The Carrion Crown (E7 goodness with House Rules frosting)

Game Master Helaman

Ob Portal site | Roll20 Site | Moonday, 13th of Gozran, 4714
GM Tracking

Spoiler:
N/A

Markers:


551 to 600 of 5,009 << first < prev | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | next > last >>

HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

Baradlon is apoplectic at the fact that the sheriff seems to be totally useless at controlling the townsfolk. His face is twisted in an ugly sneering frown as he watches the townspeople file home.

First the grave robbing, then the two deaths under mysterious circumstances, now this. Something wicked this way comes, and these sheeple are so controlled by their emotions that they inadvertently aid it. It'd probably be easier to do my job and more merciful for them if I slaughtered them all in their sleep....No. No. No. That's not how Petros taught you. Where is your vaunted elven patience little "Nighteyes"?


F Halfling N Dirge Bard 2 AC 19, T 14, FF 16 // Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +4(+7) // Stability 14/[15] // CMD 12 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7 (+1) // HP 17/(17)/[17] // BP 7/7

Lament looks on. "We need to bury the dog. Maybe that will bring Gibbs some comfort. Someone is definitely sending a message."

Any knowledge check on the V?


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru frowns at the bloody V and runs his thumb along the bone spiral at his neck. "V for Vengeance perhaps? or Victory? Does the fact that it is here at the memorial have any significance?"

V for Vendetta!


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

Good question, Jaru!

Does the memorial have a plaque or epitaph or something on it?


A total of 25 names—the guards who died in the fire of 4661, as well as the warden Hawkrens wife, Vesorianna— are chiseled into the statue’s stone base.

Deputy Vester is pale white and shivering. Just looking at it gives me the willies, he says.


Inactive

"Vesorianna....are there any records about the warden and his wife, or about the fire itself? It happened 53 years ago..." Elidal's voice trails off as she looks thoughtful. After a moment, her mind seems to return to the present and her expression changes to one of sadness at Lament's words.

"Yes, he should be buried. We could do it ourselves, of course, but...maybe it would be more appropriate for someone local to do so. After all, he was a citizen of Ravengro in his own right according to what Pevrin told us earlier today; as outsiders I'm not sure that it's our place," she says quietly, with a questioning look at the sheriff and the deputies.


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

"That's what I was suggesting Jaru look for in the temple yesterday evening. Birth and death records are probably kept there, and that Grimburrow looks to be old enough to have been around when the fire happened. Whatever killed Petros happened at the prison, and now this memorial to the tragedy there has been defaced. It would seem that this...Harrowstone...might be the center of the town's problems."


Jaru got a bit of background on the place from Father Grimburrow... the speech is up on the Obsidian Portal site. He arrived in town more than 20 years after the fire and even visited the place itself but reported nothing worth investigation there. I've also updated the site 'Rumours and Research' section which has something on Lorrimors body disappearance as well as this incident. See the Obsidian Portal site Wiki for more... there is some one referred to as being around since the town was set up - son of tavernkeeper Zokar Elkarid, the young entrepreneur Pevrin, did mention Jorfa the smith in his guided tour.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru shrugs at Elidal's conjecture, "V could stand for Vester as well." He raises an eyebrow at the deputy. "There's no telling at this point. Father Grimburrow sketched out the tragedy for me: the fire occurred during a riot and the warden is seen as a hero for preventing any inmates from escaping. They were highly dangerous. It is unclear why his wife was at the prison."

"As Baradlon mentioned, I was going to further pursue things at the temple tomorrow. As for Old River, I agree some sort of ceremony would be beneficial for the community. I can mention it at the temple tomorrow as well. You likely want to hold onto the body as evidence until then Sheriff."


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

How does that human know my real name?


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
Baradlon"Nighteyes" Vontarfonel wrote:
How does that human know my real name?

saw it in the Will?


