Dotting to get things started. Have fun and try not to die!
As the sun rises blearily over Ravengro, Maria walks to the blacksmith's, carrying several large pieces she's working to make some extra silver. She looks at the spreading glow but it brings little hope to her steely soul.
Funeral today. Again. Same story.
She pounds iron for a few hours but the stern lines of her face bend less than the ingots she's working. Heading home to collect some eggs and feed her father, she strides briskly through the streets, noticing a few unfamiliar faces in town. The broad-shouldered woman growls to herself
Strangers. They won't cause trouble if they know what's good for them.
After performing a few more odd jobs and chores, she dons the only thing she owns that has that is doted on, cleaned, and maintained enough to look presentable: her armor. Checking one last time on her father, she ducks outside to head to the Lorrimor's. As she walks, she keeps a wary eye on whatever strangers she sees in the streets.
Kendra Lorrimor
Although he was getting on in years, Petros’s death was rather sudden and his daughter Kendra, a 25- year-old woman who has lived in Ravengro for nearly 15 years (having moved here with her family as a child from
Lepidstadt after her father retired from teaching), is still in mourning.
Her eyes are red and puffy and she dresses in dark, conservative clothes. Trim and attractive, Kendra greets you with a mixture of curiosity, sadness, and relief—no one else has come to pay their respects to her father, and “with things the way they are in town these days,” very few folks from Ravengro have come out for the
funeral as well.
Kendra waves off questions for now, promising you that after her father
is buried and they return to her house, she’ll answer any questions you have—both about her father’s death and about his will.
Maria's bulky, armored form awkwardly takes up too much room at tea. She eyes the strangers warily, eating biscuits and mostly ignoring the tea. She chews in silence, refusing to speak first.
Mid morning in Ravengro sees the arrival of a young man who cuts a strange figure.
A relatively small Khellid, wearing Ustalav clothing.
Looking like a Barbarian trying too hard to look refined.
Despite carrying more weight than his donkey, he still moves smartly.
It's clear that locals loath him. But he either doesn't notice or he doesn't care.
His array of weapons does illicit polite, if strained, directions to finding Professor Lorrimor's funeral.
Seeing Kendra for the first time in a long time, the stranger talks amiably to her:
"Kendra! I'm so sorry to hear about your father."
"If wasn't for him, I'd still in that swamp near Stalli."
But realizing she was not interested in small talk, he leaves her be and makes his way to her house with the others after the funeral.
Once at the Lorrimor house, he ties up Daisy, his donkey, and enters.
After eating an impressive number of biscuits, he notices a dour and glum looking woman in armour and sits near her.
Then starts chattering like a carefree overbearing stranger in a pub:
"Hi! I'm Mishtes. Met Lorrimor some time back."
"He helped me escape the northern backwater I'm from."
"You knew him too, did you? Pity he's gone, I owed him a lot."
"First real friend I had, really."
"You should try some of these biscuits. Delicious! No appetite?"
"I worked up an appetite the other day on the way here. Bandits."
"They won't be doing that again for a while." he adds with a chuckle.
Mishtes will continue nattering on in that vein until he gets a response.
With the tea just about to begin, a newcomer knocks at the door. He seems a somewhat tall and slender guy. A collection of red hair falls upon his shoulders and some freckles group just under his eyes - a weird frame for his face, which shows some concern.
"Hello, uh... sorry if I'm late. The horse... ehm... sorry, I'm Lazar."
When he sits, an amulet in the form of a spiral hangs from his neck and makes a light clinging noise for a second. "Pleased to meet you all." He seems rather uncomfortable in such a situation, and is about to spill the tea twice. When Kendra offers about the qiuestion round-robin for later, he opens his mouth but finally keeps the words for himself, limiting hmself to sip his tea and observe the younger Lorrimor. "I almost forgot she was so pretty. Even with tears still wet in her eyes she's a real beauty. But come on! It's not the time to think about that!"
Gadren has been sitting enjoying his tea. Wearing silken robes he has a longsword at his hip, he's middle aged with white hair and is a little overweight giving the appearance of someone's favourite grandfather. He is well groomed and his skin tanned, clearly spending a lot of time outdoors. He sits comfortably sipping at the tea.
