Looking up from his poridge, Sariel smile and nods towards the dusky lady. He considers ansering her question with 'Like the Dead' but he wasn't sure anyone would appreciate his gallows humor, especially with gravity of the day. Instead, he places his spoon just so on his saucer and sipped his tea. Ansering, "There were bells, did anyone else wake from the bells?"
Frowning, Sariel didn't believe it had been he wind. Not that he didn't believe Ravengro could get nasty storms. But he didn't believe they had caused the bells.
Holding the coffin with both hands, Sariel is not surprised by the superstition of the locals. When the first person calls out 'that's far enough' he looks at the others, asking. "Ladies, in case this gets uglier than it already is, shall we set our dear friend down?"
Calling to the croud, "Please kind people of Ravengro, do not be afraid. Professor Lorrimor was no Necromancer, he abhorred the practice. True he was a wizard, but in his carrier before he retired here, he fought diligently with the church of Pharasma to stop the evils that magic can unlock. Please, do not interfere, we would see our friend buried in the Restlands as his daughter has arranged."
The fetchling was covered in sweat from the exertion. "Yes, the bells were quite loud." She managed to say. It was almost a relief when they put the casket down. Almost, as the reason for doing so was less than idea. The eclectic group calling the casket probably didn't help.
"It is indeed a grave accusation, to accuse a friend of the Church of Pharasma of being a necromancer." She added, in support of Sariel.
Completely awake for once, Lady Shae walks by the others, the strain of holding the casket playing over her somber face.
"I heard the bells. I fear it is a bad omen." Not even two minutes after her statement, the men gathered around. Lady Shae frowned and nodded at Sariel and worked with the others to lower the casket so as to not drop it and upset Kendra more. While she gently lowered, she readied a spell in the back of her mind. She didn't want to reveal her powers quite yet, but if push came to shove, she wanted to be ready.
"Yes, please. Let us not fight. We are already quite grave. No need to exacerbate the pain. Dont be stupid, friends. This is a hard time for us." She states, trying to help.
Her familiar, who was walking by his witch, ran up to trip the men by running through their feet, trying to keep them from harming his witch or her new friends while also dodging the villager's retaliations.
Senna bobbed her head along the way, listening keenly to her group. "Ahh, yes, the bells... I too thought they were a bad omen, perhaps tormented spirits crying out in pain..."
The bird wasted no time in lowering the casket with the others, then swiftly grabbed the hilt of her nodachi, adjusting her stance in the event that the villagers get too close to the professor. Taking a shaky breath, Tora flared out her feathers to make herself look bigger and backed Sariel, looking calm but ready.
"People of Ravengro please be rational about this decision... The professor has done nothing wrong, imagine if this were your own kin..."
The group glares at you for a long, tense moment before sullenly stalking off. You doubt this is over, but at least the funeral can proceed uninterrupted. As you pick up the coffin, Kendra whispers, "Thank you."
Once the coffin's been lowered into the grave, the gravediggers begin covering it with dirt as Father Grimburrow offers a short prayer. "Lady of the Grave, Watcher of Twilight, bless this this man's soul. Guard him, and keep him, As you guard and keep all in your sight. Mother of Souls, I ask you guide Petros's soul to its proper place in the afterlife according to your divine will."
Kendra then steps forward and speaks briefly. "Petros Lorrimor was many things. A scholar. A teacher. An adventurer. A champion against the forces of evil." She pauses as a tear trickles down her cheek. "And a father. My father. He traveled often to many distant lands, but when he was home -" She sheds another tear. "- he always made me feel like I was his world. And now my world is smaller. I'll miss you dad."
She stares at the grave for a long moment before sadly turning away. "Would anyone else like to speak?"
With some hesitation Sorsul walked up to speak. She was used to superstitious townspeople making trouble, but it still hurt to see them do so at a funeral procession. Now, standing before the Professor’s casket, she looked down at it sadly.
” Lorrimor…” She began. ”…I do not pretend to have known him as well as many others here. We were not friends. We were not colleagues. Truth be told, I never knew him well. Which is why it speaks so much of his character that I am here. If not for him, I would not be here today. The Professor…he saw that I was enslaved.” She said, the words almost sticking in her mouth. It was not a topic that she liked talking about, but she felt that she owed it to him. Because this day was not about her, it was about him, and she owed him. ”And…and he freed me. He shouldered the monetary cost, and he exposed himself to considerable danger. I am here because of him. He did this for a complete stranger. It cannot be said how rare a person that made him. And now I am here with regret. Regret for never having the time to get to know the man who changed my life. Regret for never being able to pay back his kindness. Regret, in that there are people here who would dare speak ill of a man such as he, when all should know him for who he really was. So I would say here and now, that Petros Lorrimor was the type of man who saw injustice and he acted. He made this world a better place, and we are all poorer now for his absence. I…thank you.” Not looking at the assemblage, she made her way back to her seat.
