Looking through the journal, "Kendra, I'd like to do some research into Harrowstone, and this Whispering Way he mentioned. As it's already late afternoon I think that any research in town might be better to start tomorrow. Could you point me to anyplace in town that might be good for researching these topics? Also could I have access to your father's library here to see what I can find out this evening?
Tomorrow I think we should check out the town and look into things. At least one thing got solved. He writes here that some of the uneducated in town thought he was a demonologist or witch. That probably explains the imbeciles who tried to stop us at the cemetery."
While the group is agreeing on their plan of action for tonight and tomorrow, Sisu takes a minute to brew another extract of heightened awareness, and afterwards she takes out her tools and starts working on the locked book. She takes a look through it while the group discusses.
"Sisu, I'd love to visit the town tomorrow. With people as unfriendly to strangers as they appear to be perhaps it would be better if we stuck together? Strength in numbers as they say"
Pausing in her reading, Sisu looks up at Rahela.
"Agreed. I feel the need to research these topics that Petros mentioned, but we have a month in town, so it's a good idea to explore. I have a couple things I'd like to pick up before a trip to Lepidstadht and have limited funds, so maybe we could find some odd jobs. Would not only help for money but might make the locals a little friendlier if we helped out around town."
She goes back to perusing the Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye.
She didnt mind staying the month. If anything she looked forward to it. She remembered all the stories the professor would tell her about his daughter back home. He always made it sound like they had a lot in common, or at least that is what she had thought he meant when he said "You remind me of my daughter back home."
She didnt think they could be physically more different. She frowned when she was told how the professor had died. She remembered him as far more careful than that. And those books they sounded dangerous at best. She did like the idea of investigating more into his death.
"I dont know about library's or research or any of that. But i want to help. Just tell me what you need me to do."
She began, her voice soft and still tinged in sadness over the days events.
"There are four places in town that you can research at, however as i have warned before the locals will need some convincing before they allow you to use their libraries. You since you are all staying here please use my father's library. There is the Ravengro Town Hall, the Temple of Pharasma and The Unfurling Scroll."
Speaking with Chellian, "I'm sure you can be much more helpful than you think. If you don't think you're up for research that's ok, but you never know. Either way, I'd love to have you with us when we explore town tomorrow. If we're staying here together for the month it would be wonderful to have you along."
"Thank you Kendra."
After relaxing a bit and chatting with the group (and hopefully having a nice dinner) Sisu proceeds to Petros's library to see what she can find out about the Whispering Way and/or Harrowstone.
I assume Harrowstone being a local asylum would be History or Local. I'll try History first
+2 more if extract still in effect
I'm guessing History, Religion, or Arcana depending on if the WW is a divine or arcane group. Probably religion.
After toying with the lock on the book it pops open and after flipping through the pages you notice that even though it looks like it is written in Varisian however it looks to be in some sort of code.
Kendra doesn't know much about Harrowstone. "I do know that Harrowstone is a ruined prison that was destroyed, well partially destroyed in 4661. That is where my father was when he passed. Sorry I don't know more about it."
The Whispering Way is a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years. 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. The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers—the philosophies are never written or spoken of loudly, making the exact goals and nature of the secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about .
"I am a follower of Pharasma and hopefully they'll listen to me when I ask the temple for assistance. And maybe they'll even speak on our behalf to the other townspeople. May I suggest we try there first tomorrow?"
Lowering his hood, "Yes, sticking together is much better, I doubt these townfolk would be kind to any of us were we caught out alone,"
Thinking of the research potential before him, he absentmindedly chomps on his cinnamon as he tries his best to remember anything about these books or if the Professor ever mentioned the Whispering Way or the Palantine eye.
