As Cassandra steps to the grave, she clears a lump from her throat. " I only met the Professor briefly over five years ago. He came to my village shortly after I had suffered a horrendous attack by a creature of the night which had awakened my talents. He came to Redleaf to talk to a frightened 13 year old girl who couldn't understand what had happened to her" Here she pauses to wipe a tear from her eye "and in the course of a week's time had helped me come to grips with my new found abilities and not fear them, but use them to help others. Throughout the years the Professor and I have kept in touch through various correspondences and although I wish I could be anywhere but here I would not miss this opportunity to tell a dear, dear friend goodbye." Turning her eyes skyward Cassandra whispers "Goodbye, Professor. May Pharasma's light guide you to your well deserved rest." Tears rolling down her cheek, Cassandra breaks into an unknown tongue. "Tyi qukk ve nuaaws"
'You will be missed.'
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The sudden strange sounds of Aklo coming from Cassandra unsettle most of the group of mourners. The strange sounds also seem to unsettle a bird. With his brown feathers he must have been sitting under a tree just three feet away from the grave - disguised by the autumn leaves. He lets out a dark and unsettling sound when he takes flight.
You see the two council men do a sign against bad omen and fear in their eyes when they hear you changing the language.
Cassandra
You notice Father Grimburrow following the flight of the bird. He then looks deep into your eyes - like baring your soul with his stern gaze. You are a changeling - your two different coloured eyes are a sign that gives it away. This - paired with superstition has taught you not to be offended if other people - even friends - avert to look at you straight. You feel very unsettled by the look of the Father.
It feels to you like a knowing look - but is it good or bad what he sees in you. Any moment now you fear he will speak up and deliver judgement upon you.
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Father Grimburrow looks around at the assembled group. His piercing stare first looks eye to eye with all the strangers. His inquisitive look doesn't seem unfriendly - still - it feels unnerving to be judged .
He finally moves his gaze towards his own flock. If you feel you had been under scrutiny for being strangers ... You seem to have to correct yourself. His look doesn't seem any more friendly or unfriendly towards his own flock - maybe with the exemption of Kendra.
[b]"It is a real sorrow to bury someone as respected as the Professor Petros Lorrimor. He was a scholar with a reputation that would have suited him better to stay at Lipidsted or Caliphas. He did choose to stay here in Ravengro instead. Here he was a member of our town. And here he found his untimely death in an unfortunate accident."
"We will never know why. We can't ask Petros anymore. But we know that Pharasma herself is now guiding him. Signs and appearance are not always what they seem. Ill dreams and shadows seem to cloud the future. We have seen some part of the town already being influenced by it. There seems a lot of work for me in the near future as some of my flock don't know where to go right now."
"As friends of Prof. Lorrimor - friends from the town as well as friends from afar - listen to the signs that Pharasma has send. She has embraced the Prof. and what he was standing for in his life. Therefore finish whatever the Professor was doing."
+3 Trust
+67 XP each
general status of the town towards you is friendly right now
Nym
Feel free to still add your part. I just want to keep moving. Occasional post out of sync will be unavaidable if we don't want to progress in a crawl.
I will ensure I don't move to fast if some crucial contributions are missing.
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Lorrimor’s Will
After the funeral is over and Kendra has said her goodbyes to the other guests, she invites the PCs back to her home (so recently
her father’s) for a drink and to hear his last will and testament. The
Lorrimor residence is a modest home with crowded bookshelves in every
room. The reading of the professor’s will requires the presence of Councilman Vashian Hearthmount (the closest thing Ravengro has to a solicitor), and he has some other matters to attend to after the funeral, so he doesn’t arrive for about an hour.
Aldous is barely able to suppress a shiver as Cassandra in the Forbidden tongue.
How is it that she knows that? There is something distinctly unusual about her...
----------------------------------
Tears well in his eyes as Aldous listens to Father Grimburrow's eulogy, but he refuses to cry...
Silently, Hastur moves beside the troubled Astronomer, and places a bandaged hand upon his shoulder, which helps to bring Aldous some small measure of comfort.
Professor, I will respect your memory as best I am able.
He then frowns, as the full impact of what the good Father said hits him.
An accident? What exactly happened? What was the Professor working on at the time of his death?
