Boom.
After the month has passed, you all bid Kendra a safe journey as she boards Adivion's carriage for Caliphas. He left for his home a week ago to prepare for Kendra's arrival. Before leaving, he reminded you to call upon him if you were ever in the capital, as well as to keep him apprised of anything else you may discover about the Way's activities.
The large carriage rolls away to the south and you glance around Ravengro one last time. Perhaps the serenity of the scene before you will last on your journey to Lepidstadt.
Unfortunately, it's even worse than you can imagine. The weather is terrible, the bugs are bad, and the other travelers are all suspicious and paranoid of everyone they meet. Wisely, you decide to avoid the city of Tamrivena, though it costs you a few days. The city renown for its paranoia is protected by roving cavalry patrols who insist all travelers remain at least three miles away unless they have documented business in their city. All in all, it seems to be a place better left behind.
After two miserable weeks on the road, the spires of Lepidstadt come into view. You all know that most of the taller buildings are part of the University, but Franc and Shanoa both recognize the tallest spire as part of the Cathedral of Pharasma, known locally as Gravecharge. It is one of the largest churches in Ustalav, and is famous for the pristine white marble used in its construction.
As you get closer, you can see the increased traffic on the Lesser Moutray River to the east as the barges and ships pull into and out of the Lepidstadt docks. To the north, about twenty large rocks stand upright in a huge circle - the famed Spiral Cromlech, a set of standing stones reported to be over a thousand years old.
The road you are on heads north then turns to enter the city from the west, passing close by the Spiral Cromlech. You can enter the city through this gate, or continue on the road and enter through the gate on the north side of the city. The west gate is closer to the University (and likely Dr. Crowl), while the northern gate is closer to Judge Daramid's house.
Which gate would you like to use?
"Such interesting sights for a newcomer," Darren says, eyeing the stone circle and the tip of the cathedral towering over the rest of town. "It's been a long, tiresome journey, my friends. I'm happy to be here at last." Unless anyone suggests otherwise, Darren turns at the western gate as it will bring them into town the fastest.
Lepidstadt, it's been a long time... Whether it's been long enough, we'll have to wait and see. Karl grimaces slightly and rubs at the stone on the pommel of his greatsword, but soon shakes off his somber demeanor.
When Darren turns toward the western gate, Karl stops him and points toward the northern one instead.
We have business here, on behalf of the professor. Let's see it done first, then we can make our way to the University. And then, I'm buying a horse. These overland journeys take way too long!
"Fair enough, Karl -- I shouldn't let my eagerness to return to civilization get in the way of the Professor's wishes." Darren follows his companion and friend to the northern gate. "And horses sound like an excellent idea -- let's not do another one of these miserable hikes," he laughs loudly. "Just please tell me we can buy a good, strong ale before we visit the horses. I think we're overdue."
Contents of the Purple Locked Book
The book’s contents seem strangely out of place compared to the other texts, for while it contains detailed descriptions of a number of ancient ceremonies, both magical and mundane, they are more concerned with purely arcane or mathematical topics and have very little sinister about them at all.
and arcane.
They count people from all parts of society amongst their membership, but such an affiliation is highly secret. Members keep their involvement private from even from their families.
Their goals are centered around a life of continual learning and intellectual advancement. They often find themselves in opposition to various cults in Ustalav, primarily those that seek to destroy or enslave the citizens of their homeland.
The journey seems to have been somewhat difficult for Roland, who's been a little on edge. Perhaps the experience in Ravengro affected him more than he's been letting on?
Still, as the weary group arrives in Lepidstadt, Roland can't help but smile.
"Ah, it's good to be home."
He turns to see that Karl and Roland had been decided on where to go first.
"We have business here, on behalf of the professor. Let's see it done first, then we can make our way to the University. And then, I'm buying a horse. These overland journeys take way too long!"
Roland looks longingly at the university, but sighs.
Karl is right. Better to be done with business first.
Is Karl your boss now? Why don't you do as you like?
A surprised expression crosses his face, and he shakes his head. It had been over a week since these internal debates had plagued him. Perhaps his was more tired than he thought.
"Er, ah, yes," Roland walks over to join the pair. "Best to get the last of the Professor's wishes dealt with, first, I think."
