Jon watches ikkaku engage the professor and its devastating tentacles slam into the warrior as he approaches.
this thing is tearing us apart, I need a weapon! Shit come on Jon think! god damn idiot the kitchen !!.
Summoning the last reserves of his power jons eyes blaze once more as he calls forth his hideous fire. Once again the professor is wreathed in screaming flames.
As he burns the thing Jon takes his chance to dash towards the kitchen.L5
Hp 13 ac 14
Markus almost distracted for a second as he sees flames and smoke ahead of him and that scream... then is quickly brought around with a slam to the face he stumbles his hands go to his now throbbing jaw, A flash of anger passes over his face. "We can finish them off! Don't give up hope, protect Kendra! Then again a brilliant pulse of light spreads outwards from the priest as the zombies in front of him get blasted by the light.
Marks then slumps over, falling backwards the blood flowing out of the cut on his jaw.
Current HP:-1
Olav face now burns bright with anger
You shall pay for defiling the professor foul beast
Olav places his hands together as if praying and they begin to spark as he pulls his hands apart the sparks begin to form in to a lightening bolt, Olav lets it fly the professors chest
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As Sebastian wraps his arm around the creature, it swivles its head impossibly, its feeding imperative so strong that it snaps its own neck to turn its viscous teeth to Sebastian, ripping a chunk out of his throat. The monk slumps to the floor, holding the gushing wound and the zombie instantly descends upon him, eager to feed...
Markus summons the last of his power and unleashes a wave of white light. As the creatures loom, the light washes over then, flaying skin from bone and causing them veritably explode in a rainbow cascade of Desnan power.
The professor moans once again as the light bathes him but he still lashes out at Jon as he ruahes past.
Jon traces the kitchen but turns, anger flowing through him, eyes burning with Hellfire.
This time the professor does erupt. His moans turn to screams as the horrid flames engulf him. He stumbles back against the dining table, tipping it over with a crash. The screams intensify until you feel you can bear them no longer and then, mercifully, they end.
Olav face still filled with anger runs at the fallen corpse and begins to kick it stopping slightly to hold his side
you bastards.... what did you do to him
Olavs continues to kick and pathetically punch the zombie corpse
Jon watches with grim satisfaction as the thing that was his friend , finally collapse to the ground.
Snatching up a large kitchen knife he turns to the others before he rushes towards Sebastian and Markus .
check outside there may be more of these things! Someone stay with kendra. Olav !!! Knock it off its dead! help the others.
Jon rushes down the hallway to the blood soaked Sebastian , he looks worse than Jon hoped. His throat torn out, great gouts of blood spurting from the torn arteries.
iomaedae save us! I hope he yet clings to life
Clamping his hand down onto the horrible wound Jon focuses his mind and calls forth his power.
He can feel the blood stop spurting between his fingers but the flesh beneath is still ragged and torn.
Gritting his teeth he sends his power flowing into the monk once more
seeing the monks eyes flutter open Jon , lurches over to Markus.
you better still be alive Markus! Come on!
Jon sends the last of his energy into the priest.
Jon smiles wearily as Markus also opens his eyes, rising slowly he takes a few deep breaths suddenly feeling very drained he stares at his bloody hands.
Markus walks up, almost in shock he looks around as Jon is above him and the zombies all the on the floor. I felt her call He takes in a deep breath, then speaks with a croaky voice "Is everyone ok? Kendra?" He then get's up. "Thank you Jon, you are a good man." then walking to there the professor was he looks down. "Dear friend." Markus then winces at the pain in his jaw, he grabs his holy symbol and a light radiates from him healing all in the house.
"How does everyone feel i can treat the wounded. Is Kendra ok?" Then before anyone can answer Markus kneels down and check the body of the professor. "This was a Gutdragging Lurcher they are extremely uncommon... for it to be here and take over our friend something is not right here." Markus then covers his face muttering something under his breath.
Olav seems to ignore Jon blinded by his rage and continues to kick the zombies corpse suddenly he is covered in heavenly light that heals the wound at his side this seems to calm him, he looks up at Markus and gives him a nod of thanks and falls on his knees and stays there silent for a few moments.
