Zhan looks to Sagaar and Kirill expectantly, interested in their opinions on the matter.
Delia accepts the wisdom in Zhan's words, but still posits a question "What will the end goal be? If the professor is reinterred will he not be subject to a repeat act? Is there some way he can be either sanctified against it, or even more worrisome, would he better off interred elsewhere. Like, on or near these premises?" She looks grim at the idea of him not being in the Restlands, but the idea of him being risen again bothers her more.
"Perhaps they would do a better job of protecting the buried dead. Maybe a magical ward to keep such blaspheme from reoccuring."
"When I said, 'When this crisis is completed,' I was referring to the state of affairs in general. I don't think we should return him just yet either, but I do think he should go back eventually. I think we can keep him in state here until we get to the bottom of this issue with the Whispering Way, or at least their involvement in this village. When it is safe and they have moved on, we can lay him to rest again."
"There are spells that can safeguard against possibilities such as his rising again, as well as to keep his body from degrading further while it is here. I will ask these of Father Grimburrow when I speak with him."
"There are specific spells that will keep a fallen companion from being raised as undead. I will ask the Father to prepare them for tomorrow, or bring scrolls if he is able."
"Is there anyone who would like to accompany me? In theory I should only be gone as long as it takes to fetch the Priest and return, so there is no strict need. I think someone should remain here though, and look after the body lest someone try to sneak it out of our grasp.
Zhan will wait long enough to see if anyone is coming along, and then depart for the temple.
Agnar looks at Zhan before saying "I will go with you." He than starts to walk outside.
You are greeted cordially upon entering the temple by one of the acolytes, who seems to have been expecting you. He explains that at Father Grimburrow's command, the church is to aid you in any reasonable fashion - you will be granted unrestricted but supervised access to the temple's archives, and you will be receiving a minor discount should you need supplies or services from the church. When you inquire about preventions against necromancy, he suggests a few simple scrolls, both of which are amply stocked.
Val will go to the temple (as all should, sticking together).
"I'm afraid I have found more concrete information on the prisoner you mentioned - the wizard. His name was Hean Feramin, and he was once a professor of Anthroponomastics, which as far as I can tell deals with the origins of personal names. I'm not sure what happened to him, because he was once a good man, but one day his studies took on a much darker turn, and he became obsessed with what happened to someone's name following their death." He stands up and begins pacing in front of his desk. "He started by studying the names of victims who had already passed away, performing arcane experiments of a morbdid - but safe - nature. I'm not sure what he found in those studies, but it must have turned him to madness, for after that, he began killing. His murders were well-planned and well-executed, so there isn't much information on his methods, but it seems those he killed would find a single letter of their name every day or two, perhaps written on a card in their home, or scrawled on a familiar wall - in blood." He shakes his head. "But as I said, we found no spirits lurking in Harrowstone when we investigated. This is most unusual, and I'm beginning to wonder whether another expedition may be warranted." He rubs his temples wearily as he lets out a heavy sigh. "In any case, what did you want to see me about. Has your investigation turned up anything new?"
Sagaar heads with the rest to the Temple. It was agreed awhile ago that we should stick together and therefore he sticks to the plan. He heads straight for the library and dives right into reading the books, trying to gain as much knowledge as he can for any possibilities that might ensue.
"That explains the bloody letter on the statue. Someone is continuing the madman's work"
** spoiler omitted **
"That explains the bloody letter on the statue. Someone is continuing the madman's work"
"What makes you say that, Valachi? Whose name starts with "V"?
"There is new information to share, but in truth it is not completely new. The evidence of the Whispering Way that I spoke of? We know where the body of Professor Lorimor is. Since the way is so ancient, so powerful, and prizes secrecy so much, we needed to take time and decide who we felt we could trust. There are those among my companions who fear that the Way may have infiltrated even your own order. We have decided to take the risk, and trust you, at the very least."
"The body of the Professor shambled up to Lady Kendra's door last night and attempted to reunite father and child in death. Delia and Father were able to cause the body enough damage to disrupt whatever force was reanimating it. Once it fell, we secured it within the home to ensure it could not be taken by the Way again. It was also necessary to keep this quiet as there is already enough distrust of the Professor's legacy due to the subject of his studies. Word of his return via in death would likely only serve to further harm his reputation, even if it were by no fault of his own, and it is even possible that some might seek to bring harm to Kendra due to her association."
