Kimberly just watches the whole conversation then as Danica turns to find out if we are coming her only response
but the store is closed
The newcomer has a little to learn yet, does't she Kimberly. Tolvan chuckles. Turning back to the councilmen he says We will see you first thing in the morning. I hope we have a quiet night.
Turning to Danica Tolvan says in a kind voice If you mean to join up with us, then you should come back to Kendra's house where we can brief you completely on what we know. Looking around he notes Now were did Anna get off to.
Danica stands feet apart from the rest of the group. She had no idea that the shop was closed. She then walks to the group and says "Hmmm my offer still stands. Lead the way please."
Skinny Rold smiles broadly and motions Anna to follow him upstairs. There are card tables and roulette, and one entire wall is covered by a curtain. There are several dozen people, mostly men, but also women of questionable repute. There is much excitement in the air, and there is a small crowd waiting around the curtained wall, waiting for it to moved away. Skinny Rold nods to an attendant who draws back the curtain with a flourish, revealing ten narrow shelves running the length of the wall. At one end of the wall, on each shelf, are cages, each with a rat inside. Each rat wears a little numbered outfit, numbered 1 to 10.
Rold looks over at you, checking the expression on your face, "We like to keep things simple around here, you can bet 10 to 50gp on a single rat, and if your rat finishes in the top three, you win. Triple for first place, Double for second, and one and a half for third place. Anything else, the house keeps." He raises an eyebrow, "Any questions?"
Kendra opens her door and see's the state you're in, soot covered and bringing a newcomer. She ushers you all in and puts some water on the stove to warm up, so those who wish to can wash up somewhat before sleeping. She introduces herself to Danica and once she hears of the womans mission and purpose in Ravengro is quite grateful for her presence. Kimgald takes a portion of of the hot water and heads to his room, stating he has a headache.
Anna takes it all in with a cool, bemused expression. Just a few. How many races will there be tonight? Where's the track? She turns to Rold with a raised eyebrow and a playful smile, and what's to drink?
Thank you Kendra. Tolvan uses his hot water for tea and offers to make tea for the others. Getting out the books left by the professor he places On Verified Madness, Serving Your Hunger, and The Umbral Leaves on the table in front of Danica as he stands and begins to explain.
Kendra's father was murdered while researching cult activities at Harrowstone, the old prison near town. He believed the Whispering Way, a sinister organization of necromancers, are active there trying to perform a ritual for some dark purpose. Whatever they did there it seemed to wake or make active some evil force that has turned its attention to the down. We have conducted extensive research at the the library here in the house, the town's church, and the Unfurling Scroll, a magic shop in town. We've learned a lot, but while we have been learning things have been happening, and it seems these forces are growing bolder and stronger in power. First there was general unrest and unease. We were almost attacked at the Professor's funeral. Then one of our group just disappeared and has not been seen since. We've had multiple run-ins with stirges that seem to tie in with one of the 5 special prisoners brought in right before the riots and fire - the Piper of Illmarsh, who was known to feed stirges blood from his murders. We believe Gibs, an old local, has been possessed multiple times by the ghost of one of the 5, known as the Splatter Man and has been ritually spelling out the name of the warden's wife, who also died in the fire. We don't know where the blood came from and are not sure it its human blood. On top of all that some of the townspeople say they have sighted strange things shambling around in the mist. And now we have an all out attack on the town's leadership tonight with that unnatural fire and flaming undead skulls.
Tolvan breaths deeply and sits heavily into his chair. I am sure I have left out many important details. But that is as best a summary as I can muster after such a night and day as we have had. So ask your questions and we will try to answer them. and let us all hope for a quiet night. Tomorrow we prepare for our first foray into the prison.
Skinny Rold beams proudly as he turns back to Anna, "There are three more races this night, and now you've seen the track. Also the bar is downstairs, unless you're in need of a finer vintage, in which case just tell your order to any of the girls and they'll fetch it for you. Simple, yes?"
Danica sits quietly and listens to Tolvan's recount of recent events.
"Dear Lady Kendra, my condolences on the loss of your father. Whoever is responsible will face justice.
"Now with these 5 special prisoners. Where did they come from? Is the prison still active or deserted?"
Before she takes her cup of tea, she places both palms together, bring her prayer hand in front her and bow her head. After the bow she takes the tea cup, holding the rim with the left hand and holding the bottom of the cup with her right. She takes a couple of sips and finishes the tea and places it back on the table. "Thank you"
Danica sits quietly and listens to Tolvan's recount of recent events.
"Dear Lady Kendra, my condolences on the loss of your father. Whoever is responsible will face justice.
"Now with these 5 special prisoners. Where did they come from? Is the prison still active or deserted?"
Before she takes her cup of tea, she places both palms together, bring her prayer hand in front her and bow her head. After the bow she takes the tea cup, holding the rim with the left hand and holding the bottom of the cup with her right. She takes a couple of sips and finishes the tea and places it back on the table. "Thank you"
She'll put 20 on number five for the last two races.
