Meenak blinks back at Lorant's question, looking up at Kibbi and back to the larger being. Finally, he snaps his clawed fingers as if recalling something. "Yes, yes, you big races can't see him. Meenak forgets sometimes. Kibbi is Meenak's Juju familiar. Meenak summoned him many years ago - trying to exorcise an angry spirit from a Swampscale burial cavern. Meenak did it... but forgot how to do it again. Juju is poorly documented... Professor taught Meenak how to take good notes, Meenak taught him Juju. Better notes... but Meenak still can't do the ritual again. Kibbi is helpful... but noisy. Kibbi! Say hello!"
As if on command, a strange series of whispers emanates from near Lorant's shoulder, though it's audible to all present. The whispering sounds like coherent speech, but the volume and tone make it exceptionally difficult to understand. At best, it sounds like some sort of ominous greeting. Meenak watches for a moment, before tracing some trail back to his own shoulder and nodding. "Meenak won't get killed. Meenak needs to find if any undead are running around. Meenak knows how to track undead back to it's source!" he proclaims, claws on his hips and looking fairly proud of himself. "Meenak can also ask the rats. They know lots, usually."
Lorant's eyebrow quirks up at Kibbi's greeting. It wasn't something he could see or hear, but he definitely felt its presence. He smiles a little knowingly at Meenak's mention of the rats.
"Your confidence is encouraging, Meenak, but at the same time, so was Petros'. Golarion already lost one good man to this mess, it doesn't need to lose two...or three, or whatever. I promise, we'll go with you to Harrowstone to see what's going on. But I don't think we should rush up there until we know more ABOUT Harrowstone. What it was, who was there. At the very least, we should see about attaining those items Petros mentioned in his journal, in that false crypt. I'm sure Father Grimburrow would agree to it if we asked politely."
Huh. So this 'Kibbi' is kinda sorta real...
Cassiel pinches the bridge of his nose. "Could we discuss this tomorrow, at least? We've got quite a few things to take care of, and I think we could all use a night's rest after today..." He glances over at Kendra before turning back to everyone.
I... I agree Cassiel - we could all use a good nights sleep. Rather than have Kendra cook for us or us making a mess of her kitchen, perhaps we could all eat in one of the towns taverns tonight?
Meenak frowns as everyone around him seems more content to wait and study rather than get things done. His tail quickly comes to a stall and stops swishing, as he frowns a bit. "...grrr... fine. Meenak will wait. But Meenak will not leave Professor's warren if Professor's hatchling stays here." he conceded, but declared with authority on the subject of Kendra. Evidently, he was intent on taking Lorrimor's request with the utmost intensity.
"Meenak has to set up traps! Fortify the snarl with defenses. Professor wanted Meenak to look out for his hatchling, and Meenak shall! Meenak will find place to sleep eventually. Meenak feeds himself. Besides, Meenak doesn't trust the locals - they wanted to stop us earlier, we should keep them out!"
Lorant smiles, mouth closed this time. He liked Meenak.
"That's because we were strangers to them, Meenak. These are simple people, with simple fears. There are many villages across Ustalav just like this one. My own home of Grayce is one. For many of them it's the only world they'll ever know. So when strange people like us appear, and we are quite strange, at the behest of a man they feared was involved in something sinister, which he technically was, if only by trying to stop it, they're naturally going to be afraid, and when people are afraid, they can make rash or stupid decisions. We're going to be here a while, so we should take the time to get to know them, become less strange to them, show them we're worthy of their trust. We do that, and we can investigate Harrowstone without trouble, and count on them to protect Kendra while we're there. Besides, what if Kendra wants to join us for supper? Traps won't protect her if she's out and about with us, and I'm sure she knows where to find Ravengro's finest local delicacies."
He shrugs as he speaks, then looks to Kendra with a wink.
"Meenak has to set up traps! Fortify the snarl with defenses. Professor wanted Meenak to look out for his hatchling, and Meenak shall!"
Cassiel gives Meenak an annoyed look. "Iomedae knows that the last thing Kendra needs is to catch a bolt in the face from a tripwire when she gets up in the middle of the night to take a s$%!..." He grumbles to himself. Still, his devotion to her is something to applaud.
"Anyway, Lorant's got a point--we should be on nothing less than our best behaviour while we're here. Iomedae knows I'm not interested in running into another mob of angry locals while chasing a bunch of shady necromancers."
