Simeon looks a bit put out at not being able to have the Corpse Chowder, but brightens at the mention of wine "Leftovers will suffice, and some of the red, lad"
At Baradlon's question, Simeon's eyes glitter as he leans forward expectantly.
One of the gents wants some of the Red Da, he calls out, and another your special ale.
Oh come on... call them what you are meant to son, says Zokar somewhat crossly.
The lad looks sulky and resentful as he calls back. A 'goblet of blood' and a 'Liquid Ghost', he says rolling his eyes.
I'll bring it out with the meal then - get the orders from the others.
Vigilance orders hot tea and plain toast. Apparently there is no sinister name for those.
"So it is agreed that we deliver Kendra's meal and then head to the spot the professor passed to Lady Pharasma's Boneyard?" Lament looks around at her companions, excited to have a lead.
"I believe so, Lament. Or at least, I find that plan acceptable," Baradlon replies. His fingers twitch impulsively on the table as he waits for his drink.
"Do you know anything about ruins outside of town, son?"
I know Da will tan my hide if he hears about me being up there. Its the old jail. Sometimes kids will run up to touch the walls on a dare but none of us dare go inside.
"Is it far? In which direction?" Baradlon asks the boy.
He gives directions. Theres a monument in town about the prison too - town square. Sometimes the older kids will go there at night to... , he reddens slightly errrr hang out.
You probably shouldn't go there. Folks are pretty sensitive about who goes up there and you will upset a few people if they see you heading over there. There's even a law about it.
"You are a sensible lad," Jaru remarks especially after he shows reluctance to participate in the ridiculous naming of the food. "What is your name? and why would there be a law against visiting the place? Is there any evidence of danger besides the rumors?"
The boy gives the priest a properly respectful bob of the head. Pevrin, good Father.
Cant really say - I think 'cause it's old and damaged and dangerous to be around - old stones falling and all that. That's the reason Da gave me - don't want people getting hurt climbing around there but it's a big part of the town as well, lots of folks have relatives who died there... Plus they say it's haunted. The boy squares his shoulders but I don't believe in all that stuff! I think just to keep people safe and to respect the place.
He scuttles away with the rest of your orders.
In due course Zolkar makes his way to your table, Pevrin assisting, with your food and drinks. The 'liquid ghost' is a pale ale that you'd swear seems to glow ever so faintly green. The chowder is chunks of well broiled meat in a thick red broth accompanied by new bread. Both are very good.
Eat friends, this meal is on me and the Professor, he says making the sign of the spiral when he speaks of Lorrimor. When you are done take this tray to Kendra.
He does seem a little vexed.
"Well the Professor thought it necessary to examine, despite the prohibitions..." Simeon observered as he accepted his meal and beverage.
Seeing that Zolkar was disturbed he says "Goodman, thank you for the repast. You seem troubled. As a fellow friend of Petros, you can confide in us. "
Its a bit of a hassle but we've our annual cooking competition and fairrr today. Norrrmally we'd have buried the Professor weeks ago but Kendrra held out until she could gather in his frriends. In the end the town council put their feet down on yesterday because they didn't want it interferrring with today. The thing is Kendrra was to be the head judge but with the funerral everything, it's not rright to ask her to come... But everrry family in 10 miles will be here soon.
He brightens.
I have it!
You all can be the Judges! It's perrrfect - no one can say you're biased as you don't know anyone!, he finishes with his finger raised in a gesture of triumph.
"Uhhh....." is all that Baradlon can muster. Well, I suppose if going to the ruins where Petros died is illegal, that will have to wait for nightfall anyway.
"Gibbs isn't cooking is he. I'd hate to die by poisoning. I probably wouldn't taste good in chowder."
"But the professor isn't buried, I'll remind you and I hardly think a fair is as important as finding his remains," Jaru scowls.
I... don't know how to answer that priest, says the innkeep a bit worried and a trifle embarrassed. I was thinking you'd let the Sherrriff do his job and maybe Old Father Grimburrrow too - we'rre going to have a lot of people hearrabouts and they'll want to get that fixed without upsetting everrryone and the Faire, they wont cancel that.
