"I met the professor several years ago in a small Varisian town called whistledown a rather interesting place. as luck would have it he had business with an acquaintance of mine and I was in a good position to help him. I generally like to make myself known wherever I go so he decided to use me and my ability to make connections."
Janasen smiles at the request for the month long stay. Not too concerned about the money,but the thought of helping out the daughter of the man he looks up to is more than reason enough to stay.
for the first time since the funeral Janasen is not smiling looking at Touni " I would not be pleased in the slightest to be left out of such a venture. If only to give ourselves and our lovely host some closure this is a small task. I am not great in a fight but if it is information that you need gathered I am your man."
Having heard the conversations and questions, Kendra speaks up.
"Thank you all for your kindness and I'm sorry to you Baris that I could not be of any further help with the key." Pausing as if to gather her thoughts, you see a small tear come to the corner of her eye. "If he just would have taken someone with him..." Bowing her head to catch her composure, she dabs a handkerchief to her eye. "I will tell you everything I know about his death, but unfortunately I fear that there is not much to tell."
She sits down at the table, pouring herself another long drink. "From what I gather he was doing some research in a place called Harrowstone, an old prison or something like that. He hadn't been back for several days, and despite of what you saw at the funeral, he has some friends here. The locals with their superstitions don't like to go out there, but a few braved it and they found him lying under a broken statue, a gargoyle that had fallen from the wall." She took another long drink. "They said they were not surprised, this place is very old, and some even believe it haunted. Most say it's just bad timing. After hearing the journal, I don't know what to think."
Janasen's confident smile comes back and he responds to Kendra "we will get to the bottom of this don't you worry! I would like to start by asking you the names of those the professor called friends and where I might find them. It is a little late tonight but I will start first thing in the morning."
The familiar burning inside did the trick, forcing Tev to focus his mind on what was the important thing, and after a moment of reflection, he approached the group again. "I'm in, for the whole thing, for the Professor's sake. If he was convinced that someone is bent on doing something to this town, then it's fallen to us to find out what that is before it's too late." Finding himself a bit unsteady, he leaned on the table and raised a finger toward Janasen. "But if you think this is just a small task, you've got another think coming. Cults of undeath? They don't respond too well to the old smile-wink-and-nod."
He looked around until he found the journal, so he could give it another perusing. This second time through, he took notice of something in particular. Knowing they were already piling questions on Kendra, he waited for an opportunity to slip in another: "The journal mentions needing to know 'everyone who died the night of the fire.' What can you tell us about that night?"
When Baris finally got around to greeting him, Tev was now in a better mood for sharing a bit more about himself, since now they were going to be working together. "My name's Tev. I'm a sorcerer, so I'd been making a living as a wandering hedge magician as I explored the nature of my powers. The Professor helped open my eyes to that, and let me study under him for a while. That's my connection to him. Now we're going to see the fruits of his studies as we use what he taught us to oppose these necromancers."
Alyssa stared out a nearby window, one hand holding her drink and the other resting on her sword. As she listened to the conversation going on at the table the voices warred within her mind.
Leave this place Infernal hissed Or you'll manage to kill everyone here.
No, Abyssal countered if you stay, then you will eventually be able to get your hands on all the forbidden tomes you want, beginning with those in that chest. You'll finally discover the secret to your blade. The professor's last letter to you had said that he'd discovered something about its origins. Aren't the lives of a few strangers worth it?
She turned back towards the group, her sadness once again under strict control. My friend has perished by the hands of another. she began and I will not abide it. I will join you in hunting down those responsible. Just as I hunt down your killers, Cy. she mused as she pressed her palm against the always cool metal of her ebony blade.
She looked down to the halfling as he spoke, barely able to make heads or tails of his words as her grip on Common wasn't very good and he spoke so hurriedly.
I am called Alyssa, and I am a magus. I make use of both sword and magic. I strive to mold myself into a master of both, and while my studies have delved more into that of the outer planes rather than the undead... she cast a suspicious eye on the paladin. I will do all I can to make myself useful.
"You really think this wasn't an accident?" She took another drink. "Well, after hearing what he wrote in his journal I guess I can see where you might get that. I don't know of the people that went to see him. And I might have been a taking some liberty when I said "friends". They were just curious about where he was off too." Another look lingered at Janasen before she answered Tev.
