Welch's Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master Torvald Torvaldson

Well, we were fighting the fell creature of doom when the beast entered the room and engaged it. Directing us to the roof where Randtam the ingenious used the device of ultimate power to stop the creature, and in the process, looks like he took the beasts life also. A noble creature.

Head over to the iron maiden and free the Count.

There appears to be a locking mechanism on it quite beyond the skills of Uuranx the Mechanical.

disable: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 2 = 37

Vraxel gives the lock his best shot.

Vraxel seems to but look at the lock and 'POP' the large iron idol cracks open spilling forth the frail emaciated form of a late-middle aged man with grayish blond hair and a well worn face. As the man staggers forth, falling to his knees, the small winged creature that Vraxel reported seeing earlier appears and lands on the man's shoulder.

The man speaks, words coming out with some apparent effort, Thank you. Thank you all. You have done me a great service, I just wished you could have saved...my son. He sobs as he crawls over and lovingly embraces the now still form of The Beast.

He was your son? He assisted us many times. What was the other thing?

After a few moments the man looks at Uuranx, Yes he was my 'son'. As much of a son as I've ever known. The other thing was a guardian I built to protect this tower and my research. For all the good it did me.

He sits and returns to staring disconsolately at the inanimate figure of The Beast.

Randtam quietly stands to the side.

I destroyed his research and most likely killed the construct that he considered his child. I will remain silent until I am brought in to the conversation. How is the Count going to react?

We're sorry for you loss, sir. Could you tell us what happened to cause all of this?

Vraxel happiness at being alive is counterbalanced by this man's obvious suffering. He awkwardly tries to find some words to console the man.

"What was your son's name? I would know him by some other name than the Beast, he saved our lives...what can we do to help you?"

The peppering of questions serves to shake the man from his melancholich reverie, His name? He had no name. He was...The Beast. My son was stillborn and killed Ceryse during delivery. I was not, have not been, successful in finding a way to restore her to life but she has been by my side all these years. He nods towards the woman floating listlessly in the large glass jar. I used what parts of his body I could in the creation of The Beast. I know he was not really my son, but I loved him as one even though he could never understand that.

The man pauses to catch his breath and drinks form one of the few unbroken vials still remaining in the room. He strokes the small winged creature on his shoulder as he collects his thoughts once more.

The peasants of this area attribued their various terrors of the unknown to The Beast and their fear served me well in keeping inquiring eyes from my domain. A few months ago while conducting more research there was an unfortunate explosion in one of my lower labratories. It destroyed the lab and the bridge and I had to bring in contractors to repair the damage. I only use, shall we say, 'discreet' folks for such work and they come with a high price and are hard to find. Unfortunately I should have been more dilligent in my screening. Some of the folks I thought I hired for repair turned out to be robbers of a sort. They were interested in my research and bound me here, freeing my creatures and killing my servants and the legitimate contractors. I have been trapped in this misery idol for a few weeks and only through the efforts of my loyal homunculus here have I been kept alive. Now, what reward can the Count of Schloss Caromarc offer you for his freedom?

Randtam notices he drinks from an unbroken vial in the room.

What was in the vial? Was it water? Seems very interesting he is freed from the "misery idol" and just grabs a vial sitting on a table. He did build a possible doomsday device to conquer the world, did he not? While I have a certain amount of respect for his out of the box thinking, can I trust this man who has created abominations of nature?

what's in the vial?

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Is the Count being honest and trustworthy?

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Randtam notices he drinks from an unbroken vial in the room.

What was in the vial? Was it water? Seems very interesting he is freed from the "misery idol" and just grabs a vial sitting on a table. He did build a possible doomsday device to conquer the world, did he not? While I have a certain amount of respect for his out of the box thinking, can I trust this man who has created abominations of nature?

what's in the vial?

[dice=perception]1d20 + 11

Is the Count being honest and trustworthy?

[dice=sense motive]1d20 + 1

Given the way that the vial was sealed and packaged you are sure it was not just water. A hunch says it was alchemical in nature as that appears to be an area of focus for the Count.

As for the Count's motivations, you believe he is telling you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Whispered to Randtam.

"Psssttt, Randtam, what do we need to know? The Count seems a learned man, maybe he has information we need about those that caused the Professor's death."

Count, let me introduce myself. My name is Randtam. I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish things would have worked out differently. Your son was a great help to us in regaining and returning your ancestral home back to you.

