GM Fateweaver's Charnel Crown PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Wildebob

"Umbral Leaves, the unholy text of the Midnight Prince, Zon-Kuthon." He says indicating the grey tome. "The others, I suspect are just as dire."

"That's to be expected, I reckon. What's in that there 'Read me now' book? Is it for us or them university people?"

The purple book

The small book with "Read me now" scratched into the leather appears to be Lorrimor's personal diary. The majority of it is rather mundane...considering it was written by a brilliant and dedicated enemy of darkness. However, scattered throughout the pages, several entries are circles in red ink.
Circled entries from the diary

The purple book

What if any knowledge do I (or any of us) have of the Way?

I'd say that's just not something you'd really know anything about. You may have heard vague references to the Whispering Way as a secret organization of necromancers, but you've learned more from Lorrimor's letter and diary than you could have hoped to learn otherwise, up til now. Even in your circles, they're quite obscure.

Gotcha. So I'm guessing that it takes a few hours to look though this stuff (a 10 year journal and all). So, it might be nightfall by the time we finish--the perfect time to go investigating a haunted ruin!!!

We should gather what intelligence we can on this ruin... Harrowstone." Coiger hovers over the word as if he had never encountered the sounds before. "Do any of you know anything? ...Kendra?"

If evening or nearly so, he suggests:
"We might try the local tap-hall. I passed it here on my way back. It has been my experience that one can discern all manner of information from those well into their cups."

"And I should speak with Father Grimburrow about this secret cache. the Professor mentions."

Edit: Oh, and then there is the second book with the "jet black cover like ink with a very strange, tentacled monstrous face imprinted on it...." What can I make of that?

My interpretation was that we are able to flip through and make note of the circled parts.

"Mind if I have a look-see there?" Sohar indicates the journal.

Morgrym leaves the books to the more interested, and pours another tumbler for himself, Kendra, and Chellian. "T' settle th' nerves. This be difficult to hear, I'm sure. As fer headin' t' prison on a day like t'day? Not me cup o' tea, but I'm fer goin' with ye if ye do."

Sorry to be offline there, friends. Big event last night at work, and it went really well, so I should be more free over the next few days.

My interpretation was that we are able to flip through and make note of the circled parts.

Good point. Though we might take a little time for context. Coiger still suggests some intelligence gathering. If there's still light (overcast though it may be) by the time we wrap up he'll want to go to the temple and speak with Grimburrow in regards to the history of Harrowstone and who might have died there.

Seems reasonable enough to visit Grimburrow.

The black book with the tentacled face on it has a title written is exquisitely detailed calligraphy, On Verified Madness. A quick flip-through shows that it is written about the Dark Tapestry and the aberrations that may come from that void between the stars. There's also a note sticking up from the inside cover. The note is from Lorrimor and reads:
These books are very dangerous in the wrong hands. Be very discrete with them. It would bring scrutiny and disfavor that you do not need should they be discovered in your possession. Please, make sure they are delivered to one Montagnie Crowl, professor of antiquities at Lepidstadt University. The purple book, however, must be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the book, I have listed her home address below. Please, take it there, NOT to the Courthouse.

Kendra shifts in her seat at the mention of going to Harrowstone. That isn't wise. It is against the law here to trespass on the Harrowstone grounds. You would need permission from the town council. Plus, we've learned how dangerous the grounds are. I couldn't stand more people being hurt there. She rushes the last sentence in order to get it out before her voice cracks with renewed emotion. She takes the cup offered by Morgrym eagerly and tosses it back in a gulp.

Who is on this council? we could speak to them?

She asked still slightly hesitant. She frowned in thought for a moment.

"The professor was not one for idle fancies, if he thought there was some sort of threat that was at this Harrowstone, then it needs to be addressed by the council or otherwise."

She added a bit softly for one so broad. She was used to be well quiet mostly in the background and ignored.

It's only mid-afternoon, depending on how long you looked through books. Nothing you've done since the funeral has taken a particularly long time. Just FYI...

Kendra replies, back in control of her voice again, Hearthmount you know, as well as Gharen Muricar. Her glance shoots involuntarily to Chellian. Then there's Mirta Straelock and Shanda Faravan. They meet the first Oathday of the month, but that is not for a couple of weeks. They are not difficult to assemble for special needs though.