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Simeon paces around the statue alternately looking at the statue, the ground and the night sky. Rounding the corner nearest his companions he stops "It would be highly unlikly any such as Gibbs would know aught of the former occupants of the prison..." he shrugs, then continues "But stranger things have happened...more data is required. I for one will retire to Petros' library, where I'm sure some more morsels of information can be obtained."


Anything more? Returning to sleep, for you all at any rate, will be something of a problem - you'll have a few hours of waiting for the town to "properly" rise (now doesn't really count)... and then, of course, there is the Sunday Morning service at the Chapel not long after dawn... anyone attending?


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

I didn't get any response from the Sheriff as far as whether Gibbs was being watched all night and if they'd be dealing with the dead dog...


The sheriff standby by the priest, talking in a low voice.

We didn't have eyes on Gibbs all night - I pulled him in to identify those bodies during the dance - he seemed a bit surprised but not shaken. Given all the bodies he's seen in his day? No small wonder. After that, we kept an eye out for him. He hit the booze pretty hard after looking at the bodies. He went back to his shack 'bout an hour before the dance wrapped up. He was pretty thoroughly soused.

Come the commotion? He was the first place we went. He was passed out and snoring - needed to kick him awake. When he heard that Old River had been killed - well, I've never seen Gibbs cry about anything but he wept like a child. I helped him down here to see what he'd do and how he'd react. He just went up to the dog... stroked its head for a bit and cried. Strangest thing I ever saw... its shaken me up more than seeing Old River like that.

He thinks for a bit.

We'll take the dog down to the cells, have a burial service of sorts after church in a few hours down by the river.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru thanks the sheriff, somewhat placated by the report. Sighing at the lightening sky to the east, he escorts Kendra back to the house and washes his face and shaves his head before walking to the temple to pray before the morning services.


Who is attending the church service post dawn at the Temple of Pharasma? Jaru is - anyone else?


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

Baradlon will attend the morning service at the temple as well. He's not overly religious, but it wouldn't do to be seen as such by these ignorant yokels.


Inactive

Elidal decides to attend the morning service, taking a place somewhere near the back in order to both draw less attention to herself and to have an easier time keeping an eye on the rest of the worshipers.


The rest of you can retro - Vigilance decides to use the opportunity to check out the Monument and other parts of town while it is empty

The church service commences not long after dawn. Surprisingly Father Grimburrow sits near the Altar in seeming health with the senior acolyte delivering the service. Father Toth is invited to sit up front and is introduced to the congregation and formally welcomed as a visiting member of the clergy. There is a space of honour with the other Acolytes, but apart from Father Grimburrow, set aside for him.

The mood is... lighter? Better than expected that is for sure - there are many tired faces in the crowded congregation (you'd guess that almost all of Ravensgro adult population, including a downcast Gibbs, is present, that most of the children are not in attendance), while they assemble somberly and with only the minimum of gossip, it is without the rancor you saw last night. In fact you feel it yourselves - a sense of ease and peace.

The service starts in general terms about the ebb and flow of the seasons, touching on the lives of crops, stock and villagers alike but takes a turn into the subject of 'All who live must face her judgment': that all who do wrong will suffer whatever fate is in store for them.

The senior acolyte then softens it slightly at the end in referring to Pharasma's mercy to those in life and in the boneyards both, allowing each to act for themselves and to only be judged for those actions. The service ends with Not this year, not yet.This is a brief prayer, typically spoken in response to hearing a tragedy or bad rumor, asks that Pharasma delay when believers are sent to her realm, for they have much to do before that time. The devout speak it at each morning’s prayers, at the end of church services and when they pray before bed.

The Acolyte does not dismiss the faithful at the end though. He points to the Sheriff and announces that Sheriff Caeller will have a few words to say outside the church. The people file out and the Sheriff stands on a log that has been set to one side.

Old River... he's been like one of us for years and he's done some powerful good for us all, he says to the crowd, who respond with mumbles and quiet affirmations. After breakfast we're fixing to bury him down by the river and say our goodbyes. Anyone wanting to join us and say a few words...