You told us about those you hired and how they deceived you and murdered your servants and freed your creatures. They leave a trail of death and destruction wherever they go. We did run into some of your creations on our way to the tower. But some adversaries we met were not designed by you. What can you tell me of the men who defiled your Castle, taking it away from you and placing you in the misery idol. Why did they come to your home?

Oooh, that was some good verbiage...

The Count's face contorts in anger and disgust, They are members of a group calling themselves 'The Whispering Way'; a group of individuals that vow to release the imprisoned Tar-Baphon from dread Gallowspire and see him rule Ustalav, and maybe the world, once again. The leader of this cell is named Auren Vrood and they wanted to use the Bondslave Thrall to force my son to steal something for them from Lepidstadt University. I believe they called it the 'Seasage Effigy'; maybe that is the ancient idol you mentioned? While part of their group focused on that the others sifted through my research to find other nuggets of knowledge they could use for their foul crusade. Once my son had given their prize to them they left me to my fate locked in this deadly prison and surrounded by guardians of my own creation.

His face softens for a moment, Thank you for defending the honor of my son at trial. That was most noble of you.

Oooh, that was some good verbiage...

I specifically appreciate the 'ancient cabal' section.

We would be honored to hunt these dogs down for you. In the meantime, we could help you put your castle in order. There's still some nasty beasts around. Anything you could give us in the way of magic would be appreciated or gold to buy some.

Count Caromarc, it sounds as if you despise the Whispering Way and its evil intentions. I think we have the same desire to put an an end to its horrific goal of returning Tar-Baphon to power and make them pay for the death and suffering they so wantonly leave behind. We know nothing good can result from their devious designs. Do you have any more knowledge about the Whispering Way yourself or in your library?

Did the individuals who imprisoned you speak of their next destination? Can you give us any physical descriptions or characteristics they might have had, especially their leader Auren Vrood? Did they discuss any future plans or why they needed the Seasage Effigy? I apologize for all of these questions, but our trail ends here if we have no other leads.

...Randtam is going to take a level of investigator/pontificator, dang, skills boy, skills I say...

At Randtam's words the Count sighs and grimaces, I'm afraid you ascribe more nobility to my intentions than is there good Randtam. No one in there right mind is a friend to the Way, but I'd not get involved in stopping them if I had my druthers. However, they didn't give me much of a choice now did they? My research has taken me in different directions and I don't have any real information here than you probably already know. I'm sure the library at the University would have something that could help you. I will penn a missive to Acciani Viacarri, the Dean. I have donated heavily to the institution over the years and I'm sure they will be happy to help any friend of mine.

What else can I tell you?

What can you tell us about the Shudderwood and the Ascanor Lodge? Is there anyone there that you know that might be able to aid in our quest? About how long will it take to reach The Lodge by taking the Silent Path? What might we encounter along this path?

May we also stay long enough to rest. We do not wish to disturb you from what you need to do to get your house fully back in order.

The Shudderwood is plagued by werewolves but is rich in game and many hunters of noble lineage visit it every year using the Ascanor Lodge as their base of operations. The Lodge is very luxurious and quite safe from the depredations of the forest dwellers; a delightful retreat that my wife and I visited in our youth. The lodge warden, Estovion Lozarov, keeps the facility well kept and secure. You will need to speak with him to gain entry and he can give you access to the library there.

Your surmise is correct-the Bondslave Thrall lay above. I can only assume that its destruction is what brought an end to my son and the Abberant Promethean. I'm not sure if it could have been used to control humans. I suppose it's possible, but my research never led me in that direction.

thank you Count. We will rest and move on to let you get your house in order.

The Count is a broken man. Hopefully he does what he says and destroys his research. Otherwise he will probably go mad and continue to attempt to bring back his wife to no avail. Just broken.

So do we go back to Leipostadt and receive our reward? I would like to study in the University library. Did we have to answer to someone in Leipostadt? We're we sent here to find out what was going on? I forget. There still may be trolls and such on the way back. I guess he has no magic for us since he did not answer Uuranx's very tactful attempt at dialogue, but he did give us the gold.

"If we wish to purchase magic items we probably need to go back to town and that will give Randtam time at the library as well."

Unless anyone wants to do something else at the Count's abode...

~scene change~

The party rests and makes sure that the Count has everything under control before returning to Lepidstadt and making their report to Judge Daramid.