Resisting the urge not to glare back at the group of humans, Sariel was relieved when the turned and left. Nodding to Kendra, Sariels didn't say anything, instead he bent over to pick up the casket. Waiting for the ladies to grasp hold, he knew he would not have been able to convince the croud to leave without their help. Or at least without using his inate magic, which, with the circumstances would have caused more trouble later. Speaking softly, "Well done Ladies."
As Father Grimburrow said the traditional prayer for the dead, Sariel whispers along. It was not his place to pray the last rites over the dead. Though it did give him comfort to do so, when a [i]real[i] priest wasn't available. He watches as Kendra slowly moves forwards and speaks on behalf of her father. Words, all true, but speaking even louder are her tears.
When asked if anyone else wanted to speak, about to shift from his seat, Sariel realizes Sorsul had started to move to the front. Holding his seat for a moment as the woman spoke. Her words were honest, but not surprising. She was right the professor was the sort of man she thought he was. As she spoke, he thought of his time with the professor, not the early years when they were able to speak a couple times a week, but the last fifteen. They had corresponded regularly, but he had not visited. The professor's words were guarded, and Sariel's letters just as vague, speaking only in broad brush strokes about the work he did for the church. He would miss the letters. Looking up as Sorsul returned to his seat, he felt he needed to say something.
Standing, not moving to the front, he takes off his hat as he looks towards Father Grimburrow, Pharasma's representative in this place. "One of my earliest memories was meeting Petros Lorrimor. He was both guardian and mentor to me, along with certain members of the church. Later in life, he became a close friend and confidante. I pray he finds peace in the afterlife and that any work left unfinished be taken up by willing hands."
He turns and nods to Kendra, hoping she remembers his willingness to aid her. Placing the wide brimmed black felt hat back on his head, he takes his seat.
Lady Shae let out a sigh of relief as the men backed down and allowed them to pass. Lifting the casket with the others, she also nodded her thanks to everyone. Knowing she was not great with words, she was relieved nothing had happened.
Lady Shae listened respectfully as Father Grimburrow said the final rites. Wiping the tears from her eyes, the young noble nodded along as Kendra and her two companions spoke kindly about the beloved professor. Feeling a surge of emotion, she stood and walked to the front to say her peace.
"Professor Lorrimor was my only friend during a tenuous time in my life. I was a stranger to this country, ignorant of its social rules, and he offered me shelter and knowledge. He taught me what it means to be a friend." She wiped more tears from her cheeks, sniffling for a moment before continuing. "He was a true friend, and I will miss him dearly. I hope that when my time comes, we will be reunited." With that, she returned to her seat, Tobi jumping gently onto her lap to comfort her.
After Petros has finished being laid to rest, Kendra thanks the other townsfolk for attending and lets you know that she's going back home. "Councilman Hearthmount needs to be present for the will reading, but he told me he has a few other matters to attend to first. He should be ready in an hour or so. I'm going to make some tea, but don't feel like you need to keep me company if you have other things you'd rather do. I'm used to being alone."
Nodding to Senna, as the Tengu returned to her seat. It seemed to Sariel, that the situation was the most difficult for her. He had difficulty in imagining how important the professor was to her, having crossed half a continent to be here. Realizing the service was coming to an end, Sariel stood and acknowledged Kendra, making eye contact and giving a quick nod. He smiled at the idea of some tea, but wanted to find out more information before he headed back to her home.
Moving towards Father Grimburrow, he calls out, " Father Grimburrow, may I have a moment of your time?" Without really waiting for the padre to deny him, he continued. "Thank you for officiating the service, I'm sure Kendra appreciates her father being buried in the Restlands."
He pauses for a second, wanting to change the subject. "The reason I wanted to speak with you is concerning the bells. We heard bells sounding last night. If my sense of timing is right, it was about midnight. They sounded like church bells to me. Being the local priest, I would think you would know if there were a reason for the church bells to sound." He raises an eyebrow. "What information can you provide me concerning the ringing of the bells last night?"
Wiping away the last of her tears, Lady Shae approached Sariel and the priest. Hearing what Sariel was asking, Lady Shae nodded and added.
"I heard them too. I would very much like to know what they were tolling for. It was quite ominous." Her strange cat pawed at her leg, asking to be held. She bent down, grabbed the feline, and straightened, petting the kitty absentmindedly on the head.
Sorsul held her peace. The tolling of bells did not strike her as being overtly strange, in and of itself, even if they were ominous. But if the question bothered her new companions to this degree, then who was she to stand in the way of them and whatever comfort they might seek?