Gibbs straightens his shoulders and looks over the crowd I'll be sayin' a few words - tha' fer certain. , he says with a growl. An' one of those words be 'vengeance' - If'n I ever catch the bastar...

That will be enough Gibbs, snaps Sheriff Caeller. In any case, the deputies will come around and get things movin' in an hour or so. He steps down and the crowd starts to disperse.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru turns to Father Grimburrow after the service to tell him how glad he is to see that the priest is well and report on the latest events. "I cannot say that the killing of Old River and the bloody "V" are related to the theft of the professor's body, but things have certainly been unsettled lately."

"I was hoping to look into the church records on the fire to see if I might find some sort of motivation for the recent crimes."


The old priest bears up well but Jaru can see the fatigue in him.

Lately? This is Ustalav my brother.

He looks deeply into the young priests eyes, as if trying to discern the future. He sighs and looks away.

You have my permission to use the archives. Tell the acolytes what you wish. This evens the scales somewhat between us - I am not far from Our Lady's Boneyard but 'Not this year, Not Yet'. My thanks for that. We will talk more anon.

He beckons for one of the acolytes to assist him in standing and moves to the vestry, presumably to shed his official robe.


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Realizing that good form required his presense at the memorial, Simeon went along with the others. He could not however, refrain from fidgeting the entire length of the service, no matter how many stern looks Jaru sent his way.

Once the 'service' is over, Simeon says a quick goodbye and beats a hasty return to Petros' Library, diving into the ancient tomes...

Knowldege (History) Harrowstone 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Knowledge (History) Whipering Way 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Knowldeg (Arcana) Rituals involving Blood and/or the letter 'V' 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25


There is a fair amount of scattered writings and conjecture of Blood magic and your remember some treatise work on the Bloat Mages of Riddleport but nothing seems to be applicable here. Your search is too broad.

Harrowstone as a topic gives you the same sort of information obtained by Jaru.

The Whispering way? That comes later... You feel you are tantalisingly close to something.

Research takes 6-8 hours - the other topics I'll give out with some minor investment in time with the roll on the Way being an Aid another to your previous roll, improving it in effect - it was a 22 - with the inherent library bonus on this topic, it was a 24. Your session of study should give you the break through as if an 'aid another'... but this will occupy you for some considerable time

Details covered under 'Research and Rumors' in the Obsidian Portal Wiki page


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru quickly corners one of the acolytes, "I have been granted access to the archives if you'd be so kind as to help me. I am looking for records on the fire at Harrowstone: death certificates, news of the event, whatever else you might have."


Want to start before breakfast or want to hook up with the party and have some of them help?

The acolyte, Sabrine, gives you a brittle smile. Let me make some notes for you - the archives are vast. Typically we plan out what we need to find and then use those notes to make sure we are checking everything relevant... otherwise we tend to miss things.

You can guess that you've just handed her a large and difficult assignment by her expression.

It will take some time..., she drifts off hopefully, How much time would we have before you begin in earnest?


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

"The recovery of a stolen body may depend on what I learn. I would like to begin immediately, but I realize you will need a little time to prepare. I will return before the sun reaches its zenith. Please be ready by then."

Jaru returns to the mansion for a light breakfast and to offer an invitation to the others before returning to the temple.


If History and Local are not Jaru's better skills he can direct others (ie aid another) attempts. Untrained attempts are also allowed here.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru depends on the acolyte to pull up the records on Harrowstone. (no ranks in local or history) In the meantime, he looks for anything on the Whispering Way.

Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11


The Whispering Way is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years.

Untrained is possible here - either to attempt or for aid another. You can work with the other PCs and have them make the roll with you aiding another


F Halfling N Dirge Bard 2 AC 19, T 14, FF 16 // Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +4(+7) // Stability 14/[15] // CMD 12 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7 (+1) // HP 17/(17)/[17] // BP 7/7

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Knowledge History/Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

I take it that Lament has joined me at the temple. Also I suppose I'm relying on the acolyte to pull the required records as well.


Religion wise Lament gets what Jaru gets.

On the historical side?

