This has been something we have been doing. Our next foray was to get the sheriffs badge and then see if that was going to force them to appear when we showed to send them to thier final rest.
"In that case, what areas have you cleared thus far, and where, exactly, is the Sherriff's badge located within the complex?"
Sadly, there have been no locations that have been cleared, however the badge is here.
He unrolls the map to show everyone the location of the badge and where the different criminals were.
"There are objects corresponding to each of the malevolent spirits. What makes things more difficult is apparently they have to be dealt with in a particular order. Finding the badge will strengthen the warden's wife's ability to hold them, limiting their ability to affect the town while we deal with each of them." Ingrid continues.
Noting the way Ingrid looks at Tyrrol after his words, Henric frowns. "Terribly sorry. Did I say something untoward?" he asks, taking a seat, effortlessly folding his tall frame into the chair. He helps himself to coffee as the others recount the strange events and findings.
"I'll keep the local superstitions and beliefs in mind. I usually have certain pigments, similar to the make-up used in the theatre, which I use to disguise myself when out and about, but I must have forgotten to apply them today. I shall endeavour to remember next time." Sipping his coffee, he rubs his chin with his thumb. "Fires, ghosts, and hauntings. Mysterious writing and cursed objects. I would like to see what objects you have recovered, and my associate's journal, if possible, along with any other resources or leads you might have. I'll need as much information as possible in order to make a full assessment of the situation."
Seliina listened with interest to all that was being said. While she preferred dealing with planar troubles herself, especially portal troubles, she found this problem fascinating. One couldn't spend any time with the professor and not find such things of interest, his enthusiasm for his work was second to none and she had found herself drawn into his stories. She decided that even if this all became a bust when it came to her goals she was going to help them. "So evil spirits escaped from wherever the hell they were at, a good one trying to help, and cursed objects to get rid of the specters. Sound like fun!"
Ioann, head down over his food, continues eating while he answer's Henric's question.
"Ingrid here has one of the cursed items, the symbols of one named Father Charlatan. The others are at the church of Pharasma, guard by the priest there. As for the journal, its in a chest under my bed... 2nd door to the left on the second floor."
Now done with his dish, Ioann pushes himself away from the table. Still, he does not stand up, leaving it up to Henric to go and get the journal. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he looks up to the new comers.
"So, you're all interested in following us. Even giddy. I won't stop you, but Harrowstone is dangerous, its not a place for children, so if you act like giddy kis, don't expect me to help you when you get into trouble." he finishes, not amused by the excitement of the newcomers.
"Well I for one welcome the perspective of a few different eyes in dealing with this. Though I doubt I'd use the word fun." Ingrid says with a smile in Seliina's direction.
Turning toward Henric she gives the unusual man a nod."You seem to be rather well read. There are some papers we retrieved from the prison that we haven't really had the time to go over as yet. The hope was to find some relevant information we could use in determining how to best tackle each menace."
Henric watches Ioann as he eats, taking note of the way the man hunches over his plate. Head down, focusing on his meal almost to the exclusion of all else. Perhaps used to having such things taken, unconsciously defending what he has. Interesting. Without another word, he excuses himself to fetch the journal.
When he returns, thumbing through it, his face is grim. "This is distressing," he says, though his voice betrays no emotion. "Ten years he was investigating this, and he mentioned nothing of it in our correspondence. If he'd told me, perhaps I could have helped... or perhaps I'd be dead, as well."
Taking a seat and returning to his coffee, he turns his blank eyes on Ioann. "Do I act like a giddy child, or do I act like a scholar? My interest here is both personal, and academic. I would like to find out why my good friend was murdered, but the chance to inspect and study these happenings is a rare one."
Turning his attention to Ingrid, he adds, "I've accumulated quite a wealth of knowledge over the centuries, and while much of it is beyond my reach, given time, I should be able to answer almost every question that arises - be it of magical, historical, or religious importance. I am not merely well-read - I am well-lived." A faint smile plays about his thin lips, a twinkle briefly entering one white eye. "So, would you be so kind as to share these papers?"
