Park nods when Petyr mentions the poltergeist. They hadn't been able to do much there, and what if the Piper was similar. Their weapons might be totally ineffective.
"Good point. But you know you'll probably have to do most of the research. I try but I don't match your skills!"
Petyr smiles. "Don't sell yourself short yet," he says. [b]"Research isn't an all or nothing thing. It's all hands on deck. Just because I have a sense of where to look and what to look for doesn't mean I'll be the one to find the information. But I'll do my best."[b]
As soon as you leave the grounds of the prison you become aware of the lack of a pressure on you that you hadn't noticed before. It's almost as if the restless spirits in the prison were pushing on your souls as much as your bodies, and now that you've left their area of influence it's not as oppressive. Once you leave through the gates of the outer prison area it becomes even less of a presence.
The journey back to Ravengro is as short as it is uneventful, but upon reentering Kendra's house you are presented with quite the surprise indeed.
A younger tall woman with long wavy white hair grey skin and amber-coloured eyes sits beside an elderly man at the kitchen table with Kendra. She is dressed in black clothing with small bits of silver jewellery, including a holy symbol of Pharasma which hangs around her neck, and he is wearing a fine outfit you recognize as being typical of many professors at the University of Lepidstadt.
"Ah, and there we have the men of the hour. I'm Professor Adrissant, you likely know of me from what Kendra has said of you, and this is Morganne. I was just talking to Ms. Kendra about some of the departed Professor's antics back in Lepidstadt. Why don't you join us?"
Park is surprised to see a professor from Lepidstadt apparently waiting for them, but the woman is even more of an enigma. Could she have been a student and somehow he had missed ever seeing her? She would stand out in any crowd.... Seeing the holy symbol Park figures she must be from the church then.
Before taking a seat he remembers manners and introduces himself, "Of course sir, but 'men of the hour'? We've hardly begun our work and certainly haven't earned such a title, yet! I'm Park Song by the way. I'll let my companions introduce themselves."
Morganne bows her head as she greets you. Greetings. I am Morganne. I have not heard the details but I have been informed that the two of you also knew the late Professor Lorrimor. I meant to attend his funeral but was unfortunately delayed. How is your investigation of the prison going? What did you find there?
Park pauses for a moment to organize his thoughts. "The prison.... Yes. It appears to be the focal point to the evil that is plaguing this town. Apparently the Way conducted some ritual around the outside of the building, writing various runes along the foundation. We didn't know what the runes were for, but we encountered the spirit of Vesorianna Hawkran, the wife of the warden. She told us that his spirit was trapped below with a number of evil spirits of the prisoners. He was keeping them trapped with him. The ritual seems to have taken his spirit, possibly captured it? She is staying in place to try and contain the evil but she doesn't know how much longer she can do it."
"We also encountered a few haunts and a poltergeist. We were going to go to the upper level to face one of the evil spirits known as the Piper of Illmarsh, but decided to come back to research the names of the main five that Vesorianna gave us. Besides the Piper she named the others as Father Charlatan, the Lopper, the Mosswater Marauder, and the Splatter Man." He pulls a silver flute from his pack. "We also found some objects that apparently are linked to them, and their evil. They may be useful as tools against them, but they are evil and may be dangerous to even try and use. This was the Piper's instrument. You can see it is beautiful, obviously made by a master that spent many long hours of careful labor...." Realizing that he is working the keys of the instrument, almost ready to raise it to his lips to start to play it he forces himself to put it back in his pack. "I'm hoping that when we get rid of the evil spirits it might also cleanse the evil from their tools."
So it's true, the prison is haunted and the way are involved. A look of distraught crosses her face but is quickly replaced by a sense of conviction. I am duty bound to assist you in your mission. I will provide you with all the magic and knowledge I have.
Petyr bows his head at the two newcomers. "Petyr Kindler. Not a doctor or a professor. Yet. But perhaps when all this unpleasantness is done."
