Cassiel doesn't even hesitate in giving his reply.
"Not it."
Judah figured he wouldn't be picked for the job either. He chuckled at Cassiel's enthusiastic reluctance and went to sit on the front stoop, pulling his cloak down against the harsh morning light. He leaned back against a railing and was asleep before he could stop himself. He couldn't help it. The sunlight was surprisingly relaxing and he'd been awake for days.
Ella bites her tongue, eyeing the others. I certainly know my way around a library...but it seems as though Mr. Endronil and Mr. Kohlheim have a much better sense of what we're looking for.
"Mr. Kohlheim, and Mr...Endronil," she says, managing to avoid sighing. "If only two of us can enter, it seems that the two of you are likely the best equipped to do the research we need." She tries not to look too disappointed.
"Is there anything that Sir Hawke, Mr. Locke, and I can do while you work?"
"With pleasure, and please, call me Lorant. In the meantime, I suggest meeting with the Sheriff while Mathus and I are here. Even if we don't involve him in these investigations, it would do to keep him informed."
He leans in a little closer and lowers his voice.
"For if we fail, he and his militia may be the only defense this town has against whatever dark things were unleashed at Harrowstone..."
Now Now Lorant - lets not jump to conclusions, we already did that with the whole vandalism thing. Some minor haunting perhaps... haha, Mathus proclaims though his laughter is nervous and a bit weak.
Maybe they could also stop by that Priest, Grimhollow? Grimbarrow?, and find out more on how Petros died and where they found the body? Maybe there are some clues around, also build a relationship so that we can use their archives later.
Now let me see... we have their names, or at least their monikers. Splatterman, Lopper, Mosswater Marauder, Father Charlatan and the Piper of Illmarsh - maybe that will help?
Ella nods. "Very well. We can stop by the sheriff's first, and then find this priest you speak of. Coming, Mr. Hawke?" Unless anyone has anything else to add, Ella heads out, and nudges Judah with her foot to rouse him. "Mr. Locke, the others have asked that we contact the sheriff and the local priest. Would you care to accompany us?"
"When you've walked in the places between the darkness and light as long as I have, you learn you can never be too careful, walking in those shadows. These townsfolk are already scared because of what happened to Petros, and he died protecting them from this threat. If what we face was strong enough, or cunning enough, to kill a man who was mentor to each of us...I...I truly hope you're right, Mathus. But I reserve the right to say "I told you so," if we find some monstrous spook behind this."
He looks back at the clerk, then at Mathus again.
"I'll follow your lead, Mathus."
Cassiel stifles a yawn. "I suppose I can accompany you."
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Those working in the library will need to make a Knowledge (history) or Knowledge (local) for each prisoner. Researching a prisoner takes a full day for each. You do get a +2 bonus on all checks made in the library. If you desire, you can double-team it and each of you research a different prisoner, but in that case, you cannot make aid another checks.
Are the rest of you off to see Sheriff Caeller?
Judah grunted and looked around. "Huh? Yeah, sure. Wherre are we going?"
Lorant looks to Mathus.
"We need to investigate The Splatter Man first. It may give us some insight to why the monument was vandalized."
Agreed. You lead and I'll locate the tomes and search for references that I can give to you
Aid Another for Lorant (History - Untrained but with Library to help)
Outside
"We're off to see a wizard about a horse," Ella deadpans. "No, not a wizard. The sheriff. Mr. Endronil and Mr. Kohlheim are conducting the investigation, so it falls to the rest of us to alert the local constabulary to the strange business going on in town."
She comes up short as they descend the steps of the town hall, and glances at Cassiel. "Er...do you know where we'd find this sheriff?"
How the crap did I agree to go see the goddamn Sheriff? I really need to get some sleep. I'm starting to act stupid.
Judah stayed slightly behind the others and let them do the talking, trying not to look nervous.
Lorant wastes no time, starting with the records closest to the year of the Fire, paying close attention to prison transfers and arrivals. Ravengro WAS built to service the Prison and its staff, so it would only stand to reason that anything important that happened there would have been recorded here...
Lorant wastes no time, starting with the records closest to the year of the Fire, paying close attention to prison transfers and arrivals. Ravengro WAS built to service the Prison and its staff, so it would only stand to reason that anything important that happened there would have been recorded here...
[dice=Knowledge (History)]1d20+7
That's 20 with my aid another. 22 with library.
