After a tasteful meal Janasen dons his forgotten pants and heads into town.
Wandering around town spending a bit of coin at the local shops shooting the breeze with the clerks
Addressing the less scandalous members of the group, Tev wanted them to consider their logical courses of action. "So it sounds like there are a few places we need to go to put together the pieces of this picture, before we try investigating Harrowstone," he began. "The Temple of Pharasma would be one. Either of you," he indicated Tuoni and Radim, "would be best to approach them. Or alternatively we could try that false crypt where they stashed the things the Professor said were needed in Harrowstone. If we can't get them to trust us, we won't want them to know we have our eyes on that crypt, so maybe we should go there first. For that, we'll want Janasen and maybe Baris to help get in and find what we're looking for."
He traced his finger along the map of town to the next location on his mind. "Lorrimor also mentioned needing to find certain records in the town hall related to the Harrowstone fire. We may need to cross-check what we find with what's on the Harrowstone Memorial to find out who was so significant to the Whispering Way." He looked around at the group as if trying to spot something in someone. "Anyone good at sifting through public records, that'll be your forte."
And finally the main town square area and its surrounding buildings. "And then there's finding the other people in town who knew something of the Professor's work. The magic store could be a lead." He looked over at Alyssa. "You want to go there, or me? Or both of us?"
Alyssa was on her third helping of breakfast meats when Tev posed the question to her. She blinked in surprise but then gave it some thought. "Given my appearance anywhere I go I will have to go with my cloak on, and if the townsfolk can't see past my outward traits then my only course will be to use either intimidation or running away." She paused to take a sip of her juice. "I would rather not go alone, so that maybe if things go poorly there may yet be hope."
She looked up at the group still around the table, her face set in stone. "I will not spill blood." She said perhaps a little too forcefully. Whether she was right or not that those looking at her would assume that she would resort to violent tactics she didn't know.
Last Night:
At Tev's reminder, I should gather mine as well. Tuoni accompanies him to the inn.
Once back at the house, he leaves the research to those who seem more inclined. Taking out a journal of his own, he copies down the circled portions of the professor's and makes notes on the other books accompanying it. Retiring to the bedroom, he makes additional notes regarding his companions, particularly the tiefling.
Next morning:
Waking to the glorious smells of breakfast, Tuoni takes a moment to ensure everything is in order before stowing his belongings and heading down. Dressed simply, with only a utilitarian knife, coin purse, and journal. He looks much like any other man, at least as much as he ever does. Though yesterday demanded full dress, this morning will simply be gathering information.
Seeing the fine meal provided for them, Thank you Miss Lorrimor. You are most hospitable. Chuckling at the antics of Janasen and Baris, Indeed. It's a bit early for that yet don't you think?
As Tev brings the conversation back to serious topics, Agreed. I'll visit the temple. We must seek permission before opening a crypt or taking church property.
I'd say have Janasen try city hall. Clerks are usually reluctant to let outsiders look through their records, and he, Gesturing to their partially clothed companion, has more charm than he knows what to with.
Tev, why don't you try the school with Radim, while Alyssa and I visit the temple. If there is a crypt and they open it to us, it would be helpful to have someone with arcane training. These caches often have magical items. At Alyssa's outburst, It was never suggested that you should.
Baris, Tev has a good point about the crypt, and regardless of what happens there, we should make a thorough search of the graveyard. If there are cultists, it's possible they've been violating graves for corpses. See if there is anything unusual there.
To the group as a whole, Our next priority is probably finding out what the townspeople know. As Miss Lorrimor mentioned, people go there occasionally, even if only on a dare. So someone has probably seen something, even if they don't know it. Shall we meet at noon and share our results?
Turning to their host, Is there anyone in particular that you recommend we meet?
While eating his breakfast Janasen points at Touni with his bread.
"thought I might try breaking the ice a little in town before I asked any favors. Getting the people on our side should be top priority, so I don't think we should dive in without any prep work. Although I think the temple should be fine, the priest seems like a good man." looking to Kendra for confirmation.