Harrowstone was built in 4594. Ravengro was founded at the same time as a place where guards and their families could live and that would produce food and other supplies used by the prison. The fire that killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards destroyed a large portion of the prison’s underground eastern wing, but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. The prison’s warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred.

That said you feel you've barely scratched the surface... I've added a modifier for the archives and the assistant - anyone else?


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

I'll check both the professor's library and the temple. Mainly interested in the prison, but if I can find more about the Whispering Way that we don't already know, great.


Anyone going to the dog funeral? In any case I've got you guys starting this around 10am. Research will take everyone involved until 4-5pm, and the town getting dark, to complete

Baradlon - I'll use that first number as you can only do one thing at a time and I thought that Simeon had bolted himself in the professors library and was swimming Scrooge McDuck style through every book he could get a hold on

So a 16 + 5 for local is a 21. Library provides a bonus... Lets agree that others try to aid another and split the difference at 25 total... which is the magic number

Nighteyes does his own line of research, driving the Acolyte to distraction but pursuing his own line of inquiry - specifically on the prisoners and the riot.

He stumbles on an account of the riot itself.

At the time Harrowstone burned, five particularly notorious criminals had recently arrived at the prison. While the commonly held belief is that the tragic fire began accidentally after the riot began, in fact the prisoners had already seized control of the dungeon and had been in command of the lower level for several hours before the fire. Warden Hawkran triggered a deadfall to seal the rioting prisoners in the lower level, but in so doing trapped himself and nearly two dozen guards. The prisoners were in the process of escaping when the panicked guards accidentally started the fire in a desperate attempt to end the riot.

Between Jaru's account and this you feel you've got all of what you can get on Harrowstone from this particular place - maybe local records will yield some forgotten nugget. You'll also need to start a new round of research at another time on the prisoners themselves. Again, local legends and records may yield information.

Meanwhile back at the Professors library, Simeon joins together scattered references and is able to locate a scroll on necromantic cults.

Exact details on the society are difficult to discern, but chief among the Whispering Way’s goals are discovering formulae for creating liches and engineering the release of the Whispering Tyrant. Agents often travel to remote sites or areas plagued by notorious haunts or undead menaces to perform field research or even to capture unique monsters. Their symbol is a gagged skull, and those who learn too many of the Way’s secrets are often murdered, and their mouths mutilated to prevent their bodies from divulging secrets via magics that allow speaking with dead.

Simeon feels he has gotten all he can on this topic.

Have updated the Obsidian Portal site so everyone can see it all together - I strongly recommend you take a few minutes to got through the stuff on Ravengro at the least - I've updated the Professor as well as other entries


For those attending 'Old Rivers' memorial service - Will need to know who is attending and if they want to speak etc?

There is quite a crowd gathered down on the up river riverbank on the outskirts of town and a neat grave has been dug that already has the sheet covered form of the dog at its bottom.

The sheriff gives a brief account of how Old River had become the town dog after Farmer Wittworth passed and then shares several anecdotes of how the dog had found lost children or led lost children back to safety.

He then turns over some time to the villagers. Some of the younger people speak briefly on how the dog saved them or helped them. At the last Gibbs speaks, his voice thick with emotion Ee wus the best friend I could 'ave 'ere. We wus both beholded to none an' we lived our own lives but I loved 'im as much as a man can love a dog an' he wus the world to me. Tears roll quietly down his face.

The Sheriff then picks up a spade, and he and the deputies fill in the hole.

The atmosphere has returned somewhat to what you felt up at the monument in the pre dawn... and those attending can't seem to feel at ease. There is a tension in the air, a 'tightness' - something that pulls, clings and suffocates all at once. Its not overwhelming, but rather a niggling - comparable an itch that can't be scratched or the feeling of not being able to stretch after sitting in an awkward position.


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

I will not be attending the funeral. Baradlon's too distracted by his work now.

