To Alzano, Kendra smiles.
"You came a great distance to pay your respects. I would say your debt is clearly repaid. My father was never one to hold something over anyone's head anyway."
To Iesha:
"Your choice surely honors him, old friend, and you are most welcome. Thank you for helping to lay him to rest."
For a moment, thanks in part to the ashes painted over her eyes, it looks as if her eyes have sunken away completely. Then she sighs and shifts in her seat, and the light returns.
"Hearthmount should be here shortly with the will."
The servant reappears, bearing the tea pot to refresh any who wish to take, and a platter of cheese crackers and jellies.
"An appetizer, if you wish it. Dinner will be served in two hours." the kindly old woman announces.
I've taken the Catholic view of sin eating; that is that it is necessary but not often talked about. For the faithful, a sin eater can be contacted through Pharasma's temples. They used to be available in greater numbers but now probably number less than 30 in all of Ustalav.
For those opposed to Pharasma, the job of the more powerful sin eaters is to hunt out the undead and those unfortunate enough to fall to them and eat their sin so that they may pass on to the Boneyard instead of rising as the undead themselves.
Aleksandr smiles at each person in turn as they introduce themselves. Fortunately, there doesn't appear to be too much in the way of intruding questions which makes Aleksandr hope the group is more open-minded than the rest of the general populace.
"I'm surprised at our having to attend the hearing of the will," Aleksandr says as he sets down his finished cup, "Surely Petros will have left everything to you, Kendra."
Kendra smiles at Aleks.
"Perhaps, he told me that if anything should ever happen to him that I should reach out to those he considered true friends and passionate students. Or perhaps the invitation was simply because I could not stomach the idea of being alone for now. Either way..."
Preceded by a knock at the door, Councilman Hearthmount enters, bearing a sealed scroll case. He seems momentarily taken aback at the strange company surrounding Kendra, but it passes quickly.
Settling next to Kendra, he presents the seal of Petros Lorrimor, unbroken on the scroll case. He then opens it with ease, and unfurls the last will and testament of Petros Lorrimor. A small key falls from the case as he does so, settling on the table in front of him. Vashian Hearhtmount pays it no heed.
"Lorrimor asked that this only be read in the presence of you five, and his daughter," he intones. His voice is strong, and used to taking authoritative tones.
He clears his throat, and reads from the document:
I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child.
Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.
To my old friends Aleksander, Alzano, Iesha, Peredur and Taanyth, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.
I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro, as witnessed by Vashian Hearthmount on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4711.
With his business concluded, Vashian stands, bows to Kendra, and leaves. The curled document sits on the table, and Kendra sits still, unmoving.
Aleksandr steeples his fingers and looks at the will as it curls up into itself once again. This was unusual to say the least. An errand, delayed in order to protect Kendra. They would be well paid; one hundred platinum pieces each was a princely sum indeed. Aleksandr had not guessed that the Professor had such wealth.
"I agree to the terms presented in Petros' will," he says as Hearthmount leaves the estate, "I will remain by your side until a month has passed and then see these tomes taken to Lepidstadt."
Standing, Aleksandr moves to the table at which the Councilman had sat. Placing his fingers on the key, he pulls it from the table and holds it in front of his face.
"I trust this opens that trunk," he muses, almost to himself, "Do you happen to know where this trunk is situated, Kendra? I would see it for myself."
Petros, you old dog, what have you gotten yourself into this time?
Taanyth stares at the scroll quietly, thinking what has come to his late friend. First, the thugs; now, these tomes. Documents that he has never heard of. It wasn't like Petros to hide secrets from Taanyth, or so he thought. Taanyth knew of Petros' studies, but at that moment, he realizes he does not know up to what extent Petros has gone to. However, the man was his friend.
Taanyth stands up for a stretch.
"That seems settled. I shall stay. Petros was a loyal friend of mine, and I'd do nothing else but to pay him the favor and see that his last will completed. We should recover those tomes. If they are as dangerous as Petros said they are, who knows who may be after them?"
"I, too, will remain, not just for the Professor's request, but also for the friendship I bear Kendra."
