Soon after they arrive at the house, Theron heads over to his pile of belongings, fishes a out book, and brings it to the main room. After laying it out on the table, he addresses the group (when everyone is present). This is unrelated to what we are here for, but does anyone think he or she can decipher what this book is about? I picked it up just so that it could be returned to its owner at Lepidstadt, but I'm getting curious about what's actually written in here.
This book with a moderate magical aura; a bookplate inside the front cover indicates it is the property of Montagnie Crowl of Lepidstadt University. The book is written using hard, angular runes and some of the writing is magical. Theron was not able to decipher the writing with read magic.
Raj smirks at the author's name and immediately turns the book over and riffles through the pages, looking for any indication of a date. Well, Ghoroven, got your fingers in all sorts of pies, doncha? Anxious for answers, Raj has no compunction about studying the works of his erstwhile fleecer. He buries himself in the book, studying the first sections for his own benefit and the latter sections to determine the limitations of magi-mental manipulation.
And so it is that, as the team is returning books to the shelves and preparing to head back to the house, the scarred thief drags his heels in the library he so recently found intolerable. He leans against a tall shelf, book in one hand, his other arm outstretched with his fingers curled curiously. His glance casts back and forth between the book and his outstretched hand - making fine adjustments to his finger positions. He mutters to himself and flings his hand first violently, then softly, then with determination, scowling all the while. Rajuna is a study in concentration. After a few more minutes he grunts in frustration and makes a dismissive gesture...
...and a stack of small scrolls go skittering leisurely across the table. Raj's jaw gapes and he waves frantically at the scrolls to stop them. Slaved to his hand motions, they collide and fly off in unpredictable trajectories. Panic mounting, he issues an order that comes out more as a hissed plea, "Stop, scrolls, stop!"
Sadly, the scrolls appear to be deaf or merely prefer to follow his up-raised, pacifying hand-gesture instead... launching themselves through the air. Raj drops the Primer and runs around the table trying to catch the falling scrolls. He manages to snatch a couple but others fly off in unpredictable directions, still tied to his hand movements. They thump down across bookcases and roll along the floor.
The abashed rogue quickly places the scrolls on the table and retrieves his forgotten book, trying to keep his gestures to a minimum as one errant scroll sprints across the floor like a field mouse at his smallest movement. Referring to the book, he determines the correct words to end the spell. Once done, he quickly retrieves all of the scrolls, brushes them off carefully on his burnoose and puts them back on their shelves. He refuses eye-contact with anyone in the library particularly, he imagines, the glaring Iona.
In record time, he packs his gear and mounts the stairs - his excitement at casting a real spell tempered by embarrassment.
Rajuna heads back to the house quietly, lost in thought. Safely out of the Temple of Pharasma, he pulls the magical lolly from his pouch and considers its magic. He adjusts his thinking and tries to recreate that spell, this time angled toward an actual goal. The book said clear intent was needed. Like lightning, he expects magic won't strike twice... and yet it does. There is a brief electrical snap in his head and all the dirt on his clothes and body sloughs off in a tiny cloud. Raj grins and pockets the lolly like a talisman of good luck. Guess I won't be needing you today.
Raj turns his mind to the other major event of the day - Kendra. He both appreciates and dreads her adventurous spirit and pluck. She's got sand, give her that. An' I'm willin' to bet she'll want to come with us to Harrowstone. That's a bad risk. Doc wanted us to keep her out of harm's way.
As the group from the library mounts the porch and reaches for the doorknob, Raj has the sinking feeling that he's going to have to convince the young mage to stay home. He taps the note sitting in his pocket and debates what to do.
While the subject matter of their research was less than comforting, Rose truly didn't want to leave the library. She loved history, always coming alive as she read about past events. Oftentimes she was indeed reliving events in word that a part of her had experienced first hand. She was aware of the others as they went about the tasks, but she herself had become overly engrossed in her work. When it was time to return to Kendra's home, she thought she may yet find another reason to return for a few more hours amidst the tomes.
