Its likely to be a frustrating morning for Nighteyes. His researches seem to go nowhere, his lead from yesterday seemingly gone dry.
Maybe Father Toth's research will yield more results?
"The false crypt is in the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path," Jaru reports. "Be careful though. It is unlikely, but possible the cult has found out about it as well. We will investigate the sources that you've mentioned, Father."
Jaru also searches the temple's records for any mention of the 5 having a bit more experience with the layout from the previous day.
Jaru feels close, finding some records on prisoner logs for the last few months. Another session of research and someone to assist him should get him what he needs.
Jaru blows out his cheeks at the piles of records still to be looked over. He finds Nighteyes, "I feel we've done all we can today and my eyes are tired. Let's seek out this blacksmith and see if we can learn anything more."
The streets are starting to move with the slow tempo of village life but it is quiet, farm hands already off to their labours and the businesses just starting to open their doors and sweep their door steps.
An old weathered wooden sign over a shopfront for a house proclaims 'Apothecary' and lets you know you've arrived.
A young woman is just finishing her sweeping and looks at you with a nervous smile.
Ahhh. Kendra's friends. Good morning.
Lament strolls over to the lady. "Good morning. I am Lament and this is the distinguished professor Simeon. We are here to pick up some remedies for Kendra. She is not doing so well." Lament looks down sadly before continuing. "We have had a hard time of late with the villagers. I understand their fears, but we are just here to help. We owe that much to our old friend Petros. Speaking of that...is there anything I can help you with around the shop before we get the goodies and head back to tend to Kendra?"
She warms to Lament, her body language changing from nervous to relaxed as they converse.
Call me Jominda.
I'm glad you feel that way about Kendra. She's a great friend... we are both a bit bookish. You know, because of our fathers, and I've picked up a thing or two from her.
She moves around the shop, opening drawers and mixing things in old glass beakers.
How do you feel about the town? You know people are ALL sorts of curious about you. People say you are treasure hunters and tomb raiders, others are afraid you are well... not to put too fine a point on it... err necromancers or demonologists.
We don't really handle outsiders really well.
She makes a 'face' as she says the last comment.
You made a good impression the other day with your judging but it would take a bit more to win the people over here if you are planning on hanging around.
She starts grinding a few ingredients in a worn mortar and then adds the ingredients one by one.
I'm adding a few other things to help Kendra sleep and calm her. Extra lavender and some extra potent valarian root. I 'll drop by and see her later too.
Lament can see a bit of a lab set up through the open door in the back of the shop, tubing, test tubes, flasks and so on.
Jaru blows out his cheeks at the piles of records still to be looked over. He finds Nighteyes, "I feel we've done all we can today and my eyes are tired. Let's seek out this blacksmith and see if we can learn anything more."
Its at that point that Father Grimburrow finds you.
Well. It seems Lorrimor may have been right - there was crypt in that location with a lock that had been opened with acid. My acolytes searched it but whatever was there, it seems that Lorrimor has taken it. There was nothing to be found.
He seems a bit angry about it.
In any case we need a new lock. We'll need to see Jorfa for one.
Jaru's eyes narrow in frustration, "I was hoping fate would have turned our way for a change. Very well, this gives us an official reason to visit the smith anyway."
Bidding the Father a good evening, Jaru heads for the smithy.
Ringing steel draws you towards the smithy where a nuggety young man pounding out a set of horse shoes. A youth nearby is stacking wood and coal near the forge.
The young man with the hammer looks up, surprised and a bit intimidated.
Errr... Father Toth... and err... ummm... the elf
How can I help you?
How can I help you?
Jaru smiles and inclines his head in welcome. "Good afternoon. We're helping Father Grimburrow with some errands actually. He needs a new lock for one of the crypts. He said to speak with Jorfa about it."
Master, customers for you, he calls.
An old grizzled dwarf stomps into view, moving awkwardly. Its hard to guess a dwarfs age. They generally look the same after seventy or eighty until well into their late first century, however gray is clearly seen in beard and hair both. The beard and mustache are well tended but not overly grown and left at a practical length of mid neck.
Yes? What is it?, the dwarf asks in a stereotypically brusque manner.
Simeon putters about the shoppe, stopping occasionally to open a jar and sniff delicately. He's quite distracted by thoughts of Petros' library and what he's learned, it all keeps churning about in his head.
How do you feel about the town? You know people are ALL sorts of curious about you. People say you are treasure hunters and tomb raiders, others are afraid you are well... not to put too fine a point on it... err necromancers or demonologists.
He catches a bit of Jominda and Lament's conversation and interjects "It would seem from last night's display that many of your fellow townsfolk share the latter conclusion..." he then turns and begins inspecting a handmade drying rack.
