Carrion Crown Blues: Broken Moon

Game Master Kartari


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Mieelinza follows suit. She's not so comfortable with the small talk and so offers little at this stage - but does her best not to appear rude.


Herald

The conversation oddly dies out as the outsiders notice that the villagers were simply being polite, rather than legitimately interested in Lorrimor's friends.

I will presume Cellawyn accepted the invitation, but she's of course free to chose not to.


Kendra expresses a modest smile at the individuals' acceptance of her invitation for dinner and housing. She adds to Zelda "Of course, if you wish to help, you are more than welcome to. Let us all go home, and I there will explain some other things I must."


Herald

The men and women enter Ravengro, and the procession gradually breaks down into smaller groups as roads cross. The outsiders and Kendra cross the main square east of the creek, southbound to the Lorrimor house.

The one-story stone building is small, but elegant. The pair of thick wooden front doors are adorned with rustic metal handles and knockers, and the small windows around the house are closed.

Kendra pulls a large key ring with thick black keys, with one of which she opens the large entrance doors for light, fresh air and the guests to enter.

The house is elevated from the ground to make space for a basement, and the stone porch in front of the front doors is adorned with two large clay vases containing shrubs of some sort, perhaps small pines.

As the ladies enter the house, they can feel the fresh, cool air, contrasting the heat of the outside.

The outsiders see that the house is spacious inside, with columns and arches sustaining the structure of a large living and dining room. To the left, a portal leads to a smaller hallway, and to the right, on the back wall, a wider portal connects to the kitchen. Through the kitchen portal it is possible to see that behind the house there is a small covered external leisure area with many hanging pots and flowers.

The house's efficient design certainly makes good use of its limited space.

A large table occupies the center of the living room, with a single lamp sitting on it. The living room also displays a modest hearth and a small, empty study desk on one corner.


As Kendra enters the house, she starts opening the windows and says "Come in, come in, please make yourself at home." Her mood seems much better than the somber one she has demonstrated so far.

"We need to take care of dividing the bedrooms properly. Over the last few days I have been preparing them for you, so maybe we can have two of you in the basement, one in the guest room, and two in my father's bedroom. If you would like to rest for the afternoon, or to take a walk around town, please do. I apologize that I will be unable to tour you through Ravengro, because I must cook tonight's food. Pervin might be willing to help you around, if you would like."

She starts pointing through the house and giving directions "The stairs to the basement are through the kitchen; the guest room is the first one that way, and my father's room is at the back of the hallway. The well room is at the back of the house, through the kitchen, and we have a small cistern outside, beside the kitchen, that we use for bathing. The heat from the oven keeps the cistern water comfortably warm, so it is very pleasant even in chilly nights."

"If you would be kind enough to lodge yourself while I open the house, I will be happy to give a tour, before I start cooking. You see, Councilman Vashian is coming in the evening for the reading of the will. He is always dedicated to his commitments, and he does not like waiting, so please make sure you are here by sunset, in case you want to explore Ravengro -- not that there is a lot to see..."

After she is done opening the windows in the living room, she adds "So, how long are you ladies planning on staying?"


Herald

It is now a few minutes before eleven. Food will be available in about an hour, and sunset is around seven. So you have a time window of eight hours (if you do not stay for lunch) or six hours (if you stay for lunch) to do whatever you want. You may also choose to come late to the reading of the will, in which case, as said by Kendra, the councilman will not be happy, that is, if he waits for you at all. Please let us know what your character will do.

Also, please deliberate on the bedroom assignments.


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

Naught will stay for the food and then go exploring if anybody else wants to. Otherwise she'll just explore the house.
"Food would be lovely, yes. Do you need any assistance preparing or any ingredients gathered?"

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

Zelda takes a quick look around the house
"I will be happy to take a bedroom in the basement." With that said she takes her belongings and stores them in the basement.

"Now how can I help you with your cooking?'

As they begin preparing for the meal.

"So how long have you lived here?"


Female Elf Blade Bound Magus 2; HP 3/17, AC 17, Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3, Init+4, Rapier +5 (1d6+0/18-20x2)
Skills:
Perception +3
Tracked Resources:
5/5 Arcane Pool

Cellawyn accepts the invitation to Kendra's house.