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The corvid waved to the group, deciding to temporarily to part ways. Weighted by her sorrow, Senna could only hang her head and trudge along back to their lodging, giving herself time to process and mourn in private.
The priest grunts indifferently. "It was probably Gibbs or one of his cronies being drunken fools again." He doesn't seem concerned.
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Councilman Hearthmount arrives precisely on time. You can tell that he doesn't completely approve of strangers being involved in local matters, but he's polite - and extremely focused on the task at hand. He produces a scroll case, shows that Lorrimor'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 and clatters noisily onto the table. Paying this no mind, the councilman begins to read.
"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 4711.”
His official duty complete, Councilman Hearthmount leaves.
Lady Shae sat there, a bit stunned. "I will need to send for more clothing... And I will need to go shopping...' She said softly to Tobi, who was sitting in her lap, curled up against the chill of the room. She smiled gently at Kendra, though she wasn't sure if she could see her.
"I will, of course, stay the month to keep Kendra company and help in any way I can. I just need to get some things in order before settling. I can send word to my estate letting them know of the change in plans."
She stood up, Tobi jumping off of her lap in a huff, walked gracefully over to Kendra, and kneeled down in front of her, gently grasping her hands and speaking in a quiet tone.
"I, of course, am here for you, my dear. If you are willing, may I take up residence in the room you have given me for the remainder of my stay, or would you be more comfortable if I made arrangements to stay at the inn? Either is fine by me, my lady, whatever you will."
Tobi rubbed his sparkling fur against Kendra's legs, trying to soothe her as well. purring and headbutting her gently.
"As for the delivery, I am more than willing to make the journey there as well. Who's with me?" She had a hard time believing, after all of their beautiful speeches at the funeral, that her companions would agree to the terms of the will. If they had any second thoughts, 100 platinum surely would sway them.
Sorsul nodded and voiced her acceptance. Multiple emotions swirled through her. She, of course, wanted to assist in any way she could. This was her opportunity to truly pay the Professor back, and knowing that meant that she could get the weight of guilt off her shoulders. At the same time…one hundred platinum coins? That was a fortune beyond anything she could have ever hoped for. With that she could buy a house! The simple amount of security that would come from that could not be overstated. Once again it was proof of the Professor’s kindness, and it only served to strengthen her resolve to see the tasks through.
Surpised by the the priests indifference, Sariel wonders if the priest had been awakened by the bells. It may be that he was so used to them that he slept through the ringing. But he'd have thought the priest would keep the temple locked so one does not wake the whole town on a drunken lark. Sighing he nods to Father Grimburrow, "Thank you Father."
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Returning just before time for the meeting Sariel, goes to the kitchen and pours himself a cup of tea adding just the right about of honey before he heads to the parlor. Taking the small seat in he corner, he awaits with the others, occasionally sipping the tea until the councilman arrives. Kendra had told them they were to attend the reading of the will. It seemed strange to Sariel, but if it was the professors desire then he would at least be present.
As the councilman, having arrived, began to read the will Sariel was perplexed but not surprised. He'd know the professor study much of what was considered 'forbidden knowledge' that was one of the reasons the temple had asked the professor to 'interview' him as a child. I made sense that Lorrimor would want the tomes returned to the university and his daughter watched over during a short grieving period.
As the councilman finished reading, Sariel was pleased that Lady Shae had quickly taken up the call. She seemed competent and entertaining enough to at least distract Kendra from her loss. When the dusky lady asked 'who was with her' Sariel looks to the others as Sorsul nods and voices her acceptance.
Pausing Sariel considered his 'other' obligations. Looking towards Lady Shae and then towards Kendra. "As I've said, I had hoped I might be of some small assistance." He gestures towards the will. "Thirty days is a short period of time, hopefully my presence will not be required elsewhere." Choosing his words carefully, "As for the chest, I'd intended to return to Lepidstadt. Traveling there with new friends does not seem burdensome."
Senna grunted her approval and bowed before the group. "It would be an honor to take up this journey with you all. You have my blade." She bowed once more, but furrowed her brows. Given her outcasted background, the bird didn't have the best grasp on currency as a concept, but still picked up on the subtle tone shift when the money was mentioned. This must be a considerable amount. I wonder what gifts I could bring home to mother with that...?
"Thank you so much for staying. I promise I won't be a bother; I'm quite self-sufficient, so don't feel like you need to keep me company all day if you have other things to do. I'm probably going to end up selling the house. If I do, Uncle Adivion's offered to take me in."
She brings out a locked oak chest. Unsurprisingly, the key that fell out of the scroll case fits perfectly. Inside are several old tomes and one that's relatively new.
- A leather journal with the phrase "Read Me First!" scratched into the leather cover.
- Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye: a rich purple cover containing a brass scarab set with a single eye in its center. The book's covers are clasped with a small but intricate lock. A note indicates it should be delivered to Judge Embreth Daramid in Lepidstadt. "Please handle this discretely."
- On Verified Madness: a jet black book containing information about entities possessing remote ties to the Dark Tapestry. A note indicates it should be delivered to Montagnie Crowl at Lepidstadt University.
- Serving Your Hunger: an Urgathoan sacred text with notations liberally scrawled in the margins. A note indicates it should be delivered to Montagnie Crowl at Lepidstadt University.
- The Umbral Leaves: a translation into Common of Zon-Kuthon's unholy book. A note indicates it should be delivers to Montagnie Crowl at Lepidstadt University.
Nodding as Kendra thanks them, Sariel had no doubt, even with a precieved disability, that she was self-sufficient. As she brings out the chest, he leans forwards, curious about the books the professor had been studying. Seeing the Leather journal with the letters scratched in the cover, Sariel reaches for it asking, "May I?"
As he opened the journal he asks, "Should I read aloud?"
Making her way back to her seat, Lady Shae nods at Sariel. "Please do. Let's see what our old friend deemed so important." Tobi jumped back up on the couch and began making biscuits on his witches leg. She chuckled gently at the strange feline, her eyes half closing as she waited for the dhampir to begin reading. Sneaking a hand into her sleeve, she produced a small pinkish candy and popped it in her mouth.
The majority of the journal entries are relatively bland, accounting for day-to-day activities in Ravengro. Six entries, however, are circled in red ink.
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might. Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect, I suppose it all makes sense — the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked up about them, I’d rather not let the others know about my curiosity - there’s plenty of folks hereabouts who already think I’m a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something — no, strike that — someone who was held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the foundation — hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.
Tomorrow evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don’t have time to update my will, so I’ll leave this in the chest where it’ll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.
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With her eyes closed, Lady Shae pondered the entries, absent-mindedly petting her familiar with slow, deliberate strokes. It was a few moments before she opened them and spoke.
"This doesn't sound good. I wonder if the mysterious Whispering Way is the reason for the bell tolling last night. It could be related, but if Lorrimor got caught up in something, I owe it to him to figure out what's going on." She took a deep breath and looked around the room.
"I guess now is a good time to tell you all since we will be in each other's company, that I am more than a mere noble. I happen to be a witch. Tobi, here is my familiar, and together, we have a few tricks up our sleeves for protection and information gathering. I can make candies with healing powers, and I can even do a bit of damage if push comes to shove. Though I am more skilled in divination and dream magic." She straightened her skirts and looked down at Tobi, a strained smile on her face. "I think the path is clear, at least for me. I need to learn more about this Whispering Way and its plans. Pharasma would not be pleased if this journal is to be believed."
”This is indeed very…uhm…bad.” Sorsul agreed. Dark magic, undeath, ghosts…this was all abit much. At least her companions now included a pharasmite Dhampir, a Tengu who looked like she could throw Sorsul over her shoulder with ease, and an actual witch. That, at least, made the situation slightly less suicidal. ”Do you think the professor wanted us to complete his work in the ruins?”
Quickly flipping through the journal, Sariel focuses on the entries cirled in red. Raising an eyebrow as he read about the wispering way, even having dealt with some undead, he'd not heard of the group. As he read he wondered what could be so evil that it frightened professor. The hackles on his neck rising as he reads about the 'Way' being interested in 'someone' at Harrowstone, he obviously did not know as much about Prison as he should. Reading the temple would have a list of who would have died, Sariel makes a mental note to find out. As he reads he is again supised that the professor failed to accomplish something he'd set his mind to. But reading about the location of the false crypt gave Sariel a third location that needed explored. As he read the last entry, it seemed the professor died the same day he intended to return to the prison. Obviously, the events were connected.
As he closes the journal, Sariel nods in agreement with, Lady Shae. Cocking his head as she spoke of her magical ability, he was relieved to hear that she would be empowered to help with any possible investigation. He nods as she says they need to learn more about the 'Way.' Looking towards Sorsul, he senses the pregnant pause, as she follows her first statement with a question. Taking a deep breath, he answers. "I believe two things, I believe he hoped we would continue his investigation and I believe the people he selected to be here, you ladies and myself, was not by chance."
Resting the journal on the coffee table besides the chair he was sitting on. "It seems the rumors of harrowstone being haunted may be more than just rumors and I for one would, in time, would like to investigate. If anyone else is of a like mind I would be willing to collaborate."
Looking around at the others, "It may be in our best interest to learn what we can about the 'Whispering Way'" Shrugging, "We could research for information at the temple or the library."
