Flit studies Rego for a second before shaking his head and sighing. "Everyone is so interesting and so something and all I am is a midget with a pistol!" He grinned at Rego before his face went serious. "That is our word though, you can't call me that!" He glared for a second before laughing again, shaking his head. "I jest."
He sighed before holding out his hands to the side, holding his coat open to show he wasn't concealing anything, before speaking. "I'm Flitter Whistle, I am a Halfling, I shoot things and stab them if they get too close and my gun is empty. I am a drunken slob, some of the time, and a highly efficient Bodyguard or Bountyhunter the rest of the time. As I said yesterday, I worked for the Professor running protection. I got my best friend killed and wasn't here when the Professor needed me because of that!" He smiles bitterly but continues.
"I want revenge, against all manner of undeath, present pale people excluded." He nodded at Rego. "And I'll burn this whole f+#*in country down to get it." He smiled, "Well... Just the parts that should be dead and aint!"
Beatrix smiles at Rego, Your state of partial death isn't a problem. It simply makes our little group should we stay together even more eclectic. And I loath boredom.
Turing her gaze to Flit, You are a foul mouthed man, but refreshingly honest.
Shifting her gaze to look about the room she starts to tell about herself. I am not a Lycanthrope, despite my gold eyes. They are a recent development but not due to being bitten... Anyways I met the Professor a few months ago. I had recently left my prior traveling companions, I no longer had any desire to stay in Helliax. Moving with various caravans I ended up in Sprucetalav. I heard a noise and found the Professor surrounded by five Goblins. My pony, Blackie, charged them, trampling two. While I set one on fire had the rest fleeing. The Professor was nice enough to spend three hours helping me catch Blackie. He was one of the few natives that didn't try to slap me with silver. She shoves the last of her bread into her mouth and looks at Awnara and Jing expectantly.
As the rest of the mourners tell their stories, Awnara fidgets with her hands, clearly uncomfortable. When it's clear the rest want her to tell her story, she clears her throat. "This...isn't easy. You all have such wild stories. Adventurers all in your own right. I'm just a Puddyfoot from northern Sprucetalav. This is as far from my home as I've ever traveled. And here I sit, taking tea with a Hellaxian, a gun-running bounty hunter, a werecat, and a creature of the night." She makes a protective sign of Desniy over her heart, a large circle with two smaller circles on the top. "I'm no adventurer. The closest I've ever been to one was when I was still a baby, in my mother's womb. She was attacked by something - some undead creature. I don't know the type; my father never spoke much of how she was killed. They were able to save me using their curative magics, but my mother died." She's silent for a moment, gathering her courage to speak of what comes next.
"I've never told a soul about what that did to me. There are certain things that are not discussed in Sprucetalav, certain aspects that need to be hidden if one is to survive. The Professor suspected that the magics I was subjected to might be passed on to me." She bows her head, and says a prayer, touching a finger to her teacup. "Habebant quoddam lumen eorum similes fere lumine caelum." The teacup began to glow with a pure white light. "He was right."
"They had a kind of glow about them, it almost looked like Heaven's Light."
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Jing's lip raised a bit when he was referred to as a werecat showing a fang. He missed the jungle where he wasn't judged at this point. He looked at them and licked his lips.
He growled a bit as he spoke. "My story is much the same as that one" he started, pointing the length of meat at Beatrix."The jungle is not so safe for a novice, though I suppose the professor could be known to not be one. Still, he got in trouble paying more attention to his notes and his sites." he said as he pulled out his kukris with a flourish and put them on the table. "I saved him from the beasts and caught my dinner...two birds, one stone. I am not, I do so repeat as I've been called so too many times recently, not a were anything. I am proud member of the Pantherfolk tribe." he said before grabbing up the length of meat and gnashing into it again.
"It seems the Professor was a Champion of those who are different. I thank you all for accepting me, such a thing has not been easy for me in Sprucetalav. I would ask you keep my origins a secret as I cannot believe that it would improve the attitude of the townsfolk towards us. I like the idea you had Awnara, people react better with full bellies especially to those who provided the food. What shall the rest of us do? I think we may wish to pick up the Professor's trail from his notes in the diary, then there is the matter of the locked book with no key..."
Rego sits down to the delicious breakfast prepared by Awnara.
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Jing leaned back against the wall. He looked at the others as they made plans to try and soothe the townsfolk. He thought about it, he could be a decent liar this is true but he had not interest in becoming friends with them.
He raised a brow as they talked about doing the professor's work as well. He remembered clearly what one of his wishes were and looked at them trying to size them all up for being her bodyguard. It really only fell down to Rego and himself by his thoughts.