"I will be staying for lunch - thank you. In fact, if you are willing, I would like to stay for a couple days to investigate a couple of things in town. Any bedroom is fine."

After lunch Cellawyn will join Naught in exploring the town.

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

"If you have no objections, I will be staying a few days as well. It was a long journey and I would love the chance to rest a little before I return home." Zelda replies

Cellawyn I think I will join you if you dont mind. I would love to wander around the town and see what it has to offer."

I am not planning on buying anything. I just want to get a general idea of where everything is.


Herald

I linked to a map of Ravengro in the campaign page. It is annotated with places of interest, and the legend names the ones that are known to the characters. "C" is whence Zokar Elkarid came to the procession, it is a round stone building with many windows and a signpost outlining the profile of a horned monster with a grin.

Feel free to share among each other the expectations or motivations you have to explore Ravengro.


As the guests lodge themselves, Kendra grabs a pinch of ashes from the hearth between her thumb and her middle finger, and she whispers to the dark dust "Restless spirits of fire, who served men and again wish to do so, do come to lend your friend assistance." She blows into the ashes, which seem to emanate three orange runes שבא and then multiply into a thin cloud that expands and disappears in the air.

Kendra casts Unseen Servant.

"Please load the oven's fire," Kendra says. No one in the room seems to respond, since she did not speak to any of the guests, but soon people can hear the sound of firewood being handled in the kitchen, soon to be followed by the wood's crackling.

After thinking for a while, Kendra says to Naught "If you really want to help, you can stir the stew in the cauldron. You will need quite a bit of muscle, though," she says, but soon she recalls Naught flinging her axe against a farmer and knocking him out, which momentarily ruins Kendra's fun.

As Zelda returns from the basement, Kendra responds "If you would like to help, I need a hand in tossing the dough for the bread."

Those helping Kendra cook roll (for fun) Aid Another :) She will attempt a Craft (Alchemy) check to cook a nice meal.

Kendra goes into the kitchen, and after a minute or so returns with some aprons and cloths at hand, which she places on the table for her assistants to wear. As she dresses herself with a light-blue one, she says "Are you all planning on seeing Ravengro after we eat? Do you have any place in mind?" Then she turns to the stern-looking Cellawyn and adds "Cellawyn you are welcome to stay a few days if you would like, but... what are you thinking of investigating?"


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

Naught will go about putting on the apron as she tends to the stew singing absent mindedly to herself as she does so. " Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble."
Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 1
As they're going about the motions of good preparing Naught will pipe up as she hears Kendra talk. "Unno. Guess just wander around and see if anything strikes a fancy, unless somebody had someplace specific they wanted to Wait, investigate what?"
With the last of her musings inadvertently trailing into a question Naught will look up towards Kendra and Cell with a lost yet inquisitive look on her face.


Kendra spots Naught trying to churn the grease-thick stew, so she wraps her hands around Naught's and the shaft of the sizeable wooden spoon, and performs the correct, circular motion for Naught to learn, saying "Like so."

"I will also need some help to fill the cistern..." Kendra remembers.


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

"T-thanks..." She'll sputter out as a slight flush grows across her face.


Mirelinza shows no interest in the domestic duties but will lend a hand wherever it is needed.

"A bed of any description is wonderful, and I'm happy to take the basement too." She smiles at Zelda by way of an introduction and follows suit in stowing her gear downstairs.

"I'm not one for sittimg still, but then I have no needs to be met in town. I'll lend a hand here wherever required and if I get in the way, I'll go for a short walk."

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

assist: 1d20 ⇒ 7


Female Elf Blade Bound Magus 2; HP 3/17, AC 17, Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3, Init+4, Rapier +5 (1d6+0/18-20x2)
Skills:
Perception +3
Tracked Resources:
5/5 Arcane Pool

Cellawyn looks at Kendra squarely. "Harrowstone."


Kendra turns to Mirelinza, a bit shy of encumbering the paladin with much labor "Mialee, if you could help fill the cistern, please... I am sorry... "

"There are two large buckets and a pole outside, and you can fill them up in the stream to the south, you will be able to see it from the front entrance."

