|
_________________________________________________________
Aral and Felyiel return to the professor's home a few hours before dinner. When he enters the foyer he hears feminine laughter coming from the parlor. Smiling Felyiel leads the way to the room. Aral notices the man's smile fade when he looks into the room.
Sitting in a chair is Kendra watching the short man from Town Hall as he acts out some funny story about his exploits with her father.
"You!" Felyiel says in disbelief.
Aral left to quick for me to get to the reason for being at Town Hall. Aral may now use it as a research spot. Gaining +2 to know checks when researching Harrowstone or being allowed to make checks untrained should he not have a rank in them.
___________________________________________________________
Other than the looming ruins of Harrowstone on a nearby hill across the river, Ravengro’s most distinctive landmark is a 25-foot-tall, moss-covered stone statue that overlooks said river. The statue depicts a proud, muscular human man dressed in leathers and wielding a truncheon. A total of 25 names are chiseled into the statue’s stone base.
Something is wrong when the two researchers reach the statue.
It is covered in dried blood as if a someone had taken a thrown it about everywhere. Blood lays in droplets everywhere giving the statue a speckled look.
Benedict looks shocked for a moment at all the blood, and then narrows his eyes in determination. He pulls out his surgical tools and bends down to scrape at the blood. On closer examination he finds the smeared V in the blood. Seemingly unconcerned with getting blood on his person, Benedict uses some bandages and water to wipe the blood away from the location where the names are engraved in the statue. Pulling out the 5 sheets of paper and the piece of chalk he bought at the general store, Benedict makes a rubbing of all the names on the statue. Standing up and looking around him one more time, he sighs and returns to Talia's side. "I have no idea what the purpose of such an act would be. What do you suppose the "V" stands for?
Talia, too, looks disturbed at the sight of the monument's desecration. As Benedict works to take down the names, she circles the area, trying to discern how recently the vandal(s) may have been there. Reaching out, she touches a patch of blood, rubbing her fingers together to see how dry it is, then moving to watch Benedict work.
"Nor do I," she replies as he returns. "As for the "V", I couldn't say. The number five?" She sighs, then frowns in thought. "Should we inform the local authorities, do you think?"
Aral will enter after Felyel and just asks
"Someone you know , Miss ? "
|
|
And it is not enough blood to have come from a medium sized person. Probably a small animal or small humanoid.
No further clues so will advance you back to the House your timing should now comply to what the others did so far today. Probably will arrive about ten minutes after Aral and Felyiel.
Their work done and the day moving on to closer to dinner, the two adventurers head back to the Lorrimor House.
The list may or may not prove helpful as to each of them it is but a list of random names.
_____________________________________________________________
"Aral. Felyiel. Please come in this is Kholtan an old associate of my fathers. He was just telling me of how he and my father met." Kendra says smiling. "I knew my father was adventuress and lectures at the college in Lepidstadt bored him somewhat. But from what Kholtan has told me that wasn't the half of it. Thank you." she says to the man in leathers.
Standing she says adds before leaving, "I need to see to dinner and the new cook I just hired. Please since you all knew my father I'm sure you have stories to tell. Kholtan you will be joining us for dinner won't you?"
And as if not to get a negative response she ducks out of the room towards the kitchen.
Kholtan turns and grins smugly up at the stuck up man he recognized from the councilor's chambers. "Well now didn't think you would be seeing me again eh?" He rises and folds his arms looking the man up and down seemingly unaware at the obvious height difference.
Aral looks down at the man: Since you make Miss Kendra remember her father with laughter rather than tears , I will not tell her what happened at the townhall. You also just confirmed a theory of mine. For these things , I do thank you. " With this, Aral turns and address Felyel "If Miss Kendra comes back, tell her I have gone to refresh myself and will be back shortly "
"Something about that man just strikes me bad. Always so formal, like some stick is shoved up somewhere. He can go right ahead and tell the little mistress for all I care, already told her how I had to wait for hours just cause of how I look." He turns and glances at Felyel
Perception to just glance over this person for things of interest
|
|
Felyiel Moonborn," the half-elf says nodding to Kholtan. "Aral is a serious individual from what I can tell so far. He takes little nonsense from people, but I have only known him for about twenty-four hours." he notes shrugging.
"You said you worked with the Professor. At any time did he mention The Whispering Way or Harrowstone Prison to you?" he asks finding a seat.