So who do I go with today, to see the graveyard? Alyssa and you? Baris indicates Tuoni by pointing at him.
Kendra speaks up again. "Be careful who you listen to, this town loves gossip and is prone to rumors that may or may not be true. The truth of those rumors will probably be revealed in your research. And yes, bloodshed should be avoided, not to pick on you dear Alyssa, but these locals can be downright cruel, as you saw with old Gibs Hephenus and his display yesterday. If someone picks a fight with you, do what you can to get out of it. If you end up killing someone, even if it's something you couldn't avoid, that may not bode well for your research here."
Alyssa quirked an eyebrow as Tuoni suggested she accompany him to the temple. She couldn't help but be suspicious of him, as she was of all paladins. Gods knew she'd had enough run-ins with fanatical "fiend slayers" to last her the rest of her unknown-timelength life. The only thing worse than a paladin was an inquisitor. Just thinking of the red coated zealots made the scar at the base of her right horn itch.
But he did have a point; an arcane scholar could be useful if there was anything to be found there. And it would enable her to gather more information about this town and about this strange paladin. There was something about him that she just couldn't put her finger on.
So after contemplating quietly for a few moments, she nodded in agreement, also taking heed of the warning Kendra gave them.
A thought occurred to her. "Someone should stay to protect Kendra should any of Petros' enemies happen to come by while we are away."
Tuoni taking Alyssa to the temple actually kind of made sense. It was still a risk that the priests wouldn't trust Tuoni for bringing the tiefling there, but if they played their cards right, as both of them had at the funeral, it could work.
When Alyssa mentioned security for Kendra, Tev was almost a little too eager to mention, "Baris is already familiar with that role. We can't go to the crypt right away anyway so we can come back and pick you up before we do that. So I'll go to the magic store then?"
Kendra:"That's sweet, but I really will be safe here. I'm not completely defenseless, you all know my father. And besides, you saw how merely a word from someone turned old Gibs away. If there's anything to be worried about, it's what's outside the house, not inside."
[spoiler=DM] guess its time to check the memorial...blood. with a sigh Janasen heads to the memorial looking for a lone passerby on the way./spoiler]
Radim sat quietly through the whole exchange of ideas, his head swiveling back and forth to watch the various exchanges of words and plans. At the tiefling's forceful comment he winced. However, Radim offered nothing to the conversation. The others seemed to have it well under control.
"Well, not that you need to see them now, but obviously people that you want on your side are all the people on the council. They might be able to help you with access to the records in the Town Hall. Their names are Vashian Hearthmount who you have already met, he lives in the house just on the other side of the river northwest of here, Mirta Straelock, she lives in a house just south of us, Shanda Faravan, who lives on the river north of Vashian, and then there is Gharen Muricar, who lives on the northwest corner of the town."
"Father Grimburrow runs the Temple of Pharasma, so if you need him for anything he can usually be found there or in the Restlands. It's located far on the other side of the river, just south of Gharen's. This is also a good place to buy potions and such. The schoolhouse you are looking for, The Unfurling Scroll is run by Alendru Ghoroven, an old wizard. He's a bit strict, but he respected my father, so he might be helpful. He also sells some magic items, though I think he's got himself into a bit of a pricey black market of rare magic items, though you didn't here that from me!"
"Also, just so you know, the sheriff here is Benjan Caeller. He's a nice man, but he likes his order. Heard he gave Gibs and his mob quite an earful! He's got four deputies that work part-time for him too, Leromar, Riff, Trestleblade, and Vrodish. I don't know much about them, but they all seem to be pretty nice, but keep in line with Benjan. There's not a lot of crime here in Ravengro, so they'll be watching any newcomers poking around town. Make sure to keep your noses clean!"
With a smile she turns back to the kitchen, "Well, it seems as if you've all got a busy day ahead of you. I've got to clean up and run some errands, feel free to come and go as you please. If you've got any more questions I'll be glad to help!"
"Ahh, so I would be the best person to put into a fight with these villagers, they wouldn't see me, and I can leave them all bruised up. Ha! ... So what do you want me to do, I like the options of going with the Sir and Alyssa or protecting Kendra until they get back."