Nodding the general direction, of the cemetery, "I am also curious about false crypt in the Restlands. Does it seem like we should investigate it as well?" Changing his question slightly, he smiles, investigating crypts was what he did. "What I mean to say, is anyone interested in going with me to investigate the false crypt?"
Lady Shae nodded at Soriel, still sucking on the sweet she had in her mouth.
"I will go. I feel like anything we can get to help us, we should acquire. It sounds as though going to the prison in our current state would be suicide, and I, for one, wish to live past the week if at all possible." She smiled slightly. "The professor seemed to be looking for things to prepare him for the possible undead in the prison. For the rest of the day, I will head to the library and do some research there. I have a knack for finding information in tomes. Anyone who wants to come with me is of course invited." Tobi mewed, the sound a strange mix of pitches and tones. Lady Shae looked down and chuckled. "You can come too, Tobi." She was quiet for a moment, sucking on the sweet in her cheek.
"I think we should go to the false crypt under the cover of nightfall so as not to draw suspicion. I am interested in the instruments there, and with some research into Harrowstone, we might be able to find the best tools for the job."
She finally bit down on the sweet, making a satisfying crunch as she chewed it up and swallowed.
"We owe it to our dear friend to do this right and not get killed ourselves. I, for one, am going to avenge his death, as I think the 'Way' has something to do with his demise."
"I need no convincing. I will protect you all with my fury and my might." Senna shook, her feather tips and antlers glowing intensely. A feint aura of red energy stirred the air around her as spectral spider lilies started to grow and bloom from the floor. "I don't believe any of this is mere coincidence for a moment," she muttered through gritted teeth, her muscles bulging and twitching from tension.
"We'll make them pay."
Nodding as Lady Shae comments about waiting to go to the prison, Sariel agreed, that would have to wait until they had much more information. She clearly had a good head on her shoulders, she'd made her wealth making and selling candies of all things. His mind flashed to the stories of witches who dressed their cottages with candy. He wondered what her candy shop looked like. Maybe once the thirty days were over he would visit.
As the lady said she would head to the Library, he shifts his feet, ready to stand. "With your permission I would join you. Research may not be my gift, but I may be of some assistance."
As Senna comments 'Well make them pay' Sariel nods. Extends the journal to Kendra, "Miss Lorrimor, would you put the journal back in the chest."
He looks back towards Lady Shae, then towards Senna and Sorsul, "Are we all in agreement, we should check the 'false crypt' tonight, or should we wait until we know more?"
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"I think that it would be best to learn more before we go in. We were not instructed to run in blindly, right? This obviously was able to wait until after the funeral, so it can wait until we know what we are heading into. Perhaps we could come back together tonight, after we each try to find what we may?" She offered.
The fetchling went out into the marketplace of Ravengro, such as it was. It was a small town, by any estimation. It couldn't have had a permanent population of any more than three hundred or so. Taking up a place where she could easily be seen, she began to place the tools of her trade upon the ground. That is her spear and her daggers.
"Good people of Ravengro!" She called out to those who had come to buy and sell. She was wearing her dancer's garb and spoke in a clear and confident voice. Others in her profession often wore revealing clothing to gather attention, but in her experience, it was foolish to do so. The men who came often had ill intentions, and it turned away their wives who might otherwise pay. No, her garb was far more practical in nature, designed to allow her freedom of movement.
"I have come from Caliphas and bring with me entertainment from the capital. Stories, with a small hint of magic from the capital, to bring life to the past and joy to the present. So buy food and drink from the market and gather 'round! In but a few minutes the performance will begin." She made a show of planting her spear so it would be ready to use and stretched, all the while making small talk with any who came and wished it. In her experience, when working in towns, it was beneficial to cite the capital to help dispel fear. That, and to keep the experience lively.
Once a small crowd had come, for who could resist something so out of the ordinary, she raised her hand and called out "We begin! And I begin with an introduction. My name is Sorsul, and I came from Caliphas to attend a funeral. I will be staying in town for about a month, and while I am here will be providing these shows. As a warning, the magic I have learned involves making illusions out of shadows for the purpose of story telling. Which brings us to..."
She raised her other hand, and her shadow detached and rose from the ground, taking the form of a beautiful and regal woman. The shadow woman strutted around, waving a fan acting as a caricature of a foppish noble.
"Our tale begins in far off Korvosa. There lived a queen, young and beautiful. She was married to a king, old and wise." The shadow danced around her, and Sorsul reached out to it, and the two spun as if though in a courtly ball. "But that is just how our tale begins. Much evil has come from the Hold of Belkzen. Here, in Ustalav, we stand at the front lines against these threats." She let go of the shadow, and spun, grabbing her spear. She went to attention, lifted the spear. She went through present arms, order arms…she spun the spear and went through the motions of beating back an invisible foe, all the while the foppish shadow queen continued to dance, oblivious to the Ustalavian protection she received.