After his research is finished in the evening, Baradlon meets back up with the others and explains to them the situation at the time of the fire with the prisoners. "I will attempt to find out more about the prisoners specifically tomorrow. If any of you are socially inclined, might you inquire with the locals whether there are other sources of records or books besides the temple and Petros' private collection?"


F Halfling N Dirge Bard 2 AC 19, T 14, FF 16 // Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +4(+7) // Stability 14/[15] // CMD 12 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7 (+1) // HP 17/(17)/[17] // BP 7/7

Lament stands with her hands by her side. She slowly moves over to Gibbs after his speech. She touches his lower back. I am sorry for your loss. He was a great dog. If I can do anything... She takes her hand off his back and looks down standing silently.


He relaxes. softening, just for a second then stiffens Get yur hands off'n me, he snarls and stalks off.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

Jaru pores over the old records until his eyes burn. He pays little attention to mention of the Whispering Way , but focuses on more immediate history though he finds little new until Nighteyes points out a more detailed report of the riot and fire.

Jaru reads it over three times, but overall feels more or less defeated as nothing seems particularly applicable to the professor's demise or the theft of his body. As the afternoon wanes a pang in his stomach draws him from the archives.


Inactive

Elidal will have attended Old River's funeral as well.

Elidal observed the funeral, her demeanor somber. She sighs sadly as Lament tries to speak to the grieving Gibbs, watching the man almost allow himself to be comforted by the halfling's words before snarling and walking away.

"Best to let him be," she said quietly. "He's lost an important source of solace, I think....and he's likely to be inconsolable for a time. I hope Sheriff Caeller has someone keep an eye on him so he doesn't do anything rash, like trying to find who did this on his own. Or drink himself into his grave."

Once the grave is filled and the crowd disperses somewhat, Elidal approaches and kneels down beside it. "I don't know where the souls of animals go when they depart this world, but I pray that one of the deities of goodness and righteousness takes notice of the deeds you performed while you were here in this realm and that your rest is peaceful and untroubled."

Having paid her respects, she stands back up and dusts herself off. "We should probably go see what information the others have found and if we can be of any assistance," she says to Lament.


There is a clue of sorts in the Obsidian Portal pages, specifically on the professor

Night draws to a close and for those studying in the Church there is a perceptible change in atmosphere as they leave the building - a greasy tightness.

The traffic on the streets is subdued and you notice that there is no gathering in the town square. Many it seems have returned to their farms and no one seems to be eager to sleep out of doors as they were the night of the dance, and instead have found lodgings with the resident householders.

It is somewhat of a relief to get indoors again back at Lorrimors home. Kendra has been busy it seems and the house is fully stocked and then some with food and drink. Enough to sustain you all for a few days of hearty eating and a few more after that if you move to preserves and such things as porridge or bean and bacon stews.

Kendra calls for everyone to join her in the lounge.

I must thank you for your patience and for your care in this difficult time... and thank you more for the pains you are taking for this town. I have read this diary, she holds up the leather covered book, and I understand my Father a little better - I am told by Vigilance that there is an older diary you have. I would much like to read too.

She extends the diary to you.

It appears Father marked some of the entries, starting about three months ago - I've book marked them... maybe one of you can read them out aloud?

Access to the diaries contents is found in the wiki under 'Items'


6th of Kuthona, 4711 (3 months ago)
I woke up today to find two dead whippoorwhirls on my windowsill. The witch’s foretelling has finally come true. It’s every bit as dreadful as she promised.

I know growing up in Ravengro hasn’t been the easiest on Kendra. Although she didn’t remember very much about living in Caliphas (I always told her it was Lepidstadt), as a child she would often tell me of dreams of a big city. I tried to tell her all children have these types of dreams, but I don’t know if she ever truly accepted it. I’m going to sell my home so that at least Kendra can finally return to ‘the big city’.

10th of Kuthona, 4711 (3 months ago)
I leave today for Lepidstadt. I’ve had Professor Crowl put out feelers for any interested buyers. I haven’t told my other colleagues about my plans. They’ll find out soon enough.

