To Wear the Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master Haldhin

Running the Carrion Crown Adventure Path.


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Half-elf Ranger (Guide) 4 / Rogue 2 HP: (37/37) 49/49 / Init +4; Perception +16; AC 18/13/16; F+(3) 5, R+9, W+5; CMD: 21; Conditions: Mummy Rot - Con Damage: 4, Cha Damage: 4

Karl nods and shows the badge to Vesorianna. Will this suffice, lady? We found nothing else that might do.

Karl keeps the badge in hand, somewhat wary of the spirit despite its earlier aid.

Not handing it over until I see her reaction/


Male Gnome Wizard (Fire) 3 (HP 19/24 AC 13, T 13, FF 11/ F +3, R +3, W +3/ Init. +2/ Per. +2)

"Are you sure this is the wisest course of action, my Lady?" Oorin asks the ghost. "Won't this mean your spirit is trapped here with the rest? Is there no way to put all the spirits here to rest?"


Vesorianna looks closely at the disc in Karl's hand. "I think that's my husband's badge! He certainly wore that when he was in the prison..."

While staying close to Karl, she looks over toward Oorin and replies in hollow tones, "I must do this - my husband continued doing his duty even after death claimed him, and as his wife, I must try to take his place now that he is gone. If that means that the spirits here will be contained within this prison only with my sacrifice, then so be it."

Her hand floats up toward Karl, "Now, may I have the badge?"


Human M Human Fighter 3 Paladin 1 {HP37/37; AC19/11/18; F+7 R+4 W+4; Init+5; Perc+3}

Darren, still wounded, leans resting against one of the passageway's stone walls. "I thought now that we've killed the spirits and put them to rest, this place has been cleansed of evil. Are you saying that they will keep coming back if this place is left alone?"


She turns toward Darren and nods, "It is the nature of spirits such as those that rest within this prison. Their destruction is not of mortal hand, but of higher powers. They may be defeated for a time, their power dispersed, their will broken, but the emotions are too strong, the agony too great. Given time, the ghosts will emerge again to threaten the world outside these walls."


Half-elf Ranger (Guide) 4 / Rogue 2 HP: (37/37) 49/49 / Init +4; Perception +16; AC 18/13/16; F+(3) 5, R+9, W+5; CMD: 21; Conditions: Mummy Rot - Con Damage: 4, Cha Damage: 4

Karl nods, If you will swear to hold these spirits at bay, and keep them confined to this place, then aye, the badge is yours.

Karl hands the badge over if Vesorianna so swears.

Shadow Lodge

F Human Inquisitor 4 {HP32/32; AC16/12/14; F+5 R+4 W+8; Init+7; Perc+10}

"If we ever find the means to clense this place for good, I promise to come back and relieve you of this duty. You deserve rest, and I hope some day you get it."


Male Human Alchemist 4 (HP 28/28 - AC15, T13, FF12 - F+5 R+6 W+2 - Init+2 - Perc+8) (Effects: +2 save vs Poison)
Shanoa wrote:
"If we ever find the means to clense this place for good, I promise to come back and relieve you of this duty. You deserve rest, and I hope some day you get it."

"Here, here," Roland nods, tracing Pharasma's spiral over his heart.


3 Cleric (Crusader) AC 19/ HP26/26 Fort 5, Ref 1, Will 6, Initiative 2

Franc makes a note in his log of what has transpired in order to report back to his bishop.


Vesorianna nods, "By the love I have for my husband, I swear it."

Reaching out, Vesorianna takes the badge. As she does so, her eyes fly open wide, and her unending crying ceases.

She looks upward with a startled glance, then smiles, "Yes, I understand now."

She looks back toward Karl, "I'm afraid I must break my vow, but do not worry. We're going home."

Her body begins fading, and she looks at each of you in turn, "Thank you, my heroes. By your actions, I am released from my torment, and I can pass beyond this world. I will wait on my husband there, please let him know if you succeed in finding him. And know that as I ascend, so shall all of the other spirits that inhabit Harrowstone prison - their decades of undeath and madness are now at an end. We are going to live on in peace. Fare well."

