Tamarie nods, and finds a chair to sit.
"Is that man we met in the graveyard always so... agressive? I'm sorry if I reacted poorly, but my feelings got the best of me. I fear I might have made an enemy right here."
Vivian sit besides Tamarie and pats her hand
You're like your arrow,Tamarie: straight to the point.
She smiles and winks
Burials rarely bring the best in people. But I'm glad we could resolve this matter without using force. Remember our guest told us while we arrived that she feeled already eyed with suspicion before we came here.
A fight with a local wouldn't have endeared any of us to the town.
Best part of my little speech is that the guy can honestly said that he bowed to the will of a god, not under the threat of a ragtag of unknown never-do-well, coming from who knows where to the burial of a man which was at best unanderstood, at worst feared in the town.
His reputation as a "tough guy" isn't tarnished, and he can brags as he wishes. We should be extra careful in our dealings with town people, and show our best side while we're here.
Worst part of my speech... Yuuuck, it sounded so much like my mother! I spend too much time in the temple...I hope you have something strong to drink, Kendra, because I may very well need to spend all my night with my tongue stuck out in alcohol to wash all the wisdom from it.
Her green eyes twinkle as her grin widens, then she continues
If we have the time, before your lawyer or whatever he fancies calling himself come to read the will of your father, maybe we could say a little more about ourselves?
I'm curious, i confess, and I'd so like to know you all. Who wants to begin?
Turning away from peeking through the shutters at the approaching storm, Professor Rokannon smiles and takes the cup of tea from Kendra. He sipped it appreciatively while thinking on Vivian's question.
"Hm. Well in my case there is little to say. I have been either attending or instructing at the Invisible College for as long as I can remember. This is only the third time I have traveled outside the protective enchantments of the College."
With a glint in his eye, he took a draw of his pipe, then softly blew a large smoke ring. With a gesture, it rolled through the air until it settled into orbit over Vivians head. With another gesture, the ring suddenly glittered like diamonds.
"And what of yourself milady? I have to confess, your speech was sheer genius. Are you in politics by any chance? What deep secrets do you keep in your background?"
"I serve Pharasma by ridding the world of the unholy scourge of the undead. I'm half orc and I carry a greataxe around on my back, so people usually keep their distance, which is fine by me." Davor tells the group.
After an awkward lull in which it becomes apparent they were expecting his story to continue, he adds:
"Uhh... That's all."
Laughing, the young redhead answers to the professor
I'm way too honest to be a politician, at least I hope to be! I'm just what you can call an enterprising adventurer, a charming rogue or just a plain "thief" even if I don't like the term. I have morals, first and foremost.
My mother took care of me, and she gave me strong ethics and some of her goodwill. She gave me love too, and with it the freedom to do as I wish most of the time... as long as I'm aware of the consequences of my acts.
While I was daydreaming of being an hero, saving the world from big dragons or other strange threats, she would talk to the baker for some bread to give to the poor, reminding him of the healthy baby she helped deliver the month before, or charge more money to a merchant for the Temple services so that she could pay a decent burial for a deceased homeless. She's my down-to-Golarion hero. And if people need sometimes to be saved from demons, dragons or whatever foul beast might hunt in the night, they always need food, and clothes, and a smile or some kind words
There is a real admiration, and deep love, in Vivian's eyes while she speaks of her mother
Once, as i came home-in the temple of Pharasma- late at night after a busy evening in a tavern, and more gold and silver in my pockets after some lucky hands at cards, she confronted me. I told her the truth, as always, that i had fun time, singing, drinking and playing games.
She just told me that I was indeed lucky, because i had a roof over my head, meals, clothes-ugly, gray clothes but clothes nonetheless- while Widow Haretch was facing hard times trying to give her four children enough food, with no spare money to buy wood to warm them. Fate, and Pharasma, gave me some spare money, money I didn't realy needed, in her point of view.
She said nothing more.She didn't need to. I went out of the temple right after her speech, and did what was right.
So maybe I inherited her way to push the right buttons on people, Professor.