He waits as Park explains the situation. He does a good job, all told, but Petyr adds a bit. "The late Mrs. Hawkran also informed us that she saw the Professor murdered by agents of the Whispering Way." This is directed mostly at Kendra, for whom--as far as they knew previously--still thought that the death was accidental. "I don't know if any of their agents remain nearby or if we are merely cleaning up the mess that they left behind, but their interest in the negative energy welling up in the old prison is abundantly clear."
Petyr sits down, his stomach growling with the need for lunch. "What is the precise nature of your duty, Ms. Morganne?" he asks. "Devotion to the Lady of Graves? Loyalty to the late Professor Lorrimor? Antipathy towards the Whispering Way? Or some association of affiliation with one or more of the ghosts?"
I can’t speak that much about knowledge of Morganne, but Petyr would know Adrissant as a professor of Ustalavan history at the University. No one of any real fame, but certainly not an unimportant man either. He and Professor Lorrimor had somewhat of a friendly rivalry going between them, and it’s obvious that he misses his friend.
Kendra is shocked to hear all of the details about your visit to Harrowstone.
”Well, I’ll be damned…it really is haunted then.” Her shock only increases when Petyr reveals her father was murdered.
”What?! What could they have possibly wanted from him? Why did they kill him?”
She appears to be trying to hold herself back from crying, but tears are beginning to show at the edges of her eyes.
Park replies to Kendra quietly, "I'm certain that they just wanted to get their evil tasks done without interference. They killed him because he was a good man and he was investigating what they were doing."
"If they are still around they may be watching for others that interfere. If they come after us we can defend ourselves. But if they come after you Kendra.... ?? You need to be wary. Avoid strangers, and if possible be with a friend as much as possible. There's safety in numbers."
"Perhaps one of us should stay here," Petyr suggests, thinking through some possibilities. "Or more, even. The Way came after Warden Hawkran explicitly, for reasons we've yet to discover. Any of us who know what's going on could be in danger." He shakes his head and looks from Andrei to Pace. "Maybe it's best if one or both of you stick around with Ms. Lorrimor. If you would all be comfortable with that." He shrugs and adds. "After all, Petros asked us to stay with Kendra--here--for a month after the reading of the will, We were charged to--if I recall--"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 look, you would have my eternal gratitude." So, Kendra, I think it's up to you. What do you desire that we do here?"
You do not recognise Morganne and you suspect that she is not from around here. From her accent, you would guess that she is from Varisia.
I have no association with the prison or its inhabitants, former or current. But you are right on all other accounts. I am indeed devoted to the Lady of Graves and thus intent on eliminating her enemies such as those who follow The Way. And while I did not know Professor Lorrimor for long, I would consider him to have been a friend.
Morganne speaks to Kendra in a soft, caring voice. They are likely right. If The Way killed your father they might seek those connected to him or at the very least his research materials. Turning back to Park and Petyr, her tone takes on a serious, almost harsh tone. If you are in need of rest take it but once we set off for the prison we'll want to be as quick as possible, least The Way attempt something while we are busy. You have begun to notice that her eyes flare with anger each time she mentions The Way. Shall we begin researching more of these spirits or do some of you require healing?
Petyr looks like he has a purpling bruise on his forehead. There are a few nicks and burn makes around his clothes, but no burnt flesh underneath. "I hit my head on a furnace," he says with a grin, "Or rather, it hit me. But we managed to stop it from trying to incinerate us alive."
"But yes--I'd like to look into one of the targets in particular: the Piper of Illmarash. I think that we can get at least one before I'm ready to rest for the evening."
Petyr is prepared to go anywhere--including back to the prison if he can't find the records in the Temple or the Town Hall--to find this information. He nods at anyone who seems keen on staying behind and gives his best regards to the gathered before he goes off hunting.
"Ms. Morganne, I don't suppose that you have experience with historical research, do you? Records, letters, birth certificates, death certificates--that sort of thing? Because if you do--" Petyr begins unfurling scrolls, "--I could certainly use some help."
"I said I'll try to help you, but you know I'm not good at piecing the details together like you do."