With that, Vesorianna disappears, and the badge briefly glows with a brilliant blue light as it falls to the floor. It hits with a metal 'clink' on the stones, appearing once again as a dull metal disc.

Detect Magic:
Enchantment on the badge.

Spellcraft DC 20:
The badge functions as a rod of lesser metamagic, extend spell but it occupies the amulet slot and must be worn for at least 24 hours before it is used.


Male Human Alchemist 4 (HP 28/28 - AC15, T13, FF12 - F+5 R+6 W+2 - Init+2 - Perc+8) (Effects: +2 save vs Poison)

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Roland stands, mouth agape, as the spirit dissipates before them. As he stares after Vasorianna, he once again traces the spiral over his heart.


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Human M Human Fighter 3 Paladin 1 {HP37/37; AC19/11/18; F+7 R+4 W+4; Init+5; Perc+3}

As Vesorianna disappears, Darren solemnly draws his sword and lowers himself to one knee, holding the sword's point to the ground and leaning his forehead against the pommel. He closes his eyes and, speaking quietly and quickly, this emotional revelation pours forth:

"Here in this darkest of dark places I have opened my eyes to many things. I have seen tragedy, horror, cruelty, and the brutal evil that plagues the minds of men. And here in this wasteland of cruel intentions I have also seen many honorable, heroic actions, and have discovered true friendship among worthy, brave peers. We have battled with evil beyond anything I could have imagined before, and miraculously we have emerged victorious from the dark. Only with your courageous strength and forceful will -- generous gifts indeed, almighty Inheritor, Light of the Sword -- could I have persevered while many more worthy companions were not so lucky. For these things I thank you: for Life, for Justice, for Friendship, and for Victory. Please accept any and all future services I can perform in your name, and know that I will not, cannot rest whilst evil and madness reign over the hearts of men. And so I will go forward from this day on, repaying my debt as you have deemed me worthy of great fortune. Guide my hand, guide my sword."

For Victory, for the Heart."

Darren struggles back to his feet and smiles weakly to the group, then turns and walks slowly to the exit.


You exit the prison and begin the trek back to Ravengro. Throughout the short walk, you notice that the weather has turned mild, almost pleasant. Birds fly about, and the surrounding area almost seems... normal. Quite unlike your earlier travels along this road.

Assuming you stop at Kendra's house, it's the first building once you're inside the town.

Kendra's house is much like you left it, and she answers the door when you knock. "Come in, come in! Are you finished for today?"

She leads you into the dining room where an older gentleman sits at the head of the table sipping a cup of tea. Kendra moves to stand beside him, "Friends, this is Uncle Adi, sorry, Adivion Adrissant. He arrived this morning from Caliphas to pay his respects. He is a distant cousin on my father's side, but I've always thought of him as my uncle."

The older gentleman returns his cup to the plate and rises. He has the regal bearing of a noble, and his clothes are some of the finest you've ever seen. He is thin and pale, also something you would expect to see from someone more used to fine living inside rather than outside under the harsh glare of the sun.

He executes a formal bow toward the group and gives Kendra a gentle smile. Returning to his seat, he speaks in a deep and slightly accented voice, "I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Kendra has told me about your efforts to investigate Petros' unfortunate death. He and I were very close, and we worked together on many research projects. Please, join us, we would appreciate hearing what you have discovered."

He returns to his seat and Kendra quickly heads to the kitchen to retrieve drinks for everyone.

Linguistics DC 10; Knowledge (nobility) DC 15:
Adivion's accent is obviously a sign of his extensive education in the finest schools available to only the most exclusive families.

Knowledge (nobility) DC 20):
The surname 'Adrissant' is an old family from the times in which Ustalav was a monarchy. They they never held the throne, they were a powerful family with many political connections. Many of the members were considered to be power brokers who could get whatever they wanted by balancing debts and favors within and among the other noble families within the realm.

