Indeed, the judge says steadily without a hint of reaction to the symbol that is thrown on the table.
Think for a moment and collect your thoughts. I have invited someone else to our meeting - they wait without.
She turns to the door, opening it.
Enter - you should probably hear this and you have something of your own to contribute to the conversation.
Oathar enters slowly and respectfully dressed in clean traveling clothes.
Greetings and well met. I am Oathar of Lastwall. He smiles and bows before the group gracefully.
Oathar gazes upon the skull upon the table and his expression at once becomes dower. I see I have come to the right place.
Anna leans back and crosses her legs, starting to think she overdressed for this.
Yeah. Hi, she says with a little wave of her fingers.
Turning back to Daramid, she points an accusatory finger. So far, there hasn't been much of a conversation. You keep getting more information out of us, but I haven't heard much from you. What's your game? And why should we trust this guy?
The judge is known to us and has been a valuable aid to us in the past. As for trusting me, you have no reason to. At least not yet.... I hope that is something I may earn from you.
A point, Anna, well noted. Before I share and before Master Tolvan shares his thoughts, I thought I would bring in Sir Oathar, something of an authority?, she turns to face the warrior of Lastwall, that's right isn't it?... an authority of sorts at any rate, on the Organisation that symbol represents. Sir Oathar, share what you have shared with me earlier, if you please.
That symbol, of the gagged skull, is the symbol of those of The Whispering Way. We do not know exact details on the society, but chief among the Whispering Way’s goals are discovering formulae for creating liches and engineering the release of the Whispering Tyrant. Agents often travel to remote sites or areas plagued by notorious haunts or undead menaces to perform field research or even to capture unique monsters. Those who learn too many of the Way’s secrets are often murdered, and their mouths mutilated to prevent their bodies from divulging secrets via speak with dead.
We are the guardians of the Tyrant and as information came to us that a highly ranked member moving around Ustalav proper, a quest of sorts though questioning revealed nothing more than that and some sort of babble 'The Carrion Crown' was extracted.
Thusly, I was dispatched here by my order to the judges service insofar as hounding the Whispering Way is concerned.
I can continue in regards to Virlych if you desire.
... Virlych ...
Gesundheit.
Are you ill miss? Perhaps I can be of assistance?
Anna smiles sweetly. No, no. I'm fine. Please, do continue.
Kimberly hides a little giggle at the exchange. but for one seemingly so young, she does know when to be serious and is paying attention. the conversation does not appear to be beyond her comprehension.
Mister, Are you going to join us in whatever task we are supposed to do? are you like, a, babysitter?
Anna crinkles her nose. What's to join? she says to Kimberly. The trail's cold. They got away.
Looking to Oathar, she shrugs. You haven't said anything we don't know about, except the part about a 'carrion crown'. What's that about?
Indeed not a baby sitter Mistress Kimberly, rather someone who shares what I hope is a common goal with you - vengeance upon those who killed Professor Petros Lorrimor and for all the harm these agents of death has inflicted. The judges words are steely, her bearing stiff and cold.
Questions have been asked. Allow me to answer what I can. There are a few of us, like dear Petros who know about 'The Way' and do what we can to thwart it. Alpon Caromac, once upon a time was one but he made mistakes, many mistakes that led him to touch that which he once fought. He was expecting agents of an old friend, or so he told me, but instead found himself prisoner of agents of this ancient order of darkness!
The judge stops her stern monologue and composes herself.
Alpon has paid a price already and if he is indeed sincere in his change of heart, he will pay for many years to come but that is not the important thing. The important thing is that the Whispering Way has never been so overt before... oh, you may say that their recent involvement in issues leading to the trial appear subtle enough but its a wooden clogged Polka band compared to some plans that I have had to unravel. The composure she knit together starts to fray again and her voice grows more strident and intense despite her efforts to keep her voice down.
The Way is extremely dangerous and clearly moving to some definete goal or to some nefarious end - we... I... desire your continued involvement in harrying these necromancers down before they can make good the objectives of their evil quest.
What say you?
