Luka follows with the rest,glad for the invitation for a drink and some company. As they walk, he returns the smiles of the children, waving to them, but also notices the looks of disdain from the villagers. Typical of the people of these counties, he wonders or more having to do with the professor? Making note of the Outward Inn as a place to spend the night, he finds his mood less somber than he would have expected.
Like the others, Luka leaves his pack and sword belt at the door, and he kindly accepts Kendra's invitation for a drink. He peruses the professor's library, and when Arasmes introduces himself, he let's the others speak first.
"Trevor, nice to meet you, and Allison? An alchemist, are you? Very handy what you did, thank you, although I am glad the good priest was able to heal those . . . men. There certainly is no reason for anymore pain today."
"As for me, Arasmes, is it? My name is Luka Katic, and as I said, I've been a long time friend of the professors. I'm a scholar myself, although not nearly on the level he was.
After listening to Kendra explain how the professor died, he tactfully changes the subject to something lighter. "What I'm curious about is about is our lovely host here, Ms. Kendra. Clearly you have had some training. Or maybe you ability is innate? Either way, your sleep spell was well handled. Thank you my dear. I do apologize that was necessary, and wish I . . we could have done something to prevent it. As for whether you need some sort of protection or not, you are, of course, the best judge, but I think I might stay on in town for a bit. Particularly if I may have access to your father's library, and if you'll have me around, of course."
As the group moves through town, Evelyn notices the less the friendly glances, and reminds her self to keep on her toes, too many unfriendly faces.
Once inside, evelyn unshoulders her bow, quiver and pack, happy to be rid of the weight. She listens intently to each person, trying to get a better feel for the group.
"A few years back, the professor hired me as a wilderness guide and scout. Since then i've worked with him on and off, and it was his recomendation that got me my other jobs over the last yeear."
In response to kendra's comments about the professor's death, "I plan on staying in town for a few days at least, I think I would like to see this old prison for myself. perhaps a trip out there tomorrow if anyone else is interested."
"That's an interesting idea, Evelyn," Luka responds. "Tell me, Kendra, did your father have any research or materials regarding this supposed haunting? I'd be happy to take at look at anything, and we should check out the location. Falling gargoyles are suspicious, to say the least."
"You're saying that... you think someone...", Kendra covers her mouth, looking awfully distressed. She takes a deep breath and sits down.
"I... I haven't been able to find his journal anywhere. Perhaps it's hidden or..."
A brief knock at the door interrupts your conversation. Kendra pulls herself together and answers the door, returning shortly with Councilman Hearthmount. The portly solicitor nods, his expression less than friendly but not hostile. He's holding a sealed scroll case.
"Are all of the principals present, Ms. Lorrimer? Very good. I will be brief.,"he says, holding up the scroll case, indicating with a finger for all present that the professor's personal seal is unbroken. With his thick fingers, he pries up the wax seal, tilting the scroll tube so that the will slides into a waiting hand. A small iron key clatters out of the case, coming to rest on a table. Nonplussed, Councilman Hearthmount begins to read the professor's will:
"I, Petros Lorrimer, 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 on 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 a matter of another favor- please, delay your journey one month and spend the 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 Lorrimer, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4711 AR."
The will having been read, Councillor Hearthmount rolls up the parchment once more and looks to Kendra.
"Thank you, Councillor. That will be all. Good night.", she says from where she sits in an armchair by the fire where she had been listening intently.
Hearthmount nods, donning his wide brimmed hat and departs your company.
At the mention of these tomes, Arasmes looks up quickly. "Miss Lorrimer, it will be an honor to do what I can to set your affairs in order over the next month, or more if needed. As to these tomes, can we see them? If we are to convey valuable tomes of dark knowledge, I should like to know what I am dealing with."
"Hmmmmm . . . yes," Luka replies to Arasmes' suggestion. "I'm not so sure he wants us reviewing those texts, although he did leave us the key. At the moment, I'm more interested in finding his journal, which could give us clues to his death, although it could well be among these books. But before we get ahead of ourselves, are we all all in favor of spending a month here in Ravengro as the good professor has asked? At the very least, although we've all be bequeathed quite a sum, the will does point out that it's not to be turned over before one month has passed. So, any objections? Kendra? What are your thoughts on this?"