Armed with the information provided by Kendra and taking with him whoever wanted to go, Tev went directly to the magic store. His approach would be to look around the store as a customer first, making casual talk with the proprietor about local magic and events before starting in on the Professor's recent activities... unless Alendru volunteered the information first.
Thank you.
To Alyssa, Whenever you're ready.
To Baris, We'll visit the temple together then.
Alyssa nods in agreement and heads to her room, making quick work of donning her armor once more and, ebony sword back to it's place on her hip and cloak fastened, she rejoins Tuoni and Baris as they make their way to the temple.
Before Radim could gather himself to head out as instructed.... the elf departed rather hurriedly without him. It did not bother him all that much, though. Radim was more than willing to work on his own. Besides, sifting through old records down at the Town Hall was far more preferable to him.
It was not difficult to find the Town Hall, luckily. Directions were... never Radim's strongest point. Just find the biggest building in the town square. Timidly, he approached and entered, glancing about for any signs to the old records department.
"Yes ma'am," he responded, careful to enunciate every word as steadily as he could manage. "I-I would like to take a look at the town's records i-if its not too much trouble... I have some research I wish to perform."
Alyssa quirks an eyebrow as she sees the tall Sir Argyris bend down and whisper a few words to Baris. The halfling quickened his pace and put a good distance between himself and the two of them.
She turned her quizzical gaze to the golden haired paladin and waited patiently.
We don't like this one... The voices whispered in tandem.
Knowing full well he didn't have the money to buy anything in the store, Tev needed a ready story for the shopkeeper so he didn't realize Tev was here to pump him for information. He hoped what he had come up with would work: "I'm Tev Culein; I came in to town for the funeral. Of Doctor Lorrimor. It's okay;" he held up his hand slightly to convey that he wasn't in need of assistance with anything, "I'm mostly just looking. It just helps me to relax in the face of all the strange goings-on around here, especially after having lost the Professor. I was pretty close to him for a while, as a student."
He hoped playing the Professor angle would coax something out of Alendru. If that did not seem to work, he had another line ready to dangle from his hook: "He said you were the one with your finger on the pulse of magic use in this town. From what I'm seeing of your collection, I don't doubt that. What's been in demand lately?"
:
Seeing Alyssa notice the conversation, Tuoni makes a conceding gesture. Your pardon, subtly has never been one of my strengths, but I thought it might be best to speak in private.
Quite simply, I am uncomfortable with your heritage and imagine the feeling is mutual, can we work together and can you be trusted?
Tuoni and DM, I was wondering what the DC to hear their whispers 50 feet away is... Perception Check
No worries guys, with that roll I can't hear the conversation.
Another person who would judge me by my appearances rather than my actions. she thought to herself, a little sadly but none surprised.
This one would hope to gain your trust based on his appearance, only to stab you in the back. Abyssal growled.
The voices continued to chatter in her mind but she shook her head, both at them and Tuoni.
"I might ask, Sir Argyris, if you have ever known a Tiefling before having encountered me."
She shook her head before he could reply. "But it wouldn't matter, because I will not compare myself to them" she said, emphatically implying her contempt for those she supposedly shared blood with.
"I find it best not to trust anyone that I do not consider a friend, regardless of their heritage." she made sure to look him dead in the eye.
"I hold to what I said last night: I will work with you. And should the day come that you earn the mantle of 'friend', then you can trust me, and I you. But not before."
She said these things forthright, with logic rather than malice.
The man looked at Tev for a moment, noticing his features. "In demand? Nothing from this town of fools. What they need to demand is education, but so few do. But that is not why you are here. What do you really want?"
