JZ's Carrion Crown - COMPLETE! (Inactive)

Game Master JamZilla

What the Hell is wrong with you? cries Zokar. He was just a stupid, ignorant man. He was no threat! he looks as though he wants to say more but he is interrupted by his sick son.

He... He just came… <ack!>… apart...

Hush, boy. There's no need for you to see this. says the bespectacled lady, leading him gently away.

He's not sqeamish at the sight of blood, Jominda, it's the act that sickens him! Zokar roars, his moustache bristling.

For the death of Tall Tam, the party loses 6 Trust Points.

Davos walks over to Zokar and Kendra

"Did you know this man Tall Tam? Can you inform any relatives he's got in town of what has happened? I suggest under the circumstances we are in lets not linger any longer with the burial of the professor is that ok with you Kendra?"

Ikkaku calmly wipes his blade clean, he looks at the corpse he just made in his eyes there is no remorse, without saying a word he turns and walks to his place at the coffin and begins to lift it

Markus face still holds shock at what just happened What was that? Desna give me hope this does not end in all out blood shed He then speaks some rites over the body "May Desna grant you luck and safe travel to the grave and Pharasma not judge you so harshly as the one that took your life."

He then stands up taking his robe off and covering the body, then turns to look at the mans killer. "Do you have nothing to say? He was riled up, he was doing no real harm we could have talked this out! I believe in eternal hope through Desna but you there is no hope. You killed him as if he was a fly buzzing in your face." Markus then looks around at the rest. "You jump to fast at abuse and words of angry, you stain the professors name. we could have talked them down." He then shakes his head. "Wh could have talked them down..."

Jon rises from the corpse , looking over at ikkaku and shakes his head
and people call me cold! He is ice

we were not the ones dishonouring the professor Markus , there shouldn't have been blood shed but we all tried to diffuse the situation. Sometimes s@#* just happens, I barely kept my anger in check. And as for him he hikes his thumb in the direction of ikkaku does he look like someone who would back down from a fight, especially in these circumstances, we were lucky there weren't more fatalities. He looks like a natural warrior and in my experience they tend to fight fire with fire

Sebastian turns and strides towards Ikkaku calmly, though on closer instpection his eyes burn with a fury barely held in check. "What a long procession of dead bodies follows the wake of a single living person!" He speaks in a voice that is sad yet cold and hard like the edge of a dagger. "That man was no chalenge to you yet you cut him down like grass! Your craven act has dishonoured the Professor, dishonoured us and dishonoured yourself! If you do not have the wisdom to understand this, then you are a fool as well as a coward! Now, I will not further sully this solemn occasion with continued argument or discussion but when this funeral is over, we will visit the local magistrate and you will answer for your deeds. If you refuse, then you will answer to me!" He turns and walks to Kendra and her family.

"My humble apologies for this disturbing turn of events. That man will pay for what he has done, though it be cold comfort to you and your family."

You think he would have wanted this? Kendra asks, in response to Jon. And then; Thank you Mr Skarsol. to Sebastian.

You hear the pounding of feet on gravel from up the path. Within moments an old man with neatly trimmed white hair, all dressed in black, comes toward the group in a shuffling gait. He is flanked by a pair of younger men in similar dress.

What the Hell is going on here! the old man roars in a thickly accented voice.

The scene is chaos. The Professor’s coffin still lies on the cold ground, the remaining farm hands have huddled together and stare dully at Tam’s body.

That ‘un killed Tam! one of them moans.

Father Grimburrow. These men set upon us on The Eversleep. They wouldn’t allow Father to be buried here. Things got... heated and Mr Ikkaku slayed Tam. Kendra says.

He moves quickly over to the body, unceremoniously shoving Markus out of the way. He bends down and places his hand on the wound, muttering a few words and bathing the body in light.

It’s too late. He’s on his way to Pharasma’s Boneyard now. Dale - he says to one of the acolytes as he stands. Get the Sheriff. Rand - he says to the other; Stay with Tam here until Benjen arrives. The rest of you he levels a bony finger at the remaining farmhands; I know every one of your faces. If I hear that any one of you fled before the Sheriff gets here, you’ll answer to me!

He stands and looks pointedly at the assembled group.

Well. You can explain it all to the Law. But I’m going to get the Professor in the ground. He’s been sitting in Pharasma’s waiting room for a month already and he deserved better than that. I tell you this though, any more blood is spilled in my graveyard, and no one walks away.

