V . . Va. . . no, Ver . . no, Ves . . . Vesorianna. That is it, Vesorianna. That was the warden's wife's name.
Madeline frowns as she ponders this information.
"And we have a ritual in blood upon the statue of the warden?" She muses...
"And we have a ritual in blood upon the statue of the warden?" She muses...
Valen scrunches his brow in thought and concern. "Given the blood we found at Mister Gibbs place and how it could be used, what would he have against the wife of the warden several decades dead? Could he be allied with the Whispering Way or someone else in this prison? Might explain his attitude towards the Professor and the rest of us."
"I am unaware of any ritual that could be, nor did it radiate magic in any way. Still, my knowledge of blood rites is hardly comprehensive; I suppose it is possible our taciturn Herr Gibbs is a sleeper agent for the Way."
Overhearing the discussion: Well, the holy symbol guy just tried to take over Kendra. Perhaps he was being controlled by someone . . . or something.
Alexa shakes her head: No, what I mean is that perhaps Gibbs was possessed just as you were by Father Chains. It is possible that Gibbs did not know what he was doing and was being controlled by someone else when the monument was defaced.
Valen nods. "Certainly might explain his ignorance of any wrong doing - assuming he wasn't lying. Seems this prison and its occupants may have a greater reach than we thought on Ravengro. What, by Pharasma's sight, did these cultists release when they were nosying around?"
The cleric rises from the floor, dusting off his pants and readjusts his gear before asking, "Do we investigate further, or find an exit and leave for now?" His query is general but he looks towards Kendra mostly to see if she looks capable of further efforts.
"Father Charlatan, the Lopper, the Mosswater Marauder, the Piper of Illlmarsh, and the Splatter Man. We have seen two of these and survived them but I do not want to meet the other just yet. I think finding the quickest route to the front door would serve us best."
Well, we can either head up and exit the way we came in. Or head for the front door and see if we can get out that way. Also, isn't there a caved in portion of this prison somewhere? That should also have an exit.
Valen nods at Alexa's suggestion. "Sounds like it might be best to exit the way we came - avoid any perils we aren't already aware of then." His tone is a little hesitant to speak for everyone.
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Kendra follows Valen's lead and dusts herself off, straightening her traveling gear as she does. She continues to share her thoughts, sparing Tharnik a quick glance as she does, "Perhaps leaving and confronting Gibbs would be wise. If he's bent on murdering folks, either by choice or possession, it's best we let the sheriff know."
[occ]If you're electing to leave the way you came, we'll fast-forward to town.[/ooc]
Alexa nods in understanding:
I still have a number of spells and am not that badly hurt. One of the spells that will last for a few minutes will increase the personality of the target. I do not know whether this will allow you to use any of your abilities more, but it is an option. I can also use fire to injure creatures as well a few times.
"I agree. I've had quite enough of this place for the time being."
Alexa nods in understanding as she again scans the building.
So much evil. So much unnatural. I understand if you all feel it is time to withdraw, but this must be stopped. The corruption here is . . . is painful. It is like nature is screaming in pain.
"Pharasma's grace has been the only thing letting us pass these 'Haunts'. If her servant is tired then it is time to go home and tend to our wounded. "
To Alexa: "I am loathe to test those waters at less that our full strength. The idea of possession and deep water inspire caution."
"Grey Lady's grace indeed," Valen adds at Creel's statement as they move on.
Alexa would prefer to continue on a little more and fight this unnatural presence, but will agree with the majority. Back to the village.
I think we are all in agreement, if grudgingly, that we should head back to town. Heal up and possibly investigate whether our friendly blood painter is possessed.
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Although you are hesitant to depart this early into your exploration of the ruins of Harrowstone Prison, the very nature of the evil there - alongside the injuries you've collectively sustained - force you to back out. The ruins are quiet as you depart, almost as if they're listening to you. You slowly, carefully pick your way through the debris that chokes the stairs, following your footsteps up and through the second floor. A few minutes later, you're outside.
It's no surprise to any of you that the sun has begun to set and that a cold, brisk wind has begun to blow. Your torches whip to and fro, sputtering momentarily but holding true. The shadows flicker around you in response, even as you block the wind and steady your light.