She sighs,amused at herself
Well, I guess I speak too much.Again.How can you now when you're in and when you're out of this College, professor, if it's Invisible?
She grins at the Professor and turns to the servant of Pharasma
It's a noble cause you serve, Davor, and a tough task. I'm glad to have you by my side. I'm sure we'll have plenty to share, coming from quite similar backgrounds.
Looking at Cassandra and Tamarie
And you, Miladies? What's your name? What's your quest? What's your favorite color??
Tamarie turns when adressed, and will answer quite stoically.
"Euh... Tamarie Lialda, none currently, and greenish brown. Why would you require this information? I enjoy your company, don't get me wrong, though I fear we might never see eachother again. But if anyone needs a decent tracker, you can call on me. I have "some" experience."
I like this Davor guy. To the point, just the way I like my men.
How can you now when you're in and when you're out of this College, professor, if it's Invisible?
Professor Rokannon gives a brief smile.
"Well, you understand people look upon magicians with great suspicion and prejudice. There are powerful illusions in place that makes the college look like another block of apartment buildings. Only those who have the talent can see past the illusion to gain entry."
Forgive me, I'm not really used to the arcane matters. I've seen fervent prayers and gentle faith done miracles, but not much in the "lay" , profane, magic.
My teachings were either in the temple or, when I could escape it, in the streets. I know how to read, but I did prefer the lessons of everyday life than the books. But' i'm always willing to learn, of course. When you don't learn anymore, you're dead, or you can die foolishly.
Of course, one can always die wisely.
Vivian thinks a little and add
I guess everyone can face suspicion and prejudice. And some of us here face it everyday. You can always pretend being a "normal" guy, but Davor, Cassandra or Tamarie can't pretend that easily to be anything else than they look. That's why my mother taught me to judge people by their acts, not by the way they look. Of course, it's always better not to judge at all, because only Pharasma can judge with impartiality. We are mere humans, and so we can easily by fooled, by others or by ourselves.
She makes a face
Yuuuuuuck. It sounded so much like my mother. AGAIN. I'll need a good drink or two to wash all that wisdom outta my tongue.
She looks at Tamarie, grinning-Gosh, this is prank time!
With an experienced tracker by our side,I guess we won't lose any socks anymore so?
the young, slender redhead laughs happily
Sorry, Tamarie.I HAD to say something funny...Now i'll keep quiet for a while, because maybe Cassandra wants to speak too.
Davor is becoming visibly uncomfortable waiting for the councilman to arrive to read Professor Lorrimor's will, inspecting his equipment and weapons thoroughly as he shifts in his seat.
Smiling slightly in nervous appreciation for your collective company, Kendra asks, "Perhaps you might enjoy a game of Towers until Councilman Hearthmount gets here?"
You notice the deck Kendra is shuffling is obviously well used.
"If I revall correctly what the professor taught me, I might stand a chance... Let's see if I can tempt my fate?"
She sits down, and starts shufeling the cards.
Professor Rokannon looks on the deck with interest as he draws on his pipe.
"By all means. I would like to think of something else for a while; Deal me in." He said as he sits down at the table.
A game of cards? I'm in! Let's see what Pharasma has in stock for me.
But first, Kendra, could i sneak into your kitchen first and see if i can get something to fill my stomach? I'm quite hungry, i confess...I don't think i'm the only one. And something to drink, something strong i mean, would be most welcome too..
she pauses, smiles, and finally adds with a wink
Knowing the location of the ladies room after that long journey would be helpful.
I'll pass. Not much of a card player.
"Knowing the location of the ladies room after that long journey would be helpful."
"Oh dear." Kendra exclaims in response to your query regarding relieving yourself. "I'm sorry, I completely forgot how weary & trail worn you must all be!"
"I'm afraid Ravengro is a bit backwards compared to cities like Caliphas or even Lepidstadt." Looking down a trifle abashed, "We make do with chamber pots here I'm afraid, but there's one in each of the guest rooms. Please, make yourselves at home!" As she shows you the rest of the house.