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After the service, on the way back to town, Aldous does his best to strike-up a conversation with Councilman Vashian Hearthmount (on the basis that those in power, politically, can cause the most trouble if they so wish, and therefore should be befriended), during which he does his best to get a feel for the town, and impress on the Councilman just how 'normal' he is...
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Aldous
Vashian Hearthmount seems in a good mood talking to you. He seems to have warmed up to the friends of the Professor. Especially after the talk from Father Grimburrow. He still seems more comfortable to make small talk with a fellow 'human' as with some of the elfs.
"It is very nice to have made your aquaintance. If you need anything while you are staying in town? Ask for me at the town hall. I'm sure I can help you if needed. You will find me there during the day from Moonday to Fireday."
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Timing:
Right now it is Sunday the 23 of Lamashan (Oktober) in the year 4711.
The month is named after Lamasthu. The weather is pretty fair with occasional rays of sun breaking through an overcast sky.
I will try to keep track of days. This is predominately for fluff - but it can have in-game consequences. For example - opening days of shops etc. And yes - I did deliberately decide to have a Sunday today.
If you aren't familiar with the weekdays:
Moonday - Monday
Toilday - Tuesday
Wealday - Wednesday
Oathday - Thursday
Fireday - Friday
Starday - Saturday
Sunday - Sunday
The next month is Neth.
"Except for that strange bird flying off at the end of the funeral, the signs were good. The Professor will meet with Pharasma soon if he has not already done so."
Galadan remains somber as he returns to the house. If Kendra permits him to, he peruses the books and strange objects on the late Professor's shelves.
After the ceremony, Wren will seek out Kendra to ask something that has been troubling her.
"Kendra, there is one thing my birdies haven't been able to tell me...and that is how the Professor passed on. How did he die? Was it painful?"
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"Except for that strange bird flying off at the end of the funeral, the signs were good. The Professor will meet with Pharasma soon if he has not already done so."
Galadan remains somber as he returns to the house. If Kendra permits him to, he peruses the books and strange objects on the late Professor's shelves.
1d20+7
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Kendra has problems to hold back her tears:
"It was a tragic accident. We found him two and a half weeks ago near one of Harrowstone's walls. A big stone block from a leering Gargoyle must have come lose. It had crushed his whole head and neck.
He must have been dead immidately."
Suddenly you understand. Earlier at the funeral you had wondered why they didn't follow local customs and let all friends have a last look at the dead before his journey with Pharasma.
You feel revolted and glad that the view of his body was spared you.
"Except for that strange bird flying off at the end of the funeral, the signs were good. The Professor will meet with Pharasma soon if he has not already done so."
Overhearing his remark, Wren is quick to disagree.
"My dear Galadan, the bird was a Whippoorwill and no bird is ever ill omen, only a reflection of nature." Turning to Plume, now perched on her shoulder. "Birds are good friends and guides."
To Plume: "Mijn broek zijn gevuld met pudding? Zeven oesters past in mijn neus?"
"Who's the beautiful birdie? Who is it, it's you, Plumie!?"
Turning back to Galadan, Wren continues, "If you wish to speak of ill omen, the beetle that ate my brooch! Now that was uncalled for!"
"It was a tragic accident. We found him two and a half weeks ago near one of Harrowstone's walls. A big stone block from a leering Gargoyle must have come lose. It had crushed his whole head and neck. He must have been dead immidately."
Wren and Plume both quiet at the recounting of the manner of the Professor's demise.
"Tis good that he did not suffer...it was quick and unexpected. I'll keep this to myself."
...until the next market day when Wren will gossip about it to anyone who would listen.
"Except for that strange bird flying off at the end of the funeral, the signs were good. The Professor will meet with Pharasma soon if he has not already done so."Overhearing his remark, Wren is quick to disagree.
"My dear Galadan, the bird was a Whippoorwill and no bird is ever ill omen, only a reflection of nature." Turning to Plume, now perched on her shoulder. "Birds are good friends and guides."
To Plume: "Mijn broek zijn gevuld met pudding? Zeven oesters past in mijn neus?"
** spoiler omitted **
Turning back to Galadan, Wren continues, "If you wish to speak of ill omen, the beetle that ate my brooch! Now that was uncalled for!"
