Although he was getting on in years, Petros’s death was rather sudden and his daughter Kendra, a 25- year-old woman who has lived in Ravengro for nearly 15 years (having moved here with her family as a child from Lepidstadt after her father retired from teaching),
is still in mourning. Her eyes are red and puffy and she dresses in dark, conservative clothes. Trim and attractive, Kendra greets each of you with a mixture of curiosity, sadness, and relief—no one else has come to pay their respects to her father, and “with things the way they are in town these days,” very few folks from Ravengro have come out for the funeral as well. Kendra waves off questions for now, promising each of you that after her father is buried and they return to her house, she’ll answer any questions they have—both about her father’s death and about his will.
The small group stood quietly by, a thick band of clouds drowning the sun and erasing any shadows in the grey, mourning light. Valiard stood with them, near the gravesite, a stranger among strangers. Cloaked in his dark travelling cloak, and his brown and grey traveling clothes, he felt severely underdressed for the occasion.
He and his wagon had made the trip to the north, leaving his love and unborn child behind as he came to…take one last hurrah on the road? Run away before running home? Valiard wasn’t quite certain.
One thing I am certain of however…I did not expect this!
You have gathered at the entrance to the Restlands with Kendra Lorrimor and a fine coffin containing the body of her father. It does not smell of death but the professor's personal flavors: ink, paper, and a hint of lemon. Kendra asks, "Which of you would like to serve as pallbearers?" There is room on the coffin to accommodate six people, with a minimum of four. As you have likely just arrived after a long trip, we can assume that you are outfitted with weapons, armor, and starting gear.
Father Grimburrow and a pair of gravediggers are already waiting at the site of the professor’s burial—as part of local tradition, they do not accompany the pallbearers from the gate to the grave. Besides your assembled group, only a small handful of villagers are attending the funeral procession. Old friends of Lorrimar, they too have come to pay their respects. They consist of Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, Councilman Gharen Muricar, tavernkeeper Zokar Elkarid and his 13-year-old son Pevrin, and Jominda Fallenbridge (Ravengro’s apothecary and one of the professor’s good friends). All of them are somber and have little to say to you at this time.
Kendra, as the deceased’s closest living relative, has the job of leading the somber procession along the Dreamwake—a gravel pathway that winds through the cemetery. Characters serving as pallbearers are considered to have both hands full as they carry the heavy coffin up the road. As the procession reaches the halfway point along the Dreamwake, rounding a corner onto a path called the Eversleep, you see that the way ahead is blocked by a
group of a dozen surly looking locals. The tallest of these toughs is an elderly but wiry retired soldier named Gibs Hephenus. He speaks out as soon as the group is noticed.
Gibs shouts out, “That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”
Kendra is swift to respond, her sadness swiftly transforming into anger. “What are you talking about?” she cries out. “I arranged it with Father Grimburrow. He’s waiting for us! The grave’s already been...”
Then Gibs quickly retorts, “You don’t get it, woman. We won’t have a necromancer buried in the same place as our kin. I suggest you move out while you still can. Folks are pretty upset about this right now.”
Indignantly she spouts out, “Necromancy!? Are you really that ignorant?”
There are about two or three dozen folks among the crowd behind Gibs. They hold up their torches and farming equipment ready for a fight.
have the first PC to speak make a Diplomacy check. Any
other PC who also speaks up can aid another on the first
PC’s Diplomacy check. It’s a DC 20 Diplomacy check to
calm the thugs down enough that they sullenly disperse,
shooting venomous glances at the PCs and Kendra, but
leaving the cemetery nevertheless and allowing the
procession to continue. Any hostile act (such as drawing
a weapon or casting a spell) is enough to incite the thugs
to fight, as is a failed Diplomacy check or allowing the
dialogue above to play out to the end.
Creatures: There are a dozen men in all in this group—
all of them are laborers at local farms or fishermen. None
of them seek to kill the PCs, but they do hope to force
the PCs to f lee the cemetery. Of course, there’s something
more at work here as well—the seeping supernatural
inf luence of Harrowstone has spread into Ravengro. As
this adventure proceeds, this inf luence grows, but for
now it does little more than to give some of the more
reactionary or superstitious locals the courage and anger
they need to act out on their impulses.
Although there are a dozen men in the group, not all
of them move toward the PCs—half the group threatens
the others in the funeral party or hangs back to shout
insults or give encouragement to their allies. Six of the
mob attack the PCs with their improvised weapons,
striking not to kill but to subdue. The mob’s leader, the
elderly Gibs, does not take part in the attack, and f lees
the Restlands as soon as it becomes apparent that the PCs
are more than a match for the thugs.
Most of the others in the procession are not brave
enough to enter the fight, either being too old, too
cowardly, or too protective of their friends and family to
risk battle. They shriek and cower behind the PCs, and
f lee back to town as soon as any of them are attacked
(regardless of whether the attack hits). Only Kendra
stands up to the thugs, her stubborn anger compelling
her to join the PCs in the fight.