"We came here to warn you of this latest evidence, and ask for what help you can render in sanctifying the body, so that this type of action can never be repeated."
"What makes you say that, Valachi? Whose name starts with "V"?
Valachi shrugs, "He said he picked a letter from their name, not necessarily the first one."
Grimburrow halts in his tracks as Zhan finishes his explanation. One knobby hand comes up to remove his spectacles as he he locks you in his scrutinizing gaze. He arches his brow as he measures the truth of your words, and after several long moments he gives a long, tired sigh.
"I'm sorry you felt the need to keep this concealed, though it shames me to say that I understand your desire to do so. Be assured that the trust you have shown me will not go unrequited - I shall do whatever I can to allay Ravengro's mistrust towards you. Show me to the body, and I will see the proper precautions are taken before we lay Petros once more to rest." He turns his back to you, resting both hands on the table before him as he gives your words further consideration. "As for the Way infiltrating the temple, I find it difficult to believe. Both myself and the other priests are equipped to detect such treachery, and I do not believe one of them could hide amongst our ranks for long. Do you have any evidence to warrant such a suspicion?"
"There is nothing to indicate such a possibility. I find the idea more than unlikely, but as it is not impossible, some of my coleeges feel prudence in this is more important than the likelihood. I was able to convince them for the nonce that there was more to be gained by trusting you than continuing in the unlikely suspicions about you and you brethren. I apologize for the aspersions this doubt cast upon you; please believe no insult was intended by it."
"I will of course show you to the body. Perhaps you will be better able than us to determine the means by which it was reanimated. We detected a faint residue of magic, but we're not able to tell anything more substantive."
"I think that we might wish to delay his reinternment however, until such time that we can be sure that his body will not be disturbed in its rest again; by arcane or mundane means."
"Thank you again Father, for your time and your understanding."
Father Grimmburrow simply gives a determined nod. "I'm afraid that as priest of the Lady of Graves, I cannot allow the body of a man - a friend - to lie above the ground, though if you would prefer, he can be re-buried in another locations. Perhaps one that can be more easily observed. Do not worry, Petros was my friend as well, and I shall not allow his remains to be defiled, nor will I allow this desecration to go unpunished." His gravely voice hardens with harsh certainty. "We will find whoever is responsible for this. Give me a moment to fetch the necessary supplies, and I shall meet you back at the manse. If the Way truly is involved here, then discretion dictates we travel separately."
After traveling back to the Lorrimer home, you don't have to wait long for Father Grimburrow. You show him to the body, which he regards with stern disapproval. He kneels before the Professor's mangled corpse, lays a hand on the chest, and recites a brief prayer before shaking his head. "I'm afraid there's nothing I can determine about what may have brought unlife to this body. I can ward the body against further tampering, but only for a day. The church could place a stronger seal that would last longer, but it would require the body to be properly interred in a grave first. If you like I can see to the specifics with Miss Kendra."
"...If you like I can see to the specifics with Miss Kendra."
"Please, do."
While the Father is talking to the mistress of the house, Zhan will gather his companions in the living room.
"Father Grimburrow is talking with Kendra now about the disposition of her Father's remains. He insists that the body needs to be placed below ground, so a temporary internment may be needed before returning him to his tomb, or they may opt to return him immediately to the restlands, and hopefully place some sort of a watch upon them. We need to plan our next move. Suggestions?"
"Our investigation of the bloody writing has turned up little, and the good Father was unable to shed any further light on how our departed friend's remains were reanimated. My opinion remains unchanged that the only open avenue to our investigation is Harrowstone. I think there have been enough delays. We need to see to Harrowstone and find out what the Whispering Way are or were after there."
Suggestions?"
Val speaks up first, "Harrowstone for sure, as we thought there might be something going on there already. Would it be worth checking Lorrimor's grave site in the restlands, or have the Pharasmans already trampled it?"
Agnar thinks over what has been said before speaking "I agree with Valachi about the grave site if the Priests have not done anything with it we should check the grave out. If that is not an option than yes we should go to Harrowstone."
Delia nods in agreement, casting a quick glance in Kendra's direction, but with her tended by Father Grimburrow she should be fine. Also, Kirill said something about staying at the house with her just in case. "Yes, a quick inspection into the grave, and then off to the prison would be a reasonable course of action."
"Sounds like a plan. Let us just wait until Father Grimburrow and Kendra decide what they would like to do, and then leave for the restlands."