Shadow Lodge

F Human Inquisitor 4 {HP32/32; AC16/12/14; F+5 R+4 W+8; Init+7; Perc+10}

Shanoa is immediately embarrassed by her dingy appearance after the ordeal in Harrowstone when presented to this noble. I guess that rest will have to wait. "You'll have to forgive us, we were actually doing some of that investigation today and haven't been able to clean up yet. But a friend of the late professor is a friend of ours."

She waits for Kendra to return before continuing. "My name is Shanoa - this is Karl, Oorin, and Roland. We rescued Derron from cultists who abducted him and had him locked in Harrowstone. Franc met us at the site and has been aiding us as well. Unfortunately we lost Arthur to...evil forces there as well as another captive that didn't make it out alive. We'll need to stop by the temple later to address the possibility of services for them both. Their bodies are outside the prison proper but need to be collected.

"However, I believe we were successful in eliminating the threat at Harrowstone. The restless undead will not do any further harm to this town." She pauses here and looks back at her companions, unsure how much to reveal about the cult of the Whispering Way.


Half-elf Ranger (Guide) 4 / Rogue 2 HP: (37/37) 49/49 / Init +4; Perception +16; AC 18/13/16; F+(3) 5, R+9, W+5; CMD: 21; Conditions: Mummy Rot - Con Damage: 4, Cha Damage: 4

Karl scratches the back of his head and favors the nobleman with an awkward grimace meant to be a smile. Pleasedtomakeyouracquaintance, he mumbles into his shoulder.


3 Cleric (Crusader) AC 19/ HP26/26 Fort 5, Ref 1, Will 6, Initiative 2

Cast Detect Magic and takes the medallion

Knowledge: Nobility 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Bowing and introducing himself, Franc says, "Sir, it is quite a delight to meet you. I trust your travels from afar have been with incident. I am Sir Franc DuMein. Humble servant of the Five Winged Lord, Ragathiel."


Adivion nods slowly and reaches for his cup. Grimacing, he looks at Kendra, "My dear, I seem to have finished my cup. Where do you keep your tea?"

Kendra nearly leaps out of her seat and snatches the cup away from him, "Oh no, you're not going to serve yourself when you're my guest!" She turns and heads out of the room, taking the empty cup with her.

Adivion watches her go, then looks at the group, deliberately winking.

"Just so all of you know, I have asked Kendra to come stay with me for a time in Caliphas, at least until she figures out what she wants to do. As my last living relative, I feel a need to have her close by for a time. It does this old man's heart good to see the young ones enjoying life."

He smiles sadly for a second, then looks up, "So, I should clarify, Petros and I worked for many year to unearth secrets... or whispers, some might say. Did you discover anything of that nature that bears repeating?"


Male Human Alchemist 4 (HP 28/28 - AC15, T13, FF12 - F+5 R+6 W+2 - Init+2 - Perc+8) (Effects: +2 save vs Poison)
Adivion wrote:
He smiles sadly for a second, then looks up, "So, I should clarify, Petros and I worked for many year to unearth secrets... or whispers, some might say. Did you discover anything of that nature that bears repeating?"

"Ah... yes." Roland looks around the rest of the group quickly, then volunteers some information. "The Professor had been at the prison at the time of his death exactly because he was, ah... looking into some whispering going on there."

"It seems the restless spirits of Harrowstone were being... ah... kept in check by the power of the ghost of the old warden," Roland wrings his hands nervously. "He was... ghost-napped... by, ah, someone."

Shadow Lodge

F Human Inquisitor 4 {HP32/32; AC16/12/14; F+5 R+4 W+8; Init+7; Perc+10}

Shanoa almost gasps when the man mentions the whispering. She nods as Roland speaks, then continues. "What do you know of the Whispering Way? What we've found leads us to believe they were behind the professor's murder as well as all the unnatural disturbances in town, that have lead to several deaths."


"I know quite a bit about them, they have been the target of my attention for decades, along with other minor cults and criminal enterprises. What concerns me though, is that my network has not picked up anything about their interest in Harrowstone."