Karl smacks himself on the forehead, Then we should go in through the western gate, just as Darren said. Serves me right for trying to take charge, when there are so many better suited to it, he adds with a grin.
University, then the Judge, then ale, then horses.
Karl heads for the western gate.
As you enter Lepidstadt, the excitement of people around you begins to intrude on your space. For some reason, nearly everyone in town seems to be full of energy about something. You repeatedly hear references to a trial, a beast, and punishment.
Getting close to the University, you all realize that there are a number town guards meandering about. There are also a number of horsemen moving around, most seem to be heading either north or south along one of the main roads.
Arriving at the University is like stepping into an ant hill. People are running around, all apparently on one errand or another. Guards, soldiers, wizards, and other more mundane tradesmen are all to be seen, most often with extremely serious looks on their faces.
Asking after Dr. Crowl, you are directed to a large building in the south, with more than a curious glance. Arriving at your destination, you begin to understand why there is so much chaos around you - the building you see ahead of you holds a huge glass window that has been shattered. Dozens of people are staring at the window and the ground outside the building, many of whom appear to be making measurements and marking places on the grass below the window.
Finding a page, you inquire about Dr. Crowl again, and are told to wait outside. After a few minutes, an older (human) man wearing the robes of a professor follows the page out of the building. He pauses and looks at the group in puzzlement, finally continuing his walk to meet you, he gives you a brief bow before speaking in a halting voice, "Good day, I was told you needed to see me on a matter of some urgency? Forgive me, but it has been a most hectic few days, and I can only spare a moment."
-----
By the way, it's about four in the afternoon. Sunset is around seven, so you have three more hours of light.
You only have a moment, how would you like to respond?
Darren steps forward and goes to offer his gauntleted hand for a shake, but thinks better and removes the awkward piece of armor first. "Hello Doctor, my name is Darren. These are my companions, Karl, Shanoa, Roland, Oorin, and Franc. We were all friends of the late Professor Lorrimor and we're here on his behalf. I'm sorry, I know you must be busy, but I have to ask: what is going on here? We've only just arrived and the commotion around town is very intriguing."
"The... late... Professor? Petros is dead? I.. I'm sorry, I hadn't heard. Please follow me."
He leads the group into the large stone building and down a wide corridor. To the right of the corridor you see a sunken room where the yawning gap of the broken window looms. Several pedestals and cases are located within the room, but many have been overturned or broken.
Crowl turns back to you as he continues to walk, "As to your other question, I hope you will excuse our mess. Our museum was robbed two nights ago, and we're still working out what happened. Luckily, we caught the... beast... that perpetrated the theft! Strange times we live in..."
He continues down the hall, turning right at a junction, and leads you into a small conference room, closing the door behind you. He reaches over to a lever beside the door and pushes it into the 'up' position. You hear static and a low hum, then silence. "Knowing Petros like I do, I've activated the wards on this room so we may speak in private. What do you have for me?"
Darren lowers his hand awkwardly and looks away. "Oh, I'm sorry to bear the news so bluntly. Yes, I'm afraid the Professor passed away almost two months ago. Sadly, he was murdered in the field at the Harrowstone Prison -- a fate that I nearly suffered myself if my companions here hadn't come and rescued me in their search to uncover more details behind the Professor's untimely death. Since then we've cleansed the Harrowstone of its evils, but at the cost of much pain and many more lives."
Darren explains all this as they follow Doctor Crowl, and when they arrive in the conference room he retrieves the books to be returned to him. "As for why we're here, Doctor Crowl, the Professor asked us to return these three books to you -- he said they belonged with a more extensive collection you have here in Lepidstadt. He seemed to believe that they were too dangerous to stay unguarded in Ravengro."
Darren gives a sidelong glance to his companions, unsure if he should disclose any more information the Professor left behind about the Whispering Way cult. Deciding to change the subject, he instead turns to the the subject of Lepidstadt's recent troubles. "Sorry, Doctor, but you said earlier that a beast is what robbed and vandalized the museum? What sort of beast, may I ask, and what was it after? We've heard a buzz of talk around town about this beast's trial -- is it soon?"
As the group moves through the museum, Roland looks shocked at it's state. The word that it had been robbed is treated with equal surprise, but he remains quiet and allows Darren to do the talking as they approach the conference room.