One complication in this confrontation, of course, is
the fact that many of the PCs are pallbearers. All of the
pallbearers must take a full-round action to lower the
coffin—if the PCs wish to do this during the dialogue
above, they may do so, but this allows enough time for
the dialogue to play out, resulting in a fight. Each time a
character lets go of the coffin early, there’s a cumulative
40% chance that the coffin is dropped and poor Petros’s
body spills out onto the muddy gravel. If three PCs
release the coffin, it automatically falls. If the PCs drop
the coffin, they lose 1 Trust point.
Ravengro Thugs (6) CR 1/4
XP 100 each
Male commoner 1
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +0; Senses Perception +4
Defense
AC 12, touch 10, flat-footed 10
hp 9 each (2d6+2)
Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +0
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee farm tool –3 (1d6+1 nonlethal)
Tactics
During Combat Although these thugs are proficient in using
their farming tools (a mix of rakes, hoes, sickles, pitchforks,
and hammers), they attack to deal nonlethal damage and
thus take a –4 penalty on attack rolls (this penalty is figured
into their melee attack above). The thugs hope to run
off the PCs and the others, forcing them to abandon the
coffin so they can haul it and the body downriver to the
Harrowstone memorial (area O, see page 63), where they
burn the coffin and the body in the hope of dispersing the
“curse” on the town.
Morale As soon as a thug takes any damage, he drops his
weapon and flees (or drops to his knees and begs for mercy
if flight is impossible or too dangerous).
Tatyana is surprised by how few people have come. Given Professor Lorrimor's reputation she'd expected many more to attend his funeral. Strange. What did Kendra mean by 'the way things are in town these days?' She has enough tact to not ask the grieving daughter about it just yet and instead stands solemnly by until the call for pallbearers. "I can serve." It wouldn't be the first time.
She takes her place at the coffin and helps carry it through the city streets. When she sees the crowd ahead her immediate thought is, Ah, there are the other mourners. She's quickly disabused of that notion when they begin to speak.
Anyone observing would see the short, broad woman bristle more with every sentence. "Necromancy?" She finally spits out the word as if it were poison. "I am a servant of Pharasma. Do you think I would mourn a necromancer? Be a pallbearer for a necromancer's funeral? Professor Lorrimor was a friend, and his teachings have done more to combat the scourge of undeath than any of you could ever know. Your accusation of necromancy is both insulting and absurd."
Her gaze sweeps over the crowd. "Now stand aside, so we may give the Lady of Graves her due."
Kimberly looked rather somber as she joined the others paying their respects. a rather young girl dressed in black her skirt going down to her mid calves. a plain white shirt under a black jacket. her long black hair done in two braids, one on each side. The only real splash of brightness is a simple silver chain about her neck with the silver spiral symbol of Pharasma.
she merely looks awkwardly at the request for pallbearers I regret that I am to small for such a task she says calmly.
Among the other mourners, Kimberly takes note of all that are present. as she takes everything in, She glances toward Pevrin, a smile comes to her lips.
Her stare a Pervin is suddenly interrupted when a familiar voice is heard.
she turns to look, Lady Tatyana.
As the procession forms and the group moves toward the gravesite, Kimberly motions the symbol of Pharasma over her heart just before passing the threshold of the cemetery. She takes a place beside Kendra.
Soon the crowd appears to confront the procession. Kimberly steps back behind Kendra. seeking shelter
Shhh. I know they are probably bad. no sense in getting hurt. she whispers toward her small satchel. A small doll can be seen peering from under the Satchel flap.
No, I can't do that, please be quiet
From her hiding spot behind Kendra I don't think they want to hurt us, They are just scared. Yelling may make them even more afraid she advises
have we decided anything about her doll as far as being a soulbound doll or not
"I can serve."
Valiard glanced over at the short dark woman who spoke up so forcefully, before looking around and seeing the very few that had gathered at the Professor's home.
It doesn't appear that there are many else to do the job.
"I would be honored to help. It is the smallest kindness I can do to honor his life."
One I know little to nothing about! Izoef would probably know the name...
Valiard moved to take his place with the other bearers, and carried the coffin, following his grieving daughter through the streets of the small town.
"Necromancy?" She finally spits out the word as if it were poison. "I am a servant of Pharasma. Do you think I would mourn a necromancer? Be a pallbearer for a necromancer's funeral? Professor Lorrimor was a friend, and his teachings have done more to combat the scourge of undeath than any of you could ever know. Your accusation of necromancy is both insulting and absurd."
Her gaze sweeps over the crowd. "Now stand aside, so we may give the Lady of Graves her due."
Valiard glanced over the men, how they were grouped, how they spoke and quickly realized that they were honest folk with honest views...they were not looking for a fight.
