As the townsfolk leave, embarassed by the way they acted, Charles turns to all those in attendance and looks at Kendra.
It's fortunate that things didn't get out of hand, but something had riled them up. Hopefully your father's funeral can continue undisturbed from this point onwards.
The man slowly nods and smiles in a serious manner at Lorrimor's daughter.
As the precession continued, Charles said very little as he stood around in attendance. When it came to these unfortunate occassions, he was a man of few words, and stepped forwards once the Scholar's daughter asked.
Professor Petrov Lorrimor - Loving father and established Scholar. One of the few men in the world to make a difference for the purpose of good.
My time spent with the man was only brief, and although we didn't know each other well, we respected one another and shared common interests.
As naive as he was, Professor Lorrimor was ambitious and truly lived to follow his dreams. He will be missed by many, and I hope he can rest the eternal sleep in peace.
The nobleman takes a back step as he finishes his statement and respectfully bows his head as he keeps a close eye on his surroundings.
When Lord Charles steps down, Alderly decides it's his turn, and steps forward. "For those who don't know me, I am Dr Garriton Alderly, practitioner and surgeon. The good professor's death is a terrible tragedy, not just for his friends and family, but for this entire world. A very bright intellect has been lost; one committed to making this world better. For myself, I grieve as one of my few true friends is gone. He was perhaps the only person I was able to talk to on the same intellectual level, the only one who truly understood the subjects upon which we conversed. While I know most of you will not know how that feels, believe me when I say it meant a great deal. He is a great man who will be missed."
diplomacy
With Alderly's end statement, Lord Charles shoots the man a bemused glare before peering back down towards Lorrimor's grave.
The arrogance of that man is interesting. Placing yourself above others is a fine way to alienate yourself, which means one of two things. Either this man is an imbecile, or he's simply an introvert who's accomplished much in his time and has grown tired of those lacking his own level of intellect. From his wording, I presume the latter.
Zadrol nods empathically at Alderly's words. Clearly this is a man Zadrol could associate with. If he'd get lucky they might share a coach back to Leipstedt.
After everyone has said a little something, the priest says a blessing and everyone is dismissed. Kendra comes to each of you and invites you to her house for tea and the reading of the will.
When you make it to the late professors abode, you are shown to a comfortable sitting room, a nice fire going in the fireplace. Kendra invites you all to sit and pours some tea for all of you with shaky hands. "Councilman Hearthmount will be here soon. He will be reading the will."
Not two seconds after her saying his name, he appears in the doorway. "Sorry to keep you waiting, my dear lady. I had to make sure I had the will on me. Now. Lets see. Ah here it is. The late professors will and testament."
He clears his throat as Kendra sits down, holds his glasses to his eyes and begins to read.
“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 4714.”
He clears his troat again and looks at all of you.
Vigilance's eyes grow large at both the amount of money offered and the danger the books in the Professor's care might cause.
Abadar's gifts come in form of large amounts of money. This task must be His work. Would also enjoy helping Professor's spawn. Old time's sake. Sentimentality is known weakness, but mission obviously important to Abadar as well. Win. Win.
"Yes. Will do whatever needed. Crime slow back home anyway."
The tiefling eyes the others in the room awaiting their own responses. It was far too soon for him to trust them, yet, but it seemed they might be working together on this.
Preparation important. Never climb cliff without knowing person who holds the rope.
Jethnash thinks about the books wondering what secrets they might hold.
"I would love to help out on this last task for my departed friend."
Walking over to Kendra Jethnash offers her a bow.
"I will gladly guard you for one month for the Professor's peace of mind."
Rhia sits quietly, her gaze passing over the room, taking in the energy of one of the Professor's favorite places.
She seems not to notice when Kendra places the tea on the table near her chair, yet as she picks up a book left on the floor by the side of the chair, two cubes of sugar rise ad drop themselves in to the cup, a spoon soon rising to stir it before the cup and saucer gently float to her hand, seemingly of their own accord.
"You don't need to fuss over.....oh" she fades into muttering, realizing that the others in the room were staring in varying degrees of surprise.
A soft echo of a chuckle seems to pass through the air around her.
She listens to the reading of the will with a heavy heart, turning to face Kendra when the councilman finishes.
"Kendra, I would be happy to remain here to make sure that you are safe, and he's right, the knowledge contained in books like those is something you shouldn't have to worry about."
Hmm very interesting. These tomes will be a very good reason to stay in this s!*$ hole for longer than needed Zadrol muses as he nods willingly at the Councilman.
Alderly's eyes grow wide in excitement over the mention of the tomes. "I will of course honor my late friend's wishes, Miss Lorrimar. I will be happy to assist and protect you however you may need. One of the first things I must insist on however, is for you to show us these tomes immediately. If we are to protect you, I must review them and ascertain exactly what form of danger they hold. For instance, is the information in them dangerous or magical? Or do they hold secrets that others are willing to kill for? Each presents its own problems in trying to set up protection; and it could of course be both cases. Please, show me to them so that I may begin my study."
Vigilance studies Alderly intensely.