He drums his fingers on the table for a moment, "The Way is organized into cells - each one led by a figure of charisma and power. Each cell leader then reports to another leader, but they do not know each other's true identity. Only the cells and their immediate leaders know one another. They do this to protect themselves, as well as prevent the destruction of the organization since not a single person knows all the members or leaders. For that reason, we try to keep track of all the active cells, but sometimes we discover a new one that has been operating outside our information network. It's not common, but it has happened before..."

"If a new leader has arisen and started directing his cell to move on some plot or scheme, word of it may not have filtered down through the organization yet."

Adivion leans forward, urgency in his voice, "I have many resources at my command in Caliphas. If a new cell is moving, we need to know about it right away. I am scheduled to return in the morning, and I shall set my most skilled people to ferreting out information as quickly as possible."

"What are your plans now that the threat of Harrowstone has been defeated? Do you plan to continue chasing after Petros' killers?"


Male Human Alchemist 4 (HP 28/28 - AC15, T13, FF12 - F+5 R+6 W+2 - Init+2 - Perc+8) (Effects: +2 save vs Poison)
Adivion wrote:
"What are your plans now that the threat of Harrowstone has been defeated? Do you plan to continue chasing after Petros' killers?"

"Well, we are, ah, beholden to stay here with Miss. Kendra for a month, to see to her well being," Roland says. "This is as per the Professor's final wishes. Then we must return some valuable books to Lepidstadt, whereupon we are to be bequeathed a part of his fortune."

I could return to my studies, with financial security at last!

But what of the Professor's killers... should you not seek vengeance for your fallen mentor?

I am a scholar. I do not hunt cults.

The Professor was also a scholar. It didn't stop him.

Roland rubs his eyes, and yawns - suddenly exhausted after the day's events.

"After that, I don't know." He looks between Shanoa, Karl, Oorin, Franc and Darren, perhaps for some direction.

Shadow Lodge

F Human Inquisitor 4 {HP32/32; AC16/12/14; F+5 R+4 W+8; Init+7; Perc+10}

Shanoa nods. "I can't speak for the others, but after Lepidstadt, I could meet with you in Caliphas. After a month, I'm quite certain my position at my previous place of employment will be long filled, so I have no other obligations. Besides, having seen the destruction and death wrought by these cultists first hand, I can't help but want to do something about it if I can."


Half-elf Ranger (Guide) 4 / Rogue 2 HP: (37/37) 49/49 / Init +4; Perception +16; AC 18/13/16; F+(3) 5, R+9, W+5; CMD: 21; Conditions: Mummy Rot - Con Damage: 4, Cha Damage: 4

Well, someone will need to get you all from here to there, and I guess that's me. The Professor always told me I should do something more with my life, and this looks to be that something. As Roland and Shanoa said, we'll see to the Professor's last wishes, just as he asked. After that, perhaps a bit of hunting will be in order. At the mention of hunting, a feral grin forms over Karl's face, denoting a certain eagerness from the young half-elf.


Male Gnome Wizard (Fire) 3 (HP 19/24 AC 13, T 13, FF 11/ F +3, R +3, W +3/ Init. +2/ Per. +2)

Oorin, feeling somewhat tired, was not paying much attention to the new guest preferring to simply flip through the many books in the house but stops when the question of what to do next is posed.

"I had hoped Harrowstone would provide more insight into the cults activities than it did. There must have been a reason for what they were trying to do other than evil for the sake of being evil. I will stick with the others as I can see no logical sense in separating now. Certainly, our actions have not gone unnoticed and I'm glad that Ms. Kendra will be leaving here."


Adivion nods as he listens. "I can certainly understand seeking to deal with these cultists. Please make an effort to keep in touch with me in Caliphas, at least to let me know where I can contact you if my sources uncover any information. And if you ever make it to the city, it would be my honor to have you stay at my estate."

Kendra comes back into the room carrying a fresh cup of tea and sets it down in front of Adivion with a smile.

-----

Is there anything else you want to ask or discuss with Adivion? Not trying to rush you, just trying to move things along if you're finished with the scene.


Human M Human Fighter 3 Paladin 1 {HP37/37; AC19/11/18; F+7 R+4 W+4; Init+5; Perc+3}

Sorry guys, had a real busy weekend! I'll do just a tiny bit of retconning...