"I don't really know as much about the history of Harrowstone. We moved here after my father retired from teaching, I was only ten. I've lived here for the last 15 years, but as kids all we ever did was make bets about who could get the closest. A long time ago there was a fire and then is closed down. They say that the place is haunted, which is why the town stays away from it. My father insulated me from most of it, and every since then I have mostly kept to myself, helping tend to my father and his estate here. The older folks like to talk, but most of it is nonsense. There are a few that keep records, maybe places you can do some research. Of course, while you're here you have full access to all my fathers research. There is also the Ravengro Town Hall, which is where they keep records on the history of the town. Also, the Temple of Pharasma has been here for quite some time, they may have some records as well. And one more place I can think of the The Unfurling Scroll, a sort of schoolhouse and magic item shop. They might have information as well."
At this point Kendra gets up and stretches. You can see, though she is wearing conservative clothing for the funeral, that she is a very thin and attractive woman. "I guess it's time for bed, this has been a very long day. Please make yourselves at home, I'll be more than willing to help you find anything first thing in the morning." And with that she is off to bed.
Alyssa for one was not yet ready to sleep, and so she reached back into the chest and retrieved one of the books that Radim had discarded, the book with the scarab symbol. She examined the tome closely, trying to place the symbol or if the book had any magical properties.
Ruins? Records of hauntings and foul misdeeds? Radim shifted nervously, his dark eyes darting towards the windows as if expecting some ghoulish horror to be on the other side of the glass. There was nothing, of course, but it did little to assuage Radim’s fears.
Reaching for the book that had caught his interest before (and that of the elf, he noticed), Radim nodded. “I’ll… I’ll help too.” Terrifying as the prospect of visiting another haunted place was, the fact that the professor’s body was found made the small man think. He did not fear ghosts nearly as much as he feared the horrors he had seen in that nameless keep.
And with that, he scuttled off to a quiet corner (well away from any windows) to pore over the Professor’s old book.
After bidding his hostess good night, Tev said to the others, "If we're staying here tonight then I'll need to bring my belongings over from the inn. Best to do that now before it gets any later, so I'll be right back." With that, he stepped out into the night. He knew where then inn was and could see just fine in the night so he was confident he would be fine.
Looking through the books you find in the professors library you find a lot about the Whispering Way. It is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years.
Agents of the Whispering Way often seek alliances with undead creatures, or are themselves undead. The Whispering Way's most notorious member was Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, although the society itself has existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer.
The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers - the philosophies are never written or spoken of loudly, making the exact goals and nature of the secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about.
Alyssa set the book back down and instead decided to peruse through the professor's library. Though Radim was already reading through the book that she had been interested in, she by no means assumed that that could be the only book of useful knowledge. Any and all pertinent information was Alyssa's goal, for both the group and herself. She systematically looked through each book, looking for anything having to do with the Whispering Way that Radim might not have already pulled off the shelves himself. Barring that she also looked for books on the undead, Harrowstone or its history. Then, for her own interests, she sought to find any books on the outer planes, particularly those of fiendish origin, and magical weapons.
No doubt after spending several hours at this task she would have amassed a good collection of books around her, and after much reading, she sits back and rubs her tired eyes.
Knowledge Religion - 22
Looking through the books you find in the professors library you find a lot about the Whispering Way. It is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years.
Agents of the Whispering Way often seek alliances with undead creatures, or are themselves undead. The Whispering Way's most notorious member was Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, although the society itself has existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer.
The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers - the philosophies are never written or spoken of loudly, making the exact goals and nature of the secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about.
Tev did not seek to engage the man in any way, but instead continued quietly on the road back to the Professor's manor.
It was already late. While elves did not need as much sleep as humans did, Tev figured that if the rest of the group was going to sleep soon so they could all get started early in the morning, he could synchronize his clock to be with theirs. It would depend on what they were doing when he got back, though. If they were still up studying, he could do the same. Emphasis would be on the Whispering Way and any connection it might have to the Dark Tapestry.
Alyssa had just forced herself to sit up straight from the cramped position she'd been in, bent over the latest book she'd reached for from the stack beside her. Yo the opposite side of her was another stack of books, being the ones that she'd already gone through. She was disappointed to find nothing that would serve her own pursuits, but took solace in the knowledge she had gathered on what they were up against.
The candles that Alyssa had been using had long since melted down to their bases and the light had grown exceedingly dim. It didn't bother her at all, since her eyes needed nothing to read and Radim had been forced to keep his light sources alight.
She gave a small start as Tev quietly opened the door to the library and entered. "Welcome back." she said in a hushed voice.
Janasen stands up "I think I will also turn in for the night." turning to the rest of the party "might want to keep an eye on our friend Tev I believe he has had a little to much to drink." that said he looks to Kendra to lead the way.