How would someone do this Markus? how would someone make him like this?
He asks breaking his silence
Caradwen stands motionless overlooking the scene.
"I have heard of these foul transformations... It is said that often gluttonous humanoids with evil-polluted souls often rise in this vile form upon death... But gluttonous or evil-polluted had nothing to do with the professor..."
She comforts Kendra.
"Another trail of thought defends that deities themselves can animate a corpse in such a way if that person has been particularly heinous or done something to offend them... I am lost at how this may have happened. But there are clearly stronger forces at work here than what we may have actually believed"
Approaching carefully the creature, she adds - "Professor... Who has done this to you..?"
Davos is relived that no one has died
"I don't know how this is done but most likely by a necromancer has raised him back, maybe the professor was onto something and used the books from the chest as research".
Casting light Davos looks outside the front door see if anything else is about
we were damn lucky. is this why the professor asked us to look after kendra? Did he suspect this would happen? I don't want to believe that but I knew there was more to his request than he was letting on in his will. Jon looks at the zombies with revulsion lets get these damn things out of the house and get this place cleaned up. Jon begins to drag the bodies out of the house. He drags them around to the side if the house out of sight.
Finally he returns for the professor. moving to one of the bedrooms he grabs a blanket from the bed and wraps his body up in the blanket.
give me a hand with him please? he asked the others it doesn't feel right just dragging him out of his own house, even though I know this thing is not the man I knew
With some help they carry the professor outside with the other bodies but Jon lays it inside the wood store at the rear of the building away from the zombies.
when he returns Jon suddenly realises he is almost naked, his feet are filthy from the blood and the mud outside and his powerful arms and torso are streaked with blood and grime.
I need to clean myself up I will be right back Jon says as he makes his way upstairs.
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How does everyone feel i can treat the wounded. Is Kendra ok?
Kendra slumps down on to stairs, sobbing into shaking hands.
Im fine. Well, im not hurt anyway...
Someone dug him up..? His guts... I think im going to be sick...
She rushes upstairs.
As Jon moves the body, something small but relatively heavy slips out of the tattered remnants of the professors jacket. Bending down to examine it, he realises it is a journal, probably sewn into the lining.
I better go get the sheriff he should probably know what's happened here
Olav runs off out of the house, moments later he returns
I better put some clothes on first
He goes up stairs get changed then sets out to find the sheriff
With a stern look on her face, Caradwen states coldly - "It is something that does not please me at all, but I am going to search the bodies... Anyone care to assist me?"
Then she begins moving outside, towards where the creatures have been deposited.
Once the gruesome task is carried out, Caradwen washes thoroughly and goes to speak with Kendra in her room, to see how the girl is doing.
Addresing Jon, Caradwen comments - "We need to take a very attentive look to that journal, it may piece together much of what we don't yet understand. I am going to check on Kendra now"
Going upstairs, she knocks slightly at Kendras' bedroom door, whispering - "Kendra..? Are you in there..?"
Olav get to the the sheriffs office and knocks on the door
Sebastian realises his mistake too late as the zombie's teeth sink into his throat. He thinks briefly my journey to the next life begins early. I just hope the.others survive.
A red veil descends over him and he descends into a darkness serene and peaceful. He wonders if this is another step to enlightement as a warm glow begins to surround him. He seems to hang for eternity in this cosmic womb before the light gets gradually stronger and he regains consciousness.His eyes open and he becomes aware of two things: the waves of agony running through his body and the sound of Kendra sobbing on the stair. "what happened? Did I manage to hold them long enough for Kendra to escape? I thought I was bound for eternity there. Whoever helped me, I thank you but my thanks are tinged with regret. Perhaps after all it was my time."
Jon moves to the badly wounded monks side and helps him to stand.
you stood against three of those abominations my friend, it was you who helped us! Jon says as he smiles at the man. Markus was the one who destroyed the zombies around you both just before he collapsed he has a core of iron he wouldn't back down against these vermin he could have escaped but he wouldn't leave you or us Jon looks over at Markus and smiles in admiration. I managed to finish off the thing that was in the professors body and I had just enough strength left to bring you both back from the brink. You were closer to the clearing at the end of the path than markus was.