Meenak quirks an eyebrow at the rest of the group, before frowning and shaking his head. "Meenak knows fear. Swampscales are kobolds. Kobolds trust nobody... especially dead nobodies. Meenak knows what that's like... it means they might be plotting stuff. But... Meenak not interested in picking fights. Yet. Bad idea. Never play fair agains-- KIBBI! Leave the grumpy face alone!" As he spoke, an unintelligible whispering has been sounding slightly in Cassiel's ear, which ceases immediately at Meenak's reprimanding.
Meenak traces an invisible trail around the room for a bit, before focusing back. "Anyways, Meenak isn't worried about locals. They're scared, which means they'll be too busy plotting to bother us. Meenak is more concerned with the dark energies of this warren." As he spoke, the kobold walked around to the various entrances of the room, opening a pouch at his waist and taking out some white powder. He starts to line each doorway with a trail of it - closer inspection reveals it's actually common salt!
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Kendra regards Meenak with a mixture of compassion and fear, but her voice is without malice. "You are a mighty shaman, little one. Would you accompany me to the tavern for dinner?"
Turning to the others, she says, "The Laughing Demon is our only tavern to speak of. It's proprietor, Zokar Elkarid is a jovial sort who will kid you about the food. It isn't top-quality, but it is edible and tasty.
"If you desire to research Harrowstone further, you are welcome to use our family library. There are three other locations you can try, but the townsfolk may require convincing before they permit you access. The town hall has a records room. The Temple of Pharasma has their own records they may let you peruse, and the Unfurled Scroll is a possibility."
"To the Laughing Demon, then!" Lorant says with a smile.
Somewhat spooked by the fact that Lorrimor appears to have befriended some sort of wolf or vsampire hybrid and a common kobold perks up and nods approvingly at the salt that is being laid down.
Not sure of the effectiveness but all the folk lore points to this being an effective barrier against supernatural forces
Cassiel almost jumps when Meenak barks at him--or, more specifically, the spirit familiar chattering in his ear.
...I'm not THAT grumpy, am I?
"Eh... I suppose it couldn't hurt." Cassiel shrugs as Meenak sprinkles salt in front of the house. "Now, come on--I'm hungry and could go for a cold ale right now."
He carefully steps over the threshold of the Lorrimor home, being careful not to disturb the salt.
"Er--which way to the Laughing Demon?" He asks, turning back to the rest and scratching his head.
"Lead the way, Kendra." Lorant says, clapping Cassiel on the back.
Interesting name - even ominious, the Alchemist thinks.
I am famished and dinner would be welcome. After that I would be happy to get to grips with your fathers library, and maybe look into that crypt.
"Lead the way, Kendra." Lorant says, clapping Cassiel on the back.
"Ow." Cassiel deadpans.
Meenak nods back to Mathus, closing the satchel on his waist. "It does... if used by the right kobold. One of Meenak's clutch mates saw Meenak use it and tried to himself..."
At praise from Kendra, Meenak stares at her for a moment, motionless, before slapping his tail on the ground and placing his claws on his waist, as if triumphant in something. "Meenak IS mighty shaman! Meenak will keep Professor's Hatchling safe!" he proclaimed, apparently figuring out the simple concept of "Protecting Kendra = proper respect" and deciding to roll with it. "Meenak will follow Hatchling so she can feed! Let's find food!"
"That's the spirit!" Lorant crows.
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Kendra leads the group down the road to the tavern. As promised, the proprietor greets you with a broad smile. "Good evening, friends." He spreads his arms wide. "Please, be seated. Can I offer you something to drink? Perhaps a liquid ghost?" There seems to be a plethora of available seating, and those who sit in the seats that are occupied pay no mind to you.
"Good evening to you, Mr. Elkarid!"
Lorant ushers the group to a table close to the bar.
"Do you have any coffee, Mr. Elkarid?"
Meenak stays relatively close to Kendra as the travel, keeping close eye on anything and anyone who comes near. On arriving at the tavern, Meenak hides quietly behind Kendra. This Elkarid seemed like too nice of a fellow... if Meenak knew one thing, it's that openly nice folks are rare, and probably plotting something.
Or perhaps that was just the kobold mindset. Trust nobody. Especially if they seem nice.