"Better to either lock books away or burn if dangerous to society. Either way. Trust Professor to know best place for them. Books in trunk for reason. Best to leave alone until movement."
It wasn't that Vigilance specifically mistrusted Alderly, but the tiefling could not shake the feeling that the Professor had very good reasons for leaving those books locked in a trunk and not on a shelf.
Poisonous knowledge creates poisonous environment. Respect Professor, but one does not come away clean after immersing in such knowledge.
Perhaps I can assist you? Charles stated, as Dr.Alderly revealed his desire to read the late Professor's Tomes.
If I can discover what it was exactly that Lorrimor was studying, I'd better understand the dangers that undoubtedly lay in wait.
Looking towards Kendra, Charles moves closer towards the young lady, calling her aside as he speaks to her quietly away from the rest of the individuals present.
I am certain there are many a rumour of me around here, but whatever you have heard there is likely only one truth to it all, and that is that I have expert knowledge of all things undead, having hunted them for the majority of my life.
I will keep my eyes peeled and keep you informed of my findings. he says, ironically wearing his eyepatch.
Zadrol shakes his head immediately and vehemently at Vigilanc's words.
The doctor is correct. We must look into this immediately in order to assess what danger they might pose. Might I suggest that an educated gentleman as myself could be of great help in the quest for understanding their meaning.
With that, Kendra nods and hurries into a back room to get the chest. The chest itself is a relatively small object of oak and iron. Kendra looks at all of you nervously and opens out her hand. In it is a small silver key. "The will said it was you all that were meant to open it. It wasn't left for me. Here, this key should fit it." She smiles, but is obviously nervous and excuses herself once you begin opening it.
The key fits the lock perfectly, and within are several old tomes and one relatively new one. The newest tome sits on the top and bears the phrase “Read me now!” scratched into the leather cover.
As Kendra produces the key, Charles steps fourth as those around him also do so.
Not the best of ideas, but... he thought to himself, as he slowly opened the mint conditioned book at the top of the pile.
As the pale one eyed nobleman pulls Kendra side, Rhia studies the exchange, concerned for Kendra. The bickering of the others drowns out any possibility of knowing what Lord Bloodgrave had divulged.
Perception
Alderly anxiously awaits Lord Charles' reading of the book, but his eyes keep darting back to the other tomes in the chest as well. It's quite obvious he can't wait to get his hands on them.
The chest also contains four more books. These books look more dangerous than the simple journal he has asked you to read. All four have notes in them.
As you open the book, you see that there are journal entries that have been circled. Starting with one from ten years ago.
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.
"Well it seems the Professor had one last job for us besides guarding his daughter. I say we investigate these ruins, but some preparations before to handle these ghost would be useful. I wonder what I can recall of these creatures."
Closing the book abruptly, Lord Charles promptly turns around to face those in proximity.
If what is written in this book is to be believed, we should make haste towards the Restlands, for it is said there is an intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path, of which a false crypt awaits us.
Items to better prepare those not familiar with the ways of the undead are most likely there for us to use, and it seems if we don't act fast then this very Town may be at risk.
Charles looks at the ground briefly and huff's as he finishes his statement.
What's worse, we may be too late.
On the positive side of things, we may find more clues as to what exactly happened to the Professor as we head to Harrowstone.
Now that the books contain information about the Professor and his mission, Vigilance shows much more interest. Walking up smoothly to Charles, the tiefling grabs the journal out of his hand unceremoniously and begins leafing through the mentioned entries.
"Agree with Charles. Still, need information about fire too. Kendra, did Professor ever get that list of victims? Cults bad for system. Necromantic cults moreso."
Vigilance hands the book back to Charles as if he had politely borrowed it then leans down to the trunk and examines the other books for any possible link to the fire.
"We should definitely inspect the books for what information can be gathered in order to be better prepared for what we might find." Rhia says quietly.
Obviously listening in, Kendra comes back in. "You can use the books my father has, you might find a list there but Im not sure. He never let me in... He has done a lot of research on this area and you could find some helpful info I'm sure. There are other places in town to research. I can give you more information, but they do not take kindly to strangers... Perhaps some good deeds could persuade them to allow you access?"
While showing some interest in the journal, Alderly is drawn to the chest with the other books. He begins looking through them, to see what else is present. He looks up and addresses Kendra. "The journal states he wishes to protect you from his work, but I know that most children know far more than their parents think they do. I know I did ... of course my parents were more interested in dinner parties and kissing the local count's butt than in truly important things. But I digress. Is there anything else you can tell us about your father's most recent studies or why he was going to the prison?"
Zadrol joins Alderly at the other chest and examines some books.
Well from what your father writes here an important question to us would be whether he visited this crypt of Pharsma. Did he say anything of the sorts or was he perhaps 'gone' for the night?
Kendra looks at the doctor sadly. "He kept me out of it. All I know is that he went out at all hours, doing something..."
The first book on top is called Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye.
The rich purple cover contains a brass scarab set with a single eye in its center. It is locked and clasped with a small but intricate lock, the keyhole of which appears to be for a key with a strange, triangular shaft.