Alzano remains seated as Hearthmount reads the will. He grins wryly at the mention of favors, Heh... guess I'll be repaying him after all. Who'da thought he'd be dead when it happened? He was wary about staying in Ravengro though. Small towns like this aren't good for hiding in, especially for an outsider. At the mention of the hundred platinum his eyes widen. I could by passage to pretty much anywhere with that!
He turns to Kendra, "Your father did me a great favor... practically saved my life. I know you said my debt was repaid, but just coming here wasn't enough for me. I'll be staying, like he asked. Suppose I should get a room at the Outward Inn, was it?"
The tall half-elf listens intently to the reading with the rest of the group. If Petros considered the books to be dangerous, they must be dire indeed, and I misdoubt that we'd be able to call off the kind people of Ravengro were they to learn of this. Distracted for a moment by that thought, he almost misses the rest of the request. One hundred platinum pieces? A princely sum; to think I worried about paying my way back to Almas!
After everyone else has spoken, he nods to Kendra with a smile. "I, too, shall remain and help see you safe." He shrugs expansively. "For, look you, how hard can it be? A month here, a trip to Lepidstadt, and done. 'Twould be politic, though, for me to send word to Almas of th' delay. How might I best do this?"
"Thank you again, to each and every one of you. Please know that you are all welcome to stay in my home for as long as you care to. Peredur, there are messengers that do pass through now and again, if you provide a note and a name, I will ensure it is sent with the next one to pass through."
Here she stands.
"Miriabel, please fetch my father's trunk, and then, I think, we will have our dinner." The woman appears momentarily with the wooden box, and places it on the table. Kendra smiles appreciatively, then fumbles with the lock for but a second before opening it.
Inside, there are five books. The first is the newest, and comes with an attached note: "Read me now!" it declares in familiar handwriting.
Four other tomes are removed. A jet black book, "On Verified Madness," and two others, "Serving Your Hunger" and "The Umbral Leaves."
Lastly, Kendra removes a tome bound in rich purple satin, with a jeweled scarab affixed in the center, both as a lock and an identifying symbol, it would seem, as the book is unable to be opened. A note is affixed as well.
"Please deliver this tome to Embreth Daramind of Lepidstadt, and do so with the utmost discretion." Her address is also enclosed.
Taanyth picks up the first book as soon as Kendra removes it and looks at it with curiosity.
This is Petros' handwriting...
He decides to read through it.
"What an odd collection."
Knowledge (arcana):
Knowledge (religion):
Aleksandr turns the books over in his hands, trying to recall anything he may know of their existence. Petros' words about their legality concerns him and he wants to know how dangerous they truly are.
Iesha tries to remember if she'd ever heard of these tomes.
Without understanding of personal space, Taanyth peers at the books carefully to see if anything may catch his eye.
The satin tome with the godlen scarab is a book belonging to the esoteric order of the Palatine Eye, a secret society that dabbles in the politic and the arcane.
"On Verified Madness" is a treatise on something called The Dark Tapestry, and contains observations, theories and disturbing art work of otherworldly monsters.
"Serving your Hunger" is a copy of one of the unholy books of the goddess Urgathoa, and contains notes and observations from the Professor written in the margins.
"The Umbral Leaves" is a common-tongue translation of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.
The professor's journal stretches back over many years. You notice many entries have been circled in red ink.
16 Gozren, 4701 – The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers, I see that now. Undeath is their fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at easy, as I thought it might. Their desire to live eternal simply makes them more dangerous.
4 Abadius, 4711 – It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravnengro. But what could it be?
6 Calistril, 4711 – Whatever it is that the Way seeks, I am no convinced that their goal is connected to Harrostone. In retrospect I suppose it all make sense—the stories they tell about the ruins are certainly chilling enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town on edge about them still, I'd rather not let the others know about my curiosity, there are plenty of folks hereabouts who already think I'm a demonologist or a witch or something.
10 Calistril, 4711 – It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone 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.
12 Calistril, 4711 – I see now how ill prepared I was when I last set out for Harrowstone. I am lucky to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to investigate futher) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.