Nice to meet you Jominda! Lament looks around curiously. Me? Ummm...I like the town alright I guess. I just wish everyone would calm down. We have Kendra's best interests in mind. We were all very close with the late professor. We are just here to see to his wishes.
She follows the alchemist around. Do you not get any strange looks with what you do? This town sure is lucky to have you here.
"Good morning, gentleman," she says, taking a conversational tone. "Returning the badges wasn't exactly my reason for stopping by, but I'll certainly be glad to return the one given to me. The rest of my companions seem to have scattered about the town in persuit of their own errands this morning, but I'll be sure to make sure that they return theirs as well."
Hearthmount scowls when she says this. She can tell he's feeling a bit insulted.
"As for what happened last night...well, it's difficult to explain, but I might be able to dispel some of the...wilder rumors that are probably being discussed around town today. What exactly have you heard?"
Well, last night aside? We've had more trouble since your arrival than in the last two years. Add to that a LOT of confusion over one of your companions using sorceries and whispers about the walking dead? Why, you could hardly blame the villagers here. Have no fear on MY count, I am sure that fair face does not conceal a wolfs heart - but some facts from you now would help.
Elidal thinks the smiling Gharen is using Hearthmounts 'sourness' to provide a pleasant contrast. In other circumstances who knows how it would be received but in the cloying stifling greasy atmosphere? It comes across letcherous... and you know he wants to 'bed' you.
Nice to meet you Jominda! Lament looks around curiously. Me? Ummm...I like the town alright I guess. I just wish everyone would calm down. We have Kendra's best interests in mind. We were all very close with the late professor. We are just here to see to his wishes.
She follows the alchemist around. Do you not get any strange looks with what you do? This town sure is lucky to have you here.
Lament
Nice of you to say so. Please, good scribe, please... err... please just look around the shop rather than opening drawers and so forth. Some of those drawers are very old and not in the best condition. I do a fair amount of my own repair work... sadly not up to that of a craftsman
Simeon interjects "It would seem from last night's display that many of your fellow townsfolk share the latter conclusion..."
Hard to argue with so many people... so I don't. I wasn't there but Kendra knows a bit about magic and I've not seen anything from the Lorrimor house that gives me pause - if you are friends of Kendra? I can plough an extra furrow for you.
Yes? What is it?, the dwarf asks in a stereotypically brusque manner.
Jaru bows deeply, "Master Jorfa, it is an honor to meet you. Father Grimburrow has told me much of your great skill and long history of service to Ravengro. It is not just pleasure that brings us here today. We would like to purchase a new lock for a crypt in the Restlands. And as I am new to this community, I had hoped I might rely on your great knowledge of the town to answer a few questions."
Jaru bows deeply, "Master Jorfa, it is an honor to meet you. Father Grimburrow has told me much of your great skill and long history of service to Ravengro. It is not just pleasure that brings us here today. We would like to purchase a new lock for a crypt in the Restlands. And as I am new to this community, I had hoped I might rely on your great knowledge of the town to answer a few questions."
The dwarf looks unimpressed by Jaru's flowery words and regards him sternly.
I don't hold with questions. A lock? Hmmmm if its a crypt? Yes, I think I've something stout enough. It will cost him a few gold but he's never quibbled over money and I've never over charged for my work.
She limps to the back of the forge, waving for you to follow.
The walls are hung with a dizzying array of hooks and braces, balancing, supporting or hanging all manner of metal farm implements but on one wall there hangs some weapons and armour. A light metal shield and a rapier stand out as looking particulary impressive.
She rummages in a cupboard and pulls out a box that has a number of locks in it with keys attached to the locks by a leaden seal.
She selects one, a stout heavy looking one with a large locking ring.
Mechanism is a good one and this will keep most anything out... or in.
Baradlon lets Jaru talk, instead examining the apprentice smith in return. He walks around looking at all the equipment and watching the youth work from behind his shoulder.
Baradlon lets Jaru talk, instead examining the apprentice smith in return. He walks around looking at all the equipment and watching the youth work from behind his shoulder.
The apprentice seems very nervous and only turns his back on you for a few strikes of the hammer before he turns again to watch you anxiously.
You... need something?
Baradlon just blinks and continues staring. What's wrong? Don't like the taste of your own medicine?
The apprentice moves so he can keep the elf in his line of sight muttering.
Baradlon can make out the words.
Why isn't scared of all the iron?
He resumes his work but his strikes have none of the confidence or rhythm that it did before.
Whats your elf doin' wit' my apprentice? - he's puttin' him off his stroke - here, take the lock and tell Grimburrow I'll settle with him after... out with you both.
With that she starts moving towards you, waving her hands to indicate you should be leaving.
Its clear that as far as she's concerned the conversation is over. Maybe another time may work better or perhaps other company.