"That was a very good omen. The scarab beetle is one of Pharasma's servants. It was not eating the brooch but moving it. It is a sign of Pharasma's favor. So, it would seem then that there were good omens all around. I am relieved."
"That was a very good omen. The scarab beetle is one of Pharasma's servants. It was not eating the brooch but moving it. It is a sign of Pharasma's favor. So, it would seem then that there were good omens all around. I am relieved."
Wren brightens at the news from Galadan.
"You've given me something to peck upon! That is good news, indeed. I shall have to learn more of Pharasma. I have neglected entirely religious study in favor of years of Birdology. Perhaps there are some books I could read to help me understand the Gods more thoroughly."
Wren begins to peruse the books as well, looking for a religion or scripture section.
"Galadan, do you have some favorite religious reading to suggest?"
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Reading of the Will
Vashian arrives precisely on time. Kendra isn't sure what's contained in the will, since part of its stipulation was that all of the PCs must be present for its reading. Councilman Vashian produces a scroll case, shows that the professor's personal seal is unbroken, then breaks the wax and opens the case. As he does, a small iron key falls out of the tube, clattering noisily onto the table. Undaunted by the key, the councilman begins to read, eager to be done with the business and to get back home.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child. “Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask. “To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one's enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans. “And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause. “Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you an item I stumbled upon in my last year and that reminded me of you as well as 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 4711"
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Once the will is read, Councilman Vashian looks to Kendra, who thanks him and dismisses him. Putting on a brave face, Kendra thanks the PCs again for coming.
"Dear friends,
I'm so glad that I haven't been left here on my own and that you are here with me in this dark times. I don't know yet what I want to do. Should I sell the house and move on - or should I stay.
But I hope at least some of you will stay with me until I have sorted these issues. There is enough room here in the house - so please feel free to stay here for as long as you like. The chest that is mentioned in the will must be the one in my fathers study.
If you please would like to follow me."
Kendra moves ahead towards her fathers study. The chest itself is a relatively large and ancient object of oak and iron. Kendra, seems nervous about the contents and offers the key to the first person who would like to have it to give them the honor of opening the chest.
Andrea spends some time after the funeral with her own thoughts..she remains pensive and somewhat evasive for the rest off the day .
When the Will is read she is stunned..
"I..I never..oh my" she stammers.
I could get out..buy a little cottage somewhere where they don't know me..somewhere I could set up a simplys a healer.Find a good man, settle down, have children like any other girl my age.But the past always seems to catch up with you girl..doesn't it. she thinks
The larger part of Aldous is stunned by the generosity of the Professor, but a smaller part of him cannot help but wonder...
Why is it so generous? From what I can tell, some of the 'Principals' barely knew the Professor, or had not seen him in years... There must be more to it; what am I not seeing?
Once the Councilman has gone, and Kendra has said her piece, Aldous gives her a wan smile.
"My advice would be to take some time to think about it; do not make any snap decisions whilst the memory of your Father's death is still fresh in your mind. Surely there must be some good memories to along with the bad?"
He then sighs.
"I, for one, promise to spend as much time here as you need. It is the least that I can do for the daughter of an old friend..."
When the key is offered, Aldous readily accepts it, but then pauses, inches away from putting the key in the lock. He then turns to Kendra.
"Your Father suggested that you might not want to know exactly what these Tomes were; if you wish to leave, I will understand."
He then hands the key to Hastur, to allow him to open the chest...
During the reading of the will, Wren is so pleased to be fondly remembered by the Professor.
Preening herself, she thinks:
He is like me...so many friends and beloved by many.
Sadly, Wren is not beloved, except for Plume, and has no more live true friends, save for Plume.
* * *
To Kendra: "You should stay! We could be friends. We'll talk every day and do tea together. We'll shop the markets and discuss people." Wren gives Kendra a big hug. "Stay and we'll be the bestest of friends."
* * *
In walking to the study with the chest, Wren is excited at the prospect of books and what possible knowledge might be contained therein. No stranger to the study of magical arts, she fantasizes about new secrets to unlocking the magical secrets of rare and exotic feathers.
Galadan raises an eyebrow at some of the titles on the shelves, but does not speak on the matter.