When they arrive, Darren bows his head to Advion and Kendra, more than a little embarrassed by his bloody garments and battered appearance. "I am extremely pleased to meet you. My name is Darren, and I understand you were close with Professor Lorrimor. I'm sorry I missed the service: I was, uh, held up -- I'll let the others explain."

----

"The Whispering Way," Darren says softly. "I was so focused with only the ghosts and terrors of the present that I hadn't considered the circumstances. Of course I will stay with his daughter if the Professor so wished it, and be happy to deliver any books to Lepidstadt as well."

"As for what comes next, I will place myself at the side of my new companions -- if they will have me -- and drive a sword through this strange, elusive heart of evil. Those cultists have hurt innocent people, one of them a dear friend of mine, and they must pay for their crimes."


Adivion seems pleased to hear you are going to continue to Lepidstadt to deliver the books, as well as hearing you plan on searching for The Whispering Way.

-----
Rewards for Ravengro

Later that day mid-afternoon, Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, the same man who executed Professor Lorrimor's will, comes to visit. He unrolls a long scroll and begins reading... and reading... and reading.

After several minutes of platitudes and laudatory comments about your actions, he arrives at the reason for his visit. Having heard of your exploits in clearing Harrowstone Prison, the Council of Ravengro has decided to reward you for your service. They had planned on hiring mercenaries to investigate the prison, but they have decided to pay you instead.

Each of you receives also gains the right to establish a small farmstead near Ravengro should you someday choose to settle there. Coincidentally, your lands surround the formerly haunted Harrowstone Prison.

Having made his statement and presented your rewards, Vashian bows low and excuses himself. Apparently the man's disposition is perpetually terse...

This money is also included in the total Loot calculations.


Rewards from the Church of Pharasma

Father Grimburrow comes to visit you at Kendra's house.

For clearing Harrowstone of the spirits, he offers you a small monetary token of appreciation. He also offers to provide one casting of Masterwork Transmutation for each of you at no cost.

Next, he offers to forward your names and descriptions to other churches around Ustalav in order to aid you in the future. This permits everyone to get spellcasting services at Churchs of Pharasma at a discount.

-----

The money is already included in the total Loot calculations.

Characaters receive a 10% discount for spellcasting services at Churches of Pharasma (excluding material components).


I'm making a few posts, but you are free to act or speak with people beyond what I'm providing. Just let me know.

Adivion leaves Ravengro, reminding you to stay in touch. Kendra busies herself around the house, preparing to store many of the books and manuscripts for transport to Caliphas.

A knock at the door draws her attention, and she hurries to open it. With a surprised look, she welcomes Master Alendru into her house. You are all gathered and meet with him in the dining room.

"Greetings, and congratulations on your success in Harrowstone. I do not want to waste your time, so I will come right to the point. I recently came into a grimoire of power from Teren, the owner of the inn here in town. He claimed it was left a month or so ago, and since he didn't have any need for it, finally brought it to me. After some examination, I informed him it was apparently stolen and that I would attempt to return it."

He places a small leather-bound book on the table. "This is a flesh golem manual. A tome used by a scientist or researcher to create a golem - a humanoid figure given life through magic - from the flesh of other creatures. On the inside cover is the name of a man I know through reputation - Dr. Montagnie Crowl, a professor at Lepidstadt University. I have no doubt Teren speaks the truth when he says he found the book, he is an honest man as anyone in Ravengro would tell you. And while the book is a powerful item of magic, I could not do anything but try to return it to its rightful owner. I would hope that others would return my property if they found it, so I could not do anything other than make the same gesture myself."

"I have heard you have business in that city related to the late Professor Lorrimor, so I hoped you would be willing to return this book when you get to the city. Is this something you could do for me?"


Male Human Alchemist 4 (HP 28/28 - AC15, T13, FF12 - F+5 R+6 W+2 - Init+2 - Perc+8) (Effects: +2 save vs Poison)

Does Roland know Dr. Crowl? And if so, what does he know about him?