He is slightly bent-backed and his arms are thin with age. When he breathes you can hear a slight whistling but there is no doubting the truth of his words.

The procession makes its way along the Eversleep to the gravesite. The hole looks impossibly deep, the headstone leans to one side beside it.

Grimburrow feeds rope through pre-drilled holes in the coffin and hands the ends to several of the party, deliberately bypassing Ikkaku to hand the rope to Davos. He asks you to slowly lower the coffin as he delivers his sermon;

Here and now, dear friends, we are Pharasma’s children.

Amen.

The coffin sits at the bottom of the hole as it slowly fills with water and mud. Each of the mourners take turns to throw a handful of dirt onto the coffin and then Kendra says;

Goodbye Father. Know that I love you with all my heart and that the world is a poorer place without you in it. she stands solemn and straight and you cannot help but be impressed by her resolve and dignity in the face of all that’s happened.

She then turns to the party;

It is customary for the mourners to tell stories and rememberances of the dead. Of course these are our customs so I understand if you do not wish to take part. But if any of you would speak for Father, I know he would be honoured.

If any of you decide to give a eulogy, please roll a diplomacy check in addition.

As the father shoves Markus, he speaks up. "I've tried hes too far gone.." At the Father's orders he rejoins the presession to bury the Professor.

After the Father has giving his last rites to the professor, Markus nods his head at the end, he then steps up wanting to send the Professor off. "I have a few words."He says solemnly.

He stands up in front of everyone scanning the crowd, seeing the killer stand there desecrating the memory of the Professor he shakes his head.

"Thank you Father that was a lovely sermon. I'd like to talk about how the Lorrimor affected my life he was a very passionate man when he would speak about the thing he had found and his plans for the future, he was always looking forward to his next expedition. It never seemed like he was getting old, but only moving on to the next great discovery I only spent a few weeks with him but in that time he taught me to always look a little closer at the world." He smiles a little at the memory. "Desna teaches us travel and adventure the pursuit of finding locales unheard of but often dreamed of, is the true gift in life and Lorrimor had that spirit in him."

He then looks down at his feet. "The world has lost a truly great man. May Desna guide your last travel to the Bone yard of Pharasma." He then steps down, trying to hold back the sadness.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Davos stands there silently remembering how him and the professor used to debate late into the evening on various subjects. After Markus said his goodbye Davos moves over to the coffin grabs a handful of dirt and throws it onto the coffin

"Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge old friend".

Davos then moves back over to the rest of the group

At hearing Sebastian's words Ikkaku turns his head and fixes him with with a gaze but it is almost like he is looking through him, after a few seconds he turns his gaze away staring straight ahead, once the coffin is in the ground the stern look that Ikkaku has had on his face since the fight turns slightly to one of relief, he waits for everyone else to tell their stories and pay there respects before walking to the edge of the whole in the ground. He takes a knee and whispers a few words under his breath, when he rises he pulls something out of a pouch, it is a strange purple flower, he drops it on the casket then turns and walks away far enough that he is just away from the main group. He looks towards the grave and what seems like serenity washes over him.

I would like to say a few words please if I may
Olav steps forward to the grave side
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Though I have only met the professor once in my life, I can say with most certainty that he is one of the most important people I have ever met. He changed my life in many ways and he allowed me to live it as I wanted, to spend my days with my family travelling while still perfecting my art and though I have still not mastered it I am a lot better at controlling my emotions Better than i was anyway and my powers and I owe it all to him. I wish I had made the effort to come visit him, but I am glad I can be here to see him at his final resting place.
Olav reaches into his backpack and pulls out a finely made horse shoe with the symbol of dessna engraved into the middle of it, he tosses it gently into the grave
Let your journey into the after life be a smooth one old friend and I hope that one day our paths will cross again
He turns to the others
How do you end these things
He nods his head politely at the others and returns back to the crowd at the grave side

Jon apologises to kendra, you are right kendra this is the last thing the professor would have wanted, this is a sad state of affairs

later as Jon listens to the others speak he feels empty, he barely hears all their words as he remembers the man who changed his life.
When the others had finished speaking Jon shuffles uncomfortably and clears his throat.