Professor Lorrimor & his daughter were obviously not over-used to company as the house only has three bed chambers. Fortunately, the late professor's was large enough to replace one grand bed with two smaller ones, which miss Lorrimor seems to have done along with other preparations for your arrival. The guest room is also large enough for two, or even three, beds; though in that case they are more akin to cots, unfortunately. Each bed has a small, lockable, trunk at the foot.
As you accommodate yourselves to the present quarters, Kendra busies herself in the kitchen & by the time you have all made your way back to the living room, she has brought out a small selection of snacks, a pitcher of beer & a carafe of a light wine.
Just as you have once more made yourselves comfortable, there is a precise, carrying rapping at the front door of the house.
"I'll get that, it's the least I can do."
Tamarie will walk over to the door.
After doing what she had to do wand refreshing herself after the long travel, Vivian put her backpack the guest room chamber before going downstairs.
Her eyes wander around the house, looking for the potential weak spots- not as if she had any plans to steal and rob, but to defend the place from intruders- while she walks, humming tunelessly and smiling.
Then, like a predator, she spots the snaks, and jumps the last steps of the stairs
This seems real yummy, Kendra, you've done wonders! And some wine too! Great! Hope you'll take something too, you probably need it.
Professor Rokannon hauls his luggage to his designated bed and changes his travelling robes into something more comfortable. He keeps his staff though.
As he takes a seat and accepts a little of the wine, he hears the knocking...
Distracted by her duties as hostess, Kendra is preempted in her attempt to answer the door by Tamarie's offer.
As you open the door, you notice once more it's solid construction. With it swung wide you have a clear view of the older gentleman standing quite straight before you.
In his middle years, his build & demeanor suggests a former military man now somewhat softened by civilian life. His expression, though still civil, seems to sour slightly when he matches gazes with you. "Hrm...
You are Miss Lorrimor."
Looking over at the door as it is opened, Professor Rokannon looks over the newcomer as he sedately lights up his pipe without a match.
"Come in good sir! You are expected. Miss Lorrimor is in the Kitchen at the moment."
"Actually, I'm right here. Hello Councilman Hearthmount, punctual as always." Kendra interjects as she returns to the living room, three steins & four wineglasses (some slightly chipped) looped through various fingers of each hand. Setting the drinking vessels next to the pitcher & carafe, she pours some beer carefully into one of the steins, filling it only halfway, before handing it to the Councilman once he steps fully over the threshold.
"Hrm, P'hrm" The Councilman sputters slightly at being so clearly preempted. "Please, miss Lorrimor, I have asked you in the past to call me Vashian."
Accepting her slight smile & nod of acknowledgement with due grace, Councilman Hearthmount takes a seat in what was likely Professor Lorrimor's preferred chair (given it's placement & clearly better light for reading), pulls out several sealed papers & waits for Kendra & the rest of you to settle yourselves appropriately & attend to the reading.
Tamarie will close the door behind him, offer to take his coat and will then take to the nearest seat, preferably close to the fire.
Vivian smiles for herself at Varshian and Kendra wasted attempts to hide their obvious feelings.
Have you seen Davor and Cassandra, Prof Farradir? Or should I eat their food and drink their beer while they are..still busy upstairs together?
With a grin and a wink to the magician, Vivian bites into another snack
Looking upward at Vivian uncomprehending, Professor Rokannon looks over at Davor.
"Well Davor is right over there. I have not seen Cassandra come down yet. I will go see if she's decent."
With that he rises and goes upstairs to see what's keeping Cassandra.
ooopps, sorry Davor, haven't noticed you were already downstairs. I was too hungry maybe. My apologies. Want something to drink ?
Professor Rokannon, as you get up you realize Cassandra is actually sitting in the chair slightly behind you.
Pointedly not looking in the direction of either overlooked individual, Councilman Hearthmount nevertheless seems to be performing something of a head count & mental review of person's present vs. descriptions memorized, tsking & shaking his head as though certain individuals weren't present who should have been. "Miss Lorrimor, you have heard nothing from Professor Adrissant or this...
