you approach there is a small crowd assembling around the large granite memorial. The statue stands a good 30ft tall resembling a man poised with one hand behind his back and the other tucked in his shirt postured as if waiting for a portrait to be drawn. The base of the statue is covered in moss but has several brass placards with a name inscribed on each one. in the front of the statue just opposite of the river there is a large bloody "V" splattered across the foundation.
Burlee gleefully chugs down the meat and rather large amount of mead with renewed gusto. He takes bites so quickly, in fact, it's hard to tell if he's even breathing through the snarls and smacks of the massacre of fat and meat. He rather outrageously tosses his bones and inedibles on the floor, much to the disdain of any guests or barkeeps. Eventually, he has reached his maximum, licking the plates and the table of any scraps in the most disgustingly literal way imaginable. After 'harrumphing' and belching and patting his engorged belly, he braced himself before rolling off the chair and waddling away from the table, the marks of the Stirge attack still on his armor, and the outline of the beast still marked in blood and bile from his quick maneuver with his axe.
After eating and leaving, he arrived back at the statue, finding Lena there trying to decipher the writing on the monument. After taking a pose of it, like he always did in the presence of stonework for some inane reason, he looked into the placards, deciphering anything it said. He assumed they were names, and that this was a memorial, a sight not-all-too uncommon these days, regaling the lives of those lost in war, attacks or massacres. He then went to the side of the statue and inspected the bloody 'V' on the side of the statue. He ran a finger through it and scraped it off his finger. Someone already buried the cat that was massacred, or at least the remains thereof. He squinted his eyes in the gleaming twilight. There was something familiar about this, all of this. He looked over to Lena. "Oi, Reddy, wut'ya tink thees all beh ov?" He looked back to the 'V' and saw the finger mark smear it. He ran his finger through it again and did the same thing. He circled around to look at the statue, making the pose as he rounded it, and looked at the placards. He had to assume they were names, and that this was a memorial...
The Townsfolk skitter off from the memorial but the party is greeted with several thanks from Sheriff Caeller and for your swift actions in protecting the townsfolk as well as stabilizing ole Miss Weatherby. Vladlena investigates the statue's foundation scribbling down several names of the fallen guardsmen while Norna helps to restore the mess with a little prestidigitation magic. Once all are satisfied the boisterous halfling Bard leads the party towards the town making sure to stop at every out of the way farm house on the path. The collective of residents hesitantly open their doors looking at the halfling as he starts his performance, often slamming the door cursing him for the intrusion. There were still a few that indulged the little man as he danced on their porch unknowingly tapping their feet for a few moments before regaining composure. The party makes their way to the Outward Inn for the lunch promised to Burlee. Sarianna having already heard the drama at the memorial greets the party with free stouts and ample food even compared to Burlee's standards. The patrons are still standoffish but when you make eye contact you aren't met with as many glares and even the occasional nod. The day ends with another storm erupting off in the horizon as you make your way back to the Lorrimor estate. The party is just arriving to the cluttered but welcoming home just as Kendra begins to prepare another feast for her swift acting guardians.
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Norna makes a special point of searching out Jominda Fallenbridge at Jominda's Apothecary, sorrowfully handing over the (cleaned, with prestidigitaion) collar formerly belonging to FeFe, as well as FeFe's remains in the waterproof bag. "I swear to find out who or what did this to FeFe and revenge her, Jominda. But, be comforted that FeFe, like the Professor, is now at peace." Norna continues with some blessings and prayers from the faith of Desna.
Norna enters the musty dim lit store with a door bell jingling as she enters. There are several odd items filling the shelves of this dilapidated store ranging from alchemist essentials to dusty tomes. The floor boards creak from behind a distant counter and suddenly a old crone of a woman emerges slightly hunched over greeting you with surprising hospitality. Welcome child to Jominda's Apothecary, I am Jominda how may I be of service to you today? pausing for a moment she looks at the cleaned collar and water proofed bag, taking a step back she gasps as norna tells her the horrid news. I...I just don't understand! Who would do such a thing to my poor cat. She walks over to the small gnome and takes the collar and bag from her sobbing as she walks back towards the counter with her back turned she speaks up again with broken words. Where did you find her?
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Norna nods with some understanding at Lena's mystification. "Gnomes have a ... connection to animals and nature that few others would understand, and I had hoped to do some good in this sad town by finding her and reuniting her with her family. Yes, 'family': an animal is sometimes the only true family someone has."
~~
"We found her near the desecrated monument this morning, after the sheriff led us there to show it to us. I don't know who or what would do this. Something evil is stalking this city, I believe. Perhaps, as the Professor feared, it has something to do with the Whispering Way, whatever that is." Norna, empathizing with the woman's grief, shares perhaps a little too much information.