"They are not looking for a fight...just to persuade us to leave. Though if they come to a physical distance, we may need to set down the coffin...rather than dropping it." he whispered to the group.
Henric makes a slight bow to Kendra. "I was sorry to hear about your father. The Professor always did right by me."
"Which of you would like to serve as pallbearers?"
Henric does not initially volunteer, but after recognizing that the procession will be short of six, he steps forward. "The Gray Lady only grants each of us a short time in this world. No reason a respectable man shouldn't go out with a full retinue."
From her hiding spot behind Kendra I don't think they want to hurt us, They are just scared. Yelling may make them even more afraid she advises
"Yellin' and shootin' are about the only things I'm any damned good at. If one of ya'll wants to try sweet-talkin' these layabouts, be my guest."
At Tatyana's words the thugs calm down enough that they sullenly disperse, shooting venomous glances at the each of you and Kendra, but
leaving the cemetery nevertheless and allowing the procession to continue.
Kendra thanks the Tatyana profusely and apologizes for the mob. The attending councilors profess shock at the formation of the mob and indicate that they recognized the thugs as “local farmhands, all of low character.” Councilman Hearthmount sighs and states, "I promise to seek out the town’s sheriff to report the crime."
Father Grimburrow approaches slowly from the burial site with his workers walking with him. Shocked by the actions of the mob, he asks, "Does anyone need healing?"
The procession continues up to the plot Kendra purchased for her father. No further complications prevent the lowering of his coffin into the open grave by the gravediggers. Father Grimburrow gives a short sermon, then invites Kendra to say a few words about her father. Kendra fights back tears and briefly recounts a few of her father’s more courageous or selfless moments, thanking everyone once again for coming. She then invites anyone else to share a few stories or remembrances.
"Lectrum" just looks really uncomfortable at the funeral. He is unsure where to stand, how to stand, and where to put his horsechopper. He tries not to make eye contact and to look sorrowful, but it's an effort. He didn't know Petros well and had never had a chance to ask him if he knew of a goblin necromancer. Now he never would. He could ask Kendra, but she is too sad right now (and attractive for a human!) No, he would hunt his prey the old-fashioned way, by waiting for it to strike again and then killing it.
Kendra naturally looked at him to be a pallbearer. Heck, he could carry the whole thing by himself, but that seemed obnoxious. He took a spot and walked up the path without saying a word. When a fight looked imminent, he had to force himself to hold still and not drop the coffin. That would be even more obnoxious.
The crowd disperses and Kimberly smiles with satisfaction that violence was not necessary, at least not yet.
The procession continues, Kimberly walks beside but slightly behind Kendra, walking in silence.
Once the procession reaches the grave site, Kimberly moves aside to allow the Gravediggers to do their work. She relocates herself and stands next to Pervin, glancing at him, she gives a smile then returns her attention to the task at hand.
a whispered voice can be heard, a very quiet and distinctly female voice.
the exact words can not be fully discerned but Kimberly responds in a whispered voice.
No, I don't think I should. What? <more whispers> why? <more whispers> OK, but I'll be very brief
Once Kendra has completed her eulogy and the offer is given for others to speak, Kimberly eventually makes her way forward.
she stands before everyone in silence for a few moments she whispers a short prayer and makes the sign of Pharasma with her finger over her heart.
She then speaks, The Doctor was a good man, he treated me with kindness when no one else did. He saw to it that I had a home at the church and visited in my times of need.
she pauses a bit as she gathers her thoughts then she suddenly whispers Shhh, I know
she then continues, I met the Doctor here in this very graveyard I showed him the importance of the traditions, It was here that I learned more about who I was, Thank you Doctor Lorrimor, and than you Lady Kendra for all you have done. <pause> Thank you
with her short eulogy done Kimberly returns to her place next to Pervin
She cast Enhanced diplomacy before her speech
Breynor steps forward when Kendra asks for pallbearers.
"It would be my eternal honour to walk the professor to his final resting place!"
When they arrive at the cemetery and find the way blocked, the paladin steps forward, a glowing halo of pure light surrounding his head.
"Begone and away with you now. This great man is no more a necromancer than I am. By Iomadae's shining light I say this is so."
At the gravesite, Breynor delivers a eulogy to his fallen friend.
Diplomacy:
Tatyana stares at the crowd as they leave, committing the faces to memory. If they would accuse someone like Professor Lorrimor of necromancy, something must be very wrong with this town. Then she returns her concentration to the task of carrying the coffin.
Her brow furrows when Father Grimburrow offers healing and Councilman Hearthmount mentions informing the sheriff. "No one was injured, Father. The mob left peacefully enough." To the councilman she adds, (trying to be quiet enough that Kendra cannot hear), "I worry the fools may return to try to dig up the body. If you could warn the sheriff of that possibility so he can watch out for potential grave-robbing, I would be grateful."