"Nice to meet you. Don't know how you stand him but oh well hopefully I won't ave to deal with him much more. I just want some answers." Kholtan replies before continuing. "Names Kholtan, some call me Kholtan the Raven, a silly nickname I gained from some work I did as a mercenary. Friends call me Kholt. Naw I never heard of those places. Professor had me do odd jobs, deliveries, pickups nothing really of note. Kept me out of the gutter though and for that I'm grateful."
On the return to Kendra's home, Talia stops by a fishmonger to purchase a promised fish for Kieli.
"So," she says, speaking to Dr. Darcy. "It is to be hoped that our companions have returned to the house that we may compare notes of what we found out today. Though where we go from here is up in the air. I'd like, at some point, to see the place where the Professor met his end, in case something was missed by the locals, who seemed quick to judge the affair an accident. What do you think?"
Benedict offers to carry whatever Talia buys. "My opinion is that we go by that crypt this evening and pick up whatever protective items we may need. We will be going to Harrowstone, but do we go in the night time? The night is likely more dangerous, but more likely to catch any activities by the Whispering Way as well. I am unsure what is the better way. I feel like we need to go quickly, but I wish we had more time for research." Benedict shrugs his shoulders and looks back to Talia, "What do you think?"
Talia accepts Darcy's offer with a graceful curtsy before replying, "I agree about going to the crypt. Any items which may help us would be a boon. As for Harrowstone, it's a difficult choice. But if we go to the crypt tonight, we can go to Harrowstone in the morning and see what we can find during the light of day. If the Whispering Way has not left the area after the Professor's murder, perhaps we can gather information at the scene, and go back in the evening? It will, at the least, allow us to view the area and plan how we would approach lying in wait for the Way. Ah, there's Kendra's home now. We can ask the others' their opinions on the matter."
|
|
Kieli swoops down and lands on Talia's shoulder squawking in Alko.
Taking the fish the raven flies to the rooftop to enjoy its dinner.
_________________________________________________
After exchanging stories for a moment Kholtan and Felyiel here the front door open and soon Dr. Benedict and Talia enter the parlor.
"And here are more friends of the Professor's." the half-elf says with a grin. "Talia and the good doctor Darcy Benedict. Talia, Doctor. This is Kholtan he came to pay his respects to the late professor and like us, he wishes to know what happen to him."
"Well met, Kholtan," Talia says in greeting. "Happy I am to learn of another who knew and befriended the late Professor. We have been gathering information today, and it appears you've arrived just in time to hear of our findings."
She turns to address the room and its occupants.
"According to Father Grimburrow, when the Professor was found, he did not have on him any items which he would likely have had while investigating Harrowstone, a place known for being haunted. The Father agrees with us that his death was likely no accident.
"While we were unable to convince him to allow us to view the temple's archives, he did point us toward a memorial to those who died in the fire at Harrowstone when the prisoners rioted. Dr. Darcy,"--here she bows to the good Doctor--"thoughtfully bought paper in order to record the names chiseled onto the monument, which he did when we got there."
Talia pauses, as if troubled, before continuing. "To our shock, when we arrived at the monument, we found it had been vandalized: someone or someones had splattered it with blood. The blood was dry, and we suspect the vandals came some time last night. At the base of the monument was smeared the letter "V". From what we gathered, it wasn't enough blood to be human--perhaps an animal. We hope."
Here she stops speaking, allowing the others to consider her words and speak as to what they may have found.
Kholtan silently raises an eyebrow at the woman's entrance and the spouting of information...Wonder if she knows I just was a hired hand....maybe I'll just let her assume whatever.... he thinks to himself and smiles in greeting to the two new people.
"Well guess first thing is to figure out what the V stands for and what not, maybe with that you can figure out who would go to the trouble to mark up that memorial."
Aral will come back having changed to his Scholar outfit and look for Kendra .
He will then delicately ask :
" Hello , Miss Kendra. Is it not good that an old friend like Kholtan has come to see you ? "
When introduced Benedict makes a small bow to Kholtan, "Greetings sir, it is good to meet another associate of the Professor's."
As Talia makes her report to the room Benedict pulls out the papers he used to trace the carvings on the statue. He lays them out on the table, absent-mindedly wiping a smear of blood off the paper with the side of his thumb. He looks over the names again, figuring it would be good to be familiar with them to cross reference in future research. He also looks for names that begin with the letter "V", noting them especially.