"Come, Nighteyes. It's important we keep the crypts properly locked with all the recent strangeness. Thank you, Mastersmith Jofra. Perhaps we can talk some other time."
Lament puts her hands behind her back to keep the alchemist from getting too nervous. "Does spell casting bother you m'am? I mean as long as it is not evil?"
She walks closer to the lady. "Did they tell you about the V in the square? Any idea what a large bloody V could mean?
"Does spell casting bother you m'am? I mean as long as it is not evil?"
No, she says very carefully. Not as such. Kendra and I have always been close and the Professor, while he didn't flaunt it, could work magic.
She continues to bussle around, finishing up.
"Did they tell you about the V in the square? Any idea what a large bloody V could mean?
Do I know about the desecration of the monument? I was one of the people there watching that white elf scream at everyone, she shivers. But even if I wasn't, anyone who didn't know, knew within an hour. I imagine the outlying farms know now.
As to the meaning?, Jominda shakes her head. No idea at all.
She places bottle on the counter, and hesitates, thinking.
This isn't my normal concoction but then again, Kendra is my friend - one gold and 5 silvers please.
Is there anything else?
Lament
Simeon
Baradlon nods to Jaru and moves slowly around the apprentice, staring bug-eyed at him the whole time. He then bows to the dwarf, "Thanks," he says. Turning he walks towards the Restlands with Jaru. Once out of earshot of anyone he says, "We can examine the crypt before we lock it. What Grimburrow doesn't know won't hurt him. My eyes are much keener than most humans'."
Once out of earshot of anyone he says, "We can examine the crypt before we lock it. What Grimburrow doesn't know won't hurt him. My eyes are much keener than most humans'."
Jaru shakes his head. "I will not betray the trust of my brethren. I can ask again if we might inspect it before it is resealed. It is true you have better eyesight and might find some missed clue."
"Fine you can wait outside and tattle on me if you please, but I'm going in. Your greater duty is to the town, Lorrimor and stopping the Whispering Way in any way we can. The Lady would understand," the elf replies.
Jaru fumes at the headstrong elf, "My duty IS to this town. Working outside the proper channels will only break the few fragile alliances we have made and further turn the town against us. It will only make it harder to stop the cult if we have to fight the town as well."
"Listen Nighteyes, I may not have been as close to the Professor as you are, but I keenly feel his loss and the defilement of his body is a direct attack on the very core of my faith. I assure you that I will stop at nothing to see those responsible sent to the Spire and their judgement, but it will require a little patience."
"If I cannot get permission within the next few days, then we must do what is required, at night not in broad daylight- but I will not have you further eroding our relationship with the town unnecessarily. IF we are going to bend any laws, I think the others must be consulted as well."
"That's great, but you are not the boss of me. Obviously if there are people there I won't go in. The professor saw fit to go in without even telling Grimburrow it existed, and further stole from the crypt. I already allowed you to tell the priest about it and he found it empty. How is entering an empty crypt that no one knows about going to erode anything? Further, if we lock it and give the priest the key we will never be able to get in again. So unless you're going to physically restrain me or tattle and erode the very relationship you seek to maintain, I'm going to take a look. With the utmost respect for the passed on, of course."
"There is no one interred within. That is not my concern. You are on your own then. Know that if you are seen, I will disavow you. I understand the reason for your anger, but your continued disrespect for the people and laws of this town are certainly fated to increase our difficulties."
"As I said, I will not risk being seen. The people of this town are a hindrance to their own salvation. We must save them in spite of themselves."
Lament pays the lady. "You have a very nice shop here. Would it be OK if I came to visit again?"
Surely... I'll also be around to see Kendra after nightfall, bring her some food. I'll see you then.
With nothing more to say the pair leave the shop.
Knowing that Elidal was taking care of getting permission to access the town records they are at something of a loose end. Simeon is eager to get to any records available but given he needs time for these hayseeds to make up their tiny minds on this seemingly trivial decision, he is persuaded to take a trip through town.
The posting poles are of minor interest. They list parchments and papers all nailed or tacked in place.
The 'bans' for the wedding of Helmut and Lisle are posted on slightly weathered paper and the date indicates a wedding for next week.
There are old and new offers for work... A recent one calling for a 'Wolf Killer' to stop sheep killings. Sadly such things are not uncommon early spring when sheep are released to further pastures and wolves are still hungry from the cold lean Ustalav winter. The fee is a decent one for such a poor area, twenty gold coins.
There are notices on town discussions and meetings as well as sheets written by Ghauren Muricar, the councilman, on the events or politics of Canterwall.
You are spotted by the owner of the Unfurling Scroll... Who, with his senior apprentice, is cleaning mud and some old vegetables from the shop front.
