Conscious to choose her words carefully Levelle gestures softly towards Kendra and the boy. There was a concern of danger. I used my mildest magics to move the child with the express intention of not harming his person. I had no idea the stirge would move with such speed. In fact, I had much hoped it would leave perturbed by the interruption or that it would perhaps turn its attention to me or my companions, the other victims of this disturbing incident. The elf does her best to keep her voice calm and even despite the warring emotion of regret about the child and her irritation at the assertion that the group were the aggressors.
Sandman puts his weapon away and moves over towards the boy. Stopping at Levelle to give her a quick pat on the shoulder and a reassuring squeeze, he continues to move over to the boy to give him a look over.
Heal Check (to see if the lad is hurt and whether the kid has possibly contracted a disease.)
"There, Vashian, it is fair enough. See, theirs are injured as well, and the creatures are proof enough that they struggled, too." soothes the elder matron.
"Timothy Fletcher, you stop that bawling now," she immediately snaps to the young boy with an air of authority. "I know your mother would not have allowed you out without your hat in this weather, and she would have told you that there would be no players today."
Sandman, you see that the child is injured in much the same way you are. A day of rest should allow him to recover. When Sandman bends to assist the child, Kendra rises, her previously beleaguered expression serene. At the elder woman's words, the boy begins simpering, no longer howling as he once did, sits up and scrubs at his moist eyes with filthy hands.
"Where's my flute?" he whines.
Kendra looks to the matron, and inclines her head in a show of respect. "Well met, Mistress Faravan," she says. She looks to the boy when he whines, then Levelle, her eyes narrowed. "It is as Miss Mahe says, they boy began playing and the stirges attacked. All save one," she purses her lips, lost in thought.
Vashian Heathmount does not seem pacified. "From my reading, I recall that your companions were required only so long as you remained in the town. Have you decided upon what you will do with your property, madame?" he inquires, casting an angry glance over all of you.
"I believe what my peer intended to ask is if you are adjusting well to your recent change of life," the councilwoman corrects lightly, "and if there is any way we might assist you."
"A day of rest and the child should be fine!" Sandman says as gives the boy a hand to his feet."Still, I would have your mother take you to the towns physician or to me for the next few days. Especially if you start to feel ill. Those creatures don't seem to be very clean... You flute?" Sandman takes a quick look around for the flute.
Perception
If he sees it he scoops it up and gives it back to the boy. Regardless of whether he finds it or not, Sandman gives the child a short prayer so that he is not revisited at night the nightmares of the day.
Once done, Sandman stands up and brushes off his white robes. He then puts on his best tusky smile and offers a hand to both of their new company.
"Father Davor Sandman, Cleric of Desna the Mother of Dreams. It is a plasure to meet both of you and I am quite impressed that you both made it out here so quickly! You both obviously care about your people!"
Diplomacy
Arkadi cleans his blade and mutters a soft prayer before joining the others. As he does so he mutters quietly to Levelle, "There was still something odd. See if you can get a look at the flute."
As he joins the group his voice cuts across more loudly. "It's fortunate that only modest injuries were sustained today. But what about tomorrow? Insects usually come from a nest or hive of some sort. Perhaps these were lost scouts, and this was all there are. But it may be wise to check for reports of dead livestock with drained bodies. My sword stands ready if there are more monsters to slay, but I can only defeat what I know to fight."
"Well that's all well and good but I think that dirty little bugger had it in for me."
Uriah rubs at the wound poking through his shirt.
"This was one of my nicer shirts too. This hole in my armor isn't in style either. How did those things get this far into town without anyone noticing?"
Sandman finds the child's flute near him and returns the toy. His hands are scraped, and though he is no longer bawling, he does not seem to have the energy required to play any more.
"They are magical beasts," Kendra continues, for a moment seemingly oblivious that the Councilwoman is speaking to her, then she flushes and takes a few startled moments to collect herself. "Oh, yes. I have decided that I will be selling my father's house, and continuing on to Lepidstat with... my companions," she says after a pause. "I will need to discuss the terms of the sale with Councilman Heathmount," she says and smiles.
"Very good, the portly barrister says with an air of relief. "If you'll come with me, then, your companions can see to the mess they've made of our squ-"
"My companions will be accompanying me," Kendra corrects, showing a length of spine previously unobserved. "They wish to examine the archives."