"Thank you again."

That said, Kendra resumes her dough-kneading. She notices Zelda is still struggling with bringing the bread ingredients together, so she says "Let me take care of these; would you please bring some warm water? Then you can try kneading the dough."

After Cellawyn, who stands at the threshold of the kitchen, mentions Harrowstone, the room remains on silence, until Kendra says "Yes, the prison... It has its allure on outsiders, and even my father's curiosity was not spared. It's hard for that one not to go unnoticed. Make no mistake, and I say this from first-hand experience, those are ruins, it is a are very dangerous, unstable structure. My father's whole life of work ended, and all the years he could have contributed to Academia vanished for such a meaningless reason..."

She interrupts her thoughtful silence again and says "If you want to walk around and see it, you should have enough time to go there and come back. It is a tough hike, though, so I suggest you take some water. Please, please, do not get too close as Harrowstone could just collapse."


Herald

Indeed, Mirelinza will see two large buckets just outside of the kitchen, and a pole to grab them both over her shoulders. The stream is some 150 feet south of the house, so she can go around and see a grassy field beyond the road ending in the muddy stream bank.

The water is very cold.

Mirelinza will also see some farmers working on a field behind Lorrimor's house. They are turning the soil with spades, and one can feel the smell of manure.


Mirelinza shrugs and heads outside to grab the buckets.

Honest toil never bothered her and so she gladly wanders off to find the stream and fetch the water.


Herald

Mirelinza has to fill a bit less than 170 gallons into the cistern, with about ten gallons per trip. On the way back, she will have a heavy load, and the labor will last for about two hours.


Female Elf Blade Bound Magus 2; HP 3/17, AC 17, Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3, Init+4, Rapier +5 (1d6+0/18-20x2)
Skills:
Perception +3
Tracked Resources:
5/5 Arcane Pool

Cellawyn nods at Kendra, "I will be carefull. But I will tell you, I doubt that someone as smart and experienced as your father was killed by a falling structure."


"I know how hard to believe this is. I still doubt that it has happened, but... Actually I truly wish it had not happened at all..." Kendra's sorrowful hands continue to knead the dough.

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

Zelda looks around for the warm water
If the water is not already heating
Zelda notices that the water is not being heated she shugs her shoulders and gets a pan and begins to heat the water.


Changeling Psychic Searcher (Oracle) 7 / Spirit Channeler (Psychic) 1 -- HP 50/50 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 17 | CMD 18 | FCMD 16 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +9* | Init +2 | Perc +10D
Daily Abilities:
FaithHeal 1/1 | Harrow 0/1 | Hypnotism 1/1 | Inspire 8/8 | Phrenology 1/1 | Prognosticate 1/1 | Prophet 1/1 | Psychometry 1/1 | ReadAura 1/1* | Undead 8/8 | Voice 7/7 | Spells 1[1+9/9] - 2[2+8/8] - 2[1+6/6]

"I don't mind sharing a room." Aliseya smiles as she glances around at everyone, waiting for someone to volunteer as her roommate.

"I would like to go into town, too. After lunch, of course," she adds with a smile. "I need to retrieve my things from the Outward Inn, where I stayed last night. Maybe explore the town a bit while I'm out and about..." ...and go shopping! But wait, I need money. Hmmm. I'll have to think of something...

"I'm not much of a cook, I'm afraid." Looking to Mirelinza, "But I can help with the water? But first, so I don't ruin them..." Aliseya looks for somewhere to place her delicate shawls while performing her labor. Looking to Kendra for approval, she removes and then neatly wraps first her black shawl, then her fancier silken red shawl, over one of Kendra's chair backs.

A midriff-length blouse of green now visibly adorns the shapely beauty. Matching loose-fitting harem pants also hug her hips low, aiding the allure of her now visible and smooth skin from below her bosom down to her hips. Nonchalantly, she looks down at herself and shrugs, then turns to follow after Mirelinza. A black and blue tattoo of a hand-sized butterfly greets the other ladies from Aliseya's lower back.