'Hmm.... more than a bit full of himself, but definitely very intelligent. I get the feeling he's going to be an asset.'
Nodding, Ingrid gets up to retrieve the papers and legal documents obtained from Harrowstone, placing them in front of the Samsaran.
Finally having finished her food Seliina listened to the discussion. With the production of the paper Seliina decided to leave her warm place and go look at them, she moved to stand behind Henric and leaned over his shoulder, "So what do these entail anyway?"
Terrance leans back, and lets others think of what can and should be done.
Returning back to his seat after the introductions.
Aye, and do not forget the bloody writing on the monument that one of the deputies first accused us of doing. At least until we caught the one that was doing it.
Deputy Riff, who had been still sitting there when the newcomers arrived quietly observing and cataloging the new people since it looked like they'd be spending time in Ravengro. He takes a sip of coffee and clears his throat, "Mr. Foehammer, was it? I don't believe we've ever been properly introduced. I'm Deputy Riff, the deputy who was there the night when Ms. Van der Geist, Mr. Vilescu, and Mr. Gabor came to the jail to report the events of that evening. I can't say I recall having ever accused any of you of defacing the memorial. Now, I know that Ms. Van der Geist wasn't exactly taken with my opinions on that evening, and Mr. Gabor and Mr. Vilescu here both looked liked they'd considered knocking my teeth out for whatever reasons I personally don't fully understand... but I don't take any of them to be liars and I doubt that they told you that I accused you either. Perhaps you might be mistaken on what you remember from that evening?"
-----
The papers that Ingrid retrieved are random bits of prisoner files. There is nothing new to be gleaned from the papers that the group did not already learn through their research. By spending time looking over the papers, and talking with those at the table, the new members are able to gain all of the same information on Harrowstone and the famous five prisoners as what the rest of the group has in the span of just an hour or so.
Slightly startled by the deputy sitting there.
Aye deputy, that was probably the situation. We were a little on edge after getting cut up a bit while trying to apprehend the one that was defacing the monument.
Ioann is startled when deputy Riff speaks up, he had totally forgotten that the man was there, and even though he had left when the newcomers had all arrived. Cursing under his breath he stands up, giving a dirty look to the Riff. About to brutality brush past him, he remembers his empty dish and takes an awkward step backward to get it. His anger at the deputy now mostly gone, he avoids bumping into him as he makes his way from the kitchen.
As he starts washing his plate, he speaks up, apparently addressing Henric.
"Viewing a chance to study something while someone needs to be avenged sounds sick to me... maybe too macabre for a child... just right for a scholar I guess."
"Leave the papers be, what we need are ropes and a pulley. No need to tarry here any more. We need to go stop these ghosts." he says, the last sentence betraying Ioann's need for revenge.
"We'll be a lot more successful if everyone is up to speed on what we're dealing with. The learning curve has been steep enough as it is and I'd rather not put more people in danger if I can avoid it." Ingrid says calmly.
Well, while you try to figure things out, I will be back shortly
Terrance heads upstairs to his room, and then a minute later outside.
"Very well. Now that we are up to speed, let's see what we can find out..."
Henric's eyes flick to the Deputy, as if noticing him for the first time. After spending a few moments peering at the man over the top of his spectacles, he adjusts them and continues his reading, alternately sipping at his coffee and handing a page up to Seliina. It had to be more comfortable than reading over someone's shoulder, after all.
so strange so strange so beautiful what is she we know we dont know we must we
He takes another sip, calmly trying to ignore the whispers.
His eyes briefly fix on Ingrid when she addresses Ioann. Speaking in defense of a newcomer. Eager to please? Pragmatic? Or simply used to being the voice of reason?
splatter man splatter man blood hot sticky my hands my face she screams so sweetly
He pats his brow with his handkerchief, setting his spectacles aside as he finishes reading. "This is all very useful. Thank you," he says to Ingrid, calmly ignoring Ioann's comments. "Now. When were you planning on leaving?"