He spoke up once his mind had settled on it "Forgive me if this is rude, but few of you would do well to protect or dissuade harm towards her....for now, I wish to honor the Professor's request and protect his daughter. Rego or I should take care of that request as we are perhaps the more intimidating and best equipped for the job. When she wishes it, I can follow her mostly hidden and still watch over her. But, I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone for now till we know more about the situation." he said after some time.
Rego looks up at Jing, "By Sabannah you are right Jing! I am sorry I did not think of that. Perhaps we can take turns, me by day and you by night? Still these things in the journal do require some looking into".
Flit laughed softly before hopping down off of the chair and beginning to gear up. "As much as I like sitting here and having my abilities cast in to doubt, daylight is burning. Probably best you stayed in today anyway Kitty, don't need another misunderstanding when we are trying to make friends!" Flit takes a last look at the map before nodding to himself, returning the map to the table and crossing to the door.
"I'm going to go visit the Church and speak to the Priest. Any takers?" If no one volunteers, Flit shrugs before walking out the door.
I would like to dig though the library Kendra mentioned in her note. This evening I may visit the Tavern if I do not become to engrossed in the books.
As you spend the day pouring through the professor's old tomes it becomes clear that much of his research focuses on the Lispering Way, so you decide to focus your efforts on that line of inquiry. You manage to learn the following:
Later in the evening Kendra notices you researching away and pauses whatever she was attending to offer some advice. "You seem to be quite absorbed in whatever you're researching there. Don't worry, I won't pry, but you might like to know that my father doesn't have the only library in this town. The Town Hall keeps a list of records of course, while the Temple of Pharasthma has kept very extensive notes on this town's history over the years. In addition, the wizard and schoolteacher Ahlendu Ghoraven at the Unfurling Scroll keeps a small library. Before you you go running off there however, you should no that getting access to these records may take a bit of convincing on your part."
Thank you Kendra. I will certainly keep this in mind. Did this Ahlendu Ghoraven have any issues with you father?
The only other person you recognize is councilman Gharish Muricar dining at one of the tables with an important looking woman.
Out of the corner of your eye you also spy a man in filthy clothes drinking from an unmarked bottle as he stares at you with intense, crazed eyes.
Rego - Guarding the House - DMPC'd
"Greetings Father. I was wondering, could I have a moment of your time, if you please?" Flit steps in to the room slightly, but stays at the door, waiting for an invitation to enter.
"Certainly, chil--," Father Darkwarren pauses and looks up awkwardly when he remembers the fact that he's speaking to a halfling, "Certainly. How might the church of the Lady of Shallow Breaths serve you today?"
Flitter smiled, moving in to the room and moving to stand before the Priests desk. "It is quite alright Father, the C-word from you will not offend me. Well I came to you seeking answers Father and potentially seeking guidance. I was wondering first, before I tell you what brought me here, specifically, whether you could tell me about any strange occurrences around the town recently, anything out of the ordinary?"
[ooc]Pharasthma, Lady of Shallow Breaths. Hahaha I like that!
"Hmph, are you another one of those silly ghost hunters? In spite of what many of the locals here will tell you, Tarrowstone is most certainly NOT haunted." Father Darkwarren studies Flit's reaction for a moment and continues, "Surely you know what Tarrowstone is? The old ruined prison? Burned down in a fire many years ago? Bother, I've said too much already. What did you need?"
Flitter grins, before taking a seat. "I am not a ghost hunter Father, just an inquisitive man who has an eye for the abnormal. Tell me about Tarrowstone."
"Does much of the building still stand?"
"What rumours surround the place?"
"Does anyone know how the fire began?"
"Do any of the records from the Prison survive today?"
When he has asked his question, Flit adds, "And you may be surprised about what roams this village Father, for last night, I did see a ghost, very, very clearly."
"Well it's only partially burned down of course - curses! I'm going to simply divulge the entire town's history to a complete outsider." Darkwarren closes the book he was writing in firmly. "It's not that I don't trust you - I really couldn't care less - but the rest of the locals might not like me spilling everything I know to the newcomers. I'll tell you right now that the general consensus among town is that your gang is a bit, err, disliked? Your drawing a weapon during the funeral certainly didn't help." Although stern, the priest doesn't seem to be particularly angry; he keeps a cool temper. "As for the source of the ghost, the first place I'd go hunting for it is there." He gestures towards the flask at Flit's side.
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Zokar jumps at the mention of wolf's balls, a terrified look playing his face. "Wolf?! Where wolf?!" He then drops the act as he lets out a hearty laugh. "Be careful talkin' about wolves round these parts, if old Gibsy were around to hear you he might piss himself in fright!" Zokar beams at Jing, waiting to see how he reacts to the joke.
Flit took a moment, before doing an exaggerated look around the room. "Huh... no. No one here but me and you Father, so what the locals don't know won't hurt them. And it isn't like I am asking you to lie to anybody or anything, perish the thought, I am just asking for some information, all the information actually. Just answer my questions if you can, I will buy some Holy Water off of you, and if people ask why I was here, you tell them I saw a ghost and got scared!" He smiled friendly at the Priest.
