Delia thinks about it, before explaining her best "I can call a water elemental or two, but getting it to collect anything will be much harder than just pointing to an enemy. I do not speak their language, though I know what I will focus my studies on now, so conveying that I want it to gather three specific things from below may be difficult. We would need to pantomime it somehow."
She looks around before trying to get the others to collect a copy of the contents below. She wants a sword, a dagger, and something small and shiny like a gem or piece of jewelry. She also wants wood, rocks and mud. She needs to establish a want and don't want pile, so she can imply yes and no for the contents. She provides the dagger.
With props in hand, and signs contemplated, Delia brings forth another water elemental. It takes serious time, and many attempts, but the creature eventually grasps the idea. Had she not been a Summoner, and the creature here for mere moments instead of minutes on end, the idea would probably never have worked.
In the end, the creature brings up the sword, as well as the dagger, and a whole mess of muck, slime, sand, and wood, from the bottom of the oubliette. Going through the mess, someone is able at long last to find a blackened, tarnished ring. It appears to be silver, blackened due to the exposure, but even a cursory polish on the hem of one's cloak brings back a bit of shine. The emblem of a knight's kite shield forms the talisman at the apex of the ring's curve. Study later reveals it to be a ring of protection.
The dagger is made from Mithril, thus being why is was immune to rust. The sword is locked within a rotted scabbard that needs to be peeled away from the blade, rather than simply unsheathing it. Within, the blade is dry, and still sound, and in possession of a remarkable edge.
After recovering and figuring out what each item does, Delia dismisses the elemental with a nod of thanks. She really knows she must focus on learning the tongue of the creatures. "Let's get back to the Warden's wife. She should be able to tell us for certain whether the threat has been cleared out finally."
"Good idea, I'm ready to quit this place."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Moving back up to the laundryroom on the main level, you find the ghost of Vesoriana still waiting for you there. As you enter the room, you see her presence light up with a sad smile.
"You did it. I can feel it; the wizard is no longer pressing at the boundaries I have been trying to hold around this foul place. In fact, I can feel all of the spirits at rest. They have been defeated! They are still here, still active, and will return in time, if I am not granted the authority I will need in order to hold them in check. Have you found the badge of office? Did you find my husband's body?"
Ember hands over the badge of office they had found.
"I believe that this is what you are seeking."
The spirit of this undead widow looks at the offered token for a long time, maintaining utter silence as she does so. Tears begin to flow silently from her ghostly eyes, falling evanescently to the floor. Slowly, tenderly, she reaches out and with a insubstantial hand, grasps the badge of office. However, when she pulls back, her hand now contains an ectoplasmic representation of the medallion, while the original sits seemingly forgotten within Ember's outstretched hand. The ghost brings the ghostly blue device up to her face, tracing its lines with a non-existent hand. Then, straightening, and seeming to show a great surge in authority, she lifts the badge up high, and loops the leather thong around her glowing neck. As it settles into place upon her breast, the very air within the prison seems to settle, and an unseen tension seems to fade and lose its menace.
The woman smiles, looking down at the badge warmly. Again she raises her hands and a light emanates from her, bright and bluish. A wave of light pours out, expanding through the room in a ring, out through the door, and down those halls that can be seen. It reminds one of something like the light created by Ember, when using the might of the Lady of Graves to heal or banish the undead. As the soundless light fades, the Lady Warden of the prison turns her face back to you.
"It is done. With the spirits of the five weakened and dispersed, and invested in the office of this prison, I have been able to do what even my husband could not, when his spirit guarded this place. The remaining haunts have been dispelled, and the spirits of the five banished from this place. They will now have to face the Lady of Graves and answer for their crimes committed both in life and death. Thank you; thank you all for what you have done. I will remain here, waiting to hear of my husband. It is my wish that his spirit might yet be found, and that we can travel to the next world together."
When asked about the physical disposition of the prison's badge she shakes her head, "It is not needed here any longer; its authority is invested here, with this," she rests a hand on her ghostly representation of the same, "Take it with you, as a reminder of what you accomplished. May it aid you in your trials."