Danica, over the past serveral weeks, has learn that Ana's comedic remarks has always been a welcomed distraction to stressful and troubling times. The stoic monk offers a slight chuckle, then her attention focuses on the newcomer. "You say undead? We have had some experience with these sorts of creatures. From the ghosts in the prison, the wraithlings located in the village, to the mummies in Caromarc's estate. Yay...my favorite....the mummies and that mummy rot of theirs. They have been wiped from existence. They should not be allowed to roam freely. Now you say that there is a lich or liches? How do you know of such things? What order did you say you hail from and who is this Tyrant?"
Danica looks over at Kimberly. "Aren't we a little too old for a babysitter?"
Nearly a thousand years ago, Taldor launched the Shining Crusade against Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, who unified the orc tribes of Belkzen and ruled central Avistan for 5 centuries from his doom-shrouded, haunted domain of Ustalav. From all of Taldor’s provinces along the Inner Sea crusaders assembled, dedicated to destroying the lichking and his minions. Commandeering the Ustalavic town of Vellumis, the forces of Taldor (aided by the dwarven kingdom of Kraggodan and the Knights of Ozem) spent 26 brutal years hacking their way to the lich’s capital of Gallowspire. Just outside the rotting city, the Shining Crusade met the forces of the Whispering Tyrant in a final titanic battle, achieving victory when Taldan General
Arnisant sacrificed himself to imprison Tar-Baphon beneath his own tower at the evil city’s heart.
With the Shining Crusade victorious at last, Taldor decided in 3828 ar to create a permanent presence to watch over the lich’s prison in Gallowspire’s haunted ruins. This province became Lastwall—a bulwark against one of the greatest evils humanity had ever known.
We are that watch, for I serve the Knights of Ozem. If we are babysitters, then we babysit the greatest tyrant the world has ever seen. Nay, I am here to serve in whatever manner I can for the glory of Iomedae.
As for the Carrion Crown, we know not, but the trail has led us here. I was hoping you could give some insight. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?
Anna glances around furtively, then answers. Anna Dunsany.
At Daramid's description of the recent activities of the Way, Anna sits up and waves a hand excitedly. I never said they were subtle! She glances over her shoulder looking for a looming paladin who isn't there, clears her throat, then turns back around. I said they were amateurs. Thinking they were so clever; using the Beast as a scapegoat for just a simple smash-and-grab. The stupid sausage effigy they wanted wasn't valuable, the museum guy said. Just a curiosity. He probably would have thought it was a prank by the students if it weren't for the Beast. So maybe it's not the Whisperers after all if they're usually so good.
Pleased to meet you, Anna. I would not be too sure about that effigy. Sounds like something the Way would use in their practices.
Kimberly stands on her chair so she can be better seen, I am Kimberly, I'm gonna be a priestess of Pharasma. Oh and I'm sorry about the babysitter thing, it was the only thing I could think of.
You know, I think the whole museum thing was intentional to get the beast caught, they needed him out of the way, and what better than to use the people's fear.
Hello Kimberly! Very nice to meet you:)Oathar says with a smile, but not sure what to make of the child as she is obviously more than just that.
Danica rises and approaches the Oathar and offers her arm, the way only warrior introduce themselves. "Many in this land owe their lives and their safety to you and your brethren. Many thanks for your service. My name is Danica Quinn, disciple of Sarenrae. I was sent by my order to aid my friends in facing the darkness. The Order of the Bright Lady has felt an evil rising....now....what are our first steps?"
"By the way, Kimberly may seem young but she is wise beyond her years. Her innocence is a great value."
Oathar accepts her arm in kind. It is good to have another here in the service of light. I believe the judge can provide that guidance to us, but we have yet to hear from the wizard.
The room goes quiet in anticipation.
Pleased to meet you, Anna. I would not be too sure about that effigy. Sounds like something the Way would use in their practices.
Yeah, well, I never got a look at it. Dr. Crowl said it was made outta green stone, and carved like some weird beast with tentacles. Don't know why a bunch of undead-wannabes would think something like that's valuable.
to know anything about it?
It was a night of blood, light and terror.
With a mighty heave the abomination created by the ruler of Schloss Caromac tore its way on to the roof... and took an arrow to its chest from the Dhamphir Andjela Daywalker.
The creature reeled but did not fall and within short order it was amongst you all, its long arms reaching out to grab and crush, while it spat out webs, hindering your movement and boxing you in as you sort to pierce its hide with missiles and spells alike. Its hide was difficult to pierce and it shrugged off many of your spells.