15 Calistril, 4711 – Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative that the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost my too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I'll leave this in the chest where it''ll be sure to be found... should the worst come to pass.
Peredur scans the titles in the others' hands, his eyes growing wide. "'Tis wondering I am whether that fellow Gibs knew aught of these; in the hands of anyone but Petros, I too would judge the owner harshly. This is terrible knowledge."
He quietly reads the journal entries. "Mistress Kendra, forgive me for this, but I fear we must know: How did your father meet his end?"
The Whispering Way... I have heard of them before, but not much. This Harrowstone is blank to my mind. Ten years worth of studying. What was so crucial that you had to pry?
Taanyth tells his peers of his findings and shows him the books and asks them if they know anything about the Whispering Way and Harrowstone.
"I am curious to this Harrowstone and the Whispering Way. My loyalties abide in my old friend, and as though his will was to take care of Kendra, I believe we should take these matters within the journal at hand. It may be these same necromancers that Petros told us to protect her daughter from. We will be ensuring her safety and if our point of interest lies near the Restlands, we shan't be leaving Ravengro as Petros wished. Although... there is a great possibility that Kendra may be the least of our worries. Petros was not a fool to toy with folly. I believe we must investigate. 'Knowledge is both sword and shield to those who use it.' "
Taanyth was not one to recite so long a speech, however it was his loyalty to Petros and lust for perfection that drove him.
Alzano stands and approaches the table as the books are taken out of the chest. He looks at the journal as well, reading along, trying to see if he can recall anything mentioned about the events or locations described by the professor.
"Anyone know anything he's talking about? Kendra... your father ever mention any of this to you? Said he didn't have time to change the will... wonder if he'd still want us to stay here for a month."
Knowledge (arcana):
Knowledge (religion):
After reading Petros' journal, Aleksandr's countenance is grim. With the information held in Petros' journal and the books within his possession, Aleksandr can see why Petros was fearful.
"Kendra, could you ask one of your servants to purchase a stout chain and six stout padlocks," Aleksandr says, dropping the books back into the trunk, "We will chain this trunk shut and each of us will possess one key to a padlock. We must prevent these books falling into the wrong hands. It is either this course of action or I will burn them all."
"Sheriff Caeller found my father's body up at Harrowstone... It appeared as if a piece of the crumbling structure had fallen and crushed his head..." Kendra shudders and hugs herself.
-Harrowstone is a ruined prison, destroyed partially in a fire in 4661 (fifty years ago). The locals predictably believe it to be haunted.
-it was built in 4594, Ravengro was founded at the same time as a home ofr the guards and support staff of the prison. In the fire that destroyed the prison, the warden, his wife (no one knows why she was in the prison) and 23 of the guards, as well as all of the prisoners. A statue was erected on the riverbank nearby in memorial of the guards.
- the fire is viewed by some as a blessing in diguise. Harrowstone held the worst of the worst, and not for very long. Executions were handled in short order. The prisoners had rioted the night of the fire, and the prisoners' escape was only prevented by the sacrifice of the guards and the warden.
"There are many sources of research in town you can use to find more about Harrowstone or the Whispering Way," Kendra mentions. "Obviously my father's collection will service in finding more on the Whispering Way. The town hall may have information on Harrowstone. The Temple of Pharasma as well will have much information. You may also try and see if Alendru has any information at the Unfurling Scroll. Whether or not you will be allowed access at these locations, I cannot say."
A sinister organization of Necromancers, the Whispering Way has been active in the Inner Sea region for years. Members seek alliances with the undead--and it's most notorious member is certainly Tar Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant. Though the cult existed long before the Tyrant came along.
Further info can be gathered through research only.
"Mr. Markov, you shall do no such things to these books. They include information we may need in the future. I understand it is your duty to purge sin. I got that the tenth time you gloated on your job description. However, more important things come at hand, and they require the safety of these books. Now hand them over. I shall take these four tomes to the study where I may gather research from them as well as other books I may find. Any one who is willing to join me may do so. Maybe we can figure out how to open the last one."
