A raven with a blue feather flutters to Talia's shoulder, cooing softly. The young lady's eyes glisten with the moisture of tears as she steps forward. From a pouch at her waist, she removes a slip of folded paper. Bending, she reverently places the parchment on the grave. She takes a handful of dirt and covers the paper, patting it smooth. Talia stands, then, and begins to sing, her eyes staring at a distant memory.
After a minute, she stops singing, and begins to speak in a soft voice.
"Professor Lorrimor saved my life, once. I was at the market, and a man was killed. I never knew how or why. But I was closest when the guards came on the scene, and was charged with his murder. The Professor was there, and came to my aid. He advocated my case, gathering evidence I wouldn't have thought of, witnesses I'd not seen. He was able to prove my innocence, in the end, and the charges were dropped. I dread what may have been, had he not been so kind as to help me. I never saw him after that, but I've always remembered him. His last words to me were, 'Talia, you've a kind heart, but choose carefully where you place it.' I thanked him over and over, and swore that if there was anything I could ever do in return... He just smiled and said, 'You'll be hearing from me. One day'. Now it's... I can never... I'm sorry."
Talia, fighting back tears, turns away, her hands rubbing her eyes. The raven on her shoulder nudges her ear and continues cooing softly.
Aral steps near the grave and has a sad smile
The speakers before me spoke of professor Lorrimor's attention to details . Indeed with his learning it was on his great strengths. many years ago , my mother and others were captives of one of the abominations of undeath. Professor Lorrimor using his wits was able to deduce where they were held and so the captives were freed . But this did not end there . He also personnally helped the survivors to cope with what had happened to them and did not forgot them the moment the rescue was done . To me , that's the mark of a true hero : Forethought with Compassion . Today , Professor Lorrimor is standing in the graveyard awaiting judgement . I have no doubt the Lady will make a place for him there where he will be able to help those who will arrive after him. Do not be sad for him , his true life begins now and one day each of you will meet him again
He then steps back to let others speak .
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"Thank you. Thank you all," Kendra says a warm smile on her face. "I am glad to know my father called people such as you friends."
The other mourners nod and smile their approval as well. And Father Grimburrow gives the group a look of gratitude but says nothing.
__________________________________________________________________________
The rest of the mourners don't share anything and one by one they step to the filled grave and pay their respects before leaving. The last mourner, Councilman Hearthmount, says good bye quietly to the professor than turns to Kendra.
"I have something else to do before I can bring your father's will over for its reading," he says then looks to the group. "Now that all parties are here. I will be by your home in one hour. Please make sure everyone is present Miss Lorrimor."
He then turns and walks off, back down the path towards the gate.
Kendra turns to you all and says, "I can't believe it. Finally the mystery as to why my father said his will could not be shared without all of you present will be answered. Please if you would we can have dinner, at my home. If you'll join me?"
Of course we'll join you for the reading. We are all here to honor his last wishes as well as his memory. It is curious that he brings together such a varied group of individuals together. I would not presume to speak for the others about dinner, but it would be my pleasure to join you. May I escort you back to your home?" Benedict smiles and holds out his arm for Kendra.
"I admit," says Talia, "to no small amount of curiosity myself, as to what the Professor might have wished, and would be honored to accept your hospitality. I do not wish to be a burden, however. Might I help in some manner? While my skills at cooking are not exceptional, if there is anything I can do, it would be my pleasure. Even dishes."
Falling in behind the good Doctor and Kendra, Talia looks back once more upon the scene in the cemetery, before turning towards the future and answers to be had.
Let us then go. I must admit that I am a little concerned about what happened . Aral walks with care near Talia trying to breathe evenly through the pain of his wounds.
Benedict notices Aral's stiff gait, "Mr Damir, I'm sorry I did not notice that you are still wounded. I would be glad to see to your wounds once we arrive at Miss Lorrimor's home. I cannot offer a divine healing, but can offer more mundane care."
The offer is much appreciated . I do not think anything is broken. I think in their heart these good people did not really want to hurt us which make their actions all the more perplexing. I do wonder how all this came about. Directing his look at Miss Lorrimor
I know this might distraught you but I believe we should investigate the origin of these accusations. Do you know if such aspersions were made when your father was still amongst us?
