It is a dreary, cloudy day in the small town of Ravengro. Many of the townfolk have come out to the cemetery for the burial of the late Petros Lorrimor. Sir Gavin, a newcomer who has just come to town is present for the funeral. A lady approaches Gavin, and after catching his attention, asks "How is it that you came to this burial?" She is slim and attractive, at first glance. She seems to have a scholarly appearance, in her mid 20's.
It had been a couple years since Gavin last saw the Professor. Gavin was still in training when the professor came through town. Gavin had such a knowledge of religion and the undead, even at his young age. The professor spent a few months passing on his knowledge and tutoring young Gavin. They managed to form a bond in a short time. Now Gavin has received a letter telling of the passing of the Professor and asking for him to attend his funeral. With this he has packed up and made his way to Ravengro.
A massive looking man bearing armor almost in the form of a lion stands among the crowd taking in the ceremony. A young lady has approached. As she finishes he takes the helmet off holding it in his arms. She notices the lion emblem that was at the crest of the helm remains shining at the young mans forehead.
Hello my Lady. I am Sir Gavin knight of the realm. I once studied with Professor Lorrimor for a time. I received a letter asking for my attendance. Did you know the good Professor as well?
Gavin takes a moment to notice her beauty. He returns a smile as he speaks. He too is a handsome man when he removes the helm.
She bows her head. Yes, I knew him... he was my father.
My condolences then my landy. I am sorry he never spoke of a daughter in our brief time together. The world has lost a great mind in his passing.
Indeed. Their will be a call for Pallbearers soon. We should go. After the funeral, you must come with me back to our... my home. The Will must be read. My name is Kendra by the way. Kendra Lorrimor. There is now a last call for Pallbearers. You are not required to, and if you don't, they will find others.
Certainly I will. Excuse me Lady Kendra. It would be my honor to help carry the coffin. I will walk with you home after. He nods as he excuses himself to go help.
Kendra heads off to lead the procession along the Dreamwake- a grave pathway winding it's way through the cemetery. Half-Way through, you notice the way is blocked by a group of a dozen locals. The tallest speaks out. That's far enough. We been talking and we don't want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands.
Gavin looks to the other men to make sure they have hold before he lets go and heads forward.
Good people. I am not from your town, just a visitor paying my respects to a once friend. I'm sure you mean no disrespect, but is now the time to talk of such things. Lady Kendra has been through enough with the loss of a father. Do not push her away when she needs you the most. I know not what reasons you have but surely we can discuss this after we finish.
As you are setting down the coffin, one of the other bearers trips, and you lose hold of it, dropping the coffin. The body spills out, much the horror of the attendants. While this is occurring, the soldier continues. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here! Kendra, angered by this, swiftly responds What are you talking about? I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He's waiting for us! The grave's already been...
You don’t get it, woman. We won’t have a necromancer buried
in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still
can. Folks are pretty upset about this right now.
Necromancy!? Are you really that ignorant? . At this, Sir Gavin's Helm let's out a particularly terrifying roar, as if it were a full-grown lion. The group of thugs flee in terror, and Kendra thanks you. The procession continues, and Father Grimburrow delivers a short sermon. After which, he asks Kendra to share a few words. Holding back tears, Kendra recounts some of her father's more courageous moments, and thanks everyone for coming. She then allows anyone the opportunity to come up and say a few words about her father, or share some stories of their time together. (you choose to go up and speak, or to stay silent. If you remain silent, there will be no consequence. If you share a story, make a diplomacy check. For scaring the thugs, and causing them to flee, you gain 600 XP)
Gavin stands to address the crowd when it is his turn.
I have been honored this day. I met Professor Lorrimor a few years ago as he was passing through my town. I was fortunate enough to learn from the man. A necromancer he is not. He possessed a wealth of knowledge of the undead, but his knowledge was used to hunt and destroy such things. He helped me to become the man I am now. A paladin and knight in service to the Dawn Flower, Saranrae. Let us remember the professor for all the good he had done. On behalf of Lady Kendra I too would like to thank you for attending the service. May the light of the dawn flower guide each of you in your darkest times.
As you finish your speech and begin to depart back to Kendra's home for the reading, a little girl, no more than 12 or 13, and wearing what appears to be some sort of Wizard School Uniform approaches you and speaks, with a slight accent I'm sure Professor Lorrimor taught you very much, and we will all miss him, but honestly, you must work on your speaking. It's Sarenrae, not Saranrae. Her friends, a small ginger boy, and another small boy with black hair and disturbingly circular glasses usher her away, imploring her to not be so impolite. Kendra giggles a little bit and then says Now it is time for The Will.
Gavin pats the little girl on the head.
Truly, I must be more careful. Must be my country accent.
He smiles down at her.