Aliseya is not as delicate as one might presume, as her lean muscle seems quite up to the task at hand. She tries to make a little small talk with the reserved woman, smiling up at the sun. "I enjoy physical labor. Helps keep you in shape, and it can be very meditative..." While carrying water with Mirelinza, any male farmers, distant as they may be, who catch the young gypsy woman and her incidentally alluring hip movements might find themselves in trouble with their wives for losing control, however temporarily, of their eyes and jaws...

If there is time to spare after carrying the water with the paladin, she later recants about cooking assistance on seeing how Kendra's aids are not... quite... aiding her so well. "Well, perhaps I could handle some simple tasks in the kitchen? I'd love to learn a trick or two..."

Aid the cooking:
Profession (cook) check vs DC 10 (Taking 10): 10 + 2 = 12 (untrained)


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

"I don't mind sharing a room either." Naught will reply with a playful grin, at the same time trying to keep her teeth from showing.


Changeling Psychic Searcher (Oracle) 7 / Spirit Channeler (Psychic) 1 -- HP 50/50 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 17 | CMD 18 | FCMD 16 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +9* | Init +2 | Perc +10D
Daily Abilities:
FaithHeal 1/1 | Harrow 0/1 | Hypnotism 1/1 | Inspire 8/8 | Phrenology 1/1 | Prognosticate 1/1 | Prophet 1/1 | Psychometry 1/1 | ReadAura 1/1* | Undead 8/8 | Voice 7/7 | Spells 1[1+9/9] - 2[2+8/8] - 2[1+6/6]

"Lovely!" Aliseya smiles cheerfully at her new roommate.


Mirelinza isn't blessed with a muscular frame, rather she is wiry. Repetitive work like this is OK for her - plus she gets to speak to one of the other guests.

Although Mirelinza is dressed in worn leather armour, it does not mean she doesn't appreciate beautiful garments - she's a Varisian woman after all.

"Nice tattoo by the way. Desna?" Mirelinza offers as she catches sight of the other woman's back. By way of explanation, Mirelinza uncovers her right shoulder to reveal an elaborate and multicoloured representation of the Dawnflower. "I was lucky enough to be born with it."


Changeling Psychic Searcher (Oracle) 7 / Spirit Channeler (Psychic) 1 -- HP 50/50 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 17 | CMD 18 | FCMD 16 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +9* | Init +2 | Perc +10D
Daily Abilities:
FaithHeal 1/1 | Harrow 0/1 | Hypnotism 1/1 | Inspire 8/8 | Phrenology 1/1 | Prognosticate 1/1 | Prophet 1/1 | Psychometry 1/1 | ReadAura 1/1* | Undead 8/8 | Voice 7/7 | Spells 1[1+9/9] - 2[2+8/8] - 2[1+6/6]

Aliseya smiles an affirmation as she kneels to pour a bucket of water into the cistern. "I've always been fascinated by dreams. And I love butterflies."

She leans in to see Mirelinza's shoulder. With astonishment in her face, "Really?! Wow. That's like, so amazing." Touching her shoulder gently, "Sarenrae must watch over you. So... you must really like the sun too, then."

As the last of the buckets is emptied and ready for the next ladies' lap for a refill, Aliseya speaks to her fellow Varisian in a tongue which comes quite naturally to her, featuring trilling r's, "Sä sastis tute rakker Varises, va?"

Speak Varisian:
"So you can speak Varisian, yes?"


Herald

Then Mirelinza and Aliseya leave the full cistern to re-enter the house, famished and tired.

As Mirelinza comes into the living-room, she notices that the table is already set, with clay pots and iron cutlery lain over a white linen tablecloth.

As Aliseya comes in, she casually stirs the contents of the cauldron, and notices that the unattended bread had just baked, so she also takes it out of the oven. Kendra arrives a minute later, relieved that Aliseya saved the food from burning. "Thank you! I got carried away picking good wine and cyder from the basement..."

The pumpkin-lamb stew is steaming hot, and the scent of the bread expands, reaching every corner of the living-room. You see, Kendra had to use her arcane powers Prestidigitation to clear the air from the neighboring smell of manure, so that the scent of the food could be enjoyed.