Tuoni nods his head solemnly, That is unfortunate, but perhaps how it must be here. I find it a... difficult change to accept. Raising both palms for inspection. On the right is a faintly glowing mark in the shape of a kite shield split down the middle. The left has a similar mark in the shape of Iomedae’s symbol. The sunburst sword. I do not know how familiar you are with Lastwall. These are the shield-mark and sword-mark of Vigil, our capital. You may recognize them as Marks of Justice. They bind me to the tenants of the crusade and its ideals, to treat citizens and strangers alike with fairness, honesty, and respect, protect the life of any citizen in danger, even at risk to my own, to temper justice with mercy and uphold the best of the crusader ideal. He says this last with obvious pride.
Lowering his hands once again, Whatever else, you may trust me, for our honesty and trustworthiness is beyond question. Your suggestion of trusting no one, though perhaps reasonable, is aberrant to me. How could a person fight along side someone they did not trust? And yet it seems the path we are headed for.
So, I thought to bring up the matter and, hopefully, resolve it. For I find myself unable to dispel a lingering distrust and distaste for you, despite having no basis for this. However, I also cannot simply look at your mark and acknowledge it as a failing on my part, perhaps this is a warning. Either way, it did not seem right to doubt without providing opportunity for refutation. It is obvious Tuoni is uncomfortable about the entire situation and would like find a simple solution.
As for other Tieflings, yes, briefly. I crossed paths with a knight, half-orc I believe, headed for Mendev. We only spoke for a few minutes. I later learned that he was demon-blooded. His mother a rescued slave that had been subject to vile rituals.
He reflected for a second. "And about your friend the Professor, sorry for your loss. I can't say I liked the man, but I respected his thirst for knowledge. I knew his research would get him into trouble someday, so I'm not surprised he's dead."
Alyssa was not at all familiar with Lastwall or their tenants for placing such marks on a person's hands. All she knew of the bastion was to stay as far away from it as possible; not only because of the religious zealots there who would happily cut her to pieces but for the portal that the stronghold fought to contain and also protect the rest of the world from.
He expects us to trust him because of some tattoos? Infernal hissed and laughed.
Have you ever been interrogated by an inquisitor, Sir Argyris? she asked as she carefully lowered the hood of her cloak and pulled aside the hair that hung over the right side of her forehead.
There, hidden by the hair and beginning just above the eyebrow, was a deep and jagged scar that snaked it's way across her temple and around the base of the horn that grew from the top of her head. The scar went very deep, the wound having obviously gone to the surface of her skull.
I was once involved in another group of adventurers. she purposely did not divulge for what purpose that group had come together. One member of our party was an elderly wizard by the name of Scott. Outwardly he was quiet and unassuming, perhaps much like a member of our own group, but inside he had a dark and terrible secret.
Scott enjoyed torturing and killing young children. And in one particular town we had left him to his drink in solitude for too long. He went about the town, using his magic to silently enter the homes of villagers, and killed any babe he found sleeping in their cradle. Using acid on their faces and in their mouths so that they could not cry out.
She brought the hood back up, knowing that the image of the scar would stay with him. Two days later the local church had given an urgent call, and a company of six inquisitors came to investigate the murders. Scott was once again drinking in the tavern, and I had been studying in the library.
Because my appearance was more memorable than that of the old wizard, the townsfolk knew exactly where to lead the inquisitors. They accosted me in the library, took me to the town square, and publicly told me that I was in fact the killer. Any attempts I made to speak of my innocence fell on deaf ears. My 'comrades', Scott included, witnessed the display and left the town to avoid being caught in my 'crime'.
But the worst was yet to come, and the actual interrogation was far worse than the humiliation I'd received. My particular attendant wanted to find if there was any way to remove my horns from the base... Memories flashed through her mind. So much blood, and the sounds of her own screams.
So you bare your marks, to justify your views. And I bare mine. I hope that your views do not one day betray you as mine did.
Radim nods appreciatively, forcing a smile onto his face. "Of course. Thank you very much." as she left, he scuttled back to the records were, settling in for a good long read...
No. I have not.
Tuoni's eyes narrow and fists clench as Alyssa tells her story. If true, a great injustice was done to you, and though I bare no fault, I am sorry. I must ask, how do you know this 'Scott' was responsible, and where did this tragedy occur?