I don't have the words to thank you my friend, I ... Did not know you for a long time ,but what you did for a total stranger was beyond kindness he trails off slightly before beginning again i have no way to repay you for giving me back my... Jon pauses as if he is about to say something else ...life, and now you are gone I feel alone again, knowing you we're somewhere in the world gave me comfort, now I don't know what I have left .... Sleep well professor

diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Sebastian steps to the graveside and pauses, looking down for some time. He then speaks in a gentle voice. “If we look at the world with a deluded body and mind, we will think that our self is permanent. But if we practice correctly and return to our true self, we will realize that nothing is permanent.”

He then kneels and continues. "Whether he knew it or not, the Professor embodied the values of my order. I met him more than once and he helped this orphan child come to terms with something that had troubled me since I was found and taken in to my Monastery. He set me on the path to enlightenment and for that I owe him more than I can repay. Goodbye friend. May your own path to enlightenment run straight and true."

He then stands and steps back from the grave saying: "To cry and not be carried away by tears, to laugh and not be carried away by laughter, is the way.”

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

For their empassioned eulogies the party earns 2 Trust Points.

Thank you.Kendra says. That was lovely. She turns away from the grave as mire earth is piled on the acolytes from Grimburrows temple.

The Father himself closes his sermon book and moves between Markus and Jon.

Well said, lads. he claps Jon softly on the shoulder and shuffles off. Come on. he says. Still Tam to see to.

Markus has a stern face as he is ready to set himself to the task of the killed man, but then see's Kendra and firstly steps up to her. "It is a sad time for all involved, if there is anything you need do not hesitate to ask your father was a good friend to me and it's the least i could do." He then bow's looks back at the grave and draws a butterfly symbol over his heart.

Davos follows the rest of the group down to where Tam Tall was slain

"Let's hope we can resolve this situation quickly it's the last thing that we needed and of course you Kendra"

Thank you Mr Valon, thats very kind. Councilman Hearthmont and I will be reading the will this afternoon. You'll all be at my home for that no doubt? Kendra says.

That man concerns me. she says, indicating Ikkaku. He's said barely a word since he arrived. The over reaction with the thugs and the way he looks at us, so cold, like we are nothing to him.

Olav turns to Kendra and in response
I think he concerns us all a little, but your father was a wise man so I see no reason he would just name a stone cold killer in his will there's must be more to this man than meets the eye.Or is there, these do seem to be a strange bunch of friends he has assembled maybe there's a lot more about the professor I don't know Sorry my mind wandered the as i was saying We will just have to put up with him for now. And yes I shall be at the will reading later but now I better go help with this mess.
Olav walks off down the path to see what he can do to help with Tam situation

You walk slowly back down the gravel path toward the gates to the Restlands.

Soon, you come across the aftermath of the fight. The farmhands are no where to be seen but the two young acolytes stand to one side of Tam's body.

The body itself is covered by a large black cloak. A man leans over the body, careful not to stand in the gathering pool of blood. He wears a long green greatcoat and a wide-brimmed hat that keeps the worst of the rain out of his face and is currently lifting one corner of the cloak and peering at the mess beneath.

As you approach he looks over his shoulder and stands, putting his hands in his pocket. Coolly measuring each of you with his gaze, he says with nod;

Vauron.

Morning Sheriff. Father Grimburrow says in return. Bad business.

Ay-uh. he replies.

He doesn't say anything more for an uncomfortable few moments and then;

Ms Lorrimor. My condolences.

Further silence.

So... one of you fine gentlemen care to explain to me why there's a dead body in my town?

Ikkaku strolls toward the sheriff then stops sharply he stands with his feet together and his hands by his side, he then bows his head for a moment and says "my name is maderame Ikkaku, I killed that man, I alone am responsible for this, these other people are not to be punished for my actions." he gestures toward the group of strangers.

Jon walks over to the group around the body.

sheriff he nods his head toward the man in the overcoat Jon Moulton. he says introducing himself this man and a posse of others led by someone named Gibs attacked us whilst we were trying to lay our friend to rest he turns and indicates ikakku he was attacked by this Tam and ikkaku retaliated, cutting him down.i can't condone his actions, I barely know the man, but I will say grief causes us to do some rash things sometimes.

Markus stand back finally feeling a chill as he sees his robe balled up covered in blood and mud on the floor next to the body. He then watches as the killer steps forward. "Atleast he stepped forward, his punishment will fit the crime, But Desna teaches us to give hope to all yet he took a mans life I should still tell the sherif the full story.