Thus ends the adventures surrounding the 'Trial of the Beast'.

What actions does the party take in town before setting off on the trail of the Whispering Way into the Shudderwood and the Ascanor Lodge?

Welcome to level 7!

Randtam goes to the money hall where he can receive his 4,500 GP reward for helping the Count. He considers what he will need to buy to have a successful quest. (GM...Is the magic store open?)

Randtam definitely will use the missive penned by the Count to study in the University Library.

Randtam enters the Library i am looking to speak with Dean Acciani Viacarri.

When I meet him I will give him the letter and ask to use a more private part of the library to study in peace.

Dean, I would like to study about the Shuderwood and werewolves to help me on my future path of learning.. After, (hopefully all goes well) I discreetly ask if he has any literature concerning the Whispering Way.

The Shudderwood lies to the South and East of the Count's abode. In its depths lies the elite hunting retreat of Ascanor Lodge-teh sole bastion of civilization among the fearsome beasts and ravenous werewolf pakcs that call the wood home. The Lodge is under the protection of the mighty Estovion Lozarov, who has kep the lodge safe for many years and somehow held the various werewolf tribes at bay. Many of the rich and noble of Ustalav visit the Lodge to enjoy their holidays in the wilderness safe within its walls.

There is an abandoned temple to Desna within the forest called the Stairs of the Moon. It is said to be the ancestral seat of power for the various werewolf clans who are said to be currently led by the Vollensag tribe of lycanthropes.

The Whispering Way is one of the oldest active organizations on Golarion, its origins stretching back to the Age of Darkness. Because of the organization's dependence on oral tradition, much of its early history is either lost or forgotten.

In the organization's nearly 10,000 year history, it has been credited with introducing several types of undead to Golarion. The primordial ancestors of all modern vampires—known as strigoi—are said to have first entered the Material Plane through a portal from the Shadow Plane opened by the Whispering Way. Agents of the Whispering Way may also be responsible for the creation of the first fexts on Golarion.

In 3203 AR, the organization's most powerful member, Tar-Baphon, rose from the dead as a lich and initiated the Whispering Way's golden age. Styling himself as the Whispering Tyrant, Tar-Baphon began for the first time to make the organization's vision of an undead utopia into a reality. He easily conquered Ustalav and the Hold of Belkzen and then began invading the neighboring countries in the hopes of attracting the attention of the god, Aroden. The Whispering Tyrant believed that humanity's rise during the Age of Enthronement was linked to the god, and that be defeating him in battle, Tar-Baphon could not only bring an end to all humans, but drive a stake into the living heart of Golarion itself.

His plan did not work. A collection of mortal states and peoples initiated the Shining Crusade and the defeated the Whispering Tyrant in 3827 AR; Aroden's attention remained focused elsewhere. The lich-king was imprisoned under his fortress of Gallowspire, and his armies were crushed in battle.

Since that time there have been many rumors about the Way but nothing substantiated. The members of the Way are said to walk among the common folk of Ustalav working towards secret and sinister agendas.

As you finish your research on the Way the Dean approaches you, Mr. Randtam, you and your friends have been summoned to the home of Judge Daramid. It appears she has something to tell you before you leave Lepidstatd. I let her know that I would inform you and she is expecting you at your earliest convenience.

I still need to study about werewolves in general. Also try to learn about the differnt packs that live in Shudderwood if possible. Vollensag tribe etc.....
Did I run across the name or any semblance of Auren Vrood? Seaside Effigy?
Sorry for all the questions. Guess I will have lots of time to study as we wait for our items.

Thank you Dean. I will round everyone up and meet with Judge Daramid as soon as we can.

Try to round everyone up and go.

I still need to study about werewolves in general. Also try to learn about the differnt packs that live in Shudderwood if possible. Vollensag tribe etc.....

Did I run across the name or any semblance of Auren Vrood? Seaside Effigy?
Sorry for all the questions. Guess I will have lots of time to study as we wait for our items.

Thank you Dean. I will round everyone up and meet with Judge Daramid as soon as we can.

Try to round everyone up and go.

Nothing about Vrood or the Effigy. The writings say there are a few other werewolf clans but no one is quite sure the actual number. The mortality rate in that line of research appears to be quite high....

All lycanthropes have three forms—a humanoid form, an animal form, and a hybrid form.