Ahhh, the old Scholar says sourly, It seems you had a busy night.
Simeon follows Lament on her tour around the town, his mind still focussed inward, contemplating the situation, wishing he could merely walk into the town hall and have at their records.
Looking up at Gheoven's statement, Simeon's eyes focus and he nods "Indeed...busy, that would be one way to describe it.".
Looking about the store front, "'Twould seem you've been lumped in with us , jugding by the gifts left."
The old man dips a heavy sponge into a bucket of dirty water then turns back to his door in anger.
I don't know what you did to set them off but for the Gods sakes and mine, be more careful around these people... I'm lucky not to have any broken glass, and that's one of the least things that could happen.
He scrubs at the door but his manner changes, the anger draining out of him to be replaced by another emotion.
Ravengro has changed and not for the better. I'd be glad to get out of here while I still can. Maybe... Maybe you could come by after dinner? For a discussion?, he says nervously.
Simeon's waves his hands about, "You cannot help if your neighbors are morons and imbeciles!" he hisses quietly.
His eyes narrowing upon the older man "A discussion? Hmmm, my researches are terribly important...but " Simeon says,tapping a finger against his chin " I think I can make some time for a fellow scholar! "
What might the old man have to tell me? It had better be worth my while!
Lament looks around as the two converse, making sure that none of the superstitious villagers are watching. "Do you do any divination?"
With a sigh of resignation, Jaru leaves the elf to his fate and looks for the others.
Lament looks around as the two converse, making sure that none of the superstitious villagers are watching. "Do you do any divination?"
The teacher waves his hand in a quietening motion.
Shhh.
Not now, not now, he hisses.
Tonight - I'll talk tonight.
He waves you away where you can see some people gathering outside Zokars in.
It looks interesting enough to be worth your attention.
Zokar greets you with warmth and fetches you both a warm pot of tea, waving off any offer of payment.
It seems like the young men and laborers of the village have gathered.
Its a barn raising, says Zokar. They'll gather here, be stood a round of drinks and then work for the day getting the barn up, then another two rounds of drinks here, in addition to pay. Its a local custom, he explains.
It seems that while a single round of drinks may well be the custom, the labourers about eight or nine of them, are having a few extras.
If you and your friends need some work, extra hands are always welcome... and, it couldn't hurt your standing any. After last night? May even help.
Simeon takes the tea with a murmur of thanks, sipping the hot fluid, sighing as the warmth it brings seems to banish some of his weariness.
"Barn raising? Hands?" Simeon asks,looking down at his own hands, the only caluses there coming from a stylus. "Hmmm, I'd not be too much help swinging a hammer, but I do know somewhat about building a proper structure and such, perhaps I could assist in a more supervisory role." he says smugly.
"I will help however I can."
The workhands and the farmer seem skeptical about what possible aid you can give and there is whispered muttering that it's strange they can't "magic up" their own beer rather than try to trick the farmer out of a few coppers. However no offer of help is being rejected today. The farmer waves for Zokar to stand you a beer each. Leromar the deputy, one you've seen little of, shows up a few minutes after and you all pile in a wagon and head out of town.
The talk is muted at first but as the journey out of town progresses the sun starts to shine brighter, the workers seeming happy about having a job to go to loosen up and talk, cautious at first turns joyous and boisterous. Certainly you can feel yourselves relaxing, tensions falling away somewhat.
Once on site Simeon refuses to take up any tools at all. This causes a lot of discontent.
Lament Diplomacy
The bard is able to convince the assembly and the farmer to listen to Simeon and she goes among the younger and less experienced workers, digging, nailing and so forth.
Aid another (Farmer) unskilled , but with her height and physical strength she's of limited help.
In the background Simeon works with the farmer and the more experienced farmers.
Engineering
It's not Simeons finest work but he draws on his knowledge to help the farmer make some slight redesigns that saves some building materials and shave some time off the enterprise. Simeon in charge proves to be a different Simeon - he's still an ass but he comes off far less abrasive when given respect and is listened to.
The local farmers wives serve lunch and then it's back to work. Lament spends her time now working among the wives and more idle workers, picking up tidbits of gossip.
Lament uses her bardic performance at the key moments and before anyone expects the job is done early afternoon. Dirty hands pound you on the back and shoulders in thanks and congratulations as Simeon is offered Farmer Johannsons hand in thanks and admiration.
Piling back into the wagon you head into town, the happiness fading. The workers are a little put out with their wages, given as how their work got the job done quicker than normal. With the prospect of normal routines ahead they fall to bickering or sullen silence. The farmers here are no longer treating you badly but their return to their normal behaviour also drags your mood down with it. Feelings of success and confidence fade replaced by anxiety over your own problems, tension taking over from relaxation by the time you return late afternoon.