And to make things worse, the lightning struck the roof tops around you, the energy stunning you as it healed it, giving it additional vitality. Anna risked life and limb dodging unseen to strike at the monster, only getting caught once but saved from being killed by Dancia and her combat prowess. At times it seemed that the group was only being held up by the uncanny powers of Kimberly.
In the moments where you were wondering and doubting your abilities the one you had saved, The Beast of Lepidstadt climbed atop the rooftop and hurled itself at creature that Professor Caromaoc called "The Promethean" - brothers in creation and freakish life, the struggled while you yourselves redoubled your efforts, with Tolvan controlling the Beast with the device called the "Bondslave Thrall", the device that had controlled the Beast at the start of all things when it broke into the University in search of the mysterious artifact.
Even with The Beast, The Promethean would not go down and it was not until, with a mighty heave, that the Beast of Lepidstadt tore the head off the creature that you knew you had won... and better yet, survived.
In the aftermath the penitent Count Caromac was released - after being restored to some semblance of health by food and water he promised to stop his efforts to re-animate the dead and fell to mourning, both for his actions and for the wife that all his life's work had been directed to bringing back.
You in turn rested and...
Before departing Tolvan spends long hours with Count Alpon Caromarc discussing things alchemical and arcane. Tolvan is unwilling to leave until the count has recovered enough strength to care for himself. I know you morn for your lost wife, but I do hope you see the folly of some of these creations. he states. You really must admit that, a his creator, you personally hold some of the blame for how the Beast was used by the Whispering Way. People are dead because of the creature. What do you plan to do with him? And before you answer, please consider that he should have a say in this.
If Tolvan can learn any spells from Count Caromarc he will. He will gladly trade with the count or pay for the privilege. In no hurry to return to Lepidstadt, Tolvan enjoys the company of both Anna and Count Caromarc. But eventually the count is doing well enough that it is obviously time to leave. I plan to try to find out more about this Whispering Way cult. Tolvan says to the count. And I shall not learn more while sitting here with you drinking fine wine and smoking excellent pipe weed. As much as I would like to linger longer, I believe it is time to head back to Lepidstadt. So if you can help with any information at all, now is the time to provide it.
With his farewells said, and agreement on what loot the group shall keep, Tolvan makes his fare wells with promises to return again. I look forward to a future visit with your laboratories restored to their past glories.
Once back in Lepidstadt, Tolvan is reserved and spends time with his books, and Anna when she is in the mood for his company. When Andjela Daywalker announces her plans Tolvan is not surprised. He seeks a private moment to with her to make his peace. We are not friends Andjela. But we made good allies. People in Ravengro and Lepidstadt are safer and happier because we worked together. Maybe someday you will see that my motives are not all that bad. I wish you well in your travels. He offers the paladin his hand, unsure if she will take it.
The letter from Embreth Daramid comes at no surprise to Tolvan. [b[We have already done much for this woman, and still she keeps secrets from us. Let us go and see what she wants from us this time. But be wary. I am not convinced her goals align with ours. [/b]
Ordering food at the room in the Lion Tolvan wonders about the judge. Just how late can she be? he thinks just as she shows up. When she asks for a summary of events at Caromarc Tolvan is not inclined to speak and enjoys Anna's crisp response to the judge. When she asks about insights Tolvan ask Are we now working as a team and sharing information Mrs. Daramid? You will forgvie me but I have not been thrilled with the one-way flow of information in our relationship. Coin will only gain you only so much you know. Eventually, if you want a friend you have to be a friend.
Oathar enters slowly and respectfully dressed in clean traveling clothes.
Greetings and well met. I am Oathar of Lastwall. He smiles and bows before the group gracefully.
Tolvan looks over the newcomer critically. I am Tolvan, wizard and conjurer. It is pleasure to meet you. he then lets the man continue.
The judge is known to us and has been a valuable aid to us in the past. As for trusting me, you have no reason to. At least not yet.... I hope that is something I may earn from you.
I am glad to hear the judge has been of value to you in the past. That is encouraging. For us she has only been a tight lipped employer.
When the newcomer and the judge begin to discuss the Whispering way Tolvan takes out his small notebook and take some notes. Its obvious he is quite interested.