Jon helps Sebastian to sit in one of the chairs
we will have to bind your wounds as best we can tonight, tomorrow if I can manage to rest this night,myself and Markus will be able to resore you further
Nodding to Cara
you are right Cara, here you go Davos, have a look at this we need some answers, and I need to get cleaned up
Jon hands Davos the book he found.
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Caradwen finds Kendra sitting on the edge of her bed, drawing in ragged breaths between sobs.
She looks up and sees you standing there and quickly wipes the tears with the heel of her hand.
.. <ahem>... is.. is everyone alright? I saw that... thing latch on to Ikkaku and those zombies dragged Sebastian to the ground. her jaw muscles clench and unclench rapidly and her fingers dig into her palms until you see the smallest drop of blood forming beneath them.
To your surprise, she isn't shaking in grief but absolute fury.
"Everyone is ok Kendra - we're tough, we can handle it"
Approaching, she puts a hand on her shoulder - "And how are you? You can rest assured that this fould deed will not go unpunished - we will make sure of it. You can count on us."
"Take a deep breath knowing that it was not your father down there, not anymore. Decide to wipe that horrific image from your head, or save it for when we confront the responsible for it - and we will confront him or her, believe me"
Sitting down next to Kendra, she adds - "Let me know when you have had the opportunity to process all of this, I want to visit Professor Lorrimor's grave to understand more of what we have just witnessed. But I will also want your permission for it - we will talk about it later. Do you wish me to stay a while longer?"
Markus still on his knees as the body of the professor is lifted away, shakes his head. Not entirely sure what just happened he just listens on as everyone else conversation.
"Kendra, shes must have taken this hard that was her father." He then stands up and sits at the table, blood stained robe and zombie guts all over him. "We have to check out the grave tomorrow, they must have all come from there. This is not normal." He then notices Sebastian and Ikkacia are hurt. "Here let me heal you again, i can also cast a few spells if you need it." A burst again radiates from Markus.
Jon returns to his room and sits on the edge of the bed for a while just staring at his hands.
I knew something would happen! That was too close! Desnas tits we will be ready next time .
His hands start to shake as the adrenalin finally leeches away from his system. Suddenly he badly wants a drink! His whole body screams for it.
god damn it! he curses and busies himself scrubbing away the filth from his body.
I will not give in! By the inheritor I will not!
Sebastian speaks to Markus. "I don't know how we managed to delay those things long enough for the others to arrive. But we did. That was too close my friend. I thank you for your aid during combat. I assume it was your power that eased my pain there for a while. A remarkable gift, without it I would have fallen sooner. Now I need to wash and to sleep."
After a minute off looking around outside Davos enters the house
"Doesn't seem to be anything else out there".
I will find who did this to the Professors body
Davos takes the book from Jon
"I'll will work on this tomorrow, hopefully we can get some answers".
After spending some time downstairs cleaning up whats possible Davos retires back to the bedroom
Before getting back into his bedroll Sebastian wearily blocks the broken Windows by moving.furnitre in front of them or standing tables on their ends before them. He eventually slumps into his blanket bone weary and sore.
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Cara, I don’t know what to say. Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now.
She stares down at her open palms, tracing the indentations of the nail marks.
Someone did this to him.
She sits in silence for a long time.
I’ll be down shortly, Cara. The sheriff will be here soon and I have no idea how to explain this.
Eventually, she makes her way back out of her bedroom and bumps in to Jon on the way.
Jon. she looks searchingly at his face. Thank you for what you did. You all risked your lives for me. How do you show gratitude for something like that?
She makes her way back downstairs and sees Sebastian and Markus cleaning up the mess. She touches Sebastian lightly on the shoulder and squeezes Markus’ hand.
With tears in her eyes she says; You’re both so brave... just... thank you.