The walk back from the prison is quiet and somber, but the arrival of the party back in the town is met with a definite change. The people are out and about; grim outlooks and furtive glances are now replaced with the cheer of neighbours and the familiarity of business as usual. It is as if some pall has been lifted from the town; some dread spirit that kept all under the weight of its oppression has now left. The news that that curses of the prison have been resolved is met with visible relief on the part of the town counsel, and for once, news brought from the group is met with belief instead of scepticism. It seems that even they can feel the difference, and that the nightmare that has been occurring is now over. They inform you as well that an hour or so past, they received news that the letters upon the monument had faded away, leaving little or nothing there now to remark upon. They send a runner to the money house with a letter of note in order to withdraw the promised sum for your help in the endeavour, and shortly thereafter, he returns, flanked by two guards to escort him back safely. The amount is verified by one of council, and then parsed up to each member of the party; 400 gp each.
When business is concluded, the team is invited back to Kendra's to rest and debrief; this stage of this harrowing mystery settled, even though the shadow of another looms nearby. A meal is prepared, and a chance to rest given, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. By late evening, most have arisen from their rest, and gathered once again in the reading room. It feels most surreal that there is no immediate threat to counter, and that present crisis seems to be resolved.
Ried leans back, kicking his feet up and absent-mindedly fingering his glass of wine.
"That was quite a story. Not sure how I'd explain that to others. Seems almost like a dream even now! ".
Holding his glass high, "I propose a toast to you fine people, who broke this mystery and welcomed me into your midst. You certainly saved my life and showed me what resourceful, intelligent folks can do when they are put in a tight spot.I'm honored to have fought with you."
Following the toast, he stares at his wine and then looks up, "I know I was invited here under less than stellar circumstances, but I've grown fond of you all, and if you'd have me, I'd like to stay on and see what trouble you get into next."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Delia's spirits are somewhat lifted when the pall over the city is, and she is pleased to see the people brighten up. Sadly, she knows it isn't enough to lift the grey off of Kendra's heart after losing her father, she knows all to well. When they report to the council, she asks about the status of the community feast she had been trying to have coordinated. She even offers some of her reward if it's needed to finalize the preparations.
Delia uses what she has picked up to help make dinner, trying to always be nearby in case Kendra needs a shoulder. As Ried offers a toast, she is willing to lift her glass, but just sips at the wine. "Ried, your company is not unwelcome, but I hope that we have no further troubles. We have one last task left us by the Professor, to take some books to colleagues of his in Liepstadt. You are free to join us along the road, but we won't be leaving until we have fulfilled our promise to stay with Kendra." with that she turns to the woman, "Sweetie, I'll be here as long as you need me."
When you arrive he reports that an old friend of his, Dr. Petros Lorrimor, has recently passed away. You recall Dr. Lorrimor, as he was once a professor here as well, though he retired some 15 years ago. Dr. Crowl states that Dr. Lorrimor had several books in his possession that he had indicated that he would pass on to the University after his passing. The books were of a questionable nature, and as a sensitive item, are not something that a private person, such as the late doctor's daughter and heir, should have to deal with. His letters indicate that the professor died over a month ago, and yet no one has presented to bring the books. Dr. Lorrimor had always stated that he would make the arrangements, and indeed, Dr. Crowl is in possession of certain recompense, that was to be paid out to the bearers of the books.
Dr. Crowl tells you that while elderly, his news stated that Dr. Lorrimor was killed in an accident. Given that it was not natural causes, Dr. Crowl is concerned that something might have happened to disrupt the late doctor's plans. Therefore, he would like you to travel to the small community of Ravengro, where the professor retired, and check to see if the doctor's Will was enacted, and if the books are indeed coming. If so, great, just escort them back. If not, please send word as soon as possible, and Dr. Crowl will let you know if more is needed. He will of course cover all expenses, and consider this a personal favour. Should more action be required, commensurate pay will of course accompany any such request.
The letter itself comes to you through curiously official channels, being brought to your home by none other than a junior priest of the temple, rather than by the post, or even by the hand of a temple acolyte. No, it was from the hand of a full priest.
In the letter, Father Grimburrow lays out that there has been some suspicious activity in the area lately, and that the claims that the prison was haunted, always dismissed as idle superstition by representatives of the church, may have in fact been true after all. He states that a local, Petros Lorrimor, formerly a Professor in Lepidstadt, was killed while investigating the site, and that while initially labelled an accident, it was later discovered the poor professor had been murdered, and his death merely disguised to look like an accident, after the fact. Friends and youth formerly mentored by the professor were sceptical about the reported cause of his death were able to uncover the truth, and discover the overlooked truth of the haunting of Harrowstone prison. He assures you to rest easy on that regard, as the haunting has been laid to rest, with the aid of these friends, and another servant of Pharasma, Ember Volkin, a young priestess.