Kendra points you in the direction of a room with a couple of beds. In the hallway you can see four different guest rooms, three with two beds and one with one larger bed. "Though my father was often in the field, he brought many work associates back with him that needed a place to stay. Feel free to choose any room you would like, but I'll will offer the larger bed to the lady Alyssa. Goodnight, Janasen."
'Last Night'
To Tev, "Ah so you are that elf, that's right Tev, good to meet you the professor spoke of you in high regards, 'One with great potential' I believe he said."
To Alyssa, "Hmmm interesting, yes, yes your control over your sword and magic will likely come in handy. Are you alright Alyssa? You seem distracted."
Right after Kendra goes to bed, "Well if some of you are staying up to do research I will go to bed now, to be awake when you sleep." With that Baris gets up and grins at all of them, going to give Alyssa a hug, then to catch Kendra before she gets to her bed.
The voices in Alyssa's mind whispered some ugly insults in various languages that she didn't bother to listen to as Baris spoke.
I am well, Baris. Though thank you for your concern.
Edit: She is unsure of how to react to the halfling embracing her, and so fails to return the gesture before he has already departed.
On the next morning, you wake up to the smell of cooking. Kendra is already in the kitchen, and has most of breakfast laid out on the table. "Breakfast is ready everyone!" she calls down the hall. When you come out there you see eggs, sausages, potatoes, fresh fruits, and pitchers of juice and ale.
Baris has on simple pants and a jerkin, with an apron on, he obviously has been helping with the creation of breakfast. He will ask, Does anyone want some bread or toast, and what do you want on it?
Radim never made it to one of the guest rooms provided. He fell asleep in the corner of the Professor's library that he had claimed as his own, the book resting on his narrow chest as he twitched and muttered fitfully in his sleep, leaning against the wall.
He awoke with a start when Kendra called for breakfast, staring around wildly for a moment until he remembered exactly where he was. When he recognized his surroundings, Radim heaved a large sigh of relief. Running a hand through his dark hair to maintain some semblance of civility, the small man trudged towards the kitchen, book underneath his arm. "Toast...?" he asked with a hopeful tomidity.
Something about seeing Alyssa in the chair between the stacks of books made Tev smile. "Looks like you've gotten a head start," he said when she greeted him. He also noted Radim nodding off in the other corner with his book. "Find anything useful?"
Alyssa told him what she had read about the Whispering Way.
"I see. Good find. I was thinking people would be turning in by now, but I can stay up to help with the research if you want another pair of eyes." He reached for a book, but looked back at Alyssa so as to not disengage from conversation just yet. "So, how do you feel about having to work with a group like this for the next month or so, taking on a necromantic cult for the favor of an old friend?"
Alyssa had at first not heard what Tev was saying, as she had already turned her attention back to the book in her lap. But the information she had already stuffed into her head made it feel heavy, and though she was still hoping to find some information useful for her own purposes she could not concentrate on the page before her.
She raised her head and contemplated what he had asked, and suddenly realized that she didn't know how she felt about working with this group for the next month. She was so used to going about tasks on her own that she'd forgotten what it was like to have to work together, or even how to carry a conversation with another person.
But she did know how she felt about the last part of his question. "I would do whatever was necessary for one that I call a friend, whether it is wise or not."
A question that had been tickling the back of her mind stepped forward, and Alyssa had to struggle as to whether she should ask it of Tev or simply let it go. Finally her curiosity got the better of her.
"What is Arsmeril like?"
Poring fruitlessly through the Professor's books, Tev started to feel the weight of the hour, the booze, and the task ahead all slowly starting to bear down on him. "Arsmeril?" he almost had to pull himself away from the page, not that the words were hypnotizing but the act of scanning them. "It's tiny; about the size of this town. It's there as an outpost on the edge of a forest that's a satellite of Kyonin. The people don't do much; that's why I didn't stay. The professor only went there because he was trying to get allowed deeper into the forest, though he stayed to teach me what he could." Frustrated with another book scanned and nothing to show for it, Tev put the tome down with a bit more force than was necessary. "If I'd have known what that time would get me into, I'd have asked some different questions. I'm afraid I haven't found anything useful here."
Though it wasn't Tev's meaning, Alyssa misunderstood what he had said; thinking that he regretted having to be in the position to work with this group of people, to be put in the situation of trying to take down the Whispering Way. What's more, just the mention of Kyonin had caused memories to resurface, ones that she very much didn't want to let take on a life of their own.