At the gravesite Tatyana listens carefully to the stories of others who lives had been touched by the professor. When it is her turn, she makes her way forward. "Professor Lorrimor was a wise man, a scholar beyond compare. He spoke in crowded halls across the Inner Sea, and yet he always found time to help individuals as well. Several years ago, I was a frightened young acolyte who had just survived an encounter with the undead. He took the time to visit me, not just to learn what had happened, but also to reassure me and help me recover. He was a good man and his loss will be keenly felt throughout Golarion. May he rest easy in the care of the Mother of Souls."
She steps down and pauses beside the grave, drawing a spiral with her finger. "Birth to death, death to birth, the circle remains forever unbroken. But I must admit I wish you had not found your fate so soon."
In response to Tatyana's words Councilman Hearthmount chuckles and states in a joking manner, "I don't think we have to worry about them digging up a necromancy." Then more seriously he adds, "This was unusual behavior the sheriff should know."
Lectrum has no words, so he stands at attention as the others speak on the Professor's greatness. He bows to each of them as they finish.
Valiard listens to those few assembled as they make their way forward to talk about the Professor. When it seems that no one else is stepping forward, Valiard moves to the edge of the grave.
"I met the Professor some years ago, a chance encounter on the streets of Carrion Hill, but one that enriched my life none the less. I happened to tackle him out of the way of a horse and cart that was plunging down the steep road toward him, something he was profusely thankful for. I got to know him better over the next few days as I patched him back up from the injuries he sustained." he said, looking out at those assembled.
"This I can say with certainty: Professor Lorrimor was True. He was honest to both those around him, and honest to himself. He was a driven man, always serching for those hidden bits of lore. And thankfully for me, even though I did not appreciate it at the time, he was quite knowledgeable about the legends surrounding Carrion Hill, my home."
Valiard stepped back into the small group as he finished, nodding his head at Kendra and Father Grimburrow.
"Pr . . . Professor Lorrimor was a good man with a solid . . . uh, coin purse."
"No, damn!"
Sweat beads down Henric's forehead. "A man who always kept his word, paid what he owed, and then some."
After a few seconds of silence, he whispers, "Not a man I ever saw engage in any necromancy. Sorry you had to go out like this, old man."
After the funeral is over and Kendra has said her goodbyes to the other guests, she invites each of you back to her home, for a drink and to hear his last will and testament. The Lorrimor residence is a modest home with crowded bookshelves in every room. The reading of the professor’s will requires the presence of Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, and he has some other matters to attend to after the funeral, so he doesn’t arrive for about an hour.
Inside of the house. Out from Lecturn's satchel the little yellow green reptile pokes out his head. Flicking his tongue in and out as if smelling like a snake. He then quickly climbs out and down Lecturn's leg. Once he hits the ground he zooms over even faster to Kimberly. Stopping in front of her, he smiles and looks at her. He quickly waves his hand and squeaks out, "Hi!"
Tatyana sits stiffly in a chair, eyes occasionally flicking to the nearby bookshelves. She's been here before, but never without Lorrimor's steadying presence nearby. Between that and the number of people crowded inside, the room seems much, much smaller than normal.
Hoping to distract herself, she asks, "How did you all know the professor? I know some of you explained at the eulogy, but if we're going to be here a while we might as well go into more detail. For myself, I had an unfortunate encounter with a gravebound while investigating a cemetery. I was able to call upon some strange connection with the earth to free myself and the professor was quite curious about it when he heard." She smiles slightly. "I would have expected a scholar as busy as he to ask a few questions, run a few tests, and be on his way. That's not how he was. He sat by my bedside for hours teaching me how to cope with the lingering fear. The clerics healed my body, but it was Professor Lorrimor who healed my mind."
She bows her head and closes her eyes. "I will miss him."
After the funeral, Valiard joined the others as they went to the Professor's house.
It seemed a bit of a waste to turn around so quickly after arriving in town to simply head home, and Kendra was fairly insistent. On the other hand, he had greater responsibilities now, so even if Mireza was fully capable of handling herself, it wouldn't be right to foist the management of the business on her for any longer than strictly necessary.
I wonder if the apothecary in town has access to anything interesting...or if they need a supplier? he mulled quietly to himself as the others filtered in.
After Tatyana's introduction, there was a moment of awkward silence before Valiard took the opportunity to speak up.
"I certainly feel like the odd one out here." Valiard said, leaning forward in his chair. "I had a very fleeting encounter with the Professor, one that apparently made an impact on him, but I didn't consider it much more than the right thing to do."
"My name is Valiard Tessar. I am a herbalist. I grow, buy, mix and sell concoctions to my clientele. I grew up in Carrion Hill, but after the...unpleasantness of a year or so ago...I moved to Caliphas where I opened a new shop. I am happy to say that I am expecting the birth of my first child."
