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Zander blushes in embarrassment at the greeting he receives. Bowing low, he quickly says, "A thousand apologies Ms. Lorrimor, I appear to have caught you at a bad time. I was planning to arrive in time to offer my condolences on your fathers passing prior to his burial, but I am afraid it was not in Shelyn's plan for me. Please, I do not mean to interrupt, and I shall take my leave, but pray tell, when WOULD be a good time for me to call on you again?'
"Who? What?" Tamarie shakes her head as this is obviously an attempt to confuse her and make her drop her guard.
"You knew the professor? How? I want to hear you story, and why you arrive here prepared for war."
She looks around at their current position, and slowly places the knife back into its holder.
"Come in, and have a cup of tea. Leave your weapons at the door, next to the umbrella."
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Zander follows Tamarie's orders, leaving his weapons and shield near the umbrella. Following her to a sitting area, he waits for the tea to be served before beginning, "Thank you Ms. Lorrimor. Now, you wished to know my story. I am a missionary for Shelyn, may her smile illuminate all, and have been traveling to some of the most holy shrines and temples of all the good deities. One such visit I met your father, and the two of us shared a few wonderful days in fierce, yet friendly debate over the dogma's of religion. When I recently heard of his untimely passing, I hurried her as best I could, but Shelyn's will prevented me from arriving on time. I humbly beg your forgiveness for that. However, I am here now, and wish to pay my respects to the man." he says, pausing to take a sip of tea, "Excellent brew ma'am. As for why I am dressed for war, a missionary never knows when he might run into bandits or beasts in his travels, and dresses accordingly. After a while, it comes naturally, and I fail to think how my appearance may look to those not accustom to it."
"Mhmmm interesting. I guess it's my time to apologize aswell, as my name is not Lorimor."
She points to her slighty elongated ears, and chuckles slightly.
"I really thought those would have given me away, but I guess they haven't. I'm sorry for the ruse, but the situation is quite peculiar and I wanted to make sure what your intentions were before letting you near her."
She takes the kettle, ready for a re-fill.
"So, want to wait here with the crazy girl, or go and find her. She's at the temple.
Oh, right, and my name is Tamarie, a pleasure to meet you..."
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Zander takes a sip of his tea, allowing him a moment to compose his thoughts, "No apologies necessary Tamarie, I presumed you were Ms. Lorrimor, and was wrong. I know not of Ms. Lorrimor's mother, and therefore your ears did give me pause, but you do not have the look of a full elf, and that allowed me to continue my delusion. Now, if you don't mind me asking, as you are not Ms. Lorrimor, why are you alone in her house while she is at the Temple? And why do you consider yourself crazy?"
"Euh, no reason in particular.. For the craziness that is. As to why I'm alone in her house, it's as I have stated before, not an easy situation in town. I have decided to stay behind an make sure that the house was exactly the way it was if the fellas are to return later today. Well, I made a few upgrades concerning unlawful entry."
She smiles, as she remembers the one trap she placed next to the window of the kitchen.
"I'll let Vivian do the talking. I mean, she's going to anyway, might as well drain her talking power with a suitable subject. I wonder what's keeping them, they appear to be gone quite a long time. Tell me Zander, have you ever been to the River Kingdoms?"
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”Is Vivian another of this houses defenders? Is the Davor you mentioned earlier also? Regarding the River Kingdoms, I have not visited there yet, I hear it is full of bandits and agents of the Restov Sword Lords putting everyone in their place. Perhaps in the future when I am stronger and better able to defend myself from predation.” replies Zander. ”If you are concerned about their tardiness, we can go to the temple and check on them? Are there bandits near Ravengro?”
Kendra's eyes grow wide at your words, Vivian, though she bites her lip in her efforts not to interrupt you.
Though visibly affected by your words Vivian, Ferenk's features harden at the mention of disturbing the peace of the grave & advise from your mother for dealing with people you don't know yet finds it's way to your recollections. 'It is often best to simply tell people what you them to know, rather than what you them to know...
at least until you know them well enough to know them...'
"I see. Well, as you have been kind enough to present yourselves beforehand, please wait here." Ferenk replies as he indicates a study bench near the front entrance.
