"I suppose you are correct, Mme De Leon. Afterall, I have seen the residents of Utsalav eat far worse."
And don't worry, if I have the fortune to get close to someone I make sure I brush my teeth before...
Brevon's face burns hotter than the sun at Lucetta's suggestion.
He considers the cache of weaponry against undead. "Heavens," he gasps, "If this is any indication, we face an entire host of dark horrors. I fear I'm not much worth with a bow and arrow. Perhaps I can look after those items more magical in nature--the potions and scrolls look right up my alley. Though, it would be wise for each of us to carry at least one curative potion."
He examines the darkwood case, a look of puzzlement shadowing his fair features as he waves his hand over them.
"Brevon is wise. At least everyone should carry a healing potion at all times, if we are going to be stirring up more trouble as we pursue the professor's investigation." Kavakii starts to gather up whatever treasure is not requested by the others. "I might make a suggestion that if we are to be basing ourselves out of the professor's home, we start a stockpile of any valuables we acquire. From there all of us should be free to equip ourselves as needed throughout this endeavor." Kavakii looks around at the others, "Are we through here? I would agree with Lucetta. Our next stop should be back at the house."
If you want to examine it in detail, we need to do so at a secure location, not somewhere we shouldn't be and could be discovered at any time!
Lucetta urges
That's advice from a professional you know...
She glances around to ensure the group isn't being observed.
We should also decide what to do next, useful though this gear is, we still need to know where and how to use it. Perhaps we should retrace the professor's steps as best we can?
"Yes, with haste!"
Outside the crypt, Brevon attempts to mimic Lucetta's cool demeanor. "And the lifelike proportions of the carvings denote an artistic perspective that was quite advanced for its time!"
(later in private. Assuming no trouble is encountered before returning to the house...)
"These are haunt siphons!" Brevon whispers urgently. "They're used to absorb the foul energy of haunted areas, focusing that energy and transforming the siphons into bomb-like weapons. All of this suggests that the Harrowstone is indeed filled with restless undead. Angry, vicious undead. Are we sure we want to do this??"
"A priest so skittish at combating the unholy... strange life choice."
"As I mentioned before, we should choose a safe place to stockpile our rewards." Kavakii stares confusingly at the vials. "Since it appears we are likely to face such threats, it would appear either the gods or the professor are watching over us... to bestow such trinkets to us." Kavakii turns his attention from the vials to the rest of the group, "What does this all mean? And what our next course of action?"
Well much time has passed, but I feel it might be good if we determine the location of the professor's demise, perhaps there are further clues as to what happened to him.
Lucetta's finger taps on her lips as she thinks.
Presuming the death was as stated, there still might have been others present to facilitate it. So... we can head out to town today and do some more research, and I've a mind tonight to go visit the death site. What do you all think?
I think it's a good idea. - says Gadoongo, already back to his "Human" self.
Brevon sighs, looking down at his hands. He had not really taken all this talk of necromancy seriously. What were the odds that a reputable professor would be tied up with the likes of black magic. And near his own home, of all places. Brevon reconsiders his original plan to leave Ravengro at once, probably never to return.
And do...what?
And that's just it. He cannot return to his existence before. That is...not an option. Yet neither does he have anywhere else to go, anyone to turn to. As far as a "plan," this was the best he had for the moment. And he'd come this far, hadn't he?
Just one more day, he tells himself. One more day with the light and the living. What can it hurt?
He smiles warmly at the others. "What a wonderful idea."
Lucetta is surprised to find an almost complete lack of criminal element in the town, although on second thought as she considers the close-knit community, perhaps it isn't so odd at all. As the group meets back at the house and has dinner, she smiles at Kendra.
Thank you for your hospitality Kendra, we're but finding out more about this town you and your father called home, each of us has different interests and we're trying to find some common ground you see.
she smiles and escorts the young lady to bed before returning to the drawing room and pouring a brandy.
Very good gentlemen, and let us not fear, tonight we seek to find out the truth of what happened to the professor, have faith and courage in your hearts...
She downs the whisky in a single gulp and gestures upstairs before whispering
It takes the average young lady some fifteen minutes to fall asleep, in our case her grief will work against us and it will likely be half an hour or so before she greets the sandman. Let us meet out front in thirty minutes then, prepared to meet whatever we find at the old prison.
The skinwalker agrees, silently, and packs his equipment. He picks a potion, like the others, and adjusts it on a pocket of his backpack, wondering if even at his end, the professor would imagine this kind of adventure raising. After thirty minutes he's outside the house, waiting for the others.
Brevon stumbles down the steps, stubbing his toe on the floorboard. He hobbles outside, through the porch, and meets Gadoongo on the lawn.
"The night has long been the enemy of man, its haunts and perils inimical to good fortune. Luckily, we are not alone in this exploration, hmm? Sarenrae watches over us."
He produces his wooden ankh. It begins to glow, casting his features in ghostly relief. "After all, we wouldn't want to lose our way."