"We need to eat. We need to prepare ourselves. We need to leave." Grey interjects, the previous night's amicability given over to an almost acerbic anticipation.
Sighing under the other's collective gaze, he continues. "In answer to your inquiry of last night," Grey directs his own gaze once more upon Govannon, "you are aware that life is the union of the realms of Spirit and Matter?"
Heedless, not waiting for even a glimmer of comprehension in his audiences eyes, the 'boy' continues. "Without Spirit, matter is little more than 'base clay'. Flesh is merely meat, Wood simple fuel for flame, Water & Stone...
Well, arguably, may be the closest that Matter comes to the qualities of Spirit, but a deeper discussion of that would take us even more time that we do not presently have."
"My point..." Pinching the bridge of his nose, Grey begins again. "You inquired if Ysmerelda was a ghost or wraith. While the circumstances of her death certainly might lend themselves to such an expectation, superficially, when one is aware of the...
the mechanisms, the equilibrium..."
"Acest lucru este de a lua prea mult timp. Grey simplifica, simplifica. El nu are nevoie să știe de ce, pur și simplu trebuie să știe ce este și ceea ce nu este." He mutters under his breath.
"As I began, without Spirit, Matter is lifeless. However, at the same, in the world of Matter, such as we are; Spirit, unsupported by Matter, in this case flesh, cannot sustain itself for any extended period of time. Ghosts, Wraiths, Haunts, other, things...
These are simply entities of Spirit no longer in proper union with Material sustenance."
"," sighing, Grey confesses, "sustain her spirit now."
"Spirit and matter, sure. But I thought all spirit sans matter meant undead." he strokes his jaw and looks around.
"Learn something new everyday I guess. I'd imagine it's taxing, supporting, sorry, sustaining, two spirits now. Well, if there's anything I can do to help, you let me know. And thanks for taking the time for an explanation, I do very much appreciate it."
As others seem to be stirring as well, he adds, "So what's next? Do you lot have some leads?"
Ali's eyes open a bit wider in amused alarm as her hand is a bit too vigorously shaken. But she retains a pleasant demeanor with Govannon. "Thanks," she says as she sips at a mug of coffee and seats herself at the table next to the tobacconist.
"Well, I guess I slept well... except for the nightmare, of course. Probably meaningful..." She shakes her head somberly and looks away, pensive concern in her expression.
When Grey gets antsy, the severity of Kendra's predicament hits Ali full force once more. She'd been through an incredible ordeal these past few days, and yesterday topped it for her. Her brief escape from the world and its troubles gave her spirit some desperately needed replenishment this morning... But alas, once reminded, her heart cannot bear to see such a good person suffer even a moment longer. Even-keeled determination comes over her face now, "Yes... yes we do."
Before she can get another word in, the boy's technical and metaphysical explanation of Ysme's fate takes the gypsy for a mental loop. "Like, wow. You're really smart... and you're not a boy, are you," she rhetorically asks with a guilty visage. "Sorry for the mistake." She then replies to Grey, "I can hear and see the dead, too. Though they don't usually take on physical form for me, like with you and Ysme." Looking down, "It seems they're starting to take over my mind and body though, since I've come to town. Like last night." She adds one word with bitter harshness in her tone, "Harrowstone..."
Shrugging, more relaxed now, "I guess the universe works in mysterious ways."
"And in this creepy town, it seems my 'gift,' as the late professor called it, is not so unique." Waving her hand flippantly in the air, "Since, like, it seems everybody can see the dead now. And they're friggin' everywhere."
Interjecting any answers to Govannon's query, "Say. We have to get to the prison to save Kendra. That's what's next. Lets just, like, eat something quick and get to it, eh?" Her gaze shifts back to the flour-coated Sariana, the kitchen utensils, and the gypsy shrugs... looks like coffee and... and whatever she managed to bake are for breakfast. Whatever it is, she's sure to give a compassionate moan of delight, "Mmmm, pretty good, Sari."
Looking at the three new people, "We can talk along the way. I'd love to hear about why you all came to town..." Slightly embarrassed, "I... kinda was out of it, a bit, last night... I think I kinda missed some vital information. Like, why you're all here..."
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Sariana hisses at the mention of Harrowstone. "That place is evil. If they've taken Miss Lorrimor there then we need to get her out as soon as possible!" She is then thoroughly taken aback by Ali's kind words about her baking. "Eerm... thanks? You're one of the first people with taste buds to eat my food and not yell..." Her gaze turns suspicious for a moment, although a grin is tugging up the corners of her mouth. "You don't have rock tongue do you?"