"There are many works written by the worshippers of Pharasma, Mistress Wren. But you should perhaps consider her holy book as a good place to begin learning her Will. It is called, The Bones Land in a Spiral"
As he speaks, he turns his tall hat ever so slightly, revealing the silver spiral design placed as a buckle on its ribbon.
In response to Kendra's questions, he remains at a respectful distance. "You should go wherever it is that your heart calls you. If here is where you wish to stay, then by all means, you must stay."
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Kendra thanks you:
"No worries - whatever there is in the chest - it is better to have knowledge about it as to turn my back towards it. My father wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
With this words she stays with you.
The key fits the lock perfectly and the large chest opens without any problems. 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.
In addition you spot several parcels with your names on them.
Wordlessly, Hastur reaches into the chest to retrieve the tome that has had the imperative etched into its cover (being careful not to touch anything else), and begins to flip through it...
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The books Hastur takes out seems to be the personal journal of Prof. Lorrimor. At first glance most of the entries seem bland. But you interest is piked when you reach the last entry.
Looking closer through the journal you find several more entries which seem to have been circled lately to make it easier for you to spot them.
Circled Entries in the Professor’s Journal
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.
Aldous frowns as Hastur draws his attention to the pertinent sections of the Professor's journal.
He then begins to mutter a focusing chant under his breath , as he ponders the information that has been revealed...
He then turns to the others.
"It would appear that something is indeed afoot, and that whatever it is, it cost the Professor his life. I for one would like to see whomever, or whatever, did this punished..."
Aldous then nods to Galadan.
"However, before we do so, we should probably visit the Temple of Pharasma, to learn what we can there."
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Nym
A small parcel with Nym's name is on top of a pile of packages beside the tomes. It is wrapped in brown paper. A piece of string is fastened around it and holds a small letter with your name on it. The wax seal of the professor holds the letter in place.
Dear friend
With great fondness do I remember our very first meeting as well as the duel that you won in my stead. Only much later did I find out that your enemy never played fair. As part of his fighting moves he used a rare Ioun stone which helped him to feint in combat and to surprise his enemies.
Unfortunately for him his luck must have finally run out when he lost against you. Soon afterwards Desna dealt him an even worse fate. Instead of a noble person like yourself he angered a brute of Halforc and challenged him to a duel.
Poor fool - why did he expect the thug to know anything about the etiquette of a duel. Instead of finesse he faced brute force and a giant club. He did land the first blow. But he hadn't counted on the ferocity of his enemy. And with a last swing of his club he cracked his head.
Unfortunately his head wasn't the only thing that got cracked. The Ioun stone as well was cracked. I came to the scene soon after it happened and picked up the cracked stone as a memento. Only much later did I learn that the stone still had some magical powers. It isn't as powerful as it once - still - you might find it useful. It also should remind you to the times we spend together.
Together with the stone I retrieved a wayfinder. The managed to partly repair the wayfinder but it doesn't work as well as it once did.
[ooc[Mulberry pentacle - cracked. Seeker of Secrets. +1 competence bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks. As well as a dented wayfinder. The radius of the light emitted by the wayfinder is 10 feet less as with a fully working wayfinder.[/ooc]
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Research / Information
Kendra tells you about the following places that might be good to find out more information:
The Lorrimor Place:
Kendra offers to let the PCs use her father’s personal library to research, free of chargeand regardless of the PCs’ current Trust point total. Lorrimor’s library provides a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research the Whispering Way.
Ravengro Town Hall:
The records kept at the town hall provide a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone or the Five Prisoners, but the town council normally does not allow visitors to use the building at all. You will have to talk to councilman Vashian to get special entry. The town Hall is closed for Sunday.
Temple of Pharasma:
The temple of Pharasma has extensive notes on the town’s history, and is perhaps the best site for research. Using the temple’s records grants a +4 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone, the Five Prisoners, or the Whispering Way, but securing permission means to convince grumpy Father Grimburrow that you are trustworthy to be granted this priviledge.
The Unfurling Scroll:
This building is a combination schoolhouse and magic item shop run by one Alendru Ghoroven; using its small library provides a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone.
It cannot be used to research the Whispering Way at all.
Alendru asks for a 10 gp payment for each day that he allows anyone to use his school’s resources. The Unfurling Scroll is also closed for the day.