Markus then steps forward. "Sherif im Markus Valon invited here for the Proffesors funeral this is was this man that struck Tam down, we were confronted by 12 men and a man called Gibs? Seemed to be the leader whipping them in to a frenzy about burying the Proffesor here, a few of us tried to calm them down but things got heated fast the group attacked with pitch forks and brooms, that when he striked at Tam. It was completely unnessasary force."

"the man was not striking at me" says Ikkaku in response to Marcus's words "his target was that small blonde man there" he gestures toward Olav "and it may have been a mere gardening tool he was wielding but I've seen men bludgeoned to death with less, would you all preferred I stood by and let it happen? I protected the professor in life and I was honorbound to protect his funeral procession, that man there if he can be called such" he gestures toward the corpse "had fair warning I showed them all I was armed I gave them ample time to back down, I do not make empty threats, and I do not suffer scum who would attack men carrying the coffin of a man who was like a father to me. By killing him I gave him an honor he didn't deserve.....a good death. Judge my actions however you will, I care not, I stand by my convictions."

What a load of horse-sh*t! Zokar cries, throwing his hands in the air. He was poking the boy in the belly with the handle of a hoe! Bludgeoned to death!?

Daa-ad... the boy says nervously, tugging on Zokar’s belt, his eyes flick back and forth between his father and Ikkaku and they are full of fear but the big man shrugs his hand away.

The Sheriff doesn’t take his eyes from Ikkaku but says;

Go on now, Zokar. Back away.

But he is determined to have his say. He steps up to Ikkaku;

Why don’t you tell his wife and baby girl you gave Tam an honourable death? “There you go Mrs Tibauld, you probably won’t be able to feed yourselves through the Winter but at least your husband had an ‘honourable’ death!” I don’t know who you think you are Mister, but I say you are a god-d*mned coward for what you’ve done! He spits at Ikkaku’s feet.

Elkarid, that’s enough! the Sheriff points a hard finger in his chest. Listen to your boy, and back off!

Zokar stares at Caeller, then back at Ikkaku, but does as he is bid. He wanders back from the scene and Kendra puts an arm around him, whispering something in his ear.

Grimburrow stands with his hands clasped in front of him. He is so still he could be a statue.

Sheriff Caeller scratches idly at his chin, chewing over all that’s been said.

Gibs was involved, you say?

He was, Sheriff. Jominda, the lady with glasses confirms. They attacked first but clearly their intention was to warn us off, not hurt us.

Hmmm... The Sheriff considers. Anyone else got anything to add?

anger seems to rise over Olavs face at ikkaku words
I don't need protecting from anyone
Olav takes a deep breathe
Olav helverson, sheriff I in no way condone this mans action or those of the mob that attack us. But this man is clearly not from around here and this may be the customs of his country they may handle things differently there and i think you should take that in to account
he then looks to ikkaku
I hope you choose this man as a friends for a reason professor

"I am Sebastian skarsol. I can only echo what Mr valorn has said. But my order teaches forgiveness and Ikkaku did step forward even though he will not see the error of his actions. Perhaps that is his culture but where I come from a wereguild is payable to the family of one slain thus. Perhaps the sheriff will take this into account? Mr Ikkaku is obviously a ken of worldly means and I am sure could afford to pay. I do not day that a man's life can be bought for gold but at least the family will be.able to feed themselves.

"Well it seems that everything has been said about this man Sheriff, I've got nothing else to add"

As Davos gestures towards Ikkaku

Ikkaku looks at the ground where the man spat at his feet
my father would have had men tortured and killed for less, this man is lucky I am not my father
"family you say?....... If this man had stayed home with his family instead of deciding it was a good idea to attack a man's funeral possession jus because the rest of his ignorant backwater Friends were doing it he would still be alive, if this man had heeded my warning or listened to any of the pleas of the men stood behind me he would still be alive!

Caeller listens to Maderame's words and notes the lack of repentance.

You seem a cold man, Mr Ikkaku.

He takes a set of manacles from his belt.

Seems like you were defending your party. Mr Helverson's observations about a different culture are duly noted. But to cut a man down who may as well be unarmed? Not in my town. Not in this land. We'll talk about this back at the Jail. Drop your weapons please.

"cold.... Only to those who make themselves my enemy"
Ikkaku kneels down he slowly and deliberately almost seremoniously removes each of his weapons one by one and lays them on the ground next to him he looks up at the sheriff
"when this is over these will be returned to me in the condition they are now" he stands holding out his wrists,
He is entirely calm like a lake on a summers day.