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Zelda weirdly sits down at the table. Looking at the food she quietly pulls out some rations to eat.
"Ok so you want to know what has been happening. First I must let you know that you will not be taking any of the professors books without Kendra permission. They now belong to her.
Now that's out of the way, we each received news of the professors passing and learned we were included in his will. The will ask us to take care of Kendra because he was afraid she was in danger. I guess he was correct on that account.
Aliseya was visited by something in the night and she now has something inside her leg. We don't know what it is but no one around here has the skill to remove it.
Most of the priest in the temple were corrupt and just trying to collect any items of value they could. Before a proper trial could be held a fire broke out the the mayor kicked bench our from under them and they all were hung.
Up on the hill over there is a ruin. It was what the professor was investigating."
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Zelda takes a deep breath before continuing.
"We found that the professor did not die from a strange accident. The statue that killed the professor was removed from one section of the ruins and dropped on the professor."
She pauses a moment to gather her thoughts.
"The ruin was actually a prison where the worst criminal were keeps until their execution. Several criminal were in the prison when it was destroyed in a fire.
One of them was called the piper were met his spirit on the upper levels of the prison. What remained of him has been destroyed.
Spatter man was another criminal held in the prison before the fire. Its spirit or what ever is attempting to bring the dead back. It is using the blood of others to write a name. When the name is complete the dead are suppose to rise."
Zelda shutters at the prospect.
"We have just one day to finish these ghost and rescue Kendra."
She looks around at her friends.
"Do you have anything to add or have I forgotten something?"
"From your words, I gather that you are presently in possession of those works missing from Petros' library?" Grey interjects. "Which ones, if I may ask?"
"Thank you Zelda for that extremely thorough description. I'd like to say the professor was my friend, but truly he was my mentor for a short while. I missed his funeral due to the most unfortunate circumstance of not hearing of his death until very recently."
"Aliseya, it's true, I also serve the Palantine Eye, but I am happy to wait in line for access to what we require for them. Even if the professor did not want this Kendra saved - it is clearly the right thing to do!"
He checks over his gear, checks the sharpness of his blade, and looks back up. "I'm ready. Let's hurry. If we've only one day, we'd better make the best of it." He slurps the last of his coffee and wipes his mouth with his hand.
With determination, you gather your gear and set off into the frigid autumn morning. You note that the weather is unseasonably cold for the month of Neth. Around you, the town is eerily silent. You have the uncanny feeling that you are being watched from the shadows.
As you make your way out of town, a figure draped in black robes hails you. After cautiously looking around for prying eyes, the figure draws back his hood to reveal Bolo, the sole remaining priest of Pharasma in Ravengro. You are struck by how haggard he appears in the morning light. "I was up all night praying for the soul of Ysmerelda. The funeral will be tomorrow. We will intern her in the crypts below the cathedral. My friends, I am so sorry for your loss."
Bolo pauses and again looks around, "Be leery my friends. Rumor has it that the Whispering Way seeks retribution for how you disposed of Hearthmount. I pray that you end the evil at Harrowstone quickly. Do you require any healing before you depart?"
Ali responds to Sarianna with a sheepish smile, "Rock tongue? No...?"
She hears Grey ask about the specifics of the tomes they have. And she hears Govannon mention the Palatine Eye, a name that Zelda, Naught, and herself have heard before. She merely says to the halfling man, "Well, let's just go get Kendra now. We can talk more later." She nods to Govannon as well... but while he, Grey, and even Sarianna seem genuine, until she gets to know them better she thinks it best to keep some information to themselves.
Nonetheless, she reveals to the rugged man, "Professor Lorrimor was like a second father to me. He was a truly good soul..." She stops herself there, the thought of his death bringing a well of emotions to the surface... now is not the time to start crying. Plus, there's no time to redo her mascara...
After downing the last of her coffee and... interesting pastry, Aliseya rushes back up to her bedroom. She returns to the kitchen with a light brown suede coat and matching suede boots on her feet. Fur lines the neck, wrists, and base of her coat, and the tops of her boots. And with her warm black doo rag of wool, the gypsy seems better prepared for the cold outside without losing her style.
With her large leather satchel over her shoulder and her walking staff in hand, Ali looks at Sarianna and Grey as the group departs Kendra's home, "I take it you both knew the professor, too?"
...