Looking to the rest of the group, "It wouldn't be a bad idea to also check out this Harrowstone and see where the professor died, it seems awfully clumsy of him to let some falling gargoyle get him," Nodding at Rahela, "We should probably check out the church first, I imagine they would be the friendliest group around if at all, but especially with you with us Rahela,"
Sisu nods. "Agreed. To the church tomorrow, then maybe spend the morning finding out anything we can about Harrowstone in town and head out there in the afternoon? I'd rather have some idea about where we're going if possible." Looking over at Malakos, "Especially since, as you said, the Professor was not the type to just randomly get hit by a falling gargoyle. I suspect there was some sort of foul play and I'd like to be at least partially prepared."
Looking around at the group, "I also wouldn't mind seeing if there's anything in town we could do to improve peoples' opinions of us and see us less as interlopers. Not necessarily tomorrow but it's a good idea to have it on the agenda. That reminds me...is there an alchemy shop in town? I could volunteer to help out and maybe get us some goodwill."
Excited about both the prospects of an exploration as well as more research, Sisu begins to realize that she's tired. "Miss Kendra? You mentioned we could stay here while we are in town. Is there any way you could direct me to a place where I could get some sleep?"
In the morning, Sisu returns to the dining area ready to head out for the day, continuing to glance through books from the library. Over breakfast she talks to the group.
"OK I think the plan is to briefly check out town, ask at the temple for any assistance and then do some Harrowstone research, followed by heading there in the afternoon to scout it out."
"Chellian, Rahela, and Malakos, you seemed on board with that plan last night. Is that still the case? And Niralzi, will you be joining us as well or do you have other plans? I don't want to just head out without being sure everyone is in agreement"
"Also, I can prepare an extract to try and decipher this Palatine Eye book, but I'm not sure I should since I can only prepare a certain amount per day and I might need something else this afternoon. I'll do it tonight if I'm able to and have enough time."
"That sounds like a great plan to me"
"Of course I will help, though it might be best if I just carried all the books you might need to look through. I know my letters and all, but well I learned more of the forge and what herbs to gather than anything in a book.I suppose i could help skim through things too if you show me what words to look for."
She began sounding...a little uncomfortable with idea of book research.
Sisu smiles at Chellian, hoping to ease her worry. "Don't worry if you're not a fan of books. We all have different interests and talents. I know that reading for hours, no matter how much I might love it, is not everyone's idea of fun. I promise to try and keep it as short as possible, as if we're going to be here for a month I'd rather have it be interesting and fun for all of us."
I like this girl, she seems to be both strong and sweet, I have to make sure we find things to keep her interest so I can get to know her better
"We don't even know if they'll let us research Harrowstone at the temple today, but if they do I'm sure there's other less boring things that can be done before we head to the asylum. It doesn't take 5 of us to research."
Off to the Temple of Pharasma! "Let's find out what we can, looks like the temple is on the opposite side of the river from town. Rahela, you should take the lead as they'll be more apt to help if approached by a fellow Pharasman."
As you walk toward the temple you pass by some of the local towns people and you over hear them talking.
"Did you hear about what happened to the Harrowstone Memorial?"
"No, but if its anything like the other strange things happen' in town I wont be suprised."
"Sheriff Caeller said that someone," at that her eyes go towards your group,"desecrated it and its all splattered in blood and has a huge letter V written in blood at the bottom of it." He shakes his head as they continue to walk toward the town square and out of hearing.
"Interesting. Maybe we should check out this memorial on the way to Harrowstone later. We don't want people thinking that we are causing issues in town and helping to investigate might keep their suspicions off of us."
Rising early in the morning, Malakos studies his spellbook, preparing his spells for the day. He feeds Hannibal, having a short conversation with the rat, "Be careful today, try not to go to crazy, most people don't like rats, little buddy, but I think you're alright," The rat gives an affirmative squeak and crawls into his robes to sleep.
Joining the group as they head out onto the town, "Hopefully the townsfolk aren't too hostile to us today, I'd rather not have a confrontation today,"
As they walk past the gossiping townsfolk, "Just saying this, it wasn't me," He looks to the others, shrugging his shoulders.
