If you stay long enough for Zantus to arrive, you witness him cure Grayst of ghoul fever. "Unfortunately, I am unable to rid him of his insanity."
"He has paid a heavy cost. Does anyone know what his message meant?"
"Have you heard of the 'Misgivings'?" Rhianni asks of Tomaru.
"Apart from the fact that I'm in trouble, you mean?" Lym glumly asks of Tomaru.
"Apart from the fact that I'm in trouble, you mean?" Lym glumly asks of Tomaru.
"This... testimony at least proves it wasn't you that committed those murders. The thing is, how does a lady like you get an undead horror as a secret admirer?"
Lym throws her hands up. "How should I know? Maybe he was looking on when we fought the Goblin attack, and he feels attracted to female Wizards? I. Do. Not. Know!"
Lym calms down a little. "I any case, whoever commanded the undead may be alive, themselves."
Rhianni asks Zantus if he can interpret Grayst's words, "Your patient had a crazy message which he said came from his Master, the message was 'the bodies you are finding are signs and portents; that when he is done, you shall be remembered forever and the Misgivings will be your throne!' Other than a dark future being foretold with death and gruesome murders, we are unable to interpret it's true meaning. You as a man of goodness and healing, do you or your god have any insight as to its meaning? And who could be his Master?"
Lucian doesnt seem to be happy to hear about the ghoul fever. He asks politly if anyone could offer some more information about this illness.
Then he advices to hunt the ghoul, as he fears that more could attract that fate!
Father Zantus' eyes glaze over while he seems to fall into deep thought. "I'm note entirely confident about what I'm about to tell you, but it could be that rumors of the Misgivings are true! You see, the Misgivings is the name for a run-down, abandoned estate that sits about halfway between Sandpoint and Magnimar. I've always taken care to avoid that area in my travels, as anyone should, since that place is haunted with the spirits of a cursed bloodline...or so it is said. I don't know who this master could be, but if you plan on going there, perhaps it's best to be prepared. Come by the cathedral tomorrow, and I'll have some holy water for you to take as protection."
Lucian nods to the Father and then walks out of the sanatorium rather fast, taking a deep breath upon reaching fresh air again. He waits outside for the others and to discuss the next course of action.
Rhianni thanks the good father for his help, quickly following Lucian out of the sanatorium, running to catch him up. The relief on her face is palpable, as she turns to Lucian. "It looks like we will have journey to make as soon as we are ready. The people of Sandpoint will be expecting us to catch this murderer you know." she sighs, "Hopefully we'll be more prepared for this than when we entered Thistlethorp. Maybe there will be information in a library about this estate or some drawing that might help? If not official stuff, maybe some friends might know some rumors and stories?" Rhianni muses, if any of her bardic friends might have come across any legends and rumors.
Lucian looks thoughtful for a moment but then says: "That is a good idea, but we could also ask for servants or people who delivered goods there. And if it is a undeads hideout, we should be prepared for the worst. And also we know our opponent is a ghoul or something like that. I would rather like more information about that kind of ... abomination! To be prepared would be a huge step to get out alive and in one piece!"
"When we visit the cathedral tomorrow, we can ask Father Zanthus about ghouls and how to fight them."
After your visit to the sanatorium, later that evening, Belor Hemlock sends for you again. When you arrive to meet him, there are others with him - an old man covered in mud and sweat, and from the way he holds himself up, probably drunk as well; as well as four Sandpoint watchmen. When the old man sees you, he points at you and frantically chants a nursery rhyme you may have heard before.
"Mumble Mumble Scarecrow,
Alone in the Maize.
Sleeping in the daytime,
A stitched man he stays.
But when the moon she rises,
Up Mumble gets.
He shakes his hand at first
And moves his feet the next.
And when the dog is snoring,
And when you're fast asleep,
Mumble Mumble Scarecrow
Will find you good to eat."
Hemlock moves over to you. "This man is known as Farmer Grump. He showed up in town, breathless and screaming about walking scarecrows. I'll try to get him to tell you what he told us.
After a few minutes trying to calm him down, Farmer Grump eventually stops chanting and tells you his story. "The farmlands are plagued with these foul-walking scarecrows that stalk the night. We farmers know they came from the old Hambley place. Things just ain't been right there for a few days now. So me and some of the others got together and went down to the Hambley farm and when we got there, we saw them...fold that looked like corpses, but they fed on other corpses like starving animals!" He's becoming frenzied. "They even at the dogs!" he shrieks out.
Sheriff Hemlock pulls you aside. "I'm hoping this man's story has been enhanced by the moonshine I smell on his breath, but it's also possible his memories were dulled and the situation is even worse. If there's any truth to what this man is saying, it may be another lead into the recent murders. I'd like you to check out the Hambley farm in the farmlands southeast of here. These four men here", he motions toward the watchment, "are to accompany you."
Praxim scans the man with detect evil, though the presence of moonshine probably eliminates him as one of the walking dead.
"Do ghouls eat corpses?" he asks his companions. "It can't be a coincidence that we discover the presence of ghouls in Sandpoint, and this man speaks of walking corpses at this farm. Sherrif, how close is this farm to a place known as Misgivings?"
"No coincidence at all. Though I urge you not to send him to the sanatorium. I'm sure what he did to the last guy was illegal."