Regardless of the outcomes, she'll jump and cheer with the crowd, and celebrate with the winners. For this evening, Anna lives in the moment, pushing away all thoughts of the ghosts, burning skulls and blood-splattered monuments away. She knows her new companions will expect her to go with them to Harrowstone, and though it chills her to the core, she'll agree. So this nght, she drinks, laughs, gambles, accepts a kiss or two from young men, and enjoys the living.
The prison burned 50 years ago. The fire killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards. It also destroyed a large portion of the prison. The prison’s warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred. We do not know where these 5 dangerous prisoners came from. Only that they were all murderers and brought to Harrowstone for execution.
Bored with Tolvan story, Kimberly gets out the spirit board and sits on the floor with Teddy and plays with it pretending to talk to the ghosts.
Should we go on a stirge hunt?
"Would like too, but after tonight's events I think it would be wise to rest up. We should be prepared to go shopping and buying your supplies. After that, it's straight to the prison."
Not directly,no. I conclude that the stirges are a symptom. Better to address the cause. After concluding our business with the town council tomorrow and some shopping I think we should make our first visit to Harrowstone.
Danica nods with approval towards Tolvan.
Kendra listens as long as she can and expresses her relief that everyone is alive and well. Showing Danica where she can sleep the tired woman heads off to bed herself.
...
The next morning Kendra is up early as usual, and preparing breakfast for those she has taken in. She is quiet, as if she has much on her mind, but cheerful with any who interact with her. Kimgald doesn't emerge from his room, and eventually Kendra asks Tolvan if he's mind peeking his head in on their dwarven friend.
The next race starts with a shout and the mice rush down the shelves towards the end line. And repeat the same two more times.
Race 1:
Race 2:
60gp is counted out to Anna.
Race 3:
Anna is given 30gp for her third place win.
There is singing, fights, and drinking galore. Plenty of young men are eager to dance with the beautiful stranger in their midst, not to mention her near-celebrity status. It is a night of laughter and joy.
Tolvan goes and gets both Kimberly and Kendra. Kimgad is feverish, and is is speaking in some other tongue, maybe Dwarven.
Kendra's cheerful face turns grave and she hurries into Kimgalds room, feeling his forehead and listening to his breathing. She leaves a goes back in with some water and a cloth. Allowing Kimberly to take a look as well she looks perplexed by something and grabs a chair, taking it to sit by his head. She composes herself and intones some words to the empty air, placing one hand on Kimgalds head as she does so. After her lips still, an air of... malice seems to melt into the room as she does so. After about 2 minutes of this Kendra's eyes flutter open, and she moves to include you all in her report. "The suddenness of the fever and given Kimgalds special --sensitivities made me suspect more than just a simple fever. I just used some of my skills to determine that this is a malady of the mind and spirit, not of the flesh. Something is attacking Kimgald's soul, from a distance, and using Kimgald's own powers against him. It's faint, but I was able to sense the direction of this attack. It's coming from the prison. The sooner that place is dealt with, the better it will be for Kimgald." She moves back to his side and places the dap cloth on his forehead, "I will make him as comfortable as possible while you're out."
Anna, too, is difficult to rouse, and it likely takes several knocks on her door before you hear a groan in response. A couple hours after the first attempt to get her up, she shuffles downstairs and picks over the cold remains of breakfast, drinking liberal amounts of coffee.
After being reminded of their appointment with the town council, she shows life again and runs out to freshen up. If anyone wants to help with a prestidigitation to clean off the last of the soot from last night, she'll welcome that as well.
Kimberly wakes to have some breakfast only to hear of Kimgalds ailments.
going to his side with Kendra kimberly also looks him over. she places Teddy in the bed next to him keep him safe from the bad ghosts. ok teddy?
Kimberly then make the sign of pharasma over Kimgald's heart as she hums her pleasant tune that she hummed before.
Kimberly then turns to the group "Are we going to see Gibs today?"
Kimberly's skilled ministrations confirm Kendra's suspicion of non-physical ailments, other than the fever of course.
Danica normally wakes up early, part of her disipline as a warrior. By sunrise she is on the floor, in a lotus position, meditating. She hears the commotion going on in Kimgald's room. She walks over to the room but does not enter. She lets the other do whatever they are doing. The bystander listens to Kendra and after she is done she goes back to her room. Danica gathers her belongings and walks over to the common room waiting for the others to come.
I could cast Protection from Evil on the dwarf. Tolvan offers, but it would at best last a couple of minutes. LIke the case with the stirges, best to begin our assault on the cause. The wizard indicates that he is ready to head to down. If he has the spell prestidigitation he seems to be withholding it, allowing Anna to suffer the consequences of her actions.
Anna changes into her spare explorer's outfit and leaves her armor behind for the shopping trip. Before she leaves, she sticks her head into Kimgald's room to wish him well. Her face is lined with concern as she steps outside the Lorrimor estate.
Andjela is thankful for a night's rest after the previous night of watchful vigilance. She eats. And eats, and eats... taking her coffee black, as she had before.
She quickly discerns, something evil reaches for Kimgald. But, she is not powerful nor skilled enough to remedy the situation. She prays for Kimgald, leaving him in Kendra's care.