Markus looks on as the sheriff starts to talk some sense. I hope this whole ordeal get's dealt with fast, completely overshadows the grieving for the Professor.

Jon watches in some surprise as ikakku gives himself up without incident.
Turning to Markus he says I was half expecting him to resist, what do you think will happen to him now? These back water towns can be very harsh with their laws.

"The law of killing a man is almost always the same no matter what land we're in." Markus watches as the killer is taken away.

Standing in the rain for quite some time Davos getting anxious to move indoors

"Kendra is there an inn in town we can head into, to get a room and get out of this awful rain. It be nice also to bond with these gentlemen and find out how they knew the professor"

The Sheriff clamps the manacles tightly onto Ikkaku's wrists. Satisfied they are secure, he collects his weaponry and passes it to an assistant.

I'll take care of the body, Sheriff. says Grimburrow. It'll be at the Temple should you wish to examine it.

Thank you, Father. Ms Lorrimor. Jominda. he flicks the tip of his hat and leads his prisoner away.

The walk back to town is uneventful. Kendra is in sombre mood and says little, preferring to keep her head down under the umbrella. Zokar is also quiet but you can still feel the tension around him.

He does at least introduce himself;

Zokar Elkarid, this is my son Pevrin. I run the Laughing Demon in town. Well, I've never been to a funeral quite like that. Thank you for your words, gentlemen. I'm sure the Professor would have appreciated them and I know Kendra did.

She smiles meekly while the other lady echos Zokar's sentiments.

Yes, you all seem like good men. That foreigner though... Anyway, I'm Jominda Fallenbridge nice to meet you all.

Please, says Kendra. You are all welcome to come back to my home. Mr Bixby, you can dry off there. Councilman Hearthmont and I are keen to read the will as soon as possible - honestly it's the last thing I want to think about and I'd rather it was done.

Sebastian bows to Kendra. "You have my gratitude lady, it would be an honour to attend your home. This inclement weather chills my bones, though it be one of the bounties of nature."

Sebastian turns to the others. "I wonder what will become of Master Ikkaku?

Thank you Kendra I don't mind the weather that much but I am interested to see why he has named me in his will I don't really wish any money off him but something to remember him by would be nice
Olav turns to Sebastian
Well Murder can mean different things in different places some lock you away for life others kill you, I'm assuming there is some kind of justice system here though in some towns the sheriff is judge, jury and executioner so if it comes to trail we may all be called as witnesses, though he is 100% guilty I suppose it's just wether it was self defence or not. Yeah I know a lot about the justice system because of my cousins gets in trouble a lot. Well he did.
[/i] stupid fool he was [/i]
but he could do with a couple of nights in jail to think over his actions, some remorse would be nice at least. Sorry I'm ram belling on. What do you guys think?

"It's nice to meet you Zokar, I'm Markus Valon." Markus offers his hand, and with a short smile offers it to Pevin "And you Pevin. The words were just my feeling for the man i've yet to meet another man that has affected me in such away. I've also never been to a funeral quite like that emotion can run high but that..."He let's the sentence trail off trying not to focus to much on the negative.

He then turns to Jominda and presents his hand and with a short bow says "My lady."

"Thank you Kendra, it would be nice it we could share some stories of your father after the reading too."

Then hearing the mention of Ikkaku again Markus grimaces. "Let's not think about it now for our time should be spent remembering the Professor, tomorrow is a new day with new challenges."

As the party makes its way back into town, Kendra says her goodbyes to Zokar and Jomainda and reitterates her invite to visit her home for a drink and the reading of the will.

You walk through the centre of town and see a collection of buildings and homes arranged in a rough circle around the town square in the centre.

Kendra nods her head to several passes by who eye you all with curiosity.

The Lorrimor residence is a modest home with a small hedge that runs the perimeter of the plot. Kendra unlocks the door and shows you in to a fairly cluttered hallway. You can see evidence of the professor everywhere, his boots and cloak in the hall, odd items and artifacts, piles of books stacked haphazardly.

She shows you into the study where there is a comfortable leather sofa and armchair meaning that several of you will need to stand.

Can I get any of you a drink? Or perhaps you'd like to dry off? There is another person I wrote to at the same time as yourselves. She came into town last night and we talked for a while... but she couldn't attend the funeral this morning. That was her choice but I'm glad she came nonetheless. She is staying at the Laughing demon so Zokar will let her know we have returned. In the meantime why don't you all introduce yourselves properly, this morning has been.... just chaos so it ould be nice to know something of the men my father wrote to.

