Ravel laughs, "It is quite delicious."
Shaking her head the paladin grins. "It actually is very good."
Zokar's smile returns and he claps his meaty hands together, "Excellent! Excellent! Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"Well, not to be alarming, but we may as well inquire while we have the opportunity, Zokar do you know anything of the former Harrowstone prisoner called 'Father Charlatain'?"
"Well, I can't say I know much that was quite a bit before my time ya see. All I know is the stories that go around about him and that is the man wasn't really no Father. Charlatan, though, that he was. Conned a lot of good people out of their hard earned money. He was working with a group of fellows who murdered a bunch of town-guards when they were figured out and the guards came to arrest them. Why you interested in Father Charlatan?"
"This town has a fascinating history, and I was told of some of the more infamous prisoners by a rhyming song. Wondering what parts of the legends were true and what was conjecture..."
Zokar chuckles, "Indeed that can be hard to decide, especially in Ravengro. People around here say all sorts of crazy things if you're willing to listen. Say, though, the town hall has old records and stuff. If you're really that interested I'm sure you could find something about it all there. Maybe the Unfurlling Scroll, too."
Grinning Ingrid glances over at those who'd already been to the Unfurling scroll. "We'll be sure to do that. Thank you."
Ravels grin diminishes at the mention of the Unfurling Scroll. "Yes... I suppose someone could check the Scroll again. I have had my fill of that place."
"Sure, sure anytime!
Pervin brings out eerie green mugs of ale and Zokar disappears back into the kitchen.
Terrance looks at the glowing ale with trepidation.
Well, lets see what this ale tastes like.
He then takes a deep drink of it.
It's some of the best ale you've ever had, you're not sure how he got it to glow like that but the faintly sweet taste really hits the spot.
After listening to Ake's exposition of her need for revenge, Ioann somewhat return to his stern self. Thus, the hint of a smile disappeared from his lips.
"They will pay, we will make sure of that. he pauses for a moment, looking at the goblin to finally nod at her in approval You've got quite the spirit Ake." he finally says.
When Zokar approaches them, and reveals the name of the meals, Ioann makes a face and stares at the man in disgust.
"Yeah, its good but should be renamed..."
Ioann listens as Ravel and Ingrid speak about visiting the unfurling scroll and joins the discussion:
"I'll go... with the paladin. Maybe then she will tell me about her link to the professor.... Or maybe she wants to do that now?" he says, looking at her from the corner of his eyes.
Fascinated by the glowing brew Ravel drinks hers faster than she probably should have, but finds the spirits refreshing. She quietly asks Pervin for another as she listens to her friends.
"How many times do I have to say it that 'The Paladin' has a bloody name Ioann? Ingrid says, sighing. "And if you want to ask me how I met the professor just ask, you're about as subtle at that as you are at opening doors."
... the stained glass mural of Pharasma judging Count Andachi...
"Yes, well I imagine that's the very sort of reaction they're going for. Shall we?"
The young apostle let the DEputy lead as he was a local and most likely to receive a warm reception.
Ioann's first response to Ingrid's outburst is to lift up the mug that was just brought to him by Pevrin. However, as his lips touch the cup, Ioann realizes that he is about to drink. The man battles his desire to drink the alcohol with all his might before loudly and messily putting the mug in front of Ake.
"Take it. Its yours now." he says, before turning back toward Ingrid.
"So, Ingrid Van der Geist, how about you tell us how you came to know the professor. Please?" he says mockingly.
The deputy goes up the steps and knocks on the church door. A moment later a young man wearing the robes of an acolyte pulls open the door and ushers you inside. Uklod notices right away that the stained glass mural is strikingly more intimidating with the moonlight filtering through. Other acolytes move about the church cleaning, lighting candles and such.
Deputy Riff says to the acolyte, "Evening Nolan, we'd like to speak with the Father if he's around, please."
The acolyte bows his head and leaves to fetch Father Grimburrow. Father Grimburrow soon returns and opens his arms to embrace Kendra. Kendra steps into his arms and plants a kiss on the old man's cheek. "My child, I was hoping that you would find your way here. How are things?"
"It is a little easier each day. I think my father had it right to ask our friends to stay with me for a time, but I wish he would have made them feel it was more optional. They've all been so kind and considerate to me, but I can't help but feeling that they all probably have much better things to do than to watch over me for a month. Indeed, a couple of them have already left like thieves in the night bearing shame instead of like welcomed guests who must return home."
"I'm here tonight, though Father because my friend Uklod has seen something troubling tonight and Deputy Riff thought it might be best to bring it to you," Kendra says holding out her hand to indicate Uklod and invite him to step forward.
-----
Seeing Ioann put aside his mug of ale, a few minutes later Pevrin leaves a mug of water in front of Ioann instead without question or comment.