The other three are titled:
On Verified Madness
Serving Your Hunger
The Umbral Leaves
Serving Your Hunger: This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa. Lorrimor’s notations liberally sprinkle the margins.
The Umbral Leaves: This lexicon is a translation into Common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.
Jethnash takes some time to go over the books as well.
"We should keep an eye out for any key that might belong to this book." Indicating the purple tome.
knowledge arcana
"That's unfortunate, Miss Lorrimar. But I suppose not too unexpected considering the nature of his work, after all."
Alderly immediately gravitates to the book On Verified Madness and begins thumbing through. Turning to other scholars who seem to have an interest, he casually says, "I will take this one to study for the moment. Why don't you two gentlemen each take one for further study as well?" Not seeming to wait for a response, Alderly goes back to the book, and begins reading.
As Vigilance removes the book from Charles' hand, the noble assertively states "Take your time.", making no effort to keep hold of the book, staring directly into the Tiefling's eyes until his back is turned.
With Kendra and the others conversing, at the mention of there being more possible information around the town, Charles makes it known that he's aware of the situation, simply stating; Perhaps, before walking off towards the window and airing out loud to himself some more, as he stares up at the gloomy night sky.
Perhaps....that may be, though to turn down a noble? I feel they're less likely to do so.
If you would divulge further into detail, while we're all here, we may as well gather as much information as we can before setting out on our...."little" adventure. he says louder, as he turns to face those around him.
Leaning on the window sill, Charles holds out his hand as Vigilance returns the book to him once more.
I believe we have seen all there is to see within that Journal. However, if you would leave "The Umbral Leaves" with me, I would be happy to look for any information that may help our investigations into this most morbid matter.
Anyone who picks up a book finds a note in it. In all the books but the fourth (The Palatine Eye) The note indicate that they should be delivered
to one Montagnie Crowl, a professor of antiquities at Lepidstadt University.
The fourth, Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye, has a note indicating it should be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse. The note asks for this delivery in
particular to be handled discreetly, and includes the address of Embreth’s home.
Vigilance eyes the note on the cover of the Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye and nods to himself.
"Can take care of this one. Feel at home with courthouses as investigator. Know tricks of system. Maybe judge has key. Can convince him to share knowledge inside for good of Professor's work."
He eyes the rest of the group as they seem to be divvying up the books.
"While there, can find list of fire victims too. Wonders of bureaucracy," the tiefling says with absolutely no hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Maybe we should try to get some more information since we do have a month before we must go return these books. I would not mind seeing what the temple of Pharasma knows, but I do not know anything about the temple, or its people. Would any of you mind help me with this, or should we all try to gain entry into the temple?"
Jethnash clearly looks around for someone to help as he seems unwilling to go to the temple on his own.
Zadrol knows of the tome of verified madness but had never found the study of aberations overly apealing he also leathes through the other tomes but they are more religious in nature and don't overly spark his interests.
Zadrol looks to Vigilance I could join you in the courthouse. I am all too familiar with the inherent logic of bureaucracy...
Knowledge Arcana
Knowledge Religion
"While I would definitely like to go through those books while you gentlemen are done with them, there are definitely other sources of information available in this town. I'll be happy to join you Jethnash." Rhia says calmly.
Jethnash nods a wave of relief coming over him as he no longer has to go to the temple of Pharasma on his own.
"Well then we should go before it gets too late. Would anyone else care to join us?"
Jethnash is perfectly fine with anybody else willing to join the group as they head to the temple, and when they get there he looks to Rhia in the hopes that she can get them in.
"I think they might be more willing to listen to what you have to say rather than what I have to say, but I will try and help if I can."
Dr. Alderly, absorbed in reading his tome, merely waves absentmindedly at Rhia and Jethnash as they leave. Most who look at him would wonder if he really was even cognizant of their mission ...
Zon-Kuthon? I don't entirely know what this book means or what it's purpose is, but everything relates to Zon-Kuthon. he thought to himself, upon paging through "The Umbral Leaves".
As Jethnash and Rhia decide on venturing outward to the Church of Pharasma, Charles approaches the two in a rather calm manner.
I too will accompany you, but I feel it best to search this Town thoroughly before leaving, even if we do uncover some hidden information upon visiting the Church of Pharasma.
We have a month to progress and further our knowledge into the recent series of unfortunate events, and there's no telling what could happen to Ravengro within our absence.
Looking to Vigilance, Charles continues; I have no doubt that our investigation into the Church of Pharasma will lead us to the secret crypt within the Restlands, and as it happens, I have an understanding of Pharasma myself.
The tiefling turns to Charles in turn.
"No intention of leaving town without fixing it. Still, need knowledge to prepare just as much as items prepare. Judge in town. Easy fix. Be back soon either way."
Looking to Kendra, Vigilance continues.
"Have help attempt to find key or list while away. Would be efficacious."
Finally, he turns to Zadrol.
"Should leave now. Hopefully be back in time to put all known information together for best effort in Restlands."
Zadrol nods to the oddly speaking inquisitor.
Good then let us be of. I'm sure we will not be gone for an extended period of time. So where do we find the courthouse my lady?
Zadrol adresses Kendra.