"The archives?" the fat man jumbles, clearly upset by the implication. "Impossible! No, I will not allow-"
"To what purpose?" the slender matron inquires, raising a hand that silences her peer. She looks over your group with a discerning eye. "The Professor's death shocked us all, and these... incidences since are troubling to say the least. If these folk are interested in our town, they must have cause. We should hear them."
The Professor's end was unfortunate indeed and his last wishes were myriad. To provide for the dispensation of his effects. To see the health and well being of his daughter. To finish, in our capacities, work he left outstanding that he believed our expertise might aid were he to come to an end in his late life. We wish to know more of your town to better meet his requests as much of his work is steeped in the lore and history of this place he called home.
Arkadi leans in close to speak in serious tones, sincerity giving iron to his words. "There is a dark cloud over this town. Already it brings misfortune and danger. Strange creatures attack in the day, frightening haunts roam at night, respected citizens die of 'accidents', children seem on edge. Surely you've noticed at least some of this."
He sweeps a hand to indicate the entire town. "These are not happenstance. They are a poison that will grow worse if the source is not treated. As a sworn devotee of Iomedae and a friend of the Professor, I cannot turn my back on this." He bows his head. "But as I said, I can only bring justice to what I can see. Right now my eyes are clouded. So I ask of you, please let these learned ladies make use of your records. Their wisdom might be able to point me where I am needed."
Diplomacy
"Arkadi is right. We only wish to look into some things we believe are linked to this 'dark cloud,' and we only wish to help. As an ordained cleric of the Mother of Dreams, please grant me this chance to prevent these events from becoming a living nightmare." Sandman adds, with a respectful bow.
"I came at the Professor's request, and now defend Miss Kendra's honor until my duty to them is discharged."
"My father had reason to believe that there were unsavory characters interested in stirring the spirits of the Harrowstone," Kendra adds. "He selected these men and this woman to complete his work here. Youknow that he was ever a goodly defender of this town. Please, let us examine the archives."
Mistress Faravan looks to her companion, her expression hard. "You see, Vashian, these folk have cause. They wish to help us," she says, and looks to all of you. "I do not know what other help I can be, but if you would follow me?"
"Actually," Kendra opines before the mistress can continue. "We will join in a moment," she says and reaches out and takes Levelle's hand. She turns and points down a wide path to the north east, "You'll find the Laughing Demon overlooking the beach," she says. "The big fellow is Zokar, his son is Pevrin. For a few coins, the boy can show you the city on his rounds."
Levelle will take the cue from Kendra and will spend a little time getting to know the layout of the city by going around with Pevrin. Of particular interest to Levelle is to note where the aforementioned mage supply shop is and the residence of the pseduo-vile tutor that the party had discussed as a potential well-spring of information. Conscious that the town probably has mixed feeling about the incident in the square LEvelle would probably do her best to keep Kendra close at hand.
Uriah will accompany Kendra in whichever direction she goes, either further research with Faravan or exploring with Levelle.
"Might be best some of us learn the town, and the rest continue our research?"
"Hmm... I think it might be a good idea, actually, to get good look around town first. We may notice some things that will spark new things to research. And if the evil group is truly around, it could very well be hidden, possibly in plain sight, here at the city. It may give us some clues. What do you think Arkadi?" Sandman says in his usual sleepy tone, looking over to Arkadi.
As the group walks over to the Inn, Sandman tries to spark some idle conversation. "So, Levelle, how long have Kendra and you been friends? I assume you two meet through the Professor? It is good to see such good friends in such dreary times." Sandman asks, seeing the two holding hands as they walk, not realizing that they had only met a few days ago. "Uriah, do you mind me asking how you got into, ahh... gunflinging? I have never even heard of such things until I met you."
"Honestly Padre I ain't never met anybody else used one of these until I got here. Found this in my daddy's stash and he had instructions on how to care for it and use it and make ammunition for it. After that I guess it's just natural talent. Course I ain't exactly shown much of that these last few days."
Little different than shooting glass bottles.
Yes, the Professor did in fact provide the circumstances of our meeting. Levelle looks curiously about the inn and town not deigning to be more specific.
Arkadi walks with the others with a silent assent. To Davor's questioning he pauses before answering, obviously picking his words with care. "I sought them out. The source of my ...condition had the entire town in thrall. It was the Iomedaen crusaders who drove her away. When I was old enough to decide that I would choose my own path, I went to them and refused to leave until they took me on as an apprentice."
"I will be at the hall til this evening," Councilwoman Faravan says before you depart, sparing a glance for Councilman Heathmount's flabby impression of an upset exit.