Miss Lorrimor sits at the head, and she says "Please, please start" with a smile, as she adjusts herself on the chair, and unfolds a cloth napkin over her lap. "I hope the fruit of our work will be enjoyable to all."

Craft(alchemy): (Take 10): 10 + 8 + 2 = 20

The food is indeed good-tasting. The consistency of the stew is excellent, and the bread is soft and warm. Under Kendra's direction, the cooks did quite a good job.

Cheese, as well as white and red whine bottles are also laid out on the table, along with fresh water and some cyder.


While guests and host are all eating, Kendra's eyes fall on Zelda, "To answer your question, Zelda, my father, my mother and I moved here about fifteen years ago from Lepidstadt. My father got retired and the life there was too agitated for him. Here my parents had a more peaceful life, although I have never been very happy, with so few friends. You would think that anyone would come to visit... My mother passed away two years ago; one morning we woke up and she did not... From then my father became, in spirit, like an old man... Still, he was in good health, but you could see the murk in what used to be a lively, inquiring gaze."

After some silence and no one else starting a conversation, she says "At least these years in Ravengro have taught me about the people here, so let me tell you a few things. These people are, unfortunately and with a few exceptions, ignorant. Their instruction or actual life experience does not come even close to ours, they have not seen or heard of diversity, and there is no Ustalav. They live their lives confined in this city and that suffices to them. The problem is that hardly anything happens here, so their attention gets too drawn to impressions... and rumors. Oh, people here are awful with rumors. If you go there into the basement and, very, very silently, sneeze, the day after they will say you are a fire-breathing dragon. You heard what they were calling my father: necromancer" she says with scorn. "I would beware of what you do around here; they are just looking for the smallest reason to talk about you, especially because you are outsiders."

"I tell you, and forgive my apparent insensitiveness, they do not like you. They do not like anyone they do not know. To them you are surrounded by an aura of mystery and deceit. They will make things harder for you if you need their help, and they will make easy money out of newcomers. Just like that. That is the way people in Ravengro are."

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

I am truly sorry to hear about your mother. You have lost a lot recently and then to live with people who don't welcome you in your time of loss must make everything harder.
I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.

You said your father was up by the Harrowstone. Do you know why he was there?" Zelda asks.

She begins to add a little of everything on her plate.

"This all looks so delicious I just have to try a bite of everything."


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

As the food is laid out and everybody seats themselves Naught will go about grabbing one of everything before viciously attacking whatever she has in front of her with her utensils followed be quickly chewing and devouring the meal in the same manner a starving urchin would. While she does not say anything about the food whenever she places something new into her mouth she closes her eyes as her head tilts slightly, letting a drawn out "Mmmmm" escape through her food stuffed mouth. She'll continue on like until the constant mentioning of Harrowstone draws her attention, slightly, away from the food. "Arrasto?' She'll pause momentarily to swallow the food she had been attempting to talk around before continuing, "What's that? Does it work together with Harrow Cards?"


Changeling Psychic Searcher (Oracle) 7 / Spirit Channeler (Psychic) 1 -- HP 50/50 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 17 | CMD 18 | FCMD 16 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +9* | Init +2 | Perc +10D
Daily Abilities:
FaithHeal 1/1 | Harrow 0/1 | Hypnotism 1/1 | Inspire 8/8 | Phrenology 1/1 | Prognosticate 1/1 | Prophet 1/1 | Psychometry 1/1 | ReadAura 1/1* | Undead 8/8 | Voice 7/7 | Spells 1[1+9/9] - 2[2+8/8] - 2[1+6/6]

After asking where the wash room is and returning to the dining table, Aliseya enjoys her meal slowly, taking a relatively small portion for herself. She listens to the conversation unfold. Then she perks up after Naught, "Harrow cards?! What a great idea. I should do readings for all of you!" Halfway reaching for her large satchel, she pauses, observing the table filled with food. "Maybe after lunch..."


After being prompted by the guests again and again since their arrival about Harrowstone, Kendra ponders and responds "Well, I understand your feelings about Harrowstone: I had them too, when I first came. Everyone does -- those are ruins, and they stand out whenever you look south, even to the people who live here. It used to be a prison, and that alone can cause discomfort in just about anyone."

