"I'd be surprised if this weren't human blood," Davor says, randomly. "S'pose we'll all get blamed whenever they find out whose it is."
"And I don't think you or me should be expecting much help from anybody in this town, especially that sheriff," he whispers to Tamarie. "Might be best to leave the purebreds do all the talking for a bit."
"No trace of magic, active or otherwise."
I'm sorry for asking, Kendra.. but who found your father there? Do you know why he would go in this place?
Perception roll to hear Davor whispering
"It was one of the deputies. Sheriff Caellar had heard reports of strangers seen in the fields & forests to the South & what looked like torchlight about Harrowstone on some nights recently. He had even mentioned it to Father the last time he had visited for cards about a month or so ago."
"Father was actually rather dismissive then, but I could tell something about it troubled him."
Tamarie listens, not really knowing what to say.
Would it be prudent to suggest going there? Let's see what the others have to say first!
I guess we'll have to check the place real soon, Kendra. But "real soon" doesn't mean "unprepared", so we'll have to run a few errands first, and we could use your help for that.
If we want to know what happened to your beloved father, we must act carefully, and use not only his wisdom and vast knowledge, but your intimate knowledge of him and the events which lead to his tragic death too.
By the way, just so you know, Davor, there's nothing like "purebreds" or "halfbreds" in my lovely green eyes. Remember you're not "guilty" about how you are born, but you are responsable about how you live. Only Pharasma can judge you truly. Who know what your Fate is, apart from the Lady of Graves? Maybe you' ll be one of the greatest hero of our faith. Maybe in a few years, you' ll have a wife and kids, and live happily for the rest of your life, basking in the love of your family and having the trust and respect of your friends and neighbours.
She smiles and winks at Davor
You have mine already.That's a good start, no?
She rises on tiptoes and tries to plant a kiss on the cheek of the inquisitor
"Hm. This monument is to the guards who died at the Harrowstone prison, and Professor Lorrimor's journal mentioned Harrowstone.
"With your permission Miss Kendra, I think I need to go back to the Professors Library and do some more thorough reading than I got a chance to last night."
He smokes some more, thoughtfully.
"After that... Well, there might be some records here in town. Perhaps the Town's Mayor might have some records germain to our inquiry, or perhaps a newssheet vendor if they have one out here."
"Returning to the manor sounds like a good plan, as does preparing to head into this Harrowstone. I'll be ready in an hour or two, what about the rest of you. Professor? Davor? Vivian?"
She will accompany the professor back, talking about the things he read about Harrowstone.
Professor Rokannon settles down in the Library with a cup of hot tea, and a spell of Dancing Lights set to best illuminate the manuscripts.
He begins with the late Professor's Journal, reading it thoroughly, and making notes in his own journal as to the questions raised. He takes some scrap paper and marks places where he can turn to conveniently.
Halfway through, he realizes something important and rushes off to find Tamarie before she leaves.
"Tamarie! Miss Lialda! Wait! Before we go to Ravengro, we need to find a list of names of the people that were there. The Professor, he realized that the Whispering Way was interested in somebody who was there. We need to find out who. The Professor thought he could find a list at the Temple of Pharasma."
He breathes a sigh of relief and turns back to the Library.
"Oh! And the place is guarded by evil spirits and we need to find a way to deal with them before we go there!"
After he works his way through the Journal, he will use the Library here to research Ravengro Prison, cross referencing with the Whispering Way wherever possible. He'll take whatever time is necessary. Smoking and drinking tea...
"Evil spirits are not exactly my domain, professor. What exactly should we be looking for in the shop? Candles and salts? Holy water? I have no idea what works..."
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Professor Rokannon, after comparatively little time you realize Professor Lorrimor's library has almost no information regarding Harrowstone itself...
Which explains his need to make use of the historical documentation at the Church. Fortunately, during your time as an apprentice at the Invisible College, you roomed with a budding Necromancer by the name of Elias Bellimarius who was obsessed with obscure tragedies. You recall one Spring he dominated all dinner conversations with pointless trivia regarding a fire which destroyed a prison far to the Barbaric North some 50 years or so ago.
Pointless...
Until now,
for you realize the prison Elias was obsessing over must have been Harrowstone, the external circumstances match too closely for it to have been anywhere else.