Eldon eats his fill, then leaves for bed early. "I feel like tomorrow will be special!" Eldon says before he goes to bed.
Burlee has the strongest desire to tell the old woman the gory details of her cat's death, but Nerno keeps taking center stage. She passes the remains over, and all the dwarf can think of is a freshly slaughtered chicken being handled to this hag. What a waste! He's never had cat before, or maybe he has...he imagined it would be gamey. Sighing with dissatisfaction, he waddles with the group to food. He could ask nothing more from the group as he created minor distractions to pick a good piece they had gotten on their plates. The servants don't seem to like him much, considering the restoration process of a frequently used table will be rather herculean. He pretended to fall asleep with his face on the table, and as everyone left, he picked up whatever scraps he could find and buried them in his gullet. After satisfying himself, he found something much softer this time, and laid in it. It was a small chair in the common room with a pad on it, and in an amazing effort, he was able to balance himself on the cushion and sprawl his limbs over the sides of the chair, so his body resembled that of a wilting flower.
That night, he dreamt of laughter and happiness. Of him playing on the ground with two little ones who crawled around him like ants, trying to take him down. He laughed and thwarted their futile attempts easily. A woman entered, bearing a baby near her chest. She giggled, as she moved a chair, but he quickly got up from his little monsters' assaults and helped her to it. She was weak, but insisted she do it herself. He nodded in guilt, and called the children over. They gathered 'round and smiled, while he kissed his wife's cheek; she smiled weakly. He gathered the food he had prepared, a lavish turkey dinner and started to place the food on the table. He cut pieces off and gave them first to his beloved, then allowed his children to tear it to shreds. He laughed as he gathered what he could before the tiny maws found it. All was well, all was happy, even if it was in a dank, cold room. They continued to talk and laugh, but in this dream, it was mute. Like a silent movie, you saw the children describing their day, and their mother smiling about it, yet no sound was heard at all. He watched in amazement; he felt like he's seen this before and that he knew it by heart. Then, like thunder from the sky, came a series of knocks. He adjusted his glasses, and flattened his robes and arose to the sound. His wife looked anxious, his children, startled by the noise, darted to the table. He shrugged and answered his door. When he opened it, light pierced the gloom and a voice came from it...
He awoke, yawning and stretching. He didn't do well with the chair, considering one of the legs cracked and began to lean inward under his weight. He didn't care, he just felt like eating turkey, and had no idea why.
Jominda's blatant turns to concern as she suddenly turns to the small gnome behind her. She eyes norna up and down for a couple moments before ushering her away from the door, looking up and down the street she closes the door latching the lock behind her. A dark expression dominates her face as she sharply begins to speak. How did you hear about the whispering way? It is important child whom have you spoken to the way about? Come on, Come on speak up I haven't gotten all day! The grief for poor Fefe is all but replaced with utter fear....
Eldon sweats while he sleeps, and stirs in his bed with a pained expression on his face. "No... not Krillin..."
Listen child I know not much of the whispering way but i know they are dangerous dangerous practitioners of the dark arts. While I've been lucky enough to near come across them myself many arent so lucky. Be careful child their agents lurk in plain sight.
With the warning Jominda grabs the bag with FeFe's remains bids you safe travels.
The night continues with the normal routine of heading back to the Lorrimor estate without any instance. The dinner is scrumptious as per Kendra's hospitable way. The night ends with a loud gale beating strongly against the wooden structure. the window panes clammier as the rain beats heavily against them. The wind is howling all throughout the night and a overall uneasy chill rests firmly in the night air. The party tosses and turns throughout the night but awake surprisingly refreshed. The morning sun peeks through the clouds as everyone wakes up.
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The storm didn't bother Heto, nor did it help him. He knew storms meant change and there was enough change nearby for him already. Rising early, he does his morning prayers, and stretches. He even strolls around the outside perimeter of the estate before the others wake, wanting both to feel the storm fresh air in his lungs and to see if anything happened to the estate.
Today we should explore the ruined prison. While it seems that our added presence has helped the town deal with an arrival of violent insects, I can't help but fear that it is our presence is bring that same danger. Also, if we do not head out it would be easy enough to spend 30 days here without investigating anything. At least the storm should have prevented further vandalism...
Heto's thoughts trail off as he enters the house once more looking for the others and a light morning meal... Better grab some extra food for the dwarf to snack on for the day while eating again.