A point, Anna, well noted. Before I share and before Master Tolvan shares his thoughts, I thought I would bring in Sir Oathar, something of an authority?, she turns to face the warrior of Lastwall, that's right isn't it?... an authority of sorts at any rate, on the Organisation that symbol represents. Sir Oathar, share what you have shared with me earlier, if you please.
Indeed not a baby sitter Mistress Kimberly, rather someone who shares what I hope is a common goal with you - vengeance upon those who killed Professor Petros Lorrimor and for all the harm these agents of death has inflicted. The judges words are steely, her bearing stiff and cold.
Questions have been asked. Allow me to answer what I can. There are a few of us, like dear Petros who know about 'The Way' and do what we can to thwart it. Alpon Caromac, once upon a time was one but he made mistakes, many mistakes that led him to touch that which he once fought. He was expecting agents of an old friend, or so he told me, but instead found himself prisoner of agents of this ancient order of darkness!
The judge stops her stern monologue and composes herself.
Alpon has paid a price already and if he is indeed sincere in his change of heart, he will pay for many years to come but that is not the important thing. The important thing is that the Whispering Way has never been so overt before... oh, you may say that their recent involvement in issues leading to the trial appear subtle enough but its a wooden clogged Polka band compared to some plans that I have had to unravel. The composure she knit together starts to fray again and her voice grows more strident and intense despite her efforts to keep her voice down.
The Way is extremely dangerous and clearly moving to some definete goal or to some nefarious end - we... I... desire your continued involvement in harrying these necromancers down before they can make good the objectives of their evil quest.
What say you?
It seems our goals align Miss Daramid. But I am not interested in maintaining my relationship as an employee, If you wish a partner in this endeavor I am willing to listen to what you have to say. But then I will expect you to take me into your full confidence. Short of that I am ready to wish you well and go my own way.
It seems our goals align Miss Daramid. But I am not interested in maintaining my relationship as an employee, If you wish a partner in this endeavor I am willing to listen to what you have to say. But then I will expect you to take me into your full confidence. Short of that I am ready to wish you well and go my own way.Indeed not a baby sitter Mistress Kimberly, rather someone who shares what I hope is a common goal with you - vengeance upon those who killed Professor Petros Lorrimor and for all the harm these agents of death has inflicted. The judges words are steely, her bearing stiff and cold.
Questions have been asked. Allow me to answer what I can. There are a few of us, like dear Petros who know about 'The Way' and do what we can to thwart it. Alpon Caromac, once upon a time was one but he made mistakes, many mistakes that led him to touch that which he once fought. He was expecting agents of an old friend, or so he told me, but instead found himself prisoner of agents of this ancient order of darkness!
The judge stops her stern monologue and composes herself.
Alpon has paid a price already and if he is indeed sincere in his change of heart, he will pay for many years to come but that is not the important thing. The important thing is that the Whispering Way has never been so overt before... oh, you may say that their recent involvement in issues leading to the trial appear subtle enough but its a wooden clogged Polka band compared to some plans that I have had to unravel. The composure she knit together starts to fray again and her voice grows more strident and intense despite her efforts to keep her voice down.
The Way is extremely dangerous and clearly moving to some definete goal or to some nefarious end - we... I... desire your continued involvement in harrying these necromancers down before they can make good the objectives of their evil quest.
What say you?
Your price is high Master Tolvan but I am willing to pay in the coin you wish. There is an organsation of literatti, of certain nobles and academics - It is a secretive but largely harmless group. Its name? 'The Esotoric Order of the Palatine Eye'. Dear Petros was a member, as am I. However the groups goals were originally more focused than a 'social association' - it was to oppose the Whispering Tyrant and those that supported that terrible creature. The origin of the group is said to be in Orsirani priests of Pharasma who shared their knowledge with certain families in Ustalav but after a millennia? Even our records are as much fantasy as fact.
I represent those few who remember our purpose and I have done my part to harry the Whispering Way whenever given opportunity - largely using the resources I have earned in service to Lepidstadt and its people. We... I... would like you to continue to chase down these death cultists and put an end to the woes and blight they are spreading across Ustalav and so, again I turn to you, and others like you, such as the Knights of Lastwall.
As to my code of silence? If this knowledge were to get out, I surely would be targeted, and others who do our part to fight the darkness, as well as members who think the order is just esoteric handshakes and rituals followed by drinks and nothing more. If I were to fall? It would be a significant blow to our ability to fight evil - if were all hunted down? A dim lbut solitary light against the way would be snuffed out.