"I don't think its name is related to Harrow decks, though. Who knows, it has been decades since it has been abandoned, even the government changed on the course of that time, I think, so there is not much to remember, let alone the origin of its name. Since you mentioned a Harrow deck, and since Aliseya has one, yes, maybe we could do a few readings. We might not have time for more than one this evening, but it should be a good night's entertainment for our after-dinner."

"Still," she adds, changing back the subject to Harrowstone while gazing emptily through the stew pot, "if you are really interested in that prison, I am sure the Town Hall and the Temple of Pharasma have records that go as far back as the time Harrowstone was active. I would be very surprised if they did not."

"As for my father... Well, he was off and about all the time when he was not on one of his fortnight-long trips abroad. Because of his declining health, he was not traveling as much, so he would do his walks to the Restlands, or to Harrowstone; sometimes he even walked as far as the blue." Seeing the confused face of the guests, she adds "The Blue is a shorthand for 'The Great Blue Dot', which is how locals refer to Lake Lias, north of here."

Her face acquires a more serious expression "But I repeat: be very careful when you are around the ruins, the structures are seriously compromised."


Female Elf Blade Bound Magus 2; HP 3/17, AC 17, Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3, Init+4, Rapier +5 (1d6+0/18-20x2)
Skills:
Perception +3
Tracked Resources:
5/5 Arcane Pool

Cellawyn listens intently when Kendra brings up Harrowstone, "As I recall, the prison was destroyed by fire. I've also heard that it is haunted. Do you think there is any truth to that?"

Cellawyn makes a mental note to visit both the Town Hall and the Temple of Pharama that afternoon.


"I think it was a fire that laid it to ruin..." speculates Kendra. "Even though Harrowstone stands out in the landscape, people around here do not talk about it at all. The place is obviously not haunted -- I for one do not believe these things exist as such; most of them can be explained by arcane phenomena. Of course, these explanations lack the supernatural tone that is so alluring to Ustalavs, so I would not be surprised if some people have a firm (but futile) belief that places such as Harrowstone are haunted. Especially, in the case of Harrowstone, because many people died in the tragedy, many guards and even the warden died, if I recall well from what was inscribed in the memorial."


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

Naught only momentarily slowes down eating as she takes a very large book out of her side bag and placing it on the table, careful not to disrupt any if the food or drinks. As she begins flipping through the pages anyone looking will notice countless bookmarks, scribbled writings, cut outs from other sources, as well as crude, childish drawings dotting the pages. She stops when she finds a mostly blank page, at which she takes out a vial containing dark liquid and a simple reed pen to begin jotting down notes furiously and erratically.
Hmm, the death of a friend. Stupid hicks. A haunted prison. And surrounded by beautiful women. Also, food very good.


Herald

Zelda:

Zelda has been successful in an Knowledge(local) check, which she is entitled to due to her extensive traveling experience and conversation with locals throughout Ustalav.

The lunch-time conversation reminds her of many different stories she heard, and her witty brain quickly puts pieces together into a cohesive story. This is indeed an outstanding display of knowledge, not to be taken lightly.

Harrowstone was was built in 4594 and 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.

Harrowstone was, in truth, not a prison, but an extermination facility. Most of the hardened criminals sent there spent only a few months imprisoned, for it was there that most of Ustalav's executions during those years were carried out.

Word had it that in 4661 the prisoners rioted and gained control of the prison's dungeons immediately prior to the conflagration of a fire which ruined a large portion of the prison's underground eastern wing, but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. It was only through the self-sacrifice of its warden, a man who ran by the name of Hawkran, and more than twenty of his guards that the prisoners were prevented from escaping.
Not only Hawkran but also the guards gave their lives to save the town of Ravengro from the rampage of the inmates of Harrowstone, who all died in the fire. It is also said that Hawkran's wife was a victim of the tragedy, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred.

The building has stood vacant ever since, and vacancy naturally became abandonment over time, so they are considered ruins by most people. A statue commemorating the warden and the guards who lost their lives was built in the months after the tragedy -- that statue still stands on the riverbank just outside of town.