In addition to this you might want to try Gathering Information. Feel free to wander the Streets (or pubs) of Ravengro and gather information or rumours that way. In this case use a Diplomacy check (you currently get a +2)
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Research Topic: Harrowstone
Knowledge (history) and Knowledge (local) can be used to research Harrowstone.
DC 10 (10 XP each): Harrowstone is a ruined prison—partially destroyed by a fire in 4661, the building has
stood vacant ever since. The locals suspect that it’s haunted, and don’t enjoy speaking of the place.
Research Topic: Whispering Way
Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (religion) can be used to research the Whispering Way.
DC 10 (10 XP each): The Whispering Way is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years.
Aldous elects to spend the rest of the day sequestered in the Professor's library, trying to discover what he can about Harrowstone...
After hearing of the "hidden" tools for dealing with the Undead, Galadan decides to research matters more closely at the Temple of Pharasma. He will wait until after any package intended for him is revealed, and ask if anyone wishes to accompany him.
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Andrea
The largest parcel of them all is tucked into a corner of the trunk. It is wrapped in some green cloth. A thick piece of rope is fastened around it. A small letter with Andrea's name is tucked beneath it and fastened with the wax of Prof. Lorrimors seal.
Dear Andrea
I hope you are well. You had fallen on hard times the last time we met. I therefore hope that the money you are about to receive in Lipidstadt will allow you a fresh start.
But money alone isn't everything we strive for in live. Often it is direction and acknowledgement which seems more important to us. As such I hope you will value the item that I have included. This cauldron once belonged to an old witch from a nearby hamlet called Charlot Armeer. While never rich and often shunned - she carved out her own life and was respected by all people in need of healing and especially adored by children whom she always treated for free. Unfortunately the last harsh winter and her old age cost her dearly when she went to help a newborn but got caught in a snow drift.
The cauldron she left has some magical properties and seems especially useful for brewing healing potions. I was able to aquire it from the hamlet as they didn't knew what to do with it. I hope you will be able to put it to the good use it deserves.
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Aldous
You spot a small and pretty light parcel in the trunk. It looks like it's been wrapped into a ripped piece of dirty cloth that once must have been of a lot finer origin. It's appearance contrasts a lot with all the other nicely wrapped parcels. A letter is attached with wax and the seal of the professor to a broken cord around the parcel. You wonder how the cord manages to hold it together and isn't falling off.
When you take off the cord and unwrap the cloth it suddenly turns into a fine piece of silk with no discenable rips. Out of the parcel falls a hat that seems to belong to a noble.
Dear Aldous
You of all my friends should be the last who is easily deceived by looks. I hope Hastur is doing fine. If you opened the package by now you might wonder about the meaning of the strange hat inside. This hat is a truly intriguing item. It once belonged to a noble in Lipidstadt who liked to court pretty woman while in disguise.
The story goes that one day while prowling a beautyful lady of much lower standing he was rejected for a simple peasant in ripped clothes.
The noble was so outraged that in a tantrum he ripped apart the hat of disguise he was wearing. Since that day the hat still works - but whenever it is used, the wearer of it will show some signs of ripped clothes and the disguise will always be bland or simple or of noble but soiled clothes.
I can't tell if the story is true - but I can tell you that the hat resists any attempts to repair it. It therefore seems to have been discarded now by several owners. I aquired the hat out of curiosity. Since then I often thought of you and how diffcult it sometimes can be in this country if you travel with Hastur. I hope he isn't offended by the item but rather finds it useful.
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Familiarising himself with the library of the Professor takes a while. But finally Aldous finds an interesting book about the recent history of Ustalav. It also contains a passage about the founding of Ravengro.
DC 15 (20 XP each): Harrowstone was built in 4594. Ravengro was founded at the same time as a place where guards and their families could live and that would produce food and other supplies used by the prison. The fire that killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards destroyed a large portion of the prison's underground eastern wing, but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. The prison's warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred. A statue commemorating the warden and the guards who lost their lives was built in the months after the tragedy—that statue still stands on the riverbank just outside of town.
Aldous will have a +2 on his next research roll to investigate Harrowstone.
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Galadan
A small bundle of cloth has a letter with your name attached. It feels heavy when you lift it and you hear a metallic ringing noise when you start to unwrap it. There is also a rusty key included in the letter.