As Theron pulls out the book and makes his request, Rose feels compelled to have a look, the fire still burning in her from earlier. "I can take a look for you, Theron."
Rose starts her examination by casting her own spell and examining the enchantment's on the tome. Next she attempts to read the words within to decipher their meaning.
With the late afternoon light all but faded from the day and the dark pouring into Ravengro to replace it Dragomir seated himself near the fire with a pair of candle sticks next to his favoured chair.
He armed himself with a copy of 'The Bones Land in a Spiral' gathered from amongst Lorrimors collection of books and started to read, mumbling over the words as he moved his finger over the page.
As the rest start to gather to discuss their next plan, Dragomir rests the book on one thigh and listens to their deliberations.
1d20+1
While the subject matter of their research was less than comforting, Rose truly didn't want to leave the library. She loved history, always coming alive as she read about past events. Oftentimes she was indeed reliving events in word that a part of her had experienced first hand. She was aware of the others as they went about the tasks, but she herself had become overly engrossed in her work. When it was time to return to Kendra's home, she thought she may yet find another reason to return for a few more hours amidst the tomes.
As Theron pulls out the book and makes his request, Rose feels compelled to have a look, the fire still burning in her from earlier. "I can take a look for you, Theron."
Rose starts her examination by casting her own spell and examining the enchantment's on the tome. Next she attempts to read the words within to decipher their meaning.
** spoiler omitted **
- The book is definitely magical.
- There are no enchantments on the book, per se, but it's some kind of tool.
- You don't know what the language is, but as you read it, you can make out some spells written in a form with which you are unfamiliar. Like an alternate recipe to things you know exist.
- You find the following spells written in the book, all in that strange alternate format: animate dead, bull's strength, geas/quest and limited wish.
- The non-magical text appears to be directing the reader to complete some sort of ritual.
Rose spends about 15 minutes studying the book, deciphering it's contents. "Um, the book is some form of guidebook. A guide to what, I'm not certain. It has some powerful magics in it though. It's beyond my current skill at present, and outside my areas of expertise. If I studied it over a few days, I may be able to piece more of it together, but for now I'd avoid trying to follow it's guidance. Considering the spells I see in it, it's not necessarily bad, but could have unintended consequences for the unskilled. Does that help?"
Rose suddenly seems to perk up, as though an idea came to mind. "In fact, this type of magic would follow a more wizardly path. It's quite possible Kendra would have better luck than I, though it might take some time to decipher it."
"Have Kendra build it."
Kendra takes a look over Rose's shoulder as she chews a sandwich. Huh, I didn't know you could read Thassilonian, Rose.
As Walter entered the room after hanging up his coat and taking off his shoes in the mud room, he could only half-wonder why Kendra could.
Walter then remembered that he could speak Infernal, and he was a much longer way from Hell than Kendra was from the Varisian coast. He'd had to pick it up to study the religious texts brought from Egorian during the later years of the Age of Enthronement.
"Ad unicuique quod suum," he muttered, thoughtful, though unfortunately mispronouncing 'unicuique'-- a byproduct of having only read a language and never spoken it.
Kendra takes a look over Rose's shoulder as she chews a sandwich. Huh, I didn't know you could read Thassilonian, Rose.
"It's not that I can read it, but rather can understand it. When it comes to languages, ultimately what we speak today came from only a few that originated, branched off and became their own. Many languages thus share common roots, roots which can be pieced together and understood. I can tap into the memories of previous lives and piece together what things I read or hear mean. It does take it's toll though, so I only do it so often." Rose suddenly becomes quiet. "Um, sorry. I know some people find it strange when I talk about myself like that."
Rajuna stands by the hearth, watching and listening to the discussion. From the way Kendra periodically slips 'we' into the discussion, it seems clear she intends to go with them to Harrowstone. And based on the briefly averted eyes from a few of the others when she says it... Raj isn't the only one who thinks it's a poor idea. He reflects for a moment on the little cleric's words.
"...but you have a far greater blessing upon you--you are a true leader..."