As the group selects a table, Meenak quickly darts underneath, taking refuge and peering out at the surrounding folks. Looking up at the owner, he squints. I bet he's poisoned the food. With ghosts! He said so himself, it's liquid ghosts! After a moment of glaring up at Mr. Elkarid, Meenak huffed a little... "...roasted peasant. What Kibbi? ...are you sure? No, peasant sounds right... Meenak doesn't want to look stupid. ...grrr, fine. Pheasant? Roasted pheas- grr, just cooked birds."
After a moment and a swipe at the air, he hissed before adding, "Please."
"Liquid ghost? What's that?" Cassiel asks, taking a seat at the bar.
"Meenak... you can stop hiding under the table. He's not going to hurt you." The paladin whispers as the kobold darts under the table.
All things considered though, he's probably only allowed in because we're with him...
Mathus recoils at the mention of the beverage, looking side to side involuntarily before fixing a humourless gaze on the tavern keeper.
G...Ghost? Liquid ghost? You are surely playing some sort of cruel joke?
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"Coffee? Pheasant? Such mundane tastes. Very well, I will bring roasted crow for your pet." He gives an exaggerated wink at Cassiel. "I might be able to scrounge up some coffee," he says to Lorant. At Mathus' suggestion, he gives a deep, rolling laugh. "A joke? Of course, young master! It is all a joke."
"I should have warned you," Kendra says. "Zokar has a wry sense of humor."
"Today's specials," Zokar smiles, "Are vampire steaks, wolfballs, and corpse chowder."
"Um--he's not actually my pet, sir." Cassiel cringes and looks down at Meenak, still under the table. "Really sorry about this, Meenak."
"Vampire steak sounds interesting. I think I'll have one of those."
Lorant laughs along with Mr. Elkarid. He liked this guy.
"A vampire steak for me, please! Nice and red!"
"-!? Meenak is no pet! Meenak is a mighty shaman! And Meenak doesn't have mundane taste! Meenak eats just fine!" the kobold protested from his spot under the table. He doesn't seem inclined to move from his spot beneath. Meenak isn't going to help him if monsters try to eat him. That'll show him!
Scowling up at Zokar, Meenak sits with a grump as he looks up at Cassiel. "Meenak likes it down here. Darker. Too bright up there. Hurts Meenak's eyes. And birds are fine. Meenak never gets to eat birds. Rare and tasty."
"Meenak likes it down here. Darker. Too bright up there. Hurts Meenak's eyes. And birds are fine. Meenak never gets to eat birds. Rare and tasty."
Cassiel sighs. "Alright... fair enough." He sits and waits for Zokar to bring out their meals, handing Meenak his dish when it comes.
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Zokar returns after a short while, carrying several plates. He sets a plate of cooked pheasant on the table, followed by two plates of cooked meat served on wooden skewers. He also presents a coffee to Lorant. "And what will you be having, Miss Kendra?"
"Chowder for me, please, Zokar, and water."
"Aye, Miss. And what will the rest of you require to drink? We've liquid ghost, blood wine, darkwater ale, and water."
"Hah!" Lorant barks at the sight of the meal.
"Steaks on stakes! Clever! Do you have cream and honey, Zokar? May I call you Zokar? I'm Lorant, Lorant Endronil, a friend of Kendra's late father."
He extends his hand to the jolly barman.
Cassiel arches an eyebrow at Lorant's boisterous nature.
Huh... I'd have thought a man with one foot in the grave would be more somber than this.
He picks up a steak skewer and starts munching on it. "I'm Cassiel Hawke--paladin of Lastwall."
Mathus is put off by the grizzly nature of the names but orders a steak himself - hoping that it is a good omen. He is relieved to see the meal in its current form and gives a small sigh.
Unlike Lorant, the alchemist and fledgling undead hunter is not so forth coming and jovial.
Very good is all the commentary he provides on the meal, ordering a plain glass of small beer for his beverage.
Before anyone can touch it, the plate holding the cooked pheasant suddenly lifts off the table, slowly creeping through the air and lowering itself down to the floor. A pair of black claws snap out and grab hold of the plate, pulling it in.
After a moment, the sound of growls and gnashing rise from under the table, followed by a hiss as if trying to scare something off. Before long, the chewing is replaced by a content grumble (along with what sounds like a hiccup).