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Ella clears her throat, though she remains poised. "Good afternoon, Sheriff Caeller. My name is Eleanora Olexina, and these are my companions, Mr. Locke and Mr. Hawke." She takes a brief moment to consider the perils of traveling with companions whose names rhyme, then hopes the sheriff didn't notice and plunges ahead. "We were all called into town for the funeral of Professor Lorrimor; we're beneficiaries of his will, in which he also asked that we look after his daughter Kendra for the next month or so. We've come to you because we believe there is some...some sort of mischief, or trouble going on in the town. Are you aware that one of the town's monuments was smeared with blood the night before last?"
What, nothing to say this time?
Bah. He's too old for you in any case.
Cassiel gives the sheriff a courtesy nod.
All we're missing now is somebody from the Barrel family. That's when things'll get interesting.
"Sheriff, I've little reason to believe that Ms. Olexina is mistaken on this--I can vouch for her as a paladin of Iomedae."
** spoiler omitted **
Lorant gives Mathus a stern, "I-told-you-so," sort of look.
"It seems we've two likely explanations as to what's going on, neither of them good. Either Professor Feramin has returned from the grave to continue his spree...or we have a copycat planning on replicating his murders. Given the Whispering Way's involvement that we're already aware of, I'm more inclined to think the former."
Mathus seems intimidated by the prospect.
It may be as you say but that is a terrible thing indeed. My bet would then be on the copycat rather than a ghost - ghosts are insubstantial, they couldn't spread blood around.
Still - that was a bit of luck that we were able to track down the documents needed to get this information - a job well done. I say we repair to the Laughing Demon, or maybe to the other inn in town for a drink - something bracing to steel the heart!.
Ella bites her lip in exasperation Maybe Judah was right that this was a bad idea.
"As you say, sir," she says out loud, "It's probably nothing. Still...some friends of mine heard a local story about someone named the 'Splatter Man?' A criminal held in the local prison many years ago? Apparently his crimes had something to do with blood and names...we were worried, though we haven't found out much about him yet, that this might be a copycat. And if so...people might be in danger. So we thought it best to inform you."
Mathus seems intimidated by the prospect.
It may be as you say but that is a terrible thing indeed. My bet would then be on the copycat rather than a ghost - ghosts are insubstantial, they couldn't spread blood around.
Still - that was a bit of luck that we were able to track down the documents needed to get this information - a job well done. I say we repair to the Laughing Demon, or maybe to the other inn in town for a drink - something bracing to steel the heart!.
"Ghosts are insubstantial, yes. They can also turn ordinary people into their puppets if need be. I'm old enough that very little in this fog-shrouded land surprises me."
He stretches.
"I'm gonna need some stronger coffee for this investigation. Maybe I can get my hands on some of that Qadiran stuff."
What is it with you and coffee? I think I am going to need something far stiffer than coffee. Some local spirits for sure.
Ella sighs, barely bothering to hide her irritation this time. "Of course, sir. You're probably right--in fact, I hope you are. I'm sorry for having troubled you." Unless one of her companions stops her, she heads outside with them.
"Well that was next to useless," she growls once they're safely out of the building. "What good are constables if they won't respond to crimes?! Cat dirt." Apparently that's a swear word, for her. "Well, we've plenty of time before Mr. Endronil and Mr. Kohlheim are done with their research...is there anything either of you can think of that would be a useful way to spend our time?"
"Do we know what the professor was doing up at the old prison?"
"Hm. You know, I'm not sure that was actually mentioned--only that his suspected murderers are this," she glances quickly around to make sure they won't be overhead, "cult called the Whispering Way. Mr. Hawke, do you have any idea?"
What is it with you and coffee? I think I am going to need something far stiffer than coffee. Some local spirits for sure.
"My insomnia makes me a nocturnal man, but daylight is when people feel safest, and are thus likelier to answer questions. Nothing says 'bad omen' like a stranger knocking on your door at the witching hour."
"If I had to guess, the Professor wanted to know what the Whispering Way was up to. He got too close, and they silenced him." Cassiel sighs as they leave the Sheriff's office. "As to how we can kill time, I could at least catch up on my exercises."
Well speaking as a medical man, I think a stiff drink can do wonders to settle mind and reduce anxiety. All this talk of ghosts has me a little... well, err feeling out of sorts.
"Really? And it has nothing to do with the fact that you've spent all day hanging out with a 'spawn like me?"
"That would make sense," Ella says pensively. "But it doesn't seem wise to go investigating the prison just yet...not without the others."