Ysmerelda, of Pitax?"
Face falling notably at the mention of the name Ysmerelda, Kendra nods. "I'm sorry Councilman Hearthmount, but you should know as well as I do that Pitax is much more than two weeks travel from here. I doubt she's even received notice of Father's death yet. As far as Adivion is concerned..." Kendra's expression shifts from distraught to firmly disapproving. "That he has chosen to appear suits me perfectly."
Nodding acknowledgement of her feelings, Councillor Hearthmount continues. "Fortunately, while the particulars of Professor Lorrimor's will stipulate it is not to be read without at least four other...
parties,
present; there are five named individuals here in addition to miss Lorrimor, therefore we may proceed." Having so declared, he produces a small, sharp knife & with a certain degree of formality, slices through the seal binding the documents.
Clearing his throat, Councilman Hearthmount begins reading aloud. "I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will & 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." Pausing to catch a breath & a sip of beer, he glances surreptitiously at Kendra to be certain she is prepared for him to go on. You all notice he does not extend the same courtesy to the rest of you.
Kendra's demeanor, always somewhat laced with an undertone of melancholy since all of you arrived, visibly fades with this tangible reminder of her father's recent death. However, although you notice a marked increase in the moisture of her eyes, she does not succumb to sobbing or any other indications of being overwhelmed by emotion or circumstances.
Acknowledging this, Councilman Hearthmount once more nods & continues reading. "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 principles 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 it's plans."
At mention of 'study of Evil', Councilman Hearthmount's expression takes a somewhat disapproving cast & as he once more pauses for breath you notice this time he does glance at each of you briefly.
Seeing Kendra sadness sober up Vivian,as she remember that she's not here to get fed but to bring whatever support needed to the Lorrimor family. She puts down her snack hastily and fills up a glass of wine.
She brings the glass to Kendra, clumsily getting in the Councilman view for a few seconds
Here's some wine dear...
Sleight of hand vs Perception: the napkin comes back in Kendra's hand so she can wipe her eyes if needed
Tamarie is slightly impressed, avoiding his strong gaze by looking at the redhead.
Professor Rokannon is oblivious to Councilman Hearthmount's glance; and continues to slouch in his chair while staring into space, sipping his wine and listening to the reading of the Will.
Davor shifts forward a bit in his chair, sitting up taller than before in anticipation of the section of the will pertaining to him and the rest of the group.
Eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing each of you, Councilman Hearthmount coughs once & resumes reading. "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." At mention of this, Councilman Hearthmount pauses, tsks in approbation, shaking his head slightly as he does so & then continues on. "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." Though Councillor Hearthmount nods in patriarchal approval with these words, you all notice a slight sniff of of annoyance from Kendra at the implication. "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."
Setting that page aside, Councilman Hearthmount takes advantage of the pause to once more take a sip from his stein in preparation of completing the reading. "Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is another favor--please delay your journey one month and occupy that period here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound."
"" Kendra interjects in outrage. "Am I such a, a...
,
that I cannot care for myself!"
"Please, miss Lorrimor," Councilman Hearthmount replies placatingly, "It is a not-at-all uncommon codicil in circumstances such as yours; when a sole, unmarried, daughter finds herself bereft..." He trails off at the decidedly quelling chill in Kendra's glare.
"I'll just finish the reading, shan't I?"
"She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt--she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the reading of this will."
"I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4710 Absalom Reckoning."
and less than a week before Professor Lorrimor died...
Clearly furious, Kendra retains sufficient poise to, rather frostily, thank Councilman Hearthmount for his time & trouble and escort him to the door. Once he has departed it is fairly plain she wants nothing more than to scream in outrage but she contains herself as she is reminded of your presence. "Well, as I was saying, Towers anyone?"
Of course. A game would be most welcome. How many players? four, maybe five if Cassandra join us? I would be glad if you reminds us the rules while we prepare the place.
Vivian starts to set the chairs around the table
At the mention of forbidden books, Professor Rokannon looks up with eager interest. He fidgets during the rest of the reading, not even reacting at the sum of money mentioned.