He nods listening to Mishtes though he would wish the man would stick to one topic for at least a little bit. "I am Magister Gadren of Molthune."
"Oh yes he was a good sort, I-"
"Yes actually it's an interesting-"
"How nice-"
"Normally you don't speak with them in your mouth, the crumbs you see."
"Ah yes bandits."
Gadren just settles into nodding and smiling. The man's nerves would settle soon enough.
Cedric enters the house quietly, he walks up to Kendra and places a comforting hand on her shoulder. He had met Kendra once or twice before while working with the late professor. There is a warm smile on his face.
Lorrimor was a good man, I, I wish I could have done something for him. I know how it feels to lose someone so close. Just know, I'm here for you should you need anything. He gives her shoulder a squeeze before giving her a hug.
It will be ok, in time, light will banish the darkness. But, that doesn't mean all the pain will go away. You'll see...
After the hug he will stand or sit close to Kendra, with a smile he will introduce himself the the others.
Hello everyone, I'm Cedric, Cedric Rydell. I was working with the professor for a time not long ago. I'm glad to see that Lorrimor has touched others enough that they would come all the way out here to send him off properly. Though, it does not surprise me in the slightest. He lets out a small chuckle when he finishes the last sentence before glancing towards Kendra.
"A bit of a trek from Molthune but I shall miss his letters. I'm retired now so it's good to dust off the robes and get out to stretch the legs. He mentioned you in some of his letters actually. I'm very sorry for your loss."
Maria slows her biscuit-eating, her eyes shifting stonily between Gadren and Mishtes as the two strangers attempt to have a conversation. She eyes them carefully, highly suspicious of their strange appearances and unfriendly manners. Her somber mask doesn't shift an inch, even when Mishtes mentions dealing with bandits. But internally, she listens more carefully to see if he gives any further information on such hateful men.
She shifts stiffly in her seat to accommodate the arriving strangers around the table. Her spine is very straight and she sits facing the door and keeping a wary eye on all of the strangers. She eyes their weapons in particular and casually reaches over her back as if to scratch it but ensures that her sword could be drawn swiftly from its scabbard should the need arise.
The only person in the room to which she shows any warmth is Kendra, whose grief and generosity are acknowledged with a stern nod. She speaks gruffly to the grieving woman
You need something, you tell me. Your father was a decent man.
Another knock is heard at the door to the house. Whomever opens the door is greeted by a young woman in wellmade but somber dress and jewelry, obviously dressed for a funeral.
Though she's only met Kendra a handful of times during her time as a student of Lorrimor, she greets her warmly as an old friend. "Oh Kendra, I'm so sorry to hear what happend. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you."
Lazar stays quiet while everybody's offering Kendra their help. "In the improbable case that she needed something and asked me, what could I probably offer?" As long as he doesn't have a satisfactory answer to that question, he'd better not offer anything he could not later fulfill. "I'd hate to disappoint her."
Mishtes talks to Gadren about the bandits he met.
"I don't often get biscuits. Oh, yes... Those bandits had cheek."
"I thought they wanted to buy some of my wares. Like these."
He casually produces a pair well-made brass knuckles to show Gadren and then puts them back in his belt pouch.
"But no, they wanted to rob me. They won't be robbing anyone again for a while."
"How did you know the professor, then?", then he actually listens to Gadren for a while.
Mishtes greets everyone in turn who enters.
"Mishtes is my name. From Stalli, a small swampy rat-hole in the North."
"The Professor helped me leave all that behind."
"Now I make weapons and work as a guard in Caliphas."
How did you know the professor, then?"[/b], then he actually listens to Gadren for a while.
"A bit of a chance encounter with some similarities to your own recent plight. Many years ago I was stationed on a naval vessel plying lake Encarthan to protect Molthuni interests. The long and short of it is we can across the ship the professor was on as it was attacked by pirates."
"We chatted a bit after while we finished our patrol over a few days and dropped him at a friendly port. We've kept correspondences going every since!"
Maria grunts at the conversation of Gadren and Mishtes. Without making eye contact with either, she stares solidly at the table and mutters.
Too many attack the weak around here. Bandits, pirates, always the same.
"They don't always attack the weak."