Talia turns to Aral, her expression worried. "My apologies, Mr. Damir," she says. "In the aftermath of the fighting and the emotions of the service, I'm afraid I forgot you were wounded. If you would permit me but a moment, I can lessen your wounds and the walk may not be as taxing." Talia reaches her hand out to touch Aral's arm, pausing for permission before resting briefly.
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The Lorrimor House is located south of the main hub of Ravengro. A road on the west side of the Samion river leads around to the home without having to go through the town itself. It takes a little more than half an hour to get from The Restlands to The Lorrimor House and along the way Kendra is quiet.
If asked about the will she tells everyone she knows nothing about it or that her father even had one till he died.
If asked if she is alright she confesses that she is confused and even feels a little lost now in the world alone, but perhaps the will may have some answers.
Once everyone reaches the home though she seems a lot better (even some flush returning to her face), as the familiar surroundings seems to comfort her greatly.
It is almost exactly an hour to the minute when the portly councilman comes to the Lorrimor House to do his duty as arbitrator of the Professor's will. As Kendra leads him into the parlor where the rest of you sit and wait, he seems to sniff in disdain.
After noting that all parties are present he produces a sealed scroll bearing the Professor's personal seal. Showing everyone it is unbroken, and not tampered with, he proceeds. Breaking the seal and opening the case.
*clank* *clink* *clink*
A small iron key falls from the scroll case, but the councilman seems undaunted by it. Looking to be done with his business and be gone quickly he unrolls the scroll and begins to read aloud.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child.“Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.
“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4711.”
Kendra looks to the group and says, "I believe I know the trunk it's talking about."
Aral stands when the speech is ended and goes up to the table to thank Councillor Hearthmount for his promptitude in his duties
Diplomacy
Almost as a aftersight , he'll pocket the key
Once everyone arrives at the Lorrimor residence Benedict pulls out his Healers Kit and Surgical tools and examines Aral carefully. He bandages his wounds after applying appropriate poultices and oinments. "Luckily, all you have sustained are some deep contusions. You should feel much better after a few hours of rest, so I'd suggest that after the reading you stay off your feet and maybe get some early sleep."
Benedict listens carefully to the will being read. When the councilor is finished he rises and asks, "May I see the will? I would like to make sure I did not miss anything." As he reads over the will, he notices Aral pocketing the key and frowns slightly to himself, although he does not say anything. Once he reads over the will, Benedict mutters to himself with a bittersweet smile, "Hmph, the Professor. Still taking care of his friends even as he makes his last request." He clears his throat and looks to Kendra, "When everyone is ready I know that I, for one, would like to see that chest."
Arriving at the Lorrimor house, Talia looks around, smiling at the coziness of the place. Assuring herself that Aral is in good hands with the Doctor, she endeavors to do what she may to help Kendra settle in. When the councilman arrives, Talia listens attentively to the reading of the will, remaining quiet.
She watches as Dr. Darcy reads the will to himself, and notices Aral pick up the key from where it had fallen. Nodding at Dr. Darcy's words, she turns to him.
"I find I am in complete agreement, good Doctor," says Talia. "While the request made of us is clear, I would like to see what our charge contains. After which, as it appears we shall be here for a while, I suggest we secure lodgings."
I must admit that this trouble me . The professor indicates this could be dangerous and that our role is the one of bearers . This might means this chest is protected of course but my objections are more of a moral nature . do we really have the right to open this trunk . Of course if you insist , I'll bend to the advice of the majority but I would ask you to take time to think on this and I think there are more urgent matters.
I must not have been the only one to note the date of the will. It is quite recent but I do not know the significance of this. Miss Lorrimor , Could you tell us when you and your father did arrive in Ravengro ?
Pondering Aral's words for a moment, Talia pauses for contemplation before speaking.
"While my curiosity is piqued," she says, "I am not above gathering further knowledge before embarking upon any certain decision."
