Int:
Nope, no recollection of who we are looking for.
Valen is somewhat in awe of the bustling Lepidstadt - finding it to be so bright and lively a city, especially given that his only other experiences have been the dour Tamrivena and Ravengro. He does take a moment to ask Vaghn: "Ummm...before we get too settled into the city, where are we to turn the books into? After what happened with those priests, hopefully we can find a secure place for them."
He'll also follow the Professor wherever he leads. He tries to recall everything his old teacher mentioned of the city as he looks around during their walk.
As they walk the streets, Valen asks Vaghn:"I seem to recall my old teacher speaking of Dr. Montagnie Crowl as someone of significance at the University as well. Do you know this gentleman, Herr Vaghn?"
Madeline pulls out a small note-book from a pocket in her coat and consults its pages for a moment,
"So, Mistress Daramid it is, then?" She asks, looking to Master Grafft for pointers as to where said person resides at the university.
Alexa, who was not with the group at the beginning, looks over to Madeline:
Who is this Mistress Daramid?
Madeline inclines her head towards ALexa.
"When we were reviewing some of the things in the late Professors possession. His wishes indicated that said items would either best be held in said parson's care. Or, indeed, some had been borrowed from the University faculty over which she presides." She informs her companion.
"I believe remuneration was also mentioned..." Madeline adds, though of such casing her to think of other things.
Alexa nods:
Then we should find this professor and return the books.
She looks over to Vaghn:
Would you perchance know where this professor lives? Or where his offices might be?
Madeline smiles,
"Her, dear. The professor is a 'Her'..." She reminds/informs Alexa queitly.
Valen looks to Vaghn and Madeline. "I am curious about Lepidstadt and the University, but it sounds like we should be finding this Lady Daramid and get these books to a safe place."
Madeline nods in understanding at the direction the conversation is proceeding,
"Then we should seek out the Professor at the University." She suggests. She looks to Master Grafft for directions.
"Yes, these tomes are to be delivered to Professor Daramid. This way to the University, where we shall see if she is in her offices."
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After comparing notes, your group remembers that the late Professor Lorrimor wanted the books taken to Embreth Daramid, one of the justices of Vieland and a magistrate of Lepidstadt. Her home is easy to find after asking around a bit.
When you finally find it, an older woman, in her sixties, answers the door.
"Yes?"
Valen stands with his head slightly down - not wanting to cause a fuss with a magistrate. He does look in Vaghn's direction - hoping the erudite professor will provide some kind of introduction.
Despite not being the best with social interaction, Alexa steps forward.
M'Lady, I apologize if I do not know your protocol, I am more comfortable with trees and animals. However, we were asked by Prof . . our patron, to deliver certain items to a Professor Da . . . Dal . . .Dadarimiid. Alexa quite successfully massacres the professor's name. Would you be she? Or know where we might find her?
Diplomacy: <-- hey, I probably didn't completely insult her
Vaghn doffs his hat and speaks somberly. "What my charming compatriot is trying to say, is that we are here on behalf of the estate of the late Professor Petros Lorrimor to make a delivery of goods to one Magistrate Daramid, per his last will and testement. Might we have the correct house?"
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"Oh my... I had heard the terrible news about the late Professor... he was a dear friend. Please come in."
As you follow Embreth Daramid into her home, you cannot help but take in the splendor of the magistrate's home. Her home is paneled in dark oak, inlaid with brushed silver that forms what appears to be arcane script. She leads you through a long, candle-lit hall and into a sitting room that is equally impressive. She motions for you to sit in a large, velvet couch. She sits across from you and then rings a silver bell. A man appears - obviously her butler. She orders wine and tea for all of you and then leans in.
"I truly wish we were meeting in some other way. I was fond of Professor Lorrimor and the news of his passing is still hard to take. No doubt young Kendra is a complete wreck. Still, I long for fresh news from Harrowstone. Would you be so kind as to bring me up to speed as to what happened in Harrowstone?"