Father Grimburrow spends the better part of an hour speaking with Kendra, but at length the two of them step back outside. Kendra's eyes are a little puffy, but there is an elusive calm in them despite the dried tears. "Father Grimburrow has explained the situation to me, and we've decided to bury Father at the house. My father always did enjoy his privacy, and there's a small fenced-in plot out back. It will afford us the discretion we desire, and it will prevent..." she bites her lip nervously before continuing. "It will keep him confined should the worst occur. We'll be digging a grave this evening, and I understand that you have other things to worry about, but I would be most honored if you wish to contribute."
"It is not a requisite, of course," Grimburrow quickly reminds you. "I can have a few of my older acolytes do the work, if you wish. Tradition would dictate that the Professor go into the Restlands, where his soul might join with others in eternal rest, but it is not unheard of for a deceased relative to be interred closer to their home - this is a good, solution, I think. It allows us to retain our privacy, has a measure of security built into it, and it follows all necessary funerary procedures. We shall prepare the grave tonight, and inter the body tomorrow morning with a small, private service."
With everyone in agreement over how to handle Lorrimer's body, the Professor's remains are moved to the cellar, where they are covered with a makeshift burial shroud and locked behind latch and key. All business being handled, you and Grimburrow head towards the Restlands to inspect the site of the grave. The site of your party moving through Ravengro with the Pharasman priest draws a few curious glances, but no one seems especially suspicious given last nights defilement. You receive passing nods and casual waves, though for the most part no one seems to want to interrupt your business.
The Restlands are more populous today, with several villagers coming to pay their respects to the departed, and several of them look rather nervous as they lay flowers upon graves. The deputy you recognize as Riff sits by the grave whittling idly and occasionally glancing up from his work. He stands with a start as he notices your approach. "Good day sirs... and, er, miss! I'm Riff, been watching Mr. Lorrimer's grave, I have. Shame what happened, really, but we'll get to the bottom of it afore long. I, er..." He glances back and forth between you, and resumes his seat. "Sheriff said you might be coming by. He's got a few ideas on what might've happened, but he says he's keeping his peace on it till he's gotten more evidence. Grave's right there. I'll just sit down. Be right here if you need me."
The grave is certainly open. Small mounds of loose earth lie on either side of a narrow funnel of dirt, which travels six feet down to a partially unearth coffin, splintered but still lying in its proper place. The headstone is lopsided with a small rise in the earth beneath it, as if someone had tried to upturn it from underneath. A few shard of the coffin lie scattered about, along with tattered pieces of a burial suit. The earth has been thoroughly trampled, and the sides of the gravesite have been swept mostly smooth.
Delia nods at the arrangement, and doesn't quite meet Kendra's eyes, feeling guilty for not being the one to verify her fears that it was indeed her father. She feels better about being able to provide assistance of another sort, "No need for the acolytes. Father here" she points to her ever-present companion "will dig as necessary while we conduct our investigations at the gravesite. He is both strong and tireless, and will allow Mistress Kendra to maintain just that much more privacy over the matter." The mannequin just nods at her, as if acceptig her words.
At the grave, she notices the markings but is not really sure what to make of them. Expectantly, she looks to the others that may have a better handle on what it all means, the look on her face roughly says 'Yep, that's an open grave.' as she nods at the scene, and tries to look thoughtful.
Zhan crouches down next to the open grave, moving so as not to trample the remaining signs.
"These scratches make it appear that the body dug its own way out, as does the swelling of the ground from underneath. These depressions though, might be knees, as though someone leaned over the grave, but there are claw marks here as well. So, did another creature of the same ilk help to exhume him, or were these marks made as he climbed his way out? I see no signs of anything ritualistic, that might indicated a magic rite was performed here."
Zhan makes a motion and speaks his incantation, bringing a Sense Magic spell to life. He focuses on the grave, the coffin, the tombstone, and the ground around the grave.
As he is looking, focused, his ears perk up and he starts to look around.
"Do you hear that? It sounds like cracking, or... stratching?"
Zhan stands up slowly and starts walking towards the source of the sound, scanning for anything visually amiss.
Angar looks at the grave shaking his head at what he can pick up from looking at it. He than hears Zhan speak turning towards him he says "I hear nothing, Zhan."
Sagaar kneels down next to the grave to get a closer look. He sees Zhan start to walk away. Sagaar stands back up, adjusting himself while glancing over to Kendra to see how shes dealing with the sight. "What to do mean? What kind of sound is it?" he asks.