She frowned even more at the mention of the Muricar name but after a moment let out a long sigh.

I think i can manage to get one of those names to agree to let us explore the ruins, Councilmember Heathmount would probably agree as well, who are the other two?

She asked Kendra her hands fiddling with the cup between them.

"Kendra, are any of these the books that Adrissant was looking for? Also, have you noticed any strangers in town--aside from us of course."

He waits for their reply.

"I must speak with Father Grimburrow, but...."

"We shouldn't leave these unattended." He nods toward the books. "At least not until we understand the threat. I say we hide them back away, at least the dark texts."

Nodding toward Chellian's suggestion "We'll need to speak with the others as well if we are to gain their aid however.... Whatever threat Harrowstone poses to the village is probably imminent given the Professor's urgency. To state the obvious, there isn't much time."

"Wise precautions, I'd say. 'Specially with that Adrissant fellow sniffin' around, as you said.

And, in the interests of haste, I hope that we don't have to wait around much for some council to get to congregatin'. Perhaps, we can visit your Father while we're waitin' on them."

Coiger looks the elf and his bird up and down with a critical eye.
"Yes, about that..."

Sohar raises a questioning eyebrow at the look, daring the man to finish the thought.

"Right."

Oh, my! In all of this I had forgotten about Mr. Adrissant. Yes, the purple one and the black one, for sure. I don't recognize any description of the others though. If my father wants these books taken to Lepidstadt then I can't believe they would actually belong to Mr. Adrissant. That man makes me very...uneasy. I agree that we should keep the books hidden until such time as they can be taken away.

Dear Lady, this is all so overwhelming. And in addition to all of this mystery, I still haven't even decided where my future lies! I do so hope you'll each be agreeing to stay for a few weeks while I sort things out. You will, won't you? She looks from face to face with almost desperate appeal in her eyes.

Yeah, what about that purple one? I don't think anyone's looked at it yet. Coiger has a go at it after someone says they will stay.
As far as staying here, he'd love to just to read, but wisdom tells him there might not be a town soon, so he isn't the first to volunteer.

With a bemused smile, Sohar switches his attention from Coiger to Kendra. "Aye, Miss Kendra. Seems like that's what the Professor wanted. Although..." His voice trails off as he looks at the journal again.

"That's peculiar. Didn't that ole boy say the will was signed 18 days ago? Two days after that he... well, you know. But here..." He points at the last entry. "Seventeen days ago, he writes 'I don't have time to update my will'. I don't reckon he was in the habit of changin' it day-to-day. Might want to ask ol' Hearthmount about that."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Is all that correct?

Of course we will stay. We would need the time to investigate this harrowstone place anyhow, longer if we seek permission first?

She said but her tone made it sound questioning, as in she wondered if they thought they should seek permission. Sure the professor had tried to seek permission and he had been living her for a time, What chance would a bunch of outsiders have. She was all to use to the closemindedness of most towns to outsiders. She had grown up dealing with it.

What about the purple one...

Remember it has a lock on it. You'll have to pick it or break it.

Is all that correct?

Yes...but honestly that was an improv on my part. Any weirdness there is, unfortunately, due to my own failing at thinking it through very carefully. The will was clearly updated since he found the Way poking around, but before he wrote that in his diary. Dates weren't given there, so I picked a day and went with it.

Cool, I suspected that improv was the culprit. So, we can strike that part.

"Once we succeed, it'll go easier on us if we had permission. As we saw at the graveyard, these folk can be a tad difficult with outsiders and such. So, maybe that's the way to go... you know, if'n we can get them assembled right quick."

"Right. Then I'm- we're off." Coiger says looking around at the party, but on the inside shaking his head and tutting a bit.

Heading toward Heathmount's house. and on a sad note I suddenly realized Coiger was the "face" of the party with a total Diplomacy modifier of +1...

Morgrym salutes Kendra, tosses back his own cup of whiskey, then stands up. "Right, then. Time t' convince a councilor of action." He looks at the books. "Reckon we should take 'em with us t' keep this other feller... Adrissant away from Miss Kendra?"

"Or someone could stay behind..." Coiger says, looking meaningfully at the elf and bird. "Though Adrissant did say he wouldn't be back for the books until tomorrow and they have been hidden here like straw in a haystack for some time now. Still, to Kendra keep the door locked until we return."