Park studies the information with Petyr, trying to add any detail that he may notice.
Andrei and Kendra both agree that it's better for someone to stay with the professor's daughter while you finish investigating the prison.
"Don't you worry about your friend, I'll keep him entertained with stories of all of the adventures my father went on until you return!" Kendra says, smiling widely at the three of you. She mouths a silent thank you to Morganne, seemingly not wanting to talk about her father's death anymore for the moment.
When you first researched the five prisoners Petyr discovered that that before he snatched his victims, the Piper taunted his targets with a mournful dirge on his flute. He preferred to paralyze lone victims by dosing their meals with lich dust and then allowed his pet stirges to drink the victims dry of blood.
Beyond that, the records don't seem to have any more information on the Piper. The flute Park found is most likely the best way to combat the spirit, outside of the normal means (your special attacks or positive enerygy). But of course, as Vesorianna warned you, there is likely a risk to using any of the cursed objects you discovered inside the prison's vaults.
Now that you know the names of the other two you didn't know of beforehand, however (The Mosswater Marauder and the Splatterman), you could spend some time researching those names as well before heading back to the prison to finish this entire ordeal.
Petyr reveals what he knows of three of the prisoners already. Stymied by being unable to find any additional information on the Piper, he turns in quick succession to the other two whose names he has recently learned.
In the back of his head, Petyr hears his first advisor chiding him. "If you studied this hard when you first came to the University, you'd be well on your way to tenure by now."
And I'd be miserable, doing research I hate.
There wasn't always a reason behind everything, but being stubborn had gotten Petyr where he was so far. And through coffee, all things are possible. Excited, the not-quite-a-doctor asks Kendra for a corkboard, some pins or needles, and a bit of string and begins explaining to the others what he has learned.
I saw quite a few birth and death certificates during my time at the temple and did plenty of research during my time at Theumanexus College. I'd be happy to assist you.
Petyr is a bit distracted, but the name vaguely rings a bell. "I think my Aunt Ailson recommended that school to me at some point when I was younger. She probably did a guest lecture there at some point, if I were to guess."
Morganne seems pleasantly surprised. It is rare to hear people outside of Korvosa speak of it. They usually only recognise the Acadamae. It was actually Professor Lorrimor who helped me discover my talent for the arcane and got me a spot at Theumanexus. She smiles at the memory.
Professor Adrissant sees the group getting back into the adventure and the resumption of the exploration, and prepares to make his exit after giving Kendra another comforting hug.
"Kendra told me you were heading to Lepidstadt after the month is over, you should come see me at my office! We can have all sorts of recollections of the late Professor's adventures. I look forward to seeing you again!"
He nods to Morganne, sensing that she was going to stay and aid the investigation, and departs.
Petyr gives a bow to Professor Adrissant. "We'll see you in about a month, then, Professor. Safe travels."
With his remaining companions, Petyr narrates the details known about the Prison and the five most dangerous prisoners who likely had a major role in the events of the final days of the prison. The five whose spirits even now threatened the town and vied for control and escape.
"It's difficult to say how much any of them work together. If we are fortunate, we can take them down individually. There's a con-man and four serial killers, each with different dangerous signatures. I would assume that Professor Feramin is behind the appearance of Vesorianna Hawkran's name on the fountain, and that nothing good can be coming for her if he is able to finish his work."
Before moving back towards the Prison, Petyr looks at the others. "We should be careful about using each other's names in the prison. Park and I may already be compromised if the Splatter Man has ways of hearing of us elsewhere. But regardless--are you two ready?"
Morganne bows her head to Professor Adrissant. Yes, it was a pleasure meeting you professor and I look forward to meeting more of Professor Lorrimor's colleagues.
Ah, but before we go, allow me to treat your injuries. Motioning for Petyr to remain seated she removes a bandage and a jar of some herbs. She wraps the bandage around your injuries with the herbs sandwiched between. That should soothe the pain and help it heal faster.
