"Good plan Eloise, seeing what has them so upset may be a good plan." Theodor says as he turns to look into the distance where the townsfolk seem to be heading...
Mathus nods and walks with the others.
"Good idea"
As you follow the crowds toward the southern end of town, to where a large statue of a man wearing leather armor and carrying a billy club, stands facing the river (Area O).
Getting closer you notice that the statue has been splattered with blood and a large letter V has been painted on the base, also in blood. looking around you see several of the people around you take a few steps back, leaving your group standing in isolation even in the crowd. Kendra points over to where a stern looking man stands talking to the leader of the mob from the cemetery, Gibbs. "There's Sheriff Caeller over there."
Tomnus will follow the group to the statue and then sigh when he sees what happened. Ofcourse someone defaces the statue when there are new comers around to blame for it...oh and lookey there Gibbs is already here...this is not going to end well I have a feeling. Might have to try a very quick diplomatic approach here.
Tomnus leans over to Zindelo and whispers quietly "How much you want to bet Gibbs is trying to blame us for this." He then turns to the rest of the group and quietly says "I'll handle this if need be."
He then straightens up and gets ready to speak if anyone approaches the group.
Looking over the crowd Theodor attempts to gain a sense of what they are feeling.
Looking at the statue Zindelo tries to see if he knows who the statue is of.
Knowledge(History):
In a soft reply to Tomnus "You are probably right, although this could be a good opportunity to endear ourselves to them."
To the group in general he then says "I wonder who that statue is. Kendra do you know?"
"Meh," Eloise says. "One thing I know: if someone's trying to get round your back and stab you, you get up in their face and gut them. Let's just go see the Sheriff and introduce ourselves. If nothing else, it'll shut that Gibbs perisher up."
Eloise straightens her clothes and starts to march towards the Sheriff, a determined expression on her face.
Following in Eloise's wake, Theodor motions for Tomnus to join him and prepares to step in should she put her foot in her mouth...
"A moment Eloise." Making sure his actions are obscured from the crowd Zindelo begins to move his hands and utter the words of magic. As the spell comes to an end he touches Eloise's shoulder.
"There, that should help you with the sheriff."
"Thanks," Eloise says, and she winks. "Think I should undo the top button of my collar for a little extra 'diplomacy'?"
Tomnus follows the group ready to step in if Eloise has a repeat of what happened in the grave yard. As she mentions unbuttoning the top button of her collar Tomnus just shakes his head.
Mathus moves closer to the others and lets Eloise and Tomnus do their thing.
AS Eloise and Tomnus approach the Sheriff and Gibbs they overhear part of the conversation between the two men. "Gibbs, you live nearest the monument and you're sure you didn't hear anything last night?"
"I was fast asleep and didn't know anything had happened til I woke up this morning and everyone was gathered around outside." Seeing the two of you approach, Gibbs sneers at you over the Sheriff's shoulder before turning and leaving the area mumbling something under his breath about "Women pretending to be men".
Taking Gibb's cue, the sheriff turns to greet you as you walk up "Ahh, the Professor's friends. What can I do for you, today? As you can see I'm a little busy right now."
"Good day to you, sir Sheriff," Eloise says, briefly lifting her hat in a polite salute. "I would say it's a nice day, except this act of vandalism rather ruins it. It is vandalism, isn't it? My apologies, but I am not familiar with the subject of this fine statue, nor any significance to what seems to have been done to it."
Tomnus stands there quietly allowing Eloise to try and be diplomatic. He'll speak up if she needs assistance.
"This seems to be a symbol of some substance to the townsfolk, perhaps we can help out somehow?" Theodor politely offers for the Sheriff and the others to hear out loud.
"The man in the statue is Lyvar Hawkran, the Warden of Harrowstone. This monument is dedicated to him, his men, as well as his wife's heroic sacrifice in preventing the prisoners from escaping the prison during the fire that destroyed it." the sheriff says, looking at Tomnus and Eloise and then over at the rest of you standing there. "I can't seem to fathom what has happened here myself. This spot is usually where young lovers meet in part for it's seclusion as well as the romanticism of the subject. Something like this has never happened before you all came to town."
"I beg your pardon, Sheriff," Eloise says, "but I do not understand the significance of what has been done here. Does this mark signify anything in particular?"
In the background Mathus does his best to look non threatening but scans the crowd, trying to get a feel for the 'pulse' of the people.
While the sheriff is engages with the others Zindelo walk over to the statue to examine it.
Sensing a bit of frustration from the sheriff Tomnus steps up. "Now Sheriff we mean your fine town no harm. We have just been asked to handle some business for the late professor and then we will be out of your hair. As for what happened here...we were all at miss Lorrimore's residence last night so it couldn't have been anyone of us that defaced this statue. If you want any help I know I'd be more than happy to assist you in cleaning it up and finding out who defaced it in the first place."