"Like the bandits who tried robbing me."
"Thought I was an easy mark."
"Some of them won't be walking or talking for a while."
He holds up his scimitar, in its scabbard, to show Maria:
"I got this from them. As well as extra food for my journey here."
"So it wasn't all bad. Not for me, anyway..."
"It's always a problem no matter how many patrols you set up but the situation can be mitigated a little. I've fought enough bandits and pirates to last a lifetime."
"As long as there are people willing to stand against disorder then it will never be too bad. It could always be worse if people didn't try."
While Kendra is still clearly grieving there is relief at your coming to show your respect for her father, and curiosity at the exotic strangers in her house.
She speaks with all of you, making she you know just how grateful she is for your support in this dark time.
The service for Petros Lorrimor is held at the small chapel of Pharasma by the local Cleric Father Grimbarrow. He speaks well of Petros, talking of a man who left his mark of the world and can go to his judgement in the Boneyard with no fear. His legacy of learning and many good deeds one to be proud of.
Cedric will nod at the Gadren's comment.
Yes, as long as one light remains in the darkness, it can grow to drown out even the darkest shadow.
Cedric would wait for the others to choose their places before filling in where he can. He wasn't particularly strong, but he felt it was something that should be done.
The group of you each step up and lift the coffin easily, walking slowly and carefully towards the Ravengro graveyard.
As you step along the Dreamwake you see blocking your path at least 12 surly looking locals.
One steps forth and speaks:
“That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor
buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him
there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”
Kendra is swift to respond, her sadness swiftly transforming into anger. “What are you talking about?” she cries out. “I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He’s waiting for us! The grave’s already
been...”
“You don’t get it, woman. We won’t have a necromancer buried in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still can. Folks are pretty upset about this right now.”
“Necromancy!? Are you really that ignorant?”
What are you doing now?
Cedric will speak up. shifting his weight onto one shoulder so he can lean his head out to see the speaker.
Friends, friends, please, I knew Lorrimor well, and worked with him for a time. Can you not trust me when I say, if anything, the late professor worked in all ways to combat the foul taint of necromancy. He worked tirelessly to root out any foul magics. Besides, even if your claim held any claims to validity, would it not be better to bury him in hallowed ground?
He gives the man who spoke a sad smile. His face shows no anger or contempt towards the man nor his "friends".
If you have legitimate proof then please show it, otherwise, would you truly deprive a man that fought so long against the dark a proper resting place? Based purely on rumors and hear-say? I promise in the name of the light, this man was no foul necromancer.
Those nearby can hear the faintest of sighs from the old mage. "Gentlemen. I am an old soldier who's traveled a very long way to bury my friend. I am a recognized wizard in my homeland and I will vouch that my late friend was not involved with anything like you describe. Please step aside and let us put this man to rest." Adjusts his stance like it might be cruel to hamper an old man like this.
Maria looks at Gadren and Mishtes as they speak of dealing with bandits.
Maybe they're as tough as they say. That one seems strong enough and that old fellow may be wilier than he lets on. I'll have to keep an eye on them.
When Gadren and Cedric speak of hope and light, Maria frowns deeply.
Hope and light are good. But shadows are strong. Happiness and optimism don't break them. That takes power.
Without speaking, Maria picks up the coffin along with the others, refusing to be left out of carrying Lorrimor. When the locals block them, Maria finds herself grudgingly agreeing with the young stranger.
Let us through, Vasile. Lorrimor did nothing of the sort. He was a good man and we're burying him in our town.
Phaedra looks aghast at such accusations against the Professor. "Professor was a good man who spent his days collecting knowledge and sharing it with those in need. He deserves a proper burial in a sanctified graveyard."
"Wait!" Lazar holds his hands in the air, holding his medallion for everyone to see. "You've been talking among yourselves? What about Father Grimbarrow? Have you exposed your fears to him?" He puts his arms down.
"Listen, he is the one in charge of these hallowed lands, right? And a devout follower of the Lady of Graves, just as me." He stops for one second, to let the multitude absorb the meaning of his words. "Do you really think he wouldn't tell a necromancer from a common old man? Do you think he would let such a villian be buried here, if he knew? Do you think he would tell the carpenter how to make a beam, or the smith how to use a hammer? Where did you get this idea of Lorrimor being such a thing?"