He smiles back to Kendra as the children run off.
Yes let us walk back and get this done. My Lady, forgive me if I am prying too much, but what were those thugs speaking about? Why would they think such ill things of your father? Is there something I can help with? I do not wish your name tarnished in such a way.
The Lorrimor home is a modest residence, every room crowded by bookshelves. It's nothing. Some of the townfolk around here just think that my father was practicing Necromancy before his death. Only few actually believe it. Before long, Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, the closest thing Ravengro has to a Solicitor, arrives. You can tell he does like outsiders meddling in local affairs, but makes no comment on it, preferring to deal with the current matter. He produces a scroll case, breaks the wax seal that was Lorrimor's own, and opens the case. As he does, a little iron key falls out, clattering on the table. Undaunted, the councilman begins to read, eager to be done and get home.
I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this
parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with
the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and
personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or
sell them as you see fit, my child.
“Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this
document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading
of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in
attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I
have two final favors to ask.
“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are
few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of
what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many
of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and
inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge
of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire
a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one
of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward
legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under
lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have
borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable
for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my
daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the
danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting
my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver
the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who
will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of
another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend
that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is
safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone,
and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she
desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal
gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum
of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these
funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in
Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon
the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month
after the date of the reading of this will.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this
first day of Calistril, in the year 4721 AR Thank you councilman. Kendra says as he departs. She turns now to you. Thank you for coming as well. I will need at least a few weeks to decide what to do with the house, but while I do, you are welcome to stay here. You will not be charged for your stay either. . Kendra goes to retrieve to chest, and, nervous about it's contents, hands you the key.
Thank you Lady Kendra. It would be my honor to uphold the wishes of your father. I do not wish to push myself into your life, but if you allow me I will stay and make sure you are not drawn into misguided purposes that people may have had against your father. I promise I'm not that bad of company.
He smiles to the young woman again.
If I may i will retire for a bit to go over these books. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner this evening?
If she says yes:
He nods and excuses himself
You honor me my lady. Until tonight...
If she says no:
He nods and excuses himself
I understand. You have been through much. Take time for yourself. I am here if you need me.
Why... of course. You may as well, if you're going to be staying here. As you look through the books, you find notes in all of them. Most of them say to return them to Montagnie Crowl, a professor at the University of Lepidstadt, but one, The Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye, gives the direction to take deliver it to Embreth Daramid, who resides in Lepidstatd, and her home address is listed.
interesting...
Later at dinner:
Lady Kendra, do you know a Embreth Daramid? It seems one of the books is to be delivered to him. He lives in the town of Lepidstatd. I am suppose to look out for you for the month and not deliver the other books till that month has passed, but nothing was said of this book. What do you think of the matter?
Er... She is one of the judges in Lepidstadt, and an old friend of my Father's. He said to return it, and so return it you should. She is quite a respected person there, if I remember correctly. I wonder what she would need with such a strange book though. There's not even a title or anything! Did you find anything interesting in my father's journal? At this point, there is a knock on at the door, and Kendra goes to investigate. You hear her open the door, and suddenly, she screams.
I will rush over to investigate.
When you arrive at the door, all you see is Kendra lying on the floor, frightened by something. I... I saw...him.
Gavin looks out the door.
Saw who?
It's not possible... what did you do with my father's journal?
It is in the chest. Come sit down I will grab it.
Gavin helps her up and escorts her to a seat after closing the door. He then goes to the chest, and grabs the journal.
Let's see here. It looks like there are several entries circled.
Ten Years Ago:
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their
fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might.
Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.
Two Months Ago:
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?
One Month Ago:
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect,
I suppose it all makes sense—the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling
enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked
up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity—there’s plenty of folks
hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.
Twenty Days Ago:
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone who was
held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died
the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.
Eighteen Days Ago:
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky
to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to
investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the
foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to
defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to
store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black
Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down
below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.
Seventeen Days Ago:
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution
has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my
theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll
leave this in the chest where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.
There doesn't seem to be what I was looking for here. At the door, I... I saw one of the prisoners from Harrowstone. But that's not possible. They died so long ago. If nothing else, their spirits should be haunting the prison.[/b]
The mind can play tricks on us when we are grieving. I sure you saw something, but we don't know what. Your father seemed to be onto something here. Uncover some sort of plot. i will go to the church of Pharasma and see if I can get a list as he stated. I don't have much in the way to fight ghost either so I should check the false crypt as well. I don't know for sure, but I don't think your father died naturally. I believe he was onto something and was probably killed for it. I will find the truth in this lady Kendra, you have my word. Now let us get some rest. I will visit the temple int he morning.
As morning rises on the town of Ravengro, there is a buzz in the town square. There is an uproar. Someone has desecrated the monument. What seems to be blood has been used to scribe the letter "V" on the monument.