When Talia finishes he looks up from the sheets and answers Kholtan's question, "Yes, that will be of priority, but it is certainly just part of a larger picture." He turns to Kholtan and studies him for a moment. "I don't wish to be rude, but I'm afraid I did not catch how you were associated with the Professor. I ask because his last days were spent investigating some mysterious and dangerous happenings in this town. I am of the opinion that his investigations led to his death by foul play, although I can not yet prove such. So I don't wish to involve you further, unless your relationship with the Professor was such that he would want you involved."
In answer to the Darcy's words "I worked for the professor for a while, payed good money, now I am left without a job. Personally? I want to find whoever could have done this and repay them." He grins then winking, "Ever seen what happens to an owl when it enters a raven's territory?" He grins again then asks seriously "How can I help?"
|
|
In the Kitchen
Kendra smiles when she sees Aral. Stirring a kettle over the fire she brings out a small portion. "Here want to try some?" she asks looking to the large woman kneading dough on a table by the other wall.
"Oh my manners sorry. Aral this is Prissla." Kendra says nodding to the woman. "Before it was just me and father, but I thought with all of you here now a little help might be for the best. She has already been a great help."
"What was that about friends? Oh you mean Kholtan," she smiles nearly blushing. "He use to work for my father. Finding things for him he said. He had such funny stories of my father, some I never knew about. I do hope more of his friends stop by to say hello." she adds looking a little down cast.
"Seems all of you knew him better than me. And.." a tear comes to her eye and she says no more, going back to stirring.
____________________________________________________________
In the Parlor
Felyiel rubs his chin as he thinks. "You said the blood was fresh. Maybe there are fresh tracks about as well." he says then looks out the window. "Drat will be dark in a couple hours. And not knowing how far the trail may run might be best to wait till tomorrow. Maybe Sky Watcher could help. If he comes back, that is." he adds with a shrug.
Turning to Kholtan and once more noting his arms and armor he says. "Well you look like you can handle yourself if there is trouble, if you want to help it would give us more people to watch both the house here and search for clues as to what happen to the professor."
Rubbing his chin once more he asks, "What is our next move then? Or yours I should say as I will volunteer to guard Kendra and the home. Maybe knowing a paladin of Sarenrae is here will quail the talk that the Professor was a necromancer."
Not much of interest as there are a bunch of names and only a few things to make note of.
A- There are two names that start with the letter 'V'
--- Vester Demlir
--- Vesorianna Hawkran (also only female name on the list)
b- There are two sets of names that have the same last name.
--- Dir Milloco
--- Samuel Milloco
and
--- Lyvar Hawkran
--- Vesorianna Hawkran
Nothing else of note.
Talia looks to the group in the parlor, then smiles.
"I know what our next move should be," she says. "Supper. Provided my perspicacious powers have not completely abandoned me, I believe I smell something food-ish from the kitchen. Shall we retire to the dining room?"
Putting actions to words, she leaves the parlor for the kitchen to help set up supper.
With the lovely repast digesting, Talia looks to the group and begins speaking, discussing plans for their next move.
"Dr. Darcy and I were speaking earlier of going this night to the crypt Professor Lorrimor mentioned in his journal, both to discover any clues he may have left and to retrieve those items he mentioned would help in the trials ahead.
We also spoke of going to Harrowstone, but were debating whether a trip at night or during the day would be more beneficial. Does anyone have any thoughts on the matter? Or suggestions as to what other actions might be better before setting out upon this course? We should decide as a group, I feel. From what we've heard, going to Harrowstone, in particular, might be quite dangerous if it is as haunted as the tales say. I, for one, would be most grateful for any company offered in going to that place, no matter the time of day or night."
She looks hopefully at the group around the table, awaiting a response.
Aral will stay in he kitchen for a while telling Kendra of life in Karcau .
After which during the meals , he will continue to relate anecdotes about what humorous events can happen in a opera house .(Perform He will tries to stop any serious discussion during the meal telling others we'll discuss strategy with Sky Watcher after the meal .
When the meal is over , he will address Kendra :
Excuse us , Miss Kendra but I must discuss strategy with my associates. If you don't mind, we will leave you with Mister Kholtan and retire to the parlor
Benedict's expression turns to a frown for a moment. "Aral, i feel like you may be making a hasty judgement. It seems that Mr. Kholtan would like to talk with us about our plans. It seems tha he may have...skills that would be useful in our probable upcoming ventures."