Opting to ignore his mocking tone Ingrid takes a sip of her drink. "We all know that this land in which we live carries a darkness, a legacy of things that go bump in the night haunting the common folk." she says looking at her companions. "For the last few centuries, my family has been devoted to taking the fight to the undead, protecting the populace as best we could. When I was 14 my gift foe seeing past the veil of false life or invisibility that some undead can create manifested. At that point, the Professor has already made a study of my family but having the gifts and burdens of such a legacy thrust on someone the same age as Kendra....I think it moved him. He was also fascinated by the fact that because of my family’ pact with Pharasma, angelblood is actually pretty common in my bloodline."
The Paladin smiles quietly to herself, staring into her glass as she swirls the wine around, her mind going back to better days. "He sort of became like a favorite uncle to me. I’d visit regularly, spending time with Kendra, but also the professor and I would spend the days studying, debating and comparing notes on the supernatural and the nature of undead and the veil between life and death. I can’t tell you how many times a vital bit of information from Petros was key to myself or one of my brothers taking down some horrible monster.”
Terrance takes another drink of his ale.
So I think what we are all saying, is that for better or worse, we are all going to have to stop what is happening, else bad things are going to happen to this town.
"Bad things have already happened, even in the past few days. We need to try to prevent them from becoming much... much worse."
Ioann listens intently to Ingrid's story, his pose and expression surprisingly devoid of malice. As she goes on, his eyes wander off into the distance, and he starts nodding. Once she done, he seems to come back to reality.
"Yeah, professor Lorrimor had this way to always find the right word or information to help." he trails off for a moment before answering to Terrance. "Seems that way. So, do we stay some more or leave now?" he asks, lifting his mug and drinking the water.
Uklod took special care to greet Father Grimburrow in an appropriate manner for one of his rank.
"Father, Uklod Oiglus at your service. The night favors your temple.", he remarked gesturing towards the stained glass and the moon's effect on it. "A reminder of the dangers of desperation? I pray this land never sees such a need again."
The youth sighed before continuing, "This night I witnessed the appearance of wagon tracks that disappeared almost as quickly. They led to the bridge on the way to Harrowstone but I lost sight of them on the other side. Have you ever seen the like?"
"Indeed, desperate men do desperate things and in the end, he's often not the only one to suffer the consequences. Be welcomed, Uklod Oiglus."
Father Grimburrow takes a moment to listen to your tale says, "I cannot say that I have seen anything exactly like that, but my eyes have been open to many a strange happenings in Ravengro over the last few weeks. It seems that the spirits are stirring and they are angry. Many, many people died in that fire the night Harrowstone burned. There have been stories and rumors of the place being haunted for as long as I've been around. Only recently, however, have the spirits been able to reach this far to affect things here in the town. I've written to the High Temple seeking their aid but I have not received word. I fear I'm far too old to be of any real threat to the spirits of that wretched place, and my acolytes are still far too young and inexperienced. I fear for your sake, that my prayers for assistance have been answered by the presence of yourself and those who are staying with Lady Kendra. I think it is no coincidence that so many among you are studied with weapons and in favor of your gods. It is no coincidence that Miss Van der Geist, one of Pharasma's own, is among you."
Ioann, I would not be able to sleep well at night, if I abandoned them now. Let us deal with this problem and then see about those Pharasma forsaken bastards that killed the professor.
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Ioann, I would not be able to sleep well at night, if I abandoned them now. Let us deal with this problem and then see about those Pharasma forsaken bastards that killed the professor.
"I think he meant should we call it a night or have another round Terrance, I'm sure none of us has any intention of leaving this place anytime soon." Ingrid says finishing her drink.
Ah, i misunderstood. I will be staying for one more, and then i am headed to lady Kendras
"I'll be staying in town until these foul necromancers get what they deserve." he says, ominously before drinking all his water in one gulp.
"Good thing you are all reliable enough to avenge professor Lorrimor." he continues while he gathers the card they just bough.
After shuffling them, he distributes a few to each person at the table, puts the remaining in a stack in the center of the table before taking at look at his own hand. While he does so, he calls to Ake sitting to his left:
"Your up Ake, Game of the Moon."
Ingrid looks over at Ioann as if about to say something, then sighs. Pinching the bridge of her nose as if to stave off a headache ahe takes a deep breath. "You know, you keep going on and on about necromancers. Theres a very good chance that this has very little to do with necromancers at all. There are intelligent malicious undead that have no need for the control of a spellcaster to target an individual for death and perform actions that could kill someone on the physical plane."
Ioann, still looking at his cards answers to Ingrid.
"What do you think the people who inscribed the runes near Harrowstone are? I say necromancers. I doubt they were spirits... and I am sure they are still around. Would they already be done with the prison. I don't think so. Anyway, you must be the expert on those things.... and so you believe the spirits would be strong enough the reaise the deads? Why professor Lorrimor and not the others that were burried? Seems odd to me.... Still, you know better right?"