Seliina finished reading the pages herself and said, "Judging by the short wide one we're leaving right now." Seliina, having not even put her things away or rested yet, rose and went to follow.
"Probably within the hour. Whenever Terrance gets back from his errands. These vile spirits have already proved a menace to be dealt with in force." Ingrid replies running a hand through her hair.
Realizing that Terrance is doing a personal errand Seliina sat back down and tried to relax a bit while they waited.
A little over an hour later, Terrance comes back, and then quickly heads up to his room.
Just give me five more minutes and then I will be ready to go, wherever it was decided.
"Did you happen to stop by Jorfa's for the things we need?" Kendra asks Terrance.
Deputy Riff raises his eyebrows and then says to Kendra, "What? Wait, you're going with them? You can't be serious?"
"I most certainly am serious. Whatever is going on in that prison, has something to do with my father's death. I intend to find out everything that I can. Besides, I might be of use."
Lady Kendra, the only thing that we had to pick up from Jorfa's was some rope and a pulley,
I asked her if there was some rope and a pulley available that we might be able to borrow, and if damaged or destroyed we will pay for it.
"There is really not much point in having anyone avoid Harrowstone anymore. With the ghosts free to attack town, Kendra will be much safer with us deputy." answers Ioann from the kitchen.
The man then finishes washing dishes in silence, without bothering to join in any conversation that's going on. Luckily, he is able to control himself enough so as to avoid breaking anything. Once done, he passes through the dining room, not really paying attention to anyone before walking up the stairs to his rooms. Moments later, he comes back down, a bundle of fabric strapped to his back.
Sighting loudly he speaks to everyone.
"Anyone going to join me in the living room to wait for Terrance?" he asks. Before anyone has time to answer, he heads there himself.
Nodding in agreement with Ioann's assessment, Ingrid goes to her room and gathers the rest of her gear, including everything she has at her disposal this time.
Terrance is able to obtain everything needed from Jorfa.
I'm guessing everyone has gathered in the living room with the intent of heading to Harrowstone?
Terrance comes back down the stairs, with his gear.
I believe that this is everything that we said that we would need?
Placing the rope and pulley on the floor.
He then heads into the kitchen to make use of the flame.
What is Terrance dead gone his rictus grin anyway? For that matter doesn't matter never has what are you?
One hand flies, from instinct, to his breast pocket, where the small vial resides. The mild hallucinogen that blocked out the voices, assisting in slumber. But it was only mid-morning - and there was something different about this.
He sets his trunk on the table and opens it, revealing a small, portable alchemical laboratory, each vial and reagent tucked into its own labelled slot. A large bag nestled in the middle is taken and inspected, various items appearing for a moment as Henric appears to take a mental inventory, before vanishing.
He leaves briefly to stow his trunk in a spare room, before returning to the party. "We should be going, then." The weight of his pack appears to bother him, though he says nothing of it.
Henric's voice breaks through in a rush of sound, a background of faint whispers, barely decipherable, accompanying it. Terrance is a dwarf, a child of stone. stone everywhere can't breathe His kind are honour-bound, and harbour a racial hatred of giants. His growth isn't stunted; they tend to be that short. As a word of advice - don't try to outdrink him. it ends badly always did i never learned He goes silent for a moment, before continuing, I am a samsaran. I was first born thousands of years ago, and I've been reborn many times since. i am xantrian i am rogarth i am annelise i am hotaru Are you familiar with the process of reincarnation? rebirth dying always dying the pain In theory, I am supposed to retain clear memories of everything I have experienced. In actuality... For a few moments, the floodgates open, dozens of different voices whispering over one another before the tide stops. It is somewhat more complicated.
Another moment of silence. Then, I do not know how I knew what you are. I met another of your kind, once, but I do not remember her name, nor who I was at the time.
"Alright. If everyone is ready, lets go." Ingrid says pulling her hood up and heading toward the door.
As ready as I will ever be
Terrance picks up the pulley and rope, and follows along after Ingrid.