"This farm, what can you tell us about it Sheriff Hemlock, has it been involved in strange or magical happenings before? Whatever these things are, they point to undead creatures, if we are to go now, can you provide us with anything we can use against such creatures. Holy water, alchemist's fire that sort of thing?"
"I don't know any place called 'Misgivings', but the farmlands are about four miles southeast of Sandpoint."
Hemlock gives Tomaru a confused look. "What do you mean?
"I'm sorry, I don't have any such things to give you. Nisk Tander, however, runs an alchemical shop known as Bottled Solutions on Raven Street a short walk from here. The shop may still be open at this time. Fair warning, though...Tander's wares are known for sometimes not working as intended.
"Hannah's of Hannah Velerin offers remedies that may help. Also, Veznutt Parooh sells maps of all sorts at the The Way North that may help you find your way. Unfortunately, both of these shops are likely closed at this time of day."
"That quack knew that Grayst, the survivor from the first murder, was afflicted with ghoul fever and didn't let anyone know. He wanted to study. He endangered the lives of everyone in the region to satisfy his curiosity."
"We should stock up on holy water and acids before we go anywhere," Lym suggests. She wiggles her gloved fingers a little. "I... may have a few useful tricks to use, this time around."
"OK then Lym, let's be going and doing a bit of shopping. Sheriff, do you think that the other two establishments might open out of hours, particularly if we are doing your business. Would it be possible that you could provide us with a warrant with you seal, so say we are doing your bidding this night? " asks Rhianni.
Knowledge: Religion
"I'll be going directly to the Hambly farm. If there's ghouls out there, we have no time to waste. You do realize how ghouls procreate don't you? They infect people with their vile spore, like with Gryast at the sanitorium." Tomaru moves toward the door then turns around before going out. "There is one thing though. I'll need a guide. I don't know where the Hambly farm is."
"You need to not be stupid, and stay with the group," Lym says. "Going alone into a ghoul-nest is as good as basting yourself and parading naked in front of starved Ogres."
Rhianni covers her mouth as she gets a fit of the giggles at Lym's words. She recovers herself and adds, "Tomaru, listen well, Lym speaks with wisdom. Let us be prepared."
"We'll all go, and quickly, but together," Praxim says, a tinge of authority to his voice.
"Let's get whatever supplies you need, of we have to drag a shopkeeper from his bed."
Outside on Raven Street, a sign hangs from a pole in front of a slightly scorched structure (probably a mark left by the Sandpoint fire years ago, but possibly something else). On the sign is a picture of a vial with fuming vapors. Inside, the shop is cluttered with shelves upon shelves of bottles, bags, and other various containers. Some of these are covered with dust, while others are so new that the pungent stink of brewing lingers in the air. Behind a counter, a tall, slender, bronze-skinned half-elf with gold colored eyes looks at you. "Can I interest you in some of my wares?"
Rhianni enters, "We're working on behalf of the town, under the direction of Sheriff Hemlock. To aid work we would like to purchase some flasks of Holy Water and others of alchemists fire, for the right price. Whilst not essential, do you have any antiplague or antitoxin for sale? "
"I don't have any holy water here, but the other things I have. High quality at a fair price!"
Hambley's farm is nestled on the western edge of the Whisperwood (bottom left of Map). Getting there means traveling south along the Lost Coast Road for nearly four miles.
A ten-foot-wide path leads southeast from the Lost Coast Road into the tall crops of the Hambley farm and fields of tall-stalked plants transform the path into an oppressive tunnel. It'll be easy to get lost in these fields. None of you nor any of the town guards with you know exactly where Hambley's barn or farmhouse is, so you'll have to search through the tall crop fields. It's fully night time and the light condition is dim.
After walking southeast along the dusty path for about a quarter mile, the path turns south and continues for another couple hundred feet before splitting into three paths: one continuing south (you're pretty sure you're still facing south), and two more going east and west along an intersecting path. On the other side of the intersection, to your left, a scarecrow hangs on a tall frame, serving as the only visible landmark.
Tomaru carries his weapon at the ready. "The farmer rhymed about scarecrows. Let's go take a look."
Rhianni takes the time to stop, weaving words of the arcane as a wispy grey mist coalesces in front of her, it gradually seems to solidify into just a ghostly hand, a single finger points north.
Well Lucian will ready sword and shield and is ready to take point.
Move to inspect the scarecrow.
Perception:
"Mumble, mumble, scarecrow."
As the 'men' move towards the scarecrow, Rhianni shrugs and keeps a watchful eye out for any dangers.
"Occultum video," Lym mutters. She stays at Rhianni's side and looks around.
Praxim keeps an arrow on his string, scanning all around for evil.
"Nothing special here. Which way are we going?"
Rhianni asks Lucian, "Which way is the most traveled, that one is surely the one that will take us to the farm?"
(OOC: Lucian will take 10 to check the tracks for a total of 20)
All are very well used, so any path is good. Let us waste no more time and go slowly but steadily
Tomaru goes down the path with the scarecrow on it.
Praxim follows at the rear, keeping everybody covered with his bow, and scanning for evil. He pays special attention to the fields of crops. Anything could be hiding in there. How high are the crops?
The scarecrow is on the corner of the south and east paths.
The crops are around 10-12 feet or 3-4 meters tall.
Lym stays close to Praxim, at the back of the group.