"Sorry, Doctor, but you said earlier that a beast is what robbed and vandalized the museum? What sort of beast, may I ask, and what was it after? We've heard a buzz of talk around town about this beast's trial -- is it soon?"
"Indeed," Roland interjects. "And for that matter, what was stolen from our university?"
"Where did the the invaders enter?"
Doctor Crowl takes the books and glances at them with little fanfare. He appears accustomed to strange, potentially dangerous tomes. "Indeed, Petros was correct. There are any number of mentally disturbed people who would take these books and try to follow some of the rituals. Thank you for returning them."
Crowl glances up when you ask about the museum. "Well, we know the creature destroyed the front window to gain entrance, and yes, it was a beast. Or rather, The Beast of Lepidstadt. It's wandered around the swamps to the north of the city for years, committing all manner of horrible crimes, but even though the guard has hunted for it, they never caught it until now."
"As far as we know, The Beast appeared interested in a small little statue called the Seasage Effigy. Honestly, it was an ugly little thing without much value. It's value was in the unusual carving itself, a mix between a fish and an octopus... or something like that. Of course, we still have to find it, but I'm sure the guards will convince The Beast to give it up."
"I think the trial has already started, or the pre-trial has. That's where the prosecution lays out the charges against the accused, and the defendant has the chance to speak in their defense before the actual trial begins. I think the real excitement will start in a few days - that's when all the evidence is presented. I've heard seats are already impossible to get - all the people from the surrounding towns are coming to Lepidstadt hoping to see The Beast pay for its crimes."
Thank you for safe-keeping the Professor's book, Doctor. There was also this, if we may pass it along to you. Karl hands over the flesh golem manual before favoring Dr. Cowl with a perplexed look.
Pardons, Doctor, but if the Beast did not have this statue, how can anyone be sure it is the thief. Also, what manner of creature steals a statue? Not a wolf or bear, I am sure. What is this Beast, if I may ask, and what are its crimes?
Dr. Crowl is surprised when Karl produces the flesh golem manual. "My goodness, where did you find this?! I lost it several months ago when the people who clean our offices got mine confused with one of my colleagues who was being moved to another building. They had moved everything into the hallway and were putting my books into boxes when I arrived! Thank you so much for finding it!"
He grips the book tightly as he listen's to Karl's questions about the theft. "Well, the guard is relatively sure, since the statue was in the museum before the break in, but gone when they captured the Beast. And no, it is no simple wolf or bear. It appears to be, what some would call, a golem."[b] Thrusting the book forward, he taps it, [b]"A flesh golem, no less! Made from the parts of several creatures, all stitched together and given life through a ritual that infused the body with magical existence! But it is no simple construct - the Beast of Lepidstadt can apparently think for itself! Golems are mindless, that is, they cannot make decisions without direction from their creators. But this Beast can apparently do that! If it wasn't such a dangerous creature, the University would have insisted on its release for study."
"As for the crimes it is being accused of, I'm not really sure. I seem to remember it being seen killing children in a small village to the north, but my memory isn't what it used to be, I'm sorry to say."
"Might it be possible that someone has used this fiend as a strongman giving them entry and covering their tracks in one motion? Surely the assembled parts of the recently deceased could not so fully planned both a break in and hiding of the absconded goods."
"It's certainly possible others were using it, but that would certainly be a huge risk to take. Who would ally themselves with a monster like the Beast? As to its capabilities - we don't really know. Though it's unlikely, the monster may be brilliant, and playing at some game we haven't yet recognized. I just don't know, there are many unanswered questions about this whole mess."
"The flesh golem manual was found by an innkeeper in Ravengro -- apparently it had been left behind in his building a few months ago, and he turned it in to Mr. Alendru, the teacher in Ravengro. Alendru recognized your name, heard we were on our way to Lepidstadt, and connected the dots. Maybe your book was 'borrowed,' used, and abandoned." Darren scratches his chin and shrugs his shoulders. "Seems almost suspicious that a flesh golem manual disappears a few months ago, then turns up in Ravengro right before one goes on trial. How common are these golems' construction in these parts?"
"Either way, I would like to follow the trial closely while we're here: it's not every day a real Beast stands trial before justice. And if you need any help recovering your missing statue, I will gladly offer aid wherever it's needed."