In their humanoid form, werewolves look like normal people, though some tend to look a bit feral and have wild hair. Eyebrows that grow together, index fingers longer than the middle fingers, and strange birthmarks on the palm of the hand are all commonly accepted indications that a person is in fact a werewolf. Of course, such telltale signs are not always accurate, for such physical traits exist in normal people as well, but in areas where werewolves are a common problem, the traits can be damning regardless.

Of all the various types of lycanthropes, it is the werewolf that is the most widespread and the most feared. Stories of werewolves haunting lonely forest roads, prowling misty moors on the outskirts of rural societies, or dwelling in the shadows of the largest cities are widespread as well. In most societies, werewolves are feared and despised—and with good reason, as the typical werewolf personifies all that is savage and bestial in a lycanthrope. This isn't to say that good-aligned werewolves are unknown, but they're certainly a minority among their kind, and most werewolves are evil murderers who delight in the hunt and the succulent taste of raw meat.

Just as wolves are pack animals, werewolves have been known to gather in colonies and live among their own kind, humanoid by day and beast at night. Visitors to werewolf villages are generally rushed out of town before nightfall so as not to discover the citizenry's dark secret—unless, of course, the pack decides that the unlucky visitor won't be missed by friends back home.

Most have DR silver and are incredibly fast and strong.

Book 3-Broken Moon

~At the home of Judge Daramid later that day after Randtam gathers the party~

You have arrived at Judge Daramid's home with more than a little trepidation. Each time you have met with the stern, older woman she has given you a task; each more difficult to achieve than the previous. These thoughts are leavened by your confidence from the fact that you HAVE been successful in almost everything you have set out to do.

The path has been hard, but you have not strayed from it. The trail of the good Professor Lorrimor's killers lead you from Ravengro, where you eliminated the pending menace of murderous prison spirits, North to Leidstadt where you successfully defended an innocent (The Beast), kept the mob at bay, and then rescued the Count of Caromarc from a slow and certain death.

Although most in the city do not know the true extent of your deeds and the trials you have overcome, Judge Daramid does, and as you sit in her parlor waiting for her as a servant pours you tea and serves you canapes, you hope that whatever she asks of you next does not conflict with your further hunting of Auren Vrood and his band of villains.

The Judge enters the room and dismisses her servant. Once the servant leaves she moves to the doors, checks that they are secure, and mutters a few words and passes her hands over them

Turning back to face the party, My sources tell me that you have been researching origins, history, and nature of the Whispering Way., she raises a hand to stop you from talking, No, don't try to deny it and make fools of us both. I have it on very sound authority that your friend Randtam has been working the stacks and pulling books that most folk fear to touch, much less read.

She pauses for effect and to gauge your reaction; then she smiles. This is good. If you are to chase after a fould pack of murderers and thieves you should know what you are facing and that they are not just ordinary brigands. The Way is not to be trifled with! Yet I sense something about you; something that tells me Pharasma herself may have set you on this trail and that you may in fact prove more than a match for what the Way is trying to accomplish. I have directed you and given you what aid I thought appropriate to clear the recent...unpleasantness from this town. Such events have a way of transpiring wherever the foul folk of the Way have been in action. There is not much more I can do for you, or with you for that matter, but I can give you this.

She pulls from her withered hand a pearl ring. Upon further inspeciton you see that the ring is actually cleverly crafted to look like scarab beetle with an eye on its back. Just like the one you found on the book from Lorrimor's library that you returned to the Judge.

I am a member of the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye, and this ring while holding no magic has a power all its own. It will tell others of my order that I have given you this ring and they are to provide what aid and assistance they can to further your goals. There are not many of us in Ustalav, and we are cautious and most pursue different ends. However, one thing does unite us and that is the fear of Tar-Baphon returning and snuffing the light out from Ustalav once again.

She hands the ring and some papers to Randtam, I understand that the trail will lead you to the Ascanor Lodge. Give these letters of introduction to Estovion Lozarov; he's the lodge warden there and he will grant you entrance at my behest. I wish you luck and that the Lady guide your steps and keep you safe. I will answer any questions that I can and then I must bid you good eve.

What a revelation the Judge is a member of the Esoteric Order of the Palantine Eye. They are incredibly devoted and resolute in their desire to thwart the Whispering Way.