The sheriff arrives about half an hour later, fully armed. Olav lets him in directly.
He takes a look at the blood splashing the walls, broken furniture and crockery and Sebastian exhausted on his bedroll. He moves quickly over to you all.
Is everyone alright? Olav told me what happened but I didn’t believe it. The Professor? Back from the grave?
The sheriff listens patiently, staying quiet throughout the whole story. Once you have finished he scratched idly at the growth on his chin.
We need to keep this to ourselves. For now at least. The people of this town will jump to the conclusion that he was a necromancer – as you know a few hold that suspicion already. If they had what they think of evidence of dark magic... well, I couldn’t guarantee your safety.
He stands before Kendra, his piercing gaze settling on her.
Kendra. Is it at least possible, the Professor was dabbling in magics he shouldn’t?
She looks like she has been slapped across the face.
Benjen! she gasps. No of course not! He dedicated his life to fighting against evil – in his own way.
I know. he replies. But I have to ask. You know I have to ask, yes? In trying to better understand what he was fighting against, could he have been practicing something he shouldn’t, even accidentally?
No! she says fiercely. Absolutely not!
He nods and takes her hand in his.
I have to ask. he says without apology.
Turning to the rest of you he says;
[b]I know little about any of this. You seem like learned men and women but it would seem to make sense to consult Father Grimburrow on this. He knows more about undead than anyone – he and the Professor discussed the subject many times.[b]
As the sheriff looks over the scene olav sits back in a chair and listens
What have I gotten myself into
He looks over at kendra
You need to keep it together try and stay up beat for her
Olav sits there for a while a suddenly snaps out of when the sheriff and kendra finish their conversation
He sighs to himself the jumps up out of the chair suddenly
Well we better get this place clean if i'm going to eat some of markus's lovely food in the morning, Chop chop!
He looks at the others already cleaning
That's it lads get to it, good work
He turns and smiles at kendra then begins to help tidy up
Now clothed,Jon makes his way downstairs, he has washed away the blood stains but cannot wash away the memory of tonight's events.
kendra appears from her room as he passes, her eyes are red and puffy and jons heart wrenches in his chest, feeling her pain.
I can't imagine what she must be feeling, my own loss took me to the edge of madness, if this had happened to me... I would have gone straight over the edge ! She is more couageous than any of us
Jon smiles at kendra as she thanks him
I am just glad we were here to help, I failed my own family... and...well I was afraid I wouldn't be ... capable of protecting you. I guess your father chose us wisely he knew when it came to it we would do what needed to be done. Even if some us didn't. Jon says as he sheepishly looks at the floor.
You don't have to thank me Kendra, I swore on your fathers grave I would help to see you safe , I can't begin to understand what you are feeling... What happened tonight. I've been through a lot but nothing like this. If you would like to talk, I am always here
reaching out Jon touches her face tenderly
we will find out what is going on here kendra, I promise
"I am hoping we will be able to garner additional information from the Professors' journal" - Caradwen comments - "I would suggest then paying a visit to his grave - we may find additional evidence there - and finally advising with Father Grimburrow"
When they are again alone, Caradwen retrieves her darbuka, drumming a few sullen, melancholic notes, and reciting a few words from memory with a smile, before they all go to bed again.
"to remember the fallen
is not to remember how they fell
but to remember why and for what
to remember the fallen
is not only to remember their actions
but to remember the dream for which they fought
to remember the fallen
is to remember their reason
to remember their dreams
and to remember those they fought to save
to remember the fallen
we continue their fight
we carry their dreams
and we finish what they start
Jon returns to the others downstairs and can see someone has secured the windows as beat they can.
Following the Sheriff's questions and sage advice Jon shakes him by the hand
thank you for coming out at this late hour Sheriff, we will keep you informed
Jon turns to Cara as she outlines a plan for the morrow. that sounds like a plan Cara,We can sort out who's going where in the morning. Unless there is anything else I suggest we all try and get some rest. It will be a busy day tomorrow
Markus still on the floor starts to clean up the mess then looks up to Sebastian. "I was not the only one there to jump in to the fray with those undead, I thank you for your help I couldn't have held them off without you." He then make a butterfly symbol on his chest. "They are the gifts granted to me by Desna, she helped us out just as much as I did."