"Hmmmmm . . . yes," Luka replies to Arasmes' suggestion. "I'm not so sure he wants us reviewing those texts, although he did leave us the key. At the moment, I'm more interested in finding his journal, which could give us clues to his death, although it could well be among these books. But before we get ahead of ourselves, are we all all in favor of spending a month here in Ravengro as the good professor has asked? At the very least, although we've all be bequeathed quite a sum, the will does point out that it's not to be turned over before one month has passed. So, any objections? Kendra? What are your thoughts on this?"
"Well...", Kendra begins thoughtfully,"I wouldn't want to keep you if you have urgent business, Mr. Katic, but I certainly could use the company. I've lived in Lepidstadt my whole life, first with mother and father before father moved here and then during my time at University. I'm familiar with Ravengro, but, as you can tell, friendly faces are few and far between. It wouldn't be any trouble to put you all up on the second floor and I'm not a terrible cook. To be honest, it may be a relief having a full house while I decide what I would like to do with the house and father's library."
She stands, smoothing her dress with a sigh.
"In the meantime, I shall do as you ask, Mr. Arasmes. I believe I remember the trunk my father spoke of. I'll bring it down... but I'll leave the reading to you. If my father wished me to read its contents, he would have surely trusted it to me."
Kendra heads for the staircase near the front of the home. You can hear her, faintly, walking through the hall, opening a side door. She returns moments later with a small oak and iron trunk in the shape of a cube, no longer or taller than a man's forearm. A heavy lock latches it shut. Ms. Lorrimer puts the chest down on the table beside the iron key.
"I believe I'll retire upstairs for now and start making up the beds, assuming you'll all want to stay? I'll let you have the honor of opening the chest."
With any answers to the affirmative, Kendra returns upstairs and busies herself. The trunk sits on the table beside the iron key, patiently awaiting your attention.
"I'm not so sure that Professor Lorrimer didn't want us reviewing these texts. He asked us to stay for a month, leaving us the books he was using in the research that led to his death, accidental or not. Perhaps by examining these books, we can find some clues as to what led to the death of the professor," Arasmes offers as he hastens to grab the key and unlock the chest.
Alison, having taken a seat during the reading, takes a few moments to think before replying to Arasmes' suggestion.
"While I'm sure its with the best of intentions, perhaps we should leave reviewing books of a possible corruptive nature, for once we've got a better idea of what they are" Alison pauses for a moment "I don't mean let us go crack the chest and find out what the titles are but, if there is any mystery around the professors death shouldn't we investigate that for a little time first."
Alison stands and fidgets for a few moments before she continues.
"As Mr. Katic suggested, perhaps we should seek out the professor's journal, with Lady Kendra's permission of course, and failing in that endeavor, only then opening the chest to see if we may find the professors journal there" she finishes.
Trevor's eyes narrow during the account of professor Lorrimer's death. Gargoyles don't just fall from the sky...
After the reading of the will, he jumps in the conversation: "I'm with Alison. The will asks us to bring these books back. Their opening is left vague and should perhaps be postponed until proven necessary."
"For sure though, I want to have a look at the old prison. The professor's death is suspicious and we owe it to him to find out what happened and to bring his murderer to justice."
Guide and scout, more like a dark hunter, stalking her prey. But, they don't need to know the details, yet.
Evelyn makes herself comfortable in a chair, near the fireplace.
"I'm sure the professor would have indicated if there was danger in looking through those books. Likely the only threat is dragging us down the same path he took, which I plan on doing anyway."
after a short pause, evelyn says "Besides, no harm ever came from reading a book"
"As I said before, the professor kept these books here while researching whatever led to his death at the prison. Perhaps we can find some information in those books that sheds light on the unfortunate death of our friend. It would be foolish to race off to the site of the professor's doom without attempting to gather as much information as possible. As Evelyn says no harm ever came from reading a book. At the very least, we may find his journal within."
Arasmes opens the chest and looks inside.
"Fine" Alison says before she turns to leave "I'm going to go grab something to drink"
She heads into the kitchen to await the return of those who've headed deeper into the house to find the chest and open it. Nervously she paces back and forwards in the kitchen pulling her greatcoat tight around her to try and warm herself up. What were the fools thinking, and who the hell even believed a book had never caused any harm.