Inside the bundle you find a pair of heavy iron manacles. They show some signs of age and rust. They crusted over by something that looks like burned cloth. At least you hope it is nothing else but cloth.
Dear Galadan
I found this intriguing pair of manacles at my last excursion to Harrowstone. They are clearly magic in origin and I immediately thought you might find some use for them in your profession as they seem useless for me.
As far as I can figure out they seem to have been used to calm down or interrogate difficult prisoners. I haven't yet found the time to clean them. Should you find them in this state then something has happened to me. In this case it is even more important that you have any help you can get.
Luckily I was also able to find the keys.
Galadan peers inside his parcel, lifting up the rusty key. He reads the letter silently to himself, arching his eyebrows in interest and curiosity, then places everything back into the parcel and safely tucks everything away.
He turns to Wren.
"Mistress Wren, if you would care to accompany me to the Temple of Pharasma, I believe we can easily find you a copy of the sacred text. I should like to perform some research there, if I am allowed and would prefer not to go alone. My social skills.... are somewhat lacking. And while my elven appearance is not that strong, it has apparently given the locals some reason to distrust me."
Circled Entries in the Professor’s Journal
Wren will begin reading over Aldous' shoulder, unaware of any discomfort her actions may take. Should he move to away, she will politely follow, still trying to read as if nothing was wrong.
"Aldous...when you are finished reading, might I peek at the journal?"
* * *
Assuming she is able to eventually read the last entries, she will speak aloud as she tries to remember what she knows of:
Know (local): on the Whispering Way
Know (arcana): on the Whispering Way
Know (local): on the Harrowstone
Know (history): on the Harrowstone
Know (local): on the Restlands
Know (arcana/history): on the Restlands
Know (history): on the Five Prisoners
She hopes that by remembering aloud, someone else will engage her in conversation and this might free up the memories of others as they begin to assemble pieces of knowledge into a more complete picture.
After her initial thoughts, Wren will think about doing some more serious research via one of the suggested locations. Probably starting with the Prof's library, but then wanting to check out Temple of Pharasma.
"Maybe on the morrow, I'll go visit my good friend Father Grimburrow and see if he'll let me use the private library. I'm sure the good Father will let me right in."
Plume is quite certain that 'the good Father' would rather not speak to Wren at all, but has difficulty explaining that to Wren and hopes that someone else will come with.
* * *
Wren will eventually look in the chest for a parcel marked with birds or feathers...such like that can only be meant for her!
"Mistress Wren, if you would care to accompany me to the Temple of Pharasma, I believe we can easily find you a copy of the sacred text. I should like to perform some research there, if I am allowed and would prefer not to go alone. My social skills.... are somewhat lacking. And while my elven appearance is not that strong, it has apparently given the locals some reason to distrust me."
"I would be honored to go with you, Galadan! On the way, I'll tell you all about the mating habits of owls. Most fascinating...they start by..."
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Wren
Information about the Restlands
The Restlands behind the Funebrial is a large stretch of moorland reserved for interring Ravengro's dead. Thanks to the Pharasmin churches influence in town, Ravengro's graveyard is large and well tended. Tradition dictates that whenever one passes by (or through) the Restlands, one must always first draw a spiral on her heart as a sign of respect. The sign wards against the risk that the traveler's passage will disturb the sleep of the departed.
The Restlands has four gravel paths, each of these starting at the boundary of the graveyard. The Black Path is the most Eastern one. It starts on the southern border of the graveyard approx. 50 feet west of the eastern border and straight north for approx. 100 feet until it ends when it reaches the Eversleep. It has it's name from the black gravel used on it.
The Dreamwalk starts approx 150 feet west of the Black Path. It meanders westwards around the hill in the middle of the Restlands and ends when it reaches the Eversleep.
The Anchestors Walk starts in the South-West corner of the Restlands and goes straight up the hill towards the centre of the hill - crossing the Dreamwakevhalf way up the hill.
The Eversleep starts in the West and runs Eastwards throughout the whole graveyard - eventually ending in the North-East corner of the Restlands.
A six feet high wall is around the whole graveyard and there are no entrances or openings on the northern or eastern wall.