While he disagrees with Lem's conclusion, Raj sighs inwardly. Someone's going to have to say something - and maybe some of them are hoping I'll do it. Before he can reach a decision, Rose gives him an odd look that carries an incomprehensible message. He cocks his head, trying to puzzle out her meaning. All he gets is that Kendra can use the book. It's enough.
Raj clears his throat and looks awkward. "Excuse me for butting in here... but, Miss Rose, were you sayin' that Miss Lorrimor could help our cause by decipherin' that book there?"
Puffing away on a dark pipe, Karrik sets down a handful of pages filled with his tight script -- a few reference sheets compiled from the group's notes of their research. He follows the quiet dialogue with his eyes, which once again draws him to look at the new addition to their motley crew.
Kendra vouched for him… reluctantly. Apparently drunk in the jail, but who can blame him in this town? And formerly of Lepistadt? Interesting.
Raj clears his throat and looks awkward. "Excuse me for butting in here... but, Miss Rose, were you sayin' that Miss Lorrimor could help our cause by decipherin' that book there?"
Rajuna's question brings his mind back to the greater's group discussion. "It seems to me that particular discussion can wait until we've reached a consensus as to the specifics of our plans regarding Harrowstone... unless it's determined to have a direct impact on the Harrowstone trip. I've only participated in a handful of ventures of this type, but it seems to me a map could be incredibly helpful, considering we have information on the possible locations of some of its dangers. If we can determine what supplies we'll need in Harrowstone and if we can acquire a map, we can plan a day to begin the venture itself."
Lem roots around in his pockets, producing the holy water he purchased on credit from the church. He sets the vials down and motions to the others.
I thought we could use a little more Holy Water in Harrowstone, so by all means help yourself.
Then Lem approaches Septimus and extends a hand in greeting, looking up with a welcoming look into the man's face.
I don't believe we've met--I'm Lem Longbarrow, servant of Desna, who no doubt made our paths converge. And you are? he asks, with genuine interest.
The priest then looks to Kendra and Theron and raises his eyebrows, slightly inclining his head toward the alchemist.
...but, Miss Rose, were you sayin' that Miss Lorrimor could help our cause by decipherin' that book there?"
"It seems to me that particular discussion can wait until we've reached a consensus as to the specifics of our plans regarding Harrowstone... unless it's determined to have a direct impact on the Harrowstone trip."
The scarred Varisian shifts position to lean against the hearth, "The question wasn't idle. It hits on who is and who ain't going into Harrowstone. I think that 'impacts', eh? If Miss Lorrimor can best grease the wheels of this cart by workin' through that book, or researching, or other tasks in town like keepin' an eye peeled for more bloody letters croppin' up..." He avoids meeting Kendra's eyes. "... then I think maybe she should stay here."
Karrik scowls at Rajuna, "If you wanted to discuss who was or wasn't going, it might be prudent to actually say it." The scowl shifts between Rajuna and Kendra, "And was there a suggestion that Kendra actually enter Harrowstone? Because that is simply not one of the options available."
Septimus regards the (slightly) cleaned up house of the late Professor with the kind of caution normally reserved for wild beasts. Despite the general air of disapproval, he places a few fingers on various objects in the room, as if gauging their worth or quality.
Well, this is certainly preferable to a musty cell, in any case.
Septimus looks somewhat startled by the halfling's approach, but quickly regains his composure.
A pleasure to make your aquaintance, to be sure. Any friend of Kendra's is a friend of mine. And my, she seems to have quite the number of friends. I wasn't aware you dabbled in the hospitality sphere as well as the arcane, Kendra.
As to luck having brought our paths together, I can only say that I hope some of your luck rubs off on me. My own path has seemed rather a spiral as of late. I sincerely doubt this talk of Harrowstone will do much to change it, but by all means, do fill me in.
Karrik scowls at Rajuna, "If you wanted to discuss who was or wasn't going, it might be prudent to actually say it." The scowl shifts between Rajuna and Kendra, "And was there a suggestion that Kendra actually enter Harrowstone? Because that is simply not one of the options available."