Kholtan blinks at Darcy his mind running through possibilities of what the man meant....and then shrugs and grins.
"Well now I do believe that was a compliment. Mamm if you'll allow me I'll join the others." The last directed to Kendra.
---Once in the Parlor----
"If the place be haunted then a little bit of muscle never hurts even if it means dragging someone around once they feint." He grins and winks casually at Aral.
Aral will wait until the parlor's door are closed to turn to Kholtan with an appraised hand
Let me speak my mind , you'll be given a chance to reply after He then looks at Dr Darcy
You force my hand there. I do not like to denigrate anyone but so far Mr Kholtan's morals appear sub par. He tried to force his way in the town hall asking for money the professor allegedly owed him . When challenged for proof, he changed his plans and came here where, given his smirk when I arrived, he,no doubt, succeeded to prey upon Miss Kendra's bereavement and gentle nature for money. The man is a self declared mercenary and given what happened, I was wishing to speak to you and Miss Talia about the risks of hiring him. On the other side and to be impartial, I do think he really worked for Professor Lorrimor on occasion. Finally, I'll of course bow to the majority but I would ask his rates before hiring him.
Kholtan begins to laugh as Aral continues on finally placing a hand to his mouth to stifle it as Aral ends his pretty speech.
"That's a pretty way of saying Hired Thug your highness. Aye I am not some gentle sort like you, getting hand fed by some lord's wet-nurse. The professor occasionally called on me to guide him through the rougher parts of the city, retrieve items for him from an extended contract out in the countryside or even in a different city. I was told never look into the package and I didn't. This time I was told deliver a small package to a contact out in rough part of the city."
Putting a hand to his pocket he flips a rolled piece of parchment onto a small serving table. The scroll bears the mark of both the Professor and of the reciprocating party.
"Now that's settled, I'll explain why I was upset at the town hall, I had been sitting in the waiting room for three hours when I see you and your companion wait maybe a few minutes and are let in excuse me if I take offense at that. Way I see it you ain't something special."
Aral looks coldly at Kholtan and pick up the scroll to peruse it .
'Very well , it seems you could have chosen the way I told you in the hall to be paid. I do not claim to understand why you did not except to be contrarious. Otherwise, I can see how you were offended in the townhall by your perception of me cutting the line but your manner of expressing this WERE offensive . The sweet words of diplomacy achieve always more than the angry barks of intimidation. I'll let my companions speak at this point but I would like you to clarify under what conditions you would join us.'
Benedict pinches the bridge of his nose and looks down. "Yes, it would be good to know what your conditions would be. The rest of us feel that we are in the Professor's debt and are here to finish the job he had begun. I am not sure if there will be profit in our endeavor here, but the way I understand things, men or women of power will be confronted and they usually have valuables on them."
Talia sighs heavily, frowns thoughtfully, and addresses Kholtan directly.
"Mr. Kholtan," she says. "You seem to have fulfilled your commission, delivered the package, and obtained your payment. Those of us here for the funeral were read the late Professor's will, wherein we were asked, as a favor to the deceased, to perform two tasks: One, to take a month and see to the continued comfort of Kendra Lorrimor; and two, after said month, to deliver certain tomes to someone in Lepidstadt. For this latter task we were offered a certain sum of money, payment upon delivery, which may very well be offered to you, were you to join us.
She pauses before continuing, allowing the thought of a purse bulging with coins to sink in. "Be that as it may, I do not believe we are in a position to purchase your services ourselves for our current task--that of investigating the particular circumstances surrounding the Professor's death. If you wish to join us in this endeavor as a favor to a man who, in the past, has given you a great deal of work and wealth, then so be it. I am confident that what skills you have may well become useful, and we may find trinkets and coin along the way, which I, for one, would be willing to share.
Whether your social skills fall towards diplomacy or intimidation is irrelevant. All that I would ask is for you to behave courteously towards those you work with; and, wherever possible, to not make our task more difficult than, I am sure, it will already be. I do hope, one day, to consider you a friend, but if a professional relationship is the best I may receive, so be it.
I leave to you the decision as to whether you wish to join us or not, based on these terms. If you've terms of your own, please speak them, and we will consider the matter.