"...Meenak is a mighty shaman of the Swampscale tribe." Apparently, he's grown fond of that title.
How bizarre, Mathus thinks.
How are you Meenak? Are you ok down there?
Mathus turns to the others.
As I understand it the Knights of Ozem also guard the borders of Ustalav and patrol around Gallowspire - hunting the undead. Tell me, do you have any experience with that?
He speaks quietly so as not to spook the other diners.
Lorant tears into the meat almost a bit too enthusiastically, but after he finishes the first few bites he seems to calm down, turning to mixing his coffee.
"Experience? It's what I trained for in Lastwall. Some might call me an inquisitor, but that seems a bit formal considering I'm not a member of any one single church. I venerate the Goddesses and they reward my faith. Iomedae strengthens my sword-arm, that I may strike down evil. Andoletta steels my shield, that I may protect the innocent. Desna speeds my steps and sharpens my senses for the hunt. And Pharasma's power returns the dead to where they belong."
Meenak grumbled a little, before the plate filled with bones levitates back up and sets down on the table with a *plunk*.
"Meenak likes it down here. Less light. Now food. Meenak is happy." Meenak peers out cautiously from underneath the table to spy Zokar. "...Meenak wants to know about Harrowstone."
Harrowstone - Yes... I think we all do.
Maybe the innkeeper can help us with the basic questions and we can ask around town after that. Finally we could check the town records - if they have any, Mathus says, in an analytical manner as he holds up fingers in turn to emphasise the steps.
The problem is that there are so many questions that we have in front of us. Lets all focus on Harrowstone for now. Then I suggest we go back to the Professors Journal for our next step we should take. Investigation, information - that is key! By knowing what we face we are better prepared.
Cassiel quietly eats his steak skewers, listening to the others talk.
"Copper for your thoughts, Kendra? You're the local here, you must know at least the basics," Lorant says, before tearing into another skewer.
Yes Kendra - I am very interested.
Cassiel gives Kendra an interested look. "We need to start somewhere for our investigation--anything you would feel comfortable telling us will be useful."
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"I would think that you should focus on Harrowstone, where father's body was found, and he was investigating and the Whispering Way. What little I can tell you is that Harrowstone is a ruined prison, partially destroyed by fire in 4661. The building has been vacant ever since. About the Whispering Way, I know only that they are a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active for thousands of years."
Would you know if there are any older members of the town who would remember the fire?
Very well. Let us circulate and start asking questions of the town when it comes to Harrowstone. See if we can locate the oldest members of the populace for stories and see if there are any town records we can read - agreed? Lets start tomorrow - night is a grim time for such grizzly business and I confess to being fatigued.
Meenak listens quietly from under the table, audibly snarling at the mention of the Whispering Way. Still, he remains calmly underneath and huffs a little. "Meenak isn't sleepy! Meenak wants to see the crypt Professor was investigating. May be more stuff around... Meenak would like more stuff..."
The graveyard? At night? What if someone sees us?
"If Shiny Eyes doesn't want to go, Meenak will like that. Meenak is a kobold - all kobolds are good at hiding. And Meenak can see in the dark. Would be better if Meenak went alone."
The kobold peered out from underneath the table, looking up at Mathus from between his legs with those yellow serpentine eyes. "Meenak isn't scared. If Professor went there before going to Harrowstone, and Professor died at Harrowstone, the crypt must be safe, yes? Professor mentioned 'stuff' in his journal. Meenak wants the 'stuff'."
Cassiel lowers his head in thought.
Hmm... the Whispering Way is a cabal of necromancers... necromancers do evil s&## with corpses... graveyards are often filled with corpses... AHA!
He looks up at the rest of the team and nods. "Sure, I'm up for it." He smirks. "For all I know, the Whispering Way didn't just stop at Harrowstone..."
Mathus sighs. Then shivers.
Fine - you may need me then. I am skilled at entering crypts and opening locks if it should come to it.
"Hang on, I'm all for taking a graveyard shift, but shouldn't we ask permission to inspect the Restlands first? Whatever's in that crypt is technically the church of Pharasma's property, and if we just take it we'd be considered no better than common grave robbers," Lorant says, draining the last of his coffee and setting the mug down.
"Remember, we want the townsfolk to trust us, and in Ustalav having the local clergy on your side can go a long way to earning that trust."