To Chellian
"Oh, you are a herbalist too? We should definitely compare notes sometime. I'll bet you know some I don't know and hopefully I'll know some that I don't"
Being the only religious structure in Ravengro, this temple devoted to the Lady of Graves is the town's most elaborate building. the eastern facade displays an intricate stained-glass mural depicting a stern Pharasma judging Count Andachi, one of Tamrivena's most infamous previous rulers. Father Vauran Grimburrow, who you all meet yesterday at the funeral, is officially in charge of the temple but he has the help of a dozen acolytes for all the day-to-day tending of the flock and maintenance of the temple and the Restlands.
Walking into the Temple you see a young acolyte lighting candles along a side wall.
Arching his head to take in the view of the grand architecture of the temple, "Its not half bad for a sort of back water temple,"
Looking to the others, "I'm going to get that acolytes attention,"
Calling out, "Hey, uh, you young Pharasman," Pointing at the kid, "Yeah, you, can you come over here for a second, we just want to ask you something,"
Rahela is making very sure that her Holy Symbol of Pharasma is quite visible as she goes up to the young acolyte. She makes the sign of the Spiral over her heart as she speaks
"Greeting my friend. We were hoping that we might have the great honour of speaking with Father Grimburrow on a matter of some importance. Perhaps you'd be good enough to see if he'd be willing to see us"
Take 10 on diplomacy (if allowed) for a 20. If can't take 10
The young acolyte returns the sign of the Spiral over his heart as Rahela speaks. He bows to the rest of the group and in a low voice barely above a whisper he speaks. "good morning, I shall go up to Father Grimburrow's office and see if he is uh, busy, and if he has some time for um...what is your name, er names? He seems a little weary about your group but wants to help the fellow Pharasman. He runs down a corrifor and up a small flight of spiral stairs to Grimburrow's office.
"Rahela, in order to conserve our time I'm going to see if I can do some research on Harrowstone while you are speaking with Father Grimburrow. We have a lot to do today and I don't want to hold us up any more than necessary."
While the group is waiting for Father Grimburrow, Sisu asks another of the acolytes if she would be able to utilize their records to do some local research. She takes a look through Professor Lorrimor's journal to refresh herself on what they are looking for.
"Excuse me, I was wondering if I could have a look into your records while my friends are speaking with the Father. We are visiting some of the sites in town and would like to get some information ahead of time."
The acolyte nods her head and as she begins to respond the first acolyte comes back down the stairs and when he reaches the bottom step adjusts his robe and speaks, " Fr. Grimburrow is allowing you access to the records but says that he is sorry that he cannot meet with you as he is very busy. Aseni here can lead you to the records room where you can do your research. Please let us know if you need anything." He bows and walks off.
Aseni leads you all to a room lined with bookcases filled with scrolls and books. In the center of the room is a large table with quill and parchment strewn across and a few open books. There are 2 large rather comfy looking chairs facing each other along the back wall and a few stools under the table. "Here is where we store all of our notes on the history of Ravengro. Anything that you are looking for should be written somewhere in here." She folds her hands and leaves you to it.
Harrowstone:
a desperate attempt to end the riot.
Whispering Way:
Sisu sits down at the table, opens up the Professor's journal to help reference what she's looking for, and begins to research the two topics.
Sisu shares all information that she finds with the group (go ahead and open the spoilers)
"Huh. Did you notice this last part about the Whispering Way? According to his journal, the Professor thought they were involved in Ravengro, and when he died his head was crushed by a gargoyle. That would definitely keep anyone from being able to cast speak with dead on him. I wonder if they were behind his 'accident'"
"I think we might have found out enough to prepare us to visit Harrowstone and see what is going on there."
"I think we should. Didn't those locals this morning mention some kind of desecration happened there last night?"
"Yes, we should definitely take a look at this memorial."
She'd turn and ask one of the Acolytes
"Excuse me, but we were planning on heading to the Harrowstone Memorial. Is there any traditional offering people make there to show their respect?"