Seliina pulled her hood up and said, "I'm ready as well." She rose and followed the two towards the door.
Tyrrol gets to his feet.
"Then let us be off."
Kendra says goodbye to the deputy, walking him to the door as everyone heads out to leave. She's put together a small bag that she carries slung over a shoulder. She waits for you to lead the way.
Taking the lead, Ingrid heads beyond the town proper, guiding the others towards the desolate site of Harrowstone.
Before leaving the estate, Ioann straps the bumble of fabric that he brought downstairs to his back, and fetches a sledgehammer which, judging from the marks on its head, has seen quite a lot of use in the past few days.
Sledgehammer in hand, the part proximal to its metal head resting on Ioann's shoulder, the man follows the others silently. For the whole duration of the short trip, Ioann sticks close to Kendra, often looking around, clearly concerned about her.
Ingrid, how much resistance do you expect them to give us in getting the badge. Any guesses
Terrance grins up at her as they walk along.
Kendra pauses to take in the scene, a sadness taking over her features. "Where was it that they found him?"
"Given the escalation the fire represents, probably high, especially if they know that getting the badge could help contain them." Ingrid replies frowning slightly.
Looking over at Kendra, she sighs sadly, indicating to Ingrid where her father was reported found.
Terrance moves over to where he was reported to have been found.
Right in this area Lady Kendra
He then grimmaces and those responsible will pay in the end
Harrowstone is located on a barren hill south of the city of Ravengro, the stark, sagging roof of its central structure visible through a large gap in the surrounding wall. A partially overgrown track leads from the southern edge of town, winding around the base of the hill and then back up along its southern slope to the prison itself. The prison consists of four distinct areas, each with its own features.
Harrowstone’s grounds are contained within a crumbling stone wall, the eastern portion of which has fallen away into a huge sinkhole that formed when the extensive eastern wing of the prison dungeon collapsed after the dreadful fire of 4661—this collapse took with it the prison graveyard, which now lies in ruins at the bottom of the murky pond that filled the sinkhole.
You make your way across the grounds and to the main entrance. Though the building is made of stone, the door is wood. It is rotted and hanging oddly from it's hinges
"Yeah, around there... around were they drew somekind of magical circle. " Ioann says, dragging his feet and looking around, hoping he might find signs of the magical circle which he could disturb.
Kendra moves to the area indicated and stands there silently for a moment with her eyes closed. After a moment she kneels down and touches a bloodstained piece of stone. Tears well up in her eyes. She clears her throat and stands, a look of determination on her face. "Shall we?"
Terrance gives her what space she needs while she mourns the professor.
Aye, Let us go.
Realizing the hurt that had to be in Kendra's eyes right now, at least it felt like hurt and sorrow from what the Lashunta woman could sense, she moved up and laid a gentle hand on the woman's shoulder and offered her a hand up. "I agree, we should get to work and put these ghosts to rest if we can."
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Tyrrol regards the main entrance impassively.
"I will let you guide me for the moment, as you have been here before, and I have not. I would suggest, however, that we conduct a thorough search..."
This is the third time that we have been here, right now we are going for the wardens badge.
However, we will show you the locations as you requested, and what we have searched.
Ioann indeed shoves his way to the main door, having not found any indications of the ritual that took place in the courtyard made him angry (well, angrie than usual). This is for the best, for it masks the dread that Ioann usually feels when coming up to the prison's entrance. Still, he looks over his shoulder to Kendra, slightly worried.
"Right Terrance, badge first. That should enrage the spirits enougth so they might come for us." he finishes, as an answer to Seliina's hope.
"Newcomers, enjoy the tour. If curiosity delay's you, and you get lost, don't come crying. If something grabs your ankle, do scream though." he mumbles mostly to himself before entering the dark building.
Ioann makes his way unto the dark entryway, and almost immediately turns right, entering a room filled with sooth and smelling of smoke. Passing through it, he arrives to the practice room were a large sinkhole can be seen. There, he puts down his bundle and sledge hammer, and starts rigging the pulley and the rope.