”But as we all know, the danger of the Old Night are more than just the brutish orcs. For the foolish Queen, she uncovered a crown. A crown that hailed from cursed Castle Scarwall.” The shadow queen lifted a shadowed crown and put it upon her head. The dance ended as the shadow queen melted back into the ground. ”All that was good within the Queen died that day. Before long, the King was dead. The…” She listed off those who fell in the mad queen’s reign. As she did so, a shadow king rose and fell, followed by shadowed figures one after another. She spun and danced as this went on, until she came to a a halt.
”The men of the South appeared to be doomed. That is, until two heroes arose. A a common dwarf and a shaman who lived outside the corruption of the city. Shadowed forms of the two heroes arose, standing brave and proud. [b]”And like the shining crusade, the two marched to the source of the evil. Castle Scarwal itself.”
The performance went on, with an aggrandized account of the two heroes fighting orcs, undead, a horrific liche and even a dragon! Sorsul spun and weaved around the square, using spear and dagger to fight shadow after shadow. She described how the two heroes broke the curse, bit by bit, until her tale finally came to an end with them recovering a holy blade…only to find that it was broken.
It was there that she ended her tale, working hard to not show her fatigue from the performance. ”…but what came of this artifact? And what of the evil Queen? That, my friends, is a tale for another day.” She said this with a warm smile as she gave a bow. ”Please come again, for the conclusion of this tale. If you enjoyed it, then a cold drink would be much appreciated. But even more so, I collect tales, and have questions about this fair town. For just as I bring stories from the capital, so too would I bring them back.” As she said this she scanned the crowd for any who seemed receptive, with whom she could sit and have a drink with while prying out local lore.
Lady Shae nodded at Sorsul. "I agree with this plan. We shall meet up here again tonight."
Not looking up from Tobi, Lady Shae addresses Sariel. "I would be honored if you would join me. Shall we go now? Time is of the essence if we are to figure out what killed the professor."
"Shall we start with the library here?" Lady Shae wrapped Tobi in her arms and stood up, smoothing her skirts with her free hand, and made her way to the library.
With Sariel in stride, Lady Shae entered the Lorrimor library and looked around. With so many books, she was at first unsure where to start. With a smile at Sariel, the masked woman set Tobi down on a soft cushion and began to run her fingers over the well-kept books.
"Looks like we've got a challenge ahead of us. You start over there," She pointed towards the right side of the library. [b]"And I'll start over here. and here are a few pieces of candy to eat while you are searching. I always find if my mouth is working so is my brain." She smiled as she produced four small, round candies wrapped in paper and handed them to Sariel.
Nodding his head in agreement, Sariel had not even considered the professors 'personal' library. Not wanting to spill anything on books he stands, "Give me just a second." Quickly taking the cup and saucer he was using out to kitchen, he rinses the cup out so as not to let it stain. Returning to the parlor he smiles, and gestures towards the other room "After you."
As he begins skimming the sections, he keeps his eye out for anything about Harrowstone, the local cemetery and the whispering way.
The young noblewoman chuckled as Sariel took the candy. "Candy can make a situation feel slightly better, even if the situation is dire." She took out a sweet of her own and popped it in her mouth, promising this time she would suck on it until it all melted and not bite it before it dissapeared.
While looking through the leftmost shelves, her hands brushing the spines of the books, Lady Shae looked over at Sariel. "So, before here, what did you do? You know I am a witch who makes magical candy; what kind of work do you spend your time doing?" She tries to strike up a pleasant conversation, a gentle smile on her face as she battles with her willpower not to chew up the candy in her mouth.
Finishing 'fronting' the first shelf he begins to read the titles of the books of the second shelf, 'fronting' them as well. He pauses when Lady Shae asks her question about his 'work.' He turns and looks at her, then turns back towards the bookshelf slowly moving the books as he considers how detailed of an answer he should give.
Shifting the half-dissolved piece of candy back to his cheek. "In the simplest terms, I hunt the undead for the church."
He gives a light shrug. "Sometimes I work with a small group, sometimes I work alone. If a community asks for help the church will send me. I may deal with the infestation alone, or assemble a few locals, or bring in professionals to help."
He turns towards the Lady, "Along with other innate gifts I have the ability to channel energy, both positive and negative. So I may damage undead or heal my companions. But I also have the ability to harm any 'living minions' the undead may use."
He considered adding that he could also use negative energy to rejuvenate himself, but he didn't want to give the lady a worse impression than she probably already had. Instead, he shifted his gaze to the third shelf, reading titles and 'fronting' spines.