Anna scoffs. That's your big secret? She rocks back in her chair, a rather jarring image for one wearing such an elegant gown.
You oppose the Whispering Tyrant? Wow. You know, there's a whole country founded on that idea. I think it's that way, she gestures, not really caring if she's right about the direction.
We've been on the trail of these Whisperer guys for weeks now. But it's gone cold. You ask like it's some big favor, but we've already been doing it, and now we can't figure out where to go next. So unless you have some idea where they're taking a green statue and a warden's ghost, I think our time's being wasted here.
A thought comes to her and she leans forward, the two front legs of her chair hitting the floor with a thump. Unless you know somebody named Adriss? Adrissa? Adriss A?
Greetings Master Tolvan Oathar bows to the wizard. He then turns towards Anna, I believe Judge Daramid can provide us some information that can lead us in the proper direction. It is the true nature of the society that is the secret. We can ill afford to lose such a valuable ally in the struggle against evil. The coin she has paid is truly high.
The judge gives Anna an icy glare that carries with it the same air as one would give an insolent child then seemingly dismisses her from her attention to talk to the "adults".
Indeed, Sir Othar speaks well there Master Tolvin - we have the information that will help you and your group complete your quest. I was awaiting your acquiescence before laying it out, However... , she shrugs ever so slightly signalling she is being pushed to the point.
The intelligence we have points to trouble being stirred up in The Shudderwood and around an exclusive hunting lodge there. Ascarnor Lodge. We could provide suitable letters of introduction that would give you entry and prepay the attached expenses.
In Lozeri. Are you suggesting we go in he guise of one of the high class hunting parties? Is everyone comfortable with that?
Well you are hunting, the prey is just more exotic. And deadly.
Your price is high Master Tolvan but I am willing to pay in the coin you wish. There is an organsation of literatti, of certain nobles and academics - It is a secretive but largely harmless group. Its name? 'The Esotoric Order of the Palatine Eye'. Dear Petros was a member, as am I. However the groups goals were originally more focused than a 'social association' - it was to oppose the Whispering Tyrant and those that supported that terrible creature. The origin of the group is said to be in Orsirani priests of Pharasma who shared their knowledge with certain families in Ustalav but after a millennia? Even our records are as much fantasy as fact.I represent those few who remember our purpose and I have done my part to harry the Whispering Way whenever given opportunity - largely using the resources I have earned in service to Lepidstadt and its people. We... I... would like you to continue to chase down these death cultists and put an end to the woes and blight they are spreading across Ustalav and so, again I turn to you, and others like you, such as the Knights of Lastwall.
As to my code of silence? If this knowledge were to get out, I surely would be targeted, and others who do our part to fight the darkness, as well as members who think the order is just esoteric handshakes and rituals followed by drinks and nothing more. If I were to fall? It would be a significant blow to our ability to fight evil - if were all hunted down? A dim lbut solitary light against the way would be snuffed out.
Tolvan listens to the judge. When she finishes he seems quite satisfied and offers her his hand. We are indeed of like mind Miss Daramid and I agree to support your quest in any way I might. I thank you for your trust and do not take it lightly. As Anna has said, we have few clues as to where the Way might strike next and hope that you can guide us. And should some day membership be opened in The Esotoric Order of the Palatine Eye, I hope that I might be considered.
Tolvan consideres Shudderwood for a moment before responding.
Yes, I am an archer as well as a wizard. I can play that part well enough. Do you think we have time to sell a few items and better equip ourselves before departing? I can't imagine we will need more than a couple days at the most and can try to be ready to depart the day after tomorrow.
While in Lepidstadt Tolvan will want to go check in on the workers they set up to run the alchemical factory where they encountered Vorkstag and Grine. He had tried to set it up as a worker owned facility where they would hire alchemists to work for them. There was also the matter of a certain sentient zombie monk who needed weekly (IIRC) injections of a somewhat expensive alchemical to maintain his sentience.
Tolvan will also ask the group to come with him to visit the Crooked Kin if they are still in town. They had befriended the circus folk and he wants to renew that friendship before departing.
Then we should make preparations to depart as soon as you are able. I am aware you have just come from Schloss Caromarc so you may have things to settle from that.