Uklod was thoughtful on the elderly priest's words... no coincidence indeed...and realized that he should make an effort to get closer to the others. He also realized that with age came wisdom and knowledge that his youthfulness lacked.
"Your confidence in us in appreciated Father. You should meet the others. They are quiet capable and more stalwart group I have yet to meet."
The inquisitor paused for a second before continuing.
"Besides the strange happenings around town we have also delved into the Harrowstone. To be blunt, it is infected with restless spirits. We have recovered several items from the undead that we think are important to putting them to rest once and for all. Perhaps you could help us in this endeavor?"
"I have indeed met the others. They were all present at the funeral and have since been to see me here," His eyes slide over to Kendra and he seems to change what he was about to say, "A few times for research and aid. I went with them into the Restlands to find the things they were looking for in a false crypt. Years I've been here and had not the faintest idea that there was a false crypt there. Tell me, what have you found in the prison?" Father Grimburrow motions to a small office inviting you to come and sit.
Deputy Riff, not knowing what else to do with himself in the temple says, "Well, I reckon that if you find something that I would be of any use for you'll let me know. I had better head back to the jail before Deputy Trestleblade gets cross with me for being gone too long. Miss Kendra, if you want I can walk you back home or I'm sure Uklod here will make sure you're home safe when he's done?"
Kendra, whose curiosity has gotten the best of her once more thanks the deputy and sends him on his way, quite content to listen to whatever scraps of information about the prison and ghosts she can catch.
"There's far more to the realm of the undead than just restless or malicious spirits, and while there may be some living casters working the dark forces of necromancy, I fear there is something way darker and far more powerful manipulating things. Most of those that follow the Whispering Way no longer breathe air...if they ever did." Ingrid replies somberly.
The night grows quieter as the tavern clears out more and more.
After finishing a second drink, Terrance looks at the others.
Well, I am off for bed. With that, he gets up, grabs what is his from beside the table, and then starts to make his way back to Lady Kendra's.
Ioann lifts his eyes from his cards to respond to Ingrid, his face has stern as usual.
"Disappointing: if so, they won't feel frustration from being thwarted"
After Terrance declares his intention, Ioann, takes a look at the others, slowly shifting his gaze from one to the other.
"Anyone wants to play card or should be follow the dwarf?"
"Oh they will. Even unliving, these ar largely creatures of malice that take pleasure in tormenting the living. They will definitely feel the sting of being thwarted, fer more irrationally so than the living in fact." Ingrid says standing.
"I think we'd all be better of heading back rather than isolating ourselves."
Uklod bid the Deputy a good evening and followed the Father into his office letting Kendra go before him. Mindful of the late hour, the young man gave a brief description of the items they had found.
"What do you make of it all Father? I regret not being able to recall more. Perhaps I could return on the morrow with the others and the items?"
Ioann calmly takes back the cards from the others and stacks the deck before putting it into one of his pocket. Grabbing his bundled sword, Ioann stands up, ready to follow the others and leave for the Lorrimor estate.
On the way there, the man changes back to his usual loner attitude, and stops talking to the others. The only sounds escaping him are grunts and sights.
Father Grimburrow listens intently to the descriptions of the items. He nods his head and says, "Indeed without having them available to examine in person, I could only make rudimentary guesses. If you are willing to return tomorrow with the items perhaps I will be able to determine exactly what use they will be for you."
-----
It is well past sunset when you begin to make your way back to the Lorrimor estate. The night has grown quiet as the town has settled in for the night. Shutters are closed, and only the occasional light can be seen flickering through the cracks. A dog gives you a halfhearted woof from a porch as you pass by. You arrive back at the Lorrimor estate to find that not only has Kendra not returned, but Uklod is gone as well.
Terrance heads into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee.
I will wait up for an hour. If she and Uklod have not returned by then, I suggest that we go looking.
Ravel enters the home and takes a seat upon one of the couches. She lifts her hand for her small friend to alight. She asks Narcissa, "Has Kendra been home yet?"
Uklod hoped the Father was just trying to be helpful but a part of his training had been to doubt everyone ...especially those of faith...
"Thank you Father Grimburrow. We will be sure to do that."
He bid the priest good night and then escorted Lady Kendra home.
Father Grimburrow bows slightly to Uklod, "It is a pleasure to be of service." He walks the two of you outside and stands on the porch watching until the night has swallowed you and he can no longer see you.
You arrive back at the Lorrimor estate to find that the others have returned.
Seeing Kendra and Uklod come in together, Terrance visibly relaxes, and states that he is now off for bed.
He then rinses the mug he was using and then proceeds to go to sleep for the night.
Upon entering, Ioann is as brutish as usual, for he kicks his boot out before loudly walking up the stairs, and slamming the door to Orin's room. Once in, he goes for the bag containing the items belonging to the prisoners and throws the deck of cards inside.