"Fraulein Lorrimor was understandably upset by the passing of her father, but when last we left her, she was doing well. She really is the most remarkable young woman." Vaghn looks a bit confused by her question. "Forgive me, Magistrate, did you mean Ravengro, or are you inquiring about the old prison?"
Cringing internally as Vaghn simply explains everything without even verifying if this is the right person, Alexa stays back and attempts to carefully watch the Magistrate's facial expressions to see if she can pick up any read on the woman, good or bad.
Sense Motive:
Valen nods at the invitation - trusting that they have found the right person. Once inside the home - he remains quiet and impressed by the sophisticated décor. Trying to make sure he doesn't break what is probably a very fine teacup - he takes a proffered cup of tea. He looks around the parlor as he listens to the conversation.
Alexa raises her eyebrows:
What sort of problems did you hear of?
Madeline gives a small curtsey upon meeting the Dame at her front door. Upon being invited to enter Madeline walks quietly along with every one, taking an indicated seat when offered.
Madeline accepts the tea gratefully, fully enjoying the flavor and aroma. When the Dame mentions Harrowstone and the Professor's passing Madeline scowls.
"There was more than the late Professor's passing involved at that place." She says bluntly.
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"Well, I can't say for certain... but as you know, the professor borrowed certain books from me and my colleagues. While I am not certain as to the exact nature of his investigation, the nature of his inquiry led us to believe he was concerned with the spirits rumored to be bound in that place. But really, I cannot say more. I trust, however, you've brought the books with you? I'll have Alerfi fetch the late professor's deposit once I've inspected them."
Embreth Daramid pauses for a moment, then adds, "I believe there is a cancer in Lepidstadt, a darkness lurking behind the shadow of a scapegoat. For many years the people of Lepidstadt have laid all their ills at the door of a creature known as the Beast of Lepidstadt—murders, thefts, and terror have all been attributed to the Beast. But I am unsure if the trial about to tae place is fair. Many stories are exaggerations or simply untrue. I know that some people have different stories to tell about the creature—about its kindness and humanity, of how it has rescued loved ones or helped those in distress. Now that the time has arrived for such kindness to be repaid, however, no one dares to step forward and challenge the Beast’s reputation. I need some folks - those without bias - to determine if all that is to be told is actually true."
Alexa looks confused at the sudden change of the discussion:
I believe the spirits have been permanently put to rest. Although with the Whispering Tyrant's resting place not far to the south, who know what else undead might stir.
However, you speak of this Beast. What is it? What reputation? Where is it being kept if it is to be put on trial? And if it is a Beast, why would the laws of Lepidstadt allow a trial?
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"I don't now what the beast is. It is some sort of intelligent creature, though, I can guess that much. How else could it help as many as it is reputed to have harmed. But that's primarily what I'm asking of you. I am a magistrate here. I cannot take part in any investigation. But I do desire all of the facts of the case, lest an innocent creature be burnt to satisfy the grief of many. If you're willing to look into the heart of this case and provide me with all of the facts, either confirming the beasts guilt or shedding light on other involvement, I would be grateful. I would also pay each of you a hundred platinum apiece for such services."
A moment later, her butler arrives with a small chest. He opens it and starts counting out coins.
"Now, the book. I'd like to settle that first."
Alexa looks over and nods to Vaghn before looking at the others.
We seem to work well as a team. I am more interested in what happens outside the walls of towns than within. However, considering the unnatural taint of undeath and evil we have faced to this point. I am sure that the sudden capture of this Beast is no mere fluke and whatever evil is afoot will eventually affect the wild as well. If you all wish to aid the magistrate, I will remain within the walls of this town and help you all.
Finally feeling more at ease, Valen responds to Alexa's statement:"If what the Dame Daramid says is true, this beast may not be as vile as everyone suspects. To be labeled as different in Ustalav can lead to being an outcast or criminal in many eyes." The priest seem far away for a moment - remembering his own experiences and then continues for all in the group: "I would be willing to help investigate the beast's actions if it will bring justice one way or another."