Lady Shae nodded as Sariel explained his work, looking over the book titles for anything promising. She looked back at the dhampir before smiling, moving the small saccharine treat to the other side of her mouth.
"Sounds as though you and I will get along just fine. You work for the church, and I support the church in any way I can, seems we have similar beliefs."
Tobi jumped off the cushion and sauntered over to Sariel, rubbing against his legs in an obvious attempt to get pets. Tobi's fur is oddly cool to the touch and quite soft, almost as if his fur was made of silk. He meowed in his strange, dual-toned voice, vying for attention from the dhampir.
"If I were a book about a secret society that plays where they dont belong, where would I be?" She said, more to herself than out loud, as she searched for anything that could help them. After the third row of books, she absent-mindedly bit down on her sweet, then tsked at herself before chewing it up completely.
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While the townsfolk are clearly uncomfortable with your presence, your performance does attract some positive attention. While quite a few people come and go, eight townsfolk stay for the entire performance. The Sheriff and two of his deputies are likely there to keep an eye on you (you see one of them seems particularly uncomfortable with your shadow magic), and you also recognize one of the men who accosted you during the funeral procession . The cutest member of the audience is probably the dog lying in the shade by the Posting Poles. Your request for stories is answered by a councilwoman, who seemed to particularly enjoy the show. She shares a bit of history about the town's darkest moment: the burning of Harrowstone Prison.
Councilwoman Mirta Straelock
Sheriff Benjan Caeller
Old River
Pevrin Elkarid
Marta Avanaki
Deputies Leromar and Riff
Gibbs Hephenus
Old Man Harken
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It takes a long time to figure out Petros's organization system, but you're able to eventually find a few volumes that reference the Whispering Way. You take a few breaks to eat and check in on Kendra as well. As the morning winds down, Adivion takes his leave. As he tells you, he lives in Caliphas and has been away from his home and his job for almost a month. The fact that you've agreed to stay in Ravengro for a while gives him great relief.
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Harrowstone Prison
Harrowstone was built in 4594. Ravengro was founded at the same time as a place where guards and their families could live and that would produce food and other supplies used by the prison. It was partially destroyed by a fire in 4661 and has stood vacant ever since. The fire killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards, and destroyed a large portion of the prison’s underground eastern wing but left most of the stone structure above relatively intact. The prison’s warden perished in the fire, along with his wife, although no one knows why she was in the prison when the fire occurred. A statue commemorating the warden and the guards who lost their lives was built in the months after the tragedy — that statue still stands on the riverbank just outside of town.
Whispering Way
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.
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Having figured out Petros organization system and fronted all the books in the library, after lunch Sariel helps dig through the items they'd found. Eventually looking up, at Lady Shae. "It's frustrating, I've been helping the church deal with undead my entire adult life but have never once heard of this group." He shakes his head, "and to thing, the whispering tyrant was one of them."
Having read all they could, Sariel asks, "Shall we join the others and tell them what we found?"
Having finished their search in time to help with supper, Sariel finds his way to the kitchen and offers to help, hoping to share what they learned over dinner.
Lady Shae smiled at Sariels words. "October is not a normal animal. And he has good instincts. A good judge of character, if you will. I think we will get along quite well."
She picked out a few books that seemed promising and began reading. After a while, she looked up as Sariel began to speak. "I haven't heard of them either. It is strange that the church doesn't say anything about these villains."
Closing the last book, the noblewoman nods at Sariel. "Yes. I think we found some good information. Come on, Tobi, it's time to go." Tobi hopped down from the top of a tall bookshelf and mewed agreeably, following the two out.
Lady Shae sought out Kendra to keep her company until dinner, keeping the conversation light and giving plenty of sweets.
That night Sorsul met up with her new companions feeling quite pleased with herself. "A day well spent." She said, greeting them. "Put on a show, nobody tried to kill me. Met councilwoman Straelock, who was quite forthcoming with information." Smiling, she continued "The ruins? She told me of Harrowstone prison, which was built around when Ravengro was founded. This town was made as a place to produce food and supplies for the prison guards and for their families to live. It was partially destroyed in a fire, which killed all of the prisoners and most of the guards. This included the warden and his wife. The ruins have stood empty ever since. It seems like quite the place for a necromatic cult to take up shop, does it not?"
As they sit down to enjoy the fine meal Kendra {and her friends) had prepared, Sariel moved the silverware and tea saucer, so it sat just so, listening to Sorsul's eventful day. As she finishes, Sariel nods, "I believe you are right, I think it certainly would be a place of interest to such a croup."
As he takes a piece of the dark bread and liberally covering it with Honey, he gestures towards the dusky lady, "Lady Shae was able to find out more about the whispering way." Spreading the honey with a butter knife he rests the knife on the edge of his plate, turning just so. Asking "Lady Shae, would you like to share?"