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Norna comes to the breakfast table but takes some time before speaking to, or even properly acknowledging, her companions. While still weakened by the stirge draining, her mind is elsewhere for other reasons, having just communed with the power of her god in a way that she has never done before.
"Should we 'hit the books', as I believe Lena suggested before, or should we go straight to Harrowstone?"
"Kendra, what libraries or sources of information do you know of in this town, besides the Professor's?"
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Lena looks up from her porridge, milk and honey at norna. hitting the books I hope. Information on the prison might be useful. But we should check the shops in town to see whats available. We may not have much money now, but that need not always be the case. Besides, it gives Eldon a chance to impress the yokals...I mean locals with his unspeakable talent.
Kendra standing at the stove is preparing a mound of pancakes on the sizzling cast iron griddle. A few members of the party stumble down stairs as the final touches are being completed. My goodness that storm was so strong last night, I just couldn't keep warm for the life of me. Some morning banter continues among Kendra and her esteemed guests before Norna asks Kendra about the other venues of research. Well Madam Raffereene I'm pretty sure you have already scoured a couple of the more popular archives in town. The town hall and temple have probably the most extensive selections of local history. The Unfurling Scroll is a refurbished schoolhouse and Father used to pester Mr. Ghoroven to look through the Schools old collection from time to time. He can be ornery but Father always found a way to butter him up. rubbing her fingers together with a slight smirk. Coin goes a long way with most people Father always said. Kendra grabs the heaping pile of pancakes and starts to place several on each plate, whipping her hands on her apron she goes back to the stove top and grabs the platter of meats placing them in the center of the table close enough for all too reach. After looking around making sure everything is in place she sits at the table and welcomes everyone to begin eating. If you all venture out to the old prison do try and be home before dusk, We don't need to make Sheriff Caeller's job any harder.
"We could go to The Unfurling Scroll first, then check out the prison? Mr. Ghoroven might provide us with the extra information we need." Eldon puts syrup on his pancakes and starts eating them. "Hmm, they taste good! Almost as good as I'd make them."
oh well how do you make your pan....... Kendra stops herself before finishing the question instantly knowing what can of worms she had opened by asking Eldon a question. She will sigh as she waits for his lengthy response inaudibly cursing herself.
"I'd love to tell you, Kendra. Let me explain how I bake my perfect pancakes." Eldon sits backs, folds his hand, and starts instructing Kendra how to bake perfect pancakes. "I love how pancakes use just basic ingredients as flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, an egg, a little butter, and milk. For my recipe you'll need exactly the amount I'll now tell you... mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar... the temperature as needed. Can also use... lightly brush the pan with melted butter or oil... pour about a quarter of a cup of pancake batter onto the hot pan, spacing the pancakes a few inches apart. When the bottoms... until lightly browned."
Eldon nods, as if confirming his own instructions on baking pancakes, and when everyone thinks he's finished he continues. "Pancakes can be made... What's interesting about pancakes... regional differences...
"Of course, Lena." Eldon jumps off his chair. "Kendra, I'll give you some more instructions when I'm back. Baking pancakes is truly an art. If you ever want to do it as perfect as I, then you'll need proper training."
Eldon moves to the door and unlocks it. "Who else comes with us to The Unfurling Scrolls?" Eldon asks over his shoulder as he steps outside.
Burlee cracked his back and waddled to the table, eating his pancakes that obviously were not turkey-cakes. Eldon was talking. The ramble seemed to never end. In a completely unenthused movement, Burlee stabbed his helpless pancakes and ate all three in one bite, chewing dramatically and casting gazes at the Halfling. Then, the little Reddy spoke of books and reading them. Useless items only good for tinder. He shook his head slowly, and continued to chew the content overfilling his mouth. Finally, the two got up and began to head to the door. They left while Eldon's voice offered anyone to come with them. He knew there were dangers afoot, but he didn't think he could stand the book place. No, he just kept chewing and looking at the others at the table, washing his mouth out with syrup before continuing to chew his excessive bite.
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Noticing that not everyone was jumping to listen to Eldon's tale as they headed towards a store, Heto settles into his chair.
I will stay here I think. Ensure that things run smoothly for Miss Kendra. He nods towards Burlee, although he was really beginning to like the predictability of the man. We will be sure things are prepared for a trip to the prison if you think you will be back soon enough to go today as well.
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Norna pats the too-small lump of change in her purse, "No money for scrolls, sadly, but I suppose I can always look. We haven't properly looked through the Professor's holdings, even, but there is always time for that-" Norna bites her tongue - a little too literally - and winces. "Shouldn't tempt fate or ill luck." She also doesn't like splitting the group, but at least someone, then, will be looking after Kendra, as is their foremost responsibility.