The well-oiled mechanism opens with a click and the top swings open. The musty smell of old books fills your nostrils as you look at the small pile of books within. The top most (and newest) has the words Read me now! scratched into the cover. Three more (one is black, one is a deep crimson and another is midnight blue) have notes tucked under the covers indicating they must be brought to Montangie Crowl, professor of Antiquities at Lepidstadt University.
The last book on the bottom is a rich purple and rimmed in steel. On the cover is a brass scarab with an eye in it's carapace. A tiny triangular keyhole sits next to the scarab in the book's cover. A note on the cover indicates that this is to be brought to Judge Embreth Daramid and gives her home address in Lepidstadt.
Arasmes pulls out the top book and shows it to the surrounding characters. "I believe that it is safe to say that the good professor wanted us to examine these books." Arasmes then spreads the books out so that everyone can see them. He then leans over the the last, purple, book, trying to identify the brass scarab design. As he does this, a slight faraway look comes over his face, as if he is listening intently, trying to pick out some particular sound.
Some knowledge rolls:
Arcana:
History:
Planes:
Religion:
Spreading out the books, you can see the title "On Verified Madness" on the black tome. The cover of the crimson volume is emblazoned with the symbol of a fly, its thorax resembling a skull. The title page says "Serving Your Hunger". The midnight blue book is embossed with a skull holding a length of chain in its jaw. The title page says "The Umbral Leaves".
Arasmes:
You also note the "Serving Your Hunger" is a holy book of Urgathoa. "The Umbral Leaves is a translation in Taldane of Zon Kuthon's holy text.
On Verified Madness is a treatise on aberrations, creatures of the Dark Tapestry and their worship...
Evelyn follows Arasmes and looks on with open curiosity as he opens the chest. Upon seeing the top book she nods,
"Clearly the professor anticipated our curiosity."
As Arasmes studies each book, she turns thoughtful
What game is he playing at? Give me an enemy I can see or track, but this smells of dark magic and that could quickly get over my head. I'm gonna have to rely on some of these people to find answers, and I don't like that.
"Hmm . . . this is an interesting collection of books. I wonder what the professor could have been researching with this mix," Arasmes mutters aloud. He steps back and casts Detect Magic on the bunch, and spends a few minutes examining the results. He then picks up the black tome and begins perusing it, leaving the professor's journal to the folks who knew the good man a bit better than Arasmes did.
Trevor is obviously not at ease with the opening of the chest, regardless of the comments about a books meant for them. Yet, he is certainly as curious as the others: "Just be careful not to damage anything..."
He'll ask Kendra about the old prison: "I noticed a new prison on our way here. Do you know why they closed the old one? Also, do you think we have time to get there today?"
Arasmes finds that none of the books are magical. On Verified Madness promises to be an interesting read, but will take some time to delve through completely.
Anyone picking up the "Read Me Now!" tome:
"20th Pharast, 4701:
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.
8th Sarenith, 4711:
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?
12th Erastus, 4711:
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.
31st Erastus, 4711:
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.
2nd Arodus, 4711:
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.
3rd Arodus, 4711:
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."
Trevor is obviously not at ease with the opening of the chest, regardless of the comments about a books meant for them. Yet, he is certainly as curious as the others: "Just be careful not to damage anything..."
He'll ask Kendra about the old prison: "I noticed a new prison on our way here. Do you know why they closed the old one? Also, do you think we have time to get there today?"
Evelyn will sit near the fireplace and read the book
"Well lets see what else he wanted us to know"
As she reads her voice grows more Solemn.
In a quiet whisper Professor, why didn't you send for me? We could have handled this together"
Hearing Evelyn whisper, Arasmes puts down his book and wanders over. "What did you find out?"
"Hmm . . . this is an interesting collection of books. I wonder what the professor could have been researching with this mix," Arasmes mutters aloud. He steps back and casts Detect Magic on the bunch, and spends a few minutes examining the results. He then picks up the black tome and begins perusing it, leaving the professor's journal to the folks who knew the good man a bit better than Arasmes did.
Luka notices the spell, and comments to Arasmes, "You recognize some of these as well?" His thoughts for the journal lost for the moment, he lets Evelyn take with barely a notice.
Trevor's eyes widen at every line that Evelyn reads aloud. We she finishes her accounts, he bolts: "Thank Iomedae you opened that box! We must do something! We must arrest them! We must stop them! We must go, now!"
He gets up and starts assembling his gear in a hurry: "Where is it?"