Lastly--and I realize I've been somewhat less than laconic already--it appears you and Aral began on unsure footing, and I hope you can set that aside and begin again. By the Goddess, I pray you two can start again, ere I grow weary of bickering and infighting before the week is out, and am forced once again to trade banter with Kieli alone! I never seem to win an argument with him..." Talia smiles, trying (and likely failing) to lighten the mood somewhat.
|
|
During the conversation Skie Watcher returns to the house. As he steps into the palor he looks at Aral a tight grin across his face.
"I see you were lucky today pup. Good for you." he says going to stand near the window. Looking out and not turning back towards the room he asks, "And who is the bladesman? Does he have news about what happen to Lorrimor?"
When the ranger hears about the memorial he suggests, "I will go there in the morning and look for a trail. But I have little news to offer, as these people are not forthcoming with all strangers. I did overhear talk about Harrowstone, the prison on the hill. It is said that every night at sundown you can hear the ghost of the late warden's wife wailing and sobbing from somewhere within Harrowstone. She haunts the prison now, forever mourning her brave husband."
Talia greets Skie Watcher when he enters, and explains what they've discovered up to this point.
When he finishes talking about Harrowstone, Talia takes a moment, then looks to the group.
"Well," she says. "Does anyone have any objections to seeing about this crypt the Professor mentions in his journal? Dr. Darcy and I would like to go this night and investigate the matter. Tomorrow, perhaps we can go and take a look at Harrowstone while Skie Watcher looks for a trail at the memorial.
Unless someone has something further to add, or suggestion to make?"
Kholtan's eyes visibly light up at the prospect of some substantial money but pauses and coughhs covering this hastily. Don't let the cat out of the bag just yet Khol he reminds himself.
He waits until everyone has calmed down somewhat, what with everyone speaking hastily and this new man coming in and giving new information. "Way I see it I owe the old man, guess I can come along give you all some muscle, and if we happen upon some loot I can see us divdiding it up equally. And if your so willing to split that other purse for that delivery well then miss, Doctor you have yourselves a hired thug." At the last he bows to each and then grins rougishly himself hugely amused.
"Hmm...," Talia says, thoughtfully. "I see your point, and concede that such a nighttime excursion might be hasty, especially if we're discovered--even if it's for a good cause."
Nodding in agreement, or as if coming to a decision, she continues, "Very well, I will agree to your plan. You may have better luck in convincing Father Grimburrow to allow us to see the crypt. If not, we can forgo that avenue and pursue another. Shall we, then, get some rest and set out in the morning, both to view where the Professor died and then on to research and questions?"
"Sir Raven," she says, addressing Kholtan without the least bit of irony. "Since you are in agreement, and willing to help, I would suggest coming with us in the morning to Harrowstone, and then back here to help in research or to the monument to discover what trail may be left to discern.
Anyone else have anything they wish to add?"
Kholtan sketches a swift bow to the girl and merely says "Im your man miss Talia"
|
|
The group readies itself for a big day in the morning, turning in for a well deserved rest.
It should come as no surprise that rumors about the group and wild claims start passing between the folk of Ravengro. Even after only one day the townsfolk begin to believe their own stories.
_________________________________________________________
The dawn is but less than an hour away when Kholtan returns to the Lorrimor house from his room at the local inn. Everyone is up and having breakfast finalizing their plans for the day.
So I get this straight -
1) Aral goes to Father Grimburrow and asks permission to explore the false cyrpt.
2) Aral then goes to the Town hall to do research.
3) The rest of the group goes with Skie Watcher to Harrowstone to explore the outer grounds - where the Professor died.
4) On that groups way back they go check for a trail near the memorial.
5) If given time (in the daylight preferred) the group travels to the Restlands to see about the items that are hidden there.
It is rather that
1) Aral goes to Father Grimburrow and asks permission to explore the false crypt .
2) The whole group goes with Sky Watcher to Harrowstone to just check where the Professor died.
3) Aral then goes to the Town hall to do research.
3') Talia and Benedict research at the professor's house
3'') Sky Watcher go check the memorial .
|
|
Night falls on the sleepy town of Ravengro and the locals turn in from what they are calling "The Day of Strangers". Never in it's short existence have so many strangers come to town on the same day.
It has got the town a buzz and a little frightened about the days ahead.
________________________________________________________
Rising early and planning for a big day the group joins Kendra for a breakfast of eggs, sausages, and warm bread before heading to the Temple of Pharasma.