Burlee huffs roughly, thumping his cup on the table. He really didn't feel the need to get up. The snack was tempting, considering his craving for turkey had become almost ravenous, but at the same time, he did not want to go to a room of scrolls and books. He weighed his options and would rather stay here. He grunted.
"Oi, Ah ain' go' no business en a book-playce." He sipped his juice. It wasn't strong enough, he needed something stronger. Orange juice just wasn't enough for the day he felt like he was going to have. He shook his flask he always has on him and took a hit. It didn't taste anything near good, with the orange juice and strong alcohol mixture. Plus, he's not pansy enough to drink his alcohol with a juice chaser, it only dulls the figurative hit.
You are hereby sentenced to live the remainder of your short life in Harrowstone, which, I hasten to add, is a blessing compared to the extent of your crimes and the suffering of your victims. There you will reside in the misery of your thoughts until such a time as you are drawn, hanged, and quartered. May the gods have no mercy on your blighted soul.
The final sentencing of Vance Saetressle ("The Lopper") in 4661 AR by Jurisdeclaris Axenris III
Lecturer, researcher, explorer, adventurer, and most importantly your friend, Professor Petros Lorrimor, is dead. Each of you had received messages calling you to the town of Ravengro in Canterwall County. Ravengro is primarily known for its now-closed prison Harrowstone, which was shut down after a fire.
The Professor's will was read to you, and in it was a promise of 100 platinum to courier several valuable books to a friend of his in Lepistadt. However, before you depart you must remain to watch his daughter Kendra for one month. Kendra has proven to be intelligent if a little prim, and has been gracious enough to share her home with you.
The two days you have been in Ravengro have been busy, if anything. The Professor's journal spoke of a group called the Whispering Way and their interest in Harrowstone, which the Professor was working against until his accidental death. Using clues from his journal and the aid of Father Grimburrow at the local temple, you have uncovered a stash of undead-hunting supplies hidden in a false crypt in the Restlands, the local cemetery.
Strange happenings have also occurred in town. A local cat was killed, its blood used to paint a strange 'V' at a local memorial. As well, giant mosquito-like creatures called stirge have been seen attacking locals.
It is now the morning of your second day here. A variety of potential tasks await you:
- Further research into the things the Professor was investigating - The Whispering Way, Harrowstone, the Five Prisoners, or any other key terms you have come across. Research can be done by using his books, or a variety of people and locations in Ravengro.
- Working with the highly suspicious locals to increase your popularity in town.
- Investigating the strange murder of the cat and desecration of the Harrowstone memorial.
- Visiting local shops such as the Unfurling Scroll.
- Visting Harrowstone itself.
You now all sit around the breakfast table planning for the day. Kendra has arrived with a new guest.
You arrived late to the funeral of the Professor, having been waylaid by a smattering of walking dead while you journeyed through the dangerous wilds of Ustalav. You made your way to his home where you were greeted by his sleepy, but polite daughter Kendra. You have since spoken with her for a couple of hours - she has filled you in on the goings-on in town and shown you the Professor's will. For 100 platinum (a fortune) you have been asked to guard her for a month, and then deliver a book to Lepidstadt.
Kendra steps into the dining room, followed by a burly, well-armed human. She coughs politely to attract the group's attention.
"Ahh... good morning. Nice to see you're all in one piece. So this is Arval - my father's will had several more names in it but many did not make it. Arval was held up on the roads and I believe he's agreed to the terms of the will! So he'll be joining you. That's good! I, uh, I think."
Kendra beams nervously at everyone and takes a step back to let Arval speak.
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Norna wakes up from having, apparently, fallen asleep face first into a small pile of pancakes. Blinking past some berries on her nose, she looks around for an explanation for her predicament: "Was Eldon saying something again?"
Continuing to wake up, she senses that something important has happened, or changed. "I feel out of place, or maybe time, or both, or like I've forgotten something important... Let's see...". The unexpected belch that then came to her lips and the apology in Dwarven that followed both set off a momentary panic - "Don't tell me I'm that dwarf!" - but she quickly searched the table, catching her reflection in the curve of a silver spoon's back: "Goblin?! ... No, no - it's just the spoon. Whew!" (The more-sane reflection from a goblet of water reassured her that her head and facial proportions were goofy, but not hideous.) "Gnome! And ... Female?" she discreetly glanced down, "Yup. And a holy symbol for Desna? Oh good, that's always fortunate."