"Oh but that...that's quite nice!" Petyr compliments. "Is that a poultice of yarrow, calendula, and comfrey?" he asks as they begin moving back towards the prison. "I've dabbled a tad," he says, holding up up a vial of green liquid, "But my herbal knowledge is merely basic."
The trek back up to Harrowstone takes a little bit less time this trip, now that you are familiar with the journey. It's only a little bit past miday when you arrive back at the prison.
Petyr shivers as he stares back up at the prison. Even though they had successfully cleared out a few haunts before, the mere knowledge that there were five much stronger malevolent spirits at work fills him with...
Not dread, necessarily. Disquiet, at least, or perhaps something stronger. He can't put his finger on the word for this feeling, which is odd for him.
Before they go in, Petyr points out to Morganne the other things that they had found outside so far. The dilapidated house on the verge of collapse where the Warden had once lived, the unsettling runes around the foundation of the prison, the foul lake.
"Vesorianna Hawkran told us that the spirit of the Piper of Illmarsh had migrated to the upper level," Petyr says. "Presumably the other four are below. So let's start at the top."
---
Park stares at the prison as they approach it again. They hadn't been able to dispel the poltergeist. Would there be more things in the place that couldn't be dispelled or destroyed even with the combined abilities of the three of them? He hoped not. Especially the five strongest of the things haunting the prison. They needed to put an end to them to allow Vesorianna Hawkran to finally pass on.
"So the Piper kept pet stirges and fed them with his victims. I wonder if he'll have any guarding him. If he tries to use music magic on us I'll do what I can to block it. I won't be able to use my bardic music to enhance our combat skills though."
Petyr nods. He hadn't considered that, but now that Park mentions it, it makes sense. "Right before you got here, Andrei, Pace, and I went to meet Alendru Ghoroven, the local teacher. The schoolhouse was suddenly attacked by a group of stirges. Alendru started playing the flute, and the stirges stopped attacking, just for a moment. So..." Petyr makes an awkward miming of playing the flute, having clearly never held such an instrument before in his life. "Your music might be about the only thing that keeps us from getting sucked dry by stirges."
Morganne shows interest in the collection of holy symbols and the spellbook. So Father Charlatan used these symbols to gain people's trust... disgusting. And I guess the spellbook would belong to our name-obsessed scholar. Hmm... She begins flipping through the spellbook, a bit disappointed to see it so ill-maintained. I already know a couple of the spells in here but the rest I'll have to copy to my own once I have the time.
"Oh!" Petyr says in surprise as he puts two and two together. "You're a theurge. Of course." The comments about the Theumanexus and talent for the arcane in addition to the prominent holy symbol of Pharasma finally click in his mind. "You're welcome to either," he says. "I haven't had a chance to study the spellbook in much detail yet, but I think I should be able to convert a few of the notes into alchemical formulae later. But--agh, here you go." He hands the holy symbols and spellbook over to the person who seems more inclined to use them effectively.
A large, rectangular block of stone rests on this weather-beaten stone balcony, while ruined wooden benches line the eastern wall under a row of tiny, barred windows above. A stout wooden door sits in the wall near the northern end of the balcony.
Petyr looks from the benches to the windows to the door and decides that the door is probably his best bet.
Feeling confident that there is no trap to be found here, Petyr tries the door.
Seeing Petyr confidently move to open the door Park readies his weapons and stands with him.
Luckily for Petyr, who seems a bit distracted, the door isn't trapped. It is, however, locked.
"Oh," the scholar says as the door rattles in its frame. "I suppose no one really thought to unlock this during the fire. Of course."
He swiftly retrieves a few slender pieces of metal and puts his ear to the door. "One moment, please."
Park grins as the door rattles, apparently locked. He nods at his familiar and whistles, the thrush joining in.
Oddly enough, Park's bird whistles sound better than the real thing!...
The door opens into T4B on the map of the second floor that you have.
As soon as you push it open, however, the sound of a blade swishing through the air sounds from the balcony. A headman's scythe flies up from the edge of the balcony and flies towards you, preparing to strike!