Chellian blinked at the strange preacher frowning again slightly as he gazed at the elf and his pet bird. She was curious what the man's issue with them was, though she didnt think it prudent to ask at the moment. He seemed sure of himself for whatever reason, perhaps there was somethign she didnt see.

He's important in this town? this Mr Adrissant yes? I dont think he is liable to break in. Locking the door would be defense enough for a time i think.

She swallowed trying not to think to far ahead and the possible chance of running into that Mr. Muricar until she had to.

Oh, no actually. Kendra replies to Chellian. Mr. Adrissant doesn't live here. He is only in town for the funeral. Ravengro is not a large enough place for his ego. Now that I think about it, I don't remember where he is from. I expect he's staying at the inn. But you needn't worry for me here. Adrissant is a pompous, old creep, but his propriety would never allow him to trespass so brazenly. Perhaps I'll draw a bath and try to get some thinking done.

Hearthmount's home is not far, right there across the river, in fact. She gestures out a large, west-facing window at a large homestead sitting on the far bank. Just cross the south bridge. It's a short walk. I cannot say if he'll be there though. I see him at Zokar's for dinner often and it's nearing that time. Either way, his wife will know where to send you, I suppose. Do you plan to show him the diary? I warn you, my father was seen as, well, a lunatic by most. You may have difficulty gaining trust or favors on his words alone.

Sohar looks at the priest suspiciously. "Someone could, but Miss Chellian raises some good points. They should be safe enough for now." What are you hiding that you don't want me to see?

Hearthmount's home is not far, right there across the river, in fact. She gestures out a large, west-facing window at a large homestead sitting on the far bank. Just cross the south bridge. It's a short walk. I cannot say if he'll be there though. I see him at Zokar's for dinner often and it's nearing that time. Either way, his wife will know where to send you, I suppose. Do you plan to show him the diary? I warn you, my father was seen as, well, a lunatic by most. You may have difficulty gaining trust or favors on his words alone.

Coiger stays just long enough to know where to go (the various council members homes) and who to ask for (their names) and then exits for Heathmount's home.

Upon his arrival (assuming he gets there):

Coiger walks up the carriage path leading to the front of the manor house taking in the sites. This is how a man of moderate means lives--a big fish in a small mud pond. Coiger has experience with such men; the men in his family, the men in his father's circle before the endless revolution that claimed their titles and lands. He knocks on the door confidently and patiently waits for an answer as long as decorum demands, before readjusting his black gloves and knocking again.

He has questions. He needs answered.

Hello. (Don't forget to smile.) Is the councilman at home? Yes? May I come in and speak with him? Or: No? Do you know where I might find him? Thank you for your time.

He'd played this game before, scouting for cultists, necromancers, demon-worshipers, and covens. Decorum it's all about decorum. The more someone hides something the more shows.

If Heathmount is out at dinner he may try speaking to Heathmount's wife to get a feel for the man whose wife sits at home while he dines out. He might check in with Fr. Grimburrow across the street and explain his concerns. Grimburrow doesn't sound like he's local (as he doesn't know about the secret stash). If he doesn't seem too insular Coiger mentions the stash as possible aid to his cause otherwise he keeps it to himself. Coiger's order occasionally has to go against the will of the orthodoxy for the greater good. He just hopes he doesn't have to resort to larceny. Otherwise he plans to interrupt Heathmount's post-dinner cigar.

Morgrym follows Coiger out the door, letting the cooler evening air clear out his senses from the whiskey. When they arrive at Hearthmount's he leans against a porch post, if available, and crosses his arms to wait.

Chellian followed the others, only pausing at the door and gazing at her more combative gear. She was entirely unsure how it would be seen if she tromped around town with her glaive guisarme or her brace of javelins. She did have her daggers after all... after a moment on internal struggle she reached over and took her glave in hand leaving the javelins. If she was looked at strangely so be it. She already drew enough eyes in her village back home with her size and well muscled physique what was the people of this town thinking she was some crude barbarian any worse?

She was very self aware of how she looked the whole trip to heathmounts and quickly stayed a few steps behind Coiger and the dwarf Morgrym... hiding in plain sight as it were.

Sohar also follows Coiger. Have to keep an eye on that one.