Rajuna shakes his head, both irked and amused. Having worked with half-orcs before, he's seen their typical directness. He holds up a slender lockpick for Karrik's consideration. "At times, this is a better tool than a crowbar, Karrik. Subtlety is a tool too. As for the 'options available', I expect the lady has her own mind about what is and ain't on the table for debate." He tosses a deferential nod in Kendra's direction.
Karrik regards the lock pick, "I don't disagree that there's an appropriate time for subtlety. From what I can tell, it's generally a tool used when you don't desire others to realize what you're trying to accomplish. In this case, I think it imperative that everyone be in agreement as to where Miss Kendra will be during the.. uh…" He pauses, once again eyes being drawn to the new human. "… maybe we should handle something else first." Karrik takes the two intervening steps towards Septimus, sticking one gray, meaty hand out for a shake, "My name's Karrik." His tone and direct look clearly ask, And your business here is?
Rajuna nods in agreement at Karrik's tabling of the issue. Naturally, the stranger in the house draws immediate attention. Raj continues to watch the new fellow peripherally, wondering what he's about. His exchange with Lem carried a hint of polish as well as oiliness. And he seemed casually familiar with Miss Lorrimor and the furnishings in the house. But there was also the feel of a hustler about him. So, not a stranger... but maybe not exactly a friend neither?
Raj regards the man coolly as the half-orc greets him. His own exchange with Karrik has seasoned Raj's mood, and not for the better. He's curious to see how this new associate takes to the dapper half-orc.
Though Theron doesn't notice the question that Lem is trying to ask him, he was still able to see the necessity of explaining at least part of the reason why Septimus was here. Septimus is a 'friend' of Kendra... and the professor I believe. He will be coming into Harrowstone with us. As for how this happened, that would be best explained by either him or Kendra.
As he speaks, a question occurs to Theron. Septimus... by any chance did you receive a notice of the professor's death? Or perhaps even a summons to his funeral, but didn't make it in time?
Theron's emphasis of the word friend draws a raised eyebrow from the rogue but no other comment.
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Dragomir listens to the banter back and forth before pitching in, if clumsily.
I'm with Knifey Von Knife on this one. I've done my fair share of guard work and I've done my fair share of riding out to hit bandits and such they hit the thing I am supposed to be guarding... I never took the wagons I was guarding along for the ride though. Just don't make sense.
He looks to Kendra.
Errr - not that you're a 'wagon' miss.
He turns back to the group.
The Professor is payin' us to keep her safe... it seems that this ere Harrowstone is getting a bit involved in this - nothin' came out of it yet but I want to know if the guys who 'off-ed' Old Lorrimor are still about... and for that we at least need to look at the place.
If they are still around, well and good, we hit them before they hit us - but taking Miss Kendra along askin' for a beatin'. We'd be needin' to focus on protecting her as much as tryin' to win any fight we find.
"Um, sorry. I know some people find it strange when I talk about myself like that."
Kendra stops chewing for a moment and squats down near rose--the movement rendered much less troublesome now she's wearing pants instead of skirts.
Rose, I don't find it strange at all--you were a friend to my father, and anyone who Petros found worthy of his friendship is certainly worthy of mine. She puts a hand over Rose's, resting on the book. I would love to learn more about you, but you take your own time. I want everyone to feel comfortable in my...house.
Kendra seems troubled that she must now refer to the building as 'her' house; until recently, it would have been 'my father's house'.
Who the heck is this?
Kendra blanches as she realises half of the people here won't know Septimus. She smiles a strained smile as she drags Septimus into the middle of the room.
This is Septimus, she says. We became acquainted what...seven, eight years ago? She looks at Septimus for confirmation, and gets a brief nod. Septimus was, for a time, one of my father's star pupils, and is quite brilliant when it comes to potions and alchemy.
As some of you are already aware, he does have a few vices--chief of them being a love of drink. He has pledged not to touch alcohol for a week, and he will be staying here with us.
She looks hard at Septimus, weighing up whether to continue with further explanations...and eventually decides that she might as well be honest.