"My time here in Ravengro is going to be short. I plan on staying in town only long enough to meet with the local apothecary, refill supplies and turn my wagon around." Valiard finished with a wry smile.
Henric is leaning against the wall, absent-mindedly shuffling a deck of cards. "I can't say I knew the Professor well, but he was an honest and generous employer. You don't forget that in the solder o' fortune business."
"He was cool under fire, too. Somethin' else you don't see too often in my line of work. Made it a lot easier to get him out of a stitch all in one piece."
Henric sighs and looks towards the door, then packs his cards away. "I can't imagine why he wanted me here for this. Maybe a man like him just can't keep many friends, as you see all the rumors the locals were spoutin' earlier. I'm honored he asked me to help send him off, but I gotta get back on the road soon, see if I can land a new score or two."
Lectrum looks even more uncomfortable surrounded by books. "So much learning. It's impossible." he says softly but not imperceptibly.
Looking back at the others, mostly at Sly, he says, "I'm Sly and... rrrrr... no, he's Sly and I'm Chrugmazzunum. I'm not really a gold dragon. I don't have any magic and I can't fly, but I can fight pretty well. The professor was helping me read better and" He pulls out a primer. "I guess this is yours now, Lady Kendra."
He expects Sly will tell everyone that the other fighters call him "Lectrum." He's not really clear on the joke, so it doesn't bother him much.
The next to introduce himself is an angelic-looking man in full plate armor who, during his eulogy, manifested a glowing halo.
"Greeting to you all, I am Breynor, Paladin of the goddess Iomedae. Like my friend Henic there, I worked with the Professor several times, and even had the honour of saving him from a particularly dangerous expedition. I am glad to see he had so many good and trusted companions."
He sits down once again and waits for the next person to step up.
"Breynor, Chrugmazzunum, Henric, Kimberly, and Tatyana. Pleased to make all of your acquaintances, even if its under such sad circumstances." Valiard said, nodding at each of them in turn.
Inside of the house. Out from Lecturn's satchel the little yellow green reptile pokes out his head. Flicking his tongue in and out as if smelling like a snake. He then quickly climbs out and down Lecturn's leg. Once he hits the ground he zooms over even faster to Kimberly. Stopping in front of her, he smiles and looks at her. He quickly waves his hand and squeaks out, "Hi!"
Kimberly glances down at the lizard, Hello She has a bit of a quizzical look on her face. she then glances at her satchel then back at the Lizard I know it said Hi, <pause> Ok I'll ask, Are you doing this?
after a couple of seconds, OK, OK she then looks to the Lizard what is your name?
Eventually she realizes that others are speaking. She stoops down to try and pick up the Lizard.
she holds the lizard in her hand as she goes walks about the room stopping at each person.
at Tatyana: I know you, I've seen you at the church, I think you are nice
At Valliard: I don't know you, I guess you are OK, It may be your first child, but you are not the child's first parents
At Henric: I don't know you either
At Lectrum: I don't know you, I think this fellow is yours and she hands Sly back to him
At Breynor: I don't know you, You wear lots of armor, do you think we are in danger here?
After seeing each new person, She turns to Kendra They are all good, I see it in their souls
She then turns to everyone, I am Kimberly, That is the name assigned to me. The Doctor needed my help not so long ago. Pharasma guided me and anointed me. If The Lady of the Graves so wills it, I will see to it that each of you receive fair judgement at your appointed time.
she then goes to take a seat. After a few seconds, they don't need to know everything... <pause> Later, when the time is right.... Shhh I need to hear the others
Vashian arrives precisely on time, in any event. No Sense Motive check is necessary to note that he doesn’t completely approve of strangers being involved in local matters, but he keeps his comments to himself, focusing his involvement entirely on the reading of Petros’s will. Kendra isn’t sure what’s contained in the will, since part of its stipulation was that all of the 'group' must be present for its reading. Councilman Vashian produces a scroll case, shows that the professor’s personal seal is unbroken, then breaks the wax and opens the case. As he does, a small iron key falls out of the tube, clattering noisily onto the table. Undaunted by the key, the councilman begins to read, eager to be done with the business and to get back home.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this
parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with
the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and
personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or
sell them as you see fit, my child.
Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this
document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading
of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in
attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I
have two final favors to ask.
To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are
few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of
what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many
of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and
inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge
of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire
a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one
of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward
legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under
lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have
borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable
for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my
daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the
danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting
my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver
the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who
will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of
another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend
that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is
safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone,
and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she
desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal
gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum
of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these
funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in
Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon
the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month
after the date of the reading of this will.
I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this
first day of Calistril, in the year .”
Henric remains seated as the will is read. He's expecting at most to receive a few trinkets, and it's clear from his face that he's ready to finish up here and move on.