Harrowstone was intended as the chief prison & execution site for all of Ustalav, housing those criminals deemed too dangerous for 'normal' incarceration. There is evidence to indicate that the fire was in fact a result of a nearly successful escape attempt by several of the worst of the prisoners present at the time & may have actually saved the townsfolk from their depredations had they achieved escape. These prisoners included 5 particularly notorious individuals. The evidence indicated that the prisoners had already successfully gained control of the main prison cells below-ground & the fire began as a result of the guards panic when the prisoners seemed likely to make their way to the surface.
Harrowstone ended it's existence in 4641, when a fire broke out within ultimately destroying much of the structure & killing all the prisoners and many of the guards, including the Prison's Warden & his wife; which confuses a number of historians as she had no reason to be present since the fire started near dusk. After it's destruction, which consumed much of the structure below ground & weakened the foundations in one wing above ground, it was never rebuilt and while the inhabitants of Ravengro take pride in their families' histories they do not enjoy speaking of it to outsiders, believing it to be haunted both by the spirits of the guards & the prisoners. It is because of this filial & civic pride that the Memorial was fashioned, representing the Warden & the other Guards who died in the fire.
"Good," Davor replies to Vivian's words, taken aback slightly by the kiss on his cheek. "I just meant the sheriff and some of the townsfolk have been giving me and Tamarie the evil eye since we got here and you'd have a better chance of convincing people around here to help us since they don't hate you before you even have a chance to say anything. And you're better with words anyway."
After heading back to the Lorrimor estate, Davor recalls something he had found intriguing in the professor's journal about a hidden cache of tools and weapons that could be of use against necromancers and their minions. He studies the journal again to refresh his memory.
"Here," he declares as he locates the journal entry he sought. "It says there's a false crypt in the cemetery with equipment he was going to use at Harrwstone. I hope the priest will let us investigate it and use whatever tools the professor was talking about."
Back to Lorrimor estate, Vivian tries to make herself useful, taking some time to help Kendra with the everyday chores of the house...
achieving quite some success in that way. The house is cleaned, washed and everything is put in the right place as the redhead buzz around, humming for herself. Meanwhile, both the Professor and Davor find some interesting info they share with their companions. With some cake and warm tea, of course.
well, now that everything is done, Kendra, and that the boys have found some welcome informations, I have a few questions for you. Seeing how your father thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, do you know the places where he went when his own books couldn't satisfy his needs and curiosity? Apart from the Temple of Pharasma, where we'll be going soon, of course. We'll need some equipment too, when we know what we're going against, so what kind of shop is there around here? I never planned to explore a false crypt, and a few things like torches, a mace or other blunt weapon to use .. Stuff like that...
Vivian's green eyes look amiably to Kendra, while she gives her host a piece of delicious-looking cake.
By this time, Vivian's chivying good nature & busywork have driven all melancholy from Kendra's features, only to be replaced by an exasperated smirk. "This isn't Karcau you know. It isn't even Lepidstadt. Ravengro is a very small town here in Canterwall."
"Torches you may find in plenty, clubs likewise. A Mace...
Well, anything that martial might be available in the General Store, but if not, your best chance would be to speak with Jorfa. She's been here since the town was founded, might be able to answer some of your questions also, though she's as taciturn as you would expect."
"Father didn't really research here...
He was retired, he said & he put some effort into holding to that statement. I'm sure the Temple will have a list of everyone who died in the fire, not only the guards." Contemplating the question further, she adds. "The Town Hall keeps a reasonable library, being a part of the Palatinates, the Council sets much store on 'knowledgeable & well-reasoned decisions'..."
"You could also speak with master Ghoroven, he teaches the children their letters & sums & history; I know he & Father had at least a few conversations on various topics, but I warn you, the man is quite parsimonious."
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Professor Rokannon comes down to dinner after everyone returns from their day trip, rubbing his eyes in weariness; you see his journal thick with notes written on scraps of paper slid between the pages.
Lighting his pipe, he raps for attention and speaks...
”Ladies. Gentlemen. I have spent the bulk of the last two days looking through Professor Lorrimor’s papers and have come to form a picture of the events to date.
Aparently, the old and ruined prison Harrowstone on the outskirts of town has attracted the attention of the Whispering Way cultists. Not just something, but ‘somebody’ in particular. The Professor caught on and tried to investigate; he found some strange symbols but was chased off by ‘ghosts’ before he could finish.
Now, I recall a classmate of mine who was interested in the more lurid stories of death and disaster, and Harrowstone was prominent in his accounts. I believe he said it was some kind of special high security prison that famous criminals were sent to, and that the prison burned to the ground in an escape attempt.