A lovely, older woman answers the door and blinks in surprise at the group of strangers at her doorstep, but only for a brief instant before taking on the demeanor of the perfect hostess. Yes? What can I do for you? At Coiger's inquiry after the Councilman she answers that he is in town, as he usually is. He can most likely be found at the Laughing Demon (Zokar's Place) or possibly in his office at the town hall. She then goes on with a question, Now, I haven't had the pleasure of your acquaintance. We don't often see such diverse folk in Ravengro. Might I be so forthright as to ask after your need of my husband this evening?

Sohar considers the request briefly. Doesn't seem to be any harm in it.

He nods respectfully. "Yes, ma'am, a most reasonable request. In answer, we'd like to address the council and we hear that your husband might expedite said process."

Morgrym harumphs in agreement with Sohar.

Ah, well. You'll find the councilman in town. I'd try Zokar's first. Good evening. Mrs. Hearthmount flashes a brief smile and closes the door. You hear a heavy lock engage.

Sohar gives a low chuckle. "Well now, that went about as well as I'd hoped. Better'n most 'round here. Zokar's then?," he asks of his new companions.

Sohar checks the string on his bow before they make their way. You know, just in case.

"Agreed."

Shaking his head and waving a dismissive hand at the door, Morgrym stumps down the steps and towards town. "Sure'n there'll be 'n ale there with me name on it, and maybe a more hospitable welcome."

I somehow saw that going better myself but no matter I guess.

She said lowly shrugging a bit. She moved to follow the others wondering if a simular reception was going to await them. She was worried that maybe some of those folks who tried to stop them on the way to the buriel grounds might be there and perhaps might be heavy in cups already. She didnt think cracking a few skulls would win them any friends... then again from the way that Gibbs fellow had laughed it off... maybe it wouldnt be that bad.

Coiger notices quickly that the town is much livelier now than it was earlier. The gazebo is clearly a gathering place for the end of the workday. Children are running and playing while a cute, old mutt chases and plays along. People are standing around chatting in circles. A circle of burly men are playing some kind of game involving sitting with opponents' feet against each other and a stout pole is pulled on until one opponent is pulled over. Northeast of the square, a pathway leads to the tavern with a large wooden carving of a demon out front with its arms thrown wide and its face frozen in riotous laughter. It sounds pretty busy inside.

Upon entering the tavern, a happily busy Zokar calls out to you. Hey! Friends of Lorrimor! Come in! Come in! You can take that table over there. I took advantage of my trip to the Restlands today and made a fresh Corpse Chowder! Mirta! Four Liquid Ghosts for the friends! At that, he hurries on to deliver the tray of food he's carrying.

From across the room, another booming voice drowns out the rest. Hey, Zokar! The tall girl's drink is on me! Over here, honey! We're dying to hear your story.

You also see Hearthmount eating a meal with a couple of other well-dressed gentlemen.

Edit: You recognize the man calling from across the room as the local tough who tried to drive you off in the Restlands this morning. Looking back, that wasn't clear. You may have guessed though.

Sohar makes an intricate sign to ward off evil. "Did he just say corpse chowder?"

"It has been my experience that one should always accept the gift of food freely offered by the locals. As you never know how much of a sacrifice it is for them to produce it." Coiger says sagely.
-------

...shockingly happy to see you. He has done a complete 180 from the ass he was earlier. He even gives Coiger a slight nod of respect.

"Corpse chowder... I reckon that's a kind of sacrifice I'd rather avoid. Either way, givin' or partakin'..."

"I hate to interrupt a man's meal, but we are in a hurry, if I recall. There's Hearthmount there."

She turned very red at the sound of the loud man's call. She wasnt used to such reactions in the least. Frowning she glanced to the others.

I dont suppose...

She began about to ask for help when she took a deep breath and swallowed taking the drink and rose slowly.

"You all can get the okay from Hearthmount? I dont really want to go deal with those men but im afraid if i dont it will only end badly.

She said still looking nervous. it was obvious such social tavern niceties were foreign to her. She sniffed the drink wondering what in the world it was, ale, wine, water, and milk, and tea had been the only things she had evertried before and this didnt seem like any of them but she made her way torwards the 'louder' crowd.

"I'm with ye, lass. Let these two talk wit' Hearthmount - we'll have us a drink on th' locals tab. Come!" Morgrym follows Chellian like a burly puppy, wading into the crowd as he goes, trying to figure out what a couple of the local customs might be regarding food and drink.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13