Turning to Kendra, she asks, "Miss Lorrimor? If you would be so kind, might you give us a brief history of your time in Ravengro? I would not wish to commit a social error by misheading your father's wishes and looking where we are not wanted."
She looks around, wondering aloud, "And where is Felyiel? Surely he may wish his views known?
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Kendra is just about to answer when she notices the councilman taking everything in. "Councilman Hearthmount," she says rising and walking over to the portly man. "Thank you so much for everything. Here let me walk you out, I'm sure you have other things more pressing to attend to."
They both leave the parlor and the group hears the front door open and close after Kendra says good night to the man.
She returns briefly and says from the doorway, "I'll go get the chest since it is now yours to protect and deliver. I won't be but a moment."
A couple minutes later she returns carrying an iron bound oak chest. She sits it down on the table before the group and dusts off her hands. "I will leave you all with this. And in answer to your earlier quest Talia, I think you should open it. The will made no mention as to where to deliver the contents, perhaps the answer is inside. When you are finished please join me in the library, I have a lot to think on at the moment."
Kendra leaves the group to grant them some measure of privacy.
Once Kendra leaves Benedict turns to Aral, "Mr. Damor, I believe that we should open this chest for several reasons. First, we must take inventory of what is in the chest so we know that when we deliver it to Lepitstadt everything that Professor Lorimor has entrusted to us has made it there. Unscrupulous individuals could use stealth to obtain access to the chest and substitute it's contents without our knowledge otherwise. Second, the Professor may have left further information in the chest that he did not want the Coucillor or the innocent young Kendra to have access to. Finally, I would not feel comfortable guarding and transporting a container without knowledge of the contents. I feel a moral obligation to know them, not because I do not trust the Professor, but because he would expect such caution from me. Indeed, such caution is almost certainly one of the reasons he selected me. Now, may we have the key to open the chest?"
You make good points there Aral will open the chest
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The iron bound oak chest opens to reveal a set of five books. Four of the books look old, worn, and well used while the fifth book which is atop the others looks to have been recently rebound and covered.
The new looking books leather cover has the words "Read this first" ominously scratched into it.
For the next several hours the group pages through most of the books. The first (and newest looking) is the Professor's journal which details his life here in Ravengro along with some notations he though worth highlighting or circling in red.
Three of the books have notes tucked into them saying they should be delivered to one Montagnie Crowl, a professor in antiquities at Lepidstadt University. These books include -
• On Verified Madness: This jet-black book is a treatise on aberrations and other entities found on Golarion that possess remote ties to the Dark Tapestry, the name given to the dark places between the stars in the night sky.
• Serving Your Hunger: This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa. Lorrimor’s notations liberally sprinkle the margins.
• The Umbral Leaves: This lexicon is a translation into Common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.
The last book to be delivered is locked (the keyhole of which appears to be for a key with a strange triangular shaft). Pinned to it's dark purple felt cover is a note saying that it should be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse. The note asks for this delivery to be handled discreetly and gives the address to the judges home address. On the front of the book is a brass scarab set with a single eye. picture here
After searching through the journal the group narrows down the passages that they believe the Professor wanted them to find.
Ten Years Ago:
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might. Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.
Two Months Ago:
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?
One Month Ago:
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect, I suppose it all makes sense—the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity —there’s plenty of folks hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.
Twenty Days Ago:
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something—no, strike that—someone who was held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.
Eighteen Days Ago:
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the foundation—hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a
few borrowed items.
Seventeen Days Ago: (last entry)
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll leave this in the chest where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.
Each PC may attempt a knowledge check for what they currently know about both Harrowstone Prison and The Whispering Way cult. You may use...
Knowledge (history) or Knowledge (local) for Harrowstone.
Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (religion) for The Whispering Way.
Please make one check for each topic and RP a bit. Tomorrow night I will post up your results.
Knowledge Arcana
Knowledge Religion
After examining the books, spending most of his time looking at the journal, Benedict leans back in his seat and stares off thoughtfully for several moments. He begins to speak, stops for a few more seconds of thought before beginning again, "I think it is clear the Professor brought us here for more than just looking after Kendra."