Sensing her big chatty mouth has gotten her (once again!) in trouble, Vivian blushes and try to rephrase her words
Please brother Ferenk, I'm in a desperate need of wisdom-as you have just witnessed- and guidance. We suspect the death of Professor Lorrimor was caused by foul play. His daughter has suffered enough. Only the priests of Pharasma can give us help and vital information, only them can give Kendra peace of mind. The professor was maybe on the trail of something really big...but we don't know yet what it was, or how big it was. We know Professor Lorrimor has talked numerous times to Father Grimburrow, before his death. We need to know what was said. More, Professor Lorrimor mentioned a false crypt into your cemetary, where he hide some equipment against undead. All we know is that, some way or the other, all is linked to Harrowstone. If there is really some undead disturbance into this ancient prison, it is our sacred duty, as a follower of Pharasma myself, to fight them and to try to put them to rest once again. If this task can get greater chances of success by taking the equipement aforementioned, I must have access to it. But, because I respect Pharasma teachings, I feel I need the permission to enter sacred ground and to get into a crypt, even if it's a false one.
She looks at the other members of her small group, in case someone as something else to say
His expression softening somewhat at Vivan's extended plea, Ferenk motions one of the other acolytes over, whispering in their ear & sending them off to find Father Grimmburrow within the Church building.
Looking the four of you over, Ferenk motions for you to sit & speak with him further. "I heard about the events yesterday at the Restlands. We appreciate your efforts to diffuse what was undoubtedly a very unpleasant situation for all concerned. It is because of that regard that we are having this conversation now."
Holding up his hands placatingly, Ferenk continues. "You are, all of you, adventurers. You hear of some fell danger somewhere, respond...
perhaps you succeed in ending the threat, perhaps you do not, perhaps there never was a threat to begin with, only 'superstitious fools'."
"The point I am making is, once you 'conclude' your 'adventure', you move on...
and the community you affected is left to deal with the consequences. Right now, one of the consequences that Father Grimmburrow & the other acolytes and I will have to deal with, will be the very real fears the citizens of Ravengro have that their departed loved ones' bodies may be...
endangered by a handful of 'outsiders' who came in, kicked up a great deal of trouble, and left."
Looking at each of you individually, Ferenk continues. "Some of you know where you are, some of you only think you do." Pointing to the West. "Not half a week's hard march gets you to the . I was almost a man the last time a raiding party made it close enough we could see the glow of the bonfires at night & the smoke occluding the sky in the day." Gathering both Davor & Vivian into his gaze, Ferenk further explains. "We follow the Penitence here. I realize to those outside Ustalav..." Nodding to Professor Rokannon, "It seems like some 'quaint, misguided sub-cult', but for the people here it is a very real way of worship...
None the less because of the genuine economic burdens it aids in lightening."
"You, each of you, carry on your persons more wealth than any one of the common folk of this town will earn in a year...
And yet, if you are successful in your pursuits, you will consider what you are carrying now to be little more than 'peasant dross' in a year's time or less."
Professor Rokannon, aware of his lack of skill at convincing people, wisely remains silent. He lights his pipe and tries to look innocuous.
Something in Vivian seems to change, but she maintains her carefree attitude. Her voice tries to stay gentle and nonchalant, but there is an edge in it that wasn't here before
How could I face Pharasma, on the day of my demise, when the goddess will ask me why I did not even TRIED to know if the taint of undeath has defiled the country I was born into, why I din't take weapons to fight it, why I didn't report my suspicions to the nearest temple of Pharasma?
She sighs, and continues
I am, for myself, very conscious of the wealth associated with "adventuring", as you call it. It will be my first "adventure", but i do prefer to call it my duty. My mother, Elisa Deberth, serves as a priest of Pharasma in Karcau, and she rised me well, right into the temple. I learned, I prayed and I served OUR goddess, as well as I could. Like my mother, I never worked for money. Money comes and go, and you can't take it with you into the Graveyard Gardens.
She unties her purse and puts it into Farenk's hand, with a little more force than necessary
I freely gives you my money, to use for the poor of Ravengro, to pay for their cure or their burial, if they are beyond cure, to pay for the children yet to be born and their mothers. May Pharasma bless their soul.
Her finger traces the spiral over her heart
We all here are requested, by the last words and will of the deceased Profesor Lorrimor, to stay one month at least into Ravengro, to support and help at the best of our abilities his beloved daughter. We won't go away that easily, unless we hear Pharasma's call.
After that long speech, Vivian tries to regain her calm, but seems still agitated
"I'll pay my penitence with the undead I destroy, my own blood spilled in battle with those abominations and, if Pharasma chooses, my life," Davor says quietly, staring back into the acolyte's eyes.
"And it seems unwise to seek penitence from those seeking to protect the temple from forces from which it appears ill-equipped to defend itself. Especially when all they ask for is some information and the temple's blessing to retrieve some tools from a secret tool shed in the cemetery."
He dips into his coinpurse and places a handful of gold pieces into the acolyte's palm – hard.
This splinter is particularly popular among the poorer citizens of rural Ustalav, as they feel it offers a succor from the hardships they are forced to endure in life.