As Kendra comes down stairs Markus smiles, then listens as she speaks. "I'm so glad you wernt hurt, I'm here to help you I wasn't going to let such an evil creature get near you. I also saw as you said you are not a helpless girl you helped us with one of the zombies. A look of happiness washes over his face, even while he's knee deep in guts.
As the sherrif enters the house Markus is still trying to clean away the blood and guts, he only listens as everyone talks of what happend. "I understand you wanted to get to the bottom of this but the Proffesor would never deal with such dark arts he strived only to find defences for them. I want to get to the bottom of this..." He pauses for a second remembering now he's not the only one with a stake in this. "We will get to the bottom of this. I plan a visit to the graveyard tomorrow and a talk with the father, this could only be the beginning best we make sure before evil truly rises."
Markus then gets cara alone away from Kendra. "I just wanted to say you could have been a little more tackful in front of Kendra, you just blurted out what could have happened to her father he was no greedy soul." He then closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "She only just buried him and this happens."
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I don't know what happened to your family, Jon. But I'm sure wherever they are they must be proud. I can see you have a demon on your back, maybe not even just with the drink. But these are good people and in helping me perhaps you can help eachother.
Back downstairs she listens to the to and fro, only nodding at the sheriff's suggestion to consult Grimburrow.
The journal. she stands suddenly. I must see it!
The sheriff immediately puts a hand on her shoulder, but gently.
I agree. he says. The Professor clearly didn't want just anyone to find it or else he wouldn't have sewn it into his jacket. Of course, without tonight's events we would never have found it. But not tonight, Kendra. Whatever rest you can glean you should take it. I'll stay here tonight as well, if you have no objection of course. Should anything come back I'm sure no one would mind an extra sword.
Eventually, you all settle back down to rest. Sleep unsurprisingly doesn't come easily but after the heightened adrenaline of the evening you find you are more exhausted than you expected and you snatch a few precious hours.
The sheriff takes a seat in one of the comfortable armchairs, a small table beside him on which he lays his long hunting knife, almost a shortsword in truth. He sleeps facing the door, gently snoring throughout the night.
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The next day dawns mercifully bright as long shafts of sunlight shine through the broken windows.
It's almost enough to make you forget the previous night's events. At least for a moment anyway.
Sebastian rises later than usual and immediately the horror of the previous night comes back to him. He gasps as the memories come flooding back, engulfing him in a dark mood of depression. He gets up, touching his bandaged neck and moves quietly into the kitchen to get some water. He drinks deeply, wincing as the cool liquid runs down his throat. He moves back to the sitting room not sparing a glance at the stained floor in the hallway. He sits cross legged and meditates on his horrific experience the night before.
Davos wakes up and tries to prepare his spells for the day unable to concentrate since the attack on the house, Davos remembering a trick the professor taught him to study and manages to prepare his spells
Heading down stairs by mid morning Davos heads to the kitchen and grabs some fruit to eat
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Benjen is awake when Sebastian returns from the kitchen.
You manage to get any sleep? he says quietly, not wishing to wake Markus. You must have been exhausted.
He stretches out his lower back and sheathes the knife laid beside him.
I only ever had to fight for my life once, could have slept for a week afterward. I've known some men who thrive on it, that rush of blood. Not me. I just want a quiet life. For the most part this town is quiet but now... the killing at the funeral, the blood at the statue, this. I'm damned if I know what it means.
I'll have to tell the councilmen about this. They'll .... have a view on it.
Sebastian speaks in a quiet voice "My order has a saying:
'I must not fear, fear is the mind killer; fear is the little death that brings total annihilation. I will face my fear; I will permit it to pass over me and through me; And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see it's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.'"
Sebastian pauses, waiting to see if the Sheriff understands, then continues. "I was close to oblivion Sheriff, if it was not for the healing arts of my friends I would have passed on to the next phase of my eternal existance. However I have considered this deeply and as a result I learn and grow."