His jaw nearly drops to the floor at the mention of payment of 100 platinum coins.
Once the reading of the will is complete, he regains his composure a bit. "Well, I guess I don't need to get going quite so soon," he mutters.
At Lectrum: I don't know you, I think this fellow is yours and she hands Sly back to him.
"Mine? No. Maybe I am his. It is hard to say. He is a free spirit lizard." He takes him back if Sly wants to be held, but quickly sets him down if he wants to explore.
"Whom are you talking to? Is it Pharasma? Is he or she your familiar?"
at Tatyana: I know you, I've seen you at the church, I think you are nice
...
She then turns to everyone, I am Kimberly, That is the name assigned to me. The Doctor needed my help not so long ago. Pharasma guided me and anointed me. If The Lady of the Graves so wills it, I will see to it that each of you receive fair judgement at your appointed time.
Nice? It's not a word often used to describe Tatyana and the sheer novelty of it makes her smile. "I remember you too Kimberly. I'm glad to see you doing well. Have you officially joined the church?" The girl is after all about the same age Tatyana was when she first became an acolyte. Her smiles fades as she once again remembers her 'initiation' into the inquisitors. Mother of Souls willing, may Kimberly's journey be less perilous.
She listens carefully to the reading of the will, brow furrowed. "I've dealt with a few such books in my time and can understand why the professor would have wanted experts to deliver them back to their proper places." She looks around at the eclectic group and amends her statement. "Or, if not experts, at least those accustomed to danger. To be clear, did Professor Lorrimor include Kimberly in those he wished to deliver the books?" Kimberly clearly had unique talents; perhaps the professor had hoped one or more of his old friends would help foster them.
"Regardless, I have no objection to staying and assisting you for a month, if you desire the help." She studies Kendra's face, curious what the other woman thinks of all this.
I don't know you, I guess you are OK, It may be your first child, but you are not the child's first parents
Valiard smiled gently at the girl-woman. "I know of Mireza's ancestry. The child she carries is most certainly ours, and we are going to be especially careful with it."
Hags would never place a child with a changeling...it would almost certainly result in the child not coming to them... he thought, almost as if he were trying to convince himself.
I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this
first day of Calistril, in the year present year….”
"So what happens if all of us cannot stay for a month?" Valiard asked wondering what the answer would be but suspecting the worst.
"I have other obligations, and while 100 platinum is a princely sum, I don't think that I should be late for the birth of my first born. Though honestly we aren't sure how long the pregnancy might last...it could be 9 months...it could be longer."
Valiard had stood up and was now pacing back and forth as he seemingly discussed his thoughts aloud.
"No...sitting around with a bunch of books that are dangerous enough to warrant removing them to the University is just plain stupid. I don't need the money, so I might be the only one seeing this clearly...greed causes misfortune in the end." Valiard had turned to the group, a resolute look in his eye as he spoke his thoughts.
"I don't know what the Professor thought I could do to help...I am just an apothecary." he finished with a shrug and look of helplessness.
Kimberly glances down at the lizard, Hello She has a bit of a quizzical look on her face. she then glances at her satchel then back at the Lizard I know it said Hi, <pause> Ok I'll ask, Are you doing this?
In his little voice he screeches out, "Doing what?"
after a couple of seconds, OK, OK she then looks to the Lizard what is your name?
He pauses a moment and says the words slowly, "I am Sly, you?" As he says the words he points to himself and then to Kim.
Eventually she realizes that others are speaking. She stoops down to try and pick up the Lizard.
He lets her pick him up.
At Lectrum: "I don't know you, I think this fellow is yours?" and she hands Sly back to him.
He lightly growls and then states, "We are friends, allies... Yup!"
As she tries to hand him to Lecturn he jumps from her grasp and goes to investigate the rest of the group. Climbing up them and getting in their gear with little phrases like, "Oh shiny!" "What does this do?" "Look I can fit!" "Ohhh what is that?" "This smells good"
He would look up if someone wants to interact with him. As he leans heavily on his quarterstaff he slowly makes his way to sit down next to Kim. He whispers...
"Hello... Kimberly Snow... what spirit resides in your doll?"
At Lectrum: I don't know you, I think this fellow is yours and she hands Sly back to him."Mine? No. Maybe I am his. It is hard to say. He is a free spirit lizard." He takes him back if Sly wants to be held, but quickly sets him down if he wants to explore.
"Whom are you talking to? Is it Pharasma? Is he or she your familiar?"
Kimberly just smiles at Lectrum's question she looks to her satchel and then pulls out a rather old cloth doll with a faded white dress. I am talking to her. Her name is Amanda, I have always had her as long as I can remember; which is a very long time[/url]
As she goes to tuck the doll back into her satchel you could swear you saw the doll wave.