Sighing, Ferenk moves to push the proffered coin back towards you as an older, familiar voice cuts across the cobblestone courtyard. "What's this then? Brother Rufio tells me you & your father's...
associates,
have something that needs talking with me about?" Father Grimmburrow addresses Kendra, glancing askance at you & Brother Ferenk.
"Yes, Father Grimmburrow." Kendra all but hops up in relief at the elder Priest's appearance. "We read through some of Father's notes last night & there were a few items mentioned we hoped you might be able to shed some light on, privately."
Eyebrows arched as he examines each of you in turn, Father Grimmburrow snorts as he turns back toward the Church interior, muttering. "Why am I not surprised..."
"Come along then!" As he passes under the doorway arch.
Vivian follows Father Grimburrow at a quick pace, without a glance to Brother Ferenk... or her purse in his hand.
Following Father Grimmburrow into the Church building itself you notice a curious blend of austerity & opulence. While the interior of the structure is sturdy but plain, you notice the windows are marvels of stained glass; each pane a scene either from Ustalav's history or a Parable from The Bones Land in a Spiral, Pharasma's holy writ. Arriving at Father Grimmburrow's private office, you notice it seems little more decorated than a common monk's cell, though a well-lit one.
A he turns once more to face you, you all also notice the chamber has no chairs, benches or other means of resting your feet.
"Well, as adventurers go, you seem a reasonable sort. What are these concerns you wished me to address?"
As Kendra is about to speak, he raises one gently quelling finger. "I would like to hear their words, miss Lorrimor. I have little fear that your actions will bring disruption & discord to this congregation, given that the past decade has yet to do so." Though he does not dismiss any of you out of hand, you also get the sense that he will not make any judgement without hearing from all of you present.
Davor's immediate inclination is to defer to Vivian to be the first to speak up. After she tells the priest about their concerns and requests, he'll chime in with some support.
Vivian seems a bit lost in her thoughts, then she realises no one is talking yet
why does everyone wait for me to speak? I'm not THAT talkative... am I?
she sighs for herself and begins, on a casual tone
The windows here are really beautiful ,and soothing to the soul of the believer... you must be proud of this temple.
She smiles at the old priest, and crosses her arms behind her back
After reading the notes and some books of the late Professor Lorrimor, we noticed his last researches were centered around the Whispering Way, an old cult using foul black magic and necromancy, and about Harrowstone. Both may be linked. We learned that the Professor met you, and probably talked with you about all that, or asked to use the books your library contains. Any information you could give us could be vital and help our group to succeed.
It seems too that Kendra's father has hidden some useful tools against undead in a fake crypt into your cemetary. Seeing as the good people of Ravengro could wrongly interpret a bunch of nearly unknown newcomers walking among their loved one's tombs and entering a crypt, we came here first to get your permission to investigate and to enter sacred ground.
We don't want to bring disruption and discord to your congragation, to use your own words,Father Grimburrow. Quite the contrary. We want to be sure your people, the people of Ravengro, are safe from any threat the good professor Lorrimor suspected.
After Vivian finishes, Professor Rokannon nods as he draws on his pipe again.
"Hm, yes. And I'll need to see your records on the Harrowstone fire; particulary the complete list of all who died."
Father Grimmburrow's expression, formerly one of placid disgruntlement, grows notably more sever at mention of the Whispering Way. "Petros Lorrimor was a noted scholar, an able disputant and a respected friend." He responds. "He and I have had many conversations over the years...
Including one not a week before he died."
Turning to Davor. "I have heard from the slip of a girl..." Nodding in Vivian's direction. "I have heard from Petros' 'sparring partner', Oh yes, I remember you, Professor." As he directs his gaze at Professor Rokannon. "What I have heard...
Are your words."
"Yes, you are trained as an Inquisitor, that much is obvious from your stance, your way of...
looking,
at everything. I am well aware you lot prefer actions to words. But even you must know that there are times for each."
"Simply because you feel that now is a time for the one & not the other, does not mean that I am of a mind to agree with your assessment."
"Persuade me."
Davor bristles at being called out by the priest, then unleashes the longest torrent of words any in the group has likely heard from him:
"I think Professor Lorrimor was one of the few forces actively working against them accomplishing their goal at Harrowstone, whatever that goal may be. Apologies to Miss Kendra, but I don't think his death was any accident. I think he was getting too close to the truth and they killed him.
I have a responsibility to Pharasma and to Professor Lorrimor to take up his cause. I believe these necromancers and their minions are more than just a threat to Ravengro, they're an abomination to Pharasma and -- if they're successful in whatever their mission at Harrowstone is -- a threat to all of Golarion.