The whispers of the town folk seem to follow you as you walk through the square. Glancing anywhere but directly at their faces and hard stares, you perchance notice that the mangy dog that growled at the stirges earlier receiving some affection from a local man.
Within a short walk from your destination is another post to which bills have been hammered. This incantation differs from that closer to Kendra's home as the residents have modified it for functionality. Several placards are nailed into place with advertisements for local businesses, including Jofra's forge, Jominda's Apothecary and The Silk Purse.
Jominda's Apothecary offers a variety of herbs and vitamins that garuntee productivity in the cold season, at reasonable prices.
The Silk Purse offers affordable rates on loans.
The Laughing Demon is an elder building, though all signs indicate that it is well maintained and... jovial, after a few moments. In point of fact, there has been a great deal of cosmetic work done to give the building a... gothic appearance. Latices in the eaves of its gables have been worked to include spiders, bats, and cats with arched backs. Ceramic pots crafted to resemble pumpkins decorate the stairs and landing, their empty mouths gaping dumbfounded at your approach. The porch is swept and seems recently cleaned. Curiously, the glass of the tavern's windows, rather than being frosted for privacy is clear, and the shutters of the place are far from decorative.
The shutters could easily protect the windows from a storm, and it appears as though they have.
As expected, the double doors of the tavern open with an ominous groan, alerting all those within to your presence. At this time of the morning there are few, however. The young boy who assisted the Professor's final journey to Pharasma's domain seems to be drawing out a half hearted attempt to buff some manner of mark from a table near where an older man in a spotless suit sits marking notes on a piece of paper. The man looks up at your arrival, seeming to mark your collected entrance, and his eyes narrow when he sees Kendra and Levelle. The young boy spares Kendra a quick glance, flushes and continues working, now no longer waiting on the elder man. The large man Kendra identified as the 'keep continues drying glasses behind the large bar.
Uriah makes his way to the bar, avoiding the other patrons as he does so.
"What's good to drink here sir?"
"What isn't good to drink?" the 'keep answers in a booming voice, and laughs beartily. Brian Blessed. "This late in the morning, the coffee is a bit burnt. My wife, she's a good woman, but a bit miserly with the caf'."
The keep looks out at the party, his eyes also narrowing on the ladies, then darts a glance at the impeccably dressed man. "Where are my manners? Zokar is my name, welcome to the Laughing Demon."
"Right you are Zokar, but I think this early I'll keep with the coffee. My name is Uriah, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Merry, the witch's brew!" he calls back to the kitchen. In a few moments, a young woman, easily a decade the large man's junior meekly steps out of the kitchen carrying a cup of steaming brew on a saucer, and a small plate adorned with what smells to be a sweet and looks to be sticky pastry. Her face is plain, but her complexion is good and her hips and endowments suggest that she is healthy. She sets the plates down on the bar in front of you.
"Courtesy Pevrin and me, for yer help at the service," he says if you try to question his hospitality. "The Professor was a good man. Weren't yer fault that young bravo stirred them boys." When his wife, Merry returns to the kitchens, Zokar leans forward and speaks a little more softly. "My wife was minding the till that night. Were it me, none of them lads would have been allowed to cause such a ruckus."
Zokar casts a worried glance at the man in the impeccable suit, whose interest in his previous work is now cursory, preferring instead to look upon the females of your party.
Levelle tilts her head at the boisterous barkeep. Levelle. If you have something dry, a wine or spirit? The quantity should be small if you please... Levelle looks about the structure and its adornment. Turning back to Zokar Levelle cocks her eyebrow.We have heard the town has many interesting features. We heard a tour of sorts might be arranged?
"Tour? Zokar repeats and rubs his main chin with a scarred hand. He hums a little tune and ducks beneath the bar a moment to bring up a jug of what you can approximate is the house wine, and pours two fingers of a light amber fluid into something only slightly larger than a shot glass and sets it on the bar in front of you. " 'Spose you could ask my Pevrin to show you about, when Councilman Shameless Tease has finished his business," he nods to the impeccably dressed man, his eyes hardening for a moment.
"Can't say as it'll be much of a tour, but he'll take ye the ways 'tween the posts," he says. "Something in particular yer lookin' fer?"
The contents of the strange glass smells strongly of pears, and faintly of alcohol.
Levelle will sip with confidence, making sure to nod in thanks for the drink. We are new to town and want to know the lay of things. Meet folks of importance. Find the best sources for supplies. Nothing too complicated. We know things have been tense, and we suspect that the town might need aid but finding friends is always hard in a new place.