Kendra, for her part, appears relieved to be out of the prison. Tharnik, too. While both are relatively quiet as you make your way out of the prison, Kendra lets out an audible sigh of relief as she climbs down the stairs from the balcony. She does, however, make a point to keep her hand on her wand and one eye toward the prison - just in case. Tharnik remains armed until you leave the prison grounds.
When you finally pass under the gate and exit the grounds, Kendra speaks, "Whatever tried to command my body was utterly evil. Thank you for escorting me off of the premise. I much prefer the warmth of my house to this old place. How my father stomached it...."
Kendra trails off for a moment, letting a wave of somber silence wash over her. She then forces a smile and continues, "So much has happened in so few days. It feels like years have passed already."
Tharnik steps up and comforts her, nodding toward Vaughn as he does.
Your trip back to Harrowstone is a quiet one. While you talk in hushed whispers among yourselves, you never fail to keep your guard up - your recent excursion more than enough justification for your vigilance.
Harrowstone is tucking itself in when you arrive, plumes of smoke from chimneys the only sign that town is still alive and awake. You pass no one on the roads, although you do make out some music coming from inn.
Likewise, the town statue is as it was when you left - no new blood stains mar its ancient surface.
Finally, after what feels like several hours, you reach the Lorrimor Estate. The lights are out and the house is quiet. In the distance, a crow sounds.
Alexa looks at the quiet house, and with all that has happened on this day, decides that caution is warranted. Holding out her hand, she calls on her powers to determine whether any spirits are prowling the area.
Lets make sure that no spirits from the prison have followed us here.
Use Spirit Sense to determine whether any undead or other incorporeal beings are present.
Alexa nods to the others. [b]Unlike the prison, this good home appears to still be free of the unnatural taint of undeath.
She then moves forward with the others into the home.
Perception: <-- is there anything amiss around the house? Any movement? Any new tracks or marks where it looks like someone might have broken in?
For Valen's part, he's relieved that everyone is still hale, if not hearty at the moment. The Grey Lady (and his new companions) have given him the courage to carry on. For a pariahic grave-digger, this experience is unexpected from his simpler routine of months past. Despite the prison's dread, it is not the fear of the dead that was his concern. It is the fear of failing his charge (and promise to Hugo) that concerned him.
At Kendra's words, he merely nods and mumbles,"Glad to be of service." Otherwise he takes in the night air and moves along - his shovel once again serving as a walking-stick for the trek back to the Lorrimor estate. He does give the statue a couple of hard glances - anticpating that something else might appear there.
A sense of relief to get a warm meal and bed gives him renewed energy. He offers to get wood and such to get the fireplace going. Otherwise, he assists anyone who may have a need of healing - spending his remain channeling or a cure light wounds if needed.
Not seeing anything that appears to be dangerous, Alexa will follow the others in to the rather alien, in her way of thinking, house.
Madeline sighs great-fully as they enter Kendra's house. Almost immediately heading towards the bath room and the beginnings of drawing a hot, soothing bath.
*Cough* For Kendra first, of course. (>_>)
Creel joins Alexa in checking out the house before removing his armor, dousing himself with rain water, the bath being taken. Now not quite as smelly Creel heads for the kitchen to scramble up a slapdash meal of oats, eggs and whatever fruits and veggies the larder can contribute.
"Right everyone eat up. It's not grand but you will sleep better on a full stomach."
After the meal Creel will ask Tharnik to wake him for second watch.
Alexa heads to the kitchen to see what is available and gathers whatever vegetables, fruits and nuts she can find. Seeing the others bathing and cleaning themselves, she once again attempts to pull some unruly twigs from her disheveled hair, but the end result just makes the locks more disorganized.
She then goes to her room and takes the pillow from the bed and finds a good place to sleep in a corner of the room where she will be able to see anyone entering the room should she be awakened.
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ALSO:
Time of Day: A divine spellcaster chooses and prepares spells ahead of time, but unlike a wizard, does not require a period of rest to prepare spells. Instead, the character chooses a particular time of day to pray and receive spells. The time is usually associated with some daily event. If some event prevents a character from praying at the proper time, she must do so as soon as possible. If the character does not stop to pray for spells at the first opportunity, she must wait until the next day to prepare spells."
So, yes, you will have enough time to prepare spells.
Same time as Tharnik is fine. I also need sleep, but as you said, really all I need is an hour in the early morning to meditate and pray to regain my spells.
Vaghn makes a big pot of tea and offers some to anyone who cares for it.