Kendra looks tired. She moves about the room absent-mindedly tidying up as she talks and seems to have forgotten to remove her own soaking coat.

Councilman Vashian will eb along shortly as well I'm sure. He has the will still sealed in his possession. Right, what was I doing... ah yes, drinks?

"Well met, i'm Davos Bixby. Sorry the laughing demon that an inn or a shop?"

Davos relived to get indoors out of the terrible weather

"That would be most excellent Kendra, the will yes I can understand if you want to get it over and done with one less thing to worry about"

yes please Kendra some juice or something non alcoholic please if you have it. Hello gentle men as I said before my name is Olav Helverson
as he is talking he strips off all his clothes down to his onsie in front of everyone with no sign of embaressement at all he places all his clothes by the fire to dry
Lovely weather isn't it I enjoy the rain I am kind of hoping for a storm they are always the best. So how far have you all travelled to get her today? I've come from my caravan on the about 50 miles out of town so the journey wasn't too bad for me

The Laughing Demon is one of two inns in town as well as the Outward Inn.

"Kendra please sit down let me get the drinks." Markus the walks in the the kitchen to help bring some water in. "My name is Markus Valon, I'm a priest of Desna I met the Proffesor in Magnimar.

Davos removes his wet coat and hangs it up in the hall way and cleans his boots off with prestidigitation.

"I met the professor in New Stetven, for those who don't know it's the capital of Brevoy"

Jon follows behind the others saying little. He is wandering far down memory lane, and the memories he finds there are more than a little painful. His face is somber as he walks slowly into town.
how do I explain my relationship to the professor? Inheritor give me strength! How do you explain how a man pulled you back from the edge of insanity! how he saved me from drinking myself into oblivion. Gods I am headed back there again, when I got the letter it was as if I was that man again! Only this time I have no one to save me!

as he approaches the professors house a strange sense of familiarity washes over him and as he wipes his feet and steps inside, the grief hits him anew. Everywhere is a reminder of the mantle house reflecting him everywhere.
Hanging his hat and coat on a peg beside the door he follows the others inside.

I would very much like a brandy if you have it miss lorrimor

The woman stood motionless in front of Kendras' home, her mind racing through the recent events, the mad rumors about murder running wild across town and of course, the death of Petros... Professor Lorrimor.

In spite of it, she still smiled everytime she remebered him - he had been a teacher and a friend, an apparently endless source of Knowledge that Caradwen had taken in at every opportunity - the months spent in apprenticeship had been the most rich in her life, learning something new each and every day.

She had always been confident in her knowledge and her capabilities, but having been selected amongst hundreds of eager and capable students, by the teacher himself, to enroll in individual classes had been a source of pride, which she never hid, making the best to repay him with commitment - I am sure I made you proud Professor...

It was still strange however, that he had listed her as beneficiary in his will - the news of the demise had been very hard to take in, but the fact that he would include her in the will was simply... Surprising...

She had already met with Kendra the day before, but the issue of the will was not approached - that one had been left for today. She explained her reasons for not attending the funeral - as knowledgeable as she is in religious matters, she does not really find much significance in the rituals to see the departed on their way - the Professors' daughter seemed to have understood her reasons, but she seemed also slightly distant, obviously shocked by her fathers' demise to really address any sort of debate regarding whether Caradwen would be at the funeral or not...

They agreed she would return today, for the matter of the will.

Enough contemplation Cara! - she scolded herself, straightening her functional, travelling garb, and knocking solidly at the door.

Sebastian chooses to stand. He removes his hat to reveal a clean shaven head. In the light his skin seems to have a slight sheen almost metallic but it may just be a trick of the light as he is standing in front of the window.

"I met the professor in the monastery fo my Order in Jalmeray, nigh on 2,000 miles to the South. Raised an orpahn in the reknowned Monastery of Unblinking Flame for many f my early years I was not happy. My Sifu once told me how I was found abandoned as a baby and taken to the monastery to raise and tutor in the ways of my Order.

I was different from the others in the Monastery, clearly not being Vudrani but my origin was unknown and as a result I was the victim of many taunts as a young initiate. I excelled in the martial arts and soon the taunts from my peers turned to brooding resentment.