From Zelda's knowledge of how countrymen in Ustalav think, ruins consistently entail stories and superstitions about them being haunted, and, as such, are rarely spoken of.


Changeling Psychic Searcher (Oracle) 7 / Spirit Channeler (Psychic) 1 -- HP 50/50 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 17 | CMD 18 | FCMD 16 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +9* | Init +2 | Perc +10D
Daily Abilities:
FaithHeal 1/1 | Harrow 0/1 | Hypnotism 1/1 | Inspire 8/8 | Phrenology 1/1 | Prognosticate 1/1 | Prophet 1/1 | Psychometry 1/1 | ReadAura 1/1* | Undead 8/8 | Voice 7/7 | Spells 1[1+9/9] - 2[2+8/8] - 2[1+6/6]

Aliseya smiles at Kendra's approval of a reading that night. But then...

Haunted?!

As Cellawyn speaks, Aliseya's fork-bearing hand notably pauses mid-helping. The gypsy's head turns southwards as Kendra chimes in once more, in the imagined direction of this ruined prison called Harrowstone.

Just what I need in my life. MORE spirits to keep me up at night and annoy me...

When Kendra dismisses hauntings as superstition, a half smile comes over Aliseya's face. Hmpf. Perhaps I should tell her the abridged version of my tale involving her father instead...

Aliseya sighs out loud after Kendra finishes speaking. It's as if making an unwilling decision she feels compelled to make. If they are there, then they need help...

"I will go with you, Cellawyn. To Harrowstone. If you'd welcome my company."


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

Naught's head will jerk up from her writing, "Oh, me too please. Pretty please?"


Aliseya Belododia wrote:

"Sä sastis tute rakker Varises, va?"

In Varisian"Yes, I speak our language - but tend to use Common most of the time now. And as for the sun, most of my 'work' is done either at night or in the darkness - but given the choice - I'd prefer to be soaking up the rays."


Mirelinza seems content to let the others do the talking, her irregular nods show she's listening to whoever is speaking.

At the mention of Harrowstone, she breaks her silence.

"I'd like to be included in the visit if it's OK with you?"

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

Zelda seems to be lost in thought for a few minutes.

"Wait I passed a monument on the way into town. Was that about the Harrowedstone? Now let me think. It was built around 4590 or so and the town grew up around the prison. I guess a place for the guards and their families.
Now if I recall correctly the prison wasn't really so much a prison as a place for executions. Prisoners didnt stay there long I guess.
According to the monument the prison had a riot and the warden and some guards gave their lives to prevent the prisoners from escaping. They all died in the fire. I believe the warden's wife also died but no one knows whey she was their.

Now what was his name, oh yea the wardens name was Hawkran.
Everyone avoids the building now. the monument is at the edge of town if you want to look at it.'

Zelda shugs her shoulders and continues to eat.

"I would be interested in investaging the building myself"


Herald

The rest of the meal goes by with some more light conversation and interesting anecdotes from the guests and host.

Kendra starts to put things away after noticing that all are done and excusing herself from the table.

You may look at all the bedroom descriptions that your character would presumably see, when she presumably sees it.

Recall that Cellawyn is lodged at Petros's room, Aliseya and Naught are at the guest room, Zelda and Mirelinza are in the basement.

Petros's room:

Petros's room is empty from personal assets, except for the individual bed table and a chest by the footboard. A large window across from the door lets copious light into the room. There are no curtains.

Guest room:

The guest room sports two individual beds, to the left and right of the door. A white-curtained window above the right-hand-side bed sheds daylight into the room.

Basement:

The basement is a spacious underground area beneath the whole house (kitchen, living room, three bedrooms), with five elevated arched windows all around. The rough stone stairs descend from the kitchen along the northwest wall.

By the southeast wall, across from the stairs, many chests and suitcases are piled up, sided by a bookshelf covered by a white blanket. These seem to be Petros Lorrimor's personal possessions.

The cellar is also marked by the presence of five large oak barrels containing wine along the southwest wall, and jugs of cyder on shelves under the stairs. Various foods are stored between the fifth barrel and the southeast wall.