She was quietly following along with the others more interested in the architecture than the books to be honest. But she frowned When Sisu mentioned that in part this 'Whispering Way' could be a part of the reason for the professor's death. The frown turned to a full out scowl as she glared at the books.
It did sound a tragedy what happened all those years ago, but she was more concerned about the more recent events to start thinking about the past. She wasnt sure why they would need to see the memorial.
"Does the memorial have anything to do with the professor? Im just trying to follow along but it seems you all think so fast. "
Sisu while you are referencing the Professor's journal you notice some more circled entries that you didn't see the first time.
The young acolyte coughs and turns towards Rahela, "well in the beginning, many years ago people would bring flowers and on the annual mark of hte fire there would be a small remembrance ceremony but now...its mostly a local meeting spot for, uh trysts among young lovers." Her cheeks turn a bright shade of red and she turns away from you all.
|
Turning towards the group in a hushed voice, Niralzi remarks, "If the professor's suspicion's were correct about Harrowstone and The Way, than perhaps the evil sounding markings at the memorial are related to The Way as well? It makes me concerned that we may not be as prepared as we should be to go to Harrowstone.".
Turning back towards the acolyte, Niralzi bows and asks, "Did you know Professor Lorrimor? We are friends and here to mourn his recent passing. Perhaps he had visited the temple recently?"
Looking at Niralzi, Sisu remarks "Speaking of being prepared, did you guys see this other part I just found in the Professor's Journal? He writes of some false crypt that this church has in the Restlands with tools to help defend against dangers at Harrowstone? Yet another thing to look into."
Still chewing on a stick of cinnamon, Malakos ponders what they have all found. Interesting things are starting to unfold, I still can't believe that the Professor trusted me enough to let me be included in this adventure..."
listening as Sisu and Niralzi whisper he leans inSo should we head to Harrowstone or the memorial first? Wait did you say a secret crypt? So many things to consider...hmm
"Well, the question is really whether to look into this crypt now or later. The memorial is directly en route to Harrowstone from here, we'll pass it on the way."
|
|
Addressing the group, "Given the order of the entries, I suspect that the Professor may have already obtained the tools from the crypt. Perhaps they are at the house - or were found with him after he died? We could ask Miss Kendra if she's still at home. Though it is daunting to think that the items may not have been adequate to protect him... Given his mention of Undead and ghosts, we may need to arm ourselves differently."
"Do any of you have any ideas of what we might need to be prepared with should we meet any Undead?"
"You might be right, but he was always precise in his language, and the phrase 'a few borrowed items' leads me to think that he was not taking everything. Should we ask the church about it before we head out? They might let us take a look if we ask nicely enough.
And then to Niralzi...
Sisu tells Niralzi what she knows about undead.
You seem to remember that almost all undead creatures have an immunity to cold damage, and that undead can come in any form. The most common of which is the zombie and the skeleton. Your remember that zombies are more vulnerable to sharp edged weapons, like swords and axes, whereas skeletons are more vulnerable to things like hammer blows.
"The memorial is on the way at any rate, so lets check it out first.
Undead? I've heard many stories of them but I've never encountered them. They sound very, very, very scary. But they HAVE to be put to rest. That is our duty. I'm sure that, together, we can handle anything we meet. I can channel positive energy and that is supposed to be deadly to them"
A REALLY, REALLY easy sense motive would find that she is WAY less confident than she is trying to sound. She is clearly trying to encourage herself as much as anybody
"Don't worry Rahela, I've dealt with some undead in my time. You are correct, healing energy does the opposite to them. That should be very useful if we were to run into some. The majority of them are pretty disgusting but not too hard to take care of."
"Let's be off to the memorial and then Harrowstone itself then. I think we should stop back here tomorrow and ask about that cache the Professor wrote about, especially if we run into trouble at the prison. He never mentioned if he found it or if he emptied it, so there might be something of use."