The Professor left us information about a cache of tools that could help us combat them and clues as to what they could have been up to, but we need your help. Give Professor Rokannon the records he seeks about the fire and give us your blessing, or accompany us to enter the false crypt Professor Lorrimor wrote about so we can get the tools left to aid us in our fight."
Tamarie and Zander keep having small-talk.
diplomacy aid Davor
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At Davor's initial outburst, Father Grimmburrow's eyes narrow slightly but he maintains his silence until the Inquisitor finishes.
"Come with me." he states, flatly.
Leading the four of you out of his office, Father Grimmburrow proceeds, slowly, down the hallway to what is obviously a records storage room, well lit, with niches for scrolls & tomes lining the walls.
Pulling out a particularly large scroll, he unrolls it at the central table & you all realize it must be a map of Eastern & Central Avistan. Ustalav is prominent, with the 'nations' bordering it somewhat less detailed.
"We are ." As he points to a tiny dot almost at the center of the Western Border. Moving his finger barely two finger's widths to his left puts his finger off the map of Ustalav & into the Hold's of Belkzen. He then returns his finger to the dot representing Ravengro before shifting it South on the map once more, an equally slight distance to an icon of a shattered tower which you suspect represents on old, ruined castle of some sort. "Ravengro sits less than a week's forced march from the two greatest threats the children of Soividia Ustav have ever faced...
And succumbed to." With that statement, you see the weight of all his many years on Father Grimmburrow's face as he stands revealed as the old, tired, man he is. "Speak not to me of what 'We have done!'" His voice is suddenly reminiscent of every most feared instructor any of you have ever faced.
Face now hard as a tombstone, Father Grimmburrow continues. "Evil sleeps in Ustalav. Ask any hunter & they will tell you the beast is most dangerous in it's lair..."
Father Grimmburrow closes his eyes, as if in recollection & you notice a faint glistening at the inner corner of one. Pointing, still unlooking, he directs your gaze to a notably smaller scroll, rolled up near the corner of the table. "You will want to peruse that, Professor Rokannon. Perhaps tomorrow you & I may have something further to speak on. Petr will show you out." With that, he turns & walks out of the chamber, slower still now than before.
***The Lorrimor House***
As Tamarie & Zander continue their discussion, Cassandra comes down from the room carrying her things. "Oh! I didn't know there was a visitor."
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Nodding slightly as Cassandra’s entrance, Zander replies ”Yes, a late visitor come to pay respect to the Lady Lorrimor here’s motioning to Tamarie, recently departed father. She was kind enough to share a cup of tea with me while we caught up, and I begged her forgiveness for my lateness. Oh, but where are my manners!” standing, Zander offers Cassandra his seat at the table. ”Would you like to sit and share a cup as well? Are you also visiting for the funeral? “
Will save
Sense motive
Perception: take 10 (+6 bonus=16)
As Vivian follows Father Grimmburrow, she seems thoughful and lost in her memories. Another temple... was it so different than the one she grew in? Then she notices the magical torches, and stands a few seconds in wonder, as a child could be while watching a good trick.
She quickens her pace to catch up with the priest and her friend, only to catch hell from the old man.
*Well, the more things change, the more they are the same, it seems..Reminds me of ol" Bedir, when I did not learned my prayers well enough*
She freezes on the spot, and seems serious and repentant as the mischevious child caught in the act by an adult she still seems to be.
The priest's harshness leaves Davor shaken. He hadn't meant to suggest the temple wasn't doing enough in opposing the Whispering Way, he just wanted to highlight Professor Lorrimor's efforts.
That's what I get for speaking up, I suppose.
As they leave the temple, he tries to remain optimistic about receiving help from Father Grimburrow.
"Well, at least you've got that scroll to look over," he says to Professor Rokannon. "Even though things didn't go quite like I had expected."
"Yes, there is. This man is Zander Drax, and he is here to meet with Miss Lorrimor, you see. I just forgave him for being late, but fear he has been mislead. I'm waiting for Vivian to explain a few... details."
She tries to hide a small snicker in her tea, and then realizes she's not already on good terms with the young lady.
"My name is Tamarie, I'm currently... House sitting until Miss Lorrimor comes home. I'm sorry if things were a bit confusing, but it's always wise to... Well, in Elven we say "Look at the cat until it comes down from the tree". It sounds better in Elven."
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Zander seems slightly taken aback at the revelation that Tamarie is not the mistress of the house he thought her to be. ”I see, but who is the cat you are watching, her nodding to Cassandra, … or myself? Do you know how much longer this Vivian will be, since it seems only she can provide me with an explanation of what’s going on. And am I correct in thinking that the two of you were alone in someone else’s house, and then invited a third stranger into the house for tea?”