Now I realize that I am speculating, but I have to wonder if the person the Whispering Way might be interested in is among these special prisoners; perhaps they were sorcerers or necromancers themselves, and the Way might stand to gain something of value if they dug them up. Perhaps they were members of the Way themselves."
He raises one finger.
"In any case, since I could not find a list in the papers here, we need to do as the Professor did and get a list of the people who died in the Harrowstone fire from the temple of Pharasma. This is my first point."
He raises a second finger.
"Next, the Professor was chased off by ‘ghosts’. He was aware of some specialized equipment in a false tomb in the boneyard of Pharasma that would help him, but I have no idea whether he was successful in retrieving said equipment or not. If we want to go up there, and I feel that we must, we should equip ourselves appropriately. This is my second point."
He raises a third finger.
"Next, I really should look into whatever records and reports exist from that fire and Harrowstone in general. I don’t want to rely too heavily on third hand memories decades old. I hope that the Ravengro Town Hall and/or the Temple of Pharasma has such records. I feel the more we know before we go there the better. This is my third point.
"Now this last point may well be a delicate task, as the Professor encountered resistance from supersticious locals. Probably from the same crowd who greeted us at the funeral. I hope I can count on the more diplomatic amongst us to assist me in getting access."
"And the more brawny amongst us to assist if things go badly. Perhaps me and Davor could create a diversion, lure to townsfolk away that are easily distracted? Could be that we'd have to spend a night in jail, but that wouldn't be a first now."
Tamarie laughs, and stares into the distance.
Some time later
"Professor, I must admit I know nothing of ghosts apart from the bedtime stories. You said something about specialised weaponry? Protection? Could you elabo..alebo... explain some more?"
"I vote Vivian does the talking. I know I don't want to, and she seems to do a good enough job. Maybe while you're going through the records on the prison and the fire, we can go to the crypt. I think I'm pretty well equipped for that already."
*nomnomnom*
Her mouth full of cake, Vivian stops munching and tries to swallow, helping herself with a cup of water
*cough* *cough*
Sorry. Tamarie, I really think that we need to maintain as low a profile as we can. I'm not that sure that Professor Lorrimor's death was ..totally accidental. He seemed to be intrigued by people walking at night with torches round here. Maybe they were outsiders...(just like us), maybe some of them were locals. Entering a brawl with people that plans to "accidentally" kill or maim you isn't wise.
She sips some more water and brushes away the crumbs from her mouth with a napkin.
The temple of Pharasma could help us. I supposes they were the ones who prepared our beloved father's body for his burial? Maybe they spotted something strange, even if I suppose they would have told you so if that was the case. And I won't enter a crypt without the permission of my goddess, anyway.
Brow furrowing at such seemingly casual mention of violence, Kendra adds her voice to Vivian's cautions against such a course. "Please remember, Ravengro is a small town."
"I realize you haven't met many of the people here at their best, but surely inciting a...
physical,
conflict isn't the best course. Particularly not if you are seeking to make inquiries of some of them."
At Professor Rokannon's mention of investigating the church records, she nods vigorously. "Father had several talks with Father Grimburrow in the days before he died...
He wouldn't say much of the details however."
"...I have no idea if they spoke of this...
cache,
of 'tools against spirits' he mentioned in his journal." Kendra concludes, her expression the very picture of a woman realizing her closest relative was hiding a completely different life from her.
Professor Rokannon leans back in his chair and smokes his pipe, thinking.
"I can't think of any reason for Father Grimburrow to give us a hard time. I know better than to get my hopes up, though."
"As for entering a crypt without permission, if worse came to worse, I'd have an easy enough time convincing myself it's not really a crypt if it's being used to hide supplies and not house bodies."
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The more you focus your recollections on Elias' ramblings, (obnoxious individual though he was), the more you recall of his obsession, Professor...
At the time of the fire, five such individuals were present in Harrowstone Prison; 'Father Charlatan', 'the Lopper', 'the Mossflower Marauder', 'the Piper of Illmarsh' & 'The Splatter Man.
Tamarie watches everyone as they do wht do they best. In her head, she's going over everything she knows about ghost and ghouls and walking dead and...
Tamarie shudders.
Why couldn't it be bears, or a pack of wolves?
He puffed on his pipe, nodding at Tamarie's question.
"As for dealing with insubstantial spirits, well normal weapons are seldom of use there. To defend against them, you would need something of the Protection From spells, or Ghost Touch armors. Consecrated or Holy ground is said to hedge them out, but you would need a priest of some kind to advise you there. Such magics are not my line.