This is what you've learned about Harrowstone today:
Harrowstone is a ruined prison - partially destroyed by a fire in 4661, the building has stood vacant ever since. The locals suspect that it's haunted, and don't enjoy speaking of the place.
Harrowstone was built in 4594. Ravengro was founded at the same time as a place where guards and their families could live and that would produce food and other supplies used by the prison. The fire that killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards destroyed a large portion of the prison's underground eastern wind, but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. The prison's warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred. A statue commemorating the warden and the guards who lost their lives was built in the months after the tragedy - that statue still stands on the riverbank just outside the town.
Most of the hardened criminals sent to Harrowstone spent only a few months imprisoned, for it was here that most of Ustalav’s executions during that era were carried out. The fire that caused the tragedy was, in fact, a blessing in disguise, for the prisoners had rioted and gained control of the prison’s dungeons immediately prior to the conflagration. It was only through the self-sacrifice of Warden Hawkran and 23 of his guards that the prisoners were prevented from escaping - the guards gave their lives to save the town of Ravengro.
♫Put her body on the bed.
Take a knife and lop her head.
Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge so nice and ripe.
Drops of rep so sparkly bright.
Splatters spell her name just right.
With a hammer killed his wife.
Now he wants to claim your life.
Tricksy father tells a lie.
Listen close or you will die.♫
The way in which the girls switch from skipping to passing the ends of the rope to each other to keep the whole thing going is strikingly well timed and choreographed - and the verse itself is rather disturbing.
The voices of Abyssal and Infernal began to laugh in Alyssa's mind as Tuoni asked how she knew the truth behind the killings. A cold and cruel smile pulled across her face as her memories turned back to that time.
We were in the sad little excuse for a village called Kerad. And even inquisitors need to sleep some time. she chuckled darkly as she remembered how easy it had been to use her magic to escape once her captors eyes had fallen shut.
And my 'allies' hadn't run fast enough... In the end Scott confessed, and I ensured that he wished the inquisitors got him rather than myself. she grinned, her sharp teeth glittering like a wolf baring her fangs, as she thought of what she'd done to him, the way her blade had carefully cut, drawing out the pain and the truth, pushing her victim to the edge of death, but never over it.
The wizard was very obliging in turning himself in, once the weight of his guilty conscience had been lifted. she had stood at the edge of the woods, her magic holding a sharp dagger just off center to his back directly behind the heart as he trudged forward into the little town he'd defiled. His face was hardly recognizable but his words were clear as he screamed out his confession, begging the townspeople to save him from his captor. As it sunk in and the people began to exact their own revenge, Alyssa let the dagger drop as she turned and walked away and left him to his fate. Then just as now, the voices moaned in disappointment.
Returning to the here and now she looked back up at the too perfect face of who was now her "ally". She couldn't help but feel that the children's song was a perfect way to describe herself. I feel that we have left Baris and the temple waiting long enough...
In a whisper,"Tuoni, hey can you see if they are evil?" after jumping up pointing at the girls. Acrobatics .
It was the second time that the old man had mentioned a deficit of education. The topic was obviously important to him. Tev wanted to try one last time to use that angle to find something out. First he gave Janasen a quick agreement to meet him outside when he was done. Then he nodded knowingly at the empty desks, even though in the back of his mind he knew that this brand of education wasn't the kind he liked either. "Indeed, education is vital no matter where you are (though the need does vary by locale), and dedicated teachers are an undervalued treasure. Exactly what kind of education do you provide that the people here ignore? Why would they put a V on the statue, as opposed to anything else?" he tried to use the respectful tone that the professors at most of the schools he'd visited would hear from their students.
Tev bowed politely. "Thank you for your valuable time. I'll not take up any more of it for now. I hope during my time here I can help these people see the value of good education." With that, he left the store and met Janasen outside.
Radim was more or less pleased with what he had unearthed over the hours spent shifting through the town records, left blessedly alone through the entire ordeal. He made careful note to commit the key portions of Harrowstone's history to memory, and perhaps more things to look into in the future. But for now, the hour was getting late, and so he departed back to the Lorrimor estate.