She turns to Judah. "I'm afraid I'm not much of a martial bent, Mr. Locke; but if you have no desire to join Mr. Hawke in his exercises either, we could perhaps spend the afternoon with Kendra and do some research in the Professor's library into that pyramid you wear around your neck." She smiles slightly. "It's unlikely that we'd find anything, of course, but I did promise my help."
"Really? And it has nothing to do with the fact that you've spent all day hanging out with a 'spawn like me?"
Partially, Mathus admits candidly, but I reconciled myself to that the other day. If anything I respect your scholarship... worthy as any I worked with when I studied in Absolom... but just... errr... the prospect of dealing with ghosts does not fill me with confidence. I've had troubling experiences with the undead not too long ago and even now I can still trepidation - frankly the thought of having to face down the undead makes me feel, well, weak kneed.
Judah smiles, a little mirth seeping into his red-rimmed eyes. "Thanks, luv. I appreciate any help I can get. Lets go."
"Really? And it has nothing to do with the fact that you've spent all day hanging out with a 'spawn like me?"Partially, Mathus admits candidly, but I reconciled myself to that the other day. If anything I respect your scholarship... worthy as any I worked with when I studied in Absolom... but just... errr... the prospect of dealing with ghosts does not fill me with confidence. I've had troubling experiences with the undead not too long ago and even now I can still trepidation - frankly the thought of having to face down the undead makes me feel, well, weak kneed.
"I'm flattered, Mathus. My own teachers in Lastwall found me stubborn and provincial. Cas finds his faith in Iomedae easily, and that is no bad thing, but the Inheritor is only one goddess among many. You pray to her for swift justice when you've been wronged, for the strength of will to do what's right, but she can't comfort a scared, crying child, quiet the rage of a risen spirit, or see what lies beyond the starry horizon. Coffee may keep me awake, but it is faith in the Goddesses that helps me stand strong, even on the darkest of nights. I've owed them my life right from the very beginning, after all..."
Lorant trails off, tracing the Pharasmin spiral across his chest.
"Come, let's get those drinks."
Ella leads Judah into the library and, taking a deep breath, begins to pull books of the shelves and flip through them, skimming tables of contents and indices for anything that looks useful...
Lorant has a seat and waves Zokar over while he and Mathus await the others.
"Evening, Zokar. I'll take the corpse chowder tonight, please, and Mathus here needs a liquid ghost or three."
Or something stiffer. Any local brandies available ?
Judah was trying to keep in good spirits, but it was clear that his body was simply failing him. He slumped in his chair when they all gathered at the inn and he poked at his food listlessly. "I... think I have to rest, folks. I was hoping not to be in town when I finally gave out, but I don't think I can make it another night."
"I got somethin' to to tell you first, and I'm hoping you can come up with some idea of what I should do, 'cause I'm kinda at a loss."
"When I fall asleep, bad things happen. Things. Kinda literally. I thought I was being followed by goblins or something at first, but they're too... weird for that. Some of them have wings. Or leave trails of slime. I only see them if I happen to wake up, but I know they're around 'cause they leave me presents. Y'know, like cats do. Corpses. Usually just birds or rats, but there was a horse once, and back in Kaer Maga there was even a person. That's why I left. I didn't want to endanger anyone else. I've been trying to stay out of population centers until now."
"That's why I haven't been sleeping. I try to hold it off as long as I can, but I've been doing it for so long now, that I can only go for two or three days before I just pass out. It happened at the sheriff's earlier when I nodded off for a bit. I'm pretty sure something was out there, but they don't like daylight much, so I didn't see 'em. I can just kinda... feel 'em when I wake up and they're around."
"I know it sounds crazy, but I swear I ain't making this up. I don't want t' fall asleep, wake up, and have someone dead."
This is pretty much entirely roleplay stuff that you can use or not if you like.
Basically, why Judah falls asleep he sometimes unconsciously uses his Summon Monster ability. Everything he summons lasts for 1 minute, has the Entropic Creature template (so they're really weird), and are Chaotic Neutral. They aren't outright hostile, but they are hungry and unpredictable. Their primary goal is to serve and protect Judah, but lacking any higher intelligence or commands they do that in the same way animals do, which is to treat him something like they'd treat their own young, so they stand guard and bring him "food."
Lorant blinks, genuinely surprised.
"And I thought I was the weird one."
As a doctor I can suggest various herbs that act as stimulants but those will cease to work eventually.
I do think there is an apothecary in town - we could see what she has.
But as for the rest of it? Eeeerrr... what is your method of handling this? Sleeping in the woods alone when you can't handle this anymore?