"To attack them, you would need weapons made of Ghostwood or enchanted, Ghost Touch weapons in particular. With spellcast magic, you cannot go wrong with Force effects."
Professor Rokannon frowned in concentration, trying to remember things he didn't want to remember in the first place.
"Hm. You know, Elias said that Harrowstone had become so famous that all of Ustalav would pay to sens their most famous prisoners there for incarceration or execution.
"Gruesome names they had too; right out of penny dreadful books. Like, 'Father Charlatan', 'The Lopper', 'The Mossflower Marauder', 'The Piper of Ilmarsh', 'The Splatter Man', and on and on he would go. I think he got some kind of pleasure in the details of their crimes."
Sounds like we're in for a real treat at Harrowstone then, Professor.
Can't say I've ever killed a ghost before.
"In any case, I would like to dig into what the Town Hall records might turn up. Perhaps I could prevail upon Miss Lorrimor to make introductions." He bowed in her direction.
Kendra, what do you know about the "trouble seeker" Faethor,who got his shoulder popped out by the sheriff? Is he just a loudmouth moron- and no, i'm not talking about the law enFORCEr you have- or is he the kind of guy you'd better avoid?
As i've told earlier, i'd like to drop by his house, see if can can help with his injured shoulder... but will he open his door to a cute lithe smiling redhead stranger he despise, even if said cute lithe smiling redhead stranger seems good willed and brings a piece of that delicious cake?
Frowning slightly, Kendra replies. "Faethor Grimmas?.."
"I wouldn't call him a moron...
but,
Well, He & Gibs were among those who tried to keep us from giving Father a proper burial." Considering for a moment. " was the closest I've ever seen him come to any manner of violence that might induce Sheriff Caellar to his actions...
I'm not certain those actions weren't excessive,
but I rarely had dealings with either of them, or many of their compatriots."
When I said before we were a bit...
provincial,
here in Ravengro,
people like Gibs & Faethor were who I was referring to."
"Not certain how well that answers your question."
Turning back to Professor Rokannon, Kendra brightens. "I would be happy to re-introduce you to Father Grimburrow Professor! Would you like to go now?"
"I'd like to meet the priest as well. Sooner the better." Davor interjects, anxious to get to work following up on whatever leads Professor Lorrimor had been investigating before his death.
Nodding happily at Davor's request, Kendra looks at the rest of you.
"If you don't mind, I will secure the house a bit more. Don't like the idea of necromancer, so I would like to sleep solidly. But go ahead without me, I'm not much of a people's person anyway. Or well, they are not much of Tamarie's person, I should say. Could it be my breath?"
She winks at Vivian, but her half-smile betrays that she does not believe it to be *entirely* funny.
Jokingly, Vivian smells Tamarie's breath.
No, it isn't. Maybe you should try dancing naked over the tables of the tavern. I don't know why, it always seems to make you popular with the guys, and none would care whether your blood is "pure" or not.Or if you dance well, for all that matter.
She grins and winks... Tamarie can't tell at first glance if Vivian is serious or not
Just be sure we can stil enter the house when we come back from the temple, Tamarie. I guess Kendra still like to sleep in her own bed.Do you need something in town, Tamarie?
"Maybe it sounds superstitious, but might holy water be a good purchase?"
"Somehow I doubt your idea for gaining popularity wouldn't go over so well if I were the one 'performing.'" Davor deadpans. "Guess I'm stuck relying on my dashing good looks and charming personality to make friends. In other words, I'm probably done making friends here."
"I will accompany you. Churches often have interesting libraries; once you exclude the Theologic dross of course. Best not tell them that however."
Professor Rokannon looks out a window. With all the researching he had been doing he had lost track of time.
"Miss Kendra. Is there enough time left today to go to the Town Hall, or should we wait until tomorrow morning?"
As you look out the window, you realize comparatively little time has passed, most of the time has been within your head & recollections. It is notably past noon, but still well before dusk.
Her expression curious, Kendra replies. "Town Hall? Or Father Grimmburrow? Which would you wish to visit first?"
"Or were you asking about after talking with Father Grimmburrow?"
Turning to the inquisitor with a wicked grin
Who knows, Davor, you could be surprised....Maybe the girls in the barroom would like what they would see.