Gavin stop by and examines the monument as well. He will detect magic while examing it. He will take time looking it over.
Taking 20, for 27 Perception.
After checking it out he will head to the temple of pharasma.
While inspecting the monument, you notice a faint path of footprints, with speckles of blood around some of them. You get the feeling that following these tracks could lead you to whoever did this. (You may choose to follow the tracks, or you may continue to the temple)
[i[Tracks with blood huh? Seems someone wanted to make a scene. With all the going on and the professors journal I should follow these.[/i]
Good people, I don't detect any magic or see anything out of place. Seems just a harmless prank. Don't worry go on about your business.
Harmless Prank?! Someone has DESECRATED our monument to the fallen guards. And that certainly looks like blood to me!
Upon following the tracks, you reach the shack of Gibs Hephanus, the leader of the group who tried to disrupt the funeral. Searching for any sort of clue as to what has occurred. (Perception Check)
So much for trying to cool down the crowd. I better get to the bottom of this.
A shack better have a look around
After taking a look around Gavin will knock on the door.
You find nothing during your search. When you knock on the door, all you hear are some half-hearted grunts. No one answers the door.
Fearing the worst..
Sounds like someone could be hurt.
I will force the door open, or just open it
To the sound of his door coming off the hinges, Gibs wakes up, startled. What the hell did you just do to my door?! Gibs takes a drunken swing, missing horribly, and trips. He stares up at you, a dazed look on his face.
Gavin will go full defense.
You. A trail of blood led me to your shack here. A V has been painted on the monument in blood. The trail comes here. You have been framed or you caused this. Which is it?
What are you talkin' abou' blood?
Gavin will take a moment to examine the man.
So it was not you. Is that what your are saying. You don't appear to be hurt. Are you drunk or did I just wake you? It seems someone wanted to frame you for messing with the monument in town. Anyone you can think of that would want to do that to you?
Drunk? Of course not. I was just sleeping when some buggered maniac broke my door! What do you "messing with the monument"? Why would anyone frame me?
I am sorry for your door, I feared you were hurt. I will fix it for you. So you know no one that would try to frame you? This is not good. Here is (Blank gp, whatever will cover the door). I don't know if others followed me. I will continue to investigate this if I can. Let me know if you remember anything that may help.
If he has nothing else to say or offer Gavin will go out and make sure the trail really ended here. If so he will continue to the temple.
Just get off of my property, or i'll give you a reason to. (make another perception check at a +5 bonus)
I was just trying to help you sir, but if you wish me to leave then I will, but you seem to be hiding something as well. I have been nothing but nice, well besides busting in your door. What are you hiding?
Cast Detect Magic and scan the room again
I knew it, whats that there?
You do not detect anything, but upon further inspection, you find a bloody razor, and a waterskin filled with blood under a pile of logs.
So are you going to say this is not yours? Whos, or what blood is this. Now come with me. You need to answer for your actions.
Gavin grabs up the razor an dthe waterskin befor taking the man by his arm. He is ready if the man tries to resist, but hopes he comes along.
What?! My razor! I've been looking for that thing since last week! Now i'm not goin' ANYWHERE with you, so back off and be on your way. I've done nothing wrong.
Look are you sure we can't do this the civilized way. I am trying to help you. If someone or something made you do this then now is the time to tell me. I have to bring you to the people so they know this was you and not some vengeful spirit. Please let me be your friend in this. I can help.
If he refuses Gavin will shift his stance to that of an aggressive one and prepare to subdue him.
If I can get a surprise attack I will take it as I'm trying to end this quickly without him hurting himself of rme for that matter.
Are you mad! I have done NOTHING. I have no idea what you're talking about, and you have no proof that i've done anything. Now get out of my shack before I have YOU arrested!
So this is your razor and the bag of blood what of it? Let me check something.
I think he is either plain crazy or possible possesed, or lying, but he seemed honest.
Gavin holds up his hand and uses detect evil.
You detect his evil aura, but you are certain he is telling the truth, that he has no idea what has happened, or where the blood came from.
an aura huh, seems my worst fear, he must be possessed. He is no evil priest.
Sir, please forgive my rudeness. I meant no harm. Here as promised this is for your door.
He hands the man a few gold.
I don't want to worry him, he won't believe me anyways.
I will be on about my business now. Again I am sorry.
Gavin will take his leave and head into town to talk and find the sheriff.
I should let him know. Perhaps I can find someone to help with the matter when I visit the temple. Also I need to research this whispering way when I return to the professors house. I can use his library.
(The alignment of Gibs Hephanus is Lawful Evil) You have returned to the town.
Gavin will ask around for the sherrif and where he can go see him.
Noted on Gibs, perhaps he is an old holly man.