The two beds are set in front of the chests and suitcases. The crude wooden frames and the straw-filled mattresses reveal that these beds have been recently commissioned for the arrival of the outsiders for the funeral. There is no dedicated space for storage of clothes or other possessions in the basement, but there is plenty of space.

The place seems to have been meticulously cleaned prior to the guests' arrival.

Kendra's Room:

Kendra did not worry about locking her bedroom, or even closing the door. It is also a simple room with a single bed and a small study, where some books and a large tome are arbitrarily piled, with sheets of paper on the other side.

A large, well-carved armoir, a large chest and a modest dressing table contain her clothes and other objects.

Make yourselves ready, and someone take the lead to Harrowstone, where presumably you are all dead-set on going.


Changeling Psychic Searcher (Oracle) 7 / Spirit Channeler (Psychic) 1 -- HP 50/50 | AC 19 | T 13 | FF 17 | CMD 18 | FCMD 16 | Fort +3 | Ref +4 | Will +9* | Init +2 | Perc +10D
Daily Abilities:
FaithHeal 1/1 | Harrow 0/1 | Hypnotism 1/1 | Inspire 8/8 | Phrenology 1/1 | Prognosticate 1/1 | Prophet 1/1 | Psychometry 1/1 | ReadAura 1/1* | Undead 8/8 | Voice 7/7 | Spells 1[1+9/9] - 2[2+8/8] - 2[1+6/6]

Aliseya asks everyone during the cleanup, "Mind if I make a stop in town before we head out? I need to gather a few belongings I left at the inn."

She remembers to cover up a bit, putting on her red shawl. While at the inn, Aliseya makes some small talk with the innkeeper, thanking him or her for a lovely stay before taking her leave.

She also checks out the posting pole nearby before getting back to the Lorrimor residence, leaving her suede coat and black shawl in her bedroom for now. She now carries a walking staff for the trip.

I'm curious if Aliseya has found anything interesting out about the inn, the innkeeper(s), and/or the town during her nighttime stay via observation and exchanging pleasantries with others (some checks, as needed):
Diplomacy check, to gather info: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Perception check (take 10): 10 + 2 = 12
Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Posting pole checkout (if needed):
Perception check (take 10): 10 + 2 = 12


HP: 60/64 Rage: 17/17 | AC/T/FF/CMD 17/12/15/22 | Fort/Ref/Will 6/4/6| Init: +2
Skills:
Perception +12

"Not at all, I'll help you move everything." Naught will happily chime. Accompying the Harrower through town Naught will resume her usual skipping and humming as they make their way through the town, attempting to take in everything she can see, hear, or smell.
Perceprion to notice anything interesting or unusual: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11


Mirelinza travels light - at least that's her perception. Her belongings fall into two categories - those that fit into a backpack and her weapons.

The backpack remains unpacked and is placed at the end of her bed. The weapons are checked, cleaned where necessary and stowed on her body or under the bed.

She makes no attempt to initiate small talk but does show genuine interest in anything Zelda has to say.

She is tempted to look at the books, but thinks better of it - at least until the day is out.

Preparing to head to Harrowstone with the others, Mirelinza takes with her: her rapier, dagger, cold iron dagger, longbow and arrows. This appears to be what she carries when she is sight-seeing!

"Ready to go?" she asks Zelda as she hears movement above, no doubt the others wishing to travel.

Again, as they go into town, she does a lot of listening but offers no subject for conversation. She's not in any way rude but clearly she's hard to pigeon-hole. She strides with confidence yet doesn't talk about herself unless asked directly.

Grand Lodge

Female Human Rogue 8
Stats:
Trap sense=17| HtPt 52/52 ! NG | AC=21*, T=16, FF+16*| CMB=9, CMD = 25| F=+4, R=+11*, W=+2 | Init +9| Perc= 11|Rapier +13, +7 1d6+4 /15-20X2 | Sword +12,1d6+2/19-20X2 | Short Bow +11,+4/ 1d6/20X3

Zeldavgrabs her backpack and waits for evwryone else.
"lf we are going exploring some of this stuff could come in handy.

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