"The sound of something moving...under the ground!
Zhan drops a hand to his pistol as his continues to search for the exact source of the sound.
"I doubt this can mean anything good. Weapons might not be a bad precaution..."
"Remember, if this is another zombie, slashing weapons work best. Go for large wounds, sever the head if you can."
Val just shakes his head, not hearing what Zhan is trying to point out. He walks quietly over to the spot Zhan is at, listening intently.
"Look at the ground! It's moving; there, there... and there! I heard the coffins breaking. Whatever is reanimating them, more of those creatures are coming!"
Zhan points vigorously at the places where the ground is bulging. He pulls back his cloak, and pulls out his large Bowie knife. He will move into position over one of the graves, ready to ambush the creature that climbs out.
With Zhan's frantic gestures, everyone can spot the bulges in the ground.
Agnar growls before drawing the massive blade from his back. He looks around at the ground before looking at the group he than says "Zhan move back from it."
"Zhan move back from it."
"Why? There are three of them! Move to one those mounds there, I will see to this one!"
Claws extending, Valachi's features become more feral as he steps over to the third mound, growling.
Delia backs away from the mounds equally, letting the men with the bigger weapons move closer. She draws her belt knife, the best she can offer in the form of a slashing weapon. She runs through the list of planar beings she has her ties to, trying to think of which would be best in this situation. "Father will be so upset when he finds out we faced danger, and he's not here to protect me." she mumbles to herself as she shakes her head in irritation.
After another moment, the disturbance in the dirt beneath cannot be ignored. There is a clatter as Riff stumbles backwards, knocking his stool over. The deputy looks in mouth agape, frozen in muted horror as small cracks begin to form in the earth. As something continues to force its way upwards, you begin to feel an intense heat from the graves at your feet. Suddenly, there is a violent surge of motion beneath Valachi's feet and a gout of flames shoots out from the ground. Fire begins to erupt from the other two graves as charred skeletal hands force their way through the soil, and all around you can be heard the din of men shouting in panic, and the roar of a pitched inferno is barely audible.
Skeletal forms frantically begin to work their way free of the graves, and you can now three fully formed skeletons clawing their out. They are charred and blackened, with gouts of flame whipping around their ancient bones. Their skulls are twisted into supernatural expressions of rage and malice as they peer up at you hungrily.
"Damnit! Flaming skeletons?"
"Wait, everyone! skeletons are vulnerable to blunt weapons, not edged ones! watch out for those flames, you may need to keep your distance!"
Zhan takes a quick step back to gain some distance, draws his revolver, and fires in one smooth motion. A crack of sound peels out, like some tremendous firecracker.
Round 1, Initiative 20, FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agnar growls at the burn he had gotten from the flaming skeleton before taking a massive swing at the thing. After his swing he says "Well Zhan all I have is my sword."
Valachi reels from the blast of flame, howling in pain. As the skeletons emerge, he glances at his claws, shrugs then retracts them, laying into the closest undead with his fist.
;
;
Zhan leaps back as ribbons of flame lick his face, and as his gun retorts a sizable chunk of bone flies from the nearby skeleton's skull. It jerks violently for a moment, but the bullet is not enough to stop its assault, and along with it's companions, it claws its way free from the grave. All three of them regard you with sadistic grins as the air around you ripples with an unholy heat.
No sooner has the skeleton next to Agnar worked its way from the other than he brings his sword to bear against, the hefty blade shattering bones as it crashes through the ribcage. With a chilling screech, the bones fly apart - violently. Fire rushes from the center of the thing as boney splinters flay everywhere, searing Agnar in foul retribution.
Valachi lands two sturdy blows his his fists on the skeleton adjacent him, but the creature seems largely unbothered by his assault. It turns towards the ranger, flames erupting from the depths of its eyes as it readies it burning claws.
At Delia's command, a stocky pony with a flowing gold of mane springs into existence and lashes out with its hooves at the creature next to Zhan, unfortunately, its assault is wildly uncoordinated, and it misses its mark entirely.
,
,
Round 2, Initiative 20, 22/29
Agnar growls as the flames burn him. He than shakes his head before moving next to Zhan and swinging his massive blade once more.
Valachi grunts in frustration, trying not to mind the flames licking around him, as he re-extends his claws and lays into the skeleton once again.
/
/
Sagaar stands shocked, looking on as the others combat the skeletons. He hefts his spear like a staff, and prepared himself to come to the aide of any who need it.