Once Hearthmount leaves, he turns to Kendra.
"Books you say? Do you happen to recall the titles?"
Cassandra sits demurely on the settee sipping, having never acquired a taste for hard liquors, hot tea watching the others talk about their encounters with the Professor. She smiles wanly at Professor Faradir as he overlooks her presence in the room.
She is about to speak when there is a knock at the door. As Tamarie opens the door, Cassandra rises as the Councillor enters the room. As the Councillor and Kendra exchange greetings Cassandra notes the undercurrent passing between the two.
Sense motive: 'Take 10'+4=14
As the others gather around the table for the reading of the will, Cassandra stands in the background watching the others while listening intently to the articles in the document. Her eyes widen slightly as Councillor Hearthmount reads the sums waiting for them in Leipstadt "Such a princely sum for something I would gladly due for free."
Knowledge (nature): 'Take 10'+6=16
"He updated his will recently, as if he knew there could be trouble and wanted his daughter looked after. Always looking out for others rather than himself."
As the Councillor looks disapprovingly around the assembled group Cassandra locks eyes with him, her mismatched eyes to his, until he is forced to look away.
Charisma check:
After the Councillor departs Cassandra begs off the invitation to play cards "Thank you, no. It's a game I never learned to play." Turning to Kendra Cassandra inquires "Mistress, do you know were this chest your father wrote about is?"
"Yes please, it will be a welcome distraction. Anyone else care to join?"
As Professor Rokannon & miss Blackmoore press her regarding the books the will mentions charging them with returning to Lepidstadt & the University there, Kendra nods in somewhat mulish acknowledgement. "Still don't see why he felt couldn't handle matters myself..." She mutters under her breath as she leads the way to Professor Lorrimor's study, wherein you realize that while almost every wall in the house that you have seen so far is covered in bookshelves, the rest of the house still doesn't have as many books as reside in here...
Striding up to the desk near the center of the room, Kendra pulls a key from a drawer within & thrusts it, accusingly, at a smallish iron bound oaken chest placed on what seems to be another writing desk. " is what Father felt was to burden me with..." She says, tossing the key in your direction.
Eager to see the tomes, Professor Rokannon follows Kendra into the Study.
"My dear Miss Lorrimor, I'm sure he simply didn't want to worry you with..." He makes a frantic grab for the key in mid-air.
Davor quietly follows the group into the study, pondering the meaning of the Professor's will and (Kn. Nature take 10) the recent amendments.
Standing behind Prof. Rokannon when Kendra tosses the key, he instinctively extends his hand to catch the flying object should his companion fail to grab it.
As the game of cards seems postponed for the moment, Vivian, pushed by her innate curiosity, follows everyone when her green eyes spot the keys flying and people trying to snatch them from the air with more or less grace.
The lithe young redhead seems to be lost in her thoughts, and silent for once
*I wonder how the Professor Lorrimor sensed his time was closing to the end... Did Pharasma offered him a glimpse of his Fate to thank him for all the night terrors he took down?*
Professor Rokannon; fortune favors you as you manage to grasp the key just as it reaches the apex of it's arc. Stepping to the chest itself & slipping the key into the lock, it's obvious the lock has been well cared for & properly maintained. The key slides easily in & turns with no more resistance than the mechanism itself would provide.
Inside, the first thing you see is a newer, leather-bound tome (probably a journal, you hope it's a journal given that someone has etched 'Read me now!' into the cover in Taldane). Below the journal you see four other, older, books as well.
Looking closely at each; one is bound in a rich purple cover with a Brass Scarab set with a single eye in it's center as a clasp, the second is covered in jet-black leather & the last two have decidedly nondescript leather bindings, though you notice both have an oddly disquieting sheen to them when you gaze more intently.
Tamarie is watching it, unsure what to make of this.
Magic..
Eyes bright with excitement, Professor Rokannon carefully brushes his fingertips across the bindings of the books before picking up the one marked "Read Me Now!"
He looks at it from all angles before carefully opening it...