"Why, you can-" Zokar begins with a grin.
"Mistress, you are already in the finest company Ravengro has to offer," a smooth baritone voice with a quality like oil interrupts the jolly barkeep. The man in the impeccable suit steps up close to Kendra, who presses Levelle's hand like a life line as her other is caught up in the elder man's embrace and kissed, each and every knuckle, and then each fingertip in succession, all while his eyes are boring holes into Levelle's.
"Gharen Muricar," he introduces himself with a sly smile, and slowly rolls his eyes up to acknowledge Kendra finally. "Enchanted to see you again, Miss Lorrimor. You spend too much time in the house of late. Is your health ailing?" he inquires with all the concern of a disinterested housewife passing the time among strangers.
"I am... well," Kendra answers in a somewhat strained voice.
"Yes, well," he dismisses with an air that confirms that he was not at all interested in her well-being. "Might you introduce your companions?"
Sandman simply requests to have the same drink as Levelle, and offers his hand to the Barkeep. "Father Davor Sandman, Cleric of Desna the Mother of Dreams. Fine establishment you have here. I like the Decor."
When Gharen assults Levelle with his creepy kisses, Sandman steps in, offering his hand and using his greeting as an excuse to stop the creepy display. "Father Davor Sandman, Cleric of Desna the Mother of Dreams. It is a pleasure to meet you Councilman."
Uriah holds out his left hand, his right casually leaning against the bar and cupping his coffee.
"Ye gonna kiss my hand too Mr. Muricar?"
You know that the creepy guy is creepy. And that Zokar was jolly until he showed up, and is not any more.
"You know, too few men say that to me," the councilman answers Father Sandman with a little chuckle, and glances at Zokar. "When one lives in such a small community, one tends to... abut another's lady quite often."
"No, I shouldn't think the taste of gore is quite so sweet as magic," he declines Uriah's offer and releases Kendra's hand.
"I was all too formerly penning the Wealday Parchment, a periodical of mine own design, and had by happenstance only just come upon our latest... unpleasantness. And how fortuitous it is that you arrive!" he says. "Might I get a statement from you concerning the foolishness of our lads? Any will do, but one particularly scathing is best."
Levelle squeezes Kendra's hand in reassurance, letting her know that she is still there. Turning to coolly appraise the newcomer Levelle will tilt her head at Gharen's comment about gore and magic. Magic and gore have a prime relationship, one best remembered by those who trifle with the unknown.
Releasing Kendra's hand and sipping her drink a final time Levelle will nod at Zokar in thanks. Most pleasant. I shall return in the evening for more I think
Turning back to Gharen but looking more at the rest of group with her eyes Levelle shrugs ever so slightly, It is common to fear the unknown. For my part I simply regret the misunderstanding. Your "lads" will hopefully come to see very soon we mean only good by our presence. Smoothing her coat with an air of concern over some unseen soiling Levelle will look up with her whiteless eyes at the councilman. I'm sorry, that is the most scathing rebuke I have to offer at the moment.
Arkadi nods stiffly to the councilman and keeps his lips tight. When put to the question he keeps his answer brief. "It's perfectly natural for young men to want to protect their town and loved ones. However, being young, they sometimes lack the wisdom to apply their efforts where they're truly needed. I advise careful thought and sincere prayer so that they might improve themselves."
Levelle tilts her head at the councilman. Sorry to say we are probably not worthy of quoting. Tilting her head in sympathy Levelle turns back to Zokar You were saying sir?
"Reckon I ain't got nothin' to add, those lads were trying to do right by the town and got a little turned around is all."
Sandman gives a shrug. "It is was it is. They did what they felt was right. I just wish they decided to talk instead."
"Talk?" the councilman repeats, his emphasis expressing increduluity. He tips his head back and laughs. "Lords of the Upper Planes, you cannot expect these yokels to be able to hold an intelligent conversation!"
"Whatever the Mistress and her companions desire, Zokar," the man says to the barkeep. "Come, sit. If you'll not provide an adequate quote, perhaps a brief exchange of pleasantries? As you might imagine, it is not often that we see visitors, and my information about the world abroad is likely grossly inaccurate, by now."
Arkadi waves away the barkeep. "My thanks, but I drink nothing that would diminish my faculties. I need a clear mind to perform my duties to Iomedae." He seems unimpressed by the man but reluctant to refuse him entirely, and looks to the others for their lead.
Ignoring the verbal attacks against the townsfolks, Davor declines politely.