Crowl pauses as Darren begins voicing his suspicions, then narrows his eyes. "Interesting hypothesis, sir. Indeed, golem construction is a costly and difficult process. I would consider it very rare in any place, much less in Ustalav. I don't even know anybody who has seriously considered it, and I know quite a few powerful people who could both afford and manage the process. I think I'll ask the Dean to investigate those people who were packing up my office. Seems apparent that my book 'accidentally' found its way into one of their pockets."
"Thank you for the offer of assistance. Hopefully it's location will be revealed during the trial."
As he is speaking, he glances down to Darren's side and finally indicates his short sword, "If you don't mind me asking - where did you get that sword? It seems to be... unusual."
Darren looks down at the sword, then detaches the blade and its scabbard and holds it up for the Doctor to see. "This? We uncovered it in the Harrowstone. It was behaving oddly for a while down there in that horrible darkness... didn't seem right to sell it off without knowing a bit more about it."
Karl shakes his head, No, I think that blade came from the false tomb in the Ravengro boneyard. Unless I'm getting confused again. We found a number of strange weapons, both in the tomb, and in the prison.
"Oh, well I believe I received it from you while in the Harrowstone. I didn't realize where it had come from. I'm glad to know its origin. Can you tell us anything about it, Doctor Cowl?"
Crowl pushes the books to the side, and motions everyone back. "Please, sir, place the blade on the table."
Dr. Crowl begins examining the blade, then moves down to the hilt. As he does so, his mouth tightens in a thin line, "As I suspected. The weapon appears to have a magic aura, but it is false."
Looking up at Darren, he grimly states, "You carry a cursed blade, my friend. The 'odd behavior' you noticed was the sword's curse. Since you freely gave the sword to me, it seems you were able to resist any hold it might have gained over you."
"This sword was not created from typical arcane enhancement. It was created using the soul of a living person. Unfortunately, they were killed in the process, but their soul was trapped inside the sword. A truly horrible fate, but luckily, one that can be salvaged."
"If the soul could be made to bend to your will, it could become a truly powerful weapon. But the cost is high - you would be in a constant battle for control of yourself, and risk losing your own soul to the one that is trapped inside the weapon. It is good that you were able to resist the curse - or else another would be guiding your actions and words."
"So... I must ask, Darren, now that you know the truth of this weapon, what would you do with it? Do you wish to wield it, to force your will upon it so it will obey your commands? Or would you have the soul inside freed to continue its journey into the afterword? I must add that the weapon will be destroyed in the process - not even the metal will remain."
"I... in the Harrowstone I would hear a woman's voice from time to time before we battled with some of the spirits. She was asking for help, said she didn't know where she was and that everything was dark. Nobody else could hear her. Could it be her soul that is trapped in here, then?" he gestures toward the sword. "I felt an almost... happiness that resonated from the blade whenever I struck a spirit."
Dr. Crowl nods as Darren recounts the voice. "Indeed, that was likely the soul, beginning to assert itself over you. It is also likely that the poor girl inside the sword would take over your mind without any ill intent."
He pauses and looks down for a moment, "Unfortunately, the ritual used to seal her inside the sword takes away certain inhibitions from the soul's conscious. You might be able to control and contain her for a time, but eventually, she would probably wear you down, and eventually, you would become her tool. You would become addicted to that feeling of happiness, and would do anything to sense it again."
That sounds awful, Karl whispers. Isn't there any way to free her?
"Yes, there is a ritual that would free her soul. The priests would perform it for free, obviously. Freeing a trapped soul like this would be a service that any priest with a good heart would readily undertake."
"Yes, there is a ritual that would free her soul. The priests would perform it for free, obviously. Freeing a trapped soul like this would be a service that any priest with a good heart would readily undertake."
"Well..." Roland interjects, having been politely quiet up until now. "I think this must be a priority for us. Especially in light of what we just experienced at Harrowstone."
"Indeed."
"Well then, I guess it's settled. I couldn't keep her soul trapped from passing on when it's time had come -- however untimely her death may have been. Best to get on with things and let it all go."
"Besides, my sword should be focused on one thing: victory for the Inheritor, justice to her enemies, protection of the weak. I can't risk getting distracted from that goal battling for my very own free will against an invasive, mind-bending curse!"