The noblewoman listened to Sorsul's information, horrified by the story. She looked around the table, having lost some of her appetite. When Sariel asked his question, she nodded briefly and pushed the food around her plate with her fork. It wasn't ladylike, but she needed to do something with her hands because of the nervous energy.
"Yes, of course. We read a few books that mentioned the Whispering Way, but we only found a small amount of information. They have been around for thousands of years, and they work with the undead, though I wasn't able to find any information on their movements. The Whispering Tyrant was a member, believe it or not. We will need a lot of resources and information if we are to do something about this group." She finished by pushing some of the meat fat onto a smaller plate and placing it down for Tobi. He gratefully chewed the fat off of the meat before jumping on his witch's lap, begging for more.
Being able to smell the fat as it's sat on the floor for the cat Sariel is not able to keep his mouth from watering. Trying to focus on the plate of vegetables and bread, he chimes in. "Honestly I was surprised that I'd not heard of the 'Way' before. I'll need to make a report once I get back to Lepidstadt."
Cutting a piece of asparagus he, looks around the table asking "What time should we plan on leaving for the cemetery this evening?"
Lady Shae absent-mindedly pushed around the food on her plate, trying to get up the will to eat. When Sariel asked when they should go, she thought for a second, then sighed.
"I feel a few hours after sundown would be best. That way those coming home from the tavern have time to get home and we have less of a chance to be seen."
She finally speared a stalk of asparagus on her fork and brought it tentatively to her mouth. With little nibbles, she ate the veggie with mild disinterest. She was never able to eat well when she was worried. Tobi finished his fat and jumped on his witches lap, making biscuits on her thigh. She smiled faintly down at her familiar, then pushed her plate away from her.
"I need to prepare for my candy making tomorrow morning. I'm going to pick up the rest of the ingredients before nightfall and speak with the kitchen staff. I shall be back in time to leave for the false crypt."
She wrapped Tobi in her arms and stood up, prepared to go out on her own.
Finishing his vegetables as the dusky lady talked about going out later, Sariel nods, he was fine with 'late' it bothered his eyes less.
As she announced she needed to go out, he considers the attitude of the mob at the funeral. People were ok when it was one or two, but it seemed the more of them in attendance the dumber they were.
Placing his silverware on the plate, quickly wiping his mouth with the napkin he offers. "With your permission Lady Shae, may I join you?" Not wanting to say the wrong thing, he pauses for a moment, hoping his request would be enough so he would not have to try and convince her.
Lady Shae smiled at Sariel and nodded. "Of course you can. The more, the merrier. Sorsul, would you like to join us, too? That way I can also get ingredients you both like to make my candies with. I usually go with honey, but if there is something you both would like more, I'm open to trying it." She looked expectantly at Sorsul while smiling lazily.
"It would be a pleasure." She responded. It wasn't like she had anything else to do, and given that there was still the chance of being accosted, there was safety in numbers.
Picking up his hat and cloak as they leave, Sariel smiles, "Honey is my Favorite."
Once they make it to the market area, Lady Shae looks through the stock for anything that can be used to make sweets. Her mask glimmered in the dying sunlight as did Tobi, who was held securely in the noblewoman's arms. She picked up some honey, sugar, fruit, and a couple of different types of tea.
"I figured, Sariel, since you drink a lot of tea, maybe some tea-flavored treats could be good for you. And Sorsul, what is your favorite sweet flavor?" She picked up a small melon and weighed it in her free hand, deciding against it as it wasn't quite ripe. Then, she picked up a pumpkin, paid for it, and placed it in her pack.
The proprietor of the Ravengro General Store is a friendly-looking woman who's almost obsequious in her dealings with Lady Shae, constantly berating her husband to "Get yer butt outta that damn rockin' chair and help our customers!" She completely ignores Sariel.
As they move around the store, Sariel watches as the lady browses. Furrowing his brow when she mentions 'tea flavored' candy, he decides to save his judgement for actually tasting the odd idea instead of saying something that may offend his new friend.
Hearing the mistress of the shop calling at her husband, Sariel awaits for the man to respond. Not really interested in purchasing anything, he decides to talk to the a man about the armor. Smiling he greats the fellow. "Hi I'm Sariel, friend of the deceased professor Lorrimor." He pauses looking at the armor. "This is a very exquisitely crafted armor, Can you tell me it's history?"
”Oh. I don’t know…” She said. ”Honestly I’m not very accustomed to sweets. But I suppose that when I want to treat myself I tend to go with fruits, when they are in season. So, fruit flavored?” She honestly did not know how these candies were made and didn’t want to make a difficult request. ”Could I see how you make them? I truly have no idea what goes into making them.”