Nice? It's not a word often used to describe Tatyana and the sheer novelty of it makes her smile. [b]"I remember you too Kimberly. I'm glad to see you doing well. Have you officially joined the church?" The girl is after all about the same age Tatyana was when she first became an acolyte. Her smiles fades as she once again remembers her 'initiation' into the inquisitors.
I have not joined the church, I don't see a need. The Lady Pharasma knows me That is sufficient for me.
She ponders a bit But if it will put other's as ease, I will join as soon as I am able
Valiard smiled gently at the girl-woman. "I know of Mireza's ancestry. The child she carries is most certainly ours, and we are going to be especially careful with it."
Kimberly nods in understanding, May your child's new life be more pleasant that it's last.
As the instructions are given. Kimberly listens and offers little to add. She awaits the other's reactions to "read the room."
I do implore each of you to do as the Doctor asks. It is the least we can do for all that he has done for each of us. <pause> Yes I can do this she says to her satchel You are going as well so we can do this together she adds to her strange conversation with her Doll.
She then looks to everyone. do not worry about me. Think of me as nothing different that one of those of smaller ancestry such as the halfling, or gnome.
"So what happens if all of us cannot stay for a month?" Valiard asked wondering what the answer would be but suspecting the worst.
The Councilman points out, "You would not get the stipend but if Kendra allowed it she could make exceptions, such as allowing your wife to come here as well?"
Kendra asks, "How far along is she?"
Henric shivers a bit while watching Kim jostle her bag.
"I can't say I don't understand wanting to bring your missus here, but I wouldn't bet on it being too safe if the old man is offering so much for us to stay here for a specified amount of time."
He takes his deck of cards back out and begins shuffling them again.
"The Professor was a smart man. He knows what our time's worth. He could have offered us a sum just a bit higher than we'd usually take for that length of service. There's only one thing he'd value more than Kendra's inheritance enough to dip into it so deeply, and that's Kendra herself."
He turns to look at the young woman. "Ma'am, do you know of anyone who'd be interested in comin' after you here? Somebody who thinks they have a shot at gettin' to you, now that your father can't protect you no more?"
She asks a bit scared, "After me? No I can't think of anyone but I know my dad had made many enemies. If we can find his journal, that might clear up more."
Councilman Vashian looks to Kendra, who thanks him, "Thank you Councilman Vashian, you are dismissed." Putting on a brave face, Kendra thanks you again for coming, and informs you, "I will need at least a few weeks to decide if I want to sell my family home or remain here in Ravengro. In the meantime, as stipulated by the will, I ask that you to remain as well. The rooms in my spacious... house... you may use and meals will be provided for the month. Excuse me I will go fetch the chest mentioned in the will."
The chest itself is a relatively small object of oak and iron. Kendra, nervous about the contents, offers the key to the room, stating, ”I will let one of you have the honor of opening the chest.” The key fits the lock perfectly, and within are several old tomes and one relatively new one. The newest tome sits on the top and bears the phrase “Read me now!” scratched into the leather cover.
Breynor steps forward and takes the key. He opens the locked chest and then removes the books found within, keeping the Professor's Journal separate, which he hands over to Kendra.
"I must confess, just looking at the titles of these books makes me feel like burning them might be better than delivering them...but I shall heed the Professor's final wishes."
This book is Petros Lorrimor’s journal. The other tomes comprise the books of dangerous lore
mentioned in his will—three of these have notes tucked into them indicating that they should be delivered to one Montagnie Crowl, a professor of antiquities at Lepidstadt University. The fourth, Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye, has a note indicating it should be delivered to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse (although the note asks for this delivery in
particular to be handled discreetly, and includes the address of Embreth’s home so that you can deliver it there). These books are summarized below.
• Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye: The rich purple cover contains a brass scarab set with a single eye in its center. The book’s covers are rimmed in polished steel and clasped with a small but intricate lock, the keyhole of which appears to be for a key with a strange, triangular shaft. The key is nowhere to be found.
Varisian.
society whose members have deep interests in all things political and arcane.
• On Verified Madness: This jet-black book is a treatise on aberrations and other
entities found on Golarion that possess remote ties to the Dark Tapestry, the name given to the
dark places between the stars in the night sky.
• Serving Your Hunger: This text is a copy of one of several unholy books sacred to the goddess Urgathoa. Lorrimor’s notations liberally sprinkle the margins.
• The Umbral Leaves: This lexicon is a translation into Common of the unholy book of Zon-Kuthon.
Lectrum just laughs as Sly flits about. "He likes to be free."
To Valiard, he says simply, "The Professor said stay for a month. He knew the most and he knew the best. You should stay."
He cringes at the opening of the evil books and pretends to look at his "fingernails" instead.
Tatyana shrugs. "The books themselves shouldn't be dangerous unless we read them. He wouldn't have kept them in his house otherwise. I don't need the money either but I do take the last wishes of the dead very seriously. If Professor Lorrimor wanted us to stay for a month, then that is what I plan to do."