"I've seen the undead before father, I know what hallucinations feel like too, and this was most definitely the former and not the latter!"
It is getting late. Would his shop still be open or is he one of those dreaded morning people?
Awnara alights upon the name Bridgesse, and determines to head in after she has finished her chores to talk with the fellow mourner. Work first!, she thought as she entered the general store, pushing the door open with some strain - doors sized for humans were always difficult for her. She reached into a pouch and pulled out her shopping list, heading over to the proprietor.
"Put her body on the bed.
Take an axe and lop her head.
Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe.
Drops of red so sparkly bright.
Splatters spell her name just right.
Tricksy father tells a lie.
Listen close or you will die.
With a hammer killed his wife.
Now he wants to claim your life."
As the children sing the last verse the air takes on a sudden coldness. Suddenly, you realize (via the reflection in the mirror) that right behind you stands a filthy dwarven man, clothes and hair sopping wet, staring intently at the back of your skull. Before you can react, he lunges in an attempt to grab your head with both hands, then promptly vanishes into thin air.
As you finish your speech a pile of scrolls topples to the ground from behind a nearby bookcase. A second later, a very flustered acolyte also appears from behind the bookcase, apologizing profusely as he gathers up the scrolls. Father Darkwarren dismisses him outside with a wave of his hand. "I don't know about ghosts, but when it comes to eavesdroppers and rumormongers, Cravengro's full of them. If you need holy water, I'd be happy to sell you some, otherwise it is my duty to protect the will of the town. And the town is currently not interested with outsiders meddling in their affairs." He turns his head down and returns to his work. "To be honest I don't even know all that much about Tarrowstone, much of the work in our records was written by my predecessors. Why not ask Kendra? Although her father may have departed, his private library has not."
"He's certainly still awake, most likely studying, but I wouldn't recommend bothering him at this hour, as the shop is certainly closed by now. If you're looking for an excuse to get out of this dreary old house," Kendra says this with a joking smile, "The Laughing Demon tavern would be your best bet. Zokar, who you met at the funeral, runs the place. Although he's not a very serious man, he is guaranteed to brighten your spirits."
Zokar leans in towards Jing and speaks quietly enough that no one else in the bar can hear. "Actually, all the wolves were hunted to extinction so now we make them out of something else... giant cat men! Not to worry, though, your secret's safe with me, although you might want to work a little harder on that disguise next time. Maybe construct a fake wolf muzzle and howl at the moon a bit and then everyone'll think you're me in costume!"
Flit sighed before searching through his coinpurse, coming up with only 9 gold. With a shrug, he hopped down off of the chair and turned to leave. "Thank you for your time Father. I appreciate the advice." He walked to the door, pausing with one hand on the frame, before speaking. "The reason I did not ask Kendra first is because I do not want to burden or ostracize her any more than we already have. She is a young woman who is grieving her father and has to put up with the reprobates that the man collected during his life, just hanging around. I was looking to make things easier on her but..." Flit shrugs. "I will go ask her then. Thank you again Father!"
Awnara shrieks and spins around to face the ghostly dwarf, raising her hands in an arcane gesture and backing away quickly. She's off-balance by the suddenness of the apparition's appearance and disappearance, and bumps into the suit of armor, causing the helmet to clatter noisily to the floor. "Oh...peas and carrots!", she says angrily, the closest thing she has to a curse in her verbal arsenal.
"What's all that ruckus about!" A somewhat plump woman comes running out of the backroom, nearly tripping on the helmet. She looks down at Awnara, then frantically around the room. "Where in the--" In an instant she's gone into the back again, where you hear a brief commotion, followed by her reappearance, now dragging a sleepy looking man of her age into the room by the collar of his shirt. "Why Lutko you lazy, napping fool, you were supposed to be watching the shop and I find you on the back porch, I swear-" She's again interrupted by the presence of five giggling little girls peeping their heads out from the back room. "All of you! Outside! Now!" After shooing the girls outside the woman nearly knocks the man, you assume her husband, over as she shoves him to go clean up the armor. After the dust has settled she finally, takes place behind the counter and smiles gently at Awnara. "Welcome, welcome, welcome, dearie! I'm Martha and more than pleased to meet one of our new visitors! What can I do for you today?"
After only a few minutes of wandering the town you are approached by the boy who's face you remember from the funeral. "And what might you be lookin' for friend? No don't tell me! You've already found it haven't you? It was me! Pleased to make your acquaintance and honored I am that you've chosen to seek out the services of Pervin, Cravengro's one and only guide and messenger boy!" He finishes his introduction with an obsequious bow and then cocks his head back up to grin at you.