Septimus and my father had a disagreement about some of his....choices, several years ago. He was not on the list of people specified in the will--only the eight of you were. However, he was, at one time, quite dear to my father, and if there is anything I can do to prevent his brilliance wasting away in the bottom of a bottle, then I shall. So I have co-opted him to our service in pacifying Harrowstone. He is most capable--when sober--and should be of great assistance to us.
It is my hope that by throwing him against the dangers in Harrowstone--a trial by fire, if you will--that he will shake off the melancholia that has so characterised him over recent years. Sometimes, the past is the past, and should be left there.
"If Miss Lorrimor can best grease the wheels of this cart by workin' through that book, or researching, or other tasks in town like keepin' an eye peeled for more bloody letters croppin' up..." He avoids meeting Kendra's eyes. "... then I think maybe she should stay here."
Karrik scowls at Rajuna, "If you wanted to discuss who was or wasn't going, it might be prudent to actually say it." The scowl shifts between Rajuna and Kendra, "And was there a suggestion that Kendra actually enter Harrowstone? Because that is simply not one of the options available."
Rajuna shakes his head, both irked and amused. Having worked with half-orcs before, he's seen their typical directness. He holds up a slender lockpick for Karrik's consideration. "At times, this is a better tool than a crowbar, Karrik. Subtlety is a tool too. As for the 'options available', I expect the lady has her own mind about what is and ain't on the table for debate." He tosses a deferential nod in Kendra's direction.
Karrik regards the lock pick, "I don't disagree that there's an appropriate time for subtlety. From what I can tell, it's generally a tool used when you don't desire others to realize what you're trying to accomplish. In this case, I think it imperative that everyone be in agreement as to where Miss Kendra will be during the.. uh…" He pauses, once again eyes being drawn to the new human. "… maybe we should handle something else first." Karrik takes the two intervening steps towards Septimus, sticking one gray, meaty hand out for a shake, "My name's Karrik." His tone and direct look clearly ask, And your business here is?
Kendra is clearly becoming flustered as the exchange continues, eventually putting her sandwich down and all-but shouting:
As Rajuna says, I have my own mind, thank you very much. And while I appreciate that some of you may be concerned about my safety, I spent most of my youth under my father's tuition learning how to protect myself.
She makes several gestures and spits out a few syllables, and a shimmering force surrounds her, looking like a heat haze. A few more words, and it begins to pulse, green and malevolent. Kendra looks for all the world like she's an avatar of Gorum, wearing a set of ethereal spiked armour. She draws the dagger from her thigh.
Can any of you deny it? There is more to me than some soft woman who sits in her boudoir awaiting the return of her dashing prince. She spares Raj a flat glare that tells him there will be more to this conversation later.
I will not be dictated to. My will is my own, and I will make my own decisions.
She sheaths the dagger again, and dismisses the armour. Now, if any of you wish to speak to me about why I should be prevented from visiting Harrowstone with you--in support of you-- there's that glance in Raj's direction again --then I will be willing to listen. But until such time as you treat me as an adult--gods, I'm older than most of you--you will find me most intractable, I assure you.
Dragomir listens to the banter back and forth before pitching in, if clumsily.
I'm with Knifey Von Knife on this one. I've done my fair share of guard work and I've done my fair share of riding out to hit bandits and such they hit the thing I am supposed to be guarding... I never took the wagons I was guarding along for the ride though. Just don't make sense.
He looks to Kendra.
Errr - not that you're a 'wagon' miss.
He turns back to the group.
The Professor is payin' us to keep her safe... it seems that this ere Harrowstone is getting a bit involved in this - nothin' came out of it yet but I want to know if the guys who 'off-ed' Lorrimor are still about... and for that we at least need to look at the place.
If they are still around, well and good, we hit them before they hit us - but taking Miss Kendra along askin' for a beatin'. We'd be needin' to focus on protecting her as much as tryin' to win any fight we find.
Luckily for Dragomir, Kendra looks amused at the idea of being compared to a wagon.
I understand your motivations, Dragomir, and I recall my father's will put the eight of you in charge of my safety for a month, but let me ask you another question: if someone here is replicating the Splatter Man's crimes, and you aren't here to protect me from him--or her, I suppose--then what difference is it where I am? Surely I would be safer where you can actually keep an eye on me?