[ooc[The party is up, apparently you aren't surprised by the horrors this place has in store for you quite yet![/ooc]
The rising scythe reminds Petyr strongly of when Aunt Ailson read a passage from one of her books to young Petyr, tag-teaming with his father Styrian who was expertly handling sound effects. Petyr had palpably envisioned a ghostly scythe rising behind the secondary character whose untimely death would go on to spark the protagonist (Ailson, of course) on to solve the ghostly mysteries of the Sanguine Stair.
But it didn't matter how often Petyr had heard or read the passage, imagined the eeriness of the specter of death rising in the mists. Seeing the real thing was horrifying.
But Petyr is able to keep his mind about him. Assessing the situation calmly, he suspects that this scythe is similar to some of the items that they had encountered down on the first floor, and he isn't particularly confident that he'll be able to put as much of a dent in it with his thin blade: not unless he gets lucky.
"We might want to just duck indoors and hope it can't pass through walls," he warns.
Park draws his blade but then hears Petyr's suggestion and follows direction. He hurries through the door and steps aside immediately scanning the room.
Morganne follows the others' lead, rushing inside and helping them to slam the door shut.
Petyr steps through the door and slams it shut with Morganne. If the locking mechanism is visible and available on the other side, he re-locks the door. If not, he starts trying to jam it.
Once the three of them get though the door Park helps Petyr get the door closed and blocked shut.
You hear a loud thunk as something slams into the door from the outside, and the sound repeats a few times before it falls silent. The door has held, and you appear to be as safe as possible in this place.
You find yourself in a short hallway with another door at the end, and a small window in one of the walls. The door into the full second floor of the prison is closed.
Taking a moment to let out a sigh of relief Morganne checks the other two over, making sure they're alright. Well, I'm glad that worked. And now I'm going to do something I should have done when we approached the prison. Though I suppose better late than never. Taking out a small piece of cured leather from her belt pouch, Morganne waves a hand around herself and utters a few words of magic. Feeling much safer with the protective spell in place, she pulls out her spellbook flicking through to a particular page which she studies for a brief moment before shutting the book once again. Well, I'm ready to go now.
Petyr looks mildly nervous at each thump before releasing his breath all at once. He seems a bit incredulous that Morganne is only now drafting up her defenses, but accepts the late casting. She was right--better late than never.
"Well, stay aware. Stuff like that has greeted us in every other room, and with one exception it's been hostile so far."
The scholar puts his lockpicking kit back into his pack and draws his sword out. Then he reaches to a bandolier across his chest and retrieves a vial, which he downs in three gulps. When he looks back at the others, his pupils are dilated.
Turning to the others, he shrugs. "I'd offer to share, but I haven't yet figured out how to make the formula affect more than one person at a time yet. Eventually, though, I'll be happy to share my secrets."
Park nods as Morganne casts her protective spell. Recognizing the spell and knowing how long lasting it was he is surprised that she waited. "I guess we should have warned you. The haunts are mobile so we should be expecting attacks before we are ready. And this time we are hunting them! The Piper is likely to have some reinforcements in the room with him. I'm just hoping that we recognize the threat before he gets a chance to use his magic on us. Are you familiar with stirges? Nasty little buggers! If you have any area effect magic I'd recommend saving it in case he has a swarm of some sort."
Well, if we're expecting combat at a moment's notice then allow me to get the door. Allowing the other two a moment to prepare Morganne cast another spell looking expectantly at the door leading further into the prison. Open/Close.
The door opens easily into the next area , where row upon row of ten-foot-square prison cells line the walls, each separated from the passing hallway by a series of iron bars fitted with a narrow iron door. Skeletons slump in many of the cells, the bones scattered where they lie and coated with a mixed layer of ancient ashes and fresh mold.
Wooden benches once lined the large hall to the East , but several are now stacked in a jumble and others are overturned in disarray. Weakened by fire, the entire east wall has collapsed away, creating an unintended entryway to a wooden deck beyond. The view of the lake beyond would be beautiful if the silence were not so eerie.