Taanyth takes the books to the study and starts to read.
There is little information in the three other books in regard to the matter at hand. They mostly contain notes and information from the professor.
The ornately locked book remains inaccessible.
Kendra smiles and touches Aleksander's arm.
"Aleks, dear, there is no need for the destruction of the books. AS the professor requested, they must be delivered to Lepidstadt university after I have resolved my business here. Their knowledge will no doubt be put to fine use there in the protection and education of Ustalav. Ashes will be of little use to anyone. If you wish to keep them locked in the meantime, that is certainly a reasonable course of action. I will go about acquiring the means to do so. Feel free to study them as you wish in the meantime. My father would not dissuade you."
"'Twould seem that this Whispering Way is th' true threat, here. There be no way to tell now, whether 'twas them who slew Petros, or one of the 'ghosts' he wrote of. Either way, it falls to us to see his last effort to its end. Mistress Kendra, it's thinking I am that a letter from Councilor Hearthmount might open some doors at th' town hall; doors that might otherwise be closed to strangers such as we. Could you request one from him?"
Miriabel appears once again, and announces that the meal is ready. The food is good, simple and filling. The meal wraps up as the sun beings to dip in the sky. (it is roughly six p.m.)
"If you wish such a request from Hearhtmount, you should check with him directly. He was never much a fan of my father, and mostly polite to me out of general courtesy. He is a dutiful man, for true, but this town is prickly to outsiders. And my father and I spent enough time abroad to be considered thus to many locals. Otherwise, you can simply ask at the Temple or Town Hall."
Iesha shudders as she touches Zon-Kuthon's book. My lady, I pray your deluded brother had no involvement in this good man's death.
She will join the researchers in their effors to learn of this 'Whispering Way'.
She will also comment, somewhat off-handedly "Given the charge of necromancy, this Whispering Way and the Urgathoan items might be of more interest. Zon-Kuthon is -less- likely to be involved with such things, still that does not preclude his involvement as well."
Taanyth barely touches his food as he is in deep study. He is quite repulsed at the little he has learned. So far, nothing of use. His self-loathing is quite obvious.
Maybe it is luck, or maybe divine guidance. Iesha pulls a dusty tome from a shelf and opens it. The middle of the book has been cut out, and inside is a small bound journal, containing years of Lorrimor's notes on the Whispering way. Studying it reveals the following:
A sinister organization of Necromancers, the Whispering Way has been active in the Inner Sea region for years. Members seek alliances with the undead--and it's most notorious member is certainly Tar Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant. Though the cult existed long before the Tyrant came along.
The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies, transmitted only via whisper, and never written. Their exact goals and nature are impsosible to pin down for this reason.
The only obvious goal of the Whispering Way is to engineer the release of The Whispering Tyrant. To this end they apparently investgate many haunted locales to research the nature of undeath and to sometimes capture unique monsters.
Their symbol is a gagged skull, and those who learn too much of the Way's secrets meet their end in hideous ways: mouths and faces mutilated to prevent communication via speak with dead spells.
"I suppose folks here wouldn't take too kindly to us poking around, then? Especially if we're asking about death cults and haunted prisons. Might want to be subtle about it."
Alzano turns to Aleksandr, "You say you're a follower of Pharasma... I'd like to go to the temple here and see if I can find out anything about Harrowstone. Might not seem as out of place if you went with. Tomorrow?"
"Of course, Alzano," Aleksandr says, setting aside his finished meal, "I will need to send a dispatch to my superiors regarding my... sabbatical for the next month. I doubt that any of the clergy will hinder your research but I can distract them, should that prove the case."
"I agree with your sentiments regarding subtlety, if we are too open regarding our search then it may prove our undoing. From what I know of the Whispering Way, they are insidious and I strongly suspect that their agents will be abroad in the town."
"I find it a great coincedence that our old friend dies while investigating the Whispering Way and his head is the place where the death blow appears to have occured," Aleksandr steeples his fingers in thought once more.
Iesha shows the rest what she found.
"We should definitely look into this, if only to reasure Kendra and ourselves that his death, and it's manner, were nothing more than an odd coincidence."