"They're right, you know. He was a good man. He was my friend."
"He helped people, and didn't do this 'necromassy' business."
"There might be more than one funeral here if they keep this up."
Mishtes thinks as he growls inwardly...
Cedric's words, backed by the others of the party are enough to still the chance of violence. The men disperse with sour glances being thrown at you and Kendra.
Kendra thanks you profusely, both for standing up for her and her father, and for not letting it become a brawl.
The incident now past, the procession continues up to the plot Kendra purchased for her father. No further complications prevent the lowering of his coffin into the open grave by the gravediggers.
Father Grimburrow gives a short sermon, then invites Kendra to say a few words about her father. Kendra fights back tears and briefly recounts a few of her father’s more courageous or selfless moments, thanking everyone once again for coming.
She then invites anyone else to share a few stories or remembrances.
Staring down the troublemakers, Maria continues carrying the coffin to the cemetery.
They're right to hate the dark arts... they've seen far too much of it... But Lorrimor was never part of that... I think...
Maria walks forward stolidly but once they are away from the townsfolk, she nods tersely at Cedric and the others.
Seem you knew 'im. He was a good man.
As the townsfolk leave, Cedric bows his head slightly. Thank you friends, for seeing the truth.
When maria spoke Cedric would nod. Aye, that I did. As I said, I worked with him a time. He was always seeking out where the shadows gather, and doing all he could to disperse them. He wasn't what one would call a powerful man, but his actions saved countless I am sure. And his hand helped to guide me on my path after... my father passed.
Cedric would keep his tale to himself for now when proffered by Kendra.
I have many stories of him, but I doubt they are ones many here do not already know.
Gadren clears his throat "I could share with you some of the tales that he shared with me or of how we met. I think a better testament to his character has already been made."
"People from all walks of life have come from far and wide to pay their respects. More than this when challenged not one backed down or turned aside from seeing him allowed to rest with honour here. There are many military, religious or political leaders who do not achieve such recognition." The man's grandfatherly composure slips for a moment while he speaks before returning shortly after he finishes.
"He helped me leave my home in Stalli, where I was unwanted."
"Thanks to him I found a new life in Caliphas."
"Maybe not ideal, but much better than my old life."
"He was my friend and I'll miss him."
Lazar witnesses how the others speak before trying to add something valuable. "He... he gave me a purpose. And many others. That's for sure the very best present one can give." He is short in his talking, as public words have never been his strong point. "Yes, Professor. How many younglings will miss your guidance."
Maria nods grimly.
He was a rare man with a good heart. Those are the first to go in Ustalav.
She helps carry the coffin to the grave site for the funeral to begin.
"He was the best teacher I ever had. The world has lost a man of great knowledge and I hope I get the chance to share with others what he has taught me so that it is never lost."
Lorrimor’s Will
After the funeral is over and Kendra has said her goodbyes to the other guests, she invites you back to her home (so recently her father’s) for a drink and to hear his last will and testament.
The Lorrimor residence is a modest home (area N on the Ravengro map) with crowded bookshelves in every room. The reading of the professor’s
will requires the presence of Councilman Vashian Hearthmount (the closest thing Ravengro has to a solicitor), and he has some other matters to attend to after the funeral, so he doesn’t arrive for about
an hour.
Vashian arrives precisely on time, in any event. No Sense Motive check is necessary to note that he doesn’t completely approve of strangers being involved in local matters, but he keeps his comments to himself, focusing his involvement entirely on the reading of Petros’s will.
Kendra isn’t sure what’s contained in the will, since part of its stipulation was that all of you must be present for its reading.
Councilman Vashian produces a scroll case, shows that the professor’s personal seal is unbroken, then breaks the wax and opens the case. As he does, a small iron key falls out of the tube, clattering noisily onto the table.
Undaunted by the key, the councilman begins to read, eager to be done with the business and to get back home.
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, 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 on this first day of Calistril, in the year _____.