"Hmm . . . this is an interesting collection of books. I wonder what the professor could have been researching with this mix," Arasmes mutters aloud. He steps back and casts Detect Magic on the bunch, and spends a few minutes examining the results. He then picks up the black tome and begins perusing it, leaving the professor's journal to the folks who knew the good man a bit better than Arasmes did.Luka notices the spell, and comments to Arasmes, "You recognize some of these as well?" His thoughts for the journal lost for the moment, he lets Evelyn take with barely a notice.
The strange book with the purple cover is unknown to Luka. Looking through "Serving Your Hunger" you find it to be a holy book of Urgathoa, the Professor's notes scrawled in the margins. "The Umbral Leaves" is the Taldane translation of one of Zon Kuthon's holy texts. "On Verified Madness" deals with aberrations and other creatures thought to have connections to the Dark Tapestry, the spaces between Golarion's stars.
Trevor's excitement catches Luka's attention, and with the purple book in hand, he walks over to Evelyn and reads over her shoulder. "The last entry was three weeks ago, and clearly we now have reason to believe that the Whispering Way had something to do with the professor's death. He acted quickly enough that he didn't bother to call on any of us, or anyone else for that matter. He must have felt some urgency." Looking up at Trevor, he adds, "Maybe we should head over there sooner rather than later."
for Whispering Way
for Esoteric Order of the blah blah blah
"That symbol, on the purple book, is associated with the Esoteric Order of the Palantine Eye, I don't know much more than the name I am afraid." Arasmes says to Luka. Again, Arasmes seems to drift away from the conversation as he starts to fidget with the base of his neck, straining to hear something inaudible to the rest of the party.
:
"Kendra? Could you join us?" Luka calls out hoping she can tell the group something about Harrowstone.
Having been as responsible as she feels appropriate Alison finishes her tea and heads into the common room and sees Evelyn sitting in the chair by the fireplace. Alison puts on a friendly smile and walks across the room taking a seat opposite Evelyn and the rest of the travelers collapsing in on herself from the exhaustion of her recent travels.
"So guys, read anything illuminating that didn't contain some disembodied cthonic horror that embedded itself in your soul as you opened the book of blackest blasphemies?" Alison asks with a slight smirk as she reflexively runs her hands threw her hair.
"Well yes! We learned that we need to head to the old prison. Fast!"
Trevor looks agitated.
Come on! Why are they still sitting???
"Don't be in such a rush, young man," Luka says. "We can spare a few minutes of discussion, first. Let's hear what Kendra can tell us, and there's the issue of the tools the professor spoke of. If there is anything that might help us, it may well be a good idea to stop at the cemetery first. Speaking of which, it could be the professor left such items around here. Thoughts, everyone?"
Looking at Allison and then nodding at the book in Evelyn's hands, Luka says, "My dear Ms. Crane, it would seem we have some more information on the circumstances leading to the good professor's death. I suggest you have a look."
"Trevor, I want to get over to that prison just as much as you do, but we need to prepare first, and it's been a long journey for many here. A good hunter knows patience, waiting for your prey to make an error, or fall into your trap" The last bit is said with a smile that, in the light of the fireplace, almost seems sinister.
Evelyn hands the journal over to Alison.
"The professor may have had the tools on him, they could still be at the old prison, or perhaps Kendra knows of them."
Taking the journal from Evelyn with a quiet thank you, Alison opens the book and does her best to give it a quick skim pausing the read the highlighted sections properly. With a soft sigh she eventually closes the book with a snap and proffers it to the rest of the group.
"So, just going by the highlighted sections of the journal we can surmise the following" Alison says softly, pausing fro dramatic effect "a group of necromancers think the key to eternal youth is being a vampire or a lich, the professor believed they were after, presumably the spirit, of someone who died in Harrowstone, the Temple of Pharasma may have some records of those who died there which maybe of use, there is some equipment that might be useful hidden in a fake crypt in the restlands and finally these nercromancers probably killed the Professor. Does that about sum it up?"