Interesting. The professor has been in Ravengro for a long time and as typical for small village mentality , he was still considered as an outsider. He makes notes some villagers did think him a black wizard so the happenings at the graveyard might just have been just the results of insular xenophobia. That's good to know. Now we need to know if some strangers have been in town recently and gain more information on the circumstances of the professor's demise. Do well all aggree on this ?
"I agree with you both," says Talia. "And would like to know when and in what state the Professor's body was found. His last entry..." She frowns, her expression worrisome.
"As for the this prison and "Whispering Way" he mentions, I'm afraid I've not heard of them."
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NPCing Felyiel
"Funny I don't know much about Harrowstone, but I have heard a little about The Whispering Way." Felyiel says as he puts back one of the evil tomes. "Why in the world would the professor want to read such things?" he asks no one in particular.
"White Necromancy." Skie Watcher states not bothering to explain.
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RESEARCH RESULTS
After talking together for over an hour you manage to piece together a little of what The Whispering Way cult is, and the few rumors you have heard about Harrowstone.
Research Topic: Harrowstone
Knowledge (history) and Knowledge (local) can be used to research Harrowstone.
DC 10 (50 XP): Harrowstone is a ruined prison — partially destroyed by a fire in 4661, the building has stood vacant ever since. The locals suspect that it’s haunted, and don’t enjoy speaking of the place.
DC 15 (100 XP): Harrowstone was built in 4594. Ravengro was founded at the same time as a place where guards and their families could live and that would produce food and other supplies used by the prison. The fire that killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards destroyed a large portion of the prison’s underground eastern wing, but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. The prison’s warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred. A statue commemorating the warden and the guards who lost their lives was built in the months after the tragedy—that statue still stands on the riverbank just outside of town.
DC 20: unknown
DC 25: unknown
Research Topic: Whispering Way
Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (religion) can be used to research the Whispering Way.
DC 10 (50 XP): The Whispering Way is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years.
DC 15 (100 XP): Agents of the Whispering Way often seek alliances with undead creatures, or are themselves undead. The Whispering Way’s most notorious member was Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, although the society itself has existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer.
DC 20:unknown
DC 25:unknown
Benedict nods in agreement, "Yes, I agree that we need to ask Kendra about the Professor's death, but I also think we can also all agree that it was likely not natural and the Whispering Way was likely involved. In any case, the Professor had evidence that this Whispering Way cult has some sort of plan that is likely cause the deaths of the residents of this community. He had made it his mission to stop them from getting whatever they were looking for. He expected us to do the same, and I will do so in his memory. We have several important leads in the journal. The list from the Temple of Pharasma seemed to be important, there were defensive items in the false crypt in the Restlands, and Harrowstone is where the answers lie."
"Well, then," says Talia, nodding her endorsement of this plan. "That sounds reasonable enough. Perhaps we should ask our hostess where the Temple of Pharasma is, make sure everything is settled, and see what we may. What time is it? Shall we go this evening, or get started in the morning?" She glances towards a window and what light there is from outside.
Let us emulate the professor and put research and thoughts before action. We will need to be subtle about it of course. We may already be under observation.
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The group finds Kendra in the library staring at a portrait of her with her mother and father. She dabs at her eyes when she hears the group enter the room.
"Did you find out everything you needed to know about the books my father asked you to return for him?" she ask trying to make small talk while stifling a yawn. "You were locked away with them so long, I was about to come bid you all good night."
"Not as much as I would have hoped," Felyiel answers. "We are keeping you from getting rest perhaps you could direct us to a good inn?"
"No please," Kendra says suddenly taking a step forward. "I was going to let you all know you may stay here. Free of charge. The will has imposed on you a stay that I'm sure you weren't prepared for and I will need a few days to decide what I wish to do. But for now..." she pauses and turns back towards the portrait. "For now I would just like some company."
Felyiel bows his head in acceptance. "It would be my pleasure."
Changing the subject Kendra asks. "You said you didn't find as much information as you would have hoped to. Maybe I could help? And if not me I am sure there are answers here." she says indicating the shelves of books and manuscripts.