"I would not ask the Faire to be cancelled nor would I expect the villagers here to do so given the lack of respect so far shown for the professor's demise. Understand that this desecration is both a professional and personal affront to me and I cannot rest until this is resolved. Certainly not to judge camel racing or whatever serves for entertainment here," Jaru finishes bitterly.
"We're interested in recovering the Professor's remains and catching those responsible for disturbing his grave. Do you think the people here would be more receptive to speaking with us if we made ourselves more approachable and friendly - such as participating in a local event like this one?"
Yes - undoubtably... We'rrre a pretty shut in people and well ... Outsiders like yourrselves may find it harrd if you are going to be herre long.
"I would hardly make a good impression today even if I were inclined. I think I will visit Father Grimburrow instead unless he will be at this Faire instead of looking for the professor's body."
[
I have it!
You all can be the Judges! It's perrrfect - no one can say you're biased as you don't know anyone!, he finishes with his finger raised in a gesture of triumph.
"Ah....er...em" is all Simeon can utter, absolutely horrified at the prospect of 'Judging' at this rustic faire. Looking up agape at the man's triumphant face, he can hear in the back of his mind Petros laughing at him in his dismay. With a rueful shake of his head, Simeon mutters "You old reprobate, even in death...." then smiles and says to Zolkar "In Petros' memory, I'd be delighted to lend my considerable acumen to the deliberations. Anyone else?"
Hearing the comments about searching for Petros' remains, Simeon nods "All grave concerns indeed. However, you all know Petros had gone to meet the Lady's judgement, his pile of bones, while sacred , he has no use for. They will turn up. In the mean time, this little endevour will serve, hopefully , to turn the local's attitudes towards us in a more favourable direction, allowing our futher investigations to proceed more smoothly."
Jaru finishes his eggs and bread quickly, but without relish. "Thank you for your hospitality, Zolkar. Let us take Kendra her food. You all can prepare for the Faire and I will visit the Church of Pharasma."
The lad appears with a few parchments in hand.
I'm off to the posting poles Da, before it gets busy.
Zokar ruffles his hair affectionately.
My son is alrready making a way for himself - something of a town crier.
Naww Da - theres a better word for what I do, I just don't know it is all, he inclines his head respectfully to you all and heads out, picking up a wooden mallet from under the counter on the way.
Now, please, I ask you to consider helping our town out... please think on my offerr to act as Judges. It will help get you better known and may well generrrate some excitement for our event that will make this better than 10 last yearrs all together, Zokar pleads. Let me know inside the hourr - we have so many people competing and so few note worrth judges and we don't want to bother Fatherr Grimburrrow like we did a few yearrrs back... that... errr... didn't go well. He was a ratherr 'blunt' judge.
"I'm blunt as a dwarven warhammer, but I'll do it. In the meantime, I'd like to accompany you on your job if that's okay, Pevrin." Baradlon says, draining his ale and rising to his feet.
Say... Three? Four?, hedges the Innkeeper.
People, crowds, mobs... Awkward. I will stay at the house. Will start case file. Also guard house, says Vigilance.
Will deliver breakfast - you investigate the town, return with personal reports and look for guilty parties.
Zokars son stops by the door. If you give me a copper I'll give you a basic tour of town... and let me know if you need a runner later.
"Oi! Can I come with you or not, kid?"
Sure - can I get a copper or not?, he replies deadpan. It does get you a tour and an introduction to our, he stops to think, searching for a word, 'picturesque' little town.
"I'll give you a silver," Baradlon replies smiling at the boy.
"A most sensible lad," Jaru smiles in spite of himself. "Do not spoil him, Baradlon. I believe that will cover a copper for each of us. Lead on, habibi."
Excited for the tour, "This is going to be fun! Just like judging tomorrow!"
I am a man of a word, a copper will do, he then cracks a wide smile. But if you want to tip me a silver afterwards I'll take it.