Fine - I'll say it out right - You may well get some of us killed
He looks at her bluntly as he rises to his full height.
You may have all the finger wavin' down pat, and ooooh, lookie - you've got a dagger now, he said dismissively, but when it all goes to crap? We're gonna be trying to take down whatever variety of bad guy we find there and stay alive - but you comin? Means I gotta also focus on keepin' you breathing.
I didn't grow you up like some of the folks here, and I didn't go to some fancy school with you like young Walter here and I didn't get no second chance from your Da' like Karrik here, and I wasn't stabbed through the heart to be saved from being a bloodsucker like Rose here...
Now if am prepared to throw myself in front of a blade for you, can you honestly say that these folk who owe your Da a debt so deep they dropped whatever they were doin' to see him put to rest won't do the same? And they won't be so 'level headed' as me - they'll do somethin' stupid fer sure if they see you in risk.
How you gonna feel if one of us eats dirt to satisfy your desire t' feel like you're avenging your Da' when you don't even KNOW whats up there?, he asked.
He looked at her and then swung his finger to Rajuna.
How would you feel if HE was to die protecting you?
Older than most, but not all. And who's to say that age begets wisdom? In my experiences, it just leads to stubbornness and achy joints.
Lem smiles at Kendra and clears his throat, then continues.
Your powers are considerable, and you would be quite an asset in most battles. However, the most dangerous aspect of Harrowstone isn't any physical foe we must overcome. It is in the very fabric of the building itself. Haunted places soak in negative emotions and channel them into manifestations of harmful spirits. What good will your magics do against such a place? It will be hard enough for us, the professor's friends, to enter the haunted place where he was murdered. If you, his daughter, join us, Harrowstone will feed on your grief and use it against us. In this regard, you are more of a liability to us.
He motions to Karrik to produce the Haunt Siphons.
This is not speculation. Karrik and I examined these vials from the crypt--they are Haunt Siphons. If one opens them in a haunted place, the vials produce positive energy that can neutralize the evil energy of the haunt, and contain it.
Lem then turns to Dragomir, addressing his point.
Yes, I would like to find whomever is responsible for the professor's death and see to it that they answer for their crimes. But I believe we have an equally important purpose in Harrowstone--to put to rest the souls trapped there. Perhaps with these siphons we can cleanse the prison of evil.
Lem then turns to Dragomir, addressing his point.Yes, I would like to find whomever is responsible for the professor's death and see to it that they answer for their crimes. But I believe we have an equally important purpose in Harrowstone--to put to rest the souls trapped there. Perhaps with these siphons we can cleanse the prison of evil.
Dragomir, still giving Kendra a stern look, sits again.
Whatever you say Lem. I'll handle the ones I can hit - you handle the ones I can't.
Raj tries to cobble together his thoughts, shrinking slightly under the baleful gaze of the enraged mage - hope dying in the sudden frost. Still, he had a promise to keep and a job to do. He meets her gaze and tries to shuck every ounce of peasant parlance from his speech, "I ain'... am not calling your competence or skill into question, Miss Lorrimor. You were an asset on that job we did the other night. And I'm not telling you what you can or can't do - that ain'..ISN'T my place. BUT your Father wanted your safety seen to - above everything else. And unless you got a silent 'V' in your name, Splatter Man, or whoever is trying to imitate him, isn't coming for you. So I have to play the odds on where you are safest. If you decide to stay put, then I'm hoping we can get someone to stay with you, maybe Flori if she's willing."
Rajuna unconsciously taps at the note in his pocket and tries to quickly think of more arguments to persuade Kendra to remain in the relative safety of the town.
"That doesn't mean you can't help us in other ways. There are numerous books, tomes and scrolls in this house alone we have not yet searched through. As well as what was at the archives. It's possible we may have as yet missed an important clue. Let us handle Harrowstone, you can aid us in other ways. Even the scrolls you scribed for us may prove invaluable."