I had a feeling you would know what I was researching in the Lbrary. I knew you had eyes and ears everywhere. We thank you for the letter and are eternally grateful that you place your trust in us by giving us your ring. We are honored.

How will we know who to show your ring to when we need assistance. I definitely had no idea you were a member of the Order. How will we know?

GM-Did we not also have a box with a scarab on it. Did we open it? Do I still gave it to show to her, or was it something useless?
Also, in my research about Lycanthropy, did I find how to cure or delay the curse. Is there a way to counteract the curse once bitten and missing the saving throw?

Vraxel remains quiet, listening carefully.

The Judge thinks for a moment, No the name Vrood jars no memories for me, if that even is the person's real name. The Way are masters of deception and multiple layers of alias and lies. As for the Effigy, I have spent most of my time, since I discovered the Way was involved with the theft, trying to discover any value that it might possess for their ilk. Sadly I have discovered nothing of value. There was not much research done on it and most of the notes surrounding its discovery have been lost. It appears to have been found in a lord's tomb in ancient Osirion, far to the south of these lands. Those folk are know to have had many ancient death cults, maybe this was an artifact of theirs.

As for the ring, you will not know them but they will know you if you wear it. Be not overly trusting but do not be surprised when help comes to you unexpectedly.

After everyone gets geared up.

"Let's hit the road, I've always wanted to see a werewolf, from a safe distance mind you."

I'm guessing like Uuranx but harier... Alamin provides jokingly.

Any other actions before departing to Ascanor Lodge?

Don't want to hold up the game. Will craft Pearl,of Power 3rd level and Cloak,of Resistance +4. Will do wand of MM if it is cheap and GM allows. Buy silver dagger 322 GP and 10 silver bolts. Took Sylvan as a new language to talk with plants if necessary in Shudderwood.

Don't want to hold up the game. Will craft Pearl,of Power 3rd level and Cloak,of Resistance +4. Will do wand of MM if it is cheap and GM allows. Buy silver dagger 322 GP and 10 silver bolts. Took Sylvan as a new language to talk with plants if necessary in Shudderwood.

Done and done. Check the discussion for wand costs (375 for MM).

~hand wave takes you edge of the Shudderwood~

After several days travel from Lepidstadt, including a stop-over at Count Caromarc's home that found him quickly repairing and refurbishing it, the party has finished crossignthe Dippelmere Swamp and Vieland, and have crossed the Troll’s Tail River into the neighboring Palatinate of Lozeri.

Ahead, a dark shadow rises on the horizon, which soon grows into a massive forest of towering conifers known as the Shudderwood.

Standing at the edge of the Shudderwood is almost like staring into another world. Ominous, towering pine trees blot out the sunlight, allowing only occasional splinters of light to pierce through. Within this dimness, broken branches and occasional shrubs growing up through fallen trees create shadowy illusions both wondrous and haunting. Apart from pallid lichens, colorful fungi, feathermoss, and wintergreen, little else grows in the forest. The Shudderwood possesses an eerie stillness only occasionally lifted by the sounds of passing birds and small animals scurrying across the dry pine needles littering the forest floor.

According to Alpon Caromarc, the Whispering Way cultists most likely took the Silent Path, an ancient and rarely used hunting trail that is one of the most direct and covert routes through the Shudderwood. Marked in places with strange bone fetishes, the trail runs several hundred miles through the forest, crossing both the Beustral and the Calscroix rivers, passing by Ascanor Lodge, and finally ending at the town of Chastel on Lozeri’s southeastern border.

Top left corner of map:
http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/55937/ustalavmap2.JPG

As you travel into the Wood the forest around the path thins, and a brisk crosswind scatters concealing drifts of pine needles across the trail. If not for the shallow grooves left behind by the wheels of traveling wagons, following the path would be nearly impossible.

You spend the first day of travel on edge as you get used to the sounds, sights, and smells of the Wood. Camping that night brings a whole new level of unsettling sounds but no wolf cries and you rise the next day to continue your journey.

Alamin slows her brisk pace, catching your attention, and whispers urgently to the group, There are some things watching us from the trees. They look like spider-like men of some type.

Recalculating GPTotal...

Take 20 on KnowNature= 32

Recalculating GPTotal...

Take 20 on KnowNature= 32

Sorry hoss no take 20 because you don't have 20 rounds to wait. You need to know NOW... Go ahead and roll.

Randtam does his best

KnowNature: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Really???