Harrowstone- Knowledge Local or History
DC 10:
DC 15:
DC 20:
DC 25:
The Whispering Way- Knowledge Arcana or Religion
DC 10:
DC 15:
DC 20:
"Very good, my dear Allison, that does sum up what we know, but let me add this: If this group of necromancers is the Whispering Way, we need to tread with utmost care. They've be active for thousands of years. Of course, their most well known member, as all of us in Ustalav will long remember, is Tar-Barphon, the Whispering Tyrant himself. We should all pray and hope that whatever the professor was on to, it had nothing to do with him, and that this is, at worst, some fringe sect obsessed with the local ruins."
Alison quickly makes a sign to ward the evil eye at the mention the Tyrant's name.
"You use that name in conversation Mr Katic?" Alison says with obvious fear "I'd thank you not to mention it in my presence."
Making my knowledge (Arcana) check:
"Please, everyone, call me Luka, or Katic, if you will, but there's no need for formalities, not with me . . . and you have my apologies," he says, with a bow.
"Afraid the tyrant will appear at your bed this night, ready to seek vengeance on all who speak his name? If tar-barphon was involved, this town would be destroyed already, besides we have Trevor here to protect us"
Evelyn stands from her chair and goes to inspect he pack and weapons, moving things around, and checking the condition of her gear.
"It seems the local temple may hold answers, as well as another trip to the restlands. Assuming the temple would prefer visitors in the day time, anyone up for graverobbing at night or shall we await the sun?"
"Night is perfectly fine with me," Luka says, with a grin.
Arasmes provides the gist of what he knows about Harrowstone Prison.
"I'm must admit to being a bit baffled," Arasmes begins. "Why are we rushing to the prison? And why are considering breaking into a church, rather than just asking for whatever information or goods they have. The professor asked us to stay and help Kendra. I don't remember him asking us to solve whatever mystery was beyond his more than capable hands. I see that some of you are men and women of action, I am nothing more than a poor student trying to start anew."
Kendra comes down a moment after Luka calls for her (and Trevor's exclamation).
"Yes, is something wrong?", she says, a bit concerned. Sighting Trevor by the door she says,"Are you planning to leave?"
He'll ask Kendra about the old prison: "I noticed a new prison on our way here. Do you know why they closed the old one? Also, do you think we have time to get there today?"
"New prison?", Kendra wonders,"You mean the one in Ardis? Harrowstone's been closed since the fire more than fifty years ago. A riot started, then the fire. The Warden and his guards contained the uprising at the cost of their lives, there's even a statue dedicated to them out by the riverbank."
The professor's daughter looks out the window at the night sky.
"It's getting late. If you wanted to go there you could, but I wouldn't think it's prudent, Trevor. Even if the prison isn't haunted like they say, it would be very easy to get hurt crawling over those ruins at night... why is it such an emergency to see the prison? What's going on?"
"Kendra is absolutely right. It would be foolish to go there tonight in the dark. Forgive me," Arasmes says turning to Kendra,"for speaking so bluntly in front of you, but the professor went out there in full knowledge of what he was facing, and he still died. It would be only wise to gather as much information as possible, to attempt to recreate his research, before you all follow his footsteps. I would be happy to peruse these volumes in an attempt to determine why he kept these books with him."
"No Evelyn, I'm not afraid of that beast resurrecting himself at the mere mention of his name and coming to murder me" Alison snaps at the jibe "However, if my memory serves me, the group of necromancers mentioned in the Professors journal are the same group that individual belonged to and I have no idea how they knew the Professor was coming so as to arrange an accidental death. Perhaps they have some sort of ability to scry those who mention their group when they're nearby?"
"other than young Trevor, I don't think anyone mentioned rushing to the prison Arasmes, and certainly no one suggeested breaking inot the church. However the restlands might be a bit okward to poke around in the day time, seeing as we did so well making friends with the locals today"
Trevor listens to the conversation, trying to see whether the group had made up his mind.
When he hears Arasmes' account of the events that transpired at Harrowstone, he shivers: "Woah. That's bad! No wonder there's all sorts of stories about the place. They could be all true..."
"You know, Evelyn, I'm not that young, and I get when you say 'we have Trevor to protect us' that you don't really mean it. I don't mind, I'm used to being laughed at, as well as abused and beat up..."
"But you should know that I've pledged to change all this, and to stand in front of bullies, tyrants, murderers... Someone gave her life for me, and I will give mine for all."
The words are said on a calm tone, not confrontational, and he ends with his goofy smile, as if he knows full well he doesn't look the part one second.
"So, should I put my gear back down or should we go... -let's not call it graverobbing ok?"