Norna then stands to greet Arval, thrusting out a small hand, "Hello, sir, my name is ..." "Knorrin- Naurin- Norine- Nora- Noofa-Lumpa-" "Norna! Norna P-h-e-p-e-r-r-a Raffereene. (You'll have to excuse me: Middle names always make me sneeze.) I am your gnome female cleric of Desna, at your service!"
Arval steps in the room after Kendra and managed a tiny bow when she introduced him. "I excuse myself for my late arrival, as was said I was help up on the roads on the way here. Nonetheless I am here to help you "
A small gnome wakes sleeping on a pillow of pancakes and missed the introduction. She stood up and thrust out her small hand. Arval shook her hand and made his own introduction after hers. "You look a bit shaken, bad dreams? I'm Arval Beyondane but you may just call me Arval. The traveling took a bit longer then expected but here I am!" He stifled a laugh at the still half sleeping gnome and smiled. "And so am I at yours."
There were several other people present in the room and he moved to greet every one of them in person.
"Good day to you, Arval!" Eldon politely shakes Arval's massive hand.
I could swear I was at the front door a second earlier... How peculiar...
"My name's Eldon Appleton. I'm a traveling storyteller, who tells people about his epic adventures. It so happens I also know how to bake the perfect pancake, which I just explained to Kendra. Shall I fill you in on this information?"
Regardless of Arval's reply Eldon will repeat the entire process of baking what is, according to Eldon, the perfect pancake. After Eldon finishes his instructions, he will continue to talk about how the region people live in may affect the way they bake pancakes.
"...but of course there's no doubt the recipe I just gave you is the best. It's common sense, you see."
"Hello Eldon, nice to meet you."
Arval takes one of the pancakes Norna slept on and asked. "Is this your making then?" He eats the pancake in a few gulps. "Tastes quite alright."
Arval then remembers something from when he was younger and adds. "I rather have some freshly baked bread though, nothing beats fresh bread" He looks up again and smiles.
"I see you rather like talking, but why talk when there is such a well prepared breakfast laid out, come sit and eat while i greet the others." He grabs another pancake from the gnomes plate and offers it to Eldon. Then he grabs another pancake for himself and gulps it down before greeting the others.
Finally a change from traveling rations.
Burlee, sitting in his chair and looking rather blob-ish, opened his mouth to speak, but instead made a beeline for a heaped amount of food on his plate that surely he had piled on while the company was focused on the human. He chewed noisily, hardly acknowledging the new presence and kinda spacing out. He stabbed his enormous pile of pancakes and opened wide, engulfing the majority in one bite. With cheeks protruding, he looks to Norna, then to Eldon, then to Kendra. He blinks when he notices the new figure. Swallowing hard, he squints his eyes.
"Oi, ya wer'nnae herre 'afore. Or were ya?" He looks to Norna. "Sey yer name t'ree tiemes fest, an' Ah'll give yeh a pencake."
His attention span was clearly on cue.
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Lena looks a litlle confused. wasn't I at the door?
Then she looks at the new human in the house. Then she sees norna with her hair fillied with food and burlee trying to speak with her mouth full and Eldon being...Eldon.
She giggled. Then puts on a serious face.
norna, clean your self up. Burlee don't eat with your mouth full. Er I mean speak. Greetings bigger. I am Vladlena, sorceror and desna follower. Please to met you. Excuse our cleric, she has just had a traumatic cat death experience (don't mention fifi). Burlee is a brain damaged dwarven eating and death machine (he's quite nice apart from that). Heto is just quiet, so quiet he seems to not be in the room and Eldon is our bard (don't let him start a story, really don't, it is amazing how hard we fight to stop him). Sorry im usually more talkative but I am a bit out of sorts at the moment, it's like the universe shifted or something.
These words come out in a flood.
While the group meets for the morning, Kendra is a whirlwind of nervous activity and has repeatedly thanked Eldon for cooking his pancakes of modest, but increasing fame. After Norna recovers from her collapse in her food, Kendra is there to offer a kerchief and a small pot of tea.
"I haven't slept well either. Try this, it will perk you up a bit."
She is also perpetually fussing about Burlee, cleaning up the radius of destruction caused by the dwarf as he devours pancake after pancake.
"So, uh, where do you think you'll be going today?" she asks the group hopefully.
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"Should we first consult the Professor's library, gaining a base of information, or leave that to later tonight? I do believe we should be better armed with knowledge before visiting Harrowstone. Perhaps, Kendra, you may be able to suggest some people or places where we might be able to research the special topics," Norna drops her voice low, "The Whispering Way, Harrowstone (and who all died in the fire), and the Five Prisoners?"
"(I also still wonder - are stirge attacks known or common in these parts? Or, were they drawn by the blood, or by some other means?)"