He considers the riddle of the strange events that have befallen the town. "I know not what has caused these things, it is as if the town lies under a curse. We will do our best to find out what was behind the defiling of our friend the Professor. I am sure that Karma will catch up with that individual."
He then bows his head and says formally. "On another matter. I visited you yesterday, but you were not at the jail. I accept the obligation you offer me to chaperone Maderame Ikkaku. He is a warrior born, bred to kill but I spent time with him yesterday and understand a little of his background and culture now. I do not condone his actions, but he met Tall Tam's daughter and displayed a profound remorse. He then laboured tirelessly at the bakery for the whole day. I believe there is hope for him yet."
Jon rises much later than usual, groaning he drags himself out of bed he can see that Davos has already got up.
His head aches, his hands tremble slightly and the thirst is on him, but he knows only one drink will satisfy him.
Reaching into his pack Jon pulls out one of the paper packets he purchased from Jominda, he breaks the wax seal bearing her sigil and pours the crystalline powder into a glass of water besides his bed, gagging slightly, he downs the foaming alchemists kindness.
Scratching at the ragged beard on his face Jons mind runs through the events of last night.
it's time you made yourself presentable Moulton! he says to himself
Rummaging around in his pack he tries to find his straight razor and soap.
god dammit all to hell I know they are in here somewhere after he has rummaged through his pack at least three times he finally finds them both.
washing himself in the basin in the room he then lathers up his face and shaves away the ragged beard, it feels almost like he is scraping away his old life.
Looking at himself in the brass mirror, Jon Combes and ties his hair back with a length if raw hide.
a new beginning Jon he says to himself, feeling almost normal now as the powder has done its work he dresses swiftly, worn jeans, boots and a dark green cotton drovers shirt.
Jon grabs his wide leather belt from the bed post and slips it on. a long dagger hangs from the belt in a leather sheath and drawing it Jon tests the edge with his thumb. Satisfied, he drops it into the sheath once more and makes his way downstairs.
Seeing, Davos and Sebastian in the dining room he moves to join them.
Morning boys! how are you feeling Sebastian? Are your injuries still troubling you?
Jon says as he sits down.
any coffee on the go yet? No. Don't worry ill brew some up, you guys want any?
Jon moves to the kitchen and busies himself making some strong coffee.
Olav wakes for another nights sleep dragging himself out of bed instead of jumping out like usual. He looks at ikkaku still asleep
He hasn't said anything for a while he must taking this attack thing hard
He then dresses himself and moves over to the door and seems to psych himself up and then suddenly bursts through the door and runs down stairs
Morning ladies and gentlemen.. oh wait Jon is that you? Sorry I thought you were a girl for a second you look all prettiful I like it, its a good look. Soo Markus what's for breakfast? I think we all need a big one today
Markus still on the floor starts to clean up the mess then looks up to Sebastian. "I was not the only one there to jump in to the fray with those undead, I thank you for your help I couldn't have held them off without you." He then make a butterfly symbol on his chest. "They are the gifts granted to me by Desna, she helped us out just as much as I did."
As Kendra comes down stairs Markus smiles, then listens as she speaks. "I'm so glad you wernt hurt, I'm here to help you I wasn't going to let such an evil creature get near you. I also saw as you said you are not a helpless girl you helped us with one of the zombies. A look of happiness washes over his face, even while he's knee deep in guts.
As the sherrif enters the house Markus is still trying to clean away the blood and guts, he only listens as everyone talks of what happend. "I understand you wanted to get to the bottom of this but the Proffesor would never deal with such dark arts he strived only to find defences for them. I want to get to the bottom of this..." He pauses for a second remembering now he's not the only one with a stake in this. "We will get to the bottom of this. I plan a visit to the graveyard tomorrow and a talk with the father, this could only be the beginning best we make sure before evil truly rises."
Markus then gets cara alone away from Kendra. "I just wanted to say you could have been a little more tackful in front of Kendra, you just blurted out what could have happened to her father he was no greedy soul." He then closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "She only just buried him and this happens."