Spotting the familiar priest, Aliseya warmly smiles back at him. "Hey. How are you holding up?" She nods to acknowledge his words about Ysme, holding back her tears once more. "Well... she's kinda not entirely gone, actually. Her spirit is strong enough to still aid us from beyond, it seems." She thinks it best not to go into too much detail with Bolo at present, as it might get confusing, he might think she's undead, etc... and Ali feels confident that Ysme is herself, spiritually at least. Best to keep it vague for now.
She looks around at everyone when Bolo asks about healing. "Everyone good? Zel, how's your arm? Sari, your nose looks better but, you good?" Ali's tone is truly empathetic.
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"It aches but I reset it quick enough, I'll be fine." Sariana responds. Once Bolo has gone and the group have something resembling privacy Sari continues the earlier conversation.
"I never met him actually. A number of people I know were in correspondence with him but I knew very little of him personally. I was sent by the Order rather than anything else. From what I've heard he seems like a good man."
Zelda, Bolo says a prayer to Pharasma and then you are engulfed in a warm blue nimbus that heals your wounds.
"Before we go any farther, an answer to my question would be helpful."
Naught listens on solemnly as the Dancer explains her dreams and worries, remaining there for a reassurance and only speaking up when she places her hand on her shoulder. "Anytime, Ali."
Waiting for the other woman to finish her bath so she could take hers she fails to hold back a whistle at seeing Aliseya in her outfit, and new bits of flesh and ink it showed off.
Scampering off afterwards she takes her bath, much faster and with less pomp than the room's previous occupant. Afterwards she set her regular outfit aside for cleaning later and changes into her other pair of smallclothes, a cloth nighgtie and some knee length loose pants, the only other clothing she owned.
With everyone's attention turned towards the conversation Naught greedily devours the ignored food, not seeming to have much of a problem with it.
On the way out she took two of the heavy coats from the entranceway. One for Kendra when they found her, but she felt bad about taking one for herself, especially with the differences in height making the bottom almost touch the floor. She felt even worse when she realized one of them might have belong to Petros...
Thankful, though still feeling guilty for taking one of the coats with how chilly it was Naught immediately brightened when she saw Bolo. After he expends his energy to heal everyone she smiled before giving him a tight hug.
Turning to the precocious child following them she leans over, given each of their heights there was no need to kneel, and gently pinch his cheeks with her fingers, being mindful of her claws. "I can see why Ysme picked you, so adorable."
Govannon trudges along thoughtfully, occasionally smoking, but usually just quietly walking.
This should be interesting... Better keep your better stuff in reserve old man. It's going to be a long day, and we don't have time to rest.
On the way to Harrowstone, the group confirms that no one is in possession of any of Professor Lorrimor's tomes. It is unclear what happened to the missing tomes in the library.
After about an hour of travel through the biting cold, the group arrives at the forlorn gates of Harrowstone. The blackened windows and crumbling ramparts of the ruined prison emanate an aura of bleakness and brooding despair.
Cautiously, you approach the front doors. You note that there is no sign of the zombies that you destroyed last evening. You recall that there are several other methods to enter the prison in addition to the front doors - there are holes in the crumbling east walls that can be entered and there is a door on a second story balcony on the west side.
Before entering, Aliseya, Zelda and Naught fill the others in on the party's previous expeditions into the prison.
Weapon Equipped = Scimitar
Conditions = None
melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +3 Damage: +3
ranged: Attack: BAB +1, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Arcane Pool (su/swift): 5/5
Spells (Caster Level 2, Concentration +5 (+4 defensively))
Zero (13): Acid Splash, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation
First (14): Color Spray, Shield, Shocking Grasp
Govannon takes out his scimitar, quietly, and holds it at the ready.
"I'm happy to be one of those in the lead, but it would be helpful to be with someone who's been here before." He practically whispers the suggestion when faced with such a place.
"I can summon a little light too, if it would be helpful, but it doesn't last long." he grins.
He considers putting a smoke together, but he decides to wait. There'll be time for that later.
"I'll go with you, but the light won't help me any. Squire Grey and Zelda on the other hand would probably appreciate it." Naught muses, looking the foreboding structure over.
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As the company pauses outside the grounds in preparation, Grey begins to chant.
"În casa mea fericită, abia am respira."
"În brațele iubitului meu mă găsesc ușurare."
"Există un cer care se schimbă, și o pasăre care cântă."
"Nu o dată în viața mea a rătăcită licitați suflet prejudiciu."
"În arem iubitul meu, eu aștept dimineața."
"Te implor Dumnezeul meu, să vorbească și rupe-mă în afară."
"Mi-ar pune jos pe corpul meu, mi-aș pune în jos brațele mele."