"I'd hate to decline, but we are set on having this fine lad here give us a tour of the town. Perhaps another time?"
Levelle will give Kendra a look that plainly reads "Is this something we should do?" As Sandman makes his comment, Levelle tracks Kendra's comfort plainly focused on the woman's comfort.
"Sorry hoss, might have to use my right hand today, I only drink on days when I'm left handed."
With that Uriah leans back against the bar and waits for the tour to begin.
The young boy brightens considerably when you mention a tour, and wipes his hands on the towel hanging from his apron.
"Tour?" he inquires, and then smiles. "Sure! Where'd you like to begin?"
He seems to think a moment, then scratches the back of his neck and looks to the impeccibly dressed man sheepishly. "Sorry, sir. If you leave the master with my dad I'll copy and post it. You can pay me next week."
Councilman Muricar's eyes are narrow as he regards Kendra in a somewhat unfriendly, if not entirely hostile way, then looks to Zokar, sighs and resumes his former seat after giving your group a dismissive wave. He favors both the females with a rather rude glance over the rim of his coffee, then sets the mug down and continues writing.
Zokar has a frown on his face as he regards his patron, apparently dealing with the insufferable man is quite a chore. "Won't ask you to excuse his behavior none," he says to you all, then looks to his son. "Acquaint the lady and lads with the folk at the silk purse 'fore ye take them round the jail, I think," he suggests. "Wouldn't pay for any to be mistaking each other."
Levelle leans in to whisper at Kendra,
Levelle brightens noticeably at the boy as he show enthusiasm for the tour. [b]I often gave tours of my own home city when I was younger. Take us to all the places you think are important and we will follow with interest. Not that much younger than now...
Pevrin dutifully shows you about the town square, which has settled significantly since your last encounter there, though some peasants milling about on their daily chores do give you dirty looks as you pass. He takes the time to explain that the Wealday Post, which he was waiting on, is Ravengro's news and is pretty big business in a town where word of mouth is, as you are witnessing, fairly unpredictable.
As his father suggested, Pevrin shows you to the Silk Purse, and simply points to the jail. He seems reluctant to enter the Silk Purse, which despite a completely bland edifice features two rather exotic looking guardsman sitting sentry outside its doors. The female on the right is heavily scarred and wary, and piercing hazel eyes follow each movement you make. The male on the left is far less intimidating at a glance, but his armor is clean and smells faintly of oil, and his greatsword has a particular gleam in the low light. He smiles softly as the women of the group pass and says "Good day," like a polite gentleman, but you get the feeling that such pleasantries have been meticulously trained rather than voluntary.
Another point of interest to Pevrin is the Outward Inn, the only Inn in town, owned by Ravengro's Belle, Sarianna Vai. "She sang in Caliphas," the young boy croaks, his voice cracking, and flushes. Adolescence is not being kind to him.
At the other side of the round about, your group encounters the stray dog again. Pevrin pauses for a moment and tosses the creature what seems to be a stale sweet roll, and continues on his way. The dog attacks it voraciously, his tail wagging throughout.
...
The Unfurling Scroll is some ways from the town center, in fact rather close to the bridge you crossed on your original trip in from the Restlands . The somewhat large home appears rather shabbily maintained, with actual spiderwebs in the eaves that look to have been built upon over the years, and still hold quite a few dessicated occupants, frozen forever in time. Two children, one young boy and one larger, rather rough and tumble girl stand outside on the porch. The boy is wearing a bright orange pointed cap upon which has been printed Draconic script, and the girl wears a pail filled with water. Neither look at you as you approach, which you find rather odd. Inside you can just make out what sounds to be a lecture, which halts as you mount the stairs to the porch. Within moments, the front door opens and a weathered old man in a dour suit, starched collar and sagging bowtie peers at your assembly quizzically.
"Oh," he says, managing to make the interjection derisive. "It's you. Come on then, what do you need? Those little... They'll tear my scrolls if they're left alone for longer than a breath."
"What's going on here?"
Uriah motions to the children standing on the porch.
Must be some barbaric teaching method
"Seems like crude forms of punishment to me..." Sandman whispers to Uriah.
Sandman keeps his thoughts to himself as the old man makes his remarks.
Levelle begins to introduce herself but stops short conscious that Uriah asked a question an not wanting to seem uncaring of his concern.
Arkadi lingers in the back, hoping to avoid drawing more attention to himself, but speaks up with the others are close mouthed. "We were simply hoping you might spare a little of your time and wisdom, sir."