He goes on to say that there appears to have been more going on than even this, and that factors may have been at play that would concern your area of expertise. Even in a letter delivered in such a confidential manner, he still seems reluctant to spell out exactly what is in play in this situation. He reports that he got your name from the Father of the local Temple, who is more familiar with the talents and resources available in the larger city of Lepidstadt, and that he had recommended you, without hesitation. He urges you to come to Ravengro and meet the friends of the late professor, and interview them regarding their encounters and suspicions, and help determine what actions should be taken by the church, if any, and perhaps provide assistance to the young adventurers, as they are still seeking the perpetrator of their mentor's murder. However it is, factors at play so far indicate that it is someone that would be of interest to you, and to the faithful of Pharasma.
Aerick is partaking of a meal in his simple, small home when the knock comes. Slowly, he wipes off his fork of the sauce from his food and sets it down. He takes a glass cover and sets it atop his bowl to keep the heat in. Then he pushes his chair back and stands up. But he doesn't go to the door just yet. He pushes his sleeves up and goes to his water basin to wet his hands. He dries them with a small, clean white towel.
Actually, speaking of clean, that's the first thing to be noticed about his home. Everything is immaculately clean.
He walks, slowly and deliberately, to the door and unlatches it, opens it. There, stands one of the junior priests of Pharasma. Aerick knows this man. "Hello, Benjen. How is your wife?" he asks, as he receives the letter. He half-listens as he opens the envelope and reads it, in his doorway. Any attempt by Benjen to move away (and there are several) is met by a severe glance from Aerick - Benjen will not leave until Aerick has a chance to reply, if he sees fit.
He finishes the letter, but he doesn't see a need to reply. "Thank you, Benjen." is enough of a reply for him and he re-enters his home, closing the door in Benjen's face.
There is no excitement, no immediate packing and hurrying out the door. Nope, Aerick finishes his meal first, making sure to savor every bite and then wash his dish and put it away before he even thinks about packing.
Ravengro, huh? Aerick had never been there, but he faintly remembers the stories from when the prison had burned down. Harrowstone. It had always sat poorly in Aerick's stomach. He is glad to know that the prison's taint had been removed.
He stands, goes downstairs, and opens a large wardrobe. In there sit a semi-gleaming breastplate, the silver spiral of Pharasma upon its chestpiece, a bone recurve bow, a magical mace, arrows, and a few leftover vials of holy water. His dagger and cloak he keeps elsewhere for easier access. He sighs. He thought he was done with adventuring. Still, the letter had said there were factors at play that were of interest to the faithful of Pharasma. To Aerick, that meant undead, and that was unacceptable. He began to don his equipment.
His departure from Lepidstadt is unnoticed and quiet.
In Ravengro:
The relief in the atmosphere of the small town remains as the days pass on within the small town. Upon the morrow, the 30 days proscribed by Professor Lorrimor's Will will have elapsed, and it will be time to make your way to Lepidstadt, in order to complete the last stage of your charge.
The days since the sanctification of the Harrowstone prison have been pleasant, and even those who voiced descent at the inclusion of the party of outsiders back at the town hall, and through rumour and grumbling, seem to have fallen into at least a grudging respect for the group. The feast for the town, planned by Delia and her companions, comes off not only as a celebration of Ravengro, but of the lifting of the curse. Most of the townfolk have no trouble believing that the threat of Harrowstone was real, and that the party of heroes are the one's to be thanked for bringing the threat to an end. Any detractors keep their grumblings quiet, and away from common ears.
The time passes swiftly, as the tension and unease of the days before melt away. The group is able to spend their time socializing, reading in the various libraries, sparring, or even just relaxing, and enjoying the good turn of weather. It is during this time that the lady Kendra relents, and agrees to allow Valachi to court her formally. She has no male relative close at hand, so often it is a member of the party that is tasked with escorting them as chaperone, though nearly as often, a member of the town council is available to perform the duty when the rest of the party is absent. Valachi makes it known that he intends to stay on in Ravengro, in order to be close to the lady.