"Also - considering what we found of an outside agency in Harrowstone; the fact that they may have been involved in the Professor's death; and the sudden interest in these books we brought to Lepidstadt. I can't help but wonder if those same people may have influenced the Beast's capture. Maybe as part of some plan to find the books?"
With that being said, he finally turns towards the magistrate Daramid. "Forgive me, Madam, as I am not overly scholarly, but may I ask - is there some significance to these tomes that we may be ignorant of? Their rareness or subject matter, perhaps?"
Madeline listens intently to the conversation as people explain the current goings on. Currently she is thinking...and thoroughly enjoying the tea.
Alexa looks confused:
What is the Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye? Why is this particular book of great importance to you? Is this something that followers of the Whispering Tyrant might be interested in?
Madeline Watches seemingly impassively, still seeming in thought.
"That the Lady Daramid should receive said book is known as it was written out in the will..." Madeline points out.
"The Professor trusted the Lady and I feel we should as well." She nods her head to the Lady Daramid to show her respect fort the other woman.
Bowing his head slightly to the magistrate, "Apologies for my prying...by all means let's return the books as the Professor Lorrimor requested. Does this mean we should take the rest of them to Professor Crowl as well?"
Still unsure of the magistrate and unwilling to trust much of anyone after all the strange going ons, Alexa steps back and allows her sight to change from the visual to the ability to sense unusual spirits as the others speak.
Use Spirit Sense and then scan the room and the magistrate.
Hesitating only a moment for the majority of the party to show support in some way, Vaghn pulls out the manual. "If Professor Lorrimor trusted you, then so shall I. I assume from your mention of the Tyrant that you are at least somewhat familiar with the role of his followers in recent events. I believe they killed the Professor at Harrowstone because he was getting too close to their secrets. At the site I found evidence of a spellform that indicated they had bound a powerful spirit of the place, that of the former warden, then departed. On the way from Ravengro, we were attacked by agents of theirs after the book. Before I hand this to you, I must ask: are you prepared to defend yourself from them if they come for you to, or will you require defense against these agents of evil?"
Alexa looks back at the magistrate, her suspicions raised:
What are your wards for? To keep things out? Or to protect what is within?
"Then I am content. Have the book, with my blessing." Vaghn hands her the book. "If I should ever have the opportunity to impress you enough for you to tell me just what is in there that had the Way trying to kill us across half of Ustalav, I should be grateful. For now, this business with the Beast has me most intrigued. I grew up hearing the stories of course, both of its monstrousness and its surprising gentleness, depending on who one spoke to, but I had always assumed it was a series of unconnected events; that every rogue ogre or kindly, but homely half-orc became the Beast in the eye of the superstitious beholder. To hear that the creature not only is real, and has been caught, but is sentient! And is to be put on trial for a host of deeds that more likey than not no one can prove... Even if you had not asked it, magistrate, I would investigate this matter thoroughly or forever wish I had."
Vaghn's demeanor changes, becomes subtly harder. "There is something I would request of you, however. As I mentioned, the Way is responsible for the death of Professor Lorrimor, who was as a father to me. I do not believe vengeance is good for the soul, but I do intend to make certain that his death was not in vain, that the plot he died trying to uncover is thwarted as he would have wished. As Rendel would have said, justice shall be done. For the Professor, for our fallen comrade, Creel, for every innocent life snuffed out by the Tyrant's followers, nothing less will suffice. For those still alive, but threatened by their evil, those we love and need to protect, nothing less will suffice. We need information on how to find the Way, on how to stop them, and you seem a very well informed individual. Once we have seen to the Beast, I implore you to share what you know that our quest for justice may continue."
Valen blinks several times at the presence of the wards, but remains otherwise quiet as the conversation continues. He visibly nods at several of Vaghn's statements - especially remembering those he knows who have fallen to the Way's darkness - Lorrimor, Creel, Hugo...
Well spoken, Vaghn...well spoken, he thinks to himself.
When the matter of the books is resolved, Valen will ask of investigating the Beast:"How or where was the Beast caught - within the city or outside of town? Is there any way we can speak to him - assuming that it does talk?"