"Please have the soul released, Doctor. I'll be glad when this whole business is done."
"Not to mention your patron's desire to see such a soul set free, Dareen."
"Of course, Franc, that goes without saying. I cannot presume to know everything she wishes of me in this world, but Iomedae's desires will always influence and reflect my own. May she continue to guide me down the righteous path."
Dr Crowl responds with a firm nod, "I swear to you I shall see it done. "
"Again, thank you for returning the books. I shall have to see what I can do for the extra service of returning my flesh golem manual. Until we see each other again, please feel free to call upon me if I can provide any service for you."
After removing the pommel stone, Karl holds out his greatsword to Dr. Crowl. Well doctor, any edge you could give us against those Whisperers would be much appreciated, if you take my meaning. Do you think you could spruce up this hunk of steel a bit? I'd be much obliged.
[b]"I must that my lord has again provided me with a much needed hand! My plate armor could benefit from your touch as well, good sir."[/ooc]
He accepts the items and asks you to return in two days.
-----
Asking for directions, you eventually find yourself outside a two-story stone house. The exterior is simple, almost plain, and gives everyone a slight sense of foreboding. As you knock on the door, a man dressed as a servant answers, and hearing your names and business, he shows you into a sitting room. The room is richly appointed, and immaculately clean. Every pillow is perfectly arranged, and the chairs and sofa appear to be precisely placed at the same angles on either side of teh space.
A few moments later, a woman in her sixties strides in and greets you. She has gray hair pulled back tightly into a bun and icy blue eyes. Introducing herself, you find yourself facing Judge Embreth Daramid.
She leads you across the hall and into the study. She indicates several seats for you and then sits down behind a huge oak desk. Pulling out a sheaf of papers, she places them down neatly and begins to review them. After reading, she inquires if you have finished all the tasks left for you in Professor Lorrimor's will. Hearing your positive assertion, and accepting the last book in your possession, she opens a desk drawer to retrieve the payment due to you.
She returns to her seat behind her desk, "I confess, I find myself in a position of needing assistance in a matter of particular importance. If Petros trusted you, then I believe I shall ask your indulgence for a few moments."
"I have served as Judge in Lepidstadt for nearly twenty years. In that time, I have seen a cancer growing in this town. For many years, the citizens of this city have laid all their ills at the foot of the Beast of Lepidstadt - murders, thefts, abductions. But I know that most of those stories are exaggerations, or outright falsehoods."
"What you don't hear much of are the tales showing a different side of the Beast. Of its kindness, and humanity. Rescuing a family from a burning house, or returning a child lost in the swamps. As you no doubt know, the Beast is currently in my jail awaiting trial. A shame then, that nobody is willing to stand up now, when it matters, to recount any of the good deeds the Beast is responsible for, only the terror and death."
She sighs once before continuing, "The people of Lepidstadt have blamed the Beast for too much, for too long, and many are blinded to the realities of the situation. Is it possible that the creature committed the crimes it is accused of committing? Of course, but I will not allow the ignorant masses and their penchant for ignoring their own responsibilities to determine the outcome of this case."
"I have reviewed the notes from the museum theft, and I have a number of questions about it. But as I am a Judge, I cannot ask them publicly for fear of being removed from the case due to bias. Given the current situation in town, any show of support for the creature is sure to rouse suspicion from nearly everyone in the city."
"What I need are people who may be my unofficial eyes and ears in this matter. People who are smart enough to ask the right questions, and twist the right arms, if it comes to that. I want the truth of what has happened, at the University, and with all the crimes being laid at the feet of the Beast. As individuals without any local bias or prejudice, you all seem reasonably well-suited for my purposes."
"And rest assured, my only goal in this is to see justice done. If you do accept this offer, and your investigations reveal the creature has in face perpetrated these heinous acts, then I will be the first one to condemn it to death. But if the Beast is innocent, then the actual criminals are still at large, and I will not send the creature to the fires of punishment for the acts of others."
"I am prepared to offer you 200 platinum pieces each if you accept this job. You will be paid regardless of what your investigation shows - guilt or innocence. But you must be willing to aid in the creature's defense during court proceedings. Finally, our association in this matter must remain strictly confidential. If word gets out of my involvement, anything you discover will be dismissed, and my reputation will be destroyed."