Infernal gave a deep throated laugh. Poor lonely wretch wishing she could go home.
Speaking with the Elf has made you forget what you really are. Abyssal growled. The people of his "tiny town" made that abundantly clear when they tried to kill you for seeking solace and food after two years of wandering in the forests.
Alyssa's face fell into an emotionless mask as she stood and set the book respectfully down in the chair behind her. "Yes, I've found all I'm going to find from here." Her voice lacked any inflection as she made her way to the door. "Good night." She didn't even turn to look behind her as she left.
Alyssa's sudden departure caught Tev by surprise. First he went, "?" then he went, "!" then he went, ":(" because he had been enjoying her company, but it was not to be helped, and they did have to get an early start in the morning. Radim had already fallen asleep in his chair, and Tev felt that he could do the same. This chair was comfortable, but he thought it would be more polite to accept Kendra's hospitality, so he found an unoccupied guest room and allowed himself to sink into that deep trance that worked for elves like sleep did for humans.
Normally an elf could rest like that and be fine in 4 hours. Tev took a 5th to recover from the liquor. He rose in time to be awake for the call to breakfast and was promptly out the door. He wore the same clothes he had worn yesterday but they might as well have been fresh (thanks to the magic of prestidigitation).
His order for breakfast: "Some of that fruit and potatoes, bread and butter, and coffee if you have it, please."
Alyssa had often wished she could sleep in a real bed; the irony of wishing to sleep outside as a child was not lost on the adult who had no other choice. But even though the bed was as comfortable as she could ever imagine, the dreams that accompanied what was supposed to be restful sleep made her get up all the earlier. That and her stomach had had enough; she had to have some food now!
She trudged her way down to the kitchen table in a tunic that looked big enough to fit a half-orc. On her slight frame it did well enough to keep her decent and hung well past her knees. Though it was threadbare it was clean (also thanks to prestidigitation).
Making herself a plate of nothing but sausages and a glass of juice, she sat across from Tev and Radim and gave a soft grunt in good morning to them both as she began her breakfast, trying very hard not to eat her food too quickly. She hadn't bothered to use magic to tidy her hair and face so the curls were extra crazy and there were dark bags under her eyes.
Baris is very happy and helpful today, grabbing extra things besides the toast for individuals as needed. He insists that Kendra break the meal with them and he will accommodate.
Curled up in his chair, Radim listlessly nibbled at the toast acquired from the overly-cheerful halfling. The book was open once again, and Radim pondered over it as he ate, occasionally jumping in startled surprise at any unexpected or overly-loud sound. Occassionally he would stare up at the others in the kitchen in bewilderment, like they had suddenly appeared before him with no explanation.
Janasen strolls in with nothing but his hat, a shirt and a smile "Good morning! Made breakfast I see. Bread is fine. Tell you what I will prepare some sausage tomorrow."
Halfway through the meal, Baris would come over to Radim, stand next to him for a moment, hoping he would see Baris, "What have you found, anything GOOD?!" in a loud voice.
"Well it looks like you brought some sausage today," Baris points and laughs, then falls to the ground laughing.
Tev facepalmed and turned both his plate and his body in the other direction from both Baris and Janasen.
Alyssa's eyes widened and then she turned her face away, shielding her eyes, a hot blush spread across her cheeks.
Janasen looks down "so i have! And a fine sausage at that! "
The small man paused, clearly caught off-guard by the question. He looks to the halfling curiously. "A... A little..."
Any further attempt to speak was interrupted by... Radim paled and turned immediately back to the book, though even he couldn't help but crack a tiny hint of a smile atthe humorous banter.
"Its like a human baby's arm holding an apple, dear goodness man." He continues to giggle and roll on the floor. After a few more moments he collects himself. "Dear goodness man, for the ladies' sake go put some pants on!"
Janasen shrugs. looks to kendra with an eyebrow roguishly raised and his trademark smile "pants?"
Kendra blushed, but once again, lingered... "Oh my... it looks like you forgot something! I would suggest you fix that before you go out to town.". She sets down her cooking untensils, trying not to look in the direction of Janasen... often. Addressing the whole group, she get's a little more serious. "Speaking of going to town, I wanted to remind you that a lot of people in town weren't fond of my father's research and they won't exactly be happy with you poking around. I don't know exactly what they'll do, but it take some work to earn the people's trust. Just try your best not to anger many people if you can, based on what my father wrote you may need the cooperation of some of the people here." She turns back to her cooking, a small smirk on her face, cheeks slightly red.