As they approach the temple they see more than a few people entering or walking towards the building. When they are close enough they see the large ornate doors open wide and hear somber music coming from inside.
Aral will most certainly go ! He will enter the temple stretching the spiral on his breast and find a place at the rear.
Local Farmer
A man glances at the group standing outside the church. His wool pants and homespun shirt tell he must be a local farmer, and he carries a cloth wrapped bundle under one arm.
He gives those remaining outside a glance before muttering.
____________________________________
Inside the Temple
Aral sees Father Grimburrow at the altar at the far side of the room. He watches as people enter, standing calm before the altar of Pharasma.
Benedict looks a little discomforted by the local's comment. He turns to the others, "Perhaps attending the service would be best for those of us who have no objection. I'm not a particularly devout man, but I am unfortunately a frequent witness to deaths and it causes me to observe her tenets to a certain degree." Benedict then walks into the temple to attend the service.
Talia runs her hands through her hair and straightens her skirt in order to look more presentable, before following Dr. Darcy into the church. She smiles at the farmer, paying respects to Pharasma at the entry way.
Not wishing to scare the locals further, Kieli politely waits outside amongst the trees, keeping watch around the building.
Perception
Kholtan looks over to the man hearing the mans muttered words and winks before grinning and following his employers inside.
|
|
The group enters (even Skie Watcher) the temple to find it decorated for a celebration and smelling like a bakery on muffin day.
The group sits near the back and they watch as one of Pharasma's more forgotten roles takes place. That as the goddess of births.
A small ceremony is taking place for a new born only three days old. The congregation is welcoming a new soul in the world. After the blessing of both father and mother and all of the new born's siblings, Father Grimburrow channels positive energy into a basin of water before placing the babe - Krishwen - into the blessed water.
An acolyte takes the baby up in a grey shroud that turns white where the blessed water touches it. "The grey turning to white signifies the purity of the young soul." Father Grimburrow says as the acolyte hands the baby back to his mother. "Pharasma Penitence shall be with Krishwen for all the days of his life, but for now he is a pure soul devoid of the weights one collects over a lifetime."
The family walks out among the throng that has stood and come to greet the newest addition to the world.
__________________________________________________
After the ceremony comes the celebration. A long table is laid out with foods brought by everyone. There is small cakes, seeds, salted peas, and kolash (braided dough bent into a tight spiral until it forms a round loaf - there are several varieties topped with dried fruit or a sweet frosting). Watered beer as well as tea is served to drink.
After a moment of Aral finds Father Grimburrow finally alone eating from a small pewter plate.
Benedict helps himself to enough food to be polite, and tries to talk with some of the townsfolk. He will not mention Professor Lorrimor, but instead focuses on complimenting the ceremony and chatting about the family.
Talia mingles with the townsfolk, offering congratulations to the couple on the birth of their child, and being generally bright and cheerful. She, too, mentions nothing of Professor Lorrimor or their business in town, instead complimenting people on their dress, hair, the wonderful service, and the beautiful child.
Aral moves up to Father Grimburrow
I always liked this ceremony even when I was a child. It is such a joy to see the parents acknowledging they made a new life. He then lowers his voice
I hate to ruin such a moment with grave words but necessity forces me to . Dr Darcy told me you were aware that Professor Lorrimor's death was no accident . Since it was obviouly linked to Harrowstone , I convinced him and Miss Talia it was not duty as friends to the professor and as pharasmin to go check there. As the religious authority here, I wanted to place ourselves at your disposal for this endeavour and see what help you could give us. Reading some information the professor had , I was made aware that, of course, the church has already tried in the past to resolve this solemn duty and I wondered if as your agents we could use the resources left . Of course if you want to check with my friends , you are welcome to judge by yourself their dedication .
Diplomacy
Father Grimburrow
The old wrinkled padre looks at Aral with a slight frown. "Harrowstone killed the professor - my friend - and I think it best to leave that haunted place and it's restless spirits alone."
He finishes his small meal and stands, "If you go to Harrowstone young man know that you should, like Petros did, make sure your affairs are in order. The church here has no Templars or paladins, we are a small congregation that caters to the needs of the common folk. I advice not going to Harrowstone and if you do you make sure you are well equipped."
A man looking like a farmer stands close but out of hearing range. He watches wringing his hands nervously. "I have to go. You and your friends should think long and hard before you temp the Mistress of Fates. Or you may see her in another of her aspects... the Lady of Graves. Good day."