Diplomacy:
"And Sheriff, if there is anything else we can do to assist you, or the people of this town, please, do not hesitate to ask..." Theodor offers, looking to gauge the Sheriff's response to the offer.
Zindello as you examine the statue you notice the words "In loving Memory of those who sacrificed their lives to protect Ravengro" plus the names of 25 individuals carved around the base.
The Sheriff scratches his chin "Thank you for the offers, but that won't be necessary. My men and I will look into this and find out just what has happened here, and why."
Looking to the others in the group Theodor seems to be leaning toward heading to the church where originally they intended to go. "Then we won't take up anymore of your time sir."
"Okay just know I will be more than happy to offer assistance if you need." Tomnus says and then waits for the others to head to the church.
I have a bad feeling about this... he thinks as they're on the way to the church.
Mathus falls in behind the group.
Zindelo joins the group as they walk away from the sheriff. "How did it go? The statue itself seemed to be a monument to those that sacrificed themselves at Harrowstone. I wonder what the V was for.. and in blood? Heh.. Sounds like something Hean Feramin would do when he was alive."
"The Professor was researching folks who work with the undead, remember?" Eloise whispers after making sure no one outside the group is close enough to hear. "This kind of act against the memory of the people who died fighting those prisoners... Maybe it'd empower their ghosts, or what could be made from their corpses."
"I would want to rule out that this is a hoax perpetrated by someone to make people think that Harrowstone's ghosts had returned to the area. That is something we cannot discount yet. I would like to talk to the Sheriff once he's done there in case the death of the Professor was more suspicious than people have let on." Theodor quietly says to the group, 'However, it may be ghosts after all...."
Something I would not have considered myself... and that thought is terrifying
The hair on the back of Tomnus's neck stands on end as Eloise states her hypothesis. "Great...so it might be the efforts of the way here in town. But why act now...they've been in town for weeks now according to the professor...why wait until we're here...
"Powerful rituals take time," Eloise replies, still whispering. "They may have needed to wait for some astrological event, or maybe some rare ingredients to be shipped here. Who knows."
"Or it could be nothing of the sort, and all of this is a distraction. Once I dealt with a group of brigands terrorizing a roadway- they had convinced the locals that werewolves prowled the lanes after dark..." Theodor adds brightly to the conversation.
Entering the temple you are greeted by a hubbub of activity. Several acolytes scurry around the nave until one notices you standing there. Approaching you he asks somewhat nervously "May I help you?"
As you explain your desire to speak with Father Grimburrow the young priest leads you to an office in the back of the church. After a polite knock you are escorted into the room. Father Grimurrow sits at a small desk furiously scribbling on a piece of paper. Setting down his quill as you enter Father rises from his desk to greet you. "Miss Kendra, a pleasure to see you again." looking at your group, the old man blinks a few times before recognition sets in "Ah yes, Petros' friends. I'm surprised to see you're still here." Returning to his seat he looks up expectantly "How can I help you today? I'm afraid I'm quite busy right now. I've just returned from a most distressing sight and although I've done my best to allay peoples fears, I must address this incident in this weeks sermon."
Mathus inclines his head politely but waits for the others to speak before adding his own words.
Fishing his holy symbol of Iomedae out of his armor Theodor smiles warmly at the priest. "Father Grimburrow, if there is anything I can do to aid you in putting the fears of your congregation at ease, I would gladly offer my assistance in doing so..."
Tomnus enters the room and draws the all to familiar symbol of Pharasma over his heart as he enters. He will stand back and let others talk, only speaking up if needed.
Before entering the church Zindelo casts Enhanced Diplomacy on himself.
Once inside he sees Father Grimburrow. Drawing the sign of Pharasma Zindelo walks over to him.
"Good morning father Father Grimburrow. I am sorry to see that the morning has brought you trouble at the monument to Harrowstone's Warden. i am sure that your flock will be looking for your assurance and guidance. To that end, I think that in a way Desna has guided us to you.
As you know we are all here at Professor Lorrimor's request. you see he was troubled by some minor problems here in Ravengro and in his will asked us to investigate the matter and protect the town. That is why we are here. We were hoping to be allowed the use of the church library to try and learn more of what the Professor had discovered.
Would you grant us permission to use the library and help the good people of this town?"
I have lived many places where I sought to uncover aid against evil with the followers of the Lady of Graves and have been well helped... I also pray for her help here, via your hand.
Aid Another
"We understand that you are busy so if you could just allow us access then we could do the research ourselves." Tomnus chimes in trying to help improve their chances.
Aid Another
Mathus peers at Father Grimburrow expectantly.
"Of course Father, perhaps you can tell us more about the Harrowstone Prison where the Professor was found dead, or if you can tell us anything about how the Professor died?" Theodor asks expectantly.