The rest of the party mentally prepare to move on, for the rapidly approaching trip to Lepidstadt, and the completion of the tasks assigned them. Look as they might, no other clues arise as to the end goal of the Whispering Way, where they might have gone next, or why they took the spirit of the departed warden from the prison. If those mysteries are to be solved, they will have to solved elsewhere, another day.
Ravengro. A pleasant little town, Aerick supposes. He finds the Pharasman chapel easily enough, although he's a little disappointed to find that the head priest is so old. When he dies, and he will, quite soon, the temple will be without an appropriately powerful high priest.
Still, though, he takes Grimburrow's suggestion and neglects to ask the old man any questions beyond where to find this "Ember V", departing immediately for the indicated address.
There is a knock at the door of Ember V's indicated address. Opening the door reveals a tall, slender, grey-faced man with long, straight, white-grey hair. He wears a black tunic underneath a grey breastplate emblazoned with the silver spiral of Pharasma, thick black pants, and black leather combat boots. Sheathed at his belt are a mace and a dagger, and slung over his shoulder is an unstrung bow and a grey leather backpack. His eyes are a light blue etching on a blank white canvas, and he regards the answerer with them as he extends a hand, his face stony and revealing no emotion. "Ember V., I presume? I am called Aerick. I believe I have been sent to assist you with...matters. May I come in?"
The door is opened by a slender woman with pale skin and raven hair almost down to the floor. Her hair is swept over her left eye, and the violet right eye regards you calmly.
”Yes, I am Ember Volkin,” she replies, smiling at her guest. ”Please come in, Aerick. I was not aware that you had been sent here to aid me.”
She steps back to allow Aerick to enter, indicating a spare chair at the table for him.
Zeth makes his way nervously to the address on the south side of Ravengro. As he brushes the fuss and dust from his clothing, he checks himself over for tidyness. Thinking over and over how he is going to speak to Kendra about context of her late father's will in regards to his books making their way to the university. He hopes that his actions do not insult the young lady, and cause her any more greif than she has already endured. As a first adventure for the novice Wizard, he would have wished for something more cheerful... but as his Uncle would say 'Like a blind goblin at an orgy, I'll have to feel this out'. The Halfling gives a bit of a smirk as he comes to the door, knocking. "Hi, my name is Zeth, I come as an assignment of the University of Lepidstadt, I would like to speak with Kendra if at all possible" he announces, as he makes a short bow and removes his hat.
Delia calls out from the kitchen as Ember answers the door, "Who is it, one of the council? Are they staying to eat? Let me know quick so I can add more to the recipe." As the second knock comes later she calls out. "Have they not been let in? Ember? Didn't I hear you answer the door?"
"Did you say eat? Is it time for dinner? Just finishing up some follow up reading on the stuff we brought back from Harrowstone. Do we have a guest?""
-Posted with Wayfinder
As he enters, there comes another knock on the doorframe right behind him, interrupting Aerick. "Thank you very much, young miss. I am still - oh, it seems you have another visitor. Hello, halfling. I am Aerick, it's nice to meet you."
Ember looks surprised at the addition to the crowd at the door.
Taking a step back to allow both guests to enter, she replies to Delia,"It is not any of the council, but I would hazard a guess that they will be staying for dinner. So there will be two more, Aerick and Zeth. One is from my church of Pharasma to speak with me, and the other is from the University of Lepisadt to speak with Lady Kendra."
"Yes, nice to make everyone's acquaintance." he walks over to Aerick to give him a hardy handshake. Looking around at the new faces with a smile, somewhat relieved of the welcoming nature. "I hope I'm not intruding."
Delia calls back out from the kitchen, irritation just barely hidden in her response at adding more, "Well, I hope they like wurst cooked with cabbage and peppers, cause that all we're having. Though having two more will help keep me from getting fat eating more than one slice of this strawberry-rhubarb pie." She speaks to someone else with her in the kitchen, "Father, would you be so kind as to take their coats and help Ember see them to the sitting room?"
"Yes, Princess." comes the answer in a deep baritone. From the kitchen comes a tall, broad man. An odd rune on his face, glows softly. It's composed of a line running across his eyebrows, one running down each side of his nose angled slightly outward, and they connect to a last line running across his upper lip to to each of his cheeks.