*chuckles*
More seriously, I suggest we visit Father Grimburrow first, then we'll go to the Town Hall. I still have some spare money for anything we need to buy in town, if it's not too costly at least. Do you want to come with us Kendra, or do you prefer to stay at home while Tamarie places her traps, so you'll be sure to be able to sleep in your own bed tonight?
Vivian gets near Tamarie and whispers something in her ear
For Tamarie:
Then delivers an unexpected hip bump to the young ranger, smiling
"Very well, Father Grimburrow first then."
Professor Rokannon extends his hand to Kendra.
"If you would guide our way milady." He says, perfectly seriously.
Following Kendra, you find yourselves once more traveling down the South lane & then up the Western street, only this time, rather than taking the Southwest fork, you all continue on across the river. Whereupon the lane widens & also curves in a Northerly direction, passing a few small fields as you see the Steeple of the Pharasmin Temple growing closer.
Obviously constructed at the same time as the Prison, The Temple of Pharasma is easily the largest structure within the town itself. As you near it, Kendra calls to one of the Pharasmin acolytes near the entrance. "Good afternoon Ferenk! Is Father Grimmburrow able to take visitors?"
even if not his ladylove.
The important thing is that you are here, now.
"Ravengro! Next stop, Lake Lias & Haddock!" The coachman calls out as the vehicle jostles to a slightly less uncomfortable stop. Stepping out, you see a town not overly dissimilar from the one you grew up in. A trifle drabber, the citizens a smidge less inviting. Not overly however. Looking about, you see the universally familiar gang of young boys kicking something about the street.
"Good afternoon, miss Lorrimor. Able, yes. Willing...
May I inquire what these visitors would with Father Grimmburrow? He prefers not to be disturbed with matters that we..." Indicating with a spread of Ferenk's hands himself & a handful of other acolytes. "Might perhaps be able to effectively address."
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Stepping down off the new arrived coach is a tall human male with wavy blond hair. He is dressed in chain, with a cloak of rainbow hues that shimmer as he twists and bends to retrieve his back and weaponry from the baggage compartment. Donning everything, he looks ready for a war more than a funeral, with glaive, shield and pack on his back, and a Morningstar on his hip.
Sauntering over to the gaggle of boys in the street, he flags them down with a flash of silver coin and an easy smile. [b]"Lads, might you know the way to Professor Lorrimor's residence? I was supposed to be here for the funeral, but fear I may be too late to pay my respects, and wish to apologize to his daughter.
After getting the directions at the cost of some coin, Zander heads over to the home, announcing his presence with a few strong raps upon the door.
Vivian looks around the insides of the local temple. Everything is both familiar and new to the red headed girl, and she whispers for herself
home, at last...or looks like it!
before delivering a warm smile at Ferenk
We're seeking moral guidance in a matter of utter importance, Ferenk. There are words I won't say here, in the open. It seems than Fate requires us to enter sacred ground and disrupt the peace of a grave, and we'd like to have Father Grimstone's approval before doing so, even if our ultimate goal is to lay potential troubled spirits to rest, and to pursue the late Professor Lorrimor's task. As a follower of Pharasma myself, I'd be glad to have the permission of the highest religious authority before doing anything our Lady of the Grave wouldn't approve. We need his wisdom.
She looks -directly but with a gentle soul- into Ferenk's eyes
But be sure you can help us too, by providing us with capital information: my esteemed companion, Professor Faradir Rokannon, of the Invisible College, has heard of the great collection of books the Temple keeps. We need some specific historical information, and you can be a part of our noble and sacred quest to fight undead by showing the Professor the volumes he requires. Then, any information about the untimely demise of Kendra's father could give us weapons against an unknown and probably very powerful foe. Be assured we can offer some money to show our gratitude to the Temple and his devout servants, if needed, or at least doing some service to the faithful.
Diplomacy roll
Tamarie rushes to get to the door, before any of her make-shift alarms start going off. Vivian would be inclined to give her a spanking, for all she knew. That girl had one fiesty look!
"Vivian, look out for the..." she shouts as she opens the door, kicking something hastily aside before closing her mouth rapidly. Her muscles tense as she spots the man that knocked on the door. As she examines him, she realizes this is no ordinary traveller, in his full-battle armour. Quickly she reaches behind her back for her sharpened hunter's knife tucked behind her belt.
"Who are you?" she says in her most demanding tone. "If you have no business here, I suggest you leave quickly! Else you'd better pray that Davor returns swiftly, coz he's the only one capable of holding me back."
She doesn't hide the dagger, but doesn't clearly show it either. You can tell she is well on her guard!