Caradwen shakes her head at Markus words, her face stern and hard - "Kendra needs to be strongly aware of what is happening - I don't think shielding her will do any good - whatever ordeals we come through in life, we either grow stronger or wilt away and die"
Looking away to Kendra for a moment she whispers - "She is strong, but she needs to be stronger" - and turning back to Markus - "But I do understand, and concur with your words to a certain extent, I will avoid being so blatant in my analysis of the facts next time. Thank you for pointing it out to me"
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Caradwen offers her greetings as she comes downstairs - "Good morning everyone" - having already been awake for some time, reviewing the events of the past night.
She had dealt with the undead before - her knowledge on the matter is quite considerable... But seeing someone close animated into a mockery of its former self, with nothing more than vileness and wanton murder as an objective was more horrific than she had ever thought possible.
"Thank you Jon, I will take some coffee please" - as she sits down on the table, she reaches for her notebook and goes over the scribbled notes.
Jon returns several minutes later, a pot of hot coffee, several cups and a large pile of toast with butter and honey. He puts the large tray down and begins to serve the strong steaming beverage.
here you go cara. Hope you like it strong he says as he hands her a cup and then helps himself to some.
Davos have you managed to have a look at the journal yet? Jon asks as he tucks into the warm toast and coffee.
Sebastian bids the others a good morning. Then sits and takes some toast. He declines the coffee. "thank you John. I feel well considering. My neck is a little sore though."
"Morning all"
Davos says as he bites into an apple
"Not yet Jon just eating breakfast then ill make a start on it".
After eating breakfast Davos heads into the study grabs some parchment and quill and ink and begins to read through the journal
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Kendra comes down some time later, clearly not having slept very much.
Reaching for the coffee jug and a last surviving mug after the falling zombie smashed most of them, she drinks deeply of the hot liquid. She is dressed just in a flimsy night dress, clearly too tired to worry much about her modesty.
It is only a breeze blowing in through the broken window that causes her to retrieve a dressing gown. She doesn't say much to anyone but to Davos;
I'd like to see the journal, Davos. I've thought about little else this morning.
The wizard begins reading through the pages but soon discovers it is in some kind of language he hasn't seen before.
It's code! Kendra says. Sometimes Father used to write me letters when he was away from home for months and doing something... that would be frowned upon.
Deciphering the code takes Kendra several hours but the excitement she displays at its discovery reminds you so much of the professor and the short time you knew him. After a while and half a dozen cups of coffee later, the excitement dies away and is replaced by a mixed look of angst, fear and anger.
Mostly it is just his day to day activities and discoveries he had made but there are several entries that worry me. Listen to this....
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect, I suppose it all makes sense—the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity—there’s plenty of folks hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone who was held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared.
Thankfully, the necessary tools to defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll bring this with me, where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.
Caradwen listens intently as Kendra repeats the relevant passages from her fathers' journal - several interrogations assail her as she listens.
"The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro" -> Who or what is the Way?
"their goal is connected to Harrowstone" -> I think I remember this - Harrowstone is the old prison.
"The ghosts" -> I have read about ghosts, what was it again?
" store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path" -> I am not sure I do know where this place is located...
Shit! Anyone know who the f%@* the way are? They sound bad! They must be whos behind this zombieness! I say from now on where ever we go we go as a group id rather not get ganked when we split up to perform separate tasks safety in numbers as they say
"I understand what you say Olav, and I want to get to the bottom of this mystery as much as everyone; however Ikkaku and I have an obligation to fulfill this day. We must return to the bakery to complete building the new oven. As mundane a task as that may seem in light of recent events, it nevertheless is a promise unfulfilled and I am sure that Ikkaku would consider his honour sullied if it remained so. I know I would. I therefore will return to complete my task, if any of you would like to help I am sure it would ensure completion much sooner. Besides, the house needs repair and some of you may want to also consider boarding the windows or replacing the glass."
Have we still got the shards of glass? There is a spell I maybe able to get some scrolls of that will mend it