest of the group as Zhan walks away with Father Grimburrow, responding softly to Valachi's line of thought "We are in a bit of a quandry. The grave has been opened, we cannot return the body that came after us." she bites her lip pensively "We may be best off keeping his remains, if we could entomb them somehow. It will keep them out of sight, and keep them out of the further perverse machinations of those that animated it in the first place."

She bites her knuckle, looking around dartingly, like reading the thoughts behind her eyes "I don't like it, but I can see no other, better, choice of action."


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"Thank you Father. I believe I may have evidence; I will bring it to you when I am sure. If you could, would you leave instructions with your acolytes to allow us access to you if we come in earnest? They appear very protective of your time, but if I have evidence to show you, I am sure you will want to see it. I promise not to abuse the privilege; I know you are a busy man."

"Do you have any idea what they might want within the old prison? Any old legends, or magic artifacts? Where any of the prisoners or staff killed there magi or otherwise of note?"


Grimburrow nods. "I shall let the acolytes know that if I am in the temple, I am to be notified of your need, and if I am not, they will give you my current whereabouts. For my own part, I will see what my own studies can glean."

He chuckles softly when you ask about Harrowstone's legends. "Legends? Related to Harrowstone. I'm sure you fill find a great many, though most of them grossly exaggerated. I have my own ideas on the matter, but an educated speculation is still a speculation - I will tell you simply what is true about the place. It was built in 4594 to house the most depraved of Ustalav's criminals, though they rarely stayed for long." His tone grows more somber. "During that era, most executions in this county or any bordering it took place at Harrowstone, and I think the echos of so many deaths can still be felt there. In fact, at the time of the fire, five notorious criminals had recently brought to the prison, and one of them was a wizard, now that you mention it. He had once been a professor in Caliphas, I believe. We may have more information on him in our records, though today, most simply remember him the Splatter Man." The aged priest goes quite for several moments. "I never met him, nor bore witness to his crimes, but it's said that he would make his victims mad with paranoia, watching them for weeks before leading them into a death trap."

He begins lead you back towards the town. "As far as the rumors about the place? The church has investigated, and we found no ghosts. A corruption of life and death as powerful as that could not escape our notice. Still, it's true that I feel an unexplainable fear whenever I venture near the place, and the acolytes did meet with an unusual number of accidents while inspecting the prison. Suspicious, perhaps, but we found nothing concrete, neither with eyes nor the guidance of Pharasma. Now, though, I must return to the temple and see what I can determine about these recent events. I will let you know if I turn up anything of significance, and I would ask that you extend the same courtesy." He offers you polite nod before taking his leave, moving back towards the Temple of Pharasma.


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"Thank you for your time Father. I appreciate it greatly. May your god watch over you.

As he leaves the holy father, Zhan will cast his last alignment category and look back at the father's retreating form.

*Detect Chaos*

Zhan walks slowly back to the house, quietly thinking over the events of the past few days. When he arrives back at the house, he will invite everyone to meet again in the living room, as has become our practice.

"The question becomes, what should we do now? Obviously, we should inspect the grave site, but then what?"

"I took some time to speak with Father Grimborrow, telling him what I told the other initiates. Don't worry Delia, I told him nothing new; nothing I had not already told to the acolytes at the temple. However, I thought it important to touch base with the good Father, and establish a line of communication, should we need it. He has said that he will keep an open ear, and that we may come straight to him the next time, and his acolytes will be instructed to admit us. He said that if we find proof that the Whispering Way is truly here, he will use the resources of the church to aid us."

"The most important matter is probably what to do with our friend's remains. As was discussed last night, having the body might lead to all sorts of questions or negative assumptions about us. I did not tell Father Grimborrow about the body, though I was tempted. The Pharasmans are likely the only one's who could tell us how the body was animated, and give any indication of by whom. Doing so would also provide us an alibi, in the sense that we were not responsible, but rather the victims in this attack. However, doing so has risks, though perhaps not as many as we might think. If he was animated by the Whispering Way, as seems obvious, then they already know about the body, and they likely know we have it. If they provided a tip that the body was here, and we were caught with it...? However, if we tell the Pharasman's, even if they have been infiltrated by the Way, as Delia fears, they already know of the body and learn nothing new. If they have not, or even if Father Grimborrow is the only one of their number true to his faith, we gain all the advantages laid out before."


Father Grimburrow does not register as Chaotic.


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

Not surprising. As a cleric of a true neutral deity, it would be the most likely choice (but not the only possible choice, which is why I checked).


Female Human Unchained Master Summoner 1 (AC: 15 [T: 12 /F: 13]; CMD 13; HP: 9/9; F+1, R+2, W+1; Init: +2; Perc: -1)

Delia seems a little relieved and her eyes brighten as she comes up with a quick out, "We could inform Father Grimburrow about the event that happened with the body, but just change the timeframe to this morning after they informed us. If you truly trust him after speaking with him, this may be our one chance. We just recant the events, with the only falsehood being WHEN it happened." She looks around at each with a hopeful expression, stopping at Zhan.


Male Psi-slinger: Parry 4 / RATN 4 (6/8/10) / Toughness 14 (6) (18 (6) vs Energy) / ISP 40/40 /Quick/Danger Sense/Psychic Sense/ Bennies 3/3

"I don't know that the deception would be helpful, or necessary. If we are innocent of any wrongdoing, why muddy it with falsehoods? I don't think we should create the impression we have something to hide at this juncture when we do not. Should the lie be revealed, say there was a witness to the attack, or someone saw the body shambling through the town last night, we would damage our credibility greatly by being caught in the lie."

"The truth in this case does not really harm us; we were waiting to see what our own investigations might reveal, and were not yet certain who we could trust."

"I did not say I trust Grimborrow. I have the craft of being able to see much about a person's nature, including whether they are prone to good or evil, and the Father registers as neither, just like his god, which is to be expected. The followers of Pharasma neither seek to cause death or prevent it, they merely serve as echelons to the process of life, and the aiding natural transitions from one to the other. However, there are magics that can deceive my scrying eye, and such would also appear to be neutral, neither good or evil, because all such natures would be blocked from view. However, I believe that the Father is likely trustworthy because of his status within the church of Pharasma. Even if some had infiltrated them, as Delia had postulated, which I still think unlikely, that one of them could have advanced to such a high rank is less likely still."

"I think that we should call the Father here, on his own, and show him the body. We can gain his counsel, and he may be able to tell us more about what was done to him. When this crisis is completed, he can help us return him to his rightful place in the restlands."


Male Human Ranger (Shapeshifter) 3 { AC 13 | 18 of 35 hp }
Zhan wrote:
"I think that we should call the Father here, on his own, and show him the body. We can gain his counsel, and he may be able to tell us more about what was done to him. When this crisis is completed, he can help us return him to his rightful place in the restlands."

Val nods, "That sounds fair. Honesty would buy us some trust in this town, I hope."


Male Half-Elf/Kellid 3 Barbarian Wild Rager/Totem Warrior/1 Fighter Two-Handed Fighter

Agnar nods "I agree with that as well. Best not to give the town reason to hinder us in anyway."

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