With another yawn she adds, "But maybe in the morning. I will send a maid to show you your rooms. And... thank you." she says leaving the group for the night.
Using a Knowledge check to research a topic allows the PCs two options—simply making the check to see what a character knows about the topic (this is a free action, but can only be attempted once per character - already tried by everyone), or spending a day looking through references, books, and other materials (this check can be attempted multiple times, but no more than once per day). Aid another checks allowed for these rolls.
There are multiple locations in Ravengro that can be used to research. Using any of these sites to research information about Harrowstone or the Whispering Way allows a character to make Knowledge checks untrained (although doing so negates any bonus on skill checks the research site might provide).
The Lorrimor Place: Kendra offers to let the PCs use her father’s personal library to research, free of charge and regardless of the PCs’ current Trust point total. Lorrimor’s library provides a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research the Whispering Way.
Others: unknown at this time
In addition - Gathering Information: A Diplomacy check made to gather information about Harrowstone may be attempted as many times per day as long as there are hours left to try. (See skill for time needed to complete task) A succesful DC 10 check (watch out for Trust modifiers) reveals one random rumor.
Benedict rises with a concerned look for Kendra. "You have my deepest apologies for keeping you up so late, dear Kendra. Today must have particularly exhausting for you, physically and emotionally. Your hospitality will be greatly appreciated, and access to your father's library will undoubtedly be helpful while we are here. Now is the time for sleep of course, and tomorrow we will need to ask you a few more questions if you feel up for it." After Kendra excuses himself, Benedict turns to his companions and smiles. "As Mr. Watcher has suggested, someone staying up may be a reasonable caution. I would like to make a quick foray out to the Professor's gravesite tonight as well. Just to be sure that none of those farmers attempt to disturb his remains. Any of you are welcome to join me, but for me it will mean a late start tomorrow morning if I am to be sufficiently rested." He pushes his glasses up his nose with his forefinger and smiles. "And rest is so very important for one's health."
Talia bows to Kendra at her offer. "Thank you, Ms. Lorrimor, for your generous hospitality. We will, of course, take you up on your offer, and I would be delighted to help in whatever way I can to ensure we do not become burdensome guests. Please, let us not keep you awake any longer."
After Kendra departs, Talia turns to Dr. Darcy and listens attentively while he speaks. Considering his words, she replies, "Provided the foray to the gravesite doesn't last till morning, for I'd hate to miss out on a comfortable bed after so much travel, I will accompany you. Allow me a moment to store my things and wrest a raven from the roof, and I'll meet you at the front door."
She pauses at the doorway to the hall, turning to look back at her companions. She takes a breath to speak, stops, then smiles before turning and heading to her room.
Aral will just offer a slight nod of thanks to Kendra after both his companions have spoken not felling it necessary to add to what has already be spoken
Aral will turn to Dr Darcy
Let me change into something a little more suitable and then we'll go see Father Grimburrow. Do you want to be the one to explain or would you prefer me to speak ?
Benedict smiles, "Speaking is not my strength so that is best left to you, but I would also like a few moments to prepare." He then walks upstairs following the maid to his room. Once in the room Benedict pulls his Alchemist Kit out of his backpack and prepares a quick extract in a small glass bottle. The bottle glows softly for a moment before he slips it into the pocket of his jacket. He discretely checks the dagger sheathed on his belt and the one in the sheathe on his wrist. Feeling slightly reassured, Benedict checks his appearance in a mirror before walking back downstairs.
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NPCing Felyiel
The paladin rubs his chin in wonder and states, "I don't think the locals would be brave enough to try something. But since Skie Watcher is watching the house we have time for a quick go over to the cemetery."
"Anyone else think we should find that false crypt and whatever it might hold while were there?"
Going to a graveyard at night in Ustalav is already a bit cliché . But still, going there with the autorisation of the church makes it a bit better. What's better is we know where to go . Now trying to find a crypt in a graveyard we do not know and I repeat all this in the dark ... Count me out !