Armed and armored, shouldering her pack... she is ready to go.
"Are we planning to come back here after shopping? We should leave straight to Harrowstone Prison without wasting any time."
The young female monk exits the building and turns her face to the sun. She grabs the silver symbol on her neck and softly recites a prayer to the sun goddess.
Since Anna is not bringing her armor I think she is planning to come back. My hope is that we can at least initially make forays into the prison and come back here in the evenings. Safe place to sleep and I have some scroll scribing to do now that I have some funds to spend on parchment and rare inks.
Well, I was hoping to find some better armor and get fitted, now that I've got the coin. Then I need to see Skinny Rold to see if he has some items that may come in handy. But after our shopping, wouldn't we want to come back here to drop Kimberly off before we head to the prison?
Harrowstone isn't that far. Maybe useful to have a base of operations.
Right. And I think we are gonna need Kimberly now more than ever since not only is Kimgald not well enough to come, but his future health seems to be hang on our success. He looks to Kimberly. Kimberly, if you are afraid to come and help you need to let us know. Its ok to be afraid.
Kimberly looks up at Tolvan.
Uncle Kimgald is sick and what is making him sick is in that place. Teddy will stay and protect Kimgald but he needs me to
she stands as tall as he can
I won't be afraid I havta go!
she says with as much authority she can muster.
but I gave my neclace to Gibs to protect him, and with Teddy protecting Kimgald I need something from Pharasma with me so he can be with us also.
suddenly she remembers
don't go, I have to put on my uniform
she runs to her room to change and soon comes down in a black dress with Pharasma's symbol embroidered on it (but not to gaudy) she now looks a little Goth but it is the holy vestments of Pharasma.
You're kidding, right? We've got cultists, loppers, marauders, pipers, and who knows what other kinds of ghosts and goblins lurking up there, and you want to bring a child up there?
Aunt Anna, I know you are concerned, But I have to do this, as you know, and as I am discovering, I am not an ordinary child. I am slowly realizing that there is more to me. I have mempries of things I shouldn't, I know thing beyond what I should, I feel the presence of many others inside my all the time always guiding me nad giving be strength and courage.
she pauses a moment
Doctor Lorrimor saw there was more to me I want you to see that to
she takes Anna's hand and gently pulls her down to her level. She looks Anna in the eyes Trust me, I will always be there for you, your my new family
Anna's lips press tight as she looks at Kimberly. Dabbing a lump of candle wax on your forehead won't protect you up there, Sweetie. Nothing the old bitties of my village used to say really work.
Masking her fear with frustration, she looks at everyone. This is crazy. Are we really doing this? Going into a haunted prison with five awful ghosts in charge?
So the question has changed? Not if they're willing to pay... but if, you can earn your keep?
Anna's lips press tight as she looks at Kimberly. Dabbing a lump of candle wax on your forehead won't protect you up there, Sweetie. Nothing the old bitties of my village used to say really work.
You're right, the dab of wax won't help but what I have is better than any of that stuff you heard about. I have you, and Tolvan, and Andjela, and even Dancia, and most important of all I have Pharasma's blessings. are you going to deny that I have all that?
she looks at Anna Don't turn me away so easily, I am stronger than you think
Anna glares at Andjela defiantly, but she trembles.
Without looking at Kimberly or breaking the locked gaze at the paladin, she responds, Fine. You want to go to the mean nasty place with all the bad men? Be my guest. Maybe it'll be all fun and games.
She narrows her eyes at Andjela. Against moron locals? You know I can. But this is... I don't know. I don't have the favor of the gods like you.
Andjela narrows her own eyes right back. Anna Dunsany, self-pity is not becoming. If you're going to talk-the-talk then you'd better walk-the-walk. These people now believe as you do, that you are better than they are... that you are worth 500gp of their hard earned money.
Some of us exist because of the gods' favor, some of us in spite of it. Who is to say which is the stronger? We complement one another.
You've sold them on your performance of Anna, the hero. Time to become that hero, at least for a bit.
She narrows her eyes at Andjela. Against moron locals? You know I can. But this is... I don't know. I don't have the favor of the gods like you.
Anna you do have the favor of the gods. The gods have brought uo together. I look to you for my strength and you can look to me for your faith.
Anna remains defiant, but relents. Shaking her head, she starts walking toward town.
With a bitter tone, she calls over her shoulder, I only get 500 gold if I survive, you know.
You have me, dead or alive. Does that cheer you any?
Kimberly will run up to Anna to walk beside her.
you can have my money too
Anna stops abruptly and stares at Kimberly like she said something incomprehensible. Then she kneels down so she can look her in the eye. Let me tell you something very important: you always take the money. There's a slight pause, and she adds, which means I'm breaking my own rule right now, but the point stands.
Money is a good thing, yes. My bow broke a few weeks back, replacing it will cost upwards of 600gp. Good quality gear doesn't come cheap. Always take the money, as Anna says. Then decide the best use for it.
Andjela continues to walk along with the others.