Furrowing her brow, Tara keeps quiet at the discussion. As everyone bunks back down for the night, the young cleric can't help but feel a sense of deja vu and foreboding. "Something's not right here; There shouldn't be anything that would cause a possession this powerful. Could that group that raised the haunts at Harrowstone be here too?" she ponders aloud, worry clearly marring her features.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully, except that in the morning, both Sophie and Silas have come down with something - they both complain of extreme stomache pains and can barely move.
"No one goes anywhere alone, agreed? And at least one of us stays here with Sophie and Silas. Before we do anything else, though, we need to decide what we're going to do with the information we have. Can we learn anything else from Corvin? Nic, you had some suggestions for spells that Tara could use to find out more about the possession, and about the situation here in the Shudderwood."
At the behest of Judge Daramid, Gregor and Doro head to Lozeri to investigate the resurgence of Ustalav’s most infamous death cult, the Whispering Way. Following an old hunting trail through the haunted Shudderwood, each night seems a little darker and more ominous. They eventually arrive at Ascanor Lodge, a posh hunting lodge located in the heart of the wood, from which they can meet the others sent ahead of them, and help with their investigations.
Sophie moans as she rolls over, and says to Portia, "I was thinking we should re-check Estovion's library, and maybe even his office. I sense he knows more than he lets on, and has been somewhat cagey."
He ate trail rations which he ran out of the day before they reached the Lodge.
He chuckled at Gregors mention of manners and how the rich ate. I lead a soldiers life. Until a few weeks ago. Do I look like diferent forks would mean anything to me? *hahaha*. Id as likely use one to pull stones from Kal-Zi's hooves as eat some bush with it. No Im a simple Man. Im not here to impress the nobility but to stop This Whispering Way and put the Professors spirit to rest.
The morning before arrival at the Lodge was no different. Doro spent an hour preparing for the day. Then made his way towards the gates astride his steed. I agree. I have seen Tara, Vivien, Sophie and Silas before. Only Pontia, The Mage and Niculae, The Bard are unfamiliar to me. But with the Judges descriptions they shouldnt be hard to find. Remember Tara is a Priestess of Pharasma, Dark of Hair and and eye and having a great many baubles in her hair. Vivienne is her opposite, red hair and pale skin. quite stunning. Carries herself like a noble lady. She is an Inquisitor of Pharasma. Silas is an older man, a soldier like us. He also fought on the ramparts of Lastwall. White hair and beard a cocky attitude. Sophie is a very elderly lady, looking more alike a shaman than a priestess.
"No one goes anywhere alone, agreed? And at least one of us stays here with Sophie and Silas. Before we do anything else, though, we need to decide what we're going to do with the information we have. Can we learn anything else from Corvin? Nic, you had some suggestions for spells that Tara could use to find out more about the possession, and about the situation here in the Shudderwood."
"Did I? It seems like that was quite some time ago, but let me see if I can remember what I meant." Niculaie strums absentmindedly on his lyre. "Oh, yes, now I recall."
Niculaie shrugs and smiles uncertainly.
"I don't know much about the magic granted by the gods, but perhaps Pharasma might grant you a spell that would allow you to see any charms or compulsions that might have been placed on Corvin? Or some divination that would allow you insight into the machinations of this war for territory among werewolf clans that we have stumbled upon, and how it might relate to our own efforts to foil the plans of the Whispering Way? I am sure that Pontia or Sophie will have better suggestions."
Sophie moans as she rolls over, and says to Portia, "I was thinking we should re-check Estovion's library, and maybe even his office. I sense he knows more than he lets on, and has been somewhat cagey."
"I agree. There was that book we were looking for that was supposed to be in his private office, but we were blocked from entry. We should try again, at a time when he will be somewhere else. I know that spending time surrounded by nothing but dusty books is not your preferred activity," he adds, turning to Vivian. "But I believe that we will need you and your very useful set of lockpicks to access the information we seek."
"Tara, can you scry into his office to make sure he's not there when Vivian tries to get in?"
Following the others into the library, Tara sets up her workstation before pulling out her well worn book of prayers. "Of course, hopefully this goes better than last time." Clutching her holy symbol, Tara closes her eyes and silently prays to Pharasma for her guidance into ensuring that the private study is safe to visit.
"We only need to know if he's in his study."
He is not in his study. In fact, it looks like sort of a mess.
Vivian checks the door, just in case it might be already open
If not, the redhead gets her tools out and works on the lock with expertise
Brings back memories of sneaking out of the Temple in my wayward youth. oh, wait, but that was a few months ago only..
Vivian expertly disables the lock on the trapdoor leading up to the third floor of the tower (D31).
The office is empty, and it looks rather untidy, as if someone packed up in a hurry. A sizable collection of partially burnt papers are stuffed into the fireplace.