The judging is today young miss, Zokar warns you as you head out the door. I'll need the judges back here in an hour.
The best sources for local news in Ravengro are the posting poles located throughout the town, Pervin explains. You can find dozens of messages tacked to one of the five huge posts jutting out of the ground—generally, all five posting poles have identical notices, but one or two messages might be missing from one of the poles.
I've Post Boy for the last 3 years, I charge a copper to make five copies of a post and then make sure that the copies are posted for at least a week. It is at the Posting Poles that the locals leave news of weddings, jobs for farmhands,or notices of missing pets.
He leads you to the first of the posting poles before taking you on a tour that leads you to each of the poles in turn but in between that he gives you a running banter and points out each part of the town in turn.
The most popular regular item at the Posting Poles, however, is the “Wealday Parchment” — its a weekly posting written by old councilman Gharen Muricar that summarizes Ravengro’s current politics, not that that gets a lot of interest, the boy says. Occasionally, it even carries news of events beyond Ravengro’s borders. The “Wealday Parchment” is the closest thing Ravengro we have to a town crier or those fancy weekly papers I hear about in Caliphas.
- Ravengro's General Store with its set of full plate on stand near the door.
- Ravengro's Forge. Jorfa the smith? She's been in Ravengro for about as long as the town has been here. Shes a dwarf. Doesn't talk much but does good work. Shes a bit lame in one leg.
- The towns most ornate building, its Temple to Pharasma. Old Vauran Grimburrow is our priest - been so for about 30 years as I hear it but he doesn't get around much, and his acolytes do a lot of the work with us instead. He's pretty old.
- Jominda’s Apothecary, where you can get your herbs and tinctures and stuff.
- The Silk Purse. Farming is a tough business. Drought, pests, and floods can make a year’s hard work vanish in an instant. To keep one’s farm afloat, those lucky enough to own land will often pledge it to a moneylender for credit. Others must pledge a percentage of the gross income from their next season of labor. Fortunately for Ravengro’s farmers, the Silk Purse is always ready to provide loans, Pervin almost recites. He smiles and said I got 2 coppers to memorise that - just need to recite it back to any who ask. They do okay - they also keep a stable of guards here so if you see any mercenary types around town? Likely the are working for Luramin Taigh and Quess Yearburn - if you do business there mention I put you their way. They buy and sell all sorts of stuff.
- The Outward Inn. Pervin just waves at it and doesn't give any other information apart from introducing it.
- The Unfurling Scroll. Pervin twitches uncomfortably as he introduces this building. If you are lucky enough to have parents with a bit of coin and enough farm hands not to need you on the farm, Alendru Ghoroven, he'll teach you. He used to be a teacher at one of those University places but he's also a wizard. He teaches about a lot - even a bit about magic and how it works. He also has a lot of books!, he seems uncomfortable talking about wizards and such.
"Ghoroven must be a masochist to live in this town as a wizard..." Baradlon mutters during that part of their tour.
When the lad is finished showing them about, the elf flips him a silver coin as promised. "If you're smart, you'll save it. If you want to grow up to be a poor, fat, idiot go spend it on candy," he instructs.
Simeon tags along on the 'tour', unable to hide a smirk when the boy compares his primitive Poles to the broadsheets of Caliphas.
His interest is peaked when the Apothecary and the Unfurling Scroll are passed, reminding himself to make a point to visit each in turn.
"Hold on...Pervin is it? The Outward Inn. Please elaborate."
He sighs. Well, they are sort of the competition when it comes to eating and drinking if you get my drift but to be fair Sarianna Vai does a good meal and her rooms are clean. She used to be a singer but she rarely sings now. The inn has 10 rooms,though it is rare for more than four to be occupied at any one time. Local musicians and storytellers often visit the main floor and basement tavern in the evenings.
You end up at the town square.
Markets held here every Wealday and sometimes the folks who can play an instruments or sing will come here to get a sing along going.
He whistles.
An old mangy hound comes from under the Gazebo in the center of the square, head held high but tail wagging. Pervin kneels to give him a good pat.