He comes out, and before offering to do anything for the men, he gives each one a serious once over. He looks like he is heavily scrutinizing the newcomers as either threats or with bad intentions. He steps forward, keeping himself between the men and the kitchen, and reaching out with big meat hook hands, simply offers, without a hint of hospitality, "Can I take your coats?" turning to Ember he adds, "Lady Ember, can I accompany you as you speak with them?" although it's a question, it is clear that he almost insists but has been taught better.
Ried strolls in to the foyer, stretching. "Quite the party! Do we have enough chairs," he quips.
Sticking out his hand, "Ried, archaelogist. What brings you here?"
Ried is a tall, brown-skinned elf, with a quick smile and comfortable manner. He's wearing comfortable brown linens and is carrying a book with him, bookmarked with his off hand.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I'm quite fine with my robes as they are my good man." the halfling gives a cautious smile and moves to a more confortable leaning position away from the tall coat man.
Aerick isn't actually wearing a coat, but he declines removing any piece of his outerwear and giving it to the construct, for the options would be his shield or his armor.
"I am Aerick, and I was sent by the Pharasman church in Lepidstadt to interview Ember Volkin about the proceedings within Harrowstone prison, and also to offer my aid with any further dealings she may have to complete."
Looking to Ried "Greetings Ried, my name is Zeth, Zeth Bower. I'm a Wizard from Lepidstadt." the halfling stands up straight to look as offical as a 3'1" halfling could, looking about to all the new faces in the room as he continues "I'm afraid it was on better terms, but I'm on bit of a quest you could say, my first as a matter of fact... I was sent on behalf of the University to see how the contents of Dr. Lorrimor's will were coming. Specifically in regards to some books that were meant for the University. They seem a little impatient about it. I hope I'm not bothering Lady Kendra to any great extent."
"Mmm ... will stuff. Sounds exciting," Ried mimes a yawn. "Grab some food first, it's late and there will be plenty of time to work on that. It's not like we are racing against ghostly serial killers and their evil machinations. At least not any more!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
As the newcomers and the others gather round and begin to converse, Delia calls out from the kitchen once again, "Okay, food's coming out, everyone make sure you wash up. I'll not have improper table manners if we are entertaining guests. That said, I expect our guests to comport themselves with the proper decorum of company and wash up themselves. There are easily a few basins and ewers that everyone can find one. Father, could you help me carry these platters? Ried, be a dear and set the places, you know where the dishes are."
At her request, Father rushes back into the kitchen with a hastily replied, "Yes, Princess."
He emerges in the lead with a platter festooned with enough bowls for everyone, well all but one. A dish is set down for Kendra, Valachi, Ried, Ember, Agnar, Delia, the two guests Aerick and Zeth, but not one for Father. Instead he just stands, with his arms crossed, behind Delia's chair after placing the dishes.
Delia finally emerges from the kitchen with a bread board bearing three good-sized loaves of dark rye. Despite her barking of orders, and matronly demands, she is still a young woman, no more than seventeen. She carries herself like someone that expects to be listened to, and looks ready to scold anyone that doesn't do so. Despite this, she is an attractive young woman, and it looks as if she knows this, but there is a sadness in her that seems to betray that confidence a little.
Aerick is about to go into a long-winded explanation of his presence and his association with the church, and begin his interview of the cleric when the orders come wafting in from the kitchen with the smell. He obediently complies, cutting himself off to unstrap himself from his breastplate and lay it on the ground near the door, and to wash his hands.
When he goes to sit, he is a bit unsure about where to sit, but when directed, he takes a seat and waits patiently to be served. "This looks delicious, young woman. May I ask your name?"
Delia nods, and curtsies lightly at the compliment, before answering, "I believe the term you intended was 'Milady', and yes you may. My name is Delia Pilachet, and this is...'Father'" She holds out one hand, fingertips pointed down and the back of the hand forward, in a lady's handshake. The other hand she sweeps toward her companion, who remains unmoved from his protective and scrutinizing stance.
Aerick shakes her hand before sweeping his head down to kiss the top of it. "Good to meet you. And a wonderfully impressive construct, there. Never have I heard one speak before...how did you get that to happen?"