The five prisoners are information I forgot to delete when I did copy&paste. You should get there in game tomorrow.
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Galadan / Wren
Please let me know if you go today or tomorrow. The temple isn't closed on Sundays and there should be more than enough time in the day.
How well Father Grimburrow will react to you? Be prepared to use Diplomacy to convince him.
2Wren - I took your rolls for the Restlands - see information above - but ignored all the other ones. You therefore still have one free for the day. Sorry for gimping a Nat20 - but that was A LOT of dice rolling.
Be patient little birdie.
2Galadan - are you sure you are taking the right woman with you to the temple ;)
Andrea looks around and sees the others are busy in various directions..she sighs resignedly when she hears who is responsible for the council records
"I'll go and speak to the council man" she says quietly
She slips upstairs and changes into something a little more revealing than her winter wear then throws a cloak over it and issues forth walking through the town taking in what sights there are to be seen.
Once she finds the Rathaus she asks politely to see the Councilman
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Wren
A rectangular package wrapped in colourful papers clearly is for the Feathermage. No name or letter can be seen - but if any more information is needed then it's the purple feather, fastened with the wax mark of the professor that is a give away.
Inside the package you find a leather bound book called "Birds of the Mwangi Expanse" with many hand drawings and descriptions of unusual birds. Inside - like a bookmark - you find a feather token.
Dear Wren
One question that always intrigued me was the origin of Plume. We met often enough - but somehow I always had to listen to you and seldom was able to ask a question of my own. So I guess - when you read this, then it will be to late for me to ask.
A while ago I stumbled by chance across the book you now hold in your hand. It didn't answer the question I had. But I enjoyed the drawings a lot and I was sure you would like it as well.
The bookmark that I added is a magical feather token. It might come in useful should you ever need to send a message via a bird and in circumstances to dangerous for plume.
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Andrea looks around and sees the others are busy in various directions..she sighs resignedly when she hears who is responsible for the council records
"I'll go and speak to the council man" she says quietly
She slips upstairs and changes into something a little more revealing than her winter wear then throws a cloak over it and issues forth walking through the town taking in what sights there are to be seen.
Once she finds the Rathaus she asks politely to see the Councilman
In front of the closed town hall you spot a bored watchman who introduces himself as Leomar - part time deputy to sheriff Benjan Caeller.
What can I do for you lady. It's Sunday - you will have to come back tomorrow if you want to talk to the councilman.
"Oh..yes..yes of course I'll come back tomorrow..silly me..I'm afraid the travelling and the funeral have legt me quite scatterbrained"
She gives the watchman a smile and walks back to the house secretly relieved that she has a days grace.
Galadan / Wren
Please let me know if you go today or tomorrow. The temple isn't closed on Sundays and there should be more than enough time in the day.
How well Father Grimburrow will react to you? Be prepared to use Diplomacy to convince him.2Wren - I took your rolls for the Restlands - see information above - but ignored all the other ones. You therefore still have one free for the day. Sorry for gimping a Nat20 - but that was A LOT of dice rolling.
Be patient little birdie.2Galadan - are you sure you are taking the right woman with you to the temple ;)
Wren says to Galadan: "Let us go tomorrow to the Temple...I'm sure that the good Father has had enough trouble for one day. Tonight I will research in this wonderful library so that we may have some areas of inquiry before the morrow."
* * *
Wren and Plume scour the Professor's library, looking for clues on the Whispering Way. Wren and Plume will often chirp at each other in Celestial, though it is nothing more than birdspeak and meaningless squawks in a weird language.
Know (Arcana or History): On the Whispering Way
* * *
Wren lifts up the parcel as if it was a gift from Shelyn herself. Clutching it tightly to herself, Wren and Plume go to a remote corner of the house to open...it feels as if Wren is building a nest in a quite corner of the abode.
After removing the wax from the feather, Wren will immediately weave the purple feather into her hair so that she will always have the most beautiful gift from the Professor with her. The second feather, the token will get woven into her armor, not far from her left sleeve.
Glancing briefly at the books, Wren will toss them into her bag almost as an afterthought (Wren will read them later in detail), but instead moves to the mirror to admire the new purple feather in her hair.
What a pretty purple feather! What a wonderful gift! The others will be *so* jealous! My dear Professor, how good you were to me!