The inner turmoil of not knowing who I was eating away at me hampered my spiritual progression. I fell behind my peers in my studies and was on the verge of leaving the monastery when a strange visitor arrived.

That person was Professor Lorrimor and by chance I was assigned the duty of showing him the monastery and taking care of him while he stayed. We discussed many things from the ways of the Order to the history of Jalmeray and other nations of the Inner Sea.

The professor, a very knowledgeable man, helped me discover my origins and knowing my heritage helped me in ways that could not be described. After the professor left the monastery I changed dramatically. No longer the troubled youth, suddenly my mind and body were as one and I found an inner calm. With his renewed spirituality I quickly dvanced in my studies and qualified through rigorous tests as a Novice of the Order.

Then one day a letter arrived and Sifu brought it to me. I read it and told my Sifu I must pay respects to the Professor and requested leave to visit Ravengro. My request was granted; Sifu informing me that the journey would likely be more reward than the destination. I have traveleld many weeks and seen many sights since."

He pauses then says:"I believe that was a knock at the front door."

"That's a very interesting story Sebastian a monk you say? i dont think i know of them what isit like being a monk we seems to have some of the same beliefs. the Proffesor helped me on my path in life too when me and him would have discussions about religion and the art of the devines although he was not a religious man he would always listen and expect people beliefs. Markus then pulls out a book from his bag. "He gave me this book on the very last day I would see him he said for me to read it and we could discuss it next time we met... Seems to we have that chance now. He the pats the clearly warn and we'll read book, and also turns at the knock on the door. "Is that the councilman?" he looks towards Kendra.

Sebastian smiles at Markus. "Indeed. The Order of the Monastery of Unblinking flame teaches us that enlightenment can be acheived through striving to attain complete control of our physical and spiritual selves. We live our lives in a simple, yet strictly ordered way, spending much time in meditation or practice of one's martial art. In between our daily duties there will be some more traditional lessons where we listen to the teachings of great Members of the Order from bygone years. These teachings form the basis of our meditation - in tryng to understand and their wisdom, we increase our own."
He pauses as he stretches by bending double (while standing) and pressing his face to his knees. When he stands again, he says. "As for what it is like, well before enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water. After enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water."
He smiles and continues stretching, by lifting his right knee and hugging it to his chest, then doing the same with his left.
"I would hear more of your own religion, it is said that Wisdom is not limited by creed. Perhaps we could share some of the teachings of our Orders?"

The room is lined with bookshelves upon which sit hundreds of tomes. It feels like you are sitting in a library.

Kendra's head turns at the sound of the knock;

Of course, how rude of me. Anyone who'd like to freshen up can use one of the rooms upstairs. I can boil pales of hot water down here. Mr Moulton I'm afraid I don't have any brandy. There is some Andoran whiskey Father enjoys on occasion. Enjoyed... she corrects herself.

Mr Valon, you'll find everything you need in the kitchen just through there, coffee,, tea, whiskey, glasses and so on. Thank you, by the way.

She remembers her wet coat then and quickly takes it off and hangs it with the others.

Opening the door, Kendra finds Caradwen standing there and with something of a sense of relief she says;

Caradwen, I wasn't sure if you were going to stay in town for the reading. Please come in.

As she is about to close the door, a hand gently stops it. Councilman Hearthmont stands in the doorway.

Ms Lorrimor, apologies if I am late. he is not particularly subtle about looking Caradwen up and down. He is quite rotund with a small, well-shaped moustache and a pale, sweaty complexion.

Councilman, please come right through.

Kendra leads the pair into the sitting room where Markus is finishing up serving drinks.

The councilman nods to everyone in attendance but quickly takes Markus' vacated seat, he seems in a hurry to conclude his business.

After the events of today you will forgive me if I do not tarry.

He takes a scroll from his briefcase and is careful to demonstrate that the wax seal bearing the impression from the professor's signet ring is unbroken.

By now everyone has taken seats where they are available. Kendra sits directly beside the councilman and the newcomer, the other lady, stands near the doorway where she entered.

Lets get this over with, shall we? The councilman asks the assembled group. His expression clearly says what he thinks of having so many strangers involved in what he must consider a local affair but he voices no complaint. He cracks open the wax seal and unfurls the scroll. As he does so an iron key clatters down onto the desk.

Undaunted by the key, the councilman begins to read, I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child.

Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.

To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.

And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.

Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.

I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Arodus, in the year 4712.