This is 'Old River', he's something of the town dog... an' he's the smartest dog ever. He even looks after the younger kids if they run off on their own.
The dog comes over to you all to give you a sniff and waits for a pat. Baraldon and his innate feel for animals tells you this is a very friendly and capable dog, though getting on in years.
"Hey buddy," Baradlon says, kneeling down to let the dog sniff his hand and to scratch its chin. He spends several minutes petting the dog, appearing to delight in its company.
Old River can tell you are a good sort and he seems to enjoy your company as much as you his.
The town square is starting to become lively with people setting up booths and charcoal braziers, as well as carrying out trestle tables and seats from the Town Hall. Its around 8am, maybe half past.
A few of the children also arriving approach Old River for a pat. They keep some distance from you, intimidated but the dog bridges the divide and before long they are also patting the dog.
The farmers and townsfolk give you all cautious looks but none of them intervene... yet. It could go either way between grudging acceptance and something leading them to call their kids away.
Well, Pervin pockets his silver coin and bows respectfully, Thats about it - its about time for any of you thinking of judging to head over to Da'. Theres some formalities around the position - otherwise you know the layout of the town if you want to visit Father Grimburrow or such.
Oh! And don't forget to check out the monument to the prison down by the river, he says, pointing the way.
If you need me, just let me know and I'll do my best to act as a runner or get what help you need, he heads back to the Laughing Demon at a jog.
"Well, I plan on judging in the fair. The investigation of the ruins can wait until after dark, when we have less chance of being seen by the locals. It would not do to openly flaunt their laws," Baradlon says to the others. He gets up and leaves the dog to play with the children. He waits to hear what the others plan to do before heading back to the Laughing Demon for instuctions from Zokar.
Jaru tsks Simeon after the boy departs. "One doesn't have to be Qadiran to see that the Outward Inn is the competition. It was rather rude to inquire so directly."
He smiles after Pervin, "Clever boy. He's almost put me in the mood for judging a Faire, but I feel that I cannot waste any time. I will attempt to interview my fellow clergy at the Temple, but perhaps I will stop by after to see how things are going."
The town starts to come to life with more and more people arriving and setting up.
With Jaru heading off to the temple, the rest of you take a detour to the monument that was pointed out.
This distinctive landmark is a 25-foot-tall, moss-covered stone statue that overlooks the river. The statue depicts a proud, muscular 'human' man dressed in leathers and wielding a truncheon — a depiction of Warden Hawkran. A total of 25 names — the guards who died in the fire of 4661, as well as the warden’s wife, Vesorianna — are chiseled into the statue’s stone base.
The warden appears human but there is an angularity to his face and features that is not entirely 'right'. It could be a stone masons limitations or it could be that they have captured something special about the Warden.
According to Pervin the memorial is a popular meeting spot for late-night trysts among Ravengro’s young lovers, for it has just the right mix of tragic romance and spooky ambience without actually being on Harrowstone’s supposedly haunted grounds.
Presently it is just you looking at it, with everyone else busy at the preparations for the Faire.
After a few moments you wander back to the Laughing Demon.
Zokar is overjoyed to hear that you are taking up the role of Judges. He pens you out a note and advises you to deliver it to Councilman Heathmount, who will 'swear you in'.
---
Hearthmount looks sour as you mount his porch.
How can I help you?
Jaru finds himself stepping into the temple and in the midst of a fluster of activity. Two acolytes barely have time to bow as they whip around the place gathering what looks to be rations and packs and other outdoors paraphernalia while trying to manage other duties.
We're not going to lose any more day time and we're not going to fail Petros and this town both!, a cranky old voice echos from the back.
Another voice is barely heard but sounds like its trying to reason with the louder speaker.
Simeon looks equally sour as he says to Hearthmount "Zokar's press ganged us into judging at the faire. You are to 'swear us in'."
Baradlon nods, offering Zokar's note to Hearthmount.
Jaru nods toward the raised voices, "Brethren, what is going on? Let me be of assistance."