25th of Kuthona, 4711 (2 months ago)
I have secured a buyer for my property. One Dr. Vasyl Belenko. I’ve signed the papers over for a sum that should allow Kendra to settle into Lepidstadt quite comfortably. I was able to convince the fellow that I have some unfinished business in Ravengro that would need to be dealt with and requested he hold off until the 30th of Gozran before moving in. He was quite amenable to the idea once I explained he could hold off on paying me for the property until the 1st of Calistril, at which point it would be held by the Bank of Abadar until the agreed date. This should provide enough time for Kendra to move at her leisure.

26th of Kuthona, 4711 (2 months ago)
I had dinner with my old friend Embreth last night. I had been planning on slipping out of Lepidstadt before anyone from the university knew I was here, however I’m glad I relented and spoke with her. She’s doing quite well for herself and seems to have settled into things well enough. I’ve made my arrangements with her as well.

It’s strange but as we talked about old times I could still feel we both regretted ‘The Decision’ made so many years ago. It would be trite to say it hurt us as much as it did him but we are not without our own wounds from that day.

29th of Kuthona, 4711 (2 months ago)
I cannot believe the difficulties I had getting into Tamrivena today. The guards at the gate were being completely unreasonable, demanding to know what my business was and why I was traveling on the road.

I had to pull quite a few strings simply to get through the damn gate! I was half tempted to simply spend the night in Nathrus, but it didn’t come to that. This time. I don’t know what’s happened to this town, but I simply don’t have time to be dealing with petty thugs such as these. I’ve got far too many things to do once I get home.

3rd of Abadius, 4712 (2 months ago)
It was good to see Kendra when I got home. I forgot to get her a gift from my travels like I usually do. She seemed to shrug it off saying she was probably too old to get a treat whenever her father went away.

The disappointment in her voice still stung though.

5th of Abadius, 4712 (2 months ago)
I’m concerned that some unusual people have been snooping around Ravengro while I was away. Perhaps I’m just getting paranoid, but some of the comments people have made are somewhat unsettling.

14th of Abadius, 4712 (1 month ago)
I’m not growing paranoid – there have been strangers lurking around in the woods. I have my suspicions as to who it might be, but I have no idea what they could possibly want.

25th of Abadius, 4712 (1 month ago)
The Whispering Way are here! It seems they are interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be? Could it be me? Or our secret?

Another entry under it in hasty scribbled writing

Of course. I’m such a fool for not seeing it before. There is only one possible reason they could have for being here. But why now? Why after all this time? This requires further investigation, but I don’t have too much time left.

29th of Abadius, 4712 (25 days earlier)
It seems the rumours aren’t all just old ghost stories after all. In retrospect, I suppose it all makes sense — the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling enough. That helps explain their interest in the place. But it doesn’t explain specifically what the Whispering Way are interested in. Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. 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 – I can tell no-one of my intentions; the superstitious and ignorant locals already think me some diabolist or witch, and I would rather not leave THAT legacy to my daughter.

1st of Calistril, 4712 (22 days earlier)
I see just how ill prepared I was when I first headed out there. I am lucky to have returned at all. But of course I know luck didn’t have anything to do with it. I’ll get some benefit from that damn curse before I go. With things as they were, I was unable to transcribe those symbols. I’ll try to record them next time, they may hold a valuable clue.

I remember reading clues and hints about a crypt in the Restlands. I’ll need to go searching through my notes. I should never have let my supplies get so low to begin with. That was a foolish error on my part.

3rd of Calistril, 4712 (20 days earlier)
Perhaps my memory is failing me. I’ve scoured through all of my books and haven’t been able to find the notes I need. I was positive it was in Ravengro. I couldn’t be getting this town confused with another one. Could I?

Another entry under it, again in hasty scribbled writing
Success! My memory wasn’t failing me after all. The false crypt is in the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I wonder if Father Grimburrow knew about it? I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—some ONE 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… or perhaps the townhall.