Flit pushes his hat up his head and stares at the boy for a moment, probably eye to eye. "You know Pervin, you are exactly who I was looking for." He grinned, turning the boy with a hand on his shoulder and continuing to stroll down the street.
"So, you seem like a bright lad, up on current affairs and all. Could you tell me, is there anything strange going on around town? I'm an explorer you see, a adventurer, and I am interested in getting to know the places I stay in. Their lore, and the myths and legends surrounding the area!" He grinned, digging in to his pouch before pulling out a gold coin, bouncing it up and down on his palm.
"How much do you usually charge for your services Pervin, out of interest?"
Pervin's eyes go wide at the side of the gold coin. "W-well, generally only one silver per day, but if you're willing to pay deluxe rates, I'd be happy to offer deluxe services!"
Awnara's face is flushed with embarrassment as she picks up the helm and hands it over to Martha. "Sorry, miss. My name is Awnara Puddyfoot - of the Vealand Puddyfoots, not those rapscallions, the Caliphornas Puddyfoots. I'm staying with Miss Lamarimar for a time while she's mourning the passing of her father. I'm sorry for the ruckus I caused, I, um," she says, stopping suddenly. She won't believe you, she thinks to herself. "I saw a spider. And I panicked."
Flit grins, bouncing the coin on his palm for a moment, before tossing it to the boy. "Lets say this is a deposit. I may need your help in the days to come. For right now, you can tell me every myth and legend you can think of surrounding this lovely little town." he smiled, pointing across the street to a low wall, before strolling over and taking a seat.
"Like for instance about something called... Harrowstone? Wait, no... Tarrowstone, sorry, I am new in town and only heard someone mention it in passing. I don't even rightly know what it is!"
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Jing silently rubbed his chin at the jokester behind the bar. He liked his lips "Just give me something that tastes good and something decent to wash it down with. So...tell me, are there even any friends to be made in this town or is everyone so blind they can't tell a were from a pantherfolk? he asked him quietly.
Beatrix smiles when Kendra does. I will try to speak to him sometime tomorrow. If you do not mind I will continue to read. It has been some time since I have been able to just read. The Tavern will still be there but it is tempting.
"Spiders?" Martha replies suspiciously, "Lutko! I told you to clean up the shop just yesterday! Why is our guest finding spiders?!" Lutko grumbles something under his breath, then quickly ambles off into the back. Martha almost chases after him, until she remembers the customer in front of her. "I'll deal with him later…"
Pervin deftly snatches the gold piece out of the air and then stuffs it into his pocket. "Tarrowstone, eh? Yes yes, I remember the fire like it was yesterday…" Although the boy attempts to pause and ruminate for dramatic effect, he quickly loses patience and jumps back into the story. "Cravengro was originally a prison-town see? Tarrowstone was the prison, maximum security - some reeeeaally nasty folks they kept there, and so Cravengro served as home to all the guards and their families. That was until the big fire, when round about half the prison burnt down, prisoners included. However, the real tragedy there was that the warden and his wife were also trapped inside, thus they got all roasted up as well. They even put up a monument by the riverbank - it's probably the next creepiest thing to do in town short of actually going to Tarrowstone - I could show you if you like."
Although the Professor's library doesn't contain quite as much literature on the town as the Lispering Way, you discover the following, personal notes in one of the Professor's old journals:
"Eh, Cravengro's a suspicious lot, but there's a few light hearts in the bunch - yours truly for example." After bowing low, Zokar sets a mug of ale and a plate of hot 'wolf balls' in front of Jing "Your only real enemy is old Gibsy, I wouldn't be surprised if he's got your wanted poster on the posting poles by tomorrow, hah!"
Rego keeps his sword at his side and walks the inside of the house occasionally calling up to Kendra to see if she needs anything. He never goes outside the house and checks to make sure all of the windows are locked and the only door unlocked is the front door for when the others come back.
"A monument eh? Yeah, that sounds just like something I would like to see. Lead on boy, but keep talking as you do. Tell me, how do the people speak about the late Warden? Was he liked?" Flit realized that the information the boy was giving him might not be accurate, but it was better than nothing. And kids picked up on things from time to time.
"Anyway, I needed to pick up some supplies for Miss Lamarimar - her larder is frightfully understocked! I've made a list, perhaps you can help me collect them?" She pulls out a sheet of paper, unfolding it for Martha and presenting it to her. It's a fairly standard list, asking for pantry staples and some household supplies, and comes to a few gold in total.
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Jing considered his words for a bit and grinned. "If I am to find a poster of myself I'll have to just turn myself in directly to him for the prize he is offering. I think it would be quite fitting yes to offer him what he wants. I shall try to seek out all these open minds then and see if I can't dissuade what I can of the worries that I am a were. Honestly, my fur is far too immaculate for me to be some filthy shifter." he said chuckling.