She snatches her hand from his as he asks about Father, a scowl growing and her lips pursed before a clenched jaw. "He's not a construct... he's..... he's a... she looks flustered, her eyes darting like she can't find the words. Finally, her expression softens as her eyes shimmer with moisture. Her voice goes soft as she finishes her thought, "He's a remnant, ...of a memory." She quietly makes her way to her place at the table and looks sullenly at her food. As Father steps up close behind and lays a comforting hand on her shoulder, she reaches up with her own resting it on his hand in recognition of his presence.
The Halfling waists no time cleaning up to enjoy the welcomed meal. As he sits at the table he says to Ried, "If we get the chance over dinner Ried, I would like to hear about your adventures."
Kendra Lorrimor, mistress of the house, finds her way down the stairs, and into the dining room, a tall, dark, shaggy haired man in tow. Kendra waits for Valachi to seat her, and then as he sits down next to her.
Kendra is a well put together young lady in her early to mid twenties; pretty rather than beautiful, but dressed elegantly and bearing a stoic expression.
"I did not realize we had guests. I apologize, sirs, for not being at hand to great you. I am Kendra Lorrimor. Welcome. Delia, thank you for the meal. You have outdone yourself, as usual. I have no idea how we are going to get along without you after you depart. It will be so sad to see you go."
Delia regains her composure at Kendra's compliment, "You are more than welcome sweetie. I just want to do what I can to ease your burden, and I too will be sad to leave for Liepstadt, but we have an agreement to uphold. When we are done, however, just send word and I will return if you have need of me for anything."
Kendra smiles back, "It warms my heart that you took to my father's request so fully. His Will stipulated only that you remain in town for a month, and see that I am watched over and well; to give me the time to adjust, and see to matters of the estate. It did not require that you cook for me, nor lend me the service of your companion as valet. You have been too kind. More than just a pupil and confidant of my father, you have all become my friends. I will cherish that. How fair your preparations for your departure?"
She turns to the guests asking, "To what do I owe the honour of your visits, gentlemen?"
"Miss Lorrimor," says Aerick as he bows his head at the neck. "I am here to interview Miss Ember about the proceedings that occurred at Harrowstone Prison recently. My church informed me that it would be of interest to me and to them, and I am to offer her and her companions my aid."
Zeth responds, "Fair Lady, I was sent on behalf of the Lepidstadt University. They are expecting some books that were apparently outlined in the Will to goto said University" as he sits with his hands held on the table.
As Zeth mentions coming on behalf of the University, Delia becomes notably irritated, "Stupid administrators. Can they seriously not wait until they get delivered as they were told they would be? We have been tasked to take them, but only after staying to help Lady Lorrimor. Instead, they are so uptight over a couple books, that we are supposed to rush away from a friend in mourning? Well, they will get there when they get there, and you can go tell them that."
As any pleasant emotion leaves Zeth's face "I'm aware of the impatient request friend, but the good lady had asked the question, and it was a concern of the University due to the expiration of the timeline given in the will. If it is the collective wish that I remove myself due to my employment with the University.." he looks about at the faces in the room.
"then so be it, and I will take my leave. I will report my findings to the University". He remains seated in his poise posture, trying quite hard not to show his discomfort.
Hoping that someone breaks the uncomfortable silence? (or is there? obviously don't have a clue how the party would respond)
Kendra cuts in with a more diplomatic tone, "That won't be necessary, Master Bower. Delia is not directing her ire at you, personally. It is easy to become frustrated in such circumstances, on either end of the equation. And Delia in particular can be... overprotective where her friends and loved ones are concerned. Please do not take offence; she means well by it."
"And Delia, I am not sure that the University was even actually aware of the stipulations and timelines laid out by my father's Will. They were informed that the books would be delivered in the event of his death, and here we are, almost two months since this came to pass, and there has been no word from us as to when the books were coming. With all that has happened, I did not even think to inform them of the delay. They could not have known he would insist you remain the extra month to care for me, before making good on his desire to deliver the books. And, as we know, the books concern... sensitive topics. The Professor was probably concerned for my safety and reputation, should the books come to an unfortunate light while still in my possession."
"Master Bower, should you be unaware, my father requested that these good folks remain with me thirty days hence from his internment, that I might have friends to count on during the difficult transition. And as it happened, there were more serious complications brought about by the manner of his death, and the haunting that was brought to light by his passing. That these brave souls remained behind with me here is the only reason anyone in this town still lives, and so I, for one, am most grateful my father had the foresight to include such a stipulation. These friends were in fact this very night making their preparations to depart for Lepidstadt on the morrow, with the books in their trustworthy care. I am sure that if you wish to escort them, they will be grateful of the companionship, and you can arrive back at your institution with your charges within your very possession."