5th of Calistril, 4712 (18 days earlier)
I redrew my will yesterday and had Hearthmount witness it and store it away. He was quite perturbed by the fact I’ve sold my house to an outsider. I guess the rumour mill will be working overtime by the end of today.

I made sure I sat down and had dinner with Kendra last night. Our first meal together since I saw those two whippoorwhirls. I was almost going to tell her that I’ve sold the place, but got distracted and then forgot about it. I’ve tried to be all that a Father could and should be. I only hope that my efforts were enough. Pharasma knows I have come to love her dearly.

I helped myself to a few of the items in the crypt. Anymore wouldn’t do ME any good. I’ve gotten no sleep last night as I’ve thought long and hard about who to contact in order to deal with them. I doubt I’ll take them out by myself.

I just finished my last letter. Hopefully their interest will be piqued and they’ll investigate matters in more depth but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk.

Time is fleeting even as I write – Perhaps I write now in some vain attempt to stave off the inevitable? I know what will happen even if I don’t know how it will happen. It’s strange to write these last words, knowing that once I close my journal, it will be my last entry. So many regrets among my triumphs… Pharasma help me in those regrets.


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

Wow...that's depressing.


Simeon Plavini Wizard 5 HP: 28/(32)/[32] AC 16/16/14 Stbl:7/(13) Fort:+2 Ref:+3 Will:+5 Init +3 Perception+1

Working for hours in the Professor's excellent library was a joy for Simeon, only emerging occasionally for a fortifying glass of wine and a plate piled high with food; all the while muttering, sing-song like over a book.

Annotations and footnotes, scribbles parchments, ink stains, guttering candles was his world for most of the day; when he finally unearthed the tidbit about the Whispering Way.

Staring down at the minute passage in an otherwise unremarkable text, the scowl that usually occupied his brow , deepened.

"Nasty, nasty....but effective....hmm he thought to himself, only to be inturrupted by Kendra's summons.

Eyes blinking in fatigue, Simeon listened with growing interest as Kendra recited her fathers diary entries.

He could not stop a small exlamation at Petros' revelation that the Whispering Way was working within Ravengro and Harrowstone.

Muttering apologies, he constrained himself until she was finished.

"The Whispering Way....here!" he says half unbelieving and half excitedly. "Your father should have involved us all earlier...these were not, as he knew well, people to be trifled with!" he exclaims

"I've found a clue about these folk in your father's library, their involvement in his death could be implicated.....Kendra, I need to know all of whom saw your father's body!" Simeon states


I... didn't see my Fathers body, but Sheriff Caeller found him and Father Grimburrow prepared his body, they would have seen it... why? What is it you think would implicate them?

Do we need to fetch the Sheriff over?


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll
GM Helaman wrote:

Do we need to fetch the Sheriff over?

Jaru shakes his head. "I just could not think this Whispering Way was a real threat. The more recent journal makes it clear that at least Professor Lorrimor thought they were a very present danger. I do not doubt his judgement. The dead birds are sacred to Pharasma; an obvious omen. If only fate had brought us here sooner."

Jaru sighs. " I do not see the need to bother the Sheriff tonight. I can question Father Grimburrow in the morning. There are other leads to follow as well: the Professor thought the cult was interested in someone who died in the fire and he mentions a false crypt that might hold more clues."

"I begin to suspect this cult might be the ones behind the theft of Lorrimor's body and that they could be hiding in Harrowstone."


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

"He also mentioned more records in the town hall, and them being after one of the prisoners. So I will continue to research the five prisoners. Eidal should go to the town hall, and see if we might be granted access in order to help with the investigation into Ravengro's recent troubles."


Anything more before you turn in for the night?


HP 23/(25)/[25]; Disrupt Undead 1/1; Stability 9/11 AC 17, T 14, FF 13 // Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantment)// CMD 15 // Initiative +4 // Perception +7

Not for me.


Pharasmin Clr 5 AC:18; hp: 36/38; Saves: fort +6 ref +3 will +7; 1 reroll

onward

551 to 600 of 5,009 << first < prev | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / The Prologue All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.