"Nu o dată în viața mea dulce scurt înseamnă un rău nimănui." With the last sylables, a shimmering presence draws itself from within him.
"In my lover's arms I find relief."
"There is a sky that is changing, and a bird that sings."
"I never once in my wayward life did bid a soul to harm"
"In my lover's arem, I wait for morning."
"I beg my god to speak, and tear me apart."
"I'd lay down my body, I'd lay down my arms."
"I never once in my sweet short life mean anybody harm."
As the figure solidifies, she lays a reassuring hand upon Grey's shoulder before nodding composedly at the others.
"Ysme!" Naught lets out as she scurries over to hug the Phantom.
Once releasing the ghostly woman from her grip the Storyteller turns to the intimidating woman with the pronged hammer. "A beautiful and strong lady watching my back with a big ol'backscratcher at the ready? How can I say no?"
Govannon steps back to the second row to let Sariana in. "Right."
He checks over his gear, I really need better ranged options!
Zelda looks on he building with dread.
"The main entrance has a haunt these should help." she explains as she holds out the haunt
"I think we should spread these amoung us so that someone who is able can use it to get rid of that thing!"
"I'll take one. Handy little device that." He holds it up to the light. "Thanks!" he says with a smile.
He keeps the vial in one hand and his scimitar in the other as he approaches the building, though he's ready to put the vial away at a moments notice to free his hand for casting if need be.
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"Asta e un astfel de poem frumos," the gypsy says to Grey in perfect Varisian. "Îmi place poezia, mai ales când este din pământul meu natal."
Aliseya is also pleased to see Ysme appear, though her pleasure is tainted with unease at the strange fate that's befallen the young woman. She hadn't known Ysme in life for very long. But clearly she deserved a far longer life, and a far better fate, than... this.
Placing a gentle hand upon Grey's other shoulder to make light of what appears to her to be a dismal circumstance, she tells Ysme, "At least you have this cutie to keep you company." Smirking, she gives the halfling man a wink.
Aliseya carefully takes one of the offered siphons from Zelda's grasp. She looks at it warily, and then with conviction as she places it into her heavy handbag.
She also rolls her eyes with a smile at Naught, up to her antics again with another beautiful lady.
Ali simply follows along, in whatever position she happens to find herself in. She's not too concerned about falling into line, though she does appear ready for anything with a determined expression and a big stick in her hand.
Carefully you enter Harrowstone. Govannon's light spell reveals that the foyer is much as you left it the previous evening, but without the dead. The foyer doors are each open, revealing the sections of the first floor that you have already explored.
Govannon casts Dancing Lights and keeps the lights (looking like torches) a little trailing behind the party so the leaders are in dim light and can see with their darkvision clearly enough.
That said, he tries to follow closely so he can be ready should a fight break out (20' back at most?). When it's clear no haunt guards the entrance, he puts the haunt siphon away to have his hand free, but he keeps it in mind.
He looks to the others, "Where to? It's all new to me."
"The dancing lights must stay within a 10-foot-radius area in relation to each other but otherwise move as you desire (no concentration required): forward or back, up or down, straight or turning corners, or the like. The lights can move up to 100 feet per round."
Most DMs I've played with view that as a free action to move the lights around. That said, it could be viewed as a standard action as well - with the argument that because no action is stated, it defaults to a standard.
It's only a simple light source and won't come up in all likelihood, but just in case, in your campaign, what sort of action it is to move the lights around? Thanks in advance.
- - -
Aliseya pensively looks all around the prison's dark and moldy interior as she follows along with Zelda towards the chapel. The more perceptive in the group might notice her stop for a couple of moments along the way. She closes her eyes, as if concentrating or focusing her mind.
As they draw near the chapel, Ali smirks at Zelda, "I wonder if that armored man you thought about undressing is still kneeling down in prayer in there."
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With caution, the group moves through the north door of the foyer and then again through the first west door in the proceeding hallway. The door reveals another passage with a hall branching from the right. Taking the branch, you come to a room with a door that has fallen off of its hinges. Again you enter he ruined chapel of Pharasma .
Within the chapel, thick sheets of what appear to be cobwebs drape everything within in gossamer threads. Within the northeast corner of the room, the heavily armored half-orc that you found before remains where you left him - kneeling with head bowed in supplication. Again, the half-orc does not react to your presence.
As you attempt to decipher the meaning of the half-orc's presence, you are surprised by the sound of flapping wings above you. Looking up, you see a large colorful bird perched on top of the statue of Pharasma. The bird squawks and then floats down from the marble lady of graves on extended wings to the dusty alter below, where it then prances from end to end before hopping down onto the ground in front of you. The peacock regards you with tilted head.