"I wouldn't take such things personally, I can only imagine to understand the strain you have seen of late Miss Lorrimor. If it were my decision, my first official task would not have been a burden to fine folk. It is nice to hear it will be completed without incident however. And I would gladly accompany the group back to Lepidstadt." he looks to Aerick, then back to Ms. Lorrimor,"If you would like to get this unpleasing subject out of the way, perhaps Aerick could hear the tale of the prison haunting heroes? I personally wouldn't mind hearing some adventures." looking for signs of volunteers. Cautiously showing his cheery demeanor again. (I understand the group likely won't type out the complete history of events but simply say the events were communicated?)
Delia nods as Kendra handles the man from the University, taking a calming breath at her words, and a restraining hand from Father. It seems he has experience with not only protecting her, but protecting others from her verbal backlashes as well, by working to keep her calm.
At the request of the retelling, Delia will stand. She crosses her hands, as taught when performing with the fingers tucked into the opposite hand in front of her stomach, and begins....
Delia wets her lips, takes a breath, and begins ”We were first called to Ravengro to attend Professor Lorrimor’s funeral, may Pharasma keep him” she signs the spiral ”and even then there was trouble. We had to deal with dissenters that tried to besmirch the good Professor’s name, but we managed to quell that. Afterward we were read the will, which asked that we stay with Miss Lorrimor for at least a month, and to deliver books to Liepstadt. Not too long after we had been in town a bloody letter, ‘V’ to be exact, appeared on the monument for those that died in the Harrowstone fire. We went about trying to solve the mystery. After a little research, thanks to the libraries at the Pharasman church and the Professor’s journal, we discovered some clues that led us to want to investigate the ruined prison and question whether the Professor’s death was indeed an accident.”
She dips her head in apology to Kendra for having to discuss the death still more, ”At the prison we encountered many haunts and vile spirits, from the spirits of dead prisoners, to dark energies about difficult times in the cells. Within we found one beneficent spirit, that of the Warden’s wife Vesorianna, who was trying to hold the evil spirits at bay after her husband’s spirit was taken away. We learned that the writing on the statue was caused by a vile spirit and intended to take her powers away. Most importantly we faced the five most malicious spirits in control of the place. I don’t remember having any issue with Father Charlatan, but the Piper sent dark visions against us, as did the Mosswater Marauder. The vile hatred of the Lopper was tough physically, but the worst amongst them was The Splatterman, who tested our very limits and pushed us to them. After we vanquished them, the warden’s wife was able to take control and calm all the spirits of the place.”
”All the while as we came to and fro from the prison, there were wicked goings on in town, odd visions, wandering dead, and a town council was interrupted by flaming skulls. We were able to deal with most of these with not too much trouble. Over all, the portents are what are most disturbing. The hauntings were out of control, because a group with ill intentions had stolen the original spirit keeping them at bay, that of the warden. An odd ritual had been scribed around the base of the prison, and they captured his spirit and made away with it. We were told by Vesorianna that those that performed the ritual were also those that killed the Professor. We do not know what they want with it, or what they intend to do with it, but it cannot be for the good of all as that is not how the Whispering Way operates.”
"I took care of Father Charlatan on my own. Sorry I didn't share that bit. Just would rather not relive it." Ried shudders unconsciously as he quietly interjects this bit of the story during Delia's retelling.
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Kendra adds a little exposition of her own, stating, "Most of us were not familiar with the Whispering Way when this ordeal began, but I can assure you, they are of keen interest to us now! They are a group of Necromancers, cultists practically, who believe that their path to immortality lies through discovering the secrets to transforming themselves into Liches; immortal undead creatures that retain all their mental faculties, as well as their arcane knowledge and powers. Obviously, they care nothing for restraining the darker aspects of that foul science, and we have uncovered no sign of conscience in our readings of them thus far. So far, we do not know what they might want with the soul they removed from Harrowstone. Why remove the soul of a good man, when so many powerfully vile and evil ones were accessible in the same location? It cannot be for any good or moral reason. More likely, whatever dark magic they have in mind requires the sacrifice of an innocent and pure soul in order to fuel it."