Alendru wrote:
"Is this something you could do for me?"

"Er, yes," Roland reaches out and touches the book, eyes alight with scholarly curiosity. "We have business at the university as it is."


Half-elf Ranger (Guide) 4 / Rogue 2 HP: (37/37) 49/49 / Init +4; Perception +16; AC 18/13/16; F+(3) 5, R+9, W+5; CMD: 21; Conditions: Mummy Rot - Con Damage: 4, Cha Damage: 4
DM Haldhin wrote:

Rewards from the Church of Pharasma

Father Grimburrow comes to visit you at Kendra's house.

For clearing Harrowstone of the spirits, he offers you a small monetary token of appreciation. He also offers to provide one casting of Masterwork Transmutation for each of you at no cost.

Next, he offers to forward your names and descriptions to other churches around Ustalav in order to aid you in the future. This permits everyone to get spellcasting services at Churchs of Pharasma at a discount.

-----

Karl thanks Father Grimburrow for his kindness, especially for passing on word of the group's deeds to the clergy of Pharasma in Ustalav.

He asks Father Grimburrow to enhance his greatsword with the Masterwork Transmutation spell.


Any other roleplaying you want to do in Ravengro?

Shadow Lodge

F Human Inquisitor 4 {HP32/32; AC16/12/14; F+5 R+4 W+8; Init+7; Perc+10}

In the several weeks after the cleansing of Harrowstone, Shanoa enoys a much needed break, sleeping restfully at night for once. During the days she helps Kendra around the house as needed, but mostly goes for long walks around the town, making frequent stops at the Cathedral, still feeling responsible for the loss of life there. Life for once seems to have slowed down and Shanoa revels in every moment.


Half-elf Ranger (Guide) 4 / Rogue 2 HP: (37/37) 49/49 / Init +4; Perception +16; AC 18/13/16; F+(3) 5, R+9, W+5; CMD: 21; Conditions: Mummy Rot - Con Damage: 4, Cha Damage: 4

Karl will spend his time hunting around Ravengro to bring extra food to Kendra's table, as well as getting a better feel for the land.

In the evenings he will use his new lock picks to try to open the locked, purple book +12 with masterwork thieves tools, take 20.

He will also make a point to check in on Gibs, understanding that the man may want nothing to do with him, but concerned that the fellow may suffer lingering effects from the spirits of Harrowstone. If possible, he will bring some choice venison, or plump rabbits by way of a peace offering and apologize for any harm he may have done.


Human M Human Fighter 3 Paladin 1 {HP37/37; AC19/11/18; F+7 R+4 W+4; Init+5; Perc+3}

Following their time in the Harrowstone Prison, Darren moves about town getting to know the people. Of course he helps out around Kendra's whenever possible, but he also extends a helping hand to anyone in town who might need it. In the evenings he walks through the wilderness just outside of town, carrying only his sword for protection, and looks around wondering what it might be like to settle down there some day.

Waiting to get final numbers on loot values before going shopping, but Darren will be eyeing that plate armor and magical shield above all else.


Male Human Alchemist 4 (HP 28/28 - AC15, T13, FF12 - F+5 R+6 W+2 - Init+2 - Perc+8) (Effects: +2 save vs Poison)

Roland busies himself with his alchemy, while also helping Kendra (and probably Oorin) go through the Professor's books as she prepares to relocate. Any books of particular interest, he'll make sure to read and study - and he's happy to take a few off Kendra's hands if she's game.

If Oorin - or anyone else, for that matter - is interested, now that there's time, Roland will also happily discuss and debate literature, history, natural history, the occult or any other number of subjects. Roland is notably more self-assured and confident while discussing intellectual pursuits.

Roland also makes an effort to attend church for the next few weeks, but mostly just sits in the back looking a little bored.

Twice, Roland also quietly slips out in the evening for a few hours and doesn't discuss what he's been up to. The second time, he returns pale and troubled. The next morning he's packed up some of his alchemical equipment, and pours a few vials of his blue serum on the ground outside, muttering that he's quitting the stuff.

That grass turns blue and grows wild for days.

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