Petros’s Tomes
Once the will is read, Councilman Vashian looks to Kendra, who thanks him and dismisses him. Putting on a brave face, Kendra thanks you again for coming, and informs them that she’ll need at least a few weeks to decide if she wants to sell her family home or remain here in Ravengro—in the meantime, as stipulated by the will, she asks you to remain as well.
She offers rooms in her spacious house for you, promising you free room and board for the month the will requests you to remain in town, and then excuses herself to go fetch the chest mentioned in the will.
The chest itself is a relatively small object of oak and iron. Kendra, nervous about the contents, offers the key to you to give you the honor of opening the chest.
The key fits the lock perfectly, and within are several old tomes and one relatively new one. The newest tome sits on the top and bears the phrase “Read me now!” scratched into the leather cover.
This book is Petros Lorrimor’s journal and is detailed in the next section.
The other tomes comprise the books of dangerous lore mentioned in his will—three of these have notes tucked into them indicating that they should be delivered to one Montagnie Crowl, a professor of antiquities at Lepidstadt University.
The fourth, Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye, has a note indicating it should be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse (although the note asks for this delivery in
particular to be handled discreetly, and includes the address of Embreth’s home so that you can deliver it there).
These books are summarized below.
Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye:
The rich purple cover contains a brass scarab set with a single eye in
its center. The book’s covers are rimmed in polished steel and clasped with a small but intricate lock, the keyhole of which appears to be for a key with a strange, triangular shaft. The key is nowhere to be found.
On Verified Madness:
This jet-black book is a treatise on aberrations and other entities found on Golarion that possess remote ties to the Dark Tapestry, the name given to the dark places between the stars in the night sky.
Serving Your Hunger:
This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa. Lorrimor’s notations liberally sprinkle the margins.
The Umbral Leaves:
This lexicon is a translation into Common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.
The Professor’s Journal
The professor’s will does not mention his journal—it is not one of the dangerous tomes he wants delivered to Lepidstadt. It does, however, contain clues that cast doubts upon the nature of his death—the professor knew that he was delving into dangerous territory in his final
days, and since he didn’t have a chance to amend his will with a warning, he did so in his journal, leaving it in his chest in hopes that the PCs or his daughter would find it should his investigations take a tragic turn.
The majority of the entries are relatively bland, accounting for day-to-day activities in a small town. The professor has circled several entries in the book with red ink, though, and it is these entries he wanted the party to pay particular attention to.
The final entry, dated 17 days ago, was written on the same day the Professor’s body was found.
A map of Ravengro and the Professor's marked entries are linked up top. Read through them and let me know what you wish to do?
After reading (or having someone else read aloud) the professor's entries, Mishtes scratches his head.
"What's all this about a fire and a prison?"
Cedric picks up the book that asks to be read, and opens it reading the entries. After he finishes he looks at the other books, picking up Serving your Hunger and The Umbral Leaves
These are dark books indeed. Not fit for the light of day. I can only imagine what the professor had hoped to glean from these... I'll keep these safe with me until we deliver them. Though, I am of half a mind to destroy them, the only reason I will not is because Lorrimor has asked us not too...
he slides the three books into his backpack, before turning to regard the others. Now, about this prison... The professors entries worry me. Particularly his last two. I believe that he stated he was investigating a group called the whispering way, and their actions at a local prison here by name of Harrowstone. Or, he believes it was them. If his theory is true, I fear that the professor met his end to this very group. Or, at least to whoever is moving about this Harrowstone....A Murder if you will...
He looks around at the others,
Now, I don't know any of you, but, I am going to continue the professors investigation. I feel it only proper, as I helped him before and he stated he feared for this very town. If his fears prove true, I cannot stand by and do nothing... I won't ask any of you to help me, but I would appreciate any help that is given.. I believe that, based on the entries here, we should learn as much as we can about this Harrowstone and the events that happened to this prison that lead up to, or, ended in, a fire that seems to have been the cause of many deaths. I fear that the professor also believed that spirits may have confronted him in the prison, as he mentions borrowing supplies from the local cache hidden by the local clergy to combat them... Do any of you know about the group he mentions in this journal? The Whispering Way?
Cedric seems to look down and think if anything he has read or heard mentioned them.
Light preserve us.. so many questions. I doubt Kendra knew, or knows anything about this.