Meanwhile, Niculaie recalls finding a journal that looked interesting in the special research library (D30). The journal’s author, an unnamed worshiper of Desna, recorded several entries describing his pilgrimage to an ancient, abandoned temple of Desna and observatory in the Shudderwood known as the Stairs of the Moon. The journal includes a description of the temple, but the details of its exact location are frustratingly vague. These pages were bookmarked with a folded piece of paper, scribbled with a faded note reading, see ‘Halo of Dreams’.
Vivian looks around and finds the desk locked, although this lock is significantly less complex and she easily pops it open. In side the desk is the book, The Halo of Dreams.
The Halo of Dreams is a text about the Desnan faith, and its spread from Varisia throughout Avistan. The book contains, among other things, references to a sacred Desnan relic known as the Dusk Moth, a sacred Desnan relic hidden in the stonework of an ancient temple called the Stairs of the Moon. Legends speak of priests transporting the relic to the temple, but all knowledge of it was lost when the Whispering Tyrant conquered Ustalav and the temple was abandoned. On page 322 of the book,she discover a highlighted passage.
Pontia finds a stash of Estovion’s more telling notes and journals, which detail Estovion’s pro-aristocracy, anti-Palatinate political stance.
Poking at the fireplace, Niculaie unearths and pieces together Estovion’s most recent journal, which details his alliance with Mathus Mordrinacht and the Silverhides and his recent involvement with the Whispering Way. The journal also mentions the cult’s interference in the affairs of the Shudderwood werewolves.
The Halo of Dreams
The origin of the Dusk Moth can be traced back to pre-Thassilonian Varasia, though the role it played in those ancient times has been lost to history. During the Age of Enthronement, Desna's priests recovered the relic from the ruins of Thassilon, and carried it into the Shudderwould during the founding of Ustalav. There the priests constructed a temple to the goddess of dreams and disassembled the Dusk Moth, incorporating its parts into a great observatory atop the temple, which they dubbed the Stairs of the Moon. High atop the observatory, during the twilight hour, the faithful enacted a sacred ritual of communion to activate the power of the Dusk Moth, placing them in a heightened dream-state in which they could commune directly with the Song of the Spheres.
Estovion’s Journal
Just Over Two Weeks Prior to the PCs’ Arrival:
It appears that my past has come back to haunt me, in the form of unexpected visitors who
arrived last night. Ostensibly nobles from Courtaud, they bore invitations from Adivion Adrissant
in Caliphas, and Belik admitted them to see me. Their leader, a disturbing man named Auren
Vrood who carried a sinister-looking, twisted homunculus on his shoulder, confided to me that
they were agents of the Whispering Way, come to finally collect the debt I owe them for
helping me with the spirit I discovered at the Stairs so long ago. Vrood “requested” that I
arrange a meeting between him and one of the werewolves of the wood. Though I would prefer
to have nothing more to do with them (for my youthful indiscretions were just that), I saw no
choice but to acquiesce to their demands, lest they reveal my secrets to the Palatine Council.
As Mathus is my sole ally among the packs, I will speak to him and arrange a meeting, and
hopefully I can wash my hands of this whole sordid affair.
Two Weeks Prior to the PCs’ Arrival:
Vrood and his fellows have returned. Though I made my office available to them, they declined
and requested a meeting with Madame Ivan ja instead. Mathus arrived shortly after and went
straight to Ivan ja’s tower as well. I was somewhat surprised by their choice of location, but I
suppose even necromancers and werewolves have their needs. I spoke briefly with Mathus after
the meeting, but he was unusually withdrawn and gave no hint of what was said at the meeting.
Two Days Prior to the PCs’ Arrival:
A grave threat has befallen the Shudderwood, and I fear its origins lie at Ascanor. Unknown
forces, almost certainly agents of Vrood and the Whispering Way, have attacked the Stairs,
butchered Kvalca Sain, and stolen her heart for some dark purpose. Although their motives remain
a mystery, this single act has thrown the entire hierarchy of the Shudderwood’s packs into
disarray and violence.
I know that it is customary when a packlord dies for her successor to consume the fallen
packlord’s heart. With Sain’s heart gone, the position of packlord shall fall to whoever can claim
the title, either by recovering the lost heart, or more likely through force, by slaying the leaders
of the four rival tribes and adopting the surviving wolves into his own pack.
Mathus has spoken with me before of his desire to become packlord, and I now wonder if his
secret meeting with Vrood was the impetus behind these events. Without Sain’s heart, however, I
doubt the other tribes will accept Mathus as their leader. He might find allies with the Sczarni
or the Broken Ones, but the Vollensag and Jezeldans will never bow to his rule.
Mathus’s concerns doubtlessly lie with his pack, not with me, however, and I worry my
alliance with the Mordrinacht shall soon be forfeit. I fear greatly for the safety of the lodge,
for if Mathus moves to take Highthrone without Sain’s heart, or if it becomes known that his
ascendance is due to the Whispering Way’s interference, civil war will soon erupt among the packs
of the wood, with Ascanor caught in the middle.