"I am concerned however that Henric might be correct. Asking us all to stay for a month does seem excessive if all he wanted was for Kendra to have companionship and assistance in her time of grief. How long ago did he write his will? Was it recently changed?"
When the chest is brought out Tatyana eyes it warily but doesn't protest its opening. The two unholy books she recognizes, (she's actually read Serving Your Hunger as part of her studies on the undead), but the other two she does not. Of most concern is the new book with "Read Me Now" on the cover.
She reaches out carefully and picks it up. While it could be a trap, surely the professor would have mentioned if the book labeled "Read Me Now" should not actually be read. (Unless someone broke into the chest and planted the book after his death, but that seems unlikely.) "Is this his journal? Perhaps there will be answers inside." Assuming no one protests, she turns to the last entry and begins to read.
Kendra asks, "How far along is she?"
"Well that's the problem. Nobody really knows...her ancestry is a bit...convoluted. We couldn't find anyone who could give a straight answer. We discussed it with a few wise women and the best we could come up with was somewhere between 9 and 14 months."
"Mireza is special in many ways." he said, a small smile allowed Valiard's internal happiness to leak forth, like a ray of sunlight into a stuffy, long curtained room.
"The Professor said stay for a month. He knew the most and he knew the best. You should stay."
"If only things were that simple." Valiard said, his smile shrank away, replaced with a thin cold line.
After the chest is opened, Valiard picks up the Manual, and turning it over in his hands, surreptitiously examines the lock.
This is beyond me...for now. I wonder what the "Order" is?
"Anyone know anything about the Order of the Palatine Eye?" Valiard asked after he set the book back into the chest.
Not able to recall anything about the Order, Valiard moved to read over Tatyana's shoulder.
"If you don't mind putting the journal down, I will try and keep up as you read." Valiard said.
The will was edited about 3 months ago.
Henric is visibly uneasy at seeing the others handle Professor Lorrimor's books, but he says nothing. He's no fool, but he's also seen enough people, including the Professor, handle dangerous tomes and spellbooks before. He also knows they carry risks he'd rather not deal with right now.
Once someone mentions the final entry in the journal was made three months ago, he speaks up again. "So that tells us the most likely threat was on his mind three months ago."
He turns to Kendra. "Any idea what the old man was working on - or who he was working with - that might have had him spooked?
She shakes her head to Henric's question, "I have been away at the academy for the last four months. But look here at the last entries and the others circled in red. The Whispering Way, a cult of necromancers to say the least, he was trying to thwart. They had an interest in Harrowstone and that is where he died. Maybe doing some research on the Whispering Way or those who died in the fire? Feel free to use this library but there are other collections of books that could be useful in researching as well."
her father’s personal library to research, free of charge
and regardless of the PCs’ current Trust point total.
Lorrimor’s library provides a +2 bonus on all Knowledge
checks made to research the Whispering Way.
hall provide a +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks made
to research Harrowstone or the Five Prisoners, but the
town council normally does not allow visitors to use
the building at all. A DC 25 Diplomacy check is enough
to convince the council to let one PC use the site. Once
the PCs accumulate at least 31 Trust points, though, the
council lets the entire party use the site for research.
extensive notes on the town’s history, and is perhaps the
best site for research. Using the temple’s records grants
a +4 bonus on all Knowledge checks made to research
Harrowstone, the Five Prisoners, or the Whispering Way,
but securing permission to use this site for research
requires a DC 25 Diplomacy check or a Trust score of 30.
schoolhouse and magic item shop run by one Alendru
Ghoroven; using its small library provides a +2 bonus
on all Knowledge checks made to research Harrowstone.
It cannot be used to research the Whispering Way at all.
Alendru asks for a 10 gp payment for each day that he
allows anyone to use his school’s resources, unless the PCs
reach a Trust point total of 27, at which point he waives
the fee and allows PCs to use the library free of charge.
Hearing Kendra describe the potential research options, Henric decides to start with the Professor's personal library.
"Anything that requires less sweet-talk on my part is preferable. Let me see what I can learn from the Professor's library while the rest of you lot check out the other libraries in town."
"What is Harrowstone and what fire are you talking about?" After reading the journal Tatyana is more worried than ever. A cult of necromancers can be an extremely dangerous thing. "Also, Kendra I'm sorry to have to ask you this, but how did your father die? I was under the impression it was of natural causes."
Once they're done discussing everything she stands up and stretches. "I'd prefer to research at the temple; their records are bound to be extensive. Kimberly, would you mind coming with me? They might be more inclined to let us in since they already know you well."
Tendal listened quietly as Henric and Tatyana raised points that he was curious about, eager to hear Kendra's response.
He started to check into Harrowstone and "the five prisoners" but quickly found his mind wandering as he found a few interesting books on herbology mixed among the collection covering the walls.