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The group found no disturbance at the professor's grave for which they are thankful for. Perhaps Felyiel was right and having beaten the thugs probably set them in their place. Returning to the Lorrimor estate they bed down for the night, each taking a two hour watch during the long night.
__________________________________________________________
Ravengro Day 1:
The morning sun is hollow and cold as winter tries to hang on one extra day. Dark clouds promise rain as it isn't cold enough to snow.
After washing and having breakfast the group meets in the library to discuss plans for continuing the professors work against The Whispering Way.
Rolling for research means spending the day at it, please post up a recap of your long day with your roll :)
During breakfast , Aral will prompt Miss Lorrimor for the circumstances of her father's death if there is no servant in the house he could interrogate.
Stifling a yawn, Talia stretches before languidly slumping into a chair, mumbling something about cold mornings and lack of coffee. Her raven perches on the headrest behind her, shaking his head--in a rather un-raven-like manner--and looking haughty.
"So," she says, blinking her eyes. "How should we begin our day? I'm afraid I've little knowledge, as it stands, of religion, history, the Arcane, or local lore. However, I'm an eager learner, and will help in whatever way I can. I can always take notes and correlate."
She frowns, before saying, "I really should have paid more attention to father's teachings, instead of wandering in the woods. But perhaps I shall learn something from pouring over tomes during our time here."
During breakfast , Aral will prompt Miss Lorrimor for the circumstances of her father's death if there is no servant in the house he could interrogate.
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The meal is a quiet one till Aral asks the burning question everyone wanted to know.
"Miss Lorrimor," he asks in a calm honest voice. "How did your father die?"
Kendra looks on very sad for a moment and then with tears welled up in her eyes says. "It was... it was so unexpected. He... he was found at Harrowstone after he went missing a couple of days. I knew he was interested in something there and convinced Councilman Hearthmount to send in a group to find him."
She looks out the window very sad. "They brought him back but didn't allow me to see him. They said he had been in an accident there. That a piece of statuary had fallen on him." A small sob comes to her unbidden and she tries to stifle it. "They said it crushed his... his head and that... that..."
She breaks down into tears and sobs unable to finish.
Benedict leans over and places his hand on Kendra's,"I am so sorry we had to ask, but we felt we should know."
Once in the library Benedict settles into one of the chairs, "So, as we expected, the circumstances Professor's death were foul indeed and also related to Harrowstone, and by deduction likely related to the Whispering Way. Ever more reason to continue his work! Why don't we visit with Father Grimburrow this morning to question him further about the circumstances of the Professor's death and about the list of those who met their end in the fire at Harrowstone. I'm not sure if we should mention the false crypt to him, since the Professor seemed to think that the local temple no longer had knowledge of it in any case, but I will leave that up to you Mr. Damir as you are more suited to speaking to him by both career and talent. Then this afternoon, we can utilize this library to find out more about Harrowstone and the Whispering Way." His eyebrows raise as he looks around at the others, seeking any thoughts on the matter.
Saddened that their questions caused Kendra such grief, Talia remains silent, her eyes downcast.
When back in the library, she listens to Dr. Darcy, nodding in agreement.
"Yes," she says in response. "I mistrust that the Professor's death was an accident, given what we found in his journal. And I agree with your plan, good Darcy. If anything further can be gleaned from speaking with Father Grimburrow, let us do so. If nothing else, it may give us further avenues to pursue. Mr. Damir? Have you any thoughts on the matter?"
Indeed , while Dr Darcy's point are well made , I would like to go about this a bit differently . The first thing in my mind is to explore Ravengro . With this foul weather yesterday , I did not have time to see its real size . After which , I would propose to see Councillor Hearthmount since he is the one who sent people to find the professor's body. I also have a further purpose . While I would like to speak badly of the professor , I must say I am a bit disappointed as his providing for his daughter. In my job as a curate of Pharasma , I have seen many mourners. I must say that I wonder if Miss Lorrimor's reactions do not indicate that she is worried about her future .
For a young woman , being left alone in a place like Ravengro could be seen as an ordeal. Happily I am wrong and after looking more at the place, we'll be able to leave Miss Lorromr in a month with a clear conscience but I doubt it at this point .