"Well done, Tara and Vivian." Pontia skims over the text and the intact notes while Nic works on the partially-burned journals. She looks up from the assembled fragments, grim resolve in her voice. "We had best have words with Madame Ivanja before she can depart."
That lock was trikyier that I supposed. Someone doesn't want to be disturbed...
"Fortunately, they didn't anticipate someone with your skills doing the disturbing."
Skimming through the semi-ruined notes, Tara's expression falls grim. "This doesn't sound good. It sounds like the Estovion has gotten himself wrapped up with the Whispering Way. We have to save him, fix the stairs, and one of us will have to eat a heart?"
Looking pale Tara nods at Pontia, "That sounds like the best coarse of action. She could certainly tell us what this Mathus and Vrood talked about, and where they could possibly be heading. If Mathus has to turn to the Sczarni," Tara spits after saying the word, "travel will become more expensive and dangerous."
Skimming through the semi-ruined notes, Tara's expression falls grim. "This doesn't sound good. It sounds like the Estovion has gotten himself wrapped up with the Whispering Way. We have to save him, fix the stairs, and one of us will have to eat a heart?"
Niculaie raises an eyebrow. "That sounds ... messy. And disgusting, completely disgusting. Are you suggesting that one of us should try to take over the werewolf packs?"
Looking pale Tara nods at Pontia, "That sounds like the best coarse of action. She could certainly tell us what this Mathus and Vrood talked about, and where they could possibly be heading. If Mathus has to turn to the Sczarni," Tara spits after saying the word, "travel will become more expensive and dangerous."
"Hmmm. I wonder if there is any connection between our dominated or possessed friend Corvin and Madame Ivanja. Perhaps he paid her a visit for something more than a Harrow reading, and she was able to exert some control over him from that encounter?"
Gregor and Doro wander for a bit before finally coming across a maid. After getting the descriptions, she shakes her head. Sure, I know who you are talking about, but I haven't seen them come down yet this morning. Maybe they are sleeping in?"
Doro scowled. Do you happen to know what rooms they are in and where I can find them?
The maid takes you up to the rooms, but no one is answering. She takes a peak inside, ""Housekeeping", then looks at the two newcomers and shrugs. "No one here."
Assuming you return to the main floor, eventually the others do come down (again, I assume).
Doro moves to sit in a chair where he can see the stairs coming down and waits patiently. He motions for Gregor to join him. No reason to have any distress, eventually they will come down those stairs
I've heard the sentence "eat your heart out", but never litteraly. That's not something I'm looking forward too.
With Tara's stomach rumbling loudly, the cleric looks embarrassed. "Maybe we should go get some provisions, and we can see if we can arrange a meeting with Madame Ivanja? That could give us a lead, or at the very least some sort of direction." wringing her hands together, Tara looks between everyone, before gathering up her things. "And maybe we should send word to Judge Daramir to let her know what is going on?"
Pontia shakes her head, lips compressed into a thin line. "We already lost Estovion, and I don't want to take the chance that we'll miss Ivanja." Her expression softens. "We can have a big breakfast after we're done."
"My late uncle always said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day," Niculaie muses. "But I agree, our investigation is urgent, all the more so as our adversary has probably realized that we are onto him. Or her. I am inclined to push forward."
Doro and Gregor finally see their group coming down the stairs.
"Let's go see Madame Ivanja." Pontia leads the way.
Doro sees the the group coming down the stairs and stands up approaching them saying Nice to see you again Tara, Vivian. Judge Daramir said we'd find you here. This Gregor. Our purposes have aligned at the moment.
They see the Half Orc, fully armored in Full plate with a sword and mace hanging from his belt. Several daggers are on the other side. The Holy symbol representing Iomedae is prominently displayed hanging outside his armor. The Tabard he wears identifies him as a defender of Lastwall.
Pontia is a tall, slender woman with short dark hair. She wears plain but well-tailored and comfortable-looking robes, and the only weapon she has at the moment is a sheathed dagger on her belt. Her initial reaction to the half-orc's greeting is frustration, but at the judge's name she relaxes a little. "Our purposes have aligned, is it? Well, you come highly recommended, at least. Come along, then. We've no time to lose. And if you see Judge Daramid before the rest of us, tell her she sent us into an incipient war." She gives a quick smile. "By the way, I'm Pontia Canario." With that, she sweeps off down the hallway.
You head out to the out buildings occupied by Madame Ivanja and her "friends". Once you are announced, she has you ushered in.
"How can I help you?"
Doro walks in and looks around hand on the handle of his mace. Letting one of them who have met Madam Ivanja speak
"The lycanthrope clans of the Shudderwood are on the brink of conflict, fomented by...those the professor stood against. We'll speak more about this later, when we have some privacy."