"Is that... what the hells is that?" Naught exclaims on seeing the colorful creature, only momentarily ago having drawn her axe at the sound of wings flapping.
"Pretty, whatever you are." Naught muses while walking closer to it before stopping.
"You're not a ghost bird are you?"
"Do you know what it is? Looks kinda like a songbird of Shelyn. Fancy damn bird I'll give it that."
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The peacock raises its feathers at Naught's questions and begins prancing around the barbarian.
The bird pecks sharply at Zelda when she offers food, drawing blood.
"I knew that," Naught says while rolling her eyes. "What kind of bird?"
"Uh, nice pretty bird... good pretty bird," Naught lets out as the ostentatious bird begins circling her.
Govannon follows the others as his lights bob and weave behind him. When the group reaches the chapel, he renews the spell and brings it forward to examine the kneeling figure.
"When did you leave him here? How long has he been in this position? Imagine the cramps!" He doesn't like to think about it, but he does give the half-orc a close inspection.
As you attempt to decipher the meaning of the half-orc's presence, you are surprised by the sound of flapping wings above you. Looking up, you see a large colorful bird perched on top of the statue of Pharasma. The bird squawks and then floats down from the marble lady of graves on extended wings to the dusty alter below, where it then prances from end to end before hopping down onto the ground in front of you. The peacock regards you with tilted head.
"Whoa?! By Shelyn you're right Naught. It might be a sign!"
The peacock raises its feathers at Naught's questions and begins prancing around the barbarian.
The bird pecks sharply at Zelda when she offers food, drawing blood.
Govannon laughs a little as the creature draws blood, "Careful there."
He's still nervous about what he might find down here, but the beautiful bird has certainly calmed the worst of his nerves.
"They don't eat people, do they?" She says to no one in particular before turning her attention to the peacock. "Uh, you've already tasted Zel, so I'll save ya the time and let ya know she most definitely tastes better than me."
Aliseya doesn't know whether to laugh or be afraid at spotting the half-orc man still here. "Oh-my-gods. I was only joking."
She looks admiringly at his muscular... arms. Yeah... arms. "All that praying must be what's keeping him in good shape. Gorum apparently answered his prayers."
Startled by the peacock, the gypsy lets out another, "Oh-my-gods." She inhales swiftly when the bird draws blood, and, given such a bird would not normally find an abandoned, ruined, and haunted prison to be a nice home, she wonders about the meaning of finding it here while half-heartedly answering Govannon, "Yeah... a sign..." and then Naught, "I... uhm, don't think so..."
Aliseya's uncertainty wasn't exactly helping matters with the bird with a taste for Rogue.
"Um, good pretty bird... please don't try to eat us pretty bird..." Naught tentatively says as she reaches out a hand to pat the creature on the head, being wary of its beak.
You hear the faint sound of a woman crying emanating from outside the chapel - down the hall (in the vicinity of S11).
The peacock flaps its wings and momentarily becomes airborne before landing on Naught's head, where it squawks for moment and then lands back on the ground next to the barbarian. The peacock now interposes itself between Naught and the rest of the group where it regards everyone but Naught with suspicion. Slowly it prances around in a defensive circle around the barbarian. The proud bird appears to have become quite attached to Naught.
"Looks like you made a friend," Ali says to Naught with a wide-eyed shrug.
She gives the praying man one more chance to snap out of it, "Hey there, buddy. I mean you, the one who prays for days? You okay? Want to say hello to us? Want to, I don't know, get the hells out of this prison?"
Once the group is done with the temple and exits it, Aliseya suddenly turns her head to look in the direction of a particular room. Closing her eyes for a moment as if to focus, she opens her eyes once more. The odd gypsy begins walking over to that very room, the one that Zel and Naught recall seeing Vesoriana in the last time they were here, before anyone can say a word...
Govannon gives up on the kneeling figure. I'll be damned if I know what that's about.
He follows Aliseya as quick as he can, his lights bobbing behind him like obedient pets. Er, that can fly and shed light...
"Bwah! It's attacking!" Naught lets outs as the bird takes perch on her head, her tendrils standing on end
"... or not." she simply lets out once it hops back down and takes up a guard. Seeing the way it was staring at the others and pacing back and forth the Storyteller smiling before timidly letting her hand brush up aside the regal creature's head. "You want to be my friend too? No, need to worry then, these are my friends true, but I can always have more."