Zander eyes the cup of tea suspiciously, then gently sets it down on the saucer.
***Lorrimor House***
Rolling her eyes at Tamarie's example of 'humor', Cassandra drops her pack with a thump as she sits & accepts the tea. "I suspect you will find Tamarie's wit to be of this sort: peculiar, obscure, and laden with references meant as much to baffle as to enlighten." Taking a sip, she continues. "You would be better served to wait for Kendra's return & explication. She's the only surviving Lorrimor I'm aware of..." Reflecting for a moment, she adds. "Though Vivian does have a way with words."
"In answer to your first question of me," and Cassandra holds her hand over her heart. "Yes, I was an acquaintance of the late Professor's. I was visiting, but after the events of last night & this morning...
I just can't stay."
"There is something out there. I can feel it, glaring at us, from the South. I don't know who or what, but I don't intend to find out. I'm going to give my regrets to Kendra & urge her to return to Lepidstadt...
Then my shadow will darken this ground no more." She concludes with finality.
"You should be happy us two were home. Otherwise you might have been found wandering in town aimlessly. And god knows the locals here are a bit... I don't know the word exactly."
Tamarie starts thinking and is quiet for a few minutes.
"Afraid? Angry? I'm missing the word in your tongue."
"Stand-offish." Cassandra volunteers. "It's very rural here in Ravengro."
"Leaving us Cassandra? I'm sad to see you go, but can't say I blame you. There is something evil about this place, and I sure as hell don't like it either. I'm not leaving howeer without knowing what it is, as I don't feel like becoming hunted myself."
Tamarie drinks her tea, and re-fills the cup of Zander.
"My apologies Zander, I hope I have not offended you too much. There is too little humour these days. Bless your humour, Zander" she says while smiling genuinely to you.
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”Well, if there is… something… to the south, it would explain why the people are so angry or afraid. Given the late professors crusade against evil, do we think this something may have been involved in his death? He did seem in good health the last I spoke with him. Thank you for the words of warning. While I come dressed for war, battle and bloodshed is not something I relish and seek out.” Heading to the door, Zander again bows to Tamarie and Cassandra, ”Thank you for the tea, but I must pray for guidance in this matter. All that evil needs, is for good people to do nothing. I must ask Shelyn if this was the reason she brought me here under the circumstances she did.”
Zander then retrieves his weapons and leaves the house, finding some small flowers nearby to kneel beside and pray. Inaudible at first, but his voice slowly rises into the audible range, a rhythmic chanting to the Eternal Rose.
Walking with her group into the streets, Vivian is, for the first time, in a bad mood.
I don't know about you, but i could do with a few drinks, some rowdy songs, a game of dice or two... Do you have what I need in your house, Kendra, or should we go to the nearest tavern?
Looking mildly askance at the only other woman present, Kendra considers her words carefully. "If you need all of those things...
You would best be served by Zokar Elkarid at the Laughing Demon." Lips twitching, she adds. "It's the only tavern we have here...
In fact, you can see it from here." Pointing out, over the field across from the Pharasmin temple, over still the river that bisects the town, to a round, taller building snugged up to the opposite shore.
***The Lorrimor House***
Zander, as you continue your prayers by the front garden, you hear footfalls coming up the lane & the front pathway. Looking up, you see a cassock-clad acolyte carrying a wrapped parcel approaching the front door. As you make this assessment, you realize he is likely making a similar assessment of you. Looking back & forth between you & the doorway, he speaks. "Another guest of miss Lorrimor's I presume?"
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Not rising from his kneeling position, Zander nods slightly to the acolyte, ”I am. If that is for Lady Lorrimor, motioning to the package, I would be willing to take possession of it and deliver it to her hands personally. By my love of the Eternal Rose, I will see it to her. If you would not trust me, feel free to deliver it to her house, but be warned, apparently it has been trapped to prevent unwelcome guests.”
Face twisting in an expression of incredulity at this statement, the acolyte replies. "In point of fact...
Trapped?!"
"Why would it be?.." Shaking his head in an effort to dislodge this train of thought. "As I was saying, in point of fact, this is not for miss Lorrimor, but for another of her guests. A Lay member of the clergy by the name of Vivian Deberth."
"There was...
A misunderstanding."
"Further compounded by wounded pride &...
other matters." Nodding at some internal decision, the acolyte hands the parcel to you. "From the sounds of things...
You all will very likely have a use for these."
Having said his piece, the young man nods a bow to you & makes his way back from whence he came.