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Walter sat, wide-eyed and very still on the sofa, watching the drama unfold in front of him. He stood, an impartial observer, staring with silent countenance as everyone began to talk all at once.
Walter knew why the Professor had called them all together. He looked from the heavily-scarred Rajuna to the brutes Karrik and Dragomir. Rose, beautiful and strange, Theron, an inquisitor of the goddess of crusades and even Lem, small and well-dressed.
We've all killed people, he thought. I'm sure of it.
No matter how soft their heart is, everyone here is a monster.
Only monsters can fight monsters.
Walter seemed satisfied by that answer. He realized that the voice in his head that he had 'spoken' those words with was the Professor's. He cast an eye to the new man-- Septimus-- and wondered if the Professor had actually left him out of the will was because he couldn't trust him to avenge him, no matter the cost. Even Walter had blood on his hands. He wondered if Septimus did, or Kendra. For the first time, he felt like he was more experienced than an adult.
"I... um," he said, and thought. Until yesterday he had liked Kendra. Now, with a dagger on her hip and in breeches, she'd kind of lost the lady-like qualities she had, and she felt like a different person. "We um... we don't want you to get hurt," Walter finally settled on.
Much as it pained Karrik, he realized he couldn't -- at the moment -- mount a better argument for his position than Dragomir just had. He contented himself with giving Kendra his level lest gaze, a frank shrug, and a nod to echo Walter's sincere addition.
Theron remained silent for a moment, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with anyone else. Seeing Kendra's display had reminded him of someone...
"Kendra... I think there's more going on here than whether or not you should be going into Harrowstone," Theron began without looking directly at her. He seemed less intense than usual, as if he was dwelling on something. "Losing a loved one can be difficult. It can change you."
Suddenly, he snapped back to reality and turned his eyes on Kendra. "Think carefully about why you want to go into Harrowstone and what you really want to do with your future. Do you want to be a professor like your father or an avenger like...?" He didn't finish the sentence. "If you come with us, you might not be the same person when you come out of Harrowstone."
Lots of hard truths, and:
How you gonna feel if one of us eats dirt to satisfy your desire t' feel like you're avenging your Da' when you don't even KNOW whats up there? he asked.
He looked at her and then swung his finger to Rajuna.
How would you feel if HE was to die protecting you?
Kendra looks stunned. She opens her mouth--and a sound comes out, but it doesn't resemble anything intelligible. Her hands curl into fists by her side, and for a moment it looks like she might attack Dragomir with her bare hands.
If you, his daughter, join us, Harrowstone will feed on your grief and use it against us. In this regard, you are more of a liability to us.
...I'm not telling you what you can or can't do - that ain'..ISN'T my place. ... If you decide to stay put, then I'm hoping we can get someone to stay with you, maybe Flori if she's willing.
Let us handle Harrowstone, you can aid us in other ways. Even the scrolls you scribed for us may prove invaluable.
We um... we don't want you to get hurt.
Kendra doesn't seem to know what to do with herself as the verbal barrage continues. She shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot, her eyes becoming wide and her body language giving her the look of a rabbit that knows it's been spotted by the fox. Her mouth keeps working, but she's unable to produce any comprehensible sounds, and can't get a word in edgewise as the litany of reasons she shouldn't go into Harrowstone mounts.
Think carefully about why you want to go into Harrowstone and what you really want to do with your future. Do you want to be a professor like your father or an avenger like...? He didn't finish the sentence. If you come with us, you might not be the same person when you come out of Harrowstone.
After Theron speaks, there is a momentary peace. Eventually, Kendra mouths something, but it's hard to hear.
Unable or unwilling to remain here with everyone else, Kendra turns on her heel stiffly and leaves the room. You hear her head up the stairs, and then you hear a door slam.
Silence prevails.
Theron cringes, something that seems quite uncharacteristic of him, when he hears Kendra's whisper. After Kendra leaves, he waits a few moments before finally breaking the silence. "We could have handled that better."