"I have indeed heard that name before. From what the Prodessor said, they are a wicked cabal of necromancers who have much to do with Ustalav's current condition." Lazar exposes the few info he has on the matter.
Standing up, he looks at everyone, but specially at Kendra and Cedric. "I swore before the Professor that I would free Ustalav of the undead scourge. I am ever thankful to him for guiding my way in such direction" he sayd, holding his medallion. "I am also to push this thing further, and to fulfill his last wish of protecting Kendra and delivering the books."
While the rest are probably boasting their allegiance too, he is already thinking about the hidden things at the Temple of Pharasma, and what to say to Father Grimbarrow, if anything, about this.
"At the least the name speaks of their intent... not much for subtlety though. But Cedric no one person should bare the burden. We can rotate that duty but whoever carries them should have someone with them at all times. At night we can keep them in the chest and rotate a guard duty."
"I'm an old soldier, I wont send young men and women in my place into danger. If I am to follow shortly after my old friend it would be good to know I'm doing the right thing."
Gadren scratches his mutton chops "If I can find a scroll for it their is a spell that might be of use. I always meant to get it but never got around to it. I say we discretely get that one book delivered and after a little preparation head out."
Regarding the possession of the books, Lazar adds: "Maybe each book should be carried by one different person. That way, if something bad happens, not everything is lost at once." He knows it sounds like I'll omens but, being realistic, it's quite a probable possibility that the same people that plotted Lorrimor's death are just now plotting theirs.
Maria's brow darkens at the mention of the Whispering Way and such despicable books. She slams a heavy hand on the table.
Why would Lorrimor keep such books?! Such dark things should be destroyed! after a moment or two, she calms down a bit.
Perhaps he knew what he was about, but it didn't save him from getting killed. I won't rest while this scourge lies upon my town but anyone who helps must swear to me this: If these books can't be protected, they will be destroyed.
She looks stonily at the fellow occupants of the room, demanding their assent.
"Knowledge is a two edged sword. Having some understanding of what a dark ritual entails you can identify what a cult or evil spellcaster is up to before they even begin enacting it but they do need to be kept safe until they can be secured at the University on that we can agree." He runs his fingers through the handlebar mustache on his upper lip. "Any agreement has to be with the understanding of it being absolutely necessary not just at the first sign of trouble. As long as that is clear I agree."
Maria eyes the old man suspiciously.
He talks too fondly of dark knowledge for my taste.
Agreed.
Cedric Nods his thanks to the others.
We can discuss what to do with the books later tonight. For today, I would like to find out more about this Harrowstone. Maria, does your town keep records? Or have a library of sorts? Surely if records are kept then records of this fire and of this prison are kept their as well? Perhaps we should speak to the local clergy about this cache as well. If Lorrimor thought it to be useful, I trust his judgement.
Having listened with interest to your discussion Kendra can tell you that there are four places in Ravengro that could aid you with your search.
The Lorrimor Place: Kendra offers to let you use her father’s personal library to research, free of charge.
Lorrimor’s library provides a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research the Whispering Way.
Ravengro Town Hall:
The records kept at the town hall provide a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone or the Five Prisoners, but the
town council normally does not allow visitors to use the building at all. A DC 25 Diplomacy check is enough to convince the council to let one of you use the site.
Temple of Pharasma:
The temple of Pharasma has extensive notes on the town’s history, and is perhaps the best site for research. Using the temple’s records grants
a +4 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone, the Five Prisoners, or the Whispering Way, but securing permission to use this site for research requires a DC 25 Diplomacy check.
The Unfurling Scroll:
This building is a combination schoolhouse and magic item shop run by one Alendru Ghoroven; using its small library provides a +2 bonus
on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone. It cannot be used to research the Whispering Way at all. Alendru asks for a 10 gp payment for each day that he allows anyone to use his school’s resources.
Researching Harrowstone requires Knowledge History or local.
Researching the five prisoners requires Knowledge History or local.
Researching the Whispering way requires Knowledge Arcana or Religion.
Lazar The hidden items Professor Lorrimor spoke of are hidden in a false crypt in the graveyard, not in the temple.
Gadren The Unfurling scroll might be the place to see if you can find a scroll of Keep watch?
What is the party doing now?