Now if I only believed that myself. My old friend, what did you get yourself into?
"It seems to me we have two choices. Either we read more to see if we may have missed out on anything, or we discover what may be out there, whether it is what lies in Harrowstone, or the false crypt at the Restlands."
Kendra chimes in at the mention of the Restlands:
"Friends, if you plan on searching the graveyard, I would certainly suggest either doing so outside of the church's knowledge, or with their explicit permission. Obviously some of you may take umbrage with the former option, but that is entirely your choice. Their duty is to safeguard the Restlands, and they do not take it lightly. Pharasmans are a dreadfully serious lot." She smiles sweetly at Aleksandr.
"'Twould be folly, I fear, to essay Harrowstone without knowing more of what th' Whispering Way were after there. Petros seemed to think they were interested in someone who died there. I'll go to Pharasma's temple with you to investigate, Aleksandr, though I have no official status with th' church."
"Aleksander, perhaps this might be something your -unique- position in Pharasma's ranks covers? Surely stating that locating this cache would benefit the town and help resolve any lingering issues caused by the Professor's death would not be a lie.'
Taanyth gives it thought. After the past few discoveries, the have the right to be secretive. The knowledge that the Whispering way take hold of is one to be curious about. It was one Taanyth may desire. Perfection through all means.
"I agree with the first option. These men may be in cooperation with the Whispering Way. The lot we encountered may have been brutes, but one should not take others so lightly."
And if Petros was correct about their cultic studies and its extent, it may turn of great value to me. It is definitely worth investigating.
Responding to Peredur, "I've heard a bit about Harrowstone... rumors, stories, stuff like that. Was a prison for the worst criminals. Lots of 'em died there. But then about fifty years back the thing caught fire and killed them all... plus a bunch of guards and the warden. Oh, and his wife, though gods know why she was there. Was hoping to find out about who was in there... thought maybe the temple would have records or something."
"I'm not so much worried about this cult than I am about the locals. Don't have to be a servant of evil to get suspicious at a group of outsiders not minding their own business. Next thing you know, an angry mob is waving torches and pitchforks at this here house."
Aleksandr nods earnestly. "Requisitioning the supplies shouldn't be too difficult," he confirmed, "The Inquisitors often have such caches secreted in similar locations through Ustalav."
"Peredur, you are most welcome to come with me. Who else would care to come with us besides Alzano?"
"I, too, shall go. I am curious to what may have caused my old friend's demise." says Taanyth as he returns to his usual aloof and arrogant state, "Besides, who knows what is there? You may need my help."
To Taanyth, Aleksandr Markov may have been a brute, however he may still be of worth; Taanyth's curiosities overpowers Markov's actions. Like all memories, the man's haughty display of his desire to destroy the tomes was nothing more than that: A memory. It has passed.
"I would be surprised if we were to meet resistance at the temple, but you are of course free to join us," Aleksandr says, "After all, there is nothing that the Church of Pharasma is more opposed to than undeath."
"I would be willing to go with you to this false crypt if permitted. We should also look into some of these other items profesor Lorrimor was reseaching, just in case it isn't spirits we're dealing with. In an area where there are already rumors of hauntings, it's easy for physical beings to use that as a cover. If ths 'Whispering Way' is involved, we need to be prepared to deal with necomancy as well. The more information we have, the better prepared. How do we want to go about this?"
"Ah! Finally someone that makes sense!" Taanyth smiles, "To keep this decision midway, we should ask Father Grimburrow's permission. He was the only one we know so far that was kind enough to let us take Petros to the Restlands and he is the head of the clergy, after all. However, even if there are times that I sneak myself from telling the truth, if we should say something, we should not lie.
"So we're agreed, then? On th' morrow, we'll speak with Father Grimburrow and essay this false crypt?" The half-elf smiles suddenly. "Mayhap we'll rouse his curiosity somewhat; if Petros was right, interestin' times may lie ahead for Ravengro."
Iesha chuckles. "One of my instructors always said that 'may you live in interesting times' was an old halfling curse. I think we're about to prove it."