"We can choose to regret what we have done, or work to make better the things we are able." Rose gives a sigh. "Planning on how to proceed would probably be best right now." Rose glances upstairs for a moment. "Considering she probably is older than most of you, I feel funny asking this, but you don't think she might try to sneak out?"
"We could have handled that better."
Raj watches Kendra leave then turns a hard look on Karrik. He taps the lock pick. "This is why I was trying for subtlety. A pick can pop a lock with less damage than a crowbar."
"Considering she probably is older than most of you, I feel funny asking this, but you don't think she might try to sneak out?"
Gauging the woman who just left, he turns to the room at large and shakes his head. "She's cut from honor's cloth and sharp, too. She won't sneak out or test herself against Harrowstone alone... Did anyone catch what she said?"
Gauging the woman who just left, he turns to the room at large and shakes his head. "She's cut from honor's cloth and sharp, too. She won't sneak out or test herself against Harrowstone alone... Did anyone catch what she said?"
Didn't even try, grumbled Dragomir, with indifference.
He re-started his struggle with the written word as recorded by the servants of Pharasma. He was familiar with a lot of it, having heard many of the passages at one time or another in his childhood as part of innumerable sermons.
Dragomir had never taken the time to read it himself once he had learned to read. He found it intriguing, almost facinating but... not 'enjoyable' - the book had implacable tone and an edge to the message behind the words that both attracted and scared him.
Lem, without his usual fervor, speaks delicately.
She said she wante to make a difference.
He lets her words sink in before continuing.
I understand how she feels. Let's turn our thoughts back to the task at hand to neutralize the threat of Harrowstone once and for all. I don't profess to know much of battle tactics, but can we all agree that a daytime incursion is best?
Septimus takes a slow stroll around the room, hands clasped behind his back. Well, that was awkward. And I thought Kendra disliked me, he says with the ghost of a smirk.
It appears I have some catching up to do as to why you're all here. Being so protective of his daughter, it strikes me that you must have owed some kind of debt to Professor Lorrimor. Either that or you're being paid handsomely.
He looks around at the assembled crew: a talkative hafling, a dapper half-orc, a brooding thug. A scarred-up catspaw, a righteous Iomedean, a woman so pale she almost glows. And then this one, barely more than a child.
Either way, it's a good time for a drink. Septimus holds out both palms to show that he is merely joking. Don't worry, I'll abide by the good daughter's rules for now. It seems I'll need my wits about me. Now what's all this of strange books and crypts and haunts?
Septimus takes a slow stroll around the room, hands clasped behind his back. Well, that was awkward. And I thought Kendra disliked me, he says with the ghost of a smirk.
Let's turn our thoughts back to the task at hand to neutralize the threat of Harrowstone once and for all. I don't profess to know much of battle tactics, but can we all agree that a daytime incursion is best?
Rajuna watches Septimus stroll the room, viewing him with much the same guarded caution as he'd view a small snake... when it hasn't been determined if it is venomous or just a constrictor. He turns to Lem and responds with a vagueness born of that caution, unsure how much to say in front of Doc's fallen protege. "I'm for a daylight raid unless we find that other players are interested in our doin's."
He puts away his lockpick and eyes the stairs. "You folks are the planners. I'm just the sparrow what gets tossed into the mine first. I'll leave the strategy to you... but as Karrik said, even a rough map would be good to get. Only things that cross my mind right now are that two of those boys were kept in some place called Reaper's Hold. Assumin' their spirits are there and not where they died - that's an area we'll want to be mindful of. Also, I expect those haints behave in death like they did when breathin'... so that Lopper fella, with tendencies of a trapdoor spider, we need to watch out for him."
He slides across the room, heading for the stairs. "Now, I'll go see if I can mend a fence. I expect I'll get my ass booted down the stairs directly." Dreading the encounter, Raj mounts the first few steps before half-turning to regard the team, Dragomir in particular. "Knifey von Knife? That's an old cover. I mostly go by 'Stabby McShiv' now." He chuckles and heads upstairs...
Creeping down the hall to Kendra's bedroom, Raj listens at the door for a minute before knocking softly. "Miss Lorrimor? Can I do anythin' for ya?"